Friday 25 April 2025

Hello, hello, how's everyone doing? Over at the Indy it's feeling increasingly frantic (maybe it's just me) because suddenly festival season is right around the corner, kicking off with The Great Escape in Brighton in a matter of weeks, not to mention Eurovision, AND Mighty Hoopla at the end of May. I've been doing the double whammy of working on our European festival guide and speaking to some of my favourite Eurovision 2025 contestants, which feels ripe for some kind of mix-up involving Tommy Cash and Sziget Festival. Elsewhere, we just confirmed the support band for Skunk Anansie when they headline our stage at TGE, so stay tuned for the big reveal VERY SOON.

I hope you had a read of Craig McLean's Billy Idol interview last week but if not, there's still time! It really is a cracking conversation, very lively. Other features from this week include Hannah Ewens' speaking to James Arthur about his new album, Pisces, classism and much more besides, and Gregory Robinson who theorises that Gen Z pop artists are deliberately leaning into a superficial sound.  Mark Beaumont reviewed Lorde's comeback single (praise be), while Helen Brown tuned into the new Self Esteem album.

The briefest of pauses from the Good Vibrations podcast this week while we ready a new episode with the one and only Kate Nash, eep! Also, a new Music Box session just dropped starring the charming, brand new singer-songwriter Nancy Williams, who was discovered by Welsh film director Jonny Owen (he was the one who sent me her music, thanks Jonny). Enjoy and have a marvellous weekend!

Finally a blast through some new music I'm loving: special shout-out to Jack O'Connell and co for his superb take on "The Rocky Road to Dublin" from the film Sinners, wow. I'm also digging the new (old?) Lorde, I really wasn't a fan of Solar Power but this feels like a welcome to return to what she does best and, unsurprisingly, she sounds completely in her element. Shaboozey and Jelly Roll are a dream team on "Amen", Haim are glorious on "Down to Be Wrong" (between them and Lorde, what a summer this will be), Coco Jones killing it "On Sight", rising star Jensen McRae on "Let Me Be Wrong", and Yungblud continuing on his epic rock journey with "Lovesick Lullaby".  

Think we'll leave it there but tune into the Now Hear This playlist later today and I'll try and add some fresh bangers. 

BYE x

Written by Roisin O'Connor

Justin Bieber has issued a statement amid rampant rumors about his mental health and personal life.

On Thursday, the "Baby" singer shared a lengthy message on Instagram about the "gossip" and "lies" about him.

"The feeling of guilt can be relieved. How? Not by going to church or reading ur Bible. But just receive that God forgives," his post began. "They treat me like a** out here, but I remember that I am flawed and God forgave me."

"It helps me to stop feeling better than those who are mean and hurtful because when I'm really honest, I can be mean and hurtful too," he continued. "My instinct is to be like, 'Damn I wouldn't gossip and spread lies about someone on the internet,' but there's other s*** I do I'm not proud of."

He then touched on his marriage to Hailey Bieber and the divorce rumors that have been circulating for the last few months. "And honestly if I was you it would be hard not to be jealous if I saw me and Hailey going so brazzzzyy," the "Sorry" singer wrote.

"It's really up for us and that's understandable why people can't stand it. I don't blame em."

FULL STORY.

Don't forget to complete your registration

We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience.

By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:

Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today. 

Subscribe to the official Now Hear This playlist on Apple Music and stay up to date with all the best new releases

1. "What Was That" - Lorde

2. "Down to Be Wrong" - Haim

3. "Let Me Be Wrong" - Jensen McRae

Stream over 100 million songs with no ads. Get one month free of Apple Music*
T&Cs*New subscribers only. £10.99/month after trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled.

ON THE RECORD

I've never had to kiss arse – I got here on merit

James Arthur to The Independent, April 2025

I'm the sexy sexagenarian. Then I'm gonna be the sexy septuagenarian, ha ha!

Billy Idol to The Independent, April 2025

I was trying to marry my upbringing with the jazz hands with poetry, which was my true love, and that's being a singer-songwriter

Samia to The Independent, April 2025

Spotlight on... Willy Cobb

Hello! Tell me about yourself

My name's Willy Cobb, I'm from a small town in Georgia called Richland, about 2 hours south of Atlanta, but have been living in Nashville for almost 4 years now. I'm 24 years old, I enjoy being outside a lot and I'm trying to get into gardening...

What are your inspirations and influences?

Biggest inspirations right now definitely have to be anything by Keith Whitley or Nirvana. Also have been vibing with a lot of sunami and MJ Lenderman lately , that whole Manning Fireworks album is phenomenal.

What do you have lined up for 2025?

I've just released my new single "New Chapters" and then going to continue writing for most of 2025, trying to get a decent catalog of songs built up so I can release more albums!! Also spending time with my son as much as I can!

8 best earplugs for concerts and festivals to protect your hearing

From Tate McRae to Addison Rae: Why does Gen Z love nonchalant pop music?

Billy Idol: 'I'm the sexy sexagenarian. Then I'm gonna be the sexy septuagenarian, ha ha!'

The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Join the conversation or follow us

Download the free Independent app

Please do not reply directly to this email

You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Now Hear This newsletter.

To unsubscribe from The Independent's Now Hear This newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.

This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345

Read our privacy notice and cookie policy