Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

Nick is joined by one of his favourite singers, Elmiene, while Annie is away. Fresh from releasing his debut album ‘sounds for someone’, Elmiene tells Nick what it’s like to work with Raphael Saadiq, how Benji B and Virgil Abloh helped him get his big break, and why it all links back to BBC Bitesize. They also discuss the news of Kanye West’s upcoming return to the UK, and how conflicted lots of his former fans feel about it. Plus, Celine Dion’s iconic comeback announcement inspires a conversation about Cornwall, and Rosalía’s food poisoning nightmare raises some serious questions. Get in touch with Sidetracked! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. HOMEWORK: Listen to Elmiene’s debut album ‘sounds for someone’ and tell us your thoughts. SONGS D'Angelo – Untitled (How Does It Feel) Elmiene – Golden Elmiene – Light By The Window Eric Clapton – Layla Solange – Cranes in the Sky Wesley Joseph – Peace of Mind Wesley Joseph – Pluto Baby Kanye West – Through the Wire Kanye West – Heartless ALBUMS Elmiene – sounds for someone Ye – Bully Rosalía - LUX

It’s the inaugural Sidetracked Album Club: Annie and Nick travel down memory lane to 2005 after listening back to LCD Soundsystem’s debut album and answer questions like: What was life like then, how much have things changed, and does the music still hold up? Elsewhere, Nick is preparing for 6 Music Festival (which will see him DJ with Beth Ditto), Annie reflects on some excellent gig crowds and Courtney Love is on a very relatable Geese journey. Plus, Annie and Nick review SNL UK’s first episode, and a listener gets in touch about Lily Allen’s West End Girl shows, inspiring a conversation around the ethics of enjoying music about someone’s deeply personal pain. HOMEWORK: Send in your ideas for the next Album Club choice.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio.SONGSLCD Soundsystem - Losing My Edge LCD Soundsystem - Tribulations LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk Is Playing at My House LCD Soundsystem - Too Much Love LCD Soundsystem - Tired LCD Soundsystem - YeahThe Rapture - House of Jealous Lovers The Killers - Mr. Brightside Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out Scissor Sisters - Comfortably Numb Geese - TrinidadHot Hot Heat - Bandages ALBUMSLCD Soundsystem - LCD SoundsystemRobyn - Sexistential RAYE - This Music May Contain Hope Elmiene – sounds for someone Courtney Barnett - Creature of HabitThe Killers - Hot Fuss Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters Green Day - American Idiot Kasabian - Kasabian Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand The Pogues - Rum, Sodomy & The Lash

David Byrne leaves Annie wanting to know more about his live show while Nick avoids any Rosalía Lux Live spoilers. Plus, Annie and Nick discuss the intimate production behind James Blake’s new album and how too many opinions can hold an artist back. Speaking of opinions, there have been many about Jack Harlow’s new album, “Monica,” and Annie and Nick explore what puts the soul into neo-soul. Meanwhile, Morrissey has been left in a “catatonic” state and Live Nation executives give people new reasons to be angry, as Annie and Nick try to wrap their heads around their recent settlement with the US Department of Justice. Finally, Annie and Nick are paid a visit by Gail Mortley, an opera singer and singing teacher who kindly takes them through the importance of opera, instructions for our diaphragms, and a few vocal exercises for all burgeoning divas to follow - with Nick turning from reluctant singer to essential pillar of “Gail and the Gail-ettes.” HOMEWORK: Don’t forget to listen to LCD Soundsystem’s self-titled debut album and send us your thoughts ahead of our first ever album club discussion. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS James Blake - Doesn’t Just Happen (feat Dave) James Blake - Rest of Your Life James Blake - Days Go By ALBUMS Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska Jack Harlow – Monica James Blake - Trying Times Various Artists for War Child Records – HELP(2) LIVE MUSIC Altin Gün David Byrne – Who's in the Sky? David Byrne - Stop Making Sense, film directed by Jonathan Demme Rosalía Lux Live OPERAS O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini

Harry Styles has had a big week with the release of “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” and even if he doesn’t pay attention to reviews, there’s a vital one in this episode. Annie and Nick discuss the new album, as well as a myriad of other new releases including War Child Records’ compilation album HELP (2), Yebba, and Eliza. Elsewhere, Timothée Chalamet has made a massive error by dismissing ballet and opera, but one good to come from it is Annie wants to learn how to sing classical music – and she takes some inspiration from Madonna to show how ready she is for the challenge. And Nick recently revealed the song that made him cry as a 10-year-old and now he has some scientific answers as to why music can inspire such intense emotional reactions. HOMEWORK: Listen to the HELP (2) album and/or get in touch if you think you can teach Annie and Nick to sing opera. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS Harry Styles – Are You Listening Yet? Harry Styles – Coming Up Roses Harry Styles – Dance No More Ezra Collective & Green Tea Peng – Helicopters Wet Leg – Obvious Fontaine’s D.C. – Black Boys on Mopeds Arooj Aftab – Lilac Wine Flying Lotus – Antelope Onigiri Eliza – Pleasure Boy Fever Ray – The Lake (Cinematic) Sylvester – You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) ALBUMS Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. (aka KISSTO/KATTDO) Yebba – Jean Various Artists for War Child Records – HELP(2) ELIZA – The Darkening Green Flying Lotus – BIG MAMA OPERAS La Traviata Carmen 7 Deaths of Maria Callas Akhnaten Rigoletto Tristan und Isolde

So the BRITs was fun...Annie and Nick review the 2026 event, which took place in Manchester for the very first time. How did Nick feel about Rosalía bringing on Björk? Did Annie think it worked as a TV show? And find out why our red-carpet interview with Self Esteem may have secured her a new, unexpected job. Elsewhere in the world of music, Rihanna has shared footage of her in an actual recording studio, Mitski has a brilliant new album, and Soulseek users are being trolled by an AI Homer Simpson. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. HOMEWORK: The Sidetracked Album Club has officially started and March’s pick is LCD Soundsystem’s self-titled debut album. We’ll discuss it at the end of the month. SONGS Sam Fender & Olivia Dean – Rein Me In Rosalía - Berghain Harry Styles - Aperture Hozier – Take Me to Church Underworld – Born Slippy Mary J. Blige – I’m Going Down ALBUMS Mitski - Nothing's About to Happen to Me Altin Gün - Garip Harry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem

With just days to go before the 2026 BRIT Awards, Annie and Nick discuss their plans for the night and whether there’s a more optimistic feeling around this year’s event. Plus, Spotify have revealed some stats around the royalties they paid UK artists in 2025 and the number of times global audiences played those artists – breaking news: Olivia Dean is really popular. Elsewhere, Lana Del Rey is back and seems more in control of her art than ever before, Annie is lamenting the decline of rap groups, and Nick has a Mary J Blige update. And one listener has a brilliant idea for people who want to appreciate albums as an artform. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS Eminem – My Name Is Kanye West – I Wonder Labi Siffre – Cannock Chase Labi Siffre – Bless the Telephone Lola Young – Messy Lana Del Rey – White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter Yebba – Yellow Eyes The Scythe – THE SCYTHE The Scythe – LIT EFFECT Max Winter – Candlelight Radiohead – High and Dry ALBUMS Yebba – Dawn Yebba – Jean A Tribe Called Quest – Beats, Rhymes &Life cktrl – spirit The Scythe – Strictly 4 The Scythe Charli XCX – brat Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights Radiohead – The Bends

Annie and Nick are joined by friend, singer, fellow podcaster and icon, Jessie Ware. In between a long overdue catch up, they discuss Jessie’s new music, whether she has any plans to tour and how the album launch has changed since her first record. Plus, they ponder why the majority of songs focus on love or heartbreak, reveal the songs that devastate them the most, and Annie gives Jessie and Nick a necessary Irish vocab lesson. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. Jessie Ware is releasing her 6th studio album ‘Superbloom’ on 10th April. HOMEWORK: Listen to Jessie’s excellent new single, Ride (out on 20th February) SONGS Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah Taylor Swift - Welcome to New York Jessie Ware - Ride Ennio Morricone- Main Theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Kendrick Lamar - Alright Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You Toto – Georgy Porgy Mary J. Blige - I’m Going Down Madonna - Justify My Love Donna Summer - Love to Love You Baby Pet Shop Boys - What Have I Done to Deserve This? Jessie Ware – Free Yourself ALBUMS Jessie Ware – Superbloom Charli XCX – brat Jessie Ware – Devotion Jessie Ware – What’s Your Pleasure? Jessie Ware – That! Feels Good! Yussef Dayes – Black Classical Music

Annie and Nick discuss Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl half-time show and have some pretty surprising opinions about it all – but what should other artists take from the performance? In other news, Taylor Swift released her music video for Opalite and some fans aren’t pleased with how she chose to do it; Rosalía is confirmed to perform at the Brit Awards, and Lana Del Rey has promised a new single is imminent. And in very serious, breaking news: Harry Styles has responded to Nick’s hard-hitting questions about ballet flats. HOMEWORK: Watch A$AP Rocky and FKA twigs’ on their respective episodes of Celebrity Substitute, and get in touch with details about the craziest thing you’ve done to get tickets to a gig. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. The full 6 Music Festival line up can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0q3zl2wn2xo SONGS Sasha Keable – Hold Up Ezra Collective & Sasha Keable – Body Language Rosalía - Berghain Rosalía - Sauvignon Blanc Rosalía - La Perla Lana Del Rey - White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter Lady Gaga – Die With a Smile Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin – I Like It Taylor Swift – Opalite ALBUMS Lana Del Rey - Stove Rosalía - LUX

With the Grammys done and the Super Bowl Half Time show looming, Annie and Nick discuss the monumental week Bad Bunny is having. They also go through their other stand out moments from the emotionally charged ceremony, and what it means to them to see artists like Olivia Dean, FKA twigs, Lola Young and the Cure succeed amongst such fierce competitors. Elsewhere, the UK version of SNL may not have a launch date just yet, but they do have a confirmed musical director – what could the show mean for music on the TV? Plus, in the name of journalism, Nick sends Harry Styles a very serious text. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected] And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZ16VG0mPTML0Aa/?igsh=aXdtYzA2czJrenRj SONGS Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline Lola Young - Messy Kendrick Lamar – Luther HAAi (feat. Jon Hopkins, Obi Franky, ILĀ, & TRANS VOICES) - Satellite ILĀ, Nature - Nightingale (feat. Anna Phoebe & Sam Lee) ALBUMS Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos FKA Twigs - Eusexua Justin Bieber - Swag Jacob Alon - In Limerence Gabriel Jacoby - gutta child

In a week so busy that Nick had to start making notes, he and Annie sit down to attempt to discuss some of the most important music stories, like the return of Arctic Monkeys, Victoria Beckham’s somewhat inappropriate chart success, and Robbie Williams beating a record previously held by the Beatles. In other news, Harry Styles fans are freaking out over Aperture – but what do Annie and Nick make of his new sound? And should we be worried about his feet? Plus, Pitchfork are opening the reviewing floor to the public, Brandi Carlile is obsessed with CMAT, and music industry insiders are declaring the album dead. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] More information on the HELP(2) album here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4qqdy29d2o New Yorker Article about the changing relevance of the album drop here: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/why-albums-drop-and-movies-launch HOMEWORK: Watch Geese on SNL and listen to Robbie Williams’ album Brit Pop. SONGS James Blake – Death of Love James Blake – Limit To Your Love Arctic Monkeys – Opening Night Harry Styles – Aperture Victoria Beckham – Not Such An Innocent Girl Spice Girls – Viva Forever Cruz Beckham – LICK THE TOAD Madonna – Nobody Knows Me ALBUMS James Blake - CMYK Various Artists for War Child Records - HELP(2) Robbie Williams – BRITPOP Tyler, The Creator – CHROMAKOPIA Djo -The Crux Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos Perfume Genius – Glory Wet Leg - moisturizer Rosalía - LUX FKA twigs – Eusexua Madonna – American Life

The nominees for the BRIT Awards 2026 have been revealed and, in their signature chaotic fashion, Annie and Nick analyse the lists of names and ask: will Olivia Dean and Lola Young reign supreme? Could any moment rival Jarvis Cocker mooning Michael Jackson in 1996? And will Harry Styles perform his new music at the ceremony? Plus, Sidetracked favourite Jacob Alon has won the Critics’ Choice Award – and Annie and Nick have big feelings about it. Elsewhere, the Japanese PM has gone viral for her heavy metal drumming – should more world leaders use music in meetings with their peers? And Mitski is back with a brilliant new single; Lily Allen has shared the best response to Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram Stories statement, and Nick isn’t sure about Heated Rivalry.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] Full details of BRIT Awards 2026 Nominations: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjwnx70pjwo/HOMEWORK:Listen to new music from Mitski, Jessie Ware, James Blake, KAVARI, and A$AP Rocky.SONGSMitski – Where's My Phone?KAVARI – IRON VEINSThe Roots – You Got MeJames Blake – Death of LoveLola Young – MessyOlivia Dean – Man I NeedCynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – Defying GravityGracie Abrams – That's So TrueDisco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke BoysRosé and Bruno Mars – APTLady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a SmileChappell Roan – Pink Pony ClubTaylor Swift – The Fate of OpheliaALBUMSA$AP Rocky – Don't Be DumbJill Scott – To Whom This May ConcernHarry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, OccasionallyLily Allen – West End GirlGeese – Getting KilledJacob Alon – In Limerence

Harry Styles is teasing something new, with posters showing up in cities all over the world – but what does it all mean? Annie and Nick dissect the role Harry’s fan community is playing in the cryptic campaign. Elsewhere, Robyn has revealed her purpose in life and it’s a strong one, A$AP Rocky is braggadocious in the best ways, and in an unlikely twist, Annie has found herself drawn to a Bruno Mars song. Plus, Annie and Nick celebrate a big change for Sidetracked. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] HOMEWORK Watch the following music videos: Talk To Me by Robyn; I Just Might by Bruno Mars, and Helicopter by A$AP Rocky. SONGS Wesley Joseph & Danny Brown – Peace Of Mind A$AP Rocky – Helicopter A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky Robyn – Talk To Me Robyn – Sexistential Bruno Mars – I Just Might Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga – Die With A Smile Bruno Mars & Sexyy Red – Fat Juicy & Wet Bruno Mars & Rosé - APT Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk HUNTR/X, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – Golden ALBUMS SAULT – Chapter 1 Wesley Joseph - Forever Ends Someday Robyn - Sexistential Harry Styles – Harry's House George Michael – Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Miles Davis - Kind of Blue Talking Heads - 77 Television - Marquee Moon The Saints - I'm Stranded David Bowie - Let's Dance

In the first week of 2026, Annie and Nick have different thoughts about the new A$AP Rocky single, Gen Z are discovering Prince thanks to Stranger Things, and EsDeeKid has told The Chainsmokers exactly what he thinks of their 4 Raws remix. Elsewhere, Stormzy has used social media to express his thoughts about...social media and revealed how he's grown as an artist and as a person. Plus, Jill Scott is finally back with new music, vinyl is expensive, and Annie and Nick get sidetracked by hedgehogs. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected] HOMEWORK: Watch Prince performing “Purple Rain” at 2007’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, and listen to Mandy, Indiana’s “Cursive” SONGS FAUZIA – The Way Mandy, Indiana – URGH Mandy, Indiana – Magazine Mandy, Indiana – Cursive A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky JADE – Angel of My Dreams Jill Scott – Beautiful People Jill Scott - Exclusively Prince – Purple Rain Prince – When Doves Cry Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) America - A Horse With No Name EsDeeKid, Timothée Chalamet - 4 RawsTears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the WorldALBUMS A$AP Rocky – Don't Be Dumb Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern, Jill Scott - Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 Bob Marley and the Wailers – Exodus Arctic Monkeys – AM Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn HillFloating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra – Promises FKA twigs – Eusexua

What does 2026 have in store for the music industry? Annie and Nick look ahead to expected releases, rumoured returning artists, and an exciting list of confirmed festival line ups. Plus, BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage joins them to share his expert predictions about which artists to look out for this year, and what music trends we can expect. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

Annie and Nick review the standout moments from the past 12 months. From the Oasis tour to Lily Allen’s culture shifting album release, 2025 has been a major year for UK artists, and who could forget the impact of moments such as: an awkward secret being revealed at a Coldplay concert, Katy Perry going to space, and CMAT playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage for the first time. Plus, Annie and Nick attempt the impossible task of choosing just one album and song of the year each. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected] SONGS Taylor Swift – So High School PinkPantheress – Illegal HAIM – Relationships Lola Young – Messy Cameron Winter - Nausicaä (Love Will Be Revealed) ELIZA – Anyone Else Ave Maria Jacon Alon – Liquid Gold 25 CMAT – The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station Blood Orange - Mind Loaded ALBUMS Patti Smith – Horses Björk – Cornucopia Mavis Staples – Sad and Beautiful World Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl Charli XCX – brat Lily Allen – West End Girl Rosalía - LUX CMAT – Euro-Country Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal Dave - The Boy Who Played the Harp Blood Orange – Essex Honey Geese – Getting Killed Chronixx - Exile

Zadie Smith and Beth Ditto join Annie and Nick for the annual Sidetracked Christmas gathering, recorded at an Irish pub in North London. They share nostalgia, gossip and gifts, and decide what makes a song a Christmas song – declaring which ones are truly the greatest. Plus, Annie, Nick, Zadie and Beth choose their musical highlights of the year. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected] SONGS Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You Judy Garland – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Darling Love – Winter Wonderland Labi Siffre – Bless the Telephone Pulp – Common People Lola Young – Messy Herman’s Hermits - I'm Henry the VIII, I Am Dolly Parton – Hard Candy Christmas ALBUMS Blood Orange – Essex Honey Rosalía - LUX Mavis Staples – Sad And Beautiful World Pulp - More Van Morrison - Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast Marcel Dadi – Dadi’s Folk Ray Conniff – We Wish You a Merry Christmas Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra - Christmas With Bert Kaempfert T.S. Eliot – The Poems of T.S. Eliot

After successfully challenging Ticketmaster over the price of resold tickets on the platform, Olivia Dean has inspired Annie and Nick to ask: should more artists stand up for their fans? Also in Olivia Dean news, she and Lola Young are the only UK artists to make it into Spotify’s Top 10 UK Song or Artist lists for 2025. Yes, Wrapped is out but does anyone care about other people’s listening habits? Plus, Jorja Smith’s team are seeking royalties from an AI track which many people believed to be hers, Björk is using proceeds from a song she made with Rosalía and Sega Bodega to take the Icelandic state to court, and the Reading/Leeds line up is one of its best ever. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Alex Warren - Ordinary Gracie Abrams - That’s So True Lola Young - Messy Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club Billie Eilish - BIRDS OF A FEATHER Ravyn Lenae – Love Me Not sombr - back to friends Gigi Perez – Sailor Song Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe! Björk, Sega Bodega, Rosalía - Oral HAVEN – I Run ALBUMS Cameron Winter – Heavy Metal F.S.Blumm & Nils Frahm – Handling Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’Sweet Alex Warren - You'll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) KPop Demon Hunters Cast - KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Charli XCX – brat Fontaines D.C. - Romance Sega Bodega – I Created The Universe So That Life Could Create a Language So Complex, Just To Say How Much I Love You ANNIE'S DINGLE LIST: Michael D. Higgins Dove Ellis Dermot Kennedy Sorcha Richardson Chalk The Scratch

Is Timothée Chalamet secretly a Scouse drill rapper named EsDeeKid? Annie and Nick investigate this conspiracy and all available evidence for and against it. Elsewhere, Beyoncé has let herself be seen in public, which can only mean one thing: something is about to be announced. Plus, Charli XCX has analysed the realities of being a pop star in a recent essay, which raises the question: is the life of a popstar inherently stupid? And Annie and Nick pay tribute to two music greats, Gary “Mani” Mounfield and Jimmy Cliff, and discuss how songs can allow artists to live forever. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS JT – Girls Gone Wild Shygirl/JT/Sega Botega – Slime Oasis – Live Forever Jimmy Cliff – You Can Get It If You Really Want Jimmy Cliff – Wonderful World, Beautiful People Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come Charli XCX – Von dutch Rosalía - Berghain ALBUMS Rosalía - LUX Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska Beyoncé - Renaissance Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter The GQ journalist who investigated whether Timothée is EsDeeKid is Josiah Gogarty.

After an eye-opening survey by Live Nation, Annie and Nick discuss why more people would choose to go to a concert rather than have sex – and whether the both of those things belong in the same category. Otherwise this week, Nick attended a fashion show with Beth Ditto, and spotted a familiar face on the catwalk; and Annie was mesmerised by a Mulatu Astatke show. Plus, Lorde played the O2 and two listeners have strong opinions about it, CMAT is making people cry at her gigs, and BBC Introducing has been criticised for playing an “AI Artist” And Billie Eilish is taking on Elon Musk for not giving away his riches, but before they can decide who’s winning this feud, Annie and Nick need to work out how many billions are in a trillion.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack Mulatu Astatke - Tezeta Rosalía- Berghain Robyn – Dopamine Charli XCX – Chains of Love Hercules & Love Affair – Someone Else is Calling ALBUMS Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu Plays Mulatu Rosalía - LUX Lily Allen - West End Girl

The world reacts to Rosalía's new album and Annie and Nick debate whether there’s room for Berghain in the night club. Plus, the Grammy nominations have been announced, and rap music has fallen off the US charts prompting the question; do genres ever die? Elsewhere, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducts new legends, Nick hears a song that inspires him to film a roundabout, and we discover the unlikely record that got Annie into DJing. Plus, is Charlie XCX’s new track suitable for early morning? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Samantha Fu – Discotheque De La Soul – Buhloone Mindstate Blood Orange – Mind Loaded Joey Negro – Risky Biznizz Rosalía - Magnolia, Mio Cristo and La Perla Leon Thomas – Mutt Charlie XCX and John Cale – This House Handel – Messiah ALBUMS Rosalía - Lux Blood Orange – Essex Honey

Annie and Nick follow the reaction of two major album releases this week from Dave and Lily Allen, with one breaking chart records and the other breaking the internet. They also look ahead to the much-anticipated album release from Rosalía, which left Nick wanting to see a chiropractor and make a ‘classical bangers’ playlist. Elsewhere, the pair discuss Erykah Badu’s mysterious messaging, Billie Eilish challenges billionaires, and the pair ponder some Grammy nomination predictions. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Inflatable Boy Clams - Skeletons Jenny Beth – Savages Dave feat. Kano – Chapter 16 Dave feat. James Blake – Selfish Rosalía feat. Björk and Yves Tumor – Berghain Krzysztof Penderecki - Symphony No. 3. ALBUMS Lily Allen – West End Girl Dave – The Boy Who Played Harp

What’s scarier: being haunted by ghosts, or promoting an album? It’s a Halloween special with Florence Welch. As she prepares to release her new record, Everybody Scream, Florence reveals the supernatural elements that inspired her. Plus, swapping playlists with Ethel Cain and Abigail Morris, using fear as a muse; and Annie and Nick reminisce about partying with Florence in the early days of all their careers. Florence Welch’s Halloween Music Recommendations: ØXN - The Trees, They Do Grow High ØXN - Cruel Mother Lingua Ignota – DO YOU DOUBT ME TRAITOR Anna Von Hausswolff –Theatre of Nature Hilary Woods - Acts of Light PJ Harvey - White Chalk Swans - It's Coming and It’s Real Judee Sill Storefront Church Other Albums Mentioned: Florence and the Machine – Everybody Scream Florence and the Machine – Lungs Florence and the Machine – Dance Fever The Cure – Songs of a Lost World Ethel Cain – Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You The Last Dinner Party – From the Pyre Other Songs Mentioned: The Cure – Friday I’m In Love Kendrick Lamar – Reincarnated Kesha – Supernatural

In a busy week for new music announcements, Annie and Nick look back and ahead. First though, Nick needs to talk about his newfound passion: Sumo Wrestling. Elsewhere, Rosalía and Dave have announced new music, and Lily Allen is dropping an album on Friday - which Annie and Nick have had a sneak preview of. In other news: what made this year’s Mercury Prize so much better than previous years? And of course, the sad news of D’Angelo’s death has allowed the world to pay tribute to his immense influence; Annie and Nick discuss their love for his music. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Lily Allen – West End Girl D’Angelo - Playa Playa D’Angelo - Untitled (How Does It Feel) Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo - Nothing Even Matters ALBUMS Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp Lily Allen – West End Girl Rosalía - LUX Sam Fender – People Watching D’Angelo - Brown Sugar D’Angelo - Voodoo D’Angelo - Black Messiah

With a grassroots campaign against Spotify getting global attention, Annie and Nick ask if the platform faces any real existential threat – or is its grip on the market unbreakable?Elsewhere, Drake’s lawsuit against Universal has been dismissed, Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On” has been declared the best song of the 21st century so far and FKA Twigs wants to help more women work in music. Plus, breaking news: Patti Smith is good, going out keeps you feeling young, and Crazy Frog sounds better with food.SONGS Patti Smith – GloriaKendrick Lamar – Not Like UsMissy Elliott – Get Ur Freak OnFrank Ocean - Thinkin Bout YouBritney Spears - ToxicRadiohead - IdiotequeKendrick Lamar - AlrightRobyn - Dancing on My OwnTaylor Swift - All Too WellThe White Stripes - Seven Nation ArmyBeyoncé feat. Jay Z - Crazy in LoveYeah Yeah Yeahs – MapsRAYE – Where the Hell Is My Husband?The Smiths – Heaven Knows I’m Miserable NowAxel F – Crazy FrogALBUMSChronixx – Exile

Annie and Nick attempt to wrap their heads around Taylor Swift’s sales stats, in the days after the release of her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl. And ask important questions such as: what motivates the most famous person in the world, did she really bake all that bread for breakfast radio hosts, and is she the female Ricky Martin? Elsewhere, Mariah Carey may be on the verge of finally releasing the original version of her grunge album, Charli XCX is back in the studio, and Bad Bunny is fit. Plus, a twist: Nick has changed his mind about K-Pop Demon Hunters. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Q-Tip – Vivrant Thing Q-Tip – Breathe and Stop Mustafa – Stay Alive HUNTR/X, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – Golden Lianne La Havas – Disarray Danny Brown – Starburst Taylor Swift – Actually Romantic Charli XCX – Sympathy is a Knife Aqua – Barbie Girl Ace of Base - All That She Wants (Is Another Baby) Technotronic - Pump Up The Jam Patti Smith - Gloria ALBUMS Q-Tip – Amplified Doja Cat – Vie Chick – Someone's Ugly Daughter Mariah Carey – Daydream Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl Taylor Swift – Folklore Charli XCX – brat Pink Pantheress – Fancy That

In a week that saw the terrorism case against Kneecap’s Mo Chara thrown out, and Bad Bunny announced as the performer at next year’s Super Bowl half-time show, Annie and Nick discuss the complex history of music and world events. Elsewhere, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have announced the birth of their third child Rocki Irish Mayers, and Robyn might be about to release a new album. Plus, Annie has some grammatical feedback for Nick, and many questions about Geese. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Olivia Dean – Man I Need Bad Bunny - NUEVAYoL ALBUMS Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Geese – Getting Killed Robyn – Honey Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Olivia Dean is the first British Female Artist since Adele to have three singles in the top 10 simultaneously and her single Man I Need is the highest performing song on the Global Spotify Chart from a UK artist in 2025 so far. Annie and Nick welcome Olivia to the Sidetracked studio, on the eve of the release of her second album, The Art of Loving. Olivia, Annie and Nick delve into the week in music: Cardi B’s long awaited second album, Frank Ocean addressing rumours of new music, and Miley Cyrus collaborating with Fleetwood Mac. Plus, the power of the comfort zone, British chocolate bars - and can AI write a convincing Olivia Dean song? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS Olivia Dean - Man I Need Robbie Williams – Angels Robbie Williams – Rock DJ Cardi B, Lizzo – What's Goin On 4 Non Blondes – What’s Up? Miley Cyrus, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood – Secrets ALBUMS Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Cardi B – Am I the Drama? Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Are phone-free experiences the future? Annie and Nick discuss the importance of forging real connections after an effective stickers-on-phones policy. Elsewhere, 90,000 Bowie artefacts are being exhibited at London’s V&A museum and Bad Bunny puts his fan’s safety first by deciding not to tour in the US. Plus, Cardi B takes album sales into her own hands, the 2026 Coachella line-up is (already) here, and Annie and Nick discuss their Mercury Prize winner predictions. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] ALBUMSCardi B – Am I the Drama? CMAT – EUROCOUNTRY Jacob Alon – In Limerence Pulp – More Fontaine’s D.C. - Romance Joe Webb - Hamstrings & Hurricanes Martin Carthy - Transform Me Then Into A Fish SL – Block Tales SONGS Selda Bağcan - İnce İnce Bir Kar Yağar

What the hell happened in music this summer? Annie and Nick reflect back on a season to remember, from the Song of the Summer (or lack thereof) to their personal highlights from the past few months. Plus, Annie and Nick road test a new, and somewhat unhinged, feature...the Gigging Forecast! Similar to the shipping one but think more live events than high seas. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS HAIM – Take Me Back Chappell Roan – The Subway Jess Glynne – Hold My Hand HUNTR/X, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – Golden Goo Goo Dolls – Iris Addison Rae – Headphones On HAIM – Relationships Olivia Dean – Man I Need ALBUMS Charli XCX – brat KPop Demon Hunters – Soundtrack from the Netflix Film Addison Rae – Addison HAIM – I Quit Wolf Alice – The Clearing CMAT – Euro-Country

Inspired by Annie’s recent driving epiphanies, Nick details how CMAT made a journey to Manchester a spiritual experience. In other news, Beyoncé and Jay Z might be moving to the Cotswolds, Cardi B continues to be the funniest person in the world, and Sabrina Carpenter’s interview with Gayle King gave us more questions than answers. And after an overwhelming response to a Sidetracked social clip about invisible DJs, Annie and Nick present the most compelling arguments for and against. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] CMAT - Lord, Let That Tesla Crash CMAT - Ready CMAT – Iceberg CMAT – Coronation St. CMAT – Sports Car (Radio 1 Live Lounge) Wolf Alice – The Sofa Wolf Alice – Just Two Girls Oliver Sim – Obsession Blood Orange feat. Caroline Polachek, Lorde, & Mustafa – Mind Loaded Mazzy Star – Fade Into You Sabrina Carpenter – Tears TSHA - Revolution ALBUMS CMAT – Euro-Country Wolf Alice – The Clearing Blood Orange – Essex Honey Sabrina Carpenter – Man's Best Friend

From Chappell Roan’s Reading Festival set to Notting Hill Carnival, Annie and Nick discuss the August bank holiday weekend – and how enjoyable it is to sit down. Plus, the music that inspired several epiphanies for Annie on her drive back from Forwards Festival in Bristol. Elsewhere, Beth Ditto thinks Nick CAN sing, Annie gives her analysis of Taylor Swift’s album announcement, and a listener describes how a Fat Dog gig helped her let go on the dancefloor. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email [email protected] Chappell Roan – The Subway The Who – Baba O’Riley Oliver Sim - Obsession Soul Wax - New Earth Time Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe! Wolf Alice - The Sofa Wolf Alice - Just Two Girls ALBUMS Natalie Bergman - My Home Is Not In This World Jim Legxacy - Black British Music Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl CMAT - Euro-Country

Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme joins Nick to discuss the week in music. It's been a tough week for All Points East, the festival was the focus of some savage reviews after Sault’s much anticipated show and now Doechii has cancelled her upcoming headline slot. Nick and Josh ask: where has it all gone wrong? Plus, Taylor Swift isn’t the only one with a new album coming out in October, Florence + The Machine are returning, and Josh recalls the time he tried and failed to match Florence Welch’s ethereal energy. Elsewhere, Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain are in a feud, the Hives are back and better than ever, and Liam Gallagher’s been banned from throwing his tambourine into the crowd at Oasis gigs. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp 07970082700 or email [email protected] SONGS The Hives – The Hives Forever Forever the Hives Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream Big Freedia – Explode Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash – Jackson Florence + The Machine & Josh Homme – Jackson (MTV Unplugged) The Smiths – This Night Has Opened My Eyes OutKast – Hey Ya! Robyn – Dancing On My Own New Order – Blue Monday Radiohead – Let Down Dean Martin – Mambo Italiano ALBUMS/EPS Queens of the Stone Age – Alive in the Catacombs The Hives – The Hives Forever Forever the Hives Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl Oasis – Definitely Maybe Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream

A look back on the biggest musical lessons of 2025 so far with the help of Sidetracked’s guests, including Cynthia Erivo sharing her theory on why we’re created with the ability to sing, Stevie Wonder pondering the concept of retirement, and James Blake standing up for Coldplay. Plus, Michael Eavis’s approach to birthday parties, Alana Haim’s bad habits and Sir Rod Stewart’s Glastonbury budget. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 07970082700 or email [email protected]

Is it ever okay to talk during a gig? Do rock concerts have the friendliest crowds? And can one wear glasses in a mosh pit? Annie and Nick ponder all this and more in this listener curated special about gig culture in 2025 and share their own live music highs and lows. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 07970082700 or email [email protected].

Nick is joined by guest co-host and Fontaines D.C. guitarist, Carlos O’Connell, this week to analyse the concept of recession pop and the positivity rates of popular songs. What impact can the economy have on our listening habits? Elsewhere this week, fans say Justin Timberlake is ruining the tour (the world tour), Madonna’s released her much-anticipated remix album, and Nadia Lee Cohen has directed a music video for Aphex Twin. Plus, Carlos explains the complex themes of Disney’s Frozen to an enthralled Nick and reveals how an encounter with a scammer palm reader in San Francisco helped him get a part on Lena Dunham's Too Much. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected] You can read Mark Savage’s story on music trends here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-052ab668-403d-416f-b5a6-c5692313b9b4 SONGS Fontaines D.C. - It’s Amazing To Be Young Aphex Twin – Korg Funk 5 CMAT – Euro Country Fontaines D.C. - Boys in the Better Land Ed Sheeran – Shape of You Chappell Roan – Hot To Go! Pharell Williams – Happy Idina Menzel – Let It Go ALBUMS Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel Fontaines D.C. - Romance The Cure – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me CMAT – Euro Country Madonna – Veronica Electronica Madonna – Ray of Light Madonna – Erotica Mên An Tol – The Country TV SHOWS Too Much, Netflix

Annie sits down with musician, author, and actor Jordan Stephens, whilst Nick is on holiday, to discuss some of the ‘globally gas’ headlines from the world of music: the Coldplay CEO scandal and Jess Glynne’s Jet2 jingle. Elsewhere, Jordan and Annie begin to unpick the complexities of AI and streaming platforms and discuss some more positive news about how the industry is (finally) recognising that artists should be paid. Plus, are people too worried to let go and dance at gigs? Tyler, The Creator has dropped a new album about body movement and connection – is it the antidote to the threats facing music culture? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

Stevie Wonder is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, he's won 25 Grammy Awards and an Oscar, and his activism has played a pivotal role in historic world events. In this very special episode of Sidetracked, recorded in a makeshift studio in a hotel on the edge of Hyde Park, Stevie tells Annie Macmanus about his approach to song writing, his adventurous childhood and his feelings about the word 'retirement'.

Who had the more life affirming experience this week? From Oasis to Ian’s 40th Birthday Party, Annie and Nick compare notes on a series of events they never saw coming. Elsewhere, after Drake’s Wireless shows, Nick has a PSA for flying pop stars and Annie shares why she drank a cup of tea more expensive than a Heaton Park pint. Plus, Justin Bieber has dropped a surprise album to mixed reviews, and Annie and Nick ask the question: have you ever ditched a mate's birthday for a gig? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

What are the key components of a good gig?Off the back of the Oasis tour starting and Fontaines D.C. performing to their biggest audience ever, Annie and Nick discuss the ways we can all create a fun concert atmosphere – and all the things we shouldn’t do. Elsewhere, as if performing at Glastonbury wasn’t enough, PinkPantheress recently won a Chess Grand Slam in Bromley and she’s not the only overachiever in the music world, all seven members of BTS are almost finished National Service and they’re coming straight back to K-pop. Plus, Annie and Nick are preparing for the event of the summer, Ian’s birthday party, and one story has Nick comparing the mystery of a 316-year-old violin to a Jane McDonald TV show.SONGS Danny L Harle and PinkPantheress – Starlight PinkPantheress – Illegal Underworld – Dark and Long Oasis - Wonderwall Stevie Wonder - AsALBUMStevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of LifeOTHER Longitude FestivalSidetracked Live from Glastonbury: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lkz02p Mary Anne Hobbs - Black Sabbath show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002f7c8Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

Now that Glastonbury is over, Annie and Nick share their 2025 recovery tactics and analyse their post festival dreams of bread, butter and Jessie Ware. Elsewhere, they’re getting excited for upcoming gigs such as Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park, Black Sabbath’s final curtain, the Oasis reunion tour, and Stevie Wonder. Plus, a compelling Wood Pigeon impression from a listener’s son, Sidetracked as a source of oxytocin, and a recent TIME article argues that the concept of the Song of the Summer might be over - but did it ever matter? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

From watching CMAT's career defining performance on the Pyramid Stage to bumping into Lily Allen and Rita Ora in Block9, Annie and Nick debrief on the weekend that was.This episode was recorded live on 6 Music from Glastonbury.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

For the first time ever, Annie and Nick bring Sidetracked to a live audience. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

Annie and Nick discuss their hopes and predictions for Glastonbury 2025.Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email [email protected]

In the last of a series of Glastonbury specials, Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw sit down with Loyle Carner to discuss headlining the Other Stages – ten years after he first performed at the festival on the BBC Introducing Stage. What is it about Glastonbury that makes it a truly special place for both artists and festivalgoers, and how does he feel about using his set to make a political statement?Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 07970082700 or email [email protected]