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The world’s favorite Canadian rapper has announced another album. “Views From The 6”, Drake’s fourth offering so far, will be released under the emerging OVO Sound, Drake’s own label. Although he’s announced the album, according to Rolling Stone recording won’t begin until after his tour with Lil Wayne concludes on September 27th, 2014, and the album itself likely won’t drop until spring of next year. Drake is currently set to perform his sold-out OVO Fest in Toronto, Canada alongside Outkast and mystery guests, beginning August 3rd, after which he’ll move on to his international tour and then the studio.

Drake, pictured here at the JUNO Awards, is up for another award - The Polaris

Though theories abound about the vague title, one popular speculation as told by Billboard.com claims it as a reference to his hometown of Toronto, where the primary area codes are 416 and 647. Friend and fellow OVO Sound musician Jimmy Prime reportedly gave Toronto the nickname of “The 6” due to the codes’ common digit. Coupled with his video for “Started From The Bottom” which depicted him working in Canadian chain Shoppers Drug Mart and rapping in the snow, “Views From The 6” lies naturally within the same vein as his frequent Toronto shoutouts.

Continue reading: Everything You Need To Know About Drake's 'Views From The 6'

Thousands of Glastonbury Festival revellers turned out to watch the Kaiser Chiefs launch the first full day of music at the event, on the Other Stage early on Friday morning. "Glastonbury sing along if you know the words," yelled frontman Ricky Wilson before launching into 'Every Day I Love You Less and Less'.

Large beard, larger hat [Photo: Getty Images, credit: Matt Cardy]

With rain persistent all morning, the fans have already begun navigating the muddy fields and paths but appeared in high spirits for the Kaiser Chiefs.

Continue reading: The 14 Best Beards At The Glastonbury Festival [Pictures]

Glastonbury Festival goers were warned to "prepare for rape" by a subtitle blunder during the weather report on BBC News at Ten. The weatherman told the audience to "prepare for rain" but the caption instead read, "prepare for rape". 

Festivalgoers at Glastonbury 2014 [Photo: Getty Images, credit: Ian Gavan]

A BBC spokeswoman was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "We try to ensure our subtitling is as accurate as possible but there are occasions when mistakes inevitably occur.

Continue reading: Glastonbury Festival Goers Told To "Prepare For Rape" By BBC

Glastonbury festivalgoers are famously robust whatever the weather, packing willies, umbrellas and waterproof ponchos to ensure their heads don’t drop should the heaven decide to open. 

It Could Be A Muddy Glastonbury Festival. Photo: Getty images, Credit: Matt Cardy

And it looks like this year might be a wet one. Forecasters are predicting sunshine up until the gates open, then a deluge of rainfall is set to cascade over Worthy Farm as Arcade Fire, Kasabian and Metallica headline the Pyramid Stage. The Met Office are predicting heavy rain showers between 10am and 9pm on Friday - the first full day of music at the festival. 

Continue reading: Glastonbury Weather 2014: It's Going To Rain. Loads.

Arcade Fire treated fans to a cover of London by The Smiths and Echo And The Bunnymen's classic track The Cutter during their second show at Earl's Court Exhibition Centre in London on Sunday (June 8, 2014). 

Arcade Fire covered The Smiths at Earl's Court

London, the B-side to 1987's Shoplifters of the World Unite, featured Will Butler on vocals and was a solid, hard-driving rendition of the Smiths favourite. The Cutter was less of a cover, given the band were joined on-stage by Echo frontman Ian Mcculloch. 

Continue reading: Arcade Fire Cover The Smiths, Echo And The Bunnymen At Earl's Court Show

The video for Arcade Fire’s gay rights song, ‘We Exist’ features one of the most talked about actors of the moment, Andrew Garfield. And while the band’s intentions were both clear and admirable, the casting of the Spider-Man actor called in to question the lack of transsexual actors in big roles.

Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone pose at the Charles James: Beyond Fashion' Costume Institute Gala

Laura Jane Grace, the lead singer of Against Me! And a transgender women herself expounded the criticism on Twitter. “Dear @arcadefire, maybe when making a video for a song called "We Exist" you should get an actual "Trans" actor instead of Spider-Man?” she wrote on Twitter. 

Continue reading: Win Butler Responds To 'We Exist' Video Criticisms - Should A "Trans" Actor Have Been Cast? [Poll]

We've been seriously pushing US and UK music festivals this year but, it has to be said, there's nowhere quite like Europe.

The continent is home to some of the most unique music events in the world and, looking at what's on offer this year, it seems that the festival season is the best time to experience cultural diversity to the nth degree. Whether its sun or snow you're after, rock or dance music, indoor or outdoor, Europe has it all and with the summer quickly approaching, it's time to get on a plane and take the best vacation of your lives as we guide you to the most exciting countries you can hope to visit this year.

Belgium
- Pukkelpop (August 14th - 16th): This Belgian weekend remains seriously cool having first began in 1985 and always playing host to some of the world's best alternative music with early performers including Ramones, The Jesus And Mary Chain and Iggy Pop. Nearly 30 years on, Pukkelpop maintains its excellence with 2014 seeing the likes of Clean Bandit, Gogol Bordello and Die Antwoord on the bill.
- Tomorrowland (July 18th - 20th and July 25th - 27th): If you want to feel like you've entered a fantasy world for a weekend (or two), Tomorrowland is definitely for you. Taking place in the town of Boom, you'll be rocking out against a backdrop of incredible art installations of gargantuan proportions - it really isn't a sight to be missed.

Continue reading: Head To Europe This Year For The Best Summer Festival Experiences!

The Amazing Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield stars in the video for Arcade Fire's We Exist, the third single to be taken from the band's third album Reflektor. Directed by David Wilson, it was partly shot at last month's Coachella Music Festival and sees Garfield in a bra. And a wig. 

Arcade Fire Have Released the Video for 'We Exist'

The clip stars off in a rather melancholy fashion, with Garfield weeping as he shaves his head. As the sun rises, the actor heads down to a local bar where he's propositioned by a couple of guys. After heading over to the dance-floor, Garfield gets a bit of a beating, but when he's encouraged to walk through a psychedelic style tunnel, he suddenly finds himself in the crowd at an Arcade Fire show. He then jumps on-stage and really goes for it. It's about empowerment, we think. 

Continue reading: Video For Arcade Fire's 'We Exist' Stars Andrew Garfield. In A Bra [Video]

The New Orleans Jazz Fest finished on a high note on Sunday May 5. Montreal-based band Arcade Fire had local musicians Pinettes Brass Band onstage with them, providing accompaniment and, at one point, a wordless rendition of Wake Up.

Springsteen drew huge crowds on Saturday night at the New Orleans Jaxx Fest

The night before had belonged to The Boss. Saturday night saw Springsteen take to the stage, opening with High Hopes, the eponymous track from his latest album. Unsurprisingly, he drew a huge audience who were blown away by his set, which featured performances of the usual tracks from his most recent tours.

Continue reading: New Orleans Jazz Fest Finishes On A High Note

It's that time of year again where New Orleans go all out to prove they are one of the most culturally rich cities in North America with their annual two-weekend event, the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

The Jazz Festival has expanded to two long weekends since its inaugural year in 1970, meaning that more people than ever can get the chance to enjoy the fine music culture of Louisiana. The Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson appeared at the first event alongside renowned orchestral composer Duke Ellington, and from then on the festival has gone from strength to strength and has never once lost the spirit that has made it so loved.

Continue reading: It's That Time Of Year Again! New Orleans Jazz Festival Returns With Another Two Weekends Of Music Mythology

The Coachella Festival has closed its doors for another year, leaving a bunch of sweating Californian hipsters and A-list celebrities to pack up and dream of 2015. Many had described the 2014 line-up as one of the most interesting and diverse shows yet - but did it manage to live up to the hype?

Arcade Fire Headlined This Year's Coachella Festival

"Who was Sunday's Coachella headliner?" asked the Los Angeles Times in its review of the festival  "The band that played last, to wrap up the weekend on the main stage? Or the act that drew probably the weekend's biggest crowd, and certainly its most fevered rush of fans?"

Continue reading: Coachella 2014: Was It The Best Year Yet?

Coachella Festival is nearly here, bringing with it one hell of a weekend chock full of great food, exciting entertainment and, most importantly, amazing music.

Arguably California's most eagerly anticipated event of the year, Coachella settles at the Empire Polo Club in Indio once again for the fifteenth year running between April 11th and 13th on the first weekend and April 18th and 20th on the second. It's not unheard of that a music festival was so good they had to hold it twice, but as of 2012 it has become a no-brainer for Coachella. In a nutshell, it is basically a big playground for grown-ups - though of course it is a family friendly event - featuring activities such as the 3 Legged Race, the Beauty Bar, the art studios, dodgeball and the almighty Pie Eating Contest, all while you're munching on a variety of cuisine from around the state and rocking out to some of the best bands you will ever hear.

Continue reading: It's Almost Here! 25 Must See Acts For Coachella 2014

Some acts may still be rumours and others are yet to be confirmed, but we have a strong suspicion that this is what the Glastonbury Festival Lineup for 2014 will end up looking like! Eek, we can't wait! The three day music festival is the hottest (and most quickly sold out) ticket of the year, and with a (rumoured) lineup like this, who’s surprised?

Prince is rumoured to be performing at Glastonbury Festival 2014

Indie rock band Arcade Fire have already confirmed their Friday night slot on the Pyramid Stage at the festival. The Canadian band are fortunate to be playing on the Friday night before everybody has had a sleepless few days and energy starts to die down!  Actually, on second thought, Glastonbury Festival goers never really lose any energy.  There must be something in the air which keeps them all going.

Continue reading: Could This Be The Lineup For Glastonbury Festival 2014?

Arcade Fire have never been afraid to approach their live shows with unpredictability and finesse. Their latest jaunt – over in Australia for the Big Day Out festival – saw the band sporting oversized papier-mâché heads, and we’ve got some cool photos.

Arcade Fire rock the Australian crowd

While the U.K’s festival season is far from kicking off – the rainy weather isn’t exactly conducive to a hassle free camping experience – Australia is in full swing, dancing around like idiots to the latest cool band.

Continue reading: Arcade Fire Wear Big Papier-Mache Heads At Big Day Out Festival [Pictures]

After an immense year for music, here's reviewer Dom Gourlay's favourites for 2013 - and possibly for a long while after!

Arcade Fire 'Reflektor' - Early reviews were ridiculously negative, probably because journos were invited to a one-hour listening session in a plush Soho bar while being plied with free booze. The test of time has proved otherwise. And some.

Continue reading: Dom Gourlay's Top 10 Albums Of 2013

Vampire Weekend 'Modern Vampire in the City' - 'Modern Vampires in the City' makes it three for three for the New Yorkers and their latest release could very well be their best yet. It shows evolution for the band, but they have retained that essential quality that made 'Contra' and their self-titled debut such wonderfully upbeat and genuine pleasures to listen to each time. 'Modern Vampire in the City' is also the release that marks Vampire Weekend as a band that should be taken seriously, but one who you can still have immense fun with. 'Diane Young' is yet another indie floor filler, standing shoulder to shoulder with previous bangers 'A-Punk' and 'Cousins.' Where the album really excels, however, is when VW reach out to new quarters and sound completely inimitable. The yelps of 'Ya Hey' bring fun to a song that essentially deals with the theme of lost conviction, the graceful 'Hanna Hunt' erupts in the most complete song released this year and album opener 'Obvious Bicycle' sets the whole thing in motion with its refreshingly angelic melodies and steady, train-like clunks that lie beneath all the splendour. Vampire Weekend are no longer the Brooklyn minions rattling at the gates of eminence, the gates have been swung open for them and the welcoming committee should have made them feel rightly at home. 

Continue reading: Contactmusic.com's Top Albums Of 2013

As we speculated back in October, Dolly Parton is to be confirmed to perform at Glastonbury 2014. The "9 to 5" singer is likely to appear in the Sunday Legends slot on the Pyramid Stage, previously filled by Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Ray Davies.

Dolly Parton Is Likely To Play Glastonbury

It would mark the 67-year-old's debut appearance at the legendary festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset.

Continue reading: Dolly Parton To Be Announced For Glastonbury 2014

Arcade Fire are officially headliners at Glastonbury 2014! After much speculation and finger crossing, the Canadian alt-rockers have been confirmed as the first headline act for 2014's outing at Worth Farm in Somerset next June.

Arcade Fire will headline Glasto for the first time

The band confirmed their billing themselves, taking to Twitter to reveal a list of European dates due to take place in the same week at the end of June. As well as the stop off at Worthy Farm, AF will also be paying Rock In Roma and Villa Franca Di Verona a visit, as well as headlining a show at Marlay Park in Dublin. The band's own announcement was later followed up by a tweet from festival organiser Emily Eavis, with a statement from the festival's own Twitter page reading: "We're very pleased to announce that Arcade Fire will headline the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2014 on Friday 27th June."

Continue reading: Arcade Fire Confirmed As First Headlining Act For Glastonbury 2014

The 2014 Grammy Awards will take place in January 2014, with the full list of nominees being revealed over the weekend. Jay-Z was the most capped nominee, with nine nods in total, whilst Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar and Daft Punk were also among the list of potential winners, but there were a number of artists who were nowhere to be seen on the list of nominations.

After their shock win in 2011, Arcade Fire have been ignored this time

Despite their last album, The Suburbs, being a runaway success at the 2011 Grammy Awards, Arcade Fire are nowhere to be seen on next year's list. Their fourth album, Reflektor, was met with almost universal praise and some critics noted that it was an improvement form their latest release, but it seems as though the Grammy committee weren't as impressed as everyone else. The Canadian band don't even appear in the Best Alternative categories, however it is pleasing to see Tame Impala and Vampire Weekend among the nominees in this category, especially considering VW released one of the albums of the year with Modern Vampires of the City.

Continue reading: Grammy Awards 2014 Nominations: Who Are The Notable Absentees On The Nominee's List