PressPLAY OK

What happens when you lose faith in your own art? For the last episode of the series we talk to the beautiful soul that is Lucy Rose and her journey to becoming an independent act on her own terms. We also discuss her new collection of remixes, as well as rating the week's new music. As always, thank you for listening (on iTunes, Acast, or wherever you choose). We'll be back later in the year with more new episodes.

We're combating heat, technical issues and an all-time high level of thirst this week, but we're still ever so proud of bringing you a chat with artist & songwriter extraordinaire Mikky Ekko. We talk about that Rihanna collaboration and his new musical direction, all while rating this week's new music. As usual you can find us on iTunes & Acast; do please rate, review, and subscribe if you can.

Joining us this week on the podcast is one of our favourite London soul talents, JONES. She's impressed us with a slew of collaborations recently as well as her delightful new EP London (part of a trilogy being released this year). She talks about her new music, mental health, performing on Jools Holland, and - erm - introduces us to a rumour about Lana Del Rey farting. Plus we have the usual discussion of new music, this week from Ariana Grande, Anne-Marie, and Liam Payne. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast Addict; don’t forget to like, rate, and subscribe, and stay tuned for even more episodes in weeks to come.

If you listen to one EP this month, make sure it's Naaz's debut. Bits of Naaz (out this week) is an absolute statement from the Dutch newcomer, full of fire and personal storytelling all set to the beat of banging pop. We caught up with her in Amsterdam for this week's episode, talking about her Kurdish Muslim background and her brilliant songs, as well as rating new tunes from Zayn and Nicki Minaj. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast Addict; don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe, and stay tuned for even more episodes in weeks to come.

This week we invite the brilliant & tirelessly lovely Laura Welsh on to the show. We talk about her absence (& new song Atomised), being on the 50 Shades soundtrack, and working with John Legend, Plus we rate new music from Calvin Harris and Cardi B. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast Addict; don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe, and stay tuned for even more episodes in weeks to come.

We have a very special episode this week as we invite rising London R&B-pop star Leo Kalyan to join us for a chat. We talk about what it means to be in the music industry with a gay Muslim background, as well as discussing new releases from The Weeknd, CHVRCHES, & Kylie Minogue.

Hands-down one of the best pop albums of the year is The Aces' tremendous debut, When My Heart Felt Volcanic. It's out next week, so we caught up with them after their London show to talk all about the album, a whole heap of other stuff, & review new tracks from David Guetta & Sia, Shawn Mendes, and Kacey Musgraves. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast Addict; don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe, and stay tuned for even more episodes in weeks to come.

We're back! And what better way to kick of the second series of our podcast with the brilliant Liv Dawson. We talk about her rise to prominence, working with Disclosure & Jimmy Napes, and we discuss new tracks from Louisa, The Chainsmokers, Kygo, & Sigrid.

We just couldn't help ourselves, could we? While we're gearing up for series two of the PressPLAY OK podcast, we thought we'd keep everyone ticking over with a Best of 2017 special. Contributor Bruce Daisley sits with us today to talk about the best and worst of the year, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Niall Horan, Jay-Z and more. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast Addict; don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe because this is most enjoyable and we'd quite like to carry on doing it thanks.

Chloe Howl is back, people, and this time she is taking no prisoners. We round off this series of podcasts by having an explosive chat with the exceptional Ms Howl about her major label experience and her new direction with Magnetic, while discussing music by Rudimental, James Arthur, TLC, Drake, and Jay-Z. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast Addict; don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe because this is most enjoyable and we'd quite like to carry on doing it thanks.

PressPLAY OK has always been a champion of new music, and what better way to introduce that to our podcasts by way of rising UK star Betsy. We always knew she'd be a hoot, but even weren't prepared for just how fun this episode would be - we discuss her new song Little White Lies, music videos, major labels, and of course rate new tracks from Haim, Kodaline, and Parcels. Be warned: it's a good 'un. Find us on iTunes, Acast, and Podcast addict; don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe because this is most enjoyable and we'd quite like to carry on doing it thanks.

Oh we do spoil you. After all, what's better than having not one but two tremendous UK talents on this week's episode? It's a great honour to welcome both Rae Morris and Fryars (aka Ben Garrett) on to the podcast this week, as we rate new music from DJ Khaled, Calvin Harris, & Rihanna. We also chat about their relationship, Ben's solo work and input on Lily Allen's new album, plus Rae's new record Someone Out There. Do rate and subscribe on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/pressplayok/id1237574168?mt=2); you can also find us on Acast and Podcast Addict.

We're halfway through the first series of podcasts and what better time to invite an old friend of ours - Swedish pop powerhouse Tove Styrke. In one of our more ridiculous episodes we talk about her cracking new track Say My Name, as well as discussing new songs from David Guetta, Justin Bieber, Pharrell, and London Grammar. As always, if you like what you hear then do rate and subscribe over on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/pressplayok/id1237574168?mt=2). Or don't. We can't force you.

Episode 4 of our podcast takes on a new dimension as we invite #1 hit-maker Neil Claxton - aka Mint Royale - on to the show. We talk about Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester concert as well as rating new singles from Lorde, Olly Murs, & Fifth Harmony in our inimitable PressPLAY OK form. Listen, rate, and subscribe via iTunes right here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/pressplayok/id1237574168?mt=2

"I hadn't actually heard three minutes of bland in all my life," says the spectacular Becky Hill in the latest episode of our PressPLAY OK... Or Not OK? podcast. Find out whether she's talking about Little Mix, Carly Rae Jepsen, or Rita Ora here, and get to know the story behind her new track Rude Love (and indeed, whether or not it's about anal sex). Do subscribe on iTunes and rate us if you like what you hear. And, based on the above, why wouldn't you?

Episode 2 of our PressPLAY OK podcast sees former Saturdays star Vanessa White join us for a chat about her new music and live show, while we rate & discuss the latest tracks from Liam Payne, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, and Katy Perry.

If there's one person we'd happily go out on the lash with it's Betty Who. Not just because she's a hoot (more on that later), but she's one of the pop scene's more talented and erudite acts. That former trait in particular is on full display on her excellent new album The Valley, a robust collection of the synth-pop jams we've grown to love her for. So obviously when we wanted to kick off our brand new PressPLAY OK... Or Not OK? weekly podcast series, we couldn't think of anyone better to christen it than Betty Who. In it we discuss Ms Who's music, her experiences, while reviewing (well, tearing apart) the latest tracks from Miley Cyrus, Calvin Harris, and Lana Del Rey. Have a listen, subscribe on iTunes, rate us, and keep your ears peeled for more next week.