BBC Sounds

Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

Music EN ↓ 176 episodes

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.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.bbc.co.uk

Author

BBC Sounds

Category

Music

Podcast website

www.bbc.co.uk

Latest episode

Oct 22, 2026

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Episodes

Bob Dylan’s Defiance, Rap Beef Goes to Court and David Lynch’s Legacy 23.01.2025

What do Timothée Chalamet, Spandau Ballet and peanut butter sandwiches all have in common? Annie and Nick debrief their trip to the premiere of A Complete Unknown, including the sense of defiance that defines Bob Dylan’s musical legacy and whether artists like Chappell Roan embody that quality today. Elsewhere, Drake is taking his rap beef with Kendrick to court – but what impact will this have on...

Bad Bunny, Ethel Cain and the Role of a Music Supervisor 16.01.2025

Ever wondered how the songs are picked to soundtrack your favourite television shows? Music supervisor, Ciara Elwis, joins Annie and Nick to talk about working with PJ Harvey, curating endless playlists and the lengths she’s gone to to get a song cleared. Elsewhere, it’s been a good week for new music - Ethel Cain’s new album has prompted both confusion and admiration while Bad Bunny’s has made th...

Doechii, SZA’s Potential Rebrand and Who Picks Music for The Traitors? 09.01.2025

As she continues her meteoric rise to fame, Annie and Nick share why Doechii should be your new favourite artist. Elsewhere, The Traitor’s has returned to our screens along with its iconic soundtrack – but who chooses the songs? Plus, we officially have our first Glastonbury headliner for 2025, SZA might be solely making children’s music from now on and Nick’s losing faith in Rihanna ever releasin...

New Year... New Madonna, Glastonbury Predictions and The End of TikTok? 02.01.2025

From hotly tipped artists to unmissable live music moments - Annie, Nick and BBC News Correspondent Mark Savage look forward to 2025’s musical offerings, including the return of both Oasis and (hopefully) Madonna. Elsewhere, America is facing a ban on TikTok – but what impact could that have on the wider music industry? Plus, the rise and rise of Doechii, the changing sound of pop music and more G...

Best Guests of 2024 26.12.2024

Annie and Nick reflect on some of their favourite moments with Sidetracked guest co-hosts, from Charli XCX defining Brat for the first time to Robert Smith revealing his genius music filing system. Or what about the time JADE revealed her most awkward onstage crisis? Plus, CMAT’s strong takedown of the Country music industry, SELF ESTEEM’s notes app entries and Kylie’s clubbing stories. Get in tou...

Sidetracked with Robert Smith 19.12.2024

Annie and Nick are joined by Robert Smith to review the year in music. He’s the lead singer of The Cure, one of the UK’s most influential bands ever - they’ve headlined Glastonbury 4 times, sold over 35 million albums, and their 2024 album, Songs of a Lost World, was one of the most talked about records on Sidetracked this year. 2024 was the year of the pop girlies, with Charli XCX and Chappell Ro...

Sidetracked by Christmas 12.12.2024

For Sidetracked’s first ever Christmas party, Annie and Nick are joined by singer SELF ESTEEM, Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso, comedian Joanne McNally and BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage, at their favourite Irish pub. With the festive season in full swing, Annie and Nick ask their guests why music and Christmas are so intrinsically linked. And although it’s full of joy, why does Christmas musi...

Kneecap, The Brat Tour and Low Carbon Gigging 05.12.2024

As Kneecap win their discrimination case against the UK government, Annie and Nick discuss the relationship between music and politics – but how much freedom do artists really have? Elsewhere, Massive Attack are leading the charge on low carbon gigging and demonstrating how live music can become more sustainable. Plus, Liam Gallagher’s plaque has gone missing from Lidl, Solange might have new musi...

Kendrick Lamar, Butts for Tour Buses and Saving UK Club Culture 28.11.2024

Having spent their formative years in clubs around the UK, Annie and Nick unpack why club culture is disappearing and what can be done to save it. Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar is taking a victory lap with his new album GNX and proving why he is the ultimate winner of this year’s biggest rap beef. Plus, Kate Nash has found a savvy way of raising money for her next tour, Rod Stewart is officially a leg...

Beyoncé’s Christmas Takeover, Glastonbury Rumours and Are Music Videos Over? 21.11.2024

Is the art of the music video dead? Following last week’s discussion about the MTV EMA’s, Annie and Nick share some of your comments about the relevancy of music videos. Elsewhere, Beyoncé has announced that she will play an NFL half time show on Christmas Day, but which artist would you abandon Christmas dinner for? Plus, Bjork is recreating the sounds of extinct animals, Ed Sheeran wishes he was...

EMAs, Cowboy Carter and Busta Rhymes’ Return to Lancashire 14.11.2024

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...

Sidetracked with Ghetts 07.11.2024

Does UK Rap need fixing? With 20 years of skin in the game, Ghetts joins Annie to discuss the current state of the UK Rap scene, the importance of championing artist authenticity and who he looks to for inspiration. Elsewhere, what is it about certain songs that keeps us coming back? Annie shares the science behind what makes music so addictive. Plus, Tyler, The Creator proves why risks are worth...

Laura Marling’s Quiet Ambition, Halloween Music and The Return of Kate Bush 31.10.2024

Annie and Nick dress up as two musical icons for a spooky special - but what makes up the perfect Halloween song? Elsewhere, Laura Marling has released her new album to critical acclaim, and it acts as a perfect example of why an artist’s agency and authenticity are so important in the age of streaming. Plus, Kate Bush has us all gagged with the announcement that she’s ready to start making new mu...

Sidetracked with Olly Alexander 24.10.2024

Olly Alexander joins Nick to discuss meeting Rihanna, the highs and lows of Eurovision and why he wants to ‘do a Kate Bush’. They also pay tribute to Liam Payne and reflect on the legacy he has left behind. Elsewhere, Tyler, The Creator is bucking the trend by releasing new music on Mondays - should other artist’s lean into this or does New Music Friday serve a purpose? Plus, Charli XCX’s Brat has...

Lauryn Hill’s Genius, Double Pints and the Role of the Music Critic 17.10.2024

How much influence do music reviews have in 2024? Annie and Nick chat to The Guardian’s Laura Snapes about the role of the music critic, what it’s like to give a scathing review and why professional critique should always be valued. Elsewhere, Glastonbury tickets go on sale next month at their highest ever price - but what should festival-goers be getting for their money? Plus, new albums from Ken...

Charli XCX’s Brat Remix, Breaking America and The Rise of Pop Collabs 10.10.2024

Is breaking America worth the cost? Annie and Nick discuss why artists are struggling to take their tours across the pond and the impact this could have on British music. Elsewhere, the world is clearly still not over Brat, as Charli XCX reveals the tracklist for her remix album – but what does it tell us about the rise in pop collaborations? Plus, misinterpreted lyrics, Robbie Williams as a CGI m...

Sidetracked with Kylie Minogue 03.10.2024

Kylie Minogue joins Annie and Nick to discuss THAT performance with Madonna, what it was like making the follow up to Padam Padam and letting loose in Ibiza’s DC10. Elsewhere, Chappell Roan has cancelled shows to prioritise her health - are fans expecting too much from their favourite pop stars? Plus, everyone’s in goth panic as The Cure release their first new music in 16 years, Kylie reveals the...

Katy Perry’s Difficult Comeback, Bon Iver Autumn and Ethics of Posthumous Albums 26.09.2024

SOPHIE’s posthumous album is finally being released, but how might it impact her legacy and should it have been made at all? Elsewhere, when one star rises another falls – Annie and Nick discuss Chappell Roan’s career-defining London shows and why Katy Perry’s latest album doesn’t work in a post-brat world. Plus, Bon Iver’s new song has marked the seasonal shift but what’s the perfect recipe for a...

DJing Pregnant, Mums Review FKA twigs and Can Pop Stars Swing Elections? 19.09.2024

Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, but how much influence can celebrity endorsements have on election results? Elsewhere, Jayda G is breaking the stigma around DJing whilst pregnant – Annie shares her own experience behind the decks. Plus, Nick explains why he’s got the worst hangover of his life and how FKA twig’s EUSEXUA show was the cure. Get in touch wit...

Beyoncé Snubbed, Succeeding Outside London and Special Guest CMAT 12.09.2024

Mercury shortlisted artist CMAT joins Annie and Nick to discuss Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ receiving no nominations at the Country Music Awards. Elsewhere, a Mercury winner has never come from Ireland - why is it so hard for musicians to make it outside of London? Plus, Annie finally shares what happened when she met Madonna; nailing the dress code at FKA Twigs’ party and Elton John inspires the qu...

Music And Politics, Dynamic Pricing and Goodbye Forever Brat Summer 05.09.2024

Dynamic Pricing - Annie and Nick unpack what the hell it is, how long it’s been going on for and what it all means for the future of gig tickets. Elsewhere, it’s not just the Gallagher brothers benefitting from their reunion tour – Brian (aka Liam) from tribute band Definitely Oasis shares his Masterplan. Plus, what do Beyonce, Foo Fighters and Isaac Hayes all have in common? Annie and Nick discov...

Oasis Reunion, Inappropriate Fans and Self Esteem Co-Hosts 29.08.2024

Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) joins Nick to discuss the return of Oasis, drinking Noel Gallagher’s beer and whether they’ll headline Glastonbury next year. Elsewhere, as Chappell Roan calls out inappropriate fan behaviour Rebecca shares her own experiences as an artist. Plus, from ‘Date My Dog’ to ‘Pimp My Bungalow’ - Nick and Rebecca dig around in their notes app for some recent entries a...

Notting Hill Carnival, Future Headliners and BBQ Bangers 22.08.2024

Who are the future Glastonbury headliners? Have you ever cried at a gig? What’s the perfect BBQ playlist? With the end of summer in sight, Annie and Nick answer your questions in a Bank Holiday Q&A special. From portaloos to blueberry vodka they share their wildest memories from Notting Hill Carnival. Plus, a deep dive into whether there’s a shortage of festival headliners. Get in touch with A...

Weirdest Pop Star Encounters, Chappell Roan and The Future of Boy Bands 15.08.2024

What’s the future of boy bands? Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ended up with a pop star? Is Chappell Roan the real deal? Annie and Nick answer your questions in a Q&A special. From accidentally becoming Grace Jones’ waiter to George Michael playing dance tunes in his dressing gown there’s a lot to cover. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email side...

Adele’s World, the Hype Machine and Special Guest JADE 08.08.2024

Can Charli XCX put a foot wrong? JADE joins Nick as co-host to discuss the ‘Guess Remix’, how it feels to be at the centre of the hype machine and what it’s really like to attend a Charli party. Elsewhere, Adele has arrived in Munich for her month-long residency – are pop-up arenas “a bit random, but still fabulous” or the future of touring? Plus, onstage mishaps, flirting with Prince Harry and wh...

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