celloyougotabasss

[celloyougotabasss]

Blood on the Tracks

This week brings you a podcast recommendation! 

I recently discovered this podcast after downloading the BBC Sounds App. I’d never heard of it before and listened to one episode on a whim, and now I can’t imagine a car journey without it.

Colin Murray, a hilarious Northern-Irish music and sports presenter, brings together 4 people from various walks of life. They usually all have different jobs, all different ages and most likely have never sat in a room with each other before. But the one thing they have in common is their love for music. Each week not only brings new guests, but new debates to be had. Some weeks they will battle over best male/female harmony in a song? Or best song written by a troubled and tortured artist? Or songs better live than in the studio? Each episode covers a great range of genres, old to new and a lot of interesting and informative discussion around each song. For me personally, I love hearing people talk passionately about music. Even if it’s something I’m not so keen on, chances are I’ll be so inspired by their love for it I’ll end up liking it anyway, because their feelings are so tangible and infectious. Colin is so quick and witty; considering the guests usually don’t know each other, he clearly puts them at ease and brings out the best in them. Makes me wish I was there too!

They haven’t been up and running for that long in the grand scheme of things. If you do listen to it and you do like it, please subscribe! It will help them get another series which is so important, because I can’t think of anything else like this and there is so much to be learnt from listening to wise music lovers. I am soooo rooting for this podcast!

If I could recommend one episode to start you on, try ‘Scott Mills, Annie Mac, John Niven and Paul Sinha’. Absolute laugh.

Huge love being sent to those who have read this. Please let me know if you do give this a listen, and tell me what you think/what your favourite bits are!

Thank you, Rosie xxx

[celloyougotabasss]

My Top Notes #6

My Top Notes #6

Hello there. Thanks for joining again!

So, in no particular order, my round up for this week is… 

Fill me in – Craig David

Bit of a throwback here – I saw Craig David on Friday night and was honestly blown away by his talent. Licks so smooth and just killing it with his range and finesse. Age is but a number, but as he mentioned, he’s been in this game since 1999 – 20 years and still such a strong, established artist doing gigs across the UK! Fill me in was the first track he ever released back in 2000 and still made the crowd go so crazy. I’ve been low key wanting to see him for a while and so happy I managed to tick it off my list!

Bad – James Bay

Always been a huge James Bay fan since I saw him at Barn on the Farm in 2015 after his release of Chaos and the Calm. His vocals in the first chorus of this song are so delicate and then come the last two chorus, so much passion and ‘umph’! I’ve missed his music, feel very lucky he’s dropped this little EP for us. Do go and check it out – ‘Oh My Messy Mind’.

Too Late for Love – John Lundvik (Swedish Eurovision Song Contest Entry)

Fine. Judge away. I will take all the judgement! YES I actually really like this song, yes it has been downloaded onto my playlist and yes it IS probably one of my most played songs on there at the moment. It’s just a feel good, gospel and soulful song that is a perfect shower song!

Oblivion – The National

The National released a new album just over a week ago. They remind me of Oh Wonder, Bears Den and especially the drums in the chorus remind me of Bon Iver too. I’m a big fan of their new album, ‘I Am Easy to Find’, I find them very easy listening and have beautiful, well thought lyrics!

Thanks for taking a read! Back on Thursday 😊

Cya later, 

Rosie x

[celloyougotabasss]

Charlie Cunningham

Hey guys – me again! This week I’m gunna be chatting a little bit about a singer songwriter called Charlie Cunningham!

I’m not sure how I first found out about Charlie Cunningham – I have a feeling it was from a premade Spotify ‘Chill’ playlist and I heard his song ‘Minimum’. Just from the intro, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Acoustic guitar, catchy tune and percussive. I love the chorus – the way he’s so rhythmic with his lyrics mixed with the guitar ‘beats’ in the background! I also think the authentic acoustic guitar sound makes the song feel so atmospheric and naturalistic, as if you should be playing it on the Dartmoor hills or Yorkshire moors or something!  

Shortly after I heard this, Charlie (first name basis is easier, lol) did a Spotify Session (2017) which was uploaded and he did about 5-6 of his songs. This introduced me to some of my now favourites - ‘Lights Off’, ‘Blindfold’ and ‘You Sigh’. The intro to this version of ‘You Sigh’ got me all the Spanish feels! I don’t know enough about guitars tbh, but even that tone of guitar just reminds me of Spanish guitar songs that my friends used to learn when we were younger. It’s not your typical acoustic guitar just strumming on the same 4 chords, or even anything remotely basic – its (sounds anyway), really challenging and incredible detailed!

Now, I know. The real test: what are they like live? In response, I just strongly urge you to watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE_2CEHlgEo

Things that stuck out for me: His voice is SO strong across all his range. Also, as the top comment quite simply put it, ‘Really unconventional lyrical timing and beat, but it just works.’. I think he has great control over his voice and guitar and just performs with such ease. For whatever reason(s), I feel he has a slight edge to him and it’s so nice to hear something fresh and different!

Charlie released an album called ‘Lines’ in 2017 which is definitely worth a listen. This year so far, he has released an EP called ‘Don’t Go Far’ that has 3 superb tracks on. 

Also, do go and check out his Instagram! His URL is cunninghamcharlie. He’s recently uploaded two vids of him playing Don’t Go Far and Permanent Way and you can see all the plucking and finger work! Mad how he makes these sounds so effortlessly.

So, I hope you get some of these songs popped onto your playlist and enjoy a new artist! He has a new album called Permanent Way coming out on 7th June so watch out!

Thanks to everyone who reads these as usual! Really means the world and I really hope the musicians I talk about become important to you. The reason I write about the people I do is because I feel they need someone to big them up and their music and story needs to be shared! So I hope you’ve found some new cool artists through this. That would be awesome.

Catch you Sunday folks – My Top Notes #6,

Rosie xx

[celloyougotabasss]

My Top Notes #5

Hello folks 😊 I hope we’re all enjoying the bank holiday, not so sunny this time but it’ll do! Anyway, let’s get down to business!

So, in no particular order, my round up for this week is…

Into the Sun – EP Version – Sons of the East

So, I love the intro to this song - the piano is so peaceful. Kinda wish that was a song of its own! I also love how the piano is reintroduced later in the first verse, it complements the acoustic so well and builds it into such wholesome and pure 3-part harms in the chorus! The chord progression and just general feel of this track reminded me a bit of a song I used to love called Winter Coat by The Martin Harley Band, so I think this automatically gave me good vibes when I first heard it. I must’ve stumbled across this song about a year or so ago now, but I saw Sons of the East advertised on my Instagram the other week and came back to it. So happy I did, and turns out they’re touring soon! IF my bank balance allows it, I know I’ll be going! For best listening, get in a car, drive it and play this song as the sun is setting. Failing that, take a walk at sunset! This song sooths.

Hold Me While You Wait – Lewis Capaldi

Ah, dear Lewis Capaldi. A fairly mainstream artists nowadays, and bless him, Someone You Loved has been over played loads – amazing for his figures and ‘success’ but I worry that people are already getting sick of him and his debut album isn’t even out yet! Anyhoo - first reaction when I first heard this song: Lewis can get LOW in those verses! His range man?! Ridiculous. I’m a big fan of the backing vocals of ‘hold me while you wait’ in the chorus – I want this song to be performed at the Royal Albert Hall with a lovely orchestra and a huge choir for the chorus and make the build huuuuuuge! His voice just doesn’t seem to tire on me – well excited for his album!

Furious – Jade Bird

As always, it’s better to listen to songs with headphones – this one is a must. There’s not a lot I can say about this song. I don’t really want to break it down and unpick it because its so raw and heartbreakingly beautiful just as it is. I don’t need to analyse it for you, just listen. One of the most moving songs I’ve heard in a long long time. 2:57, I’m gone.

Other very important things from this week:

1) I’m over the FLIPPIN moon for Stormzy! Were we all aware hes never had a number 1 before, or even in the top 5? 2 years being quiet, comes back with Vossi Bop and it’s a number in the first week of release! Huge news - I nearly crashed my car when I heard Scott Mills announce it. Like I said, over the flippin moon! 

2) Tom Misch jamming to Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer. It’s on his insta - so worth checking out. 

3) Jack Vallier uploaded a snippet of one of his new songs on insta - I’ve re listened umpteen times now. Go listen! Can’t wait to hear more music from him!!

4) This was actually from last week but I forgot to include it... Holly Humberstone. Just signed a management deal with Josh Sanger, the guy who heads up Barn on the Farm and of course, she’ll be performing there this year. She uploaded a snippet of a song she wrote on her Instagram. It’s her in a room in Paris playing the piano and singing. I really wish this was on Spotify already. Unbelievable lyrics and piano control. 

That’s all from me! Chat soon amigos, 

Rosie xx  

[celloyougotabasss]

Bear’s Den

Greetings loved ones! Hope you’re feeling all fine and dandy and had a pretty decent Thursday 😊 Thanks already for coming back to read another one of my blogs, I hope you’ve enjoyed them so far!

This week, I’ve decided to chat a little bit about a band called Bear’s Den.  

So, if we take it from the beginning, Bear’s Den became a band in 2012 ish. It was 3 chaps, Andrew Davie, Kevin Jones and Joey Haynes. They named themselves Bear’s Den because of their love for the children’s book, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’. The book, in ridiculously short simple to the point terms, is about a boy and a fantasy land that he imagines. (How’s that for a summary?) They really liked this idea of a hideaway place where your mind could take you, as well as seeing things from a different perspective like the child in the book. There’s also a place called Bearsden, just north of Glasgow, where one of the members had a lot of family from, so that’s how they chose their name!

Their first EP (2013) was called Agape, and oh my, just what a classic. That opening banjo riff from Agape just takes me back, such a good song! All the tunes on there are great. This was followed by an EP called Without/Within (2013), followed by their debut album called Islands (2014) which has some really beautiful songs on it. Some of my personal faves are Above the Clouds of Pompeii, Elysium and Bad Blood.

Around the time they released their first EP, the band were noticed by Mumford & Sons, who I guess took a bit of a chance on them and invited them on tour with them, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Staves across USA. I mean… WHAT?! Pretty damn freakin amazing. As part of this tour, in the summer of 2013, I was lucky enough to go to a GOTR Stopover gig at the Olympic Park in London, and watch the line-up of Bear’s Den, HAIM, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Ben Howard (!!!!), Vampire Weekend and of course, Mumford & Sons. (Side note: such an inspiring day, probably one of the best days of my life, still not over it). Because of these opportunities, Bear’s Den fanbase grew and by Summer 2015 they had sold out UK, European and US tours, played loads of festivals, just totally in their peak. Unfortunately, in early 2016, Joey Haynes left the group due to family commitments, so the band was now a duo, with Andrew and Kevin.

We then come to Red Earth & Pouring Rain (2016), their 2nd album, which probably didn’t get as much recognition as their first. I’d say their most famous song from this album is called Auld Wives which plays in the shop I work in loads so I feel like I know that one reaalllly well now! It got looking into it recently and I found this Live Lounge they did of it, soooo good. Harms mmmmm yes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoSH2cQjIj8 I’m guilty of not giving this album as much of a listen as it deserved at the time. I’ve actually listened to it more now than I did when it was out to begin with! Anyway, following this album, Bear’s Den were quiet for about 3 years, but that brings us to now…

So, we are finally up to speed with the timeline of Bear’s Den which brings us to their BRAND NEW AMAZING ALBUM, which is out now on all music downloading and streaming platforms: So that you might hear me woooooo which actually happens to be the final lyrics sung in the whole album (final words of Blankets of Sorrow). I kid you not, I have been all over this album like a rash. I feel like I had big hole in my musical heart for Bear’s Den, that I didn’t even know I had, and now I can’t get enough and I am so happy. What makes me even happier is that they have released a podcast for this album, where they go through each of the songs and do a breakdown about it; what the songs means to them and the creation and process of it. I listen to these on Spotify but I’m pretty sure you can listen to then on any podcast platforms! I feel they’ve pushed their sound more, kept to their roots, but I wanna say slightly more electro vibes and alternative.

They’ve still got those catchy singalong choruses (shout out Laurel Wreath and Fuel on the Fire), still got those lyrics that make me wanna google them and take a good read coz they’re so good and still got harms from heaven.

Bear’s Den write songs that mean something. It’s all from the heart. For me personally, I think that’s one of the most attractive things about any band or artist; that they write and compose from a place that means something. If it means something to them and they share it, chances are it will connect with someone else and make an impact on them. Some of the topics covered in this album are so sensitive and personal and it honestly feels such a privilege to listen to these songs that have been written as a cathartic process, that I am then able to make connections with.

Please, please – go and give their new album a listen! It’s so beautiful and deserves all the love it can get!

Thanks for reading peeps, catch you on Sunday for Top Notes #5!! It’ll be my 10th blog post so bring along some candles n a cake!!

Lols, much love team – Rosie xx

[celloyougotabasss]

My Top Notes #4

Bonjourno and welcome to My Top Notes #4!! There’s been new music flying around like nobody’s business this week, so I’ve had lots to keep my ears happy, and hopefully some new tunes for your next week!

So, in no particular order, my round up for this week is…

·         Vossi Bop – Stormzy

Ok, so some of you may be thinking, rogue choice Rosie? But seriously, I actually had this song on repeat this morning for about half an hour, and then proceeded to listen to it about 20 times through the rest of today. I caaaaaaannooooot get enough! I love Stormzy’s lyrics, I love the way he’s just dropped this single out of nowhere. It’s been a long time in the making, first bit of new music since 2017! This song comes on and it makes me smile, makes me wish I knew all the words and makes me wanna be in his music video which is WELL worth a watch may I add:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ClYy0MxsU0

·         i’m so tired – Lauv, Troye Sivan

Not a new release from this week, but I’ve re-joined the hype for this one. I love the repetitiveness and simplicity of the chorus but how much that opens it up to harmonise with, and not to mention, it makes it extremely catchy. Big fan of the really bare acoustic guitar that comes in from the first verse. The song also has a really precious and honest sentiment behind it – I’ve got a thing for songs with a bit of the feels.

·         Crow – Bear’s Den

As I hope some of you already know, Bear’s Den released their new album this week aaaaahhhhh!! It’s called ‘So that you might hear me’. I’m over the moon as it’s been about 3 years since they released anything! I haven’t been able to give every song a good thorough listen so I’m sure I’ll come out with some new faves as the weeks go on, but so far, I’m loving Crow. Bear’s Den have nailed the classic folk trait skill of telling a story through their lyrics. I don’t find anything  predictable or cliché about their songs or lyrics which makes a song more individual and interesting. Give the album a listen if you haven’t already!

·         moonwalking – kwassa

So kwassa (Scott Verrill) was someone who came up as an Instagram sponsor advert thing on my feed and he was playing along to Vampire Weekend’s song, ‘Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa’ which I hadn’t heard in ages! So was automatically like – yes, interested, lets check this kid out. Turns out he’d just release an EP called ‘fka kyko EP’ which is named this as he used to go by the name of Kyko. For me, this song gives me summer beach party vibes meets chill meets Saint Raymond which is deffos a combination I can go with. His recent EP only has 4 songs on it, so very manageable to work your way through! If you like his stuff, go give him love on his insta as his EP literally dropped 2 days ago!!

That’s all from me for now – let me know what you think of these tunes, hope you enjoy them as much I do!

Blessings n love for your Monday’s - you got this!! 

Thanks a bunch team, 

Rosie xx

[celloyougotabasss]

Samm Henshaw

Aaaay! Thank you for making it to my Thursday blog post where I take a closer look at one of my fave artists. This week I’m gunna be taking a look at the great, Samm Henshaw, who just as an overall statement, deserves more recognition than he gets. Truly. If there’s one thing that you take away from reading this, it’s that Samm Henshaw deserves more love for the amazing music he releases.

Samm is a Londoner, he’s 25, and I’d probably put his music down as soulful gospel meets hip-hop vibes! I’ve been lucky enough to see Samm Henshaw a couple of times now. Once as a support for Tori Kelly (2016), once at Barn on the Farm (2016) and once at Boardmasters (2018). At Tori Kelly, he was a support act, so you’d kinda expect people to be chatting a bit, not really giving much attention and just arriving for the main act. Same at Barn on the Farm and Boardmasters, it was only about 2pm, not loads of people at the stage, lots of standing around, drinking and chilling.

Oh my.

The way Samm Henshaw is able to connect with the audience is unbelievable. He brings this positive atmosphere to the stage that is SO infectious, you can’t help but listen to the words he’s singing, dance along with him and sing along to whatever you can! Not to mention, every instrumentalist in his band is just straight out the top drawer, giving 100% at all times.  

Samm’s first big release was called ‘The Sound Experiment - EP’ (love that name) and personally, I think some his best songs are on there. I remember listening to this EP on repeat and just found his style so unique and different to anything I’d listened to before. There is also NO way you could mistake that beautiful raspy voice for anyone else’s apart from Samm’s. Songs like Redemption, Better, Only Wanna Be with You – Unplugged in particular just stick out to me as songs I couldn’t get enough of.

Samm’s music has developed over the years but what has always remained is that soulful vibe about it. His most recent release of CHURCH (feat. EARTHGANG) is an undeniable bop for me. As I described to one of my friends, this is a song that plays and even if you feel the worst, there’s just something in you that feels better and has to be be like, yeh, even if life is not great, this is still such an uplifting song and nothing changes that. Samm and his band did a brilliant performance of it in the Radio 1 Xtra Live Lounge:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-0_28sKnEw

Another favourite video of mine is Samm playing Only Wanna Be with You – Unplugged for the Mahogany Sessions. I don’t really need to say anything to introduce this as his performance and the comments say it all:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uquDHcnecG4

Samm will be playing at Electric Brixton on Thursday 16th May for just under £18… £18 people!! SUCH a bargain for such an amazing evening – if you can make it, get yourself there!

I really hope to see Samm get big soon. I’ve followed him for such a long time now. His songs are incomparable and I feel they deserve more appreciation than they get! Please go and check out his music – I can PROMISE you, you will not be disappointed.

Big love guys, back again on Sunday for My Top Notes #4!

Rosie xx

[celloyougotabasss]

My Top Notes #3

Elloooo! I hope this hot and glorious Easter Sunday finds you in good spirits and feeling all warm and tingly from soaking up the rays. That’s exactly what I’m doing now 😊 if it hasn’t found you in that way, well then that’s a bit poop and I do hope tomorrow is a better day for you!!

So as usual, I’ll give you my round up of favourite tunes from the week just been which will hopefully give you some inspo for what to listen to next week!

So, in no particular order, my round up for this week is…

·         My Motto – Jade Bird

Jade Bird is a UK singer-songwriter, fairly new ish on the scene and just released her debut album. She’s also only 21 which just seems so unfair for how incredible she is. Her voice = WOW. Bit like Kate Bush in parts? Right in the feels. This song though, I live for 2:16 onwards - that raspy bit when she comes in for the chorus and hits those high harms. Also, I hope you get what I mean when I say this song makes me think of New Rules by Dua Lipa but a folk/acoustic version? My Motto vs. New Rules? Basically the same vibe. She’s just released her new album a couple of days ago so give it a listen if you like the sound of her! Nice having a new female singer songwriter around.

·         She’s American – The 1975

I’ve been on a bit of a The 1975 vibe recently. They’ve got some really feel good tunes and with the cracking weather this weekend, it just seems ideal. Beginning of this song – I can NEVER come in at the right time for the drums! I still need to listen to it more I think hahaha! This song is harmony central. I also love the little riff that’s played in between the lines in the verses. The whole concept of the song is a bit of a laugh really and a good one to sing along to! I also forget how many bangers they have? Take a venture back to their first album for some TOP qual songs.

 ·         Do Not Disturb – Mahalia

I think one of my favourite things is the drum beat in the background of this song – gives me very 90’s feels; having just vocals, bit of piano and a good beat. I find my ears listening to that part more than anything else, especially at 2:40 when it breaks down. If this song comes on, it’s one of those ones where everything else I’m doing just stops and disappears and I’m in the Mahalia zone! I first heard this song probably a month or so ago now - it was Clara Amfo’s Tune of the Week and it’s really grown on me since then. I sometimes find that songs that are an instant hit can reach their peak quickly and then I’m over it quite fast. Whereas this has grown on me, and I’m now fully in the midst of luuurrrrving this tune and getting 100% satisfaction, if that makes sense?

·         Burning – Maggie Rogers

Maggie, oh Maggie. Dear Maggie. Where to begin? Her whole album makes me smile from ear to ear with pride and happiness as it’s just so… perfect. From watching interviews and following her for so long, I know how much it must mean to her. This song in particular is so powerful. I love the range of percussion in this song and how it builds, I love the passion in the lyrics, I love the concept of the journey she’s been on and how after it all, she is alive and burning. The chorus really feels like a celebration about freedom and loving your life. Take a watch of watch of this performance if you like this one – her energy is literally tangible and I feel so lifted when I watch this! 2:50 actually makes me tear up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy3-hsiXzQk

 That’s all for now gang! Thanks AGAIN if you got round to giving this a read! Lol I swear I’m always saying thank you and I’m not sure if anyone ever gets this far, but it means a heck of a lot if you did. Make the most of the sun whilst it’s here! I’ll be back on Thursday for another blog about an artist!

Reminder of the weekly plan for this blog: Sunday – My Top Notes Thursday – A deeper look into one of my fave artists

Thanks again!!

I will see you cats on the flip flop laaattterrrrrr (10/10 if you got the quote) xx

[celloyougotabasss]

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

If I’m gunna be honest, I didn’t really want to write a blog post about Billie Eilish. Actually, it’s not that I didn’t want to do it, more that I don’t know how to. I’m speaking from a personal opinion here, but for me, I’ve never come across an artist like Billie Eilish before. That’s not just down to her singing, but how people interpret her, how she creates her music, her originality, authenticity and her impact/success worldwide.  

I think it’s also worth mentioning this other chap who I’ve popped in the title. This is Billie’s brother who records and produces all of the music that Billie makes and always has done since she started creating music. Taking nothing away from Billie, her brother Finneas really makes up a good 50% of what you see of her. I wouldn’t go as far to say she would be nothing without him, because she clearly has talent that would’ve been scooped up. But I feel that the connection they have as siblings adds something special when it comes to them as creatives. They can be vulnerable with each other, they’re coming from the same place and heading in the same direction and there’s a deep mutual respect and understanding; a familiarity allowing them to be unapologetically themselves. And to be honest, for me, that summarises the attitude and songs that Billie and Finneas create; unapologetically them.  

So, for those who are not quite up to date with Billie and Finneas, let me fill you in with some need to know facts.

·         Billie Eilish is a 17-year-old American singer-songwriter

·         Finneas O’Connell is a 21-year-old American singer-songwriter, as well as producer and actor. You may have seen him on Glee if you were into that

·         They were home schooled together by their parents and there was a lot of focus on the arts

·         They have been touring for a while now and their Mum joins them – really close knit family by the sounds of things

·         Billie released her debut album ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ on the 29th March 2019

There’s so much that I could talk about when it comes to Billie and Finneas. About Billie’s fashion, her style of writing, her relationship with her Finneas, Finneas’ music and creations, their lyrics, their ages, their childhood… the list literally goes on.

If I had to hone in on just one ‘thing’ – I think what captured my attention most, and I’ll focus on her debut album for this, is the range of stories, moods, feelings, thoughts, worries and situations there are in this ONE album. Not only this, but each song is *done* to perfection and the journey of the album works so well. The production, the lyrics, the silences, the instruments used – you just know this is an album that has been well looked after and nurtured for a long time before its release. When this album first came out, I listened to the tracks here and there, but then I set aside some time just to sit down and listen to the whole album, no stopping. When I came to end of goodbye, it felt like I had just finished a novel, or reading someone’s diary from their last 3 years? It covers such vulnerable areas and the songs have really emotional and honest lyrics.

I love it for all the songs that make me get up and dance like a werido as well as the songs that feel like they were written for me and I know I will always cry to them. Everything from the ‘duh’ in bad guy to the bass that kicks in 2:33 in bury a friend to just the whole concept of wish you were gay to the heart stopping feeling and pain I get when I hear Billie’s hums at the beginning of when the party’s over.

I love Billie’s honesty. I love the emotion she puts into her songs when she sings. I love hers and Finneas’ lyrics. I love Finneas’ desire to show the world how great his little sister is. I love their complex simplicity about creating music (yes it’s a stupid phrase but I know what I mean). I actually would go as far to say I feel privileged to be alive at a time when artists like this are making music.

If you haven’t listened to Billie already, I strongly recommend you do. There will be at least one song on the album you like - I’ll make you a bet. 

Thanks for the read team - huge appreciation as always for those of you who are interested in what I have to say/feel you wanna support me. I’ll be back on Sunday for My Top Notes #3 so chat to you then! xx

TTFN xx

———————————————————————

Some of the stuff I’ve touched upon in this blog can be found in this interview here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyTiK6XjBi0

Something to make a point of: Zane Lowe seriously knows what he’s talking about. I personally also think, he’s not cocky, he has no hidden agenda, he cares and has a genuine interest in Billie and Finneas. I feel like they understand that too. They feel comfortable to talk honestly about topics that have been overlooked in other interviews. i.e. the future of Billie and Finneas making music/touring together with their Mum, their process of writing songs, their upbringing and influences. Although the interview is centred around Billie and Finneas’ music, in this interview I feel like I got to know them as individuals, with their own opinions and own struggles as opposed to just their music. Well worth a watch if you wanna find out more.

Something that I actually wrote down after watching the interview was something Finneas said. Along the lines of…

‘Nowadays, we are communicating more and more but we’re getting worse and worse at it. This is because we are supplying less empathy but supplying more bragging. No one has any etiquette on social media – we show off the one best thing of our day but hide the other stuff that wasn’t so great.’

I know I’m guilty of this. A nice little food for thought really x

[celloyougotabasss]

My Top Notes #2

YES - Thank you already if you have gotten this far and you are reading this – 10 points for you!  I hope your week has been happy as larry and you’re feeling good!

It’s been a good week for me music wise - I was a bit spoilt for choice on what to include in this post. Bit of an eclectic mix, so bear with me.

So, in no particular order, my round up for this week is…

·         Tieduprightnow – Parcels

This song makes me think of funk meets alt-J meets Paul Simon – weird I know? I love the harmonies in the chorus – makes it a really catchy tune to sing along to! When I watched the music video, it was exactly how I hoped it would be in my head - beach and drives! I haven’t as of yet listened to loads of other songs by Parcels but I’m pretty keen to after this song. If this song was a wine and I had to recommend it with something, I would suggest that this best listened to on an English beach in the summer.

·         Romance (edit) – Ex:Re

Elena Tonra is the lady behind Ex:Re. You recognise her voice from her first project Daughter which was most famous for the song Youth. The debut album for Ex:Re was released at the end 2018. This song is the most popular one off there and my fave so far. This deffos isn’t the right music terminology but I love the repeated muffled drum (?) in the background of this song – 1:11 onwards in the chorus. I find the lyrics really interesting in this song – they feel honest and it sounds like a monologue or a diary entry – just speaking aloud thoughts of a situation.

·         2021 – Vampire Weekend

One main comment for this song: NEEDS to be longer! Alongside Harmony Hall, that we all already adore and love, Vampire Weekend released 2021. Kinda reminds me of Interlude 1 (The Ripe and Ruin). I love the guitar duet in the middle of this song and the effects they’ve used over the top. This is one to have on repeat to get full satisfaction.

·         Ilomilo – Billie Eilish

Eurgh. Billie freakin Eilish. I could easily write a whole post about my love for her music. Love the whole album – every song is so different emotionally and musically and I have time for all of it. I have different fave songs for different reasons but for this week, this has been the one. I love the beginning when you can hear the beat and you’re waiting for her haunting voice just smoothly slip on in. 1:10 when the beat comes is a head bop. I’m sure by next week I’ll be crazy over another one of her songs!

·         Don’t Go Slow – Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Final track from his 2011 album. So chill. Listening with headphones in and a good volume makes it sounds echoey and just beaaauuutiful. Something about the intro just makes me go… ‘and breathe’, those 3 chords. Pop this one before you sleep and you’ll snooze off easily.

Hope you’ve got some new songs there to listen to this week! Let me know if any turn into your faves!

Ciao for now, Rosie x

[celloyougotabasss]

Benjamin Francis Leftwich

On Thursday 5th April 2019, I had the absolute honour and privilege of watching Benjamin Francis Leftwich in Leamington Assembly, as well as his amazing support acts, Rosie Carney and Joe Dolman.

Bit of context: Benjamin Francis Leftwich (BFL for short) has been in my life (emotionally, lol) since probably year 11 I’d say? His first album ‘Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm (2011)’ tied in perfectly with my love for Ben Howard and Joshua Radin at the time – male acoustic singer songwriter. In hindsight, I think the reason why I loved him so much was because of the depth of his lyrics. It wasn’t just songs that meant nothing or just something on the surface level and you move on from; each song had purpose and a meaning, even if it wasn’t the meaning he intended, you could design it yourself.

Anyhoo – after that we all patiently waited 5 years for his next album ‘After the Rain (2016)’ (SO many good songs on there) followed by where we are now, 3 years later, with his most recent album called ‘Gratitude (2019)’. In between the release of his first and second album, BFL went super quiet on social media and making music. He later released a letter on his website – explaining that in April 2013, he had tragically lost his father to cancer. He said in an interview, ‘I was helpless. Without purpose… It was as if the sun had been sucked out of my sky in the most unfair and unexpected way. It totally broke me.’ (really interesting read the interview actually – here’s the link: http://diymag.com/2016/07/07/benjamin-francis-leftwich-interview-after-the-rain ).

Some might assume that the title of ‘After the Rain’ symbolises healing from the pain of his dad’s passing? Perhaps the title ‘Gratitude’ is a reflection of his past and cherishing all he has now? Who knows. I just think that something so life changing is important to consider when listening to the singers’ lyrics, to gain their understanding of the song.

Okay so, THE GIG! The venue itself was beautiful. I was there with my pal Jim (yes I know, Rosie and Jim hehe) and we were so taken back by the room; sooooo beautiful and intimate. We were eager beavers and fortunately got front row seats - unreal.

Joe Dolman started off the show – a REAL treat to see him! So talented and enthusiastic. He has an incredible song called ‘Close to Home’ with a music video which is second to none. Please take the time to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBHOl_-357E

Rosie Carney popped up next, and YES, she had a cellist alongside her wahooooo!! My fave song of hers is called Thousand – her voice with Lisa Hannigan’s make me think of melted chocolate. They just blend, so perfectly. I think I would describe Rosie’s voice as haunting, but in a very enchanting and lovable way – she reminds me loads of Fenne Lily and Billie Marten. Big up female singer songwriters!! Again, a real treat to watch her.

This only left the main guy himself. The B F of L. Mr Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

I don’t really know how to summarise or try and describe the evening – it was… sensational? Breath taking? Better than my wildest dreams? Along those lines. After every song, Jim and I turned to each other, mouths open in shock of how AWE inspiring he was.

He created this safe, intimate space for us as an audience and himself. It was as if these songs were his deepest secrets and he was playing them just for us – I felt so lucky to be there, hearing and watching him. He was beautifully accomanpied by ‘Lowpines’ (that’s his insta name and the only place I can find him ☹ ) and he also sang sweet sweet harms as well.

I’ve seen BFL before, but nothing felt as special as this. Being so close probably helped, but it really did feel like a performance of a lifetime. He played songs from across all 3 albums. He even jumped down from the stage for a few songs and his encore to perform which was just precious.

I was uncontrollably ecstatic when at the end of the gig, BFL said he would wait around to talk to any fans who wanted a chat. EERRRRMMM YEP THAT WILL BE ME THANKS!! So yes, I did get to meet an idol of mine and yes he was even MORE lovely and kind and appreciative than I thought he would be! I didn’t know what to say so I  said he was basically Jesus and then I forget the rest. I think I got my point across though!!

As well as this, Jim was able to have a really decent conversation with him about his campaign called ‘Save9Lives’ – representing the statistic that 1 organ donation can save 9 peoples lives. BFL was so touched by Jim and his condition, and gladly took the plectrum and card Jim gave him with extra information on it. Just a proper, warm and caring human being. He took the time to talk to all the fans there and he just seemed so happy and like I’ve already said, but appreciative of what was going on.

So yeah – to sum it up – if you haven’t listened to BFL already, listen to him. If you have already listened to him, then just listen again! I feel so pumped and buzzed still from the gig and it was a week ago!

Long one from me I know, but I just can’t help it when I feel passionate – which I do with music and most definitely BFL.

Thanks for reading guys, I’ll be back Sunday for My Top Notes #2! Ciao xx

[celloyougotabasss]

My Top Notes #1

Evening gang! Hope we’re all well 😊 Little update from me: I’ve decided that on this blog, every Sunday, I will write a little list of some of my favourite songs from the week, along with a little blurb for each of them. Hopefully this will give you some new tunes to listen to as well, or maybe listen to some golden oldies that I share. I love finding new music too so if anyone ever has any good songs that I can listen to, PLEASE tell me! Share the music/love people!

So, in no particular order, my round up for this week is…

·         All the way – Joan

This reminds very much of 1st album from The 1975, Pale Waves, Male HAIM vibes? That sorta thing. Super catchy chorus, feel good song, I can’t really listen to it without doing a bit of a bop. Definitely one to get you going for a Monday morning!

·         The walker – Christine and the Queens

More on the chillsy side this one. The first 20 seconds are probably my fave 20 seconds of the song – that beat in the background and her voice just floating around it. I love the way she sings as well as the pronunciation and rhythm of her lyrics. The sporadic harmonies in the chorus too, beautiful! For me, this is a wind down on the way home from work song.

·         Complicated – NAO ft. Mura Masa

I feel the fact that it’s NAO and Mura Masa kinda speaks for itself? Their song Firefly back in 2015 was a banthem (banger and anthem… I’m trying to make it a thing), and this is no different. NAO’s voice is so unique and her range is just a little bit ridiculous, so good luck singing along! The ‘drop’ is also worth a crank up in the volume. I always find that I want this song to last way longer than it does! The beat is infectious to this one – this song gets a big fat yes from me.

·         All Night Long – Lionel Richie

It’s Lionel. And it’s All Night Long. Nuff said.

Hope you guys enjoy these - let me know what you think! I’ll be back next Sunday to post my faves from this coming week!

Ciao for now,

Rosie x

[celloyougotabasss]

Nathan Ball

The first I heard of Nathan Ball was back in 2015 – I saw him perform at Barn on the Farm on the New Stage as it was back then. He very kindly allowed me to have a photo with him which I was SO super-fan-girl happy about as I had been so mesmerized by his talent, along with the rest of his band. For someone like me who loves Alternative/Indie/Acoustic/Roots style music, I was dead chuffed to find this new artist who really ticked all the boxes for me. Since then, I’ve patiently waited for his new releases and been a pretty big fan. Through watching YouTube videos, you can see he’s had nuuuuumerous comparisons to Ben Howard (biggest compliment ever?!) but I would imagine he probably gets bored of it now. As an artist, I guess one way to make an impact and break through to new listeners is by having your own specific sound without people thinking you’re just copying someone else? Either way though – I think he’s brilliant.

He released a song called ‘Saving Grace’ just under two weeks ago. He’s definitely kept to the same style he always has done – painting a picture with his lyrics for the listener to interpret and connect with. For me personally, I love the lyrics ‘So down to the banks of the river, I get on my knees and pray. Oh, will you be my saving grace?’ Holding someone so high and holy, it really portrays the desperation and desire he has.  It is a bit of a builder... we all love a builder don’t we? It’s the kind of song I can imagine being in a driving playlist/playing whilst making brunch on a Saturday morning. No acoustic versions have been done of the song yet. I’d hope it would be him and his cellist; focus less on the variety of instruments and more on the passion behind the song.

In my opinion, my 2 favourite songs of his are probably ‘Right Place’ which came out back in 2016. Here’s a beaut little acoustic version he did, if you fancy it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM6Q962zqi4

The other is ‘All or Nothing’. Get yourself some pals, bbq in the summer, few bevs, speakers with a good volume on them, yes yes yes. Good vibe song for sure. 

Anyway - I love Nathan Ball, his sound, his deep voice, his atmospheric music, good harmonies and of course - the fact he appreciates cello. He’s never released an album before - I’d love him to get to the stage where he does as he is so talented and I feel his music does deserve to be shared with the world. He starts his tour on 11th April up in Edinburgh and comes down to Bristol on 16th April if you feel so inclined to go! 

Anyway - thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it and all that ☺️ Catch you later, Rosie x