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.

Dear Manchester,



Dear Manchester,

When I think of you, I think of the fun I have whenever I visit.
I think of your citizens, who never fail to make me feel like one of them.
I think of your music scene, which is unlike many.
I think of your passion for community.

When I think of you, I smile.

You're the home of my friends,
you're a city of dreamers and achievers,
you're a city of music,
 of creativity,
 of community.

You're the place I visit when I need to dream.

Unfortunately right now the world looks at you, because of this tragedy you had to experience.
We all see the pain you have to go through, and we share it.

Some of us feel attacked, too.
This act of terror has taken away lives which have been cherished.
It took away children, parents, siblings and friends.

It attacked those who had just been to a concert, which is supposed to be a happy place.

Everyone who has ever been to a concert, knows the feelings of excitement and happiness you feel, when you get to hear your favourite songs being performed live.

Those young people were there to see their favourite singer, they were probably singing, dancing, laughing as they got to hear songs that inspire them.
And some of their parents were watching them at their happiest.

And some of them did not get the chance to go home.
And those who eventually got to go home, are now wounded - physically and mentally.
They'll doubt the safety that live music has always been.
They'll hurt.
And we'll hurt with them.

"There is not a single word in the whole world, that could describe the hurt.
The dullest knife just sawing back and forth, 

and ripping through the softest skin there ever was."
("Hate To See Your Heart Break" - Paramore)


We share your pain, we share your anger.
We share your heartbreak.




But we admire your strength.

You have heroes amongst you, who have risked their own lives in order to help others.
You stand together - and we stand with you.

We are sending our love and thoughts to those who have lost their lives, their loved ones and all those injured- mentally and physically.
We thank Manchester for showing its strength and its light in this dark time.


You show us, that no matter how much damage they want to cause, 
they won't win.
You are strong and we are strong for you.
We are Manchester.


We won't stop celebrating music.
We won't stop celebrating freedom.
We won't stop celebrating life.




Dear Manchester,

when I think of you - I smile.







Love,







If you want to help families affected, please visit this crowdfunding page and learn more:
- just giving -





Credits // photos and words: Vanessa Jertschewske

Song Of The Day: "Fame" by Liam McClair



Hey guys!

I'm sure a lot of you know that music bloggers usually get to hear songs before they are out.
It's a logical part of the industry - it gives us enough time to get to know a song/an EP/an album properly and lets us schedule our reviews.

Usually it's super helpful and of course, as we're all music lovers, it's great to hear new tracks before they are released.

But sometimes it's torture.
Hearing a track before it's released also means that you can't share it with anyone just yet.
And when a song is so good that you just want to share it, that's quite frustrating.

I had that "ughhh" moment when I got to listen to Liam McClair's newest single,
but hey - the torture is over - the song is out today! Hooray!


- Song Of The Day -
"Fame" by Liam McClair


Liam McClair is a singer/songwriter from Manchester, UK.
His sound can be classified as acoustic/folk with raw pop elements.

Most of Liam's recordings are guitar based and vocals focused.
 But you'll still find piano ballads and harmonica instrumentals paired with supportive percussions whilst listening to Liam's repertory.

With strong live performances Liam has convinced crowds all over the UK and even made it to Belgium, Holland and Germany to play his music.
 Music fans from all over the world are drawn to his sound. He has supported acts like Newton Faulkner and Echo & The Bunnymen.

Once you're familiar with Liam's sound, you'll find yourself coming back to it all the time - it's timeless.

Now he's here with his brand new song, "Fame" - and it's SO GOOD.

The song starts off in a calm way, just a soft acoustic guitar, paired with a few moody e-guitar notes.
Soon Liam's voice joins the party and demands your full attention - warm, expressive & inviting vocals are what you get from the singer/songwriter.

Taking an interesting and different approach with this lyrics, Liam tells a story of being a famous person and being overwhelmed with said fame. It makes you think you're listening to a celebrities diary being read out loud.

Full instrumentation kicks in and gives the song more depth and grip - both, drums and bass work together in a powerful, yet subtle way.
The howling e-guitar returns from time to time and plays an important part in the song.

Even though the song has a slower pace to it, it's anything but dull.
Liam McClair has managed to record yet another fantastic track, which is going to turn you into a huge fan.
Embrace it!

Listen to "Fame" below:



- buy the song -
- stream it -



Liam McClair online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit! 












Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: Liam McClair

Gig Photos: Mayday Parade at Webster Hall, New York




Hey guys!

I am so happy about the growth we see in our team.
It sounds incredibly cheesy - I'm very aware of that - but getting to work with some of my favourite photographers, is an absolute joy.

It means we get to cover a wider spectrum of artists, genres and locations - and that's just brilliant.

Today we get to welcome Sam Lichtenstein to the team!
She's a New York based music photographer and I'm super stoked to have her on board.

You can learn more about Sam by clicking here.
Please also support her on Social Media: website | instagram


Check out Sam's fantastic photos of Milestones, Knuckle Puck and Mayday Parade below.

__________________________________________________________
Date: 9th May 2017
Venue: Webster Hall, New York City


 Act #1: Milestones


Milestones are a five-piece outfit from Manchester, UK.

Combining Pop, Punk and Alternative, the band has created a refreshing and unique signature sound.

Milestones are:
Matthew John Clarke (vocals)
Andrew Procter (guitar)
Mark Threlfall (bass)
Andrew Makin (drums)
Eden Leviston (guitar)

In their songs the band tells personal and relatable stories.
Signed to Fearless records, their latest release "Equal Measures" hit stores in July 2016.


Check out their music video for "Call Me Disaster" below:



Milestones online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram









____________________________________________________________________

Act #2: Knuckle Puck


Knuckle Puck are a five-piece Pop-Punk band from Chicago, USA.

Starting out with multiple EPs, honing their craft and building a loyal fanbase, their debut album "Copacetic" was released on Rise Records in 2015.
Combining keyboard elements to show another side of the band, as well as their energetic and loud live qualities, the band's debut album was well received.

Knuckle Puck are:
Joe Taylor (vocals)
John Siorek (drums)
Ryan Rumchaks (bass)
Kevin Maida (guitar)
Nick Casasanto (guitar)


Check out Knuckle Puck's live music video for "Oak Street" below:


Knuckle Puck online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram











____________________________________________________________________

Headliner: Mayday Parade


Mayday Parade are a Rock band from Florida, USA.

Formed in 2005, the band has shaped the industry by constantly working hard and making their way to the top of their niche.

Mayday Parade are:
Derek Sanders (vocals)
Jeremy Lenzo (bass, vocals)
Alex Garcia (guitar)
Brooks Betts (guitar)
Jake Bundrick (drums, vocals)


Check out their latest music video "Let's Be Honest" here:


Mayday Parade online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




















And that's our coverage!
Let us know if you went to any of the shows of the tour.



Thank you for your visit!







&








Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Photography: Sam Lichtenstein for house in the sand | **ticket & photo pass have kindly been provided**

Performance Of The Day: "Could've Been" by Rhys Lewis



Hey guys!

One thing I've learned within the past five years of music blogging, is that you find some of the greatest acts when you aren't trying to find them.

Okay, I think I made that sound complicated, so let me break it down a little bit.

I have discovered some of my favourite acts when I didn't expect to discover them.
Let's take Martin and James as an example;
I first heard them live back in 2011 when they supported Taylor Swift. I had no clue who they were, but the minute they started playing, I knew I had just found my new favourite duo.

Moments like that kept happening multiple times over the years and they've definitely taught me to check out every support act, as well as checking out acts at festivals you don't know yet.

I did exactly that at last year's Barn on the Farm festival and to my delight, I go to watch Rhys Lewis play a fantastic set.

For those of you who haven't seen Rhys live yet- the Internet has got your back!


- Performance Of The Day -
"Could've Been" by Rhys Lewis

Rhys Lewis is a singer/songwriter based in London, UK.

His sound is going to make every classic Soul lover's heart beat - combining Soul with elements of Folk, Rock and Blues, Rhys is quickly creating a signature sound which will draw your attention to his work.

Spending most of the past year in studios in London, Nashville, Stockholm, Los Angeles and Berlin, the young musician has been writing and recording songs for his upcoming debut album.
His debut single "Waking Up Without You" hit #1 on Spotify's Viral Chart and reached 170 000 streams within two weeks.

Follow-up single "Living In The City" was just as strong and has now been streamed over 1.3 million times - a statement which probably speaks for itself.

To shorten the wait for his debut album, Rhys has treated us with a live performance of a new song called "Could've Been" which was filmed at The Round Chapel in London.

Greeting you with a catchy and soul driven riff, you just know that you're in for a treat.
Said riff returns multiple times throughout the song and quickly becomes a familiar friend.
The souly e-guitar is part of Rhys' refreshing signature sound - it's warm, it's inviting and it's honest.

Personal and relatable lyrics seem to be what's pouring out of the musician.
He knows how to illustrate short-film stories with his words - they are straight foward and very clear.

Rhys' voice is just as fascinating as his writing skills.
His warm and expressive voice just hits all the notes and transports all the emotions he's feeling.
Combined with heavenly soothing backing vocals, we're getting the full package here.

Rhys Lewis is a brilliant live artist, who doesn't need much gear to wow you.
And "Could've Been" proves that point perfectly.


Check out "Could've Been" below:




Rhys Lewis online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via WMA.Agency

EP Review: "The Recall" by John Thacker



Hey guys!

Personally, one of the coolest things I get to experience with house in the sand, is being able to see artists grow.
Everyone grows as a person, and if you have a creative job, your art is most likely to grow as well.

It's so exciting to see everyone around me work so incredibly hard to be constantly improving.

Today I get to review an EP by an artist I have seen work hard to take things to another level, so make sure to check out his latest work.

Artist: John Thacker
Title: The Recall
Genre: Pop, Alternative
Label: Independent
Release Date: 12th May 2017

John Thacker is a musician from Manchester, UK.
His sound varies from Acoustic to Pop and back to Alternative - with hints of R'n'B and Electronic.

John's music is very autobiographical and very relatable, which is a quality you want to find in a musician.
In 2015, John released his debut EP "Hear" which, unlike most EPs, included 12 tracks.

After building himself a loyal fanbase over the years, he is now here with a new EP, "The Recall"
 - so let's check it out!

Tracklist:
1) Stories / Intro
2) Control (ft. Tony Jaxx)
3) You Want Me
4) Be Alright
5) My Words: Bedroom Diary, 2015 / Interlude
6) Anybody (live)

Opener track "Stories / Intro" welcomes you with electrifying, yet gentle beats and spacey elements.
John's voice guides you through the track- it demands your attention, but is still calming enough to not drown you.
If you have been a listener of John's for a while, you'll quickly notice the differences in his new material - and you'll embrace it.

"You Want Me" is going to get you on your feet - slowly, but surely.
The build-up in the verse is tastefully done and prepares you to launch into the chorus which is carried by danceable beats.
It's a catchy, up-tempo track which is definitely goint to find its way onto some Summer playlists.

"Be Alright" calms you down with a slightly souly R'n'B vibe.
  It convinces with less beats and more depth. The gentle raspiness in John's voice works hand in hand with the instrumentation.
This track is one that's best listened to when you can just sit down and focus on all the little details in it.


To sum it up: There are no doubts - John has grown a lot as a musician and presented a more mature piece of art with this EP.
You'll find lots of different elements on "The Recall"; it's an EP which takes you to different places and different memories - all within just six tracks.



You should listen to these tracks: Stories, Be Alright


Check out John's acoustic performance of "Stories" below:




- buy EP -
- stream EP -


John Thacker online: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




Thank you for your visit!














Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: John Thacker

Song Of The Day: "And I'm Leaving" by Leslie Clio



Hey guys!

I've got a question for you:
What do you do when you're in a bad mood?

Me? I either blast some of my favourite songs and sing along as loud as I can.
Or I plan a trip to some other place. I love travelling, and whenever I feel stuck in a rut, booking a flight and disappearing for a bit, is exactly what keeps me going.

Today's Song Of The Day seems to be my new soundtrack.
It has been on repeat for the past hour, and I'm not done yet.

- Song Of The Day -
"And I'm Leaving" by Leslie Clio


Leslie Clio is a singer/songwriter from Berlin, Germany.
Her sound combines Soul and Pop in such effortless and graceful manner.

In 2013 she released her debut album, "Gladys". The second single of that record, "Couldn't Care Less", did more than just well and ended up on two soundtracks.

Follow-up album "Eureka" proved the singer was no one-hit wonder and made 2015 another successful year for Leslie.

With singles "Darkness Is A Filler" and "And I'm Leaving", she has given us great tasters of what to expect from her third album, "Purple" - which will be out on May 19th.

"And I'm Leaving" is something you'd expect from Leslie, yet it surprises with funky elements.
A few seconds into the song, it becomes evident - Leslie Clio is here with another hit.
The up-beat instrumental uniting Pop and Funk makes you want to get up and dance.

Leslie's voice has been a hit from the first song we've ever got hear - her deep and souly vocals just demand your full attention.
There's something so cool and badass about her - and it's exactly what we need in this industry!


Check out the music video for "And I'm Leaving" below:




- buy and stream album "Purple" -


Leslie Clio online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram



Thank you for your visit!












Credits // Text: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Guerilla Music