Playlist: HITS magazine

To celebrate the release of our first print issues, here's a playlist featuring all artists involved.

HITS x Berlin

We hosted our very first live gig in Berlin - and this is what it looked like.

Cover The HITS

Our latest video series - covers performed by our favourite acts, exclusively for us.

Video Interview: Scenic Route To Alaska

Melting away in front of Stuttgart's castle, we had a chat about touring, band names, Toy Story and a lot more.

Find us on YouTube!

Visit us on the 'tubes for interviews, exclusive performances and outtakes.

Gig Photography: Revolverheld at Porsche-Arena, Stuttgart




Hey guys!

I think the best thing about running a blog is the opportunity to discover new stuff all the time.
Obviously, house in the sand is all about sharing new music with you, the wonderful readers.

But the cool thing is, a lot of the music I share with you is new to me too.
Sometimes I stumble upon artist and bands that I just have to share with you,
and a lot of times I receive emails which introduce me to new music.

Just recently I got invited to see Revolverheld, a German band.
I knew them and their music, just not very well at all.

Excited and curious of what their show was going to be like, I made my way to Stuttgart to watch and photograph the band at Porsche-Arena.

You'll be able to find all the photos below.


Hope you enjoy!



SUPPORT ACT: Julian le Play




Julian le Play is a singer/songwriter from Vienna, Austria.
His music can be genrefied as German Pop.

On stage Julian managed to showcase the main elements of his music; the storytelling lyrics, the vivid choice of words, the light and lively pop arrangements and his slightly soulful voice.

Between the songs, the musician took time to tell stories- stories of how he met Revolverheld, stories behind the songs.
His charming and friendly way of chatting to the audience was well received.

The music fans were really into his performance and started clapping along right away.


Julian le Play online: Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram



















MAIN ACT: Revolverheld




Revolverheld are a Pop-Rock band from Hamburg, Germany consisting of Johannes Strate, Kristoffer Hünecke, Niels Grötsch and Jakob Sinn.

They've been going since 2002 and have established themselves a large and loyal fanbase in and around Germany.


Their show at Porsche-Arena was an impressive one.
With the tour being entitled as the MTV unplugged tour, the theme of the show was very cinematic.

The show opened with a snippet of the MTV special being screened on stage.
It was a host talking about how people often worry about the future and think too much about the past, so they end up forgetting to live in the "here and now".
His speech was meant to remind people to enjoy the show, to leave their worries behind for the evening and to just celebrate being there.

Revolverheld's stage presence is "on point". Each member of the band was in the spotlight and it all seemed very harmonious.
They opened their show on the b-stage of the venue, a small platform where they performed five acoustic tracks.

Heading to the main stage after the first part of the evening, the band doubled the amount of energy.
With an amazingly suitable backdrop on stage and an extended band behind them, there was nothing missing.

Revolverheld delivered a spot on performance, they entertained the massive arena audience with ease and made it pretty obvious, why they've received a lot of hype this far.


Revolverheld online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram







































































With special thanks to Sony Music GER.


Thank you for your visit!









Credits // Text & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske | **thank you to Sony Music GER for providing a ticket and photo pass to house in the sand

HITS exclusive: "Heart On A Wire" by Martin Kelly




Hey guys!

Over the years I got to film quite a few performances.
A lot of them were filmed in backstage areas, dressing rooms and living rooms.
But my favourite shoots are outdoor shoots.

It's always so much fun to wander around to find the perfect spot. You never really know what you get and that's pretty cool in my opinion.

Today I'm happy to present you a lovely HITS exclusive performed by Martin Kelly.


Martin Kelly is a musician originally from Scotland, now based in Berlin, Germany.
He is one half of house in the sand's favourite duo, Martin and James.
With the band being on a break, both individuals are now making music on their own.

Martin's music combines honest songwriting which could remind you of Simon and Garfunkel, clever guitar riffs and melodies, and a voice you won't forget.

So far he shared a few of his new songs online (find all his links below!) and sold a five-track EP on the road.

This performance was filmed in February when Martin was touring Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
We filmed it in my hometown, on a little bridge in the woods. (Well, I wasn't on the bride. Click here for a little behind the scenes impression.)

Now, enjoy Martin Kelly perform one of his new songs "Heart On A Wire" for house in the sand.




Martin Kelly online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram



As usual, massive thank you to Ryan and Martin. Was a blast to wander around town with a dying camera battery!




Thank you for your visit!





HITS online: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram





Credits // Text, Image & Video: Vanessa Jertschewske | Video intro (audio) & performance: Martin Kelly

Access All Areas: Chris Pate at Riffelhof, Burgrieden




Hey guys!

Every now and then I get a message of Chris Pate saying something along the lines of "Yo! I've got a gig. Let's travel."

Pretty much everytime I end up fixing the guest bedroom and arranging lifts and train rides.

I love travelling and it's pretty obvious that I love music, therefore I always enjoy being able to do things like that.

This time Chris got asked to support Purpendicular (a Deep Purple tribute band) ft. Ian Paice (Deep Purple's drummer) at Riffelhof, Burgrieden (GER).
Instead of just sharing the gig photos with you, I've decided to do another "Access All Areas" feature where you get the chance to sort of travel with us.


Who is Chris Pate?
His friends will introduce him as a “music making mad man”, his fans will tell you how incredible his music is and critics will point out what Chris Pate stands for: honest, storytelling and often critical lyrics, expressive and dominant vocals and controlling instrumentals.

Chris Pate is that kind of musician who will walk into a room, spot a guitar and immediately pick it up to jam away.

He’s passionate and has always been; the musician started playing the guitar at the age of 14, with Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’ being the first song the left handed guitarist learnt to play.

Besides Nirvana, Led Zeppelin and Oasis, Chris’ music is influenced by a wide range of acts. Growing up in the Liverpool area, Pate proves one stereo type: the love for the Beatles.

Knowing that Chris Pate has been into music for many years now, it won’t surprise you when you find out that eight years of his music life were spent as front man of Liverpool based rock band The Arkanes. Together with his band mates, Chris regularly toured Germany, Switzerland and Austria building a loyal fan base by putting on energetic live shows. 


The band broke up in Summer 2015, but Chris never lost his passion for music.
So now he's writing, recording and touring pretty much all the time.


Below are (probably far too many) impressions from the little travel and music weekend.
I hope you enjoy!


 19th March: After being stuck in traffic for what felt like a century, we got to my place and made vegan burgers with sweet potato fries. (#yum)




20th March: Off to Burgrieden in full "manager mode". (No, those beer bottles did not belong to us.)



20th March: The train journey took longer than expected which was alright since I got to listen to some new songs. Dear CP fans, you're in a for a treat!



20th March: Soundcheck at Riffelhof, our home away from home.



20th March: After soundcheck we filmed two performances which will be online soon, so subscribe to HITS on YouTube to get a notification once we post something.







20th March: Show time!















Whenever I see Chris on stage, I remember why about four years ago, The Arkanes won me over with their fantastic music.

His solo music has the same quality and therefore it's no surprise that he's still kicking ass on stage.
Chris knows how to control a crowd and how to present his music in a suitable way.





















20th March: Chris' view on stage.



20th/21st March: My good friend Katy came down and basically saved the merch desk from a crisis.
We owe you big time, dear!



21st March: When the lad takes a selfie whilst you're trying to have breakfast...



21st March: My mum came to pick us up, so this selfie is very necessary.



And that's it!
I hope you enjoyed this insightful post and felt like you were a part of the fun.


At this point we'd like to say a massive thank you to the Riffelhof team for taking care of us and for inviting us over. Can't wait to be back in May!

And of course, I want to say thanks to Chris for taking me along on those adventures, it's always fun to travel with you. I might make fun of you all the time, but I'm really proud of you for doing what you love the most.


Chris Pate online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram


Buy Chris' recent EP here.



Thank you for your visit!










Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske, Chris Pate