Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

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. Pl...

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...

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: h...

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 se...

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 ...

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?

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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 Wils...

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...

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 ...

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 (...

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 pea...

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 ...

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 s...