For music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week in music... with broadcasters and music fanatics Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw.
For music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week in music... with broadcasters and music fanatics Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw.
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 ‘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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 - As
ALBUM
Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life
OTHER
Longitude Festival
Sidetracked Live from Glastonbury: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lkz02p
Mary Anne Hobbs - Black Sabbath show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002f7c8
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Sabrina Carpenter has divided the internet this week with the artwork for her new album, Man’s Best Friend - but is it radical or regressive? Elsewhere, despite a famously rocky relationship with the Catholic Church and three ex-communications, it turns out that Madonna is related to the new Pope. Plus, Ticketmaster are in trouble again, Nick’s found a way to make DJ’ing easier and remembering the genius of Sly Stone and Brian Wilson.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
As part of our series of Glastonbury specials, Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw sit down with Emily Eavis to discuss this year's festival - from site changes and secret sets, to the cheesemongers weather forecast. Plus, what it's really like planning a festival like Glastonbury in 2025 and why the power of community is the thread that holds it all together.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
From camping essentials to Portaloo regrets, Annie and Nick talk all things festival season in this Q&A special. Plus, dream festival line-ups, battery powered coffee machines and does anyone actually know where the Piano Bar is at Glastonbury?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
In the first of a series of Glastonbury specials, Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw sit down with Sir Rod Stewart to discuss the legends slot. When will he decide his set list, how does he look after his voice before a big show and who does he think Glastonbury should book for the slot in 2027?
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
Can Sidetracked ever top being endorsed by Jacob Alon’s therapist? Annie and Nick are joined by the self-described "cheeky folk" artist to talk about their debut album. Elsewhere, Nick shares what it's like to be backstage with Iggy Pop, and Annie praises Taylor Swift for reclaiming her music from Scooter Braun. Plus, Annie and Nick swap notes on the Scissor Sisters O2 gig, analyse Bono ruffling Elon Musk’s feathers, and advise on how to turn a festival into a hen do. SONGS HAIM - Take Me Back Wet Leg - CPR Miley Cyrus - Easy Lover Obongjayar - Holy Mountain ALBUMS Jacob Alon - In Limerence OTHER Pan Amsterdam: https://panamsterdam.bandcamp.com/ Biggy Pop: https://www.instagram.com/biggypop/?hl=en
Nick is joined by Alana, Danielle and Este Haim to discuss their weeks in music. HAIM are the first all-female rock band to be nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, they’ve collaborated with everyone from Taylor Swift to Stevie Nicks, and next month they’ll release their fourth studio album “I Quit”.
As they tick off their first festival of the season, the sisters look back on Glastonbury’s gone by and the lengths (and step count) Alana has gone to for a crush. Elsewhere, things get nostalgic as they share stories of prom night and sneaking out the house – but what songs instantly transport them back to adolescence? Plus, the lies they told their parents, a Kate Moss inspired cameo by Addison Rae and the first time they met Nick.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
SONGS
HAIM - Relationships
Addison Rae - Headphones On
HAIM - Blood On The Street
The White Stripes - I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
Addison Rae - Aquamarine
Architecture In Helsinki - Do The Whirlwind
Architecture In Helsinki - It’s 5!
HAIM - Take Me Back
Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
The Strokes - Is This It
Tim Deluxe, Sam Obernik - It Just Won’t Do
Cheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do
ALBUMS
Jamie xx - In Colour
FILMS
That Thing You Do
The Mastermind
OTHER
Radio Three Unwind
Playlist - Fatboy Slim Brighton Beach 2002
After a legal dispute almost forced some of London’s biggest day festivals to cancel days before taking place, Annie and Nick consider the impact this could have on future urban festival planning and how spaces could be better protected for the sake of local residents. Elsewhere, as Lorde opens up in a new interview with the Rolling Stone and hints at her most truthful music yet, it prompts the question - is she at her creative peak? Plus, the countdown is on as Glastonbury releases a new site map for this year’s festival, the Frank Ocean rumour mill is spinning once again and what happens at a PTA rave.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of music – but why is listening to birdsong so good for us? From the ethereal melodies of a Nightingale to the bass-heavy coos of a Pigeon, Annie and Nick break down the science behind the sounds and why we should all spend more time outdoors. Elsewhere, as the V&A announce a new exhibition showcasing London’s lost music venues, Annie and Nick unearth some lost memories of nights spent in Bungalow 8. Plus, Charli XCX has changed the cover of ‘brat’ and no one can figure out why, the Maltese entry for Eurovision is trying to serve but is being told not to and how Nick ended up on a plane with Busta Rhymes.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
SONGS
CMAT – Take A Sexy Picture
Stevie Wonder – Evil
Olive – You're Not Alone
Miriana Conte – Serving
Charli XCX – Apple
Aphex Twin – Formula
Josh Wink – Higher State Of Consciousness
Beatrice Harrison – Danny Boy (BBC Radio Session, 1924)
ALBUMS
Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life
Charli XCX - brat
RADIO SHOW: Cher – Desert Island Discs
BOOK: Jodie Harsh -You Had To Be There
EXHIBITION: V&A - Lost Music Venues
With thanks to the BBC Archives
How exactly does a song come to be? Nick and Annie are joined by iconic spoken word artist Kae Tempest to discuss his creative process and the importance of community. Elsewhere, Lady Gaga has set a new world record and André 3000 has moved on from flutes to pianos. Plus, Black Sabbath are feeling the pressure ahead of their final gig, Annie discusses the benefits of listening to music you don't like, and Nick thinks the Met Gala should have a fallow year.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
SONGS
Kae Tempest - Know yourself
The Pointer Sisters - Automatic
Teddy Pendergrass - Love T.K.O.
Leon Vynehall and Poison Anna – Mirror’s Edge
MOGAN - House Rules
Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On
Jocelyn Brown - Somebody Else’s Guy
Maroon Five - Payphone
Kae Tempest – Statue in the Square
ALBUMS
Kae Tempest - Everybody down
Kae Tempest - Let them eat chaos
Kae Tempest - Self-titled
Chilli Gonzales - Solo Piano II
Andre 3000 - 7 Piano Sketches
Arooj Aftab - Night Reign
BOOKS
Leslie Feinberg – Stone Butch Blues
Oscar nominated singer, songwriter and actress Cynthia Erivo has the voice of a generation. She joins Annie and Nick to talk about the art of singing, the impact it has on her body physically and physiologically, and what it was like writing her new album alongside her starring role in Wicked. Elsewhere, Beyoncé and Katy Perry have kicked off their new world tours – but have we seen it all before? Plus, the wonderful weirdness of OutKast, why Oasis aren’t bothered about missing out on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the beauty of Big Boi’s owls.
Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk
SHOWS
The Colour Purple
Wicked
Jesus Christ Superstar
ALBUMS
Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter
Katy Perry - Lifetimes Cameron Winter - Heavy Metal
Cynthia Erivo – I Forgive You
SONGS
Lorde – What Was That
Beyonce – Deja Vu
LMFAO – Sexy And I Know It
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity (Live at the 97th Oscars, 2025)
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
Kae Tempest - Statue In The Square
Aretha Franklin – Ain't No Way
Cynthia Erivo – The Impossible Dream (Live at the Kennedy Centre, 2016)
