Ed Sheeran @ The O2 12.10.14

Ed Sheehan is uniquely talented. He stood on that O2 stage in front of 20,000 people and commanded the stage only armed with his voice, loop pedal and guitar; a fate which few others could achieve. The crowd hanged of every word and knew every note to every song. Ed's easy going nature and interaction with the crowd made it feel like a local small town gig as opposed to one of the biggest venues in the UK; with the continuous backing vocals from the crowd being the only clue to how many people were watching. 

There are few people you talk to who say they do not like Ed Sheeran- he is one of the few artists in the world that my University Flat all agree on listening too, which is a challenge considering everyone has different music tastes. I think it is the mixture of slow and up-tempo songs; which people can relate too as well as, his image of being 'normal'. He is one of the biggest artists in the world, but he has never lost his natural image. He is not 'cool' or unrelatable, you can imagine meeting him down the pub or being one of your friends; and he continues this attitude throughout all his gigs. Chatting to the crowd, laughing at his own jokes and encouraging a sing-a-long so epic that he wants you to go home 'without a voice.' 

A mixture of tracks from both albums '+' and 'X' meant a continuous change and variety in the setlist. I love hearing the build up of tracks as he adds more guitar and vocals, as well as tracks you normally wouldn't hear such as 'Gold Rush and the mash up of 'Don't' and 'No Diggity'.  I would have loved to have heard his cover of Snow Patrols 'Chasing Cars' but, I am sure the YouTube covers do it all the justice in the world. 

I would also like to congratulate Saint Raymond on actually gaining the attention of the crowd, the biggest challenge for any opening act. I had looked up a couple of tracks before the gig and he is defiantly an artist that I am going to keep my eyes open for in the future and add to my Spotify playlist. 

I travelled all the way back home to London to see Eddy and boy he did not disappoint; seeing everyone's pictures from him still touring the UK is making me insanely jealous. Let me know what your favourite Ed Sheeran song is and let me know if you've seen any other blog posts of him, I would love to read them! 

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Fall At Your Feet- Saint Raymond 

Top Ten Festival Tips

Festival season in the UK is officially upon us! Isle of Wight has been and gone and Glasto is this weekend so here are my top ten tips for first time festival goers.

1. Be prepared. The week before your festival keep checking online for the stage set times and print yourself off a copy for all stages and days. This way you can pre-plan your favourite acts, ensuring that you don't miss any of the key artists and make the most of every minute! Highlight your day plan for each day, which avoids any band clashes or last minute arguments with your friends; enabling you to just move with the spirit of the festival as opposed to running around like a headless chicken. Also, this stops you having to buy the expensive landyards.  

2. Toiletries. This is lame but vital. Face the facts you are probably not going to be washing for 3 days but, don't worry it's defiantly not as bad as it seems. Remember everyone is in the same boat as you and girls if you're worried about greasy hair then don't fret. I went with girls with all hair colours, lengths and washing routines ie. normally wash every day, every other day, twice a week and surprisingly all our hair provided and got into the festival spirit! I honestly believe that the sweat from gigs and dry shampoo being our best friends actually meant pretty fresh hair. Also, girlies make sure you pack femfresh- you may have never heard of this but I swear to god it will revolutionise your life and keep your lady garden as fresh as a daisy. 

3. Florescent paint is the way forward in fixing your face. If you're looking a bit tired after a couple nights of partying and sleeping in a tent this will brighten your face up a treat. And let's be honest who doesn't enjoy ultimately slapping paint on your face and a festival is the only time you can walk around with bright weird patterns without anyone giving you a second glance. 

4. Be Spontaneous. Go and see artists that you have never heard of because those can honestly be some of the funniest times. Pick a name that sounds interesting or just stay at a stage after an act you've actually planned to see. Listening to an artist live is one of the best ways to find new music you love. Alternatively if you hate the sound of the act you're listening to whether it's pop or heavy metal either simply leave the tent or go mad dancing or mucking about but, 9 times out of 10 you will probably find some new music that you love. 

5. Take a bum bag, fanny pack, whatever you want to call it, these are a necessity! In normal society and the fashion world these may be as frowned upon as socks and sandals but, it is the epitome of festival fashion; with it a hundred percent being the norm. You cannot be carrying round a heavy rucksack because by the end of the day you will have a broken back, have been unable to bust out some dance moves and also sadly more than likely have your stuff stolen. And as hard as it is for me to say this, being a girl who carries around the kitchen sink in her hand bag, in the arena you can fit everything you need in a bum bag- a little bit of money, a camera and maybe a little lip gloss 

6. Stay hydrated! This was one of my worries before going to a festival as I guzzle water like it's going out of fashion but, never fear these festival organisers know what they're doing! Don't keep splurging on water as there are taps all around the arena where you can fill up your bottles up for free. Simple and easy! 

7. 'Embrace' festival fashion! Don't be nervous with what you're going to wear, it's defiantly different to normal. Obviously make sure it's comfy and weather appropriate (always take wellies and a rain mac) but don't be scared to be flamboyant or show a little more skin than usual- I wore shorts and a crop top which I would never dream of doing in everyday life! Get in the crazy sunglasses and headbands to wear and don't fear if you cannot find any on the high street as there are plenty of stalls inside the gates to cater for your every needs 

8. Take a camera, whether it’s a digital or disposable and snap away like there is no tomorrow. You will want to remember your festival experience for the rest of your life. Pictures are the best way to keep these moments in your mind so take them in camp, in crowds, with strangers or even inside the First Aid tent as I found out; because you will defiantly laugh when you look back on them.

9. Plan. If you’re worried or anxious about going to a festival because you don’t know the ins and outs then don’t fret. Firstly, remember that the majority of the people attending are also newbies and generally the festival scene is one of the friendliest environments around. You will find your feet pretty fast once you arrive, with there being plenty of staff and volunteers to help you out if you have any questions. Before leaving home check out the ‘Info’ section which can be found on festival websites. It will defiantly put your mind at ease as well as, giving you all the do’s and don’ts.

10.Embrace it!! This is the most important and simplest tip but, just get involved. A festival is the same as everyday life and is going to be as good as you make it! Obviously stay safe but, go wild and have fun. Make festival friends that you will probably never see again, dance like no one is watching and sing until you lose your voice.

I hope these are helpful to you guys! Attending Reading Festival last year was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and I am so gutted that I cannot go this year when the line-up is so unbelievable. I shed a little tear every time someone mentions Blink-182, Arctic Monkeys, Paramore and You Me At Six all playing over the same weekend.  Ask any other questions you have in the comments and I’ll see if I can answer them and let me know your favourite concert or festival memories as I love hearing about other people’s experiences.

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the Week: Ed Sheeran’s Album ‘X’ 

Where We Are Tour

Friday night was so wrong yet so very right! I went and watched the biggest boy band in the world, One Direction and to be honest with you it was bloody brilliant. 

I have always had an interest in 1D, I think I'm fascinated by the phenomenon! The boys, fandom and evolution intrigues me. I would love to find out what Niall, Harry, Liam, Louis and Zayn actually feel about their success and now that I'm part of a 'teenage fandom' under 5 Seconds of Summer, I now realise the community created by a common interest in music (when the fandom is being nice) and the pure joy it can bring! 

As you know if you're returning to my blog, I love a live gig! My friends are fans of 1D and I always thought that the atmosphere at their concert would be pretty epic. This combined with the fact that my loves, 5 Seconds of Summer, are the supporting act during the Where We Are Tour meant that on a revision break whim a couple of weeks ago we cracked and bought tickets. 

So let's get crack a lacking on talking about this concert! 5sos get better and better every time I see them, I may be a little biased but I cannot wait until they release their debut self-titled album. In my green standing zone I was the only one going mental for their set, but don't worry guys I did not give up! I danced and sang like there was nobody watching, with it making me so happy that this is the third time I've seen them live since November; especially before they become major, major rock stars! 

The main act, One Direction you cannot fault as performers in my opinion. They know how to work that crowd, hit those notes and make it feel like they are singing those world famous hits directly to you.  For their first stadium tour they did not hold back on the fireworks and confetti cannons, with great staging for the whole crowd to get involved. Their much loved banter between each other and the fans was ever present; to make a pretty fulfilling show on all accounts. 

I'd heard a lot about directioners at concerts but, with a couple of exceptions I was really impressed. The girls around me where calm and respectful, with unnecessary screaming kept to a minimum with them being complete absorbed by the chaps singing.

However, I have to say that the energy of the crowd has been far better at Reading festival and You Me At Six concerts for example. There was dancing and jumping on a couple of tracks but generally everyone seemed to be very focused on videoing the performance or being transfixed by, those lads undeniably beautiful faces. I can completely understand that after paying so much for a ticket that you want to have all the memories to reminisce but, I'm a firm believer in embracing the moment and to fully enjoy a concert you have to party!! 

I am hundred percent pleased that I went Friday night though! It was a brilliant stress relieve and One Direction I think deserve more credit than they get from the outside world! Since the X-Factor they have ultimately conquered the world and worked continuously to get where they are; with their voices improving drastically and their desire to be song writers ever increasing! I'm also stoked that 'when I'm old and grey' I can say that I went to see the biggest boy band of my generation! What's the best concert you've been to and what's your view on 1D? 

Peace Out My Lovelies x 

Track of the week: Friends- Eliza and the Bear 

You Me At Six: Cavalier Youth Tour

YOU.ME.AT.SIX... I have no words after seeing them on the 5th of April; because in a quick summary they were flaming brilliant! 

The atmosphere was electric with the sweaty crowds enthusiasm in Ally Pally being comparable to Reading Festival! We had people on each other's shoulders and shirts off! There were mosh pits, surges and jumping beyond belief, with a crowd that I don't think could get any better! A highlight has to be when the whole crowd crouched down on the floor ready to jump- just picture 10,4000 people squished like mushrooms on the floor- 

insanity I tell you! 

Personally I think one of the key reasons why this is perhaps one of my favourite gigs ever is the support acts, Young Kato and Don Broco. I was so excited to see Don Broco and you could tell the crowd was too, with the lads controlling the crowd from the moment they walked on stage; a huge rarity for support bands. For me this meant I wasn't just there to see one act but instead two of my

favourite bands! OLAY

YMAS' setlist had the right combination of old and new songs, meeting the crowds demands and needs, with a nice couple of glitter cannons thrown into the mix too! The crowd knew every word, to every song- I don't think we even needed Josh to sing the words, we could have powered on with Dan, Matt, Max and Chris playing the sweet music. 

The combination of a brilliant setlist, an energetic crowd and a band as great as You Me At Six equaled a phenomenal evening!!

Peace Out My Lovelies xx 

Song of the week: You Wanna Know- Don Broco 

5 Seconds of Awesome

I don’t mean to be dramatic but, last night I think I danced and laughed not only my socks but, probably my shoes off as well. Yes, it was the evening I have been looking forward to and that is… *drum roll please*… the 5 Seconds of Summer gig at O2 Academy Shepherd’s Bush Empire and dam they did not disappoint- like they ever would, honestly don’t be so cynical *cough* still patiently waiting for their debut album *cough.* If you guys don’t know who they are then I’m disappointed in you *disapproving head shake* but, here is a blog post from November when I saw them in Camden which gives a little overview of the life of 5sos: http://gilly15.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/5-seconds-of-summer.html

My own picture, yes you could call me a professional

Now if my excessive use of stage directions were not enough of a giveaway, I had a rather fab time with my best buds making stupid jokes on the tube, in McDonalds and at the venue before singing and dancing our little hearts out to a pretty snazzy set list. We were treated to the old classics and by old I mean having been out for just over a year because remember these Aussie lads are still the new kids on the block. As well as, new songs from the She Looks So Perfect EP *screams with excitement* which were honestly on a completely different scale of greatness and not forgetting two of their famous covers! (Teenage Dreams and  What I Like About You)

A picture to prove my excitement over a bloody cup

Not only was the set list strong but, so was every other aspect from hair game to the atmosphere. The crowd was ready to go as soon as the opening act, Mike Dignam, sang his opening note and was electric for the rest of the evening, with the 5SOS fam even knowing the words to the new songs! I may have only seen their four little faces from a distance, because boy was the crowd formed by some of the tallest girls in London, but they looked like they were enjoying the show just as much as we were! And if this was not enough excitement for one evening I got a Lego Movie Cup from McDonald’s which perhaps tipped my enthusiasm levels slightly over the edge (my sincerest apologies to anyone who was in the same carriage as me on the train because in hindsight I am aware that I was yelling the whole evening but, at least you gained a plot synopsis of The Lego Movie and my Driving Lesson hey!)

Although I had a grand old time unfortunately I am now in that stage of post-concert blues where I am sat in bed curled up like a toasty burrito and where by a trillion episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, The Musketeers or Mr Selfridge cannot solve the emptiness left after a gig. But, we shall all have to troop on with our lives and wait until next month to see You Me At Six *begins to smile like a Cheshire cat.* Nonetheless, in order to see me through this tough month of no live music and not knowing when I’m going to see the lads live again, if any of you have any good recordings from Shepard’s Bush (03.03.14) please send them over in my direction because I will receive them with open arms!

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

PS. My reference to ‘lads’ means 5 Seconds of Summer but, obviously in my mind we are best friends so can talk like that

She Looks So Perfect Music Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I

Blog Writing Song of the Week: Naïve by The Kooks- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OaNh69u1mQ

'Music speaks what cannot be expressed'

I’ve finally got round to updating my iTunes and Spotify library instead of just listening to the Radio or the same old music. I am super excited to listen to some of my favourite artist’s albums everyday because I feel I’ve been missing out for so long! It’s a job that’s been on the bottom of my to-do list for months and I finally had time to organise my collection.

My first port of call was ‘Days Are Gone’ by Haim. I loved the sound of them from the moment I heard their first single. They’re songs you can wiggle your hips too and it’s so unique to have 3 girls playing instruments and writing their own songs. I feel sassy after listening to their album, without having to turn to the Pop divas of the world.

Next was the one and only Arctic Monkeys, I was amazed at how many songs I knew from their album ‘AM’ when I looked at the track list. Throughout 2013 I wasn’t that fused by their up and coming album but, its constant Radio play and my friends obsessions have defiantly got to me. It’s a great album to listen to in the car or while doing work, the beat gives you a solid drive!

Last weekend I re-discovered Ed Sheeran’s EP’s on Spotify and fell in love with his music all over again. You can see how his sound has matured from ‘Loose Change’ to ‘+’ and makes me even more determined to see him in October! All of his songs never get old and I can listen to them onto repeat. He also seems like a really nice guy, this obviously has no relation to his musical ability but it makes me like him that much more. His Tweets and Instagram’s are hilarious!

While I was busy downloading new music I also took this opportunity to create and shuffle some of my favourite playlists- never say I do a job half-heartedly- I nearly have a playlist for all occasions.  One of my favourites is my ‘I’m a strong independent women’ playlist- containing power songs from Queen B, Little Mix (‘Move’ is my jam), Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry- which is perfect for when indie lyrics are not working their magic and you need a lift to be that sassy women that is inside all of us. Then I have a ‘Movie and Disney playlist’, this just reminds me of school completely with all my friends being Disney whores! Play me Mulan, Lion King or High School Musical and I’m your girl.  Then there is the inevitable ‘Sunset’ playlist, which is perfect for train or bus journeys home, with some nice slow songs for you to reflect including Michael Buble, Adele and Mike Dignam. But, I think my favourite playlist is ‘Soul Sisters’ which is a collection of my favourite songs, most of which from a couple of years ago, that I often forget about because I don’t have a whole album from this artist. I would honestly recommend this to anyone because it’s made me listen to some of my favourite songs regularly! Mine includes Boys Like Girls, My Chemical Romance, Busted, Metro Station, Black Kids and The All-American Rejects.

Then I made a couple of playlists on Spotify consisting of artists like Vance Joy, American Authors and Half Moon Run, so I can listen to their albums before making my opinion of them and the huge commitment of spending my cash. I’ve found this a great and easy way to listen to a ‘new’ artist and is so much easier than YouTube.

Last, but certainly not least, one of my favourite bands, You Me At Six, released their new album today titled ‘Cavalier Youth’. I’ve been listening to it the whole time I’ve been typing this blog post and I’m loving what I’m hearing so everyone go check them out! *winks in a persuasive manor*

When I was falling asleep last night I tried to work out how many hours of music I listen to in a day out of choice ie. Not just randomly in a shop and figure that the minimum amount on an average day is 4 and a half hours. That’s a lot of music and is proof of my obsession; I have songs that remind me of a memory as much as pictures do! What’s your favourite artist or song? Any suggestions of people I should check out?

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx 

The 1975

What other way is there to deal with the doom and gloom of January and finish the first week of school with? Going to a gig of course! I with a stack of friends, trundled along the whole Victoria Line to see The 1975 at the Brixton O2 Academy and boy they didn’t disappoint, nor did the venue for that matter.

 It was nice to see this breakthrough act of 2013 properly in concert. I went and had a listen at Reading, and it was only a listen at that because I was ten rows outside the actual tent; showing how popular they have become. The crowd was loving the constant switch of sound The 1975’s set provides and was continuously bobbing along and swaying those hips! The support acts where pretty dandy too including Swim and Alice Wolf. A nice part of the set was when Max Heely went up to the seating area and you could hear everyone up their fangirl and obviously feeling the reaction of everyone to the hits such as Girls, Chocolate and Sex. 

 This was the first time I had been to the Brixton Academy and it was such a beautiful venue but, the best thing is the slopping floor. It meant wherever you stand there is an awesome view of the stage, even if you’re as unfortunate as me and always end up standing behind some 6ft guy. Also, because it’s an O2 venue if you’re an O2 customer you get instant entry with 3 friends, cancelling out the hours of queuing required for most standing gigs, with the added bonus of free cloakroom with priority moments. This was defiantly an example of simple pleasures in life because I was buzzing about these privileges.

 Every time I see a new act in concert or attend a new venue, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I’m finally broadening my London knowledge and can feel my confidence growing in discovering the world! So don’t be scared about going somewhere you don’t know, take the leap of faith because you’ll be sure to have a great time! So go book or plan an adventure people- preferably a gig- because that’s the best type of adventure! 

 Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

5 Seconds of Summer

This week has been a good week. How often do you actually say that? Never right. There is always something that ruins your mood or the highlights of the week. But, this week I can truly say has been amazing.

The main reason for this was because I got to let out my inner fan girl seeing the beautiful boys that are 5 Seconds of Summer, on Wednesday at Koko, Camden. I’ve been waiting since July for this show and they did not disappoint! Now, if you don’t know who they are here is a little summary…

They are four teenagers from Sydney, Australia who started out by uploading videos on YouTube. Luke, Calum, Ashton and Michael then came to London to begin writing their album early this year and then got asked to support One Direction on the Take Me Home Tour, so have spent the year travelling the world and perfecting their stage performance while still writing their album. Now please bear in mind they are not a boy band like One Direction and are similar to All Time Low in their music, playing their own instruments and writing their own songs. But, defiantly have the personalities and beautiful faces that I have to admit One Direction do possess.

So these boys, are yet to officially realise any music in the UK (they’ve had an EP in Australia) but, have over 10 original songs which they have released on YouTube or in concert making it an amazing show. Koko was an awesome venue, with different levels, allowing you to choose where to stand and a beautiful décor. The crowd was also awesome, everyone truly wanted to be there, knowing every word, dancing like mad and behaving themselves, making an amazing atmosphere.  The fact, that no one has their songs on an album and this was their first own major show in the UK and that everyone knew the words, you could tell how 5sos couldn’t quite believe it, even though they all have over a million twitter followers.

And if their remarkable show wasn’t reason enough to make this week great, I got tickets on pre-sale to see them in April again- woop woop! So going to the show knowing I was going to see them again asap and when they might have hopefully released their album (I live in hope) was awesome. Then last but, defiantly not least I got You Me At Six tickets Friday morning, leading me to do a complex celebratory dance in the middle of Geography! You Me At Six and 5 Seconds of Summer are my favourite bands in the world and the night that they both announced tour dates literally ten minutes apart nearly pushed me over the edge in fan girl mode. Now if you haven’t already noticed live music is honestly one of my favourite things in the world, so to buy two concert tickets and go to a gig made it an unforgettable week. So now I am not only counting down the days to Christmas and The 1975 in January but, the rest of 2014 too!

Hope you all had as much fun, Peace out my lovelies xxx