Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq are set to amplify the spotlight on independent music venues by taking their BBC 6 Music shows on the road for Independent Venue Week 2024. Announced during the premiere of Lamacq’s Teatime Session on Mondays, the dynamic duo will broadcast from diverse grassroots venues throughout the UK from January 29 to February 2. Their initiative aligns with the nation’s week-long tribute to recognizing the pivotal role of independent music venues.

Here’s the lineup:

• Lamacq will kick things off at Belfast’s Oh Yeah Music Centre on January 29, featuring a performance by Ash.
• Stephens takes over on January 30 from Whistle Binkies in Edinburgh, with a show by 86TVs.
• Other stops include The Fulford Arms in York on January 31 (NewDad), Polar Bear Music Club in Hull on February 1 (English Teacher) and concluding at The Rockin’ Chair in Wrexham on February 2 with Antony Szmierek.

Throughout the week, listeners can savor intimate live performances and engaging interviews with the artists. Exclusive opportunities are available for fans to attend special live sessions with Ash and Antony Szmierek by registering through a free ballot until January 15.

In addition to these iconic moments, each venue will feature performances by emerging talents like Problem Patterns, Grace & The Flat Boys, Kindelan, Jodie Langford, and Picture Parlour, all backed by BBC Music Introducing. Expressing his enthusiasm, Lamacq emphasized the crucial role of these venues amidst challenges like rising costs, urging fans to embrace local music scenes. Stephens echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of these venues and their impact on nurturing musical talents.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, recent data from the Music Venue Trust paints a grim picture, labeling 2023 as a devastating year with 125 grassroots venues closing, affecting thousands of jobs and opportunities for musicians. In response, calls for levies on larger events and potential governmental support are gaining traction, underscoring the urgency to preserve these cultural landmarks.

An 18-year-old female passed away after experiencing health complications at Glasgow’s SWG3 nightclub on New Year’s Day. Following her distress, she was swiftly transported to the hospital, where she was unfortunately declared deceased. This tragic incident marks the third fatality within a span of four months linked to the establishment.

In response to this heartbreaking event, SWG3 has temporarily ceased operations as a gesture of respect. Authorities are actively investigating potential drug involvement, with the incident being formally reported to the police on January 5. A representative from the venue informed the BBC that the deceased’s family has been notified, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to discern the complete circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detailing the sequence of events, an SWG3 spokesperson stated, “Upon recognizing her distress, our dedicated staff members acted swiftly, transporting her to our medical facility on-site for immediate evaluation.” They added, “Our adept medical professionals on-site promptly summoned emergency services as her health declined. Despite the concerted efforts, she couldn’t be revived.”

Highlighting safety measures, the spokesperson emphasized the rigorous security protocols in place for all attendees, including meticulous searches upon entry and vigilant patrols throughout the premises. They further noted the consistent presence of qualified medical teams during major events. In light of recent events, SWG3 has chosen to suspend operations over the weekend to reflect, reassess, and collaborate with their team.

This unfortunate incident draws parallels to a previous episode in August when Scott Allison and Marcus Dick, both teenagers, attended a similar DJ event at SWG3. Their unfortunate demise after a 10-hour set from DJ Ben Hemsley is also under scrutiny for potential drug-related factors.

Fat Dog unveils their vibrant new single titled ‘All the Same’ and announces upcoming concert dates across the United States. This release becomes the group’s second track under the renowned Domino label. Produced in collaboration with James Ford (known for his work with Arctic Monkeys, Geese, Shame, and Blur) alongside the band’s lead singer, Joe Love, ‘All the Same’ encapsulates a nostalgic rhythm reminiscent of classic video games from the 80s and 90s. This song succeeds their 2023 hit, ‘King of the Slugs’.

In a recent statement, the ensemble shared insights about the song’s inspiration, stating, “Imagine rewinding time with a single action, potentially altering your entire destiny. Maybe the festivities could endure indefinitely.” The track’s official music video, helmed by Dylan Coates and starring Neil Bell (recognized for roles in Dead Man’s Shoes, Dune, and Peterloo), unfolds as a “captivating, eccentric narrative centered on time manipulation and paternal bonds.” Scheduled for release on March 22, a special limited edition 7” vinyl of ‘All the Same’ will hit the shelves, accompanied by an exclusive track, ‘Land Before Time’. Enthusiasts can secure their copies by pre-ordering here.

Excitingly, Fat Dog will grace North American stages for the first time, with performances slated for New York City and Los Angeles. Additionally, they’re gearing up for an appearance at this year’s SXSW festival. Ensuring a memorable homecoming, the band is also scheduled to play at London’s renowned Electric Ballroom. For a comprehensive list of tour dates and ticket details, interested fans can visit here. Highlighting their previous accomplishments, Fat Dog’s ‘King of Slugs’ secured the 33rd position on NME’s esteemed list of the “50 Best Songs of 2023.”

NME’s review of the band’s Manchester concert eloquently captures their essence: “As the fervent notes of ‘I Am the King’ echo, with Love passionately reiterating the track’s title, spectators sense the rise of 2023’s most exhilarating live ensemble.”

In a recent appearance on “Good Morning America,” comedian Jo Koy addressed the feedback surrounding his hosting stint at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards. Securing the hosting role less than two weeks before the event, Koy admitted to feeling the weight of the criticism, confessing, “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt.”

Acknowledging the unique challenges of hosting such a prestigious event, Jo Koy emphasized the difficulty of navigating the tough room, describing the experience as a rigorous crash course. Despite the setbacks, he maintained his passion for the role, stating, “I love what I did.”

One particular moment that garnered attention was Koy’s joke about Taylor Swift’s frequent appearances at NFL games. Addressing this, he clarified that the joke was intended as a playful jab at the NFL’s penchant for cutaway shots rather than a direct critique of Swift herself. However, he acknowledged that the joke might not have landed as intended, leading to some misinterpretation.

Reflecting on his overall performance, Jo Koy expressed agreement when GMA host Eva Pilgrim observed a sense of deflation in him post-event, indicating a desire to deliver more than what transpired. The comedian’s monologue had its share of polarizing moments, with some quips receiving groans and leading to varied reactions on social media.

Renowned American-Taiwanese artist Amber Liu, known for her contributions to the K-pop sensation f(x), is amplifying her musical journey with additional dates for her anticipated 2024 ‘No More Sad Songs’ world tour. Earlier in December, Liu unveiled segments of her tour encompassing vibrant locations across Asia, including stops in Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, coupled with exhilarating performances in Australia and New Zealand slated for February and March.

Adding to the excitement, the songstress disclosed that the talented indie-pop singer-songwriter, Marielle Kraft, would accompany her on the North American stretch of the tour, which unfolds across eight captivating shows in January 2024. Furthermore, European fans can anticipate a soul-stirring solo performance by Liu at the esteemed O2 Academy Islington in London.

Fresh off the press, Liu has recently unveiled six additional tour dates, all set to enthrall her fans in China, further solidifying the global footprint of her ‘No More Sad Songs’ tour.

In a whirlwind of touring announcements, K-pop sensations MCND have rolled out details for their 2024 ‘ODD-VENTURE’ tour across the US and Europe. Concurrently, Everlow is extending their musical voyage with new European dates added to their ongoing 2023–2024 ‘All My Girls’ tour.

City Winery in New York City is set to host a special tribute event celebrating the iconic legacies of Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor this coming March. Named ‘Sinéad & Shane at Carnegie Hall,’ this commemorative concert is scheduled for March 20. While exclusive VIP packages are already available for purchase, general admission tickets will be up for grabs starting January 22.

The evening at Carnegie Hall promises captivating performances as various artists come together to honor MacGowan’s and O’Connor’s influential musical journeys. Among the lineup are renowned acts such as Dropkick Murphys, Cat Power, David Gray, Amanda Palmer, Glen Hansard, Eugene Hütz, Gordon Gano, The Mountain Goats, Bettye Lavette, Julia Cumming, Kat Edmonson, and the Resistance Revival Chorus. Fans can anticipate additional artist announcements in the forthcoming weeks.

For enthusiasts seeking an enhanced experience, exclusive VIP packages are themed around some of the musicians’ most notable songs. For instance, the ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ package offers an opportunity to collaborate on the setlist with Michael Dorf, the producer and founder/CEO of City Winery. Meanwhile, the ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’ package provides attendees with a premium five-course dinner alongside the artists, exclusive concert access, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and even an on-stage moment during the event’s culmination.

The music community mourned the loss of Sinéad O’Connor last July at 56, with tributes pouring in from luminaries like Garbage, Billy Corgan, Michael Stipe, Bob Geldof, and Bono, who were among those paying their respects at her Dublin memorial service. Similarly, Shane MacGowan, celebrated as the frontman of The Pogues, passed away at 65 in November due to health complications stemming from pneumonia and encephalitis.

Pete Townshend of The Who acknowledges the awe-inspiring talent of young guitarists flooding platforms like Instagram, suggesting that these prodigious players can be intimidating to seasoned musicians. In a recent discussion with Guitarist via Guitar.com, Townshend emphasized his respect for the technical prowess displayed by these emerging artists, many of whom began honing their skills at an incredibly young age.

While Townshend recognizes the allure of mastering flashy guitar runs, he takes pride in his distinctive style, prioritizing originality over mere technical showcases. Reflecting on The Who’s recent U.K. tour, he highlighted the band’s commitment to leveraging the guitar’s potential for innovation, emphasizing evocative solos, intricate chord work, and audacious improvisations.

Additionally, Townshend touched upon a conversation with Leslie West, who once favored Townshend’s unique riffs over Eric Clapton’s, noting Clapton’s occasional reliance on familiar bluesy motifs. Although Townshend acknowledges Clapton’s soaring live performances, the distinction underscores the essence of each guitarist’s approach.

Looking ahead, The Who’s trajectory remains uncertain. Townshend expressed the need for dialogue with bandmate Roger Daltrey regarding future endeavors following their concluding orchestral tour date at the Sandringham Estate. While Townshend believes that this shouldn’t mark a definitive endpoint, he views it as a pivotal moment, prompting discussions about the band’s next chapter in their illustrious journey.