TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2013

It's that time of year, everyone is looking back at what has been another incredible year for music and trying to choose their favourite records, bands, festivals, everything! I'm gonna keep it short and sweet for you, so here is my Top 10 albums for 2013...

1. PARAMORE - PARAMORE

Paramore have probably been my favourite band since the age of 15, so it's not surprise they've made it onto this list. This album I feel is significant because it truly shows how much they've developed and experimented with their sound, without straying too far from what they're known for. It's got songs that pack a punch, feel-good anthems and sweet acoustic melodies that appeal to a variety of music fans. 

Favourite Track: Part II

2. THE 1975 - THE 1975

This is a given, right? I don't know many people that haven't called this an album of the year. Rising to fame with single 'Chocolate', The 1975 have had the most outstanding year and will only continue to succeed. Their self-titled debut album is only proof of how they'll survive for years to come. 

Favourite Track: Girls

3. A DAY TO REMEMBER - COMMON COURTESY

After an on-going dispute with their record label, Common Courtesy nearly didn't exist and what a shame that would have been. Fans have waited a while, but it is most certainly worth the it. Brutal breakdowns and pop-punk anthems with HUGE choruses, it doesn't get much better. 

Favourite Track: Best of Me

4. WE ARE FICTION - ONE FOR SORROW

I've supported We Are Fiction massively this year, and their debut album shows why. They've taken the time to craft the record perfectly, ensuring that there are no faults and it shows what We Are Fiction are capable of. With hints of hip-hop and early-grunge influences, We Are Fiction are slowly filling a hole once burned out by the demise of Alexisonfire. 

Favourite Track: Tilt

5. DAUGHTER - IF YOU LEAVE

There are no words to describe how absolutely stunning this record is. Discovering Daughter a couple years back, I haven't regretted my love for them since. With dark, yet elegant lyrics with the most timid vocal layered over acoustic guitars, everything about Daughter's music is stunning. Lay back and enjoy. 

Favourite Track: Touch

6. CHVRCHES - THE BONES OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE

This Scottish trio took me a little by surprise. If you described them on paper I would probably have dismissed them instantly. However, their elctro-indie vibes with twisted words got me completely hooked. Big stars of 2013, I expect only bigger things to come from them next year. 

Favourite Track: Night Sky

7. THE HYPE THEORY - CAPTIVES

First thing's first, let's brush off the Paramore comparisons. The Hype Theory have thoroughly matured with their second record and is certainly leading them on a path to success. I never used to be a big fan of female-fronted bands (other than the big P) but The Hype Theory have definitely changed my mind, and could do the same for you. 

Favourite Track: Reverie

8. MALLORY KNOX - SIGNALS

Mallory Knox have completely blown up this year, and it's strange rewinding back to January, when Signals was released, and remembering they were still fairly unknown. Now, they quickly make their way up radio playlists and are given tour/festival slots many bands would be jealous of. Proof that a lot of hard work goes a long way. 

Favourite Track: Hello

9. GABRIELLE APLIN

I've followed Gabrielle Aplin's rise to stardom since she was around 15 and singing You Me At Six covers on her bathroom floor. Now, she's one of the most humble musicians to grace the industry. She's lyrically, and musically talented and her debut album is full of beautiful tracks to soften any mood. 

Favourite Track: Alive

10. BASTILLE - BAD BLOOD

Another band that have had a brilliant year. I remember interviewing the guys in November last year before they played to 150 people. Now they've got a best-selling album and a handful of sold-out tours under their belt, Bastille are like a breath of fresh air amongst all the varying indie-bands around. 

Favourite Track: Icarus

What are your favourites?

Cellardoor Magazine!

The magazine industry is a difficult one, with physical sales decreasing very quickly and everyone moving more and more into the digital age. It's also a huge ocean with a lot of magazine fish swimming around in it, sometimes you just don't know which is worth the pick. I grew up reading magazines, have been lucky enough to work on one of the UK's biggest music mags and love sitting down to read articles about people from around the world. 

A few days ago I was informed about Cellardoor Magazine, an online magazine covering all our favourite things from fashion to music. The layout is absolutely adorable and I'm a very fussy one when it comes to design, but the magazine has a brilliant layout, which is easy to read and very aesthetically pleasing. 

Jade, one of Cellardoors Editors and founders describes it perfectly:

"We aim bring an eclectic mix of fashion, art, music and culture in a beautiful way. Something a bit different to the usual magazine choices for young women.  

We're now on our 10 issue, so as it's a pretty big milestone for us, we decided to do something a bit special! 

The new issue has is devoted to all things Music, including an exclusive interview with the our ultimate girl crush,Kate Nash, Bastille and The Staves. Not to mention gorgeous fashion editorials, some bloggers tell us why their city has the best music scene and we grill the talented paper artist Chloe Fluery. 

All this alongside contributions from writers and photographers across the globe, and cute illustrations to show off our love for all the beautiful things."

Obviously being a music fanatic, the latest issue is right up my street. With an interview with Dan Smith the man of the moment from Bastille, as well as some super tasty recipes and just look at Laura's (from rootsandfeathers.com) bedroom, I NEED one of those dreamcatchers in my life. Oh, plus Marcus Foster.. mmmmmmmm!

My favourite section of the magazine though has to be the music map. It's so great when you see your local area featured in a magazine like this and I completely agree with all the points about Portsmouth, (I may also be a bit biased as I'm good pals with Villiers!) but that's not the point, they are really good! 

If I haven't yet convinced you, just go take a look at the latest issue, it comes out quarterly as well, so keep your eyes peeled for the next one! To coincide with their music issue they've also created a playlist for your lovely ears to enjoy, just follow the links below! 

http://cellardoormagazine.co.uk/index.htm

http://open.spotify.com/user/cellardoormag/playlist/6QFDWuKA3UKkYgxDxYscdi

Find them on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sunday Sound #4

Apologies for no Sunday Sound last week, I spent most of Sunday with friends and driving over to Cardiff so unfortunately did not find time to write one up! Fear not however I am back with a great band which I'm sure you'll all love. Hopefully you're all enjoying reading these and are discovering some great music through this blog, so thank you for reading!

I Dream In Colour

Not only do they have a magnificent name, but the music produced by I Dream In Colour is one of an impressive scale. The southern four piece mix the twangs of their guitars with brilliantly crafted melodies and a unique vocal provided by Richard Judge. Already with a bunch of recorded songs under their belt, the guys are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to their eagerly awaited debut album, which, if their previously released singles are anything to go by, it will be an absolute corker of a record. You may even recognise their work from a certain reality TV show involving a group of posh totties. 

Tracks such as Waiting Line and London are fantastically written indie works of art. The chorus' are catchy without being cheesy and make me all nostalgic of the summer as they soundtracked my drives around to see friends and family. Still Got A Hold On Me is an utterly beautiful song which sends shivers over me every time I listen to it, I'm such a sucker for a piano melody and this one is really bloody good. 

They've just announced a christmas show in London, so if you can make it then it will be a great experience, if not, keep an eye on their Facebook and website for further tour dates and to check out their Sofa Sessions they've been doing recently! 

For Fans Of: Bastille, The Kooks, Polarsets

Find Them: http://soundcloud.com/idreamincolourband

http://www.facebook.com/idreamincolourband

Sunday Sound #2

I can't quite believe it's been a week already since the first Sunday Sound! My gosh do the days go quickly at the moment! Hope you enjoyed the first one and enjoy this second helping just as much! It'd be great to hear your feedback and you can always chat to me via twitter if you have something to say! Now, on to the music...

Young Kato

Don't be put off by their fresh young faces, despite the fact this six-piece are still in their teens, their musical abilities are far beyond their age. Based in the beautiful west country town of Cheltenham, these guys produce sweet indie anthems that can lift any dreary mood. I caught their set at Underground Fest in September and despite being the opening act for the Saturday, the room was absolutely rammed and the floor was bouncing beneath me. Single Drink, Dance, Play combines synth pop melodies with crashing cymbals and a unique vocal by lead vocalist Tommy Wright. Their self-titled EP release includes three more tracks that follow along the same brilliant indie twang as Drink, Dance, Play. They've recently announced a seven date tour for January and will soon be revealing their new music video for Breakout so it only makes sense really to keep an eye out for these guys! 

For Fans Of: Bastille, We Are Scientists, Bombay Bicycle Club

Find Them: http://www.facebook.com/weareyoungkato

 https://twitter.com/YOUNGKATO

Blissfields 2012

As I've spent my weeks breathing in the city air, admittedly with a waft of the seaside, whilst tapping away at my keyboard longing for the work to end and the summer begin, it's surprised me how quickly life is flying by and all of a sudden I'm rushing through town on the hunt of a festival-proof coat and purchasing the biggest pack of baby wipes I can find. This can only mean one thing, it's festival time!

Having missed out MASSIVELY last year due to insufficient funds I've made sure that I make my way to a few festivals this summer to get my dose of muddy, smelly, sweaty goodness. Therefore over the coming months I will be giving you my tips of which bands to see at the best festivals, what you should probably pack and what you can expect. If any of you went to Isle of Wight festival at the weekend, you will have unfortunately learnt the importance of a good pair of wellies and a coat, however we can all hope that the rest of this years festivals won't be as tragic!

To start things off we have Blissfields; wander ever so slightly north-west from my seaside home of Portsmouth and you'll stumble across a family-friendly, quirky festival with a slight vintage warmth about it. Blissfields pitches up in Vicarage Farm, not far from Winchester and provides activities for all ages, whether you want to have fun with arts and crafts, have an afternoon tea with your friends or just indulge yourself in the incredible music that will be treating your ears. Weekend tickets are only £74 (yes you can still purchase them!) which is an absolute bargain for the amount of goodies you're getting and with a corking line up, you'd be silly not to go!

Here's my musical tips for the weekend:

Friday - Main Stage:                                                        

                                                                 Guillemots

Once you hit play you'll instantly recognise the song, I'm expecting a magical atmosphere from these guys. 

King Charles

Sunshine happy melodies and hair resembling that of Hook, expect everything to be extravagant 

Josh Kumra

The voice behind the Number 1 single "Don't Go" by Wretch 32, one to simply sit back, relax and enjoy.

Second Stage:

Clock Opera

Having missed their set at The Great Escape, I'm very excited to see what they have to offer at Blissfields!

Bear Cavalry

Repeat after me.... HEY UMBA DA DA DA DA DAAAAHHHH!

It's also worth taking a stroll over to the Hidden Hedge Acoustic Stage to see the likes of I Dream In Colour, BeBe Black, Leigh Mary Stokes and Huw Olesker & The Barebackers.

Saturday - Main Stage:

Spector

Indie rock music for you all to awkwardly shuffle along to when you've had a few too many

Bastille

You're gonna see me banging on about Bastille a lot over the coming months, I just can't get enough!

Second Stage:

Theme Park

They make look barely into their teens but they can make music that gives everyone a little dancing urge *see awkward shuffle note mentioned with Spector

Dog Is Dead

Prepare your vocal chords for a good old sing song

Hidden Hedge: 

Luke Ferre

Because this is one of the best covers I've ever heard. 

If you're off to Blissfields this weekend and think I may have missed an amazing act off my list then let me know, or come say hello, I'll probably be running around in my parka-in-a-pocket with the pink floral wellies, what can I say, I'm a master at festival fashion! The only thing you really need to bring to Blissfields is a smile, see you there!

COMPANY: July Issue

Something I've been keeping quiet about over the past couple of months is my guest appearance in the July issue of Company magazine. I was contacted back in April asking if I'd like to be involved (of course I said yes!) sent off all my details and writings and two months later here it is!

I can't even begin to express how appreciative I am for Company Magazine giving me this opportunity and It feels amazing to have my music, festival and fashion tips out there for all you lovely people to read!

If you do not yet know of Company magazine I urge you to go and buy the latest issue (not just because I'm in it), It's full of amazing fashion trends, hair and beauty tips plus all the latest info on music, books and everything else! It really is one of my favourite magazines, particularly as It really supports bloggers! Only £2 as well so really, It's an absolute bargain!

If you read the magazine / article let me know what you think!

The Great Escape Festival 2012

This weekend sees the return of The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, running over three days, the South Coast's busiest city plays host to a number of brilliant bands, from the new and upcoming to the favourites that have been around for years. It's a brilliant chance to find new artists and explore the best parts of the city, so if you are lucky enough to have tickets, then here are some of my recommendations to go see!

Bastille - Thursday 10th @ Green Door Store

Lower Than Atlantis - Thursday 10th @ The Loft and Concorde 2

Kids in Glass Houses - Thursday 10th @ Concorde 2

∆ (Alt-J) - Friday 11th @ Blind Tiger

Clock Opera - Friday 11th @ Brighton Dome

Laurel - Friday 11th @ Komedia Studio Bar

Dry The River - Friday 11th @ Corn Exchange

Lucy Rose - Saturday 12th @ Blind Tiger

I could go on forever with all the musical talent that is filling the city over the weekend, but the above are ones that I will most certainly be going a long too, and if you can squeeze them into the busy gig schedule i suggest you come see them too! 

If you're going to The Great Escape I hope you have an amazing time! For those of you that aren't, I'll do a write up after the weekend & make sure you buy tickets for next year!