UK Music Industry Hits £2.4B Record High with Swift Leading the Charge
The UK music industry achieved unprecedented success in 2024, with consumers spending £2.4 billion on recorded music through streaming and vinyl sales. Taylor Swift dominated album sales while streaming platforms generated over £2 billion in revenue, marking a new era of digital and physical music consumption.
UK Music Industry Hits Historic Milestone with First Physical Sales Growth Since 1994
The British recorded music market experienced a remarkable 9.7% growth in 2024, marking the first increase in physical format sales in 20 years. Streaming remained dominant with 199.6 billion plays, while vinyl sales reached a 30-year high amid strong performances from female artists led by Taylor Swift.
Fatboy Slim Steps Back from Production to Focus on DJing Career
Electronic music icon Fatboy Slim reveals he has lost his passion for creating new music after not releasing a full album since 2004. The legendary DJ plans to concentrate on live performances while hoping his production drive may return someday.
Rising Afro-Soul Star Tsungai Tsikirai Announces 'African Queen' Global Launch Event
Zimbabwe-born artist Tsungai Tsikirai prepares to unveil her groundbreaking album 'African Queen' in early 2025, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary production. The launch event promises an immersive celebration of African culture featuring collaborations with renowned artists Nutty O and Iyasa.
Boy George Clashes with Critics Over Culture Club's O2 Arena Performance
Boy George takes to Twitter to defend Culture Club's recent O2 Arena show after receiving a critical 2-star review. The performance, featuring complete renditions of their first two albums, sparked debate over the iconic singer's vocal delivery and the show's overall impact.
Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' Makes History with Second UK Christmas #1
The beloved holiday classic 'Last Christmas' achieves an unprecedented feat by topping the UK Christmas charts for two consecutive years. The 40-year-old Wham! hit, written by George Michael, dominated both streaming and physical sales while cementing its place in British Christmas culture.
Artist Kate Nash Launches 'Butts for Tour Buses' OnlyFans Campaign to Fund European Tour
British singer-songwriter Kate Nash takes an unconventional approach to tackle touring costs by selling photos on OnlyFans. Her creative 'Butts for Tour Buses' campaign not only funded her European tour within a week but also sparked important discussions about the financial challenges facing touring musicians.
British Rapper Slowthai Acquitted of Rape Charges After Oxford Trial
Slowthai and co-defendant Alex Blake-Walker were found not guilty of multiple rape charges at Oxford Crown Court following a 2021 incident. The rapper, supported by wife Anne-Marie, maintained all activities were consensual during the 10-hour jury deliberation.
Sleep Token Strikes Gold: 'The Summoning' Achieves Major US Milestone
British rock enigmas Sleep Token celebrate their first gold certification in the US with 'The Summoning' reaching 500,000 units. The masked collective's breakthrough success includes a Billboard Award win and upcoming Download Festival headline slot, marking their evolution from underground sensation to mainstream force.
Noise Rock Titans Whores. and Help Announce European Conquest Tour
Atlanta-based sludge-noise rockers Whores. are teaming up with Portland's hardcore outfit Help for an extensive European and UK tour dubbed 'Whores. World War.' The collaboration, organized through Swamp Booking, promises to deliver an explosive showcase of American underground heavy music across new territories.