ARTIST NEWS
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Westlife has released a Mandarin version of Chinese singer Jason Zhang’s ‘Love + Courage’ using AI technology created by Tencent Music Entertainment. The band says, “It took months to get it right as we wanted it to be the perfect reflection of our voices and we are THRILLED with the final version”. Tencent Music explains, “This ongoing mutual dedication is why we have chosen Westlife as the first international artist to collaborate with to release AI music, and aligns perfectly with Tencent Music Entertainment’s corporate mission of ‘creating endless possibilities with music and technology’”. The song was created using Kugou AIK, described as “the world’s first multi-lingual AI singing technology”, with Westlife overseeing the creative process.
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Chief Keef has postponed his seventeen date North American ‘A Lil Tour’ due to a medical emergency. The Chicago rapper announced via Instagram, “For health reasons I’m postponing the tour until later this year. Yall can get a refund or hold onto your tickets for the new date. Be on the road real soon!” Live Nation released a statement on the artist’s behalf, noting he’s “been ordered to stay home to recover”.
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Donald Glover has announced that ‘Bando Stone & The New World’, releasing 19 Jul, will be the final album under his Childish Gambino moniker. In an interview with the New York Times, Glover explained his decision to retire the alias, citing personal growth and industry challenges, saying, “It really was just like, ‘Oh, it’s done’. It’s not fulfilling. And I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore”. The album will serve as the soundtrack for an upcoming film of the same name, with Glover focusing on family, acting and his production company Gilga moving forward.
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Damon Albarn has received an honorary DLitt from the University Of Exeter, recognising his musical innovation and environmental advocacy. The Blur and Gorillaz frontman told graduating students to “trust in your instincts and don’t take no for an answer”. Mike Shore Nye, University Of Exeter Senior Vice President, praised Albarn’s career as “a testament to creativity, resilience and the power of education”.
GIGS & TOURS
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The Fantasy Orchestra, a community ensemble of over 80 musicians from the UK and Paris, is set to perform a “vibrant Tropicalia-inspired” concert at Islington’s Union Chapel on 20th July. Led by Jesse D Vernon, the orchestra will pay homage to legendary Brazilian artists such as Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, and Gilberto Gil, with former Goat Girl member Naima Bock joining as a special guest. Vernon says “This event will bring together a joyous set of Brazilian music. Its colourful wit, wry humour and inclusive attitude fit our community perfectly – we feel a lot of affinity with the Tropicalia movement and the songs haven’t aged one bit!”
RELEASES
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Overmono have released their new single ‘Gem Lingo (ovr now)’, featuring Ruthven.
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Palms Trax has collaborated with Myd on new single ‘One Thousand Waves’.
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Lava La Rue has released her new single ‘Better’, featuring Cuco. Her new album ‘STARFACE’ is out tomorrow.
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Lamb of God have released their new remixed single ‘Laid to Rest (HEALTH Remix)’.
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Shelf Lives have released their new single ‘Where Did I Go?’. Their new EP ‘No Idea’ is out 23 Oct.
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Bronski Beat have released their new official remix by Planningtorock, ‘Smalltown Boy (Planningtorock’s ‘The Love That You Need’ Rework)’.
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NOUN have released their debut single ‘WANTED’.
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Eli & Fur have released their new single ‘Missing You’. Their new album ‘Dreamscapes’ is out 27 Sep.
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jasmine.4.t has released her new single ‘Skin on Skin’.
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‘Bones UK’ have released their new single ‘Fix’. Their new album ‘SOFT’ is out 13 Sep.
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Primal Scream have released their new single ‘Love Insurrection’. Their new album ‘Come Ahead’ is out 8 Nov.
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Natty has released his new single ‘Fiyahman’.
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Rex Orange County has released two new singles ‘Guitar Songs’ and ‘Alexander’. His new album ‘The Alexander Technique’ is out 6 Sep.