Latest news with #JackSaunders
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sleep Token: Even in Arcadia is band's first UK number one album
Rock band Sleep Token have scored their first ever UK number one British group's fourth full-length release, Even In Arcadia, shot to the top of the chart after three top 40 singles in as many in 2016, the group have never revealed their identities, wearing masks at all times and rarely speaking in public, with posts speculating about who they are regularly going have accused the band of using gimmicks to boost their popularity, while fans say Sleep Token's distinctive sound, which blends heavy metal with poppy, R&B elements, sets them apart. Building off their 2023 release, Take Me to Eden, which reached number three, the band now has 9.4 million monthly listeners on streamer said earlier this week that Even in Arcadia was its top new album, outranking releases from Kali Uchis and Pink the UK chart on BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show, host Jack Saunders said it was a "a groundbreaking rock record"."It's accessible enough but also loveable enough for those who do really love the genre to really keep it close," he said. "I think it's brilliant."But not everyone is website Pitchfork - known for its sometimes-scathing takes - described the band as "schmaltzy and dull".Reviewer Eli Enis said Even in Arcadia "feels means-tested to maximize cross-market potential".Music critic Anthony Fantano, of The Needle Drop YouTube channel, describing it as "boring, uninspired, and uninteresting" and "metal for Disney adults". Sleep Token's previous record also had a lukewarm response from professional critics, but that didn't prevent it from being a group are due to headline Download Festival in Leicestershire next month, along with Green Day and the first time any of the bands have topped the bill at the rock acts due to perform include McFly, Bullet For My Valentine, Don Broco, Alien Ant Farm, Spiritbox, Poppy and CKY. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
BBC News
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Radio 1 to host Europe's Biggest Gig
BBC Radio 1 will be joining forces with four other radio stations across Europe to host Europe's Biggest Gig – a special one-off night of live music, celebrating each countries national music scene. The live music spectacular will see five countries unite for one night only, each shining a spotlight on their national music scene and showcasing an exciting artist tipped for big things who will perform a live session of their biggest tracks. Taking place on Tuesday 25 February from 6.30pm, Radio 1's Jack Saunders will be at the helm for the first thirty minutes before handing over to our broadcasting partners across the European Broadcasting Union. Representing the UK, South-London soul singer Nia Smith, will take centre stage performing a session of her biggest tracks in the legendary Radio 1 Live Lounge. Nia is fast becoming one of the most exciting new voices in British music, having supported the likes of SZA, Tems and Elmiene last year and releasing her debut EP 'Give Up The Fear' in November 2024. Nia Smith says: 'So excited to be performing for Radio 1 at Europe's Biggest Gig!! Ty so much Jack, very grateful.' Jack Saunders says: 'Live music is at the heart of what we do on the show so why not take that to the rest of Europe? It's a chance to bring fresh unique voices to the biggest stage. Nia Smith is going to blow people away with her talent and I can't wait to hear what the other countries bring.' Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: 'We're really excited to launch Europe's Biggest Gig which will join the hugely popular Europe's Biggest Dance Show and Europe's Biggest Soundsystem Party brand. 'It's an exciting way to showcase the incredible artists emerging across the continent. By joining forces with our broadcasting partners, we're giving artists a platform to reach new audiences and bringing fans closer to future stars poised for success. We can't wait to share this special night with listeners across Europe.' Listeners can hear all the action live on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds from 6.30pm GMT on Tuesday 25 February. The countries, broadcasters and artists performing are (in order of broadcast): UK, BBC Radio 1, Nia Smith Ireland, RTÉ 2FM, Orla Gartland Belgium, Studio Brussel, Sylvie Kreusch Germany, 1LIVE, Berq Iceland, Rás 2, Elín Hall FM2
