7 h. ago Perfume Genius: ‘America was built on racism and violence and fear. Right now is a very public demonstration of that’

The avant-garde pop artist is back with his superb seventh album, ‘Glory’. He speaks with Roisin O’Connor about addressing his avoidant tendencies through his music, Trump’s attacks on LGBT+ rights, and his shifting relationship with his own body

Events

8 d. ago Ayrshire covid conspiracy theory nurse quits profession following suspension

Tracey McCallum’s online posts, radio and newspaper interviews had the potential to “undermine public confidence and trust” by “being divisive, creating fear and creating distrust,” according to the nursing regulator.

Politics

2 w. ago Cops issue over 30 'threat to life' warnings in two years as gang wars spark fear of risk to public

Latest figures show there has been a huge increase in the number of individuals considered to be in danger being issued with letters or notices.

Events

2 w. ago ‘His delivery cut through class barriers’: Moby, Mala and other musicians on working with Benjamin Zephaniah

On what would have been the late dub poet’s 67th birthday, his musical collaborators remember his warmth, invigorating words and reflections on the state of the worldTuesday marks the 67th birthday of the late Benjamin Zephaniah – revolutionary poet, playwright, musician and fearless voice for social justice – following the inaugural Benjamin Zephaniah Day held over the weekend at Brunel University. But while he is widely celebrated for his work in literature and activism, Zephaniah’s influence on music remains relatively overlooked.Emerging from the dub poetry scene, Zephaniah channelled personal experiences of systemic racism and state violence into intelligent spoken word. Albums such as Rasta combined politically charged poetry with dub rhythms and studio effects, laying the cultural groundwork for UK genres such as trip-hop, jungle and dubstep. We revisit his unique collaborations in electronic music, hearing from the artists who had the honour of working with him. Continue rea...

Politics

2 w. ago The one change that worked: I conquered my fear of public speaking – with just one night of pure panic

When I agreed to plug my book at a literary festival, I was expecting some kind of low-key Q&A. Imagine my terror when I discovered I would have to monologue for almost an hourI never understood quite how much public speaking came with being a writer, because after I wrote my first book no one asked me to do any. They didn’t ask after my second book either. That was fine with me: I had never done any public speaking and, like all normal people, I was terrified of the prospect.Then in 2014, with the publication of my fourth book still a couple of weeks away, I was invited to a literary festival. I hadn’t been to many literary festivals, but for some reason I was sure I knew what to expect: a kindly interviewer would sit on stage with me, a small table holding a pitcher of water between us, and ask me a lot of softball questions about my process. I wasn’t comfortable with this either, but I said yes. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago As Russell Brand is summoned to court next month over rape charges, will his new MAGA allies in America stand by him?

Since moving to America, the Russell Brand has built a new life, embracing Christianity and becoming ingratiated into Trump's circle of wealthy, famous friends.

Events