Fresh from his nationwide tour as special guest to Take That earlier this year, Olly Murs has announced a massive UK Arena tour for next Spring. Get ready to party with a set that features all the hits and more!
Blue will be special guests on this must-see 16-date Arena tour, kicking off in Plymouth on April 24th and winding up at The 02 in London on May 17th.
Olly said. “Celebrating 15 unbelievable years doing what I love best will be truly special. But to top it off I’m taking a band with me who I was obsessed with in my college years, BLUE! No doubt the pranks and banter will be free-flowing but most importantly it’s going to be a great night for the fans to enjoy, I can’t wait.”
Olly Murs is returning to the Brighton Centre on Saturday, April 26th 2025! 🎉
Prepare for all of your favourite @ollymurs hits, plus support from legendary boy band @officialblue
April
Thu 24th Plymouth, Pavilions
Sat 26th Brighton, Brighton Centre
Sun 27th Hull, Connexin Live
Tue 29th Dublin, 3Arena
Wed 30th Belfast, SSE Arena
May
Fri 2nd Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Sat 3rd Aberdeen, P&J Live
Sun 4th Newcastle, Utilita Arena
Tue 6th Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Thu 8th Manchester, Co-op Live
Fri 9th Leeds, First Direct Arena
Sat 10th Sheffield, Utilita Arena
Mon 12th Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Thu 15th Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Fri 16th Birmingham, bp pulse LIVE
Sat 17th London, The O2
Blue said: “We were really delighted when Olly asked us to join him on his Arena tour next year and can’t wait to get on the road with him in the Spring! We are going to have a whole lot of fun and look forward to making him an honorary Blue boy! We’ll be singing the biggest hits and maybe the odd joke here and there – watch out Olly!”
Early access to tickets will be available to those signed up to Olly’s mailing list 48 hours before general on sale-sign up to Olly’s mailing list HERE.
Buy Brighton tickets via the Brighton Centre website next Friday at 10am HERE.
Superstar Paris Hilton has kept fans of her music waiting for the longest time ever, what feels like 84 years is actually 18 years after her iconic debut album Paris was released, the former it girl has dropped her sophomore album! Loves it.
The queen of self-promotion has been pulling out all the stops for her musical comeback. The album cover which was revealed in July of this year, is anything but understated and depicts Paris posing on a podium between two pillars. She is made to look like a goddess, with long, flowing hair and bathed in purple-gold light (because she IS a goddess duh). When the cover of Infinite Icon was released, she explained to her fans that she had put her heart and soul into her second album.
A lot has happened in the hotel heiress’ life since the release of Stars Are Blind (a timeless bop btw). The onetime party girl is now a mother of two. Three years ago she married entrepreneur Carter Reum, and their son Phoenix and daughter London were born via surrogacy in 2023. Her “incredible journey through motherhood” inspired her to write a song with her friend, singer Sia. The track Fame Won’t Love You is a reminder that the special bond with family is more valuable than anything else in the world.
Australian singer-songwriter Sia is the album’s executive producer and also worked on the track If the Earth Is Spinning. Sia brought something out of her, Paris recently said in her podcast I Am Paris. On her first album she sang in a breathy, baby doll voice, while now she sings more powerfully. Pop singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor confirmed to Paris in a podcast interview that “Paris is belting” on this new album. The two belt it out together on the song Chasin‘, which was written by Megs and was released in July. “This song is a reminder to stop chasing after someone who never deserved you,” Paris explained on her social media.
The first taste of Hilton’s new music, a collaboration with Japanese-British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama (and my personal fave from the album), was released back in June. Their song I’m Free also has a deep, personal meaning for Paris. It was inspired by the 1997 single Free by American singer Ultra Naté.
Paris said “I heard it (Free) for the first time at a club in New York City shortly after being released from the Provo Canyon School where I experienced mental and physical abuse,” and that her song “represents the journey of healing and finding your voice.” Together with Rina she hopes this version of the song will “inspire fans around the world to embrace their own strong voices.”
In June of this year, Paris testified to the US congress, calling for stricter rules in the fight against abuse in youth facilities. She described her own experience of abuse as a teenager. “These programmes promised healing, growth and support, but instead, did not allow me to speak, move freely or even look out a window for two years,” the mother of two said. “I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by staff.” Her parents knew nothing about any of this, Paris continued.
For a long time, the name Paris Hilton stood for beauty, money and glamour. The wealthy great-granddaughter of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, now appears to be all grown up. With Infinite Icon, 18 years after the release of Paris, she also wants to prove this musically.
Infinite Icon is a self-reflective journey through Paris Hilton’s life, exploring themes of fame, female empowerment, mental health, and motherhood. The 12-track collection marks Hilton’s first album in nearly two decades and serves shimmering electronic arrangements, driving dancefloor beats, summertime poolside vibes, and emotional ballads in a glittery swirl of unapologetic pop glamour that can only have come from the iconic Paris Hilton.
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
Before we dive in head first though, check out my new logo for my column designed and created by Brighton based artist Dave Ratcliffe aka Dave Pop!
Creating bright, bold, pop art with a generous topping of seaside sauce! The logo was pencil sketched then refined into an ink drawing, then scanned, digitally manipulated, then printed and painted over, creating a combination of hand made brush strokes, splats, spots and perfectly smooth lines. I love it, thanks so much again Dave Pop!
Lady Gaga is officially back! And she’s dropped a collab with the one and only Bruno Mars, a duet I never had on my bingo card but here we are. Die With a Smile marks the first collaboration for the duo, bringing together their innate musicality and creativity together on this anthemic and simply epic love ballad.
Gaga said “Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating. I was finishing up my own album in Malibu and one night after a long day he asked me to come to his studio to hear something he was working on. It was around midnight when I got there and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making. We stayed up all night and finished writing and recording the song. Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him.”
On collaborating together, Bruno Mars adds, “Getting to work with Gaga has been an honor. She’s an icon and she makes this song magical.” agreed!
LATEXFAUNA – Makoterchyk
I don’t speak Ukrainian but I can if you like OW! Sorry if you’re a little monster you’ll know. LATEXFAUNA are five boys from Ukraine and an innovative indie pop band. I’m not sure how I discovered them actually but I’m bloody glad I did and I feel so excited I get to share them with you all from Scene HQ.
Dima Zezyulin, Ilya Sluchanko, Sasha Dyman, Sasha Mylnikov, and Max Grebin have crafted a distinct identity in the music industry since they got together. The group’s journey is characterised by a blend of musical experimentation and artistic evolution! Makoterchyk is a bop-even though I have no idea what they’re singing about and yes I Google translated the lyrics into English but I still don’t really know, although I think Makoterchyk must be somewhere in Ukraine and there’s something about a stray dog and having a sandwich with the stray dog? <3
Charli XCX – Guess featuring Billie Eilish
Charli xcx teams up with long-time friend Billie Eilish for the Guess remix and there’s even an iconic video. This has been the most BRAT summer ever thanks to Charli (and Billie and Lorde).
The iconic duo both appear in the fab official music video directed by Aidan Zamiri. All bras and underwear used in the music video have been donated to I Support The Girls. ISTG are a non non-profit organisation that collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing people experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.
Guess gave Charli her second ever UK number 1 single and her first as a lead artist-so deserved and way overdue! She should’ve had a million number 1’s by now. Her first number 1 was back in 2012 as a feature on Icona Pop‘s I Love It (a classic).
Andrea Maria Ricchetti – Boy
Italian independent singer and song writer Andrea Maria Ricchetti is asking have you ever found your partner cheating on you in a club?
I haven’t actually phew but only because I’m more of a Netflix and chill kind of guy than a club guy! Andrea is warning you to not play with him though and has a brand new sexy angry attitude eeeep. Produced by AnthXXX, Boy is a beautifully crafted single that showcases Andrea’s talent as a songwriter and performer and marks another step forward in Andrea’s promising musical journey IMPO.
DEV – Tilt
Rapper, singer and songwriter DEV (aka Devin Star Tailes) has dropped Tilt and from the very start the track grabs your attention with its pulsing beats and sleeeeeek production. DEV has been so slept on for too long now and we need to get her back in the spotlight again. Back in the 2010’s DEV joined forces with JLS, Enrique Iglesias and Far East Movement. Remember Like a G6?! It still slaps, and so does Tilt. The song’s upbeat tempo and bass-heavy rhythm create an instant urge to move, making it a perfect fit for dance floors and late-night playlists.
I love how DEV’s vocals always ooze (I love the word ooze) such confidence. Her voice cuts through the mix with a cool, effortless energy, delivering each line with a blend of sass and swagger. DEV’s ability to deliver memorable hooks remains as sharp as ever and she seriously ate on Tilt.
Addison Rae – Diet Pepsi
After rising to fame on TikTok, Addison Rae has dropped her major label debut single Diet Pepsi. In addition to being her first release with Columbia Records and her first solo release of 2024, the new track is an unexpected sonic departure from her previously released debut EP AR (which I loved, especially Nothing On (But the Radio)-such a bop). Recorded in Stockholm-home to countless other pop masterpieces before-Diet Pepsi was produced by Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd for MXM Productions and written by Addison herself along with Luka Kloserand Elvira Anderfjärd.
Addison is like if Britney Spears made a Lana Del Rey song, it’s SO GOOD, or Mariah Carey 2000’s-3 of my faves!
Addison first teased new music back in June when she was fresh off her surprise live musical performance debut at Charli xcx’s sold-out BRAT Tour show in Los Angeles. The two performed their viral track The von dutch remix with addison rae and a. g. cook which is their second musical collaboration following Charli contributing to the remix of Addison’s 2 Die 4 which features on AR too.
Shawn Mendes – Why Why Why
GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes has released his first single from his upcoming self-titled album, Shawn, set for release next month (18th October) and I’m obsessed, it’s a chilled, folky country pop bop!
Shawn said “Music really can be medicine. Two years ago, I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago, I couldn’t step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift. Honestly thank god for my friends and family. Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better. I really hope you love this album, I do. I really really do. I hope it makes you feel warm and close to the earth like it does for me.”
Kim Wilde – Trail of Destruction
British pop icon Kim Wilde‘s latest single Trail of Destruction is a fiery return to form, taken from her upcoming new album Closer which is coming in January 2025. Kim said “I wanted a connection to Stone from my Close album in 1988 as well as referencing Jack Black’s 60’s referencing “Sticking it to the man” speech from School Of Rock. Stone was a protest about the “man” taking ownership of our planet and not keeping their promises to stop messing it up. Trail Of Destruction is a protest for a new generation.”
I love that Kim is still doing her thing and fabulously, especially after so many musicians from the 80’s have fallen off the wagon and I think Trail of Destruction not only reaffirms Kim’s status as a pop legend but also showcases her ability to craft compelling music that resonates with old fans and new listeners too. Fun fact: Kim’s a self confessed Swiftie which makes me love her even more.
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Tinashe – Quantum Baby
Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe aka Tinashe has gifted us Quantum Baby,the second instalment of a planned album trilogy, following her short but sweet 2023 album BB/Ang3l-actually QB is short but sweet too but it’ll be worth it when the third instalment arrives!
Quantum Baby marks a bold and experimental evolution in Tinashe’s artistic journey, blending genres and pushing boundaries with a captivating finesse. The album is a vibrant fusion of R&B, electronic, and pop elements, with Tinashe’s signature sultry vocals leading the charge. From the ethereal, synth-laden opener to the bass-heavy club bangers, QB is a testament to Tinashe’s versatility and fearless approach to music-making.
My favourite tracks Galactic Love and Gravity Pull showcase Tinashe’s knack for catchy hooks and hypnotic beats, while lyrically exploring themes of love, escapism, and self-discovery. Her voice effortlessly navigates between the lush production layers, creating a dreamy atmosphere that is both intoxicating and empowering. The album’s production is sleek and polished as always and features delicious pulsating rhythms and intricate soundscapes that transport us to a futuristic world.
Tinashe said, “Quantum Baby is about getting to know me on a deeper level. It’s about exploring who I am as a person and who I am as an artist. I’ve never been one to be put into a box, so the name Quantum Baby encompasses all the different parts that make up who I am as a creative”.
Nasty is obviously another one of my favourite tracks on QB, this track was Tinashe’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a lead artist since her 2014 single 2 On featuring Schoolboy Q and her first way overdue solo entry. Janet Jackson performed a mashup of Nasty with her own 1986 song, also titled Nasty, while performing on her Janet Jackson: Together Again tour in June. I’m manifesting that we get a Tinshe x Janet Jackson official Nasty remix together and roll on part 3 besties.
Following the recent release of his boldly brilliant fourth album, Omni,in May via Erased Tapes, British artist Douglas Dare has released his new single One Eye Open.
Fully embracing the all-encompassing club sound that has become such a key part of his new live show, One Eye Open serves as a taster ahead of his forthcoming UK & Europe headline tour which includes a Brighton date baby!
Douglas will be at Dust on the 1st October (check out other dates and venues at the end of this article).
Douglas said “Originally One Eye Open was written for The Birdsong Project and was an acoustic guitar-led song,” and “When I was writing my new electronic album Omni, Robert at my label said he was curious to hear OEO in a similar vein. I leaned fully into a heavy club sound and I was surprised to hear it worked in this new way. One Eye Open was so heavy that it didn’t make sense to include on the Omni album so we saved it for its own moment.”
Since 2013, Douglas has blurred classical, chamber-pop, folk and avant-garde to dazzling effect, with a startling voice that can stop you in your tracks. It’s why he’s played with luminaries like Nils Frahm, Perfume Genius and Ólafur Arnalds, and was selected by David Lynch and The Cure’s Robert Smith for their respective cultural festivals in Manchester (MIF) and London (Meltdown).
But Douglas’s fourth album, Omni, is a fresh awakening. Encouraged by Erased Tapes founder Robert Raths, he decided to step away from acoustic instruments, especially the piano he grew up playing, and swapped them for synths and drum machines.
Seen by Douglas himself as a bold rebirth and embrace of the electronic, Omni is all at once a throbbing, avant-garde, queer, dark and cinematic record imbued with a love of rave culture and sense of fearless storytelling that’s deeply evocative.
His new music has much in common with Arca and the late SOPHIE, two artists for whom self-expression meant liberation. “I got to hang out in the studio with her,” says Douglas of the latter musician, “the way she made music made a big impression on me.” And yet Omni is steeped in the kind of deft storytelling, sweeping strings, elegant contrasts and fairytale atmosphere that marks Douglas out as a crucial and singular voice. It’s not often you hear a strutting electro banger that could have been straight out of 90s Soho, with vocal loops inspired by US experimentalist Meredith Monk.
If there was an innocence to his last album, 2020’s acclaimed Milkteeth, with Douglas revisiting his childhood, then Omni sounds like an unburdening – even an unbuttoning. The album’s heady trance and obsidian industrial undercurrents were inspired by the throbbing dance floors Douglas has frequented over the years, from Adonis in London to Berghain in Berlin. “Those clubs are a really important part of becoming who I am now,” he says. “I’ve always gravitated towards rave music. That’s a part of me that most people don’t know yet.
Another part is his drag persona. He has always tended to keep it separate from his music, but his performances as ‘Visa’ are a key aspect of who Douglas is as an artist. Drag, he says, “reveals a little bit more of who you are”, as one tries on different looks and songs for size. With Omni, he says, it’s the same idea. He inhabits different characters across the songs, hence the title meaning ‘everyone and everything’. “I guess I’ve used other people to understand myself,” says Douglas of Omni’s central theme. “It’s like I’m trying to find myself in the universe.”
For Douglas, Omni is about reconciling all those different sides of himself – the songwriter, the raver, the lover, the observer. It’s a hugely queer record: seductive, sexy, lusty, untethered from the genre binary. “It’s even got sailors on it!” laughs Douglas. “You don’t get more queer than that.”
European & UK headline live dates:
Sep 24 – Copenhagen, DK at VEGA
Sep 26 – Hamburg, DE at Nachtasyl
Sep 27 – Berlin, DE at Kantine Am Berghain
Sep 29 – Paris, FR at Supersonic Records
Oct 1 – Brighton, UK at Dust
Oct 3 – Manchester, UK at YES, Pink Room
Oct 4 – Bristol, UK at The Lantern
Oct 8 – Glasgow, UK at The Rum Shack
Oct 9 – Liverpool, UK at Arts Club, The Loft
Oct 12 – Rennes, FR at Festival Rituel
Oct 16 – Amsterdam, NL at Cinetol
Oct 17-19 – Rotterdam, NL at Left of the Dial
Nov 19 – Milan, IT at ARCI Bellezza
Nov 20 – Bologna, IT at Estragon
Get tickets and follow Douglas on his socials HERE.
Joshua Montoya aka Prince Joshua recently took part in OUTtv‘s queer reality dating show For The Love Of DILFS hosted by Stormy Daniels (it’s on OUTtv’s YouTube channel btw) and since his debut in reality television he’s continued his passion for entertaining and performing and recently debuted his first ever single ROYAL TEASE featuring Big Dream (@hisbigdream) (ISSA BOP btw).
After performing with Big Dream for the OUTLOUDMusic Festival at Weho Pride (West Hollywood) on the SUMMERTRAMP stage as well as the Beaches Pride stage, Joshua dropped second single CLAP THAT featuring Bama Babii (@tattooedhellokitty2). Joshua said “I wanted to make a song that all queer people in the LGBTQIA+ community can feel empowered by while having fun and shaking their ass. My music is for those who want to live life unapologetically themselves, know they’re a bad bitch, and get right back up every time they get knocked down.”.
Last week for his birthday, (20th August), Joshua dropped his third single (and my personal fave so far) called LET THEM EAT CAKE. Joshua said “This is my first solo single about letting guys eat a delicious treat.”
Who is Prince Joshua? Can you share a bit about yourself and your music?
I am a model, dancer, and performing artist living in Los Angeles CA. I came from a very sheltered and religious upbringing in Idaho and made my way to Phoenix when I turned 18 and began gogo dancing. Once I established myself as an influencer and dancer I made the move to CA to continue my passions and began making my own music this year (2024). My mantra is Royalty is a mindset and I encourage everyone to find the inner Prince or Princess or princex within themselves and know that they are worthy, regal, and royalty. My music is for the gays and theys who want to clap cheeks, have fun, and pop off! I am unapologetic about my queerness, my sexuality, and anything I do because we were meant to celebrate all that we have to offer this world!
Who are your inspirations? I’m guessing Katy Perry might be one of them, especially after that fierce photo of the two of you went viral!
Nicki Minaj will always be such a big inspiration to me. She was the first female rapper I had ever heard when in middle school and she completely had me shook out of my Baptist Christian background. I couldn’t believe her words rolled of the tongue so beautifully and nastily it had me feeling like I shouldn’t be listening to her, which only made me want to hear more.
Tokeyo (@tokesbadd) is the one who really got me to consider creating my own music, he asked me to hop on his track COOCHIE with Baddie Gang and a couple of us joined him for a very vulgar and hype track. After that I found a love for creating, I had always loved writing poetry and now have been creating my own songs and feel so excited every time I write one.
Who would be your dream collab?
My dream collab will always be Nicki Minaj but being able to work with a queer artist that understands the struggle of always having to fight against the grain to get opportunities, exposure, and acceptance would mean the world to me with artists such as Lil Nas X, Kim Petras, and Todrick Hall. I’ve met all three and I’d love to work with one of them as they’d understand my perspective more and could connect with me in that way.
Can you describe your creative process?
First things first I roll up a joint or a blunt, that’s the best way for me to get my creative juices flowing! Once I’m vibing I like to listen to a beat and just start having fun with sounds and rhythms even with no words just saying gibberish to find the flow that I think sounds good, then I just start saying what comes to mind and develop a story from what comes to my head.
It’s really fun having someone there who does music too, I love creative sessions with my friend Big Dream whom my first single ROYAL TEASE is featured on. We smoke some weed, turn on a beat, and just have fun with it, that’s the best way for me to start writing something new.
Is there an album in the works for the future?
I am currently working on an EP to showcase a couple of songs I’ve written, right now I have 3 out and I plan on dropping a few more songs and videos before I drop the whole project, so stay tuned!
So we’ll be getting a video for LET THEM EAT CAKE too?
Yes I plan on doing a video soon so watch this space!
What else do you get up to in Hollywood?
You can always catch me dancing on the weekends whether it’s at big party’s like EVITA, or just dancing at my weekly spot at Beaches for Tokeyo’s party Jocelyn every Saturday. I’m usually on the WeHo strip shaking ass, making cash, and smoking grass. When I’m not working I’ll be at the gym, doing photoshoots, or showing up to an event to network and further myself as an artist.
If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, dead or alive and from any field, who would you choose?
Dream dinner would include NickiMinaj, Doja Cat, LilNasX, Cupcakke, Sexyy Red, Tyler the Creator, Doechii, and I’d honestly just want the dinner to be about vibing and having fun, no business.
Any plans for trips or shows in the UK?
Going to the UK would be a dream. I will one day make that dream come true. With the right opportunity and stars aligning I know one day I’ll get there. Whether it’s dancing, modeling, or music I definitely plan to come out. All it takes is that one promoter or bar to reach out and book me so any chance I get I’ll look into! I’ve had the pleasure of performing all over LA and can’t wait to take the next step and start performing in other cities, states, and one day countries!
Can you tell us more about Majesty?
Majesty is my hobby/baby in another creative aspect, I went to school for fashion and have a BA in fashion marketing and management. I created my own brand Majesty, so that I could have something that represents my aesthetic and share it with others. I have so many creative ideas and can’t wait to one day be able to afford to create what I have dreamt Majesty to be. For now I have a few limited items for sale and hope to one day expand on the merchandise. Majesty is for those who understand that Royalty is the mindset you wear, when wearing it the customer understands that they are worthy, they are regal, and they are Majesty.
Any live shows coming up/dream gig?
I just performed LET THEM EAT CAKE for SUMMERTRAMP & DTLA Proud on Aug 24th, it was such an incredible experience and I’ll be posting a clip of the performance today. (See below).
I’m so blessed to have a stage to showcase my artistry and can’t wait to continue to do so. I’m hoping after my EP drops me, Tokyo, Big Dream, and other Baddie Gang members can all do a big Pride tour going from festival to festival performing our music for our community. I’d also love for another opportunity to be on reality TV especially if it could be a combination of a Pride music tour about our friend group of creatives we call Baddie Gang.
Follow Prince Joshua on socials HERE and don’t forget to stream his music HERE :).
London based pop artist Rhian! joins forces with Brandy X on Vitamin D. The single was written and produced by Rhian! and Massimo Braghieri and recorded at Intonoise Studio in London.
Vitamin D was inspired by late nights out on the LGBTQ+ club scene in London. Hypnotic production elements and a naughty bassline serve as the perfect foundation for the vocal hook to shine. Brandy X’s sexy vocal and Rhian!’s soulful delivery provide a delicious combination on this dance track.
“The lyrics are left open to interpretation. I’m not going say what it’s about. It could be about the sun’s nutrients or not. I was feeling very playful and cheeky when I wrote it.” Rhian!
Trans woman and Los Angeles native Brandy X has lived in London for the past 8 years. She is vibrant performer internationally and hosts the very popular Temptation, a weekly night in London for trans girls and their admirers and a new weekly event in Brighton too! She made her recording debut last October on the Glasgow Underground label.
Originally born in Trinidad, Rhian! has lived and performed all over the world for many years but calls London his home. He has been interviewed by BBC Radio several times and his music has been featured on BBC Introducing, Pride Radio, Gaydio and numerous online blogs and publications.
Vitamin D has already been heating up dance floors in London and was released on all digital streaming platforms on August 2nd 2024. This hot house track is perfect for the summer and pride weekend, stream and add to your playlists HERE.
Follow Rhian! on his social’s and follow Brandy X’s social’s too.
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
Alice Chater – Don’t Let My Boyfriend Get In Your Way
SCREAMING CRYING SHAKING THROWING UP-sorry but my favourite secret popstar is back!
Alice said “This song is cheeky, lighthearted but with a bit of a problematic meaning. My toxic trait, which I call ‘the overlap’ is when you’re in a relationship and your boyfriend is messing up, treating you terribly so you start to look for other options whilst your still in the relationship, for me I have codependency issues, so it’s really hard for me to leave even when I’m being treated terribly. This is something a lot of my girlfriends struggle with too, it’s so scary for some people to be alone and make that step.. so having options ready to move on is how I’ve always dealt with it. Which is beyond toxic but it’s definitely an issue a lot of people have!”
Katy Perry – WOMAN’S WORLD
Wowowowowow it’s hard to ignore all of the negative reviews on Katy Perry‘s new song but I like to keep my column positive, I’m here for the music not for the dramz. Fair enough she probably shouldn’t have worked with Dr. Luke though but this song is super catchy and and he did produce her best albums (IMPO), Teenage Dream and Prism so I’m excited for Katy’s upcoming album 143 out in September!
Katy said “I set out to create a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message” and apparently the result is a sexy, fearless return to form for the multifaceted musician. Jam-packed with the kind of empowering and provocative pop anthems fans have come to love, 143 is an album with a lot of heart – and a lot of BPM.
Jessie Ware and Romy – Lift You Up
Jessie Ware and Romy (from The xx) have treated us to a euphoric slice of disco-infused house that radiates positivity and joy and self-belief, produced by Stuart Price who’s worked with Madonna, Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue.
Romy said “I’ve been a fan of Jessie’s music for a long time and it was amazing to finally work together after many years of friendship,” and “We wanted this song to be uplifting, celebrate togetherness, and I can’t think of a better way to share it with everyone than at Glastonbury.” (Jessie brought Romy out on stage in June to debut the track btw). Oh and Jessie said “I was so excited to be in the room with my friend and to see how she works and to hear her beautiful voice,” and “I’m so proud of the record. It’s a song that’s about both of us being too hard on ourselves, and not believing enough in ourselves. I think anyone can relate to that.”
Kesha – JOYRIDE
Ke dollar sign ha (only animals will know) is finally in her independence era. JOYRIDE is an absolute bop, which she released on the 4th July (Independence Day in America) and also, her first release since parting ways with Dr.Luke‘s record label, also it’s her first release via her own label KeshaRecords-exciting times!
Kesha said “I’m really excited for Kesha Records to expand and grow in all the ways that people would think, but also in unexpected ways because I’m currently looking into the tech space and I’m looking to find partners who have the values that I align with. So, in addition to the traditional record label model, I’m also looking to the future and I’m looking for some really creative, boundary-pushing, innovative tech creators that want to change how the music business works and bring a new level of transparency to the whole business.” MOTHER!
Back to JOYRIDE, it’s definitely the most Kesha-sounding song she’s made in so long and omg….can you imagine a lip sync for your life to this?! OMG.
Faouzia – ICE
Super talented singer-songwriter Faouzia is honestly an artist to watch. Her voice is just euphonious, if you’ve not heard of her yet, you’re welcome.
“I wrote this song during a period of my life where I felt extremely jaded and numb. After feeling every emotion so strongly my entire life, I was hit with this cold feeling that enveloped my mind and I was afraid I would never be able to escape it. After all the tears spilt, it felt like one day they just … stopped. With no end in sight, I found comfort and familiarity in this hollowness and found inspiration for my new song ICE. Using classical and dark melodies I love so much, the song just came pouring out.” Faouzia will be one of the main pop girlies in no time at all.
Jain – Nobody Knows
French pop star Jain is always reinventing herself so I don’t know why I was so surprised when I first heard this but it’s just so different to anything she’s ever released before!
Nobody Knows is giving Allie-X in the best way, check it out and thank me later, or now, up to you :).
Quavo and Lana Del Rey – Tough
American queen Lana Del Rey has dropped her first release of 2024-a highly anticipated collab with Quavo from Migos and it’s giving country marries trap🤝. Tough really is like the best parts of all of her albums mixed into one so it’s a great time to be a Lana stan. My soul leaves my body when their voices hit harmony.
Lana said earlier this year at a pre-Grammys event that her upcoming tenth studio album will be country inspired and named Lasso so I think Tough is a tiny taster of that. Hopefully! I’m too excited for Lana’s country era hehefekkdkewmvfsbvdfmfdbfsbdfmbsd.
JADE – Angel Of My Dreams
JADE aka Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix is the final Little Mix girlie to release solo music and I’d say it’s more than worth the wait. Angel Of My Dreams is a frenetically shapeshifting, gloriously OTT pop banger that explores her love/hate relationship with the music industry.Jade said “I didn’t want to do a safe first single, that was really important to me,” and “I’m setting the tone of who I am as an artist on my own. I want people to hear it and be like ‘what the fuck is that song?’. My worst nightmare is for someone to hear my song and go ‘that’s nice’.”
Built around a cheeky, knowing sample of Sandie Shaw’s 1967 Eurovision hit Puppet on a String, lyrically Jade wanted to reflect on her time in an industry that has brought her highs and lows. “It’s about how obsessed I am with the industry – so there are lyrics like “love when you call me a star” – but also there’s the dark side that comes with that. It’s not as glam as it seems.” The sample, which Jade had wanted to use in a song for years was chosen very specifically. “In the beginning of our career you do think you are this puppet, but at the same time it isn’t true – we wrote a lot of our songs, and we were behind a lot of what we put out there. I resented that as a statement. So it felt natural to take that and show that it can be true and untrue at the same time.”
“This dawn of pop girls giving people everything is so exciting. It couldn’t be better timing for my music. I’m so proud of it and I can say that with chest. The fans have waited long enough so now we just want to give it to them.”
Kylie Minogue, Bebe Rexha and Tove Lo – My Oh My
Global superstar Kylie Minogue has been back in the studio yay, with Bebe Rexha and Tove Lo-new girl band incoming!
With a nod to the unmistakable Kylie ‘la la la’ refrain, a thumping bass line, playful lyrics and produced by the legendary Steve Mac (Calvin Harris, Little Mix, The Saturdays, Ed Sheeran, One Direction, P!nk), the song is destined to be a summer dance floor favourite.
Calum Scott – Roots
Calum Scott is back with one of his most upbeat offerings and I’m here for it! Roots rushes forward in fast-paced rhythms and handclap-backed beats as Calum sings the praises of the kind of love that lights up the soul and connects us to our truest selves.
With its whistle-like tones and shimmering guitar work, the song takes on an unstoppable intensity thanks to the soaring power of Calum’s voice and the free-spirited joy within his lyrics.
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Ashlee Simpson – Autobiography Expanded Edition
Omg Jessica Simpson‘s cooler sister Ashlee Simpson released this slept on early-aughts pop-rock album Autobiography 20 years ago! 16 year old emo me had this on CD and lent it to a friend and never got it back, I remember the reality show on MTV too!
Ashlee said “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since the release of Autobiography,” (me neither) and “It was such a beautiful time in my life and so much has changed in the best way! It is really fun to look back on this memory and celebrate.”
The expanded edition is on all streaming platforms of course and features every song from the original album as well as a selection of rare cuts: international bonus track Harder Every Day, UK bonus track Sorry and Japanese bonus track Endless Summer.
Autobiography was a critical and commercial success debuting at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with roughly 398,000 units sold in the first week and then shortly thereafter, the project was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA although it only peaked at number 31 in the UK, that’s why I think it’s slept on, in the UK anyway.
I’m still not over the infamous/iconic Saturday Night Live lip-syncing incident, just saying.
Ashlee said we can expect new music soon too! “Right now I’m working song by song, and then we’ll see,” and that her dream collaborators are Morissette, Fiona Apple, Jewel, and….Chappell Roan. I’m manifesting an Ashlee Simpson X Chappel Roan collab now!
Last month Ashlee threw a party at West Hollywood nightclub Evita to celebrate, check out Pieces Of Me below,
If only I lived in LA, feel free to pop across the pond Ashlee if you’re reading this, you make me wanna la la still!
Independent artist Matt Wright is making a comeback with a summer banger called Falling which is basically a perfect dance pop anthem with some tropical house vibes thrown in too!
The song is out today, and the lyrics are all about falling head over heels for someone and how sometimes, it can feel like you’ve known them for a lifetime. It explores how those feelings can take hold of us and make us act by completely consuming us, especially at the beginning of a new relationship.
Like several of his other songs, Falling has also been previously featured as BBC Introducing’s Track of the Day across both BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey. The music video for the song was filmed by his real-life partner with the help of their 4-year-old daughter, whilst on a family holiday to Kos, Greece. It was then cleverly edited together with 3 different panels to create an interesting mix of performance shots from around the island of Kos, that really suit the summer vibes of the track itself.
The video was inspired by the music video for NOTD’s Hold On Me. The single also features an Owl City-style B-Side called Paper Dreams that showcases a very different, almost nonsensical fun side to Matt’s usual, deeply personal lyricism.
His latest single Heartbreaker (which I reviewed back in January) was his most successful release to date, with the music video featuring Ollie King from BBC Three’s I Kissed A Boy, as hosted by Dannii Minogue. His hopes are that Falling outperforms Heartbreaker so stream to support independent artists! Plus it’s a bop.
Following on from the new album’s debut single Will You? with its strikingly sensual video by Will Kenedy, and London-based artist and drag performer Joseph Wilson’s riotous videos for YO HOMO! and Be Wild, The Irrepressibles release Jamie Irrepressible’s 4th single with an announcement of the forthcoming new album and tour too!
Ecstasy Homosexuality is the 4th single released from Jamie’s fourth Irrepressibles studio album and signals the announcement of the full-length album. The track is accompanied by a music video from Berlin-based director gay couple Container Love released on the same date. An emotional and visceral celebration of homosexual desire, sexuality and art. Watch below but NSFW (YouTube removed it eeeep) so maybe watch when you’re at home!
The Irepressibles also announce the release of Jamie’s fourth album titled YO HOMO! A visceral album with punk-rock spirit and an often symphonic new sound world. Known for his highly emotionally charged works, this album is no exception, yet the emotion here is sexy, dancy, witty, and occasionally political. YO HOMO! will be released through Of Naked Design Recordings on the 27th September and can be pre-ordered right here: https://ofnakeddesign.lnk.to/Homo
Oh and guess what….The Irrepressibles are going on tour and coming to Brighton!
The Irrepressibles will present songs exclusively from this new era of Jamie’s work; the set will in no way be retrospective. Expect an offering of exclusively new material with a line-up of drums and percussion, violin, viola, cello, double and electric bass, piano, electric guitars backing and lead vocals. The official line-up of musicians will be announced in September. You can get your tickets right here: www.linktr.ee/theirrepressibles and if you can’t make the Brighton date, check out the other dates and venues below.
Australian queer pop singer songwriter TIN has dropped a new single today, alongside the album by the same name called Dear Matthew. Known for his up-tempo and club-friendly tracks such as Serotonin and Buzzed (I loveeeee Buzzed, check out my review last year HERE), his latest takes a completely different turn as he opens up about his experiences being a person of colour in the gay community.
“Dear Matthew is an open letter to someone who I met several years ago and embodies what I feel gay men deem to be ‘conventionally attractive’. I found myself spiralling whenever I would come across his social media because I’d get consumed by the fact that I would never be that. As a whole, the song is about people who we use to bring ourselves down by making out their lives to be far superior, whether it be in looks, social status, career etc.”
The music video is stripped back and raw as TIN holds back tears, watch it below🥹.
https://youtu.be/w-sBuNn2iGY
The album is completely produced by TIN’s partner, Lostchild and is not without its moments of hedonistic highs and somber lows. With tracks such as New Toy about delving into the world of drugs or Like I Never Said Goodbye being a heartfelt story of three different encounters, “I wanted this album to be about my experience of entering the world of partying and what it’s been like fully immersed in it. I would often find myself chasing an empty high just to fill a void or hopelessly falling in love because it felt like I didn’t deserve any better. With Dear Matthew being the focal track, most of the songs are in response to growing up feeling inadequate because of things that were out of my control.”
The album boasts seven new tracks, and although TIN says the album is to be listened to from beginning to end, each track is a moment of its own. Dear Matthew is now available on YouTube as well as all streaming platforms.
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
I am a model, dancer, and performing artist living in Los Angeles CA. I came from a very sheltered and religious upbringing in Idaho and made my way to Phoenix when I turned 18 and began gogo dancing. Once I established myself as an influencer and dancer I made the move to CA to continue my passions and began making my own music this year (2024). My mantra is Royalty is a mindset and I encourage everyone to find the inner Prince or Princess or princex within themselves and know that they are worthy, regal, and royalty. My music is for the gays and theys who want to clap cheeks, have fun, and pop off! I am unapologetic about my queerness, my sexuality, and anything I do because we were meant to celebrate all that we have to offer this world!
It’s really fun having someone there who does music too, I love creative sessions with my friend Big Dream whom my first single ROYAL TEASE is featured on. We smoke some weed, turn on a beat, and just have fun with it, that’s the best way for me to start writing something new.
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
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