Performance Of The Day: "How To Be Your Own Person" by Kat Frankie

11th November 2019 //

Hey everyone!

If you're looking for a bit of magic on a grey November day, look no further.

We love finding performances online which leave us feeling blown away by the talent and the pure magic of it.
Sure, magic can sound like such a cheesy word, but we dare you to watch to the video and find a better word.

We're like giddy little kids here because we can't wait to hear what you all think.

- Performance Of The Day -
"How To Be Your Own Person" by Kat Frankie


Kat Frankie is a musician based in Berlin, Germany.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Kat found inspiration in artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Bread, Carly Simon and more.

With a love for melodies she taught herself how to play the guitar and things developed from there.
She started performing in 2002, released her debut EP in 2003 but couldn't fully focus on music back then.
Instead she made a living by working as an interior architect before then moving to Berlin in 2004 where she found a welcoming music community.

Ever since she's been writing, recording, touring, collaborating with other musicians and has kept on releasing albums and EPs.

Releases:
EP: "Outside" (2003)
LP: "Pocketknife" (2007)
LP: "The Dance of a Strange Heart" (2010)
LP: "Please Don't Give Me What I Want" (2012)
LP: "Bad Behaviour" (2018)

And now Kat Frankie is about to release the "BODIES" EP, out on December 13th. The first single off of it, "How To Be Your Own Person" is already out.


The brilliant folks at small sessions have captured a gorgeous performance of the song.

The beauty of a cappella performances is something that just feels so unique.
Kat Frankie and her group of musicians have performed "How To Be Your Own Person" just pulls you in and keeps your attention throughout.

The vocals are the main instruments and the percussions are the only supporting elements.
Now, just reading that might make one thing it's a very simply arranged track, but it's not. The amount of details and the cleverly layered vocals make the track a magical journey to listen to.

We usually don't give advice when listening to music, but try to listen to every detail, every vocal, every clap and see just how much you can discover.


Watch the performance right here:




- stream "How To Be Your Own Person" -



Kat Frankie online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Timothy Wiehn

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Performance Of The Day: "Bones" by JC Stewart

Hey everyone!

It's a rainy day here and somehow that just makes me crave beautiful, calming and soulful music.
It's pretty fascinating how much our surroundings influence our taste and mood.

Of course, I have no idea what the weather is like in your area, for all I know the earth could already be headed towards the apocalypse. (#Wasteland, Baby!)
But, if you are looking for a song to thoughtfully look out into the rain, you've come to the right place.

So, grab a cup of tea, a blanket and let's have a proper cliché rain day.


- Performance Of The Day -
"Bones" by JC Stewart


JC Stewart is a singer/songwriter from Derry, Northern Ireland.

He combines classic singer/songwriter elements with Pop elements.
JC writes about his own life experiences and is often inspired by conversations he has with others,
this results in his songs being honest, direct and vulnerable - giving the listeners so much to identify with.

The young musician is influenced by artists varying from Tom Waits, to Bob Dylan, to The Band and Hozier. These influences give an insight as to why JC Stewart's sound can be so light and delicate in one song but then go oh so dark and anthem-like in others.

JC has been pretty busy releasing new songs - such as "Have You Had Enough Wine?", a gripping and cinematic song that takes you on a journey of confusion and heartbreak. Besides supporting Kodaline, Freya Ridings and Snow Patrol, he also co-wrote "Hollywood" which you'll find on Lewis Capaldi's debut album.
He has a few more support slots for LAUV, Anne-Marie and Vance Joy coming up, so make sure to keep an eye on his socials to catch some of the shows.


Most recently JC Stewart shared the acoustic performance of his latest release "Bones".


Recorded on a couch athestically placed in a field in the outskirts of London, this performance of "Bones" really highlights the ebbs and flows of an ending relationship.
By just focusing on acoustic guitar and vocals, JC has stripped the song down to its bones (#wecamehereforthepuns), showing how well the song works with even just these two elements.

This intimate performance is baring the song's structures perfectly; going from soft and composed to loud and raging, again portraying the sadness and frustration one feels when going through these situations.

The line "it's better to have lost, than never have loved at all" still manages to paint it all in a forgiving and somewhat optimistic light and allows us to move on with a smile on our faces.


Watch JC Stewart's performance of "Bones" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Bones" here -



JC Stewart online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: JC Stewart via Facebook

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Performance Of The Day: "Go On" by Tom Leeb

Hey guys!

It's been a while since our last Performance Of The Day - which is really strange because we've been spoilt with brilliant performances in the past few months.

And so it's about time to hype up some fine live performances again and share those videos with you which just leave us wanting to go to a gig immediately.

Live music can be therapy; it can be healing, it can be stress-relieving, it can help you forget your troubles and worries - so why only feel these feelings when you're at a gig?
We're all about letting music cure us, so we're taking live music with us everywhere we go - including this little ol' website.

So let's dive into today's performance, shall we?


- Performance Of The Day -
"Go On" by Tom Leeb

Tom Leeb is a singer, songwriter, actor and comedian from Paris, France.
His sound is on the acoustic side of Blues Rock and is headed towards alternative Pop sounds.

With influences varying from John Mayer, Ben Howard, Bon Iver and Matt Corby to Frank Sinatra, Gene Harris and Jamie Cullum, Tom's range of influences is as wide as his sound.

His love for melodies and the depth of his lyrics add a timeless feeling to his music and allows you to dive deep into the songs as he presents them in such thoughtful ways.
With some tracks dealing with the emotions we feel when we're in love and others describing thoughts about patience and the perception of time, this variety of topics makes sure every listener finds something to relate to.

This acoustic performance of Tom's new single "Go On" was filmed in the stunning church of Oppède-le-Vieux.

The live version doesn't stray too far from the original which is a perfect example of the simplicity of Tom's sound.

Although the elements of the song are simple, it's anything but shallow, there are so many details to discover.
With soothing, yet expressive and souly vocals, Tom wins us over in no time and allows us to dive into the track and get lost in the music.
His love for melodies is shining through and it's probably what makes this track such a joy to listen to.


Watch Tom's performance of "Go On" right here:




- buy or stream "Go On" -



Tom Leeb online: Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Tom Leeb PR kit

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Performance Of The Day: "Then" by Anne-Marie

Hey guys!

We love live music.
We always have, that's why we have so many features that revolve around live music on house in the sand.

We have our countless live performance segments - Cover The HITS, HITS exclusive, HITSBC,
our gig coverage posts,
- and of course, our performance of the day which we pick every now and then.

Today I'm quite excited to share a performance with you that I've loved from the first time I've seen it - and I'm quite sure a lot of you will feel the same way.


- Performance Of The Day -
"Then" by Anne-Marie


Anne-Marie is a singer/songwriter from Essex, UK.

Her sound lays on the Pop side of things and has been shaped over multiple years of being active in the industry.

Anne-Marie appeared on two West-End productions - "Les Misérables" at the age of six and "Whilste Down The Wind" at age 12.

Fun fact: she practised shotokan karate from age 9 and won Double Gold in the 2002 World Championships.

She sang and toured with Rudimental, sang "Rockabye" with Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul and has released multiple tracks of her own.
The latest being "Alarm", "Ciao Adios", "Heavy" and "Then".

Last year Anne-Marie was on the road with Ed Sheeran and opened for him during his "Divide" tour.

Her debut album is set to be released in 2018.


So let's chat about her live performance of "Then".


The performance starts off acapella with just Anne-Marie singing the first verse on her own.
This causes you to literally hear the emotions and the honesty of the song, allowing you to empathise with the singer.

A few expressive piano chords join Anne-Marie for the pre-chorus, underlining the depth and emotional aspect of the song.
For the chorus, the full band sound kicks in and we hear soft percussions, synths and an e-guitar playing the catchy riff.

In the second chorus we hear backing vocals for the first time and they act as a highlighter, giving the song more grip and depth.

Anne-Marie sings with passion and pain, easily controlling the track and leading you through it - all while telling you a vividly written story.


Check out Anne-Marie's performance of "Then" right here:




Anne-Marie online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Anne-Marie on Facebook

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Performance Of The Day: "Fix It" by Liam McClair

Hey guys!

I don't know about you, but I love a good series.

Whether that's a TV series (highly recommend "How To Get Away With Murder"),
a creative photo series,
or a series of music performances.

I just appreciate the idea of creating something cohesive, yet diversified.
You sort of get to see the creative process behind a project as you get to see how a series develops.

Today we're chatting about a video that is part of a series, so check it out!


- Performance Of The Day -
"Fix It" by Liam McClair


Liam McClair is a singer/songwriter from Manchester, UK.
His sound can be classified as acoustic/folk with raw pop elements.

Most of Liam's recordings are guitar based and vocals focused.
 But you'll still find piano ballads and harmonica instrumentals paired with supportive percussions whilst listening to Liam's repertory.

With strong live performances Liam has convinced crowds all over the UK and even made it to Belgium, Holland and Germany to play his music.
 Music fans from all over the world are drawn to his sound. He has supported acts like Newton Faulkner and Echo & The Bunnymen.

Once you're familiar with Liam's sound, you'll find yourself coming back to it again and again - it's timeless.

 In the last few months, Liam's online following has been gifted with the "Unplugged Originals" series.

Liam and videographer Rich Williams filmed 10 fantastic unplugged performances, which are all available to download for free on Liam's website.
We've already blogged about the first video, remember?

But all good things must come to an end, and so "Fix It", video number 10, is the last one of the series.

"Fix It" features the Chorlton Ladies Singing Group and is "a song about giving a relationship time and working together to iron out the creases. In our very immediate and instant world where we get what we want so quickly in commerce and entertainment I wanted to write about working hard at something and seeing the fruits of your efforts", as Liam writes on his website.

Liam's warm and comforting vocals are the focus of the track, they tell the story so vividly and carefully. 
 
Accompanied by soft finger picking on the acoustic guitar, you'll quickly realise that Liam can win you over with simplicity.
The Chorlton Ladies Singing Group provides the song with subtle, yet gorgeous harmonies and adds to the depth of the lyrics.

The atmosphere is hopeful, it's positive and it's caring - and it leaves you hitting that replay button immediately.


Watch the performance of "Fix It" below:



- you can find a free download of the song here -


Catch Liam live at Manchester's Whiskey Jar on November 3rd for his "We Should Talk" Launch.



Liam McClair online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Liam McClair

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Performance Of The Day: "Miracle Of Love" by Jamie Lawson

Hey guys!

It's probably no secret - I love observing music.
Might sound a little odd, but I think it's so fascinating to watch artists evolve and constantly put out fabulous work.

I get very excited when I see (hear) artists who have their very own signature sound,
but still aren't afraid to work in new and modern elements.

Social Media has made it so easy to follow musicians on the journey, so let's not waste our time and check out some sweet tunes!


- Performance Of The Day -
"Miracle Of Love" by Jamie Lawson

Jamie Lawson is a singer/songwriter, originally from Plymouth, now based in London, UK.

To tell you his entire story, I'd need to write a couple of pages. To avoid that, I'll try to give you the "quick JL guide", but please make sure to check out Jamie's full bio.

The musician from the United Kingdom has been writing and releasing music for years, he's been gigging loads and has built himself a loyal fanbase.

Between our first interview in November 2014 and this one, taped in November 2015,
 Jamie got signed to Ed Sheeran's label (Gingerbread Man Records), supported acts such as One Direction on tour, appeared on countless radio and TV shows, released his selftitled record and has won an Ivor Novello award.

And now he's back with new music!
His next album, "Happy Accidents", will be out on September 29th 2017.

He's already shared the first single, "Can't See Straight", with us.

And just last week he released a live performance of "Miracle Of Love".

As soon as the song starts, you just know it's Jamie Lawson.
It's the thoughtful songwriting, the emotional delivery - and of course - the voice.

"Miracle Of Love" is definitely a ballad, but one that's deeper than many others. It's not just the lyrics and the slower pace, that make this song an exceptionally beautiful one - it's the melody, the harmony of the different elements, they practically walk hand in hand.

You can tell that Jamie has spent a lot of time crafting his songs and that he's made sure to think of every detail you could wish for.

He kept his charming signature sound, but has managed to include new elements in such grace and elegance.


Make sure to check out the live performance of "Miracle Of Love" below:




- pre-order or stream the album "Happy Accidents" -


Jamie Lawson online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Warner Music

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Performance Of The Day: "Into Yellow" by Martin Luke Brown

Hey guys!

Exactly two weeks ago I had a fabulous time, sitting in a very fancy chair, watching Martin Luke Brown play a fantastic show in London.

He opened his set with a stunning acoustic version of his most recent single "Into Yellow".
I've had the song on repeat for a good few hours when I first heard it - and this acoustic version was equally addictive.

To my delight - and your delight once you hear it - said acoustic version has just been published.

Of course that means we have to feature it today!
So check it out!


- Performance Of The Day -
"Into Yellow" by Martin Luke Brown


Martin Luke Brown is a singer/songwriter from Leicester, UK.
Genrefying his music is definitely no simple thing to do as Martin combines pop elements with soulful vocals, a folky falsetto and electrifying beats. Maybe we'll settle for Alternative.

The young musician started gigging at the age of 14, uses the keyboard and the guitar on stage and also started working with backing tracks at live shows.

Back in 2014, house in the sand was introduced to Martin Luke Brown's music and we were convinced we'd be able to watch him go and create amazing music.

Martin has released a bunch of songs so far; "Nostalgia", "Scars On Scars" and "Love Me Sober" being his some of his most recognizable singles, which made him gain a loyal fanbase.

A few songs later, Martin seems to have found a new sound, which he presented proudly when releasing "Into Yellow". Not only does it feel like "a bit of a new beginning" for him, but also for his loyal followers.
The track is a stunning ballad with a very modern twist to it and keeps the listeners on their toes throughout the entire song.

And just to make us fall for the track even more, Martin has released a live and piano based performance of the song.

The stripped back version of "Into Yellow" allows the lyrics to fill the room with their fragile beauty.
It's a peaceful atmosphere which carefully wraps you in and gives you the chance to focus on the song.

Martin's seemingly effortless soul vocals, are here to hypnotize you and guide you through the song in such carefully crafted manner.
The calm piano chords first appear rather simple, but soon hit you with so much depth and emotion, that you might need to sit down. 


Watch the live video of Martin Luke Brown performing "Into Yellow" below:




- buy "Into Yellow (live)" -
- stream "Into Yellow (live)" -



Martin Luke Brown online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Martin Luke Brown

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Performance Of The Day: "Bloodstain" by Wrabel

Hey guys!

There are artists you find out about and immediately put on every playlist you ever make.
Reason being that you're just fascinated by their work and their creativity.

Whenever I find one of those acts, I get a bit crazy and listen to everything they've ever released.
Please don't judge me.

Today I'm excited to share a performance of an artist I started music-stalking last year.
I'm pretty sure a lot of you are going to love it!


- Performance Of The Day -
"Bloodstain" by Wrabel


Wrabel is a solo act from Los Angeles, United States.
He combines Pop and R'n'B elements in such graceful manner.

Stephen Wrabel has been writing music for almost ten years now after discovering his love for music at an early age.
He spent a year studying at Boston's Berklee College Of Music before he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in music.
Wrabel has also written for many artists such as Adam Lambert, Ellie Goulding and Philipp Phillips.

In 2014, the talented musician released his debut EP "Sideways" and started his solo career.
The song "Ten Feet Tall", a beautiful piano ballad, was then used by Dutch DJ Afrojack which allowed Wrabel to kick off his career in style.

His most recent release, the "We Could Be Beautiful" EP, was exactly what all Wrabel fans have been waiting for.
With five tracks, he proved once again that he's a fantastic songwriter and performer.

Wrabel recently performed his song "Bloodstain" for Mahogany Sessions and we adore it.
The creatives behind Mahogany Sessions never disappoint - they always find excellent artists and create such stunning videos.

"Bloodstain" is one of those songs which make you feel emotions, you didn't even know you were feeling.
It's honest, it's visual, it's hauntingly beautiful.
The beats carefully guide us through the performance, but it's definitely Wrabel's voice which wows us every time we listen to it.


Check out Wrabel's performance of "Bloodstain" for Mahogany Sessions below:




- buy "Bloodstain" -





Wrabel online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Wrabel via Facebook | Video: Mahogany Sessions

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Performance Of The Day: "Could've Been" by Rhys Lewis

Hey guys!

One thing I've learned within the past five years of music blogging, is that you find some of the greatest acts when you aren't trying to find them.

Okay, I think I made that sound complicated, so let me break it down a little bit.

I have discovered some of my favourite acts when I didn't expect to discover them.
Let's take Martin and James as an example;
I first heard them live back in 2011 when they supported Taylor Swift. I had no clue who they were, but the minute they started playing, I knew I had just found my new favourite duo.

Moments like that kept happening multiple times over the years and they've definitely taught me to check out every support act, as well as checking out acts at festivals you don't know yet.

I did exactly that at last year's Barn on the Farm festival and to my delight, I go to watch Rhys Lewis play a fantastic set.

For those of you who haven't seen Rhys live yet- the Internet has got your back!


- Performance Of The Day -
"Could've Been" by Rhys Lewis

Rhys Lewis is a singer/songwriter based in London, UK.

His sound is going to make every classic Soul lover's heart beat - combining Soul with elements of Folk, Rock and Blues, Rhys is quickly creating a signature sound which will draw your attention to his work.

Spending most of the past year in studios in London, Nashville, Stockholm, Los Angeles and Berlin, the young musician has been writing and recording songs for his upcoming debut album.
His debut single "Waking Up Without You" hit #1 on Spotify's Viral Chart and reached 170 000 streams within two weeks.

Follow-up single "Living In The City" was just as strong and has now been streamed over 1.3 million times - a statement which probably speaks for itself.

To shorten the wait for his debut album, Rhys has treated us with a live performance of a new song called "Could've Been" which was filmed at The Round Chapel in London.

Greeting you with a catchy and soul driven riff, you just know that you're in for a treat.
Said riff returns multiple times throughout the song and quickly becomes a familiar friend.
The souly e-guitar is part of Rhys' refreshing signature sound - it's warm, it's inviting and it's honest.

Personal and relatable lyrics seem to be what's pouring out of the musician.
He knows how to illustrate short-film stories with his words - they are straight foward and very clear.

Rhys' voice is just as fascinating as his writing skills.
His warm and expressive voice just hits all the notes and transports all the emotions he's feeling.
Combined with heavenly soothing backing vocals, we're getting the full package here.

Rhys Lewis is a brilliant live artist, who doesn't need much gear to wow you.
And "Could've Been" proves that point perfectly.


Check out "Could've Been" below:




Rhys Lewis online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via WMA.Agency

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Performance Of The Day: "In The Silence" by JP Cooper

Hey guys!

How much attention do you pay to your Facebook feed?
Honestly?

Haven't we all scrolled through our feed, not being too interested in any of the posts?
Well, I'm definitely guilty of it! (sorry to my Facebook friends... it's not you, it's me!)

However, I always end up watching any music videos being shared.
Somebody on my timeline shared the Mahogany Session's latest video with JP Cooper and I was intstantly hypnoticed.
Which is why I couldn't wait to share it with you!


JP Cooper is a singer/songwriter from Manchester, UK.

His sound is one of those you can't really pinpoint; it's influenced by the indie rock heroes, yet it combines folk and soul so effortlessly.

John Paul Cooper is a self-made and self-taught musician who started out learning the guitar and then joining a band at school.
However, he soon realised he was more comfortable making music on his own.

Soon JP started gigging his way through Manchester, showing up at multiple Open Mics has allowed him to get himself a name. By the end of his first year of gigging, JP Cooper sold out Manchester's Deaf Institute.

Three years ago Island Records UK offered him a deal.
Since then JP Cooper released two EPs ("Keep The Quiet Out", "When The Darkness Comes") and has built a loyal fanbase - online and offline.

His collaboration with Jonas Blue for the song "Perfect Strangers" has been streamed over 240 million times.

JP Cooper recently took it back to the basics when he performed "In The Silence" for the Mahogany Sessions.

Check out the absolutely stunning performance below!




JP Cooper online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via JP Cooper Facebook | Video: Mahogany Sessions

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Performance Of The Day: "Shadow & Light" by Martin Luke Brown

Hey guys!

I remember when I got my first ever laptop for Christmas.
I don't remember the year but it's obviously been a few Christmases back.

The first thing I would always do, is go on YouTube and watch acoustic/live performances of any artists I enjoyed.
Many years later, it's still one of my favourite things to do.
YouTube is one of those platforms I definitely spend too much time on, but that's alright.

Because of my love for acoustic performances, the "Performance Of The Day" feature is one those features I kind of write for myself.

So yeah, let's dive into today's performance by Martin Luke Brown.


Martin Luke Brown is a singer/songwriter from Leicester, UK.
Genrefying his music is definitely no simple thing to do as Martin combines pop elements with soulful vocals, a folky falsetto and electrifying beats. Maybe we'll settle for Alternative.

The young musician started gigging at the age of 14, uses the keyboard and the guitar on stage and also started working with backing tracks at live shows.

Back in 2014, house in the sand was introduced to Martin Luke Brown's music and we were convinced we'd be able to watch him go and create amazing music.

Martin Luke has released a bunch of songs so far; "Nostalgia", "Scars On Scars" and "Love Me Sober" being his main singles which made him gain a loyal fanbase.


His newest single "Shadow & Light" was one of those songs that has been released at the most appropriate time.
There are songs that you can relate to when you're in a difficult relationships. Or songs that you can relate to when you're feeling really happy.

And then there are song that, in my opinion, an entire generation can relate to. 

"Shadow & Light" is one of those.
I can guarantee that most of us can relate to at least one line of this song because of what it going on in the world.
My favourite line would be:
- nothing will change unless we keep our hearts open -

This piano based performance by Martin Luke Brown and students of BIMM London for Bee Happy Sessions truly captures the honesty of the song.
The choir represents the united thought that especially this generation has. 

Martin's vocals are, as usual, on point and souly as ever.

I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy this one!

You can stream & download "Shadow & Light" here.



Martin Luke Brown online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Gemma A Photography | Video: Bee Happy Sessions

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Performance Of The Day: "Godsend" by Robbie Cavanagh

Hey guys!

You should see me whenever I listen to a fantastic song which I'll share with you.
I get far too excited because I know that at least one person will find a new song they appreciate and will listen to a couple of times.

The fact, that I can offer you a website filled with music that I truly believe in, is what keeps me going.
I always remember the joy of finding a new favourite song. And if house in the sand is your source for that, you make me the happiest little blogger.

Today I've got one of those performances that I just can't wait for you to see.

Robbie Cavanagh is a singer/songwriter from Manchester, UK.
Robbie's music can be genrefied as Acoustic, Folk as most of his songs are guitar and vocal based - yet there's more to him than that.

His album "The State Of Maine" consists of handcrafted, storytelling and relatable songs presented as interesting and lively tracks.

The musician keeps releasing fantastic songs as well as touching music videos and is gigging his way through the UK.

Just recently Robbie filmed a video with the talented people at Mahogany Sessions.

They recorded a performance of one of Robbie's new songs called "Godsend".

I know I technically don't need to write anything about the performance because you can just watch the video and judge it for yourself.
But hey, writing about music is what I love doing, so let me have some fun here, okay?


The first thing you'll notice as you as you start listening to the song, is how incredibly enchanting and soothing the melody is.
The beautifully arranged guitar instrumentals really give the song a lot of grip, as well as a lot of depth.

Robbie's vocals transport the longing feeling, which you get through the lyrics, in the most angelic and graceful way one could think of.

In case you haven't heard of Robbie yet, make sure this is the track you hear first.
But be prepared to spend the rest of the day listening to his music. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Check out Robbie Cavanagh performing "Godsend" for the Mahogany Sessions below.




Robbie Cavanagh online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Robbie Cavanagh | Video: Mahogany Sessions

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Performance Of The Day: "Waiting For The Gods" by Jim Kroft

Hey guys!

A lot of the posts I publish on house in the sand are prepared posts.
But sometimes I don't feel like preparing a post, sometimes I just want to sit down and write about a song that's very special to me and publish it right away. 

And that's the beauty of blogging; you can decide what you write about and how to write about it.
You're allowed to have an opinion and you're allowed to share it. 

The reason I started blogging was feeling a need to share fantastic music. Almost four years down the road, that's still the goal.
When I started I had this group of artists who supported me and my ideas.
All those years later, we still support each other and it's wonderful.

One of those artists is Jim Kroft, a Scottish musician based in Berlin, Germany.
Jim's music varies from acoustic to alternative to indie rock, but no matter which genre overweights, his songs always send a message.

Jim Kroft is one of those artists who seem to know how to do it all; he obviously makes music, is an incredible photographer and a brilliant videographer. 
 Just recently he released his first DVD for his music&travel project, "JOURNEYS".

This performance of "Waiting For The Gods" was filmed for and by Berlin Sessions, a fantastic channel you should definitely check out!

"Waiting For The Gods" is featured on Jim's EP "Journeys #1" which you can find here.
I think this song really show cases Jim Kroft's sound - it's intense, honest and full of personality.

It's comforting but it's still thought provoking.

Please take some time to check out the video below. 




This might not be the most journalism worthy post, but this is a shout out and a "well done" to a good friend who deserves every bit of exposure.


Jim Kroft online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Tumblr | Instagram




Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Jim Kroft (via Facebook) | Video: Berlin Sessions (via YouTube)

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Performance Of The Day: "Your Lips" by Josh Savage

Hey guys!

I've got a question - how many of you listen to music?
No, I don't mean listen to music in the "got it playing in the background" kind of way.

I mean, how many of you sit down, put on a song and just listen to it without doing anything else?

I have to admit that I often forget that listening to music can be a single task.
You don't have to exercice whilst listening, you don't have to tidy your room, you don't have to anything whilst listening to music.

In fact, I think it's only fair to inhale a song, to notice all it's small details; from the clever riff to the tiniest percussion. It'll make you realise how much effort the artists put into their music. (in most cases)


Today I'd like to share an incredible performance with you by an artist I can't help but listen to without doing anything else.

Josh Savage is a singer/songwriter from Winchester, UK raised in Paris, France.

His sound is often described as a mixture of folk and rock and his musical influences range from Gabrielle Aplin to Saint Raymond to Snow Patrol to Bombay Bicycle Club and Bonobo.

As a child who "sang before he spoke", it was obvious that Josh was going to pursue a music career.

So far he released two EPs by himself; "Mountains In Hurricanes" and "Spaces", both of them received great critics.

His upcoming EP "Quatre Épines" is available for pre-order now, click here.

The EP is in French and was inspired by the book Le Petit Prince and it's out 7th December 2015.

I've featured Josh before (interview) and already fell for his music back then.
It was recently when a good friend of mine, Jim Kroft, played a show with Josh and posted about it.

Yesterday I started listening to his songs again and couldn't get over "Your Lips", therefore I'd like to share this incredible performance with you guys today.

Whilst the studio version of this song includes a steady rhythm section and gorgeous string arrangements, Josh's live version is kept very simple.

Vocals and guitar.

The performance for Sofar Sounds Toronto highlights the fragile and vulnerable side of the song; Josh's warm vocals transport the emotions in such strong way. 

He makes you listen to every word he sings, his music soaks you in and doesn't let you go easily.

The light guitar picking slowly transforms into energetic strumming, the vocals get louder - the atmosphere of the song intensifies. 

Josh tells a painful story with this song and let's you connect with the song in such beautiful way.

Have a listen yourself!

Josh Savage online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube




Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Josh Savage

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Performance Of The Day: "What Did You Do?" by Gabrielle Aplin

 
Hey guys!

I recently tried to figure out what I need an artist/a band to be like to become my favourite act.
I couldn't really figure it out, but I think the honesty behind their music is what attracts me the most.

If an artist doesn't feel their music, how are you as a listener supposed to?

As a writer myself I know that I need to stand behind what I say to actually say it. My thoughts are what I write down because sharing something only works if you stand behind it.

At least in my opinion.

And today I'd like to share a song with you by an artists who quickly became one of my top five acts,
 Gabrielle Aplin.


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.

In honour of her upcoming album "Light Up The Dark", which is available to preorder now, she just released a live performance of her newest song "What Did You Do?".

"What Did You Do?" falls under Gabrielle's folky songs; it's a mid-tempo ballad which mainly focuses on vocals, light percussions, piano and guitar.

The calm beginning gets you into the story the songwriter is tellling you; a person who unexpectedly falls for someone who takes control over their life in a way they're not used to and it scares them - "I think of you wherever I go, oh what did you do to me? [...] I've never felt so lonely alone, I didn't care until you came along."

This story is told in the Aplin manner: the honest lyrics combined with her fragile, yet incredibly expressive vocals, the perfect use of backing vocals and a light instrumentation all fall together so like a puzzle and create this gorgeous song.

The performance was recorded at one of Gabrielle's recent gigs at Wilton's Music Hall in London.

Gabrielle Aplin online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube




Thank you for reading!

 

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Gabrielle Aplin

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