Ones To Watch 2017 | Part 2

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Alice Chater started songwriting at just 14. Now age 21, she her songs are reminiscent of 90's Gwen Stefani with a modern day edge. Her 5 song EP, WonderLAND, was released in 2015, with influences of Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey and Etta James. 

She describes her music as being Sassy, bold and emotive, so it's a good thing her seriously insane voice is not shy to belting out a powerful song.

Remember the name Alice Chater. I think you'll be hearing a lot of her this year.

For Fans Of: Christina Aguilera, Lady GaGa, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry

Personal Favourites: No Title, Crash, I Don't Do That.

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A few months back, I was recommended Black Foxxes by a local record store that I frequent at.

The three piece hail in from Exeter, and released their debut album last summer. A mix of haunting lyrics and unfiltered guitars, they create a beautiful blend of rock music that's contemporary yet utterly unique. Emotional outpouring from the start, Black Foxxes are raw and gimmick free, basically what the rock world needs right now.

If their debut album is anything to go by, Black Foxxes could be well on their way to world-wide success.

For Fans Of: Boston Manor, Lonely The Brave, Tigercub, The Xcerts.

Personal Favourites: I'm Not Well, Maple Summer, River.

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An online friend recommended Knocked Loose to me towards the end of 2016. The Kentucky natives released their debut album last year, showing off their unique take on hardcore. I don't listen to the huge amount of hardcore -I usually stick to pop punk/ punk- so please don't judge me for saying KL are hardcore. This is about as heavy as I get.

 There's insane breakdowns, catchy riffs and a disturbed depth to the lyrics. There is a real raw, urgency in lead singer, Bryan's voice. Over the past couple of months, I've listened to Knocked Loose a lot, and this album has not got stale in the slightest.

For Fans Of: Hundredth, Code Orange, Rotting Out, Counterparts.

Personal Favourites: The Rain, My Heroes, No Thanks.

I hope you all enjoyed my recommendations for 2017.
Make sure to check out part one here!
Who are your ones to watch for 2017?

♥

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Listening to: Simple Minds- Don't You (Forget About Me)

Ones To Watch 2017 | Part 1

Happy New Year Everyone!

To kick start this year off, I'm doing my annual round up of who you need to keep an eye on!

None of these photos are mine but they have been edited by me.

Photo Credit

Starting things off, we've got Chris Bourne. I''ve known about this guy for years now. I'm a fan of his brothers work (see here) and I was a fan of his old bands, Hollywood Ending and The Bourne Insanity. On top of that he's helped write songs for 5 Seconds Of Summer. 2016 saw him releasing his own music, an infectious, retro pop punk vibe, perfect for dreaming about the 80's (even if you weren't alive then)

This year will see him headlining his own UK tour, and hopefully more music. Let's just say I'm excited to see more from Chris.

For Fans Of: Busted, Mcfly, R5, The Summer Set, We The Kings, Wheatus.

Personal Favourites: MFT80s, She Drives Me Crazy, Young Love Relapse

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Moon Coven are a recent find for me. About a month ago, I was looking up a completely different band when I stumbled upon this psychedelic rock band from Sweden.

Their music is sludgy and grungy, but not to be confused with "just another stoner rock band". The five piece released their second full length in 2016, which was filled to the brim of aggressive guitar solos and dynamic and confident lyrics, sure to leave you dazed.

I can't hep but wonder why there hasn't been more talk about Moon Coven. Don't throw them to one side, do yourself a favour and take them in.

For Fans Of: Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Wasted Theory.

Personal Favourites: Storm, Conspiracy, White Sun.

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Someone I know through youtube introduced me to this one. Tor Miller is a New Yorker who is unabashedly confident. His music consists of 70's throwbacks and tributes to his hometown. 

The latest in a string of male solo artists, Miller has his odd quirk that sets him apart from the rest. He is refreshing, confident and his energy is anything but subtle. His song are catchy and inspiring yet intense with a dash of soaring choruses.

Inspired by Jazz, Soul and the icons from a time before his, Miller's debut album showcases his distinct and extensive vocal range, proving this may be a singer who becomes timeless.

For Fans Of: Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Jeff Buckley, Sam Smith.

Personal Favourites: Always, Hold The Phone, Midnight, Baby Blue.

Come back Wednesday for the last three!!

Much Love.

♥

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Listening to: Tor Miller- Carter & Cash.

Ones To Watch 2016 | Part 2

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Bonfires are quite a recent find for me. The 4-piece are an alternative rock band from Chicago, Illnois, and formed in early 2014. They've stated that the band was an escape from their everyday lives, but also wish to write songs others can relate too. So far they've got three EP's under their belt, but they've already pushed their boundaries and shown they're serious contenders in the rock world.
This year will see them playing SXSW festival, touring and putting together their first full length.
there is endless potential for Bonfires and I'm excited to what's in store for them.

For Fans Of: Hit The Lights, Handguns, Tonight Alive, State Champs.
Personal Favourites: Slow Collapse, Nothing To Hold, Under The Water Tower.

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A few years back, Jack Savoretti quit music, thinking that was his run and he should get a proper job. 

Fast forward to 2015: four full length albums, sold out headline tours and a slot at Glastonbury.

At 32, this Italian-English singer-songwriter has a calming voice which blends perfectly with his acoustic guitar. I think you'll find him hard not to like!

For Fans Of: Paulo Nutini, Ed Sheeran, Ray LaMontagne

Personal Favourites: Written In Scars, Home, Sweet Hurt.

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Swedish singer, Tove Lo has written for just about everyone, from Lorde and Girls Aloud to Hilary Duff and Ellie Goulding. In 2014 she was offered her own record deal and hasn't looked back.

Her music is unfussy, simple and electric. She writes of self-destructive moments, past relationships and mistakes. She adds her dark, complex and blunt lyrics, to whimsical dance beats, and creates an absolute storm on her debut album "Queen Of The Clouds." 

I already know my summer is going to be filled with dancing along to this one.

For Fans Of: Charli XCX, Foxes, Icona Pop.

Personal Favourites: Talking Body, Habits, Out Of My Mind.

Hope you all liked this years "ones to watch"
Let me know what music you're looking forward to this year!
Much love.

♥

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Listening to: Counterfeit- Letter To The Lost.

Ones To Watch 2016 | Part 1

Ahhh, the annual round up of who I think should be on your radar this year.

You're welcome ;)

Please note that none of the photos are mine but have been edited by me.

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I discovered these guys through a NME article not too long ago. Their name came above a headline of, "combine dark grunge with sticky, sweet Americana." So naturally I listened and of course I was hooked from the word go.

Hailing in from Brighton, this four piece have been very secretive regarding the visual aspect. No photoshoots or music videos. The single artwork was the only visual they provided- a plan to keep the focus on the music.

Singer Izzy B Phillips has voice to rival Debbie Harry's. Her heavy but sultry 90's drawl compliments the beautifully hypnotic music.

2016's calendar so far holds festival slots, album plans and touring Europe. Look out for Black Honey- they're going to be huge.

Personal Favourites: Madonna, Teenager, Bloodlust.

For Fans Of: Wolf Alice, Swim Deep, Sundara Karma.

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Of course, it wouldn't be my list without a couple of pop punk bands included. First up from that genre- Boymeetsworld!

These Ohio lads had a pretty good 2015. With a slot on the Vans Warped Tour and an album to name a couple. 

These guys through it back to the original pop punk style, with a satisfying mix of melodies, hooks and chants the crowds will love. 

BMW formed in 2012 and there's a reason why their fanbase is rapidly growing.

Personal Favourites:Feel It In The Air, Girl In Front, Right Where We Belong.

For Fans Of: ROAM, As It Is, New Found Glory.

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Most people will know Jamie Campbell Bower from his roles in Harry Potter or Sweeney Todd. 

I personally was also a big fan of his previous band, The Darling Buds. Counterfeit won my heart just as quickly.

Despite forming recently and with only a few songs released so far, these guys are making big waves.

Jamie's voice has the perfect blend of angry and sultry mixed in with classic rock. Add in the heavy drums and glassy guitars, by Roland Johnson and Tristan Marmot respectively, and you've got a raw, uncensored, modern take on the punk genre.

I'm also getting some Nirvana vibes.

Hopefully 2016 will see the release of an album and a full nationwide tour from this trio.

Personal Favourites: Family Suicide, Come Get Some, Letter To The Lost.

For Fans Of: Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, Beartooth.

Come back on Sunday for the last three!

Much love.

♥

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Listening to: Our Last Night- Road To The Throne.

Ones To Watch 2015 | Part 2

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I discovered Bea through her youtube page at the beginning of 2014. If you live in America, you may know her through The X Factor USA, where she came ninth. Or you may know her if you saw Demi Lovato on her North American tour last year.

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure how she hasn't blown up already. She's only 15 but her voice is incredibly unique and there's a lot of energy in her songs.

Plus, her style is A+

Personal Favourites: "Rich Kids", "Young Blood", "Say My Name/ Cry Me A River" (cover)

For Fans Of: Echosmith, R5 & 5 Seconds Of Summer.

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I literally listened to Milk Teeth for all of 30 seconds and I was hooked.

These Bristol-lers (Bristol-lers?? Is that a word?!) have created a blend of swirling, sweet vocals mixed with Cobain-style guitars, therefore, forming a grunge fuelled scuzz-punk vibe. I am completely in love.

Already, they have toured with the likes of Moose Blood, Jaws and Balance and Composure.

Milk Teeth's EP Sad Sack is released end of this month, then 2015 will see them tour a ton more.

These guys have a bright future ahead of them and I'm so excited to watch it unfold.

Personal Favourites: "Vitamins", "Grease", "Forty Six", "Swear Jar" and "Linda"

For Fans Of: Nirvana, Pixies, Title Fight, Seahaven, Hole.

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I saw Candy hearts about two months ago on the Pop Punks Not Dead Tour and I was intrigued to hear more from them. 

New Found Glory has raved about these guys, as has Hayley from Paramore -and there's no way those greats can be wrong. 

Mariel Loveland's words are ridiculously relatable and the music is so unbelievably catchy there's no way you won't find yourself dancing and singing along. One listen to their album and you'll feel a massive rush of infectious joy and smiles. 

They have a kind of retro pop-punk vibe to their sound, almost as if they should have been on 90's soundtrack, but that's kind of refreshing with todays music.

Personal Favourites: "I Miss You", "All The Ways You Let Me Down", "Tongue Tied"

For Fans Of: Paramore, New Found Glory, The Swellers, Mixtapes

I hope you all enjoyed my little "Ones to watch" for this year!
I hope you all have a great 2015!

Much love.

♥

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Listening to: Milk Teeth- Swear Jar.

Ones To Watch 2015 | Part 1

Last year I made my own little "ones to watch" for 2014. You can view them here and here.

I actually really enjoyed putting that list together, and I got some pretty good feedback from some people, so I figured I would do one for this year!

Please note that all photos have been edited by me.

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First up is With Confidence. I got into these guys a few months ago, through another band that they were touring with.

This Aussie 4 piece -made up of Jayden, Josh, Inigo and Luke- have already supported the likes of  Tonight Alive, You Me At Six and The Wonder Years.

As far as I'm aware these Sydney boys are currently unsigned, but I'm sure their alternative sound is going to take them far.

Their second EP is currently up for pre order here. Hopefully one day they can get their butts to England because I've been listening to them an insane amount over the past couple of months.

Personal Favourites: "I will Never Wait", "Take Me Away", "Tonight", "Stand Again"

For Fans Of: You Me At Six, The Dangerous Summer and Anarbor.

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If you watch youtubers you will most probably have heard of Patty Walters. Well he's in a band. And they happen to be pretty damn good.

As It Is have recently signed to Fearless Records, making them the first UK band to ever sign to the label. The quintet are currently recording their debut album and there is ALOT of talk surrounding them.

Hailing in from Brighton, which btw happens to be just down the road from me, 2015 will see As It Is touring non stop , including a spot on Warped tour for the whole summer. Plus with their album release, 2015 will be a big year for these guys.

Personal favourites: "Horoscopes", Bitter, Broken Me"

For Fans Of: The Wonder Years, All Time Low, Tonight Alive.

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Now, Halsey is an artist I've only recently found out about. But I'm in love.

This indie-pop artist from New Jersey has just released her debut EP, Room 93, and on her blog, has desribed her music as being "about sex and being sad".

Her softly sweet vocals mixed with the grittiness of the lyrics will punch you straight in the gut.

I already know that 2015's summer evenings will be spent with this little lady on repeat. And I;m pretty sure the radio stations will be agreeing with me on that one.

Plus she seems like the coolest kid ever. What's not to love?!

Personal Favourites: "Hurricane", "Ghost", "Empty Gold"

For Fans Of: CHVRCHES, Little Daylight, Haim.

Come back on Sunday for the last three!

Much love.

♥

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Listening to: Haim- If I could change your mind.

Ones To Watch | Part 2

These 4 Aussie boys are kind of an obvious one for 2014.
2013 was a big year for them. And by big I mean BIIIIG.
They toured with One Direction, travelled around half the world, they signed with Capital Records, worked with the likes of James Bourne, Mcfly, Alex Gaskarth and the Madden brothers, and took a ton of selfies whilst doing so.
I found out about these at the beginning of 2013, and then saw them a few months later on the Take Me Home tour in London, and dammit do these guys put on a show.
Fingers crossed the album comes out soon because I just cannot cope anymore.
Plus they're friendship is pretty much the most adorable thing ever!

Personal Favourites: "Unpredictable", "Lost Boy", "Out Of My Limit", "Heartbreak Girl"
For Fans Of: All Time Low, Blink 182, McFly & Boys Like Girls

I haven't long known about this 18 year old, but I've fallen a little in love with her voice and funny, no-bs lyrics.
She's been secretly writing and recording her debut album for the past three years instead of going to school.
She sings about what its like being a teeanger in todays society -something I (and probably most of you) can relate to.
Her husky British accent, catchy tunes and no nonsense attitude is enough to make Lily Allen jealous.
She's just finished a supporting John Newman on his recent tour and she's set to support Ellie Goulding on her 2014 European tour.
Big things seem to happening for this girl and that makes me quite happy.

Personal Favourites: "To My Face", "Paper Heart", "No Strings"
For Fams Of: The Naked and Famous, Ellie Goulding & Vampire Weekend

Wolf Alice is another band I've only recently fallen in love with.
I'm not sure how to describe their sound, I guess somewhere in between grunge-folk and indie-dance, sounding like a mesh between The XX and Hole. You get the idea -these guys are making a new genre for themselves.
The band consists of Ellie Rowsell (vocals) Joff Oddie (guitar), Joel Amey (drums), Theo Ellis (bass), whilst their name is taken from a short story by Angela Carter.
They recently toured with Swim Deep (see previous blog post) and aren't very likely to appeal to Simon Cowell any time soon.
Their EP, "Blush", is packed full of "rough and ready angst laced with slacker cool" according to lead singer Ellie. She's pretty right. All I want to do is turn the volume up to full blast and play the EP in it's entirety to everyone I've ever met.

Personal Favourites: "Blush", "Fluffy", "Nosedive", "Bros"
For Fans Of: Peace, Swim Deep & Yeah Yeah Yeahs

And that sums up my little "Ones To Watch" posts.

I see big things for each of the 6 artists I've mentioned over the past 2 days and hopefully you all do too!

Much Love.

♥

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Ones To Watch | Part 1

I was supposed to post this within the first week of January but as per usual I am past the point of fashionably late. But anyways here's a few bands/artists I think you guys need to watch out for in 2014!

First up is The Vamps. I saw these guys twice at the beginning of last summer and over the past 6 months they've really blown up. 

The 4 piece (from left- Connor, James, Brad & Tristan) are a pop-rock band -think McFly style. 

They originally started posting cover videos on youtube and have only been signed for about a year but they've already supported the likes of McFly and Selena Gomez, and are set to support Taylor Swift on her upcoming UK tour.

I am ridiculously excited for their first full length which is set to be released later this year.

I have very high hopes for them, so don't let me down boys!

Personal Favourites: "Wild Heart", "Cecilia", "Jack"

For Fans Of: One Direction, Mcfly & 5 Seconds Of Summer

The Vamps- Wild Heart Live (My Video)

Now Swim Deep is a band I only found out about maybe a month or two ago, but boy am I in love.

"Where The Heaven Are We" is an album I had on repeat for a good few days after I discovered this band. I'm not sure how to describe these guys. Think summery indie rock with a hint of romantic guitar pop thrown in, pretend you're in an early 90's film and your probably almost there. 

They make me want to grap my skateboard and cruise along the beach  or roll around on a field of daisies whilst playing them at full blast. Definitely a band I will be playing a ton during long hot summer days. Or at 4am when I can't sleep and wish to daydream.  

Personal Favourites: "Make My Sun Shine", "She Changes The Weather", "The Sea", "Soul Trippin"

For Fans Of: The 1975, Coasts, Haim, Tribes, Blackbird Blackbird & Phoenix.

This is probably the one who I'm most excited to hear from this year. Due to the fact that his voice is about as perfect as ones voice can get.

Exeter boy, Luke Friend was my personal favourite on 2013's X Factor -he had his own style, made every song his own, had a fantastic selection of shirts each week, and don't get me started on his hair.

He plays Indie-pop-rock (I see a bit of a pattern emerging here...)  and has a real beautifully raw, raspy voice. 

He's posted many covers and some originals on youtube over the years before entering (and then coming third) X Factor. And reportedly he's in talks with record labels. 

I hope so because the world needs to hear this boys music. 

Personal Favourites: "What Makes You Beautiful", "Sex", "Commitments", "Bascially Older"

For Fans Of: Jake Bugg & The 1975, 

I'm going to post three more  tomorrow because I didn't realise just how much I was going to write about each one.

Until then.

Much Love.

♥

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