Music
Jessie, Ariana & Nicki soar to No.1
Jessie J + Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj released the eagerly awaited powerhouse anthem, “Bang Bang” today. In under 12 hours the track hit the #1 spot on US iTunes on the overall and pop charts, it also hit #1 on the Billboard Trending 140 chart.
The trio have been teasing fans with Instgram snippets of the track since the announcement of the single earlier this month. The track features production from the iconic Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, and Ilya.
‘Bang Bang’ will serve as the first single from Jessie J’s forthcoming LAVA/Republic Records album due out this Autumn. ‘Bang Bang’ will be available to pre-order in the UK from July 29th and to buy on 29th September.
Jessie J’s debut album, Who You Are [LAVA], marked the debut of a global icon when it reached #1 and was certified multi-platinum in over 15 countries. She has sold over 3 million albums and 20 million singles worldwide to date. The GRAMMY Award-nominated artist was also the 2012 London Olympic Games Ambassador. Her smash “Price Tag” reached #1 in 18 major territories and Who You Are also yielded an astonishing six Top 10 singles including the hit “Domino”. Among other accolades, Jessie J was the recipient of the 2011 Critics Choice BRIT Award and the BBC’s Sound of 2011 honor.
Ariana Grande first landed at the top with her album, Yours Truly. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. The album featured the pop smash “The Way”, which went double-platinum and reached #1 on the iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart. 2014 has already been a historic year for Grande. The first single from her sophomore album, “Problem”, saw her become the “youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week”. It ranked as the 4th “highest digital song debut for a female artist” and 8th highest ever and also went #1 on iTunes in over 65 countries.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sV0S8qWSy0
GRAMMY Award-nominated Nicki Minaj has the highest digital sales for any female hip-hop artist in history. With over 50 million in digital sales as a solo and featured artist, she and Adele are the only two artists to ever sell 1 million copies of five different songs in one year. In 2012, Minaj tied Mariah Carey for most hot 100 entries on Billboard’s HOT 100 Chart with a total of 44. Minaj has now surpassed that number with recent hits like “Love More” [featuring Chris Brown] and her latest critically acclaimed single, “Pills N Potions”, from her forthcoming album The PinkPrint, which will be released later this year.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FJO6b8GL3M
With transatlantic roots and a sound that feels both nostalgic and new, Jonny Morgan is one of the most compelling singer-songwriters to emerge from the UK indie-folk scene. His heartfelt, cinematic style will take centre stage at Henley Festival 2025, as he joins a curated list of RISE musicians lighting up the Thames.
Bridging UK Folk with Americana Depth
Jonny’s story is written in movement. Raised in the UK but deeply inspired by American roots music, his artistry blends ambient textures with emotional storytelling—earning him the 2024 UK Americana Music Association’s ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ award.
His debut album ‘Good Luck With the Music’ (2023) showcases his distinct ability to create spacious, soul-bearing songs with wide appeal—perfectly balancing the intimate with the epic.
Henley Festival: A New Chapter in a Growing Journey
As one of the standout performers on the RISE Stage this summer, Jonny Morgan will bring his warm stage presence and deeply resonant songs to Henley’s audiences. Expect lyrical honesty, acoustic richness, and moments of shared reflection.
Whether you’re a long-time indie-folk fan or new to the genre, Jonny’s set is sure to connect.
This is music for anyone who’s ever felt caught between worlds—and found beauty in that space.
See Jonny Morgan live at Henley Festival’s RISE Stage, 9–13 July 2025.
Learn more about the full programme at henley-festival.co.uk
Darcy Winter is quietly shaking up the UK’s alternative scene—and this summer, she’ll bring her genre-defying blend of jazz-pop to the RISE Stage at Henley Festival 2025.
Hailed as a “rising star” by Wonderland Magazine, Darcy has spent the past year creating a real community on the London circuit. Her sound is equal parts sultry and bold—lush jazz chords meet heavy basslines and raw, soulful lyrics, giving listeners something both familiar and fresh.
From Bristol Roots to Festival Spotlight
Darcy’s music carries the DNA of her upbringing. With formative years spent in Bristol and a love of jazz passed down from her dad, she’s shaped her own unique blend of sonic influences. Her debut album, released earlier this year, delivers that signature warmth and depth: smoky vocals, intimate lyrics, and a live energy that translates straight into her recordings.
The Henley RISE Stage: A Natural Home
Appearing on Henley Festival’s RISE Stage is a fitting step for Darcy. The platform champions emerging artists with vision, originality, and real talent—something Darcy has in abundance. Her performance promises to be immersive, emotional and unforgettable.
“Classic with an edge” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the backbone of everything she creates.
Expect mood-driven melodies, captivating vocal runs, and a fiercely personal set.
Catch Darcy Winter at Henley Festival’s RISE Stage, 9–13 July 2025.
Find out more about the RISE programme and full line-up at henley-festival.co.uk
From Swansea to the Thames, Leila McKenzie brings bold vocal finesse and cross-genre vibrancy to the Henley Festival’s RISE Stage on Wednesday 9 July. Tipped as the UK’s next breakthrough R&B/pop voice, she’ll blend bold lyrics with fierce energy under the open skies of one of Britain’s most elegant summer festivals.
A Sonic Fusion Rooted in UK Garage, R&B & Pop
McKenzie’s craft defies simple categorization. Born in Wales to Jamaican heritage, her sound marries the tight grooves of UK garage and 2-step with smooth R&B melodies and pop-savvy structure. Henley’s description highlights her “striking vocal energy” and genre-bending style — a sound that has already resonated with listeners across the UK.
Breaking Through: Festival Booking & Social Buzz
Her performance on the RISE Stage isn’t the only sign of her rising star. Announced through her own channels, Leila excitedly shared booking news:
“Only went and booked my first festival slot of the year—catch me on the RISE stage this July at @henleyfestival”
What to Expect at Henley Festival
Attending Henley Festival? Here’s why McKenzie’s set is one to catch:
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Vocal power meets poetic flair: Soulful delivery layered over rhythms steeped in British club culture
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Festival-ready energy: Her announcement reflects a fierce, stage-ready persona
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A start of something special: As one of RISE’s highlighted acts, her presence signals real momentum
Listening In: Where to Discover Leila
Though her debut festival slot is her most public performance yet, McKenzie’s online presence is an inviting entry point: https://linktr.ee/leilamckenzie
Why Her Performance Matters
Henley Festival’s RISE initiative spotlights artists on the verge of wider acclaim, and McKenzie’s inclusion confirms her promise. Her blend of UK sounds with heartfelt expression fits the festival’s elegant yet adventurous ethos — especially in a black-tie, riverside setting.
Expect something warm, personal and musically adventurous: a set that bridges acoustic warmth and club-ready rhythms, ideal for Henley’s eclectic audience.
