Songs To Heal Wounds

(picture from Pinterest)

Music has an incredible way of taking us away from reality, even if it is just for the three and a half minutes of a song. It can also inspire, uplift and generally give us a kick up the backside if we need it!

Here is a list of a few of the songs which have helped me escape, motivated me or given me a bit of perspective when I have been worried or down.

Beautiful - Carole King

Open Eyes - Debby Ryan

Rise Up - Diane Birch

Let's Find Some People - Roisin O

Better Day - Dolly Parton

Not Afraid - Eminem

Shower The People - James Taylor

Nothing I Do - Jamie Cullum

Stand Up - Jessie J

Conquer The World - Jessie J

Shadow Days - John Mayer

Daughters - John Mayer

We All Need Saving - Jon Mclaughlin

Let Them Fly - Kate Rusby

The Sun Will Rise - Kelly Clarkson 

Heal Over - KT Tunstall

Difficulty - KT Tunstall

Just Say Yes - Snow Patrol 

Think About It - Stevie Nicks

Fix A Heart- Demi Lovato 

I will probably follow this up with a part 2! 

Let me know your favourite songs which have helped or inspired you.

Livvy x

Sam Smith | Writing's On The Wall

Today (September 25th) sees the much anticipated release of the new Bond theme song, Writing's On The Wall by Sam Smith. 

Bond theme songs are typically big, showy and feature huge orchestrations to coincide with the adrenaline rush of the films.

The focus of Writing's On The Wall is Smith's vast vocal talent, particularly his strong falsetto. The track is quite restrained and slow, slower than Adele's Skyfall. It features hints of a string orchestration, which rises at times. The climax of the chorus leaves us only with Smith's voice and faint piano chords. 

When I first heard the track, I didn't think "WOW!". My first thoughts were "this is interesting", it gives off a very mysterious feel, and I suppose there is a lot of mystery in Bond films.

There have been 23 official Bond themes, it would be easy to copy the fast pace of Live and Let Die, or the big and showy Diamonds are Forever; Sam Smith has given us a completely different Bond theme, which makes it even more unique. 

Let me know your thoughts anyway!

Livvy x

Inspired and the Sleep | In My Labyrinth Mind

Inspired and the sleep are an indie-pop duo from San Diego, CA, consisting of singer-songwriter Max Greenhalgh and multi instrumentalist Bryce Outcault. 

Their latest track 'In My Labyrinth Mind' dropped in August, leading up to the release of their EP Eyelid Kid out in October. 

The track has a psychedelic, indie-pop, chilled 'dream pop' vibe and I'm loving it. Echoing guitar and a consistent drum and bass beat behind the ethereal vocal - it has all the elements of a great indie pop track. 

Take a listen here, and be sure to like Inspired & The Sleep on Facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/inspiredandthesleep/


Livvy x

Alex Vargas | Giving Up The Ghost

Today sees one of my favourite new artists Alex Vargas release his highly anticipated new single 'Giving Up The Ghost'.

This track is brilliant - R&B mixed with Soul, it showcases his huge vocal and songwriting talent.

Vargas has been working incredibly hard on his new music, I could see how hard he works when I witnessed his intimate showcase at The Lucky Pig. Focussed and determined to make great music, his popularity will only grow. I can see Vargas standing the test of time and being around for a while. 

'Giving Up The Ghost' features on Vargas' new EP which will be released on 2/10/2015

September 26 – Germany, Hamburg, Reeperbahn (Indra)
October 23 – UK, Manchester, Eagle Inn
October 25 – UK, Bristol, Start The Bus 
October 26 – UK, Brighton, The Hope & Ruin 
October 27- UK, London, Oslo
October 29 – Denmark, Aarhus, HeadQuarters
October 30 – Denmark, Odense, Kulturmaskinen
October 31 – Denmark, Aalborg, Musikkens Hus
November 1 – Denmark, Copenhagen, Dr Koncerthuset, Studie 2
November 14 - Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Sonic Visions - Café
November 16 – Belgium, Brussels, Botanique/Rotonde
November 17 – France, Paris, Pop Up Du Label 
November 18 – Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso 
November 22 – Germany, Cologne, Artheater
November 23 – Germany,  Berlin, Kantine am Berghain (Mahogany Music Club)
November 24 – Germany, Heidelberg, Pret A Ecouter Festival @ Karlstorbahnhof 
November 25 – Switzerland, Zurich, Exil
November 26 – Switzerland, Bern, Barn


Livvy x

tember 26 – Germany, Hamburg, Reeperbahn (Indra)

October 23 – UK, Manchester, Eagle Inn

October 25 – UK, Bristol, Start The Bus

October 26 – UK, Brighton, The Hope & Ruin

October do

October 29 – Denmark, Aarhus, HeadQuarters

October 30 – Denmark, Odense, Kulturmaskinen

October 31 – Denmark, Aalborg, Musikkens Hus

November 1 – Denmark, Copenhagen, Dr Koncerthuset,

Studie 2

November 14 - Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Sonic Vi

sions - Café

November 16 – Belgium, Brussels, Botanique/Rotonde

November 17 – France, Paris, Pop Up Du Label

November 18 – Netherlands, Amsterdam, Paradiso

November 22 – Germany, Cologne, Artheater

November 23 – Germany, Berlin, Kantine am Berghain

(Mahogany Music Club)

November 24 – Germany, Heidelberg, Pret A Ecouter F

estival @ Karlstorbahnhof

November 25 – Switzerland, Zurich, Exil

November 26 – Switzerland, Bern, Barn

MIEKE

I've recently discovered this great new singer-songwriter from Toronto, Canada - meet Elissa Mielke. Elissa has just released her debut EP, available here.

This four track EP is beautiful, her voice is so soulful but delicate at the same time. Similar to Regina Spector's vocal styling. 

Elissa worked with producers Don Kerr and Howie Beck who has worked with singer Feist in the past.

This EP is the beginning of something really special. Mieke has a real raw talent which should be exalted.

Get involved - like Mieke on facebook, follow on twitter and buy her EP. 

https://www.facebook.com/miekemakesmusic/

https://twitter.com/elissamielke

http://www.miekemusic.com/

Livvy x

Rest in peace Rico Rodriguez!