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.

Video Of The Day: "Bad Behaviour" by Kat Frankie



Hey guys!

September is almost over - and my, has it been filled with incredibly exciting music.
We could literally replay the month again and would not get bored.

But instead of doing that, we're going to feed your ears (wow, that sounds weird) with even more amazing music.
The industry is filled with fantastic music, so all we have to do is to expose it to wonderful listeners.

Are you ready to expand your music library?
Good! Let's go!


- Video Of The Day -
"Bad Behaviour" by Kat Frankie


Kat Frankie is a singer/songwriter and guitarist based in Berlin, Germany.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, the musician found inspiration in artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Bread, Carly Simon and more.
She started making music at the young age of six, but only started pursuing her music career in 2004, when she moved to Berlin and found the music community which makes the city so unique.

Kat regularly plays guitar for German act Olli Schulz, sang a beautiful duet with Clueso and has been a part of multiple music projects over the years.

Releases:
EP: "Outside" (2003)
LP: "Pocketknife" (2007)
LP: "The Dance of a Strange Heart" (2010)
LP: "Please Don't Give Me What I Want" (2012)

Her upcoming album "Bad Behaviour" will be out on February 2nd 2018.


Title track "Bad Behaviour" has already been revealed and is already proving to be a powerful first single.


"Bad Behaviour" welcomes you with a super catchy guitar riff, which follows your throughout the track.
At first, the track might seem minimalistic, but the deeper you'll dive, the more layers and details you'll find.

Kat's vocals lead the track with confidence, maturity and such clarity - and even though the song is such complex piece of music, it's definitely the lead vocals that shape the track into the gripping, grabbing and exciting song.

The backing vocals underline the finess and graceful elements of "Bad Behaviour" and give it that final glow.
Once you've heard this track, you're going to fall in love with Kat's sound.


Watch the video for "Bad Behaviour" below:




- buy or stream "Bad Behaviour" -



Kat Frankie online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!













Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Belle Music

Song Of The Day: "Lions Share" by Hermitage Green



Hey guys!

What would you say, if I told you that with this post you'll be finding a new favourite band?

Would you be excited?

I seriously hope so, because I'm super sure that a lot of you are going to be as excited about Hermitage Green, as I am.
When I was introduced to their sound just recently, I got so annoyed with myself for not finding out about them earlier on.

So let's not waste any more time, please let me introduce you to the band's latest track.


- Song Of The Day -
"Lions Share" by Hermitage Green


Hermitage Green are a five piece from Limerick, Ireland.
Their Folk-Rock sound is equally brilliant and exciting.

Formed in 2010 after a jam session between friends, the band probably didn't know what turn their career would take.

By gigging in South Africa, Australia, New York, Canada, Dubai, France and more, Hermitage Green built a loyal fanbase, for which they self-released a live album ("Hermitage Green - Live At Whelans") in 2013.

Hermitage Green are:
Dan Murphy (vocals, guitar, dobro, harmonica)
Darragh Graham (banjo, djembe, backing vocals)
Barry Murphy (vocals, bass)
Darragh Griffin (vocals, guitar)
Dermot Sheedy (bodhran)

In 2015 they got signed to Sony Music Ireland, played sold out shows in Ireland and the UK, released two singles and started working on their debut album.
They've played alongside Gavin James, Walking On Cars, The Pogues and more.

March 2016 saw the release of their debut, "Safe Your Soul".


Earlier this month the band released their latest single, "Lions Share", so let's check it out.


"Lions Share" is atmospheric, gripping and everything you'd need a great Folk-Rock track to be.
It gets you moving along to the perfectly timed percussions whilst you're desperately learning the lyrics, so you can sing along.

The lead vocals are one of the most powerful elements of the track- they lead your through the song with so much charisma and expression.

There's a subtle build-up, taking the song from 'atmospheric' to 'intense' in such clever and attention grabbing way.

It's one of those tracks that you can imagining being performed in an arena with the entire crowd singing along to every word.


Listen to "Lions Share" below:




- buy "Lions Share" -
- stream "Lions Share" -



Hermitage Green online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit! 












Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via Hermitage Green

Album Review: "Resurgam" by Fink



Hey guys!

80% of the music I listen to in my free time,
is music that I found through running this website.

It's so amazing that along the way I find so many treasures that I get to share with you,
but also get to listen to whenever I'm not reviewing anything.

I don't want to spoil today's post for you, but I have to say - Fink are now on my playlist.
So, maybe they'll end up on yours too?

Band: Fink
Title: Resurgam
Genre: Alternative
Label: R'Coup'D
Release Date: 15th September 2017

Fink is an Alternative three-piece based in Berlin, Germany.
Known for working R'n'B, Soul, Jazz, Dub, Folk, Post-Rock and more genres into their own sound, the band's strength lies in the details.

With a huge repertoire and an even bigger fan base, it's no surprise that the trio just keeps going and treating us with more and more releases.

Fink are:
Fin Greenall (vocals, guitar)
Tim Thornton (drums, guitar)
Guy Whittaker (bass)


"Resurgam" is Fink's sixth studio album, so let's check it out!


Tracklist:
1) Resurgam
2) Day 22
3) Cracks Appear
4) Word To The Wise
5) Not Everything Was Better In The Past
6) The Determined Cut
7) Godhead
8) This Isn't A Mistake
9) Covering Your Tracks
10) There's Just Something About You

Opener and title track "Resurgam" is a hopeful track.
It's simple, yet deep. The thriving bassline is a huge highlight and frames the song with such elegance and determination.
Soft and mysterious synths, paired with spine chilling high hats make an impressive appearance and give the song more dynamic.
The hypnotizing vocals guide you through the track and offer so much hope, putting the focus on the words "I will rise up, I will rise again".

"Word To The Wise" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad which soaks you in and accompanies you in the calmer hours.
With vocals and piano being the main elements, it's the simplicity, that once again underlines the creative message "Resurgam" seems to have written all over it.

Final track "There's Just Something About You" has this sparkly guitar base, that just wraps you around its' finger and makes sure you stay throughout the track. It's refreshingly upbeat and ends the album on such optimistic tones.

To sum it up: The diversity of genres sprinkled into the mixture of this album, is nothing but impressive and addictive. The deeper you dive, the more layers you find - leaving you with so much respect for the creativity behind this album. 
"Resurgam" teaches us the importance of the bass.


You should listen to these tracks: Resurgam, Word To The Wise, This Isn't A Mistake





- buy or stream "Resurgam" -



Fink online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram




Thank you for your visit!












Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Image: via  MC PR

Update: cry hard, dance harder




Hey guys!

The last time I felt the need to write a Paramore themed update
it was because things were tough and it all felt very dark and lost.

I was at a point, where I felt like I had been wasting away and I could practically feel my creativity slipping through my fingers.

I still remember that time vividly - and I remember how terrible and scary it all felt.

It was about three months ago and after I had written that update, it felt like I had unclogged the creative sink (or toilet - both seems appropriate) and things started to flow again.

That was when I learned that sometimes admitting your current situation and "owning" your struggles, is the only way to turn the situation around.

It's a heavy thing to say, but not being able to produce as much content and not feeling passionate about it - those emotions really messed me up. I didn't feel like myself.

Within the past three months, house in the sand has gone from "bleh" to "we can and we will do this" - and all just because I kicked my own butt, after I let myself be a mess.


"cry hard, dance harder"


This is where the post got its' inspiration from - a quote that has been strongly connected to Paramore's most recent album, "After Laughter".
The album deals with dark times, hard times, lost times and has become a relatable source of inspiration for me.

So I guess, what I'm saying is - if you feel like crying, cry hard. 
Let it all out, let yourself feel the sadness, get it out of the system. Bottling it up only means that you'll have to carry it with you - and that it only takes a short rain storm for the bottle to overflow all over again.

If you cry hard and empty the bottle of sadness, you'll be able to re-start.
Yeah - the bottle is eventually going to fill itself again - that's life.
But you'll be able to watch it fill up without having to worry about immediate break downs, because there's still plenty of space in the bottle.

And once you've cry hard - dance harder.

When you get to the point of feeling motivated, happy and determined - dance as hard as you can.
Milk it out.
You're on a high, so make the most of it.
If you've been lacking motivation and it has returned - become that working maniac and give it your all.
If you've been feeling sad and somehow happiness came back - celebrate it in any way you can and want to.

You deserve to dance, so dance harder than you ever have.

You see, what I'm trying to say with this post is - yes, house in the sand is on a roll again- and hell it feels good.
We have changed a lot of things "behind the scenes" and have adjusted to the pace of the industry.
August and September were the best months of the year so far, but we are more than sure that October, November and December hold huge things for us.

If you are ready to discover some fine music and get to know that acts behind it, 
we invite you to visit us regularly.

Stay in touch!


house in the sand online: twitter | facebook | soundcloud | youtube | instagram


Vanessa online: twitter | instagram




Disclaimer: if you are dealing with depression or other mental illnesses, please don't feel ashamed.
Reach out - there are many ways to do that and there are many people who will listen and help.





Thank you for your visit - always.














Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jertschewske

Album Review: "Haggarty" by Covey



Hey guys!

There are so many reasons why we are absolutely thrilled to have a proper team behind house in the sand.

One of the biggest perks is that we get to cover music, one person alone couldn't even start to discover.
We have a bigger variety of tastes, locations and styles - and we're all benefiting from it.

Today our new writer and photographer Carolyn Lederach makes her debut and shares her thoughts on a brilliant new album with us.


Before you dive into the review, please find Carolyn online and support her:
website | twitter | facebook | instagram


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Band: Covey
Title: Haggarty
Genre: Indie, Folk-Rock
Label: Independent
Release Date: 22nd September 2017

Covey is a Folk-Rock quartet from Boston, USA.

The project was brought to life by frontman Tom Freeman, whose influences range from Nick Drake to Fleet Foxes and Neutral Milk Hotel.
Print and online publications, as well as radio stations are huge fans of Covey's sound.

Covey are:
Tom Freeman
Dillon Rovere
Guillermo Goldschmied
Adam Marks


Covey have opened for acts such as Vagabon, High As A Kite, Hozier and more.
Without any major label support, the band has attracted over 110,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

And now the band is here with their debut album, "Haggarty". 

So let's check it out!

Tracklist:
1) ////
2) Call Home
3) Same White Shoes
4) Old Man
5) Stockholm Syndrome
6) 1955
7) Funeral Home
8) Eyesore
9) You Don't Need Me
10) In Or Out

Haggarty begins with the lovely "////".
Possibly the most upbeat track on the album, throwing you right into the special songwriting that Tom possesses and echoes throughout the album.

"Call Home" follows with one of the songs that caught our ears when we heard it live a few months back at a Sofar Sounds show.
"I'll call you more, but I'm much too drunk. A touch too often."
Probably words we can all utter at some point in our lives. A perfect example of the flow of the rest of the songs on the album. There's something simplistic about it, capturing an honest feeling, and setting it all to something slow and steady, with the perfect build-up to end it all.

The rest of the album moves into a slightly slower pace, but in the best of ways.
Such with "1955", where we're taken into something a little more personal and raw, coming out thinking a little more about your life.

To sum it up: Stepping back into the backlog of Covey over the past three years or so, you might find a lot of pleasant surprises in the newest release, Haggarty.
Now back and armed with a new band, frontman Tom Lloyd-Freeman is off to set a new path for Covey with their first full album release.

It may have only been a year since we last heard from Covey with a two song release of "Bows" and "Daisy". Both songs in the vein of your classic Covey tracks, the dark and relatable lyrics set to an atmospheric and soothing folky sound.
Now taking a turn to present day, we find Covey with the same relatable lyrics, but taking on a slightly new, lighthearted and lovable sound, dare we say danceable at times?
Tom has a gift for being able to make sad content catchy.


You should listen to these tracks: Same White Shoes, Call Home, 1955, ////





- buy or stream "Haggarty" here -



Covey online: Bandcamp | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!







&





Credits // Words Intro: Vanessa Jertschewske | Words Review: Carolyn Lederach | Image: via Covey

Gig Photos: Mutemath at Brooklyn Steel, New York City




Hey guys!

Gig season has officially kicked off for us over here at house in the sand.

Team HITS already has a bunch of exciting gigs lined up, which we'll be documenting for you to enjoy.

Our NYC based photographer Gina Garcia is the first one to treat us with some absolutely brilliant shots of Mutemath and their support acts Romes and Colony House.

As always, we are so excited to have a talented photographers from all over the world on our team,
so we'd love for you to check out Gina's work.


Find Gina online: website | twitter | instagram

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 20th September 2017
Venue: Brooklyn Steel, New York City (USA)

Act #1: Romes




Romes are an Alternative band from Toronto, Canada.

The four members - two of them are Canadian, two are Irish - met at school in Wicklow, Ireland.
They've played together in multiple arrangements for over 10 years, before moving to Toronto and starting Romes in 2015.

Romes are:
Jacob Alexander (vocals)
Nicolas Amadeus (drums)
James Tebbitt (guitar)
Andrew Keyes (bass)

In 2016, they released their debut EP, "Believe".
The band quickly managed to build a loyal fanbase with their gripping and refreshing sound.

Romes debut album will be out on October 6th, so keep an eye out for that.


Check out "Summer Sound" below:




Romes online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram


























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Act #2: Colony House




Colony House are a four piece band from Tennessee, USA.
They can be genrefied as Indie-Rock with their own unique twist to it.

Colony House are:
Caleb Chapman (lead vocals, guitar)
Will Chapman (drums)
Scott Mills (guitar, backing vocals)
Parke Cottrell (bass, keys, backing vocals)

Formed in High School in 2009, the band started to self-release EPs, before then releasing their debut album "When I Was Younger" in 2014.

Since then Colony House have made their radio and TV debuts, toured with acts such as Needtobreathe, Switchfoot and more, and played at festivals.

Their recent album "Only The Lonely", released in January 2017, was well received and appreciated by their fans. 


Check out this live performance of "You & I":




Colony House online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram


























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Headliner: Mutemath




Mutemath are an Alt-Rock band from New Orleans, USA.

Formed in 2002, the band has developed their own signature sound which is influenced by 60s & 70s Soul and Psychedelic Rock.

Mutemath are:
Paul Meany (vocals, keyboards)
Todd Gummerman (guitar)
Jonathan Allen (bass)

They have released multiple EPs and LPs over the years, with "Play Dead" being their most recent 2017 album.

The Play Dead Tour is making its' way through the United States, so make sure to check out their social media pages for tour dates.


Check out the music video for "War" below:




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


























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And that's it!

Were you at the show? Or have you seen any of the bands live before?
We'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to drop us a comment below.





Thank you for your visit!









&







Credits // Words: Vanessa Jertschewske | Photography: Gina Garcia | **photo pass and ticket have kindly been provided**