'So like a woman to profit from her madness'

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Friday 26 September 2025

OK, who made it into the last two Oasis gigs at Wembley? Enjoy if you're going, you'll have an absolute blast, and if you're not, oh well. There are plenty of other fab things happening this weekend, including the brilliant Parcels over the road at Wembley Arena on Saturday.

What happened this week... well, I was playing music bingo last Friday (literally, it's bingo but with songs) and caught whatever plague is currently doing the rounds, so I've basically been out of action. I missed RAYE's surprise Ronnie Scott's gig, which I was gutted about. But I need my rest, because next week we have Taylor Swift's new album, some more gigs, awards ceremonies (Ivors Academy Honours), music prize judging and even a plaque unveiling or two.

Do have a read of Louis Chilton's interview with Fred Armisen, who has a new album featuring 101 sound effects, apparently. Reviews-wise, we have Helen Brown raving about Olivia Dean's second album, The Art of Loving, while me and Adam took a look at new outings from Mariah Carey, Perrie and Sprints. We have two really great weekend reads for you: Lulu interviewed by Claire Alfree, and Reneé Rapp who spoke with Hannah Ewens.

Also, Mark Beaumont spoke with some of the guys from Ash, Suede and co, as well as author Irvine Welsh, about how the Oasis reunion tour has offered the briefest respite from the tumult and chaos going on in the UK right now. Worth your time.

As for the new music on my playlist right now (updating the Apple Music one soon, promise!), we've got the Olivia Dean album, and Zara Larsson's Midnight Sun, and Doja Cat's Vie. Florence + the Machine is fired up on "One of the Greats" with some of her best songwriting to date: "I did my best, tried to impress, my childhood dream made flesh/ And my dresses and my flowering sadness, so like a woman to profit from her madness/ I was only beautiful under the lights, only powerful there/ Burned down at thirty-six/ Why did you dig me up for this?" WOW. Florence!!!

Also: Tame Impala's "Dracula", spooky AND groovy, Daffo with the lopsided, lovely "Sideways", The Starting Line back with their fourth album, Eternal Youth, sounding AWESOME, and Cate Le Bon with the exquisite Michelangelo Dying. There's also a gorgeous new EP from MEGA, I Am Enough, which I would really recommend especially for a cosy weekend like this one, and another single from Chicago band Ratboys, ""Light Night Mountains All That". Yes.

Enjoy and have a splendid weekend! x

Now Read This:

Taika Waititi: Directing Rita Ora in new music video was 'a dream thing to do'
Guitar 'smashed up' by Liam Gallagher on the night Oasis split goes to auction

Written by Roisin O'Connor

More features...

Mark Ronson: 'I used to try to hide the fact that I came from money'

Written by Hannah Ewens

Lola Young: I'm Only F***ing Myself review – Facing down her monsters in typically bold and blatant style

Written by Helen Brown

ON THE RECORD

I used to try to hide the fact that I came from money

Mark Ronson to The Independent, September 2025

Every day, we were on the cusp of losing it

Biffy Clyro to The Independent, September 2025

I wanted to perform as a woman, not be regarded as a piece of meat

Annie Lennox to The Independent, September 2025

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Tracks of the week

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

1. "One of the Greats" - Florence + The Machine

2. "Dracula" - Tame Impala

3. "Light Night Mountains All That" - Ratboys

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Q&A

Spotlight on... JACOTÉNE

Hello! Tell me about yourself

I'm a 19-year-old Melbourne-born, London-based singer, raised on a soundtrack of soul, funk, and timeless R&B. Thanks to my parents' CD collection, legends like Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill were the background music of my childhood, and now, the inspiration for my own artistic journey. I feel the most when I'm on stage, and I'm grateful that I was put into singing lessons when I was younger ;)

What are your inspirations and influences?

When I think about my inspirations, it's not just their music. It's their qualities that stick with me. The artists mentioned earlier have shaped how I hear and create, both in music and in life. I've noticed that I'm most creative when I'm alone, but at the same time, the chaos of everyday life and the people around me constantly inspire my perspective.

What do you have lined up for the rest of the year and beyond?

The rest of the year is looking very eventful! I plan to release a few new singles, including 'Leave Me (Please Don't Leave Me)' which comes out on Friday 3 October. In addition, I'm excited to continue performing and will announce details of some shows very soon. Beyond that, I'm excited to continue defining JACOTÉNE!

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