Friday, 24 July 2015

What I'm Listening To (Throwback Edition)... (24/07/15)

As it’s my birthday today, I thought I’d do a ‘What I’m Listening To’ from over the years, although, most of these I have been listening to recently as I’ve been sorting all my old CDs out… ahh the nostalgia! So, here's 10 songs I've listened to as I've grown up, these are the less influenced ones, (so the ones I found/listened to on radio, rather than the ones played my family :)) 

1. Sleeping With The Light On - Busted
This was my favourite Busted song and although it’s not quite ‘Year 3000’ or ‘What I Go To School For’, this one will always be on my ‘faves’ playlist on my iPod. (This is McBusted performing it live, because Busted aren't a thing supposedly on YouTube anymore). 

Sleeping With The Light On - Busted (link)

2. Never Had A Dream Come True – S Club 7
You’ve all heard ‘Reach’ and ‘Don’t Stop Movin’ a million times before (usually at school discos right?) but this one is one of the slower ones... Even though they’re as cheesy as a packet of wotsits, S Club’s lyrics do have a fair amount of truth behind them – life lessons and all that!)

Never Had A Dream Come True - S Club 7 (link) 
3. America – Razorlight
I’m not sure what it is about this song, but it really is one of those ‘once you hear it, you have to sing along’ type and recently I’ve been hearing it everywhere!

America - Razorlight (link)

4. Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Eiffel 65
This got replayed so much when I was little; I was obsessed and I can’t have been the only one! Sorry in advance for getting this stuck in your head! 

Blue (Da Ba Dee) - Eiffel 65 (link)

5. I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker – Sandi Thom
This was Sandi Thom’s debut single and it got a lot of love when I was at primary school! It was probably on one of the Now albums and it’s one of those songs that can pick you up.

I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker - Sandi Thom (link)

6. Shake Me Down – Cage The Elephant
This is a little more recent, only five years old, but it’s up there with my favourite songs and has been played at many birthday BBQs and parties over those five years. (if you don’t recognise the name, have a listen – you’ll probably recognise the song!)

Shake Me Down - Cage The Elephant (link)

7. Heaven Is A Halfpipe (If I Die) – OPM
I went out a few weeks ago and this played in the ‘nightclub’ we were at, I’m pretty sure I was one of the only ones who knew the song and I’m really not sure how?! I thought this was one of those songs that everyone knows, but maybe not? Let me know if you do!

Heaven Is A Halfpipe (If I Die) - OPM (link)

8. Goodbye Mr A – The Hoosiers
It was tough to choose between ‘Goodbye Mr A’ and ‘Worried About Ray’, these were the well known tracks from The Hoosiers’ debut album ‘The Trick To Life’, which remains one of my favourite albums; enjoy singing along!

Goodbye Mr A - The Hoosiers (link)

9. Whistle For The Choir – The Fratellis
I always preferred ‘Whistle For The Choir’ over ‘Chelsea Dagger’, however, either could be included in this blog… Both are definite throwbacks and brilliant songs!

Whistle For The Choir - The Fratellis (link)

10. Girls & Boys – Good Charlotte
At the height of my pop punk obsession, stands Good Charlotte, ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ is also another fantastic song that nearly made it to this list, but last minute change to this one…


Girls & Boys - Good Charlotte (link)

Mr. Brightside nearly made the cut and many others, but these were the 10 I decided on... Enjoy! 

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Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Feature: Juneau (22/07/15)


Juneau are a band from Derby/Notts in England. The duo, Layla Remeikis (vocals) and Shauna Stapleton (guitar), have so far shared one self-recorded demo 'Spit It Out' - with more ready to record and share in the future. These girls are only at the start of what I'm hopeful will be a long, successful and rewarding musical journey! Here's a Q&A with them both, talking all things music...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Shauna: I started playing guitar when I was 8, then I heard 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and had to learn guitar. 
Layla: I was 7 years old - I started having piano lessons.

2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
Shauna: The first gig I went to - The Veronicas, they made me want to be in a band. 
Layla: The most inspiring gig I've been to was at Splendour Festival in Nottingham a few years ago, where I saw the band Amber Run. They were so talented and yet so humbled to be playing there - I was so inspired by both their music and personality. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Shauna: Chui Wan, they're an experimental band from Beijing, but they should like Can. 
Layla: I've been listening to everything from Pop Punk to French Indie music lately! At the moment, I love the Irish band 'Walking On Cars', who play quite relaxed, alternative rock, as well as an all-female band called The Beaches, who have been such an inspiration to me! 

3 Questions for Juneau:

1. Who influences you and inspires you in the musical world?
Shauna: Patti Smith and Kim Gordon in the way they combine art, music and poetry. 
Layla: For me, the most inspirational musicians write poetry as lyrics - when writing for Juneau, I find musicians such as Patti Smith and Alanis Morissette to be the greatest inspirations. 

2. What would be your dream festival to play at and why?
Shauna: Glastonbury, only so I can say "I've played Glastonbury". 
Layla: We've played some brilliant local festivals, but I'd love to play a festival like Latitude in Suffolk - it seems like such an amazing atmosphere then. 

3. What process did you go through writing 'Spit It Out'?
Shauna: I wish I could say something more interesting than "I came up with some chords that sounded nice together". 
Layla: It started off as a collection of lyrics I'd written in the style of music from artists such as Hozier; relatively simplistic and quite conventional. I didn't have the intention of finishing the lyrics, to be honest! But then, I had the inspiration from bands such as HAIM to write a chorus, and Spit It Out was born! I guess the song is like a stream of consciousness, representative of how things never seem to work out, yet we still want what we can't have. 

Random Q:

Three things you couldn't live without? 
Shauna: My vinyl, my guitar and garibaldis
Layla: Couldn't live without my iPod, my guitar for songwriting, and Twitter! 

'Spit It Out' Review:
'Spit It Out' reminds me of Kate McGill's lullaby-esque songs with sharp snippets reminiscent of Courtney Barnett. It's nice to hear bands keeping it simplistic, as it shows the real talent they hold, musically, lyrically and vocally, Juneau are definitely not lacking raw talent. The chords do sound great together and the lyrics build imagery and a story. If this demo is anything to go by, I'm excited for the future of Juneau and you should be too! 


Juneau's Links:

Check It Out!

1. Show Me Love - Sam Feldt ft. Kimberly Anne
Talented Dutchman, Sam Feldt and English singer/songwriter Kimberly Anne, have re-made the 90's hit 'Show Me Love'. Originally by American recording artist Robin S., the track was her biggest hit to date. However, Sam Feldt's musical magic and Kimberly Anne's vocals have stepped it up and their version of the song is currently at #4 in the UK Singles Chart - and I wouldn't be surprised if it gets higher! 


2. Tiny Crumb - Mammal Hands
Mammal Hands are a trio of fantastic musicians, Jesse Barrett (drums and percussion) met brothers Nick Smart (piano) and Jordan Smart (saxophone) in 2012 while busking in Norwich. They've gone on to wow audiences from the Norwich Arts Club to Mostly Jazz Birmingham, King's Palace London, Band On The Wall Manchester and most recently Montreal Jazz Festival 2015. This is 'Tiny Crumb' from their album 'Animalia', on the BBC Introducing stage at Montreal Jazz Festival, sit back and enjoy!


3. Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Written and recorded by the wonderfully talented, Amy Winehouse, 'Love Is A Losing Game' was the fifth single from her album 'Back To Black' and was the final single released in her lifetime. Although it wasn't the most successful in the charts, it did win an Ivor Novello for 'Best Song Musically and Lyrically'. As I went to see the film, 'Amy', recently and tomorrow is the anniversary of her death, I felt it only right to include one of my favourite artists as the classic this week. 


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Monday, 20 July 2015

Feature: Callaghan (20/07/15)


2015 has already been a big year for British singer/songwriter Callaghan. After a successful tour in May and June, with 35 shows in 16 states and covering 10,000 miles across the USA; this was her third year doing the tour and is now bringing her unique approach to touring back to the UK. She's also booked for Summertyne Festival and Secret Garden Party and a couple more. As well as making a name for herself on the live circuit, Callghan's previous single 'Best Year' has received radio play on BBC Radio 2 and support from the likes of Jeremy Vine and Jonathan Ross. She's just released her latest single 'We Don't Have To Change The World' and no doubt will be busy for the rest of the year too, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled! 

 General Questions:

 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I have been involved in music for as longs as I can remember - I grew up in a musical house and my parents encouraged me and my two sisters to all take up instruments really young. I got really into singing and performing in my early teens and realised then that it was something I wanted to spend my life doing. 

 2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
It's hard to choose just once because I've been to a lot of very different shows and they were inspiring in different ways. The first concert I ever got taken to was John Denver when I was 5 which definitely inspired me to want to be on the stage and sing. I also went to see Celine Dion at the O2 arena once and even thought I was almost on the back row, the sound was so incredible it was one of the most captivating concerts I've been to. 

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
My favourite album at the moment is Ghost Stories by Coldplay. I've particularly been listening to it on long drives while I'm touring because it's so relaxing and makes the time go by really quickly. 

 3 Questions for Callaghan:

 1. You've taken an interesting and exciting approach to touring, what's the idea behind your house tours and what do you hope/feel you get out of them?
I've been doing house concerts since I moved to the US in 2010, but usually around my regular public touring. Since 2013, I've been doing a full tour of house concerts each year that has lasted a month (or two months this year) called "Callaghan Across America". The house concert tour gives me a chance to reach fans in parts of the country my regular touring might not take me to, and they aksi enable me to build my fan base. House concerts are about as intimate as you can get for a concert - someone is hosing you in their own home and inviting all their friends to come and listen to your music. By the end of the evening I've usually made loads of new friends and all the people then go home and tell all their friends about my music, so the fan base builds really well. Usually, after a few house concerts in a new area, I'll be able to go back and do a show in a public venue and lots of the new fans will come out. It has worked really well over the years and I enjoy the intimacy it creates with my fans. I also love doing the public shows and getting to perform in bigger venues with my whole band. I think it's all about variety and keeping touring imaginative and engaging. 

 2. What three countries would you most like to tour and why?
The US and UK are keeping me pretty busy with touring at the moment! After 5 years of touring in the States it feels great getting to bring my music back to the UK and share it with people over there, so I'm really excited to be playing at some amazing festivals in the UK this Summer and brining my house concert tour to the UK as well. If I was going to pick one other country to tour in, it would probably be Australia since my sister just moved there! 

 3. What process did you go through creating your latest single 'We Don't Have To Change The World' and did it differ to other songs of yours?
"We Don't Have To Change The World" is probably one of the happiest songs on my new album - and there are definitely quite a few of those on there! I wrote it with my producer Dennis Matkosky in Nashville, and it really sums up the feeling of not wanting to spend your whole life worrying all the time. These days I think there can be so much pressure on people to be constantly pushing themselves and arching for their next goal, sometimes to the extent that they miss what's going on around them. Sometimes it feels good to put all the worry out of your mind and just live in the moment and enjoy life. 

 Random Q:

 If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would make everyone be a bit more polite to each other. It doesn't cost anything to be kind to someone and it makes everyone's day so much nicer! 

 'We Don't Have To Change The World' Review:
This is a brilliant track. With a skippy beat layered with a chilled bass and growing into an upbeat and catchy pop song with country influences. You can't help but sit back and smile, whilst singing along to the chorus. (The layered vocals near the end of the songs are an added bonus too!) The lyrics really do focus on everything you don't have to do, subconsciously allowing you to really delve into the music and meaning. I really love this song, it's perfect for a summer day and it's bound to pick anyone up on a bad day!

See Callaghan Live (UK):
23rd July: Canary Wharf, London
24th July: A Callaghan House Show, Great Bardsey
25th July: Secret Garden Party Festival
26th July: A Callaghan House Show, Harpenden
30th July: Cambridge Folk Festival
31st July: A Callaghan House Show, Syleham, Suffolk

Callaghan's Links:
'A History Of Now' Album (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-history-of-now/

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Friday, 17 July 2015

Spotlight: The Magnettes (17/07/15)


The Magnettes, are Swedish duo Rebecka Digervall and Sanna Kalla and they've recently released their debut single 'Sore Feet & Heartbeats'. Having grown up together in Pajala, a quiet and very isolated town in Northern Sweden, where they have their own unique language; they rebelled against the northern silence, and decided to write and sing about love, heartache and the haze of their youth. They had a successful run of showcases at SXSW in Austin, Texas this year and have played at the New Music Seminar, Nordic Days, The Great Escape and QStock and appear as the main subjects in Hans-Erik Therus' documentary 'Pajala State Of Mind'. This is just the start for The Magnettes! 

'Sore Feet & Heartbeats' Review:
Their latest release is brilliant. 'Sore Feet & Heartbeats' is upbeat, with a catchy rhythm and melody. It offers a new twist to old school pop and I can imagine it being really good live; it also got stuck in my head, too easily. 'Paper Cut' is guitar led and offers a different aspect of electro-pop, a little rockier, almost Blondie-esque, but again holds a catchy chorus, one that can't be forgotten for a while. So when you listen to it, enjoy it, tap your foot and go get it on your iPod cos you'll be listening to it non-stop... 


The Magnettes' Links:

Check It Out!

1. Give & Go - Grim Disco
This is the debut track from Birmingham alternative/post-punk four-piece, Grim Disco. It's a great song, with so many brilliant elements, it's out now and is hopefully the first of many more to come. They've got a support slot tomorrow night, so if you're around the area, go check them out at The Sunflower Lounge (info here). With radio support from BBC Introducing, they're definitely ones to watch! 

Give & Go - Grim Disco (link)

2. Let It All Go - Rhodes & Birdy
Rhodes makes beautiful music. Birdy makes beautiful music. Together they created this. 'Let It All Go' is taken from Rhodes' forthcoming debut album 'Wishes', due to be released in September (2015). This is an incredible song and exclusive video for Mahogany Sessions. I was left speechless and have replayed it multiple times - enjoy! (Also, you can pre-order his album here.) 


3. Bad Blood - Lucy Rose
English singer/songwriter Lucy Rose covered Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' for Radio 1 Live Lounge and did a brilliant job of making the top ten hit her own. Her second album 'Work It Out' has recently been released (and I've had that on repeat, it's great from beginning to end, you can find that here.)


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Monday, 13 July 2015

Feature: Forrest (13/07/15)


Forrest are an alternative four-piece from South Wales, formed in 2010 and comprised of Dan, Jordan, Mark and Ryan. Their debut EP titled 'Before You Go' and a split release with Ireland's 'The Winter Passing', were largely met with positive coverage across the internet, building a small but dedicated following from the bands Bandcamp page. They've spent a year writing and recording their forthcoming debut album 'Soluna' and now it's close to being released into the world, so I caught up with Matt to ask him a few questions...

 General Questions:

 1. How old were you when you started getting involved and how?
I was about 12 when I got my first guitar and fell in love with music ever since. Me and Jordan grew up in school together and we were always involved in musical endeavours. In my first year of college I was introduced to Ryan through a mutual friend. We talked about starting a band so we got together, jammed out some old Blink 182 songs and started Forrest. It's been an incredible journey so far, I've met some of the best people along the way and I can't wait to get back on the road.

 2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've ever been to?
That's difficult. I've been to a lot of shows that all have great stories. A highlight of mine was definitely seeing Blink 182 just after their reunion, 12 year old me was going nuts.

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I've been really into the new Turnover record lately which just came out on Run For Cover Records, I listen to it pretty much every morning before going to work. Also, I'm really impressed with Four Year Strong's self titled, who doesn't like riffs?

 3 Questions for Forrest:

 1. If you could invite three people to one of your gigs, who would you choose and why?
I would definitely invite Bear Grylls, just incase. Jack from Lost, he seems like a good dude. I would invite John Snow too, I'm not a big fan of Winter.

 2. What is your favourite tracks from your forthcoming album 'Soluna' and why does it stand out for you?
'Standing Stone' is my personal favourite. I think it's a song that really captures Forrest's sound. As a band, I think we've really matured musically. We're always trying new things and this track displays that perfectly in my opinion.

 3. When writing the album, was it a collective effort or did you have specific roles within the group?
Usually when we write new songs, each of us have different ideas that we just put together. When writing the album we wrote songs as a band which we've never done before. It was a lengthy process but the end result was very rewarding. We can't wait for everyone to hear it!

 Random Q:

 Five songs for a road trip?
Feels Like - The Winter Passing
New Colours - Pipedream
Apartment - Client
Hollow - The Sinking Feeling
Losing Grip - Avril Lavigne

 'Soluna' Album Review:
The debut album from Forrest, has definitely allowed them to pave their own way and create a distinct sound. From the first track 'Ambition' through to the last, 'Meet Me There' there wasn't one song I didn't enjoy. The only negative someone could pick up is that their songs may seem similar musically, however they all hold the skill of beautifully written lyrics and if you involve yourself enough in the music, you can hear the intricate differences. 'Close To Me' reminds me of Catfish and the Bottlemen, with an alternative rock approach, whilst they contrast that song with 'Sol'; two minutes of beautiful instrumental, seeming almost emotive. It's a great album and one I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy!


Forrest's Links:
'Soluna' Album: (will be available when album is released - 16th July!) 

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Friday, 10 July 2015

Review: Barn on the Farm 2015 Pt. 2 (05/07/15)


Barn on the Farm, is perfect for finding new up and coming artists that you may not have heard of before, and for me that was I.AM.L. After hearing her soundcheck whilst eating breakfast at my tent, I knew I wanted to head down to the arena and find out who it was. A rather wonderful mix of Florence and the Machine, Kate Bush and Lauren Aquilina with a unique edge is the only way I could describe her sound and as BOTF forecasted, it was definitely a magical moment! Chilled but powerful, electronic and layered perfectly, creating not only a brilliantly unique sound but adding intense lyrics, leaving a set list full of amazing songs. (I'm looking forward to being able to download or own a single, EP or album...) 

Ava Lily was the next artist I saw, on the New Stage, she took 'singer/songwriter' to a whole new level, wonderful, soulful vocals and beautiful songs. Phil from Chasing Grace played guitar for her, as well as Ava Lily playing keys, 'Burn' was one of my favourites from her set, as well as 'Sober'. 


I headed to the Main Stage to see Billie Marten, again another singer/songwriter that steps up the game. Playing popular songs of hers ('Ribbon') and a cover, with and without guitar, just proved how versatile she can be within her genre. She is one of my current favourite artists, mainly lyrically, she manages to draw the listener in pretty darn well, so young and full of promising talent!


I had a walk around and on the way back towards the main stage, went past Jasper In The Company of Others, smashing the Wooden Barn Stage, the energy was unreal and everyone seemed to be really enjoying it, just gutted I hadn't gotten to see a little more, so they're one for my future gig list for sure! 


Model Aeroplanes took to the Main Stage, despite the rain, everyone was going for it and they're the kinda music you can't help but dance to, so that went down well. 


I caught snippets of HAUS and Cash+David and they both sounded brill, again a little gutted I didn't catch more of each set, so will be having a listen of some of their music here and there. 
One artist I was super excited for on the line up was Kimberly Anne and I wasn't disappointed at all! The sun came out for her set and she did a fab job. It was her first live set up with a band and they all added something to her set up. Performing her better known tracks 'Start Over', 'Bury It There', 'La La' and 'Hard As Hello', as well as a cover of 'Show Me Love' which got everyone singing along and a requested performance of 'Kind Regard', just Kimberly and her guitar and a new song. The whole set was great and I there wasn't one song I didn't enjoy. 


Another highlight from my weekend was Chasing Grace in the Wooden Barn Stage, I really enjoyed 'Tonight', 'Silence' and 'Hercules' and 'Halfway' (so pretty much their whole set) and they did a wonderful cover of 'I'm Yours', which included a marriage proposal, adding to the atmosphere! (I got home and bought their album... yeah they're brilliant!!) 


The immensely talented Jack Garratt, was next. It just highlighted why I love him and his music so much, he puts so much into it and everyone was loving his set, which is hardly surprising! The whole of his set was brilliant, 'Water', 'Chemical', 'The Love You're Given' and finishing with 'Worry' was the cherry on top of the sundae (unwitty pun - apologies!). Seriously though, this year Jack has been hitting festivals hard and if I don't get to see him on his tour later this year, I'm gonna be annoyed! 


Lauren Aquilina was another highlight of the weekend, performing her singles 'Sinners', 'Lovers or Liars' and 'Fools', mixed in with new songs, like 'Dirty Midnight' (which are sounding great, her album is going to be a hit) a little more built up and upbeat than previous songs on her EPs like 'Talk To Me' and 'Lilo' and a cover of 'Sex'. It was a great set, with faster tracks mixed with slower, sadder ones, you can understand why she supported Taylor Swift recently! 


The headliner for Sunday was the one and only James Bay, who did a brilliant job of bringing the festival to a close. Performing crowd favourites like  'Let It Go', with the brilliant 'Best Fake Smile' and 'Scars' mixed in between with other tracks from his album. He also threw in a cover of 'If I Ain't Got You' which warmed everyone up for the finale 'Hold Back The River'. His set was full of energy, grit, soul, the list could go on. 


I had a great weekend and I know for sure I'm not the only one. Joshua and the team do a brilliant job each year and I can't wait for Barn on the Farm 2016! If you want to keep up to date with them, their links are below! (They upload some brilliant sessions from the weekend up on their Youtube channel as well, so be sure to check that out!) and the first half of this blog review is here.

Barn on the Farm's Links:

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Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Review: Barn on the Farm 2015 Pt. 1 (04/07/15)

Barn on the Farm is an independent and intimate folk-orientated music festival, held in several barns on Over Farm, Gloucestershire. Created in 2010 as a small venture, driven by a passion for decent, new music; now in it's sixth year, it's gained a reputation as a place you will see the next big thing whilst meeting people with the same passion for music. With names like Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, Nina Nesbitt and Bastille taking to the stage in previous years, there's only one place this fantastic festival is heading and that's to even bigger audiences and awards. Joshua Sanger and the rest of his Barn on the Farm family are brilliant, friendly and should be thanked and congratulated on creating such a welcoming festival, full of brilliant live music and moments. 


Unfortunately, I missed out on intimate Friday tickets, but have heard how great and special the evening was with Gabrielle Aplin as the secret headliner and guests joining her up on stage. 
Saturday, was a good day, weather and music wise, I caught the start of Samm Henshaw's set, he's got a chilled, reggae and soul kinda vibe and being back by his wonderful band just makes his live set up brilliant. 


I had a look around the festival set up for a bit, taking in the music and checking out the food, drink and merch available, enough to choose from without it being too focused on anything but the music. Hannah Grace did a stunning set on the Wooden Barn Stage and got Gabrielle Aplin and Harry Hudson-Taylor on stage for an acoustic rendition of 'Hopeful' - a beautiful song, as well as 'Meant To Be Kind', the title track from her debut EP. 


I headed to see Jake Isaac on Main Stage, as he's been a featured artist over on our blog, we wanted to finally get to see him perform live, he was running late so instead we were treated to an earlier than scheduled set from Mike Dignam, which wasn't a bad thing! He played some new songs, 'Dark Mind' was a highlight of his set for me and the rest of the songs are sounding great and I'm sure I'm not the only one excited for his forthcoming album now. 


I grabbed some food and then headed back to watch Jake Isaac on Main Stage, his set was great, full of energy and worth the wait. 'Fool For You' and the slower and more emotive 'I'm A Man' were highlights from his set, his beautiful vocals couple up with his acoustic guitar so well. 


One of the bands I was most looking forward to this weekend (and ended up being a highlight for me) were Meadowlark. After overcoming technical problems, they played songs from their debut EP 'Three Six Five' as well as their latest 'Dual', and Kate performed 'Little Boxes', just her and an electric guitar - shame about the guys to the side, who talked through most of it. Still, their set and performance was fantastic and people were joining in, dancing and enjoying themselves, which is for sure, what Barn on the Farm is all about. 


Then I headed to Main Stage for a bit of Eliza and the Bear, I love their sound and again, they were brilliant live, I've only really ever listened to two of their songs, 'It Gets Cold' and 'Brother's Boat', however I enjoyed all the songs I heard during their set and I definitely went away encouraged to listen to more of their music. 


After missing JP Cooper at Boileroom earlier this year, I was pretty set on making sure I saw him at some point this year, and BOTF opened that opportunity for me. He performed on the Wooden Barn Stage and he blew my mind; his sound is beautifully intricate and soulful as well as being upbeat. 'Closer' is by far one of my favourite songs that's been released this year and to see him live was one to tick of my list. (I also got to have a real quick chat with him to say his set was great - and he was lovely - which is always an added bonus!)


Another band I'd listened to a few songs of and liked but never seen live or listened solely to (if that makes sense) is Prides. Again, I was blown away and will definitely be getting their forthcoming album, I loved their set, it was a good mix of upbeat as well as slightly more stripped back powerful stuff. New songs as well as old in the set list and I loved them all. They got everyone joining in and enjoying the atmosphere which is always a plus. 'Little Danger' and 'Higher Love' were by far highlights of mine.


Then - it felt like - everyone headed to the New Stage to watch Amber Run do what they do best, get lost in the music and drag everyone else in with them - the atmosphere whenever I've seen them has always been high and intense but there was something about the festival setting that just made it all even better. The mainly performed tracks from their album but included 'Heaven' into the set, which was brilliant and fitted in nicely. They got Harry from Hudson Taylor on stage for 'I Found' and there was a phenomenal instrumental section in the closing song 'Noah', they drew a big crowd, which made me think if they're booked next year - they'll hopefully make it to the main stage! 


Caught the end of Foy Vance's set and the crowd that had gathered outside the barn doors were loving it! Then the night finished with the beautiful harmonies of The Staves on Main Stage. Unfortunately after a lack of sleep Friday night and an early start Saturday, I was too worn out to stay around for the whole of their set, but I chilled at the back for the first three songs and headed to my tent, falling asleep to their music in the distance. Wouldn't mind seeing them live again, I liked what I heard and I do like their album, but struggle with the lullaby effect, similar to Birdy and Bon Iver. 


Part 2 of this review will be going up in the scheduled upload spot on Friday, so head back to have a read and listen to our highlights from the final day of Barn on the Farm :) 

Thanks for reading!

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