7 songs: Liam McClair

8th January 2020 //

Hey everyone!

With this post we welcome you to 2020 at house in the sand.

We are excited to have another 12 months of music discovery ahead of us.
Just imagining how much fantastic music we will be hearing this year is getting us all giddy - and we hope you feel the same.

We promise you to find even more unique and exciting ways to showcase music for you this year, so all we ask is that you stay tuned and enjoy the process with us.

To kick off the year, we are thrilled to share Liam McClair's selection of seven songs.

We've featured Liam multiple times and always get excited to hear new music. With his at times calming, at times rumbling folk pop sound, Liam has found his signature sound with ease.

Hailing in from Manchester, UK, it's no surprise he has been a big part of the music scene up there. But he's not only an essential in the local giging scene, Liam has also won over fans all over Europe with his thoughtful lyrics, warm vocals and comforting instrumentals. He also played support slots for Newton Faulkner and Echo & The Bunnymen, showcasing his talents to bigger audiences.

To share his latest single, "Nice Guy" with you, we've asked Liam to talk us through seven songs he enjoys for different reasons and at the end of this post he even told us more about the new single.

Let's check out Liam's selection!

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1) a song which makes you dance

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

When I was a student in Liverpool, I'm sure I annoyed a lot of the DJs in the bars I'd go to by asking them to play this, then forgetting when they said no as I was a little drunk and asking them again!
I love it and it always makes me want to dance.


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2) a song that calms you down
"Something So Right" by Paul Simon

This song is really soothing and we used to listen to it in the car when my mum was driving.
There is something about the feel of the song I find so relaxing and the older I get, the more I can relate with the lyrics.


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3) a song that means a lot to you
"American Pie" by Don McLean

I think I'll go with "American Pie" by Don McLean.
Every Easter as a kid or as many I can remember, my family and I would visit the Isle Of Arran of the coast of Scotland and this would be our song we would all sing along to as we winded our way around the island via the narrow country lanes. It always makes me smile.


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4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Bongo Bong" by Manu Chao

When I was 19, I travelled around Asia, Australia and America with four friends from home.
We had an amazing time and this song always reminds me of that trip. One of my friends made a photo slideshow and used the song as the soundtrack, so I've always been transported to the freedom of travelling whenever I hear it.


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5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"So Fresh" by Will Smith, Biz Markie, Slick Rick

When I was 10 or 11 I borrowed "Willenium" by Will Smith from my sister and I don't think I ever gave it back!
This track is one that I always find myself singing and I just loved it so much as a kid. I'd never heard four or five artists on one track before and I thought it was amazing.


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6) a song from your favourite genre
"The Man In Me" by Bob Dylan

I love singer/songwriter music. If that counts as a genre, I'm not sure.
But Bob Dylan is one of my favourites and this is one of my favourites of his.


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7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"Teeth White" by The Staves

I'd heard The Staves doing acoustic music and their harmonies blew me away, but I always thought they were predominately folky, when Spotify sent me "Teeth White" I loved it pretty much from the start and then the video just confirmed it's one of my favourite songs!


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What do you hope listeners will feel when listening to your new single "Nice Guy"?

Hopefully they can relate to the sense of wanting to feel like you have to be liked all the time and that being nice is a pressure that is prevalent in society.

Liam McClair online: Website | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

And that was Liam's selection!
What did you think? Did he feature any tracks you love?



Previous 7 songs features: The Rose Affair | Ava Rae Heatley | John Thacker | Racoon Racoon







Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (intro + outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Image + Words (about songs): Liam McClair

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Gig Photos: Dermot Kennedy at Albert Hall, Manchester (May 2019)

Hey everyone!

We've been back for a little less than a week and you've all just been so welcoming, so thank you.

It's so exciting to not be doing it all alone, but having an incredible team of talented and kind creatives with us this time.
We're excited to have a new member, the super talented Victoria Schofield from Manchester, UK.

She will be added to our about page super soon, so you'll get to learn more.
Her first show shot for us was Dermot Kennedy's gig in Manchester, we have all the photos for you below.

For now, we'd love to see you support Victoria online, you can find her links right here:

website | twitter | instagram

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Date: 11th May 2019
Venue: Albert Hall, Manchester (UK)

Headliner: Dermot Kennedy


Dermot Kennedy is a singer/songwriter from Dublin, Ireland.

His style is influenced by his love for hip-hop and poetry, his music mixes acoustic and electronic arrangements with R'n'B and hip-hop elements. With a voice so distinctive and powerful, it's no surprise that his music has attracted fans from all over the world.

Dermot's music has been compared to artists such as Bon Iver, James Blake and James Vincent McMorrow, yet he clearly has found his own signature style.

He met Glen Hansard by chance on the streets of Dublin and invited him to the studio years later while working on new recordings. While Hansard wasn't able to make it to the studio, he offered Dermot ten minutes on stage at his sold-out Christmas show, giving him the chance to perform in front of a big audience.

 Soon enough, Dermot Kennedy got to celebrate his huge success with the acoustic driven "After Rain", a song that quickly wrack up hundreds of thousands of streams.
Despite all the praise he got for the acoustic sound, he decided to incorporate hip-hop elements in the making of his debut EP, "Doves & Ravens", which was released in 2017.


You most likely have heard his single "Power Over Me", a track written with honesty and performed with passion.

Besides performing at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, SXSW and Austin City Limits, Dermot has been gigging all over the place.
To see if he's playing in a city near you soon, visit his website and scroll down for the tour dates.


Listen to "Lost" right here:




Dermot Kennedy online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram















































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Have you seen Dermot live before?
Do you have any favourite songs of his?

Let us know!






Thank you for your visit!

&

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Photography: Victoria Schofield | **a ticket and photo pass have kindly been provided**

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7 songs: John Thacker

Hey guys!

You know, I'm having a lot of fun writing posts for you.

It's so cool that I get to share the music I love and that people are actually interested in hearing it.
We're all playing a huge part in music by caring about independent artists and sharing the art they create.

So let's all continue to be cool, shall we?
(I know, I know - why couldn't even stop if we tried.)

Today I'm super thrilled for two reasons;

1) the 7 songs feature is back: I love love love this feature, because I love finding out which songs people connect with.
2) because today we've got the fabulous John Thacker here to do a little playlist take-over.

He'll be sharing his selection of 7 songs with us and I can't wait for you to check it out.

But before you do, please make sure to check out John's music and follow his socials.


Listen to John's latest collaboration with Pet Planes:




John Thacker online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram


Let's check out John's playlist!

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1) a song which makes you dance

"Perfect Places" by Lorde

Now, this song doesn't make me dance like I'm at a festival jumping up and down to the latest EDM DJ, but it makes me jump around in my house like a crazy person with my headphones on.
Not a care in the world, and it just makes me feel so happy and free! My happy dance song.


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2) a song that calms you down
"Mystery Of Love" by Sufjan Stevens

I think this is one of the most beautiful and captivating movie soundtrack songs ever.
When I need to relax before a show, or when I'm feeling like I need inspiration, I'll play this.

The song takes me on a journey that I could listen to on repeat for hours.
It matches so well with the equally beautiful "Call Me By Your Name".


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3) a song with a deep meaning
"Samson" by Regina Spektor

My all time favourite song by my all time favourite artist!

Now these are big statements, I know, but couldn't be more true when it comes to this song.
Regina has always influenced me more than anyone else when it comes to lyrics.

This song has been with me through so many heartbreaks and feelings, the story of the lyrics just stand out to me so much, so powerful, and I connect with this song and Regina like no other.
This song for me is what heartbreak, love, loss, hope, all feel like, all in one beautiful song.


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4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Foundations" by Kate Nash

Oh man, I love this song still to this day!

It reminds me of so many things, but mainly reminds me of sitting on the kerb with my childhood friends with our singles from HMV and playing this song on repeat without a care in the world.

Oh - and looking at each other and shouting "LEMONS" every time. Weird that now, nine years later, the song has a completely different feeling for me - nostalgia, yes, but also a new meaning.


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5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"Time Is Dancing" by Ben Howard

I listen to this song on a every other day basis.

Ben just has magic, doesn't he?
This song is just so subtly epic, it's my perfect "stare out of the window and think into my future song".


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6) a song from your favourite genre
"Hoppipolla" by Sigur Ros

So, I don't have a favourite genre.

But I love love Icelandic music! 
Sigur Ros and Jonsi have been big influences in all my work, not just my music but my acting, my writing and my life!


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7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"What You Waiting For?" by Lily Allen

Lily is another artist who I've been so inspired by.

But her latest album, "No Shame", was such a pleasant surprise; the entire album brought me back to the mid 00's, the lyrics are punchy but honest. Lily isn't trying to be anyone else here.
Unexpectedly the best album of the year so far!

Lily was one of the first artists who insipred me to write my early songs, her lyrics stood out to me.


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And that was John's selection!
What do you think? Did you find any new favourites?


Previous 7 songs features: Racoon Racoon | Jackson Dyer | Simon Alexander | GOUX






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (Intro): Vanessa Jetwash | Words (about songs) & Image: John Thacker

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7 songs: GOUX

Hey guys!

I've recently been asked why this feature is called "7 songs".

Well, if you were expecting a super deep answer for it - I'm sorry to disappoint you.
The reason is that I like the number 7 and it turned out to work so well because I found seven emotions I wanted to cover.

So, things don't always need to have a deeper meaning in order to make sense, right?
Anyways, let's dive into today's post.


Today our guest DJ is GOUX, so let's get to know her!


GOUX is the project of a singer/songwriter and producer based in Manchester, UK.
She's spent the past year locked in her bedroom to work on her music, experimenting with different synthesizers and drum machines.

Inspired by artists like Lapsley and HONNE, combined with her love for the sounds of the 80s, GOUX has created her very own Electro-Pop sound.

So far she released three singles, before then dropping her debut EP, a selftitled four-track, just last week on April 27th. 


Listen to her latest single "Red Light" here:




GOUX online: Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram


Let's check out GOUX's selection!

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1) a song which makes you dance

"Higher" by Groove Junkies x Scott K ft. Indeya

So pleased that Spotify discovery churned out this belter of a tune a few months back.
Groove Junkies have a knack at making people want to move their feet and keep the party going, this would definitely be my essential party tune.


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2) a song that calms you down
"Only You" by Satin Jackets

I would say this tune gets played at least once every bus journey I take, it just never gets old.
The thing about this track is that it fits in any scenario, whether it be sat on the bus, at home in bed with a cuppa or even on a night out, it's just so chilled and feel good with a bouncy beat that keeps things pushing along nicely.


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3) a song with a deep meaning
"Always" by Shook

I wouldn't say this tune has a specific memory or meaning attached to it for me, however I do remember when I first heard it, feeling choked over the arrangement and melodies, the piano can convey so much emotion and the vocals aren't overdone. Sometimes less is more!


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4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Makes Me Wonder" by Maroon 5

This tune.
Oh wow, this song sends me straight back to 2007, I absolutely LOVED this band all round to be honest and still listen to the first three albums on odd occasions, it's kind of a shame the way that they have progressed since but hey, at least we still have the memoires!


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5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"DX7" by Dabeull ft. Holybrune

Again I would say that this tune gets played at least once every time I'm on the go.
This song was the turning point for me in electronic music, it inspired me to swap out my guitar for hardware synthesizers and also to approach songwriting in a completely different way.
Dabeull has a natural gift when it comes to melody and synthesis, I haven't heard one bad tune from him yet.


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6) a song from your favourite genre
"Ya Just Need 2 Believe in Yaself" by Folamour

This is a recent find if I'm honest, but by god did it leave an impression.
I absolutely love chilled, feel good, melodic house tracks and this tune ticks every box.
Trying to pin down specific 'stand out' elements of this song is difficult as it is an absolute all round banger.


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7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"Hard Times" by Paramore

I wasn't following Paramore at the time when this single came out, but I stumbled upon it shortly after its release and was pleasantly surprised to hear how a band I once loved as a kid had progressed and grown with its audience. I was immediately on board with their new sound!


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And that was GOUX playlist - what do you think?



Previous 7 songs features: Meadowlark | Arlissa | Marion Harper | Jalen N'Gonda





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Image & Words (7 songs): GOUX

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Gig Photos: Hudson Taylor at Academy 3, Manchester

Hey guys!

If you follow me on social media, you might've seen that I was recently in the UK.

Now, whenever I'm in a cool place, I will usually say yes to any music opportunity that comes my way.

So, once I realised I would still be in town when Hudson Taylor had their show in Manchester,
I knew I wanted to be in the photo pit for it.

And it all worked out - thanks to the wonderful Kara who made it happen.

Below you'll find about a million photos from the show, just because I had so much fun photographing the band and ended up with way too many photos.

I hope you'll enjoy!


If you feel like saying hi to me online, here are my links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Date: 21st January 2018
Venue: Academy 3, Manchester (UK)

Support Act: Little Hours


John of Little Hours can be found playing with a band, but played the support slot by himself.

Now, when a solo act enters the stage, there are two possibilites how the evening will go - it can either be difficult for them to entertain a sold out venue with people talking over their music, or they will completely win over the crowd within seconds.

John did the latter.
I was sharing the photo pit with two fantastic ladies (#girlpower) and I think I can speak for all of us, when I say that we felt a little awkward because you could hear the noise our cameras made - that's how quiet it was.

The crowd was listening to every word and every chord and was especially attentive when he spoke about mental health and how a friend suffering from mental health issues inspired one of his songs.

It's absolutely amazing to see artists use their platform (in this case, the stage) to talk about important issues.

If you are looking for deep and personal music, let Litte Hours be your new discovery.
You won't regret it.





Little Hours online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

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Headliner: Hudson Taylor


As soon as Hudson Taylor and their incredible live band stepped on stage, the crowd was on fire.
The crowd that had just been so quiet watching the support act, was now singing along to every word and danced their feet off.

Whilst in the pit, I wasn't sure who was louder - the amps and mics or the crowd behind me.
Manchester's Hudson Taylor fans definitely showed off their singing skills and it felt like they were a part of the band.

The musicians made sure to incorporate multiple elements, including an acoustic performance of a new song called "One In A Million", which sounded like something straight out of the 50s and 60s era - swinging guitars and brilliantly dramatic harmonies aplenty.

Of course you need to tip your hats to Harry and Alfie for entertaining the crowd and for writing songs that people want to hear and sing along to - but you just can't leave the venue without acknowledging their incredible band. 

Encore "Battles" showcased every member on top of their game - whether that's the howling violin played by Tadhg, the moody bass we got from Ronnie, the steady and brilliant drums played by Jonny, as well as the piano and harmonica skills Oisín showed off.

And - of course - the fabulous backing vocals performed by Manchester's finest.

If you want one piece of evidence that this gig was phenomenal, let it be the wonderful security guard who was definitely feeling the music.





Hudson Taylor online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




























































































































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Alright, I can't believe you made it through this mountain of photos - but here you are!

Thanks for taking the time to check these out.

Were you at the show?
Let us know!

Come and say hi to house in the sand on Instagram for more.





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske | **a ticket and photo pass have kindly been provided**

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