Universal Music Publishing has been named ‘Publisher of the Year’ at the 34th annual ASCAP Awards for its most performed winning songs 'Downton Abbey' (Theme), 'Together' (The xx), 'Over The Love' (Florence and The Machine), 'Let Me Love You' (Ne-Yo), 'Paradise' and 'Viva La Vida' (Coldplay), 'Sweet Nothing' (Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch) , 'Take Care' (Drake), 'Too Close' (Alex Clare) and 'Troublemaker' (Olly Murs).
Jessie Ware returns with her sophomore album ‘Tough Love’, released through Island Records this week. Featuring the title track ‘Tough Love’ - written last May, “after a really gruelling period of shows” - the record draws on the suave, svelte palette of synths and bass heard on Jessie’s debut LP ‘Devotion’, combining this with elevated choruses and lush arrangements.
Five artists signed to Universal Music Publishing have received nominations for the 19th MOBO Awards. Fuse ODG has been nominated in three categories namely Best Male Act, Best Act and Best African Act, Stylo G is nominated for Best Reggea Act whilst Rayleigh Ritchie and M.O have been nominated for Best Newcomer. Jessie Ware also picked up a nomination in the Best R&B / Soul category.
The Drums have released their third full-length album entitled ‘Encyclopedia’, through Minor Records this week. Including the single ‘Magic Mountain’, this new LP sees the band’s two founding members namely Jonny Pierce and Jacob Graham, embrace a darker sound, exploring the themes of loss, nostalgia, redemption, vulnerability, and love.
The Pierces release their new album ‘Creation’ through Polydor Records this week. Featuring the mesmeric single ‘Kings’, ‘Creation’ is the follow-up to sisters Allison and Catherine Pierce’s 2011 album, ‘You & I’.
Basement Jaxx are back with their new album ‘Junto’, released through Atlantic Jaxx / PIAS this week. ‘Junto’ will be the seventh album from Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe - aka Basement Jaxx - and has been two years in the making. With a title translating from Spanish to mean ‘together’, ‘Junto’ embodies the duo’s ongoing desire to unify people through music. Featuring the lead single ‘Never Say Never’ this release is both ambitious and inventive, resulting in 13 new explosive dance floor fusion tracks.
Alex Clare, who sold of 5 million copies of his hit single ‘Too Close’, releases his sophomore album ‘Three Hearts’ though Island Records this week. ‘Three Hearts’, featuring the powerful single ‘War Rages On’, was recorded in London and Los Angeles with Alex collaborating with Dan Wilson (Adele, Paloma Faith), Antony Genn and Martin Slattery of The Hours, Steve Booker (John Newman) and Ben Hudson (Kanye West).
After an astonishing year which saw her described as “The voice of 2013” by The Evening Standard, nominated for two BRIT Awards (British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act), shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and receiving a nomination in the Album Award category at the recent Ivor Novello Awards, Laura Mvula returns with a new recording of her Top Ten debut album ‘Sing To The Moon’, released through RCA Victor (Sony) today.
Looking back on The The’s major label debut ‘Soul Mining’ it is fair to say that it has stood the test of time. Singles such as ‘This Is The Day’ and ‘Uncertain Smile’ still fizz with a vibrant, wonky pop energy, making it hard to believe that the album is three decades old.
Originally released on 21st October 1983, the recording of ‘Soul Mining’ began in the spring of 1982, when The The founder and primary member, Matt Johnson decamped to New York to record ‘Uncertain Smile’ with producer Mike Thorne.
Featuring a host of talented musicians, including JG Thirwell (aka Foetus, Manorexia and Steroid Maximus), Zeke Manyika (Orange Juice), electronic DIY pioneer Thomas Leer and Jools Holland, Johnson set out with a clear vision in mind – to produce an album that felt cinematic; a record of width, depth and texture and one which avoided the mundane line-up of two guitars, bass and drums.
Singer, songwriter, producer, occasional rapper and all round king of the club banger Example releases his brand new album ‘Live Life Living’ today through Epic Records. This new album sees Example return with his trademark propulsive, electronic dance sound. Including the singles ‘Kids Again’ and ‘One More Day (Stay With Me)’, ‘Live Life Living’ is set to soundtrack this summer’s Ibiza sunset.