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.







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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