QTheMusic.com

Tuesday 20 December

Alex Turner has claimed he no longer knows how to write a hit single. The Arctic Monkeys singer revealed: "I have fucking forgotten how to do that... I don't know what that is any more, it's a different landscape these days." He also went on to downplay his vocal abilities, saying: "I was never a singer. I have had to practice at that and writing melodies is something that didn't come naturally. I was more comfortable writing lyrics."
Thesun.co.uk

Fancy listening to a new Lana Del Rey song? Off To The Races, taken from her forthcoming debut album Born To Die, is this week's iTunes Free Single Of The Week. Download it now or check out the audio below. The Video Games singer is also set to appear on Saturday Night Live on 14 January alongside Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. (via Stereogum.com)

Jessie J plans to shave her head for charity and gain weight in 2012. The singer, who is currently working on a new album with David Guetta, revealed she is keen to "make a difference in the world" and believes "it's important to know when you need to gain weight, or when you need to lose weight and be healthy".
Entertainmentwise.com

Is the future of Oxegen festival in doubt? Organisers have yet to confirm this year's event leading to speculation that the annual Irish music event is in trouble.
Thesun.co.uk

Drake is set to appear on Justin Bieber's next album. The rapper was joined by Bieber onstage on Saturday (17 December) in California where he confirmed that the pair would be entering the studio together in January. (via Vancouversun.com)

A new Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds album might be on the cards. Drummer Jim Sclavunos, who also played with Cave in Grinderman prior to their split last week, said: "We have kind of neglected Bad Seeds of late... It's been about four years since we have done anything and I think it's high time we made some beautiful music together again."
Fasterlouder.com.au

James Blake has unveiled a video for his Joni Mitchell cover, A Case Of You, starring Vicky Christina Barcelona star Rebecca Hall. (via Pitchfork.com)

Yo La Tengo singer Ira Kaplan has suffered a "pretty serious health scare", according to a statement issued by the band. The group were due to play their annual string of shows at in Hoboken, New Jersey in celebration of Hanukkah but have now warned fans to expect a more subdued performance than usual. "I'm well on the way to recovery, but I've not yet been deemed ready to rock," wrote Kaplan. "Our sets will undoubtedly be tweaked accordingly... But we're confident that it's going to be a great eight days."
Pitchfork.com

The Beach Boys have recorded a brand new version of their 1968 track Do It Again. The band announced on Friday (16 December) that the surviving members of the original lineup would be reforming to record a new album and tour in 2012. (via Rollingstone.com)

Stuck for last minute Christmas present ideas? Or are you anticipating getting gift vouchers in your stocking and looking to get into something new? Check out our How To Buy... Alt. Country guide.
Qthemusic.com

Radiohead have made new songs The Daily Mail and Staircase available to hear online for free. The tracks were posted on the band's official youTube channel earlier today. (via NME.com)

Dubstep producer Skream has commented on the recent rise of DJs to popstar prominence. "DJs are the new face, whereas before the DJ was faceless, you'd just be in the small print, you'd rarely have a 'DJ single'," he explained. "I've mad respect for people like Lady Gaga, who was just a songwriter, must have woken up one day and thought 'Fuck this, I'm writing these hits'. And she's smashed it... It gives a face to the music as well, and people start to notice similarities between you and the music."
Thequietus.com

Rapper Action Bronson has remixed Justin Bieber's Mistletoe. Check it out by following the link.
Thefader.com

Paul McCartney is releasing a new album on 6 February. The as-yet-untitled record will feature two new songs alongside covers of songs that inspired the former Beatles star in his childhood, as well as collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton.
Paulmccartney.com

Are No Doubt, Radiohead and Foo Fighters headlining this year's Coachella festival? A poster has appeared online for the American music event featuring their names - though there is some debate over its authenticity.
Gigwise.com

Today's Track Of The Day is The Killers' Cowboy Christmas.

That's it for today. More Hot List tomorrow at noon.

11:59 AM | 20/12/2011