4 the Love of Music #10

Ten editions and still going strong! If it's one thing we'll never run out of, it's music. It's alive, beautiful and life changing if you look in the right places. First look back at 10 editions of '4 the Love of Music' if you haven't already. This month, we go back 10 years for one song and come back to 2014 for three songs.

'I Know We Ain't Got Much to Say Before I Let You Get Away'

The year is 2004. A great year for music. Back when the MTV V.M.A.'s was still relevant. Jet, Hoobastank, Yellowcard and Outkast performed. I don't even have to look it up. Performances were worth gold and so were the people performing. Hoobastank sang The Reason, Yellowcard sang Ocean Avenue, Outkast sang Hey Ya and Jet sang Are You Gonna Be My Girl? Ten years later and these four songs are still great, if it's possible, they're even better than before. All you have to hear is the first 4 seconds to know what song it is and think back to their V.M.A. performances. And if it's 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl?', you'll keep waiting for that moment when you can help Jet scream "Are you gonna be my girl" while playing air guitar. That's not the only relevant thing Jet has done. Their song 'Look What You've Done' made it to the soundtrack of 'A Lot Like Love', which has one of the best soundtracks EVER! The only thing better than these two songs, is the name of the album they're on, Get Born. It doesn't take long to realize that Jet is a cool band, without even trying to be. Their cool will rub off on you once you hear this song:

Jet -

Are You Gonna Be My Girl?

Album: Get Born

'Sink My Pains and Complains, Let the River Take Them'

They're not Mary-Kate and Ashley, but Lisa and Naomi are certainly making all twins look good as a unit. Ibeyi, a band I found through Vogue magazine, just released their EP, Oya. I first heard 'Mama Says', but there's one song on the EP that I just can't get enough of. 'River', a song dedicated to the River Goddess Oshun, will make you fall in love with the French-Cuban twins. They wrote it, they sing it and they star in the amazing video. The beat and the background vocals really bring this song to another level. And, in both Mama Says and River they end up singing in Yoruba, which makes them so unique and a pleasure to listen to.

Ibeyi -

River

Album: Oya EP

'You Try to Catch Me When I'm Finally Free'

The day has come my friends. Leighton Meester is finally releasing her album! I'm not talking about 'Somebody to Love' and 'Good Girls Go Bad' Leighton Meester. That is a great Leighton Meester, but I prefer hippie-floral-crown-wearing Leighton Meester any time of the day. I've heard all of the songs live on her #LMCITD tour, but now it's time to start stanning for the studio version. If you haven't noticed I'm a stan, and all Lei stans have already met this Leighton Meester, but the rest of the world will be blown away! She wrote most of the songs, they mean a lot to her and it's much more personal than anything she's ever done. It's not Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl and it's definitely not Rebecca from The Roommate. It's Leighton Marissa Meester. 

Leighton Meester -

Heartstrings

Album: Heartstrings

'We Lay Here for Years or For Hours, Your Hand In My Hand'

Hozier, a must look out for artist, who's album is being released October 7 2014, is taking the internet by storm with his song Take Me To Church. It's honest, epic and the world needs more people like Hozier. Basically, every Hozier song I've heard is amazing. Vocally, musically and artistically. Without trying he makes sure you know it's his music you're listening to, by putting his own spin on it. It goes without saying, Hozier's music is here to stay and he could be the new voice music so desperately needs. Sure a lot can hold a tune. But, how many can sing just as well on stage as in the studio. When first hearing a Hozier song, I don't doubt you'll think, 'man, I must hear this man live'. Also, you can get a better version of this track for free, if you share it with your friends.

Hozier -

In a Week

Album: Hozier

If you look at this edition we have a lot to look out for this year. It goes without saying, there are more musicians you should be checking out. I'm doing my part in sharing one of the best things life has to offer, music. Share with me your favorite songs and bands.

Much Love,

DiFashionista

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!

4 the Love of Music #5

Summer is over and out and school is in.
I start this Monday at school and I will start blogging again. The last edition of 4 the Love of Music was back in June. Now I'm back with the 5th edition and I have a lot of new bands and songs I can't wait to share with you. These four songs are all songs I have been enjoying all summer.
Enjoy!

'One Day You Screaming You Love Me Loud, the Next Day You're So Cold'

Just like Jay & Ye and Robin Thicke & Pharrell, JT and JAY Z are starting to make a happy combination. Starting with Suit & Tie and now Holy Grail...could this be the year of bromance music? If you're not planning to listen to this song at least do it for 1) JT's amazing vocals 2) JT's extra handsome look 3) JAY Z's artistic value. If you listen to the song and then watch the video, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! The amazing visuals, vocals and beat almost make you forget that this song is about JAY Z's love/hate relationship with fame.

Jay Z ft Justin Timberlake -
Holy Grail
Album: Magna Carta... Holy Grail

'Only Hate the Road When You're Missing Home'

I'm still in the process of checking all of Passenger's music but I don't have any complaints yet. The lead singer's voice is really good and the lyrics are amazing. It's easy on the ears and I really enjoyed this song:

Passenger -
Let Her Go
Album: All the Little Lights

'And I Was Tired of Giving You More than You Gave to Me'

These siblings have made my summer. The Oh Hellos consists of Maggie and Tyler Heath. I actually found their album for free on noisetrade and I really fell in love with their album 'Through the Deep, Dark Valley'. They're inspired by some of my favorite bands in the industry like The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons. They are another example of why I love Indie Bands so much. Indie bands always look for that unique sound that will make you remember them. They make music for themselves and they won't let go of their creative side for anyone. In return I want to share their amazing music with you and if you like them please continue to support them by sharing their music with others. Their album is a bit diverse so I'm pretty sure you will find at least one song you'll like.

The Oh Hellos -
The Truth is a Cave
Album: Through the Deep, Dark Valley

'I Look to the Skyline and Said: How Many Falls Until I Fly?'

This 22-year-old British singer-songwriter-pianist released his first studio album 'Long Way Down' last June. Tom Odell makes the kind of music everyone can relate to. His album is quite enjoyable especially the tracks like 'Another Love','Supposed To Be', 'I Know' and 'Can't Pretend'. More impressive is the way he writes his lyrics. It's almost like he's writing a story and then singing it. And the cherry on top: his piano-playing skills. He is one of the reasons why singer-songwriter is a separate genre. The kind of soul and feeling you put in to a song about a story that really happened to you makes it sound way more special than someone else just sing your song.
Peter has it...the voice...the face...the talent. I can't wait to hear more.

Tom Odell -
Supposed To Be
Album: Long Way Down

4 the Love of Music #4: The Summer Edition!

Happy Summer!
I hope you are enjoying the sun and sand with music in the back. This edtion - the 4th edition - of '4 the Love of Music' is themed 'summer music'. So every year I have a summer theme song and it's most of the time a song I can't stop listening to. Summer hits aren't really about good heartfelt lyrics but more about eccentric beats that make you feel relaxed and ready to have fun!
My summer theme songs of the previous years include:
- Ni**as in Paris by Jay-z & Kanye
- My Love by Justin Timberlake & T.I. 

- Wanna Love You by Robin Thicke & Pharrell

- Whine Up by Kat Deluna & Elephant Man

'You & I can Find what the World's been Looking for Forever...Friendship & Love Together'

One thing that makes Summer even better...L.O.V.E. One of sweetest and most romantic songs I can actually remember from when I was really young is a song by India.Arie. At that age it was something new for me and I was totally blown away by her soulful voice and new point of view of love. When I heard the song Bubly by Colbie Caillat I immediately thought of India.Arie's song. That's why I connect both songs to summer romance whenever I hear them. India.Arie makes love seem so easy and fun in 'Can I Walk with You':

India.Arie -
Can I Walk With You
Album: Voyage to India

'Nobody Knows What the Future Holds and It's Bad Enough Just Getting Old'

 Everyone knows Summer is also Festival Season! And in my opinion Festival music is the best kind of music. Sometimes they don't make sense, but that doesn't matter because everyone is just there to sing along  and have fun. Indie bands don't normally have the tendency to bring out 'crappy songs' with 'crappy lyrics' so that's what makes festivals so amazing. Coachella ended earlier this year, but festivals like Glastonbury and Lollapalooza are summer festivals. They had amazing line ups and one of them is Vampire Weekend. I've been a longtime V.W. fan and their latest album Modern Vampires of the City came out earlier this year. It has a couple of great songs, two of them being 'Diane Young' and 'Ya Hey'. They performed 'Diane Young' at this year's Glastonbury and here it is:

Vampire Weekend -
Diane Young
Album: Modern Vampires of the City

'You & I - bloodlines, We Come Together Every time'

I first discovered Jessie Ware when I was watching this years Coachella. She was on Solange Knowles' 'people to look forward to on Coachella' list so I had to check her out. By the time her album Devotion came out, the track 'Wildest Moments' was on iTunes' 'songs we really enjoy' list - also known as the free track of the week. The lyrics are pretty good but I didn't really get the video...until now. I quickly fell in love with Wildest Moments as Jessie describes a relationship involving two people who aren't meant to be together - singing 'two wrongs, no rights'. There's a certain irony in it as she continues 'we walk the line'. In the last verse she describes how she misses their 'wildest moments' and she's also wondering 'what if''. That explains her turning circles in the video, their relationship is back and forth. In this case, simplicity is key!

Jessie Ware -
Wildest Moments

Album: Devotion

'I Feel So Lucky, You Wanna Hug Me. What Rhymes with Hug Me?'

If two people on this planet should be working more together their names are: Robin Thicke and Pharrell. I mean whenever their forces unite, magic comes out. Their last hit 'Wanna Love You' was also one of my 'summer songs' a couple of years ago. They did it again - this time with T.I. - and I love it in an 'on repeat' way. It's really more of a either-really-love-it or really hate it kind of a song, which sounds like every summer hit. This is my 2013 summer theme song:

Robin Thicke ft Pharrell ft T.I. -

Blurred Lines

Album: Blurred Lines

It's always summer in my country, so it's sun everyday, but music is the only thing that really changes around this time because she weather is most certainly not. If it's even possible it can get hotter in august. It's great to spend these days surrounded by water!

Much Love,

The previous editions of '4 the Love of Music':
4 the Love of Music #1
4 the Love of Music #2
4 the Love of Music #3

The next edition of "4 the Love of Music" will be released on: Sunday August 4th 2013.

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(2)4 the Love of Music #3

When a new month starts, it's certainly time to get ready for another edition of '4 the Love of Music'. This time I failed to release it on time due to my busy school schedule. Sorry!. Like every edition, this one also has a theme and it's: 'a celebration of life'. I had another theme in mind for this edition but I came across a very inspiring person that made me change the theme. His name is Zach Sobiech and this edition is dedicated to him.

'Life Is A Short Trip, the Music's for The Sad Man'

I feel it's very appropriate to include Beyonce in this edition since she headlined Gucci's 'Chime for Change: Sound of Change' concert. This song is one of my favorite covers, the refrain is originally by Alphaville but Jay-z put his own spin on it for his album 'The Blueprint 3' and Mr. Hudson sang the refrain in that one. This is the part where Beyonce comes in... As Jay-z headlined Coachella in 2010, Beyonce also put her own spin on it and slowed down the intro of the beat and sang the refrain. It's really amazing to hear 3 artists sing one song totally different. What's even more amazing is the live effect. Everything sounds better when it's live and raw. No one better than two amazing performers to sing/rap this amazing song.
P.s. I loved Jay-z and Beyonce's chemistry on stage

Jay-z featuring Beyonce - 

Young Forever (Live)

Coachella 2010

'Changes Come & We All Know That We Can't Stop Them,
But I Hold The Memories & I Will Never Drop Them'

Brett Dennen is one of my favorite artists and musicians of all time. He's remarkably talented with honest writing and a beautiful voice. He mostly sings about 21st century problems, but this song is about life after death. The lyrics are amazing and he's singing about watching over someone who's still on this planet. California born folk musician and songwriter Brett Dennen knows a thing or two about bringing out a meaningful song that will make you melt if you listen to the lyrics. He's also one for the music not the money. Two of his songs were on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack and much more series. His most famous songs are 'Ain't No Reason', 'Make You Crazy' and my personal favorite 'Heaven'. From his self-titled album, I bring you:

Brett Dennen -

When I Go

Album: Brett Dennen

'The Heart's I Have Touched, Will Be the Proof that I Leave'

Last year's World Humanitarian Day Beyonce started a campaign 'I Was Here' which was about doing something good, somewhere for someone else. A lot of singers, designers and actors including President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Ben Affleck, Gucci and Stella McCartney have helped Beyonce reach 1 billion supporters on August 19th. It truly was a moment of history I was glad I witnessed. For this campaign she released a video where she performs 'I Was Here' live at the UN's headquarters. If the song and the lyrics aren't amazing enough wait till you see the amazing visuals and her long sleeved glittered white dress. What truly adds a bit more heart and the message Beyonce was trying to sent out was the video of people helping other people. Here is a moment captured forever in my mind:

Beyonce -
I Was Here
Album: 4

Who is Zach Sobiech?

Zach is a teen who was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 14. He wrote and sang a song 'Clouds' which was a Youtube hit. The song can be seen as his goodbye letter, since writing letters weren't his style. The video has more than 7 million views and a couple of covers. Sadly Zach passed away on May 20th 2013 at the age of 18. Weeks before his death celebs such as Rainn Wilson, Rachel Bilson, Wes from The Lumineers, Phillip Phillips, Jason Mraz, Ashley Tisdale, Sara Bareilles, Bryan Cranson, Sarah Silverman and Jason Derulo lip sang a tribute video. This video has almost 3 million views. Zach set up a fund called 'The Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund' and all proceeds benefit the fund. They've made over $350,000 already and you can purchase the iTunes #1 hit here. Zach is a true inspirations and I hope he has inspire many more make a step in the right direction!

Zach Sobiech -

Clouds

I am dedicating the 3rd edition of '4 the Love of Music' to Zach, who simply wanted the world to know that you don't have to find out you're dying to start living. I want to help him spread this message since he is no longer with us. He is a reminder that we should all live out our dreams.

Much Love,

The previous editions of '4 the Love of Music': 
4 the Love of Music #1
4 the Love of Music #2

The next edition of "4 the Love of Music" will be released on: Thursday July 4th 2013.

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4 the Love of Music! #2

For the second edition of DiFashionista's '4 the Love of Music' I am going to show you the awesomeness that is my 'new' favorite band. They are....The Lumineers.
From being able to perform at the Grammy's and at Coachella 2013 - and let's not forget selling over 1 million albums - The Lumineers have come a long way. A friend recommended their self-titled album and since then I can't seem to picture a moment of my life that they haven't been playing in my ear - or  in my head. Repeat is a place they have come to earn and should make peace with!

Everyone has that band that you want to listen to all the time but when you search their track list you don't know which song to listen to first, well The Lumineers are like that for me. I'm not saying I can't pick my favorite song from them, I'm just saying it doesn't happen a lot that a band/artists has an album filled with amazing songs. It is literally the only album where I haven't come across a song I dislike. I can listen to the album without skipping anything - that's a work of art, if you ask me.

The thing that really makes The Lumineers stand out, is the same rule as in Fashion: Be cohesive yet versatile AT ALL TIMES! Listening to their album will show you their sound as a band, but it will surely won't make you say 'ow I heard this song already'.

Introduction:

The band members from left to right: Stelth, Neyla, Wesley, Jeremiah and Ben.

"And Love, We Need It Now. Let's Hope For Some 'Cause We're Bleeding Out"

The Lumineers first released 'Ho Hey' off their debut album and the video quickly came after that. Ho Hey is a very good introduction to the band's new sound - it's both mainstream and also underground. There are circling a lot of 'meanings' behind the song, some claim it's about the love of his life, others say it's about his move from NY to Denver and another claims that it's about drugs (I highly doubt that). It's not important, we all find our own meaning behind our favorite songs. When I first heard it I thought 'this must me excellent live' and the band said it's a definite crowd-pleaser. It was received pretty good because they ended up performing it at the Grammy's and it has over 63 million views on YouTube. I fell in love with this song and decided to check out the album:

Song: Ho Hey

"In the End it All Comes Down to Credibility. I had None, So I Will Die With the Secrets of the Sea"

Wesley (the lead singer) wrote most of the songs and this next song is an example of how important the relationship between lyrics and music is. The lyrics are amazing and comedic but what really sets this song apart is the music behind it. It's catchy and eccentric because they didn't over-do the music instruments. It's the right amount of keeping it mainstream and  honest at the same time. Now it's yours to listen to:

Song: Submarines

"Suits Were Made For Men Not Boys"

The second song that I fell in love with is not on the album, but it is my favorite song from them. Like the rest of the album, this song strongly shows their talent of telling a story through music, which is really the kind of music I like and miss from the modern music industry. Some songs don't need a lot of explanation - this is one of them:

Song: Don't Wanna Go

"Some Love Was Made For The Lights. Some Kiss Your Cheeks And Goodnight"

The next song is not the kind that will be released anytime soon - it's not very mainstream. It's one for the true fans and every album has 1 - 3 songs that are for the acoustic/slow-it-down and sing-beautiful-words fans, like me. This song (almost) didn't make the album but the Denver-Colorado trio fought hard to get it on the album. As you will hear - it wasn't recorded in a real studio and that's one of the reasons why it almost didn't make the final album. I'm glad it did because it's one of my favorites - it has a very raw and live feel to it and it makes the album more soulful than it already is:

Song: Slow It Down

Here are 4 + 1 bonus songs worth listening to:

Song: Classy Girls

Song: Dead Sea

Song: Big Parade

Song: Charlie Boy

Song: Flapper Girl


As much as I can encourage you to check out The Lumineers, they are simply a band that you'll either really dislike or really like. Their sound is not that mainstream but eccentric plus the lead singer is the total package eye candy. What you see and hear is what you'll get...they're as good on the album as they are live: eccentric, raw and honest!
Much Love & Music,

The previous edition of '4 the Love of Music':
4 the Love of Music #1

The next edition of "4 the Love of Music" will be released on: Tuesday June 4th 2013.

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