Day 10: Marcus Valance | #HITSBC15

Hey guys!

Day 10! Two digits already! Time seems to fly by this month!

Maybe it's because of my over-excitement... who knows?!

Let's carry on with the Birthday Countdown!

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Today Marcus Valance is here to celebrate with us.

Marcus Valance is a singer/songwriter based in West London, UK. His style could be described as acoustic/folk-pop with the constant presence of the singer/songwriter elements.

He got into music at the early age of five when he started playing the piano.
A few years later he now also plays the guitar and has released a self funded EP called "Life In A Paper Cup".
His EP was mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice, co-producer to the four Grammy award winner Sam Smith.

Marcus' songs win you over with beautifully arranged instrumentals, honest and story telling lyrics and, of course, his incredible, husky yet soft voice.


Now, why don't you let Marcus convince you himself? As a part of our birthday party he performed his song "Empty Pages", enjoy!

 Many thanks to Nessi from carpe carmina for introducing me to Marcus' music. And of course, many thanks to Marcus for taking time to film a video and for supporting the countdown.

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

Marcus Valance online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

Day 9:                                                                                                                             Day 11:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Marcus Valance | Video performance & camera: Marcus Valance | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 9: Nina Yasmineh | #HITSBC15

 

Hey guys!

Writing these intros is becoming a real struggle here. Every day I want to tell you how excited I am but I think you know that by now.

So... I'll just leave it to you to either be as excited as I am or to get excited with today's performance.

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Day 9 belongs to Nina Yasmineh.

Nina Yasmineh is a singer/songwriter based in New York City, USA. Her style could be described as indie-pop with soft electronic touches. 

The singer/songwriter element shines through very strong; Nina writes fantastic, deep and dark lyrics which tell stories and transport feelings. 

Her arragements are clever, they sparkle and move. They vary from calm and emotional to upbeat and energetic. Nina's soft but expressive voice carries the vulnerable aspects of her music oh so well and wins you over within the blink of an eye.

Releases:

"Seven Years" (EP)

"Finest Hour" (EP)

"Dark Heart" (EP)

For us Nina performed an unreleased song called "Hourglass" and we're the first ones to hear it. I'm absolutely excited to share this incredibly beautiful, calming yet expressive song with you.

I'd like to say a massive thank you to Nina for being part of the Birthday Countdown for the second time now and for deliviring a spot on performance.

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

Nina Yasmineh online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

Day 8:                                                                                                                              Day 10:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Nina Yasmineh | Video performance & camera. Nina Yasmineh | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 8: Stephen Langstaff | #HITSBC15

 

Hey guys!

Are you ready to kick off week two of our Birthday Countdown? I surely am! Here's to another week of fantastic live music!

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Today the talented Stephen Langstaff is here to perform.

Stephen Langstaff is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool, UK.
He writes acoustic pop tunes which convince with soothing yet expressive vocals, honest and emotional lyrics and well arranged instrumentals. 

Stephen is yet to release his new EP "Sirens" which is definitely something to look forward to.

For us Stephen already performed the title track of the upcoming EP called "Sirens". I absolutely enjoy watching him perform this fantastic song and I'm pretty sure you will too.

Many thanks to Mark for setting this up. And of course - many many thanks to Stephen for filming this video, it was a pleasure working with you.

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

Stephen Langstaff online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Day 7:                                                                                                                                Day 9:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Stephen Langstaff | Video performance & camera: Stephen Langstaff | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 7: Jourdan Myers | #HITSBC15

 

Hey guys! 

With today's post the first week of our Birthday Countdown 2015 is over. Wow! I am so passionate about this project that I actually feel a bit sad, knowing it's only three more weeks now.

But hey, there are going to be so many incredible musicians so there's no time to be sad.

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Today the wonderful Jourdan Myers performs for us.

Jourdan Myers is a singer/songwriter from Minneapolis, US. 

Her sound varies from alternative to folk to pop and even draws in some rock elements at times. 

So far Jourdan released a fantastic album called "Ruin Me With Love".

 It showcases her wide range of vocals; one minute she sounds as vulnerable as a fairy, the other she burts out into intense and strong vocals.

Her live performance is just as remarkable, but dear HITS-readers, you'll find that out yourself today.

There are a lot of things I could write about this performance but I'll try to keep it short: Jourdan's intro is so cheerful and will probably make everybody smile. The song "Firelight" itself is such a beautiful and emotional ballad and I'm very happy to present it to you.

Many many thanks to Krista for setting this up, it's always a joy working with you.
Also a massive thank you to Jourdan - it is absolutely wonderful to have you at our birthday party, you're so lovely!

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

Jourdan Myers online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

Day 6:                                                                                                                                  Day 8:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Jourdan Myers Press Kit (Will Keeler) | Video performance & camera: Jourdan Myers | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 6: Jamie Lawson | #HITSBC15

Hey guys!

It's already day 6 of our Birthday Countdown and I'm so happy about how you seem to enjoy it. Your support makes this countdown even more special, so thank you!

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Today Jamie Lawson is the main act of our party.

Jamie Lawson is a singer/songwriter from England.
His sound blends acoustic and pop and has its focus on the honest and vividly storytelling lyrics. He started playing the guitar at the young age of 8 years and started writing his own songs in his teenage years. Over the years Jamie has build himself a loyal fanbase.

With the help of YouTube his song "Wasn't Expecting That" climbed to the number one spot in the iTunes Charts Ireland.

 In the last couple of years he supported acts like Damien Rice, Ben Howard and most recently Ed Sheeran.


Just before Jamie went on stage to open the show for Ed Sheeran in Stuttgart, we filmed this little video of him performing his song "Cold In Ohio".
I apologise for my rather disappointing camera work, nonetheless I'm absolutely sure you'll love Jamie's performance.

Many thanks to Jamie who was absolutely lovely to work and hang out with. Looking forward to seeing you play a headline show hopefully soon!

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

 Jamie Lawson online: Web/Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

 

Day 5:                                                                                                                             Day 7:

Credits // Text, Photography & Video intro & camera: Vanessa Jertschewske | Video performance: Jamie Lawson

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Day 5: Winter 1982 | #HITSBC15

Hey guys!

Day 5 is here. I'm still as excited as I was on day 1, simply because I am so excited about all these artists and bands we still have coming up.

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Winter 1982 are a duo from Birmingham, UK. Influenced by acts such as Ray Lamontagne, Jeff Buckley and Kings Of Leon, Winter 1982 could be classified as indie-folk with hints of alternative.
 

Both members grew up together and shared  "a passion for great music, indie nightclubs and depressing, grey, rainy days". Varying from smooth, soft and warm vocals to slightly smoky notes; singer Phil just offers it all.

In honour of our birthday party Phil performed a new song called "Sometimes".
"This is the first time anybody has ever heard this song.", this means it's up to you, dear HITS readers, to spread the word about this fantastic song.

Many thanks to Phil for all the trouble he went through whilst filming this video, it means a lot and I'm super happy to share your splendid performance with everyone.

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.


Winter 1982 online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

 

Day 4:                                                                                                                                Day 6:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Winter 1982 | Video performance & camera: Winter 1982 | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 4: Recruits | #HITSBC15

Hey guys!

It's day 4 already! After a few days of brilliant acoustic and folk tunes, it's now time to let some rock music in, don't you think?

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Alright, now let's get rocking, shall we?

Recruits are a five piece band from Scunthorpe, UK. They play alternative rock and have been together for just over a year.

Recruits are:

Steve Dean Smith (vocals)

Ben Yarrow (lead guitar)

Eddie Vessey (rhythm guitar)

Steve Heather (bass guitar)

Jonno Smith (drums)

 Within their first year of existing Recruits have already played at Sheffield and Birmingham o2 academies. They are also the winners of 2014 Scunthorpe Rock Open.

The five musicians have already recorded their upcoming EP which is currently being mastered by Phil Gornell who has worked with bands such as Bring Me The Horizon and All Time Low. 

Besides an exciting EP release, the band is also looking forward to playing at Emergenza Comp in Manchester. They also have BBC Introducing coming up in March.

But for now they're here to play us their song "Remember You".
I had the best time watching this video for many reasons; of course the band showed off their skills and convinces with a splendid performance. But also you get an idea of the fun they have, them getting the giggles is bloody hilarious!

Many thanks to the band for taking the time to film this fantastic performance! It is such a joy to listen and watch, so keep going, lads! I think you've got a bright future ahead!


If you enjoyed what you just heard, please make sure to support the band and vote for them at Hard Rock Rising to make sure they get to play in Barca at the Hard Rock Fest in front of 60 000 people.

VOTE HERE, it's absolutely easy to do and takes less than 30 seconds.

 
Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

Recruits online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

 

Day 3:                                                                                                                              Day 5:

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Recruits | Video performance & camera: Recruits | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 3: Elen | #HITSBC15

Hey guys!

Day 3! I hope you're still as excited as I am about our Birthday Countdown. I think these very few days already show how much talent is out there.

What is the Birthday Countdown though? Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.

Today Elen is here to sing for us!

Elen is a musician from Berlin, Germany. 

Her inspirations range from Tom Odell to Nirvana to Oasis. Her sound ranges from folk to pop to soul-rock. 

At the age of six years Elen took her first ever guitar lesson but soon stopped because her small fingers hurt. The passion for music has always been present for her and so she started singing, playing the keyboard and drums. At the age of 16 she then picked up the guitar again and kept playing ever since.

 After a musician she met told her to do some busking, Elen soon found herself on the streets of Berlin, performing her songs to the people passing by.  

Her brilliant performances led to being invited to take part in the German version of "The Voice". And again her performance was strong enough to convince all four judges. 

Even though she was offered many contracts, Elen decided to crowdfund her debut album and release it on her own label "Spreading Sparks". That way she was able to let the music come together naturally and in a way she was completely happy with it. "Elen" will be released on February 6th 2015.

Now go ahead and let Elen convince you with her incredible cover of Tracy Chapman's "For My Lover". I absolutely love it!

(Also - how cute is her special guest?!)

Many thanks to Björn for making this happen and, of course, to Elen for taking the time to film this absolutely amazing video. 

Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.

 

Elen online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Day 2:                                                                                                                          Day 4:

                                                                                      

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Elen press kit | Video performance & camera: Elen | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 2: Ryan O'Reilly | #HITSBC15

 

Hey guys!

Welcome to day 2 of our Birthday Countdown! I'm very happy to see you here and can't wait to show you more incredible live performances during our birthday countdown.

If you're new to the party: throughout the entire month one artist/one band a day is going to wish
 house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song for us.

Today the Ryan O'Reilly plays us a song.

Ryan O'Reilly and his band offer a big variety of sounds, still they march into the Folk and Americana direction. Their songwriting is mainly influenced by relationships with people as well as different places.
  Commuting between London (UK), Berlin (Germany) and Toronto (Canada) the band is obviously offered a wide range of city influences.

 Ryan O'Reilly and his band are:
Ryan O'Reilly
Tyler Kite
David Granshaw

Ryan started playing the guitar at the age of 10, when his father gave him a six-string saying “you’re never going to impress anyone with your looks or your charm so you’d better get good at this”. 
Eight years later Ryan still followed his father's advice and went to Toronto, Canada where he played countless open mics. His travels made him meet Tyler Kite and David Granshaw.

Them busking on London’s famous Portobello Road street market has opened many doors for the three musicians; people who enjoyed hearing their music invited them to their hometowns such as Oslo, Berlin, Lisbon, Napoli, Toronto and London - just to name a few.

They have been on the road for "the best part of a decade", means there's enough inspiration for the new album they are working on.

For our third birthday party the talented trio decided to cover "Hard Times" by America's country singer/songwriter Gillian Welch.
What I love about this performance? One word: harmonies!
Now go ahead and let it enchant you.

Many thanks to Annie for setting this up. And of course thank you to Ryan, Tyler and David for taking time to record this beautiful Gillian Welch cover for us!


Please go ahead and share this performance with your friends by using the hashtag #HITSBC15.
 

You want more of the guys? Here you go:

Ryan O'Reilly online: Website | Twitter | Facebook |  YouTube

            Day 1:                                                                                                               Day 3:               

                                                                                  

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Ryan O'Reilly Band | Video performance & camera: Ryan O'Reilly Band | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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Day 1: Liam McClair | #HITSBC15

 

Hey guys!

 It's day one of this year's Birthday Countdown and I couldn't be more excited!

Today I finally get to reveal what I've been working on for the last few months and I can't wait to hear what you think.

Starting today one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song for us.

That means 27 days of live music and a big birthday party on February 28th.

So, let's put those party hats on and celebrate!

I am very happy to have the fantastic Liam McClair open our countdown!

Liam McClair is a singer/songwriter from Manchester, UK.
His sound can be classified as acoustic/folk with raw pop elements. Most of his recordings are guitar based and vocals focused. But you'll still find piano ballads and harmonica instrumentals paired with supportive percussions whilst listening to Liam's repertory.

With strong live performances Liam has convinced crowds all over the UK and even made it to Belgium and Holland to play his music.
 Music fans from all over the world are drawn to his sound. He has supported acts like Newton Faulkner and Echo & The Bunnymen.

So far Liam released two EPs:

How (2013)

Honey (2014)

 You're about to watch Liam's fantastic performance of his song "Time With You",
I am a massive fan of his music and absolutely enjoy this amazing live version which showcases his warm and soothing voice perfectly.

Grab a cup of your favourite tea, get cosy and enjoy the very first, very amazing countdown performance!





If you enjoyed this performance, please make sure to buy "Time With You" on iTunes - all proceeds go to Francis House Children Hospital.

DOWNLOAD HERE

A massive thank you to Liam for recording the video and for being absolutely lovely to talk to. I look forward to meeting you soon. (For many reasons, as you know...)

If you want to share this project, please use the hashtag #HITSBC15 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! :)

Make sure to check out more of his music and give follow Liam.

Liam McClair online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube
 

 

                                                                                                                                             Day 2:

                                                                                                                            

Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Liam McClair | Video performance & camera: Liam McClair | Video intro: Vanessa Jertschewske

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