Wednesday, 3 June 2015

Feature: Jess & The Bandits (03/06/15)


Having met when Jess was a soloist supporting The Overtones on tour, the group came together after the four boys formed her backing band for the Boyzone BZ 20 Tour. Blowing away audiences at the C2C Festival and selling out their two headlining dates in build up to the appearance. Jess, Dave, Ricci, Steve and Louis are now on countdown to summer and the festival season. With a successful first album, they've just announced a UK Tour, it is exciting times in the Jess and the Bandits camp.

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I started singing pretty much before I could talk. From the time I was old enough to audition for musicals and church events (about eight years old), I was doing that. 

2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
Every single concert I go to inspires me. I sit/stand there like a student studying everything about the performance. Seeing such amazing artists inspires me to be better. I actually used to find it to be somewhat emotional because that is what I dreamed of doing. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Lately, I've been to listening to a band called Old Dominion and an artist named Sam Hunt. Both up and coming in the country music world!

3 Questions for Jess & The Bandits:

1. You've played in many places, but where would you most like to perform and why?
I think we'd love to perform as a band at Glastonbury. A few of the Bandits have had a taste of that in the past playing with other artists but it would incredible to do it as Jess and the Bandits. 
Also performing at the Country Music Awards or the American Country Music Awards would be a dream come true! 

2. In recent years, country music has been becoming more prominent in 'mainstream' music, why do you think this is and how do you think it could be grown even more?
We think the fact that country music as a genre is becoming more mainstream around the world helps with that. We always joke that we are easing new fans into country music before we go really country on them! As country artists from the U.S. behind to spend more time touring overseas it will bring more awareness to the genre and help it grow, simply because of their high profiles. It will also be great when radio stations like Chris Country (UK) go national and easier for new fans to listen to country music. 

3. What song from 'Here We Go Again' did you most enjoy creating and why?
That's a very difficult question because every song has a life of its own and a story behind it. If we could only choose one it would have to be 'Ready Set'. It's one of those songs that was just fun to write, it came together in about 30 minutes and those are usually the most fun. 

Random Q:

Do you have any superstitions or small things you do before a live set?
Jess always finds a little corner and prays. The Bandits get excited and pumped up to get their energy up. We all get together before going on stage and give hugs and wish each other luck. I'm sure as time goes on we'l develop little superstitions. 

'Here We Go Again' Album Review:
The album opens with a rockier country track, 'Ready Set', it's really catchy and perfect for a road trip in the summer with a brilliant beat and great guitars. 'Love Like That' and 'You Can't Stop Me' follow on well but are steadier tracks, 'Love Like That' has honest and emotive lyrics and 'You Can't Stop Me' allows you to focus on Jess' wonderful vocals. Next is 'Wasted Man', a country song with many pop infused aspects, again it's catchy and will get stuck in your head; definitely not a bad thing! 'Nitty Gritty' is an upbeat song with lyrics that add to the well covered social commentary on popular topic within the music industry of self-belief, confidence and appearance and I feel it's done in a better way than many other 'pop songs' that make it into the charts. There is a bit of a lull in the album with 'If You Can't Be Mine' and 'What If', two slower and honest tracks that grow into steady songs. 'My Name Is Trouble' wakes you back up with an upbeat tone, the claps, guitars and bass continue to layer up into a song that I can imagine being great live. 'Drunk On Me' is a subtly powerful song with the guitars and vocals working brilliantly together and 'Getting Into Something' is another upbeat 'pop' track within the album. The title track from the album 'Here We Go Again' really sums up their sound perfectly, starts slower and emotive and then builds into a strong chorus. 'Single Tonight' is the penultimate song and the thing that came straight to mind when I listened to it, was road tripping across America, the song coming on the radio and everyone singing along. The album finishes with 'Wichita Lineman', my favourite song from the album, the focus on piano accompanying the vocals is simply beautiful. It's a powerful end to the album and closes it well. 
Overall the album is great, if you're a fan of country and love inspired songs, this is your go-to and if you like good upbeat, catchy songs or slower emotive tracks, there's a few in the mix for you too. 

Jess and the Bandits' Live Dates:
11th July: Cornbury Festival
13th July: Robin Park, Wigan
18th July: SummerTyne Festival (co-headline show w/ Callaghan)
25th July: Ramblin Man Festival
16th October: FSA Fest, Preston
27th October: Louisana, Bristol
28th October: Borderline, London
29th October: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
30th October: Gulivers, Manchester
31st November: Plus Size Fashion Awards, London

Jess and the Bandits' Links:

Check It Out!

Chart: Runaway (U & I) - Galantis
'Runaway (U & I)' is the lead single from Swedish electronic duo Galantis' debut studio album 'Pharamacy'. It was released on 5th October 2014 but has only recently achieved chart success in many countries; Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand and has peaked at #4 in the UK Singles Chart. It's a catchy house track, perfect for the summery weather. 


Live Performance: Say You Do - Dierks Bentley
Here is a live performance from a few months ago by American country singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley. 'Say You Do' was released in October 2014 as the fourth single from his seventh studio album 'Riser'. This year 'Riser' was nominated for Best Country Album at the 57th Grammy Awards and reached #6 in the US Billboard 200. 


Cover: Take Me To Church (Mashup) - Lucy Spraggan
Here is a rather wonderful mash-up from previously featured (and massively talented) Lucy Spraggan. She mashes Hozier's chart hit 'Take Me To Church' with others including Katy Perry's 'Firework', Beyonce's 'XO' and Ed Sheeran's 'Sing' amongst others, how does that work? I wasn't sure either but it really does and it shows once again that Lucy can twist any song into any genre and make it her own. Enjoy! 


YouTube: On A Clear Day - Anthony Strong
Now to some jazz to chill out to, this is pianist and jazz singer, Anthony Strong's arrangement of 'On A Clear Day'. This is the title track from his forthcoming album (due to be released on 20th July), it's inspired by The Peddler's version and Anthony has 'big bandified' it. He sold out Ronnie Scott's on 24th May but he returns to London after a couple of shows in the US. You can find more info and a full list of dates here.


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Monday, 1 June 2015

Feature: Mi'das (01/06/15)


Brighton born but London based singer/songwriter Mi'das a.k.a Mike Davies creates 'soulful pop music'. After leaving school and studying guitar at a music college for two years he began busking, singing and playing at events up and down the country, totalling over 250 gigs and travelling 60,000 miles a year. He's also landed work as a session musician with artists such as Jessie J, Rita Ora, Labrinth, Jamie Cullum and many others. This also led to performances at the O2 Arena, Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. A songwriter for over 10 years, Mi'das is stepping out from the shadows and has gone on to create a 3 EP project, the 'Story So Far' series, he's just released the final EP 'Stronger'. 2015 is set with gigs all over the country for new audiences and 2016 is looking big with an album release. Mi'das is definitely one to watch. 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I started when I was 12. My brother was already playing piano and my uncle guitar so I picked up bits from them. I also began to sing at school assemblies when I was quite young and that gave me the performing bug. 

2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
So many! One that stands out right now was when I saw Liane Carroll at a small bar in Hastings at the age of about 18/19. Another one was when I was performing for an artist at Wembley Stadium and got t o see Coldplay right up close. Foy Vance at the Komedia in Brighton was another memorable gig. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Nate Williams, Kwabs, Shakka and Marc Broussard. 

3 Questions for Mi'das:

1. If you could play a show anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Royal Albert Hall, I've played there with other artists but to play my own music in a place with such incredible history and so close to my heart for the shows I've seen there, would be amazing. 

2. What has been your career highlight so far and why does it stand out to you?
Playing a set at the London Shepherds Bush Empire this year, it's long been a dream of mine and my next goal will be to play my own show there!

3. Did your 'Story So Far' series start out as a trilogy or did it naturally progress that way?
I had the concept and vision for the full series right from the get go but didn't finish the final EP until after the 'Grow EP' (second to last) was already out. 

Random Q:

If you could invite three people round for dinner, who would you ask and why?
Stephen Fry, for his wit and knowledge, I'd pick his brains. 
Stevie Wonder, just because. I'd probably uncontrollably hug him the whole time (awkward). 
Richard Branson, for his vision and way with people, I think he'd be a great guy to have a pint with. 

'Stronger EP' Review:
The EP opens with 'Wish Road', it starts as an atmospheric track with an almost haunting tone to it and grows into a beautiful song, which is incredibly well written, both lyrically and musically, the layers overlap to create a wonderful sound overall. 'Too Little Too Late' is a soulful pop track, piano accompanies Mi'das' vocals really well and the simplicity of the layers in the intro highlights the lyrics and subtly powerful vocals. The track builds with added guitars and drums into a catchy song with stunning harmonies. Next is 'Vienna' a rockier track, it isn't my favourite from the EP and I prefer the last quarter of the song to the rest - that may be because of the time I listened to the song - but I can imagine it being brilliant live with an audience joining in and singing along. 'Like You Did Then' is a bonus demo that follows on from the previous track, it calms the EP down a bit and is placed well. It's a stunning stripped back song with just guitar, piano and Mi'das' beautiful voice, again this song allows you to focus on the songwriting and the well written lyrics and music. The penultimate track is an Otis Porter Remix of 'Wish Road', it's brilliant and highlights all the great parts of the original as well as emphasising the atmospheric feel and creating an almost tribal/choir underlying sound. The EP closes with a radio edit of 'Vienna' it's cut shorter and seems a little less rock, it doesn't seem as messy for my ears; but again that may have been due to listening in the midst of exams. I prefer this and I feel it closes the EP brilliantly, overall the EP shows the range of Mi'das' musical ability, he's a talented singer/songwriter and musician and this EP shows that well. Enjoy and I'd definitely suggest getting this one. 


Mi'das' Links:

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Friday, 29 May 2015

Spotlight: Jack Garratt (29/05/15)


Jack Garratt is an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and generally all round impressive musician. He grew up in a musical home in Buckinghamshire and has been writing songs since he was around 12, the first song he ever wrote even got him a place in the GB finals of Junior Eurovision Song Contest when he was 13. He's had a lot of backing from the likes of BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1; in 2014, 'Worry' was selected as Zane Lowe's Next Hype Record and Jack was also named as Huw Stephen's Record of the Week. Now he's released his latest EP 'Synesthesiac' and a list of festival dates ahead of him, the only way is up! 

Synesthesiac EP Review:
The EP kicks off with 'Synesthesia Pt. 1', this track presents Jack's musicality with a mix of keys, synths and a gritty bass underlining it, contrasted with the second half of the track, which is stripped back, minimal and ends with stunnings sounds that I can't work out as vocals or not... - but this increases the enigma and atmosphere of the EP. 'The Love Your Given' follows on seamlessly continuing the atmosphere of the last track, it's a stunning song with beautiful lyrics sung brilliantly by Jack. It cuts and builds throughout the track and the middle section has elements reminiscent of artists like Flume but Jack manages to keep to the originality of his sound well. I think this is the stand out track to me on the EP as managing to summarise his sound well and I'm sure it would be incredible live. Next is 'Chemical', this song is accompanied with a music video on his VEVO channel. It's another track that summarises his sound really well, great vocals with brilliantly crafted music, including a section of jazzy piano and claps before building back up again to a gritty dance tone, perfect for a festival. The EP finishes on 'Lonesome Valley' which starts slowly and completely stripped back with only vocals growing, a beat added and then layered into a funky track with a chilled vibe to it. It's not my favourite but it does fit well on the EP and I think finishing with it makes 'The Love Your Given' and 'Chemical' stand out a little more than the others. 


See Jack Live:
30th May: The Independent, San Francisco, CA
31st May: Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA
1st June: Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA
6-7th June: Field Day 2015, London
26th June: OpenAir St. Gallen 2015, Switzerland
3-4th July: PITCH Festival 2015, Amsterdam
3-5th July: Barn on the Farm 2015, Gloucester
3-18th July: Montreaux Jazz Festival 2015, Switzerland

Jack Garratt's Links:

Check It Out!

Chart: Bad Blood - Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar
'Bad Blood' is the latest single from American singer/songwriter Taylor Swift and is taken from her fifth studio album '1989'. The single version was released on 17th May (2015) and features American hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar. It reached #1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and has peaked at #4 in the UK Singles Chart so far. The music video is pretty impressive, with multiple stars making appearances, if you haven't got on the hype, now's your chance! 


Live Performance: Glitterball - Sigma ft. Ella Henderson
Sigma are an English drum and bass duo, Cameron Edwards and Joe Lenzie, originating from Leeds. They rose to 'fame' with their single 'Nobody To Love' and the follow up single 'Changing' which features Paloma Faith. This live performance is of 'Glitterball' - I think from their forthcoming album 'Life', live from Radio One's Big Weekend and features X Factor star Ella Henderson. 


Cover: Believe - Bryce Drew
This is the first of (fingers crossed) many brilliant covers from Bryce's Summer Cover Series. She is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter and after he transition to Nashville, she's getting back into posting and uploading. Here's her stunning cover of Mumford & Son's 'Believe' from their latest album 'Wilder Mind'. 


YouTube: Bambu - Kojey Radical
Kojey Radical is a contemporary artist and spoken word Ghanian-Birtish poet. 'Bambu (I Don't Worry 'Bout Nothing)' is his first official release and follows last year's 'Dear Diary: Opium EP'. It's a hard-hitting and powerful track, as well as a visually engaging music video, he's getting bigger and better and I'm sure you will be hearing a lot more of him in the future. The single 'Bambu' is out on Monday (1st June) and is one I will definitely be adding to my collection! If you like what you hear/see, try catch him on the end of his UK tour (FB link to find more info here). 
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Wednesday, 27 May 2015

What I'm Listening To... (27/05/15)

The past couple of months have included a trip to see Amber Run headline Scala with Meadowlark and Rhodes supporting, revising for final exams and leaving full time education. There have been some chilled songs mixed in with throwbacks and then summer upbeat style tracks, probably one of the biggest mix of genres and a fairly big timeline skip this time round, so enjoy! 

 1. 5AM - Amber Run
I've been following Amber Run for a while now and when they announced their debut album, I pre-ordered trusting that it would be just as good as their previous releases, and it was. Having also seen them live at the end of last month and seeing this song in particular performed with such emotion and rawness, it's been on repeat. Everything makes it such a stunning song and it was difficult to have dry eyes after their performance. 

2. Kings and Queens - Thirty Seconds To Mars
I've always been a strong listener of Thirty Seconds To Mars, in particular the 'This Is War' album, however, I hadn't listened to them in a while and after picking up Rocksound with the Worship and Tributes CD in, I fell back in love. You Me At Six covered it, and that (if you can find it anywhere) is really worth listening to but nothing beats this original. Jared Leto really is a musical genius. 


3. Worry - Jack Garratt
Another song I've had on repeat is 'Worry' by the incredibly talented Jack Garratt. I'm definitely excited about seeing him live at Barn on the Farm this year, should be a great show. It hasn't just been this song either, the majority of his songs are brilliantly crafted and layered ahhhh just have a listen, this is him performing at The Great Escape this year.  


4. Dial Tones - As It Is
As I mentioned in my last WILT post, I am and always have been really into pop punk music. As It Is are easily my favourite current pop punk band. This song is from their debut album 'Never Happy, Every After' and it often gets played pretty loud in my car, usually with me shouting along too. 


5.  Retrogade - James Blake
When I've been chilling in the evenings or attempting to sleep at 2am, James Blake has been my go-to. 'The Wilhelm Scream' helping with chilled evenings, 'Overgrown' helping with the latter and 'Retrogade' for the in-between moments. The whole of his 'Overgrown' album is brilliant and I'm looking forward to 'Radio Silence' his third album, hopefully being released at some point this year... 


6. Ironic - Alanis Morissette
One of the many throwback tracks I've been listening to is this golden song, when the chorus comes along, you have to singalong. I've been listening to Alanis Morissette so much I ended up getting the 'Jagged Little Pill' album yesterday, so I'll enjoy spending many hours listening to that. Oh and traffic when you're already late isn't ironic, it's just flipping annoying!


7. Fire - Natasha North
Another from my chilled/sleep playlist, mix Rae Morris, Lauren Aquilina and Meadowlark together and you'll get the wonderful sound of Natasha North. I've had this song stuck in my head a lot recently, humming it without even realising it half the time. It's a great song, with stunning vocals and  beautifully written lyrics and an overall brilliant sound. 


8. This Is Gallifrey/Vale Decum - Doctor Who
I'm a bit of a geek, I love Doctor Who. On Saturday, I went to the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular at Wembley Arena and it was incredible. To experience the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and BBC National Chorus of Wales bringing Murray Gold's soundtracks to life, was brilliant. (The clip I've linked isn't from the tour, but it gives you a little idea of what it was like.) Some of the songs also help me during revision, so if you're stuck for music, there's a tip for you GCSE and A Level students! 


9. White Sky - Vampire Weekend
I've also revisited Vampire Weekend's 'Contra' album and consequently had it on repeat for the past couple of months. It's a really summery, upbeat album with generally brilliant songs on, there isn't one that I skip and the majority of them get me singing along or tapping my foot. This one in particular gets stuck in my head. 



10. Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
The other throwback tune for this post, is the classic 'Teenage Dirtbag', as last week was my last officially in full time education, our leavers video obviously included this song. I also got tickets to their 15th Anniversary Tour in October, so I'm really looking forward to that, even if it is a few months off! 


What have you been listening to lately?

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Monday, 25 May 2015

Feature: The Griswolds (25/05/15)


The Griswolds are a four piece Australian indie pop band, consisting of Christopher Whitehall (vocals/guitar), Daniel Duque-Perez (guitar/synth), Tim John (bass) and Lachlan West (drums). Their debut album did really well in the US, charted in the iTunes Alternative Chart in the Top 5 and with six million streams worldwide so far. They've played shows with San Cisco, Last Dinosaurs and toured Australia to ever-increasing crowds. Having just played Dot to Dot Festival and Club NME and now they're releasing 'Be Impressive' their debut album today, so I caught up with Chris for a Q&A. 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was five when my parents bought me a drum kit but I didn't start playing guitar and singing until I was 11. That's when I really fell in love with it. 

2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
Kanye West in New York City!! After he released Yeezus. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Wild Party, Walk The Moon, Urban Cone, Kendrick Lamar

3 Questions for The Griswolds:

1. Where would you most like to perform and why?
Wembley Stadium, it'll never happen but so many of my favourite bands have played that stage like Inxs, Queen and Metallica. 

2. What is your favourite track from your album 'Be Impressive' and why?
Probably '16 Years', I love the lyrical content and relate to that song a lot, it was the hardest song to write/compete as well so it's rewarding to hear it done and I'm really proud of it. 

3. When creating your album was it a collective effort or did you have specific roles within the process? 
Most of the writing is done by myself and Dan, we mix it up a lot when writing, no specific roles we just get together and write until we can write no more. 

Random Q:

A quote/lyric to live by?
Don't go chasing waterfalls. 

'Be Impressive' Album Review:
The album opens with the fast, catchy and upbeat song '16 Years' which was rightfully featured on Fifa 15 Soundtrack. Next is 'Right On Track', which I can imagine being really good live, it reminds me of Fun. but with no-auto tune and much better vocals. 'Beware The Dog' is one of my favourites from the album, a brilliant summer tune, with great guitar riffs, slightly reminiscent of Vampire Weekend. Their latest single 'If You Wanna Stay' is a definite for a festival set, creating a hyped atmosphere, the synths and bass work together in this one to underline the overall sound from the band. 'Down and Out' follows on well, with slower sections and a brilliant chorus, also loved the vocals/synths alongside the guitars. Starting with an innocent and meaningful tone, 'Be Impressive' carries a good message and a flipping good tune, which holds throughout the track. 'Live This Nightmare' seems to have a darker tone and grows into yet another great song. 'America' is yet another fantastically catchy summery track, with the vocals, synths, bass, guitar and drums all layered incredibly well. 'Thread The Needle' opens with strings, it's slower and highlights a more emotive tone, showing the versatility of the band, another favourite of mine. The penultimate track is 'Aurora Borealis' another catchy and overall brilliant track, especially love the instrumental sections in this song. Finishing on 'Not Ready Anymore', with an acoustic start and building layers to grow into a fantastic track, it finishes the album off on a high (and a loud singalong). 
Overall, it's a brilliant album, full of great guitars, brilliant beats and bass, superb synth and subtly stand-out vocals, the only negative might be that some of the tracks may seem similar to some people, but surely that just shows they've found their sound and they're building upon that incredibly well, I'm excited for their future! 


The Griswold's Links:
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Friday, 22 May 2015

Feature: Sal Vitro (22/05/15)


Having met on a modeling shoot in Dublin 2011, Josh Dunford, Owie Lumsden, Cuddy and Rourke Bradley joined powers and Sal Vitro was born. Touring extensively has honed the band into seasoned performers; they’ve joined Thin Lizzy on their farewell tour at a sold out Olympia Theatre, opened for Jeff Beck ad Richie Sambora and rocked out to audiences 10,000 strong for Stauts Quo. Now they’re ready to release their first single ‘Wear It Out’ on 25th May.

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Josh: My Dad was a blues musician and I’m pretty sure he was blaring people like Junior Wells and Muddy Waters at me while I was still in the womb, doing his best to indoctrinate me. It worked!
There’s always been music in our house so I can’t remember exactly when I started, but I do know that at the age of 7 or 8 I had a life size poster of Michael Jackson in my bedroom and used to sing the ‘Bad’ album in it’s entirety… a bit creepy in retrospect.

2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you’ve been to?
Owie: There’s a small independent festival in Ireland called KnockanStockan which in the last 6 years has expanded from just a few friends playing music together in a small pub in Dublin to a three day musical festival. It caters to over 100 acts and provides a great platform for unsigned bands to perform in front of a really enthusiastic and receptive audience.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Rourke: Hozier, probably the most creative current album I’ve heard in a long time. Also The Brothers Johnson, they’ve a cool 70s r’n’b funk sound that has influenced a lot of funk and hip hop bands.

3 Questions for Sal Vitro:

1. Who influences your music and what inspires your lyrics?
Josh: Like any band our influences are constantly changing and expanding. When we first started out bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Stone Roses would have been massive influences. At the moments, acts like The Meters, Vulfpeck, Hozier and The New Mastersounds are really inspiring me personally. Lyrically, I guess a lot of the songs are about things in life that I feel should be different or things that put my nose out of joint. I draw a lot on the styles of people like Dr. Johnand Randy Newman who can write about really dark, morbid topics but present them in a lighthearted and even funny way.

2. One unforgettable moment whilst performing live?
Owie: Walking out onto the stage of the O2 Arena, Dublin to support Status Quo to an audience of 10,000, when a bloke in the front shouted “WHO THE F*CK ARE YOU???” just as we picked up our guitars! That was both nerve-racking and amusing at the same time.

3. When creating your single ‘Wear It Out’, was it a collective effort as a band or did you have specific roles?
Cuddy: ‘Wear It Out’ as you hear it now is a bit of a reincarnation of an older tune Josh and Owie had written before myself and Rourke came along (God bless that water cooler at the modeling agency’s office!) At that stage they already had the riff, vocals and melody down. When I first heard the original demo I could hear some funky drums working well with it. Rourke must have gotten the funk vibe as well with the bass line he came up with. At the time I was listening to a lot of hip hop, particularly for the sampled drum beats and there’s a little nod to NWA’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’ in a place or two with the drums laid down on the track. It’s quite subtle so you’ll have to squint your ears to hear it… but it’s in there. After that it just took a bit of Martin Quinn’s magic at Jam Studios to reincarnate it into it’s current form.

Random Q:

Three likes and three dislikes?
Josh: I like the sound of freshly cut grass ;) and strongly dislike the other members of Sal Vitro.
Rourke: I dislike the fact that at 25 years of age, Cuddy’s not housebroken yet.
Cuddy: I just like holding hands with a girl!
Owie: I hate Rourke’s snoring and love the £4 ‘Co-op Chaos’ wine!

'Wear It Out' Single Review:
If you needed a catchy and funky tune for summer, this is it! With a fantastic riff that has been stuck in my head since I first heard the song, brilliant bass line and drum beats filling in the gaps between the great vocals and melodies. Listen to it once and end up having to listen to it a few more times... Enjoy! 

Wear It Out - Sal Vitro (link)

Sal Vitro's Links:
'Wear It Out' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/wear-it-out-single/
Website: www.salvitro.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/salvitro
Twitter: www.twitter.com/salvitromusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/salvitromusic
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/salvitro

Check It Out!

Chart: Bills - LunchMoney Lewis
This is the debut single from American rapper LunchMoney Lewis, it was released on 5th February (2015) and was commercially successful in Oceania, peaking at #1 in the ARIA Singles Chart. It also reached the Top 10 ini the New Zealand Singles Chart and has also reached Top 10 status in Australia, Belgium and Scotland and has so far reached #2 in the UK Singles Chart. 

Bills - LunchMoney Lewis (link)

Live Performance: Don't Wanna Fight - Alabama Shakes
'Don't Wanna Fight' was written and performed here by American 'rock' band Alabama Shakes. The song was released as the lead single from their second studio album 'Sound & Colour'. It gives a taste of the different genres the band dip into on their latest album and it's a generally brilliant soulful song. 

Cover: Wildest Moments - Ben Howard
As a nod to Fearne Cotton leaving Radio 1 today, I felt it would be wrong not to use a live lounge cover and who better to finish off Fearne's stint as Live Lounge presenter than Ben Howard; a king of covering songs and making them his own. 'Wildest Moments', originally by  British artist Jessie Ware for her debut studio album 'Devotion' released back in 2012. Even though it didn't reach Top 10 in the singles chart, it received positive responses and critical acclaim. Enjoy!! 

Soundcloud: No Ringer - Grounders
'Creating a collection of dense and intricate pop music under the gauzy veil of psychedelia and lo-fi pop'; Grounder (Andrew Davis, Daniel Buskeikin, Mike Searle and Evan Lewis) are set to release their first full-length album this summer and this is the first single 'No Ringer'. These guys are a band to watch (and listen to a lot...)

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