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CONCERT REVIEW || HOZIER + GEORGE EZRA

Last night was definitely something else.

I had the wonderful opportunity of seeing Hozier and George Ezra in concert at the iconic Electric Factory.
We knew we needed to queue for a while in order to get front row (because the whole thing was general admission), so my sister and I arrived to the venue at around 3pm.
Besides the fact that it was freezing and windy, waiting in line does have its perks. We met some wonderful people and were lucky enough to hear both Hozier and George Ezra's soundchecks. So its almost like we got to hear their gig around 3 times.
Doors opened at 7:30pm and the concert didn't start until 8:30pm.
My sister and I thankfully got front and center barrier.
Ok... So I think I was more excited for Ezra's set then Hozier's. From what I heard during soundcheck I knew his set was going to blow the audience away. I assume the audience must have been surprised by his amazing vocals. I mean his face definitely doesn't match up with his deep voice, but it doesn't change the fact that this guy is talented with a capital "T".
The band consisted of a drummer, bassist and a guitar player. They played the hit "Budapest" along with "Cassy O", "Barcelona" and "Listen to the Man", but what really hit the mark was "Did You Hear the Rain?". Again, I heard them smash it during soundcheck but live and right in front of my face I witnessed something truly amazing. The four piece got into their element and jammed this one out. Honestly, words do not do a justice for the amount of pure musical talent expressed last night.

Hozier-
After seeing him live I can say his album does not do a justice. Of course its good, but live, everything is better.
I have to admit I was a little bummed he started off the set with "Angel of Small Death & The Codeine Scene" because that's probably my favorite song on the album. Anyway, that changed real quick.
Before I go any further into this review I just want to say that his band was amazing. The background singers were all thankfully in tune and smiled away the whole night, the cellist and singer were talented and killed it, the pianist-who-I-thought-was-called-Leah seemed super into everything and the drummer and synth guy were also pretty great. (I couldn't really see the synth guy/bassist but he was also a really good singer) ANYWAY! Everyone on stage put everyone else in the world to shame. "You think you have talent?" "Ha! No, you are a worthless piece of trash."
...
Hozier told us that he only had around 6 hours of sleep between Wed. and Saturday... he seemed tired but it became extremely evident when he forgot his own set list.
After he played "To Be Alone", he introduced it again and started playing it until he noticed, stopped and laughed. Yet this wasn't the only time he forgot. When it was time for "In A Week", he started to sing the wrong verse, stopped, looked at Alana (the cellist/ duet partner) , apologized and went on. The man wasn't lying, he really was sleep deprived. 
"Cherry Wine" live made me feel like I died and went to heaven. I kid you not, the audience turned into an angelic choir. Around the middle of the song I experienced this weird out of body thing that completely took over the rest of the song. Somehow, the audience harmonized and managed to take over the song. It wasn't even Hozier that shined during it but everyone not on stage.
Other highlights of the night were "It Will Come Back", "Sedated" and his cover of "Problem" by Ariana Grande.
I remember seeing it on BBCR1 when he did the live lounge and how great it was. The middle of the song morphs into "Regulate" and all the sudden this overplayed, simple song turns into the funkiest piece of art you'll ever listen to.
The set ended with "Work Song", which is the presumed new pop single.

All in all the night was pretty fantastic. Afterwards about 50 of us gathered around the buses in order to meet the artists. I have to admit I felt pretty terrible keeping Hozier up. When he came out the tour manager told us her couldn't take pictures, we managed to get a signature and a quick exchange of words. So now I can say I met Hozier. (I wanted to meet George too but I think he escaped us before Hozier's set was even over, bummer.)

Gigging has become a major part of my life this past year. I don't go just because I love live music or I just really want to see certain people live, but because the whole experience is so innate. People have been making and performing music since we lived in caves. And with the performers come those who listen and admirrer the art. Because of our mutual appreciation almost everyone around you soon becomes a best friend. People you've only known for hours seem like people you've known for years.

There's nothing like it.



I would love to see George Ezra again, hes coming to my city in April, However I believe tickets are sold out and I'm not sure if I have the time to go.
I am seeing Hozier again in May. Which will be pretty great considering I now know he puts on a great show.
If you happen to be reading this please take the time to get into these two artists. And if you have the chance to see them live- do it.

Catfish and the Bottleman | Late on the Train pt 2

"How many times have you listened to The Balcony?"

"More than I can count."

Sunday night I tuned into Radio 104.5's new music show. I heard "Cocoon" and instantly fell in love. 

I've heard "Kathleen", the bands popular single, a few times. I always thought it was a tune but found myself lazy of listening to their album. A couple weeks back I remember listening to their live lounge of Kanye's "Black Skinhead", my only thought was, "damn! That voice."

But of course the band is more than just one man. Upon listening to the album, countless times in just 2 days, I realized they had something utterly special. 

Something so reminisant of the early Arctic  Monkeys mixed with the up and coming Jake Bugg. CATB is a breath of fresh air for the rock world. 

If you haven't checked them out please, please do.  

My favorites on the album are:

Cocoon

Kathleen

Hourglass

Sidewinder

Late on The Suicide Train || Mrsuicidesheep

With almost 2 million subscribers, Mrsuicidesheep is soon to be taking over the world.

I'm actually really late on finding out this channel, but it is slowly changing my life. The channel uploads new artists (probably from Soundcloud or sent demos) and shares them on their channel. Mostly EDM (which isn't my cup of tea) remixes or super alternative. Anyway, for the past couple weeks I've been listening to a bunch of songs uploaded to their channel. I have collected a short list of the ones that are totally worth listening to.
The channel has playlists such as, experimental week, chill out, indie electronica and many more.

MS MR- Hurricane (Adventure Club Remix)
Nick Leng- Leaves
Sorrow- Never Too Far
Daughter- Medicine (Sound Remedy Remix)
Jaymes Young- What Should I do or really anything Jaymes Young..actually just google him
Wyatt- Places
Uppermost- Left Unsaid


You can check out the YouTube channel here -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5nc_ZtjKW1htCVZVRxlQAQ

Takeaways / March 2nd

Being a senior is all fun and games until you realize how much it sucks to be carless. 

My dads running late so right now I'm that girl leaning against a wall, listening to her music and staring into her phone. Pretty exciting stuff, eh? 

Alright- this week I told my self I'd abusively listen to Hozier and George Ezra's albums so by Saturday I'd be able to sing along. (Oh by the way, I'm seeing hozier & Ezra on Saturday- expect a blog post) 

Being an 18 year old with a low paying-one day a week job, I can't afford a million albums so I'll I'm saying is THANK GOD FOR SPOTIFY. 

This post is all over the place, sorry??

Let's talk about "spectacular rival"... George's voice gets so damn low in this song and I'm getting some major cowboy vibes (mixed with James Bond) ... At first I honesty didn't like the song, but the more I listen to it, the more it grows on me.

Anyway, isn't spotify awesome? I've been listening to a bunch of new albums and I don't have to pay. Life can't get much better, can it? 

Ok... This post was utterly pointless. 

-bye 

It's The Most Wonderful Time!

2015 is sure to be the year of music. Artists like, Years & Years, George Ezra, James Bay, Alabama Shakes, Florence + The Machine, BØRNS and Glass Animals are on the rise (or rising again). 

All of them have, or will have released albums this year. And all of them are going to blow up the world. 

Flo and Alabama Shakes already have an established credibility... But the others are sure to make a mark in the alt world. 

Here I am, patiently waiting for the first 3 artists to make their mainstream break in the US. Today, Years & Years already has a number one song in the UK, yet most Americans don't even know who they are. The same with the like of George and James. One of them a Brit winner, the other performed in the O2 with a giant sign of their last name behind them... Soon the world will know their names. 

Cue to "The World Will Know" from Newisies.

GRAMMY's 2015 // BEST DRESSED MEN

Gigstyle- this blog stands for the link between music and fashion.
The Grammy's are obviously an award show to honor the best music of the year. Perhaps equally as important, however, are the fashion choices each of the nominees make. Inspiration for style in the upcoming year may reflect what we see on the red carpet. This means its important to keep your eyes pealed for upcoming trends in fashion! It all starts here!
So, I have collected 5 of the best dressed male artists and 5 female artists (next blog post)!

MEN

SAM SMITH-
Having seen Sam live, I know that man can rock a suit. Last night, he showed up in his usual tailored black suit. During the performance he switch into an interesting red suit. For me, it summed up his album. Heart break and heart ache..in a color. The pants may have been a little loose around the calves but nevertheless, he still looked fabulous!
(congrats on the 4 grams dude!)



















ALOE BLACC-
Usually I hate fedoras. But this man seemed to work the hell out of it.
He sported a fresh bow tie and a blue suit. Perfectly tailored with pops of clean white and a shinny new watch. This look was classic yet incredibly modern.





















DIERKS BENTLEY-

This country star is working white!  Honestly, I have no idea who this guy is and I probably will never since I'm not into country, all I know is he can rock a John Varvatos suit nicely, landing him on my list!




























         BASTILLE-

These guys sported some fancy Armani suits last night. We all know I'm pretty biased towards anything they do, but honestly I was blown away by their style. They all look cohesive, yet each suit had its own individual style. Ranging from Dan's blue ombre, to Woody's graphic undershirt. 100% in the style depot. Armani, you did well my friend.



COMMON-
Sometimes a plain black suit can be the most stylish! Even the tie was black, something about his look last night was fierce and clean. Solid suits can look refined and mature, and this 42 year old knows that! 

GEORGE EZRA'S NEW ALBUM | WANTED ON VOYAGE

What an exciting day! I've been waiting months for this album to drop in the US. The 21 year old "Budapest" singer has certainly accomplished much in his day. The 15 song deluxe album is filled with depth and uniqueness, I can say with out a doubt, George Ezra has a voice like no other. 

Ezra has toured with Sam Smith and in the future will be Hozier's opener. So, don't be surprised if you hear about him in 2015. 

If you haven't listened to him I would start off with "Blame it On Me", it has all those Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan vibes yet it is excitingly modern and different. Obviously you should listent to "Budapest" as well, since it is his most popular song. 

This album is a game changer for the music industry. Deep blues and folk influences make for a refreshing and happy album.

You can check it out here : 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wanted-on-voyage-deluxe/id947999961

Also be sure to follow his social media for a laugh. 

@george_ezra 

I am super stoked to see him in March with Hozier! I will make sure to review his set in the future. 

HAVE BIG BRANDS RUINED FESTIVAL FASHION?

Festival lineups are out and the excitement is kicking in! With festivals becoming more and more popular within our culture, big brands are starting to catch up.

Fashion has always been a part of concert going whether we know it or not. So much of our culture has been influenced by festivals and they continue to effect our youth.
...but should be brands share in this? Does it ruin the vibe? Are they taking away from the free spirit and 100% pure expression of your being? Slowly but surely the festival apparel will stop being unique, people themselves won't influence the future of fashion- but rather companies.

Take ASOS for example, a popular clothing company. They recently launched a whole line dedicated to festival fashion.  Are they commercializing on something that used to be so individual? Or is this world doomed to be taken over by even more fringe, crop tops, booty shorts and flower crowns... ? (ugh that's so 2013)
http://www.asos.com/Festival-Shop/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=7662&r=2

Tell me what you think. Is this "fashion" whipping clean our originality? Or have festivals turned into a feeding ground of cookie cutters?

FIREFLY 2015 LINEUP

Could this be the official firefly lineup???? Radio 104.5 posted this rumored picture today- and the lineup looks SICK! 

Also, big bands and their supporters are listed. Walk the Moon and The Griswolds, Bastille and Grizfolk, to name a few. Bands that have toured with each other are listed...  Or bands that are buds with each other. All in all, this festival seems to be f*%=Ing sweet. 

Will you be attending if this is legit? I know I'll try my best. TIME TO START SAVING.

FESTIVALS & ARTISTS YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO IN 2015❗️

Tis the season for festivals! Coachella, Gov Ball and Bonaroo, amongst many others, have announced their lineups. Coachella's lineup was a let down to most, but still pretty good. I mean who let Drake be the headliner? AC/DC, yes, but Drake? What the hell. The greatest lineup so far, in my opinion, is Governors Ball. Although, I'm still patiently waiting for Firefly to annouce theirs. 

With festivals, comes new bands praying to make their mark on the world. Artist, MØ is playing at quite a few of them. 

Songs like  "Don't Wanna Dance" are soon to swarm the charts. With charm in her voice much reminisant to Lana Del Ray, she's sure to have a fabulous 2015.

So recently I've been into new, modern sort of house music. Ben Khan is someone to watch this year aswell. Super techno but funky and smooth. His voice compared with the producing is something you should add to your year.

English group Years&Years have had a FANTASTIC year so far. Songs like "Real" and "Eyes Shut" are sure to be stuck in your head. They've gained much attention from BBCR1 and won the artist to watch 2015 award. Again, they carry strong R&B vibes with brilliant producing. Their music will make you want to get up and become the greatest modern dancer... You'll soon be contorting and movie in ways you've never known. 

What will 2015 bring?

Hello! I haven't been keeping up with this blog recently. Since it's 2015 I want to dedicate more of my time to blogging! 

Recently I've been accepted to multiple univerisities, applying to more and sorting out financial aid etc etc... It's boring and stressful as anything. I've been so stressed out that I end up doing absolutely nothing. I have so much down time, but I spend it very inefficiently. Ideally I should be spending my time working out, practicing guitar, sewing and making youtube content. But I don't?! Why? 

I'm not sure. 

I hope by continuing as much as I can with this blog I will be able to get back into the swing of things. I'm sorry if this doesn't make sense. 

Essentially I will be posting more. Please give me feed back and ideas. 

Leah xx