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Live Updates

Sarah Jane Griffiths and Mark Savage

All times stated are UK

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  1. Bye Bye Bye

    That's it from us for another week, but we'll be back bright and early on Monday to catch up on all the weekend's music mayhem. 

    Scroll down to hear new tracks from Katy Perry, M.I.A., Zayn Malik, Britney and 5SOS - plus news of a new Jamie T album and tour, a Grimes mixtape and The Superhuman Band's new anthem for the Rio Paralympics. 

    We'll leave it to N'Sync to have the last word, because Friday. 

    View more on youtube
  2. Watch Olly Murs' video for You Don't Know Love

    Olly Murs

    What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you're Olly Murs in which case what happens in Vegas becomes an expensive-looking music video.

    Shot on the strip and the sand of 'Sin City', the video has a touch of the James Bond, as Olly dons a tux and does his best moody face, before embarking on a full-on snog in the swimming pool.

    The song, You Don't Know Love, is set to be a new entry in this week's Top 40. Tune in to Greg James' programme on Radio 1 at 4pm to find out where it lands.

    View more on youtube
  3. De La Soul: 'The current state of hip hop is redundant'

    De La Soul

    De La Soul stopped by the BBC Radio 1xtra studios to chat to Trevor Nelson about their forthcoming new album ...And the Anonymous Nobody. 

    The crowd-funded record features a long list of star collaborators including Snoop, Usher, Little Dragon, 2 Chainz and David Byrne, 

    "David Byrne's undeniably like wow, 'how d'you do that?'," they told Trevor. "I even wonder sometimes how we did that."

    Talk also turned to whether hip-hop is dead these days: "The current state is redundant, everybody's the same," said the trio.

    Listen back to the interview

    Video content

    Video caption: De La Soul talk to Trevor Nelson as part of MC Month here on 1Xtra.
  4. Calm against the machine...

    LA Times

    Billie Joe Armstrong

    Killing In The Name, Caught Out There, You Oughta Know, I Hate Everything About You... Remember when musicians used to get angry?

    The LA Times does, and it's published a long article about rage in music - why it's such a rarity these days, and how Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar's recent albums stood out by harnessing their inner fury.

    Among the people they speak to is Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong - whose American Idiot is one of the last mainstream protest records. He says he's worried that musicians have become too passive.

    Quote Message: Music goes through these cycles, but this happens to be the longest cycle I remember without someone breaking through on a meaningful level.

    Read the full article.

  5. The new 5SOS Ghostbusters track is here

    5SOS in their new video

    The Ghostbusters reboot is in cinemas this week, and today sees the release of new 5 Seconds of Summer single Girls Talk Boys from the film's soundtrack. 

    It apparently signals a "new direction" for the Australian boyband and Grimmy spoke to Michael and Ashton on the phone from Montreal on Radio 1 this morning to find out more. 

    Hear their chat and a snippet of the track below: 

    Video content

    Video caption: 5 Seconds of Summer introduce their new song from the Ghostbusters soundtrack!

    5SOS have also given us a sneak peek at some snaps from the set of the single's forthcoming "epic music video":

    5SOS in their new video
    5SOS new video
  6. Canada's Polaris Prize reveals its nominations

    Polaris Prize shortlist

    They might be Canada's most famous musical exports of the moment, but The Weeknd, Justin Bieber and Drake have all missed out on a spot on the shortlist for this year's Polaris Music Prize. 

    All three made the longlist for the award - which is Canada's answer to the Mercury Prize - but the 10-strong shortlist shuns them in favour of records by Carly Rae Jepsen, Grimes and Kaytranada. 

    Here’s the ten-strong shortlist in full: 

    • Black Mountain – IV
    • Basia Bulat – Good Advice
    • Grimes – Art Angels
    • Carly Rae Jepsen – E•MO•TION
    • Kaytranada – 99.9%
    • Jessy Lanza – Oh No
    • PUP – The Dream Is Over
    • Andy Shauf – The Party
    • U.S. Girls – Half Free
    • White Lung – Paradise

    The prize for best Canadian album of the year will be handed out on 19 September. 

  7. Frances takes a perch at the Elton John piano

    BBC Radio 2

    Frances

    Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Frances took a seat at the famous Elton John piano last night to perform a special live session for Jo Whiley. 

    Tipped by the BBC's Sound of 2016, the Brits Critics Choice and BBC Introducing, she's been playing since she was a child.

    Frances played two of her own tracks including current single Say It Again and an Elton cover, Benny and the Jets.

    "I can't believe I'm going to play Elton John on the Elton John piano," she told Jo. 

    Despite regularly having fans in tears with her emotional songs, she revealed she just about manages to keep a lid on her emotions when she performs, as well as talking idols, dream supergroups and avoiding the tube.

    Listen back to the show now - the session starts about 1 hour and 8 minutes in.

    Jo Whiley and Frances
  8. Promoting diversity in classical music

    A cello

    Only 1.7% of the musicians in UK orchestras come from a black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) community, according to a recent study.

    The under-representation is true right across classical music - from composers and conductors to festival programmers and industry bodies.

    In an attempt to address that, BBC Radio 3 has announced a pan-industry conference on Wednesday, 19 October at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

    It will look specifically at how to facilitate greater inclusion of BAME communities in classical music composition, with guest speakers including composers Daniel Kidane; Jeffrey Mumford; Priti Paintal; Shirley J Thompson; Errolyn Wallen; and Raymond Yiu.

    If you want to attend, you can register your interest on the BBC Tickets website.

  9. The Superhuman Band unveil new Paralympics anthem

    The Superhuman Band

    While Katy Perry's new track is the US anthem of the Rio Olympics (scroll down to listen to Rise), today also sees the release of Yes I Can - a charity single which is soundtracking Channel 4's coverage of the Rio Paralympics.

    A cover of Sammy Davis Jr's classic track, it's been recorded at Abbey Road studios by The Superhuman Band – a group of 16 disabled musicians from across the globe, including vocalist Tony Dee who has spina bifida. 

    The trailer - which features a cast of more than 150 people including 17 musicians and 39 Paralympians - debuts on TV tonight, but you can watch it below now. 

    View more on youtube

    You can download the track from wearethesuperhumans.com from midnight, with all profits going to the British Paralympic Association. The Rio Paralympics Opening Ceremony takes place on 7 September.  

    If you want to know more, It's Nice That spoke to the team behind it.

  10. M.I.A. goes off on new Skrillex collaboration

    BBC Radio 1

    M.I.A.

    M.I.A. debuted (a clean version of) her new single Go Off on Annie Mac's show last night. 

    The singer's teamed up with Skrillex and Blackstar for the track which is from her new album due on 9 September. 

    She told Annie the album, which will probably be her last, will be called Aim and will see her explore uncharted territory by being her "cleanest ever" release. 

    "I just thought, it's my last record so I just want it to be happy... there's no complaints on it. it's another side to me completely. 

    "I don't know if people know that," she added laughing. 

    Listen to the track and interview.

  11. Paul and Ringo celebrate 10 years of Cirque De Soleil's Beatles show

    Nancy Shevell and Paul McCartney
    Image caption: Sir Paul McCartney and wife Nancy Shevall

    Former Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were in Las Vegas last night to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Love, the Cirque Du Soleil show inspired by the band's music. 

    Other guests included John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono (below), director Ron Howard, who's currently making a film about The Beatles, and the son of late Beatles producer Sir George Martin. 

    Yoko Ono

    Giles Martin, himself a producer who worked on several tracks on Sir Paul's 2013 album New, told reporters he is "open" to working on new music with Sir Paul and Ringo, should they decide to reunite. 

    He told PA: "I think the reason you ask that is because 'would it be like The Beatles?' And no, it wouldn't be. The Beatles were four of them. 

    "I love them both and they're hugely kind to me... I mean I'm open to anything." 

    His dad Sir George - known as "the fifth Beatle" - died in March at the age of 90.

    Meanwhile Macca shared a positive and timely message from him and Ringo on Twitter - telling fans "All you need is Love and Peace." 

    View more on twitter
  12. Grimes shares mixtape with Radio 3

    Grimes

    Canadian pop maverick Grimes has created a 30-minute mixtape for Radio 3's Late Junction, including songs by Aphex Twin, Shonen Knife and Animal Collective.

    "I tried to include a mix of weird stuff that I like that's old, and some newer stuff I love that inspires me, and all-time favourite songs," the singer said.

    Listen to the full mix below.

    Meanwhile, the star has been delving into the creation of her genre-bending single Kill v Maim for the ever-excellent Song Exploder podcast.

    She reveals how she channelled Batman villain Harley Quinn for the vocals, while the lyrics were inspired by watching The Godfather.

    View more on Soundcloud
  13. Steven Tyler 'really concerned' about Joe Perry's health

    Billboard magazine

    Aerosmith

    Steven Tyler says he is "really concerned" about the wellbeing of his Aerosmith co-star Joe Perry, who was taken to hospital after stumbling off stage during a concert with his side project Hollywood Vampires last weekend.

    "It's starting to scare me a little bit," Tyler told Billboard, saying he thought Perry was being over-worked.

    "He's always asking me to do three, four [Aerosmith] shows in a row, and I can't. I'll blow my voice out. I know how to maintain my career, my health... I don't think he knows how to. I think he's out there and someone's overbooking him."  

    Tyler, whose relationship with his Aerosmith bandmates has been strained in the past, added that he had been unable to get any updates on Perry's health. 

    "I'm really concerned and worried right now that I'm not getting any news," he said. "I can only tell you that Joe's my brother and I love him so much."
  

  14. Ariana Grande and Jimmy Fallon record 'Snapchat duet'

    Here's pop star Ariana Grande as you've never seen her before (as a bee, an old man and a slice of bread).

    View more on youtube

    The star was duetting with US chat show host Jimmy Fallon on a version of her current single Into You, using a number of different Snapchat filters to alter their faces.

    Why? We're not really sure.

    Meanwhile, Grande has confirmed that she'll appear in a live TV broadcast of the musical Hairspray in December.

    Following the Emmy-nominated Grease: Live! the show will also feature Harvey Fierstein as Tracy's mother Edna, Martin Short as Tracy's father Wilbur, Kristin Chenoweth as Velma Von Tussle and newcomer Maddie Baillio as Tracy. 

  15. Jamie T announces new album and tour

    Jamie T

    He made fans wait five years for 2014's 'comeback album' Carry On The Grudge, but luckily Jamie T has been true to his promise that he'd be much more prolific in future and announced his fourth album Trick will be out on 2 September. 

    He debuted new track Tinfoil Boy as Annie Mac's Hottest Record late last month, telling Annie it was influenced by Rage Against the Machine, feeling claustrophobic and recording in both London and Detroit, Michigan. 

    According to his press people, the album will be full of "Clash-like anthems, youthful reminiscence, high-speed raps, earworm choruses and snarky humour".   

    So roll on September - not least because it's when Jamie will also be kicking off an 18-date UK and Ireland tour, including three shows at London's Brixton Academy. 

    View more on twitter
  16. Should you queue to see the Proms?

    Proms queue

    The BBC Proms start tonight with Tchaikovsky’s ravishing Romeo and Juliet overture, and a performance by Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta.

    The programme highlights two of this year's Proms themes - celebrating Shakespeare, and turning the spotlight on the cello.

    Up to 1,350 standing tickets are available for each night of the Proms, with many sold exclusively on the day.

    Joining the queue is as much of a tradition at the Royal Albert Hall as it is at Wimbledon. 

    The Proms website has produced a guide to the queue called Queue The Music, for which they get a gold star.

  17. Beyonce's Lemonade up for four Emmys

    Beyonce

    The HBO TV movie that accompanied Beyonce's Lemonade album has scored the singer four nominations at this year's Emmy Awards. 

    While it didn't make it into any of the major categories, Beyonce and director Kahlil Joseph are nominated in the outstanding director for a variety special category, with nods for production design and picture editing too. 

    They're also up for outstanding variety special - battling a prime-time line-up that includes James Corden's Carpool Karaoke and concert performances from Adele and Amy Schumer.

    Other musical nominations include Taraji P Henson who plays Cookie Lyon in hip-hop musical series Empire and the celebrity game show Lip Sync Battle.

    Catch up on the rest of the Emmy nominations from Game of Thrones to to Sherlock. 

  18. Britney's back

    Britney Spears single cover

    Pop royalty Britney Spears is gearing up to release her ninth (!) album later this year and, this morning, she's unveiled the first single from the project.

    Make Me is a dreamy mid-tempo banger (it says here) in which Britney coos about taking someone back to her room where they will "ignite in the heat of the moment". 

    In summary, it's the best song about spontaneous human combustion since that one by the Flaming Lips.

    You can listen to it below.

    View more on youtube
  19. Taylor Swift relationship is 'not a publicity stunt' says Tom Hiddlestone

    Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston

    Actor Tom Hiddleston has refuted the suggestion that he and Taylor Swift are engaged in an elaborate publicity stunt.

    Since photos of the couple first emerged three weeks ago, fans and the media have speculated that their relationship is not entirely romantic... One theory is that they're making a music video parodying Taylor's love-life - in the vein of Bennifer's faux-paparazzi film for Jenny From The Block.

    It seems far-fetched - but this meticulously-researched Buzzfeed article might get you questioning the official version of events (and, eventually, your own sanity).

    So far, Hiddleswift have avoided talking about the relationship. But that changed yesterday when Hiddleston was nominated for an Emmy. The Hollywood Reporter was granted a Q&A with the star, and posed the all-important question. Here's what he said.

    Quote Message: Well, um. How best to put this? That notion is — look, the truth is that Taylor Swift and I are together, and we're very happy. Thanks for asking. That's the truth. It's not a publicity stunt.

    Read the full interview

  20. Venues 'must stop feeding touts'

    Following yesterday's launch of the FanFair Alliance - which is pressuring the government to tackle inflated prices on the secondary ticketing market - Stuart Cain, managing director of The Ticket Factory, has said that touts are damaging the reputation of concert venues.

    "Ticket touting is not just affecting artists, agents and promoters but it’s tarnishing the reputation of venues that have to deal with furious customers who can’t gain access to a gig," he said. 

    "The buck shouldn’t just stop with the government though," he added. "Venues also need to step up and stop feeding secondary sites with tickets."