In the past I have been a: Spice Girls, Westlife, Busted, The Corrs, A1, Sum41, Blink-182, Robbie Williams and a Britney Spears supporter.
Now...(thankfully!) my tastes have altered =) This is not to say that past musical phases haven't influenced who I value as good music today, but it shows us atleast that music has definitely evolved.
Previously I may have considered myself a 'pop chick' or a 'sk8er gurl'...
Those days are long behind me!
Currently I'd like to say that I am an indie/alternative inspired girl, with the desire for a bit of rock mixed in. I love the sound of live music, and nothing outbeats the sound of authentic British indie group. Recently, I have developed a passion for acoustic songs too (this may be directly linked to the stress of A Level exams!).
Here I am going to run you through a few of my favourite bands/artists; songs from them and, why I enjoy the music they create so much.
One Night Only
Never heard of these guys before?
In that case you should discover them now, as they are about to release their 2nd album this summer! Having seen them live on their 2008 'Started a Fire' tour, I can strongly recommend (if you like them) you should see them live as they are just as good, if not better!
The band first formed in the summer of 2003 and, their debut single - "You and Me" was released in October 2007. Their second single, (a more well known single) was "Just for Tonight" which reached #9 in the UK charts.
The band consists of: George Craig (vocals/guitar/Burberry model)
Jack Sails (keyboard)
Mark Hayton (guitar)
Daniel Parkin (bass)
James Craig (George's brother, on drums)
The band have a unique chemistry, with loyal fans who have followed the band since their first album.
The band regularly update their fans via Myspace and Twitter.
The band regularly update their fans via Myspace and Twitter.
One of their updates on Myspace consists of 'ONO Wednesdays'. This has become an iconic feature of the band and one which mixes their funny sense of humour with the progress on their 2nd album.
If you want to indulge in summer vibes, and surround yourself in a typically British indie sound... then One Night Only would be my 1st choice.
Bombay Bicycle Club
These guys are truly unique. Named after a chain of Indian restaurants, the band originates from London, consisting of: Jack Steadman (lead vocals)
Jamie MacColl
Suren de Suram
Ed Nash
The way they made the music industry is quite intriguing, as they won a competition which allowed them to perform at the popular 'V Festival'.
This propelled them in their career, with the release of their debut single: Evening/Morning (this is one of my favourites from their current album, 'I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose') in 2009.
The album is one that I can play on repeat for a week and not get tired.
It's a beautiful arrangement of uplifting and meaningful songs. Some of my favourites would be: 'Dust on the Ground' and 'Always Like This', both of which are great to lift your mood =).
Above is a picture of a friend and me with Jamie and Suren from the band. We were lucky enough to meet them after a NME Awards gig and I have to say they are some of the nicest guys I've met. They were certainly a good laugh, as you can probably tell from the picture! ;)
Looking for a fresh sound, with mellow vibes? Keep your ears open for their new acoustic album - 'Flaws' set to release this summer.
Razorlight
This is a band that I have liked ever since they first came out in 2004 with their debut album "Up All Night". Razorlight have lost a few fans over the years since they first burst on the scene, with their following albums - "Razorlight" (2006) and "Slipway Fires" (2008/9).
Yes their music has changed along the way but I think watching a band such as Razorlight develop their music has been fascinating.
I personally think that Slipway Fires has to be one of their best albums. With such songs as: 'Burberry Blue Eyes' and 'Hostage of love' they help to mix up my iTunes with their rocky edge.
Johnny Borrell (vocals/guitar)
Bjorn Agren (guitar)
Carl Dalemo (bass)
David Sullivan-Kaplan (drummer)
Having never seen this band live I cannot say whether their brilliance on record comes across the same in real life..(if you have seen them I'd love to know what you think!)
However, if you're up for some classic indie then definitely re-visit their first album Up All Night, you can never go wrong with adding a bit of Razorlight to your indie collection!
The Libertines
Of course I could not say I was a loyal indie lover without including the infamous, yet controversial Libertines =)
Another London based band, this quad was established in 1997 with:
Pete Doherty (vocals/rhythm guitar)
Carl Barat (vocals/lead guitar)
John Hassall (bass)
Gary Powell (drums)
Barat and Doherty have been a close-knit pair for many years, famously calling their joint home in North London, 'The Delaney Mansions'! With recent disputes between the pair hopefully cast aside, we will hopefully see more of them in the future.
It's not hard to understand Barat's frustration with Doherty though, as he is constantly in the press for either his crack cocaine or heroin addiction.
Nevertheless, they still managed to create some lyrical masterpieces together during their Libertine years. The band has one of the largest indie fan bases going so it's not hard to see how they may be encouraged to reform.
Doherty is without a doubt, a naturally talented poet, and his ability to manipulate the English language is shown in many of The Libertines (and solo) songs.
One of the best Libertine songs has to be 'Don't Look Back Into the Sun' from their albums: 'Up the Bracket' (2002) and 'The Libertines' (2006).
Undoubtly this particular band have had a big influence on current indie bands and with their reunion at the Leeds Festival this year, the Libertine dream is sure to be revived.
Doherty is also performing at T in the Park (a Scottish festival) this year, with his own band 'Babyshambles' (sure to be a big success).
Having seen Doherty on his solo tour for his 2009 album 'Grace/Wastelands', I can assure you that the atmosphere at one of his gigs is truly electric.
Having seen Doherty on his solo tour for his 2009 album 'Grace/Wastelands', I can assure you that the atmosphere at one of his gigs is truly electric.
For some of the best guitar riffs, and lyrical beauty, if you haven't already...
Get involved with The Libetines!
GrayFace
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