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.

end of the year: 2017



Hey guys!

Vanessa here.
It's the end of 2017, a turbulent year that at times felt a bit like a long-haul flight.
Every year, I sit down on the 31st to type up a post trying to sum up the year - and tradition is a fun thing, so I'm back to do it again.

So, where to start?

2017 was another full year of house in the sand existing.
That's a cool statement.
We're still here, we're still going.

And it's been alright, it's been a learning process.
Usually I can find a way to describe each year, 2016 for example was a year of figuring new things out, 2015 was one hell of a success.
But 2017 makes this tradition a little bit more difficult.

So maybe I'll stick to calling it a long-haul flight.
You know, the feeling when you're on a plane and you know you're going really fast, but it just feels very still.
It was a bit weird.

But it was definitely filled with highlights - we featured favourite acts only and our team grew.
We found our spot in the blogosphere and figured out what our part is.
We travelled, we photographed, we filmed and we made friends.

Yeah, maybe 2017 was the year of friendship.
Not the shallow, "hi, nice to meet you, let's be Facebook friends" friendship, but the "hi, you're kinda cool, I've got your back" friendship.
And that's a success.

We haven't been the most visited blog, we haven't chatted to hundreds of famous acts, but we have been able to connect with people.
And honestly, that's what blogging is about - in my opinion at least.

So yeah, 2017 happened and 2018 is about to happen and let's be honest, nobody really has a clue what it's going to be like.
But we may all kick butts (our own as well if necessary), may we all bond a little more and may we all use our brains to figure out right and wrong.

And - most importantly - may we all dance to our favourite songs more often.


Alright, that's enough with the words for today.

Go on kids, have some fun.
But come back, we'll be waiting for you.


Thank you for sticking with us for another year,
you're the fuel I need and I fucking cherish this support.


Thank you thank you!

Lots of love,







xx








Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske

Best Of 2017: a video




Hey guys!

Welcome to part two of our "it's the end of the year, we're so nostalgic" crisis.

Yesterday was all about the photos (and our amazing photographers) while today we are looking back on all things video.

2017 was the year of our 5th birthday, which is something I'll chat more about tomorrow. We got to celebrate it with 25 incredible acts and also shared our rather hilarious outtakes with you.

We had chats with some talented artists and hosted our first ever living room shows - an experience we got to share with you.

This year has also seen the premiere of a new video series, Cover The HITS - personally, that's probably my highlight of the year.

Before I started writing the words you're reading this very second, I told myself to not go to crazy on the cheesy phrases and to let the video be the focus of today.

However, I just need to thank everyone who was involved with house in the sand's YouTube channel this year.
That's everyone who appeared on it - all the Birthday Countdown artists, the interesting people we had chats with, our new Cover The HITS crew and of course the fabulous acts who played their songs for us.

But also - guys, thank you for just hanging out with us and checking out the videos we share with you.
It's been fun and we're forever grateful for your interest.

So, without further ado, let me present you our Best Of 2017 video.
It's one of those videos I'm sure I'll be happy about when I'm 80 and reflect on the fun I've had with house in the sand.


I hope this is going to entertain you and I would absolutely love for you to tell me if you had any favourite videos this year.




You can find every video we've ever uploaded on our YouTube channel.

We'd love for you follow us on social media so we get to share our content with you.


Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram







Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words, Image & Video: Vanessa Jertschewske | Audio (video): Jack Garratt (free download via Twitter)

Best Of 2017: music photography



Hey guys!

It's the end of 2017.
Well, almost.

If you've been with house in the sand for a while, you'll know that we usually lose our minds during this time of year and hang out with nostalgia 24/7.
If this is your first end of a year with us - welcome, you're in for a lot of cheese.

There will be an in-depth post about how this year felt to us and what not on December 31st, so if you're interested in that, please stick around.

Today I, Vanessa, want to dedicate a post to our incredible team of photographers.
This has been the second year of working with a team and it's been such a learning curve.

We've had to let some people go but we've also welcomed a bunch of new faces.
It's shone through who is serious about this and it's been fun.

The team members who took the photos below have been such fun to work with and made my task of being the editor so much easier.
So- Saar, Gabby, Melissa, Sam, Jess, Gina & Carolyn - thank you ladies for being a part of this madness - I can't wait to see who will be in front of our lenses next year.

So in true house in the sand manner, I've gone and picked out one photo from every show we've photographed this year.

If you wish to see more photos of a certain show, all you have to do is click the photo and you'll find the full gallery.

In case you would like to support our mighty team, just click the photographers' names and you'll find their websites/social media channels.


Enjoy!!!


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Black Honey // 25th January // Amsterdam (NL)
- photographed by Saar

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/01/gig-photos-black-honey-at-paradiso.html


Colony House // 4th March // Washington (US)
- photographed by Gabby -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/03/gig-photos-colony-house-at-u-street.html


Walking On Cars // 7th March // Stuttgart (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/03/gig-photos-walking-on-cars-at-im.html


Milky Chance // 8th March // Los Angeles (US)
- photographed by Melissa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/03/gig-photos-milky-chance-at-teragram.html


Mayday Parade // 9th May // New York City (US)
- photographed by Sam -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/05/gig-photos-mayday-parade-at-webster.html


KT Tunstall // 22nd May // London (UK)
- photographed by Jess -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/06/gig-photos-kt-tunstall-at-barbican.html


Josh Savage // 3rd June // Ötisheim (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/06/gig-impressions-josh-savage-matt.html


Charlie Hole // 1st September // Ötisheim (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa -



Mutemath // 20th September // New York City (US)
- photographed by Gina -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/09/gig-photos-mutemath-at-brooklyn-steel.html


Gavin James // 6th October // Amsterdam (NL)
- photographed by Saar -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/gig-photos-gavin-james-at-afas-live.html


The Coronas // 8th October // Stuttgart (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/gig-photos-gavin-james-at-afas-live.html


James Blunt // 12th October // Stuttgart (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/gig-photos-james-blunt-at-schleyer.html


Angus & Julia Stone // 13th October // Stuttgart (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/gig-photos-angus-julia-stone-at.html


Aquilo // 16th October // Los Angeles (US)
- photographed by Melissa -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/gig-photos-aquilo-at-el-rey-theatre-los.html


Lewis Watson // 17th & 18th October // Richmond & Baltimore (US)
- photographed by Carolyn -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/access-all-areas-lewis-watson-in.html


Madeline Juno // 20th October // Stuttgart (GER)
- photographed by Vanessa

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/10/gig-photos-madeline-juno-at-im-wizemann.html


Bad Suns // 29th October // Washington (US)
- photographed by Gabby -

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/11/gig-photos-bad-suns-at-930-club.html


Hippo Campus // 13th November // Washington (US)
- photographed by Gabby

http://www.houseinthesand.com/2017/11/gig-photos-hippo-campus-at-930-club.html


And that's our photo recap of 2017!

We may or may not have a few more specials coming up, so stay tuned.





Thank you for your visit!














Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Images in this post belong to each credited photographer but were taken for houseinthesand.com

Video Of The Day: "Medicine" by Novatines



Hey guys!

The other day nostalgia called and we hung out together,
watching music videos from the early 2000s.

It was glorious.

And as cool as it was to see those videos and the way they were shot,
I really found new appreciation for today's videography and editing softwares.
Everything's just a lot cooler, although I don't want to bad mouth the past - man, it's been great.

But let's focus on the year 2017 - and it's fabulous music videos.


- Video Of The Day -
"Medicine" by Novatines


Novatines are a five piece from Bath, UK.

They are brand new, they are loud and they are ready to take over.
None of the statements above are exaggerated - and you will figure that out yourself as you get to know the band.

Novatines are:
Jamie Beale
Tom Cory
Callum Moloney
Ben Lythe
Tom Turner

So far they've played a bunch of shows, built a passionate fan base and kept us hungry for more.

Luckily we didn't have to wait long until they released their music video for their debut single, "Medicine".

Just like the song, the video is vibrant, attention-grabbing and just extremely cool.


The band just knows how to combine visuals and sounds and make them blend into one damn exciting experience.
We might've said it before, but we just have to say it again - keep an eye on this band and you'll see a band blow up.
It's just a matter of time.


Watch the video for "Medicine" right now:




- buy "Medicine" -



Novatines online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!












Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Novatines

Song Of The Day: "Between Fact And Fiction" by Robbert Redert



Hey guys!

What's your favourite way to discover new music?

Is it taking Spotify's recommendations?
Or talking to a friend, finding out what tunes they're loving?
Or browsing your favourite blog?

Well, we're hoping for the latter, but won't blame you if you rely on Spotify and friends.

But, really, let us be your friend.
We can't be Spotify for you, but we can be your friend.

And we'll be a good friend, starting right now - sharing great music with you.

Enjoy!


- Song Of The Day -
"Between Fact And Fiction" by Robbert Redert


Robbert Redert is a singer/songwriter from Utrecht, The Netherlands.

His sound blends Blues, Jazz and Pop elements, inspired by acts such as John Mayer, James Bay and house in the sand friend Rhys Lewis.

The personal and relatable storytelling and his warm voice make heartbreak sound better than ever.

Robbert started playing guitar the age of seven, started a cover band at age 15 whilst still being in school and has been writing his own material ever since.

In 2016 the young musician released a live EP called "Live In Kytopia" and now he's back with a brand new single called "Between Fact And Fiction".

"Between Fact And Fiction" greets you with a smoothly played electric guitar riff which has one of those magically calming effects on us listeners.

Robbert's vocals are warm and expressive, reaching hight notes effortlessly, taking you on an enjoyable ride of emotions.

The storytelling is personal, vulnerable and relatable.

"Between Fact And Fiction" makes heartbreak sound a lot more bearable.


Check out Robbert's latest single "Between Fact And Fiction" here:




- stream "Between Fact And Fiction" -



Robbert Redert online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!
















Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Robbert Redert | Special thanks to Roos

Behind The Song: "Empty Blockings" by Amanda Mair



Hey guys!

Have you ever wanted to watch an artist create a song and see how it all comes together?

It's definitely a magical process and our "Behind The Song" feature allows us to learn more about how artists write their songs, what kind of gear they use, where they draw inspiration from and how their new songs compare to their older tracks.

We think it's so exciting to learn more about the tracks we have on repeat and we're glad you agree.

Today the fantastic Amanda Mair tells us the story behind her song.


- Behind The Song -
"Empty Blockings" by Amanda Mair


Amanda Mair is a singer/songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden.
In 2011 her debut single "House" gained a lot of attention from fans and music critics.
The Washington Post praised her grown up and Kate Bush-esque sound whilst the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet called her album one of the best Swedish debuts of all time.
Ever since, Amanda kept writing and recording, honing her craft and releasing music.

Her brand new EP, "To The Moon", presents her matured and improved Pop sound.

Today we get to learn more about one of the singles on the EP, "Empty Blockings".


Check out what Amanda told us about "Empty Blockings":

"A complicated and destructive relationship inspired me to write "Empty Blockings", a hurtful and easing eye opener.

The writing and recording process went very fast with "Empty Blockings".
I had the story and ideas so fresh in my head, so I kind of wanted to write it down as quickly as possible.
Almost like when you wake up in the night from a dream you had and you want to write it down to not forget the story and the strong feelings you've had.

I recorded it in a studio in Stockholm, where I've recorded all my songs on the EP.
I love that there's a very old upright piano from London, it sounds amazing so we used that to get the old not so perfect sound.
We recorded strings and organ on a Nord Electro 4D and sampled drums through a Korg Volca Beats, and recorded percussion and toms in the studio.
The whole process of "Empty Blockings" went very smooth.
I called my bass player and he recorded some bass and the song was almost finished.

For me, "To The Moon" has a more mature sound than my first album.
I guess me and my sound have grown together during the years.
My EP is more driving and the focus is on a big soundscape with sweeping vocals.

And of course that I've written all the songs together with amazing songwriters is the biggest difference for me, top open my book and create music to my stories."


Listen to "Empty Blockings" below:




- buy or stream "Empty Blockings" -



Amanda Mair online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!














 Credits // Words (Intro + Outro): Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Words (About Song): Amanda Mair | special thanks to Mystic Sons

7 songs: Violetta Zironi




Hey guys!

I'm so happy to share another "7 songs" feature with you today.

I love how quickly we've all found the beauty and excitement in this feature and it actually became one of our most popular segments within just a few months of existing.

So, thank you for that.
It's so much fun getting to create posts that not only I enjoy, but also you and apparently the artists and labels and PRs as well.
It feels good knowing everyone is going to have fun with these.

I'm very excited to introduce you to today's DJane, Violetta Zironi.

Violetta Zironi is musician from Italy.

She started writing music at the age of 16 and spent time gigging around the North of Italy with a country and blues trio.
Her gigs and festival appearances led to Violetta making a new for herself and soon sign a deal with a label, whose plan it was to turn her into the next Italian pop star.

After a few single releases, Violetta realised the songs didn't represent who she really was, so she turned her back to the label and went back to being an independent musician.
She spent time crafting her skill set and finding her own sound, which is inspired by Folk, Americana and Country and still allows her European and Mediterranean roots to shine through.

In 2014 she opened for Soul legend Ben E. King, who invited her on stage for a duet of "Stand By Me".
In 2015 she met singer/songwriter Jack Savoretti and followed him as the special guest on tour.

The following year Violetta left her hometown in Italy to live in London and Berlin, travelling back and forth.
Later on that Summer, she went on another journey through Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas, meeting many talented musicians with whom she started writing songs.

She recorded her debut EP, "Half Moon Lane", in Berlin and so far released three singles, "Toast" being the latest track.


Listen to Violetta's brand new single, "Toast":




Violetta Zironi online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram



Let's check out Violetta's 7 songs, shall we?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) a song which makes you dance
"Blame It On The Boogie" by The Jacksons

It just feels like a cheeky song with the purpose of making you dance!
I can't resist it. :)


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) a song that calms you down
"Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones

The jazzy chords and her velvety voice just pull the relax cords in my body and mind.
It kinds of makes me feel that everything is alirght and the feeling is really comforting.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) a song with a deep meaning
"Le Tasche Piene Di Sassi" by Jovanotti

This song was written by this Italian songwriter about his mum passing away.
The chorus says "I'm alone tonight without you, you left me alone in front of the school, you left me alone in front of the sky".
It just makes me cry every time, so I just avoid listening to it! ;)


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Azzurro" by Adriano Celentano

A song I used to sing with my dad as a little girl.
It might have been one of the first songs he's ever taught me, and I remember at first I thought he had written it for my mum!
But in the end I realized it was from one of the best Italian songwriters ever, Paolo Conte.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"Let's Get Lost" by Chet Baker

I discovered this song and chet baker four years ago and from that moment on it became one of my favourite songs. It's got every element I think is important in a song.
It's basically perfect to me!


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6) a song from your favourite genre
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel

It's one of my favourite folk songs.
The progression of the chords gives me goosebumps, as well as the honesty of the voice.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
 "This Town" by Niall Horan

This song has surprised me because I would have never expected a nice folky song from a former One Direction member.
And I have to say, I enjoy listening to it and mumbling it every now and then. :)


________________________________________________________________________________________________________


What did you think of Violetta's playlist?

We would love to know!



Previous "7 songs" features: Saint Alto | Chris Stringer | Savannah Outen | Vanessa from HITS





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Answers: Violetta Zironi | special thanks to Pon't Danic Music

Video Of The Day: "Whiskey" by Keeva



Hey guys!

It's December.
The last month of the year and we are thrilled to see you spending some time with us this Winter.

 We have a lot of cool features planned and can't wait to share them with you.

It's an exciting time and we're ready to end the year with a bang.
2017 has seen so many great releases and even in the next/the last few weeks of the year, there's so much greatness approaching us.

So, read on and discover your new favourite musicians. 
(We've got loads of them!)


- Video Of The Day -
"Whiskey" by Keeva


Keeva is a singer/songwriter based in London, UK.

The half-Jordanian, half-Irish musician grew up with Soul and Country classics around her and has managed to soak up all the great elements, honed her craft and found her bluesy signature sound.

In the past Keeva wrote, recorded and played multiple shows and festivals.
Her hauntingly beautiful melodies, expressive vocals and relatable lyrics have enough power to grab your attention for good.

With a solid online following and support from music critics, her first release "Whiskey" was well received.

"Whiskey" is a heartbreakingly beautiful ballad which will tug on your heartstrings for sure.
The emotion and realness of the track highlight Keeva's talent for writing personal, yet relatable songs.
The simple instrumentation is anything but shallow; it supports the track with such grace and allows you to feel all the feels.


Check out Keeva's music video for "Whiskey" here:




- buy or stream "Whiskey -



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





Thank you for your visit!














Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Keeva