Goodbye 2014, HELLO 2015 :)

Many of us already have our New Years Resolution taped to our walls, or written on our journals or even as reminders on our phones ready to tackle the new year with hopes that it will be better than the last. Our lists vary depending on the kind of things we want and why we want them. I personally have never made a list but the way 2014 raced by i just had to seat down and think about what 2015 should be like.

Here's my list:

Don't Worry, Be happy. 

The most important thing for me is to make sure that I'm happy. Call me selfish, but if i dont who will. There comes a point in life when people will almost always disappoint and not live upto the expectations you set out for them, even your own parents, so really taking care of yourself and spontaneously making yourself enjoy the beauty of the environs around you is the right thing to do. No-one can fault you for that and if they do...haters gonna hate, potatoes gonna potato. :)

Make Music, Not War.

Second year of Uni has started with a bang, loving every minute of it. Even though the world around me isnt perfect, ill just make music because music just makes life a little bit better.

Blog, Blog, Blog.

Even with the crazy schedule that i have, i will be blogging and keeping you all entertained and up to date with my journey. 

 Go to Paris.

A work in progress but i just have to make it to Paris. 

Get a Nose Piercing.

Oh yeah.. The Rebel in me just has to get a nose piercing. Ive been playing around with this idea but i feel like this is the year that i should get it done and over with.

Try to budget, Save for the future. 

The hardest thing for a 20-something to do is spend the money they are earning wisely. I have a steady job but as soon as the money goes into my account it comes out. I have to find a way of managing my money...hmph!

Turn 21!

Its the big 2-1 for me this year and im praying i get to see it happen because it has been a long time coming. Im so eager to see what comes next. I dont think im scared of growing up and having responsibilities. I guess i just want to see whats next. Who doesnt? 

There's my list and i am totally sure ill add more things as time goes by. What does yours include? 

From a Life-enthusiast

Esther... xx

The Beauty of A-capella Music: *1 MONTH ANNIVERSARY*

Its been a month since i began this journey of blogging and let me tell you, i love it. Its kept me on my toes when it comes to discovering and appreciating new and different kinds of music. My new found love for Indie Folk Music has completely blown me away and changed my perception of anything that has the word 'folk' in its title. I used to think that folk music was for "old people" and didn't i look silly when it actually hit me that it actually isnt and its what i should be listening to.

Now to the topic of today: A capella music. This kinda of music involves the use of no instruments just what God gave you, your mouth. With people gaining skills like beatboxing and the amazing advancements in technology, A capella Music has been made interesting compared to before. Back when i was in high school and college, i had the privilege of singing A capella a couple of times and i loved every second of it. It was like singing a stripped down version of the originals and i could put all the emotion i wanted into it.

When i was thinking about this kind of music, a group came to mind. PENTATONIX!!!

Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Avi Kaplan

Started out as a trio with childhood friends: Mitch, Scott and Kirstin, they slowly expanded into a quintet adding "the bass" (Avi) and "the beats"(Kevin) to an already magical sets of pipes. They mostly do covers of popular songs but havent shied away from doing original music Love Again & Run to you. Purely vocals with added technical effects to give a fuller and warmer sound, this group complements each other and individually brings something to the table that makes them well them.

Deriving from the musical term the pentatonic scale, Scott suggested their group name which represents exactly what they bring to the group. Their passion for the music they do covers of shows from their energetic yet heart-wrenching performances that has left me wanting more and more. Their videos just show how much dedication that they have. Combined with their vocals, woooh!!! :) No trust me, this guys can sing. If you dont believe me, here are some examples (and actually my top faves): 

#1.  La La Latch- Pentatonix (Sam Smith/Disclosure/Naughty Boy Mashup)

 #2. Can't hold us- Pentatonix (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Cover)

#3. Evolution of Beyonce
 For all those Beyonce fans, this is a must listen to :)

#4.  Pusher Love Girl- Pentatonix (Justin Timberlake Cover)

#5.  Save the World/ Dont you Worry Child- Pentatonix (Swedish House Mafia Cover)

For more of their music, definitely head on over to their Youtube channel: PTXofficial and experience ear-gasmic music.  :)

Happy Listening.

From a Fan.
Esther xx.

ALBUM REVIEW: Inside Out by Joanna Weston

As part of my efforts to expand my musical tastes, i decided to agree to music submissions from anyone who have listened to an album or artist that they think is worth a listen. One of my followers on twitter sent me a link to an album by this amazing artist named Joanna Weston and can i tell you my afternoons have never been more relaxing. Here's why:

#1. Why i love "Inside Out"?

Her soaring soprano voice soothes your heart and pleads to your ears to pay attention to what she's saying because it sure does relate to what you are going through. The clarity and purity of her voice takes you to a place where you need to go to. The importance laid on her voice by having light instrumentation is a refreshing break from what im used to listening to. I love the fact that there are rarely any harmonies and if they are they are very faint and also the use of the violin and double bass which adds onto this 'lying on the clouds' type of feeling.

#2. Song-writing skills? Yaay or Naay?
Totally YAAAY!!! Her lyrics are profoundly relatable to anyone and technically follow the "rules" of songwriting. So really, its a win-win situation for a casual listener and a music "rules" fanatic.

#3. Would i change a thing?
No way. I love it.

#4. What are my favourite songs?
Desire, Dont stop and I know are definitely on the top of my list. I have listened to this songs over and over again (even the album) and my family has definitely picked up on my obsession.

#5. Would i recommend it to a stranger/friend? 
Yes, Yes, Yes. If you love Indie folk music or just looking for something to lighten up your mood, this is the album for you. I have already suggested it to some of my friends and im sure they will love it.. awaiting their feedback though.


Thats it for my review. I will definitely be listening to a lot more Indie folk and Joanna.

Here's a bit more about Joanna and her journey: 

Artist Bio:

Joanna Weston released her debut studio album on 5 April 2014. Moving from Guildford in the UK, she has been based in The Netherlands working with some incredible musicians, fine tuning each of the songs that appear on this beautiful album. Now released, she is so excited that it’s finally out in the world for all to hear because the end result of all their hard work is truly fantastic!

Joanna and her band took the stage on 5 April 2014 in Utrecht to celebrate the release of ‘Inside Out’, where they performed all tracks, which appear on the album as well as songs from her two previous EPs. ‘Inside Out’ includes audience favorites from her live gigs ‘I Know’, ‘Say So’, and ‘What Are We Fighting For’ plus some new songs that have never been heard before. 

The Album contains 11 tracks, which are all written by Joanna and performed with her band, made up of musicians from Utrecht, and was recorded, mixed and mastered at Studio Frank Rijk (Utrecht) by Frank van der Meulen.

Born in London, her two previously released EPs ‘What Do I Do?’ (2010) and ‘Pieces Of The Puzzle’ (2011) have both been well received and appreciated by music lovers.

Joanna is a storyteller who conveys her experiences with great flair. Her music is upbeat and ‘real life’. It is a fine combination of folk-pop that you would want to hear time again. Hypnotic vocals with her beautifully crafted music showcase her skill and versatility as a songwriter and performer. Joanna’s performances are always uplifting, you must see her live!

Many radio stations around the world, including BBC Introducing, Eagle Radio, Kane FM, the Tom Robinson's BBC6 Music 'Fresh On The Net' show regularly support her music. She was also recently invited by Dutch radio stations including Radio1.nl to play live and promote her new debut album. 

Whether a prestigious venue, festival or intimate house concert, Joanna loves to perform. She has played shows in the UK, Turkey, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands and is excited to take her album on tour so look out for forthcoming tour dates very soon.

Find out more about her:

http://www.joannaweston.com

http://www.facebook.com/joannaweston

https://soundcloud.com/joanna-weston/sets/pre-release-debut-album-inside-out/s-qWgu5

http://www.joannaweston.bandcamp.com

Happy listening. 

From a Fan
Esther xx