HITS exclusive: "Desire" by Alex Francis

28th September 2019 //

Hey everyone!

Autumn is well and truly here, isn't it?
While we're all busy drinking tea (and perhaps eating gingerbread because it's already available in supermarkers - and let's be real - who can resist?), we need some amazing music to listen to as we gear up for the colder months.

Today we are thrilled to share an exclusive performance again.
We love sharing these acoustic performances with you and we can't wait for you to see the one Alex Francis had in store for us.


Alex Francis is a singer/songwriter originally from Hitchin, UK, currently based in London.
His sound combines the classical singer/songwriter elements with sprinkles of folk and soul, creating a unique listening experience for his fans.

Alex first introduced himself to the music world with his single "Make Believe" back in 2017.
Ever since he has gone from strength to strength, convincing not just the British airplay DJs, the Spotify Germany playlist makers but also acts such as Kelly Jones who invited Alex and his band to support the Stereophonics on tour.

Besides touring with Stereophonics, Alex has also supported Sting, Melanie C - on whose single "Hold On" he also features - and most recently, James Bay. 

His music has allowed Alex to travel a lot, appearing on SXSW, performing at Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, playing The Isle Of Wight Festival, Live At Leeds, Liverpool Sound City and more.

During his German headline tour ealier this month, Alex played shows in Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Cologne.


We got to catch up with Alex and got you front seats to his HITS exclusive performance of his brilliant track "Desire".
The video below was filmed by the Isar river in Munich.


Watch Alex's performance of "Desire" right here:




- buy "Desire" -
- stream "Desire" -


Alex Francis online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Video: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: JP Boardman

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HITS exclusive: "Heart On A Wire" by Martin Kelly

Hey guys!

Over the years I got to film quite a few performances.
A lot of them were filmed in backstage areas, dressing rooms and living rooms.
But my favourite shoots are outdoor shoots.

It's always so much fun to wander around to find the perfect spot. You never really know what you get and that's pretty cool in my opinion.

Today I'm happy to present you a lovely HITS exclusive performed by Martin Kelly.


Martin Kelly is a musician originally from Scotland, now based in Berlin, Germany.
He is one half of house in the sand's favourite duo, Martin and James.
With the band being on a break, both individuals are now making music on their own.

Martin's music combines honest songwriting which could remind you of Simon and Garfunkel, clever guitar riffs and melodies, and a voice you won't forget.

So far he shared a few of his new songs online (find all his links below!) and sold a five-track EP on the road.

This performance was filmed in February when Martin was touring Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
We filmed it in my hometown, on a little bridge in the woods. (Well, I wasn't on the bride. Click here for a little behind the scenes impression.)

Now, enjoy Martin Kelly perform one of his new songs "Heart On A Wire" for house in the sand.




Martin Kelly online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

As usual, massive thank you to Ryan and Martin. Was a blast to wander around town with a dying camera battery!




Thank you for your visit!

HITS online: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Credits // Text, Image & Video: Vanessa Jertschewske | Video intro (audio) & performance: Martin Kelly

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On Tour With: Chris Pate

Hey guys!

 Earlier today I was on my way back home after I dropped off a friend at the airport.
Said friend is Chris Pate whom I met through music.

Almost four years ago I started blogging, I started going to gigs regularly and I started making friendships which I am so thankful for.
In May 2012 a band called The Arkanes supported my friend Jim Kroft on tour.

It didn't take much more than a few chords for me to fall for the band's music.
After the gig I messaged the band, they messaged me back and we stayed in touch ever since.

Over the years I documented 12 of their gigs, went on tour with them, was adopted as the "fifth member", sang Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" with them, reviewed their debut album, conquered their practice room and well, the list could go on.
 
Unfortunately the band broke up, which meant losing a fantastic band. It didn't mean losing friends though and I'm very happy about that. 

A couple of weeks (more like... days) ago former Arkanes singer Chris messaged me saying he's got a gig at one of our favourite venues, Riffelhof in Burgrieden.

Fast forward to arranging flights (and trains...), sorting a few things and eating tons of pizza at my place, Chris and I went off to Burgrieden.

Below you'll find tons of impressions from our journey, soundcheck, the gig itself, our hiking trip, a session and a very exclusive performance.


I hope you enjoy!

HITS on Instagram: "Joining this kid for his gig in Burgrieden today. Responsible for the train journey, so we might end up somewhere else. #tourfunsies #takingsnapsandnaps"

Chris on Facebook: "En route to Burgrieden with my temporary manager and all round life saver, Mrs Jetwash."

Whilst our seats and standing spots weren't quite the best, the view was incredible.
German Autumn at its' finest.

Who needs leg space anyway?



Because "it would be boring if things worked out as planned" (fantastic quote there, Mr Pate!), things didn't work out as planned. Missed our bus in Laupheim, so we decided to go on a 90 minutes walk to get to the venue.
It was absolutely lovely and turned out to be a fantastic decision. Had wonderful conversations, exchanged opinions, shared wisdom and did some sight seeing.



Arrived at Riffelhof and felt at home within a few minutes. I cannot recommend this venue enough.
 If you're ever in the area - please please please visit Riffelhof in Burgrieden.



After main act Dokken finished sound check, it was time for Chris to tune his guitar, jump on stage and set up his equipment.
Below are a few snaps from soundcheck.













We then got spoiled with fantastic food. (Can't recommend Riffelhof enough!)
Chris started writing his setlist, I continued taking pictures.



Stage time!
Below are quite a few photographs of Chris' set, enjoy!









Taking the step from being the frontman of a band to doing an acoustic solo set can be frightening and I do believe that it takes a lot of guts to get up on stage on your own.

I wasn't surprised when Chris sounded fantastic, probably because I've known him for years.
But what really stood out to me was the passion he showed.

The way he sang his heart out left a lot of people speechless, including me.
This set just showed how Chris is playing music because he needs to.

His set of 40 minutes including two covers ("Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana and "Ace Of Spades" by Motörhead").
With the main act, Dokken, being a glam-metal-rock band from Los Angeles, the crowd was very metal orientated.

Chris won the fans over by playing honest and handmade rock tracks.
























Burgrieden - you were fantastic.
It's incredible how welcoming everyone at Riffelhof is and it's beautiful to see people being passionate about music.

A massive thank you to the owners and staff for making us feel at home and for supporting music!
You are brilliant!

And thank you to everyone I met before and after the show, it was a pleasure having a few laughs and beers with you!

Can't wait to be back!



The day after a gig can be very interesting.
Walking a few miles and shouting things at each other in different accents in the middle of the night certainly does leave its' stains.

Chris - this trip was well worth it and I've had such a fantastic time. Being the tour mum, the annoying little sister and pengweng in crime is an absolute blast! Keep going, kid!
Can't wait for the next adventures.



Travelling Germany in Autumn can be breathtaking!



Horseee.

Just because the 90 minutes walk wasn't enough, we hiked up another hill.
Casual activities.



Filmed a brilliant performance in a tower above the town, just scroll down to watch it.




Watch this exclusive performance of "High Above", an unreleased song.
I can't wait for everyone to hear what's coming up!






Thank you for reading and watching!

Credits // Text, photography & videography: Vanessa Jertschewske

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HITS exclusive: "Real Boy" by Shape Of The Sun

 

Hey guys!

I've written so many intros where I've told you how much I love working on house in the sand.
Yet I feel like, I still need to mention it every now and then.

The amount of joy this website has given me is incredible.
There are so many highlights, there are so many things coming up - but I think my favourite part of all of this is the creative freedom.

You can just do pretty much whatever you want when you work alone and it's pretty cool!

Just like me, today's artist is doing everything on his own!

The one man show Shape Of The Sun is a music project by Nate Linek from Ohio, USA.
Nate sings and plays all the instruments you can hear in Shape In The Sun. Besides that he also records and mixes his music himself. 

Influenced by acst such as David Bowie, Beach Boys and Cold War Kids, the sound you get to hear could be described as alternative and indie rock. 

The first self-titled EP already convinces with strong rhythm sections and catchy guitar riffs. The simplicity of the verses gets shaken up by clever arrangements in the choruses. 

Today Nate is here to give you the perfect example of his music.

Here's a live performance of "Real Boy", exclusively for the wonderful house in the sand audience!
Enjoy!

Shape Of The Sun online: Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube

Many thanks for Nate for taking the time to record this performance for us!

Thank you for reading!

 

Credits //

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HITS exclusive: "Libertines" by The Kendricks

Hey guys!

One of the main things I try to do on house in the sand is bringing the artists closer to the audience. And what better way than having them perform a song for you to enjoy?

 From their home to your home.

I love our little video feature where talented acts play a song, exclusively for the HITS audience.

 It's always so much fun to arrange these features but of course, the most exciting bit is presenting them to you. 

Today we have The Kendricks perform for us.

 The Kendricks are a five piece indie rock band from Los Angeles, USA.

Formed earlier this year, the guys have been pretty productive and already released their debut EP, "Farewell EP" on July 10th. 

The Kendricks are:

Richie Carvill (guitar, backing vocals)

Lee de Arakal (drums)

Kevin Hinman (guitar)

August Larson (bass)

Luke Richmond (vocals)

Inspired by life, love, failure and the crisis of human will, the band draws those topics into their music which move us all.

The band's sound is influenced by acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, David Bowie and bands such as Queen, The Strokes and Led Zeppelin.

Now check out their exclusive performance of their song "Libertines"! 

The Kendricks online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

Many thanks to the band for recording this!






Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video Performance + Camera: The Kendricks | Video edit intro + outro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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HITS exclusive: "Strange Days" by Westopher Baker

 Hey guys!

Well, we have two options right now:
1) I can play it cool and pretend I'm not really excited

or

2) I'll just let it out

It's probably pretty obvious that I am that kind of person who's going to let it out.

So, let's just do.

I am absolutely, incredibly, totally excited to announce that our beloved exclusive performances are back.
You know, those features that consist of videos of artists/bands performing their songs exclusively for house in the sand.
We've had some in the past and everyone loved them, so it's about time that we bring them back.
(Overview of previous performances)

Let's find out more about the artists who's performing for us today:

Westopher Baker is a musician and filmmaker from Plymouth, England.
Telling you the exact genre he's playing is a bit of a tough job for me; he mixes folk with blues and adds a good portion of hip hop.

Westopher started playing piano at the age of 8, he then picked up a guitar when he was 14 so he could accompany the lyrics he had written.

Just recently he released an EP called "Waste-man(agement)" which is available on bandcamp, you can find the links below.


I am very excited to show you the exclusive performance Westopher has recorded for us.
He played "Strange Days" off of his EP in his kitchen where he also took a bit of time to chat about the song itself.

Enjoy!!!

Westopher Baker online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Bandcamp




Thank you for reading and watching!

 

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video (performance + cut): Westopher Baker | intro music (video): Martin Kelly for house in the sand

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HITS exclusive: "Same Love" (cover) by Dan Dietrich & Julian Staehle

Hey guys!

Last week you got to know the talented Dan Dietrich a lot better.
The singer/songwriter from Darmstadt, Germany sat down for an interview with us in which he told us a lot more about his music projects, recordings and even shared his guilty pleasure song with us.

You also got to see a few impressions from his latest gig.

Right before that gig we filmed a little acoustic session together with Julian who plays the drums in Dan meets Portland.

Without more ramblings - here's the video! Enjoy!

Dan Dietrich online: Facebook | Soundcloud

Dan meets Portland online: Website | Facebook

Thank you for reading and watching! :)

Credits // Text, Photography & Videography: Vanessa Jertschewske

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HITS exlusive: "This Is Our Cloud" by Nick Liam

Hey guys,

I always knew we all have something in common;
we apparently all love music a lot.

But we also really enjoy the acoustic sessions on here. 
That's a brilliant reason to keep this feature alive by finding talented artists and bands with strong live performances.

And today I proudly present you an acoustic session with Nick Liam.

Nick Liam is a singer/songwriter from London, UK. He writes piano based songs which either stay stripped down or develop into full band arragements.
His musical influences are bands like Coldplay, Keane and Radiohead, that's why you will notice a slight indie-rock touch in his sound.

Nick's piano and vocal skills let the tracks vary from soulful, powerful and honest ballads to energetic, up tempo tracks.

'This Is Our Cloud' is his latest release which also happens to be his first studio recording.
And the song he recorded for us!

I'd describe the song as an energetic track with its focus on expressive and strong vocals combined with a beautiful piano melody. It starts off rather slow and intimate but builds up into a strong composition rich of emotions and intensity.

Enjoy the next 4 minutes, I know you will.

Many thanks to Nick for recording a session for us

Nick Liam online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud

Thank you for reading! 

 

Credits // Text & Video Intro + Outro: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Performance: Nick Liam

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