Song Of The Day: "Lions Share" by Hermitage Green

Hey guys!

What would you say, if I told you that with this post you'll be finding a new favourite band?

Would you be excited?

I seriously hope so, because I'm super sure that a lot of you are going to be as excited about Hermitage Green, as I am.
When I was introduced to their sound just recently, I got so annoyed with myself for not finding out about them earlier on.

So let's not waste any more time, please let me introduce you to the band's latest track.


- Song Of The Day -
"Lions Share" by Hermitage Green


Hermitage Green are a five piece from Limerick, Ireland.
Their Folk-Rock sound is equally brilliant and exciting.

Formed in 2010 after a jam session between friends, the band probably didn't know what turn their career would take.

By gigging in South Africa, Australia, New York, Canada, Dubai, France and more, Hermitage Green built a loyal fanbase, for which they self-released a live album ("Hermitage Green - Live At Whelans") in 2013.

Hermitage Green are:
Dan Murphy (vocals, guitar, dobro, harmonica)
Darragh Graham (banjo, djembe, backing vocals)
Barry Murphy (vocals, bass)
Darragh Griffin (vocals, guitar)
Dermot Sheedy (bodhran)

In 2015 they got signed to Sony Music Ireland, played sold out shows in Ireland and the UK, released two singles and started working on their debut album.
They've played alongside Gavin James, Walking On Cars, The Pogues and more.

March 2016 saw the release of their debut, "Safe Your Soul".


Earlier this month the band released their latest single, "Lions Share", so let's check it out.


"Lions Share" is atmospheric, gripping and everything you'd need a great Folk-Rock track to be.
It gets you moving along to the perfectly timed percussions whilst you're desperately learning the lyrics, so you can sing along.

The lead vocals are one of the most powerful elements of the track- they lead your through the song with so much charisma and expression.

There's a subtle build-up, taking the song from 'atmospheric' to 'intense' in such clever and attention grabbing way.

It's one of those tracks that you can imagining being performed in an arena with the entire crowd singing along to every word.


Listen to "Lions Share" below:




- buy "Lions Share" -
- stream "Lions Share" -



Hermitage Green online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Hermitage Green

Read More

Video Of The Day: "Light Up The Dark" by Gabrielle Aplin

 

Hey guys!

I just spent a week in England. It was so nice to be in a country I've been connected with for a long time now. Most of the artists and bands you've seen on house in the sand are from the UK.

During my time there, one of my favourite artists released a new song + music video.

And we all know, I just need to share music I love with you. 

So, let's put today's spotlight on Gabrielle Aplin's newest release. 

Gabrielle Aplin is a singer/songwriter from Bath, England. To genrefy her you could use acoustic sprinkled with rock and folk elements.


Gabrielle made herself a name by uploading videos on YouTube of her covering songs like 'My Heart' by Paramore or 'The Liar and The Lighter' by You Me At Six.
She didn't mean to upload covers though, it was a friend who told her to upload some music and see what happens.
So far 'Gabby' has played tons of festivals, supported John Mayer on tour and sold quite a few copies of her record and the EPs.
She released her debut album "English Rain" in May 2013.

Earlier this week Gabrielle announced the release of her upcoming record which is available for preorder now. 

Along with the exciting announcement, the musician presented us her music video for the title track of the album, "Light Up The Dark".

The song grabs your attention by sounding more mysterious and slightly rockier than Gabrielle's previous material. The e-guitar is more dominant, the bassline is more present, the percussion and drum section compliment each other.

When it comes to lyrics, it's no news that Miss Aplin knows how to win us over. The songwriter manages to tell stories in a way that makes you think about each word she uses and the reason behind it. 

The vocals vary from hugging the instrumentals in the verses to standing on their own in the choruses. 

To say it in one word? Brilliant!

This is a song you don't want to miss, so feel free to watch it now, on house in the sand.


If you are from Germany, here's a link for you to watch the video.
 

Gabrielle Aplin online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Thank you for reading! 

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Gabrielle Aplin (image: Facebook)

Read More

Day 14: Sound Of The Sirens | #HITSBC15

Hey guys!

With today's video we're officially half way through our birthday celebrations.
Wow! Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?
I think today is also a good day to party hard and I can guarantee you that today we are going to party hard.

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Sound Of The Sirens absolutely represent everything I look for in a folk rock duo.

 Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood are the two ladies behind the duo from Exeter, UK.

The two musicians win you over with the charming and honest way of telling stories through their songs.
When playing gigs Sound Of The Sirens convince the crowd with their energetic and passionate performance; engaging foot stomping songs and incredible harmonies - what else could you ask for?

In honour of our birthday the ladies performed their song "Anything Less" and absolutely surprised us with their fantastic crowd. You do not want to miss out on this brilliant video!

Many thanks to John for setting this up so quickly. A massive thank you to Hannah and Abbe for their absolutely heart warming message and their spot on performance. And thank you to the fantastic crowd! I'm still speechless!  

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

Sound Of The Sirens online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

Day 13:                                                                                                                         Day 15:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Sound Of The Sirens | Video performance & camera: Sound Of The Sirens | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

Read More

Album Review: "Hozier" by Hozier

 

 Hey guys!

A little while ago Sony sent me the "Wish I Was Here" Soundtrack and I reviewed it. One of the songs soaked me in so much that I just had to find out more about the artist behind it.

It was "Cherry Wine" by Hozier. Luck was on my side and Hozier just released his debut album.

 Artist: Hozier

Title: Hozier

Genre: Folk-Rock, Soul

Label: Rubyworks/Island // Universal

Release: 3rd October 2014

hits rating: 9.5/10

Andrew Hozier-Byrne is singer/songwriter from Ireland.
He's been part of the choir Anúna for a while and started his solo career in 2012. His debut single "Take Me To Church" did very well, not only in Ireland but also around the world. The anti-gay critical music video caused a lot of attention on the internet.
His first EP, also titled as "Take Me To Chruch" contains four songs which you'll also find on his debut record, "Hozier".

Tracklist:

1. Take Me To Church
2. Angel Of Small Death & The Codeine Scene
3. Jackie And Wilson
4. Someone New
5. To Be Alone
6. From Eden
7. In A Week (feat. Karen Cowley)
8. Sedated
9. Work Song
10. Like Real People Do
11. It Will Come Back
12. Foreigner's God
13. Cherry Wine (live)

Opener "Take Me To Church" seems to be everywhere at the moment. Well deserved, though!
The song convinces with incredible lyrics consisting of a few metaphors and critical words. You can find some amazing interpretations online, make sure to look them up. Those lyrics deserve an award.

Not only does Hozier write fantastic lyrics, he also knows how to compose a song in such original ways. Follow-up "Angel Of Small Death & The Codeine Scene" gets groovy and makes you want to dance. It seems Hozier likes using multi-layered choruses and raw guitar riffs combined with folky beats.

What really stands out is his warm and powerful voice. Hozier is that kind of guy who could make the phone book interesting by singing all words. "Work Song" presents his vocals in all facets - from his "normal", rather deep voice to higher notes and calming yet expressive vocals.

To sum it up: I had a really tough time putting Hozier into a genre. Fact is - you can't. He could be classified as folk-rock but there are so many other elements such as blues and even gospel. A fantastic singer, an even better songwriter and a genius of a composer.
He's up for a bright career and we're in for a treat!

You should listen to these tracks: Take Me To Church, Angel Of Small Death & The Codeine Scene, It Will Come Back

 
 Hozier online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Hozier Press Kit

Read More

Video Interview: Dan Dietrich

image: Dominik Gruszczyk

Hey guys!

It's always amazing to get your feedback because it really helps producing the blog content. A lot of you enjoy the video interviews, so I always try to get something cool done for you.
Interviewing the fantastic Dan Dietrich seemed like a great option.

Dan Dietrich is a singer/songwriter from Darmstadt, Germany.  His own material could be classified as acoustic/folk-rock and is inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan, Melanie Safka and Tracy Chapman.
So far Dan released a six track EP, played a countless amount of gigs on his own and with bands, he supported Canada's Morgan Finlay and Scotland's Martin and James and built a loyal fan base over the years.

His beautiful balcony was the perfect place to sit down and talk about the EP recordings, new projects, embarrassing moments, guilty pleasure songs and a lot more.

Hope you enjoy!

Dan Dietrich online: Facebook | Soundcloud


Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text & Video: Vanessa Jertschewske | Photography: Dominik Gruszczyk
 

Read More

Spotlight On: Sound Of The Sirens

Hey guys,

Folk rock, a genre that almost always gets me. I don't know what exactly it is about it that really fascinates me, but it just does. 

If the folk rock sound includes beautiful harmonies it's safe to say that the band has already won me over.

Sound Of The Sirens absolutely represent everything I look for in a folk rock duo.

 Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood are the two ladies behind the duo from Exeter, UK. 

I just recently found their album 'A Long Way To Fall' and their newest EP 'Under The Stars' in my letter box and got fairly excited.

After listening to the songs I already realized that there's not a single let down or disappointment included.

Read More

Songs Of The Day: 'Forgiven', 'Lucky One' and 'Lifeline'

Hey guys,

I'm sure pretty much every single one of you has been asked this one question which sounds oh so simple: what is your favourite song?

To be completely honest with you - there's no question I hate like that one.

Whenever somebody asks me "so Vanessa, what is your favourite song?" all I want to do is run in circles and jump in anger.

Why?

Because I never could and probably never will be able to just pick one damn song. 

And I'll always be paranoid about forgetting some brilliant song.

That's why I am not made for "Song Of The Day" features.

But - this is my blog so I can change things up.

And that's why I decided to simply add an "s" and make this the "SongS Of The Day" section.

Simple but affective.

Read More

EP Review: Dan meets Portland

 
Band: Dan meets Portland

Genre: Folk

Label: independent

Release: 2012

hits rating: 9/10

___________________________________

Hey guys,
I remember how I once did not like writing reviews. But things change and now I love it.
That's one of the reasons why I decided to review this EP by Dan meets Portland.
Another reason is that this music needs to be heard.

Dan meets Portland is a folk rock/pop band from Germany and Portugal. 
Members Dan Dietrich (vocals, guitar) and Julian Staehle (drums, percussions) are from Germany and Carlos Pereira (bass, vocals) is from Portugal. 

Read More

EP Review: 'Sea Of Yards' by Greg McEvoy

Artist: Greg McEvoy

Title: Sea Of Yards

Genre: Folk-Rock
Label: unsigned
Release: 17th September 2013
hits rating: 9/10

___________________________________________________

Hey guys,
today I'm happy to share my review of Greg McEvoy's EP 'Sea Of Yards' with you.
Greg is a singer/songwriter from Toronto (Canada) and you could define his music is folk rock.

 Tracklist: 

1) Someone Who's Around

2) The Words In My Head

3) Alone In The Fire

4) Forever

5) Fear Of Love

6) All This Time

7) Kerouac

Read More