Welcome back and KT Tunstall's new single

Hello! Long time, no blog! What a crazy almost-a-year-yikes(!) it has been. It has been filled with illness and recovery, plenty of packing, moving houses, driving and marriage! We finally did it after being together five and a half years, and being engaged 18 months; in March 2018 Tom and I became Mr and Mrs! I'm pleased to say that things have started to calm down for us, we're finally settled in to our new home and I'm ready to get back to writing. What better artist to have as my first blog back, KT Tunstall! We all know KT is my ultimate hero; Tom and I were lucky enough to see her this year not only supporting Gary Barlow on his solo tour, but also supporting Barenaked Ladies in Las Vegas. We went to Las Vegas for our honeymoon (that trip deserves a whole other blog post) and as luck would have it, the Barenaked Ladies Vegas show was on our last night there, I KNOW! The show was at the mighty Red Rock Casino, it truly was the best way to end our fantastic holiday - watching some incredible live music in one of our favourite places, in the scorching Vegas sun with our feet in the pool. I mean.. just look at that sky 😍😍

KT is back with the first single The River, taken from her sixth studio album Wax which is released on October 5th. The song is a fantastic typical Tunstall hit, with punchy guitars and a powerful vocal. The emotionally charged lyrics contrast with the reassuring and uplifting music. This song is so radio friendly, it got its first play from Ken Bruce on Radio 2 and has been a regular feature on the station since the release. Have a listen below!

Make sure you pre-order WAX  at www.kttunstall.com before 4pm on Tuesday 18th September to gain pre-sale access to next year's tour! Speak soon

The Female Ed Sheeran, Nikki Loy | Tongue Tied New Single

Happy Wednesday folks, I'm back with another new singer songwriter whose new single (Tongue Tied) is released this Friday 10th November. Check out the music video below!

Nikki is the long-awaited female answer to Ed Sheeran, her melodies are effortlessly catchy and her lyrics encapsulate her own personal experiences.
Loy's new album Pivotal came from a 52 week songwriting challenge, she wrote 52 songs in 52 weeks and posted them online, a mighty challenge which she says at times was tough!
Nikki has recently released a Youtube series called Pivotal Moments, a series of Youtube videos giving us an insight into her new album and documenting her life in her self-made camper van! These videos are definitely a must watch if you are a fan of the recent 'rise of the vloggers' such as Alfie Deyes and Zoella. Click HERE to watch!
If you like the sound of Nikki Loy, be sure to pre-order the new single Tongue Tied here - https://itunes.apple.com/album/tongue... PLUS! If you are London based, Nikki is having a single launch party gig at Shoreditch Treehouse tomorrow (November 9th) - Tickets are available from Eventbrite 
Make sure you are following Nikki on all social media below for more updates!
https://www.facebook.com/nikki.loy1 https://twitter.com/nikkiloymusic https://www.instagram.com/nikkiloymusic/ http://www.nikkiloy.com/
Livvy x

Philippa Hanna | Live Review

Last week I had the joy of going to see Philppa Hanna supporting Collabro as they kicked off their 29 date tour in Liverpool. This is her second time opening for the group, she has also opened for the likes of Wet Wet Wet, Little Mix and Lionel Richie. Her blend of country-christian-pop is a delight to listen to. Hanna kicked off her set with the song Happy in my skin, a song about learning to love yourself; she instantly had the audience in the palm of her hand with this jazzy number.
It was evident early on in her set that Hanna performs with true honesty. She sang every song with great feeling and told a story to preface each song. Her stage presence reminded me of Kate Rusby. Philippa's voice is pure like Taylor Swift's early days but also has the power of Crissie from The Shires.
The next song in the set list was Speed of light, a goose-bump inducing song reflecting on a darker time in her life and the power of love that brought her through it.
During her set, Hanna tells us she is celebrating 10 years as an independent artist. Hanna also reveals she was once signed to a major label, flown to Nashville and introduced to many record industry bigwigs. Unfortunately they wanted to change her appearance and sound, plus she was told she was 'too ordinary looking to be a popstar'. (Which is just UTTER NONSENSE might I add..)
Her next song I am amazing told us of her journey with self confidence. She encourages positivity, and gives us the message 'every day is a new day' before launching into her latest country-fied single Off The Wagon which has recently been backed by Radio 2's Clare Balding.
Hanna ended the set with Arrow, an uplifting, catchy tune telling us we are all made to fly.
Her whole performance was heart-warming and a joy to watch. Philippa was instantly likeable, she  has an effortless charm and was definitely meant to be a performer. Hanna's aim is to spread positivity and the importance of self love. Check out her latest single Off The Wagon below, you can also pre-order her new album Come Back Fighting HERE (released 24th November)

You still have chance to catch Collabro and Philippa Hanna on their mega UK tour - check out the tour dates below!

Livvy x
http://www.philippahanna.com/ http://steamingkettlepr.com/

Joe Dolman | Something Beautiful - New Single and Tour Dates

Fans of Damien Rice and James Bay, you're sure going to love Joe Dolman.
The 21 year old hails from Leamington Spa and has already had two top 10 EPs in the UK and USA. He studied at the prestigious BIMM in Brighton where acts such as James Bay and Tom Odell honed their skills.
Joe has been championed by BBC Introducing, headlining the stage at Radio 2's Live in Hyde Park and Radio 1's Huw Stephens is a huge fan.
I'm thrilled to be telling you all about his new single, plus his first headline solo UK tour this winter!
Something Beautiful is a gorgeous track with a chorus that you're sure to have stuck in your head all day. Joe's voice is very similar to James Bay's on this new single. You can have a listen to his previous single here - 

If you like the sound of Joe Dolman, you can pre order his new single Something Beautiful which is released tomorrow by clicking here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/something-beautiful-single/id1288655987

Make sure you catch him this November on his UK Tour!

01/11 - Nottingham Rough Trade

06/11 - London St Pancras Old Church

08/11 - Brighton Latest Music Bar

11/11 - Leamington Spa The Loft Theatre

12/11 - Manchester The Kings Arms

13/11 - Birmingham Sunflower Lounge

15/11 - Leeds The Fox and Newt

16/11 - Glasgow Glad Cafe

Buy Tickets HERE

Livvy xx

Imelda May - Black Tears Music Video

Imelda May has released a wonderful live video of her beautiful new track Black Tears shot at the iconic Maida Vale studios. Take a look below

This song is full of emotion, you can hear this in her strained yet breathtaking vocal. The track was written with Angelo Petragalia (Kings Of Leon) after a difficult moment in Imelda's life -  “I wrote Black Tears with Angelo Petraglia after a heart wrenchingly difficult goodbye. I closed my door and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror with black tears rolling down my face. It's a sight and situation most women have unfortunately seen ourselves in at some point in life. Angelo had a beautiful guitar piece that fit the mood perfectly.” Her new record (Life. Love. Flesh. Blood) is the most autobiographical she has ever written, it is being released on 22nd April. Stand by for my thoughts and a review on the record on Monday 17th April.

The Lumineers - Exclusive Record Store Day Release - Seeds

The Lumineers have announced an exclusive 10" release for Record Store Day on 22nd April titled 'Seeds'.



The limited edition release from the critically-lauded Denver-based outfit shows the progression of two of the most popular tracks from their No.1 sophomore album ‘Cleopatra’ (‘Angela’ and ‘Long Way From Home’) from initial demo, through recording to the live entity.  
 
‘Angela’ is a subtle and restrained classic folk-rock song, which could have come straight out of Laurel Canyon in the late 60s-70s. It builds and crescendos seemingly lost in the vault of classic songwriting reappearing in 2017 as ageless and compelling. The 405 labelling the piece as “...the perfect example of The Lumineers' commitment to working through quality material that they believe in.” 
 
The other offering on ‘Seeds’,  ‘Long Way From Home’, displays the band’s uncompromising songwriting & emotional prowess in full force, centred on a simple picked guitar line and frontman Wesley Schultz' voice, lyricism & storytelling centre stage.
 
Discussing the release, Schultz shared, “With ‘Angela’, you'll hear how lyrics change and bridges and verses are moved around. And with ‘Long Way From Home’ you'll hear an entire intro, i.e. a brand new part of the song that was omitted on the studio album, but can be heard in the live version.” 

The band are also set to play the fantastic BST Hyde Park festival with Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks on July 9th! (I'm going! See you there?!)
‘Seeds’ Track List;
 
Side A
1. Angela
2. Angela (Live)
3. Angela Seed (For Fra)
Side B
1. Long Way From Home
2. Long Way From Home (Live)
3. Long Way From Home Seed

The Shires - First UK Country act to win a CMA Award

Hi Everyone!
You all know I am a huge fan of the UK country duo The Shires! I'm delighted to announce that they are the first UK act to win a CMA award!
They won the Jeff Walker Global Artist Award which recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist outside of the UK.

The Shires stated: “We are completely thrilled to win the CMA Jeff Walker Global Artist Award. To win a CMA Award this early in our career and to be the first band from the UK to be acknowledged by the CMAs in this way is huge for us – thank you to everyone who voted for us and thank you to our fans who support our music and the UK country movement.”

Last week The Shires were presented with their second GOLD disc in just 12 months as they officially announced their hit album ‘My Universe’ had sold more than 100K copies in the UK. This unprecedented achievement further cements the band’s position as the UK’s most successful Country act. The Shires are the fastest selling UK country act ever – going Gold with two albums within a year of release as well as reaching this level of sales with ‘My Universe’ a mere 20 weeks after its release. The new album has not left the Top 60 since release in October last year, and has been back up in the Top 20 numerous times.

The Shires also recently announced the release of their next single ‘Drive’. The country-rock tinged single, with its delayed guitars and stadium sized drums is the latest single from the UK Country superstars who landed three consecutive A-list on BBC Radio 2 for previous singles releases including; ‘Beats To Your Rhythm‘, ‘My Universe‘ and 'A Thousand Hallelujahs’. Co-written with USA Country music star Kip Moore, the song has potential to break across the pound as well as the UK. Discussing the tracks potential Decca’s Managing Director, Rebecca Allen stated: “Drive is one of those tracks that has potential to break not just the UK, but it will no doubt resonate with USA Country Radio too. Kip and the band have written a modern country pop classic and I’m sure when the time is right the USA label Big Machine, will launch it into the stratosphere.” 

The Shires | My Universe - Released Friday 30th September

The Shires are back with their second studio album My Universe released tomorrow. The duo are leading a surge in youth interest in country music (Music Week). According to a new CMA (Country Music Association) study, 47% of 18-24 year olds now identify themselves as country music fans. The reception of country music has changed rapidly over the past few years, Taylor Swift brought country music to the masses and now with UK stars such as Ward Thomas and The Shires, the popularity of the genre will continue to grow.  Last year The Shires became the first UK country act to have a top 10 album and they were the biggest selling country music act in the UK (this includes US country artists),   Their first single Beats To Your Rhythm sounds almost as if it was tailor made for Radio 2 with it's catchy chorus and stomping drum beat. The pair are much loved by the station, they have had 5 A list singles and are the album of the week this week. This second album showcases their trademark harmonies, their voices blended together are perfection. This is shown especially on track 3 - Not Even Drunk Right Now.
This record also includes some beautiful ballads showcasing Ben Earle & Crissie Rhodes' songwriting talents.  Naked is a beautiful love song evoking much emotion through Crissie's gorgeous vocal. Daddy's  Little Girl is a real tear jerker - written by Crissie about her late father. Everything You Never Gave is a heartfelt story of the absence of his father and what he's learned not to do with his own son. Ben has recently become a father, in fact he almost missed their slot at Glastonbury as he was at the birth of his son just hours before they were due on for their heatline slot on the acoustic stage. As well as ballads, the album includes some great up beat tracks - A Thousand Hallelujahs is a great country anthem featuring a cracking catchy chorus and of course a banjo throughout. The success of The Shires is set to continue and I can imagine this album will be a contender for a spot in the top 5 of the album charts, if not number 1. My Universe is released tomorrow on Decca Records.

Lissie - Live Session BBC Radio 2 - Wednesday 20th July

Hi everyone, 
Lissie was on Jo Whiley's Radio 2 show last night, we all know she is one of my favourite artists.  She played some songs from her new album My Wild West and she also did a fantastic cover of The Bangles classic Eternal Flame.
Have a listen by clicking on the link below, it was a fabulous session and a great interview with Jo Whiley. The show also featured a really interesting interview with Keith Richards.
http://bbc.in/29VdpXH

Carole King

On Sunday, I am seeing arguably one of the greatest singer-songwriters ever. Carole King. For the first time she is playing the whole of her seminal album, Tapestry.  I'm so excited! Have a look at this great article below written by Bob Stanley

Carole King's Tapestry feels like a comfort blanket, until you hear the anxiety within it

There she is, a picture of domestic bliss, a cat curled up beside her, relaxed in a baggy jumper, her hair uncombed - free at last. Tapestry looks like an album of restfulness and contentment. On the reverse side of the cover are the song titles and lyrics, printed on a muted brown that looks like parchment.

  

KT Tunstall | Evil Eye, EP and Tour

My absolute hero is BACK. She's back with a new single, EP, album on the way and a TOUR! I couldn't be more thrilled. I didn't think it was even possible but she sounds better than ever. It's the one and only, the epitome of cool, KT Tunstall. 
Her first release is the rocking tune Evil Eye. She hasn't strayed from her usual rock and roll style. Take a listen to the cracking tune by clicking HERE!
To top it off, KT is going on tour in October and November! I've already got my tickets to Manchester! Check out if she's coming to a town near you below


Her EP Golden State is available to download on iTunes now, with a new album to follow soon!
Tracklisting
1 - Evil Eye 2 - All of Nothing 3 - The Healer 4 - Evil Eye (Django Django's Mad Drums Remix) You can pre order her new album, plus get a whole load of other cool things including a signed polaroid of KT herself on Pledge Music. http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/kttunstall

The Other Side of Mi-Dnight Photographic Exhibition - Old Granada Studios - till 20th June

On Thursday I was invited to the opening of the Other Side of Mi-dnight exhibition, celebrating the moments we got lost in the music.
Old Granada Studios have teamed up with Print Space, the producers of the successful Lost in Music exhibitions in London to bring us an even bigger and better exhibition celebrating the moments when we got lost in the music.  The images span over six decades and they feature work from Andy Carroll, Matt Squire, Brian Cannon and many more. 

There are photographs of many well known artists including Stone Roses, The Smiths and David Bowie. They also show intimate photos of fans and audience members getting lost in the music.
The exhibition is only on until 20th June, so be quick if you want to see it. It's at Old Granada Studios, Manchester - open daily 12 noon - 7pm, best of all it's free entry.
The venue space is perfect to host the exhibition, I was very exited to visit the Old Granada studios where so many television programs have been filmed. 
The exhibition is in partnership with Scotts Menswear, City Life and Old Granada Studios.

Pictures by Tom Carroll Photography

Why I've been away...

Here I am again with excuses why I haven't been posting. I know, I know, forgive me!
The past couple of months have been really strange, and I'm still in a lot of shock. Last week we lost my lovely Nana. I still can't really believe it. We found out she had cancer just 5 weeks before she passed away, there is so much I want to say to her and thank her for, and now I can't. 
Please please please, make the time count with your loved ones. There is so much I should have said to her in her final weeks but for some reason I was too scared, I didn't want to upset her and probably I didn't want to face the fact that we were losing her, and now it is too late. 
I just wish I could give her one last hug, and say thanks for all the fun times we had when I was growing up. She did so much for my sister and me, she was fantastic.
I am glad she isn't in pain anymore and she is reunited with my Granddad. They had a wonderful 60 years of marriage together before he passed away last November.
So, apologies that I haven't posted in a few weeks, I'll be back with a post soon, I promise!

Update

I haven't done a personal post for a good while, so I thought I would update you all on a few things.  I have a new job! My first job out of uni really wasn't doing it for me, I won't go into it but I really wasn't happy there, but I stuck it out till I found something better and boy, have I found something better now!  It has been exactly a year since I handed in my dissertation - I don't know where that time has gone! I am thinking about publishing it somewhere online. In case you don't know I wrote it about the popularity of Stock, Aitken and Waterman and as I found when I was writing it, there isn't a lot written about them so maybe it could help someone else's research? Please let me know if anyone would like to read it! I just celebrated my 23rd birthday and the lovely Tom took me to Dublin, safe to say I have fallen in love with the whole place! I am already planning when we can go next! We went to the Guinness storehouse, wandered around O'Connell street and Grafton Street and of course drank in almost every pub in Temple Bar. We stayed at the gorgeous Temple Bar Hotel and it was fabulous, it definitely should have more than 3 stars!   Here's a picture of us by the River Liffey after a few pints!

For the past week I have been playing Roisin O's new single non-stop, it is fantastic. Check out the great video below. She is a fantastic talent and deserves all the success, I hope to see her hit the charts in England very soon. 

Gregory Porter | Take Me To The Alley Review - Out 6th May

This Friday (6th May) sees Gregory Porter release his 4th studio album Take Me To The Alley. 
The man in the hat is back with the follow up to his platinum selling album Liquid Spirit, which last year became the most streamed jazz album of all time.  Porter's music and vocal talent has led him to connect with audiences of all ages; he even had hits in the dance world last year with the Claptone Remix of Liquid Spirit, and with the Disclosure track Holding On. The album opens with the original version of Holding On. 
Porter says that some of the inspiration for the record came from the energy the Pope brought to New York when he was visiting New York at the same time Porter was in town making the album. The record has many hints of Porter's religious roots as his Mother was a minister back in his home town of Bakersfield, California. What always stands out on Porter's records is his incredibly smooth vocal, which gets even smoother when he reaches down to his lower vocal register.
This record shows that Porter can sing almost anything, from the upbeat bluesy Don't Lose Your Steam and the groovy French African Queen to the slow ballads More Than A Woman and the title track Take Me To The Alley. Commercial success is very rare for albums released in the jazz genre, but this album is sure to be as successful as his last, maybe even more.
Track Listing 1. Holding On (Gregory Porter/James John Napier/Guy William Lawrence/Howard John Lawrence)
2. Don't Lose Your Steam (Porter)
3. Take Me To The Alley (Porter)
4. Day Dream (Gregory Porter/Craig Dawson)
5. Consequence of Love (Porter)
6. In Fashion (Porter)
7. More Than A Woman (Porter)
8. In Heaven (Darlene Andrews, Gregory Porter’s cousin)
9. Insanity (Porter)
10. Don't Be A Fool (Porter)
11. Fan The Flames (Porter)
12. French African Queen (Porter) Take Me To The Alley is released Friday 6th May on Decca Records. 
Check out this great video of Porter singing Don't Lose Your Steam

 

New Faces | Who's On The Tour?

Tonight sees the New Faces tour hit the Ruby Lounge in Manchester. Here is a little bit of information about each of the artists on the bill.  The Beach
The Beach (real name George Morgan) is one to watch over the next year. His powerful vocals remind me of Tom Odell, but his fascinating melodies make him stand out from the sea of singer-songwriters we have at the moment. 
Watch this great acoustic video of him below. Adam French
This 22 year old comes from Congleton, so tonight's show will be almost a homecoming for him. French has been heavily supported by BBC Introducing and played their stages at Reading and Leeds last year. Check his song Euthanasia out below   Rukhsana Merrise
Rukhsana released her debut EP September Songs last year and it was very well received. She has been supporting James Bay on many of his shows so the New Faces tour is a great opportunity to see her in some small venues.  Listen to the great track So They Say below

Matt Woods
He has just released his debut EP In The Dark. He is actually a classically trained chorister. His music is full of soul and he has a great vocal talent. Matt has a love for vocal harmony, check out his amazing technique below. Tickets can be bought from the Communion Music website - CLICK HERE. 

New Faces Tour

This weekend sees the start of this years New Faces tour from Communion Music - a very highly respected independent promoter and record label. Previous acts on this tour have included Frances, who was shortlisted for the BRITS critics choice award this year and was nominated in this years BBC Sound of poll.  This is a fantastic opportunity to see four fantastic up and coming artists who are definitely ones to watch over the next year.  It begins on Saturday at Liverpool's East Village Arts Club and carries on through next week finishing in Bristol next Saturday.  Stand by for a profile of all the acts.  Here's a taster of what you will hear when you see the show Rukhusana Merrise Matt Woods

Adam French

The Beach

Corinne Bailey Ray | Stop Where You Are

Please check out this stunning new video from Corinne Bailey Ray for her new single Stop Where You Are. 

This song is sure to be a hit, every release of hers is like a breath of fresh air. The song is different to her previous releases Been To The Moon and Green Aphrodisiac as it is in more of a pop, Radio 2 playlist friendly style. Nonetheless the song is still terrific, the poetic lyrics are heavenly and her voice is seraphic. The slow jam vibe when the chorus kicks in really hits you in the heart.  Corrine tweeted about the video -  "I love how my SWYA video gets you to see the beauty in the mundane, the everyday, the concrete" 
As you know her third studio album The Heart Speaks In Whispers is due for release May 13th. Corinne is supporting Lionel Richie on his UK tour in June, I'm sure some more headline shows will be announced soon. She played London's Tabernacle last week, check out the Guardian's review here. Live Shows
(Supporting Lionel Richie)

JUNE

14th – Eden Sessions, St Austell

15th – Eden Sessions, St Austell

18th – Liberty Stadium, Swansea

19th – Eirias Stadium, Colwyn Bay

22nd – Sheffield Arena, Sheffield

25th – Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester

26th – Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester

28th – Manchester Arena, Manchester

29th – Manchester Arena, Manchester

JULY

2nd – The O2, London

3rd – The O2, London

6th – The O2, London

7th – Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

Further Corinne Bailey Rae live shows in the UK

30th April – Live At Leeds (headline)

1st May – Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham

9th June - Cornbury Festival, Oxfordshire

THE WONDER STUFF PLEDGE MUSIC

From Milo: 'As predicted The Wonder Stuff's opportunity at appearing in the official UK album chart this Friday is...
Posted by The Wonder Stuff on Wednesday, 23 March 2016