MAG: MØ NO MYTHOLOGIES TO FOLLOW ALBUM VISUAL

I only just found this, it's too dope not to share. An album teaser released via TIME magazine, it's a short video backed by album opener "Fire Rides" that encapsulates everything that MØ stands for. And you can be 100% assured that it's all her, all real.

“When you are in the most intense time of your teenage/self-exploration years, you do stuff and experience things that can be destructive to yourself or others. You put yourself center of attention and compromise other people’s emotions. Simply because you’re insecure. You put everything on the edge — blow every little thing up to be the end of the world. You tend to act like a careless, ravaging maniac who just wants to tear the world apart because of the tornado inside of you. At least that’s how I felt. This video visualizes how I felt when I was a teenager — with a twist of irony.”

MAG: CHVRCHES LIVE LOUNGE TEAM LORDE COVER

Their last scheduled cover for the time being was performed live on Radio 1 this lunchtime, as CHVRCHES covered "Team" by Lorde in the Live Lounge. After killing the likes of Whitney Houston, Arctic Monkeys, Janelle Monáe, HAIM, Bauhaus and even E17, they've garnered somewhat of a reputation for stunning covers and, would you know it, here's another one.

MAG: SBTRKT TRANSITIONS EP

The man's been leading up to this release for months and months, today "Transitions" has dropped by SBTRKT, a new EP of experimental, instrumental productions – transitional works from his uber-successful debut album to his next. It coincides with a series of festival slots announced recently, not least at Field Day and Reading, both that I hope to attend. The EP is a trilogy of two-sided singles: Part I is out on May 5, featuring the two tracks we've already heard, "Gamalena" and "Hold The Line". And Part II and III, set for release on May 19 and June 2 respectively, both sound expectedly impressive, coming at us in that distinctive SBTRKT beat with such aesthetic flavour. "Resolute" is an early favourite, but it's six very attractive tunes that will no doubt be lighting up festivals all summer long.

"This is music written over the last year, whilst recording for my second album. Much of the music I released before my debut album was instrumental and I want to continue to share this side of the music I make. This series of tracks is titled TRANSITIONS. "

MAG: READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP

BLOG: MØ ALBUM NO MYTHOLOGIES TO FOLLOW

Needless to say, this is amazing. An incredible, incredible record by an incredible, credible, badass artist in the form of Karen Marie Ørsted, better known as MØ. I've said plenty about this lady before and I don't think there's much more to add, other than that this album doesn't disappoint one bit, or rather even exceeds the hype towards this maiden full-length release. It's basically her life's work and it has paid off superbly. Here's my most recent MØ entry, as well as all the rest of it here. Congratulations.

DIARY: ELLIE GOULDING LIVE AT THE O2 PART TWO

Click to enlarge and read part one too.

DIARY: ELLIE GOULDING LIVE AT THE O2 PART ONE

Ellie Goulding, live at the O2, it was already one of the best nights of my life before she had even stepped out onto the stage, but when she did, well, she stepped onto the stage. Clearly an emotional affair for Ellie herself too, frankly she headlined the shit out of London's largest arena in front of a sell-out crowd.

I'm all too familiar with her live sets and musical ability, but my amazement and delight felt so fresh as she stood before us, executing a full-scale, spine-bending, vocally flawless gig. Her honest charm alone was enough to light up the venue, but her voice is just something else – heavenly, soulful, entrancing. As soft and raspy her unique vocals are, every note is delivered so fully with expression and reason, so easy to be captivated and lost in.

Her setlist last night covered everything that makes her so stunning, that makes her such a valuable asset to the industry, that of course rewarded her with a Brit award earlier this year. From smashing her hit pop singles to proving her technical gift with a guitar in hand for "Guns & Horses", and even to my absolute glee managing to squeeze in her oh-so-dope covers of alt-J and James Blake, it was just the perfect experience.

I'm still in a bit of a daze almost 24 hours later, a Goulding hangover if you like, and I don't want it to fade. She put out all her heart into the milestone performance and, I have to say, I love her with all of mine. iPhone photographs in part two.

BLOG: PRINTED PAGES SPRING 2014

Out today is the fifth instalment of It's Nice That's physical quarterly, Printed Pages. I've been collecting the past issues as one of my favourite 'indie' publications around, neatly presented with engaging, creative content. This latest issue for Spring 2014, however, shows significant progression in its object. The page count has gone up from 76 to 128, the paper stock is heavier at 120gsm (including some coated) which all add up to give it a solid spine for the first time. All rather exciting and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Visually, they've got the production so on point and I think it's one of the most pleasant and satisfying around. Give it a read if you're yet to indulge in the world of Printed Pages, it's only a fiver.

DIARY: MØ LIVE AT HEAVEN

It feels like only yesterday that I wrote about seeing MØ live – it was – but I was at London's Heaven nightclub to watch MØ headline her biggest show at England's capital yet, also the fourth sold out show here in a row I hear. She was a special guest at Broods' show in Notting Hill on Wednesday, but last night was all about her. In fact, it's probably the fullest set I've seen out of the five, what with the debut album "No Mythologies To Follow" released once the weekend closes (which is the most exciting thing all year).

I've said it before and I'll say it again, MØ knows how to perform. It's mind-blowing, hot and frankly ridiculous what she does, a non-stop mover who you sense is just as gassed by her own music, if not more, than her fans who have eagerly gathered to witness it. An animal, a child, call it what you like but her raw, innocent energy and not-a-single-fuck-ever-given personality would explode the stiffest of crowds – that I am sure – it's a stunning quality of leadership and inspiration that I don't think I've seen from anyone else before. I'm convinced she could start a side-project of workout dance DVDs, packed with thighs out wide, hips grooving, shoulders swinging and ponytail bangs aplenty. She had the entire venue rocking last night throughout the hour plus she was on stage, performing all of the singles we already adore her for, as well as revealing a handful of new tracks presumably off the upcoming record, and I cannot make my enthusiasm for this release any clearer. The critical reviews have already been streaming across the internet and the feeling of awe seems to be shared by all ears the album has touched. Monday is only three days away, and my ears have been ready for months. So bring it on, Karen, take me into your world.

DIARY: BROODS AND MØ LIVE AT NOTTING HILL ARTS CLUB

My first gig of 2014, one of six this month alone, I was at Notting Hill Arts Club last night to see Broods and MØ perform for the New Shapes event. As it was a Wednesday, I wasn't able to go until about 9pm after work, at which point Broods were already finishing up their set, although I managed to catch a couple of songs, including a flawless, dreamy rendition of their single "Bridges". But not long afterwards, it was the turn of the Danish pop star to turn up the volume and turn on the swag. It may have been my fourth time witnessing her live set, but I was no less amazed than the first three outings. Her showmanship (or is it showwomanship...) is extraordinary and her desire to engage the crowd and orchestrate this communal sense of carefree, living-in-the-moment, all-guns blazing joy is utterly impressive.

Her set spanned about half an hour, so five or six songs, including that Spice Girls cover for the very first time apparently, as well as the recent single "Don't Wanna Dance" to close an explosive night out. And she's set to do it all over again tonight with a headline gig at London's Heaven, where of course I shall be in the audience for once more. With the album release only 4 days away, I can't help but anticipate the reaching of some sort of climax tonight, having watched her for the first time exactly twelve months ago. Clearly, I'm with her all the way and with strong reason too.

MAG: BROODS NEVER GONNA CHANGE OFFICIAL VIDEO

With precisely the kind of visual image I think of for Broods' icy-warm sound (yes, I made up that describing word) the New Zealand pair have released a video for "Never Gonna Change". A crisp, shiver-arousing outdoors, the persistent drenching of freezing water and a somewhat cold human embrace tells a beautiful tale of anguish.

...just IMO init lol. The duo play at Notting Hill Arts Club tonight, with a special appearance from MØ, and I will definitely be making my way down.

MAG: FOXES LIVE LOUNGE HAPPY PHARRELL WILLIAMS COVER

In for her Live Lounge debut this morning was Foxes, performing her new single "Let Go For Tonight" and this beautiful, creative cover of Pharrell's "Happy". She's probably the UK's next budding pop starlet, with a debut record on its way in May, but it's her creamy vocal qualities I'm drawn to most, as a sucker for ladies that can sing. Transforming the undeniably 'happy' tune into a melancholy, almost fragile sound, merged with a subtle inclusion of Massive Attack's "Teardrop", it's a lovely rendition and one I think that shows off her sumptuous talents to good exposure.

BLOG: BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014

BLOG: BIRD LIVE AT BBC 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL

Showcased by BBC Introducing in Merseyside, Liverpool-based trio BIRD performed at the 6 Music Festival last night, and above are the live clips for songs called "Sea Of Trees" and "I Am The Mountain".

It's the first time I've checked them out but I was instantly won over. Maybe it's just the kind of phase I'm digging right now – dark sounds, electric guitar lines, female vocalists et al – but they bring a really raw, misty air of expression that I can't seem to get enough of. Moody atmospheres, weird melodies, gradual rises, echoing cries of despair; I love it all. They seem to have three EPs out since 2012 and a new single "The Rain Song" was released on Baltic last month. Another band to watch out for, and another band with great potential to make it.