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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Song Of The Day: "Daggers" by BLUSH

 

Hey guys!

When I started blogging, all of the bands I knew had been in the business for a while and I've always wondered what they sounded like when they started out.
(In some cases they showed me demos from their early days. Who doesn't love a little trip down memory line?)

And over the years I've had a lot of acts who just started out introduce themselves to me. It is such a fantastic feeling to see artists grow, find their sound, work on their music. I think this is why I love this job so much - we're all constantly developing. 

Today I'm happy to share a song with you by a brand new band! I just can't wait for you to follow them on their musical journey.

BLUSH are an indie rock band from Southend-on-Sea, UK. The four members Ben, Matthew, Ferghal and Henry got together in July this year and just released some material for their surprisingly big followership.

"Daggers" is only just a demo, yet I just can't stop having it on repeat.
There's something about the song that sparks a little flame in you immediately. It's a groovy, grungy, rock track - the straight forward marching drums lead the song, the catchy riff makes you want to move, the bassline blends in perfectly, yet it doesn't drown and manages to stand alone.
But let's not forget about the vocals, they control the song in such demanding manner, yet their not "in your face".

Basically, every element blends in perfectly, leaving us here wanting more.
If this is a demo, we sure as hell can't wait for proper recordings! My my my!

BLUSH online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

Thank you for reading!

 


Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: BLUSH (via facebook)

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Get To Know: Shape Of The Sun

 
Hey guys!

I don't know about you but I think falling in love with music over and over again is one of the loveliest feelings. Discovering details in songs such as a genius arrangement of words or an infectious bassline allows you to enjoy a song to the fullest.

What I also love about being involved in "music things" is that I get to know the artists behind the songs that convince me better. My favourite thing to do is share that with you and allow house in the sand to be a place where music is a love we all share.

Today I'd like to introduce you to a one man show which convinced me with clever arrangements that just stay in your head all.
Let's turn the spotlight on for Shape Of The Sun!

Who are you?
My name is Nate Linek and I'm from Medina, Ohio USA. I play all instruments and sing for my one-man band, Shape of the Sun. I also record and mix all of my music.


How would you describe your music?
I'd say that I belong in the alternative/indie rock category. I love a good rock hook and am really big on melody. I'm influenced by artists like Spoon, Brand New, David Bowie, Beach Boys and Cold War Kids.


What does music mean to you?
Music means a number of different things to me. I use it as a way to connect to other people. I use it as therapy and stress relief. I write songs to express myself and hopefully people will enjoy them.


Your guilty pleasure song is?
Uh-oh. Do I have to? I could probably list a bunch that I'm not proud of, but I think I'll go with "Since You Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson.


What have you released so far?
I've released a 5 song, self-titled EP which I recorded and produced in my home studio. You can stream it and download it for free on bandcamp.


What is coming up?
I will be releasing a new single very soon, followed by another EP in late summer. I will be making more videos and plan on playing live shows with a full band as soon as I can.







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





Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text & questions: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & answers: Nate Linek (Shape Of The Sun)

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Song Of The Day: "I Wanna Be Your Man" by Yukon Blonde

 

Hey guys!

  There are so many songs that just need to be shared.

Not one day goes by without me listening to a song and thinking "oh, this needs to be heard!", so everyone now and then I sit down and write these Song Of The Day posts for you.

What's nice about them is they are simple, they tell you a bit about the acts behind the song and give you enough freedom to discover and judge. 

Recently I've received an email informing me about Yukon Blonde and their newest release.

Yukon Blonde are a band from Vancouver, BC.

They combine indie rock elements with the catchiness of pops songs and manage to unite the sound of The Strokes, The Cure and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs with their very own sound. 

Yukon Blonde are:
Graham Jones

Jeffrey Innes

Brandon Scott

 James Younger

 

Today I'd like to share their song "I Wanna Be Your Man" with you. 

The song is a bit of an indie rock anthem. It's chilled, yet convinces with the necessary energy. 

Sometimes there are songs with their focus on one specific element (e.g. the vocals), "I Wanna Be Your Man" is not like that.

The song works together consistently and all elements collide together. From the backing vocals which underline the lead vocals, to the guitar parts, the rhythm section and the danceable synths - all elements melt into one song and have created one hell of an "ear worm" that way.

You want more? Lucky you, Yukon Blonde are releasing their new record "On Blonde" on June 15th.

Yukon Blonde online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Yukon Blonde

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Spotlight On: The Koniac Net

Hey guys,

The greatest thing about music in my opinion? The fact that it's international. It's a world wide thing.

Name a country where music doesn't exist. 

The greatest thing about the internet?
We can share the music.

As I'm writing this article I'm sitting in my room in a super small town somewhere in the South of Germany.
My blog statistics tell me that my readers are from the UK, the US, China, Italy, Japan and a lot more countries.

And the band I'm introducing today is from India.

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EP Review: 'Revolution' by The Unassisted

Band: The Unassisted
Title: Revolution
Genre: Indie-rock
Label: independent
Release: 18th April 2014
hits rating: 7/10

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Hey guys,

Those bands you've known since you first started blogging are quite special. Especially when you're still in touch and still work together. 

The Unassited are one of the first bands I featured and they are still following the blog which is amazing.

The band from Manchester, England consists of Jason (guitar, vocals), Mark (bass, guitar) and Chris (drums). 

Jason got in touch again asking if I'd like to review their EP 'Revolution' which is out now and of course I did not turn that offer down.

So here we go!

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Watch Out For: Jim Kroft

Hey guys,

a month ago the concert season 2014 finally kicked off for me.
And the first gig of the year was a Jim Kroft one, means I had a great time.

If you are not familiar with Jim Kroft, this post will help you to find out more about one of the most interesting artists around.

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EP Review: "Strange Shores" by Crash Island

 
Band: Crash Island
Title: Strange Shores

Genre: Indie Rock
Label: independent
Release: 23rd September 2013
hits rating: 9/10

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Hey guys,

Crash Island is an indie rock band from London, with members from Spain, France, Wales and even South Africa.
The four piece band released their debut EP "Strange Shores", which I'm going to review today. 

So far Crash Island played gigs in France, Switzerland, of course the UK and in my home country, Germany.

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Album Review: 'Glacia' by Western Jaguar

Artist: Western Jaguar
Title: Glacia
Genre: Indie-Rock, Alternative
Label: unsigned
Release: 19th September 2013
hits rating: 7/10

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Hey guys,
Western Jaguar is Jeffrey Trainor's music project.
The musician from Mission, British Columbia (Canada) released his debut album 'Glacia' just a few months ago.

And I got the pleasure to review it for you. So here we go!

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Album Review: "The Orange Line" - Wullae Wright

Artist: Wullae Wright

Title: The Orange Line

Genre: Indie, Rock

Label: unsigned

Release: 20th August 2013

hits rating: 8/10

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Hey guys,

we're on a review marathon over here.

Today it's Wullae Wright's newest album "The Orange Line" which is making us happy.

Wullae Wright is a musician and producer from beautiful Glasgow, Scotland. 

He would describe his sound as dark Indie-Rock but it seems like there isn't a genre Wullae hasn't mixed into his sound yet.

With "The Orange Line" he shows what experienced and passionate musician he is.

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Album: "Set Fire" - The Box Tiger

Band: The Box Tiger
Title: Set Fire
Genre: Indie-Rock
Label: unsigned
Release: 6th August 2013
hits rating: 9/10
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Hey guys,
another album review, another GREAT band.

A while ago I got an email by a member of a female fronted band. That kind of made me curious because I sadly don't have lots of ladies on house in the sand yet. 

I kindly got send the band's debut album.

So who am I talking about?
The Box Tiger, an indie-rock band from Toronto (Canada).

The band consists of:
Sonia Sturino (vocals, guitar)
Jordan Stowell (guitar, bass)
Marcus Cipparrone (drums)
Benjamin Tran (bass)

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