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.

Video Interview: Kodaline (round three)




Hey guys!

Two years after we made them read their own lyrics in different accents,
they have returned to house in the sand. 

Yes, that's right - Kodaline are back and with our latest video, they've confirmed that they are hands down the funniest band to interview.

This time we challenged Mark and Jay to figure out which really odd song titles are actual songs.
Of course we had to throw in some pretty hilarious titles ourselves, so you are in for a real treat.


We honestly can't wait for you to check this one out, so let's not waste precious time.



In case you haven't heard of Kodaline yet, first of all - please let this be the day you change that.
And secondly, let us introduce you to the band.

Kodaline are a quartet from Dublin, Ireland.

Their sound is ever-evolving, going with the times and discovering new dynamics all the time -
but to genrefy it for you, we'd use the world Alternative.

Kodaline are:
Steve Garrigan
Mark Prendergast
Jason Boland
Vinny May Jr

The first track the world heard from Kodaline was "All I Want", and chances are high that you've cried to it at some point.
Their debut album "In A Perfect World" was the perfect introduction to everyone's new favourite band - a relatable and honest record showcasing the band's talents right from the first track on.

With their 2015 released second LP "Coming Up For Air" we got to hear Kodaline's progression and got to dive even deeper into their sound world. 

"Politics Of Living", their brand new album, has been released just last month and is proof that they know how to stay relevant and go with the times all whilst staying true to the core of their music.
 

The band is currently on their 40 dates tour and we got to catch up with them in Stuttgart.

So without further ado, here's the video we filmed together.




Check out the Song Title Challenge with Mark and Jay right here:




At this point I want to see a huge thank you to Sony Music GER & Thorsten for arranging things for me and being super lovely to work with.

And of course - a massive thank you to Kodaline and their tour manager Quinner.
It was such a pleasure to film with you lot again and I already can't wait to for the next time.
Thank you for being so welcoming, helpful and just overall wonderful! 


And to everyone wondering what these songs sound like - here's the playlist matching the challenge:
- Songs from the Kodaline challenge -



And now, let's all listen to Kodaline's latest single, "Shed A Tear":




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



Previous videos with Kodaline:
Interview & Accent Challenge
Interview & "Who Is" Game




Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words, Image & Video: Vanessa Jetwash

Song Of The Day: "Morning" by Alx Green



Hey guys!

I don't know if you've noticed, but HITS has been on a bit of a hold.
A lot of freelance work came up - and I don't want to complain about that, ever.

But it meant that I didn't have enough time to sit down and write posts.
Well, I could've written posts, but none of you would've enjoyed the nonsense that would've come out of my brain after a long day, trust me.

But - it's Monday and everything is back on beast mode - so let's enjoy another week of new music together.
We're starting with a track we are super sure you'll love.


- Song Of The Day -
"Morning" by Alx Green


Alx Green is a singer/songwriter from Chester, UK.
His sound combines modern Folk with classic Blues elements.

He released multiple demo EPs before recording and releasing his first studio EP, "My Way Home", in 2016, and then releasing follow-up EP "For Today" in March 2018.

Touring Europe constantly releasing music got him the attention and support from BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Merseyside and many more.

After dropping everything to fully focus on his music, Alx started to make himself a name, touring over 22 cities on one tour and shaping his craft.

"Morning" is Alx's first stand alone single released via his own record label.
It was recorded at Edge Recording Studios in Cheshire, a studio in which acts such as The Script, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Lana Del Rel and many more have recorded before.

It's described as a song "with a modern take on classic singer/songwriter music, drawing influneces from alternative blues, jazz and pop".

And "Morning" is exactly that - a modern track with very clear and classic influences.
It presents itself in a calming and thoughtful manner, kind of how you'd imagine a beautiful morning.

The organ, which is making up the base of the track, might take you by surprise, right before it takes you on a journey. It guides you through the song whilst the percussions take over your subconsciousness, leaving you tapping your foot without even realising.

Alx's voice however never loses control over where the song is headed and does it seemingly effortlessly. The vocals and instruments collide in the most beautiful and powerful way, allowing every element to shine the way it deserves to.

It's a song that could easily accompany your mornings - and not because of the title, but because of the atmosphere it creates.


Listen to "Morning" right here:




- buy "Morning" -
- stream "Morning" -



Alx Green online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!














Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Alx Green

Behind The Song: "More Than Friends" by ASHS



Hey guys!

Every now and then we stumble upon songs we instantly want to listen to again.
Sometimes we know, even before we've heard it in full, that we're dealing with a massive "hit-to-be" right there.

Unfortunately we don't get to decide the level of popularity a song reaches,
 we just get to help it along the way.

So in case you want to help artists out; visit our website for new music aplenty,
stream it, buy it, follow the artists and if you can - go to gigs.

Ready to control the music industry with your voice?
Brilliant, let's do this!


- Behind The Song -
"More Than Friends" by ASHS


ASHS has emerged from Toronto's underground music scene.
She chooses to keep things mysterious, not revealing anything about the person behind the music.

However, the brilliantly arranged and relatable tracks speak from themselves.
It only took one track for us to fall for ASHS' sound - and of course we had to be nosey and invite her to tell us more about this genius of a track.


Here's what ASHS told us about "More Than Friends":


"I wrote "More Than Friends" as a way for me to pull myself out of my typical routine of falling too hard, too fast, for someone who didn't deserve it.
I felt myself catching feelings early on, and realized that he hadn't actually done anything to earn that kind of love from me yet. I pulled back instantly, and decided to put myself first and not get caught up in my emotions.

The writing process for the song was very quick.
Usually, when I'm out doing something, I'll get an idea and just make a quick voice note or jot down some lyrics on my phone, so I went into this session with a verse/concept idea I had written a few days before.
 My producer and I started working off of the idea for the vibe I was feeling, and the verse fit in perfectly. That created the momentum and the rest of the song just flowed out.

We wanted to experiment with different vocal fx, so many of the sounds you'll hear in the song are not actually instruments.
"More Than Friends" was one of my first sessions for this project, so the vocal treatment we created on this track has helped me shape my sound as an artist."



Listen to "More Than Friends" right here:




- buy "More Than Friends"
- stream "More Than Friends" -



ASHS online: Facebook | Spotify | Instagram







Thank you for your visit!














Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Image & Words (About Song): ASHS

Video Of The Day: "Too Smooth" by Jane Ellen Bryant



Hey guys!

How much time do you spend watching music videos?

For me... it's probably a lot of time because it's part of finding the music we introduce to you.

But the more time I spend on watching all those videos, the more I appreciate the details and storylines.
And I think it's important to celebrate great videos just as much as the songs.

So much time goes into the planning, editing, directing, filming, set building, etc. - so our VOTD feature is here to pay the respects all these amazing videos deserve.


- Video Of The Day -
"Too Smooth" by Jane Ellen Bryant


Jane Ellen Bryant is a singer/songwriter from Austin, Texas (US).

Her sound marches on the fine line between Pop, Americana and "heartbreaking rock'n'roll" and is inspired by powerhouses such as Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Sara Bareilles.

Jane's voice is as unique as her songwriting - both elements stand out from the very first time you listen to one of her tracks.
Her latest EP, "Let Me Be Lost", is the kind of EP you just need to add to your playlist.


Her new video for "Too Smooth" is now here to get us all grooving.


Jane Ellen Bryant's vocals in "Too Smooth" lull you in and don't let go of your attention.
Which is honestly fine, because her voice is an absolute delight to listen to.

The song has a vintage-y vibe to it which is reflected perfectly in the music video.

Jane's vocals lead you through the track, whilst the electric guitar is here to guide you attention back and forth between vocals and instrumentals.
It's the layers that make the track stand out with such grace; they keep you excited with every listen because you know you'll find an element you hadn't noticed during the previous listen.

And just like the song itself, the video keeps you entertained throughout.
Fun sets, vintage-glam outfits and bubblegum colours are here to brighten our day.




Watch the official video for "Too Smooth" right here:




- stream "Too Smooth" here -



Jane Ellen Bryant online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram







Thank you for your visit!















Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Right Angle PR

Song Of The Day: "Sucker Punch" by Sigrid



Hey guys!

Happy Wednesday!
If you're anything like me, you need an upbeat track to get through the day.

I don't know why, but sometimes Wednesdays just feel very monotonous to me.
But thankfully our email inbox always has my back - and in return I have your back.
Isn't that great?

Today I invite you to have a little dance party with me as we all make it through the day.

Our track of choice?
Let me tell you!


- Song Of The Day -
"Sucker Punch" by Sigrid


Sigrid is a singer/songwriter originally from a tiny place in Norway.
At the age of 18, she moved to Bergen, Norway and quickly became a part of Bergen's music scene.

Her bold and modern pop sound is shaking up the industry, one day at a time.
Signed to Universal Music, the young musician was hyped as one of the most exciting break through acts of 2017 - and she did live up to those expectations.

Her debut EP "Don't Kill My Vibe" didn't only "wow" us at house in the sand,
Sigrid helped defining a new era for women in pop music.

Earlier this year she released the "Raw" EP and blew away even those who weren't fully on the Sigrid train just yet.

Since then, things have kept growing and growing - and it's not stopping.
Next month she is set to play her biggest headline show to date at the O2 Brixton Academy before supporting George Ezra on his arena tour next year.


And now she's here with "Sucker Punch", an upbeat track which is going to brighten your day in no time.


The track deals with feelings of uncertainty and hesitation, but it does just that in the catchiest and most grooveable manner.
There's something about the instrumentals that gets you in the mood to dance, the way the song slowly builds up towards the chorus is intriguing and keeps you waiting.

Waiting for the chorus which, honestly, will stay in your head for the next few days.
Sigrid has a talent for crafting pop melodies you can't and won't forget - and the way she delivers them with a voice so confident, so charming.

Please put on your dancing shoes and join our "Sucker Punch on repeat" party. 

 


Listen to "Sucker Punch" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Sucker Punch" here -



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






Thank you for your visit!















Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Sigrid via No Big Deal PR

Behind The Song: "Blue Luck" by Josh Savage



Hey guys!

I am in a very cool position where I often get to listen to music before it gets released.

I'm not saying this to brag or sound cool, but because I genuinely enjoy it and am very happy about what house in the sand has enabled me to do.

The first album I ever got to listen to before its official release was Tom Odell's "Long Way Down".
From that moment on I was hooked and knew that this weird thing they call the music industry was exactly what I wanted to a be part of.

Because I tend to be the "over-excited mum" in my friend group, I usually get... well, over-excited about music.
And ladies and gents, the song you get to find out more about today - that was one of those songs I couldn't wait for to be released, so that you guys would be able to hear it too.

Maybe I'm a bit biased because the artwork is a photo I took, but you just need to listen to this track.
It's  i n c r e d i b l e.
So please grab your headphones or speakers and let's get to know this track together.


- Behind The Song -
"Blue Luck" by Josh Savage


Josh Savage is a singer/songwriter originally from Winchester, UK and is currently based in Berlin, Germany.

His sound is so versatile that you just need to file it under Alternative.

So far Josh has independently relesed two EPs; "Spaces" (2014) and "Quatre Épines" (2015), the latter showcasing Josh's French roots.

In 2015, Josh played 79 shows with Sofar Sounds - all across America and Europe, in just 5 months. You can stream the documentary made on the road right here.

His two previous singles, "Whisper In The Snow" ft. Alice Pearl and "Ghosts" have racked up hundreds of thousands streams.

And yesterday Josh released his new single "Blue Luck", which is the first single off of his upcoming EP, "Agon", which will be out on 8th March 2019.


(Wondering what "Agon" means? Let everybody's darling Wiki explain it:
"Agon is an ancient Greek term for a struggle or contest. [...] Agon is the word-forming element in 'agony', explaining the concept of agon(y) in tragedy by its fundamental characters, the protagonist and antagonist."
)


If you want to catch Josh on tour, you have the following options:
8th November - Monarch, Berlin (GER)
18th November - TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht (NL)
22nd November - Railway Inn, Winchester (UK)
23rd November - The Islington, London (UK)


Today Josh tells us how "Blue Luck" came to life:


"Behind the social media veil of my music career, I've had a tough and defining two years.
You know that feeling when life seems to be working against you?
When I moved to London on a whim, I got mugged a week later, my laptop broke the next day, my guitar gets lost on a flight to a show, etc, etc.
Most recently, my family grieve loss after loss and teetered on the brink of financial ruin.

I told my friend Steve all this bad luck was doing my head in and he told me something that will always stand by me:
"You can't hide from bad luck, just have to ride it out."

Despite all the shit, I count myself more fortunate than a lot of people.
Music is everything to me and has saved me in many ways. With music as a medium, I can let my frustration out, overcome drawbacks and get back up again.
I ride on still and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Blue Luck" was written on my first Poland tour.
I landed in Warsaw to discover the airline left my guitar at Heathrow and I was booked to play TED x Warsaw the next day. I was FUMING.
My couchsurfing host was out for the day, so I picked up their old guitar and this song just came out of me.

I recorded "Blue Luck" at Urchin Studios in London with Matt Ingram, who is an absolute joy to work with.
 I had a limited budget, so all we had was a small mixing room and a vocal booth to record my EP on Matt's UA Apollo Twin Mkii.
We got a big sound by recording a choir of 3 (me, Matt and my sister Aniya) with overdubbed takes of us standing in different parts of the room.

We also may have sneaked into the main live room to add drums, claps and hammer octaves on the piano when it was free for an hour...

I ditched the acoustic guitar and I guess this is definitely my angriest song, haha." 


Listen to "Blue Luck" right here:








Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words (Intro & Outro) & Image: Vanessa Jetwash | Words (about song): Josh Savage

Video Of The Day: "Don't Mind / Will Abide" by 1000 Gram



Hey guys!

Music is attention-grabbing on its own.
No doubt!

How many times do we find ourselves completely entertained by a guitar riff, a bassline, a drum solo or even an acapella bit?

But when you pair a brillaint song with an equally brilliant music video, that's when you end up with art.

And we created our VOTD feature because we love music videos a lot.

So please let us introduce you to 1000 Gram, the band whose latest music video made us hit the replay button instantly.


- Video Of The Day -
"Don't Mind / Will Abide" by 1000 Gram


1000 Gram are based in Berlin, Germany and Göteborg, Sweden.

When you check their Facebook bio, you'll find them calling their sound "Anti-Indie".
Ultimately, we invite you to be the judge and figure out their sound yourselves.

1000 Gram are:
Moritz Lieberkühn (vocals, guitar)
Arne Braun (guitar)
Paul Santner (bass)
Alexander Simm (guitar)
Lukas Akintaya (drums)

The band's latest album "By All Dreams Necessary" was released on August 31st of this year and has been well received, not only by the band's loyal fanbase, but also by music journalists of all sorts.

If you want to catch the band live, you can:
16th October: Cammerspiele, Leipzig
17th October: Sunny Red, Munich
18th October: Swamp, Freiburg
19th October: Café Galao, Stuttgart
20th October: Hafen 2, Offenbach

The video for their latest single "Don't Mind / Will Abide" was shot on Berlin's subway escalators - and those locations made for great entertainment.

We love the creativity behind this video as it completely compliments the song and the band's vibe.

Who doesn't love people watching?
The video makes it even more fun because you get to listen to a brilliant track at the same time.
Just like the song, the video builds up in intensity and you're taken on a journey of sounds and, well, escalators.


Check out the video for "Don't Mind / Will Abide" right here:




- stream the album -



1000 GRAM online: Website | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram







Thank you for your visit! 













Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Paul Aidan Perry via Listen Collective

Behind The Song: "Little Wound" by Violetta Zironi ft. Ed Prosek



Hey guys!

One of the most powerful aspects of music is without a doubt the way it can make us feel different emotions.

There are songs which allow us to dream, to dance, to feel happy.
And then there are songs that tug on our heartstrings, because they address the feelings we might want to hide.
Or because they bring up memories we wanted to forget.
Or because they are more honest than we wanted to be.

There are so many reasons why music makes us feel certain feelings and house in the sand is a platform for songs that have that special ability to transport us into different moments of our lives.

Today we're excited to feel some heartbreak with you guys.
(That sounded terrifyingly cynical, didn't it? Sorry!)

But you'll love this song.


- Behind The Song -
"Little Wound" by Violetta Zironi ft. Ed Prosek



Violetta Zironi is singer/songwriter 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 got to be his 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 has received a lot of attention for the six track EP.

Just recently Violetta released her latest single, a stunning duet with Ed Prosek.


Today she's here to tell us more about the writing process of "Little Wound", so grab a cup of tea and let's learn more about the song:


""Little Wound" is a song I wrote with an American singer/songwriter, my friend Ed Prosek.

It was the very first co-write we did together and we decided to embrace the Italian roots that we both share. (Ed's background is Italian as well.)

We tried to write an emotional song, that told a story with both, the lyrics and the melody. It talks about that feeling you get at the start of a relationship, and somehow you grow fond of that feeling more than of the person you are engaging with.

It's a confession of guilt.
We decided to put ourselves in the shoes of the "bad one" in the relationship, telling the other person that we are sorry, but this is just what we are, although it doesn't mean we don't love the other.


I came up with the concept of having a little wound on my heart, that it's almost imperceptible but it's there and it's part of me.

Ed and I decided to record it as a duet, to celebrate the start of our writing partnership. We recorded it live at home - literally with three mics; one for my voice, one for his and one for the guitar. We love recording live as we feel the vibe doesn't get lost.

It's definitely a step forward in my artistic development, compared to my previously released EP, "Half Moon Lane", but it's definitely the continuum of my last single "One More Goodbye". I tried to portrait myself in those songs, be honest and show who I am.

I am definitely a melody freak. I love melodies more than anything else and I prioritize it. The challenge after is to find lyrics that have the same impact as the melody. I usually write the melody first and then the lyrics, because melodies trigger concepts in my head.

There is a video for "Little Wound" and it's me and Ed performing it live and stripped down, exactly like we wrote it and recorded it."


Watch the acoustic video of the song here:




- stream "Little Wound" here -




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






Thank you for your visit!

















Credits // Words (Intro): Vanessa Jetwash | Image & Words (about song): Violetta Zironi