April Playlist: What you should be listening to this month

I’m always obsessed with finding new music so I wanted to get back into the habit of sharing my monthly playlists with you guys. Looking through the new music I’ve found recently I could share A LOT of songs with you but I’m going to try and narrow it down to 10 a month.

No Good - Kaleo 

Icelandic band Kaleo were hand picked to have this song feature on ‘Vinyl’ a show on HBO. Apparently their band name means ‘the sound’ in Hawaiian, now thats pretty cool. No Good has some amazing guitar solos and combine that with lead singers Jökull Júlíusson gritty voice it's definitely a winner in my books. 

Gold to Glass - The Revivalists

The Revivalists are a seven piece American rock band from New Orleans. David Shaw’s soulful voice is balanced with beautiful horns, percussion and a catchy hook, what more could you want?!

Glitter & Gold - Barns Courtney

Barns Courtney sounds like he could have been born in the deep south but he’s actually an English boy born in Ipswich. Glitter & Gold is a gritty blues track that will have you pressing repeat over and over again. (Apparently they didn’t have drums in this track, the percussion is made by hitting old filing cabinets!)

Your Light Has Changed - We Are Scientists

Ok, so I know I’m late to the party with this band. So many people have told me to listen to We Are Scientists for years but for some reason I never did. Hands up, I was missing out. However Your Light Has Changed is from their upcoming album (release on 27th April) and when I heard it I actually put down what I was doing to listen. Full of rock vibes, awesome guitar solos and foot tapping percussion. It’s certainly made me excited for the album!

Meant To Be - Bebe Rexha feat Florida Georgia Line

When this first came on the radio I turned it off as its not my thing... but I have to admit its a massive grower. I love Florida Georgia Line’s beautiful country voice and when you combine that with Bebe Rexha’s quirky voice it creates a dreamy hook and something that is a bit different. You don’t hear much country music in the UK charts so its great it is getting out there with this song. 

She’s Got You High - Mumm-Ra

I have to admit, this is an old favourite of mine but I can’t stop listening to it this month. Its always a solid winner in my books. I fell in love with lead singer James New’s voice. It has this adorable English tone through it and its one of the reasons I love this song so much. It was featured in the film (500) Days of Summer so if you’re thinking you’ve heard it before thats probably where.

Royal Highness - Tom Grennan

Tom was up for BBC Music Sound of 2017 and frankly I’m surprised he didn’t make the top three. He writes these gorgeous emotive lyrics and has a raw, raspy voice to accompany them. I could have chosen so many of his songs but I think this has to be one of my favourites.

10,000 - Elliot Root

Elliot Root are an American alternative music band based in Nashville, Tennessee. 10,000 features on their 2017 album Conjure. Lead singer Scott Krueger’s vocal on this song is outstanding. So much soul manages to come across in such a mellow way. I’ll definitely be checking out more of their music after hearing this. 

A Young Understanding - Sundara Karma

I’ve heard this band a lot more on the radio recently so decided to check out some of their stuff. I’m so glad I did as this band is right down my street. They’re a British four piece band originally from Reading who make indie pop music (who also have the most BEAUTIFUL HAIR). This song is bold, fresh and a great look into a young 20 somethings life.

Let’s Stay in Bed All Day - Prides

I first came across Prides when they played at the Commonwealth Ceremony in Glasgow back in 2014. I fell in love with their slightly synth-esque music, it was different to what I was listening too at the time and that grabbed me. Let’s Stay in Bed All Day was released last year and features that same sound and power that they had back in 2014. This song is full of character and makes you want to dance around the kitchen!

Hope you enjoyed my April playlist recommendations! Let me know if you have any suggestions or have a favourite from this months playlist, let me know on twitter @beccax10.

Glastonbury 2016

I feel I have fully recovered from post Glastonbury blues so I want to let you know about all the amazing bands I got to see and the whole experience!

We always get coach and ticket packages when we head to Glastonbury. Its normally easier to get tickets as they go on sale on the Thursday before general sale so if you fail with them you can have another try on the Sunday. We were successful with tickets and were incredibly excited to see the line up! Glastonbury is a bit different from other festivals as they don't realise the line up until after everyone has paid for their tickets.

I have to be honest, I wasn't that impressed with the line up but Glastonbury has SO much more to offer than the main stages. To be fair I was very excited to see Adele but she wasn't a headline act was she? I was to be proven wrong but more on that later.

We left at 5.30am from central park with another coach load of excited travellers! The weather had been bad of the couple of days before the festival so we were worried about the site. I'd also seen loads of images online of flooding which didn't bode well... We were then told by the driver we'd be stopping at Taunton services as the traffic around the site was heavy. Everyone moaned a bit "It's a festival, of course it's going to be heavy...can't be that bad..." and how we were wrong! It took us 11 1/2 hours to get to the festival. 9 hours to travel what should have took us 15 minutes. Crazy.

We arrived very very glad to get of the bus and ready for the long slog to get a camping spot. Always the worst bit but after the journey we just had it actually wasn't that bad. We managed to get a spot on Lower Mead which wasn't the best as I started to worry if it rained we might be a bit screwed. In the end it wasn't that bad...! It was close to the pyramid stage and the other stage where we spent most of our time so it worked out alright.

The first night is always the one where you have a wonder around and see what there is. They have opening night fireworks and a massive gathering in the stone circle. Unfortunately we missed the stone circle party this year as they close it off when it reaches capacity. We decided to go up to the viewing point which gives you this beautiful view of Worthy Farm.

We wandered around again on the Thursday to see of different areas of the site before the music kicked off on the Friday. I think one of my favourite areas is the Green Fields area during the day. There is so much you can do and different activities you can try you definitely won't get bored. We tried to head up to the night time are this evening but they had already reached capacity in Shangri La so we couldn't go :( I LOVE it here, its full of propaganda mocking the society we live in. Really interesting to have a walk around if you can to explore and then catch the amazing DJs until late!

Green Fields

Friday came and it was music time! So many bands I wanted to catch over the weekend and so many I didn't plan on catching but loved. I just want to go through the one's I absolutely loved!

New band spot: Bear's Den - Other Stage
Now I have to admit we weren't planning on seeing these guys but I'm so glad we did! What a talent, currently listening to them as I write this post. The band consists of two guys and they describe themselves as alternative rock, right down my street. Check them out here, you won't regret it. My favourite song on their current album is Agape, lovely, easy listening song. They have a new album out soon which you can pre-order so get on it!

Jack Garratt - John Peel Stage
I have been waiting to see this beauty for a while now and boy was it worth the wait! He has so much stage presence and put on a bloody good show. I love his music, what an absolute talent. The whole tent was jumping and came together to enjoy themselves! I even made a friend in the crowd, Hi Paul!

Bastille - Other Stage
Now I have loved these guys for a long while and Woody is from Plymouth so you can't really go wrong with that... We were right near the front and it was so worth it. The great thing about the stages at Glastonbury is that they empty out pretty much at every act so you can get to the front when you want to. Bastille played a few songs from their new album and it sounds like its going to be a cracker!

Adele - Pyramid Stage
Wooooooooooooow. Adele blew me away. She sounds INCREDIBLE live, just like her albums. The crowd was a collective and everyone was getting weepy. It was an awesome experience and I don't think I'll get to see her again so I made sure I took everything in, just take a look. We couldn't even get onto the main field she attracted that many people. SO MANY FEELINGS.

Years and Years - Other Stage
Now I wouldn't say I was a fan of Y&Y's but after seeing them live I would definitely buy their album. Olly came out in the most incredible coat (I want it) and gave an amazing touching speech about being in the LGBT community which received a loud cheer from the crowd! Lots of confetti and fun had.

Now with the one to end with the obvious...

Coldplay - Pyramid Stage
Before I saw them live I was not fussed by them. I didn't understand the hype or why anyone would want to see them at a gig. But they blew me away at how good they were. You had the opportunity to pick up a flashing wristband on the Sunday during the day to use in the evening. Seeing over 100,000 people in unison watching a band is something special, and then you add lights into the crowd and it electrifies the feeling. Loved that the band covered one of the lovely Viola Beach, Boys That Sing, who we sadly lost when they died on tour. Perfect tribute.

What a weekend. If you're ever debating going please just go. There is something for everyone and there is so much more than just music. Its my favourite thing to do and there will be nothing as special as standing in a field muddy with your best friends listening to your favourite bands. Until next time Worthy Farm.

Jack Savoretti - Written In Scars

I was watching something on TV the other week (I think it was Saturday Night at the Palladium) and I wasn't really paying attention to it all... Then I heard a BEAUTIFUL voice, I looked up and for the next three minutes I was glued to my TV screen. It was Jack Savoretti (beautiful voice and a beautiful man...). I had heard of him before but never actually heard his music, and let me tell you I have been missing out all this time.

He was playing his new single, Catapult. After he finished and after I recovered from my amazement,  I went straight onto my Macbook to search for him on spotify. I wasn't disappointed, his voice has got this beautiful rawness to it. I then went straight onto iTunes and bought his re released version of his album Written In Scars and I haven't stopped listening to it since. I spent a total of 10 hours on the coach to and from London last weekend listening to it and I'm not bored of it yet! I just wanted to share my top three favourites from the album.

Track 4 - Tie Me Down
I love the rawness of Jack's voice in the chorus of this, it adds a different dimension to the song. Great lyrics and a catchy tune that is definitely going to get stuck in your head!

Track 7 - Nobody 'Cept You
You'll have to skip forward a lot in the video before, but he explains the whole meaning behind this song which is lovely. This song makes my heart smile, I think thats the best way to describe it. Have a listen and I'm sure you'll know what I mean.

Track 13 - Catapult
Wow, wow, wow. This song is gorgeous. 100% my favourite song at the moment. This is the song that pulled me into the world of Jack Savoretti. The lyrics are so meaningful and full of soul. I belt the chorus out like an absolute mad women...

How amazing is he? Make sure you go and download his album, you won't regret it. I'm currently searching for tickets to go and see him live now and just realised his London gig is sold out... day ruined... haha. I hope you enjoy him as much as I am!

Jack Garratt - Phase

I have been putting off this post for a while now because I was determined to listen as much as I could to the album to at least get a ranking of what I thought of the songs. I was having a really hard time choosing my favourites. So I've managed to choose the three songs that, for me, blow the others out of the water.

I'm going to be honest... I really couldn't understand the hype for Jack Garratt when he first came on the scene. I mean I totally understood how talented he was playing every instrument that he could get his hands on but other than that I just didn't get it.

Fast forward to a couple of months down the line when I hear him on BBC Radio One. I ended up thinking to myself ooo I actually really like this song... I wonder who this is... then when good old Greg James went "and that was Jack Garratt's new single from his debut album Phase" I thought I better give this guy a chance...

So when his album came out on February 19th I took a plunge and bought it, the deluxe one so this was quite and investment... Jeeze there was nothing to worry about. I think I can safely say its one of the best album's I have bought to date. In my opinion, I don't think there is a skip song on it and lets be honest, most albums have one.

Lets go through my top three...

Track 5 - Worry
I think this is the song he first released from his album. I mean even Mr James Bay is telling his followers to buy it, big support there.
Its got a mellow tone about it but when it gets to the chorus all those beautiful Jack Garratt sounds come out to play. His gorgeous rough voice, guitar, electrics, bass... it's all there in the chorus of this song.
Easily one of my most played songs at the moment.

Track 7 - I Know All What I Do
This is just a beautiful track. Its one of the songs that you turn on when you get back from work and just relax too, forget all your worries and turn off to the world. I feel like I should say more, but I think it'd be best for you just to find this on iTunes and give your ears some love.

Track 12 - My House Is Your Home
Another favourite of mine for its unashamedly raw vocals and minimalist track backing. It gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. I would go ahead and say this is my favourite track on the album. The piano and the background sounds you can hear just add to the feeling of exclusivity to the song. It feels like he is in the room singing it to a small crowd. Just beautiful. I'm actually listening to it as I type this on the coach and I want to scream to everyone how the vocals make me melt. Weird, I know... Its finished now... moving on...

I feel like another track needs a mention but I didn't want to include it in my top 3 as its only on the deluxe version of the album (so all the more reason to buy that one), Lonesome Valley. I love the way it builds into this vocal awesomeness with some many layers of instruments and sounds. It makes me excited for the bass drops... and that is something I never thought I would say.

The whole album is 100% worth buying it and I can guarantee that if you're as much into your music as I am you'll get way too excited about it all. If you end up loving him as much as I do he has just announced his tour so make sure you get your tickets to that! Its going to be awesome. I have mine for Plymouth!

My favourite Radio One live lounge tracks

I absolutely love Radio One live lounges and as much as I pretty much like all of them (with a few horrific ones that have made the CD's...) and I'll always buy them when they come out. I would like to share some of my favourites with you!

1. Berlin (Originally by RY X) - Sam Smith

I had never heard this song before and instantly fell in love with this cover when I heard it. Sam Smith has a beautiful voice and it only comes into its own when he hits the high notes. I get goosebumps overtime I hear it, it actually makes me quite emotional and its pretty rare a song can do that for you, especially a cover.

2. Fancy (Originally by Iggy Azalea Ft. Charlie XCX) - Kasabain

I hate this original but absolutely LOVE the way Kasabain have covered this, the power of live lounges right there. The grittiness in his voice just makes me want to play it on repeat. It gives it the edge it didn't have before and actually makes it a song I want to have in my music library...

3. Scream (Funk My Life Up) - Paolo Nutini

Unlike the others, this is his original song and he absolutely smashes it. I think this sounds even better than the original and thats when you know you are doing it right.

4. We Can't Stop (Originally by Miley Cyrus) - Bastille

I love Bastille so much, saw them live in Plymouth a couple of years ago and they were insanely good. I remember not being able to get a ticket and then on the day of the gig driving 45 mins to get a ticket from someone who couldn't go anymore and it was SO worth it. I love this cover, its one of my favourites. I love how they switch it up in the middle and make it their own.

5. Take Me To Church (Originally by Hozier) - Ed Sheeran

This is my absolute favourite cover from all of the live lounge CDs. I love Ed Sheeran and Hozier so this cover was just a match made in heaven. I literally can't think of any words to describe it, its a hug for your ears!

The gig experience

In my opinion, there is nothing better than going to a gig. It’s more than just going to see a band or artist you love, it’s an experience. From the very moment you’re sat at your computer trying to get tickets. The stress of being in the waiting room and then the pure delight when you get confirmation. It doesn’t compare to anything else. Then the ridiculously long countdown you have to endure until you can see them. The endless planning with your friends of where you’re going to stay, what you’re going to wear, what time you’re going to get there… Then the day comes and you just can’t wait, it feels like yesterday you got the tickets. The support act comes on but you just want to see the main act… But then you realise they are actually pretty good and follow them on Twitter. The countdown on the stage before they come on and then the massive erupt from the crowd when they step on. It’s like nothing else. You scream your heart out for the entire gig and stand there in amazement of their pure talent. You get such a buzz that when it’s over all you want to do is book tickets to their next tour. It’s crazy, but true.

I'm really into... Royal Blood

So at the beginning of the month I normally blog about the music I am loving at the moment but I just wanted to blog about a band that I LOVE at the moment. This has been now amplified after seeing them live twice in the space of three days, I am just blown away at how good they are.

Two words – Royal Blood.

I bought their album a while back now due to recommendations from friends and hearing them on Radio 1 introducing. As soon as it I downloaded it on my itunes, I didn’t stop playing it. There is nothing out there at the moment that is like them at the moment. It always blows me away that two guys can make that much noise with a bass and drums.

I managed to get tickets to the BRIT awards as well and they were annouced as an act to play. We were up on the upper 4th tier, pretty far away but still a good view all the same. They were insanely good and managed to get the whole crowd going. All my friends confessed how jealous they were that I had tickets, so it was definitely worth leaving London early to get to the gig on Friday night.

I joked in the office saying how cool it would be if Royal Blood got the same train home as us, everyone told me to not be more stupid… but a girl can dream! I listened to their album the whole way home and was so excited for the gig. We got off at Plymouth station and I saw a BRITS bag from afar, I instantly thought someone else had been and got some merch or something. But no, it was FRICKING ROYAL BLOOD. TWO CARRIAGES DOWN FROM US. ON THE SAME TRAIN THE WHOLE BLOODY TIME. I asked them for a picture and had a quick chat (picture evidence below…!) they were so lovely but were rather tired…


The gig later that evening blew my mind. It was so loud. So sweaty but so amazing. I have never seen a crowd jump like that before. I was a bit worried that the acoustics in the venue (its tiny) would be an issue but it wasn’t at all if anything it just amplified the sound. Check out the video on my Twitter below, I’m pretty much in the pit at this point so apologies for the bad quality but you just get a feel for the whole gig. 

https://twitter.com/beccax10/status/572125242426056704

I would hands down say it was the best gig I’ve ever been too, it even beats Ed. And for everyone that knows me, that’s a big deal. My ears still hurt today it was so insane. 

Royal Blood won the ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’ at the BRIT awards this year and I can guarantee that they are going to smash it this next year. So if you don’t know who they are, download their album and thank me later!