4 h. ago ‘Death to Spotify’: the DIY movement to get artists and fans to quit the music app

Musicians have long criticized the streaming service’s paltry payouts, but a new wave of boycotts is emergingThis month, indie musicians in San Francisco gathered for a series of talks called Death to Spotify, where attenders explored “what it means to decentralize music discovery, production and listening from capitalist economies”.The events, held at Bathers library, featured speakers from indie station KEXP, labels Cherub Dream Records and Dandy Boy Records, and DJ collectives No Bias and Amor Digital. What began as a small run of talks quickly sold out and drew international interest. People as far away as Barcelona and Bengaluru emailed the organizers asking how to host similar events. Continue reading...

Events

5 d. ago ‘Are the neighbours’ curtains twitching? Good!’ Avril A, the 80s housewife who became a star of Manchester’s gay scene

She sang out of tune, her choreography was bizarre – and everyone who saw her loved her. As her superb music is rereleased, her family and fans recall a subcultural greatWhen Joanne Rosenthal was a kid in Manchester, gatherings of her religious Jewish family were enlivened by the presence of her uncle’s eccentric wife. “Mad eye makeup; larger than life. You’d say to her: ‘Auntie Avril, can I give you some more chicken?’ And she’d say: ‘Go on, Joanne, my punters love me with a bit of meat on.’ Hang on, what are you talking about, your punters?”There would be other “tantalising references to her career on stage” besides, but no further info. “Everyone’s sitting there at Passover or Jewish New Year and no one asks any follow-up questions!” Rosenthal continues. “It’s like everyone accepts that Auntie Avril is this subversive presence. When I told her I was getting into music, she said: ‘Quit school, join a band, get on the road, never look back – you won’t regret it.’ It was a very humd...

Culture

6 d. ago 'I'm not getting married to quit my job': Taylor Swift says it's 'shockingly offensive' to claim this is her last album as she heaps praise on fiancé Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift has said it is 'shockingly offensive' to claim once she is married she will stop making music as she heaped on praise to her 'supportive' fiancé Travis Kelce. 

Events

1 week ago Isle of Wight Festival announces iconic band, huge DJ and pop favourite as 2026 headline acts

ISLE of Wight Festival has just announced the headliners for its 2026 extravaganza. The festival, first held in 1968, is much-loved in the UK and typically spans over four days. Featuring a mixture of legendary and up-and-coming artists, fans can expect to see all kinds of musical genres celebrated alongside one another. This is perfectly...

Culture

3 w. ago GBBO fans amazed by Alison Hammond's dramatic weight loss transformation

The Great British Bake Off and This Morning host has been showing off her new look after losing 11st, now fans have been left wowed after her makeup artist shared a snap of her new look

Events

3 w. ago Spain to quit Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates

‘Big Five’ country follows in the footsteps of Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland

Politics

3 w. ago Lily Allen says goodbye for now to Miss Me? fans: ‘I’m very grateful for the experience’

Pop singer and actor said she wants to focus on other projects, after launching the podcast with friend Miquita Oliver last year

Politics

3 w. ago Lily Allen says goodbye to Miss Me? fans: ‘I’m very grateful for the experience’

Pop singer and actor said she wants to focus on other projects, after launching the podcast with friend Miquita Oliver last year

Politics