Video Of The Day: "Don't Mind / Will Abide" by 1000 Gram

Hey guys!

Music is attention-grabbing on its own.
No doubt!

How many times do we find ourselves completely entertained by a guitar riff, a bassline, a drum solo or even an acapella bit?

But when you pair a brillaint song with an equally brilliant music video, that's when you end up with art.

And we created our VOTD feature because we love music videos a lot.

So please let us introduce you to 1000 Gram, the band whose latest music video made us hit the replay button instantly.


- Video Of The Day -
"Don't Mind / Will Abide" by 1000 Gram


1000 Gram are based in Berlin, Germany and Göteborg, Sweden.

When you check their Facebook bio, you'll find them calling their sound "Anti-Indie".
Ultimately, we invite you to be the judge and figure out their sound yourselves.

1000 Gram are:
Moritz Lieberkühn (vocals, guitar)
Arne Braun (guitar)
Paul Santner (bass)
Alexander Simm (guitar)
Lukas Akintaya (drums)

The band's latest album "By All Dreams Necessary" was released on August 31st of this year and has been well received, not only by the band's loyal fanbase, but also by music journalists of all sorts.

If you want to catch the band live, you can:
16th October: Cammerspiele, Leipzig
17th October: Sunny Red, Munich
18th October: Swamp, Freiburg
19th October: Café Galao, Stuttgart
20th October: Hafen 2, Offenbach

The video for their latest single "Don't Mind / Will Abide" was shot on Berlin's subway escalators - and those locations made for great entertainment.

We love the creativity behind this video as it completely compliments the song and the band's vibe.

Who doesn't love people watching?
The video makes it even more fun because you get to listen to a brilliant track at the same time.
Just like the song, the video builds up in intensity and you're taken on a journey of sounds and, well, escalators.


Check out the video for "Don't Mind / Will Abide" right here:




- stream the album -



1000 GRAM online: Website | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram







Thank you for your visit! 

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Paul Aidan Perry via Listen Collective

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Behind The Song: "Last Dance" by Simon Alexander

Hey guys!

It's Monday. And that's okay.
We might all be a little tired, a little sad that the weekend is over - but you know what?
A new week means we have another set of days to listen to great music.

There is so much new music waiting to be heard, and even though it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, we still love the fact that we will never run out of music to check out.

That's pretty cool, isn't it?

So let's not waste any time - we've got new and exciting music to listen to.


- Behind The Song -
"Last Dance" by Simon Alexander


Simon Alexander is a singer/songwriter from Göteborg, Sweden. 

His sound walks on the fine line between Folk and Indie and combines those key elements seemingly effortlessly, creating a sound that sweeps you off your feet, while still keeping you grounded with honest and storytelling lyrics.

Influenced by the early day heroes such as Jeff Buckley and Neil Young, it's no surprise that nowadays he's drawn to the sounds of Hozier and Matt Corby.

Simon has always had a big interest in music and spent the majority of his time as a drummer in multiple constellations, all while also working on his own material.

In 2015 the project Distant City Light released "Cold Shiver", which marked Simon's first release as a songwriter.
He then moved to Malmö, where he continued his music studies and kept on working on his solo music.

In Summer of 2016 he met up with Tobias Ekqvist and started working on his debut EP "Won't Be Found", which then got self-released on February 15th 2017.

This EP got him signed by Rehn Music Group which celebrated the release of his single "Slide" earlier this year.

Just last week Simon Alexander released his latest single, "Last Dance".


Today we're excited to share with you the story behind the song, told by Simon himself:


"Right before I headed into the studio to record my previous single, "Slide", we had the idea to record two songs in that session. But I didn't really have another song that felt right.
So I started to look through my library of unfinished songs - and found a bunch of ideas that I had recorded a couple years ago.
Some of them were not meant to see the light of day, but when I began playing around with a couple of them, they started to morph into what eventually became "Last Dance".

I knew that this was going to become something different from what I had written before. I wanted it to be a more fun and danceable track than my previous material, pushing me a bit out of my comfort zone, since I've only released more mellow and folky tracks these past years.

Once again I teamed up with producer Tobias Ekqvist (electric guitar) and Jonnie Holmberg (drums) in Studio Sunnana in Malmö. We based the song off a pre-production that I recorded in my home in Gothenburg, but we added a lot of ingredients on the spot. If one of had an idea in the studio that got us all grooving, we knew that we were onto something.

The guitar solo was one of those things. It was made one late night by Tobias, where he just played around until we found something that felt just perfect for the song.

The music video, which is being released very soon, was created by the same team that is behind the video for "Won't Be Found". It's a story-driven interpretation of the song which makes it very special."


Listen to "Last Dance" right here:




Simon Alexander online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Simon Alexander via Pon't Danic Music

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7 songs: Simon Alexander

Hey guys!

We've already completed the first week of May 2018 - 

isn't that crazy?

I mean, I know, we all say it all the time - but time flies and we genuinely hope that you're making the most of your time.
And just to clarify, "making the most of your time" doesn't always mean constanly working hard and never taking any breaks- no. In fact, I think in order to make the most of the time we have,

we also need to relax and make sure we're actually living in the moment.

And in order to do that, we will continue to find the coolest playlists for you guys - so lean back and enjoy the music.


Today we have another guest DJ taking over and it's Simon Alexander!


Simon Alexander is a singer/songwriter from Göteborg, Sweden. 
 
His sound walks on the fine line between Folk and Indie and combines those key elements seemingly effortlessly, creating a sound that sweeps you off your feet, while still keeping you grounded with honest and storytelling lyrics.

Influenced by the early day heroes such as Jeff Buckley and Neil Young, it's no surprise that nowadays he's drawn to the sounds of Hozier and Matt Corby.

Simon has always had a big interest in music and spent the majority of his time as a drummer in multiple constellations, all while also working on his own material.

In 2015 the project Distant City Light released "Cold Shiver", which marked Simon's first release as a songwriter.
He then moved to Malmö, where he continued his music studies and kept on working on his solo music.

In Summer of 2016 he met up with Tobias Ekqvist and started working on his debut EP "Won't Be Found", which then got self-released on February 15th 2017.
 
This EP got him signed by Rehn Music Group which recently celebrated the release of his single "Slide".


Listen to "Slide" right here:




Simon Alexander online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram



Let's check out Simon's selection!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) a song which makes you dance

"Bad Bad News" by Leon Bridges

I loved Leon's previous record and had been waiting for some new music when he released this one a couple of weeks ago.
I've been jammin' to it ever since. I really can't help myself when I walk around with it in my headphones, the groove is just too good. In the music video he's even dancing to it himself!


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) a song that calms you down
"Shepherd" by Anais Mitchell

Before I knew anything about her, someone compared me to her in a YouTube comment, so obviously I had to check her out. In my search I stumbled across a live video of her performing on NPR Tiny Desk Concert and I just fell for this lovely song.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) a song with a deep meaning
"Death With Dignity" by Sufjan Stevens

If someone asks me for a singer/songwriter that can convey true emotions, then Sufjan is my go-to-guy.
This song centers around the death of his mother, and he fully grabs your attention and tells his story. If you're not moved by this, then you're just cold.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) a song that makes you feel nostalgic
"Going To California" by Led Zeppelin

With several Zeppelin tattoos on my body I can't deny that this band has meant a lot to me.
My dad got me hooked on them from an early age and they've kept me company for as long as I can remember. "Going To California" always stood out for me and was constantly played on my vinyl player during my late teens and early twenties.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5) a song which has accompanied you for a while
"Old Man" by Neil Young

The same goes for "Old Man" as above.
I remember it from when I was young, but started listening to it more when I heard it in the film "Lords Of Dogtown" from 2005. From there on it has stayed as one of my favorite songs, even to this day.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6) a song from your favourite genre
"Angela" by The Lumineers

Their "Cleopatra" record must be one of the best folk records of this decade.
Every song offers some seriously good songwriting, and to me singer Wesley Schultz defines what is a perfect vocallist for this genre.
I find myself playing "Angela" way too often, but it's just such a good song.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7) a song by an artist / a band which has surprised you
"33 "God"" by Bon Iver

I can't make a list like this and not mention Justin Vernon.
I mean, I've been a rabid fan for years but weirdly enough not yet been able to go and see him live. No matter what record he could've put out as a follow-up to his sophomore album, I knew I'd love it. But sure did he surprise me with the direction he went, creating something completely different from what fans were expecting. And to no suprise... I totally loved it.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________


And that was Simon Alexander's playlist - did you enjoy it?



Previous 7 songs features: GOUX | Meadowlark | Arlissa | Marion Harper





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words (Intro & Outro): Vanessa Jetwash | Words (7 songs): Simon Alexandder | Image: Ian Moloney via PR kit

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Behind The Song: "Empty Blockings" by Amanda Mair

Hey guys!

Have you ever wanted to watch an artist create a song and see how it all comes together?

It's definitely a magical process and our "Behind The Song" feature allows us to learn more about how artists write their songs, what kind of gear they use, where they draw inspiration from and how their new songs compare to their older tracks.

We think it's so exciting to learn more about the tracks we have on repeat and we're glad you agree.

Today the fantastic Amanda Mair tells us the story behind her song.


- Behind The Song -
"Empty Blockings" by Amanda Mair


Amanda Mair is a singer/songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden.
In 2011 her debut single "House" gained a lot of attention from fans and music critics.
The Washington Post praised her grown up and Kate Bush-esque sound whilst the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet called her album one of the best Swedish debuts of all time.
Ever since, Amanda kept writing and recording, honing her craft and releasing music.

Her brand new EP, "To The Moon", presents her matured and improved Pop sound.

Today we get to learn more about one of the singles on the EP, "Empty Blockings".


Check out what Amanda told us about "Empty Blockings":

"A complicated and destructive relationship inspired me to write "Empty Blockings", a hurtful and easing eye opener.

The writing and recording process went very fast with "Empty Blockings".
I had the story and ideas so fresh in my head, so I kind of wanted to write it down as quickly as possible.
Almost like when you wake up in the night from a dream you had and you want to write it down to not forget the story and the strong feelings you've had.

I recorded it in a studio in Stockholm, where I've recorded all my songs on the EP.
I love that there's a very old upright piano from London, it sounds amazing so we used that to get the old not so perfect sound.
We recorded strings and organ on a Nord Electro 4D and sampled drums through a Korg Volca Beats, and recorded percussion and toms in the studio.
The whole process of "Empty Blockings" went very smooth.
I called my bass player and he recorded some bass and the song was almost finished.

For me, "To The Moon" has a more mature sound than my first album.
I guess me and my sound have grown together during the years.
My EP is more driving and the focus is on a big soundscape with sweeping vocals.

And of course that I've written all the songs together with amazing songwriters is the biggest difference for me, top open my book and create music to my stories."


Listen to "Empty Blockings" below:




- buy or stream "Empty Blockings" -



Amanda Mair online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

 Credits // Words (Intro + Outro): Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Words (About Song): Amanda Mair | special thanks to Mystic Sons

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EP Review: "Cerulean Blue" by Cecilia Meadows

 

Hey guys!

 I think my favourite part about receiving music submissions is how you never know what you get before you open them.

Incredibly many artists, labels and managements send me new releases every day and it's always really exciting.

It's those moments where I click a link, listen to a song and am completely enchanted by it that make this job so much fun. 

  

Today I've finally got another EP review for you guys, so please allow the music to convince you. 

Artist: Cecilia Meadows

Title: Cerulean Blue

Genre: Folk, Pop

Label: independent

Release date: 3rd June 2015

HITS rating: 8/10

Cecilia Meadows is a singer/songwriter based in London, England.

The indie-pop/folk musician is originally from a small town in Sweden. 

Cecilia started playing the piano at the age of 10 and soon wrote her own music on her family's "incredibly out of tune piano" until she got her first keyboard.

Her father's guitar playing had that much of an impact on young Cecilia that she soon wanted to play the instrument herself. At the age of 14 her dad started teaching her how to play the guitar and soon enough she started writing her own guitar based songs.

In 2008 Cecilia moved to Stockholm, Sweden for her music studies, five years later the singer/songwriter decided to move to London, England to take her music career to the next level.

And just earlier this month Cecilia Meadows independently released her debut EP "Cerulean Blue" which I'm going to talk about now.

Tracklist:

1) Maybe We Do

2) Sleepless

3) My Cure

4) Cerulean Blue 

Opening title "Maybe We Do" already gives you a good idea of what to expect from the EP; soft but soulful and expressive vocals, clever arrangements of all instruments, honest and story telling lyrics.
 

Cecilia has the talent of being able to wrap you up with her voice like a silky blanket would - you are in for a treat and don't want out.

"My Cure" brings in the folk-y atmosphere a bit more. The guitar base of the song gives it a lot of grip, the percussions are like sparkles bringing in a bit of a darker, more mysterious vibe.

Cecilia says about the EP that "the most important thing with this EP was to make sure that every song had a clear mood and that this was being conveyed in everything from lyrics to production", well, as far as I'm concerned, she's done a brilliant job. 

To sum it up: Cecilia Meadows is definitely one to watch. It's just a matter of time until we see her playing Glastonbury. With a beautiful and enchanting voice, harmonizing guitar work and relatable yet unique lyrics, she's able to speak to a large audience.

You should listen to these tunes: Maybe We Do, My Cure

Cecilia Meadows online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

Thank you for reading!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Cecilia Meadows

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Interview: The Glass Child

Hey guys!

I believe that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve if you're really determined to do so.
I always work by the words "the only way you fail is when you don't react" which my friend Jim Kroft wrote.

Today I have an interview with Charlotte Eriksson, the lady behind The Glass Child for you who seems to share my opinion. 
The singer/songwriter owns a record label, has 5 EPs out, one album and is about to release her second album.

She's done incredible things such as moving out with 18 and leaving the country and will tell you more about it in the interview.

Enjoy! :)

house in the sand: So Charlotte, you've done quite a lot of things in your life; you've moved out at the age of 18 to pursue your music career. What did it feel like to do that?

Charlotte: It was definitely scary and hard, but at the same time it shaped me and turned me into everything I am today. I learned how to get by on my own and how to fight for my own dreams, and I would never be able to do what I do today if it wasn't for my urge to build my own life at a very young age.

house in the sand: You have also spent a year living in Berlin. What was that like? Did you like the city?

Charlotte: I really love living in Berlin and it's been a great city to spend the last year in, while writing and recording my album. I do start to feel my wanderlust again though, and it's time to move on to new adventures. Where I don't know yet :)

house in the sand: Sweden, England, Germany - are there any other places you'd like to go?

Charlotte: So many! I'm a wanderer by nature and I want to go to and live in as many places as possible. One of my favorite places on earth is Scotland and I'd love to live there at some point. Prague is also a favorite.

house in the sand: Your book is out! First of all - congratulations on that! How long did it take you to write it?

Charlotte: Yes! Thank you so much! I published my first book "Empty Roads & Broken Bottles; in search for The Great Perhaps" last year, and it's been beautiful to see how much it helped my fans to connect deeper with both my journey, my mission and my music. The book happened really naturally. I've always been writing, as a natural way for me to deal with myself and situations. I spent a year kind of homeless on the road, just wandering wherever I could play or reach out with my music, and naturally I wrote every single day about things I saw and felt and learned. It just felt like a waste of lessons and experiences to not share them with people, so the idea of turning my writings into a book was really easy.

house in the sand: Imagine your music could be featured on any kind of TV series - which one would you like it to be?

Charlotte: I'm a huge Grey's Anatomy nerd, so if I could get my music onto that show I'd be happy for the rest of my strange little life.

house in the sand: Do you have one song you're most proud of?

Charlotte: This is always a hard questions because obviously every single song means a lot to me and symbolises some specific in my own life. If I had to pick one song though that always will mean the world to me, it's probably my song "Stay". 

house in the sand: What are your plans for the future?

Charlotte: I'm currently in the UK doing a House Concert Tour, and it's been so amazing so far! I have one week left of the tour in the UK, then I'll go back to Berlin and release my new album "I Must Be Gone and Live, or Stay and Die" October 21, and then keep touring in Germany, Romania, France, Netherlands and Sweden!

house in the sand:Please complete the following sentence: I am The Glass Child and I ...

Charlotte: believe that everything is possible if you just want it bad enough.

house in the sand: Is there anything else you would like the house in the sand readers to know?

Charlotte: Please come and talk to me on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook or anywhere else in cyber space! I love when people write to me and I always reply! And don's miss my new album, out October 21!

The Glass Child online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | YouTube

Thank you for reading! 

Credits // Text & Questions: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Answers: Charlotte Eriksson

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