At such a young age, it's amazing to see just the sort of music she's been able to create. After touring with Lianne La Havas and Bombay Bicycle Club she's playing with the big guns. She still has a long way to go, with many (myself included) anxious with anticipation to hear her debut album (released sometime next year). With such a strong back catalogue, i'm sure she'll be going very far very soon. Rae Morris has a unique and special talent, one I think she'll hold onto for a very, very long time. And you know what? I wish her all the best.

 My latest 'Indie Blues' infused crush has to be the Sheffield based band 'The Fontaines' having immediately charmed me from the first listen. "They're right up my street!" I exclaimed to myself as I hummed along to the catchy saxaphone base of 'Velvet'. That's right, they've got a sax, (getting cooler by the minute, I know). New, young and full of exciting Indie Blues, they band have cited some of their influences as 'Polkadodge' 'The Mayfields' and 'JATO' alongside others. This band well and truly provide hard hitting vocals with punchy beats that will stay with you for days. Catchy and seamless hooks galore, it seems they've created a simply masterful collection of songs perfect for anytime of year. 

Having sprung up late last year, this four-man band consists of Joseph Parsons (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Alex Tood (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Tom Nugent (Bassist/Backing Vocals) and Oliver Clark (Drums/Shouting). The four lads have also been given help from Ellie Rockliff (trumpet) and Jo Woodcock (Saxaphone) *aaaand breathe*. One thing that made me fall even deeper in love with 'The Fontaines' was their inherent sense of who they are. A strong sheffield snarl is clear in all of their music thanks to Joe, and the band seem like really genuine friends-having fun whilst making music that they love. Why wouldn't I back that?

The comfort of an easy listen is consistent in all of their tracks, with my parents even having an odd listen around the house. Suitable for anyone and everyone, 'The fontaines' are sure to go far, having performed a few gigs to their ever supporting, loyal fanbase. I can safely say I have been added to the latter, having danced along to tracks such as 'Velvet' and 'Love is Blind' one too many times to just class myself as someone 'checking out a new band'. If it isn't already clear, I friggin love these guys. Good, honest music backed by hard working guys- they definitely deserve more recognition.  

With the recent release of their EP 'Santiago Skyline' they've graced us with four seamlessly stunning tracks, equally as catchy and loveable as the last. 'Blame it on the Alcohol' is one of my favourites, with the guitar riffs adding something a little bit extra to the track. I really hope these guys get the push they deserve and I think Tom, Joe, Alex, Oliver, Jo and Ellie are going to get really far. Wherever that may be, i'm sure it'll be shittones of fun. 

Ryn, real name Aryn Wuthrich, provides stunning sultry vocals that are able to shine whilst still enhancing her all-star production cast. Michael Angelakos, Benny Blanco & Cashmere Cat all chipped in for this one and it really does show. "Octahate" gives something new to revel in every time that you hit repeat.

 Got your horrifying Halloween costume? Check! Pumpkin carved so that its teeth vaguely resemble the Manhattan skyline? Check! But what’s that I hear you say? You don't have a mind-meltingly awesome Halloween playlist for your party? You don't have a selection of too-ghoul-for-school music to groove to as you pull on your slutty-Chewbacca outfit? Fear not! As we slowly move further into October, we in turn edge closer to Halloween. Oh, Halloween. Everyone's choice time of trick or treating, total terror, and a terrific selection of tunes.

After having somewhat a nostalgic time looking through my old iPod - circa 2007, (Second generation nano - it's a classic) I was enjoying reliving my good ol' tween days. Top of the list was Aly & Aj. Now, for those of you who weren't once a tween girl wishing she were on Disney Channel *ahem, that totally wasn't me* you may not have any idea who the hell they are. Fear not, Aly & Aj are/were an American pop duo formed of sisters (you guessed it!) Aly & Aj Michalka.

"Take Meeee to Churchhh" has been the catchy one-liner running through my house for almost a year now. Still catchy now as it was then, irish singer Hozier's charm never does seem to wear off. The wonderful Fearne Cotton introduced me to this track (cheers babe) after playing on one of her radio shows. I know, I know it's not the summeriest of songs but after listening to the gorgeous vintage hues of his voice, i'm sure you'll understand. Lusty, rugged, and utterly divine, this burgeoning old soul is one to keep an eye on.

Civil Twilight are a four-piece band originating from Cape Town, South Africa. Having started their career as a trio, they soon formed a four man band. I soon discovered that over the coming years, the group spent years practicing  in local church halls and garages, before graduating to the local club scene, becoming a well-respected act.

Civil Twilight have quickly become one of my favourite bands as-of late. Often having a 'One man and his piano' kind of feel to their songs, falling in love with the band wasn't exactly going to be hard.
They have such a gentle, dove-like sound that I can imagine would really appeal to the masses. You could say it's 'purely a man and his piano', but actually, I think it's more than that.
The band have cited some of their musical influences and interests ranging from Oasis to The National. In all honesty i'm surprised I didn't find them sooner, having toured with the likes of some of my favourites, including: Florence + the Machine, Neon Trees, Jimmy Eat World, and Of Monsters and Men, among other dates with The Young Giant.

Having released 2 studio albums, i'd love to say they're both faultless. Their debut, self-titled album will always be one of my favourites. It really pushed them as a group, helping them to really find their own sound. Their haunting tracks, and incredible capacity to enchant just about anyone in under thirty seconds, had me as a fan from the get go. One of my favourite tracks from the band ' Letters from the Sky' was in the Top 10 alternative radio charts for 6 months. If this doesn't tell you something, there's no hope. They have had their songs featured on many TV spots, including One Tree Hill, Terminator, The Vampire Diaries, and Underworld.

I'm still loving their latest album two years on, and I would really encourage you to too! (whoops).







Millie x

With the official start of summer having arrived, I had no doubts that my musical choices for many of my upcoming posts would follow in summery suit. But I even managed to surprise myself with July's obsessions. A large dose of wallowing, relaxing songs with not an upbeat, gleeful tune in sight. As for the elephant in the room, i've been on holiday for a while (it was wonderful) and have been extremely busy, & haven't been blogging as much as i ought to, *Slaps back of hand* - it won't happen again. 
Now that's out of the way, I give you summer's '5 Track Playlist.' 

1. Gabrielle Aplin.  I have come to realise i'm a little late on the wagon here. Toted as a 'female Ed Sheeran' i must have missed a lot. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to English Rain whilst i was on holiday, the album isn't a bold record by any standards, however the gentleness and simplicity of Aplin's melodies is what makes it worth listening to. Her voice is a wash of pastel in a musical cloud of grey. She sings pure, unadulterated lyrics that have surprising impact on those who listen. She sings of loss, and laments on time gone by. Well done Gabs. Favourite Tracks: Keep On Walking, Home, Salvation, Human & November.

Millie x

I've been a fan of David's for around 3 years now, after accidentally stumbling across his music. (This seems to happen a lot). I guess I'm just being selfish not telling anyone about his music. However, out with my selfish ways and on with the magic.
I give you, David Ramirez.

In a society filled with Top 40 tunes and twerking teenagers, a lone singer/songwriter would seem to have his work cut out. This looked to be the case for Austin-based David Ramirez, however he has undoubtedly charmed quite a following. David has released a number of recordings over the past 10 years, spanning 2 full length albums and 3 EP's. My favourite album of his, and his most recent is 'Apologies'.
Ramirez has a growing fanbase and in 2012 we saw Ramirez play over 175 gigs, ranging from large theatres to independent bars. When asked about his fan base, David stated " I've been humbled by the response I've received from people. Not only do they come to a show or two but they seem to be in it for the haul. Touring can be tough, but knowing that people around the country are excited to be a part of my music brings so much joy and meaning to the miles." knowing that david appreciates the time that fans take to support him, is a real nod to the man and artist he really is.
You see the fact of the matter is, David Ramirez isn't like other songwriters. His emotion isn't artificial, his low growl and quiet country sway thoroughly authentic.
Listening to Apologies, I can't help but agree with David when he said the album was personal, but I don't think it was a bad decision on his part. It feels as though we're being given an unequivocal look at the deepest parts of his soul. His country tinged songs are brutally honest, and decidedly beautiful. Armed with only a small band and/or a guitar he grabs hold of you and never lets go exquisitely telling his stories. My favourites from the album are:

1.An Introduction - The track recalls David'd childhood search for God. Ramirez grew up in a christian family and the song holds an almost bitter grudge, without being distinctly anti or pro God. It's my favourite track, and one of my all time favourite songs.  










2. Stick around - Is a beautiful song in which David laments at his inability to hold down roots. With stunning vocals and such a personal insight to david, there isn't room for wrongdoing.







~





3. Find the Light - My last favourite. In fairness I can appreciate the entirety of the album, but this one particularly stands out to me. No one really ever mentions this track and I think it deserves more love. Give it a listen.

The phrase 'A voice beyond their years' is a term I seem to hear more and more frequently with newer, younger artists constantly emerging on the music scene. I'm thinking of the Lorde's, Jake Bugg's and so many other younger artists of today. However, this term bears a completely new meaning when it comes to describing the voice of George Ezra. George, a singer/songwriter born and raised in Bristol, is a abrupt reminder of how looks can be so very deceiving. This fresh faced 20 year-old, surprised us all with a beautifully careworn and soulful voice, unconfined to his youthful disposition. Despite the floppy blonde fringe and a pout many boy bands would be proud of, George Ezra has a voice more fitting positioned on a flannel wearing, guitar strumming, middle aged texan man. Definitely not a sound one would automatically connect with a skinny, fresh faced 20 year old from Bristol. Nonetheless, this never seems to draw away from how natural, and let's not forget how remarkable his vocal talent is.

George Ezra cites Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie as some of his musical influences, and this can be seen through most of his music. George's EP 'Did You Hear the Rain' seems appropriately titled, as the tracks are the perfect 'mooching around inside the house on a rainy day' kind of music. The four-strong collection of folk infused, blues speckled country bliss, George really showcases his vocal ability, and is a sure hit with any fan of the genre. His gravelled voice combined with crooning that has a feeling of warm honey works in a musical friendship, capturing the hearts of even the coldest of critics. Lets face it now, he's hard to fault.


'Budapest' is a stunner for the start of this EP, with my foot subconsciously tapping away at the floor throughout the track. This is paired hand in hand with one of my other favourite tracks 'Benjamin Twine'. These tracks show a definite contrast between the others on the EP, with their upbeat, happier tempos. Moving slowly onward, 'Did You Hear the Rain' presents slightly more gravelled vocals and sinister, threatening lyrics. The track 'Angry Hill' seeps pure grief and lament, without ever having overbearing vocals. George shows an array of musical ability within the EP and I'm sure he has much more planned.

George's EP undoubtedly encompasses everything new and fantastic entering the Country/Folk genre. Whether you like just one track or all of them, i'm sure that your love for George Ezra will grow just as much as mine has.

George is still working on his debut album to be released at a later date, and I have no doubt in my mind that it will be just as good as we're all anticipating.







    Millie x

The Colourist are a 4-person band from Orange County in the wonderful USA. Led by singer/guitarist Adam Castilla, and vocalist/drummer Maya Tuttle, they are also joined by Kollin Johannsen on guitar and bass and Justin Wagner on bass and keys. This awesome foursome present an unblemished bit of talent combined with some beautifully placed melodies, tied together with a sharp electro base. The Colourist first stumbled upon one another in an underused warehouse in Orange County, where Adam and Maya discovered the 'harmonic chemistry that has come to define the bands bright and charismatic signature sound.'

Their polished tracks immediately captivated me in a way I hadn't been for a while. Listening to 'We Won't Go Home' I was bopping along within minutes. This by far is my favourite track, followed by 'Fix This'. The track 'We Won't Go Home', has some electrifying guitar riffs and stunning vocal work from both Maya and Alex. I must say though- Maya has impressed me the most. It's rare to find a drummer with the ability she possesses, yet is still able to harmonise nearly every note so perfectly. She pulls off with such effortless supinity, showing she can easily keep up with the boys. Although 'We Won't Go Home' is slightly repetitive it does make it all the more catchy.

The Colourist have performed some incredible gigs for such a new band. Their current track record includes supporting  well known bands such as The Wombats and Metric, as well as playing Coachella. Their indie pop vibe has had me wowed, and quite frankly? it seems it's had the same effect on everyone else that's listened to the band. I'm glad that their fanbase is growing, why wouldn't people enjoy their flawless dance pop? and if they say that they don't like a little bit of dance pop they're most likely lying, and you my friend, don't need that kind of negativity. The Colourists fans are in love with their fusion of dance indie pop, never failing to wow. They're a gem for any fan of the genre.
The Colourists 'Lido' EP left me desperate for more of the bands recordings. With only four songs to it, they still managed to show off their vocal and musical ability, laced with hooks, riffs and lyrics that still leave you breathless. (Though i'm not sure if thats from the dancing, Trust me you'll want to dance.) Adams vocals are the at forefront of the bands songs with Maya's being more hushed. I personally think this works well for the group, letting the instruments do their thing, and combining to make a dream of a record. The debut album coming from these guys is going to be stunning.

I cannot wait for their rise in the future, and i'm pretty sure they'll go far on their own. Here's to their success and I wish them all the best.