Song Of The Day: "Follow Your Fire" by Kodaline

Hey guys!

There are bands who just always surprise you.
Kodaline definitely fit that category and they do it so well.

For the past three years we've been following the band's developements and they did not disappoint once.

In our opinion, it's extremely cool to see how bands and their sound can be defined by time but can also define time.
This band is definitely helping defining the current music momentum for everyone and we already can't wait to see what they surprise us with next.

For now, we've got their latest track on repeat and we're kinda sure you'll join our repeat party as soon as you hear the track.

- Song Of The Day -

"Follow Your Fire" by Kodaline

Kodaline are a four piece band from Dublin, Ireland. Genre-wise they've walked on the fine line between alternative and folk but they seem to navigate towards a modern Alt-Pop sound.

Singer Steve and guitarist Mark have known each other from school. Meeting drummer Vinny and former bassist Conor a few years later led them to start out as a band. As "21 Demands" the quartet was part of the Irish talent show "You're A Star" and came in second. 

After a busy time and a chart hit, things slowed down.

With a new bassist and a new band name - Kodaline was born. Their first selftitled EP brought out their song "All I Want" which found a lot of positive feedback, especially online. Soon that song was played on the TV series Grey's Anatomie and The Vampire Diaries.
In 2013 the press re-discovered the band and predicted big times for the Irish lads.  

Kodaline are:

Steve Garrigan

Mark Prendergast

Jason Boland

Vinny May

 

2015 was a whirlwind for the band; they released their fantastic second record "Coming Up For Air", played tons of festivals, performed with Ed Sheeran and continued touring.

They then slowed down the touring side of things and started writing and recording new material.
Soon they released single "Brother" (and made everyone cry with it) and later on in 2017 they dropped their latest EP "I Wouldn't Be".

And now it's 2018 and they've just released their brand new single "Follow Your Fire" - so let's check it out.

We're not sure how they did it, but somehow this track makes contrasts work like no other.
It's modern but also so nostalgic. 

They've kept the verses simple and reduced them to the minimum which gives the track a lot of depth and gradually allows you to get to know their re-newed sound.
However in the chorus they showcase their talent for catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.

What's noticeable about the track is how every element is equally important for the track.
They work together to create the song and don't have a stand-out element which is taking up all the attention, but still the song is lively and carried by the layers we find in the chorus.

Kodaline made it obvious that they work in unison and we applaud them for that.
It all sounds so natural and you can vividly imagine the track just pouring out of the band, because it sounds like an exact representation of their musical journey.

"Follow Your Fire" confirms that Kodaline are going with the times and are not afraid to change things up.


Watch the video for "Follow Your Fire" here:




- buy or stream "Follow Your Fire" -



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





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Kodaline

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Gig Photos: Andrew Belle at The Fillmore in Philadelphia

Hey guys!

Our photo team is as passionate as ever and non-stop delivering incredible work.

Please allow me to take this intro to tell you how happy I am about the HITS team.
We're constantly working on content and ever since there have been more people on board, it's been such an exciting time.

I truly hope that you can find the excitement and passion in our posts,

because we're literally pouring buckets of it into the work we do.

So - thanks for hanging out with us and visiting us to see what we've been up to.
You're the coolest!

Today we get to share some photos our fabulous Philly based photographer Carolyn took, 

the write-up below is also written by Carolyn.


You can get to know Carolyn here -  please also find her online and support her:
website | twitter | facebook | instagram

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Date: 17th March 2018
Venue: The Fillmore, Philadelphia

Act: Andrew Belle


Chicago's Andrew Belle has been quiet on the tour front since the release of his third studio album, "Dive Deep", which was released last year.
He's been boucing around the US with Mat Kearny the last month, opening the shows and gracing us with the rare full band experience.

Who is Andrew Belle you might ask?
He might not be a household name, but odds are you have probably heard one of his songs on one of your favourite television shows.

Song placements have been heard during pivotal moments in shows like Grey's Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries, Castle, and the list goes on.

Basically, the man has a gift for poignant songwriting and we can't wait to see what more he has to offer us in the future.





Andrew Belle online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

























































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Were you at the show too?
If so, let us know what you thought of the set!


In case you'd like to stay updated, feel free to follow us on Instagram.





Thank you for your visit!

&

Credits // Words (Intro): Vanessa Jetwash | Words (Show Coverage) & Photography: Carolyn Lederach

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Album Review: "Staying At Tamara's" by George Ezra

Hey guys!

Writing reviews is usually a very calm activity.

You sit down, you listen to the music, you write down notes and once you feel confident in your knowledge of the album - you start writing.

But every now and then you'll be given records (or songs) to review that turn this calm activity into a dance workout.
And that's what George Ezra's brand new record did to us.

But don't get me wrong, it's not just one blurry dance party, there are some emotional moments too - and that mixture made it an absolute joy to review.


Curious and want to join the dance marathon?
Let's do it then!


Artist: George Ezra
Title: Staying At Tamara's
Genre: Soul-Pop
Label: Sony Music
Release Date: 23rd March 2018


George Ezra is a singer/songwriter from Bristol, UK.
His sound mixes Blues with Soul-Pop and Acoustic-Folk here and there.

George studied at the Institute of Modern Music in Bristol and has been making music for a while.

In 2012, he played BBC Introducing, after his song "Angry Hill" was picked by BBC Bristol.
In 2013, George played at Glastonbury and released his debut EP "Did You Hear The Rain?" on which you can find his mega hit "Budapest".

Another EP ("Cassy O'", 2014) and a debut album ("Wanted On Voyage", 2014) later, George Ezra had made himself a name and was considered one of the most exciting newcomers.

Last year he give us a preview of the new album with his anthem "Don't Matter Now", which - along with his second single "Paradise", can be found on the brand new record,  "Staying At Tamara's".



Let's get to know the new album!


Tracklist: 

1) Pretty Shining People
2) Don't Matter Now
3) Get Away
4) Shotgun
5) Paradise
6) All My Love
7) Sugarcoat
8) Hold My Girl
9) Saviour (feat. First Aid Kit)
10) Only a Human
11) The Beautiful Dream


Opener "Pretty Shining People" is what I imagine sunshine sounds like.
Now, lyrically, it deals with the darker moments one might have until the chorus kicks in and fills you with hope and understanding.
Musically, the light instrumentation and the chanting backing vocals immediately transport you right into Spring and allow you to find comfort in the relatable lyrics.

My personal favourite would be "Shotgun", an uptempo and uplifting track.
It starts of simple and almost Blues-y, but quickly devolopes into one of those songs that make your head bob along to the beat.
The bassline and guitar riff couldn't be more addictive and practically lift your mood and allow you to dream of the warmer months.
George's vocals guide you through the track and tell you the story in such entertaining and charming manner.

The first half of the album appears to be the upbeat half, whilst the second set of songs pulls you deeper into your thoughts.
"Saviour" which features backing vocals from First Aid Kit, definitely showcases the darker and more serious elements.
With George's and First Aid Kit's vocals colliding, you get a mysterious, powerful and hypnotizing mixture which has so much control of the track and its' atmosphere. Combined with strong drum beats and dark riffs, this one is as intense and brilliant as it could be.


To sum it up: Let's be real - George's voice is an absolute highlight. It's deep and expressive, yet refreshing and charming at the same time. But when writing about George's music, you just have to mention his talent for melodies, harmonies and arragements.
It seems like every track is so well thought out, yet none of them feel forced or unnatural.
Talent and passion on this level should get all the recognition and we've definitely got the record on repeat.


You should listen to these tracks: Pretty Shining People, Shotgun, Hold My Girl, Saviour (feat. First Aid Kit)





- buy or stream "Staying At Tamara's" -



George Ezra online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Belle Music | **a digital copy has kindly been provided**

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Gig: HITS x Berlin

Hey guys!

This post is mega special.

We have already talked about this gig we're hosting on all of our Social Media channels,
but this gig wouldn't even be happening if house in the sand . com didn't exist.

So we're bringing it home by sharing the news here as well.


So yeah, we're hosting a gig.

Even typing it feels insane.

If you remember, this year we didn't host our annual Birthday Countdown.
And the reason for that was during the time we were supposed to organise all of it,
I (Vanessa) was already knee-deep in researching this matter.

So I was pretty much committed to this before I even knew if we could pull it off,
because that's just how we do things over here.

And I mean... we pulled it off.

Well, we're about to.

But, we've got the venue, we've got the date, the artists, we've got the crew and so now all we need is the audience.
And we were kinda hoping you could help us out with that.


So - to make it official:


We would like to invite YOU to our first ever house in the sand gig. We're using this as a late birthday party since we didn't celebrate properly in February.


Date: Thursday, April 5th 2018
Venue: Barkett
Address: Czeminskistraße 10 // 10829 Berlin

Tickets: You don't need a ticket. This show is a "pay what you can" show, 
which means that we will be asking for donations.

Schedule: We advice you to be there before 8pm (20:00 Uhr) to get comfortable.
We'll be starting between 8pm and 8:30pm with the first act.

If you are a Facebook user and want to help us out,
please let us know if you're coming to the show by selecting "going" in our Facebook event.


Now, let's chat about the artists:


Dylan Cassin

He's been a part of HITS ever since his days in The Arkanes.
Remember the band? I'm sure you do. We didn't stop talking about them.

Over the years, Dylan has always been involved in our activities and to have him fly in from Liverpool just to play the show means a lot to us. It also shows that we found the coolest friends in the world.

Dylan will be playing his solo music which is going to be an absolute treat.
This will be his first solo show in Germany and we're damn sure it's going to be a blast! 

Josh Savage

Josh made his house in the sand debut in 2015 and has not been able to escape ever since.
He introduced us to living room shows and safely navigated us through London and onto boats.

Jokes aside, we're thrilled that Josh moved to Berlin and also decided to join our show.

You can expect thoughtful songs that vary from soothing, to hopeful, to heartbreaking.
We'll definitely be singing along to his tracks and can't wait for you to hear his songs.





Martin Kelly

house in the sand wouldn't exist without Martin and James' track "Wrong Directions".
Isn't that insane?

We think it is. And to have Martin come down and play his music for us just sums up what kind of crazy rollercoaster of opportunities this is.
Most of you probably already know and love his music.

In case you don't, come down and be blown away.
We'll be in there corner, crying happy tears.





To sum this up for you, we've got some of the finest musicians on board and we cannot wait to celebrate the evening in Berlin. 


If you can make it, we would LOVE to see you there and have chats with you.

In case you might not be able to make it, but know somebody who would enjoy this evening, 
please tell them about this.

We need your support with this and hope we can count on you.


Alright, that's it for now.

I'll hopefully see you on April 5th.



Until then, thank you for letting us do this.
It's the coolest.




Love,

Credits // Words & Image: Vanessa Jetwash

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7 songs: Meadowlark

Hey guys!

Have you ever thought about how powerful music really is?

I mean, think about it.
A song can be enough to get you on your feet to dance.
A song can be the reminder of a memory you've stored in the back if your mind.
A song can be what makes you feel understood.

The list could go on forever, but you get the point.

We love the power of music and our "7 songs" feature is here to celebrate the different emotions caused by music.

Today we have the fantastic duo Meadowlark here to chat about their choices of songs.


But first, let's get to know them.


Meadowlark are an Alternative duo based in Bristol, UK consisting of Kate McGill and Dan Broadley.

Both members had a musical background and career before starting the band

Kate had tens of millions of views on her YouTube channel for her broad variety of covers.
She released an alubm, had her tracks featured on Radio 2 and spent time in Los Angeles to write with renowned hitmakers.

Dan played in various rockbands and was earning a reputation as a great director who has worked with the likes of Don Broco, Lower Than Atlantis and Mallory Knox.

Kate didn't want to be known for covering other peoples' songs and had plenty of material on her own. Meanwhile Dan's musical taste changed and the struggle to find like-minded band mates was too much.

They had known of each other, Kate reached out and soon after a jam session the band was born.
Before they even had a band name or any finished songs recorded, they got asked to support Bastille.

Since then they've released multiple EPs, ("Dual" in 2015, "Paraffin" in 2016, "Nocturnes" in 2017) and their debut album "Postscards" in June of 2017.


Check out Meadowlark's music video for "Postcards" here:




Meadowlark online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram


Now, let's check out Meadowlark's selection!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) a song which makes you dance

"Do It" by Rae Morris

There is something so infectious about this song, we can't help but dance to it whenever we hear it.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) a song that calms you down
"On The Nature Of Daylight" by Max Richter

This is such a soothing song, it will always leave me feeling tranquil.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) a song with a deep meaning
"Daydreaming" by Radiohead

There is loads of speculation on the meaning behind this song, I'll let you all dig around to see what you make of it.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon

This just takes me back to growing up with my dad.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"Danger Signs" by Polyenso

This has been with us since the start of Meadowlark.


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6) a song from your favourite genre
"Moona Festival" by Polyenso

It's hard not to put a Polyenso song for every answer, but in regards to genre, these guys do Indie Alt. Pop beautifully.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"In My View" by Young Fathers

I never had myself down as a Young Fathers fan, but this song is really addictive.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________


And those were Meadowlark's picks!
What did you think? Make sure to let us know!



Previous 7 songs features: Arlissa | Marion Harper | Jalen N'Gonda | Hannah Slavin






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Image & Words (song selection): Meadowlark

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Gig Photos: Kat Frankie at ClubCANN in Stuttgart

Hey guys!

Here's the thing - being a music photographer is mega cool but it comes with a lot of tricky tasks.

The trickiest one?
For me it's not taking a million photos during a gig.

Some venues and artists allow you to photograph an entire set - and whenever that's the case,
I'll take the opportunity.
The latest full show I got to photograph was Kat Frankie's show in Stuttgart.

I was introduce to Kat's music towards the end of 2017 and immediately added her songs to my playlists.
There is something so refreshing and excitingly honest about her sound that convinced me in a heartbeat.

So yeah, below are way too many photos, but let's just go with it and pretend photo floods are normal.


If you feel like saying hi to me, here are my links:
website | twitter | facebook | instagram

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Date: 6th March 2018
Venue: ClubCANN, Stuttgart (GER)

Support Act: Charlotte Brandi


Charlotte Brandi and her two backing musicians did an incredible job starting the evening in such gentle and enchanting way.

You could tell that there was so much meaning and passion in the songs they've played and it was so wonderful to witness.

The crowd really listened to every track and noticed the details in the songs, and the trio was really the perfect choice to start the night.





Charlotte Brandi online: Facebook | Instagram



























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Headliner: Kat Frankie


All it took was a little hand motion from Kat and the entire crowd eagerly took a big step forward and closed the gap between the stage and audience.

The Berlin based musician, originally from Sydney, Australia, had full control of the room for the entire evening.
Opening with the hypnotizing "Swallow You Whole", Kat and her band started the night with a bang.

It's easy to just get lost in the music the band provides you with, switching from ballads to uptempo tracks. One element that appears to be the thread of the entire set are the harmonies that the band delivered so seemingly effortlessly.
The interaction between Kat and the band members was flawless and such a joy to witness.
Everyone was on their A-game and the audience appreciated it to the fullest, cheering, clapping and dancing along.

Kat's way of working a crowd is so simple and charming, telling stories in between songs and making jokes here and there.

Tracks like "Please Don't Give Me What I Want" and "Bad Behaviour" had the fans hollering with joy, whilst ballads such as "Finite" left everyone admiring the magic that was happening on stage.

I could go on and on writing about this gig, but it would mainly just be me telling you how fantastic it was.
Sometimes those shows that made you really happy, are the hardest to write about.


So instead, please check out the photos and make sure to listen to Kat's music whilst you're at it.





Kat Frankie online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram





























































































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And there we go - those are our photos from the show.


Drop us a line to let us know what you think,
and of course - feel free to stay in touch via Instagram.





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jetwash | **tickets have kindly been provided**

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