SONG OF THE WEEK: Intacto by Agoney (week beginning 8 September 2023)

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

We’re in South America as we write and there’s 1 Spanish-speaking song we hear everywhere and it’s this 1 with its reflection on a difficult relationship and determination to put an end to it to a moody, dancefloor-friendly bop.

  • Read on for reasons including why we need Agoney to win Benidorm Festival in 2024
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ALBUM OF THE WEEK: I Made An Album by Daði Freyr (week beginning 6 September 2023)

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

TRACKLIST: Thank You; I’m Fine; Limit To Love; Shut Up; Sometimes; I Just Want It; Sunshine; Moves To Make; Settle Down; If You Want To; Trying; Bitte

Freyr is clearly laying the groundwork here for a lengthy career and our only qualm with his sophomore album is that there is nothing quite so catchy as either of his Eurovision entries Think About Things or 10 Years.

  • Read on for reasons including how to see Freyr on tour in the UK this winter
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SONG OF THE MONTH: Tension by Kylie (September 2023)

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

The title track from Kylie’s 16th album out 22 September proves Padam Padam, a song of the week for us in May and Ms Minogue’s biggest UK hit for 13 years, was no flash in the pan.

  • Read on for reasons including why we haven’t been this excited for a Kylie album since 2000
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INTERVIEW: Welly at Victorious Festival, Portsmouth

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: August Bank Holiday 2023

Last year, on a rather slow evening at Victorious 2022, we discovered what would become our new favourite band, Welly.

  • Read on for reasons including why Welly love returning to play on the south coast
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The People’s Lounge, Portsmouth supporting Arms Around the Child at Victorious Festival

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: August Bank Holiday 2023

Trading a glitter makeover for an interview, I discover this is Erika’s second year volunteering at The People’s Kitchen in the World Music Village, at Victorious Festival – the south coast event held on August Bank Holiday by the sea in Portsmouth.

  • Read on for reasons including more about the Global Music Village at Victorious Festival
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AWARDS LONGLIST: MONSTAS: Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film and Podcasts of 2023 so far (part 1 of 2)

You, dear reader, are given the chance to vote in 16 categories from November this year to tell us your favourite theatre, music, TV, film and podcast of 2023.

  • Read on for reasons including 8 of 16 categories of our Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film and Podcasts of 2023 so far
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