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

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

4th November 2019 //

Hey everyone!

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

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

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

Please make sure to support Melissa's work online:

website | twitter | facebook | instagram

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

Support: The New Regime


The New Regime is Ilan Rubin's solo project.

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

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

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


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




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

























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Headliner: Angels & Airwaves


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

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

Angels & Airwaves are:
Tom DeLonge
David Kennedy
Ilan Rubin

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

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


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




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







































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






Thank you for your visit!









&

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

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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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Gig Photos: The Struts at Wooly's in Des Moines (November 2018)

Hey guys!

One could definitely say that we are making the most of gig season.
With members all over the world, we've got gigs lined up all over the place and sometimes even are simultaneously photographing shows for you - which honestly is the coolest.

I guess it would be a cool thing to ask you lot which gigs you'll be attending this month?
Let us know via any of our social media channels and maybe one of us will see you at a show.

Last week Janet Eckles went to photograph The Struts for us all to enjoy.

Below you can read her little review and see the photos she took that night.

Before you dive into the post, please make sure to say hi to Janet and follow her on Instagram:
website | instagram

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Date: 26th November 2018
Venue: Wooly's, Des Moines (US)

Support Act: The Glorious Sons

The English rock band The Struts, supported by The Glorious Sons, took the stage in Des Moines on Monday evening. The Struts are touring in support of their second studio album, "Young and Dangerous", released one month prior.

The Glorious Sons, a group from Ontario, began the evening with intense energy despite enduring multiple technical difficulties during their set.

Their songs, which mostly came from their most recent album and an even mix from their previous two, touched on themes of substance abuse, heartbreak and emotional vulnerability. They also covered The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter".
The crowd eagerly shouted each lyric and jumped along with front man Brett Emmons.




The Glorious Sons online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram























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Headliner: The Struts

The Struts launched into their most recent single "Body Talks" as soon as they hit the stage.
Lead singer Luke Spiller re-defined the role of the typical front man that evening. He made it clear that the most important aspect of his role is to provide the audience with an interactive experience.
Glamorous and wild, he rarely stayed in one place (or outfit) for long. He even joked that the band didn't have a budget for fireworks or confetti canons because he had spent that money on his theatrical costumes.

Halfway through their set, Spiller invited a fan onstage during their rendition of Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark". He encouraged her as she assisted in leading the audience in a venue-wide sing-along.

The Struts performed an even mix of hits from both of their albums, which had the audience in a dancing frenzy their entire set. They closed the night with their first single from their debut record, "Could Have Been Me".




The Struts online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





















































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We hope you've enjoyed the review!
Let us know if you've been to a Struts show before.






Thank you for your visit!

&

Credits // Words (Intro): Vanessa Jetwash | Words (Review) & Photography: Janet Eckles

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