Feature: Haytham Whitear (20/08/13)

Haytham Whitear

Genre: Acoustic
From: Guildford, Surrey (UK)

Haytham is a 17 year old, currently doing his A Levels. He has shown a love for music since he was young, and being at a specialist music secondary school, he has had the opportunity to showcase his voice and skill musically at many places, including Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC School Proms.



General Questions...


1. How old were you when you started getting interested in music and how?
I was in Year 6, at the age of 11, when I started getting involved in music. It was during my Year 6 production 'The Hex Factor', at my junior school  where I played Warwick Castle in an enthusiastic quest to win the 'Battle of Bands' - this thrilling adventure within school pretty much set the first stone down for my greatest interest and hobby. Performing, whether it be through a soulful session of singing, acting in front of crowds or expressing emotions generally I love sharing the experience with others.

2. What was the first gig/concert/festival you went to? 
Guilfest was the first concert or live music occasion I've been to. To those reading this that aren't from Guildford; it used to be a mini Reading/Leeds festival. I say used to be because this year was the first year without the festival, so I hope one day the almighty Guilfest returns!

3. What have you been listening to lately? 
Lately, I've been listening to Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz and Passenger all artists that have either inspired music rhythmically or have made me even more eager to write that record breaking song that everyone up and down the country enjoys. Despite, the odd party tune, I do enjoy a little bit of Justin Timberlake 'Mirrors' occasionally, throughout those days that need a little happier tone.

3 Questions for Haytham...

1. Where do you find inspiration? 
I find a lot of my lyrical inspiration from what happens around me, what I hear and rhyming hooks that are quite catchy. I would say my main inspiration, has come from this little rhyming book that lists words that you simply wouldn't have thought of before to help me write and finish songs. Artistically I'm inspired by those pieces of music I listen to - it would take a long time to list specifics but listening to other pieces of music also makes me realise what others enjoy listening to. I then become driven by the way in which I could change and add my own little twists to styles and genres.


2. Who would you love to tour with and why?
I would love to tour with someone similar to my sound (which I'm not totally sure has specified yet, because I enjoy singing musical theatre ballads right through to a pop song that everyone can sing along to). So, someone like Ed Sheeran/Jason Mraz, because I'd love to perform in front of a buzzing, busy and bubbly crowd. Yeah I say Jason Mraz, because touring in America doesn't seem to bad of a deal to me.

3. A song you'd listen to on a rainy day?
On a rainy day I'd listen to a happy song to make me smile and enjoy life, for example 'Wake Me Up' by Avicii or I might listen to something like the newly rising American vocalists 'Pentatonix' - because I enjoy the way they make a song their own with tight harmonies and insane beat boxing! (check them out!)


Random Q from a Reader...

What was your favourite song at the old school discos? (from Jo) 
Without a doubt as a young boy in the old school disco, 'Macarena' by Los del Rio was always a personal favourite because I enjoyed the vibe and dance moves that came along with it. It was also a great song considering I had a lack of actual good dance moves back then...

 Session...

Looking For Nothing - Haytham Whitear (link)

It's Only A Bruise - Haytham Whitear (link)

Any other things you'd like to share/say?!

Thanks for watching my video's, more should come soon, I'm up for contributing to the music industry as I've always aspired to inspire, support and nurture what music gives to me.
My Links are below:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/haysayYAY
My Space: https://myspace.com/hwhitear20

Check It Out!

Chart: Right Here ft. Foxes - Rudimental

'Right Here' is the fourth single from Rudimental's debut studio album. Featuring vocals from Foxes, this song has peaked at #14 in the UK Singles Chart. I chose this as the Chart song for this blog, because I feel Rudimental are one of the biggest groups around at the minute, and I don't think I've disliked any of their songs I've heard so far. As well as loving this song, I also love the video that goes with it! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbRU-HbsqUw 

Live Performance: I'm A Believer (cover) - Lewis Watson, Hudson Taylor, Orla Gartland, Lauren Aquilina and Mike Dignam

This cover performed at Barn On The Farm 2013, showcases the upcoming musicians of the UK, all of which I thoroughly enjoy listening to, and all are of varying genres. This feel good performance is a great song to listen to (as well as dance and sing-along to...) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFq7GWSlTVI 

Cover: Roar - Tyler Ward & Two Worlds 

After the recent release of Katy Perry's song 'Roar' for her fourth studio album, I've noticed A LOT of covers on YouTube... But this one really stood out, it's so chill and yet so powerful, a true summer evening song... Plus, Two Worlds only put up their first video on YouTube 5 days ago... so check their channel out and share them around!! :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBmMwfwyLtQ 

YouTube: Child - Natalie Holmes

Most of Natalie Holmes' stuff is great, this is the single from her new EP 'Child'. The video, lyrics and melodies are all so clever. When I say the lyrics are clever, I mean they're real and true. Natalie has been uploading videos to YouTube for 3 and a half years, and has released 3 EPs (including a live EP) and an album. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFsWsvPFc9Q 

Two new things in this blog, we did a session with the feature artist this week, and also had a new 'Check It Out' section... This new one is going to be 'YouTube/Classic' either showing you an upcoming musician/YouTube star... Or a classic song, from the past... Hope you're enjoying these blogs, feel free to comment below what you think of our blogs/what you think we could do better and share around our links! Thank You!

 

Thanks for reading! 

Links:
FB: (chances to ask future features q's) http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/musicintimeblog 
Enquires: musicintimeblog@gmail.com 

Feature: Daniel Robinson (06/08/13)

Daniel Robinson

Genre: Acoustic, Singer/Songwriter

From: Scarborough, Yorkshire

Daniel is a 21 year old singer/songwriter , he's been uploading videos on YouTube for 5 months and has gained a large following on Twitter. Dan's song 'Autumn Lights' has received airplay on BBC Radio York and his debut EP 'Pillows' featuring 'Pillows' and 'Talk' is out now!

General Questions...

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?

I was about 12/13 when I started to write music and just sang and things in school and then last year after a recent heartbreak I started to write about it, which is where the track 'Pillows' comes into it. Then I wrote another track called 'Talk' which I thought was enough and thought why not out them and see what people think, so, I put them on Soundcloud and so many people related to it and I got twitter and it started from there to now.

2. What was the first gig/concert/festival you went to? 
The first gig I went to was a band called Kaiser Chiefs, now I think about it, they know a part of my family very well and I was VIP and seeing them perform I just wanted to do that and write music.


3. What have you been listening to lately? 
Lately I have been listening to Bastille and Gabrielle Aplin, both great artists and are going to get bigger and bigger.

3 Questions for Daniel...

1. What is your usual songwriting process? 
My usual songwriting process, I pick up my guitar and just start to make the music first and then sing a long to what ever comes into my head, and if I like it I write it down! A weird process some people would say, but hey ho, I'm weird anyway haha.

2. What is your favourite album to listen to on a sunny day? 
That's a tricky one, I would have to say, plus (+) by Ed Sheeran.

3. What's your view on talent shows, such as X Factor? 
I don't mind watching them at all and feel it's a great way to geet people's talent shown, but, I would never audition for it as I personally would rather work hard to get my name and music out there then go onto a TV show which to me is the easiest option nowadays. Rather work hard.

Random Q from a Reader...

Who was your inspiration to get into music and what effect does this have on your own work? (from Sean)
My biggest inspiration to get me into my music would be two people, Lewis Watson and Ed Sheeran. Both guys have great writing skills and music and sing from the heart and just love the buzz you get from people singing your lyrics to them, I smile so mch when I see someone in the crowd singing my lyrics, my heart just melts.

Any other things you'd like to share/say?!  
MY LINKS:
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/danielrobinsonuk
Twitter: @its_dandaniel

Can find all my other links on my Soundcloud page :)

Pillows - Daniel Robinson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwrjokzFAG8

Check It Out!

Chart: Wake Me Up - Avicii ft. Aloe Blaac

'Wake Me Up' is a song by Avicii featuring vocals from Aloe Blaac. It was released as the first single from Avicii's upcoming ebut album True. The track has achieved international success, peaking at #1 in 40 countries, including the UK chart and US Billboard Hot 100. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_KJAg8bHI

Live Performance: With a Little Help from my Friends - Mumford & Sons with many others

Glastonbury was closed by the English folk rock band Mumford & Sons this year. They performed the classic Beatles song 'With a Little Help from my Friends' and how did they do it? A: With a little help from their friends... It went down as a huge success and finished off their set and the festival perfectly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqXBrtdsRHo 

Cover: Lose Yourself Walking on the Flume - Hudson Taylor

A well mixed cocktail of songs, Harry & Alfie (Hudson Taylor) mash them together flawlessly. By putting Lose Yourself (Eminem), Walking on the Moon (The Police) and Flume (Bon Iver) together, they show fof their musicality. (Their EP's are pretty good too!) Enjoy this one! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmCYOLOEErA 

 Thanks for reading! 
Links:
FB: (chances to ask future features q's) http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/musicintimeblog 
Enquires: musicintimeblog@gmail.com 

Feature: April Keen (23/07/13)

April Keen

Genre: Acoustic Singer/Songwriter
From: Blackpool, England

April is a 16 year old singer/songwriter. She started uploading covers on YouTube 2 months ago, and has also got some original songs up 'Black & White' and 'Candle'. They are both stunning showcases of her sound.




General Questions...

1. How old were you when you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I must of started getting into music from quite a young age. We had a karaoke set at home so from about 2/3 years old I sang karaoke ALL the time - you couldn't get me off it! I really began getting into music when I was 4 and joined my first school talent show and ended up going on it every year at my primary school until I left. I didn't play any instruments seriously until I was 14 when I picked up the guitar.

2. What was the first concert/gig/festival you went to?
I haven't really had the opportunity to see many artists and I can't remember exactly what my first concert was but I certainly do know my favourite gig, and that was Lewis Watson's gig at Sound Control 10th June 2013. So not that long ago but I have to admit I was absolutely mind blown.

3. What have you been listening to lately?
Passenger, Lewis Watson, Lauren Aquilina and Laura Marling.

3 Questions for April...

1. What was one of the first albums you bought? 
I never bought any albums myself when I was younger, so the first album I bought with my own money has to be Ryan O'Shaughnessy. He's just too perfect!

2. Where do you hope to be in 3 years time? 
In 3 years? I hope to be gigging around full time really (it's a lot to ask for isn't it - typical me). I really hope to have my first EP out and just to be loving what I'm doing (whatever that may be - fingers crossed it's music!!)

3. When you wrote 'Candle' what came first - lyrics or melody? 
Lyrics. It normally is lyrics although the melody almost comes immediately after. I always think of lyrics at the oddest times - they just seem to pop into my little brain when I least expect it!

Any other things you'd like to share/say?
Unfortunately, I don't have any albums, EPs or any professionally recorded tracks as it is but I really hope and plan to have those things eventually. For the mean time I post videos on YouTube, normally covers, although you will hear some originals (if I'm feeling generous). Please do subscribe to my channel, like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter if you like - I really do appreciate it.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/aprilkeenxo
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/April-Keen/119519714897789
Twitter: http://twitter.com/aprilkeenmusic
Website: (although not much is happening there at the mo) http://www.aprilkeenmusic.com

All my love, April xo

Check It Out!

Chart: Lighthouse - Lucy Spraggan

Lucy Spraggan's single 'Lighthouse' was written by Spraggan, James Flannigan and Preston (The Ordinary Boys). The song has peaked at 26 in the UK Singles Chart, it's the first single from her new album due to be released in September 2013. 

Live Performance: Talk To Me - Lauren Aquilina

'Talk To Me' is from Lauren's second EP 'Sinners'. Lauren is an unsigned artist that is currently sat at #4 in the iTunes Main Album Chart... 'Sinners' the single from Lauren's EP is also the free single of the week on iTunes... 

Sinners EP: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sinners-ep/id661812779 
Free Single: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/sinners-single/id669500456

Cover: Love Me Again - Nina Nesbitt

'Love Me Again' originally by John Newman, covered by Nina Nesbitt on Radio 1 Live Lounge... 

Thanks for reading! 
Links:
FB: (chances to ask future features q's) http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/musicintimeblog 
Enquires: musicintimeblog@gmail.com  

Feature: Jamie Willetts (09/07/13)

Jamie Willetts

Genre: Acoustic
From: Wales

Jamie is an 18 year old singer/songwriter. He has been uploading covers on YouTube for just over a year and has recently been sharing some of his original work too.

General Questions...

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was about 15 when I started playing guitar, I had to take it up for Music GCSE and I didn't want to sing (IRONY), or couldn't play anything else. And then in my second year of GCSE's we had to compose a song, so that was how I first got into writing.

2. What was the first gig/concert/festival you went to? 
The first concert I went to see was Paramore on their Brand New Eye's Tour, not long before they officially split up. But I'm going to see them again later this year, ahh nostalgia!

3. What have you been listening to lately? 
A lot of upcoming artists and some of my favourites, such as: Gabrielle Aplin, Saint Raymond, Layla, Matt Corby, Lewis Watson and Frank Hamilton.

3 Questions for Jamie...

1. Who is your favourite artist/band to cover? 
It has to be a three-way tie between Gabrielle Aplin, Lewis Watson and Bastille, I've covered these guys a few times on my YouTube channel.

2. What process did you go through whilst writing 'Give Me All Your Love'? 
Well, it was one of the more random urges I've had to write, it was quite late. I had a really bad throat at the time, and could barely talk. So I headed over to my keyboard and started playing some chords, and some how managed to get a good enough rough recording for me to remember by the time my voice was better.

3. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time? 
Well, I would definitely hope to have released an EP of my own, if not more than 1! I also hope to support other artists on their tour dates as that looks like loads of fun and continue to build a fan base and share my music!

Random Q from a Reader...

What is your favourite film? (from Maria)
Oh, that's a tricky one! It changes all the time, but I recently watched The Impossible and that was brilliant! And no one can deny the Harry Potter series!  Also, as a little side note, I'm looking forward to watching Catching Fire, when that comes out!

Any other things you'd like to share/say?
Thank you for your lvoely questions, I hope to be making more developments on my Debut EP in the not so distant future, so it would be great if you kept up-to-date on all the latest at my various sites. Additionally, I regularly post covers and some originals on my YouTube channel too! So here they are, see you all there! :)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JamieWillettsMusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Jamie_Willetts
Instagram: Jamie_Willetts
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jamiewilletts
Tumblr: http://jamiewilletts.tumblr.com

Check It Out! 

Chart: Love Me Again - John Newman

'Love Me Again' is the debut single by British soul singer and musician John Newman, from his upcoming debut studio album. Newman's vocals have appeared recently on Rudimental's tracks 'Feel The Love' and 'Not Giving In'. 

Live Performance: Irrelevant - Lauren Aquilina

After the success of her debut EP 'Fools', Lauren returns this year with her second EP 'Sinners' (available to pre-order now, released on 22nd July). 
This performance of 'Irrelevant' one of the tracks on the EP, was recorded at Bush Hall, including strings this live version is rather mesmerising. 

Cover: Toxic - Rhett & Josh

'Toxic' was originally by Britney Spears and released in 2004. Rhett (one half of this cover) has been uploading videos on YouTube for just under 4 years. One of their most recent videos (a cover of Taylor Swift's 'I Knew You Were Trouble') has been their most popular, nearly hitting a million views on YouTube...

Thanks for reading! 
Links:
FB: (chances to ask future features q's) http://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/musicintimeblog 
Enquires: musicintimeblog@gmail.com

-photo: www.soundcloud.com