4 the Love of Music #9

In the last edition this blog celebrated the 1 year anniversary of 4 the Love of Music. One year has passed and many more to come. Here is the 9th edition!
I'll stick to the theme of today and present you with a 4 the Love of Music Edition with some Independent "Indie" musicians, who made it to the list of my favorite songs. 

"Waking Up with the Pouring Rain, Same Old Sun and the Sky Again"

Foy Vance, is surely an underappreciated singer and songwriter who toured with Ed Sheeran. I first heard his music on noisetrade, my favorite music website, and I've been hooked on his music ever since. He often releases free music on iTunes, like his video for "Joy of Nothing" and the single "Closed Hand, Full Friends", and on noisetrade, "Dark Horse". It's difficult to pick one favorite song from his collection 'cause he doesn't really make one type of music, but "Joy of Nothing" and "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness" have a special place in my heart. "Joy of Nothing" is not a song with many words, but the few words are fundamentally meaningful. It's simple, he's enjoying the things that will always be there like the rain, the sun and the sky, and I hope you will too!

Foy Vance -
Joy of Nothing
Album: Joy of Nothing

"It's Not About Win or Lose Because We All Lose When They Feed on the Souls of the Innocent"

Not a lot of Grammy nominated musicians are willing to put some of their music for free on the internet, but then again not a lot of musicians can stay grounded like Matisyahu. If you're wondering why his name sounds familiar it's because you probably know "King Without a Crown", which is his biggest hit. Ask me anything you want about Matisyahu, I know it all. In High School we had to pick a reggae artist to talk about and I picked this reggae rapper. If you ever have time, you should read his bio, he has had a pretty interesting life. Although "King Without a Crown" is epic and eccentric, my favorite song of his is and will always be "One Day". "One Day" was chosen to be the anthem of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I'm not surprised, I mean, he's addressing the state of separating yourself from all the negativity around you. But, it's more than that. It's about being thankful and looking forward to that ONE DAY that the war will be over.

Matisyahu -
One Day
Album: Light

"I Went Out to Find My Soul and Left the Only Comfort that I'd Known"

The music industry isn't what it used to be, I mean, listening to and buying an entire album is so outdated. It just doesn't happen anymore. Now comes a band that made an entire album, this year, worth buying. The year hasn't ended yet, but they might have the best album that was released this year. I compare their album to Black Eyed Peas' Monkey Business, which is one of the most creative albums ever made. That's what makes this band so amazing - their creativity.

Neon Trees have been doing pretty well in the Indie scene with their previous work, "Habits" and "Picture Show". Now, comes an album "Pop Psychology" that's more personal, romantic and coming-of-age than they're used to. Vocally and lyrically it's their best album and it's definitely more for the die-hard-fans. It doesn't have a lot of room for radio hits, even though most of the songs are upbeat, they're not the radio-type upbeat. But, it's fantastic festival music. Lyrically, if you've heard the album a couple of times, you will understand that it hits a nerve to whoever made the music. But, then again, I'm assuming you already know about Tyler Glenn's, coming out article. That doesn't stop the album from being emotional, fierce and positive at the same time, in a way that we all have roller coaster emotions when we're going through a rough time.

If I had to name the songs you have to check out, you'd be here all day. And since you want to be here all day I'd say check out "I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)", "Love in the 21st Century", "Living in Another World", "Text Me in the Morning", "Foolish Behaviour" and "Unavoidable". But, a song lyric from "First Things First" explains what the entire album is about: "I went out to find my soul and left the only comfort that I'd known". 

Neon Trees -

First Things First

Album: Pop Psychology

"The More I Make the Less that I Borrow"

Somehow I always feel like a rockstar when I listen to Tyler Hilton - maybe it's the fact that he played Elvis in Walk the Line, or the fact that he was bad *ss in One Tree Hill or the fact that he has a raspy raw voice that seems to fit on every song he ever sings. Who knows? There's no way to explain it, either way ill take it! - see what I did there...! You can get this song (and many more) for FREE on noisetrade. Tyler selected a couple of songs like Prince of Nothing Charming, Loaded Gun and a cover of Missing You and released them in an album, The Studio and Live Selections. You should also check out his YouTube channel where he covers many songs like Lana Del Rey's Video Games and Bob Dylan's Boots of Spanish Leather.

Tyler Hilton - 

Kicking My Heels

Album: Forget the Storm

It's no secret that I'm a huge Michael Fassbender fan, which also means that I'm fully aware of the bromance between him and James McAvoy. But, more importantly, are you aware of the moves Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Hugh Jackman have?

After this you must be wondering what goes on, on the set of X-Men. Or, you're wondering when the next edition of "4 the Love of Music" will be released. The answer is October. But, I will release a couple of articles soon. Also, catch up on the editions you missed. To stay posted sign up or follow this blog on twitter, facebook and google+.

Much Love,

DiFashionista

4 the Love of Music #7

First article of 2014 and I hope that you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The 7th edition of #4theLoveofMusic features new music by Beyoncé, The Tennessee Whalers and Miley Cyrus and a Solange song I really enjoyed in 2013.

'Everything Seems Better When You Sing'

The Tennessee Whalers consists of Nick, Rand, Allan and Mark and you should look out for them this year because they will be releasing new music soon. I just can't get enough of their song 'Locks' and lucky for you I found it on noisetrade for free last year. You can listen and download for free there, and if you like it be sure to share or let them know on their Twitter. 'Locks' is the happiest break-up song I know and it sounds great in the car. I'm so excited for the new stuff they will be releasing!

The Tennessee Whalers -
Locks

'Just Treat Me Good and Baby I'll Give You the Rest of Me'

This song has a really great beat. Not surprised...it's a Solange song! The True EP came out November 2012, but I only started listening to it - a lot - in 2013. Solange is an artist that can never bore me. Her personal style and taste in music are so interesting. She's one of the reasons I started listening to Indie music in the first place and now that she started her own label we can enjoy more artists like her. I also really like how she shares her inspiration and her favorite bands.

Solange -
Losing You
Album: True EP

'Life with You Means Love and Laughter'

So, I recently heard Miley Cyrus' latest album "Bangerz", and even though it's not really my style I did enjoy 3 songs on it. That includes: Wrecking Ball, Adore You and Rooting for My Baby. The other songs lack anything that has anything to do with soul, great lyricism or heart - or as I like to call it the 'Old Miley'.  I'm not one of those people who's going to pretend like Miley was never good, I mean songs like 'Bottom of the Ocean', 'Forgiveness and Love', 'Stay' and 'Obsessed' are songs that I will be listening to for the rest of my life. I guess we'll all have to appreciate the fact that there are 3 'old Mileys' on this new album.

Miley Cyrus -
Rooting for My Baby
Album: Bangerz

'I'll Search Through the Crowd if Your Face is All that I See'

When it was time to start writing another edition of #4theLoveofMusic the only question was, which Beyoncé song would be in it - I mean, I couldn't even pick my favorite song. I recently realized that the reason why I think the album BEYONCÉ is a great album is because you really see her let go - she's more open than she used to be. It's an 'I'm have fun because I feel good' album and I normally don't like that but it's a great look for her! It's a celebration of her journey, female empowerment and life. Beyoncé is ***Flawless at being a BOSS and showing us how we - women - can achieve just as much or more than men. My favorites are ***Flawless, Drunk in Love, Blue, Heaven and XO. The video for 'XO' was directed by Terry Richardson and the amazing Fashion model Jourdan Dunn is in it. I really like her raspy voice in XO, it somehow makes it more romantic and the video makes the song even better. It's everything - the location, the simple jeans and racer-back tank look, the roller coaster, the flashing lights and the many-many accessories around her neck and wrist.

Beyoncé -
XO
Album: BEYONCÉ



4 the Love of Music will now be released 4 times a year, instead of every month. I simply don't have the time that I used to have and I want to focus more on different kind of articles this year. That's why I have decided to cut down on music to broaden my blogging subjects. That makes it January, April, July and October of every year. The next edition will be released on April 4th 2014. See you then!
Much Love,
DiFashionista

Happy Christmas & a Merry New Year!

Dear loyal readers,

it's that time of the year again. Mariah Carey's bells and whistles have been getting me in the Christmas mood since early November and now Christmas is finally here! I will not be releasing any more articles for 2013, but I will be back January 6th 2014. I have a lot of exciting things planned for 2014 and I can't wait to share them with you.

Fireworks from Last Year's New Years Eve Party

I wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and I'll See You in 2014!
Much Love,

& Family

4 the Love of Music #6

I do not know if it is the month November but this month is an indie turned pop edition of 4 the Love of Music. It's not really mainstream pop but pop as in underground bands/artists who have one or two radio hits. This month I will have music by Brett Dennen who just released his 5th album, also The Lumineers who brought out their Deluxe Edition, Imagine Dragons and Of Monsters and Men who have been rocking out all festivals all year!

'When I Do Not Feel Inspired...I Can Only Speak My Heart'

Last week Brett Dennen released his album 'Smoke and Mirrors' - October 22nd to be precise. When Brett is releasing new music rest assured...there's magic happening. Before the release of 'Smoke and Mirrors' Brett had Q&A's on his Facebook and I was lucky enough to be one of the fans who got 2 out of 3 questions answered. I asked him what I always ask musicians who have a different sound - but they never answer, so glad he did - which is "how did you find your sound?". He answered: 'It takes time. Picking and choosing what feels right. Sometimes it's more about what you don't play.' I've been a Brett Dennen fan since Heaven came out and I've really been looking forward to a new album because they're all so personal and honest. He's most of the time talking about 21st century problems, love or just the adventures that life has to offer. That's not too bad for a 34-year-old folk singer and songwriter with five studio albums. Brett calls this album 'back to basics' saying: 

'I wanted to return to folk and acoustic music I loved when I began writing. I decided to tap into my memories and explore new emotional territory as honestly as I could'.

Why the name 'Smoke and Mirrors'?:

'I called the album Smoke and Mirrors, because one of the major themes of the album, lyrically, is that things aren't exactly as they appear to be. If you focus on how you think things should be, then you can't see them for what they really are,'

The first released song off 'Smoke and Mirrors' is Wild Child, it's more of a radio hit - which the first song almost always is. The highlight of the album for me is really 'Only Want You'. It's a love song about choosing the connection over the the tough times you can face when in a relationship. It's a mixture of things that make this song amazing...like the female vocals in the background, the lyrics and the reggae touch. I'm never worried about lyrics with Brett because he has just a simple and clever way of writing his music. If it's one thing this album isn't missing it's great lyrics. 

You can listen & get 'Only Want You' for free on NOISETRADE!

Brett Dennen -

Only Want You

Album: Smoke and Mirrors

'In the End it All Comes Down to Credibility. I Had None So I Will Die with the Secrets of the Sea'

Yay! My all time favorite song FINALLY has a music video. My favorite band just can't stop doing AMAZING things like releasing a deluxe edition of their album (which I have been waiting for since I heard the album!), getting a track on The Hunger Games' Catching Fire Soundtrack and now releasing their third music video from the self-titled album that came out in 2012. The album version of Submarines is not my favorite song - rather the Submarine live version from the HearYa Live Sessions - but this will do! It's animated and now it's mine and yours...enjoy!

The Lumineers - 
Submarines

Album: The Lumineers (Deluxe Edition)

'I Take it in but Don't Look Down'

If you used to watch the TV-serie Partners you probably already know this song because it was the theme song. But if you didn't this is a really great way to introduce yourself to the band Imagine Dragons. Imagine Dragons' "On Top of the World" is like The Lumineers' "Ho Hey" and Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" - you first love the song and then you fall in love with the band. It's really catchy with the claps and the background vocals and it's a great song to get you or keep you in a great mood:

Imagine Dragons -

On Top of the World

Album: Night Visions

'And as the World Comes to an End, I'll Be Here to Hold Your Hand'

Of Monsters and Men was a must-check-out band at this year's Coachella and they did not let down. They formed O.M.a.M. back in 2010 and they released their first studio album 'My Head is an Animal' in 2011. They - for the most part - have the same fans as 'The Lumineers' and 'Mumford & Sons' and they even share a radio station on iTunes. My favorite song of theirs is "Love Love Love", and I'm basically in love with Nanna's soft yet sharp voice...I just can't get enough! I would advise to listen to all the songs on My Head is an Animal, because they have a whimsical side to their music that I can really appreciate. Like the song 'Dirty Paws' starts with 'Jumping up and down the floor, My head is an animal. And once there was an animal, It had a son that mowed the lawn. The son was an ok guy, They had a pet dragonfly. The dragonfly it ran away. But it came back with a story to say.' All I can say: I can't wait for that video! For now we are going to have to do it with their animated video-game-like music video's which they have released 2 of including 'King and Lionheart' and 'Little Talks'.

Of Monsters and Men -

King and Lionheart

Album: My Head is an Animal

See you in December for the 7th and final edition of 2013 of 4 the Love of Music.

Much Love,
DiFashionista!