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The Great Escape festival 2013: Our 12 favourite acts
Monday, May 20 2013, 16:28 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor and Lewis Corner, Music Reporter

Europe's biggest festival for new music, The Great Escape, took place in Brighton last weekend.
With over 350 artists playing across 30 venues over three days, Digital Spy went down to seek out the best fresh talent in the industry.
We've listed our 12 favourite acts from the festival that we predict big things for in 2013 below.
John Newman
After topping the chart with Rudimental on 'Feel The Love' last year, the singer has already garnered widespread acclaim for his solo debut 'Love Me Again'.
Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear
Monday, May 20 2013, 12:25 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor and Lewis Corner, Music Reporter
Listen to our ten favourite new songs below, including tracks from Kanye West, Kelly Rowland, Joe Goddard and Solange.
Kanye West: 'New Slaves' (release date tbc)
The rapper has teamed up with Frank Ocean for his new track 'New Slaves', which has been lifted from his forthcoming album Yeezus. A prowling bassline and growly vocals make it another left-field hip-hop number for Ye, but makes us all the more excited for "June Eighteen".
Kanye West: 'New Slaves' (release date tbc)
The rapper has teamed up with Frank Ocean for his new track 'New Slaves', which has been lifted from his forthcoming album Yeezus. A prowling bassline and growly vocals make it another left-field hip-hop number for Ye, but makes us all the more excited for "June Eighteen".
Music video round-up: Olly Murs, Lana Del Rey, Biffy Clyro
Sunday, May 19 2013, 09:00 BST
By Lewis Corner, Music Reporter
We take a look at the week's latest music videos so you never need to be out of the loop.
Biffy Clyro: 'Opposite'
The Scottish band returned earlier this year with slick new visuals, and their latest video is no different. A tragic car accident is shot with sensational, but poignant effect.
Biffy Clyro: 'Opposite'
The Scottish band returned earlier this year with slick new visuals, and their latest video is no different. A tragic car accident is shot with sensational, but poignant effect.
Eurovision 2013: This year's best and worst entries
Friday, May 17 2013, 10:00 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor

© Sari Gustafsson/Rex Features
Bonnie Tyler at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013
Last year's Eurovision Song Contest achieved something not seen in recent years, where the winning song - Loreen's 'Euphoria' - turned out to be surprisingly good.
What's more, tradition dictates the bulk of entries the following year will boast a similar sound to it in the hope of being crowned this year's King or Queen of Eurovision.
So are we in for one of the strongest Eurovision lineups that we've seen in a while? Ahead of Saturday's (May 18) grand final, we've looked some of 2013's best and worst entries.
BEST
Denmark - Emmelie De Forest: 'Only Teardrops'
Denmark has been the bookies' favourite for quite some time now, and although some are accusing it of being a lazy rehashing of last year's winner, we wouldn't be surprised if their prediction comes off.
WORST
Romania - Cezar: 'It's My Life'
'Dubstep-popera' is the best way to describe Romania's entry 'It's My Life', and as you can imagine, the results are pretty disastrous.
BEST
Ireland - Ryan Dolan: 'Only Love Survives'
We'll admit that a lack of Jedward in this year's Irish entry left us (even more) skeptical about their chances, but Ryan Dolan's Euro-pop belter 'Only Love Survives' in fact ticks all the boxes as a potential winner.
WORST
Malta - Gianluca Bezzina: 'Tomorrow'
We can see what Malta were trying to achieve with their jaunty offering 'Tomorrow', but the results are just plain annoying.
BEST
Germany - Cascada: 'Glorious'
Of all the 'Euphoria' rip-offs entering the competition, Cascada's 'Glorious' is the most blatant. That said, with its arms-aloft chorus, it's still one of the strongest among this year's entries.
WORST
Macedonia - 'Esma & Lozano': 'Pred Da Se Razdeni'
It kicks off in traditional Euro-ballad fashion and turns into something that has to be heard (and seen) to be believed.
BEST
Ukraine - Zlata Ognevich: 'Gravity'
Ukraine's entry 'Gravity' is proving very popular with Eurovision fans, but is it strong enough to take this year's crown?
WORST
United Kingdom - Bonnie Tyler: 'Believe In Me'
It's better than last year's offering from Englebert, so fingers crossed Bonnie's 'Believe In Me' can give the UK a decent placing. It's certainly different from the majority of club bangers on the lineup, but then isn't that what Eurovision is all about?
Who would like to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest? Leave your comments in the box below:
Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear
Monday, May 13 2013, 12:10 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor
Listen to ten of our favourite new songs below, including tracks from Katy B, The Saturdays, Dizzee Rascal, Jennifer Lopez and The Saturdays.
Katy B: 'What Love Is Made Of' (Out July 8)
The Peckham singer makes her long-awaited return with a surprisingly subdued affair; waxing lyrical about her man over smooth house beats that grows on the ears with each listen.
The Saturdays: 'Gentlemen' (out June 30)
Despite one member married with a daughter and another two knocked up, The Saturdays have seemingly given up on romance. "A gentlemen is so 1995" they claim, before listing a slew of their desired men including Ryan Gosling, Drake and, erm, Larry King.
John Newman: 'Love Me Again' (out July 1)
The voice behind Rudimental's hit songs 'Feel The Love' and 'Not Giving In' returns solo with 'Love Me Again'. Fortunately, it's as soulful, uplifting and anthemic as you'd expect.
Ella Henderson: 'Waiting' (release date n/a)
Giving fans a preview of what to expect from her upcoming debut album, shock X Factor eliminee Ella Henderson wows the public yet again with this heart-rending ballad - and this is only a demo!
Dizzee Rascal ft. Robbie Williams: 'Goin' Crazy' (out June 17)
The prince of grime teams up with the king of pop, as Dizzee and Robbie join forces to take the crown for this summer's most ear-catching anthem - and after a few listens it's hard to get this one out of your head.
Jennifer Lopez ft Pitbull: 'Live It Up' (out May 26)
As Pitbull correctly states, the pair are "back for a three-peat" for the third summer in a row. RedOne supplies the club-ready euro beats once more as J Lo delivers yet another massive summer anthem.
DJ Fresh vs. Diplo ft. Dominique Young Unique: 'Earthquake' (release date tbc)
DJ Fresh heads up his second studio album with 'Earthquake'; a bouncy carnival-inspired piece of drum 'n' bass with a hook we suspect will be unavoidable come the end of summer.
Indiana: 'Smoking Gun' (out June 1)
Rising singer-songwriter Indianna has garnered praised from a range of music tastemakers for her brooding R&B vibes. Her latest cut continues this seductive sound, falling somewhere between The xx and The Matrix soundtrack.
Jackie D Williams: 'Always On My Mind' (out May 13)
Following his debut EP 'Unite With Me' and a number of sold-out shows as well as support slots for Delilah, Daley and Bluey Robinson, Jackie D Williams returns with 'The Paradox EP'. Its lead single 'Always On My Mind' is an addictive slice of funky disco with more than a touch of the Jamiroquais about it.
Fenech-Soler: 'Magnetic' (out July 1)
The band have debuted the first official single to be lifted from their forthcoming album Rituals. Following on from previous teasers earlier this year, 'Magnetic' continues to hear the group channel a poppier sound.
Which are your favourite songs on this week's playlist? Leave your comments in the box below:
Katy B: 'What Love Is Made Of' (Out July 8)
The Peckham singer makes her long-awaited return with a surprisingly subdued affair; waxing lyrical about her man over smooth house beats that grows on the ears with each listen.
The Saturdays: 'Gentlemen' (out June 30)
Despite one member married with a daughter and another two knocked up, The Saturdays have seemingly given up on romance. "A gentlemen is so 1995" they claim, before listing a slew of their desired men including Ryan Gosling, Drake and, erm, Larry King.
John Newman: 'Love Me Again' (out July 1)
The voice behind Rudimental's hit songs 'Feel The Love' and 'Not Giving In' returns solo with 'Love Me Again'. Fortunately, it's as soulful, uplifting and anthemic as you'd expect.
Ella Henderson: 'Waiting' (release date n/a)
Giving fans a preview of what to expect from her upcoming debut album, shock X Factor eliminee Ella Henderson wows the public yet again with this heart-rending ballad - and this is only a demo!
Dizzee Rascal ft. Robbie Williams: 'Goin' Crazy' (out June 17)
The prince of grime teams up with the king of pop, as Dizzee and Robbie join forces to take the crown for this summer's most ear-catching anthem - and after a few listens it's hard to get this one out of your head.
Jennifer Lopez ft Pitbull: 'Live It Up' (out May 26)
As Pitbull correctly states, the pair are "back for a three-peat" for the third summer in a row. RedOne supplies the club-ready euro beats once more as J Lo delivers yet another massive summer anthem.
DJ Fresh vs. Diplo ft. Dominique Young Unique: 'Earthquake' (release date tbc)
DJ Fresh heads up his second studio album with 'Earthquake'; a bouncy carnival-inspired piece of drum 'n' bass with a hook we suspect will be unavoidable come the end of summer.
Indiana: 'Smoking Gun' (out June 1)
Rising singer-songwriter Indianna has garnered praised from a range of music tastemakers for her brooding R&B vibes. Her latest cut continues this seductive sound, falling somewhere between The xx and The Matrix soundtrack.
Jackie D Williams: 'Always On My Mind' (out May 13)
Following his debut EP 'Unite With Me' and a number of sold-out shows as well as support slots for Delilah, Daley and Bluey Robinson, Jackie D Williams returns with 'The Paradox EP'. Its lead single 'Always On My Mind' is an addictive slice of funky disco with more than a touch of the Jamiroquais about it.
Fenech-Soler: 'Magnetic' (out July 1)
The band have debuted the first official single to be lifted from their forthcoming album Rituals. Following on from previous teasers earlier this year, 'Magnetic' continues to hear the group channel a poppier sound.
Which are your favourite songs on this week's playlist? Leave your comments in the box below:
Music video round-up: Mariah Carey, The Wanted, Dizzee Rascal, Robbie
Sunday, May 12 2013, 09:00 BST
By Lewis Corner, Music Reporter
We take a look at the week's latest music videos so you never need to be out of the loop.
Mariah Carey ft. Miguel: '#Beautiful'
Despite being 43 years old, Mariah still has the ability to flawlessly seduce like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth - but we never doubted that anyway.
Mariah Carey ft. Miguel: '#Beautiful'
Despite being 43 years old, Mariah still has the ability to flawlessly seduce like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth - but we never doubted that anyway.
Chart update: Daft Punk, Caro Emerald, more
Friday, May 10 2013, 15:37 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor

Ahead of Sunday's (May 12) official chart, Digital Spy takes a look at Friday's midweeks.


Next week's single releases include Demi Lovato's 'Heart Attack', Stooshe's 'Slip' and Wretch 32's 'Blackout', while the album chart will see new entries from MS MR's Secondhand Rapture and Gabrielle Aplin's English Rain.
Who would you like to see at number one next week? Leave your comments in the box below:
Jennifer Lopez vs. Mariah Carey: Which single is better?
Wednesday, May 8 2013, 14:48 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor

© WENN / Rex Features
Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey
This week, two of music's most renowned divas Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez unveiled their latest tracks.
On Monday, Carey premiered '#Beautiful' - a throwback soul-R&B number that features Miguel - while today Lopez unleashed her latest hi-NRG collaboration with Pitbull 'Live It Up'.
Let's have a listen to both songs below:
Mariah Carey ft. Miguel: '#Beautiful':
Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull: 'Live It Up':
But which track do you prefer? Vote in our poll below:
Mariah Carey vs. Jennifer Lopez: Which comeback track do you prefer?
Mariah Carey ft. Miguel: '#Beautiful'Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull: 'Live It Up'I'm enjoying both equallyI don't like either of them
Mariah Carey ft. Miguel: '#Beautiful'63.75%
Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull: 'Live It Up'23.80%
I'm enjoying both equally5.70%
I don't like either of them6.75%
Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear
Tuesday, May 7 2013, 11:47 BST
By Robert Copsey, Music Editor and Lewis Corner, Music Reporter
Listen to ten of our favourite new songs below, including tracks by Mark Owen, Mariah Carey, Chase & Status and Demi Lovato.
Mark Owen: 'Stars' (out June 10)
Before Take That return to sell out another string of stadium dates across Europe, Mark Owen is taking the time to reignite his own solo career. New cut 'Stars' hears the singer do what he does best; quirky lyrics, guitar-flecked hooks and a sky-soaring finale.
Mark Owen: 'Stars' (out June 10)
Before Take That return to sell out another string of stadium dates across Europe, Mark Owen is taking the time to reignite his own solo career. New cut 'Stars' hears the singer do what he does best; quirky lyrics, guitar-flecked hooks and a sky-soaring finale.



