Playlist: 2015 favourites (so far)

Hey guys!

It's been a while since I last threw a playlist together.

I live on certain playlists and have about twelve of them on my iPod. I enjoy having lists of music because you can create them for whatever mood you're in.


The title of this playlist is a bit confusing, it sounds like the playlist consists of songs which have been released this year, but it's not.
This playlist is about acts I've been loving in 2015 so far.
 Some of them have been part of my playlists for years, some are acts I just found out about this year.
But all of them have written incredible songs which I enjoy listening to regularly.

Here they are, below is a little commentary for each song:





"Work Song" by Hozier
I've been listening (and loving) Hozier for a lot longer than just this year. There's something about the way he arranges his songs from the backing vocals to the riffs. And yeah, let's not forget about his incredible voice!

"Big Bad World" by Kodaline
I was introduced to Kodaline ealier this year when I got asked to interview them. I quickly became a fan of their sound and still can't get enough of both of their albums.

"Sirens" by Stephen Langstaff
Stephen performed this song for our Birthday Countdown and blew us all away with it. Of course we need it on the playlist!

"Northern Lights" by Ryan O'Reilly
A blog reader introduced me to Ryan O'Reilly and I'm very happy about that! Soon after that I got to work with this talented act and the Northern Lights EP is definitely one of my favourites.

"Hey Little Bird (demo)" by Martin Kelly
I knew this guy way before I even started blogging! Martin is a part of the duo Martin and James and like I said, I've been enjoying their music for about 4 years now. His solo project is just as fantastic and I'm excited to see what he's up to.

"Light Up The Dark" by Gabrielle Aplin
Gabrielle Aplin is that kind of musician I can listen to whenever. I feel like she has a song for every situation you can possibly find yourself in. My favourite thing about her is the way she writes, her lyrics are just on point.

"If You Wanna" by The Vaccines
Another band I got to know because I got offered to interview them.
Indie pop at its finest. Infectious instruments, attention grabbing vocals - brilliant combination.

"Dapper (demo)" by Alex Stockley
A song that just makes you get off of your seat and dance the hell out of dancing!
That's the only way I can describe. My writing skills are failing me because I'm busy dancing!

"Your Lips" by Josh Savage
Sometimes it's the emotional songs, the violins and slow guitar riffs that just need to be on repeat. Josh Savage sure knows how to enchant us with a gorgeous tune.

"Ghost" by Winter 1982
Very pleased to be working with the incredibly talented Winter 1982. Quality music which you need on your playlist.

"Called On" by Hudson Taylor
What I love about Hudson Taylor are the harmonies the brothers Harry and Alfie sing oh so well. Another set of fantastic writers of wide range of sounds.

"The Great Doomsday Story" by Jim Kroft
This guy. I'm sure in about 5 years the fantastic Jim Kroft is still going to be on my playlists. His work is just so inspiring and never boring.

"Holocene" by Bon Iver
I first heard this song on a soundtrack and I remember being completely paralyzed by it. I just had to listen from start to finish without doing anything else.

"Boxer" by Ciaran Lavery
Ciaran Lavery treated us with his beautiful EP and "Boxer" really stands out. An artist to watch!
(And to listen to, obviously.)

"Clocks Go Forward" by James Bay
This year I really got attached to James Bay's music. There's something so unique about his sound, he just combines all the beautiful singer/songwriter elements in an exciting way.



And that's my playlist of acts I've been loving in 2015 (so far). I really hope you enjoyed it and found a few songs you're going to put on your playlist.

Feel free to let me know who's on your playlist at the minute!


Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske // all uploads on soundcloud belong to their rightful owners, this is just a collective playlist

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HITS on YouTube

Hey guys!

I think one of the main things I love so much about working on house in the sand is the variety it offers.

Not just in genres but also in tasks for me as the editor.

When people ask me what I do, I never go "oh, I'm a journalist". I mean, I am a journalist, but I am also responsible for all the media you see on house in the sand, such as concert photography as well as the video content. 

Even though I never really expected to grow into videography, I find myself working behind and in front of the camera every now and then.
The videos became a part of house in the sand and I'm very happy about that.

We've had some lovely video moments in the past and since there are quite a few more of you reading nowadays, I'd like to share some of my favourite videos with you.

In case you don't want to miss any of the upcoming videos, click here to subscribe (for free, of course).

Let's look at some of the highlights.

_______________________________


November 2013 | Interview: Jim Kroft & Martin and James

Oh my, I think this was easily the funniest interview we've done so far. The quality is terrible and has improved so much, but still this interview is one of my favourites, simply because we had such a good time filming and I think that's quite obvious.

February 2014 | Concert documentary: Martin and James

This was my first "big deal". Martin and James have been so supportive from minute one and never turned down any of my ideas. This will sound cheesy, but it allowed me to grow into what I'm doing, to try out new things and to work with incredibly talented people.

In February I was invited to two of there shows and filmed between load in and the actual show. It was an amazing experience.

February 2014 | Best Of: Birthday Countdown 2014

In February 2014 the Birthday Countdown was born. This project consists of 28 videos throughout the month of February to work towards the blog's birthday. 27 acts performed a song exclusively for house in the sand's birthday and it was absolutely amazing.

This video is a best mashup of all birthday wishes.

March 2014 | Exclusive Performance: Jim Kroft

The absolutely wonderful Mr Kroft took time to perform, film and edit a song for us. This artist has been a massive inspiration for me ever since I first met him, so to have his work on the blog, is an extreme honour. 

May 2014 | Interview: Ben Barritt

I was in Berlin to work with my friends The Arkanes. Since time allowed it, I also met up with Ben Barritt to film an interview together. One thing I've noticed when working with Ben is that we always wander around places to find the perfect spot. And that there are a lot of unintentionally funny moments.

August 2014 | Exclusive Performance: Dan Dietrich

Who would've thought being working as a media person would lead to filming on a farm.

I went to Darmstadt to visit my good friend Dan Dietrich who later that day played a gig which happened to be at a farm.

Together with his mate Julian (and a choir of cows) he performed a beautiful song for us.

October 2014 | Stage Time With: The Arkanes

Another trip to Berlin, another time filming with the lads of The Arkanes. They played a show at SO36 and I followed them from the backstage area onto the stage. Get an idea of what it is like to walk onto a stage in a sold out venue.

November 2014 | Interview: Jamie Lawson

When I go to shows I love doing a bit of research on the support acts before the gig. Jamie Lawson who supported Ed Sheeran on tour caught my attention and so we arranged an interview.

After almost getting lost in the corridors and saying hi to Ed, we chatted about a few interesting topics. 

Little did we know Jamie Lawson would be the first artist to be signed to Ed Sheeran's label.

January 2015 | One Million Special: Outtakes

In December 2014 we hit 1 000 000 page views on house in the sand. What an incredible number! It felt amazing!

Of course I wanted to try and treat you guys with a special video for that occation. The result of that was a compilation of all outtakes and bloopers we had from the videos filmed before. I had such a good time editing all the material into this hilarious video.

February 2015 | Best Of: Birthday Countdown 2015 (performances)

Another year of blogging was over and this blog turned 3 years old. Of course that meant we'd have to celebrate with another edition of the Birthday Countdown.
I have never worked harder on any project and I've also never had more fun working on one. All artists involved made me so proud and were such a pleasure to work with.

April 2015 | Interview: RDGLDGRN

Whilst touring the country with The Arkanes, we had a day off in Berlin.

But a blogger isn't a blogger if day off's aren't used for work!

The offer to interview RDGLDGRN (redgoldgreen) was there and so I went to the Virgin Music office to chat with the band.

July 2015 | Exclusive Performance: Westopher Baker

Our newest addition to the video library was the talented Westopher Baker performing his song "Strange Days" exclusively for the house in the sand audience. Me oh my, this is a tune! 

And that's it for now, but there are going to be more videos coming up soon.

I am so excited to grow into this even more, especially because I know the coolest audience in the world is watching!

I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane and are as excited as I am.

Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text, Image, Videos: Vanessa Jertschewske | certain videos include work of the performing artists

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Playlist: Spring 2015

 

Hey guys!

It's the 20th of March! This means it's officially Spring in Germany!
Spring is my favourite season; the cold winter period is over, the flowers start blooming (which is probably my favourite part) and to me it feels like the new year really begins.

Playlist are always so much fun to create because they allow me to put a big variety of genres into one post.

I don't really think my taste in music changes with the seasons but there are some tunes which represent Spring in such perfect manner.
I guess you could say that a light acoustic/folk track works best in Spring, and I agree.
 But I love rock music just as much and I'm a music blogger, so I always need "new" stuff as well.
This means this playlist holds multiple genres, represents multiple feelings and hopefully sounds like Spring.

Long story short - here's my playlist for Spring 2015, I hope you enjoy!

Feel free to press play and read my commentary whilst listening. 

P.s.: some of the songs are downloadable for free - so make sure to look closely.

"Big Bad World" by Kodaline
Recently fell in love with Kodaline's sound. Fantastic vocal and harmony work, brilliant instrumentals and storytelling lyrics. 

"Broken" by Recruits
Keep an eye and ear on this band! So much potential, so many great tunes!

"Hold Back The River" by James Bay

What beautiful song this is! I love when the chorus kicks in, that's when I get the 'Spring vibe' from this song.

"Elisabeth" by The Rose Affair

This was our song of the week just a little while ago, still not over how fantastic this track is.

"Tonight" by Cable Car

"Get out of your comfort zone!", that's what they all say. Alrighty then, here's something I usually don't listen to but still enjoy. 

"Chasing Rubies" by Hudson Taylor

Yeah I know, folk music isn't everyone's cup of tea. But I love some of it. Hudson Taylor do a phenomenal job playing and writing it.

"Fate" by Lowrise

Alright, let's groove a bit. Spring leads to a lot of happy moments which need to be celebrated with some dancing. Here's the perfect music for that.

"Note Alone" by Matt Mure

This song is absolutely well produced and sets such a perfect scene for car rides in Spring.

"Invisible Dance" by Panic Tree

You want more electronic stuff? Here you go! Great beats, absolutely well arranged vocals.

"I Hope You Know" by Tiz McNamara

Spring is also a great time for day dreams. Calm music helps, here's a beautiful ballad.

"Hammer And A Nail" by Vienna Ditto
Some quite dancy song should not be missing on a Spring playlist, should it?

"All I Want" by Kodaline
Kodaline... once again. Couldn't resist.

"Northern Lights" by Ryan O'Reilly

Ryan already enchanted us with his music last month. I'd describe this song as a gorgeous song we all need to listen to in Spring.

"Blame It On Me" by George Ezra

It's a bit groovy, it's a fun, after all - it's Spring!

"Watering Can" by Liza Anne

I was told about Liza a little while ago and instantely loved her sound. This song is my favourite of hers.

"Your Lips" by Josh Savage

Good lord of Spring! We need this!

"Wicked Ones" by Dorothy 

Craving some badass rock tune? Me too. Let's have this one!

"I Hope You Know" by Jim Kroft

Mr Kroft always manages to write song which make me feel understand and comforted. Can't credit him enough for that!

"Terrible Things, Terrible People" by The Cape Race

I've been following this band for quite a few years now and their sound just keeps on getting better.

"The Wire" - HAIM

You know... I like it.

"North North West" by Matt Creer
Amazing use of percussion paired with warm vocals. What else would you need?

HAPPY SPRING!

Thank you for reading!

 

 

Credits // Text & Image: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 27: Best Of: all performances | #HITSBC15

 

Hey guys!

Here we go. 26 days of live music are over.

But we still have today and, of course, tomorrow to celebrate.

Instead of having another act, I thought it would be nice to reflect on the incredible talent we've seen within the last four weeks.

I'd like to take a few minutes to just chat about the performances with you.

(Trying my best to save all the cheesy words for tomorrow, so you should be fine.)

23 of the videos were filmed by the acts themselves - and I think that deserves a round of applause; they all took time to work with me and all of them did so well and were a pleasure to work with.

The other 3 acts whom I got to film myself were just as wonderful and made our filming sessions absolutely enjoyable.

During our Birthday Countdown we've had several song premieres; some "first times" of playing the songs and we've seen fantastic covers. 

The genres varied between acoustic, alternative, folk, pop, rock and soul.

The locations also offered a wide range of places; from living rooms to venues, to practice rooms, to dressing rooms, to spots near a river.

And as different as all of those performance might have been, they all had one thing in common: they were passionate and honest. 

I am very proud of the lineup I got together for our birthday party. 

All of these acts and their teams have been super supportive and I'm absolutely thankful for that.

I guess that's enough rambling for today.

Now go ahead and enjoy this collection of all performaces that were a part of #HITSBC15:

Here are all performances in full lenght, just click the title of your desire to be led to the post and video:

Day 1: Liam McClair - "Time With You"

Day 2: Ryan O'Reilly - "Hard Times" (Gillian Welsh cover)

Day 3: Elen - "For My Lover" (Tracy Chapman cover)

Day 4: Recruits - "Remember You"

Day 5: Winter 1982 - "Sometimes"

Day 6: Jamie Lawson - "Cold In Ohio"

Day 7: Jourdan Myers - "Firelight" 

Day 8: Stephen Langstaff - "Sirens"

Day 9: Nina Yasmineh - "Hourglass"

Day 10: Marcus Valance - "Empty Pages"

Day 11: The Old Border - "Don't Talk"

Day 12: Danielle Allard - "Shipwreck"

Day 13: John Thacker - "Forget"

Day 14: Sound Of The Sirens - "Anything Less"

Day 15: Mark Mathews - "Thank You"

Day 16: Lizabett Russo - "Darling, I'm Not Your Doll"

Day 17: The Ragamuffins - "What Was Beautiful"

Day 18: Tom Mitchell -  "St. James's Gate"

Day 19: Ben Barritt - "Now"

Day 20: Chris Stringer - "Professional"

Day 21: Brooklyn Doran - "Lansdowne"

Day 22: Panic Tree - "Blood Fountain"

Day 23: Dan Dietrich - "Our Song"

Day 24: Shoot The Rabbit - "No Bugs Or Fleas"

Day 25: Sarah Bollinger - "Circle Back"

Day 26: The Arkanes - "Kashmir" (Led Zeppelin cover) 

And that's it for today!

If you enjoyed it, please share this post and video with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15 

Thank you guys so much for reading, watching and supporting!!! 

 

Credits // Text, image editing & video editing: Vanessa Jertschewske | credits for images and videos are below each solo post

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Artist Overview 2014

Hey guys!

What a year this has been! If you haven't figured it out yet - I'm a big fan of cheesy, nostalgic and very cheesy reflections.

This years "Best Of" posts probably showed it all too well.
(Gig Pics | Video Highlights | All Posts)


110 acts have been featured on house in the sand this year!
 Last year we "only" featured 86.
Those 110 acts are from all over the world, the genres range from acoustic to rock.
Some are signed to indie labels, some to major labels and some are independent.

But there is one thing they all have in common: they work incredibly hard and are absolutely passionate about the music they make.
And I'm very honoured I got to introduce them to you.

I am also happy about how a lot of the artist and bands below have returned a couple of times for multiple collaborations. And some even became good friends.

Now here's the massive list of people featured in 2014. Feel free to check out who you're not familiar with yet. I'm sure it will be worth it. :)

adullboy
Alex Stockley
Arionce
Ballerina Black
Bella Loka 
Ben Barritt
Billy Moon
Boardwalk Isabella
Carrie Lane
Casino Circus
Chimera
Chris Stringer
Ciaran Lavery
Cold Summer
Cooper Phillip
Crash Island
Dan Dietrich
Danton Jay
Dirty Little Lies
Doodah Farm
Dorothy

Dos Ringos
 Ed Sheeran
Emma Harrop
Faded Paper Figures
Fashion Week
Florida Room
Forever Cult
Gabrielle Aplin
George Ezra
Goonight, Sunrise
Holly Elle
Honeybone
Hozier
Hudson Taylor
Humbug
Inego
Ismael Clark
Jamie Lawson
Jayden Blair
Jeen 
Jim Kroft
Jonny Goode
Jonny Skeates
JShades
Kat Healy
Keeva 
Kiirstin Marilyn
Kosi
Laney Jones
Liam McClair
Lizabett Russo
Lucy Hall
Marcas O'hUigin
Mark Mathews
Martin and James
Martin Luke Brown
Michael Bublé
Midnight Hour
Moonlands
Nick Liam
Nina Yasmineh
Of Clocks And Clouds
Ooberfuse
Orla Gartland
Palms and Pelicans
Panic Tree
Pawns Or Kings
Pete Lincoln
Plastic Barricades
Polar Maps
Quinn Archer 
Ryan Morcombe
Rosco McCabe
Sarah Bollinger
Saint Raymond
Scarry Cherry and the Bang Bangs
Sean Rumsey
Shoot The Rabbit
Sound Of The Sirens
Stage Republic
Taylor Swift
The Arkanes
The Autumn Art Festival
The Blue Waves
The Glass Child
The GoAround
The Koniac Net 
The Open Feel
The Persian Leaps
The Ragamuffins
The Spase
The Unassisted
The Vibes 
The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco
The 95th
Thickets
Think Tank
Thorge
Tom Mitchell
Tom Odell
Tonight We Live
Tusk
Under A Banner
Venture
Violet 
Visitors
Vodsel
Waterbodies 
Winter In Toronto


Many thanks to all artists, their managements and labels who decided to work with house in the sand.
It was a pleasure!


Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Images: press kit photographs, Vanessa Jertschewske

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Playlist: Autumn Time 2014

Hey guys!

A wee look outside the video this morning definitely proved it - it's Autumn. The leaves turn from green to yellow, orange and red; it's starting to get foggy in the morning, darkness kicks in earlier and stays longer.
This also means we slowly but surely need to turn our summery roadtrip playlist down and switch to the Autumn playlist. 

If I was a fashion blogger I'd show you the boots I'd wear for this season, but I'm a music blogger, so I'll show you what I listen to when the days get shorter.

The autumn playlist consists of tunes I can't stop listening to by artists I've worked with already, artists I just really dig and some brand new stuff which was submitted via Twitter.

You can listen to the songs and find what I have to say about them below.
Hope you enjoy! :)

 "Evergreen" by  Jason Tyler
This song just screams autumn. The atmospheric guitar based ballad won me over with Jason's soothing yet expressive vocals. Great way to start the playlist!

"Chasing Rubies" by Hudson Taylor
I've got a soft spot for good harmonies. Harry and Alfie definitely got me. This is such a lovely up beat folk track, you just gotta have it on a playlist.

"Angel Of Small Death & The Codeine Scene" by Hozier
Hozier... I'm obsessed with his music. This tune show cases his voice and writing skills in such perfect way. Calm in the beginning, grooving as it marches on.

"Last Penny Blues" by Dirty Rotten Souls
There's no season I could survive without rock'n'roll! Thank god the Dirty Rotten Souls submitted their track. I love it!

"Veins" by Shoot The Rabbit
The rabbits, great friends and even greater musicians. "Veins" is one of their rather calm and acoustic ones and really suits the autumn theme.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
Shame on me but I just recently got into Nirvana. I just never really had anyone hand me one of their records until now. Now I'm absolutely hooked. This one's a classic!

"About A Girl" by The Academy Is
Throwback! There was a phase, years ago, were I loved this song. Randomly found it online and gave it another listen, turns out I still quite enjoy it. 

"This Is Our Cloud" by Nick Liam
Piano based ballads, definitely an autumn thing. Nick has such brilliant voice!

"Clueless" by Orla Gartland
Miss Gartland, a bubbly and passionate musician. And so is this tune, lovely for a happy walk in the forest.

"Never Gone Far" by Alex Stockley
Alex Stockley is such a talented guy and I'm really glad he contacted me. We need to keep an eye on him, I'm sure he'll be big soon. Honest and talented music for the soul.

"Left For America" by Ciaran Lavery
This song has been on my playlist for months now, I can listen to it whenever. Of course it's on the playlist. 

"Keep Them" by Keeva
I know I'm going to make her happy when I say she's the female version of Elvis and John Mayer. One hell of a talented artist! Really glad to know Keeva and her tunes.

"Hate To Love You" by Sarah Bollinger
Did somebody ask for powerful soul/pop? Well, here you go! This slightly funky tune is for those minutes where you just NEED to have a good time dancing around in your room.

"It's Just My Skin" by George Ezra
Yeah, his voice is fantastic, isn't it? Seems like he could make the phone book interesting by singing it. A slower ballad for those dreamy moments in autumn.

"Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran
Get a cup of tea, a blanket and relax. Ed's gonna help you.

"Willis" by Yinka Oyewole
Enough with the relaxing, let's get grooving with Yinka Oyewole. Brilliant submission! Really not what I usually listen to but this is fun!

"Alive" by Bella Loka
Had the pleasure to interview this pop duo, "Alive" is one of their newest tracks and convinces with charming electronic elements and of course singer Tea's voice.

"I've Been A Mess" by PARLA
I love the calm moments in autumn where it's all about enjoying the beautiful nature and the freedom outside in the woods or somewhere. PARLA definitely wrote a soundtrack for that.



Thank you for reading!

 Credits // Text & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Playlist: Readers Request

 Hey guys!

I created this blog about 2,5 years ago because I went to a gig and was absolutely over the moon about it and wanted to share my impressions and opinions with, well the internet.
Back then around 20 people read the blog.
Today more than 3000 people a day read the blog.

We also went from only me sharing what I love to interacting more and sharing great music with each other.

So a while ago I asked you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share YOUR favourite songs with me. 
Little did I know this would create an amazing playlist with all kinds of genres. From hip hop to acoustic to rock to pop and back.

On the list are some quite new tracks as well as some tunes from the 80s. You see, I'm amazed by the variety.

Jayden requested: "Runaway" by Kanye West

Eileen requested: "All I Want" by Kodaline

Ryan requested: "Southern Sun" by Boy & Bear

Chris requested: "Fault Line" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Andrew requested: "Fall At Your Feet" by Neil Finn (Crowded House)
Brophy requested: "No One Knows" by Queens Of The Stone Age

Andy requested: "What Have We Sown?" by The Pineapple Thief

T-Mac requested: "Sho Ya Right" by EntaPrize feat. Triumph, Munee$ & Lano

Kathie requested: "Uncover" by Zara Larsson

Jake requested: "Swim And Sleep (Like A Shark)" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

1inFive requested: "This One's For You" by Motorbiscuit

Sabine requested: "Colors Of The Cold" by Rocco DeLuca

Kitti requested: "Songs About Roses" by Owl John

Mike requested: "Black Lake" by 1inFive

Rachel requested: "Messiah" by Prides

Nessi requested: "Wolves In This Town" by Plastic House

Lukas requested: "Heart Keeps Dancing" by James Gruntz

Jeffrey requested: "Spanish Sahara" by Foals

Jana requested: "Come And Get Your Love" by Redbone


Once again - many thanks to everyone who shared their favourite song with me. I absolutely love interacting with you and hope we can keep things on this level.

Let me know if you want more readers playlists! :)
(I freaking love them...)


Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text & Image: Vanessa Jertschewske | all songs were submitted by house in the sand readers

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7 tunes you need to hear #3

Hey guys!

On a scale from 1-10 - how exciting is new music to you?
For me it's probably 15. Yeah, I get really excited about discovering new music, but you probably have noticed that by now.

house in the sand is the place for new and exciting music and so it is law that I share it with you.

There are thousands of tunes you need to hear ... but let's start off with the following seven.

'What The French Call "Les Incompétents"' by Waterbodies

Energetic rock music. Yeah... I guess it's no secret that I love it. Waterbodies, the rock three piece from Toronto, Canada, managed to write and record such track.
A slightly dirty sounding with a heavy rhythm section, a controlling e-guitar with some into-your-mind-burning riffs and the singer's strong, expressive voice. The lighter cheers between chorus and verse are a nice and rather unexpected contrast which forms the song into what it is.

Waterbodies online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

 

'Contagious' by JShades ft. D.O.

Giving all genres a go is what I think makes a music blog a music blog. Why listen to only one certain genre when there are so many talented musicians creating tunes.
 Indeed I'm not the super knowledged when it comes to hip-hop but that doesn't mean I can enjoy it.
'Contagious' by JShades ft. D.O. mixes hip-hop and pop music in a calm yet moveable way. JShades is an artist from Las Vegas, USA who only started with his original music in 2013 but already found his own style.

JShades online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

'Bridgeburner' by Goodnight, Sunrise

To start this section - let me quote the bands Facebook page when it comes to their genre: "Indie Soul Metal Rock Pop Prog" - alright, one thing you definitely can't accuse the three piece from Ontario, Canada is a monotonous style.
"Bridgeburner" is exactly such multi-genre compilation. Two tracks where David and Vanessa spotlight their talent individually. Both tracks are energetic tunes you really can't genre-fy. Massive instrumentals showcase the band as a whole, both vocalist know how to control a track.

Goodnight, Sunrise online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

'Deanna' by Chimera

Pop music has many faces and so does Chimera. The man behind the project, Alan Berkeley Holmes from Edmonton, Canada, shows us another side of pop music.
'Deanna' is a dreamy ballad which uses the calm and emotional side to tell a story. The song is mainly piano based with its focus on the vocals. A string arrangement adds even more intensity and more emotion to the beautiful ballad.

Chimera online: Facebook | Soundcloud

'My Dress Hangs There' by Violet

Electronic-pop, another face of the pop music's variety. Violet, a young musician from Sydney, Australia who is inspired by artists such as James Blake and Lana Del Rey definitely nails it.
'My Dress Hangs There' is an absolutely interesting track with a great attitude convinces with a calm and mysterious beat. The clever arrangements need to be mentioned, but what really stands out is Violet's atmospheric voice; soothing vocals which have no problems to also reach higher notes effortlessly really make the song what it is.
Keep an eye and ear on this young lady! I'm sure we'll hear a lot of her.

Violet online: Website | Soundcloud 

'Buena Vista' by JEEN

Canada, you place of talent! Another artist from Canada landed on our 7 tunes list for a good reason. Indie/alternative rocker JEEN mixes interesting elements into her track 'Buena Vista". The up tempo tune lets elements of western music shine through and sparkles because of its creativity.
It's really no surprise JEEN has worked with multiple artists such as Great Big Sea, Serena Ryder and Hawksley Workman and had her songs used for national campaigns. Spot on, Miss JEEN.

JEEN online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

'Startin' Fires' by Inego

British alternative rock bands are usually quite promising. And so are INEGO, the four piece outfit from Manchester, UK. They have been making music since 2007 and definitely know how to convince with their style.
'Startin' Fires' is an infectious track with slightly funky riffs, a brilliantly harmonizing rhythm section and main vocals that could not be better arrange with the backing vocals.
A very unique style you really should hold on to. The depth of the song will let you fall right into the track but definitely catch you before you hit the ground.

Inego online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

I hope you enjoyed the 7 tunes you really needed to hear! :)

Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text & Header Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske | all other images belong to the artists and their photographers

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7 tunes you need to hear | episode 2

Hey guys!

7 tunes you need to hear premiered a while ago and you enjoyed the concept. Since the amount of music submissions I've been receiving has increased even more, I decided it would be cool to get a few out there for your listening pleasure.

Today Canada seems to be taking over. Rock, folk, pop, singer/songwriter - we have it all.

Enjoy!

'It's A Feeling' by Mother Leads
I'm typing these words within the first few minutes of work time. Means I woke up not too long ago. Starting the morning with a rock song really helps.
Mother Leads are three piece from Ontario,Canada.
They play hard rock music and consist of: Neil Culbert (vocals, guitar), Ray Cara (drums) and Jordan Quinn (bass, keys). Formed in 2008 the band has released multiple EPs and is now about to release their debut album.

'It's A Feeling' is one song of it. It's a really energetic, forward marching track. Driven, burning riffs, strong and expressive vocals paired with harmonizing backing vocals in the chorus and a brilliant rhythm section. Massive!

Mother Leads online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

image: Kornelia Kulbacki

'Lancaster' by Alea Rae

Indie-folk is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting genres at the moment. There is something about it that fascinates me.
Alea Rae, a three piece from Vancouver, Canada play exactly said genre. The project started out by just Alea Rae Clark (vocals, guitar, bass, synths) playing as a solo artists but when she met Jeremiah Ackermann (percussion, vocals) and Patrick Farrugia (guitar, vocals, bass) and they started working on her material, they soon became a band.

'Lancaster' is an atmospheric, enchanting track. Alea's vocals easily catch your attention; warm, at times deep, at times light vocals set a beautiful scene. The base of the song; the instrumetals absolutely work. Slightly mysterious riffs, folky percussions and dreamy backings create a track you definitely want to hear.

Alea Rae online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp

HITS and Bandcamp are no friends, please CLICK HERE to listen to the song.

image: Kenneth James

'GoldMine' by Rosco & The Dirty Plains

Seeing familiar faces also being part of new band projects is fantastic. Masterminds working together and producing cool music, what else would you want?
Rosco McCabe is no new face to house in the sand, we reviewed his brilliant EP and he sang a song for our second birthday.
Now he's joined by The Dirty Plains who are Andrew Glassford, Alex Cardwell and Jamie Brannan.

'GoldMine' once again is a track where Rosco convinces with his vocals; he starts of soft and endearing and within seconds belts out the raspiest and strongest vocals you could expect. Fantastic instrumental parts give the song so much grip, control the atmosphere and show what great musicians found together.

Rosco & The Dirty Plains online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

'I've Had Friends' by Elam McKnight
Who says you can only play one genre? Sorry for the expression, but only idiots say that.
Elam McKnight forntunately did not listen to these idiots and just wrote what he wanted to write. Originally he's been making music as a root blues artist but nowadays he varies genres.
The musician from West Tennessee has a new record out now.

'I've Had Friends' starts of quite calm but gets an interesting twist; the e-guitar that was being strummed so charmingly suddenly starts howling and gives the song more grip, more intensity.
An honest song with relatable lyrics and a lot of passion.

Elam McKnight online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

 'Ecstasy' by The Island Club
Brand new band allert! The band from Brighton, UK basically just started out and already has a brilliant single for us. Michael Askew, Julien Forsythe-Lewis, Dan Ely and Sam Cantlon formed the band last month the indie-psychpop four piece does not sound like a new band at all as the whole sound just works.

'Ecstasy' is an ecstatic tune. (Hah, see what I did there?!) The indie/psychedelic pop sound invites you to dance and move. Lead and backing vocals harmonize, the instrumetals are fresh and bouncy yet still brilliantly arranged. It seems like the song just flows out of the band. Wow. More, please!

The Island Club online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

 'Venture' by City And The Sea
 Alternative rock! Yes! I think rock will always be the genre I'm most into. (That's why a lot of rock music is featured, I'm sorry. But it's my blog. Haha)
City And The Sea (short CATS, I'd like to point that out!) are a rock band from Hamilton, Canada. They formed in 2010 but the four piece consisting of Nick Cino, Jon Daly, Dave Marini and Joe Piccolo has known each other for quite a while.

Their newest single 'Venture' is an infectious rock anthem. Lead vocals and rhythm section seem to control the track but still the rare guitar riffs absolutely convince. In fact, the riffs are so catchy, I've had them stuck in my head all day already. That's a good sign though.

City And The Sea online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp

Still no friendship between HITS and Bandcamp - please CLICK HERE for the song.

'Hypothetical' by Grace
 Something slower to calm down after this rock marathon? Ok. Here we go.
Grace is a singer/songwriter from Washington, USA. She's been writing her own material and is just 17 years old. Volunteering for a DC program for disadvantaged children she also teached the kids more about music and helped them to put on a production of Alladin.

'Hypothetical' is a beautiful piano based ballad. Her rather souly voice absolutely controls you and and your attention. You just have to listen to her incredible vocal range. The track is emotional and I'm sure a lot of us can relate to the honesty Grace pours into it.

Grace online: Bandcamp

Maybe one day HITS and Bandcamp will get along. Until then CLICK HERE to hear the song.


And that's it! Seven tunes you need to hear! I hope you enjoyed them!


Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text & Header Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske | all bands images belong to the bands and their photographers

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