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Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst 

BBC Sounds

For music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week in music... with broadcasters and music fanatics Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw.

Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

Femi Koleoso sits in for Nick, to discuss the week in music with Annie. Femi is the bandleader/drummer for the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, and he's also a DJ, Producer, Youth Leader and now a 6 Music Presenter. 

With the help of Sidetracked listeners, Femi and Annie discuss Dolly Parton and how she'll be remembered as one of the kindest and most generous musicians of all time. From Eminem to children all over the world, whose life hasn't been impacted by Dolly? 

Elsewhere, the summer festival season has drawn to a close – what can we learn from this year? Femi was inspired by the message RAYE delivered at her Reading headline set, and he and Annie explain why Notting Hill Carnival 2026 was even more magical than usual. 

Ezra Collective's fourth studio album, Here Because of Hope, is due for release on 11th September. 

SONGS 

Ezra Collective & Lila Iké - Well Organised 

Spice Girls - Wannabe 

The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men 

Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande - Rain On Me 

N-Trance - Set You Free 

Dolly Parton - Jolene 

Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colours

Femi Koleoso on Dolly Parton, the Drake Effect and RAYE at Reading

Annie and Nick are reunited after four weeks apart, and there's a lot to catch up on. 

As they recall their separate summer holiday adventures – Annie's was rustic, Nick’s involved a medical emergency that required intervention from Charli XCX – they discover a mutual summer theme of heatwaves, football and steroid injections. 

The pair finally discuss all the biggest album releases, what it’s like to watch football in a pub with Olivia Dean, why Annie might have levitated while listening to the new Phoebe Bridgers album, and what they both thought of the World Cup halftime show after having weeks to think about it. 

Elsewhere, Kacey Musgraves keeps her promise about giant mirror balls, Madonna dominates the VMAs with 11 nominations, and Reading & Leeds have dropped the BBC Introducing stage, which leads to valid questions about nepo babies in music – can they escape the shadow of famous parents? 

Annie provides listeners with her guide to surviving Notting Hill Carnival, and both Annie and Nick begin to wonder if the Sidetracked studio is haunted. 

Contains strong language. 

Given the recent sad news about Dolly Parton, Annie and Nick are asking for your personal tributes to the musical legend to include in next week’s episode. We’d love to give you a chance to send in your thoughts, voice notes, tributes, favourite Dolly memories, reactions, anything to say what Dolly meant to you. 

You can send in Sidetracked a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

And don’t forget you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. 

SONGS 

Phoebe Bridgers - Bobby 

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days are Over 

Charli XCX – No One Lasts Forever 

Justin Bieber – Everything Hallelujah 

Shygirl - Alyse 

ALBUMS 

Confessions II – Madonna 

Music, Fashion, Film – Charli XCX 

Brat – Charli XCX 

Romance – Fontaines D.C. 

Never Enough – Turnstile 

Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle 

Phoebe Bridgers – Lost Weekend

Nepo Babies, Madonna's VMA Domination & Charli XCX Saves Nick

Nick is joined by singer, DJ, rapper and Sidetracked favourite, Shygirl, to discuss the week in music, and her new single ‘Alyse’. 

This week was a big one for new music releases: Phoebe Bridgers brought out her new album – and although Annie’s on holiday, Nick shares her thoughts on the record. 

Troye Sivan released a beautiful new single, and the video has generated some online discourse about the male gaze; Shygirl has some thoughts on the aesthetic choices and how much they tell us about an artist’s intention. 

And Fontaines D.C have dropped a new single and announced the release date of their fifth album, Nick and Shy share their thoughts on ‘Marianne’. 

Plus, what it’s like to work with Madonna, Reading Festival nostalgia, and Nick recounts an awkward experience at Charli XCX’s London brat show. 

You can send Sidetracked a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. 

The film Shygirl mentions is Bird. 

SONGS 

Shygirl - Alyse 

Shygirl - Altar 

Phoebe Bridgers - Bobby 

Fontaines D.C. - Marianne 

ALBUMS 

Shygirl - Nymph 

Madonna - Confessions II 

Fontaines D.C. - Dopamine Chamber 

Fontaines D.C. - Romance 

Rosalía - Motomami

Shygirl on: Working with Madonna, Influencing Fontaines and Troye Sivan’s Aesthetic

It’s the Sidetracked mid-year review, in which Annie and Nick look back on the biggest moments of 2026 so far. Back in January, they made some predictions for the year in music and it's time to find out - do they possess psychic abilities or wishful dispositions? 

From Harry Styles’ return to Rosalía’s LUX tour, which moments define 2026 so far? 

Featuring Mark Savage, Jessie Ware, Elmiene, and CMAT. 

SONGS 

Mary J. Blige - I'm Goin’ Down 

Harry Styles - Aperture 

Rosalía - Magnolias 

Oasis - Wonderwall 

Justin Bieber - DAISIES 

Justin Bieber – Beauty and a Beat 

Taylor Swift – I Knew It, I Knew You 

Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai 

ALBUMS 

Rosalía - LUX 

Harry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. 

Madonna – Confessions II 

Justin Bieber - SWAG

A Mid-Year Review of 2026 in Music

Nick is joined by the Emotional Junglist and record-breaking music artist, Nia Archives, to discuss the week in music. Nia made headlines herself after being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for the second time - she explains to Nick why the announcement came at a difficult time. 

Elsewhere, Nick and Nia have both recently seen Grace Jones perform and discuss the many reasons why no contemporary artist could ever emulate Grace’s artistry or her perfectly curated rider. 

Plus, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have broken chart records with their single ‘Rein Me In’, but what is it about the two of them that has sent the track into the history books? 

Plus, Charli XCX’s Lollapalooza performance has fans excited for more live shows; Nia’s big plans for Japan’s convenience stores, and what’s it like to work with James Ellis Ford? 

You can send Sidetracked a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. 

SONGS 

Nia Archives – Sober Feels 

Nia Archives – Boys in Blue 

Kettama – Comes and Goes 

Tricky feat. Mitch Sanders - I’m Yours 

ALBUMS 

Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist 

Nia Archives – Silence is Loud 

Madonna – American Life 

Madonna - Music 

Madonna – Ray of Light 

Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle 

War Child Records- Help(2) 

Arca – XXXXX 

Charli XCX – brat 

Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights 

Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film

Nia Archives on: Lollapalooza, Grace Jones’ Rider, and Japanese Convenience Stores

Nick reacts to the Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist with Knats, a jazz collective who are one of the most exciting bands in the UK music scene right now - and whose latest album ‘A Great Day in Newcastle’ has been described as “the best thing to come out of the North East since Andy Carroll.” 

In a year of great albums from the UK and Ireland, which artists have made it on to the most prestigious shortlist in music? 

SONGS 

Knats – Bowling Ball 

Knats – Wor Jackie 

Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know?

Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine?

Olivia Dean – Man I Need 

JADE – Angel of My Dreams 

Kojey Radical & Planet Giza – Expensive 

Ezra Collective & Kojey Radical – No Confusion

2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist with Knats

This week’s episode will be dropping later than usual as Nick - and some very special guests - await the much-anticipated Mercury Prize Shortlist.

Coming Soon... 2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist

Annie and Nick discuss a myriad of topics chosen by Sidetracked listeners, answering questions such as: what’s it like to be backstage at big music festivals? Why were Geese accused of being an industry plant? What songs remind them each of each other? 

Elsewhere, Spotify has some new proposed features, but Annie and Nick have mixed feelings about their merit. Plus, memories of the Beckhams partying late into the night at Glastonbury, how artists get paid for the many parts of their job, and who would Nick rather be - Beyoncé or Lady Gaga? 

Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. 

SONGS 

Feeder - Buck Rogers 

Olive - You're Not Alone 

Justin Bieber – Boyfriend 

John Lennon – Imagine 

Beyoncé - Deja Vu 
 
ALBUMS 

Geese – Getting Killed

Glastonbury Secrets, Remixing John Lennon and The Truth about Geese

The one and only CMAT fills in for Nick this week - joining Annie to put the world to rights. With the World Cup Final imminent, they delve into the details of the half-time show which promises performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy...and the Muppets. With only 11 minutes allocated for the entire half-time show, will it be a disaster or a masterclass? 

Elsewhere, CMAT and Annie discuss Charli XCX’s album campaign, Rose Gray’s brilliant new single, and Kelela’s dreamy collaboration with PinkPantheress. Plus, Rihanna joined Jay Z on stage but why, apart from the conversation about her new music, is this culturally significant? 

Other highlights include: a breakdown of Taylor Swift’s best work, the truth about the crowd at Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella, shocking insight into a possible lip-syncing epidemic, and CMAT’s burgeoning friendship with Robbie Williams. 

Annie’s books for CMAT: 

Rozie Kelly - Kingfisher 

Addie E. Citchens - Dominion 

Brendan Behan - Borstal Boy 

 
SONGS 

CMAT - When a Good Man Cries 

CMAT - Stay For Something 

CMAT - Jamie Oliver Petrol Station 

CMAT – Lord, Let That Tesla Crash 

Robbie Williams - Angels 

Justin Bieber – DAISIES 

Justin Bieber – Beauty and a Beat 

Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai 

Rose Gray - Club to Your Arms 

Kelela ft. PinkPantheress - The Bridge 

Madonna – Vogue 

Madonna – Like a Prayer 

Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love 

Madonna – Fragile 

Charli XCX – SuperLove 

Taylor Swift - Opalite 

Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero 

Taylor Swift - Bejeweled 

Taylor Swift - So High School 

Rihanna ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Run This Town 

Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Money 

 
ALBUMS 

 
CMAT - Euro Country 

CMAT – Crazymad, for Me 

CMAT - If My Wife New I'd Be Dead 

Rihanna - ANTI 

Rose Gray - Louder, Please 

Kelela – new avatar 

Madonna - Confessions Part II 

Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor 

Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia 

Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism 

Taylor Swift - Folklore 

Taylor Swift – Evermore 

Taylor Swift – Midnights 

Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department 

Taylor Swift – Life of a Showgirl

CMAT Returns to Sidetracked

In a monumental week for music news, Annie and Nick sit down to discuss their thoughts on Madonna’s long-awaited Confessions II – after months of worrying it might be anticlimactic, what do they think about the album? 

And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had one of the most musically relevant weddings of all time but what should we learn from their rumoured choice of first dance song? And are there any rules we should stick to for wedding playlists? 

Plus, Wonderwall is having a moment in the 2026 World Cup, could Oasis get involved if England make the Final? 

Annie and Nick also speak to the incredible producer and musician, James Ellis Ford, about his upcoming album. James has produced albums for Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Florence and the Machine, Jessie Ware, Fontaines D.C., Carly Rae Jepsen, the Pet Shop Boys, and so many more. He talks to Annie and Nick about how he works with artists to create truly brilliant music, and how it was to make this latest solo album in a completely isolated and daunting environment – a hospital room. Plus, is James worried about how AI will change the way music producers have to work? 

Lost in Another World is out on 14th August (Nick’s birthday) 

Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. 

SONGS 

Oasis – Wonderwall 

Tina Turner - Simply the Best 

Madonna – Danceteria 

Madonna - One Step Away 

Madonna – L.E.S Girl 

Lil Louis - French Kiss 

Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free 

Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved 

Womack & Womack – Teardrops 

Janet Jackson - That's the Way Love Goes 

ALBUMS 

Madonna - Confessions II 

Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor 

James Ellis Ford - Lost in Another World 

War Child Records- Help(2) 

Charli XCX - brat

Taylor Swift’s Wedding, Madonna Album Review, and a Music Master Class with James Ellis Ford

Grammy nominations and the EMAs have welcomed us back into awards season, but are they still relevant and should we even care? BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage gives his analysis. 
 
Elsewhere, Pharrell Williams is challenging our mind’s eye with his new Lego film, Busta Rhymes reveals that Benny Hill is the rapper’s comedian and Nick explains why he’s not friends with Frank Ocean. 

 
Plus, Annie and Nick find out about Band Aid 40 and debate whether they could tell the difference between a real and AI song.

EMAs, Cowboy Carter and Busta Rhymes’ Return to Lancashire

Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst

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