First viewing: The Charlotte Church Show

“The First Lady of Friday night” was how last night’s continuity announcer chose to introduce Charlotte Church, the Welsh diva with the voice of an angel and mouth like a sewer. This seemed somewhat premature, given that the jury was still out and no one - not even reviewers - had seen more than a brief trailer of the debacle that was to come.
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Richard Hawley: Late Developer

After 20 years as a guitarist Richard Hawley began recording his own poignant and poetic songs - and was soon hailed as one of the great singer-songwriters. Fiona Sturges meets Sheffield's native balladeer and Mercury Prize nominee. Read more...

Richard Hawley: Late Developer

After 20 years as a guitarist Richard Hawley began recording his own poignant and poetic songs - and was soon hailed as one of the great singer-songwriters. Fiona Sturges meets Sheffield's native balladeer and Mercury Prize nominee
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Calexico: Canyons of their minds

Calexico's music has always reeked of the southern USA. But, they tell Fiona Sturges, their new album has a wider remit
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Armando Iannucci: In The Thick of It

TV writer and satirist Armando Iannucci is a giant in his field. But he's not on a political crusade, he tells Fiona Sturges. He just wants to be funny. Read more...

Cerys Matthews: A star is reborn

Cerys Matthews' musical career has been nothing if not eventful - from Britpop binges with Catatonia to redemption in the home of Country. Now, she tells Fiona Sturges, she's moving back to Wales, ready to take on the world again. Read more...

Tony Bennett: When faded stars see double

Tony Bennett is the latest vocalist to turn to younger singing partners to bolster his declining years, says Fiona Sturges
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Luke Steele: A man on his mettle

The Sleepy Jackson's Luke Steele has looks... and now 'Personality'. Fiona Sturges delves into his stream of consciousness
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Neil Hannon: Son of a preacher man

Neil Hannon's year-long break from The Divine Comedy has spawned a new set of schmoozy pop songs - and a yen for stadium success, he tells Fiona Sturges
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The new babe on the block

The Sugababes have undergone several changes in personnel. Will the latest recruit go the distance?
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The Handsome Family: Mr and Mrs Darkness

He played old-time music. She wrote stories too weird to publish. Together they became the Handsome Family, singers of black country tales
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Wayne Coyne: Wayne's world rocks

The wild man behind The Flaming Lips really isn't mad; he's just very enthusiastic about life. Read more...

Torchbearers of a rich musical tradition

Mystery Jets are heading towards the future of music at lightning speed. And it's their secret fifth member who's taking them there. They explain how to Fiona Sturges
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Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: A word of mouth revolution

For the art-rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, word of mouth has worked wonders, as the front man tells Fiona Sturges
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Now that's entertainment

For many an ageing rock icon the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the Brits can be a mixed blessing.
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