Reading and Leeds have dropped BBC Introducing for a new ‘nepo baby stage’. Where does it leave DIY artists?

As R&L replace the BBC’s unsigned artists stage with one filled with rock scions and a Simon Cowell boyband, many are decrying disappearing opportunities for grassroots acts

Dahi: Black Boy (Alternative) review – Kendrick producer takes the spotlight for all-star guitar celebration

The Grammy winner unites former clients including Lamar and Ravyn Lenae for a playful, dazzling voyage through the guitar’s diversity, from alt-rock to Afrobeat

Greek Orthodox priest and cult musician clarifies views on homosexuality

Father Dionysios Tabakis says his views are those of Orthodox church, ‘nothing more, nothing less’

Tell us: what’s the song that is guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor?

What track gets your feet moving the moment you hear it – and on to the dancefloor? I Feel Love by Donna Summer? Or We Found Love by Rihanna? We’d love to hear what yours is

‘We’re at a crisis point’: Chappell Roan, Shirley Manson and Eli on playing Olivia Rodrigo’s women-led festival

Ahead of playing Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields, artists explain why female-first festivals are due for a resurgence

Janie Bradford obituary

Songwriter who contributed to the first record made at Motown’s Detroit studio and co-wrote many of the label’s hits

Backwoods Barbie and the ‘God almighty’ PMS Blues: Dolly Parton’s 10 best deep cuts

From heartbreaking spoken word to wry takes on the double standards women face, here are some of the late country singer’s lesser known gems

‘We met Princess Margaret and she was paralytic!’ My wild life onboard the Adam and the Ants Antmania rollercoaster

With their twangy sound, madcap outfits, lusty yodelling and pirouetting pirate frontman, the band became global superstars almost overnight. But, as their guitarist Marco Pirroni recalls, the thrill ride soon hit the buffers

Dolly Parton obituary

Glamorous and astute singer-songwriter whose bountiful talent had an appeal reaching far beyond her country roots

Dolly Parton, country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80 after cancer diagnosis

Songwriter of I Will Always Love You, Jolene and 9 to 5 invested millions in child literacy, Covid-19 vaccine development and other causes

Freddie Mercury’s ‘splendid things’ to go on display at V&A

Eight costumes spanning Queen frontman’s career will feature in a free trail developed with his former fiancee

Green Man review – Wolf Alice, Shame and secret sets keep the Welsh festival’s flame burning

The traditional fire might be banned this year, but festivalgoers are treated by energetic performances by Wolf Alice, Tamikrest and Westside Cowboy

Slayyyter live review – raucous show announces a new princess of sleaze-pop

The cult star proves she is ready for pop’s big leagues in a show that blends chaotic punk energy with technical finesse

‘A rock star on her own terms’: why we’re still so fascinated by Meg White

Recent incorrect attempts to reveal the White Stripes star’s whereabouts reflect how much we’re still obsessed with the one-of-a-kind drummer

‘So many people say things about my appearance – it’s not normal’: Jorja Smith on burnout, body-shaming and finding freedom

Being recognised by the Brits, Grammys and Drake made the singer one of British music’s most famous names – and also left her exhausted. Now, after decompressing in her home town she returns with a record made for raving