Well, they were and they definitely will be: The Lumineers
The
folkrock band from Denver, USA existing of Wesley, Jeremiah and Neyla
is taking over festivals and hit charts world wide ever since their
single 'Ho Hey' came out. As with hit charts in other countries,
they were introduced to the most of the Dutch audience by 3fm radio. A
very small part of the country already knew the single through the HBO
series 'Hart of Dixie', one of my personal favorites.
Their
melodies and lyrics take me to summer, fields of flowers, a garden
party with your closest friends and family or to a small lake on a sunny
day. Their, self-titled, debut album contains thirteen original songs
that will cheer your up, even more so when you see them live! You should
definitely go see them if you have the chance. Ever since I found their
music, I really believe that music is an emotional thing.
Listen and be inspired!
I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart - Ho Hey
Be in my eyes, be in my heart - Flowers in your hair
Even the way you move, I won't close my eyes. Because it takes a man to live, it takes a woman who can compromise - Flowers in your hair
You told me I was like the dead sea, you'll never sink when you are with me - Dead sea
It's better to feel pain, than nothing at all, the opposite of love's indifference - Stubborn love
The Lumineers will perform at the HMH in Amsterdam at the 18th of November
It's finally here! It's May, we have great weather and some of us already have holiday plans. Since we always want to look our best, even without having our entire wardrobe with us, here are your summer essentials.
1.
When you are backpacking or simply don’t want to carry a suitcase all
the time, a backpack is ideal. Especially when it’s as pretty as this
one. Backpack – Herschel 2. Summer means bare feet! For those
sporadic moments when you really need to wear something, wear cute
sandals or flip-flops. Sandals – Hippie market Ibiza 3. You want to
tame your wild manes but you’re on a camping sight. No worries! This
baby is cordless and works on energy cells. Cordless straightener –
Braun
4. You’ll be your fashionable self on the beach, even on budget. Strapless bikini – H&M 5.
Summer temperatures ask for summer colors, this one here works in all
situations. When you’re already tan or still getting there, it’s always a
success. Coral pink nail polish – Kiko 6. In between the shopping,
partying and sightseeing you’ll need some relaxation. Take some time on
the beach, just tanning and reading. If you were a fan of Eat Pray Love
you should really read the follow up. Committed: a love story –
Elizabeth Gilbert 7. A great scent for summer. Lovely flowers but not too heavy. Perfume Daisy – Marc Jacobs 8. Not into reading that much? Tanning and a summer playlist are a great combination as well. Grouplove - Tongue Tied Maroon 5 – Lucky Strike Rita Ora – Party and Bullshit Keep your head up – Ben Howard Go Outside – Cults The Late Great Cassiopia – The Essex Green Klangkarussell – Sonnentanz Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharell Williams – Blurred Lines Daft Punk and Pharell Williams – Get Lucky Major Lazer – Watch out for this 9.
With a summer tan there is no need for a lot of make-up. Add a little
mascara and this great in-between for a gloss and lipstick and you are
done. Chubby Stick ‘Two Ton Tomato’ – Clinique 10. If your skin tone
is light, you probably won’t get that great tan without some
preparation. Make sure you use a good sunscreen, preferably a higher SPF
for your face, to avoid sunburn. Sunscreen SPF 25 – Kruidvat
11.
The easiest protection for your eyes are some great looking sunglasses.
Literally easy on the eyes in both ways. Sunglasses – Carrera 12. Warm yourself with a soft sweater on chilly evenings. Aztec print sweater – Pull and Bear 13.
And for those evenings that you rather go out, take a clutch with you.
This little thing is big enough for all necessary items. Clutch –
Forever 21 14. Making memories and putting them in print. For
everyone with limited budget and packing space, this one is ideal. Not
too expensive, not too complicated but still with all possibilities.
Digital camera – Sony Cybershot 15. Carry your favorite drink with you anywhere in style. Hip flask – Urban Outfitters 16.
Last but not least, to actually start your holiday it would be nice to
be able to enter the country. Don’t forget a valid passport!
And besides that don’t forget some good friends, a good mood and a great smile. Enjoy your holidays!
Well jeez Louise a love roulette
Yeah we got good times rolling in a red corvette
You and me in silhouette
We're gonna hip shake escape
Do the things we never dared
So I've seen some great bands and planned to visit some that I haven't told y'all about!
Myself and eight friends went to Rock Werchter festival, a music festival in Belgium from June 30th until July 3rd.
It was my first time to do a complete festival including the camping for a week and everything that goes with that. I expected it to be a challenge since I must admit, I'm quite vain.
Luckely there is such a thing as a cordless straightener! Really? Yes, really. I bought one from Braun with gass patterns and it was perfect to complete my festival look with decent bangs.
We had a great time together hanging out but of course the bands were a great contribution.
Linkin Park, Queens of the Stone age, Anouk, Seasick Steve, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Ke$ha, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, The Pretty Reckless, The Black Eyed Peas, Iron Maiden, Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian were definitely on our to-see list.
Since Rock Werchter was the last time I've seen live music performance I decided it was time for a new concert schedule.
September 9th - Paramore tribute concert, Hilversum
September 18th - Breda Barst festival, Breda
September 24th - Go Back To The Zoo, Tilburg
December 9th - 100 Monkeys, Amsterdam
I can't wait to see Go Back To The Zoo again and to see 100 monkeys!
Hopefully I will be able to add some more shows to my schedule soon, ideas and recommendations are very welcome!
Especially when it comes to female rock bands if you ask me.
Throwing their hair around while playing, wearing heels and skirts, electric guitars. It just looks sexy and also important, it sounds really good.
Guitarist Allison Robertson has been a role model to me for quite a while now. She's super talented, beautiful en has great style.
Name: Allison Robertson Date of birth: August 26, 1979
Nationality: American
Instrument: Guitar
Band: The Donnas
About a year ago I discovered the band Les Plastiscines, but until a few days ago I never really looked at the band members individually.
Luckely I finally did because I've got another girl to add to my little list of role models. Louise Basilien.
Name: Louise Basilien
Date of birth: October 4th, 1988*
Nationality: French
Instrument: Bass
Band: Les Plastiscines
(If I'm correct)
Both she and Allison have a style that's casual but looks so good.
Think of short leather boots, skinny jeans or ripped up leggings, a flannel shirt or simple top with a wide cardigan and scarf, wild hair and minimal make-up. Sounds easy but not everyone can pull this look off.
And then the hair. Bangs, regular of side bangs both dark hair although Allison likes to change to blond every once in a while. And it's always a little wild.
Wish I had that look.
I must admit that when it comes to haircolor, I'm always off with the regular 'rule': blond in the summer, darker in the winter. I do change haircolor but whenever I feel like which often results in blond hair in the winter and darker in the spring. Luckely it doesn't seem that Allison is loyal to the fashion rule either so I'm okay.
But what is not okay is my haircut, it isn't really anything at the moment. Allison and Louise inspired me so I will be visiting the hair dresser tomorrow, exciting!
Even though I don't have one myself, I love tumblr!
Just looking at all these cool pictures that people collect, makes me happy and it inspires me for my blog or shopping missions.
Maybe you'll like these too.
A while ago I decided I should blog about every concert I went to.
Since I've already cheated but still have some cool pictures and stories to share, this is an all including blog on the most recent shows.
The title is a bit stolen from the band Jaywalkers, it's one of their songs and since I did actually meet a few people it's fitting!
February 28th
Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
Maroon 5
For the birthday of my sister Anouk we bought tickets to see Maroon 5. They hadn't been to The Netherlands in a very long time and since the three of us all liked the music and of course Mr. Levine himself, we decided this would be a fun 'sisters night out'.
Sara Bareilles, support act, warmed us up with a few of her early songs such as 'Love song', songs of her new album but also the covers 'Yellow' from Coldplay and 'Fuck you' from Cee-Lo. She really got the crowd going.
I bought her first album when I was in the USA and actually forgot about it for a while now, but this show reminded me what a great artist she is.
Then it was time for Maroon 5!
Their live performance was amazing, even though you expect a certain quality I was still surprised by how good Adams voice was and the band. They easily switched from one of the songs to amazing solo's in between.
And let's be honest... they are really easy on the eyes.
We also had a little sing-along during 'She will be loved' and the beginning of the clip is funny.
Setlist
Misery
If I Never See Your Face Again
Harder to Breathe
Give a Little More
The Sun
Never Gonna Leave This Bed
Secret / What's Love Got to Do With
Let's Stay Together (Al Green cover)
She Will Be Loved
Wake Up Call
Stutter
This Love
Encore:
Makes Me Wonder
Sunday Morning
You know that feeling when you are annoyed by all the girls that scream and almost throw themselves at the stage? I do.
But do you also know the feeling when you realize you are screaming just as bad? Unfortunately, I do know that one too now haha. Great show!
March 15th
Melkweg, Amsterdam
KT Tunstall
KT's show was opened by Pictish Trail, a young guy from Scotland making groundbreaking music and who also manages a small record label with a friend.
He played a few songs for us, (just him, a guitar and a synthesizer) some more melancholic than the other but pretty.
He also made an album with 50 songs of only 30 seconds each, hilarious songs.
The man himself was pretty hilarious too, he should start a theater tour combining music with jokes.
More info about him is on this link to his Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/pictishtrail
Then it was KT's turn. I've been a fan of her music for some years now and already loved the albums 'Eye to the telescope' and 'Drastic Fantastic' but then 'Tiger Suit' came out.
The second album already had a little more edge than the first one, but number three is on a total new level. On the deluxe version of the album, she explains in a documentary that she wanted something different this time. She worked with different writers and musicians to find that exact sound and man did she find it.
Most songs start of calmly but build up to something so impressive, the drums and synthesizers probably are of the most influence on this aspect. But she also uses her voice in several different ways, some she never did before.
Still KT; so talented, independent, unique and still playing music by herself with her instruments and loop pedal sometimes but on a whole new level, I love it.
Setlist:
Come On, Get In
Glamour Puss
Uummannaq Song
False Alarm
If Only
Other Side Of The World
Scarlet Tulip (brand new song)
Black Horse And The Cherry Tree
Difficulty
Lost
The Entertainer
Saving My Face
Madame Trudeaux
Push That Knot Away
Fade Like A Shadow
Encore:
Funnyman
Close To Me
Suddenly I See
We were extremely lucky to walk in and find out we could almost stand at the front, so close to KT! Her voice (and of her bandmembers) were flawless and actually so was the entire show. Even though I am addicted to 'Tiger Suit', nothing can compete with KT doing a live show, everything is more intense.
The crowd was singing, dancing, jumping... standing still would be foolish.
KT was looking stunning wearing shiny black leather pants, a white top, hair in a bun with feathers and her iconic eyeliner. And her guitars, so many of them and all charming in their own way. I love the white one!
Pictures are by Marion, more are to find at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marionnert/sets/72157626233596401/
Here some videos of the show
Glamour Puss
Push that knot away
Scarlett Tulip (new song)
I could talk about this show forever and never be bored myself but for you, you should go and see for yourself if you get the chance.
Seeing her live like this made her legendary to me and actually my number one favorite artist.
March 24th
Bibelot, Dordrecht
Jaywalkers & Go Back To The Zoo
After KT's show I didn't have any shows planned to visit, kind of a shame since I love music the most when it's live. But then Sidse, the manager of Jaywalkers, invited me and a friend to visit one of their shows in The Netherlands.
I think my friend Marion is my lucky charm, because when we entered the venue we could stand all the way at the front again. She also makes pretty good pictures if you ask me!
I already knew the music of Jaywalkers by listening to their Myspace but I must say that I liked it even better live. Although their music is indie/rock, which is really popular lately, it is anything but average because they really made it their own. It's pretty impressive if you ask me, at their young age.
They also looked impeccable, wearing nice suits or white shirts and bowties. My compliments guys! They really paid attention to every aspect of the show.
Their EP 'An Exercise' is available on iTunes
Unfortunately the colored lighting during the show made it difficult to make really clear pictures but luckely we have a few!
Go Back To The Zoo played most of the songs from their album 'Benny Blisto'. I've seen them live before and again they were really good, energetic and fun.
We stood closest to guitarist Teun, who not only is good looking but also a really good guitar player. Marion was able to make a few really cool pictures because we stood so close.
I was happy to know the album well enough to sing along but was surprised that not a lot of people did. Didn't they know the lyrics or what?
These guys really have their own clothing style. I spotted (tiger) print t-shirts, leather boots, minnetonka boots, scarfs, necklaces, denim waistcoats, sunglasses and hats. It's this style where it should seem that they didn't spend much time but they secretely did. Exactly what I always try but mostly fail.
I really enjoyed myself that night, the atmosphere was good, the music was good and last but not least... I got to meet the bands.
The Jaywalkers and Sidse were at the merch after the show where I was able to have a chat with them and get a picture! They are really nice guys :)
From left to right: Tue, Lucas, Jakob, me and Daniel.
After a while we suddenly saw the guys from Go Back To The Zoo at the merch too.
Bram, me, Marion and Teun.
A big thank you to Sidse and the Jaywalkers for a great night!
The only music thing planned for now is Rock Werchter festival in Belgium from the 30th of June until the 3rd of July. I'm really excited to go but also curious since it will be my first entire festival. Knowing me it will be hilarious for the others while I want to look at all times. Even without electricity, probably rain or extreme heat and not an entire wardrobe to choose from.
Time will tell.
Recently the band changed it's name into 'Brigadiers' and they are working on a brand new album. Check out their website.
Meaning: the informal term used in North America for people whom illegally or recklessly cross the roadway as a pedestrian. No joke, there are even signs for it!
Reckless as this is on busy roads, I don’t want to discuss the traffic of North America.
I want to discuss music, a band from Denmark to be precise.
Jaywalkers, the experimental garage rock band consisting of Jakob Ludwig Løkkegaard,
Daniel Juhász Vigild, Tue Asmus Blichfeldt, Magnus Emil Thorn Jensen and Rasmus Blom from Denmark started their band in 2008.
They are inspired by bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, the Dead Weather, Led Zeppelin and Mew.
They released an EP called ‘ an exercise’ with the songs: folks I met, at the entrance and only gold.
Listening to ‘folks I met’ I really feel some Jack White/Dead Weather influence there. It catches your attention right away by the dramatic guitar solo but then slows a little down for the singer to come in and make it flow. Though it has the feel of the Dead Weather, it stands on it’s own and feels less chaotic.
To me, it has a more specific melody, I can see myself dance to it while I probably shouldn't to the Dead Weather.
‘At the entrance’ feels more lounge and calm while ‘only gold’ pops out again with heavy guitars and drums that are anything but ordinary.
Although it appears that this band is at its start, the diversity in their music will make sure it definitely is not at its end for long.
I’m always looking for cool new music and this band is definitely a good addition to my playlist. I'm looking forward to some more songs!
They were already playing shows in their own country, but they are now visiting us too.
On Thursday the 24th of March in Dordrecht, Friday the 25th in Zaandam and Saturday the 26th in Sneek they are the support for our Go Back To The Zoo.
Tickets are still available for the shows in Dordrecht and Zaandam so make sure to be there!
There are enough excuses to explain why it has but that's just useless. Only one of them inspired me to blog about: I need to focus on things that make me happy, not on the things that make me feel bad.
So here we go..
Just so you know
Going to
Going to be busy with
Fashion and style
Things that always make me smile
This post has become something like tumblr but pictures just say so much more than words. I'm also gonna host a tea party soon with everything homemade (by me of course) so that will mean new blog recipes!
