News

'Number One' Story - N-Dubz' Dappy dropped from anti-bullying campaign after sending death threats...

The government's anti-bullying campaign Beatbullying announced last week that it was no longer working with Dappy after it was reported he sent death threats to single mum, Chloe Moody. The incident started after appearing on the Chris Moyles Radio 1 show Tuesday morning, where Ms Moody sent texts claiming that N-Dubz were 'losers', and calling Dappy 'a silly little boy with a stupid hat'. Dappy however took the criticism somewhat to heart, taking down Ms Moody's number, and later sending her texts saying, 'Your [sic] gonna die' and 'U sent a very bad msg towards Ndubz on The Chris Moyels [sic] Show yesterday Morning and for that reason u will never be left alone!!! If u say sorry I will leave you alone' featuring a lack of consistency, both in the threats, and in the punctuation used. Dappy has since apologised both to Ms Moody and to Radio 1, while a BBC spokesman also apologised for their role in the incident.

Marion Cotillard records song with Franz Ferdinand...

Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard has teamed up with Franz Ferdinand to record a song for the new Dior ad campaign. Ms Cotillard previously showed off her singing talents in her role as Edith Piaf in 2007 film La Vie En Rose, for which she won an Oscar. New song, 'The Eyes of Mars', is to soundtrack an advert featuring Ms Cotillard as a woman who transforms into a cabaret singer, appearing behind a red velvet curtain to sing the song.

Stream 'The Eyes of Mars' here.

Vampire Weekend wow crowd at Somerset House despite technical difficulties...

New York band Vampire Weekend performed a free concert at Somerset House last Thursday as part of a promotional tour for new album, Contra. The band braved the cold and technical problems to cheer up chilly concert goers with a set list that included new single 'Cousins', as well as old favourite such as 'Walcott' and 'A-Punk'. Sadly a power outtage cut short new track 'Horchata' leaving the band left to waving and taking pictures of the crowd. Spirits remained upbeat however, with lead singer Ezra Koenig apologising for over-running: 'What kind of rush you in? Dinner plans? Going to see a movie?' Vampire Weekend repeated the same set list without interruption at Rough Trade East the next night, before DJing across the road at Video Visions bar. Despite all the promotional activity 'Contra' debuted at no. 3 in the charts, with Florence and the Machine's 'Lungs' finally claiming the top spot, over five months after its release.

Watch an interview with Vampire Weekend and tracks from their Somerset House gig here.

Notable & New Singles

Biffy Clyro - 'Many of Horror (When We Collide)'
Example - We Won't Go Quietly'
Empire of the Sun - 'Without You'

Albums Released

Fyfe Dangerfield - Fly Yellow Moon
Lostprophets - The Betrayed
OneRepublic - Waking Up

Latest gigs

Tuesday 19 January - Local Natives - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Thursday 21 January - The Invisible - Borderline
Friday 22 January - Delphic - NME Awards at Cargo