LA ROUX HAS RELEASED THE VIDEO FOR LET ME DOWN GENTLY
Featuring a bare-faced Elly Jackson, with a lot of close-ups and some hair-flicking and nice dancing at the end.
The new album, Trouble in Paradise, is out at the beginning of July.
Listen to La Roux ‘Let Me Down Gently’ on blinkbox music for free:
Things don’t get much better than spending a glorious summer day by the sea, except perhaps when it’s spent in the company of great mates and brilliant music.
And that’s what this year’s Wakestock festival promises – bringing a cracking line-up to the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales for three amazing days (11th – 13th July) of music, wakeboarding, beach games, a funfair, live comedy and so much more.
Boasting top talent like Tom Odell, Frank Turner, John Newman, Razorlight and band-of-the-moment Clean Bandit, those lucky enough to attend are sure in for a treat.
And you could be there! We’re offering one lucky blinkbox music listener the chance to win a pair of weekend tickets to Wakestock, including camping. All you need to do to enter is head on over to our competition page and answer one very simple question!
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to listen in to our Wakestock 2014 station for a whole host of tracks from the acts playing this year.
Pop wouldn’t be what it is without its superstars leading the way – those hit-making chart idols we all secretly want to be like. With glam lifestyles, No. 1 singles aplenty and globe-trotting tours, who wouldn’t want a piece of superstardom?
With that in mind, we’ve put together a station featuring the biggest and best the world of pop has to offer – from Lady Gaga and Katy Perry to Madonna and Michael Jackson.
There’s plenty to get psyched up about later this year too, with some of our favourites returning with massive new songs. Frankly, we’re getting over-excited just thinking about them…
Rita Ora
Following on from the remarkable run of hits from her debut album, glam-girl Rita is back; with new single I Will Never Let You Down seeing her teaming up with beau Calvin Harris for a deliciously catchy rave up.
Cheryl Cole
She’ll be gracing our screens as an X Factor judge once again, so expect a new album to follow too. In the mean time, there’s her latest suitably flash hair ad to enjoy.
Lana Del Rey
With over five million sales of her first album, Lana’s latest has a lot to live up – fortunately new single West Coast is great, bringing her usual polished atmospherics mixed alongside a dreamy guitar line.
One Direction
You don’t get much bigger than the 1D lads these days. Expect a new album in time for Christmas, but to tide you over, there’s new single You & I primed to set the hearts of teenage girls everywhere all a-flutter.
Ed Sheeran
The prize for the biggest musical transformation of 2014 goes to Ed Sheeran. Trading in his stripped back acoustic style for a slinky Justin Timberlake-styled groove, new single Sing is top notch.
5 Seconds of Summer
We love these Aussie pop-rockers and reckon they could easily end up being the biggest boyband since One Direction. If their next single is even half as catchy as their No. 1 hit She Looks So Perfect, they’ll be onto a winner.
Courting continual support from the likes of both Kerrang! and Radio 1, Twin Atlantic are one of the UK’s most exciting up and coming rock acts. With a confident mix of heavy riffs and radio-ready choruses their brand new single Heart & Soul is on course to see them claim their biggest hit yet.
The band are currently gearing up to release their third studio album Great Divide, with a slot at Reading & Leeds this summer sure to see the Scottish rockers draw large crowds.
We caught up with band recently to quiz them on some of their favourite songs, so if you’ve ever wondered what artists really make them tick, you’re sure to find plenty to enjoy in our Twin Atlantic: Chosen By station. Just tune in below!
It’s time for our second instalment of 90s music, and this week we’re featuring all the best chart hits from the decade with our station… 90s Pop!
Here’s 5 of our favourite crazes of the decade:
1) Paraphernalia
The Ultimate: Official Spice Girls Snapshot Album
The music behind it: Spice Girls - Wannabe
Source: Ebay
2) Pop Groups
The Ultimate: S Club 7
The music behind it: S Club 7 - S Club Party
(You can never have too many S Club 7 gifs right?!)
Source: matafari.tumblr
3) Cassette Tapes
The Ultimate: All Saints – All Saints
The music behind it: All Saints – Never Ever
Source: Ebay
4) Movie and TV Classics
The Ultimate: Men In Black
The music behind it: Will Smith – Men In Black
Source: Wikipedia
5) Singles spending weeks at Number 1
The Ultimate: 7 weeks at the top spot it’s Cher - Believe
Source: Youtube
Looks like we couldn’t keep it down to 5, so…
6) Fashion & Style
The Ultimate: A combination of Whigfield’s braided hair and Britney’s crop tops
The music behind it: Whigfield – Saturday Night& Britney Spears…Baby One More Time
Source: thevervoid & huffingtonpost
We couldn’t keep it down to 6 either…
7) Cheesy Press Shots
The Ultimate: Steps
The music behind it: Steps – Tragedy
Source: mirror
Find the songs, plus many more, in our 90s Pop station here.
Are you ready to feel old?
It’s been 20 years since Riverdance was first performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. TWENTY. Two-zero.
To mark this momentous anniversary, we’re taking a look at six of the best dance crazes of all time.
1. The Moonwalk
Hands up if you can moonwalk. No? This handy guide might help you, although if we’re honest we’ve been trying it all week and we still look ridiculous. 
2. The Robot
Peter Crouch’s favourite dance. We’re pretty gutted Crouchy didn’t make the squad for this summer’s World Cup - we reckon the Brazilians would be well impressed with these moves:
3. The Macarena
Released on August 15, 1995 by Los del Rio, The Macarena spent a phenomenal 14 weeks atop the US Singles charts, selling 4 million copies in the process.
4. Gangnam Style
No introduction needed.
5. The Twist
An oldie, but a goodie. The original dance craze ‘The Twist’, performed to rock n roll music, has definitely stood the test of time.
Come on, let’s Twist again, like we did last summer…
6. Twerking
We’re not sure Bieber has quite mastered the twerk. Good effort though:
You can catch ITV’s celebration of Riverdance “Michael Flatley: A Night To Remember” on Sunday night.
In the meantime, if you want to practice those dance moves we recommend this Party Anthems Station featuring classic party-starters guaranteed to get everyone moving, including Abba, Michael Jackson, Girls Aloud, Wham! and more:
Need some help revising, or know someone who does?
Do you want to feel less like this…
Source media.giphy
…and more like this?
Source giphy.com
No problem! We’re here to assist.
This week we’re featuring two revision stations get you through those study sessions and on the road to achieving great results.
1) Revision: Get Motivated
Ideal for some pre-revision motivation or perhaps a short break; a quick-fix release to get you energised, mentally stimulated and in the zone!
2) Revision: Heads Down
Now it’s time to get stuck into those facts and figures. Listen to a selection of the best tracks to help you concentrate and stay focused, with music from London Grammar, The 1975, Sam Smith and more.
Good luck everyone!
Source itsallforthepie.tumblr
All ready for your weekly shot of musical goodness? By now, you’ll know we at blinkbox music are in love with all things new and exciting – cherry picking through the hottest new acts around and serving them up for your listening pleasure.
Jump straight in with our Next Big Thing station to hear the latest additions, including the ace trio of artists below…
Raleigh Ritchie
Having popped up in everything from Casualty, Skins and Silent Witness to Game of Thrones, 23-year-old Londoner Raleigh Ritchie (aka Jacob Anderson) is clearly keen to prove he’s just as much of a dab hand at singing as he is at acting. Making slick, contemporary tracks that neatly blend urban and indie influences, his current number Stronger Than Ever is already shooting up the Shazam charts, while early taster track Bloodsport packs in a brilliantly catchy chorus.
Mapei
With a No. 1 track on the Hype Machine charts already under her belt, plus high profile collaborations with Chance the Rapper and Major Lazer, US singer-songwriter Mapei is set to deliver her hotly anticipated debut album this summer. Going by the soulful, rhythmic grooves of lead single Don’t Wait, we can expect great things indeed.
Port Isla
Norfolk four-piece Port Isla are already being mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Saint Raymond and Catfish & The Bottlemen as one of a new wave of exciting, radio-friendly British guitar music primed to break through to the mainstream. Going by their standout cut Steamroller, it’s easy to see why – a rowdy, barnstorming chorus recalling the likes of Mumford & Sons or The Vaccines at their best.
If the word on the street is anything to go by, Ella Henderson is shaping up to be one of the most successful X Factor graduates in quite some time.
After a shock early exit from the 2012 series of the show, the 18 year old songstress took time away to knuckle down and put together a collection of songs she could be truly proud of.
“I can now call him a close friend. That’s Mr. Ryan Tedder. This song just reminds me of turning 18, because it was on the radio at the time I was writing Ghost with him. It was an amazing point in my career.” Ella on Counting Stars by OneRepublic
Fast-forward to this year and Ella’s on the cusp of releasing her debut single – Ghost– penned with a little help from man-of-the-moment Ryan Tedder. Blending her incredible vocals with a irresistible, gospel-esque groove, we reckon it’s a sure-fire radio smash.
We caught up with Ella recently to dig a little deeper into the music that gets her going, and discovered a deep love of iconic voices and classic soul.
“One of my earliest memories is listening to songs with my granddad in his kitchen on his old record player. He was the guy that really set it off for me and got me into music from day one.” Ella on God Bless The Child by Billie Holiday
So if you fancy hearing Ella introduce some of her favourite songs of all time, including the likes of Billie Holiday, Jocelyn Brown, Beyonce and Amy Winehouse, why not tune into our exclusive Hosted By station below!
They say siblings have a natural knack for making great music together, and LA-based sister act The Pierces certainly hold true to that.
From early success in the mid 2000s where their tuneful ear for rich folk-influenced melodies saw their songs appear on a host of American TV shows, a productive team-up with Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman saw them release their fourth album You & I to newfound success in the UK.
Now returning with follow-up album Creation, The Pierces are once again winning strong UK airplay with songs like Believe In Me recalling dreamy summer days and classic Fleetwood Mac.
Allison and Catherine Pierce recently dropped by to share a few of their favourite records and influences with us, and you can hear them introduce them all in our exclusive Hosted By station below!
As lead singer of The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde has carved out an impressive career, from the band’s 1979 debut going to No. 1 in the UK to unforgettable singles like Don’t Get Me Wrong, Brass In Pocket and I’ll Stand By You.
This June will see Chrissie tackle new challenges however as she gears up to release her first ever solo album. Entitled ‘Stockholm’, the record was recorded in the city of the same name and even features a cameo from the legendary Neil Young.
Speaking of her thinking behind the album, Chrissie says ‘’I think life is serious, and you should take it seriously, but in rock n roll either have a laugh or don’t come to the party.’’
With that playful spirit coming across heavily in the cheery choruses of new single You Or No One, we thought who better to introduce some of the key influences behind the record than Chrissie herself!
Tune in to our exclusive Hosted By station below to hear her discuss everything from her love for Morrissey and the Black Keys to working with the likes of Ali Campbell and Sheryl Crow.
Mel B will be spicing up this year’s X Factor by joining Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh on the judging panel.
We’re going to leave it to Spice Girls super-fan (and our BFF) Emma Stone to share our thoughts on the matter:
Well said, Emma. Well said.
Us Brits love a good chart battle, don’t we? From Blur vs. Oasis to One Direction vs. The Wanted, we can’t resist our favourite stars duking it out for the honour of being ‘the best’.
And this year we’ve got a cracker on our hands as Cheryl Cole and her former X Factor mentee and mini-me Cher Lloyd prepare to go head to head on 21st July. Mark the date in your diaries, you won’t want to miss it.
In the red corner, we’ve got Cher Lloyd’s pop bonanza of a single – ‘Sirens’. Her big comeback following all kinds of mega-success in the States, the track packs a soaring chorus line and wears its US influences clearly on its sleeve. You could easily imagine the likes of Demi Lovato singing this one. It’s pop on a widescreen, movie-soundtrack scale.
In the blue corner there’s nation’s sweetheart Cheryl Cole - a dab hand at all this pop business now - as she gets ready to release her fourth album (yup, that’s right, FOURTH!)
Neatly timed to coincide with her return to the X Factor, ‘Crazy Stupid Love’ sees Chezza strut her usual sultry stuff in this summery dancehall-influenced cut. You’ve even got Tinie Tempah popping up mid-song on guest rap duties. Talk about getting bang for your buck.
So, important question, which team are you on? Fancy a bit of Cheryl’s sax ‘n’ summer combo? Or maybe Cher’s epic uber-ballad is more your thing? Either way, be sure to join us on the 21st July when both tracks hit the shelves and we’ll be biting our fingers in anticipation over who’ll come out on top…
Are you ready to have the time of your life? That’s what’s in store at our three blinkbox music UK Live shows this June.
Taking in dates at Sunderland (22nd June), Ipswich (28th June) and Weston Super Mare (29th June), the series of shows promises a line-up practically bursting with all round pop goodness. Check out the little list below and tell us we don’t like to treat you:
Jessie J
Jason Derulo
Rizzle Kicks
The Saturdays
The Vamps
Katy B
Union J
Neon Jungle
Rixton
Amazing, right?! And if you fancy being there on one of the three dates, we’ve got just the competition for you.
All you need to do is pop on over to the following page, where you’ll find all the details on how to enter. Good luck!
While everyone else is working themselves into a frenzy over the World Cup, we’re getting excited about all the amazing new music that’s out there! Summer always seems to bring with it a raft of hot releases – spot on for a run of BBQs and spending time with your mates out in the sun. Here’s our pick of some of the best hitting shelves this week…
5 Seconds of Summer – Don’t Stop
Everyone’s favourite new bunch of lads prove that boy-bands can properly rock as they serve up their second single. Expect choppy pop-punk riffs and one incredibly catchy chorus; there’s a reason why the UK is going crazy for these guys right now.
Demi Lovato – Neon Lights
Former Camp Rock Disney princess Demi Lovato’s current album was given a recent boost by her version of Frozen’s Let It Go. We heard her sing it live at Koko the other week and it was ace, as is Neon Lights – a fizzy club number perfect for summer nights out.
Gorgon City – Here For You
We’ve been championing singer Laura Welsh for ages here on blinkbox music, and now she’s finally set to get her big breakthrough hit courtesy of her vocal duties on this sleekly futuristic Gorgon City cut.
Move over, Harry! Step aside, Josh! We’ve got our eyes on a new, totally fictitious boyband made up of 5 of the hottest World Cup 2014 superstars.
Valentin Stocker
25-year-old Valentin Stocker plays in midfield for Switzerland. He also appears to be a bit of a dab hand at karaoke, if this gif is anything to go by. He can totally join our band.
Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann is a French left-winger. He’s started the tournament brightly, hitting the bar in yesterday’s victory over Honduras. Watch him try to go one better on 20th June when he takes on Stocker’s Swiss team.
We can’t find any footage of him singing or dancing but he’s probably quite good at both.
Jack Wilshere
ENGERLAND. You probably know that Jack Wilshere plays for England. If you don’t, then shame on you. He’s got the popstar look, but has he got the voice? Check out this YouTube video of him singing along to Usher and make up our own mind…
Neymar
Brazilian Neymar is one of the most talked about footballers in the world, but can he dance? This video proves that he’s got the moves like Jagger. He’s in the band.
Mats Hummels (Germany)
Mats Hummels is a German defender. We can only find a photo of him singing but he looks like he’s good at it.
So that’s our band! What do you think? We’ve managed to get our hands on a world exclusive for you - their album tracklisting:
1. A Whiter Shade Of Bale (Procol Harum)
2. (Hit me) Babel One More Time (Britney Spears)
3. Total Eclipse Of The Hart (Bonnie Tyler)
4. Midnight MemoRiise (One Direction)
5. Don’t Messi With My Man (Lucy Pearl)
6. Ronaldon’t Go Breaking My Heart (Elton John and Kiki Dee)
7. I Will Never Pele-t You Down (Rita Ora)
8. Somebody To Love (SigMatteo)
9. Simply The Best (Tina Turner)
10. Celebration (Maradona)
11. Barkley in the USA (Miley Cyrus)
Only one thing remains: What should we call our new band? Tweet us or comment below with suggestions!
In the meantime, listen to songs from some of the greatest boybands of all time, for free:
This week it’s all about acts that are so close to breaking through, you can practically taste it. All three of this week’s picks are primed for sure-fire chart success, shooting up the airplay charts with tracks we reckon you’ll find just as catchy as we do. You can hear all these and more in our awesome Next Big Thing station, your perfect weekly new music fix.
Kove
Signed to Chase & Status’ MTA Records label, fans of the dance duo will find plenty to love about newcomer Kove. With major support from Radio 1 and Mixmag, the production whiz is a dab hand at high-energy, forward thinking house cuts.
Milky Chance
This German pop-folk duo have racked up a mind-blowing 39 million plays of their single Stolen Dance on YouTube and clearly have a thing for melodic, dance-influenced acoustic numbers. If you liked the Mr. Probz track ‘Waves’, you’ll lap Milky Chance up for sure.
Jess Glynne
It’s incredible to think that 24-year old Brit singer-songwriter Jess Glynne has already nabbed two No. 1 singles this year, via her guest spots on Clean Bandit’s Rather Be and Route 94’s My Love. Now she’s trying her luck on her own, with debut solo single Right Here blending the soulful warmth of her vocals with on-trend club beats.
It’s time…to face…the judges! After a five year, errm, let’s say sabbatical, Cheryl is back. Simon is back. Mel B has joined and Louis has brought months of literally no speculation to an end by confirming he is, of course, back. With this new hybrid panel ready to roll, what will they make of 2014’s hopefuls? Let’s start speculating as to what they will be looking for… probably not Andy Abrahams (we still love you, Andy!)
Yesterday The X Factor auditions kicked off in Manchester, with the judges looking great…
and Simon in his trademark too high, and yet too long, trousers.
We at blinkbox Music are hoping that Mel B lives up to her reputation as the “Scary” Spice girl - she certainly was terrifying when she last appeared on the panel as a guest judge in 2012:
Honestly, the only thing sharper than her judging would be one of Posh Spice’s heels.
So, with this in mind, and with a decade of X Factor fodder as evidence, what are the four judges looking for?
1) SIMON COWELL
Grand supremo Simon is the ultimate X Factor judge. He’ll be feeling the pressure as critics eye up the ratings, meaning he will only want jaw-dropping, world-class acts making it to the live rounds. We’re not sure if the Rylans and Jedwards of yesteryear will make the cut this time around, but we can be sure that some super-groups will be formed… speaking of which, whatever happened to One Direction?
2) CHERYL COLE
How does she feel when you call her name? Did anyone ask? That’s right, Chezza and her luscious L’Oreal locks are back. She’s not afraid to bust a move and can swan dive like no other.
So will she be looking for killer foot work
or will vocal ability get her vote? Despite being the Nation’s Sweetheart, Cheryl will be taking no prisoners in order to win. After nabbing the hot seat next to Simon, she’s not going to go down without a fight.
3) LOUIS WALSH
Louis’ predilections for fun, novelty acts has already preceded him; his one winning star, Shayne Ward, has just finished treading the boards in Rock of Ages and Jedward and Rylan are still… around. When you least suspect them, they are there. Will anyone replace Rylan’s star quality and passion for pop?
We doubt it.
4) MEL B- THE SCARY SPICE
Past series of The X Factor have taught us that the pressure is on for the new judges, and the best judges usually deliver winning acts in their first year, Tulisa with Little Mix, Nicole Scherzinger with James Arthur, even Cheryl Cole herself with Alexandra Burke. We at blinkbox Music have faith in the Spice, as she is one fifth of the greatest girl pop-group of all time, performed at the Olympics ON TOP OF A MOVING TAXI
and has already left a memorable space on the judging panel with incredible reactions.
We anticipate a winning act, and some incredible sass from the Scary Spice
Whatever happens, we can’t wait for The X Factor to return to our screens, so we can enjoy the trials and tribulations of a new series. If Emma Stone, actress and everyone’s wannabe best friend, is excited (see gif below), then so are we!
And, the question on everyone’s mind, will there be ANOTHER Spice Girls reunion?
One can only dream.
Check out The X Factor’s Greatest Hits for free now:
It’s time! blinkbox Music UK Live is kicking off today in Sunderland. Are you excited? Headliner Jessie J seems to be:
In fact, we’ve heard a rumour she wants to rename Sunderland’s Stadium of Light the Stadium of Laser-Light to mark the occasion!
Be sure to take loads of selfies throughout the day and tweet / Instagram them using the hashtag #GetOnStage. If you do, your photo might appear on the stage itself in front of all to see! Union J already have one, so join in the fun!
Don’t forget the party moves down to Ipswich for Blinkbox Music East Coast Live on the 28th and Weston-Super-Mare for Blinkbox Music West Coast Live on the 29th.
To get you in the mood, have a listen to Blinkbox Music UK Live’s very own station here http://po.st/32Ic8S
‘Tonight (We Live Forever)’ The Brand New Single by Union J – Released 17th August
Fancy seeing Tom Odell, the Happy Mondays, Scouting For Girls and Foxes live?
Of course you do! Well, they’ll be hitting Nottingham’s Wollaton Park on 19th July, along with a host of other great acts, for a brilliant day of live-music as Splendour festival returns for another year.
Even better, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky blinkbox music listener – if you reckon that sounds like you, all you need to do is head over to the following page, where you’ll find all the details on how to enter. Good luck!