• 51 minutes 19 seconds
    Bad Bunny’s Life Affirming Show, Charli XCX’s Lies, and Nappies at Gigs

    Bad Bunny came to London and Nick may never be the same again. What is it about Benito that makes his music and live performances so impactful? Nick tells Annie why the show made him cry – and confesses to one embarrassing detail.

    Elsewhere, Charli XCX came on the 6 Music Breakfast Show and Sidetracked investigates whether she told a big fat lie. Plus, why is Noah Kahan talking about poo at gigs? This - on top of Olivia Rodrigo’s previous comments about people wearing nappies to her shows - prompts Annie and Nick to give a stern talking-to to front row fans.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Luther Vandross - Never Too Much

    Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song

    Charli XCX – Wink Wink

    Madonna - Hollywood

    Noah Kahan - Stick Season

    Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor

    Fugees – Ready or Not

    Daft Punk - Voyager

    PJ Harvey - Voyager

    earthsignchels - Daddy Died [we recommend you watch the video]

    Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend

    ALBUMS

    Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film

    Bad Bunny - DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

    Alewya - Zero

    Beth Orton – The Ground Above

    2 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 49 minutes 37 seconds
    New Adele Album Anticipation, World Cup Analysis, and Madonna’s Survival

    Annie and Nick discuss rumours of Adele returning to music, after she was seen attending one of Lola Young’s London shows. What might a new Adele album sound like? And what is it about her that means any record is guaranteed to be brilliant?

    Elsewhere, Madonna has revealed why the planned biopic of her life was canned, James Blake has called out the growing fakery of the music industry, and Bad Bunny is coming to London.

    Plus, why can’t Annie and Nick remember if they’ve met Solange?

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water

    Adele - Hometown Glory

    Adele – Daydreamer

    SZA - Saturn

    Cher - Believe

    ALBUMS

    Madonna - Veronica Electronica

    Madonna – Confessions II

    Adele - 19

    Olivia Rodrigo - Guts

    25 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 49 minutes 57 seconds
    Olivia Rodrigo, Concern for Harry Styles, and Should We Give in to the AI Takeover?

    Annie and Nick dissect Olivia Rodrigo’s new album and analyse the online theories that Taylor Swift might be jealous. What is it about Olivia that speaks to such a vast and diverse audience? And what does she have to do with the England football team?

    Elsewhere, Annie has conflicting feelings about embracing AI; it’s never been easier to make music with it but at what cost? And Phoebe Bridgers is planning for her next tour to be a phones free experience – does the backlash that ensued prove how problematic our relationships to our phones are? And why Nick thinks the UK government should extend the social media ban to all under-45s.

    Plus, Nick’s mum is worried about Harry Styles, a Primavera round up, and Jeff Goldblum weighs in on the bird song debate.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Olivia Rodrigo & Robert Smith – what's wrong with me

    Olivia Rodrigo – vampire

    Madonna – Ray of Light

    Madonna – Don’t Tell Me

    Madonna - Music

    ALBUMS

    Olivia Rodrigo – you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

    Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement

    Madonna – Confessions II

    Madonna – Ray of Light

    Madonna – Music

    Jeff Goldblum – Night Blooms

    18 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 29 minutes 31 seconds
    The xx, Shyness is Nice, and the Sugababes Strategy

    For this instalment of the Sidetracked Album Club, Annie and Nick venture back to 2009 and revisit the debut album from the xx. Why did this record stand out so much at the time, and does it hold up 17 years later? And why did the band make Annie and Nick so nervous?

    Plus, how the BBC handled the death of Michael Jackson, La Roux nostalgia, and one listener grapples with cringe GCSE Drama memories.

    And what if the Rolling Stones had been managed like the Sugababes were in the noughties?

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    The xx - Crystallised

    The xx - Intro

    The xx - Infinity

    Paolo Nutini - New Shoes

    Lady Gaga - Poker Face

    Beyoncé - Single Ladies

    ALBUMS

    The xx – xx

    Michael Jackson – The Collection Beyoncé - I Am... Sasha Fierce

    Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.

    Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

    The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

    Florence + The Machine - Lungs

    La Roux - La Roux

    Lady Gaga - The Fame

    Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts

    Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

    LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem

    11 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 45 minutes 37 seconds
    horsegiirL is the Mane Event, CMAT is Gorgeous, and Martin Scorcese’s Moment

    Annie and Nick welcome one of their dream guests to the studio to talk all things nature and music. horsegiirL is the world’s first half horse, half human singer-songwriter, DJ, and producer, and she’s about to release her debut album. In this episode, she gets sidetracked by birdsong, mushrooms...and birth stories.

    Elsewhere, Annie and Nick need to discuss CMAT speaking out about horrible online trolls, and why she truly is a gorgeous genius. And Charli XCX has revealed the details and artwork for her new album but how did she book Martin Scorsese? Plus, electrolytes for trees, Jane McDonald, and Arsenal.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Charli XCX - SS26

    Charli XCX - Vroom Vroom

    Charli XCX - Rock Music

    CMAT - Take a Sexy Picture of Me

    Whitney Houston - Queen of the Night

    horsegiirL - rivers run free

    horsegiirL - an apple a day

    horsegiirL - nature is healing

    ALBUMS

    Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film

    Charli XCX - brat

    horsegiirL - NATURE IS HEALING

    The xx - xx

    4 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 51 minutes 4 seconds
    iPod Nostalgia, the Truth about Music Streaming, and Dido's Cultural Relevance

    Annie and Nick try their very best not to get sidetracked, as they focus on just one topic - streaming, and how it’s shaped the musical landscape in 2026.

    From iPod mania to agentic AI, the world of music has changed a lot since the early 2000s. Have these changes made things better or worse for artists and music fans? And what does the future have in store for streaming and music consumption?

    With special thanks to our contributors: The Guardian’s Deputy Music Editor, Laura Snapes; and The New York Times critic, Jon Caramanica, and New York Times culture reporter, Joe Coscarelli. Jon and Joe host the NYT’s Popcast, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts.

    And thanks to The Grove, whose self-titled EP is out now. Their most recent single is Amongst the Noise.

    SONGS

    Dido – White Flag

    Dido – Thank You

    Rosalía - Divinize

    Frankie Valli – Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You

    ALBUMS

    Dido – Life for Rent

    Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving

    28 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 45 minutes 57 seconds
    Harry Styles: Small or Far Away?, The Drake Ick, and Godless W****s

    Annie and Nick discuss one of the busiest weeks in music ever with Drake dropping 3 albums at the same time, Lauryn Hill getting candid about her lack of albums, and Harry Styles starting his much-anticipated world residencies.

    Plus, Jack Antonoff has made his thoughts about AI in music extremely clear – does he have a point? And Madonna has finally done something that’s truly shocked Nick.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Dry Cleaning - Sliced by a Fingernail

    Harry Styles - As It Was

    Madonna - I Feel So Free (Peggy Gou Energy Mix)

    ALBUMS

    Drake – Iceman

    Drake - Habibti

    Drake - Maid of Honor

    Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

    Lauryn Hill - MTV Unplugged No. 2.0

    Fugees - The Score

    Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern

    Amy Winehouse – Frank

    Amy Winehouse – Back to Black

    Madonna - Confessions II

    Kendrick Lamar – GNX

    Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.

    The xx - xx

    21 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 54 minutes 50 seconds
    Sidetracked with Chaka Khan

    Chaka Khan joins Annie and Nick to discuss her life, legacy and new music. She reveals the very personal reason behind her strong work ethic, her feelings about awards, and why she continues to grow as a musician.

    What does Chaka’s life look like when she’s not on stage? She tells Annie and Nick about breathing fresh air for the first time in years, not telling people her address, and feeding her free-range chickens.

    And it’s been a decade since her close friend, Prince, died; Chaka reminisces about working with him - and the unusual way in which he paid her.

    Plus, why the Queen of Funk isn’t a fair title, the dangers of not following your dreams, and stage fright solutions from Carlos Santana.

    Chaka’s new song ‘Chakzilla’ is out now.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Chaka Khan – Chakzilla

    Chaka Khan – I Feel For You

    Chaka Khan – Tell Me Something Good

    14 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 44 minutes
    Rosalía Gig Review(s), Shakira in Rio, and Having Faith in Madonna

    It’s the moment they’ve been waiting for since November 2025: Rosalía bringing LUX to London’s O2 Arena. Annie and Nick report back on what might be the best live show they’ve ever experienced. Elsewhere, Madonna’s released a new single with Sabrina Carpenter and it hasn’t totally lived up to their expectations of Confessions II; but will everything make sense when the album comes out? Plus, the Pussycat Dolls have cancelled their North American tour dates and instead of making up an excuse, they’ve chosen honesty – should more artists take note?

    Also discussed in the episode: Kid Cudi has fired M.I.A from his tour after fans’ complaints, Zara Larsson is having a moment, and Annie and Nick reminisce about their chat with Rod Stewart after Shakira’s concert on Copacabana Beach.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    HOMEWORK: Listen to the end of this episode to find out the next pick for the Sidetracked Album Club.

    SONGS

    Shy One and George Riley – I Can Tell

    TYSON – CHAOS

    Rosalía – Magnolia

    Rosalía - Mio Cristo

    Pigeon – Miami

    Pigeon – Black James Dean

    Genesis Owusu – Life Keeps Going

    Genesis Owusu – Stampede

    Tara Clerkin Trio – Somewhere Good

    Nia Archives – Boys in Blue

    GENER8ION – STORM

    Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love

    Madonna – Hung Up

    Madonna and Britney Spears – Me Against the Music

    The Pussycat Dolls – Club Song

    The Pussycat Dolls – Don’t Cha

    M.I.A. – Illygal

    ALBUMS

    Rosalía – Motomami

    Rosalía – Lux

    Shy One – Mali

    Pigeon – OUTTANATIONAL

    Robyn – Sexistential

    Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun: Girls Trip

    Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor

    Madonna – Ray of Light

    Madonna – Confessions II

    LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem

    Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist

    PJ Harvey – Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea

    CMAT – If My Wife New I’d Be Dead

    Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

    Jeff Buckley – Grace

    Frank Ocean – Blonde

    The Strokes – Is This It

    Sinéad O’Connor – The Lion and the Cobra

    Laura Marling – Once I Was an Eagle

    Various Artists – Mamma Mia! (The Movie Soundtrack)

    The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free

    The xx – xx

    7 May 2026, 4:00 am
  • 50 minutes 21 seconds
    Sidetracked with Kacey Musgraves

    Kacey Musgraves is one of the best-known Country singers in the world, having won 8 Grammy Awards for her consistently stand out records. On the eve of releasing her 6th studio album, she joins Annie and Nick to discuss the making of the record, and how her approach to writing music has evolved since her debut album.

    Country is the fastest growing genre in the UK; Kacey has some thoughts on why and some more vital Country intel for Sidetracked listeners.

    Plus, secrets the Middle of Nowhere tour, Kacey delivers an ode to Ireland, and she reveals how artists like Dashboard Confessional, NSYNC and the Spice Girls influenced her as an artist.

    Kacey’s album Middle of Nowhere will be available from 1st May 2026.

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Kacey Musgraves – Merry Go ‘Round

    Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell

    Loretta Lynn – You Ain’t Woman Enough

    Kacey Musgraves – Oh, What a World

    Kacey Musgraves – Slow Burn

    Kacey Musgraves & Miranda Lambert – Horses and Divorces

    Kacey Musgraves – Mexico Honey

    ALBUMS

    Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park

    Kacey Musgraves – Pageant Material

    Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour

    Kacey Musgraves – Star‑Crossed

    Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well

    Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere

    30 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 35 minutes 55 seconds
    Madonna’s Week in Music, Charli Declares the Dancefloor Dead, and Olivia Rodrigo

    Annie and Nick discuss the most Madonna week in music – the album announcement, the new song, the Coachella performance, and the theft. Sidetracked fans will know how much Madonna means to Nick...so why does he have beef with her this week?

    Elsewhere, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish showed us what they’re worth at Coachella Weekend 2, Olivia Rodrigo has a brilliant new song, and Annie has some thoughts on the link between bad fathers and great music artists. Plus, Charli XCX has declared the dancefloor dead, but was she being serious?

    Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email [email protected]

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

    SONGS

    Lil Louis – French Kiss

    Madonna – Vogue

    Madonna – Like a Prayer

    Madonna – I Feel So Free

    Madonna – Justify My Love

    Madonna – Hung Up

    Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream

    Olivia Rodrigo – Drop Dead

    ALBUMS

    Peaches – Teacher of Peaches

    Madonna – Confessions II

    Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor

    Madonna – Ray of Light

    Madonna – Music

    Madonna – Madame X

    Madonna – Hard Candy

    Charli XCX – brat

    Warchild Records – Help(2)

    Olivia Rodrigo – You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love

    23 April 2026, 4:00 am
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