Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

What does the response to Kneecap’s Coachella performance tell us about the current relationship between music festivals and political expression? Annie and Nick are joined by BBC Music Correspondent, Mark Savage, to decipher the fallout from the rap trio’s set. Elsewhere, from conical bras to London’s West End – Self Esteem has found a new fan in Madonna, but would you want to know if pop royalty was in the crowd before or after g...

From Lady Gaga’s masterpiece in theatrical pop to Missy Elliott dressed as a car, Nick is joined by Scissor Sister’s singer and West End star Jake Shears to discuss the highs and lows of Coachella as the desert dust settles on weekend one. Elsewhere, Elton John’s had a busy couple of weeks making up with Madonna and securing his tenth number one album – but what’s he really like to work with? Plus, Lorde has returned just in time f...

What time of day would you be and why? This week’s episode has been curated by your listener questions as Nick shares his top tips for solo gigging, Annie soundtracks the perfect Sunday morning montage and CMAT’s new album inspires a rousing list of potential song topics – from wheelie bin collections and mortgage rates to the art of mushroom foraging. Plus, the joys of Radio 3 Unwind, why Donna Summer isn’t singing about pasta and...

How important is it to make music with purpose? Annie and Nick chat about Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso teaching people what’s important at this year's 6 Music Festival. Elsewhere, AJ Tracey has decided to include smaller cities and venues on his upcoming tour and Sam (not Shawn) Mendes is set to create not one but four Beatles Biopics featuring Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan and Joseph Quinn as each band member. Plu...

Ed Sheeran is calling for more funding for music education in the UK – what are Annie and Nick’s memories of music at school? Elsewhere, Little Simz is suing Inflo over unpaid debts, and Miami has renamed streets after musicians who’ve shaped the music scene. Plus, Annie’s found the perfect album to write to, Nick’s mum is a bit confused about the 6 Music Festival Line-up, and listener gets in touch about the joy of sober gigs.

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It’s been a big week for new music with releases from HAIM, Chappell Roan and Bon Iver – but the most important takeaway, is Frank Ocean's tease for real? Elsewhere, as the post-St Patrick’s Day delirium sets in, Annie and Nick work out a plan to see Stevie Wonder on his UK tour. Plus, Sidetracked has been knocked off the top of the music podcast charts by King Charles and his love of ‘The Loco-Motion', Nick has a starring role in ...

What role should AI play in music? Recording artist and technologist Imogen Heap joins Annie and Nick to discuss how AI is currently being used in the music industry, what the future might look like and what artists can do to take back control. Elsewhere, Doechii’s star continues to rise with more new music and an onstage collaboration with Lauryn Hill. Plus, the Red Bull Culture Clash is back, Lady Gaga’s new album is better than ...

Annie and Nick are joined by James Blake to discuss the week in music. He’s a Grammy award winning singer and producer, who’s worked with everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Beyoncé and last year, he walked away from his record deal to become an independent artist. After last week’s depressing look into the state of British music, does James have some solutions?

Elsewhere, inspired by Chrissie Hynde sharing her thoughts on what’s cool ...

Do the charts have the same relevance they once did? Annie and Nick discuss the potential reasons why there are no UK artists in the annual global top 10 for the first time since 2003. Elsewhere, Kate Bush is one of a thousand musicians behind a silent album to protest the government's proposed changes to copyright law. Should we be worried about artists having their identities stolen, or should we embrace change? Plus, Rihanna is ...

Electronic music is more popular than ever before but is the government doing enough to support its continued growth? Singer and producer Kelly Lee Owens joins Nick to discuss her relationship with the genre, the role of small venues in sustaining club culture and what the future holds for DJs. Elsewhere, Chappell Roan’s call to action has been heard by UMG as they announce a new mental health fund. Plus, mums at raves, Kneecap at ...

What is the reality of signing a record deal? With 13 years of skin in the game, Mahalia joins Annie to discuss Chappell Roan’s Grammy speech, the power of putting her money where her mouth is, and the measures labels should be taking to protect their artists. Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was a display of intelligence and artistry – and marked the return of bootcut jeans. Plus, Elton John’s collaborative style, working...

How has music influenced fashion, which gigs would you go back in time to see and where have all the bands gone? Annie and Nick answer your questions. Plus, is ‘Eusexua’ the perfect presidential walk-on song? SONGS Sylvester – You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) Patrice Rushen – Forget Me Nots Patrice Rushen – Haven't You Heard? Gwen McCrae – Keep the Fire Burning Lola Young – Messy Ricky Desktop – The Chicken Wing Beat D...

Why does seeing live music give you a natural endorphin hit? Annie and Nick discuss the collective experience of going to a gig and why the benefits are essential to our human experience. Elsewhere, Gracie Abrams fans have started a petition to remove support act Dora Jar from her European tour, but what does it say about fan entitlement? Plus, Bruno Mars and Sexyy Red have made WAP for dads, Central Cee and Aitch have brought rap ...

What do Timothée Chalamet, Spandau Ballet and peanut butter sandwiches all have in common? Annie and Nick debrief their trip to the premiere of A Complete Unknown, including the sense of defiance that defines Bob Dylan’s musical legacy and whether artists like Chappell Roan embody that quality today. Elsewhere, Drake is taking his rap beef with Kendrick to court – but what impact will this have on the culture of diss tracks? Plus, ...

Ever wondered how the songs are picked to soundtrack your favourite television shows? Music supervisor, Ciara Elwis, joins Annie and Nick to talk about working with PJ Harvey, curating endless playlists and the lengths she’s gone to to get a song cleared. Elsewhere, it’s been a good week for new music - Ethel Cain’s new album has prompted both confusion and admiration while Bad Bunny’s has made the whole world cry. Plus, Mac Miller...

As she continues her meteoric rise to fame, Annie and Nick share why Doechii should be your new favourite artist. Elsewhere, The Traitor’s has returned to our screens along with its iconic soundtrack – but who chooses the songs? Plus, we officially have our first Glastonbury headliner for 2025, SZA might be solely making children’s music from now on and Nick’s losing faith in Rihanna ever releasing new music. Get in touch with A...