Latest news with #TheProclaimers
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The world's best karaoke songs officially revealed by scientist – with surprise throwback topping list
AN Oxford university boffin has come up with a mathematical formula to determine the best endorphin-boosting karaoke songs of all-time. Dr Tom Crawford uses V for number of verses, C as repetition of chorus, Y for when the track was released, combined with BPM beats per minute to scientifically grade songs out of 100. 5 The ultimate karaoke songs of all time have been revealed 5 Dr Tom Crawford and his unique formula. His formula says that the 2,000 folk who took part in the Three Mobile survey prefer fast-paced songs with an average of 126 BPM and three repeated choruses for every two verses. Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS asks Dr Crawford to apply his calculations to some classic Scots karaoke favourites to see how our chart stars compare THE Proclaimers I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) almost walked away with being crowned kings of the karaoke charts, according to Dr Crawford's formula. It ticked all the right boxes with 132 Beats Per Minute - just over the perfect rate of 126 BPM - but was let down slightly by having four choruses instead of the ideal three. Instead Craig and Charlie Reid slipped to No5 in the overall rankings with Shania Twain, Oasis, Whitney Houston and the winner Bon Jovi all ahead of them. 5 Bon Jovi rocked their way to the top of the karaoke charts. 5 The Proclaimers 500 Miles is the best Scots karaoke song However had 'foot stomping' being part of the doc's unique formula, he is certain the twins from Leith would have come out on top. He said: 'What I really liked about some songs, especially 500 miles, is that it just makes you want to get up, stamp your feet and join in. 'It kind of has that euphoric, mood-lifting ability, so it's not just songs people like to sing, but how they make you feel.' Dr Crawford believes that was the whole point of the survey which has launched the 'Kathartic Karaoke' initiative as part of Three and the Samaritans' ongoing commitment to mental health support and wellbeing. A special karaoke booth will be erected from August 15 to 16 on The Mound at the Edinburgh Fringe to help festival goers boost their mood with music and singing. TOP 10 KARAOKE SONGS 1) Livin' On a Prayer – Bon Jovi (91%) 2) I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston (90%) 3) Don't Look Back in Anger – Oasis (89%) 4) Man! I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain (88%) 5) I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (88%) 6) Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) – ABBA (85%) 7) Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield (84%) 8) Someone Like You – Adele (84%) 9) Wannabe – Spice Girls (84%) 10) Let Me Love You – Mario (83%) That's after Dr Crawford's research found that nine out of ten (90 per cent) people felt that singing gave them an emotional uplift, made them feel empowered (81 per cent) while 70 per cent found it cathartic. There is also evidence to suggest music can improve happiness and help sustain a healthy immune system, by reducing stress and boosting the production of endorphins and immunity antibodies – whilst singing can specifically improve breathing, posture and muscle tension. Dr Crawford, 35, who also has 225,000 subscribers on YouTube under the handle @TomRocksMaths, said: 'I've been trying to make maths fun for years now on YouTube and through my teaching at university and this is why I was so excited to be involved in this project. 'I think the whole idea of talking about karaoke and mood boosting and linking it back to mental health and working with the Samaritans is a fantastic thing, especially as young men in particular are pretty bad about discussing these topics. 'So talking more about mental health and using karaoke singing as a way to boost that and also bringing in the maths and the fun are things that I am passionate about.' During his study Dr Crawford discovered that age of a song was also a big defining factor where it finished in the karaoke charts too. TOP 10 SCOTTISH KARAOKE SONGS 1) 500 Miles - The Proclaimers (88%) 2) Why Does it Always Rain on Me - Travis (87%) 3) It's Got to be Perfect - Fairground Attraction (80%) 4) Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi (78%) 5) Dignity - Deacon Blue (77%) 6) Vienna - Ultravox (76%) 7) Maggie May - Rod Stewart (73%) 8) Caledonia - Dougie Maclean (65%) 9) Shout - Lulu (65%) 10) Leave a Light On - Tom Walker (61%) He explained: 'Older songs didn't do so well, with the 70s doing really badly, with the exception to the rule being ABBA who were the most popular individual artists. 'Adele did well, although many of her tracks were from the 2010s, which were actually a bit too modern for the best performing songs in this formula. 'Lewis Capaldi also scored well with Someone You Loved as he's a kind of Scottish Adele really, isn't he? 'But the best performing tracks were roughly from the 90s with Britpop, Oasis, Spice Girls, all that kind of thing.' And even being a terracing favourite was no guarantee of doing well under the doctor's figures. He said: 'Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline did quite badly, even though it's hugely popular with the likes of women's football fans right now. 'Similarly Caledonia is a favourite on the rugby terraces in Scotland but it didn't do well either.' However, Dr Crawford insists he also wanted to create a debate with the exercise. He says: 'People can look at our top 10 and think it's nonsense, as everyone has their own personal opinion. 'But this was all about trying to determine how a song makes you feel when singing it and even if you wouldn't score these tracks exactly as we have, you can also have a lot of fun discussing them and what songs you say lift your mood best. 'At the end of the day it's all part of the fun.'
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
New interactive map reveals the Scottish locations behind hit songs
A new interactive map containing hundreds of places featured in the songs, music artwork and music videos of Britain's favourite artists has been released by National Rail - with places across Edinburgh and Glasgow featured. It is being released alongside new research showing how intrinsic music is to those in Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new map features locations across Edinburgh and Glasgow with a connection to iconic artists such as The Proclaimers, Jockstrap, Abba, The Fall, Passenger and more. Locations such as Leigh, Killermont Street and Byres Road feature - revealing the stories connecting these Scottish spots to famous artists. The map has been released alongside new research showing the deep-rooted connection between music and those who reside in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It reveals that nearly half of Scots (46%) have attended a gig in the past 12 months, with almost a quarter having been to a music festival (23%). National Rail - Behind the tracks Amongst them, the artist seen the most was Taylor Swift (23%) followed by Pink (9%). Other popular artists with Scots include Sabrina Carpenter, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen (all 8%). Music mega fans, over half of Scots have travelled to visit a place associated with a musician they are a fan of by train (52%), with over a third (40%) visiting locations featured in their music videos, and travelling to their hometown (40%). In addition, National Rail has launched a new series of audio guides, narrated by Jo Whiley, and features contributions from former All Saint Melanie Blatt and DJ Yinka Bokinni. The guides cover key geographical areas of Britain and reveal the links they have with a range of homegrown and international acts - plus how music fans can explore these locations by train. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Listeners will hear of the untold stories behind some of music's most memorable moments, from the Cromford railway station which acted as visual inspiration for one of Oasis' biggest hits, to the Notting Hill street where All Saints found their voice and name. The guides aim to inspire music lovers to get out there and discover the iconic British locations that have inspired our favourite artists – because when it comes to music, nothing beats being there. National Rail - Behind the tracks Jo Whiley, DJ and broadcaster said: 'Locations in Britain and the railway have been a source of inspiration for music artists for as long as I can remember. There's no better way to connect with the music and artists you love than going to see the locations that inspired them in person, which is why I've worked with the rail industry on a new series of audio guides, and encourage people to use their new interactive map to plan their next musical adventure by train." Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, explained: 'With this year marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway we wanted to highlight the role rail has played in inspiring music artists and how it continues to help connect Britons to the people, places and experiences they love. It was great to team up with Jo again on a new series of audio guides, which are now available alongside an interactive map that highlights 200 locations that have inspired some of the nation's favourite songs, music videos, album artwork and are easily accessible by train.' Discover the audio guides and the musical map of Britain on the National Rail website:
Edinburgh Live
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Lotto winner Jane Park makes cheeky jibe as Robbie Williams song choice divides crowd
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Robbie Williams' impromptu performance of an Edinburgh football club's anthem received a mixed reaction from the crowd at Murrayfield on Saturday night. As well as performing his biggest hits during the first leg of his Britpop tour, he decided to ditch the stage and head towards some unsuspecting members of the crowd mid-performance. At one point, Robbie, dressed in pink, appeared to serenade one fortunate fan by touching her on the shoulder and encouraging the crowd to join in. However, the song in question was Sunshine on Leith by The Proclaimers - an iconic tune associated with Hibs and the club's fans. Many were quick to point out on social media how Robbie decided to sing that particular song while performing in the west of the city and near Tynecastle - the home of Hibs' city rivals Hearts. One well-known Hibs fan who couldn't resist posting a video of the rendition was Edinburgh EuroMillions winner Jane Park. She wrote on X: "Robbie Williams singing sunshine on Leith over in Gorgie," along with a laughing face emoji and green love heart. Once finished singing Robbie said: "Now there's two things here. One is I think that's a better song than You'll Never Walk Alone and the other thing is why don't Heart of Midlothian boo that song? I don't get it?" He added: "Are you here Hearts?" to which cheers can be heard from the crowd before Robbie quickly shuts down all talk of football rivalry by quipping: "Ok that's enough of that s**t."
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Inside Forest Fest - meet the man bringing rock royalty to Laois
Phillip Meagher is the founder of Forest Fest, the popular music bash returning to Emo, Co. Laois for its fourth edition this July - below, he remembers his journey from solicitor to creating a 'celebration of music, good company, and good vibes'. If you'd told me a few years ago I'd be running a music festival, I'd have laughed. I'm a solicitor by trade – usually found in a courtroom, suited and booted – not in a field figuring out campervan layouts or booking bands! But music's always been a big love of mine, and over time, I found myself craving a different kind of festival experience – something more laid-back, less hassle, and built for people like me who adore live music but can do without the chaos. Watch: Forest Fest 2024 revisited That's where Forest Fest came from. I'd been to loads of festivals that just felt like too much – overcrowded, uncomfortable, long queues, dodgy loos, nowhere to sit with a proper pint. I remember thinking, There has to be a better way. I started dreaming up something smaller and more chilled – great music, decent facilities, short strolls back to your tent or van, a local restaurant nearby where you can sit down for a hot meal and a pint or a glass of wine. That vision became Forest Fest. Emo's charm doesn't go unnoticed. Artists love it here. I started putting plans together in 2019 while on a break abroad. I'd organised a few local events before, so I reached out to some contacts – and within hours, I had a chunk of the line-up sorted. Then the pandemic hit. Everything paused, but that break gave me time to refine the idea, bring in the right people, and figure out how to make it work. By 2022, Forest Fest was real – and the response blew us away. We hold it at Emo community grounds, right beside the beautiful Emo Court. The whole village gets involved – from the Gate House pub to Batoni's restaurant. There's something special about being able to grab a bowl of fresh pasta or a proper burger, sit with a cocktail in the garden, and stroll back to catch a band playing just down the road. Emo's charm doesn't go unnoticed. Artists love it here – the warm welcome, the scenery, the relaxed vibe. It's not just another gig; it's something they remember. We've hosted some serious legends – Sister Sledge, The Proclaimers, Nik Kershaw – and we always aim for a great mix of big names and brilliant Irish acts. For 2025, we've got five stages: the Forest Stage, Village Stage, Perfect Day Stage, Forest Fleadh Stage and the Ibiza Rewind tent. There's something for everyone – from indie and trad to proper dancefloor bangers. This year's headliners are Manic Street Preachers (their only Irish show this summer!), Franz Ferdinand and Travis. The rest of the line-up is stacked: Orbital, The Stranglers, Tom Meighan, The Dandy Warhols, Bad Manners, Tony Hadley, Billy Bragg, Peter Hook & The Light, Reef, Kula Shaker, Therapy?, Teenage Fanclub, The Farm, Alabama 3, The Magic Numbers, Nick Lowe, Robert Finley, Pillow Queens, Hermitage Green, Something Happens, Mary Coughlan, Sharon Shannon – and loads more. Getting here's a breeze – just an hour from Dublin, 5km from Exit 15 on the M7. There's free parking and shuttle buses running between the festival site and nearby towns and hotels. We've also got regular trains to Portlaoise and Portarlington, plus day return buses from places like Dublin, Tullamore, Kilkenny, Portlaoise and Cashel. We're also passionate about keeping Forest Fest as green as possible. We're continuing our brilliant partnership with Native Events, who are expanding their Smart Waste Management programme after a great run with Emo GAA last year. From uniforms made from old camping gear to a full-on waste hub that helps people get stuck into sustainability, we're proud to make it part of the experience. Forest Fest has grown into something I could never have fully imagined – a celebration of music, good company, and good vibes. Whether you're dancing under the stars or relaxing with a pint and some great food, it's a festival built around comfort, connection and joy. I'm incredibly proud of what we've built.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Meghan Markle shares rare family photos in sweet tribute to Prince Harry on wedding anniversary
Meghan Markle is showering Prince Harry with love as the couple mark their wedding anniversary. On Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated seven years of marriage, with Meghan taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute. In a nostalgic post set to the audio of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers duo, she posted a series of never-before-seen photos capturing their journey together. 'Seven years of marriage. A lifetime of stories,' Meghan wrote in a montage, which featured intimate moments from their relationship over the years. 'Thanks to all of you (whether by our side, or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story – we appreciate you. Happy anniversary!' she added, with a red heart emoji. The tribute offered rare glimpses into their private life, including photos of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as babies; adorable shots of the couple kissing; and a throwback to their 2018 royal wedding. It also traced their love story from their first meeting in 2016, with an early selfie in London and photos from private getaways to Botswana and Norway. Other highlights from the post include moments from their 2017 engagement shoot, behind-the-scenes shots from their royal wedding, images of their dogs, and personal mementoes like a sketch of Meghan's coat of arms. The montage also included: a 2018 trip to Norfolk, ultrasound images from Meghan's first pregnancy, a touching photo of Prince Harry cradling newborn Archie just after his birth in May 2019, and their official royal tours in Australia and Morocco before moving into their post-royal life. It also featured a picture of Meghan holding baby Lilibet in 2021, Harry standing beside her crib, and a heartwarming scene of Archie and Lilibet exchanging a kiss by a Christmas tree in 2022. The photo collection concluded with snapshots from family travels in 2023, a snowy embrace in 2024, and a beach day. See here: A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) Prince Harry, now 40, and Meghan, 43, were married in a widely televised ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and other senior royals, and watched by nearly 2 billion people worldwide. Their son, Prince Archie, was born in May 2019, just weeks before their first wedding anniversary. In January 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back from royal duties, a move finalised in 2021. They relocated to Meghan's home state of California and eventually settled in Montecito. Their family grew again in June 2021 with the birth of their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
