MoodMoosic

Music Fanatic - First Time Blogger

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George Fitzgerald was certainly one of my faves whilst I was at uni and actually managed to see him once in a pretty grotty club in Newcastle called World Headquarters. Back then my music taste was a bit different and I was definitely into his deep house/techno vibes with songs like “Thinking of You” and  “I Can Tell (By The Way You Move)”. Although I still love listening to those songs it’s definitely more for nostalgia.

Fitzgerald’s new release “Roll Back” featuring Lil Silva from his upcoming album ‘All That Must Be’ is a far cry from those sorts of songs with this new track having a more twilight feel about it. It’s one of those songs you can imagine being on an old school episode of Skins and I absolutely love it.

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Hiyyaaaa! First of all apologies for my absence, it’s been a crazy few months for me traveling around the globe (hard life I know!) However… I’m back and I’ve got a belter for ya.

Having spent the last year of my life living with boys, my taste in music has certainly shifted a bit. Hip Hop is now well and truly in my life and I’m loovin it, hence why Mase’s “Feel So Good” is at the top of my faves.

I literally cannot fault this song! Not to sound all cringe but it genuinely makes me feel SOOO good. With the longest day in the year well and truly past us, its time to look forward to those summer days approaching- cheers to that!

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Since it is now officially Spring in Melbourne (yay!) my current music is turning more to those spring/summery songs as the days pass. With this in mind, I've turned to one of my favourite's from when I was living the unayy life a couple of years ago.

Maribou State's Midas from their album Portraits is a cool, organic track, infused with elements of jazz that just transports you to those summer evenings holding a bevvy. The voice of long-time friend and collaborator, Holly Walker can also be heard who plays an integral part in the album in creating those haunted sounds. 

I actually saw Maribou State live with Pedestrian (also featured on their album) back at university when I didn't know much about them but I fell in love with their distinctive music that deviates them from the standard dance/house music we hear too often today. Their melodies remind me somewhat of artists such as Massive Attack and Caribou.

Although Midas is one of my favourites from Portraits, as a whole, its an album you can listen to where no matter how you're feeling. The tracks have this crazy ability to suit your mood, so whether you're heading out, studying, on holiday or straight up chillin... stick it on!

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It's time for another throwback and this one is an absolute gem that will hundy p make your day. Simply Red is definitely one of those bands every parent listened to in the 90s, with records such as Stars and Fairground echoing around the house. 20 years later and 90s kids such as myself have found a new found appreciation for Mick Hucknall's voice.

Fairground has been one of those songs that I've always recognised but never known the actual name of so when my housemate came home from work with it on repeat last week I couldn't not join in with his questionable dancing.

Although it's a dance-influenced track, it's definitely one of those ones you can listen to on your way to work, at the office or just before heading out and its a guaranteed winner, trust me.

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I think it’s about time to dedicate one of these posts to the wonderfully talented @jessieware. Quite frankly she is London’s Queen of singing and songwriting with a rich and sultry voice in her emotional, elegant tracks.

Having just recently returned to music following a two year break, her new song ‘Midnight’ can only be described as a “fantasy mixed with complete and utter desire”. The track is taken from her currently untitled third album that will be released later this year where, Ware says to expect collaborations with the likes of Francis and the Lights and Ed Sheeran. No biggie!

 As well as this banging new track you must check out my all-time favourite, You & I (Forever). Caught at a certain moment I can definitely feel myself holding back the tears... so go and embrace your emotional side!

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Just over a week ago Tom Misch FINALLY dropped his latest single ‘South of the River’, one I have been eagerly anticipating to hear for a while now. The mix of instrumental arrangements and his vocals has created a track of summer disco vibes… I think it’s fair to say he’s absolutely smashed this one. Over the past year or so Tom Misch has really progressed as both a vocalist and producer with his most recent project ‘5 Day Mischon’ being another example of this. It was a week of musical collaborations and daily impromptu sessions, recording a song a day for 5 consecutive days with collaborations including Will Heard, Novelist and Carmody.

Tom Misch has to be one of my favourite artists of 2016 and I’m sure my opinion wont be changed for this year!

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For all you hip hop lovers, I stumbled across Rejjie Snow's mixtape The Moon & You on Spotify a few days ago with his track 'Purple Tuesday' producing some seriously smooth vibes. Made all much better with the addition of Mr Joey Bada$$ himself as well as backing vocals by Jesse Boykins III, it certainly creates that old school feel with its classic, low-key beats.

Snow explained to VIBE at the 2017 Broccoli City Festival how there "isn't much of a hip hop scene" in his hometown, Dublin with music mostly centred around techno and house music but this mixtape certainly shows he's sticking to his own and what he knows best.

I'd also highly recommend 'Pink Flower' featuring the gorgeous pipes from Dana Williams, adding that touch of R&B to create another hella good track!

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Santana - Smooth

On a long car journey from Melbourne to Sydney I recently rediscovered an album that took me back to my childhood and the multiple road trips my family used to take. When Santana’s ‘Supernatural’ album was released I was around 5 years old so you can imagine the nostalgia I felt when this came on shuffle. I love how refreshing it is to listen to Carlos Santana in amongst a pop or hip-hop playlist; his guitar skills undeniable and in my eyes, legendary.

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I’m sure you’re no stranger to Drake’s new “playlist” he dropped a couple weeks ago titled ‘More Life’, holding Number 1 for a second week on Billboard’s album chart. Unsurprisingly there are a couple of bangers on there, my favourites being ‘Passionfruit’ and ‘Madiba Ridim’ but most of all is the collaboration with Jorja Smith and Black Coffee in the fabulous ‘Get It Together’. Following on from my previous post about the 19 year-old British singer, this absolutely proves the stars are aligned for Jorja. The mix of her dusky voice with Coffee’s production and Drake’s smooth, easygoing vocals echoing singles like ‘Take Care’ make it one of my favourites.

(via https://open.spotify.com/track/5WHVJ7MILL1r5xs8hDfJ4i)

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Hello from Australia! This may explain my lack of posts recently and I can’t believe how much has happened in this time including Grammy winners and new album releases. However, I will begin with an artist I discovered whilst I was back in the UK in January. Jorja Smith was announced as number four on the BBC’s Sound of 2017, a list aimed to showcase the best new talent for the new year. Calling herself a soul singer, the 19 year-old has lyrically drawn inspiration from the likes of Rihanna and Amy Winehouse, writing honestly and truthfully. She recently stated in an interview with the BBC that she’s focused on staying real to herself and is currently not signed to any record label with no indication she is going to sign in the near future.

 It is fair to say this is not unheard of following Chance the Rapper’s recent success in the Grammy’s winning 3 awards for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance. He made Grammy history by becoming the first artist to win a Grammy with a streaming-only album and not being signed to a record label.

 Anyway back to Jorja… her first EP, the amazing Project 11 was released in November 2016  with a 4-track selection of songs including my favourite ‘Carry Me Home’ featuring the brilliant Maverick Sabre and the entrancing ‘Imperfect Circle’ voicing issues about the black community in the news. Here, I have posted her live stripped back performance of ‘Carry Me Home’ at Radio 1’s Piano Sessions with Maverick Sabre so you can see how beautiful her voice is!

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Van Morrison - Queen Of The Slipstream

What a legend and what a song.

Need I say more?

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Here Is the Complete List of Nominees for the 2017 Grammys

The nominees for the 59th Grammy Awards were announced this morning (Dec. 6), with last year's Best New Artist winner Meghan Trainor unveiling the contestants for the marquee categories live on CBS. The field is led by Beyoncé with 9 nominations, followed by similarly huge stars Drake, Rihanna and Kanye West (8 each).

So it’s that time of year again already! 

We all knew Beyonce would continue her successful year with a crazy amount of nominations, taking her total amount of Grammy nominations to a staggering 62! The 4th highest ever.

However, its not all about the big names. Personally, I’m rooting for the likes of Chance the Rapper, Flume and Bon Iver.

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There is absolutely no denying that Becky Hill has gone from strength to strength since her stand out audition on The Voice in 2012 to becoming a well-established artist within the industry, despite being only 22 (whaaat?). She has featured on multiple successful tracks, working with the likes of MK, Wilkinson, Oliver Heldens and the list goes on...

Her latest track ‘Warm’ is no different, produced by Shift K3Y with a cameo from MNEK. Becky Hill explains, “It’s a reinforcement of who I am as an artist, and a reminder of how excited I am to put my own music out. Being released on my own label, I’ve never felt more me with the release of ‘WARM’!”

Showcasing her insanely distinct vocals as per usual, this electronic pop, crossed R&B track is sitting firmly at the top of my current favourite.

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How Chance the Rapper’s Life Became Perfect - GQ, September 2016

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What a year for this 23 year-old! Working with some of the greatest names in the industry and what an album! 

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With this post I’m throwing it back... like way back. Specifically to 1993 in Oakland, California and four of the Hieroglyphics crew, Souls of Mischief. Their debut 93 ‘Til Infinity is one that has gone down in hip-hop history with bits of jazz fusion taken from drummer Bill Cobham’s work in the 1970s to create this funk, upbeat melody. 

Producer, A-Plus captured what he thought was the chillin vibe for teenagers, matching the lyrics ‘But right now yo, we gonna up you on how we just chill’. And what a producer, this is an absolute masterpiece and completely changed the hip-hop scene in the 90s. So click play and let the Souls of Mischief take you away...

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Brighton born and raised, Louis Mattrs started off his music career strong featuring on Chase & Status’ Lost and Found and in 2015 on SG Lewis’ No Less (keep an eye out for a post about this guy). I will admit that I only happened to stumble across this sublime artist through a recommendation on Spotify. I know I’m a bit slow off the mark on this one… but as soon as I listened to his EP titled ‘Slow Waves’ (released in November 2015), I instantly fell in love with his soulful voice mixed with a smooth R&B vibe, one also echoing The xx in songs such as Sweet Innocence.

I have to say my favourite from this EP is his rather sexy Young Gun (Oh My). It’s clear this song was written about a certain someone and his honesty in this is something I think we can all relate to (if ya know what I mean!)

Seriously though, this young man is certainly set for great things in the future after this wonderful EP, so sit back and just enjoy (make sure to listen to its entirety by clicking the next button)!

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Holla

Since I’ve been staring at this screen for about 10 minutes and still yet to know what to write, I’m just gonna drive straight in and say hi! I’m Hattie and welcome to my light-hearted music blog where I’ll be posting about all sorts of music-related goodness.

With a love of music, I simply want this blog to be a place I can share my thoughts and moods with you all. Whether it be posts about my favourite current artist, a new album release or simply what I think is the perfect hangover song for you to enjoy!

Maybe If I’m lucky I’ll also manage to introduce you to some new music along the way. 

Hope you all enjoy!