#MusicMonday 8

Hello again! It's been a few weeks but I've decided to rekindle the old #MusicMonday posts and share with you some of the songs that have been on my radar this week. You can read my last #MusicMonday post HERE.

1. Clean Bandit featuring Louisa - 'Tears'

Ever since I saw Clean Bandit and Louisa perform this song live at Summertime Ball, it's all I've heard on the radio. It's grown on me a lot and it's a perfect song for Louisa, who I feel was shafted a bit by her X Factor winner's single. The song is already doing well in the charts and I have no doubt it will continue to do so over the next few months.

2. Reggie 'N' Bollie - 'New Girl'

X Factor runners up Reggie 'N' Bollie released 'New Girl' a few weeks ago, but I've only now got round to hearing it properly. IT'S SO CATCHY!!! Granted, they're not the best singers in the world, but they have an infectious energy and are such uplifting individuals that you can't help but smile when you see them. 'New Girl' is a summer bop that makes you want to dance your heart out.

3. The Neales - 'I'll Be There'

The Neales were contestants on last year's Britain's Got Talent and reached the finals. The father and sons team have released this song for Father's Day in aid of British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK and it charted at number 22. They're a charming bunch and it's endearing to see a family with a close bond, doing something they love together. (My inclusion of this song has nothing to do with the grey suits or my love for the beautiful Phil Neale...)

4. Shawn Mendes - 'Treat You Better'

Shawn's back with a new single, which he released a few weeks ago. The Canadian singer knows how to deliver a pop hit, and 'Treat You Better' is no different. I'm adding him onto my list of people that I need to see live, he's really great!

5. Tom Odell - 'Magnetised'

I have never particularly considered myself a fan of Tom Odell. Off the top of my head, I can't even think back to what songs he's most known for. My main memory of him is that his debut album was called Long Way Down, and they used to have a poster for it in Angel tube station, above a very very very long escalator which I found hilarious lol. Anyhow, recently I first heard 'Magnetised' on the radio and it hooked me instantly - ever since then, it gets played on a regular basis and I keep falling in love with it even more.



What are you listening to this week? Hit me up with some recommendations!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday 7

It's Monday once again (don't they come around incredibly quickly?!) and therefore time for me to share the songs I've been listening to this week. Click here for last week's #MusicMonday.

1. DNCE - Toothbrush

From their SWAAY  EP, 'Toothbrush' is the next single from your new favourite band. The best part for me is when Joe sings 'I just, I just can't let you go' - there;s something about his voice at that point that makes me go all weak and I'm not even sorry about it.

This week, they released the music video for 'Toothbrush' and I must applaud them for their choice of female lead. Joe's love interest is played by plus size model Ashley Graham. Well, she's only a size 16 but that's deemed as "plus size" apparently. She is BEAUTIFUL, as is every woman whether they've been in a music video or not, but it's so refreshing to see a band say 'eff you' to the norm by choosing a slightly curvier female lead for their music video. Being plus size myself, it's nice to see ourselves being represented positively (albeit my figure is potato-shaped compared to Ashley). I'm so excited to see DNCE live again in August and who knows, maybe I'll finally get to meet the teenage LOML.

2. Everyll - Blah Blah Blah

I was introduced to Everyll last week, who's just released her debut single 'Blah Blah Blah'. She has been making a name for herself on YouTube with her feisty pop/rap infused covers and now she's showcased her talents on her own single. 'Blah Blah Blah' is a catchy, sassy pop song and the video is hilarious. It replicates the TV talent show set up that everyone is familiar with.

3. Sigma X Take That - Cry

Sigma have teamed up with my ultimate man band Take That for the powerful track 'Cry'. I wasn't sure how a collaboration between the two would work but I think it's perfect. The chorus is anthemic and I can't wait to hear it in Hyde Park in July. Both acts are renowned for their successful songs so I have no doubt that they've got another hit on their hands. 'Cry' is indeed a contender for song of the summer.

4. Lawson - Where My Love Goes

To mark the pre-order of their new album Perspective, Lawson have released a new song called 'Where My Love Goes'. Once again, the four-piece band have delivered another bit of catchy pop however the video is the real talking point on this occasion. Lead singer Andy Brown actually proposes to his real life girlfriend Joey in the video! When I heard about a proposal, I thought it was just a video storyline, I didn't realise it was a genuine thing! It's really cute though, congratulations Andy!

5. Adele - Send My Love (To Your New Lover)

Finally, my last song for this week is Adele's latest offering 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover). This song is SO unusual for Adele, and looking back at the singles from 25 so far, you can hear a pleasant difference in her material. Still iconic, but generally appeals more to my taste. This song reminds me of M.I.A's 'Paper Planes' (it took me forever to find what song it sounded like haha). The video is due soon with Adele supposedly dancing in it - can't wait!



What have you been listening to recently?
Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday 6

Hey, hello, hiiii. Another Monday means another music post! Half of the songs this week are brand new, and the other half are ones you might be fairly familiar with! As usual, you can recap on last week's post here. Just thought I'd also let you know that there will be a few more posts coming soon, something a bit different. Also, it's gig time again on the weekend! Read on to find out who I'm going to see...

1. Joe and Jake - You're Not Alone

Joe and Jake represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest over the weekend. Yes, we were near the bottom of the leaderboard as usual but we actually received far more points than what we have done in recent years (including 12 points from Malta - we love you!) and the song was a great one. I think they should be proud of themselves as they certainly did the country proud - they deserved far more than what they got. Fun fact for you, this song was actually co-written by Siva Kaneswaran from The Wanted but the band never used it on any of their albums! (They would have sounded great on this track too.)

2. Birdy - Wild Horses

This song is EVERYWHERE at the moment. I've heard it numerous times on my local radio station, on the telly etc and it's really grown on me. I've never been a Birdy fan but I adore this song.

3. MKTO - Superstitious

My favourite American duo are back with a new single, and it's most definitely one of their best! 'Superstitious' was released on Friday 13 and is full of clever lyrics as well as Tony's incredible vocals and Malcolm's crazy raps. I really hope this song cuts them the break they deserve, as they're the epitome of underrated. Also, I want them to come back to the UK as it's been nearly two years since I first/last saw them (and I've yet to witness them performing live which is a travesty).

4. OneRepublic - Wherever I Go

OneRepublic are back with a new single called 'Wherever I Go'. True to their style, it's an epic sounding track and is sure to be a hit over the next few months. If you need someone to add to your 'I need to see them live' bucketlist, these are your guys. I saw them at Jingle Bell Ball in 2014 and they completely blew me away - Ryan Tedder is unreal.

5. Nick Jonas - Chainsaw

In the lead up to his new album release, Nick Jonas has been dropping tracks for those who've pre-ordered Last Year Was Complicated. His latest offering is 'Chainsaw', which he describes as his 'most personal song yet'. The maturity in Nick's music is evident and he's poured his heart and soul into this single. It just makes me even more excited for the release of his album - every song so far is incredible.

6. Charlie Puth - My Gospel 

I've included an extra song this week, in honour of Charlie Puth who I'm going to see on Sunday. I HAVEN'T BEEN TO A GIG IN AGES, I'M SO EXCITED! It's also my first time seeing Charlie live AND I'm going to be meeting him - too much to deal with! I love his music and his album Nine Track Mind is really underrated. One of my favourite tracks from the album is 'My Gospel' which I've shared with you. I hope he sings it on Sunday, and I'll be writing a post about the gig once I'm home.

#MusicMonday 5

Hello again! So it's that time of week again, where I share what I've been listening to over the past few days. (I swear Mondays come around quicker for me since I started doing #MusicMondays, which is both a good and bad thing aha). If you missed last week's collaboration filled #MusicMonday, check it out here.

1. Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling

J-Timberlake is baaaaaack! (cue excited screams). It feels like SO LONG since he last released anything, but he's back with a top tune called 'Can't Stop The Feeling', which appears on the soundtrack to the new Dreamworks animation, Trolls. Justin voices the character of Branch in the movie, and he is joined by fellow voice contributors in the video, including James Corden, Anna Kendrick and Gwen Stefani. It's such an infectious song - it's got 'big hit' written aaaall over it.

2. James Morrison - I Need You Tonight

Like the granny that I am, (my approaching quarter life crisis is real), one night last week I fell asleep on the sofa and woke up randomly to see a repeat of Michael McIntyre's new comedy show. James Morrison was the guest performer and he sang 'I Need You Tonight', which I've never heard before, however, I instantly loved it! I'd forgotten how good his music is, and subsequently this song has been a big hit on my playlist this week.

3. Nicky Byrne - Sunlight

On Friday, my local radio station was interviewing former Westlife star Nicky Byrne, who will be representing Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. After working on his solo material since the band split, he has finally unveiled his debut single (and Ireland's song choice for this year). Nicky's chosen a potentially enormous platform providing that people take to the song! I didn't really know what to expect from him, as he wasn't a prominent singer in the band but I was pleasantly surprised! It's an upbeat offering, with no key change in sight, and with a loyal following behind him, I'm sure he will be very successful at this year's contest.

4. Busted - Coming Home

If a reunion tour featuring ALL THREE MEMBERS (yes, even Charlie!!) wasn't enough to excite, Busted have just released their first single in over 12 years. Nostalgia is a wonderful thing, and I'm so excited about them reforming - but new material is just the cherry on the cake! 'Coming Home' is so different to their old material, which is a great thing tbh. Whilst I adore their classic tracks, it would be odd if their new material was a carbon copy of their songs from over a decade ago! There is a maturity in this track as well as an anthemic feel - this song is going to sound incredible live. Welcome back Busted. I'm so excited to see them at Fusion Festival later this year!

5. Fifth Harmony - Write On Me

I'm notorious for being a boyband girl. I always have been and I always will be, however, where girlbands are concerned, I very much like Fifth Harmony. Their singles are always SO. CATCHY. but I've yet to tackle their album material until now. The girls recently released 'Write On Me' as a pre-order from their second album 7/27 and I really like it! It's so different to 'Worth It' and 'Work From Home', but it's nice (as a sideline fan) to see another side to them. It's definitely made me want to download their album once it's released.

See you next week!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️ 

#MusicMonday 4

Welcome to the fourth #MusicMonday! As it happens, collaborations seems to be a common theme on my playlist this week, so here's five awesome partnerships that I've been playing on repeat. Don't forget that you can check out last week's #MusicMonday here.

1. Beyoncé featuring Jack White - Don't Hurt Yourself

One of the biggest news stories in music recently was the return of Queen Bey, and the surprise release of her latest album Lemonade. The twelve track album, which was released following an hour-long visual extravaganza showcasing the tracks on HBO, is easily Beyoncé's most talked about work to date. There's been plenty of speculation as to the messages garnered from the song, including husband Jay-Z's alleged cheating.

Whatever the truth may Bey (sorry, couldn't resist that pun!), she has managed to create an iconic album with many different styles. 'Hold Up' and 'Sorry' are faves of mine, but I have to say that Beyoncé's collab with Jack White slays everything else. 'Don't Hurt Yourself' is so far removed from what I expect from Bey, but it's just so right. It's angry, hardcore and savage on every level, I can only imagine how insane it would sound live. Check out the visual for it below - the full version is available to stream/download on Tidal/iTunes etc.

Beyoncé • Don't Hurt Yourself https://t.co/qxh0rva3kt

— ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (@jiggymusicvibe) April 27, 2016

2. Calvin Harris and Rihanna - This Is What You Came For

Calvin Harris and Rihanna have teamed up once again for 'This Is What You Came For', which has all the credentials to be a summer smash! Lots of people have been raving about this track since its release on Friday, and I don't blame them at all. I can imagine that it's going to be a popular track at all the festivals and party places this summer.

3. Nathan Sykes featuring G-Eazy - Give It Up

Nathan Sykes is back with a new single, due for release on May 13. He has been performing an acoustic version of this song on Little Mix's tour for the past two months, and on Friday he released the video for the official version, which also features rapper G-Eazy.

I really love this song, it's sultry and shows another side to Nathan. (Let's be honest, he could sing the phone book and I'd pay a lot to play it on repeat haha). The accompanying music video leaves very little to the imagination but I guess it very much plays on the 'different side' to Nathan! Apparently it got banned on the music channels due to the end scenes, which I find hilarious as I've followed Nathan's career since he was an innocent child in The Wanted. You can probably see why it's a bit steamy from the thumbnail below, but regardless of the video, it's a great song.

4. Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello - I Know What You Did Last Summer

Shawn Mendes and Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello teamed up for this track late last year but it's only now starting to get UK airplay. It's such a great song which acts as a conversation between two people in a dying relationship. The chorus is catchy and the song also samples Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine' which holds a special memory for me, and adds to my enjoyment of the track. It's great to see Shawn and Camila (as well as Fifth Harmony as a whole) start to get the recognition they deserve in the UK.

5. Zedd and Kesha - True Colours

'True Colours' is a song from Zedd's second album of the same name, which was released in 2015. A few weeks ago, following an on-going legal battle with Dr Luke and Sony, Kesha made a triumphant return to the music industry by performing 'True Colours' with Zedd at Coachella. On Friday, an official recording was released, marking Kesha's first music release in over three years. Zedd has allowed Kesha to share her beautiful vocals again, with the lyrics proving to be extremely poignant following her ordeal. It's good to have you back Kesha ♥ 

That's all for this week! Don't forget to share what's on your most played lists this week :)

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday 3

Hey. Hello. Hiiii. Yes, it's that time of week again where I share what's currently blessing my ears. There's been a lack of new music in my life this week so this post is a bit of a mixed bag. Check out last week's post here.

1. DNCE - Hands To Myself (Cover)

Since finding out that DNCE were coming to London (at short notice) to do a Live Lounge last week, I've been super bitter about it because I NEED TO FINALLY MEET THE TEENAGE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND HIS BAND PALS OKAY. Unfortunately, despite Radio 1 being a really good place to meet celebs (and being the babes that they are, DNCE stopped for ages with fans), I couldn't get Thursday off from work and even if I could have, National Rail thought it was acceptable to charge £250+ for a return train ticket, ugh.

Anyway, putting my annoyance to one side, the result of their promo trip included this incredible cover of Selena Gomez's 'Hands To Myself'. I love the song anyway, but it's kind of a basic song (it's hard to explain what I mean but in no way am I slating it) so I was a bit concerned as to how DNCE were going to tackle it. Clearly, I needn't have worried at all - they smashed it! The breakdown at 1:34 is insaaaaaane. Who ever thought a Selena song could turn into a rock song?!

2. DNCE - Pay My Rent (Vevo LIFT)

Can't get enough of these babes this week. As the Vevo LIFT artists for this year, there's so much incredible footage and performances on their Vevo page! 'Pay My Rent' is one of my favourite songs of theirs, so obviously I fell in love with this. It's such a funky song and a total bop. I would pay Joe Jonas' rent any day of the week tbh.

 

3. In Hindsight - Over and Out

Little throwback to a band I first saw live a few years ago. I'm not sure what their situation is anymore, but this song is and always will be a jam of mine. I'd forgotten about it until I was scrolling through my YouTube history the other day! Now, it's firmly back on my 'play at full volume' playlist.

4. Jo O'Meara  - What Hurts The Most

Bit of a story as to why this song has been included. I don't know why but a few days ago, Mum was listening to some Rascal Flatts songs, one of them being 'What Hurts The Most'. I started to sing along and she was confused as to how I knew it and she didn't. For some reason, Cascada's version came into my mind so I played it for her, then I remembered that it was actually the Jo O'Meara version that I properly knew (and adored). This is a damn good song, and Jo's version is my favourite. So here's a throwback for those of you who know this song in one capacity or another.

5. Prince - Raspberry Beret

With the tragic passing of legendary musician Prince last week, I thought I would include one of his songs. I wouldn't call myself a fan in particular but I enjoyed a lot of his music. When thinking of Prince, it's 'Raspberry Beret' that always comes to my mind straight away. I have a vivid memory of myself as a child attending summer club in school. They had one of those toy kitchens with pretend food, so we used to play in there. I remember there being a pretend food item which looked like a raspberry desert of some sort and I just kept singing 'Raspberry Beret' every time I saw it. Not the whole song, just the words 'Raspberry Beret' over and over again. Clearly a strange child lol, I have no idea how I knew the song or associated it with this plastic toy, but that is my memory of the song.

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday 2

Hellooo! It's Monday again so I guess it's time for another #MusicMonday! These are some of the songs that I've been listening to this week. If you missed the first instalment from last week, then you can check it out here.

1. Meghan Trainor - No

I heard this song a few weeks ago but I was undecided as to whether I liked it or not. Needless to say, the more I've heard it, the more I've grown to like it. The 'My name is No' bit is still a bit annoying but I love the rest of it, it's a real bop.

 

2. P!NK - Just Like Fire (From 'Alice Through The Looking Glass')

P!NK is back! I feel like she hasn't been around for forever, but she's returned with another great song called 'Just Like Fire' which is from the new Alice Through The Looking Glass movie. The chorus is the best part of the song and it makes me want to sing along at the top of my voice.

3. MKTO - Hands Off My Heart

My American baes are back with a new single. Originally a fusion of two tracks, 'Hands Off My Heart/Places You Go', the song has now been remixed by Mysto & Pizzi and they've given it a video too. Check out the remix and the full version, both are fab.

4. Little Mix (featuring Sean Paul) - Hair

Last week, Little Mix announced that 'Hair' would be the new single from their latest album Get Weird. I think it was originally released as a promo single late last year, however it's been given a bit of a twist as pop world's favourite collaborator Sean Paul now features on it. The song is quite empowering and full of sass - girl power all the way!

5. Nathan Sykes - Stitches (Cover)

Okay so this isn't an official cover, but last week Nathan Sykes decided to share a video of him doing a vocal warm up, and it just so happened to involve him singing Shawn Mendes'  'Stitches'. My goodness, it is INCREDIBLE. The chorus in particular hit me right in the feels - Nathan has such a gorgeous tone to his voice and so passionate, even when warming up! He can sing pretty much anything, forever getting goosebumps and being in awe at his vocals.

I've been loving this song for ages so I decided to use it as my warm up! @ShawnMendes #Stitches hope you like it!!https://t.co/mQU66JHc1I

— Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) 14 April 2016

What are you listening to this week? Let me know! I always like suggestions of new music to listen to.

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

#MusicMonday

Evening all! So recently (and in the past), I've done a couple of 'what I'm listening to atm' posts. The majority of my posts are normally gig related but seeing as I'm not actually going to any gigs until the end of May (KILL.ME.NOW), I thought I would try and start a weekly thing, sharing some of the songs that I'm currently jamming to!

I'm going to try and include a mixture of originals and covers - it goes without saying that you're likely to see some of my faves pop up from time to time too haha. So here goes! Here's five songs that I'm listening to this week, check them out if you haven't already.

1. Sigala featuring John Newman and Nile Rodgers - Give Me Your Love

As a huge John Newman fan, I was so hyped to find out that he would be featuring on Sigala's new single! The pair have also teamed up with the legendary Nile Rodgers which must have been an incredible experience for them! The song is set to be a massive summer hit and I can't wait to hear it live at Fusion Festival in September. It's a really feel good track and just makes you want to get up and dance.

2. Nick Jonas - Champagne Problems

This is the second song made available from Nick's new album Last Year Was Complicated. I'm already loving Nick's new mature sound and I can't wait for the rest of the album. (Please do a proper tour in the UK!!!!!)

3. Conor Maynard - Close (cover)

Conor Maynard is one of my favourite ever people to see live. He has this incredible energy about him and it doesn't matter how long you've gone without listening to his music, you never forget his catchiest hits. He's also the king of covers and his latest is a version of Nick Jonas' 'Close' with a bit of Years and Years mixed in too. It's one of my favourite songs at the moment and I'm so in love with this cover!

4. Joe Conaboy - Follow Me (cover)

I've been a fan of Joe for over three years now, ever since his Kingsland days (forever missing those). Since becoming a solo artist, he's been very far removed from the boyband sound that I know and love but he's still smashing it with his music. His latest cover is of Bring Me The Horizon's 'Follow You', which I'm not familiar with, however, I actually really enjoyed it.

5. David Mark Bulley - Hello (cover)

Finally, I had to include my little fave David who's blown me away with this Adele cover. Now to me, anyone who covers Adele must be crazy or stupid (or both) as she is so iconic and very rarely does anyone do her songs any justice. However, I think David's done an incredible job - his cover (which is even more stunning live) gives me goosebumps and his voice suits the song so much.

Hello (Adele Cover)
There's such a difference between us... ❤️
Posted by David Mark Bulley on Friday, 8 April 2016

What are you listening to at the moment? Leave a comment below :)

Hwyl am y tro ✌️