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      ‘It’s like going to an over 55s exercise class’ cruel trolls say after watching S Club 7 perform dance routines on tour

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      IF you were a kid in the 90s, then the S Club Good Times reunion tour is like going to a party on memory lane. The band members, all now in their mid-forties, have been reliving their youth, performing all the old dance routines from their chart-topping heyday.Rachel Stevens still looks ravishing in red, but that hasn’t stopped the trollsCredit: InstagramTina Barrett now 47 still showing she’s got what it takes to entertain the crowdsCredit: InstagramBut now cruel trolls have commented on recent footage from the new S Club 7 reunion tour, criticising their dance moves and slamming them for being past their sell-by date.Commenting on Instagram, one said: “Its like going to an over 55’s exercise class.’Another said: “Looks like they all stopped moving to the funky beat.”Meanwhile another said: “They look like Teletubbies.”read more aboutThe band consisting of seven singers, including –  Rachel Stevens, Jo’ O’Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh, Jon Lee and the late Paul Cattermole were put together in 1999 by pop Svengali Simon Fuller and told more than 10 million records worldwide.BeginningsThey rose to fame through the children’s’ TV series Miami 7 that was broadcast first on CBBC between April and July 1999. The members played fictional versions of themselves and each episode would perform one of their catchy pop tunes. The show was also popular in the US and was broadcast on Fox Family. By the year 2000, it had been sold to 100 countries and viewed by 90 million people.Alongside the success of the show, they released their debut single Bring it All Back which soared to Number 1 in the UK singles chart and the album went platinum.Most read in MusicAt the 2000 Brit Awards they picked up the gong for British Breakthrough Act and Hasbro announced a licensing to bring out S- Club dolls. In 2001 their lead single Don’t Stop Movin earned them their second BRIT Award for best British single. They also went on a tour of the UK and then flew to the US to film their television show, Hollywood 7.TensionBy 2002 Paul Cattermole had quit the band due to frustration with the management, and so the band was renamed S Club. They went on to record their forth studio album Seeing Double and also starred in a children’s fantasy film of the same name.But by 2003 the tension in the band had bubbled to the service, as member Hannah Spearritt spoke out about how they’d only been paid £150,000 a year compared to their manager Simon Fuller who’d coined in 75 million from their talents. Indeed Hannah Spearritt’s parents reportedly hired lawyers to try to win back payments owed to the band by Simon and his management company. After they split in 2003, the artists embarked on solo projects before reuniting in 2014 for BBC Children in Need Telethon where they performed a medley of their best songs including Don’t Stop, Reach and Bring it All Back.ReunionThen in February 2023 the group announced on the One Show that they would reform in October of that year. But in April 2023, tragedy struck, when Cattermole was found dead at his Dorset home, age 46. It later transpired that he’d died from a litany of heart complications. Following his death The Greatest Hits of S Club Seven reached number 7 in the UK album download charts.Rumours of a FeudFollowing the anticipation of their reunion, It then came to light that Spearritt would not join them on the Good Times tour, after reports that shed been struggling with her mental health.She later told The Sun, that she’d not heard from the band members since announcing her unexpected decision to quit the tour.Responding to rumours of a feud, Rachel Stevens said: “We have shared so many amazing experiences together, but it is whatever people decide to do individually.“Something you learn as you grow up is to respect people’s decisions and respect people’s differences.“What has been really special about ­coming back together as a band is not only celebrating what we have achieved, but I think S Club brings people a lot of joy and the music is so happy.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We just have to respect that everyone is different and has different journeys — we support people no matter what.”Bradley Mintosh can probably move better than most blokes his ageCredit: InstagramThe band at the beginning of their rollar coaster ride in the late 90sCredit: BBCReunited at the Captial Jingle Bell Ball last DecemberCredit: Getty More

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      Why did Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn break up, and what did The Tortured Poet’s Department singer say about him?

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      TAYLOR Swift fans around the world were left shocked when she suddenly broke up with long term boyfriend Joe Alwyn.The superstar singer – who is now dating gridiron star Travis Kelce – is well known for taking a swipe at past loves in her songs and Joe is no different.Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn were together for six years before breaking upCredit: GettyWhen were Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn together?The couple began dating in October 2016, shortly after Taylor split from Hollywood movie star Tom Hiddleston in September of that year.Their secret relationship was revealed in The Sun in May 2017, a year after they met at the Met Gala, the annual A-list fashion event in New York City.The couple were extremely tight-lipped about their romance during its duration — even refusing to confirm or deny engagement rumours.“If I had a pound for every time I think I’ve been told I’ve been engaged, then I’d have a lot of pound coins,” Joe told the Wall Street Journal in April 2022.READ MORE ON TAYLOR and Joe“I mean, the truth is, if the answer was yes, I wouldn’t say, and if the answer was no, I wouldn’t say.”Joe also helped write songs on her albums Folklore and Evermore under the pseudonym William Bowery.How old was Taylor Swift when she got with Joe Alwyn?Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989, and Joe on February 21, 1991.This means when they got together in October 2016, the singer was 28 and he was 26.Most read in CelebrityWhen they broke up, Taylor was 33.When did Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn break up?On April 9, 2023, Swifties were left shocked when it was revealed that Taylor had split from Joe.Entertainment Tonight was the first to report the shocking news citing an unnamed source which was then confirmed by People.All the clues Taylor Swift fans think pop star dropped that ‘proves’ ex Joe Alwyn ‘cheated’ before their shocking split”It was not dramatic,” ET was told. “The relationship had just run its course. I”t’s why [Joe] hasn’t been spotted at any shows.”Swifties went into meltdown as one posted: “I am choosing to not believe Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn broke up.””Me pretending not to care about Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn broke up cuz I know it wasn’t true,” wrote another fan.”April fools was last week,” wrote a third.Taylor and Joe had ‘differences in personalities’Credit: Splash NewsWhy did Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn break up?Multiple sources revealed the break-up came down to “differences in personalities”.At the time of their split, a source told People: “They’ve had rough patches before and always worked things out.”So friends thought they would take some time apart but eventually come back together.And I’ll forget you, but I’ll never forgive the smallest man who ever livedTaylor SwiftThe Tortured Poets DepartmentThe insider added: “Ultimately they weren’t the right fit for one another.”Joe is said to be quite introverted, while Taylor is a global superstar.Taylor has savaged ex-Joe on her new album The Tortured Poets DepartmentCredit: GettyWhat has Taylor Swift said about Joe Alwyn on The Tortured Poet’s Department album?Fans have been busy dissecting Taylor’s 11th album, The Tortured Poet’s Department.They think that one song suggests someone cheated by messaging other people, with the guilty party accused of “sliding into inboxes”.The savagely titled tune, The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived, features scathing words including: “And you’ll confess why you did it . . . And I’ll say good riddance. ’Cos it wasn’t sexy once it wasn’t forbidden.“You didn’t measure up in any measure of a man. I would have died for your sins but instead I just died inside.”Taylor goes on: “You deserve prison, but you won’t get time. You will slide into inboxes and slip through the bars.”She also jibes: “In plain sight you hid but you are what you did. And I’ll forget you, but I’ll never forgive the smallest man who ever lived.”The Tortured Poets Department’s name is believed to have been taken from a WhatsApp group ex Joe was inOn the album, Taylor also sings about how an ex-partner had called her the “love of his life” and they discussed marriage and children.I Can Do It With A Broken Heart sees her document her struggles as she embarked on her record-breaking Eras World tour less than four weeks after they broke up.She sings: “Breaking down I hit the floor, all the pieces of me shattered as the crowd was chanting ‘more!’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I was grinning, like I’m winning. I was hiding my marks, ’cos I can do it with a broken heart.”The album is believed to have been named after a WhatsApp group Joe was in with fellow actors Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal.Timeline of Taylor and Joe’s RelationshipThe couple had six years together, much of which they tried to keep a secret.
      Here we take a look at the timeline of their romance: More

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      Taylor Swift boyfriend list: Who has the singer dated?

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      TAYLOR Swift’s love life has served as inspiration for some of her biggest hits.Here we take a look at the megastar’s high-profile romances over the years. Taylor Swift performing on the first night of her Eras Tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 31, 2023Credit: AFP or licensorsWho has Taylor Swift dated?Travis Kelce (September 2023-) Taylor Swift was spotted with Travis Kelce for the first time at Arrowhead Stadium on September 24, 2023Credit: X/paytonsunTaylor Swift is currently in a relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.On September 12, 2023, ET reported that while a source said the pair were not officially dating, they were spending time together.Taylor was spotted spending time with Travis’ mother and cheering on the Chiefs at a game against the Chicago Bears on September 24, 2023.Following the game, Taylor and Travis were seen walking together at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.READ MORE ON TAYLOR SWIFTOn October 14, 2023, the two were spotted holding hands while walking to a Saturday Night Live after party in New York City.The first photograph of Travis and Taylor kissing surfaced on October 23, 2023, when Instagram model Chariah Gordon shared a few sweet snapshots with the adorable couple.Travis was spotted at Taylor’s Eras Tour show in Buenos Aries, Argentina on November 11, 2023, where the singerswapped the Karma lyric from “Karma is the guy in the screen coming straight home to me” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me,” before running into Travis’ arms to kiss him at the end of the show.Taylor and Travis were pictured kissing while ringing in 2024, with a video of the smooch shared on X, formerly Twitter.MOST READ IN SHOWBIZOn January 21, 2024, Taylor met Travis’ brother, Philadelphia Eagles centre Jason Kelce, and sister-in-law Kylie Kelce at the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.Travis spoke out about how he and Taylor were handling the public’s attention at Chief’s press conference on January 26, 2024, saying: “As long as we’re happy, we can’t listen to anything that’s outside noise. Thats all that matters.”On January 28, 2024, after beating the Baltimore Ravens, Travis told the pop star, “Tay, I’m going to enjoy with the guys,” before kissing her and declaring: “I love you.”Taylor jetted from her final Eras show in Tokyo to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to cheer on Travis and the Chiefs at Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, kissing him in emotional on-field scenes after they beat the 49ers in an overtime thriller.On April 13, 2024, a video of Taylor and Travis was shared on TikTok after a Coachella concert-goer captured the two lovebirds singing, kissing, dancing, and clapping along to the Bleacher’s hit song, Rollercoaster.Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce cozy up on side stage at Coachella to watch her BFF Jack Antonoff in rare public date nightMatty Healy (May 2023-June 2023) Matty Healy rose to fame as the frontman of The 1975 Joseph Okpako/WireImageThe Sun exclusively reported in May 2023 that Taylor was dating The 1975 frontman, Matty Healy. A source told The Sun the two were “madly in love.””It’s super-early days, but it feels right. They first dated, very briefly, almost ten years ago but timings just didn’t work out,” the source continued.On June 6, 2023, People reported that the pair had split.A source told the outlet: “She had fun with him, but it was always casual. They are no longer romantically involved.”Another source said: “They were never boyfriend-girlfriend or exclusive and were always just having fun. There is no drama, and who knows what could happen again. It was a good time and ran its course.”Joe Alwyn (May 2017 – April 2023) Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn in New York CityCredit: Splash NewsTaylor and Joe Alwyn dated for six years before reportedly calling it quits in April 2023.A source told People the split was largely caused by “differences in their personalities.”The pair first started dating back in May 2017 and – unlike her previous relationships that were largely played out in the public eye – Taylor and Joe consciously shunned the showbiz scene.Back in June 2022, The Sun exclusively revealed that Swift and Joe were secretly engaged – five years into their relationship.Swift previously confirmed Alwyn had co-written two songs on her Folklore album under the pseudonym William Bowery and helped pen three tracks on its follow-up, Evermore.In Taylor’s 11th album The ­Tortured Poets ­Department, released April 19, 2024, The US superstar appears to have let rip her wrath on the Brit actor, 33, hinting he cheated on her and broke her heart.Taylor Swift’s new album savages her exesTom Hiddleston (June 2016 – September 2016) Hiddleswift’s love spanned several countries but it was not meant to beCredit: Splash NewsHiddleswift became an item after The Sun revealed the photos showing Taylor and Tom Hiddleston getting cozy on the beach in front of her Rhode Island mansion just weeks after splitting with Calvin Harris.Their love story spanned the globe with the pair photographed in Italy, England, and Australia.Tom even introduced her to his mom, and at her Fourth of July party, he was seen wearing the now infamous I Love TS T-shirt.Splitting up in September 2016, Taylor’s team said their whirlwind romance ended as Tom wanted too much publicity from the relationship.However, sources close to Tom said that he just got tired of the star.Calvin Harris (February 2015 – June 2016) Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris made an adorable coupleCredit: Getty Images – WireImageWe thought ”Tayvin” was the real deal as their 15-month relationship bloomed in front of us on social media.Pop star Ellie Goulding said she originally set Calvin and Taylor up when she introduced them at the Brit Awards after-party in London in 2015.Taylor even thanked him at the iHeartMusic Awards. calling him “the most amazing person”.But after more than a year of adorable Instagram shots and PDAs at music awards, the couple went their separate ways.Different rumours have surrounded the split with different camps suggesting Taylor split with Calvin for Tom, while others say it was Calvin who wanted out because Taylor wanted to get more serious.This pair is unlikely to ever get back together after Calvin slammed the pop icon, saying she tried to “bury [him] like Katy [Perry].”Harry Styles (October 2012 – January 2013) ‘Haylor’ was a short-lived romanceCredit: Rex FeaturesAlthough short-lived, this was a very public relationship.After a month of romantic strolls in Central Park and an unfortunate snowmobile accident, Harry Styles and Taylor were not meant to last.A short but great romance it was, as the relationship reportedly spawned not one but two songs.Both Style and Out Of The Woods from her album 1989 are said to be about the singer.Conor Kennedy (July 2012 – October 2012) Taylor Swift and Conor Kennedy enjoyed romantic weekends togetherTaylor dated the Kennedy son during the summer of 2012.However, the pair soon broke it off, with differing reasons from both camps saying as to why.Some sources claimed that her apparent want for a serious relationship was what ultimately called for the downfall between the pair.However, others blamed it on a long-distance relationship ultimately causing their break up.Jake Gyllenhaal (October 2010-January 2011) The handsome actor was nine years her seniorCredit: Getty ImagesRumors say the nine-year age gap became a big issue for the couple when they dated for a few months back in 2010.The Moment I Knew and All Too Well are said to be about Jake. Apparently, he stood her up at her 21st birthday party and she spent the evening crying in her bathroom.Some people speculate that We Are Never Getting Back Together is also about the actor.Taylor explained in an interview with Nightline that the song is about an on-off relationship that was “the worst.”Ending the relationship for good, the music video sees Taylor wearing a number of things that give the hint the song is about Jake – including a diamond bracelet he apparently gave her for her birthday, and a scarf that she was seen wearing on one of their dates.John Mayer (December 2009 – February 2010) Taylor Swift is thought to have slammed John Mayer in her musicCredit: Getty ImagesTaylor was just 19 when she sparked a romance with a then-31-year-old John Mayer.After a brief romance, she wrote a scathing song on her Speak Now album named Dear John, which is thought to be about the singer.The lyrics slam him for going after her at such a young age, saying “Don’t you think I was too young to be messed with? The girl in the dress cried the whole way home. I should’ve known.”He later confirmed that he thought the song was about him and told Rolling Stone: “I didn’t deserve it. “I’m pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do.”Taylor Lautner (August 2009 – December 2009) Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner’s Valentine’s Day romance was not to lastCredit: Rex FeaturesTaylor and Taylor Lautner, affectionately known as Taylor Squared, got together after meeting on the set of Valentine’s Day.The Twilight heartthrob reportedly tried to win her over at a hockey game, but he was more into her than she was into him.Their relationship was reportedly documented in Back To December, where she sings of a guy with “tan skin” and a “sweet smile” whom she broke up with one day in December in exchange for “freedom.”Years later, Lautner spoke briefly about him being the inspiration for the song, and said simply: “That’s what she does.”Lautner went on to star alongside Taylor in her 2023 “I Can See You” music video.Lucas Till (March 2009 – April 2009)Credit: AlamyWhile Lucas is not the most famous name on her list of exes, any fan of Taylot will recognise his face, as he starred alongside her in the video for You Belong With Me.However, after sparking a relationship during the making of the music video, the pair didn’t last longer than a month.Lucas later said the split came when they realised they worked better as friends.Joe Jonas (July 2008 – October 2008) Joe Jonas broke up with Taylor over the phoneCredit: Getty Images – FilmMagicJoe Jonas and Taylor dated for four months back in 2008.On the Ellen DeGeneres show shortly afterward, Taylor revealed Joe ended their relationship in a 27-second phone call.It was also rumored that his growing closeness with actress Camilla Belle also contributed to their split.The song Better than Revenge is thought to be about this messy love triangle.Taylor scathed in the song: “She’s not a saint and she’s not what you think, she’s an actress.”What is Taylor Swift’s longest relationship?Taylor’s longest relationship (that we know of) was with actor Joe Alwyn.The pair were together between May 2017 and April 2023 — nearly six years.Taylor and Joe tried their best to keep their romance well out of the public eye.How many boyfriends has Taylor Swift had?It is impossible to know exactly how many people Taylor has been romantically involved with, but our list based on her reported high-profile flings and relationships puts the number of boyfriends she’s had at 12.Here’s a recap of who they are:

      Joe Jonas (July 2008 – October 2008)

      Lucas Till (March 2009 – April 2009)

      Taylor Lautner (August 2009 – December 2009)

      John Mayer (December 2009 – February 2010)

      Jake Gyllenhaal (October 2010-January 2011)

      Conor Kennedy (July 2012 – October 2012)

      Harry Styles (October 2012 – January 2013)

      Calvin Harris (February 2015 – June 2016)

      Tom Hiddleston (June 2016 – September 2016)

      Joe Alwyn (May 2017 – April 2023)

      Matty Healy (May 2023-June 2023)

      Travis Kelce (September 2023-)

      Who is Taylor Swift’s oldest ex?Of Taylor’s ex-boyfriends, John Mayer is the oldest at 46.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext on the list come Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Hiddleston, who are both 43 — but Jake is exactly two months older than Tom.Jake was born on December 19, 1980, whereas Tom was born on February 19, 1981. More

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      Fabio & Grooverider return to the underground with a five week London club residency

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      FRESH from selling out Hammersmith Apollo with their immersive 30 Years of Jungle and Drum & Bass experience with The Outlook Orchestra, the godfathers of D&B take it back to the underground for five shows at XOYO London in May.The five-week run promises to be a tribute to the roots of D&B and the iconic duo will be joined by the likes of Ray Keith, Micky Finn, Ratpack, Nicky Blackmarket and a myriad of other luminaries along the way.CLICK OR TAP ON IMAGE FOR TICKETS TO ANY OF THE RESIDENCY PARTIESFabio & Grooverider, Fitzroy Heslop (Fabio) and Raymond Bingham (Grooverider) are pivotal figures in the evolution of electronic dance music, particularly renowned for their influential contributions to the UK’s jungle and drum and bass scenes. Emerging in the late 1980s, the duo played a pivotal role in shaping rave culture, gaining prominence through DJ sets on pirate radio stations and at the world’s best clubs. With a career spanning more than three decades, Fabio & Grooverider have left an indelible mark in the history of electronic dance music and rave culture – and this irrepressible duo are far from finished yet.Fabio & GrooveriderThe highly coveted XOYO residency is a cornerstone in the venue’s reputation but is only a fragment of the positive culture that XOYO perpetuates across its clubs in London and Birmingham, providing high-quality, diverse, inclusive and safe dancefloors for UK clubland’s electronic music devotees.We sat down for an exclusive in-depth interview with our friends at Movements to discuss the origins of the D&B scene ahead of Fabio & Grooverider’s debut with the Outlook Orchestra back in 2022 which you can watch below or listen to on our Mixcloud podcast by clicking the image.CLICK OR TAP THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH FABIO & GROOVERIDERAhead of Fabio & Grooverider starting their residency at XOYO next month we caught up with them again and asked them to talk us through another killer playlist in anticipation of the very special series of parties in May. Listen and read what they had to say below.Calibre – Electric Soul Killer soul / dnb from one of Fabio’s favourite producers.      [embedded content]London Elektricity – Billion-dollar gravy (Watch The Ride Remix)Most read in MusicTearing remix from the on-form Watch the Ride Camp.                             [embedded content]Break feat Fats – Natural way Personal favourite, a fitting tribute to the late great MC Fats.        [embedded content]LSB – Give You UpBeautiful liquid roller for those summer nights.      [embedded content]Easy – Get DownMoody Roller from the excellent Influence recs camp.      [embedded content]Goldie – Inner City life (Break Remix) Break does a job on this timeless classic.         READ MORE SUN STORIESEgyptian Empire – The Horn Track (Blade Rework 2024)Should come with a health warning.[embedded content] More

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      This is rawest thing I’ve done… the message is we only have one life — so we better live it, says St Vincent on album

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      “I WOULDN’T really call this a pop record,” says St Vincent describing her new album All Born Screaming.“I did call it ‘post plague pop’ at the start but I then retracted that idea as I wouldn’t call this ‘pop’ in a straightforward sense,” claims the singer, AKA Annie Clark of her seventh album.This is a more serious-looking Annie Clark from the look of her last album, 2021s Daddy’s Home, where she playfully donned a blonde wig and Seventies-style green suitCredit: Alex Da CorteClark says her new album is divided into two moods and two distinct partsCredit: Alex Da CorteThe album cover for All Born Screaming shows Clark on fireCredit: Alex Da Corte “It’s the rawest thing I’ve ever done. Artists are the psychic mirror to the culture they live in.“I don’t mean to sound too highfalutin, but we’re like little weathervanes. We catch wind of the feeling of where something’s going. It’s a violent world and you have to make sense of that in some form and keep going.“Songs have a premonitory power in my experience.”We meet at the three-time Grammy winner’s central London hotel. Dressed in a red polo neck jumper, black leather jacket and with her dark hair scraped back, this is a more serious-looking Clark from the look of her last album, 2021s Daddy’s Home, where she playfully donned a blonde wig and Seventies-style green suit.READ MORE BIG INTERVIEWSThe prodigious US musician and singer, 41, who has been compared to Prince and David Bowie, says her new album is divided into two moods and two distinct parts.‘Dave is my buddy, so I just called him up’ “Without tying the record up in too much of a bow, it’s a more brutal first half and then there’s hope.“It’s a season of hell to get to the people we love — which is all we have. The message is we only have one life — so we better live it.”The superb All Born Screaming is a collaborative album and features Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and the band’s new drummer Josh Freese, Cate Le Bon, Beck/Nine Inch Nails producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen and War-paint drummer Stella Mozgawa.Most read in Music“Dave is my buddy, so I just called him up,” says Clark of the Foo Fighters singer who plays drums on first single Broken Man. Clark played with Grohl when she fronted the remaining members of Nirvana at their 2014 induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.The electricity is actually coming through your fingers. It’s Dave Grohl’s touch in the room and the way he playsShe says: “I sent him Broken Man and called him up. I was like, ‘Hey, are you around anytime? Can you come over to the studio?’“And yeah, he’s Dave Grohl so he rolls up in his truck. Smokes some Parliaments has some coffee tells more stories, we laugh and then he’s like, ‘Great, I’m ready to go’. And then he plays the song, and it sounds like Dave f***ing Grohl. And it’s so exciting.“It was the first song that people heard from the record and I wanted to be shaken around like a rag doll by music and Broken Man does that.“The electricity is actually coming through your fingers. It’s Dave Grohl’s touch in the room and the way he plays.“And the guitar! The noise took me back to my first band when I played guitar in a band called Skull F***ers. That was my first foray into how the guitar is a violent noisemaker. There wasn’t any jazz fingerstyl! I just made a cacophonous hellscape unto the Lord.”Grohl and Meldal-Johnsen also appear on St Vincent’s new single, Flea, playing drums and bass. Clark says: “When I was listening and heard Dave coming through, I immediately stood up, just because there’s so much energy. It’s so exciting.‘A greatest hits of people I love’“That track is a homage to every one of my musical heroes. There’s a nod to Joni Mitchell’s Free Man In Paris, there’s PJ Harvey’s Rid Of Me; there’s a Tori Amos nod in there; there’s Blood Roses, there’s a bit of Sleater-Kinney and Steely Dan’s Aja in there and Dave Grohl is playing on it!“From the music nerd perspective Flea is a greatest hits of people I love.”All Born Screaming is St Vincent’s first self-produced record. She produced Sleater-Kinney’s 2019 album, The Center Won’t Hold, and co-produced her previous two albums Daddy’s Home and 2017s Mass- eduction with Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey producer Jack Antonoff.“I definitely think collaboration is so exciting, and I love doing it but I just needed to make this one on my own,” says Clark.“I’ve co-produced all my records and I’ve been recording myself since I was 14 in my bedroom, first on a four-track Tascam cassette recorder and then on early versions of digital audio.“Spending a lot of time alone in the studio and honing my chops playing with my esoteric drum machines and modulars. That’s how I learned to write and find out what I was thinking.“You feel like you’re a god harnessing electricity. I definitely put the hours in. It’s nerdy s**t for sure.“That’s how I learned to arrange, so producing is a very natural process for me because I started young. But kids can do it now because they have access to the software and tools and, of course, more women should. And when other women say I’ve opened doors for them it’s so cool and makes me want to cry.”You feel like you’re a god harnessing electricity. I definitely put the hours in. It’s nerdy s**t for sureClark credits friend Cate Le Bon as influential on the record. Not only does she appear on the seven-minute title track, she also lifted Clark when she was going through a period of self-doubt.“Yeah, I was petulant with the music,” admits Clark. It just wasn’t right and I got very adolescent and petulant with it. Cate came in and was like, ‘Calm it down. This is exciting. Calm it down’.“With the song, All Born Screaming, I had a programmed beat and a guitar line. And I told Cate I’d tried seven different feels, but I couldn’t quite crack the code.“Cate was like, ‘You go take a nap. Give me a beer, a bass, and two hours’. And in two hours, the good Welsh girl that she is came back and had written that bassline. I was like, ‘Uh huh?’ She helped get me back on track. And she helped me with the album title.“I was tossing out various titles and one was All Born Screaming. Cate was like, ‘All Born Screaming is it!’. We are all born screaming — it’s the most primal sound of life ever. And it can mean protest. It’s a title which can be as profound or as flippant as you want it to be.”The album cover for All Born Screaming shows Clark on fire.‘I’m not really interested in playing a persona’“Oh that’s me on fire all right,” she says. “Fire means so many things. Historically, whether you’re Icarus or you’re a Phoenix, or it’s like cleansing, you have to walk through it to get to something, you know, to the other side. And life is a fire dance which is both destructive and constructive.“I tried to build a world instead of just building the music part. I’ve worked with my friend, artist Alex Da Corte, on the creative direction of this record. He’s major in the art world and I can’t believe he’s slumming it with me in music, to be honest.“For a number of records, I was very into metaconcept and iconography. I’d think that was what it was to be a modern pop star and play with idolatry.“For this album I’m way less interested in playing with that construct. This is just me. At this point, I’m not really interested in playing a persona.“If the work is good, and the songs speak to people, you don’t need much of a narrative.”There’s a tremendous amount of anxiety in music and I’ve had an anxiety disorder since I was eight. It never stopped me from doing anything, it just robbed me of the joy of doing itNext month, Clark plays two dates in the UK, including a night at London’s Royal Albert Hall. She says: “It’s going to be hard-hitting. The show will have an element of ‘Just don’t stop the groove!’, which is something I learned from DJing.“You get a whole new level of respect for the groove when you DJ, because a groove is so exciting, but also so comforting.St. Vincent performs onstage in LA earlier this monthCredit: GettyNext month, Clark plays two dates in the UK, including a night at London’s Royal Albert HallCredit: Getty“If there’s a groove and people feel good and feel safe they can relax, and enjoy themselves. And as an artist, feeling the energy of the crowd is exciting and drives you too.“There’s a tremendous amount of anxiety in music and I’ve had an anxiety disorder since I was eight. It never stopped me from doing anything, it just robbed me of the joy of doing it. And with music you’re metabolising the chaos of the world anyway so with a show you leave all your blood, sweat and tears on stage and get it all out.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So when people get to see this show, I hope they enjoy it.”ST VINCENTAll Born ScreamingSt Vincent’s new album All Born Screaming is out on April 26Credit: Supplied★★★★★ More

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      Spotify launches bizarre playlist from whacky global artist after shock rise in record sales

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      MUSIC fans can now celebrate a true global artist who has been around for millions of years — Mother Nature.She has been given her own page on Spotify, boasting a biodiverse playlist including piggy noises and tropical birdsong.Mother Nature has been given her own page on SpotifyCredit: GettyPossible colabs for Mother NatureMusical artists have been freely using sounds from the ecosystem for decades, effectively sponging off the planet.But now they can collaborate with an accredited artist — called “Nature” with she/her pronouns — and generate funds for conservation projects.Ellie Goulding is among artists already on board, with her track Brightest Blue remixed to feature Colombian rainforests.A new version of David Bowie’s Get Real also includes cries from hyenas and wild pigs, while London Grammar and Brian Eno are also on the new playlist.READ MORE MUSIC NEWSLaunched ahead of Earth Day next Monday, it is part of the UN’s Sounds Right campaign which hopes to raise £32million.Other acts to have collaborated with Nature for the new initiative which launched yesterday ahead of Earth Day next Monday include V from the K-pop group BTS.Cathy Runciman, co-executive director of the music industry’s climate foundation EarthPercent, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many brilliant artists excited to engage creatively with the sounds of nature and supportive of Sounds Right’s core objective to see that nature is fairly compensated for her musical contributions.“We know that many artists care deeply about protecting and restoring nature and it’s a privilege to launch these collaborations via the Feat. NATURE playlist and together generate positive impact for biodiversity.Most read in MusicThe popular music streaming giant recently announced that subscriptions are rising by up to £2 per month.Among those investments in recent years is the introduction of audiobooks.Spotify’s new AI feature lets you ask it to make any playlist for you – but there’s a trick to finding it in the app More

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      The Tortured Poets Department updates — Taylor Swift confirms Fortnight with Post Malone as lead single on new album

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      THE highly anticipated album by Taylor Swift, titled The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) is only hours away – and the first single has been revealed.The Grammy-winning artist revealed on Thursday that the lead single from her upcoming album The Tortured Poets Department, is Fortnight featuring Post Malone.“I’ve been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever,” Swift wrote on Instagram. “I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we worked together on Fortnight.”A music video for the single will be debuting at 8 pm ET on Friday after the release of the album hours earlier. This is yet the first of two songs Taylor will be featuring another artist on in her album. Florence + The Machine’s Florence Welch collaborated with her on the song Florida!!!, which is also on TTPD.Swift announced the upcoming album in her speech after winning the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album for 2022’s Midnights. This project is her 11th studio album.TTPD will be available to stream at midnight. Follow our The Tortured Poets Department live blog for the latest updates… 24 hours left to a music video release
      Fans can look forward to the release of an all-new music video from Taylor Swift exactly 24 hours from now.
      It is not yet known for which song the music video will be.
      Credit: Instagram // Taylor Swift
      Copy linkCopiedTaylor doesn’t stop releasing albums
      Taylor Swift has released 10 studio albums, including:

      Taylor Swift
      Fearless
      Speak Now
      Red
      1989
      Reputation
      Lover
      Folklore
      Evermore
      Midnights

      The Tortured Poets Department will be available to fans in just hours on April 19.
      Copy linkCopiedTaylor is worth billions, continued
      When Swift released a re-recording of her nine-year-old album 1989, she became the first billionaire, according to Bloomberg.
      The pop singer is an economic force unto herself, driving tourism dollars to the towns where she performs, thanks to the spending of her hordes of devoted fans on everything Swift.
      According to the U.S. Travel Association, her Eras Tour helped local economies in the United States alone to the tune of more than $5 billion.
      Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has even increased NFL fandom and American football expenditures.
      Copy linkCopiedTaylor is worth billions
      Taylor Swift is a self-made billionaire because her music has been the main source of her enormous riches.
      In addition to pop singers, other extremely successful celebrities have become billionaires through product lines or brand collaborations that have nothing to do with their artistic endeavors.
      Swift receives money from the sale of her records, music catalog, concert tour tickets, and streaming partnerships.
      She also has many expensive residences all around the United States. Based on examinations of her riches, Bloomberg and Forbes estimate her net worth to be at least $1.1 billion.
      Copy linkCopiedAll about Taylor Swift
      Born December 13, 1989, Taylor Swift is a singer-songwriter from the United States.
      She is a famous cultural personality of the 21st century, known for her songwriting, musical variety, artistic reinventions, and influence on the music business.
      Taylor began composing professionally at the age of 14 and signed with Big Machine Records in 2005 to pursue a career as a country singer.
      She recorded six studio albums on Big Machine, four of which were for country radio, beginning with her self-titled album in 2006.
      Taylor is one of the best-selling musicians in history, the most-streamed female artist on Spotify, and the only act to have five albums with first-week sales of over one million copies in the United States.
      Copy linkCopiedSpotify pop-up explained
      Swifties in Los Angeles had a celebration to commemorate the release of TTPD.
      A preview of part of the album’s lyrics was given at the three-day event, which took place at the Grove on April 16–18.
      Throughout the course of three days, the pages of a manuscript that was the focal point of the installation revealed new lyrics at regular intervals.
      Following the album’s name, Florida, on the globe, a bust of a peace sign, a quill and fountain pens, and other possible Easter eggs hidden in the pop-up library, fans flocked to social media to identify them.
      Copy linkCopiedWhen the album officially drops
      TTPD will be available on Friday at 12 am ET. It is currently available for preorder on Taylor Swift’s website.
      Be ready for any delays if you intend to stream The Tortured Poets Department as soon as it becomes available.
      Spotify experienced a brief outage following the release of Swift’s brand-new album Midnights, caused by sheer demand.
      Copy linkCopiedTTPD will have bonus songs
      The Bolter, The Albatross, The Black Dog, and The Manuscript are the four TTPD variation editions that have been confirmed.
      Each variant is called for the bonus track that it will contain. Although Swift has encouraged her fans to preorder these editions on her website, Target also carries the CD and vinyl copies of the album.
      Most of the alternative editions—including The Bolter, The Albatross, and The Black Dog—are offered as CDs.
      The Manuscript additional song serves as the name of the fourth variation edition, which is exclusively available at Target on CD and vinyl in “phantom clear” or “ghost white” colors.
      Preorders for vinyl bundles of the other variation editions—The Bolter, The Albatross, and The Black Dog—that came with a premium CD and cassette were also available from Swift.
      Copy linkCopiedTTPD details
      The album features songs by Post Malone and Florence and the Machine, while Swift collaborated with Aaron Dessner on her most recent album in addition to her longtime friend Jack Antonoff.
      Swift is credited with multiple solo writing credits on this album.
      The singer wrote the songs Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me and My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys.
      Copy linkCopiedStandard tracklist for TTPD
      Fans lovingly refer to The Tortured Poets Department as TTPD. It features 16 all-new songs and four bonus tracks exclusive to each edition. Here is the official tracklist:

      Fortnight (featuring Post Malone)
      The Tortured Poets Department
      My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
      Down Bad
      So Long, London
      But Daddy I Love Him
      Fresh Out the Slammer
      Florida!!! (featuring Florence + The Machine)
      Guilty as Sin?
      Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
      I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
      Loml
      I Can Do It with a Broken Heart
      The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
      The Alchemy
      Clara Bow

      Copy linkCopiedSource says Taylor wrote two songs about Travis
      Taylor, 34, is said to have written two love songs for Travis, however, it’s unclear if those are the ones he’s supposedly favorited, per an Us Weekly source last month.
      “They have to do with their love story and falling in love with him,” the source said. “They’re very special.”
      “Just like most people journal, Taylor writes lyrics,” the source added. “Her relationship with Travis has inspired her.”
      Copy linkCopiedTravis Kelce has his favorites off TTPD
      Before the album’s formal release on Friday, Travis Kelce is said to have listened to every song on girlfriend Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, and to have already chosen his favorites.
      The 34-year-old tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs enjoys “Down Bad” and “loml” the most, but he also “loves everything he has heard,” a source told the Daily Mail on Thursday.
      Copy linkCopied’Huge fan of Post’
      Taylor announced her first single in an Instagram post, which features a photo with Post Malone and promotes their song Fortnight.
      “The first single from The Tortured Poets Department is…………. Fortnight featuring @postmalone,” she wrote in the post. “I’ve been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever. I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we worked together on Fortnight. Honestly can’t wait for you guys to hear this song at Midnight TONIGHT and see the video at 8pm ET TOMORROW.”
      Copy linkCopiedTaylor Swift drops CD single
      Fans can now purchase Taylor Swift’s single Fortnight featuring Post Malone off TTPD on her website.
      Credit: taylorswift.com
      Copy linkCopied2 pm ET easter egg, continued
      Swift also shared a video on social media on Tuesday that featured a schedule for the album’s release.
      A clock with a timer at 2:00 was there; this appears to be the same hour as the release of her music video for Anti-Hero and her music video for Bejeweled.
      The Instagram video also featured two desks and a typewriter that resembled her website.
      Copy linkCopied2 pm ET easter egg
      The hours, minutes, and seconds leading up to Friday—when Taylor Swift releases her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, are being breathlessly counted down by her admirers.
      Swift has now placed a real clock on her website—but perhaps for a different reason.
      There is a countdown clock on the For a Fortnight page, and it is counting down to Thursday at 2 pm.
      The singer’s favorite number, 13, and the typewriter-styled initials “ttpd,” which stand for the record’s title, are shown on the website’s background.
      Credit: taylorswift.com
      Copy linkCopiedSome fans refuse to listen to reported leaks
      A few fans have decided to not participate in listening to the leaks and are saying so online.
      “I can’t imagine wanting to listen to it any other way than when it comes out, in track order, and experiencing it/talking about it with other Swifties,” said one fan.
      “what the point of leaking something when it comes out in less than 24 hours anyway like literally just CHILL,” wrote another Swiftie.
      “I support artists and their music and how they choose to share it, when they choose to share it, and where they choose to share it,” a third wrote. “Listening to this stuff early, is a slap in the face to all the work Taylor is doing to own her work. I’ll be listening on the 19th at midnight!
      Copy linkCopiedFans make comment about reported lyrics
      Taylor Swift fans who listened to what reports are calling leaked songs from TTPD have shared their thoughts on social media.
      “Where and when tf did taylor say this,” one fan questioned.
      “The Charlie Puth line is some real madness,” another tweeted. “that taylor swift ai tiktok audio about her having kelce as her last name had better lyrics omfg.”
      Copy linkCopied’Leaked’ songs shared on Google Drive
      The songs were reportedly shared via a Google Drive link, but user Drew (@hydratedangel) posted a clip on X/Twitter of one of the tunes on Thursday.
      Before it was removed, it had gotten one million views.
      Copy linkCopiedSupposed ‘lyrics’ from ‘leaked’ song
      Fans who have heard the reportedly leaked TTPD are analyzing the lyrics to one of the supposed songs.
      One line is being particularly prodded by fans.
      Some of the lines in one of the tunes being discussed by fans included references to Charlie Puth and golden retrievers, which sent Swifties into a frenzy.
      Copy linkCopiedTaylor Swift’s album reportedly leaked
      There are rumors that Taylor Swift’s next album, The Tortured Poets Department, has leaked, and fans are making fun of the lyrics on social media.
      The pop icon’s 11th studio album will be released on Friday, April 19.
      But according to reports, the 17-song tracklist leaked online on Wednesday night, two days before the album’s scheduled release.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Nineties rock frontwoman who dated two huge Britpop stars has barely aged a day 30 years after chart hits

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      THE likes of Suede and Elastica were at the very heart of the Britpop movement in the nineties. Three decades later, the frontwoman at the heart of both these groups seems to have barely aged a day.Justine Frischmann has barely aged since her Britpop daysCredit: Youtube / ElasticaShe made up the lineup of Elastica alongside Annie Holland, Donna Matthews and former Suede drummer Justin WelchCredit: GettyHer relationships shaped the whole Britpop movementCredit: GettyDecades after her charts success, Justine Frischmann, 54, now lives in San Francisco, USA. She swapped the UK for the Bay Area in the Californian city where she now works as a painter. Even though she is mostly away from the music industry, she looks younger than ever. She still sports her striking facial features and her brunette hair is styled into a cropped bob cut with split bangs. READ MORE ON NINETIES STARSIt seems that the guitarist put her music days behind her as she admitted she sold much of her collection. She told The Guardian: “When I left London, I gave away or sold my record collection, most of which was covered in candle wax and jam.”Her art will soon go on display in a solo show at the prestigious Volta art fair in Basel, Switzerland in June. Justine’s first foray into the music industry came when was studying for an architecture degree. Most read in MusicThe student met Brett Anderson in 1988 and a year later, the pair co-founded Suede after their tenure at University College London. They became a couple soon after meeting, but by 1991 tensions within the group had grown tense and she was kicked out the band.Arguments arose when she couldn’t commit time to the group, due to her relationship with Blur star Damon Albarn.Watch the awkward moment a furious Damon Albarn slams Coachella crowd in sweary rant The rock pair later broke up in 1998, which served as inspirations for the tracks, ‘Tender’ and ‘No Distance Left to Run’.This was when she founded Elastica with former Suede drummer Justin Welch. For 10 years, her second group held the record for the fasting-selling debut after their self-titled first album shot straight to number one. Their first single initially only charted at number 60 in the UK singles charts, but they achieved significant exposure. Their next three tracks from the first album all reached the top 20 when they received their release. The group performed at some of the biggest venues in music, taking to the stage at Glastonbury in 1995. READ MORE SUN STORIESThey later joined the Lollapalooza tour performing round the states constantly for a whole year. She has since stepped away from musicCredit: AlamyThree decades later, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and works as a painterCredit: GettyShe will showcase her work at the prestigious Volta Art FairCredit: Youtube / Elastica More