Annie and Nick reflect on some of their favourite moments with Sidetracked guest co-hosts, from Charli XCX defining Brat for the first time to Robert Smith revealing his genius music filing system. Or what about the time JADE revealed her most awkward onstage crisis? Plus, CMAT’s strong takedown of the Country music industry, SELF ESTEEM’s notes app entries and Kylie’s clubbing stories.

Annie and Nick are joined by Robert Smith to review the year in music. He’s the lead singer of The Cure, one of the UK’s most influential bands ever - they’ve headlined Glastonbury 4 times, sold over 35 million albums, and their 2024 album, Songs of a Lost World, was one of the most talked about records on Sidetracked this year.

For Sidetracked’s first ever Christmas party, Annie and Nick are joined by singer SELF ESTEEM, Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso, comedian Joanne McNally and BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage, at their favourite Irish pub.

As Kneecap win their discrimination case against the UK government, Annie and Nick discuss the relationship between music and politics – but how much freedom do artists really have? Elsewhere, Massive Attack are leading the charge on low carbon gigging and demonstrating how live music can become more sustainable. Plus, Liam Gallagher’s plaque has gone missing from Lidl, Solange might have new music on the horizon and how brat was Charli XCX’s Brat tour?

Having spent their formative years in clubs around the UK, Annie and Nick unpack why club culture is disappearing and what can be done to save it.

Is the art of the music video dead? Following last week’s discussion about the MTV EMA’s, Annie and Nick share some of your comments about the relevancy of music videos. Elsewhere, Beyoncé has announced that she will play an NFL half time show on Christmas Day, but which artist would you abandon Christmas dinner for? Plus, Bjork is recreating the sounds of extinct animals, Ed Sheeran wishes he wasn’t on the new Band Aid song and Charli XCX might have the most supportive parents in the business.

Grammy nominations and the EMAs have welcomed us back into awards season, but are they still relevant and should we even care? BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage gives his analysis.

Does UK Rap need fixing? With 20 years of skin in the game, Ghetts joins Annie to discuss the current state of the UK Rap scene, the importance of championing artist authenticity and who he looks to for inspiration. Elsewhere, what is it about certain songs that keeps us coming back? Annie shares the science behind what makes music so addictive. Plus, Tyler, The Creator proves why risks are worth taking, Ghetts reveals the bars that inspired him to start rapping and the legacy of Quincy Jones.

Annie and Nick dress up as two musical icons for a spooky special - but what makes up the perfect Halloween song? Elsewhere, Laura Marling has released her new album to critical acclaim, and it acts as a perfect example of why an artist’s agency and authenticity are so important in the age of streaming. Plus, Kate Bush has us all gagged with the announcement that she’s ready to start making new music, Beyoncé and Eminem have been out on the US election campaign trail with Kamala Harris and Tyler, The Creator is proving why he could be a future Glastonbury headliner.

Olly Alexander joins Nick to discuss meeting Rihanna, the highs and lows of Eurovision and why he wants to ‘do a Kate Bush’. They also pay tribute to Liam Payne and reflect on the legacy he has left behind. Elsewhere, Tyler, The Creator is bucking the trend by releasing new music on Mondays - should other artist’s lean into this or does New Music Friday serve a purpose? Plus, Charli XCX’s Brat has finally gone to Number 1 (sorry James Blunt), Olly and Nick get their head around the hidden lyrics in Rihanna’s ‘SOS’ and the excitement for new Lady Gaga is palpable.