Local, Duck.

All the Young, a 4 piece Indie band from Stoke-on-Trent (previously 'New Education') recently released (2/4/12) their debut album - Welcome Home.

And after touring all over the place - including 'Down Under', they were returning to their home town to play Sugarmill on 23/11/12.

This is a band that I have only really started listening to over the past few months, after stumbling across them when looking at going to some local gigs.

The night arrived and it did not disappoint.

The atmosphere was incredible, there was THE greatest buzz in the room, the place was alive with Stoke pride.

"We are All The Young, We are All The Young"

They have a true indie sound, similar perhaps to the likes of The Music, The Enemy and Sunshine Underground. A raw attitude and sound, which is actually missing from the UK charts at present.

Their songs could be labelled a little 'same old, same old' Indie, but their songs are anthemic and catchy. They might not be bringing anything particularly revolutionary or new to the music world, BUT they are injecting mine with a much needed dose of indie rock.

And after seeing them live, I would definitely call myself a fan.

Dry The River 29/10/2012

It was the 3rd time I'd seen Dry The River perform, a band that were named in the BBC's Sound of 2012.

I 1st saw them back in 2011 at the Hare and Hounds pub in Birmingham and that's where I fell in love.

This time I was watching them at Sugarmill in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, a great little local music venue.

It's safe to say Dry The River have well and truly got me eating out of their melancholic, folky, harmonious, poetic hands.

They are one of the few bands that when I watch them live I literally cannot take my eyes off them, you experience every word and every note with the band and the rest of the crowd.

They combine a vast range of genres into their music - folk, classical, rock, pop - it's all there and it really works.

Check out, well the WHOLE album, but my current favourites: Weights and Measures & Bible Belt. 

Grey Day

Wet, Cold and Miserable.

It's making me daydream about being sat on a beach, sunning myself, cocktail in hand.

Let your mind wander...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHKUxzQmm6E (In the Valley Below - Peaches)

my week's 'songs on repeat'

The Child of Lov: Heal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiBM8KZVHyI

Solange: Losing You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy9W_mrY_Vk

AlunaGeorge: Your Drums, Your Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfCSx5641U4

Bastille: Flaws  (the version below performed at Abbey Road is stunning)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzRBoZb3GKw

Enjoy.

I smell that smell, it's that time of year again

V FESTIVAL babes

I lost my virginity, FESTIVAL virginity at the tender age of 15.

For a few years I'd been itching to start going to gigs and festivals and after going to my first ever gig that year (Muse at the NEC in Birmingham.. me and my mates wore matching mini skirts, black tops and boots, my music taste was ahead of my fashion taste then...) I managed to persuade my parents to buy me a ticket for V as part of my Birthday present that year.

Weston Park, Staffordshire

I loved that 1st time, so much so that I have been going every single year since (apart from a blip in 2006!) and have gone for the weekends.

This year however, I had bought Sunday day tickets for me and the other half - penniless as I was at the time tickets went on sale - I had to see THE STONE ROSES and Mr Noel Gallagher.

anyway, me and the other half ended up going a seperate ways (the less said about that the better) so I got my mate onboard instead.

I was worried after years of camping that I was gonna feel a bit 'out of it' like an outsider BUT on the plus side I had the smugness of a fresh smelling bright eyed person!

I had the best day.. Ben Howard was beautiful - his perfert combo of soul and folk just matched the sunshine - yes sunshine! - perfectly

check out: only love, the fear and move like you want to.

and NOEL - hero, legend.

watching The Stone Roses after sunset was just a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I WANNA BE ADORED.

If you haven't listened to them before they are one of the MUST listen to bands of all time.. so difficult to pick a favourite track but at the moment it's Love Spreads.

So if you are a festival newbie, don't be afraid to give a day ticket a go. Cider and Sunshine.

Camden Crawl 2012

I love festivals - good music, sunshine (more likely to be rain...), fashion, and lots of dancing...

Camden Crawl is a festival with a bit of a difference, it's in Camden Town, London and takes place on bank holiday weekend across various pubs and bars in the area. It's one of my FAVOURITES.

This year I couldn't wait to go again, I enjoy the busy London streets and the feeling that you can be whoever you want to be, there is such a mix of people, clothes and places.

British weather being true to form - it was raining, but that didn't put a dampener  (ha ha ha hahhhaa... *sorry) on our time, I loved every second.

We enjoyed a few cheeky drinks ... (can't beat a cocktail, especially when it's a freebie)

All the bands and artists I saw were great, there's a real energy in every place you go to, a lot of the bands are on the verge of "making it" and you can feel their excitement, spirit and determination when they're on stage. They really mean every not they play and every word they sing. Churchill would be proud - blood, sweat and tears People!

Here's me and my BFF

 I recommend: 

Lucy Rose: listen to don't worry and feel your heart melt a little.

Willy Moon: yeah yeah - here he is performing in the crowd

the folkerly (yep just invented that..) Admiral Fallow

and my favourite of the weekend Theme Park - check out their songs Jamaica and Two Hours - they make part of my summer soundtrack.

Check them out, you won't be disappointed.

Camden Crawl happens every May bank holiday - it provides an alternative to your traditional muddy field festival. And you get to shower and use proper toilets.. Anything beats using a portaloo. X