Sidetracked with Annie and Nick

It’s the Sidetracked mid-year review, in which Annie and Nick look back on the biggest moments of 2026 so far. Back in January, they made some predictions for the year in music and it's time to find out - do they possess psychic abilities or wishful dispositions?
From Harry Styles’ return to Rosalía’s LUX tour, which moments define 2026 so far?
Featuring Mark Savage, Jessie Ware, Elmiene, and CMAT.
SONGS
Mary J. Blige - I'm Goin’ Down
Harry Styles - Aperture
Rosalía - Magnolias
Oasis - Wonderwall
Justin Bieber - DAISIES
Justin Bieber – Beauty and a Beat
Taylor Swift – I Knew It, I Knew You
Shakira & Burna Boy – Dai Dai
ALBUMS
Rosalía - LUX
Harry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
Madonna – Confessions II
Justin Bieber - SWAG

Nick is joined by the Emotional Junglist and record-breaking music artist, Nia Archives, to discuss the week in music. Nia made headlines herself after being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for the second time - she explains to Nick why the announcement came at a difficult time.
Elsewhere, Nick and Nia have both recently seen Grace Jones perform and discuss the many reasons why no contemporary artist could ever emulate Grace’s artistry or her perfectly curated rider.
Plus, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have broken chart records with their single ‘Rein Me In’, but what is it about the two of them that has sent the track into the history books?
Plus, Charli XCX’s Lollapalooza performance has fans excited for more live shows; Nia’s big plans for Japan’s convenience stores, and what’s it like to work with James Ellis Ford?
You can send Sidetracked 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
Nia Archives – Sober Feels
Nia Archives – Boys in Blue
Kettama – Comes and Goes
Tricky feat. Mitch Sanders - I’m Yours

ALBUMS
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Nia Archives – Silence is Loud
Madonna – American Life
Madonna - Music
Madonna – Ray of Light
Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle
War Child Records- Help(2)
Arca – XXXXX
Charli XCX – brat
Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film

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

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

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