Music Mondays

Hi there. It's Hannah again. So it's time for another Music Monday feature and I am a little excited for this one. I hope you guys like it. This weekend I went to see a great trio, 'The Staves'. Having seen them twice already, I regularly find myself trawling their youtube account. The other week I found an absolute treat and today I am going to share it with you.

So, as I mentioned to Tanja, today is Communion themed. Now, I figure you may be a little confused. Let me explain... Communion was formed in 2006, here in the UK by Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons), bassist Kevin Jones and producer Ian Grimble. It is a brilliant artist led organisation and combines live promotions, records, production and publishing, enabling a hub for songwriters and musicians alike to develop in the music industry.

It just so happens that Communion has released tracks from five of my favourite artists and whats more, I've seen them all live and they're equally flipping brilliant. So today I am going to explain a little bit about who they are/what they do and then leave you with a video, in my eyes - the best jamming session I ever did see. Here goes... Folk in all its glory.

1. Michael Kiwanuka - Lasan

Having supported Adele in 2011, Michael was included in the prestigious and highly acclaimed BBC Sound of 2012 poll and was named winner this year. His tender yet powerful, husky tones are noticeably influenced by legends such as Bill Withers and Otis Redding. A wonderfully captivating and  atmospheric live act who is often accompanied by a band, including percussion, guitar and keys giving off a great jazzy vibe. However, in contrast Michael has the ability to enthral an audience with just his guitar. The track, titled 'Lasan' is featured on Kiwanuka's debut album, 'Home Again' and is a collaboration between The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and Michael.

2. Daughter - Landfill

Experimental folk duo, Elena Tonra on vocals teams up with Igor Haefeli her boyfriend, lending his hand on guitar. The sound is haunting, moody yet atmospheric. Much like the above, Daughter are a great live act, with many unique and experimental traits setting them apart from many other bands of the industry. The Wild Youth EP is available for download now.


3. The Staves - 'Pay us No Mind'

The love child, or three for that matter of Fleet Foxes and Laura Marling. Hailing from Watford, three certainly in the magic number, in this case anyway. The steady interplay amongst their idyllic voices, is effortlessly beautiful. 'Pay Us No Mind' is taken from their current EP, 'Motherlode' and effectively makes use of smooth strumming sounds of both guitar and drums mixed with the harmonies of all three sisters.


4. Ben Howard - Only Love 

English singer songwriter Ben is polished to the point of perfection. His individual style of strumming, singing and jamming with his band builds an exceptional atmosphere. It's brilliant to see him riding a wave of new found success and especially nice to see him having grown from strength to strength in all aspects of both his vocal ability and presence on stage. 'Only love' comes from his debut album, 'Every Kingdom'.




5. Matthew & The Atlas - 'Come Out of The Woods'

Typically Mumford esque yet with their own, extremely unique style and oh that voice, as high as can be but yet so magical and touching, leaving any crowd in complete awe. A somewhat enchanting combination of vocals and instruments from lead singer - Matthew Hegarty, Harrison Cargill on the banjo and Emma Kraemer on violin, transporting the listener to a magical land. Without a doubt, one of the most exciting and upcoming folk bands.

Lastly but by no means least, the greatest jam. Imagine if some of the above collaborated...
Well you need not imagine... here it is. 'Over The Hill' featuring The Staves, Michael Kiwanuka & Ben Howard. Enjoy x