Mark Savage

Brandon Flowers discusses his new solo country-influenced album, Thrasher, recorded in Nashville with veteran musicians and inspired by his Utah upbringing, Las Vegas work and personal losses. The album explores the opioid crisis, family, ageing and his doubts about whether fame and wealth bring happiness. Flowers remains committed to The Killers but wants the band to evolve rather than recreate its early success, while his solo work gives him a chance to explore a different artistic identity and rediscover the joy of performing.

Brandon Flowers discusses his new country-influenced solo album, Thrasher, recorded in Nashville with veteran musicians and shaped by memories of rural Utah, family, grief and the opioid crisis. The album also reflects his doubts about whether fame brings happiness, concerns about its effect on his children, and the strain and renewal associated with touring and marriage. Flowers says The Killers remain together and plan to make another record, but he wants the band to evolve rather than imitate its younger self. He is preparing to tour the new material and may release another set of Nashville recordings.

Ayra Starr discusses recovering from major surgery, her new album Starrgirl, and the secret relationship that inspired “Where Do We Go.” She says she chose music and personal priorities over an imperfect romance and is determined not to conform to audience expectations. The album expands her sound through collaborations with Wizkid, Rema, Zayn Malik and KWN, while songs such as “Ms Paper” explore Bouyon and other global influences. Starr also describes a playful exchange with Stevie Wonder and defends blending Nigerian cultural elements, including the gele, with a more international pop style.

The Eurovision governing body has formalized rules allowing a winning country involved in armed conflict or facing a sensitive geopolitical situation to be barred from hosting the following year's contest if safety or stability is at risk. The European Broadcasting Union may commission an independent security assessment and appoint an alternative broadcaster, a change widely viewed as relevant to Israel amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza and concerns about a potential contest in Israel. The rules also codify the process used after Ukraine won in 2022 but could not safely host, with the UK staging the 2023 event. Additional changes raise the minimum participation age from 16 to 18 and restrict backing tracks from substituting for live lead vocals. Bulgaria will host the next contest in Burgas after Dara's victory, while Canada is set to participate for the first time.

The Eurovision Song Contest has formalised rules stating that a country involved in armed conflict or facing a sensitive geopolitical situation may be barred from hosting the following year's competition, even if it wins. The European Broadcasting Union can commission an independent security assessment and appoint an alternative broadcaster if hosting is deemed unsafe. The change follows concerns about Israel's participation amid the Gaza war and recalls Ukraine's 2022 victory, after which security risks led the UK to host in Liverpool. Eurovision also raised the minimum participation age from 16 to 18 and clarified that backing tracks cannot unduly support live vocals. Bulgaria will host the 2027 contest in Burgas after Dara's 2026 victory.

The National Portrait Gallery has acquired a 2024 portrait of Charli XCX by Harley Weir, funded by the Bukhman Foundation, and will display it in its History Makers Now space. The acquisition coincides with the release of Charli’s eighth album, Music, Fashion, Film, which has received largely positive reviews and is projected to top the UK album chart. A second number-one album of the year would give Charli her fourth UK chart-topper overall. She has also released three previously withheld B-sides on iTunes and will perform the new material when headlining Reading & Leeds next month.

The National Portrait Gallery has acquired a 2024 portrait of Charli XCX by British photographer Harley Weir, funded by the Bukhman Foundation. The image, associated with Charli’s Brat era, will be displayed in the gallery’s History Makers Now space. The acquisition coincides with the release of Charli’s eighth album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is projected to become her fourth UK number one and second chart-topper of the year. She has also released previously withheld b-sides on iTunes and is scheduled to headline Reading & Leeds next month.

Charli XCX's seventh album, Music, Fashion, Film, deliberately avoids repeating the dance-pop formula of Brat, instead using guitar-led arrangements, electronic textures and extremely concise songs. The album reflects on the physical toll of touring, the pressure to maintain a politically and socially acceptable celebrity persona, and Charli's uncertainty about fame, happiness and marriage. Its imagery draws on music, fashion and cinema, with John Cale, Marc Jacobs and Martin Scorsese on the cover and David Cronenberg contributing the closing spoken passage. Though sometimes intentionally minimal to the point of feeling unfinished, the record is presented as an adventurous pivot away from post-Brat expectations.

Charli XCX’s seventh album, Music, Fashion, Film, deliberately avoids repeating the dance-focused formula of Brat, instead combining guitar riffs, electronic production, minimalist songwriting and themes of artistic identity. The songs examine the physical toll of touring, the pressure on celebrities to maintain perfect political and personal personas, and Charli’s uncertainty about fame, happiness and marriage. Its artwork and closing contribution from filmmaker David Cronenberg reinforce the album’s interest in art, legacy and immortality. Despite its short running time and occasionally unfinished feel, the record is presented as an audacious attempt to escape post-Brat expectations.

A £7m initiative led by Music Venue Properties will bring The Pipeline in Brighton into community ownership, supported by investors including Fatboy Slim, Andy Burnham and Glenn Tilbrook. The scheme aims to secure small venue futures by purchasing freeholds and offering stable, supportive tenancy terms. Operators say the move ensures long‑term viability amid economic pressures, while MVP highlights the importance of grassroots venues for artist development and local communities.

A Brighton music venue, The Pipeline, will become community owned through a £7m initiative by Music Venue Properties, supported by investors including Fatboy Slim and Andy Burnham. The purchase aims to protect grassroots venues by acquiring freeholds and offering stable, supportive tenancy. Operators say the scheme provides long‑term security amid economic pressures, with MVP now owning ten sites across the UK.

Gracie Abrams’ third album delivers sharp, introspective songwriting but suffers from muted production that undercuts its emotional intensity. Strong tracks such as Hit The Wall, Look At My Life and Good Reason showcase her lyrical depth, yet much of the record remains sonically subdued despite themes of turmoil and rebellion. Occasional production shifts hint at unrealized potential, leaving the album uneven and less impactful than its strongest moments.

Gracie Abrams’ new album focuses on sharp, self-blaming lyrics and themes of early adulthood but is held back by subdued production from Aaron Dessner that mutes its emotional impact. Several tracks stand out for their candor and energy, particularly those produced or co-written outside Dessner’s orbit, yet the overall sound remains too soft to match the intensity of her writing. Moments of stronger musical identity hint at unrealized potential, making the album intermittently compelling but ultimately inconsistent.

Snow Patrol reflect on the creation and lasting impact of Chasing Cars as they mark its 20th anniversary with special performances. Gary Lightbody describes the song’s evolution, the band’s challenges following recent departures, and their revitalisation working with producer Fraser T Smith, which led to their well‑received album The Forest is the Path. Lightbody discusses sobriety, personal growth and the significance of friendship in sustaining the band. The group’s new collaboration with Kylie Minogue, These Alarms, highlights their continued creative momentum and connection with fans.

Snow Patrol reflect on the creation and legacy of Chasing Cars as the band marks its 20th anniversary with anniversary shows and renewed momentum following lineup changes. Gary Lightbody recounts the song’s accidental origins, the personal struggles behind its evolution, and the band’s recent revitalisation through producer Fraser T Smith, which led to strong reviews for their album The Forest is the Path. A new collaboration with Kylie Minogue on These Alarms highlights their evolving creative direction. Despite past challenges, Lightbody emphasizes renewed unity within the band and the enduring connection they share with fans.

Melanie C reflected on the emotional milestone of the 30th anniversary of Wannabe while accepting the global impact award at the Silver Clef Awards. The event highlighted the Spice Girls’ enduring legacy and featured tributes, award presentations and fundraising efforts supporting Nordoff and Robbins. Other artists including Lily Allen, Jessie J, Pink and Franz Ferdinand were honoured, while Peter Capaldi addressed the future of Doctor Who. The ceremony also included tributes to Bonnie Tyler following her death at age 75.

Melanie C described the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls’ debut single as deeply emotional while attending the Silver Clef Awards, where she received the global impact award. The event celebrated multiple artists, highlighted significant charity fundraising for Nordoff and Robbins, and featured appearances from figures including Richard E Grant, Lily Allen, Jessie J, Pink and Andy Burnham. Tributes were paid to Bonnie Tyler following news of her death, and Peter Capaldi commented reassuringly on the future of Doctor Who. The ceremony also recognised winners across several music categories.

Canada will enter the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after CBC/Radio‑Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union. The move follows a year marked by withdrawals from several European countries over Israel’s participation. Canada has historic ties to Eurovision through past Canadian performers representing other nations. Its debut will take place at the 2027 semi‑finals in Bulgaria, with selection plans to be announced later. Broadcasters that boycotted the 2026 contest may still return as discussions continue.

Canada will debut in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after its public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union. The decision follows a year marked by withdrawals from countries protesting Israel’s participation. Canada’s entry selection process will be announced later, and the contest will be hosted in Sofia following Bulgarian singer Dara’s victory in 2026. Uncertainty remains over whether nations that boycotted the previous contest, including Ireland and Spain, will return.

Victor Willis, frontman and key songwriter of the Village People, has died at 74 following a brief illness. Rising to fame in the 1970s with hit songs like YMCA, Go West and In The Navy, he left the group in 1979 before returning in 2017 after winning a major copyright battle. His career included early Broadway roles, struggles with addiction, and a long effort to reclaim rights to his music. Willis’s work remained influential, with YMCA becoming a global anthem and later preserved by the US Library of Congress. Tributes highlighted his cultural impact, including remarks from former president Donald Trump.