Songs of the Week [13]

Happy Easter everyone!

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend with friends and family so far. And to make your Easter even better, I decided to post the Songs of the Week a day early, so that you can enjoy them during the rest of the long weekend.

If you need even more music, feel free to listen to the whole Songs of 2016 (Spotify // Apple Music) playlist or my Currently Listening list (Spotify // Apple Music).

This week's songs are a mixed bag of new releases and some songs which have been out for some weeks already. It's Easter - hunt for the oldest one.

Now, to say it with the title of the first song: Welcome to the show.

The Night Manager

Hello everyone!

Today, I will tell you a little bit about a new mini-series which is currently on BBC One and is an absolute must-watch, especially if you're into spy thrillers - and no it's not about James Bond, it's all about The Night Manager.

Jonathan Pine, a night manager from an hotel in Cairo is recruited by intelligence agents after he gets involved in events concerning the international arms dealer Richard Roper. He is meant to infiltrate Roper's network to uncover his trades.

The six-part series is nerve-wracking, thrilling and beautifully made. It is the best John Le Carré adaption I watched since Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy back in 2011, if not even better.

I love that John Le Carré's story is transferred into modern days, because the series gains relevance through this. Illegal arms trading is still a problem as we can see with all the horrible things happening in Syria and all over the world. The thiller is somehow eye opening and very upsetting - it's facing so many issues and is really addictive.

Songs of the Week [12]

It's officially spring, it's sunny outside and it feels a bit like summer is coming (who cares about winter after all).

On that occasion and the fact that I can't get that Sigala song out of my head for quite some time now, I decided to do a dance/house playlist this week and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

And maybe one of the songs will be this years summer hit, we will see... Two of the featuring artists on today's songs have been on former playlists already and I'm glad they got to be part of great new songs so soon - I'm talking about Vaults (SOTW8) and Emma Carn (SOTW1).

For all the featured songs on my Songs of the Week feature give my Songs of 2016 playlist on Spotify a go and follow it to stay updated. But first here's this week's new additions to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Zootopia

Today it's going to be a short one because (nearly) all I've got to say is:

"Go and watch this film!"

Zootopia is for sure one of the must-see movies for everyone this year. Why? It's an amazing film, very current and has the perfect message for the world we're living in today: Respect each other and we can all live together in peace.

But it's not just that, the newest Disney animation is a story about dreams, courage and adventure. And it is a lot of fun to watch.

Not for nothing it has 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and this Critics Consensus:

"The brilliantly well-rounded Zootopia offers a thoughtful, inclusive message that's as rich and timely as its sumptuously state-of-the-art animation - all while remaining fast and funny enough to keep younger viewers entertained."

Another remarkable thing I've got to mention is the passion for detail. All the animal versions of film posters and adverts are super cute and they even bothered to make up animal related song titles. And there's even more pop culture references, CINEMABLEND has collected ten of them in a gallery, have a look.

With Zootopia, Disney has once more proved that they can make wonderful movies for everyone and I think I know already who will be taking home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature next year.

I loved it and hopefully you will love it too. Let me know when you saw it and tell me what you think by commenting below.

And last but not least, here's a trailer to get rid of your last doubts.

Songs of the Week [11]

It's a new week, which means that there's new music and I've got an interesting mix of the newest released tracks for you as every Monday.

If you want to have a look on what has been on the previous lists this this year, check out my Songs of 2016 playlist on Spotify and follow it to stay updated. As you probably know, I'm adding six new songs every week, which I'm presenting to you every Monday.

This week's list is featuring one song, that could get really big this year, a powerful Eurovision Song Contest entry, a very unusual artist choice for me and a beautifully emotional charity single.

But I will keep you guessing for a bit and let's start with two new indie tracks I really enjoy listening to first.

Artist Rendezvous: IAMWE

This Thursday, it is time for another Artist Rendezvous and it is about one of my favourite new discoveries: IAMWE.

IAMWE is an American indie pop/rock band from sunny Phoenix. They are a five-piece consisting of frontman Nate Huss, guitarist Shane Tschida, guitarist Ryan Williamson, bassist Erik Brunner and drummer Josh Carlson.

Their debut EP LOVE and LOSS was released a few weeks ago and it sounds really good. The songs are super catchy and have a great vibe. It is music that is enjoyable and easy going, but also has that special extra spark. And this is the groovy sound paired with an awesome presence and philosophy.

I had the chance to ask the band some questions and get to know them a bit better. Hit play on their EP and read the interview below.

Songs of the Week [10]

Hello fellow music friends! I'm keeping it short and sweet this week, because I'm ill and got a lot to do. But I didn't want to withhold these new releases from you, thence I'm doing a short post anyway.

The first song on the playlist has already been out for a while, but is on the list to celebrate an album release. The song is Love Is Blind by Låpsley. Her debut album Long Way Home is out now and it's so lovely - you should listen to it.

The other five songs have all been released last Friday. First of all there's a new version of Desire by Years & Years. This time featuring Tove Lo. I think Desire along with Illuminate were the first songs I heard of Years & Years back in 2014. Desire is a great track and I'm glad they've finally released it as a single.

Back Into It by Graham Candy is the first single taken from the singers' debut album Plan A. It's a catchy, dance pop track. You might remember Graham's Candy voice from Alle Farben's track She Moves.

Speaking of catchy pop tunes. Genghis Khan by Miike Snow is another one. The Swedish indie pop band has released their third album iii on Friday and Genghis Khan is the latest single taken from it.

Frank Turner's new single is called Mittens
and it's rocking and gleeful love song.

And now that were on the rock trail already, there's also a new memorable single by one of the newest promising rock bands around: Last Night by The Sherlocks. I already picked another The Sherlock's song for a playlist last year and it looks like I was right about being excited for new music by the Sheffield boys as this one is really great again.

And that is it already. Hopefully you enjoyed this week's picks. Check out the full Songs of 2016 playlist on Spotify to catch up with the Songs of the Week so far.

Love
Julia x

Kodaline // European Tour 2016

As promised in Monday's SOTW post, I wrote a few words about the Kodaline gig in Stuttgart I have been to last Friday.

I've been looking forward to my first gig of 2016 for a while - especially because it also meant I would get to see one of my favourite bands again.

You probably know that I've seen them twice before, but this time it was the first real tour gig I've been to, so it was still special.

I don't want to repeat myself too much, hence you can read why I think Kodaline are a brilliant live band in my post about their New Pop Festival performance last year and about their music in general in my post about their latest album Coming Up For Air.

But here's why I really loved this particular concert: I'm so happy they had Lost on their setlist, I adore this song. And the lighting was pretty epic as well. And of course I had tears in my eyes again when they played Love Will Set You Free - it's just such a beautiful and emotional song and it happens every time...

If you have a chance to see them live somewhere near you, you should do it - I promise you will have a great night.

Last but not least, I have a video with some impressions from the gig for you - I'm sorry that the sound isn't great... My camera is broken and it was just too loud for my phone... Hopefully you can enjoy it anyway.

Songs of the Week [9]

Hey everyone! How are you? I had a great weekend, I hope you had a blast, too.

Last night I stayed up to watch the Oscars as every year with a friend. I love our little tradition it's always fun. And tiring...

Additionally, I have been to see Kodaline last Friday, which I enjoyed a lot. They're such a great live band. You'll get to read and watch a bit more about it on Thursday.

Also, The 1975's new album was released on Friday, you should give it a go it sounds great. It's called (take a deep breath) I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it.

And luckily for you, I also found the time to pick six great new tracks for this new edition of Songs of the Week.

Artist Rendezvous: FEELS

I haven't done this in a while, but now it's finally time to meet a new band. Press play below and read on.


FEELS is a Finnish electro-pop group formed of singer and songwriter Sofi Meronen, keyboardist Mikael Myrskog and producer Jooel Jons. They describe their music as gripping and toned with northern melancholy.
The band's debut EP Butterflies will be out next week and therefore it's the perfect time for you to start following their musical journey.

I think my favourite song is I Wished For Butterflies, but the other songs are really good as well. Smoke Signals is vibrating song with some great synth sounds and If You'd Meet Me Tonight (the one you're listening to right now, if you pressed play above like I said) is a beautiful, melancholic ballad about love and pain - a theme that is running like a thread though the whole EP. You can tell that the lyrics are written about big feelings.

Songs of the Week [8]

Hello there - I hope you have been looking forward to Music Monday as much as me. I've been going through this week's new releases over the weekend and there's been some really good ones.

I have also picked some songs that aren't particularly brand new for today's list, but they're great and should be heard. 

If you don't enjoy the beginning (of what I hope isn't the case, but you never know) make sure to read/listen on because Midnight River is totally worth a listen, believe me.

Of course all the songs have been added to my Songs of 2016 playlist on Spotify - make sure to follow it to enjoy the full beauty of 2016's music.

But back to this week's new additions. Here's this week's playlist - press play and continue reading (yes, I've changed the layout a little).

Carpool Karaoke Favourites

After the joy of watching Carpool Karaoke with Sia yesterday, I thought it might be cool to present you to my favourite participants in this feature.

What? You do not know what Carpool Karaoke is? You have missed something so far.

It is a segment of The Late Late Show with James Corden, where James Corden picks up musicians in his car, has a chat with them and they sing along to some songs - it is so entertaining.

And because I do not want you to miss out on it I have picked my five favourite editions of these special sing-along interviews. I hope you're up for having some fun and a little singing session of your own, because it is contagious.

Songs of the Week [7]

Hi everyone! It's Music Monday and time for six new and exciting tracks.

It's been my birthday last week and I had a little party and hence I was on the search for some new cheery songs for my party playlist. My guests seemed to enjoy the songs and so I thought you might like them as well.

That is why today's additions to the Songs of 2016 playlist are picked from my party music collection. They've all been released recently and are good fun. I hope you like them.


Temple - Parson James



Ooooh oooh oooh - here we go. Parson James calls his music "Conflicted Pop Gospel", I call it cheerful and catchy. Temple is an upbeat happy pop song, perfect get your fingers clicking.
Parson James is currently working on his debut album and Temple is his second single following Stole The Show which was a collaboration with Kygo.

Joy [Film Review]

I've seen it! I didn't believe in it anymore. I wanted to see this film ever since I had seen the first trailer, but then it got complicated. Nearly any cinema where I live was showing it and the ones that did decided to show it at stupid o'clock...

But I've made it. Last Saturday was the last chance to see Joy in the city I live in and I was there. Along with three other people and one of them was my friend. The situation was a bit weird, but nevertheless I really enjoyed the film.

Joy is the latest film by David O'Russell starring dream team Jennifer Laurence and Bradley Cooper. And if this isn't enough of a brilliant cast already, there's also Robert De Niro and Isabella Rosselini. And let me tell you they are all doing a great job!

The film is about the life of Joy, who struggles with life but then becomes an entrepreneur running a powerful family business. I know I've maybe spoiled the plot with this already, but as it's based on the real Joy Mangano, so you might know how it ends already. But the end is not the important part of the film.

Songs of the Week [6]

Helau! Narri Narro! Alaaf! To all my fellow Germans out there.

And for the others: It's carnival over here, the time when some Germans get a little more weird. There's lots of parties, everyone dresses up with funny costumes and there's parades with confetti, candy and chocolate. It's the best thing. For some. Others hate it...

Anyway it's time for six new songs to be added to my Songs of 2016 playlist, don't forget to give it a follow on Spotify.

I hope you will enjoy this week's songs - here they are:

This Is Acting - Sia

Last Friday was the day Sia's new album This Is Acting was released. I've been looking forward to this ever since I heard the first single of the album.

It is not as great as I hoped it would be, but still a good record. There are some stunning songs on there, but also some that are a bit strange.

To give you a good impression on what the album is like I decided to write a little track by track review. I hope you like it.

The album is starting great with Bird Set Free and Alive. I've talked about Bird Set Free already in a post last year and it is still one of my favourite songs. Some of the lyrics of the song can be seen as the mantra of this record in a way: "I don't care if I sing off key - I find myself in my melodies - I sing for love, I sing for me - I shout it out like a bird set free."

Songs of the Week [5]

Hello February! 

Hello Music Monday!

Hello my fellow music fans!

As always I have added six new songs to my Songs of 2016 playlist. I hope you will enjoy them.

It's five brand new releases and one new single from an "old" album of a band I'll be seing live at the end of this month. I'm already really excited for that first gig I'm going to this year.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

I haven't been to the cinema to see new films lately. But that's not too bad because this means I finally got a little time to catch up on all the ones that I never saw but always wanted to see.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of these films on my Watchlist, I even had the DVD for a while already and now I've finally seen it.

And I enjoyed it so much! It is so relatable and I will tell you why after a short summary for those who don't know what the film is about.

The film is - who would have thought - the story Walter Mitty who is day-dreamer working in the photo archives of a magazine calles LIFE. He escapes his boring life by descending into his fantasy world which is filled with adventures and love. But one day, when his and lots of other jobs at the magazine are threatened he goes on an adventure that turns out to be even better than the ones in his mind.

I was very touched by the film because I am a very dreamy person myself. Sometimes I imagine these great things happening to me or I dream of being someone else. Who doesn't? And occasionally, when returning to the real world I don't even know if the stuff I just imagined really happened or not.

Songs of the Week [4]

It's Music Monday again.

This week's list is full of new releases, finally this new year is gaining speed when it comes to new music and I really like it.

But luckily there's a lot of other good music out there lately and you'll get another taste of this on this brandnew Songs of the Week list.

It felt a bit like I was putting together a roadtrip playlist. The ORACLE told me to Drive into the Wild West. At first It Gets Cold but then we meet the Summer Girls. But I'll Never Be Like You, because you're taking this musical journey for the first time. I heard it in the wrong order before... Anyway. Here we go.

5 reasons why it's great that The X Files is back

Sunday - or should I say Monday - is the day! Time zones are a weird thing sometimes, aren't they?

Anyway, it's the day The X Files will be back!

I never thought Mulder and Scully would be back again on my telly, but they are. I really hope the show has gotten even better with age (or stayed the same, that would be alright as well). And fingers crossed that I will find a way watch it and I won't have to wait until February. I can't avoid social media for a month.

To celebrate the return of one of my favourite TV shows I thought it would be nice to list five reasons why I am really happy and excited about it being back.