Playlist: HITS magazine

To celebrate the release of our first print issues, here's a playlist featuring all artists involved.

HITS x Berlin

We hosted our very first live gig in Berlin - and this is what it looked like.

Cover The HITS

Our latest video series - covers performed by our favourite acts, exclusively for us.

Video Interview: Scenic Route To Alaska

Melting away in front of Stuttgart's castle, we had a chat about touring, band names, Toy Story and a lot more.

Find us on YouTube!

Visit us on the 'tubes for interviews, exclusive performances and outtakes.

Showing posts with label rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rock. Show all posts

Song Of The Day: "Jackboot Jump (live)" by Hozier

22nd November 2019 //

Hey everyone!

As bloggers it is expected of us to be quick when it comes to new releases.
We need to consume quickly in order to write quickly - and that's something you adapt to over the years and get quite good at.

We love the immediacy of writing and sharing, knowing that once we hit "publish", we can talk to music fans and get their reactions.
It's brilliant.

But sometimes we prefer having an extra day and night to sit with a piece of music, to really understand it.
We decided to do just that with Hozier's brand new single and it was definitely a good idea.


- Song Of The Day -
"Jackboot Jump (live)" by Hozier


After writing a tribute song for those artists who have used and still use their voices and don't shy away from writing protest songs. "Nina Cried Power" was Hozier's powerful return last year and perhaps it was the first nod to what was to come.

With his brand new single "Jackboot Jump", Hozier has gone and given an even bigger nod to traditional protest songs written by artists such as Pete Seeger and Woodie Guthrie. (Both artists are also named in "Nina Cried Power".)

The song is a live recording from his show in El Paso, Texas and only features the drums, played by Rory Doyle, the electric guitar and his vocals.
Although only using three elements for the song, it still sounds huge. The riff is as mindblowing as it is catchy, staying in your even when the song ends.
Power and depth are what the drums deliver so brilliantly and give the song the signature stomping sound we associate with Hozier.

While the majority of the song highlights injustice, political unrest and oppressive regimes (examples: Standing Rock, Moscow, Hong Kong), Hozier uses the last verse to show the hope he has in those who protest and use their voices to demand change: 
 
"All around the world
You'd think that things were looking rough
But the jackboot only jumps down
On people standing up
So you know good things are happening
When the jackboot needs to jump"



It's just a bloody great track, so we advice you to check out the video below.



Watch Hozier's performance of "Jackboot Jump (live)" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Jackboot Jump (live)" here -



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





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words & Image: Vanessa Jetwash

Gig Photos: Angels & Airwaves at The Belasco, Los Angeles (October 2019)

4th November 2019 //


Hey everyone!

Although we haven't had the busiest of gig seasons so far,
we've been able to cover some pretty fantastic artists all over the place.

It's a real joy being in the photo pit, especially when knowing that there are some wonderful people out there who come to visit house in the sand for those gig photos.

Today you'll get to enjoy some brilliant shots our Los Angeles based photographer Melissa captured for you.

Please make sure to support Melissa's work online:

website | twitter | facebook | instagram


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Date: 1st October 2019
Venue: The Belasco, Los Angeles, CA (US)

Support: The New Regime


The New Regime is Ilan Rubin's solo project.

The musician from San Diego, CA (US) has been writing, recording, releasing and touring since 2007 and his Alternative tracks have allowed him to build an excited fanbase.

Ilan usually plays and sings every part of the work he puts out and has released a big amount of tracks. Although the multi-instrumentalist is busy playing with Nine Inch Nails and Angels & Airwaves.

Somehow he has still managed to make time for his own project and has supported bands such as Muse, The Killers, Alice In Chains and more.
His latest record "Heart Mind Body & Soul" will be released in four parts between the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. The first installation, "Heart", is already out.


Watch the music video for "A Way To Feel Again" right here:




The New Regime online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

























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Headliner: Angels & Airwaves


Angels & Airwaves are an Alternative Rock band from San Diego, CA (US).

Founded by Tom DeLonge in 2005 after he parted ways with blink-182.
Angels & Airwaves allowed him to discover a new dynamic, musically and lyrically.

Angels & Airwaves are:
Tom DeLonge
David Kennedy
Ilan Rubin

Being able to rediscover and where he wanted to take the sound, Tom took inspiration from bands such as U2, Box Car Racer (in which he and David both played), Coldplay and more.

The band has released multiple EPs and LPs, the lastest being "The Dream Walker" which was released in 2014.


Watch the music video for "Rebel Girl" right here:




Angels & Airwaves online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram







































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Have you seen The New Regime or Angels and Airwaves live before?






Thank you for your visit!









&






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

EP Premiere: "Never Grow Up" by Miss Demeanor & the Mean Beans



Hey everyone!

Happy New Music Friday!
It's release day all over the world and we love this energy of hearing new songs everywhere.

We're thrilled that you're spending this Friday with us and have got a cheeky little premiere for you.

Instead of just celebrating one track, we've gone and got you an entire EP to listen to.
So, please lean back, relax and discover some brand new tracks with us.


- EP Premiere -
"Never Grow Up" by Miss Demeanor & the Mean Beans


Miss Demanor & the Mean Beans are a three piece hailing in from Bloomington, Indiana (US).

With a self-titled EP & the "Live from Skootsville" EP out,
the trio has already been described as "Indiana's spunkiest punk group".

Miss Demeanor & the Mean Beans are:
Jessie Brewer (vocals, bass)
Evelyn Sanders (guitar)
Rachel Leonard (drums)

And today the band is here to drop their brand new EP, "Never Grow Up".

If you ask us, the EP is a brilliant soundtrack for those days on which you just want to lounge around at your place, watch movies, stuff your face with food and stay in your pajamas all day.

The smooth and steady drums hang out with you throughout the entire EP,
they're like the reliable friend in the group and holds it all together.

This allows the punky guitars and energetic basslines to take over and mix things up every now and then.
It's clear that Miss Demeanor & the Mean Beans are here for business with their unique sound and have created a world of their own.

Are you ready to join it?



Listen to the "Never Grow Up" before everyone else right here:




Miss Demeanor & the Mean Beans online: Bandcamp | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!
















Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via 1212 Records

Gig Photos: Kodaline at LKA Longhorn, Stuttgart (October 2018)




Hey guys!

I didn't know how much I missed being in the photo pit until I was back in one.
The summer has been a bit too quiet, so last week was the kick off moment for another busy season.

To me, working at a show is one of the most special feelings.
I adore the atmosphere, the magic the crowds and bands just bring along and the unison in which the crew works.

As photographers we get to indirectly join the crew for the night and capture the moments the audience came to the show for.

So yeah, I'm the happiest when I'm jumping around in the photo pit.

Especially when I get to photograph bands like Kodaline, so I'm super excited to share my photos with you.


In case you feel like supporting my photography, come and say hi:

website | twitter | facebook | instagram


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Date: 29th October 2018
Venue: LKA Longhorn, Stuttgart (GER)

Support Act #1: JC Stewart


JC Stewart took the stage only equipped with his acoustic guitar,
and Stuttgart soon found out that that was enough for the young musician to wow us.

With a voice so clear and soulful, lyrics so relatable and honest and melodies so catchy, yet unique, JC Stewart quickly won over the crowd.
Fully relying on vocals and guitar alone, the atmosphere was calm and fully focused on the intensity of his music.

The simplicity of his set was so enjoyable and so hypnotizing, asking for full attention and treating it with a lot of care.

A word of wisdom: keep an eye on this dude, you're not going to regret adding his music to your playlist.





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











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Support Act #2: Wild Youth

Wild Youth fulfilled all the expectations their band name had given us.
Their set was a whirlwind and made everyone dance the best they could, leaving Stuttgart more than ready to party.

Catchy riffs, roaring drum beats, groovy keys and addictive basslines paired with expressive vocals are what you get from Wild Youth.

Oh, and a lot of dancing.

It was clear that each member was itching to dance, of course for the instrumetalist that turned out to be a lot more difficult. But for the singer, there was no stopping.

Their super energetic performance was not only a joy to watch, but also well received by Kodaline's crowd which was such a welcoming crowd.





Wild Youth online: Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram




































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Headliner: Kodaline


And Kodaline? Well, they were Kodaline.

A brilliant band that just has this connection to with audience.
Right from the first note, Stuttgart sang along - it was actually such a thrilling atmosphere to be in the photo pit between the band and their fans - no matter which way you turned, you saw happy faces that were there for the beauty of music.

What is remarkable when it comes to the band, is how insanely brilliant their harmonies are.
Not every band can belt out a tune without instruments, but Kodaline can.
They proved it with their stunning performance of "I Wouldn't Be" which heavily focuses on their harmonies.

But not only their voices blend together so well, it's also the chemistry the band has on stage.
It doesn't take long to figure out that they all know exactly what they and each other are doing.
Watching a band in which every member is just as appreciated is pure magic.

What also classifies as pure magic is the way the crowd sang along to every song and showed their support and respect which the band so very clearly deserves.

Setlist:
Follow Your Fire
Brand New Day
Ready
Honest
Brother
Shed A Tear
Head Held High
The One
Angel
I Wouldn't Be
Love Like This
One Day
Born Again
Raging
Love Will Set You Free
All I Want
High Hopes





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







































































We hope you enjoyed our little summary of the evening.

In case you haven't seen our latest video with Kodaline, you can check it out here.







Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jetwash