Spotify Playlist: Vanessa's picks // September 2017

Hey guys!

We have embraced 2017 and just created a Spotify account for house in the sand.
We're now where the cool kids are, whoop!

To celebrate our debut, I have accepted the challenging task of creating our first ever playlist.

It's a "personal picks" kind of list.
The playlist is filled with songs that I listen to, when I'm not reviewing anything for HITS.
I've realised that my personal music taste likes to have a mixture of new and exciting acts, as well as those acts I've loved for years - kind of like a safety blanket.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE discovering new music, but sometimes I just want to sing along to tunes I know well.

So, this list below makes me super happy.
It's playing whenever I get the chance to play it.

It starts off with "Rose-Colored Boy" by Paramore, which I have loved since I first heard it in May.
I've loved Paramore for a good seven or even eight years. This song makes difficulties sound so good and for that I love it. Rose-Colored Boy makes me dance, even when I'm feeling terrible. 

Wrabel's "The Village" is one of the most powerful, most emotional songs I think I've ever heard.
We have such outspoken and clever artists out there, who stand up for their beliefs and who stand up for humanity- and we need to celebrate them.

Amber Run aren't really a "insider tip" anymore, but I still feel like mentioning the acoustic version of "Fickle Game". I fell in love with the lyrics and think that this intimate setting showcases them in such brilliant way.

"Top To Toe" by Fenne Lily was one of those lucky discoveries I stumbled upon on Soundcloud.
I remember being completely hypnotized by Fenne's stunning voice and immediately hitting the replay button. Multiple times.

I don't really use the term "that's my jam" often, but it describes how I feel about "Knife Edge" by Martin Luke Brown. That beat and groove can get me moving so quickly. Martin is one of those exciting acts that keep on evolving and never fail to amaze.

Jon Bellion is one of many discoveries that have surprised me so much. There are so many details in "Guillotine", the first time I listened to it, it blew my mind.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: "Weathered" by Jack Garratt is one of my all time favourites and gets me emotional 99.9% of the time. I highly recommend you listen to that song and pay attention to the lyrics, as well as the backing vocals. Just thinking about this song makes me emotional.

Yes, I've added Taylor Swift's new track, "...Ready For It?". I like it. I think it's exciting to watch an artist try out new styles and I'm digging this one. You may throw your sticks and stones now.

"Darkness" by Oliver Daldry is one of those tracks I listen to at night, when I'm getting ready for bed. It calms me down without ever boring me. 

If I remember correctly, "Your Lips" was the first track I listened to when I found out about Josh Savage's music. And three (or four) years later, it's still one of my favourites of his - so of course, it's featured on this playlist.

"Burning Flame" by The Franklin Electric is my most recent discovery. I love it when a submission is exactly my cup of tea and I get to add a new band to my favourites. The more I listen to their music, the more songs I'm going to add.

"Gift" by Madeline Juno. A German song. Can you believe it? I can't.
I know most of you aren't German, but I just wanted to add this track, because I never listen to German songs. There's something about my own language that I don't enjoy in music, but Madeline has proven me wrong with this incredible track.


Maybe these teasers made you curious?
The full playlist is below and I'm pretty sure you'll find at least one track you'll love.


Have a listen:

I'd love to hear what you think, so feel free to drop me a comment or get in touch via one of the channels below. :)

If you enjoyed it and want to save it, you can follow the playlist on Spotify.



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Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Image: Vanessa Jertschewske

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7 songs: Vanessa from HITS

Hey guys!

What would you say is the most magical thing about music?
For me, it's definitely the fact that it can make us feel so many different emotions.

A song can make us feel happy, excited, 

it can make us dance,

it can make us feel nostalgic,

and sad.
And sometimes it can just help us cope with our emotions. 

And because I think we need to celebrate our emotions more,

I've decided to start a new series.

The fun thing about a new series, is you never know how it goes.
You never know if you'll enjoy writing/hosting it, and you never know if anyone is going to enjoy it
 - until you test it out.

So that's what we're doing now, we're testing this.
I'm going to need your feedback, so please feel free to test this with me.

The point of "7 songs" is to celebrate different feelings whilst also celebrating the diversity of tastes.
I'm hoping to have more music guests to chat about their 7 songs, so let's see how this goes.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here are my 7 songs for 7 feelings.

I hope you enjoy!

1) a song which makes you dance:

"Rose-Colored Boy" - Paramore

I love songs that make me happy just by sounding fun and inviting you to dance.

However, "Rose-Colored Boy" takes things to another level; the instrumentals are so bubbly and sound so carefree, but the lyrics talk about the numb feelings connected to anxiety and depression.

This clever contrast makes this song even more brilliant to me, because the song is quite literally a metaphor and I think it's genius.
With this Pop situation, you'd think the lyrics would be rather shallow and catchy, but Hayley Williams just hits you with so much depth in such a sneaky way.

"you say we gotta look on the bright side,
I say well maybe if you wanna go blind
you say my eyes are getting too dark now,
but boy you ain't ever seen my mind" 



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2) a song that calms you down:

"Stop This Train" - John Mayer

A bit of John Mayer can calm me down whenever I'm freaking out.

This song in particular is one of my favourite songs ever.
Now, I'm aware that the lyrics aren't particularly soothing, but the atmosphere of the song is just so enchantingly hypnotizing.

John Mayer's guitar playing is on another level, we don't need to discuss that.
But "Stop This Train" is one of his most beautiful compositions, in my opinion.



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3) a song with a deep meaning:

"Weathered" - Jack Garratt

Put this song on and watch me turn into a sobbing mess.
Okay, it's not that extreme, but the personal connection I have with this song, just gets me really emotional.
I first heard this song when I was on a flight back home from Berlin. I bought the album when I had a wander around Berlin and put it on my iPod for when I was heading back home.
"Weathered" came on and it immediately soaked me in.

I have a lot of respect for Jack Garratt and love the way he crafts his music and also performs it.
 The backing vocals and the beats in this song are so powerful and I adore them.

When pretty much the entire crowd sang along to this song at Barn on the Farm 2016, I might've shed a tear or two.
"Weathered" is one of my all-time favourites and I'm so glad it exists.

"when you go, I'll know I'm old"



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4) a song which makes you feel nostalgic:

"When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" - Rooney

Okay... I have a feeling that about 90% of you might know this song.
I knew the song, before I knew the band.

My first proper indie-rock gig was a Rooney show in a sweaty club in Stuttgart, Germany.
I still remember the excitement and the thrill of singing along to this song.
It's just one of those tracks you need to blast in the car and shout the words to - as loud as possible, no matter how terrible it may sound.

I have a lot of love for this band and for this song.
It doesn't take more than the guitar riff, to make me feel like I'm 14 again.



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5) a song which has accompanied you for a while:

"Wrong Directions" - Martin and James

This song has been with me for a little more than six years now.

I first heard it when Martin and James supported Taylor Swift. The minute they started playing, I made everyone around me shut up - just so I could notice every little detail.
When they started playing "Wrong Directions", I knew they were going to be my new favourite band.

I've been able to work with these guys more times than I can count and this song has somehow always been involved. (our video intro is a re-arranged version of it which Martin wrote for us)

In 2012, I stole a line from the song and named this website after it.
So, I guess this track has been with me for a while, and I'm sure it'll stay a good friend.



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6) a song from your favourite genre:

"Sharpshooter" - The Arkanes

I can't deny it, Rock is my favourite genre and I'm the happiest little person when I'm at a rock gig.
I just LOVE heavy drums, badass basslines and loud riffs and solos.

The Arkanes are without a doubt the most blogged band on here and I'll probably never get sick of their music.

When they started playing "Sharpshooter" the first time I saw them, I lost my mind and just had to dance.
It's a shame the band isn't active anymore, but I'm so glad I've got their songs to enjoy whenever I need a healthy dose of rock music.



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7) a song by an artist/a band which has surprised you:

"Guillotine" by Jon Bellion ft. Travis Mendes

I have to admit, at first I thought Jon Bellion was one of those overrated artists who pop up every now and then.

But - thankfully - I eventually took the time to check out his work. And holy moly, I'm glad I did.
There is SO much depth and detail in his music, it's quite fabulous.
"Guillotine" has surprised me the most because of all the carefully crafted elements; it's not just a heavy beat - it's a bassline layered with acoustic guitar, piano, samples and even a string section.

I feel like a lyrics nerd, but I just need to quote this bit because I think it's brilliant:

"the secrets you tell me,
I'll take to my grave
there's bones in my closet,
but you hang stuff anyway
and if you have nightmares,
I know that you love me,
even when I lose my head
guillotine"

In case you'd like to learn more about the song, I highly recommend watching this making of video, it's super interesting.





And those were my 7 songs.
I really hope you enjoyed this little talk-through and maybe you even found a new song you've liked.




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Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Gig Photos: Walking On Cars at Im Wizemann, Stuttgart

Hey guys!

I think I've mentioned this before, but I am absolutely fascinated by all the talent in this industry.
Once you dig a little deeper, you find so many unique and intersting musicians; and it's so exciting to randomly stumble upon another great find.

I truly love that fact that this website, house in the sand, is filled with those acts.
To me, this is my personal collection of music I love, and getting to share that with people, who are keen to find new music, is super exciting.

In case you are not familiar with the acts I got to photograph the other day, then I'm extremely convinced you'll find a new favourite.

Check it out!

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Date: 7th March 2017
Venue: Im Wizemann, Stuttgart (GER)

Support Act: Tom Walker





Tom Walker is a singer/songwriter born in Scotland, raised in Manchester, UK and is now based in London, UK.

Tom is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who grew up listening to his father's record collection which consisted of a lot of Ray Charles, The Police and Bob Marley.
He also draws inspiration from acts such as Jack Garratt and Ed Sheeran.

Tom Walker's sound combines hip hop and electronic elements with traditional songwriting and soulful vocals.
Once you listen to his music, you won't be surprised to find out he's been getting attention from the BBC and other powerful music influencers.





Tom Walker online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

































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MAIN ACT: Walking On Cars





Walking On Cars are a five-piece outfit from Dingle, Ireland.
Their sound combines Folk, Pop and Rock and settles down for Alternative.

The band got together in 2010, all members being school friends.

Walking On Cars are:
Patrick Sheehy (vocals, guitar)
Sorcha Durham (piano, backing vocals)
Dan Devane (guitar, backing vocals)
Paul Flannery (bass, backing vocals)
Evan Hadnett (drums)

The band once rented a cottage in Dingle, Ireland where they focussed on writing and recording demos.
In 2012 Walking On Cars celebrated their first success with their single "Catch Me If You Can" which got radio play and also went to number 1 on the iTunes charts.

In 2013 they released their debut EP "As We Fly South" and in 2016 their debut album "Everything This Way".

And currently they are on tour.
Check out the photos from their gig in Stuttgart, Germany below.





Walking On Cars online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




























































And that's it.
If you went to the gig, let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments!






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Text & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske | **photo pass and tickets have kindly been provided**

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