Playlist: HITS magazine

To celebrate the release of our first print issues, here's a playlist featuring all artists involved.

HITS x Berlin

We hosted our very first live gig in Berlin - and this is what it looked like.

Cover The HITS

Our latest video series - covers performed by our favourite acts, exclusively for us.

Video Interview: Scenic Route To Alaska

Melting away in front of Stuttgart's castle, we had a chat about touring, band names, Toy Story and a lot more.

Find us on YouTube!

Visit us on the 'tubes for interviews, exclusive performances and outtakes.

On Tour With: Chris Pate



Hey guys!

 Earlier today I was on my way back home after I dropped off a friend at the airport.
Said friend is Chris Pate whom I met through music.

Almost four years ago I started blogging, I started going to gigs regularly and I started making friendships which I am so thankful for.
In May 2012 a band called The Arkanes supported my friend Jim Kroft on tour.

It didn't take much more than a few chords for me to fall for the band's music.
After the gig I messaged the band, they messaged me back and we stayed in touch ever since.

Over the years I documented 12 of their gigs, went on tour with them, was adopted as the "fifth member", sang Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" with them, reviewed their debut album, conquered their practice room and well, the list could go on.
 
Unfortunately the band broke up, which meant losing a fantastic band. It didn't mean losing friends though and I'm very happy about that. 

A couple of weeks (more like... days) ago former Arkanes singer Chris messaged me saying he's got a gig at one of our favourite venues, Riffelhof in Burgrieden.

Fast forward to arranging flights (and trains...), sorting a few things and eating tons of pizza at my place, Chris and I went off to Burgrieden.

Below you'll find tons of impressions from our journey, soundcheck, the gig itself, our hiking trip, a session and a very exclusive performance.


I hope you enjoy!



HITS on Instagram: "Joining this kid for his gig in Burgrieden today. Responsible for the train journey, so we might end up somewhere else. #tourfunsies #takingsnapsandnaps"



Chris on Facebook: "En route to Burgrieden with my temporary manager and all round life saver, Mrs Jetwash."



Whilst our seats and standing spots weren't quite the best, the view was incredible.
German Autumn at its' finest.



Who needs leg space anyway?



Because "it would be boring if things worked out as planned" (fantastic quote there, Mr Pate!), things didn't work out as planned. Missed our bus in Laupheim, so we decided to go on a 90 minutes walk to get to the venue.
It was absolutely lovely and turned out to be a fantastic decision. Had wonderful conversations, exchanged opinions, shared wisdom and did some sight seeing.



Arrived at Riffelhof and felt at home within a few minutes. I cannot recommend this venue enough.
 If you're ever in the area - please please please visit Riffelhof in Burgrieden.



After main act Dokken finished sound check, it was time for Chris to tune his guitar, jump on stage and set up his equipment.
Below are a few snaps from soundcheck.













We then got spoiled with fantastic food. (Can't recommend Riffelhof enough!)
Chris started writing his setlist, I continued taking pictures.



Stage time!
Below are quite a few photographs of Chris' set, enjoy!









Taking the step from being the frontman of a band to doing an acoustic solo set can be frightening and I do believe that it takes a lot of guts to get up on stage on your own.

I wasn't surprised when Chris sounded fantastic, probably because I've known him for years.
But what really stood out to me was the passion he showed.

The way he sang his heart out left a lot of people speechless, including me.
This set just showed how Chris is playing music because he needs to.

His set of 40 minutes including two covers ("Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana and "Ace Of Spades" by Motörhead").
With the main act, Dokken, being a glam-metal-rock band from Los Angeles, the crowd was very metal orientated.

Chris won the fans over by playing honest and handmade rock tracks.
























Burgrieden - you were fantastic.
It's incredible how welcoming everyone at Riffelhof is and it's beautiful to see people being passionate about music.

A massive thank you to the owners and staff for making us feel at home and for supporting music!
You are brilliant!

And thank you to everyone I met before and after the show, it was a pleasure having a few laughs and beers with you!


Can't wait to be back!



The day after a gig can be very interesting.
Walking a few miles and shouting things at each other in different accents in the middle of the night certainly does leave its' stains.

Chris - this trip was well worth it and I've had such a fantastic time. Being the tour mum, the annoying little sister and pengweng in crime is an absolute blast! Keep going, kid!
Can't wait for the next adventures.




Travelling Germany in Autumn can be breathtaking!

 photo 12112033_10206826549095415_5400886364307695665_n_zpss2tuuwbs.jpg

Horseee.


Just because the 90 minutes walk wasn't enough, we hiked up another hill.
Casual activities.



Filmed a brilliant performance in a tower above the town, just scroll down to watch it.




Watch this exclusive performance of "High Above", an unreleased song.
I can't wait for everyone to hear what's coming up!






Thank you for reading and watching!









Credits // Text, photography & videography: Vanessa Jertschewske

Announcement: #HITSBC16 (get involved)




Hey guys!

It's my favourite time of the year!

It's finally time to plan the next Birthday Countdown!
A tradition on house in the sand which I love to pieces and never can't wait for to start.

Now, if you're not familiar with the Birthday Countdown, here's what it is:
Throughout the entire month of February, one artist/one band a day is going to wish house in the sand a happy birthday and then perform a song exclusively for us.


I started this project back in 2013 for our second blog birthday.
The feedback has been amazing and I loved how it was some sort of unique project which we had on this little old website.

When I threw the first lineup together, it was absolutely nice to work with acts who meant a lot to HITS.
In 2015 I've asked you, the readers, to suggest acts and got a lot of them featured, so it was a nice mix of personal favourites and acts you guys love.


And for 2016 I'd love you to get involved in the planning again.
If you know any artists you want to see on our next countdown, please make sure to leave a comment or tweet/facebook/email me.




I loved the acts you suggested last year, so I have no doubts you'll come up with some more great acts.


In case you'd like to see some of the acts we've featured before, that's fine. Just let me know!

You are an artist/a band and would like to get involved yourself? Please drop me an email - we'll discuss everything such as technical details etc, but I can promise you, it'll be absolutely relaxed.






All genres, all locations.
I'm going to try my best to get as many of your acts on as possible and I can't wait for it to happen.


To check out the previous Birthday Countdowns, please click the banners below to find an overview of each year's celebration. 


http://houseinthesand.blogspot.de/p/birthday-countdown-2014.html

http://houseinthesand.blogspot.de/p/birthday-countdown-2015.html




Alright now, so please get in touch and help me make the birthday party in 2016 a brilliant one.




If you feel like spreading the word about the project, please use the hashtag #HITSBC16 on social media channels.


Thank you for reading!




Video Interview: Kid Wave



Hey guys! 

The bussiest time of the year on house in the sand has just begun and it is so nice to see how so many of you are just as excited as I am. 

Next month is going to be filled with loads of live content.

I kicked of the fall concert season with a brilliant gig in Cologne.
The Vaccines played and were supported by Kid Wave.

Of course I did some research about the support act before the show and enjoyed their sound from the very first chord I heard.

To share Kid Wave's incredible sound with you and to introduce them to you properly, I filmed an interview with front lady Lea.


Kid Wave are a four piece band based in London, UK. 

Their sound marches into the alternative and rock direction. 
With clever riffs, catchy bass lines, infectious drum beats and expressive vocals, Kid Wave is definitely a band to watch. 

Kid Wave are:
Lea Emmery (vocals, guitar)
Harry Deacon (bass)
Serra Petale (drums, backing vocals)
Mattias Bhatt (guitar)

So far they released their EP "Gloom" (2014) and their debut album "Wonderlust" (2015). 
The atmospheric rock Kid Wave is going for is something that doesn't work for every band, but hell, these four just pull it off so effortlessly.

Sit back and watch the lovely interview I filmed with front woman Lea, who was absolutely wonderful. 

We sat down backstage and had a little chat about how the band got together, what touring taught them, a secret love for George Michael and a lot more.


Enjoy!







Kid Wave online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for reading and watching!



 





Credits // Text, Image & Video: Vanessa Jertschewske

Gig Impressions: The Vaccines at Luxor, Cologne



Hey guys!

I love photographing live music.
It's always challenging, it's always meaningful and it's definitely always a bit of an adventure.

house in the sand has had many fantastic acts in front of the lense and just earlier this week, I got to photograph The Vaccines in Cologne.

The Vaccines are a four piece band from London, England.
Their sound varies but could be classified as indie pop with bits of alternative rock.

The band formed in 2010 and has been making music ever since and took over the music scene in 2011. 
Their debut album was 2011's best selling debut album, their fanbase grew and they played more than 150 shows in that year. 
It all continued with great reviews, support slots for The Artic Monkeys and countless other highlights.

The Vaccines are:
Justin Young (lead vocals, guitar)
Freddie Cowan (guitar)
Árni Árnason (bass)
Pete Robertson (drums)

This year The Vaccines released their third LP, played tons of festivals and are currently touring the world.

On October 13th 2015 the band played a gig at Luxor, Cologne.

Here are some impressions from that night including support act Kid Wave.




Kid Wave are four piece alternative rock band based in London, UK.

If you want to find out more about the band, click here for a video interview with front woman Lea.






Kid Wave were an absolute delight to listen to live.
What really stood out about their stage presence was the fun they had - it was so obvious that these four musicians had an absolute blast on stage and love what they do.

It was so refreshing to watch them and I really look forward to hearing more of them.

Make sure to listen to their stuff online.













Find all links for Kid Wave below!








Main act of the evening, The Vaccines entered the stage and took over complete control.
I have never seen a crowd go crazy that quickly; from the first chords, the listeners were 100% there.

There was singing, there was dancing, there was clapping.
It really seemed like The Vaccines just pushed a button and had the crowd hanging on their every movement.





Even I struggled standing still when the band belted out their hit "Handsome".

Front man Justin absolutely knows how to put on an intense show, he's a brilliant entertainer and knows how to control a crowd in a charmingly demanding way.
















Bassist Arni, guitarist Freddie and drummer Pete deserve all the credits!
Besides complementing Justin's energetic live show, they also know how to show off their skills.

Turns out The Vaccines don't only sound amazing live, they also deliver an incredible performance. 










If you get the chance to see The Vaccines live, go and do it!
Everyone who's into energetic, infectious and danceable indie rock is definitely going to enjoy love them live.




Many thanks to Sony Music, The Vaccines' tour manager and the Luxor staff for being absolutely lovely to me.





Kid Wave online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram


The Vaccines online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for reading!




 





Credits // Text & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske