7 songs: Vanessa from HITS




Hey guys!

What would you say is the most magical thing about music?
For me, it's definitely the fact that it can make us feel so many different emotions.

A song can make us feel happy, excited, 
it can make us dance,
it can make us feel nostalgic,
and sad.
And sometimes it can just help us cope with our emotions. 

And because I think we need to celebrate our emotions more,
I've decided to start a new series.

The fun thing about a new series, is you never know how it goes.
You never know if you'll enjoy writing/hosting it, and you never know if anyone is going to enjoy it
 - until you test it out.

So that's what we're doing now, we're testing this.
I'm going to need your feedback, so please feel free to test this with me.

The point of "7 songs" is to celebrate different feelings whilst also celebrating the diversity of tastes.
I'm hoping to have more music guests to chat about their 7 songs, so let's see how this goes.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here are my 7 songs for 7 feelings.

I hope you enjoy!


1) a song which makes you dance:

"Rose-Colored Boy" - Paramore

I love songs that make me happy just by sounding fun and inviting you to dance.

However, "Rose-Colored Boy" takes things to another level; the instrumentals are so bubbly and sound so carefree, but the lyrics talk about the numb feelings connected to anxiety and depression.

This clever contrast makes this song even more brilliant to me, because the song is quite literally a metaphor and I think it's genius.
With this Pop situation, you'd think the lyrics would be rather shallow and catchy, but Hayley Williams just hits you with so much depth in such a sneaky way.

"you say we gotta look on the bright side,
I say well maybe if you wanna go blind
you say my eyes are getting too dark now,
but boy you ain't ever seen my mind" 



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2) a song that calms you down:

"Stop This Train" - John Mayer

A bit of John Mayer can calm me down whenever I'm freaking out.

This song in particular is one of my favourite songs ever.
Now, I'm aware that the lyrics aren't particularly soothing, but the atmosphere of the song is just so enchantingly hypnotizing.

John Mayer's guitar playing is on another level, we don't need to discuss that.
But "Stop This Train" is one of his most beautiful compositions, in my opinion.



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3) a song with a deep meaning:

"Weathered" - Jack Garratt

Put this song on and watch me turn into a sobbing mess.
Okay, it's not that extreme, but the personal connection I have with this song, just gets me really emotional.
I first heard this song when I was on a flight back home from Berlin. I bought the album when I had a wander around Berlin and put it on my iPod for when I was heading back home.
"Weathered" came on and it immediately soaked me in.

I have a lot of respect for Jack Garratt and love the way he crafts his music and also performs it.
 The backing vocals and the beats in this song are so powerful and I adore them.

When pretty much the entire crowd sang along to this song at Barn on the Farm 2016, I might've shed a tear or two.
"Weathered" is one of my all-time favourites and I'm so glad it exists.

"when you go, I'll know I'm old"



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4) a song which makes you feel nostalgic:

"When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" - Rooney

Okay... I have a feeling that about 90% of you might know this song.
I knew the song, before I knew the band.

My first proper indie-rock gig was a Rooney show in a sweaty club in Stuttgart, Germany.
I still remember the excitement and the thrill of singing along to this song.
It's just one of those tracks you need to blast in the car and shout the words to - as loud as possible, no matter how terrible it may sound.

I have a lot of love for this band and for this song.
It doesn't take more than the guitar riff, to make me feel like I'm 14 again.



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5) a song which has accompanied you for a while:

"Wrong Directions" - Martin and James

This song has been with me for a little more than six years now.

I first heard it when Martin and James supported Taylor Swift. The minute they started playing, I made everyone around me shut up - just so I could notice every little detail.
When they started playing "Wrong Directions", I knew they were going to be my new favourite band.

I've been able to work with these guys more times than I can count and this song has somehow always been involved. (our video intro is a re-arranged version of it which Martin wrote for us)

In 2012, I stole a line from the song and named this website after it.
So, I guess this track has been with me for a while, and I'm sure it'll stay a good friend.



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6) a song from your favourite genre:

"Sharpshooter" - The Arkanes

I can't deny it, Rock is my favourite genre and I'm the happiest little person when I'm at a rock gig.
I just LOVE heavy drums, badass basslines and loud riffs and solos.

The Arkanes are without a doubt the most blogged band on here and I'll probably never get sick of their music.

When they started playing "Sharpshooter" the first time I saw them, I lost my mind and just had to dance.
It's a shame the band isn't active anymore, but I'm so glad I've got their songs to enjoy whenever I need a healthy dose of rock music.



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7) a song by an artist/a band which has surprised you:

"Guillotine" by Jon Bellion ft. Travis Mendes

I have to admit, at first I thought Jon Bellion was one of those overrated artists who pop up every now and then.

But - thankfully - I eventually took the time to check out his work. And holy moly, I'm glad I did.
There is SO much depth and detail in his music, it's quite fabulous.
"Guillotine" has surprised me the most because of all the carefully crafted elements; it's not just a heavy beat - it's a bassline layered with acoustic guitar, piano, samples and even a string section.

I feel like a lyrics nerd, but I just need to quote this bit because I think it's brilliant:

"the secrets you tell me,
I'll take to my grave
there's bones in my closet,
but you hang stuff anyway
and if you have nightmares,
I know that you love me,
even when I lose my head
guillotine"

In case you'd like to learn more about the song, I highly recommend watching this making of video, it's super interesting.





And those were my 7 songs.
I really hope you enjoyed this little talk-through and maybe you even found a new song you've liked.




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Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske

2 comments:

  1. Love this idea! Made me think about what would be my choices for these prompts right away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the lovely comment, Jana! :)
      Would love to hear your choices!!

      Delete

Let me know what you think! :)