#MusicBlogger

[sparklingstarjuice]

[mudkissphotography]

ROBBIE WILLIAMS @ CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER

What can I say about Robbie, the king of entertainment?

Even though I was only there for the first three songs (photographing from the mixing desk with a seriously long lens), he still made a big impression.

I love how self-deprecating he is, and the way he interacts with the crowd is something else, those personal moments that people take away from his shows. Even in those opening moments, he had everyone smiling, laughing, and fully on board.

It’s no surprise he connects so effortlessly with his audience. He knows exactly how to hold their attention, and it’s clear he genuinely enjoys being up there. From what I saw (and shot), it was a fantastic start to the night and of course, Manchester absolutely loved him.

This was my third time photographing Robbie, and he’s always a brilliant subject, expressive, dynamic, and full of character. I really hope it won’t be the last.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to discuss anything regarding these images please contact mudkissphotos@gmail.com

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

[popchopstick]

PopChopstick Best New Track: ifeye - NERDY

New K-pop girl group ifeye made their debut on April 8 with the EP ERLU BLUE, and its lead single NERDY immediately stands out.

NERDY follows a classic K-pop formula: a steady drum kick and spacey synths run through the track, creating a sleek, minimalistic backdrop. The chorus shifts gears—starting with a slightly tacky Western-style power pop, then snapping back into the familiar, charming world of K-pop where the girls spell out “N-E-R-D-Y” with playful flair.

What earns NERDY its Best New Track title is ifeye’s vocal delivery—refreshing yet full, sweet yet subtly coy. The group sounds like one unified chorus, filling the track’s sparse production with vibrant personality. It’s the kind of debut that makes you curious about what’s coming next.

[iammusiccriticism]

Hey everyone, check out my portfolio if you're curious!

[moochilatv]

GIDE presents: It's a vibe

If you like Kiasmos, maybe this song it's for you

GIDE it's a Melodic Techno / House project from Finland.

Listen It's a vibe single in Spotify:

[pinkyring-committee]

[theresas-sound-world-blog]

A video (link below) of me explaining a companion piece playlist which I created based on bands & artists I mentioned in my recent live performance review of Chris Farren & Ravetank at Exchange Bristol, England.

Along with tracks by Chris Farren & Ravetank, I include a track, music video or life performance of every band or artist I mention in my review.

Click on my Linktree in my IG profile (or below) & follow links to my all new YouTube channel. (Playlist link also below) There you will find the playlist!

Love, James! 💛

🎬Ihttps://www.instagram.com/reel/CxEP-jkM_3G/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==

🌳TSW linktree: https://linktr.ee/theresassoundworldblog

▶️YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJCkNfASneQfYMS3xyk9l7sYagtxEQZXn&si=ZuoY6P48XTiu3nM4

#MusicBlogger #MusicBlogs #Indiepop

#MusicWriter #MusicBlog #TSW #MusicReviews #TheresasSoundWorld #MusicReviewer #Psychedelia #exchangebristol #chrisfarren #UnsignedBands #MusicVlogs #ravetank #MusicVlogger #AlternativeMusic #Indie #Writer #AlternativeMusicBlog #UK #IndieBlogger #alternativerock #livemusic

[karencyars14]

I said it once and I will say it again… We coming for what is owed to our ancestors. You ain’t gone see it coming ! Venerate them each day.

Sit back and smile.

Song by kipp_g.b.e

#musicblogger #antebellum #plantation #pettymemes #quoteoftheday

[sparklingstarjuice]

fade into you

[mudkissphotography]

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS @ MANCHESTER ACADEMY

Shooting this show for Louder Than War was incredible. The energy and movement captured the essence of live music photography - raw, dynamic, and intense. Each shot is a blend of timing and instinct, aiming to bring the performance to life in a single frame. It goes without saying—I was completely captivated by Amy, and I couldn’t keep my eyes/camera off her and ended up with a ton of shots focused solely on Amy.

Amyl and the Sniffers brought a high-octane performance to a sold-out Manchester Academy with an infectious energy of songs that blended punk, garage rock, and a touch of glam. As soon as the band take the stage, the crowd is engulfed in a whirlwind of electrifying sound and frenetic movement. The charismatic Amy Taylor commands the spotlight with her fierce stage presence, hair flicks galore, belting out lyrics with urgency and joy.

Read the review on Louder Than War here by Mike Bennett

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact mel@mudkissphotography.co.uk

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved.

[popchopstick]

PopChopstick Curated Highly Anticipated Album in May 2025

The Scholars - Car Seat Headrest - Matador Records (05/02/2025)

SEQUENCE 01 - f5ve - LDH Group (05/05/2025)

Sincerely, - Kali Uchis - Capitol Records (05/09/2025)

Fancy That - PinkPantheress - Warner UK (05/09/2025)

Pink Elephant - Arcade Fire - Sony UK (05/09/2025)

LETHAL - Rico Nasty - Atlantic Records (05/16/2025)

Earcandy - Miso Extra - Transgressive Records (05/16/2025)

Big city life - Smerz  - escho (05/23/2025)

Something Beautiful - Miley Cyrus - Columbia Records (05/30/2025)

Evangelic Girl is a Gun - yeule - Ninja Tune (05/30/2025) 

[iammusiccriticism]

Meredith O'Connor embraces her unique qualities in her album, "I Am"

Anti-bullying/mental health icon Meredith O'Connor is a role model to her fans around the world. Millions of people adore her music, and several of her followers have claimed that it helped them survive hardships like bullying and social isolation. Henceforth, the release of her album, "I Am" is primarily about overcoming obstacles and embracing one's individual qualities. It was released on Friday 23 October 2015.

Bullying is a topic that Meredith is incredibly passionate about since it is so personal to her. Meredith has travelled the nation as an anti-bullying crusader, speaking at schools about her own experiences being tormented in addition to her musical performances.

Meredith acknowledges that she has battled with bullying since she was young age 6, but she gives no further details, other than to claim that she has experienced abuse and taunting for being "weird," for being different, and for not conforming to stereotypes. She claims that one of the things that has set her apart from her friends is the fact that she always gravitated toward the theatre and performing arts extracurriculars in high school, never sports. She also noted that she is special,

“I wish I could tell kids that if you wait 2, maybe 3 more years, none of this will matter, and it will be the things that make you different that end up making you cool." Meredith O' Connor

She wanted to let everyone know that it is okay to be different. We often compare our lives to others and sometimes we try to copy them. We often ask ourselves if there is something wrong with being yourself but as we will see throughout the album, Meredith was brave enough to share her uniqueness with the world.

The Track List highlights her unique qualities.

One of my favorite songs is I Am. The song is catchy and upbeat mixed with a fast-paced piano instrument playing throughout the song. Moreover, the song is about Meredith realizing that she does not have to compromise who she is for anyone. She has learned to embrace who she is. Her light vocals throughout the song reflect that. For instance, in the lyrics, she says:

"So tired of being on my best behaviour / Tryna be what they all love.."

She changes her tone towards the bridge of the lyrics. Her vocals sort of become deep and powerful. Furthermore, she is starting to see that she doesn't need to change who she is hence why she says in the bridge of the lyrics:

"All of my life this is the key to what I’m missing /Throw out the doubt, forget all the second-guessing / All of my flaws I see them as a blessing / I’ll be who I am not what they are expecting"

Throughout the track, Meredith proves that she is indeed who she is hence the repetition of the phrase, "I am, I am, I am, what I am". Personally, I Am serves as a good intro for the album because it sets the tone for the album which is embracing unique qualities.

Meredith 0'Connor donated all her proceeds from the album to The Carol Galvin Foundation a women's cancer organisation. The song, "Guardian Angel" is written explicitly for the foundation as stated by Richard Galvin on LinkedIn. He is the founder of the organisation. Furthermore, the foundation is in honour of his mother, whom he lost to cancer when he was 11. As a result, the song, "Guardian Angel" is another significant track in the album. Musical instruments such as a piano and violin playing in the background set the tone to be deep. Meredith presents her calm and simple vocals as she sings in the chorus:

"Whenever I think of you and I smile and I don’t know why / Whenever I feel joy in my heart, I know you’re nearby / And I know you’re here to stay / Your love won’t ever fade away / You give me wings to fly / You’re my guardian angel in the sky / You’re my guardian angel tonight"

As she sings, it gives everyone a chance to remember their loved ones.

Another track that caught my attention is "Just the Thing". Meredith O'Connor opens up a lot more about her character. For instance, in the lyrics, she said:

"I'm awkward / A little OCD / I'm too tall / And always say just the wrong thing / I talk too fast, forget to breathe..."

Meredith decides to open up more about her mental health, OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental and behavioural disorder in which a person experiences intrusive thoughts (an obsession) and the need to repeatedly engage in certain behaviours (compulsions) to alleviate the distress that the obsession causes, to the point where it impairs daily functioning. Meredith is an advocate for mental health so this song makes it even more significant to listen to. Not to mention, the song is sweet and short to listen to.

Face That’s Perfect is also a nice track to listen to. The lyrics are also easy to understand as well.

Stronger was a meaningful track to listen to. There was a musical chemistry between Meredith O’Connor and Garret Clayton. However, I don’t see myself playing it daily but just hear and there.  

Songs such as Distraction, 14 Miles and Unforgettable Night seem to be worthy tracks to listen to. As a first-time listener, I will need time to appreciate the tracks.

The Game was all right. However, I felt like something was missing. Plus, I kind of got lost in understanding the meaning of the track especially since it was my first time listening to the track.

In a nutshell, I Am is a significant album to listen to. It highlights the unique qualities Meredith O'Connor has. As an anti-bullying/mental health icon, I believe she managed to highlight the messages she wanted to send to her listeners. Songs such as I Am were worthy to listen to. Other songs such as The Game were all right to listen to. Therefore, I would rate the album around 6.5 / 10.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Object permanence

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me TOMORROW (Feb 17) for an event at KEPLER'S in MENLO PARK with CHARLIE JANE ANDERS and TUESDAY (Feb 18) for an event with WIL WHEATON in LA. More tour dates here.

#20yrsago Why can’t you fast-forward with a Comcast PVR? https://web.archive.org/web/20050213010107/http://pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/02/american_idol_b.html

#20yrsago China Mieville’s 50 sf/f novels for socialists https://fantasticmetropolis.com/i/50socialist

#20yrsago Fawlty Towers hotel bought by fans of the show https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/feb/16/arts.artsnews1

#15yrsago Jogger who gave the finger to South African presidential motorcade is hooded and detained https://web.archive.org/web/20100220131908/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=vn20100217062211616C809058

#15yrsago Music industry to musicbloggers: there’s no point in obeying the law https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/02/musicblogocide

#15yrsago Makedo: universal connectors that turn everything into tinkertoys https://web.archive.org/web/20111020190438/http://www.mymakedo.com/shop

#15yrsago Ebook checklist from EFF https://www.eff.org/wp/digital-books-and-your-rights

#10yrsago Dreamland: Adventures in the Strange Science of Sleep https://memex.craphound.com/2015/02/16/dreamland-adventures-in-the-strange-science-of-sleep/

#10yrsago Martin Luther playset is the best-selling toy of all time https://www.newsweek.com/martin-luther-playmobil-toy-sells-out-germany-following-record-breaking-demand-306329

#1yrago How America's oligarchs lull us with the be-your-own-boss fairy tale https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/16/narrative-capitalism/#sell-job

[nccceo]

The Underground Experience Documentary Concert Coming soon more interviews coming soon!! Stay tuned get your tickets !! S/O Mazerati Santana

[vishnuexpress]

The Game

You already know, I appreciate you! Include in your press/ add song to your playlist/ Like/ Leave A Comment/ Share

Beauty And The Beast Download & stream The Game “The Game” by VishnuExpress is a track that falls into the Highlife and Afro genres. The Game subtitled Beauty And The Beast performed by VishnuExpress. The Game VishnuExpress The Game composed and produce by NiiKu, produce by VEMusic. VEMUnit on May 30, 2024. VishnuExpress Beauty And The Beast VishnuExpress The Game Keep Streaming The Grind…