Hot Hits & Celeb Bits

Gary Campion

Autumn has appeared out of nowhere and I’ll be honest if it wasn’t for all the new releases and gigs that I have attended I think I would be suffering with S.A.D already, hopefully, I will have got some autumn/winter sun somewhere by the time you are reading this. Let’s get stuck in:

Industry whispers...

Here, did you hear.

Get ready for an incredible year with Lady Gaga! Rumour has it that she’s not only dropping a hot new LG7 pop album in February, but she’s also gearing up to announce a massive album titled “The Legacy of Lady Gaga” in December. And that’s not all - she’s reportedly planning the biggest tour of her career, “The Legacy Ball 2025-2026,” with ticket packages for every continent! It seems like Lady Gaga is aiming for an epic era before taking a well-deserved break to tie the knot and focus on starting a family. Get ready for an unforgettable ride with Lady Gaga!

Get ready for some exciting news! The legendary Sade is making a comeback with a new song after a 5-year hiatus. The track, titled “Young Lion,” will be released on 22nd November 22 as part of a compilation album supporting transgender awareness. Dedicated to her transgender son, Izaak, this new release is set to be a part of “Transa,” an album featuring over 100 contributors celebrating trans and non-binary artists across various genres. Get ready to be blown away by Sade’s powerful return to the music scene!

discovered hidden gems TOP 5:

THE SCARLET OPERA

Heaven is a Place on Earthwith full approval from Belinda herself this track is a fresh rocky theatrical version of this massive banger, I’ve been rocking out to it in front of the mirror since its release!

TONY ALLEN FT PATTI

LABELLE

Stir it Up - I don’t know about you but I have a huge guilty pleasure for an upbeat dance track featuring any iconic R&B diva, this being my latest addition.

CAROLINE KINGSBURY

Take My Phone Away - A rising queer artist with an 80’s inspired sound and strong textured vocals, this track is a call for help and a shout-out of empowerment in one.

RYAN HAND FT JESSICA HAMMOND

Stronger - Local Radio and TV warm-up star turned dance DJ brings this happy house number with sensational vocals from Jessica just what we all need with this depressing weather!

MICHELLE

Mess U Made - a chilled reflective track from the American group of 6 who have recently opened for the amazing Arlo Parks, let’s see what they do next with their recent exposure.

Album Release

I can’t wait for...

I have seen this artist live earlier this year in the summer when he was supporting P!nk for her Croke Park dates and he really did not disappoint as a live performer, sounding as good as he does in the studio which is a testament to talent and not overproduction in my opinion.

Rag’n’Bone Man - What Do You Believe in? - 18th Oct

A testament to his growth as an artist, building upon the success of his previous albums, this new release showcases his ability to blend soulful melodies with contemporary sounds, creating a truly unique listening experience. The album delves into themes of love, loss, and introspection, offering listeners a glimpse into Rag’n’Bone Man’s personal journey.

One of the standout features is the album’s production having collaborated with a talented team of writers and producers to create a sound that is both modern and timeless with the album’s blend of hip-hop, soul, and blues influences. The album’s opening track, “The Right Way,” sets the tone for the rest of the album with its infectious melody and uplifting message.

I love the honesty and openness of the album that Rag’n’Bone Man vocalises throughout the album. His sound, his vocals, and his lyrics have grown, putting him on a level with some of the big seasoned artists of his genre. That smooth-as-silkto-gravel vocal that we have all come to know and love of him has only gotten stronger and clearer since he burst onto the scene. Stand-out tracks for me are “The Right Way,” “Hope You Felt Loved in the End,” and “Chokehold,” with their keys and old-school sounds that you associate with the likes of Marvin Gaye or Otis Redding. If you’re a fan of Rag’n’Bone Man or simply appreciate soulful music, “What Do You Believe In?” is a must-listen, it’s an album that stayed with me long after the final track faded.

Vinyl of the Moment

Cher - Forever - 11th Oct

This is a brand new, expansive career-spanning compilation of the iconic artist Cher! It is the first collection on vinyl since 1992 and features a carefully curated and remastered tracklist of 21 songs that will please longtime Cher fans and new converts alike. Cher has always been a leader, not a follower when it comes to her image, sound, and style, and this vinyl brings you through every single one. I grew up listening to many powerful women in music, but Cher was always top-tier. She even holds the title of “the divorce song” in our house, thanks to her releasing the powerful “If I Could Turn Back Time” around the time my mum finally got her divorce.