Playlist: HITS magazine

To celebrate the release of our first print issues, here's a playlist featuring all artists involved.

HITS x Berlin

We hosted our very first live gig in Berlin - and this is what it looked like.

Cover The HITS

Our latest video series - covers performed by our favourite acts, exclusively for us.

Video Interview: Scenic Route To Alaska

Melting away in front of Stuttgart's castle, we had a chat about touring, band names, Toy Story and a lot more.

Find us on YouTube!

Visit us on the 'tubes for interviews, exclusive performances and outtakes.

Randomness at its' highest.


Hey guys,

I'm just confused today. Like ... totally. So I thought why not turn this into something positive? In this blogpost I'm just going to write down whatever comes to my mind. Get ready to get confused as well..


Three Spanish lessons cause headache. But it's worth it because I know a few things in Spanish now.


Am I the only one eating ginger bread in September?

"We are never ever getting back together" by Taylor Swift is such a fun song.



The tickets for the Livingston / Jim Kroft show in Frankfurt just arrived. Am I going to see anyone of you there? 

I still like my ombré hair.


Weee-eeeeeeeee are never ever ever ever getting back together. Like ... EVER.

Having conversations with my cat is probably the coolest thing to do. Meow.

Reading emails in the voice of the person who wrote it shows that you write and talk to them a lot.

It smells very christmas-y in my room because of the ginger bread... let's turn on the christmas lights.

My horse loves to gallop very fast. And I love it, too.

37 more days until I get to see Mr Kroft for the third time this year. 

Hola, me llamo Vanessa. 

Post-it's are not very useful when you can't read what you wrote on them...


I think I'm gonna end this randomness now.. it was definitely enough to confuse me even more. :D



x Vanessa.

Flash back.

let's not care about blurry pictures.. :D / Martin and James 1.5 years ago.


Hey guys,


first of all: thank you so so so much for sticking with me. I haven't been able to blog for a few days now but the amount of people visiting my blog is just massive. So thank you! I am definitely trying to keep you updated regulary. 


So today is a very special day. Exactly 1 and a half years ago I went to the Taylor Swift concert. Ok, maybe that's not that special. Or not special enough to write a whole blogpost about it, but on March 12th 2011 I got to meet two musicians who become super important to me.

Guess who?
Exactly, Martin and James!


I can't believe how many memories have been made ever since I first heard their music.

You know, when two guys with their guitars and a drum kit came on stage there were about 7000 people just as confused as me. That's all they need? Really?
And then they started singing. I was hypnoticed from the very first minute. "Wrong Directions" got stuck in my head immediately. They only played 8 songs which were definitely not enough for me. 
And I still remember what James said: "Please buy our CD so we can buy some beer." :D

After the Taylor show (which was amazing!) the two Scots were sitting in a corner taking time to meet everyone. Of course I had to meet them. So I went there with the people I went to the show with and was actually pretty excited (and nervous) :D (nowadays I'm still excited but not nervous at all). 
They were incredibly nice and signed my ticket, took a picture with me and had a quick chat. (Of course there were tons of other people waiting so they couldn't talk much). 



One month later I went to Berlin with school and guys.. I was looking for them the whole time! Haha, you are now allowed to call me a freak. It's ok. 
Well, I didn't get to see Martin and James, but I bought their selftitled album. And I think it's so cool that I got it in Berlin because they live there.


So today I'm just so happy that Taylor had them as her support and I got to know two incredible guys. 
I've seen them 7 times in total and one time was very very special. I am just thankful for everything they've done for me and can't wait to see/hear them again.




x Vanessa.

The music tag.

Vanessa J. Photography

Hey guys,


I think it's time for another tag because they're always fun to do. I've chosen to do the music tag.



Here we go:



1.) Do you have an iPod, Zune, MP3, etc. If so, what kind? 
I own an iPod Touch 4g. It's also engraved and the writing says "people change and promises are broken" (from the song "Take a Breath" by the Jonas Brothers)



2.) Can you play any instruments? 
Yes, I can play the guitar and also the keyboard. The guitar is my favourite though. :)


3.) Do you have an all time favourite CD/Album?
"Speak Now" by Taylor Swift. I just never get tired of this album. It's not only an album, it's also a diary. :)

4.) What's your favourite band/singer?
Favourite band: Martin and James
Favourite singer: Demi Lovato


5.) Your favourite song?
Ohh.. that's a tough question. I have so many favourite songs... but my all time favourite song is probably "Wrong Directions" by Martin and James. This songs means a lot to me because of the memories attached to it.


6.) What does music mean to you?
Music means incredibly much to me. Music is a part of my life, a huge part. I just run into music whenever I'm sad, I use music to express myself, music makes me feel understood. 

7.) Have you ever performed in front of an audience? 
No, not really. I've sung in front of some friends but I guess that doesn't count. :D

8.) What's your favourite album cover?
Here Wo Go Again - Demi Lovato



9.) Have you ever written a song? If so, what was it about?
I have written tons of songs. Mainly about friendship, love, heartache, growing up. My favourite song that I've written is called "The Winter Of My Life". 

10.) If you could work with any artists, who would it be and why?
Definitely Jim Kroft and Martin and James!
Those are the most talented people I know and I would love to write a song with them because I love the way they write songs and tell stories. 

11.) What is your favourite quote from a song?
"The only way you fail, is when you don't react." from the song "Canary In The Coalmine" by Jim Kroft. This quote became my motto and I love living by it.

12.) Have you ever been to a concert? If so, which one was it?
I have been to 14 concerts: Jonas Brothers, Rooney (twice), Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Martin and James (six times), Jim Kroft, Dan meets Portland and Bruno Mars.


13.) Have you ever met any musicians?
Yes, I met Rooney (twice), Martin and James (seven times (six shows + supporting Taylor Swift)), Jim Kroft, Dan Dietrich and Bruno Mars.


That's it. : ) 
If you know any other cool tags, let me know :) 



x Vanessa.


You Still Shine.




Hey guys,

ok fun question: why was I excited to get up at 5.30am ?
Huh?
Got a clue?
Yes?
No?

Ok, I'll tell you why.
A new Martin and James song got released!

Well, I had to get up at 5.30 no matter what but normally I'm like "ugh.. five more minutes ... come on.. alarm clock... please keep being silent..."
But today I was like "OHH what a beautiful day. Let's start off on iTunes. There's stuff to dooo. :D"

So while getting ready I downloaded the "Heiter bis wolkig" Soundtrack where the song is on. (for your information: "Heiter bis wolkig" is a German movie and the song "You Still Shine" is a part of it, so the song is on the soundtrack.)

Of course I started listening to the song as soon as I got the chance to and it's been on reply about twenty times in a row. And oh my gosh. It is perfect. (I really didn't expect anything else but yeah)




Here's the lyrics: (wrote it down by ear, not sure if everything is right - correct me if you spot a mistake.)

All my words are falling out 
they can't be stopped,
but it's alright, alright. 
Sending signs to navigate,
accepting fate,
but it's alright, alright. 
I was outside,
in the distance,
I was waiting for your call.
I'm learning things without a cause
and it's alright. 
You still shine,
you still shine. 
Tell me who you want to be,
so I can see that it's alright, alright. 
Colours changing all the time
but it's to light 
and yes, alright, alright. 
I was outside,
in the distance,
I was waiting for your call.
I'm learning things without a cause
and it's alright. 
You still shine,
you still shine. 
All I ever wanted was to give it away, (give it away)
all I wanted was to fade,
but you still shine. 
Give it away,
give it away.
(Give it all away) 
Shine, you still shine.
All I ever wanted was to give it away,
all I wanted was to fade.


To "preview" the song - have a listen here.
Buy the song on amazon or iTunes. (Search for the "heiter bis wolkig Soundtrack".)

Support Martin and James with a "Like" on Facebook,
follow them on Twitter, (though someone should teach them how to use Twitter .. :P)
and visit their website.



I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do and stay tuned for a big announcement very soon. :)



x Vanessa.




Summer looking back.


Hey guys,

I really hope everyone is doing well. : )

So summer is almost over and for me school starts in a week so right now I'm in that "looking back" mood. Looking back and thinking about what I achieve/did this summer. 

I can say that I'm pretty content about how this summer went: I finished school, I was in London, I went to six concerts (which all were amazing), build so many new friendships, got to know great people, worked on projects (working on a huge one right now :) ) but the thing I'm most proud of is what my horse and I achieved together.

We grew together a lot and did some really cool things. A two day riding trip where my horsie even had the chance to swim. Then we also did lots of other rides and I can honestly say that I trust this horse so much.
To me she's not only my horse, but also my friend. There where many times where I just sat next to her, talked to her and sometimes even cried. And it might sounds strange but Clio is always there for me. 

We've been through a lot and this summer was definitely "our summer".


I also want to thank you guys for your support.
Without you it wouldn't be the same. My house in the sand grew sooo much and I'm honestly touched by the comments you leave. So thank you thank you thank you. Please don't change. ;)

You might remember the project I told you about. I am now able to tell you that I just made a huge step forward. I still can't tell you what it is but I think you guys could guess and leave a comment what you'll think will be up on this blog soon. : )


x Vanessa. 

Laugh the Scottish way.

image from: WeKnowMemes

Hey guys,


today is a very rainy and grey day here in good ol' Germany. When I woke up this morning my second thought (my first one was "I need coffee") was that I would love to make you smile with this blogpost. 

I've been thinking about how I could the that the whole day and finally got the idea:

I am going to show you a video which always makes me giggle. Even if I watch it seven times in a row. 

Those who know me (or follow me on Twitter) probably already know who that video is about...

It's about my favourite Scottish guys. Yes. 

Jim Kroft. James O'Neill. Martin Kelly. Ryan McNeil. 



Yes.
Do it need to say more? 
No.


So... here is the video:



Just watch it. I'm sure you will laugh at least 100 times. Or 108 ;)

(Note: this video is from February .. the guys are way crazier nowadays.)


To me it's just crazy how they can make me smile no matter what. I just need to listen to their music, read the messages I got from them or watch videos like this and I immediately feel better. Insane.

Thank you guys!



I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do. If you do, feel free to connect with them on Twitter or Facebook. 

x Vanessa.

All I have to do is dream.


Hey guys,


first of all: sorry for not blogging for a few days! But I really do have an excuse - I wanted my last blogpost (read here) to stay on top of my blog for a while. 
It's about a great band and a friend of mine. Those guys definitely deserve to be known, so maybe you can go and check them out. :)



So now to today's post. I can't really define it .. it's just .. motivating? Well at least I want it to be. 



I had a time in my life where I thought thing's wouldn't ever go the way I want them to go.
 You know, school was no fun at all, some private things ran out of control, I had some kind of writing blockade and I did not believe in my dreams. 


To be honest, I don't know how, why or when I changed it. But I did. And right now I am so content with my life.

The key to that was starting to believe in myself, my skills and my dreams. No dream of mine is big enough or impossible. 
To others they definitely do sound like that (or what would you say if I told you my dream is having my favourite band at home? "it's impossible", right? - HAHA, too bad it already happened. :D) 

You know I started not to listen to others but to myself. If someone says my dreams are crazy it kind of motivates me to work harder on them and get them real. 

But I also know when I need help. And getting help is not wrong - no not at all. If it gets you closer to your dream, why not do it? :)

I live by the quote "the only way you fail, is when you don't react." (from the song "Canary In The Coalmine" by Jim Kroft.) 

I really really really hope that you guys got some inspiration or motivation from this little story time. 

Just do me a favour and believe in your dreams! If you believe in them and work for them, they will become real sooner or later. I promise! 



x Vanessa.




p.s.: the title of the post is inspired by the song "All I have to do is dream" by the Everly Brothers. 
Listen to the song covered by my favourite band Martin and James here:



Dan meets Portland live.


Hey guys,

today I can finally write another blogpost about a concert. It's been over a month since I've been to a concert (felt likes years though). It was a Milow concert where Martin and James were the support band. (No, I didn't not blog about that because of several reasons). 

So yesterday my Mum and I went to Frankfurt (for the third time this year.. tehee.) to the "MUSE|UMS|UFER|FEST 2012". We roadtriped there because we wanted to see my friend Dan Dietrich perform with his band called Dan meets Portland. After 1 hour driving and 1,5 hours of stop and go we finally arrived. (being stuck in traffic can be pretty entertaining when you look at random people ;) ) 

Not knowing how huge this fest is we were totally blown away seeing tons of people. Truly incredible. And magical. And lovely.
We definitely discovered the beautiful part of Frankfurt.

We sat down at some pretty neatly made location in front of the hr3 stage. 
Soon the soundcheck started. (I really love hearing bands doing their soundcheck before a show. :) Completes the whole concert feeling.)
Perfectly in time Dan started to perform two solo songs. What a voice!
After that the rest of the band joined him. 

Those guys definitely know how to entertain a crowd! But they are not only funny as hell but also talented. 

I was definitely surprised by how big the variety of songs they played was. From great originals to older cover songs (like "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty) to songs everyone knows (like "What shall we do with the drunken sailor?") to new songs (like "Just the way you are" by Bruno Mars).
There was just music for everyone. 

(I really really really hope you are going to check out their music!!! Links are at the bottom.)

Meeting Dan afterwards was awesome. He's just wonderfully nice, really! 
So Daaan, you're probably reading this right now, so let me thank you:
thanks for great two hours of listening to great music (also thanks to Carlos and Julian!), thank you for the CD (I love it), thank you for being sooo so nice.  :) Can't wait for the next show. (and my driver's license :D)

It was a pleasure meeting you and talking to you. :) 


Two hours of great music, next to the wonderful river, lots of music lovers around, different cultures, great weather - what could be better? 



Here are some impressions:


















You'll hear a lot more of those great musicians. :) 


Hope you enjoyed ;)




x Vanessa.

(feel free to leave a comment ;) no need to have any account, just type in your email)

Little parts of my room.

Hey guys,

today I'm showing you some of my favourite parts of my room. This has been requested, so here we go :)


So this is my little picture area next to my bed. 
I put lights around the whole shelf to make my bed area more cozy. There are pictures of Martin and James, Jim Kroft, my pets <3 and one picture of a telephone box from London. 
Also I keep some little decor things like the "Jar Of Flowers" (DIY: here), an old perfume bottle, 
some candle, and some presents from Spain. And of course my clock. 




This is another picture area .. but a big one.
 I put all pictures of me meeting my favourite musicians on my closet because putting them in pictures frames would be a pretty time taking thing. As you can see they're all black and white. 
On top I've written my favourite quote "the only way you fail, is when you don't react" from Jim Kroft's song "Canary In The Coalmine" (listen: here)




My band bracelets.
 Oh dear. Those who know me already know that I have such a bracelet obsession... this can't even be healthy. I still need to find a place where I can put them in for everyone to see them. :)
If you want me to, I could write a blogpost about them.




My lamp next to my bed. <3
I love this one so much.. There's nothing more to say about that. 



Sooo that's it for the first time. If you like this kind of post, let me know and I might do another one soon. 


Little note for those who don't follow me on Twitter: I am sorry for the lack of blogposts but I am working on something bigger right now. The project might be up on the blog some day soon but takes a lot of time and work right now, so it's a little bit hard to keep it up.
I hope you understand.



x Vanessa. 

Dip Dye.

Hey guys,


today I need your help/opinion. 
I've been verrrry bored lately so I spent a lot of time on pinterest.com looking through pictures and I came across "dip dye hair". 

For those who don't know what "dip dye" is - here are some pictures:







Now I'm really wondering what to think about it. Actually some colours do look incredibly great, but some don't. And somehow I'd love to try it out on my own hair but somehow I'm too afraid to do it. 


An easy way to test it would probably be getting clip-in extensions and dip dye them... :D




So people, help me out. 
Are you already rocking the dip dye hair? 
Are you thinking about dying your hair like that? 
If so - which colour/s?
 Or don't you like it? 

Leave a comment or talk to me on Twitter (@Vanyhoney). 


Thank you.. :)



x Vanessa.