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.

Song Premiere: "This Feeling" by Dylan Cassin



Hey guys!

Well, this is exciting!

Today we're not only premiering a brilliant tune for you, we're premiering a tune by an artist who has been trapped in the HITS gang for six years.

Jokes aside, I am really happy to be surrounded by people who create. Some are videographers, some photographers and others constantly deliver brilliant music.
I believe that having a creative friend group is super important for being creative and staying inspired.

Needless to say, (but I'll say it anyways), I'm excited that we get to collab with those friends all the time and get to be a part of their creative journeys - just like they are a part of ours.

So ladies and gentlemen, here's your exclusive premiere!
You're gonna love it!


- Song Premiere -
"This Feeling" by Dylan Cassin


Dylan Cassin is singer/songwriter from Liverpool, UK.
His sound is walking on the fine line between Acoustic and Pop-Rock before settling down for Alternative.

Dylan used to play lead guitar and sing backing vocals in The Arkanes.
After the band split up, Dylan just couldn't stop making music and soon headed out into the industry on his own.
He has been gigging in and around Liverpool, appeared on a radio show and is constantly writing new material. 

In April 2018, Dylan made his solo-debut in Germany - at our house in the sand birthday show.
He had the difficult task of being the first act to go on stage that night and he killed it.
If you would like to see for yourself, here's the video proof.


"This Feeling" is electrifying.
It's one of those tracks that just makes you wanna get up and move.

The song greets you with a catchy guitar riff which you'll keep hearing throughout the song. Bassline and rhythm guitar bring a funky and lively feeling to the song, while the drums showcase Dylan's ability to craft a song from start to finish, all while also playing with different dynamics in the second chorus.

Every element of the track has its own job to do and they all work together so well, letting the song come to life.

The song also reveals Dylan's talent as a lyricist, allowing his listeners to find relatable words and vivid storytelling.

It's only the start of many more releases to come - but we're already ready for more!


And now it's time for all of you to listen to Dylan's new single before the official release tomorrow.
That's right, Team HITS gets the exclusive listen! Whoop!



Listen to "This Feeling" right here:




Dylan Cassin online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: John Latham

Video Of The Day: "Oh River" by Hannah Grace



Hey guys!

If you could relive or change any moment in your life, what would it be?

That's exactly the question Hannah Grace made the theme of her new music video. 

So I would like to ask you - what moment would you relive or change?

I probably wouldn't change things, afterall every step in life leads us somewhere, so I'd like to think that the past has done alright for the present.
However, there are a lot of moments I would like to relive.
To keep this interesting for you, I'll pick one you might be familiar with.

If I could relive any moment of my blog life, I'd relive our house in the sand gig in Berlin.
It was honestly my favourite day and night of running the blog and even now it still blows my mind.

Thankfully we have this video which allows me to relive it in some way.

Now that we've gotten a little emotional, let's get even more emotional and watch Hannah's new video!


- Video Of The Day -
"Oh River" by Hannah Grace


Hannah Grace is a singer/songwriter from South Wales.

Her variety in sounds is just as wide as the spectrum of influences that inspire the young musician.
Drawing inspiration from incredibly talented female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Florence Welsh, it's no surprise that Hannah's sound varies from Folk, to Soul, to Jazz with sprinkles of Pop and Rock.

Her tremendous talent soon caught Gabrielle Aplin's attention, whose label, 'Never Fade Records', Hannah is now signed to.

Over the years Hannah released her debut EP "Meant To Be Kind", toured with Gabrielle Aplin and supported Irish phenomenon Hozier, played countless festival sets and released her well received EP "Mustang" in 2016.

Her brand new single, "Oh River", is the first single off of Hannah's upcoming debut album and follow-up to her last release,
"Praise You" - Hannah's version of Fatboy Slim's track, which was chosen for Lloyds Bank nationwide campaign, subsequently sold in excess of 50k copies and was played on BBC Radio 2.

"Oh River" is an attention-grabbing and breath-taking track.
It has a simple feeling to it, but wins you over with so much depth and detail - making it impossible to not fully commit to the song. 

The main elements, piano, strings and Hannah's powerful vocals, seem to melt together into one of the moving tracks we've heard in a while.
It's a song you'll most likely have on repeat, feeling the need to discover all the little details and layers. The songwriting, as well as the production allow you to sink into a dream world and give you the chance to go on a journey of emotions.

The video was filmed in Manchester and London and sees members of the public answering the question "if you could relive or change any moment in your life, what would it be?"


Hannah says about the video; "I wanted this music video to feature real people and to highlight the beauty in both the big and small moments in life. I was so overwhelmed with how open and honest people were with us. I'm so grateful to everyone who shared their amazing stories."


Watch the video for "Oh River" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Oh River" here -



Hannah Grace online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!












Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Hannah Grace (via Never Fade Records)

Song Of The Day: "Black Hole" by JØUR



Hey guys!

Happy Monday!
Are you enjoying the week?

I read the news this morning, and besides all the absolute madness all over the planet, it also said that we're expecting a heatwave over here this week.
I am not too thrilled about that - but I'm prepared and have decided to dedicate this week to sitting at the desk, typing away.

It defintely sounds more inviting than all-day outdoor shoots.

So, prepare yourselves for hot (literally) updates this week.
Let's see what I'll get done in this heat.

We're warming up (literally) with an extremely cool (not literally, but cool as in hip) track,
which I'm super excited about.


- Song Of The Day -
"Black Hole" by JØUR


JØUR is a singer/songwriter from Minnesota, US.

We usually read the artists' bios and then sum them up to give you the quick run-down in our own words.

But this time we would love for you to read JØUR's official bio:

 
"JØUR is contrast. head vs heart. light vs dark. clear vs obscure. minimalism vs complexity. analog vs electronic. 
All of these elements, often pitted against each other, find themselves simultaneously alive and true in a beautiful paradox on JØUR’s newest releases. In the space between loud and quiet, power and serenity, JØUR dances boldly yet delicately. Her deeply contemplative lyrics are framed in accessible alt-pop sensibilities and beats.
 Songs which ask the questions of life’s purpose or express doubts about the future are yet winsome and inviting as JØUR’s vocals flit between angelic delicacy and explosive power. Pairing electronic minimalism with elegant musical composition, JØUR achieves what is both timeless and relevant."

Now why did we let you read this?
Because it's exactly what we would've written, but it's worded a lot better. 

Listening to one of JØUR's tracks is enough to fall in love with her sound;
it's exciting and it allows you to discover more.

Her latest single "Black Hole" is a statement track which we all need on our playlists.

JØUR's vocals are the one element that stays on the same level of attention-grabbing from start to finish.
While the cleverly arranged instrumental ebbs and flows, giving the track space when it's needed, the vocals draw you in with every note.

JØUR's voice gently tells the story of being in a toxic relationship in the verses, while in the chorus the catchy and relatable words almost act like a reminder to ourselves - all delivered with a soaring and controlling voice. 

To sum this up real quick for you; this track is gold and you need to hear it.



Listen to "Black Hole" right here:




- stream the song here -



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





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: JØUR | *quote taken from JØUR's website*

Video Of The Day: "Walking On Fire" by LOWES



Hey guys!

I guess one of the biggest joys of being a music fan,
is discovering pure talent.

There is so much of it out there and whenever we get to hear about another talented band or another talented solo act, we get all excited and type up something on here.

Considering that house in the sand is our own archive of music we love - and isn't that cool?
It makes me so happy, that you guys join us and allow us to share those exiciting finds with you.

So instead of risking another super emotional and cheesy intro by moi, let's dive into the music.



- Video Of The Day -
"Walking On Fire" by LOWES


LOWES are a four piece from Lancaster, UK.
Their sound combines Indie and Pop with hints of Alternative and a whole lot of uniqueness.

The band met in Lancaster's local scene just a little over 18 months ago and soon started writing, recording and producing songs together. Releasing their debut single "Awake At Night" themselves, the band quickly got a lot of attention and recognition.

LOWES are:
Evie Plumb
Jamie Walker
Luke Paget
Oliver Kane

They first released, "Here We Are", the first track off of their upcoming debut EP "Elements".
LOWES directed the video for it, wrote the concept and shot all scenes themselves, creating a music video that couldn't represent the band better if it tried.

Later on they shared their second single "If You Leave Me Now", a mesmerizing ballad which has had us speechless.


And now, they are here with their new music video for "Walking On Fire",

so let's check it out.


"Walking On Fire" is an expressive, powerful and controlling track.

Controlling, because it controls your attention and does not let go of it.
It's one of those songs that can't be played in the background, just because it demands your full attention - and you'll gladly provide it with such.

An element that makes you recognise LOWES almost immediately is the rhythmic guitar paired with the guiding drums.
Those elements seem to be the red thread that is woven through the choruses and verses and they allow you to sink into the familiar feeling of the LOWES experience.

Piano, bass and lead guitar work together to surprise you every now and then, all of course without throwing you off of the wave you're riding.

And Evie's vocals are the leading force that tie everything together, always controlled and always expressing emotions aplety.



Watch the video for "Walking On Fire" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Walking On Fire" -


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





Thank you for your visit!














Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: LOWES via Sony Music GER

7 songs: Racoon Racoon



Hey guys!

Okay, I have this routine whenever I edit photos.
I sit at my desk, have my vinyl player about two metres away from me and listen to my "Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits" record.

I do that because I'm usually a very active person - I don't really enjoy sitting still for long (which is why I am terrified of long-haul flights and bus journeys to Berlin).

So, Simon & Garfunkel do the one thing usually only yoga does for me, they calm me down and allow me to focus on whatever task I might be tackling.
Not only does it mean that they can take credit for most of the edited photos you can see on my Instagram, it also means that I enjoy their music a lot.


Today I get to introduce you to a band who has covered one of my favourite S&G songs (is that even the official abbreviation?) and I can't wait for you to listen to it.



Raccon Racoon is a chamber folk duo from France.

Léa and Léonard, who have been a couple for seven years, started writing music together in 2016, while they were living in Belgium.
They soon had enough material and released their debut EP, "Our Love's Funeral", in February 2017 via the German label Majestic Casual Records.

Their second EP, "Dawn Chrous", was written in the heart of the Italian Alps and released earlier this year.
Racoon Racoon recorded in Belgium, and together with musicians from Brussels' Philharmonic Orchestra such as Thomas Fiorini (double bass) and Emile Verstraeten (violin, mandolin) which Léo had met while working as a set-up engineer for Ramin Djawadi.

On July 13th, they've released their beautiful cover of "The Sound Of Silence", an iconic song by the ever so brilliant Simon & Garfunkel.


Most of us acoustic fans probably adore the track.
We might've grown up with it or we found the track later on in life.

Either way, most of us know it - and if you don't, this doesn't make you any less cool. You've got all the time in the world to discover the classics, so please don't let anyone shame you for not knowing them all just yet.

Wheew, that got deep.

Let's let the music take over and let's all dive headfirst into this beautiful cover.


Listen to "The Sound Of Silence" performed by Racoon Racoon right here:



Racoon Racoon online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram | Spotify


Now, let's check out Racoon Racoon's personal playlist!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) a song which makes you dance
"Soup For Brains" by David Whoolhouse

This song triggers something I can't quite grasp, but anytime I listen to it I feel like dancing in my living room with a glass of Martini and a pyjama on. Absolutely sexy.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) a song that calms you down
"The Chopin Project" by Ólafur Arnalds & Alice Sara Ott

Particularly the first track, "Verses", and "Reminiscence", but I usually listen to the whole album almost each day in the morning when I do yoga. I think I'll never get bored of it.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) a song with a deep meaning
"Cold Water" by Damien Rice

This song is historic for Léo and I. It echoes to the first moment we were together. (Cheesy.)


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Veridis Quo" by Daft Punk

Don't know why, but this song is deeply nostalgic to me.
When I listen to it, I feel overwhelmed by something beautiful and sad. It has a touch of classic combined with a rhythm that goes on and on and never stops, as if life would, and will, continue whether or not you're on board.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"Bunker" by Balthazar

We discovered Balthazar going to an Editors concert years ago in Paris.
They were their support band and we fell in love with them that day. I've been listening to their songs since then, especially their last album, "Thin Walls", and this track, "Bunker". We're also huge fans of their recent solo projects.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6) a song from your favourite genre
"Life In Vain" by Daniel Johnston

I discovered Daniel thanks to NPR tiny desk.
This track is legendary.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"Feels Like Home" by Marti West

This song is really cool, I like it very much.
It is really cool and sounds warm. Marti produced it alone, I was really impressed when I first heard it.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________


And that's it!
Did you enjoy Racoon Racoon's selection? Did you discover a new track?
Let us know!




Previous 7 songs features: Jackson Dyer | Simon Alexander | GOUX | Meadowlark





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Words (Song Selection): Racoon Racoon | Image: Julien Fourcade

Song Of The Day: "Innocence" by Riley



Hey guys!

Do you know those kinds of songs which just soak you in with their presence and the way they are presented?
I'm sure you know them.

And I know them - yet whenever I stumbled upon a track like that, it just blows my mind.
I love how music can take over our emotions and I think we need to celebrate those songs as much as possible.

So that's exactly what we will be doing today - are you ready?


- Song Of The Day -
"Innocence" by Riley


Riley is a singer/songwriter from California, US.

She writes about topics that matter to her, allowing her music to be honest and almost autobiographical.

Riley says about the song; "When I was younger, I suffered abuse by the hands of an older man. Being able to sing out my confusion and frustation made me confront some upsetting truths about my past. "Innocence" is about seeing these issues face-to-face and a way to heal from them."

And she did that in the most powerful way.


"Innocence" is a big track.
It's powerful and it's empowering.

Although it starts off calmly with just Riley's voice and an acoustic guitar, the song soon develops a more dramatic vibe and soaks you in with all it's power.
The acoustic guitar stays present throughout the entire song and guides you through the track, while Riley's extremely powerful vocals take the lead.

You see, we have used the word 'power' multiple times here, but there just is no other word that would describe the song well enough.

Riley reclaims her power and it shines through the track with so much strength.
The layered backing vocals give the song an anthem like vibe which it suits so well.

To not ramble on about the power of the song or another half hour or so, we're just going to leave you with the track.
We think you'll love it!


Listen to "Innocence" right here:




Riley online: Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | Spotify





Thank you for your visit! 












Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via I Can't Wait For Summer

7 songs: Jackson Dyer




Hey guys!

It's a Monday and I'm super stoked!
I've had some juicy pineapple for breakfast, the sun is shining, I'm blasting my favourite songs AND (drum roll, please!) the "7 songs" are back.

It's been a while and I've just realised how much I've missed the feature.
I love love love finding out what everyone listens to, but combining that with finding out why they love the songs and what they connect with them just takes things to another level.

So I'm not going to waste any more time - because we've got tunes to listen to!


Today our guest Jackson Dyer treats us to a brilliant playlist, so let's get to know him!


Jackson Dyer is a singer/songwriter originally from Sydney (AUS), now based in Berlin (GER).

His sound intertwines the classic singer/songwriter elements, Soul and Alternative with such grace.
He spent years playing his music on the streets and stages of Europe, played tons of festivals and supported acts such as Hozier, Hiatus Kaiyote, Mighty Oaks and Alice Phoebe Lou.

After all of that, he went back home to Australia to write and record his debut album.
In a calming town in Northern NSW, he produced and created what we are about to hear - so buckle up and prepare for some Australian landscape inspired sounds.


In case you are Berlin based, lucky you - you've got the chance to see Jackson live at Baumhaus Bar on July 26th - here's the event.


Check out Jackson's performance of his song "Steal Away" here:




Jackson Dyer online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram


Let's check out Jackson's selection!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) a song which makes you dance
"Pull Up To The Bumper" by Grace Jones

When I was a kid, my family would go on holidays to a small beachside town north of Sydney.
My Aunty and my Mum would often sing this song at the top of their voices and my cousins and I would think it is incredibly embarrassing.
 Now, whenever I hear this song, I am the one embarrassing whoever is close by with my "dancing".


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) a song that calms you down
"Canto de Xangô" by Fabiano do Nascimento

This man makes some incredibly beautiful music and this whole album, "Tempo Dos Mestres", is one of my favourites at the moment. One of those timeless releases that speak directly to the soul.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) a song with a deep meaning
"re: Stacks" by Bon Iver

This song has accompanied me through many hard and also incredibly positive times.
Every time I listen to it, I can hear something different in the lyrics and production.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"If You Got The Money" by Jamie T

Reminds me of simpler times when I was younger and had just discovered the joys and pitfalls of an ice cold beer, haha.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"Velvet Gloves & Spit" by Timber Timbre

This song has only been out for about a year, but it has been on high rotation at home and I think it will be a favourite for a long time to come.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6) a song from your favourite genre
"Wililé" by Fatoumata Diawara

I don't really have a particular "favourite genre", but I've really been enjoying Malian and West African folky/blues music for a while. I remember seeing Fatoumata Diawara perform a while ago and it sparked an intense interest in the beautiful music from this part of the world.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"If You Need To, Keep Time On Me" by Fleet Foxes

When Fleet Foxes announced that they were releasing a new album after a 6 year hiatus, I was super surprised and excited, as I thought that they'd never release any music again and that I'd never get to see them play live.
I was over the moon when I was able to see them last year for the first time!


________________________________________________________________________________________________________


And that's it!
Did you enjoy Jackson's playlist?
Let us know in the comment or our social media channels.




Previous 7 songs features: Simon Alexander | GOUX | Meadowlark | Arlissa




Thank you for your visit!












Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Words (about songs) & Image: Jackson Dyer