Release Of The Day: "Sucker" by Jonas Brothers

Hey everyone!

Well, how does one start this kind of post?
We're not entirely sure - but we're just going to dive right in.

In case you missed it - the Jonas Brothers are back.

Now, depending on your age, you might've been a part of the Jonas Brothers fandom multiple years ago.

Personally, I have been a fan since my early teens, so to feature the reunion track on HITS today feels very surreal and exciting.


And now the trio of brothers have reunited after six years.


We don't often copy press releases, but in this case, we want to make sure you get to hear the story from the band themself:

"The road to new music for the Jonas Brothers began a little more than a year ago, with discussions about what form a reunion might take.
But before those discussions could get too far, some healing was necessary.
The trio announced a split in 2013, after four studio albums, two Disney TV movies, two seasons of a TV series, and non-stop touring had made them into a phenomenon that more often than not drowned out the music itself.

But though all three agree good things have come from the split, there were still a lot of feelings to work through.
"We were having conversations we'd never really had," says Joe. Adds Nick, "We did a lot of healing as a family. Healing that was long overdue."

All three brothers are quick to say that from the moment they picked up some acoustic guitars and sang together again, a feeling they'd missed for far too long instantly returned.
"That's when everything became clear to us: how we were going to write songs, and what they were going to be about," says Kevin."


Curious what the reunion sounds like?
Buckle up and join the party! 

- Release Of The Day -
"Sucker" by Jonas Brothers


"Sucker", in very few words is, groovy, catchy and on-repeat-material.

In more words - it's a comeback that has gone very right.
Each indivual has grown immensely and has brought something to the new, modern sound.

With Nick & Joe continuing their musical careers even after the band ended their path in 2013, fans have been able to follow their individual journeys throughout the years.
"Sucker" combines the soulful  R'n'B vibes Nick has gone for with his solo music, with the funky alt-pop we got to hear from Joe's band DNCE.

The soulful and smooth vocals from both lead singers, Nick and Joe, compliment each other just as well as they compliment the contrast you hear in the instrumental.
With both vocalists switching between solo parts and harmonies, you get to hear the different dynamics unfold as you travel through the track.

The overall vibe of the track is rather minimalistic;
the track is very riff-driven and combines traditional guitars, bass and drums with modern synth and percussion elements.
"Sucker" gives a nod to the current pop music world, while still maintaining a very traditional band sound.

"When I'm next to my brothers again, even just in a living room playing old songs, I can't express the happiness it brings me.", says Joe - and we are sure fans both old and new can very quickly pick up on that happiness.

"Sucker" is proof that Nick, Joe & Kevin have gone with the times and were able to make this modern sound their own.


Watch the video for "Sucker" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Sucker" -



Jonas Brothers online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (except quotes): Vanessa Jetwash | Image & Quotes: Jonas Brothers via Universal Music

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Release Of The Day: "Don't Feel Like Crying" by Sigrid

Hey everyone!

Happy New Music Friday!

We're back at it and ready to fire away the slightly intimidating amount of brilliant releases that are out today.
For some reason everyone seems to be releasing insanely good music today,
which is great and keeps us busy as one can be.

So, shall we kick the day off with some feel good track to get us all up on our feet?


- Release Of The Day -
"Don't Feel Like Crying" by Sigrid


Sigrid is a singer/songwriter originally from a tiny place in Norway.
At the age of 18, she moved to Bergen, Norway and quickly became a part of Bergen's music scene.

Her bold and modern pop sound is shaking up the industry, one day at a time.
Signed to Universal Music, the young musician was hyped as one of the most exciting break through acts of 2017 - and she did live up to those expectations.

Her debut EP "Don't Kill My Vibe" didn't only "wow" us at house in the sand,
Sigrid helped defining a new era for women in pop music.

Earlier in 2018 she released the "Raw" EP and blew away even those who weren't fully on the Sigrid train just yet.

Since then, things have kept growing and growing - and it's not stopping.
After releasing more catchy singles and touring extensively, Sigrid has recently announced the release date for her debut album, "Sucker Punch", which will be out on March 1st.


Now she's here with "Don't Feel Like Crying", combatting tears with beats and synths. 


The song has an upbeat, yet still effortlessly cool vibe to it.
It's lively, but it's not too much.

With rather simple verses which launch into bigger choruses, Sigrid kept a brilliant recipe alive and has given the song the perfect amount of ballance. 

Her vocals confidently deliver the lyrics with ease, keeping herself and everyone else on the upbeat side of life, not giving into sadness and self-pity.
The instrumental sound itself has a very Sigrid-like feeling to it, one that you can identify as her within the first few beats - which, for an artist as relatively new as Sigrid, is an impressive thing to achieve.

If the rest of the album is as good at impacting our emotions as this one, we're all in for a real treat.


Listen to "Don't Feel Like Crying" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Don't Feel Like Crying" -



Sigrid online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Sigrid

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Release Of The Day: "Better Than Today" by Rhys Lewis

Hey everyone!

It's the first New Music Friday of 2019!
Fridays aren't always the days on which the magic happens,
but they certainly are the days on which the magic gets released.

We're super excited to discover all the music which will be released this year.
Our hunch tells us that we're in for a real treat, so let's kick this first NMF of 2019 off, shall we?

We've got a stunning track to share with you.


- Release Of The Day -
"Better Than Today" by Rhys Lewis


Rhys Lewis is a singer/songwriter originally from Oxford (UK), now based in London (UK).

His sound is influenced by legends such as Carole King, Bill Withers and James Taylor.
Rhys' signature sound is a blend of Soul, Pop and Blues with hints of Rock and Folk here and there.
The diversity of his sounds, paired with his talent for story telling has led to millions of streams on his previously released singles & his debut EP.
 
Rhys shares his own experiences through his music, allowing his fans to find comfort and understanding in the lyrics while letting their worries melt away with the melodies. 

Within the past few years, Rhys has taken on the music world by storm and has toured with artists such as Freya Ridings, JP Cooper and James TW.

Besides that he sold out multiple headline shows in the UK & Europe and has performed on the British Music Embassy stage at SXSW 2018.


2019 is promising to be just as busy and has Rhys kick it off with the release of his new single, "Better Than Today". 


The track was his first experience working as a producer, alongside with Aidan Glover who co-wrote the song, Rhys has been working on this song in their studio in South London.

Rhys says about the track, "We've been living through some pretty turbulent times in recent years.
 I wrote this song to ease my anxiety about the state of the world and remind myself that, whatever our differences are, whatever we choose to believe in, we all live with the same good intentions common, and we're all hoping for a better tomorrow." 


"Better Than Today", in one word, is hopeful.

Despite the admitting of feeling quite scared and lost at times, the lyrics also talk about not giving up, not feeling alone.
It underlines the element of humanity and our basic emotional needs of wanting to be included, united.

The simplicity of the instrumental shows that this artist does not need a lot to craft a powerful and poignant piece of music.

With the piano being the only instrument accompanying Rhys' vocals, you really get to hear the depths his voice offers while he manages to transport the emotions directly to you.



Listen to "Better Than Today" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Better Than Today" -



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





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Daniela Alexander-Harris via Universal UK

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Release Of The Day: "Head Held High" by Kodaline

Hey guys!

There are artists and bands who just continuously release brilliant tracks.
You know the kind - those tracks that always seem relevant, let you feel understood and spark hope and excitement.

When I think of the list of musicians who fit that description, a lot come to mind - and one of them is Kodaline.

It's no secret that team HITS is always ready to hype up new releases the day they're out,
so today is no different.
We immediately fell in love with Kodaline's new track and we can't wait for you to hear it.

So let's check it out!


- Release Of The Day -

"Head Held High" by Kodaline


Kodaline are a four piece from Dublin, Ireland.

Their sound is ever-evolving, going with the times and discovering new dynamics all the time - but to genrefy it for you, we'd use the word Alternative.

Kodaline are:
Steve Garrigan
Mark Prendergast
Jason Boland
Vinny May 

2015 was a whirlwind for the band; they released their fantastic second record "Coming Up For Air", played tons of festivals, performed with Ed Sheeran and continued touring.

They then slowed down the touring side of things and started writing and recording new material.
Soon they released single "Brother" (and made everyone cry with it) and later on in 2017 they dropped their latest EP "I Wouldn't Be".

Since early 2018 the band has been sharing singles off of their upcoming album "Politics Of Living", which will be released on September 28th 2018.

So far the band has released:
EP: The Kodaline (2012)
EP: The High Hopes (2013)
LP: In A Perfect World (2013)
LP: Coming Up For Air (2015)

EP: I Wouldn't Be (2017)


And today we're get to listen another new track, "Head Held High".


The band recorded it on a rainy day in London - and we don't know how they did it considering the circumstances, but the song sounds like pure sunshine.

It doesn't take longer than 10 seconds for you to realise that the song is here to brighten your day and make you sing along. (Both goals will be achieved by the end of the track, you just wait!)

It's a song about the lows of life; granted not the lowest lows, but those moments that just frustrate you, bring you down and leave you feeling defeated. We all know those moments.
Sometimes "you wonder if you're gonna live or if you will survive at all" and sometimes we all love wallowing in self pity. It's human.

But there are those times in which we kind of want to pick ourselves up and get on with life.

And that's where Kodaline come into play - they've only gone and wrote a song to cheer us all up.
"Head Held High" is that ray of sunshine in mp3 format that we've all been looking for. Whether you are already in a good mood and just want to enjoy the upbeat track for what it is, or if you're actually feeling down and are looking for that one track to improve your mood, this song is the one.

The way the band has combined their signature sound with new elements shows that they go with the times while staying true to their sound.
When we think of Kodaline, we think of harmonies and songs that make us feel something. They've once again created exactly that, but added a few more elements to surprise us.


And well, we're holding our heads up high.


(Note unrelated to review: if you ever feel low, scared or confused - there is always someone to talk to. You can either reach out to your family, friends or to a help line - here's a list of international help lines for you to call.)


Listen to "Head Held High" right here:




- pre-order the album and download "Head Held High" instantly -



Kodaline online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Kodaline

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Release Of The Day: "Shed A Tear" by Kodaline

Hey guys!

And we're onto post number 4 - and judging by the state of my brain, we're gonna leave it here.

Of course there are still plenty more releases out on this fine New Music Friday, but we can't just cover them all in one day.
(Although the thought is tempting!)

It's been such a blast sharing all this new music with you in one day and we truly hope you've enjoyed it as much as we did.

We're finishing off with our release of the day - a track by Kodaline.

Ever since we've been introduced to the band about three years ago, we've been big fans of their sound and already had the pleasure of interviewing them twice.

And until this day, they are two of our favourite interviews we've filmed so far -
check them out here: Kodaline interview & "who is?" game | Kodaline interview & "accent challenge"

Now let's do this one more time!


- Release Of The Day -
"Shed A Tear" by Kodaline


Kodaline are a four piece band from Dublin, Ireland. 

Genre-wise they've walked on the fine line between alternative and folk but they seem to navigate towards a modern Alt-Pop sound.

Singer Steve and guitarist Mark have known each other from school. Meeting drummer Vinny and former bassist Conor a few years later led them to start out as a band. As "21 Demands" the quartet was part of the Irish talent show "You're A Star" and came in second. 

After a busy time and a chart hit, things slowed down.

With a new bassist and a new band name - Kodaline was born. Their first selftitled EP brought out their song "All I Want" which found a lot of positive feedback, especially online. Soon that song was played on the TV series Grey's Anatomie and The Vampire Diaries.
In 2013 the press re-discovered the band and predicted big times for the Irish lads.  

Kodaline are:

Steve Garrigan

Mark Prendergast

Jason Boland

Vinny May

 

2015 was a whirlwind for the band; they released their fantastic second record "Coming Up For Air", played tons of festivals, performed with Ed Sheeran and continued touring.

They then slowed down the touring side of things and started writing and recording new material.
Soon they released single "Brother" (and made everyone cry with it) and later on in 2017 they dropped their latest EP "I Wouldn't Be".

Earlier this year they shared "Follow Your Fire", the first single off of their upcoming record "Politics Of Life".

And today they've dropped "Shed A Tear" - so let's hear it!

The thing with Kodaline is, you never know exactly where they are going to take it, but you know that they'll nail it.
It's their thing. They just nail it.

And "Shed A Tear" is no exception.
It falls in the atmospheric and emotional category and let me just say this - the production of it is on another level.

The band has always convinced audiences with their lyrics (chances are high that you've cried to "All I Want" before) and also with their harmonies (just look up any of their acoustic performances) - and "Shed A Tear" combines both of those strong elements.

Mesmerizing lead vocals guide us through the track, while it feels like the percussions carry us through. With the support from guitar and bass, there's no way this track could go wrong.

To top it off, they've casually added choir vocals and now we're feeling all the feels.


Listen to "Shed A Tear" right here:




- buy "Shed A Tear" -



Kodaline online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Kodaline

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Release Of The Day: "Oh River" by Hannah Grace

Hey guys!

I think it's safe to say that the year is in full swing and we're surrounded by briliant releases,
whether they come in album, EP or single form.

It's pretty amazing to see just how many attention grabbing tracks one can find out there,
and it would honestly be a shame to not share them with as many people as possible.

If you know where to look, you'll find some of the most incredible tracks out there.
And in order to save your time, we like doing the work for you - always presenting you what we think you'll love.

And dear HITS readers - today you're in for a real treat - check it out!


- Release Of The Day -
"Oh River" by Hannah Grace


Hannah Grace is a singer/songwriter from South Wales.

Her variety in sounds is just as wide as the spectrum of influences that inspire the young musician.
Drawing inspiration from incredibly talented female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Florence Welsh, it's no surprise that Hannah's sound varies from Folk, to Soul, to Jazz with sprinkles of Pop and Rock.

Her tremendous talent soon caught Gabrielle Aplin's attention, whose label, 'Never Fade Records', Hannah is now signed to.

Over the years Hannah released her debut EP "Meant To Be Kind", toured with Gabrielle Aplin and supported Irish phenomenon Hozier, played countless festival sets and released her well received EP "Mustang" in 2016.

Her brand new single, "Oh River", is the first single off of Hannah's upcoming debut album and follow-up to her last release, "Praise You" - Hannah's version of Fatboy Slim's track, which was chosen for Lloyds Bank nationwide campaign, subsequently sold in excess of 50k copies and was played on BBC Radio 2.

"Oh River" is an attention-grabbing and breath-taking track.
It has a simple feeling to it, but wins you over with so much depth and detail - making it impossible to not fully commit to the song. 

The main elements, piano, strings and Hannah's powerful vocals, seem to melt together into one of the moving tracks we've heard in a while.
It's a song you'll most likely have on repeat, feeling the need to discover all the little details and layers. The songwriting, as well as the production allow you to sink into a dream world and give you the chance to go on a journey of emotions.

Hannah says about the track; "I wrote this song with a wonderful songwriter and friend Jessica Sharman and as soon as we wrote it, I knew it that it would be one of the defining tracks on my debut album.
My Dad always said to me growing up "Be with the ones you're with" and it is a phrase that has stayed with me ever since. "Oh River" is about appreaciating the world around you and living in the moment."


Listen to "Oh River" right here:




- buy or stream "Oh River" -




Hannah Grace online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Never Fade Records

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Release Of The Day: "Wish I Was Sober" by Rhys Lewis

Hey guys!

There are some artists, whose songs are always such fun to get to know.

Whenever we hear a new track, we try to get to know the song, before we even consider reviewing it. 

We want to understand its' characteristics, its' mood and the overall feeling that it captures.

Sometimes, that can be quite intense and time consuming.
It's a bit like meeting people, some are fun to learn more about - others aren't.

Rhys Lewis is one of those acts who puts out music, that we love getting to know.
It's like we win a new friend, everytime he releases something.

So let's befriend this brand new release.


- Release Of The Day -
"Wish I Was Sober" 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 has quickly created 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, Berlin and Isle Of Wight, 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.

His third single "I Know The Feeling" was written for a friend who was going through a tough time. The song and its music video adddress the importance of men's mental health.

Followed by "Be Your Man", a heartbreakingly beautiful ballad that won us all over with it's simplicity and straight-forward attitude.

Rhys has been busy releasing one fabulous track after the other, whilst touring and creating an even bigger buzz.
To catch one of his upcoming Europe and UK shows, make sure to click here for the dates.


Today he's here with a new track, so let's check it out!


"Wish I Was Sober" is one of those tracks, that you'll put on replay without even thinking about it.

It starts off with gripping clapping, which makes you want to get involved and clap along.
Soft choir backing vocals by London's House Gospel Choir appear throughout the song and add a lot of depth and soul.

The first verse starts of simple - clapping, choir and main vocals accompanied by inviting piano chords.
Soon the proper beat kicks in, turning the song into an up-beat track.

Rhys' vocals are as expressive and passionate as ever, showcasing his wide range and highlighting the energy of the song with raspier notes.

It seems, the first thing people notice about Rhys' music is his voice.
And we totally get why - it's refreshing, it's souly and warm.

But not mentioning his storytelling and writing skills would be an absolute crime.

The instrumentation runs so smoothly - and has clearly been crafted with thought and care - yet it's still edgy enough to be exciting and attention grabbing.

If such bangers come out every time Rhys isn't sober, the next round is on us!


Listen to "Wish I Was Sober" below:




- buy or stream "Wish I Was Sober" -



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



More of Rhys Lewis on house in the sand: Video Interview | Song Title Challenge






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Universal Music UK

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Release Of The Day: "Slave" by Puppet Rebellion

Hey guys!

It's Friday.
Which means it's the last work day for many.
But really it means that we receive a lot of new music.
New Music Friday is a thing.

Over here, at house in the sand, the hype levels are usually sky high on Fridays.
We love sharing brand new tracks with you,
so let's do what we do best.


- Release Of The Day -
"Slave" by Puppet Rebellion


Puppet Rebellion are an Alternative fieve piece from Manchester, UK.

Formed in 2013, the band has managed to build a loyal and excited online following, as well as a great live reputation in the North of England.
With support slots for band such as Catfish & The Bottlemen and Reverend and The Makers, the band's live performance has convinced critics from all over the place.

BBC Radio, Dermot O'Leary and BBC Introducing have all praised the band, but it doesn't really surprise those, who are familiar with Puppet Rebellions sound.

So far the band has released three EPs, "Chemical Friends", "No Means Yes" and "Life is in Your Hands".

Puppet Rebellion are:
Oliver Davies (vocals)
Craig Gibson (guitar)
Dave Wimbush (guitar)
James Halliwell (bass)
Henry Rogers (drums)

Today they're here to share their brand new single "Slave" with us.

"Slave" is catchy, in the coolest way possible.
It has "North of England" written all over it, showing off the cool and badass sounds in such casual manner.

Distinctive vocals, a straight forward rhythm section and controlling guitar elements somehow manage to create a sound that's carefree but not careless.

It's expressive and laid back at the same time.
It grabs your attention and takes good care of it, leaving you wanting more.


Watch the official video for "Slave" below:




Puppet Rebellion online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Puppet Rebellion

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Release Of The Day: "Feel It Again" by Hudson Taylor

Hey guys!

Fridays are busy days in the music business, as they are usually filled with new releases.

I remember, when I was younger, I'd always be the happiest on Fridays because I'd be going to the record shop to by new albums.

With the digital world being what it is, things have changed - now the records arrive at my doorstep or in my email inbox on Fridays.

But one thing remains the same - the excitement of hearing new music for the first time.
And I don't think that's ever going to go away, especially not when we get to share this excitement with you.

Picking a "Release Of The Day" can be quite tough, but we're pretty pleased with today's choice.
Check it out!


- Release Of The Day -
"Feel It Again" by Hudson Taylor


Hudson Taylor are a folk duo consisting of Alfie and Harry Hudson-Taylor from Dublin, Ireland.
 
Armed with a lot of passion and talent, the brothers started out busking on the streets of Dublin and started uploading videos on their YouTube channel which have racked up over 8 million views by now.

Over the years, the duo has recorded and released a lot of material and has honed their craft by continuing to busk and has toured lots of places.

Releases:
EP: Battles (2012)
EP: Cinematic Lifestyle (2012)
EP: Osea (2013)
EP: Battles II (2014)
Album: Singing For Strangers (2015)

And today, on this mighty fine Friday, Hudson Taylor are here with their brand new song, "Feel It Again".

If we had to sum up the song in one word - we'd say "classy".

It's folk-y, it's catchy, it's relatable and captures a feeling, so many of us know all too well.

The acoustic guitar in the beginning greets you with open arms and gets you ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands in the chorus.
The chorus is key element of the song and allows the verses to fall into place with a lot of grace.
It's hopeful, encouraging and it's big!

Mid-way through the track, we're practically seeing all the Johnny Cash vibes collide with Hudson Taylor's signature sound.  
 
"Feel It Again" is an anthem, we're all going to sing sitting around the campfire - belting out the lyrics as loud as possible.


Watch the lyric video for "Feel It Again" below:




- buy or stream "Feel It Again" -



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





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Hudson Taylor

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Release Of The Day: "Breathe Out Breathe In" by Cecilia Ebba

Hey guys!

It's the first day of this Summer, that I'm actually cold.
It's a super rainy and windy August day over here and it genuinely feels like Autumn - and for some reason I'm super happy about it.
As soon as I got home, I made a little playlist of songs for a cozy afternoon - and that got me thinking.

Isn't it magical how we have music for different moods and also for the weather?
When it's warm and sunny, we tend to listen to upbeat tracks.

And on a rainy day like this, our playlists get a little bit darker.
Kind of like the clouds.

Today sees the release of a track that couldn't be any better for this weather.
Make sure to check it out - even if it's sunny where you live.


- Release Of The Day -

"Breathe Out Breathe In" by Cecilia Ebba


Cecilia Ebba is a singer/songwriter, orginally from Northern Sweden, but now based in London, UK.

Her sound mixes a lot of elements and has found her own Alternative Folk signature.
Cecilia started her solo project in her bedroom studio last year and released her debut single "Sweet Summer Wine" in June 2017.

And today she graces us with another track, and we're loving it!

"Breathe Out Breathe In" greets you with a charming, yet dark finger-picked acoustic guitar.
Soon Cecilia's hauntingly beautiful vocals breathe life into the song, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

The softly howling e-guitar soon joins the party and underlines the mystery in such complementary way.

Cleverly timed percussions and powerful drumbeats complete the puzzle of elements and reveal a stunning song for rainy days and dark nights.

It's the dark feeling of the song which soaks you in immediately and doesn't let go of your attention.

This one leaves us wanting more!
We can't wait to hear what's next from Cecilia!


Listen to "Breathe Out Breathe In" below:




- stream "Breathe Out Breathe In" -



Cecilia Ebba online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Cecilia Ebba

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Release Of The Day: "Bad Luck" by Adam Barnes

Hey guys!

There are artists, whose music just grabs you instantly.
It's so hypnotizing, you just can't help but listen to it with all your attention.

We find it pretty fascinating whenever we stumbled upon one of those musicians
- and of course we treasure it.

So, of course, when those acts release new music, we reserve seats in the front row to cheer for them on the day of the release.

Today the fantastic Adam Barnes has released his brand new single - and you're going to fall in love with it.


- Release Of The Day -
"Bad Luck" by Adam Barnes


Adam Barnes is a musician from Oxford, UK.
His sound classifies as Folk and soaks you in with the beauty of the honesty, which he expresses oh so gracefully.

Adam has been making music since 2010 and has released a great amount of music since.
Starting with his debut EP "Blisters" in 2012, followed by debut album "The Land, The See & Everything Lost Beneath" in 2014 and another EP, "One Day We'll Be Fine" in 2015.
All those stunning pieces of music have collected over 3 million streams on Spotify.

2017 sees the Adam's return with new music in the works, and we couldn't be more excited about his new single "Bad Luck".

"Bad Luck" welcomes you with a calm, yet very expressive e-guitar, being strummed ever so gently.  Adam's voice soon takes the lead and immediately proves to be the most powerful element of the song.

Paired with perfect harmonies, the vocals become the heart of the song and teach the listeners, why Adam Barnes needs to be on their list of favourite acts.

The beautiful usage of strings adds more depth to the song and supports the build-up towards the end, giving the song the big and powerful ending it truly deserves.


Listen to "Bad Luck" below:




- buy or stream "Bad Luck -




Adam Barnes online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Adam Barnes

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Release Of The Day: "Ghosts" by Josh Savage

Hey guys!

Within the past five years, we have been able to learn a lot about this wild thing they call "the music industry".
It's one of those industries you can love and hate at the very same time. 

You have to constantly evolve, be present at all times and you have to be mega passionate about what you're doing.
And whilst all of that keeps you busy enough already, this mad industry still throws enough sticks and stones your way.

So yeah, it's not easy to keep going all the time - but thankfully, there are those hard working musicians who deserve all the respect and support we can offer.

And today we want to celebrate one hard working artist who just released a new song.
Check it out!

- Release Of The Day -
"Ghosts" by Josh Savage

Josh Savage is a self-managed and independent musician, originally from Winchester, UK - now based in London.

His sound can be described as Indie-Folk with Acoustic elements in it. You'll often find beautiful string arrangements in his songs.
So far, Josh independently released three EPs; "Mountains in Hurricanes", "Spaces" and "Quatre Épines" - the last one showcasing Josh's French roots. 

In 2015, Josh played 79 shows with Sofar Sounds - all across America and Europe, in just 5 months. You can stream the documentary made on the road on Vimeo -> "Living Room Tour".

His previous single "Whisper In The Snow" ft. Alice Pearl was played on Dermot O'Leary's BBC Radio 2 show by Jo Whiley and has been streamed over 260.000 times on Spotify.
 
And on this lovely day, Josh is treating us with a new release - his single "Ghosts".

"Ghosts" takes you on a dramatic ride through emotions.
It greets you with expressive strings, which will walk you through the song.

The verses are kept rather simple, with their focus on the calm acoustic guitar and Josh's warm vocals - a fantastic pairing.
A moody build-up in the pre-chorus prepares you for the big outburst in the chorus; it's loud, it's passionate and it's dramatic - the strings couldn't have been placed better to intensify the atmosphere.

The personal and frustratingly relatable lyrics literally tie you to the song and make you feel emotions, you didn't even know you were feeling.

Leave it to Josh's clever use of subtle backing vocals to underline the dramaturgy of the song
.
"Ghosts" is yet another proof that Josh Savage keeps on taking things to another level.


Listen to "Ghosts" below:



And just because we know you just fell in love with the song,
here's an acoustic version we recorded last month: 




- buy "Ghosts" -
- stream "Ghosts" -



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





Thank you for your visit!

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

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Release Of The Day: "Brother" by Kodaline

Hey guys!

Single releases are probably some of the most exciting releases;
they are new material from your favourite bands,
they are tasters of their next albums,
they are beginnings of new chapters.

Today we get to share a song with you, that we know is going to touch you.
It actually made us cry, the first time we listened to it.

One of house in the sand's favourite bands is back with new music and we couldn't be more excited!
Check it out!


- Release Of The Day -
"Brother" by Kodaline

Kodaline are a four piece band from Dublin, Ireland. Genre-wise they walk on the fine line between alternative and folk-rock. 

Singer Steve and guitarist Mark have known each other from school. Meeting drummer Vinny and former bassist Conor a few years later led them to start out as a band. As "21 Demands" the quartet was part of the Irish talent show "You're A Star" and came in second. 

After a busy time and a chart hit, things slowed down.

With a new bassist and a new band name - Kodaline was born. Their first selftitled EP brought out their song "All I Want" which found a lot of positive feedback, especially online. Soon that song was played on the TV series Grey's Anatomie and The Vampire Diaries.
In 2013 the press re-discovered the band and predicted big times for the Irish lads.  

 

Kodaline are:

Steve Garrigan (lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar)

Mark Prendergast (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards)

Jason Boland (bass, backing vocals)

Vinny May (drums, percussion, backing vocals)

2015 was a whirlwind for the band; they released their fantastic record "Coming Up For Air", played tons of festivals, performed with Ed Sheeran and continued touring.

Late last year they slowed down the touring side of things and started writing and recording new material.

And today Kodaline are here with a new single!

"Brother" might be the most emotional song Kodaline have delivered so far.
I'm sure you've heard some of their old material, such as "High Hopes" and "All I Want" - and those songs have definitely touched our hearts - but "Brother" takes things to another level.

It's a tribute to brotherhood - whether that be the bond between siblings, or friends. 
The lyrics are personal, yet relatable and share intimate stories and emotions.

Sound wise, you can tell that Kodaline are going with the times and have adapted slightly more Pop based sound. However, they are staying true to their signature sounds - powerful percussions, energetic bass lines, gripping guitar riffs and stunning vocals - topped off with emotional piano pieces.

"Brother" highlights all of that - powerful instrumentations, big lead vocals and loud backing vocals.
You get to feel all the emotions through the music. The build-up of each element creates a hypnotizing atmosphere and completely soaks you in.

Paired with one of the most emotional music videos we have seen in a while, Kodaline have showed us once again that they're one of the finest bands around.
Keep an eye and an ear on them!


Check out the beautiful video for "Brother" below:




- buy "Brother" -
- stream "Brother" -




Kodaline online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Sony Music GER

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