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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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

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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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EP Review: "Bad Timing" by Rhys Lewis

Hey guys!

I don't know about you, but I'm already loving 2018 in this industry.

We're seeing musicians speaking up politically (uhm, hello - how incredible was Stormzy's performance at the Brits?), we get to watch impressive lyric videos (Eminem's "Untouchable" is genius) and all our favourites are touring (remember when I cried at a Paramore show last month?) - long story short: the situation could be worse.

And - spoiler: it's not going downhill.

Tomorrow (if you're reading this on February 22nd), one of house in the sand's favourite acts is releasing his debut EP - and if he isn't one of your favs yet, this will do the last bit of convincing you might need.

So let's check it out, yeah?

Artist: Rhys Lewis
Title: Bad Timing
Genre: Soul, Pop
Label: Decca, Universal Music
Release Date: 23rd February 2018

Rhys Lewis is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, 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.

Rhys has quickly gained a large following, allowing him to sell out shows in the UK and Europe inbetween support shows for JP Cooper and James TW.

Before he's heading on his second European headline tour in April, Rhys can be seen at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas (US).

But first he's treating us with his debut EP, "Bad Timing".

So let's check it out!


Tracklist:

1) Bad Timing
2) Reason To Hate You
3) Bloodstains
4) Don't Wanna Believe It (Acoustic)


Opener and title track "Bad Timing" is a timeless and refreshing track.
There's something about the way it is arranged that feels like you've heard it before, like it's an old friend you haven't seen in a while.
But every element in the track offers excitement in the most comforting way. The dark instrumentation acts like a highlighter, intensifying the heavy emotions felt in the situation which Rhys describes with his words.

For "Reason To Hate You", all we hear is Rhys' voice and the electric guitar.
This simplicity could be tragically monotonous to listen to, but it isn't - instead it soaks you in and makes sure you listen to the track with all of your attention.
Maybe it's Rhys' confidence in his writing, maybe it's the universal and relatable heartbreak he's singing about, maybe it's magic.

"Bloodstains" is our personal stand-out track.
It sounds like Soul-Pop music you would've heard in the 60s or 70s somewhere in the States, it's classy but also modern.
The beat is straight forward and marches confidently through the track, the bass is booming through the speakers and will get you on your feet to dance along.
Rhys sings about the addictive feeling you can get in relationships that might not be working out.
Rhys' e-guitar soars in a dirtier and heavier manner than before and it works brilliantly, underlining the frustration we hear in his voice.

To sum it up: Not many four-track EPs can win you over with variety. But Rhys surely found a way to showcase different elements while still keeping the theme of the EP cohesive and meaningful. 

The listeners get to follow him through a journey of emotions and his honesty and vivid storytelling make it so easy to relate to his emotions. 

No matter how hard you try to listen to the instrumentations (and you should try hard because they are brilliant!), you just can't go without mentioning Rhys' warm and expressive vocals that just shine in any set-up - whether that's in a full band situation or during an acoustic performance.
We've said it before and we'll say it again - we can't wait for the debut album.


You should listen to these tracks: Bad Timing, Bloodstains





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 UK

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Song Of The Day: "Reason To Hate You" by Rhys Lewis

Hey guys!

Over here at house in the sand, we love getting to know artists through their music.

You know, just by listening to an album, you get to hear multiple sides of an artists - maybe you'll hear how they sound when they're sad, or when they're happy, or in love.
It's super interesting and exciting to learn all of that just through music.

With the amount of versatile singles Rhys Lewis has released over the course of the past year, we've heard a lot of his musical sides - and not a single one has been a let down.

Today we're hear to share Rhys' latest single with you and we hope you are ready to cry.


- Song Of The Day -
"Reason To Hate You" 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.

He got us up on our feet, dancing to his upbeat track "Wish I Was Sober" in September.  

To catch one of his upcoming Europe and UK shows, make sure to click here for the dates.


And just last week he released his brand new single "Reason To Hate You", a heartbreaking ballad.


Throughout the entire song, all we hear is Rhys' voice and the electric guitar.
This simplicity could be tragically monotonous to listen to, but it isn't.

In fact, it soaks you in and grabs you.
Maybe it's Rhys' confidence in his writing, maybe it's the universal and relatable heartbreak he's singing about, maybe it's magic.

But it grabs your attention.
With vivid storytelling, highlighting the vulnerable side of love and - of course, expressive vocals, it's no surprise that we found our eyes watering and our hearts breaking a little.



Listen to "Reason To Hate You" here:




- buy or stream "Reason To Hate You" -



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: Rhys Lewis via Universal UK

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EP Review: "Storm" by Mighty Oaks

Hey guys!

Whenever I sit down to write reviews, I like creating a nice environment for me to write.
I constantly change up my desk to keep it fresh - which helps to keep my writing fresh and keeps me from falling into a rut.

In the darker months, I love lighting a candle, turning on my vintage lamps I bought at a flea market, accompanied by a cup of tea.

Once I'm in this setup, nothing can stop me.
But, of course, great music fuels the excitement.

And since we only feature music we truly enjoy, reviewing music for HITS is an absolute pleasure.

Today's EP might actually be one of my favourites of 2017, so let's check it out!


Band: Mighty Oaks
Title: Storm
Genre: Folk
Label: Universal Music
Release Date: 3rd November 2017

Mighty Oaks are a trio based in Berlin, Germany.

With all three members being from different parts of the world, they met after a gig in Hamburg, Germany.

Slowly but surely, they all had moved to Berlin and soon enough they started making music together.
Ian Hooper (USA), Claudio Donzelli (Italy) and Craig Sanders (UK) have been playing and recording together for a while and Mighty Oaks have become a much appreciated band in the Alt-Folk industry.

In 2010 they released their debut EP "Driftwood Seat", in 2012 follow-up EP "Just One Day".
Soon afterwards they played alongside Kings Of Leon, Dry The River and Chvrches.

Spending their Summers playing tons of festivals, Mighty Oaks gained the support of countless music lovers which was very obvious when the band's debut album "Howl" instantly made it to the top ten in Germany.
March this year they released their highly anticipated second album, "Dreamers".

 And now they are here with their "Storm" EP, which we can't wait to share with you.

Tracklist:
1) One Shot
2) Storm
3) These Days
4) The Dark

Opener "One Shot" invites you to dream.
It has one of the most beautiful melodies which is underlined by calming acoustic guitar chords and carried by a harmonies as stunning as they could be.
Soft string arrangements allow you to focus on the depth of the song; yet not one elements weights you down.
"One Shot" is a musical candle lit dinner, providing pretty much everything you could wish for.

Title track "Storm" deserves the title track position.
It's a charmingly melancholic song which has a hynoptising feeling to it - it asks for your attention in the most polite way and you'll gladly obey.
It's difficult to pick a favourite element in the song, as all details make the track what it is - a stunning and moving piece of music.

"The Dark" is the final track on the EP and it really is the big finale.
Even though the instrumental is very simple and focuses on the electric guitar, the song sounds big and powerful.
The soft string arragement shines a beautiful and emotional light on the song and probably will leave you putting the song on repeat.

To sum it up: The "Storm" EP proves that Mighty Oaks have a talent for writing the most beautiful melodies around and know how to use that power wisely. Every track on the EP demands your attention without coming on too strong.
This EP is an essential for cozy nights at home.


You should listen to these tracks: One Shot, Storm


Check out the official video for "Storm" below:




- buy "Storm" EP: iTunes | Amazon -
- stream "Storm" EP -



Mighty Oaks online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Mighty Oaks

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Song Of The Day: "And I'm Leaving" by Leslie Clio

Hey guys!

I've got a question for you:
What do you do when you're in a bad mood?

Me? I either blast some of my favourite songs and sing along as loud as I can.
Or I plan a trip to some other place. I love travelling, and whenever I feel stuck in a rut, booking a flight and disappearing for a bit, is exactly what keeps me going.

Today's Song Of The Day seems to be my new soundtrack.
It has been on repeat for the past hour, and I'm not done yet.

- Song Of The Day -
"And I'm Leaving" by Leslie Clio

Leslie Clio is a singer/songwriter from Berlin, Germany.
Her sound combines Soul and Pop in such effortless and graceful manner.

In 2013 she released her debut album, "Gladys". The second single of that record, "Couldn't Care Less", did more than just well and ended up on two soundtracks.

Follow-up album "Eureka" proved the singer was no one-hit wonder and made 2015 another successful year for Leslie.

With singles "Darkness Is A Filler" and "And I'm Leaving", she has given us great tasters of what to expect from her third album, "Purple" - which will be out on May 19th.

"And I'm Leaving" is something you'd expect from Leslie, yet it surprises with funky elements.
A few seconds into the song, it becomes evident - Leslie Clio is here with another hit.
The up-beat instrumental uniting Pop and Funk makes you want to get up and dance.

Leslie's voice has been a hit from the first song we've ever got hear - her deep and souly vocals just demand your full attention.
There's something so cool and badass about her - and it's exactly what we need in this industry!


Check out the music video for "And I'm Leaving" below:




- buy and stream album "Purple" -


Leslie Clio online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram



Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Guerilla Music

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EP Review: "Don't Kill My Vibe" by Sigrid

Hey guys!

Last year I couldn't get over the amount of fantastic releases we've been given in the course of the year.
This year is no different.

We have already been up on our feet, dancing to the funky DNCE and relaxing to the beautifully calming Mighty Oaks.
Music is a piece of art we are always going to need in our lives, so it's important to celebrate the exciting releases those fantastic acts put out there.

Today we get to chat about an artist you don't want to miss out on - Sigrid.

Artist: Sigrid
Title: Don't Kill My Vibe
Genre: Pop
Label: Island Records
Release Date: 5th May 2017

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.
Now signed to Universal Music, the young musician is hyped as one of the most exciting break through acts of 2017.

"Righty so?" you might be wondering, well - find out by checking out her debut EP, "Don't Kill My Vibe".


Tracklist:
1) Don't Kill My Vibe
2) Plot Twist
3) Fake Friends
4) Dynamite (Acoustic)

The EP greets you with the title track, "Don't Kill My Vibe" - an anthem suitable for everyone.
Starting off calmy in the verse, the song gives you enough time to sink into the depth of it.

 A powerful build-up in the chorus gets you dancing like there's no tomorrow.
Sigrid's vocals guide you through the track and go hand in hand with the instrumentals- the calm and deeper notes in the verses seem carefully placed, whilst the raspy and energetic vocals in the chorus show what Sigrid is capable of.
In case you're looking for a sassy Summer anthem - "Don't Kill My Vibe" is your jam!

Another great track on the EP is "Fake Friends".
Sounding a little more indie in the beginning, the song takes you on a journey of sounds, reaching its highest point in the chorus with a danceable beat and layered vocals.
"Fake Friends" is another track which seems to present all of Sigrid's vocal range - from high notes, to smokey and super expressive tones- she's got it all, and knows how to use it.

To tie things in neatly, we have "Dynamite", the last track of the EP.
It's a stunning piano based ballad with a very emotional and melancholic feeling to it.
The young musician sounds as delicate and vulnerable in the most hautingly beautiful way possible.

To sum it up: This four-track EP is enough evidence to prove that Sigrid has an enormous amount of facettes, which we cannot wait to hear more of. 2017 is going to be a loud year for Sigrid - make sure to keep an eye and ear on her.

You should listen to these tunes: Fake Friends, Dynamite


Check out Sigrid's beautiful performance of "Dynamite" below:




- buy or stream -


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




Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image & Video: Sigrid (via Island Records)

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