Independent Podcast Awards | whynow and Verbal Diorama announce inaugural awards
whynow have joined forces with Verbal Diorama to launch the inaugural Independent Podcast Awards, with entries now open ahead of a ceremony in London later this year.
Posts by: Archie Brydon
Glastonbury 2023 | Lineup, stages and times confirmed
The final lineup and stage times have been confirmed for this year’s Glastonbury festival, with Rick Astley and Queens Of The Stone Age added to the flagship event.
The Absolute State of Guinness World Records
With all the good records gone, the Guinness World Records have become a cash grab, eroding the authority of their name, and turning what should be a celebration of human achievement into an exercise in corporate greed - or, in some cases, worse.
Pistolz & Pearlz review | Almost drunk karaoke from Kodak Black
★☆☆☆☆
Kodak Black’s Pistolz & Pearlz is likely to be the Florida rapper’s final album with Atlantic Records, but he seems as uninterested making the album as I am listening to it.
Sam Smith forced to cancel upcoming shows with “vocal cord injury”
After stopping last night’s Manchester gig after just four songs, Sam Smith has cancelled rescheduled dates in Birmingham and Glasgow due to “a vocal cord injury”.
Smashed Kurt Cobain guitar smashes auction estimates
Kurt Cobain’s smashed Fender Stratocaster guitar sold for $595,900 (£479,496) at an auction in New York, fetching more than 10 times the original estimate.
Foo Fighters announce Josh Freese as new drummer
Josh Freese has been announced as the new drummer for Foo Fighters, following the death of the band’s former drummer, Taylor Hawkins, last year.
Slowthai removed from line-ups for Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds festivals
Slowthai has been removed from the online line-ups of both Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds festivals, after the rapper was charged with two counts of rape.
The Absolute State of Paper Straws
Paper straws continue to plague society, heralded as a “green” product when they are simply greener than their plastic predecessor. Instead of comparing the two, it’s time to shift the needle towards outlawing single-use straws altogether, recognising them as the infantalising and superfluous scourge that they are.
The Compo Face | A look at the British stories that really matter
There is a new journalistic form sweeping across Britain. It is known simply as the “Compo Face”, and it's equally horrendous as it is glorious.
The Absolute State of the Welsh Rugby Union
A proud rugby nation is being run into the ground, with this week’s provisional World Cup squad debacle again highlighting the absolute state of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2023 inductees announced
This year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced, with Kate Bush, George Michael, Willy Nelson and Missy Elliot among the artists to be inducted at this year’s ceremony.
Jackman review | Jack Harlow's superhero isn't necessarily super, but he is human
★★★☆☆ Short and sweet, Jack Harlow’s new album, Jackman won’t set the world on fire, but sees the Kentucky native find his playful, braggadocious groove again, while still making room for plenty of introspection.
The Absolute State of Nicholas Alahverdian
This week, footage emerged of American sex offender Nicholas Alahverdian (also known as Nicholas Rossi) putting on a comically bad performance as a British and Irish man named Arthur Knight - at least it might be funny, if he wasn’t, you know, a convicted sex offender, domestic abuser and alleged rapist.
Cigarettes and sex appeal | Has the allure of smoking finally burned out?
A new study reveals that non-smokers outperformed smokers on dating apps. Is smoking sexy, or is the appeal gone for good?
Weed legalisation, 420 and the second Great Stink
420 celebrations in Hyde Park make for a rather depressing sight and smell, but the event inadvertently highlights how obsolete Britain’s marijuana laws are.
The Absolute State of the Michael Schumacher AI interview
Amidst the confusion over how to best harness the powers of artificial intelligence, this week has provided one clear example over how not to use the technology.
K-pop star Moonbin passes away at 25
Moonbin, a member of the K-pop boy band ASTRO, has been found dead at his home in Seoul, South Korea, at the age of 25.
420 | What's the story behind the marijuana holiday?
It’s 420 this Thursday. The annual marijuana holiday will see people across the world celebrate their favourite herb, but where did 420 come from, how will the UK celebrate, and will Britain legalise weed?
How is artificial intelligence going to change music?
We imagine a dystopian musical world of the future, as industry experts warn of the danger posed by AI if not handled with sufficient care.
Heart on My Sleeve | AI-generated Drake and Weeknd track taken down after copyright claim from Universal Music Group
Heart On My Sleeve’, which was generated by artificial intelligence to sound like a collaboration between Drake and The Weeknd, has been removed from streaming platforms after accumulating millions of views, due to a copyright claim from Universal Music Group.
The Absolute State of gambling adverts
Premier League clubs have reached a long overdue agreement to ban gambling sponsors from the front of shirts, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg in Britain cracking down on gambling advertising.
God Save The Streets review | Avelino's belated debut has moments, but is underwhelming
★★★☆☆ On his long-awaited, highly-touted debut album God Save The Streets, Avelino fails to reach the heights he thinks he does.
Dame Mary Quant | Designer who helped shape the swinging 60s dies at 93
Dame Mary Quant, the pioneering fashion designer credited with popularising the mini-skirt, has died at the age of 93.
The Absolute State of Andrew Tate's War Room
I tried to join Andrew Tate’s War Room and become one of the budding prophet’s disciples. It’s a shame, therefore, for a charlatan with such lofty ambitions, that The War Room is such a rubbish scam.
John Legend at Royal Albert Hall review | An evening with one of the very best in the business
An Evening With John Legend came to London’s Royal Albert Hall, as the overpolished American crooner masterfully held the ballroom with songs, stories and even a joke or two.
Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize | 2023 Finalists announced
Bieke Depoorter, Samuel Fosso, Arthur Jafa and Frida Orupabo have been revealed as the four international artists shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2023.
Stevie Martin and Lola-Rose Maxwell: 'screen time is the perfect show'
Millions watched comedians Stevie Martin and Lola-Rose Maxwell satirise the modern world over Zoom during lockdown. Now they’ve written a TV show, called screen time, and it’s out today.
Beau Is Afraid trailer arrives ahead of 19 May UK release
A new trailer for Beau Is Afraid, the upcoming film by Ari Aster starring Joaquin Phoenix, has arrived ahead of the film’s 19 May UK release date.
First official portrait of King Charles III unveiled
The first official portrait of King Charles III has been unveiled. Painted by Alastair Barford, the monarch did not sit for the portrait and instead Barford studied “the King while he was busying himself at a Buckingham Palace reception [in February]”, according to the Express.
