Stepping outside....

Sooooo it's official. I'm taking a blog vacation. I know I've clearly already started awhile ago but I wanted to official announce it. I had loads of blog posts that I worked on with my mother. Baked loads of goodies and also made lots of things and what have I done? I have made the biggest rookie mistake. I stuck the memory card in my computer and then had left the house. When I got back I thought I had transfered them to my computer so last saturday when Emma and I photographed Fleur and Phil's wedding I formated my memory card and immediately after I clicked format I realized..... I  never actually transfered the images. I actually think I almost cried but, there literally was nothing to be done to fix the problem. The memories just stored in my little brain. 

I want to take some time to really work on content, spend the rest of July catching up on things, spending more time with my husband (who i've been with THREE years tomorrow and whom I've been married to a year next Friday!!!!) 

I'm not leaving for good. I'm just going to step outside for a little bit. 

I'll be back in August. 

Have a  lovely rest of the summer my lovelies. Thanks for always being on the other side of that screen.

xox

Music Mondays

Oh for a minute there, I thought we were in July.

Hello moaning myrtle here. Well, if like me you're fed up of the British weather, I hope the following will bring some cheer on a Monday, to kick start your week with some flippin' good tunes.

Of course, I aim to deliver and if I may say so, this one is a good one. I say that every week don't I! No,  I have some new songs, it may even be the first time you hear them so listen up.

Firstly, a new song I just happened to stumble across via. Twitter and immediately fell in love within the first few seconds. I introduce to you, Anathallo.

1. Anathallo - Italo

Originally hailing from Michigan, the band started practicing in 2000, with their first shows following shortly after. Their name comes from the Greek word, meaning "to renew, refresh or bloom again" rather fitting once you hear their music.

Their first record to receive national acclaim came in 2006, with the band releasing a follow-up Canopy Glow in 2008. However, the current band now consist of a rather different lineup, having rehearsed their songs from within a church they resided in, before recording. The band set about on two headliner national tours before taking a break.

In Italo, Chicago, folk singer-songwriters, Anathallo create a gorgeous rhythmic mashup. The bands harmonies and instrumentals allow the song to build, layer upon layer before building to a breatakingly beautiful climax of strings and vocals.

2. Delilah - Tabitha, Mummy & Me - (Mahogany Session)

There really is nothing better than a live session and the above is definitely a must watch.

Born in 1990 Paloma Stoecker, who records under the name Delilah is a British singer-songwriter. 

Currently signed to Atlantic Records, it was her collaboration with Chase & Status that accelerated her into the public eye. 

Her first solo release Go peaked at number 17 in the UK Charts, sampling Chaka Khan's hit, Ain't Nobody. Having been lucky enough to be picked as none other than Price on his upcoming tour, Delilah has also sang with the likes of Emeli Sande and Maverick Sabre. 

Delilah's debut album From The Roots Up is due for release on July 30th and includes the singles Go, Breathe and Love You So. Her soulful, unique vocals on this live track leave you wanting more and I urge you to listen, right away.

3. Thomas J Speight - River

Having played with the likes of The Staves, landed support slots for Joshua Radin and Mumford & Sons and receiving praise from the legendary Sir Paul McCartney, it's safe to say Thomas J Speight is one to watch.

With a range of well crafted songs, Speight created a somewhat nostalgic feeling within his songs. With a tone reminiscent of Damien Rice, Thomas harmonises perfectly with band member Laura James, creating a sound fuelling comparisons to the likes of Fionn Regan and Ryan Adams.

'River' features Allie Moss on vocals and is a emotive display of lyrics and vocal interplay. The song is taken from Together or Alone EP, released in April and is available for purchase on iTunes.

4. Bombay Bicycle Club - Beg

I have a sneaky suspicion Tanja may like this one... 

Hailing from London, this English indie rock band have been gracing our soundwaves for five years now. Buoyed by vocalist Lucy Rose, it seems a match made in heaven and to be quite frank, they get better with every listen. It's hard to believe that just six years ago, the young band were entered into Virgin Mobile's "Road to V" competition on Channel 4, leading them to land the opening slot of the 2006 V Festival.

Since, the band have released three albums, signed a deal with Island Records, toured and won the Best New Band award at the 2010 NME Awards, not bad hey? 

A year after the release of their highly acclaimed third album, A Different Kind of Fix Bombay Bicycle Club have released the final song from the album tracklisting, Beg. A somewhat fresh approach from the trademark sounds of the past, this groovy, experimental track makes it incredibly hard to sit still and refrain from hitting the repeat button. If only the sun was shining... 

5. XX - Angels 

Now, I have waited for this release for what seems like a long time, the hotly tipped new offering from the XX was released today! Sublime. Sensational. Idyllic. A few words I have used so far to sum it up. Wow.

The English indie band, hailing from London had their first taste of success in 2009, when their single Crystalised was featured as Single of the Week on Itunes. Since, the group have been met with Universal acclaim, with their debut album winning The Mercury Music Prize, being labelled best British and Irish album of the year.

Since, the band have headlined a selection of popular music festivals including Coachella and Lollpalooza. Today, the band announced their new single, via. their website with the following words,

"It's been a long time since we've played you anything new. This song is called 'Angels', it is the first single from our new album, Coexist. We've been playing this song live recently, so it feels good to share with you the version we've been working on for so long. We hope you like it. xx The xx"

With their trademark echoey guitar and soft, haunting vocals, Angels could quite easily have found its place on their first album release, however it only adds to the anticipation and teasing surrounding their second album, Coexis due for release in September.

To leave on a high note, that's all for now folks and I hope you enjoy the above. Have a great week.

Hannah/DaisyDigital

Music Mondays

Welcome back, apologies for missing last week I was away in a muddy field with no signal and completely at one with nature and music! The best!

Anyway, tonight I am back delivering the goods and forgive me if I am wrong but these are flipping fantastic. As I mentioned in an earlier post, although I love all things folk and sublime haunting sounds I do tend to flip over and send some floor fillers your way... well not exactly but let's go.

Ellie Goulding ft. Tinie Tempah - 'Hanging On'

Rhythmically reminiscent of Florence & The Machine's mystical harping, the new demo released on Ellie Goulding's SoundCloud today is definitely one I fancy quite a bit this Summer.
Having seen Ellie live several times I can tell you, this girl is bursting full of musical abilities and I haven't been so excited for an album release since I was about 8 waiting for SClub7...
With a rather fresh, new sound, bassy/electronic backing tracks and experimental vibes, Goulding tweeted, 'Here's the beginning of my new journey' and what a brilliant one that seems to be.

'Hanging On' is a cover taken from the Active Child track, of the same name. However there is no denying Goulding has taken this and left her mark, with her sublime vocals and production. I really can't wait to hear more and who knows, it may be the first release from her new album!

Of Monsters & Men - 'Little Talks'

Back to the ever fabulous folky roots with a bang. This song is just genius and like the above, definitely a wonderful Summer song. It's also safe to say that Iceland are really taking a front seat with their musical talents of late, with the likes of Sigur Ros and this, wonderful up and coming indie folk band.

This six piece band began in 2009 and were later signed in 2011 ahead of the release of their debut album. Having entered Musiktilraunir (Iceland's annual battle of the bands) as a quartet, going on to win the competition, the Icelandic indie-folk band have gone on to stun America and England alike.

Following their win at Musiktilraunir, the band added two more members, collectively displaying outstanding musical ability, the accordian, glockenspril, melodica, drums, soft, sweet vocals, the list really does go on... Since, the band have propelled, attracting global recognition and becoming one of the most talked about bands off the back of their South by Southwest performance. I urge you to check them out, if it's the only thing you do today!


Francois & The Atlas Mountains - 'Edge of Town'

I introduce to you the wonderful, Francois & The Atlas Mountains. It's hard to believe, having arrived in Bristol from France back in 2003, Francois started the search for instruments and people to play music with him through drawing a picture and note announcing his arrival and becoming a regular at the local car boot. It was in 2004 however, he played his first show, charming many hearts about town and later that year, released his debut album, Les Anciennes Flaises. 


In 2005, Francois formed The Altas Mountains with a group of friends, which led them to later tour Europe and the UK, supporting the likes of Adrian Orange and Electrelane. The bands latest album, E VOLO LOVE, was produced in 2010, reflecting both pop and electronica influences throughout. This led to an increased support from France, allowing Francois & The Atlas Mountains to grace festivals and radio waves throughout the country.

Edge of Town is a French single, originally released in 2011 featuring percussive drumming beats, dreamy vocals and heavenly guitar chimes, creating the perfect summer listen.  

Passenger - 'Feather On The Clyde'

Now, hats off to my friend for introducing me to the wonderful work of Passenger. After one listen it's safe to say I was hook, line and sinker. I guess every now and again, a lot of late - an artist comes along and stops you in your tracks, these guys did just that.

Formed in 2003, by Michael Rosenberg and BAFTA award-winning film and TV soundtrack composer, Andrew Philips, Passenger spent three years before releasing two singles in 2006, constantly touring and busking on the streets. Their debut album, Wicked Man's Rest was released in 2007, written over a period of two and a half years. Inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan and Van Morrison, Rosenberg  displayed a rich talent, stripped back with an observant style of writing.

Having toured with the likes of Kate Nash, Scouting for Girls and The Hold Steady, the album is a perfect mix of everything good.

However, it's their 2012 release that's got people even more excited. With his delicate vocals and poignant lyrics and melodies, Mike Rosenberg aka. Passenger has created something exceptionally beautiful through his album release, All The Little Lights, telling a story from song to song. Reaching number 9 in the Australian charts, I predict big things from these guys and urge you to go check them out, right away.




Newton Faulkner - 'Clouds'

With the release of his third album coming today infact, brit nominated acoustic singer-songwriter, Newton is back and sounding so good. Well I am not sure he ever left but I feel he's come back strong as can be and I am so damn happy.

Having previously sold over 1 million albums in the UK alone and his debut album Hands Built By Robots, becoming one of the top 20 biggest selling UK albums of all time, I was expecting a lot from his third album and first single, Clouds. 


However, the result? An album full of imagination and spontaneity. The single, Clouds, in my eyes is the perfect first single release. With a catchy rhythm and Newton's signature sound, I expect it'll be on a lot of Summer playlists this year.


That's all for now folks, hope you've enjoyed and safe flight to the lovely Tanja xx