Annie Mac

Shows

Episodes

  1. 2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist with Knats

    5d ago

    2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist with Knats

    Nick reacts to the Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist with Knats, a jazz collective who are one of the most exciting bands in the UK music scene right now - and whose latest album ‘A Great Day in Newcastle’ has been described as “the best thing to come out of the North East since Andy Carroll.” In a year of great albums from the UK and Ireland, which artists have made it on to the most prestigious shortlist in music? SONGS Knats – Bowling Ball Knats – Wor Jackie Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know? Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine? Olivia Dean – Man I Need JADE – Angel of My Dreams Kojey Radical & Planet Giza – Expensive Ezra Collective & Kojey Radical – No Confusion

  2. Glastonbury Secrets, Remixing John Lennon and The Truth about Geese

    Jul 23

    Glastonbury Secrets, Remixing John Lennon and The Truth about Geese

    Annie and Nick discuss a myriad of topics chosen by Sidetracked listeners, answering questions such as: what’s it like to be backstage at big music festivals? Why were Geese accused of being an industry plant? What songs remind them each of each other? Elsewhere, Spotify has some new proposed features, but Annie and Nick have mixed feelings about their merit. Plus, memories of the Beckhams partying late into the night at Glastonbury, how artists get paid for the many parts of their job, and who would Nick rather be - Beyoncé or Lady Gaga? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. SONGS Feeder - Buck Rogers Olive - You're Not Alone Justin Bieber – Boyfriend John Lennon – Imagine Beyoncé - Deja Vu ALBUMS Geese – Getting Killed

  3. CMAT Returns to Sidetracked

    Jul 16

    CMAT Returns to Sidetracked

    The one and only CMAT fills in for Nick this week - joining Annie to put the world to rights. With the World Cup Final imminent, they delve into the details of the half-time show which promises performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy...and the Muppets. With only 11 minutes allocated for the entire half-time show, will it be a disaster or a masterclass? Elsewhere, CMAT and Annie discuss Charli XCX’s album campaign, Rose Gray’s brilliant new single, and Kelela’s dreamy collaboration with PinkPantheress. Plus, Rihanna joined Jay Z on stage but why, apart from the conversation about her new music, is this culturally significant? Other highlights include: a breakdown of Taylor Swift’s best work, the truth about the crowd at Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella, shocking insight into a possible lip-syncing epidemic, and CMAT’s burgeoning friendship with Robbie Williams. Annie’s books for CMAT: Rozie Kelly - Kingfisher Addie E. Citchens - Dominion Brendan Behan - Borstal Boy SONGS CMAT - When a Good Man Cries CMAT - Stay For Something CMAT - Jamie Oliver Petrol Station CMAT – Lord, Let That Tesla Crash Robbie Williams - Angels Justin Bieber – DAISIES Justin Bieber – Beauty and a Beat Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai Rose Gray - Club to Your Arms Kelela ft. PinkPantheress - The Bridge Madonna – Vogue Madonna – Like a Prayer Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love Madonna – Fragile Charli XCX – SuperLove Taylor Swift - Opalite Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero Taylor Swift - Bejeweled Taylor Swift - So High School Rihanna ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Run This Town Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Money ALBUMS CMAT - Euro Country CMAT – Crazymad, for Me CMAT - If My Wife New I'd Be Dead Rihanna - ANTI Rose Gray - Louder, Please Kelela – new avatar Madonna - Confessions Part II Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism Taylor Swift - Folklore Taylor Swift – Evermore Taylor Swift – Midnights Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department Taylor Swift – Life of a Showgirl

  4. Taylor Swift’s Wedding, Madonna Album Review, and a Music Master Class with James Ellis Ford

    Jul 9

    Taylor Swift’s Wedding, Madonna Album Review, and a Music Master Class with James Ellis Ford

    In a monumental week for music news, Annie and Nick sit down to discuss their thoughts on Madonna’s long-awaited Confessions II – after months of worrying it might be anticlimactic, what do they think about the album? And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had one of the most musically relevant weddings of all time but what should we learn from their rumoured choice of first dance song? And are there any rules we should stick to for wedding playlists? Plus, Wonderwall is having a moment in the 2026 World Cup, could Oasis get involved if England make the Final? Annie and Nick also speak to the incredible producer and musician, James Ellis Ford, about his upcoming album. James has produced albums for Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Florence and the Machine, Jessie Ware, Fontaines D.C., Carly Rae Jepsen, the Pet Shop Boys, and so many more. He talks to Annie and Nick about how he works with artists to create truly brilliant music, and how it was to make this latest solo album in a completely isolated and daunting environment – a hospital room. Plus, is James worried about how AI will change the way music producers have to work? Lost in Another World is out on 14th August (Nick’s birthday) Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram. SONGS Oasis – Wonderwall Tina Turner - Simply the Best Madonna – Danceteria Madonna - One Step Away Madonna – L.E.S Girl Lil Louis - French Kiss Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved Womack & Womack – Teardrops Janet Jackson - That's the Way Love Goes ALBUMS Madonna - Confessions II Madonna – Confessions on a Dance Floor James Ellis Ford - Lost in Another World War Child Records- Help(2) Charli XCX - brat

  5. Bad Bunny’s Life Affirming Show, Charli XCX’s Lies, and Nappies at Gigs

    Jul 2

    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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

  6. Sidetracked with Kacey Musgraves

    Apr 30

    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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

  7. New Adele Album Anticipation, World Cup Analysis, and Madonna’s Survival

    Jun 25

    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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

  8. iPod Nostalgia, the Truth about Music Streaming, and Dido's Cultural Relevance

    May 28

    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

  9. Olivia Rodrigo, Concern for Harry Styles, and Should We Give in to the AI Takeover?

    Jun 18

    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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

  10. Sidetracked with Olivia Dean

    09/25/2025

    Sidetracked with Olivia Dean

    Olivia Dean is the first British Female Artist since Adele to have three singles in the top 10 simultaneously and her single Man I Need is the highest performing song on the Global Spotify Chart from a UK artist in 2025 so far. Annie and Nick welcome Olivia to the Sidetracked studio, on the eve of the release of her second album, The Art of Loving. Olivia, Annie and Nick delve into the week in music: Cardi B’s long awaited second album, Frank Ocean addressing rumours of new music, and Miley Cyrus collaborating with Fleetwood Mac. Plus, the power of the comfort zone, British chocolate bars - and can AI write a convincing Olivia Dean song? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk SONGS Olivia Dean - Man I Need Robbie Williams – Angels Robbie Williams – Rock DJ Cardi B, Lizzo – What's Goin On 4 Non Blondes – What’s Up? Miley Cyrus, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood – Secrets ALBUMS Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Cardi B – Am I the Drama? Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

  11. Coming Soon... 2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist

    5d ago

    Coming Soon... 2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist

    This week’s episode will be dropping later than usual as Nick - and some very special guests - await the much-anticipated Mercury Prize Shortlist.

  12. horsegiirL is the Mane Event, CMAT is Gorgeous, and Martin Scorcese’s Moment

    Jun 4

    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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

  13. Rihanna Rejects, Outrageous Fashion Purchases and Special Guest Sam Smith

    07/18/2024

    Rihanna Rejects, Outrageous Fashion Purchases and Special Guest Sam Smith

    Sam Smith joins Annie and Nick to go through the week in music... from songs that could have been Rihanna’s to outrageous fashion purchases. Elsewhere, a decade later Sam reflects on their debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour’, singing in pubs aged 10 and the moment they decided to become a pop star. Plus, behind-the-scenes of the Met Gala, overcoming trolls and what song would you download first onto an empty phone? Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk

  14. Sidetracked with Charli XCX

    06/06/2024

    Sidetracked with Charli XCX

    Charli XCX joins Annie and Nick to break down what Brat really means. They discuss the importance of artist authenticity as Raye breaks the pop mould once again with a 7-minute song. Elsewhere, Taylor Momsen’s been bitten by a bat, Charli’s been singing S Club 7 on a Chinese talent show and Pitbull’s been soundtracking sex scenes on Bridgerton. Plus, DJ'ing with your partner – what could go wrong? Sidetracked is all about taking a look at the things Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw have loved (and perhaps more importantly not loved) from the world of music. A week in music, a week in Annie and Nick’s lives, this is the destination for music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week’s most compelling stories… getting seriously sidetracked along the way. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk Sidetracked is a BBC Audio Production for BBC Sounds – new episodes drop every Thursday.

  15. David Byrne wows, Rosalía is hard to miss, Jack Harlow sings neo-soul and Annie and Nick sing opera

    Mar 19

    David Byrne wows, Rosalía is hard to miss, Jack Harlow sings neo-soul and Annie and Nick sing opera

    David Byrne leaves Annie wanting to know more about his live show while Nick avoids any Rosalía Lux Live spoilers. Plus, Annie and Nick discuss the intimate production behind James Blake’s new album and how too many opinions can hold an artist back. Speaking of opinions, there have been many about Jack Harlow’s new album, “Monica,” and Annie and Nick explore what puts the soul into neo-soul. Meanwhile, Morrissey has been left in a “catatonic” state and Live Nation executives give people new reasons to be angry, as Annie and Nick try to wrap their heads around their recent settlement with the US Department of Justice. Finally, Annie and Nick are paid a visit by Gail Mortley, an opera singer and singing teacher who kindly takes them through the importance of opera, instructions for our diaphragms, and a few vocal exercises for all burgeoning divas to follow - with Nick turning from reluctant singer to essential pillar of “Gail and the Gail-ettes.” HOMEWORK: Don’t forget to listen to LCD Soundsystem’s self-titled debut album and send us your thoughts ahead of our first ever album club discussion. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! You can send a WhatsApp to 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk And you can also stay in touch via our Instagram Channel, which you can find in the BBC Sounds Instagram bio. SONGS James Blake - Doesn’t Just Happen (feat Dave) James Blake - Rest of Your Life James Blake - Days Go By ALBUMS Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska Jack Harlow – Monica James Blake - Trying Times Various Artists for War Child Records – HELP(2) LIVE MUSIC Altin Gün David Byrne – Who's in the Sky? David Byrne - Stop Making Sense, film directed by Jonathan Demme Rosalía Lux Live OPERAS O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini

  16. Sidetracked with Chaka Khan

    May 14

    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 sidetracked@bbc.co.uk 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

  17. Miranda July on rethinking everything - marriage, sex and hormones

    06/03/2024

    Miranda July on rethinking everything - marriage, sex and hormones

    Miranda July’s staggering new novel ‘All Fours’ might just completely change the way you think about your life.  Miranda is not one for sticking to the rules. An LA based artist, writer and award-winning filmmaker, she has been creating unapologetic, boundary pushing work since her involvement in the Riot Grrrl feminist movement of the 1990s, where she gained recognition for her zines and performance art. She has gone on to create across many mediums, including her breakthrough 2005 feature film debut, "Me and You and Everyone We Know," which she wrote, directed, and starred in. The film garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.  You might have noticed Miranda July’s name popping up all over the place since the release of ‘All Fours’ last month, and there is a reason why. This book is astonishing. It takes everything you think you know about what it means to be a woman in mid life, a mother, a lover, a friend, and makes you rethink it all. The story follows a woman in her forties who embarks on a physical and metaphorical journey of rediscovering herself.  In this episode Annie and Miranda unpick some of the brilliant themes from the book including the institution of marriage, motherhood, perimenopause, hormones, sex, as well as real experiences from post menopausal women (positives and negatives). They also discuss Miranda’s upbringing, her personal changes and how her life bleeds into her work. Listen to this episode and then go and buy this book immediately.  Warning: this episode discusses suicide, please be mindful if this could impact you. Buy a copy of 'All Fours' and find out more about Miranda and her work here: https://mirandajuly.com/all-fours/ GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Glastonbury Existentialism, an Oasis Reunion and Kendrick Lamar wins?

    06/27/2024

    Glastonbury Existentialism, an Oasis Reunion and Kendrick Lamar wins?

    Annie and Nick have (almost!) packed their bags for Glastonbury but how ready are they feeling? Plus, Charli XCX’s latest release featuring Lorde sees their supposed rivalry come to an end, while the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake continues. Is it time to crown a winner? Elsewhere, Liam Gallagher addresses rumours of a possible Oasis reunion and the nostalgia gets Nick a bit emotional. Sidetracked is all about taking a look at the things Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw have loved (and perhaps more importantly not loved) from the world of music. A week in music, a week in Annie and Nick’s lives, this is the destination for music and pop culture lovers looking for an authentic and light-hearted take on the week’s most compelling stories… getting seriously sidetracked along the way. Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16 WhatsApp 079700 82700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk Sidetracked is a BBC Audio Production for BBC Sounds – new episodes drop every Thursday.

  19. Annie announces a change for Changes

    10/21/2024

    Annie announces a change for Changes

    This week, Annie has some news. Changes is changing! Annie talks through how she has come to the decision to pause this podcast and shift the Changes conversation onto Substack. You can now find Changes with Annie Macmanus here: https://anniemacmanus.substack.com/p/welcome-to-changes-with-annie-macmanus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. Glastonbury According To Sidetracked

    07/01/2024

    Glastonbury According To Sidetracked

    Recorded behind the Pyramid Stage as Glastonbury draws to a close for another year, Annie and Nick have all the goss from this year’s festival.

Annie Mac on Apple