What really goes on at the X Factor auditions?

This week I went to watch the X Factor auditions being filmed and it was a fascinating experience. Here’s what happened… How it works: Although the auditions were being held at The O2, two thirds of it were curtained off so it was actually no bigger than the usual venues they use. The auditions each… Continue reading What really goes on at the X Factor auditions?

Popping the Question: Is it time for Europe to reclaim Europop?

Five years ago I was obsessed with European pop music. Mainland Europe was excelling at both the traditional Europop (or more accurately Eurodance) sound and all the other genres that make up pop. But nowadays I’m as likely to find my new favourite song in the UK or US as in the Swedish, Dutch or… Continue reading Popping the Question: Is it time for Europe to reclaim Europop?

Sunday Night Quiz: Guess the Eurovision star!

Can you remember these Eurovision contestants from the past? Leave the name of the artist and the country they represented in the comments box below. The answers will be revealed next Sunday! And here are the answers from last week: 1, 2 and 6 were true, the rest were all totally made up!

Free Mixtape: Now That’s What I Call Poptastic! Vol. 2

As a way to get their music heard by new audiences, artists are giving away some of their best songs for free these days. I’ve collected some of my favourite recent free download MP3s to create the second ever Now That’s What I Call Poptastic! compilation, a mixture of great pop songs from a variety… Continue reading Free Mixtape: Now That’s What I Call Poptastic! Vol. 2

Review: This Must Be Pop Live ft. War of Words, Poppy & the Jezebels and EBRU

On Tuesday night This Must Be Pop Live returned to the Queen of Hoxton for another poptastic evening of live music, drinking and dancing! Here’s what went on… The first performer of the night was up-and-coming R&B singer EBRU who totally wowed the audience with her voice and impressive stage presence. This girl definitely has… Continue reading Review: This Must Be Pop Live ft. War of Words, Poppy & the Jezebels and EBRU

This Must Be Pop brings you Future Pop! (Issue #28)

Future Pop is a weekly email featuring the hottest new pop songs and artists that you need to know about. This week it’s a special edition focussing on some of the most exciting new artists I discovered at the Great Escape festival over the past few days. So read on, listen up and make sure you… Continue reading This Must Be Pop brings you Future Pop! (Issue #28)

The Great Escape 2012: My top 10 acts

This weekend I attended The Great Escape Festival down in Brighton, and although the music is quite indie overall it’s definitely my favourite festival. There’s so much choice that you can curate your own unique festival experience, and it’s a chance to see some of the acts everyone is talking about and make your own… Continue reading The Great Escape 2012: My top 10 acts