Song Of The Day: "Simmer" by Hayley Williams

23rd January 2020 //

Hey everyone!

Is it too early to say that 2020 is shaping up to be a brilliant year for music?
It might be, but we'll say it nonetheless.

There's something about that early in the year uncertainty that can feel exciting and refreshing.
We might not know everything the year has in store for us,
but we can say that what we already got is sounding fantastic.

Let's let the new release wind capture us with today's SOTD!

- Song Of The Day -
"Simmer" by Hayley Williams 

So, we assume you know Hayley Williams, founding member and lead singer + lyricist of Paramore, the band from Tennessee that has released hit singles such as "Misery Business", "Ignorance", "Ain't It Fun" and "Hard Times".

The band's latest LP, "After Laughter" saw the band discovering new sounds and blending happy 80s synths with honest and raw lyrics, creating an album era that will be remembered for a long time.

After finishing the After Laughter tour in 2018, things became quiet. The band took time to just be at home and not tour.

Since then Hayley co-founded "Good Dye Young", a haircare and colour company and has been finding new lanes to explore.
 She explains that she needed to write in order to work through things in her life and in the process,  the album, "Petals For Armor", came to life and will be released on May 8th.

"Simmer" marks the beginning of an adventure that will take Hayley on the road. Produced by Paramore band mate and life long friend Taylor York, it's clear that there's no bad blood.

Hayley says about the upcoming record: "I'm so ready and so incredibly humbled to get to share this project. Making it was a scary, empowering experience. Some of my proudest moments as a lyricist happened while writing "Petals For Armor". 
And I was able to get my hands a little dirtier than usual when it came to insturumentation. 
I'm in a band with my favorite musicians so I never really feel the need to step into a role as a player when it comes to Paramore records. This project, however, benefited from a little bit of musical naiveté and rawness and so I experimented quite a bit more."

"Simmer" welcomes you with a haunting synth, a dramatic breathing sound that almost sounds like a beat before it then kicks into a dark and steady rhythm. A heavy bassline guides you through the track, the guitars drive the song while the beat stays steady throughout.

Hayley's vocals fit and control the vibe beautifully. Switching from delicate notes to deep ones, her range shines brighter than before- in a very dark and hauting way though. Think "headlights in a forest" kind of shine.

Some of the most memorable and powerful lyrics would be: "If I had seen my reflection as something more precious, he would've never. If my child needed protection from a fucker like that man, I'd soon gut him, 'cause nothing cuts like a mother."


Watch the music video for "Simmer" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Simmer" here -



Hayley Williams online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Lindsey Byrnes

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Wherever You Are" by Kodaline

10th January 2020 //

Hey everyone!

Kodaline are starting the year off right.
Ten days into 2020 Kodaline fans are blessed with a new track after the band has been hinting at releasing new music through their last few posts on social media.

The four musicians from Ireland had a busy couple of years.
Whenever they aren't writing and recording music, they are out there touring the world.
(Or filming interviews with us... #1, #2, #3.)

2019 has seen them touring a lot and some more, playing songs off of their latest album, "Politics of Living". Steve, Mark, Jay & Vinny seemingly have found a brilliant rhythm of releasing EPs and albums in between their extensive tours.


- Song Of The Day -
"Wherever You Are" by Kodaline


Steve says about the song: "'Wherever You Are' is a song about loved ones staying in your heart and mind even when they're not with you. I wrote it specifically for my girlfriend as due to being away on tour all the time we never really got to see each other."

The song is a hopeful one, it's comforting right from the first note on.
With heartfelt lyrics and an uplifting melody, Kodaline have once again managed to stay true to the elements their fans love while also evolving and going the direction that feels most natural to them.

We get harmonies, we get acoustic guitar, we get a rhythm section that drives the song and we get a damn beautiful message. The way the song is structured allows you to go on a journey with the band; going from calm and soft to upbeat and powerful, you experience every detail fully.


Listen to "Wherever You Are" right here:





- buy and/or stream "Wherever You Are" here -



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






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Kodaline

Read More

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

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Be Your Man" by Rhys Lewis

31st October 2019 //

Hey everyone!

There are some artists that just constantly are on our radar and whenever they release new material, we get super hyped and can't wait to become familiar with the new sounds.

Rhys Lewis is one of those artists for us.

We've been hyped since he released his debut single, "Waking Up Without You" back in 2016 and neither our hype nor his streak of quality releases have ended since.

So buckle up and let's dive into our current favourite track.


- Song Of The Day -
"Be Your Man" 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 over 200 million streams on his previously released singles & EPs.
 
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, James TW and most recently Julia Michaels.


You can catch Rhys on his biggest UK headline tour this winter:

2019:
20th Noveber: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
21st November: Deaf Institute, Manchester
22nd November: Thekla, Bristol
23rd November: O2 Institute3, Birmingham
25th November: EartH, London
26th November: Komedia, Brighton
28th November: O2 Academy2, Oxford
30th November: King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
1st December: Button Factory, Dublin

2020:
10th January: Roisin Dubh, Galway
11th January: Glassworks, Derry

- click here for tickets -


"Be Your Man" has previously been released as an acoustic arrangement, letting you really understand the lyrics which tell a story of feeling like you're not enough, like the person you're with is constantly comparing you to their ex.

Now, with a fuller and darker sound, the song reveals another layer of emotions.
With this kind of setting, you realise how being compared to someone else in a relationship doesn't just bring a lot of pain with it, it also causes a lot of frustration and anger.

The foot stomping beat, the energetic piano - and of course - Rhys' vocals express the cycle of thoughts and feelings one goes through in that kind of situation so perfectly.


Listen to "Be Your Man" right here:




- buy "Be Your Man" -
- stream "Be Your Man" -



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






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Rhys Lewis via Decca Records

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Dream, Girl" by Little Hours

Hey everyone!

We don't have too many rules over here at house in the sand,

however one - and we really focus on this one - is to always go and see the support act at a gig.

Whether we are at a show to photograph and review it or attend gigs in our free time, 

we always try to watch the support acts.

We've quickly learned that if you show up early, you might just find your next favourite artist - and if that isn't motivation enough to go, we don't know what is.

Showing up early to a Hudson Taylor gig last year was exactly how we got to meet Little Hours in Manchester. We were wow'ed from the first note on and eagerly kept waiting for new releases.

So naturally we wanted to chat about Little Hours's latest single.

- Song Of The Day -
"Dream, Girl" by Little Hours


Behind Little Hours you will find John Doherty, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Donegal, Ireland.

John tends to focus on acoustic guitar and piano instrumentations paired with his warm and hypnotising voice, but doesn't shy away from surprising his listeners with additional elements here and there.

His indie-pop sound has allowed him to find a loyal and appreciative fan base.
One of the first songs Little Hours released, "It's Still Love", was nominated for a Choice Music Prize and has gotten significant Irish airplay.

Between playing sold-out headline shows, appearing at Electric Picnic and playing support slots for James Bay, Tom Baxter and Hudson Taylor, Little Hours kept on releasing well crafted tracks and EPs over the years.


Litte Hours latest release, "Dream, Girl", is definitely one to talk about.


For this track John chose to make the piano the leading element of the song. The main chords follow you through the piece, allowing you to immediately find a familiar element.

Once the percussions kick in, "Dream, Girl" conveys more depth and grip, also adding another constant to the track, keeping the same steady pace throughout the song.

John's warm and powerful vocals showcase his wide range and guide you through the track with so much confidence and ease.
The layered backing vocals support and higlight the lyrics while the string arrangement shows Little Hours's dedication to details.

If this song is your introduction to Little Hours, just know that you're in for a treat.


Watch the music video for "Dream, Girl" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Dream, Girl" here -



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






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Little Hours via Facebook

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Citizen Of The World" by Josh Savage

Hey everyone!

Music deals with so many emotions.
It reflects our deepest and most unique stories, it documents our feelings and sometimes it presents history.

When music is influenced by politics, not only does it connect like-minded people, it also vocalises what can be difficult to express.

We are thrilled to see more and more artists use their voices to share their opinions, whether that's on stage, on social media or through their music.

Today's SOTD is one of those songs that makes you think and stays with you for a while, so enjoy it.


- Song Of The Day -
"Citizen Of The World" by Josh Savage


Josh Savage is a singer/songwriter originally from Winchester, UK and is currently based in Berlin, Germany.

His sound is so versatile that you just need to file it under Alternative.
So far Josh has independently relesed two EPs; "Spaces" (2014) and "Quatre Épines" (2015), the latter 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 right here.
Over the years Josh supported artists such as Jack Savoretti, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Razorlight and more.

His singles, "Whisper In The Snow" ft. Alice Pearl and "Ghosts" have racked up hundreds of thousands streams.
He followed up that success with "Blue Luck", a gripping and powerful song which introduced his fans to his eletronic side.


And now he's here with "Citizen Of The World", a ballad which will most likely make you think and reflect.


Although the song has been kept very simple and only features Josh's voice and the piano,
the lyrics dive deeper into the emotions a lot of feel towards today's politics and movements.
The way his warm voice delivers the honest and powerful lyrics really allows you to settle into the song, to feel the emotions, to think the thoughts that led him to writing the track.


Josh told us that he wrote the song after the result of the EU referendum: "I've had the fortune of playing my music around the world and met the most wonderful people on my journey. The song is about their "kindness without borders" which rekindles my faith in humanity and gives me hope."


No matter what style or emotion Josh goes for, he always manages to send a message which allows his listeners to feel understood and represented.


Listen to "Citizen Of The World" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Citizen Of The World" -



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





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Josh Savage

Read More

Song Of The Day: "With You" by Hannah Grace

Hey everyone!

Should we just take a moment to appreciate the amount of brilliant releases 2019 has already seen?

I mean, come on - it hasn't even been a month and yet here we are,
constantly adding new music to our playlist.

Our fellow music blogger friends are sharing one fantastic piece after the other and it's safe to say that 2019 is off to a great start.

So let's continue listening to what January has to offer.


- Song Of The Day -
"With You" 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.

Later on Hannah released "Praise You" - her 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.

Her previous single "Oh River" did not only leave us speechless, but also saw Dermot O'Leary and his team sharing the track on his Radio 2 show, allowing even more listeners to discover Hannah's talent.

Even Lady Gaga shared Hannah's cover of her song "Million Reasons", calling Hannah a superstar.


And now she's ready to wow us all over again.


"With You" doesn't waste a second.
Right from the first chord on, the song grabs your attention and lets you travel through the verses which are led by Hannah's stunning voice.

It's a soulful journey we get to go on as we follow the track,
it's a song full of empathy, support and comfort.
The lyrics talk a good friend through a tough time and really highlight the importance of having great friends around you.

Hannah's soulful voice makes every track she releases and absolute joy to listen to and "With You" is no exception. The control she has over her voice and the belts that she's able to present so easily are enough to give you goosebumps right away.


Listen to "With You" right here:




- buy and/or stream "With You" -



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






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Wilful Publicity

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Almost (Sweet Music)" by Hozier

Hey everyone!

I often think that a lot of you might roll their eyes when I start rambling about how music is pretty magical.
I mean, to be fair, I think it sounds cheesy, too.

But hear me out.
To me, magic is something that is powerful in subtle ways,
something that can affect you without trying too hard.

And let's be real - music does exactly that.

So, to me, music is magic and I was reminded of that today, when I listened to Hozier's new single.
It didn't take more than the first chord to get me super excited to get to know the track and as soon as the percussions kicked in, magic unfolded.

And so, we need to talk about the track.


- Song Of The Day -
"Almost (Sweet Music)" by Hozier


Besides releasing a brand new track today, Hozier has also just announced the release date for this second album, "Wasteland, Baby!". The new record will be out on March 1st.
You can pre-order it right here.

With "Almost (Sweet Music"), Hozier shares another taster of what is yet to come.
2018 saw the return of the soul powerhouse with lyrics to drool over, as he released his "Nina Cried Power" EP showcasing four songs, the title track featuring the legendary Mavis Staples.

Once music fans all over the world had digested the new EP, he quickly followed up with "Movement", arguably one of his best songs to date.


And now we get to hear yet another new track of the upcoming album.


"Almost (Sweet Music)" holds all the key elements a Hozier fan would want it to hold, but at the same time sounds extremely refreshing and slightly surprising.

Right from the first chord on, you get the feeling that you're about to listen to a very lively song.
Unlike "Movement", this track has a light feeling to it.
Whilst the previous single wowed us with elegance and mystery, this fine track is convincing us with a melody and rhythm so brilliant, was it a photograph you'd wanna frame it.

The combination of the instruments creates a, dare I say reggae-esque, atmosphere.
With a voice like Hozier's, an artist could get away with lazy songwriting - but that's one thing you'll search for without success when it comes to Hozier's writing.

Not only do his lyrics fall under the category of poetry, his instrumentals are crafted so carefully, allowing every element to play an important role.
With "Almost (Sweet Music)" we get a lot of the classic Hozier; the percussions, the clapping.
Yet something about the track sounds new - and we cannot wait to hear more of it on the album.


Listen to "Almost (Sweet Music)" right here:


- stream "Almost (Sweet Music)" -



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






Thank you for your visit!

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

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Morning" by Alx Green

Hey guys!

I don't know if you've noticed, but HITS has been on a bit of a hold.
A lot of freelance work came up - and I don't want to complain about that, ever.

But it meant that I didn't have enough time to sit down and write posts.
Well, I could've written posts, but none of you would've enjoyed the nonsense that would've come out of my brain after a long day, trust me.

But - it's Monday and everything is back on beast mode - so let's enjoy another week of new music together.
We're starting with a track we are super sure you'll love.


- Song Of The Day -
"Morning" by Alx Green

Alx Green is a singer/songwriter from Chester, UK.
His sound combines modern Folk with classic Blues elements.

He released multiple demo EPs before recording and releasing his first studio EP, "My Way Home", in 2016, and then releasing follow-up EP "For Today" in March 2018.

Touring Europe constantly releasing music got him the attention and support from BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Merseyside and many more.

After dropping everything to fully focus on his music, Alx started to make himself a name, touring over 22 cities on one tour and shaping his craft.

"Morning" is Alx's first stand alone single released via his own record label.
It was recorded at Edge Recording Studios in Cheshire, a studio in which acts such as The Script, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Lana Del Rel and many more have recorded before.

It's described as a song "with a modern take on classic singer/songwriter music, drawing influneces from alternative blues, jazz and pop".

And "Morning" is exactly that - a modern track with very clear and classic influences.
It presents itself in a calming and thoughtful manner, kind of how you'd imagine a beautiful morning.

The organ, which is making up the base of the track, might take you by surprise, right before it takes you on a journey. It guides you through the song whilst the percussions take over your subconsciousness, leaving you tapping your foot without even realising.

Alx's voice however never loses control over where the song is headed and does it seemingly effortlessly. The vocals and instruments collide in the most beautiful and powerful way, allowing every element to shine the way it deserves to.

It's a song that could easily accompany your mornings - and not because of the title, but because of the atmosphere it creates.


Listen to "Morning" right here:




- buy "Morning" -
- stream "Morning" -



Alx Green online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Alx Green

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Sucker Punch" by Sigrid

Hey guys!

Happy Wednesday!
If you're anything like me, you need an upbeat track to get through the day.

I don't know why, but sometimes Wednesdays just feel very monotonous to me.
But thankfully our email inbox always has my back - and in return I have your back.
Isn't that great?

Today I invite you to have a little dance party with me as we all make it through the day.

Our track of choice?
Let me tell you!


- Song Of The Day -
"Sucker Punch" 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 this year 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.
Next month she is set to play her biggest headline show to date at the O2 Brixton Academy before supporting George Ezra on his arena tour next year.


And now she's here with "Sucker Punch", an upbeat track which is going to brighten your day in no time.


The track deals with feelings of uncertainty and hesitation, but it does just that in the catchiest and most grooveable manner.
There's something about the instrumentals that gets you in the mood to dance, the way the song slowly builds up towards the chorus is intriguing and keeps you waiting.

Waiting for the chorus which, honestly, will stay in your head for the next few days.
Sigrid has a talent for crafting pop melodies you can't and won't forget - and the way she delivers them with a voice so confident, so charming.

Please put on your dancing shoes and join our "Sucker Punch on repeat" party. 
 


Listen to "Sucker Punch" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Sucker Punch" here -



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






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Sigrid via No Big Deal PR

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Blue Light" by SUN SILVA

Hey guys!

Okay, sometimes the universe scares me a little bit.

Now, I'm not exactly the biggest football person ever (not even close!), and before the recent World Cup I didn't know anything or any players. But - your gal is always here to learn new stuff, so I've been watching a few matches here and there.

(Maybe that's because some players are very nice to look at. I'm sorry. I said. I probably just set feminism back a few years. Throw stones at me, I deserve it.)

But today I was just going through my emails to find a track that has made it onto the FIFA 19 soundtrack - and this coincidence is confusing to me, but it's also brilliant.

I truly don't know whether this means the music industry is spying on me to send me relevant emails, or if I've manifested strange things - but here we are.
And I'm not complaining.

How could I if the music is this good?


- Song Of The Day -
"Blue Light" by SUN SILVA


SUN SILVA are a quartet from London, UK.

Before ever releasing any music, SUN SILVA have already built themselves as strong and loyal fan base in London's live scene.
And things are going well for them - only last week they've played a sold out headline show at The Lexington and this week they'll be supporting Jungle at their album launch show in London.

As mentioned above, their debut single "Blue Light" is on the FIFA 19 soundtrack - so yeah, the four piece from London is doing well.


We're glad we get to jump on the bandwagon before it's too crowded, so join is for a wild ride and let's listen to their debut single, "Blue Light".


"Blue Light" is the kind of track you'll subsconciously put on replay for hours.
While a lot of songs would make you lose your mind if played on an endless loop, "Blue Light" is different.

It has a calming, yet still lively feeling to it, making it the perfect song to relax to.
The mellow electric guitar kindly guides you through the song and is accompanied by groovy percussions and a slightly funky bassline.

With soft and smooth lead vocals and subtle backing vocals, the band has created a perfect balance.
"Blue Light" slowly builds up towards the last third of the song, only to fade out as beautifully as it started, proving the band's ability to write and arrange brilliant songs.


Listen to "Blue Light" right here:




- buy "Blue Light" -




SUN SILVA online: Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: SUN SILVA

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Summer Sound" by ROMES

Hey guys!

So, over here we've already had the hottest day of the year and I can honestly say that I'm not excited about such record.

I don't know about you guys, but it's making me want to sit in ice water all day.
But since that is pretty unrealistic, I've decided to take a different approach to the day - I'll try to be optimistic and enjoy the sunshine.

Luckily my inbox always seems to have my back and today it provided the perfect track for those overly sunny days.

So, let's forget about the sweat and let's just dance in the sun.
(Please hydrate though, babies.)


- Song Of The Day -

"Summer Sound" by ROMES


ROMES are a Canadian-Irish four piece based in Toronto, Canada.
Their sound sits somewhere on the lines of Pop and Alternative and always wins you over with its depth.

ROMES are:
Jacob Alexander (vocals)
Nicolas Amadeus (drums)
Andrew Keyes (bass)
James Tebbitt (guitar)

"Summer Sound" is the band's latest single off of their 2017 released self-titled album.

After releasing said album, the band has been busy touring with Mutemath (we caught their NYC show and it was brilliant) and they've kept on growing their loyal fanbase.

Their previous singles "Tryna Be",  "Believe" and "Spend The Night" have all been more than well received and their latest, "Summer Sound", now has the support from 130 stations in Britain which play it regularly.


And once you listen to "Summer Sound", you will know why.


The track is as lively, bouncy and catchy as it could possibly be.
It's practically impossible to sit still and/or have a bad mood when this song is one - it's got this electrifying and carefree vibe to it, which most likely is going to make you dance.

The usage of fun background chants gives the song such a summer-y feeling. Said feeling is supported by the beats and riffs and is carried by the expressive lead vocals.


So, ladies and gentlemen - instead of reading what we have to say, let's just dance to the track, yeah?
3, 2, 1 - go!



Watch the lyric video for "Summer Sound" right here and feel free to sing along:




- buy or stream "Summer Sound" here -



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





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: ROMES via Wilful Publicity

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Black Hole" by JØUR

Hey guys!

Happy Monday!
Are you enjoying the week?

I read the news this morning, and besides all the absolute madness all over the planet, it also said that we're expecting a heatwave over here this week.
I am not too thrilled about that - but I'm prepared and have decided to dedicate this week to sitting at the desk, typing away.

It defintely sounds more inviting than all-day outdoor shoots.

So, prepare yourselves for hot (literally) updates this week.
Let's see what I'll get done in this heat.

We're warming up (literally) with an extremely cool (not literally, but cool as in hip) track,
which I'm super excited about.

- Song Of The Day -

"Black Hole" by JØUR


JØUR is a singer/songwriter from Minnesota, US.

We usually read the artists' bios and then sum them up to give you the quick run-down in our own words.

But this time we would love for you to read JØUR's official bio:
 
"JØUR is contrast. head vs heart. light vs dark. clear vs obscure. minimalism vs complexity. analog vs electronic. 
All of these elements, often pitted against each other, find themselves simultaneously alive and true in a beautiful paradox on JØUR’s newest releases. In the space between loud and quiet, power and serenity, JØUR dances boldly yet delicately. Her deeply contemplative lyrics are framed in accessible alt-pop sensibilities and beats.
 Songs which ask the questions of life’s purpose or express doubts about the future are yet winsome and inviting as JØUR’s vocals flit between angelic delicacy and explosive power. Pairing electronic minimalism with elegant musical composition, JØUR achieves what is both timeless and relevant."

Now why did we let you read this?
Because it's exactly what we would've written, but it's worded a lot better. 

Listening to one of JØUR's tracks is enough to fall in love with her sound;
it's exciting and it allows you to discover more.

Her latest single "Black Hole" is a statement track which we all need on our playlists.

JØUR's vocals are the one element that stays on the same level of attention-grabbing from start to finish.
While the cleverly arranged instrumental ebbs and flows, giving the track space when it's needed, the vocals draw you in with every note.

JØUR's voice gently tells the story of being in a toxic relationship in the verses, while in the chorus the catchy and relatable words almost act like a reminder to ourselves - all delivered with a soaring and controlling voice. 

To sum this up real quick for you; this track is gold and you need to hear it.


Listen to "Black Hole" right here:




- stream the song here -



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





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: JØUR | *quote taken from JØUR's website*

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Innocence" by Riley

Hey guys!

Do you know those kinds of songs which just soak you in with their presence and the way they are presented?
I'm sure you know them.

And I know them - yet whenever I stumbled upon a track like that, it just blows my mind.
I love how music can take over our emotions and I think we need to celebrate those songs as much as possible.

So that's exactly what we will be doing today - are you ready?


- Song Of The Day -
"Innocence" by Riley


Riley is a singer/songwriter from California, US.

She writes about topics that matter to her, allowing her music to be honest and almost autobiographical.

Riley says about the song; "When I was younger, I suffered abuse by the hands of an older man. Being able to sing out my confusion and frustation made me confront some upsetting truths about my past. "Innocence" is about seeing these issues face-to-face and a way to heal from them."

And she did that in the most powerful way.


"Innocence" is a big track.
It's powerful and it's empowering.

Although it starts off calmly with just Riley's voice and an acoustic guitar, the song soon develops a more dramatic vibe and soaks you in with all it's power.
The acoustic guitar stays present throughout the entire song and guides you through the track, while Riley's extremely powerful vocals take the lead.

You see, we have used the word 'power' multiple times here, but there just is no other word that would describe the song well enough.

Riley reclaims her power and it shines through the track with so much strength.
The layered backing vocals give the song an anthem like vibe which it suits so well.

To not ramble on about the power of the song or another half hour or so, we're just going to leave you with the track.
We think you'll love it!


Listen to "Innocence" right here:




Riley online: Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | Spotify





Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via I Can't Wait For Summer

Read More

Song Of The Day: "If You Wanna Love Somebody" by Tom Odell

Hey guys!

Alright, post number two of the busiest New Music Friday we've had in a while.

Not sure what happened, but pretty much every brilliant artist and their grandmas are throwing new music at us today and we're just gonna roll with it.

When Tom Odell's new track popped up on our screen, we immediately started writing this feature.
Tom's music has been on our playlist for about five years now.
(Remember when "Another Love" was released and we all lost our minds over his voice?)

So, let's get to know the new song!

- Song Of The Day -
"If You Wanna Love Somebody" by Tom Odell


Tom Odell is a singer/songwriter/piano man originally from Chichester, UK, now based in London.
His sound plays with elements of Rock, Pop and slight bits of Soul. 

The young musician started playing the piano at an early age, then began writing and performing himself.
It was singer Lily Allen who signed Tom to her label and soon the world had the pleasure of watching the talented piano man play his way to the top.

Being the winner of the Brits Critic's Choice in 2013 set the tone for a successful debut album release.
Tom's "Long Way Down" built him a loyal and non-stop growing fanbase all over the world.

After two years of writing and recording, he released his second album "Wrong Crowd" in June 2016.


And now, after touring the world and taking a little break, Tom is back with his brand new single "If You Wanna Love Somebody".


The song greets you with a piano intro that could remind fans of his older material, the "Long Way Down" vibes are pretty prominent and stay throughout the song.
The "Wrong Crowd" vibes meet you in the second verse and allow the song to become a more modern track while still having a very timeless feeling to it.

Tom's voice newer disappoints and is as expressive as ever. The warmth in his voice delivers the notes with such conviction and honesty.

One of many highlights of the song are the backing vocals; the choir/multi-layered vocals fit right into the mood of the song and carry the depth perfectly.


It's so much fun to see that no matter how much he evolves as an artist and performer, he's always staying true to the piano man roots.


Check out the music video right here:




- buy or stream "If You Wanna Love Somebody" -

Tom Odell online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Tom Odell

Read More

Song Of The Day: "The Ballad Of Anne Beverley" by Charlie Hole

Hey guys!

Some musicians just seem to release one fine track after the other.

I'm pretty sure you know the kind and also know of a bunch of musicians who fit that description.
This website is pretty much filled with them, just in case you're ever looking for your new favourite acts.

Charlie Hole is one of them - not only is he on the road pretty much all the time (talk about Instagram travel photo goals!), but he also keeps releasing tracks that let you feel and let you relax.

Today we're thrilled to share his latest release with you, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.


- Song Of The Day -

"The Ballad Of Anne Beverley" by Charlie Hole

Charlie Hole is a singer/songwriter from Bournemouth, UK.

His carefully crafted music combines Acoustic and Folk elements in such elegant manner.
Charlie started making and writing music at the young age of eleven and has been going strong ever since.

With inspirations such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits & Paul Simon, it's no surprise that we find a lot of personality and intimacy in his songs.

His debut album "The Joy of a Caged Bird" was released in 2013.
With loyal fans and praise from none other than Rod Stewart and three time Novello Award winner Andy Hill, it's safe to say we're not the only ones with his music on repeat.

In October of 2017, Charlie dropped his latest EP, "Someone Else's Dream" and proved that his music is proper on-repeat material.


On June 8th he released a new single, "The Ballad Of Anne Beverley".


"The Ballad Of Anne Beverley" is a vividly told story, showcasing Charlie's talent for writing lyrics that describe scenes and hit home with you on a personal level.

It has a gentle and melancholic feeling to it and greets you with soft percussions, paired with a nostalgic sounding piano melody.
The lightly strummed acoustic guitar adds enough depth, whilst still allowing Charlie's vocals to take the lead.

You'll find yourself eagerly awaiting the next words and verses, to see where the story of Anne Beverley takes you.
Charlie narrates the story in such respectful, yet honest manner. His vocals guide you through the song and let you discover each element.

Towards the last quarter of the song, a cleverly arranged instrumental duets with the vocals and creates a brilliant finale for the track.


Check out this live version of "The Ballad Of Anne Beverley" - but don't forget to stream the studio version below:




- stream "The Ballad Of Anne Beverley" here -



Charlie Hole online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram




Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Charlie Hole

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Rose Lane" by rx Soul

Hey guys!

Picture the scene:
It's so hot outside that you have to keep the blinds down, in order to block the sun from heating up your room even more.

I'm trying not to lose what's left of my mind and writing these posts is honestly the only thing that doesn't make me want to throw the laptop out of the window.
It's one of those days, it's so annoying it could actually be Monday.

But alright, let's deal with it later and get ourselves calmed down with some great music.
Afterall, that's what we came here for.


- Song Of The Day -

"Rose Lane" by rx Soul


rx Soul is a musician from Los Angeles, US.

His sound is yet to be defined, but let me tell you one thing - it's exciting!

rx Soul made his debut in late 2017 and has released attention-grabbing songs ever since - proving that he means business.
Although we've only heard four tracks, we know that rx Soul is one to keep an eye on.
The soulful vocals, the clever and well thought out arrangements and the flawless production - each element just works so well and we're extremely excited to share his music with you.


rx Soul's latest release "Rose Lane" is that kind of track, you just shouldn't miss out on.


"Rose Lane" feels familiar but surprises with a good amount of elements you might not have seen coming.
It starts of mellow and calm, allowing you to sink into the feeling of the track. Subtle percussions soon hint that there is more to come - and as soon as you realise, a relaxed beat kicks in and takes the song on a journey - which you're invited to come along to.

rx Soul says about the track:
"Rose Lane is the name of a street I spent quite a lot of time on growing up.
In this song, I wanted to explore the very natural process of losing touch with the places, feelings and experiences that were so familiar to a younger self, and trying to keep as many of them alive as possible."


Listen to "Rose Lane" right here:




- stream "Rose Lane" on Spotify -



rx Soul online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Quote & Image: rx Soul

Read More

Song Of The Day: "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by Sonny

Hey guys!

It's probably no secret that we are extremely excited about new music.
We just love getting to know artists, discovering their signature sound and watching them grow.

What's incredibly mind blowing to us, is being introduced to young artists who already have it all going.
You know the kind; they have a sound that's so mature and well arranged, they hit us with so much depth in their lyrics and just get us so excited for the future.

Today we're celebrating one of those acts and his latest single, so be prepared for pure greatness.


- Song Of The Day -

"Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by Sonny

Sonny is a singer/songwriter from South Shields, UK.
His sound combines Acoustic, Folk and Pop in such charming and honest manner, that you'll find yourself lost in his sound in no time.
He started gigging around Newcastle at the early age of 14 and hasn't stopped making music since.

2017 saw the release of his debut EP "Hopeless Romance" which has racked up millions of stream and has gotten supported from BBC Introducing as well as multiple influencial magazines such as Clash and Fault Magazine
Follow-up single "Yesterday's Gone" was just as well received and allowed Sonny to built a loyal fanbase.

Besides playing festivals like Secret Garden Party and Boardsmasters last year, he also supported Gabrielle Aplin on tour.

This year Sonny will be performing at The Great Escape in Brighton, supporting Catherine McGrath on her sold out UK tour in May, as well as supporting Saint Raymond on his UK tour in June.
To shorten the wait for his fans, Sonny just released his first single of 2018, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", a track he wrote about memories of a past failed relationship and the feeling of wishing the mistakes that were made never caused it to end.

Here's what Sonny says about the track; ""Ain't Too Proud To Beg" is about looking back regretfully on a relationship. Realising you made mistakes and being desperate to put them right again. This song means so much to me because it's based on a personal experience and I feel like it's a relatable situation that so many people go through - not knowing what you had until it's too late."

"Ain't Too Proud To Beg" was released via Never Fade Records on May 4th 2018 and you definitely want to check it out.


Listen to "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" here:





- stream or buy "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" - 

Sonny online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (except quote): Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Sonny via Never Fade Records

Read More

Song Of The Day: "You're The Light" by Jane's Party

Hey guys!

We don't know how they do it, but some bands just get us up on our feet and make us want to dance all day.
Of course, let's not complain about it - but seriously, how do they do that?

Well, anyways - Jane's Party from Canada are 100% that kind of band that just makes us shake those hips.
The first time we heard them perform live was when they played us a song in their dressing room - and the only thing that stopped us from moving was the limited space.
(And maybe the fact that we were actually filming.)

And just last week they've dropped a new song AND BOY we can't stop jamming to it.
Naturally, we wanted to share it with you.

So ladies and gentlemen, please put on your dancing shoes and join our dance marathon.


- Song Of The Day -
"You're The Light" by Jane's Party


Jane's Party are a four piece from Toronto, Canada.
Their sound blends together multiple genres, leaving us with an addictive Alt-Pop/Rock sound.

Jane's Party are:
Devon Richardson
Tom Ionescu
Jeff Giles
Zach Sutton

The guys have been playing together since 2006. This experience shines through in their live sets, treating the audiences with entertaining and brilliant shows.

With their energetic and fun driven songs, Jane's Party have shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Sam Roberts Band, Arkells, Wintersleep, Matt Mays, The Maccabees, Tom Odell, LIGHTS, Manic Street Preachers and others.

So far they have released:
LP: The Garage Sessions (2009)
EP: Jane's Party (2011)
LP: Hot Noise (2013)
LP: Tunnel Visions (2016)


And now they're here with their new track "You're The Light".


They probably couldn't have released this song at a better time - we're all looking for upbeat and fun songs and Jane's Party are here to provide us with this banger.

"You're The Light" is straight forward and some serious groove business.
We're getting slight 80s vibes from the backing vocals, layered with some subtle synths and a whole lot of

The catchy guitar riffs seem to duett with the guiding bassline and the steady drums - leaving us with the perfect mixture. In fact, it really seems like Jane's Party know how to cook up a brilliant and fun recipe.

The song builds up towards the end and literally explodes in the last chorus, highlighting (omg a pun) each individual and their element of choice- showing us that Jane's Party is one strong band we need to watch. 
 

What you'll notice about the video, is the contrast of the lights and colours, here's what the band says about that:
"From the get go, the video for this track was meant to encapsulate us as performers, featuring our personality and stage presence, while putting us in the spotlight. It showcases a variety of light-based environmnets, each exploring the dynamic between light-medium and us.

Each "world" (as we called them) possessed innate contrasting qualities that varied deeply in the way they allowed us to operate within them.

The "red silhouette" world reduces the space to just two dimensions, while the "forest of lights" creates a complex, three dimensional environment. The "infinity mirror" world expands a small space to infinity, while the "LED panel" world utilizes a large space, sectioned off by a finite square boundary."



Now, dive into Jane's Party's world of lights 
and enjoy "You're The Light" here:




- buy or stream "You're The Light" -

Jane's Party online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Jane's Party

Read More