Favourite Golden Oldie song: Secret Smile by Semisonic

During December, I was able to spend some time going through my CD collection and I rediscovered one of the many CD singles that I had purchased, many moons ago (and most probably purchased from music store MVC, who remembers this store?!) and it was Secret Smile by Semisonic.

I remember I initially heard Secret Smile on the radio. I had no idea about the band or who they were or how many songs they had released, but I fell in love with this one and knew I had to purchase the single. Semisonic are an American alternative rock band formed in Minneapolis and has 3 members Dan Wilson, John Munson and Jacob Slichter. Dan is the vocalist of the band and for Secret Smile.

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Product Review: KitSound Wireless earbuds KS Funk 35

While I hadn’t been on the look out for a pair of wireless earbuds (and definitely not the Apple ones which are far too costly!), back in January this year, I ended up seeing on my Twitter feed, a tweet for the KitSound Wireless earbuds and I immediately thought I need these in my life! Not only are they life changing in the way that I now listen to music, but they also made me realise just how inconvenient wired headphones truly are.

Regular readers may know that this will now be the fourth product that I have purchased from the brand KitSound, previously owning their mini bluetooth speaker, wireless headphones, DAB alarm clock and now these lovelies. I purchased mine from Amazon and received them in a speedy 48 hours, and at the very affordable price of £49.99. I chose the pink ones (because lets face it, pink, lilac and pastels is my aesthetic) and I am super impressed with them so far.

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Songs with political messages

I have been meaning to write this article for a really long time but I kept putting it off as generally, I do not like mixing music with politics. However, when I keep listening to the songs that I have selected, they really do remind me how much the artist is trying to say about the current state of affairs in the country they live in/the world as it is.

The tracks that I have selected are from the artists Simply Red, Jack Savoretti and Angus Munro.
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Gig in the Goil Showcase Stage Announced

Award-nominated boutique festival Gig in the Goil has announced their Showcase Stage for their fifth birthday, with Luke La Volpe, Mark Sharp and the Bicycle Thieves and Vanives leading the way.

The indoor event – which returns to the stunning lochside village of Lochgoilhead from 1st – 3rd May, is well known for its promotion of upcoming artists from across Scotland, with the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Gerry Cinnamon, The Snuts & Be Charlotte gracing their stage over recent years, and this year’s milestone event promises to be even more special.

“We are delighted to secure such a strong line-up” said Event Manager Ross Coutts. “Luke & Mark are tipped for huge things at the moment with sell-out shows and festival appearances across Scotland, so we’re delighted to welcome them back to GITG as headliners, while Vanives are one of the most exciting upcoming acts in the country and we can’t wait for them to make their Lochgoilhead debut”.

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Singer/songwriter Habaka to perform in Las Vegas ahead of the release of her forthcoming album Heritage Blue

Ahead of the forthcoming release of “Heritage Blue” the new deluxe vinyl album by the 2019 BMA (Black Music Awards) Winner of “Best Female Jazz Vocalist Performer” for Las Vegas, singer/songwriter Habaka will make a number of appearances in Las Vegas, her home town.

Habaka crowned the “Panther of Cremona”, Italy, is a 4 Octave Blues, Jazz and Gospel classic songstress-lyricist, educator, producer, and radio host.

Born in Nashville, TN from a family of musicians that played a part in our music history: Her grandfather Jeri Jackson pianist and promoter, Grandmother Irene Jackson dancer, her mother Mary Ann Jackson a dancer and jazz vocalist and her father Melvin Jackson Band leader to Bobby Bluebland 16 years, and saxophonist to the legendary B. B. King (King of the Blues) for more than a decade.

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Birmingham City University’s Dr Libby Carter comments about the potential impact of the corona virus on the upcoming Eurovision song contest

Birmingham City University’s academic Dr Libby Carter (lecturer in Event, Venue and Experience Management) has recently shared her thoughts about how the corona virus could impact the upcominh Eurovision song contest.

She said: “In 11 short weeks Rotterdam is expected to host the 65th Eurovision Song Contest – a contest designed with the intention to bring together different countries within Europe. However, given the outbreak and continuous spread of the coronavirus, questions will be asked about the security of the contest.

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New Music Monday: Run Away by Alexa Goddard

After the release of her latest single Until You’re Gone, Alexa Goddard is back with a brand new release titled Run Away.

Another beautiful melody, with wonderful harmonies, Run Away talks about missing a lover and wishing you could run away to be with them. The acoustic sound of the track lends a very chilled out vibe and you instantly find yourself singing along to the chorus. It has definitely become a new favourite of mine! I love how Alexa is elaborating on her sound with each release while still singing in her preferred style.

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Favourite Golden Oldie: Ray of Light album by Madonna

For this month’s favourite golden oldie, I have decided to celebrate Madonna’s recent residency at The London Palladium (for her Madame X tour), by revisiting her album Ray of Light, which surprisingly has been a recent discovery for me.

I have always loved the title track and Frozen from this album, but after hearing and loving Substitute of Love, Nothing Really Matters and The Power of Goodbye on Magic Chilled radio frequently, I decided to take the time to listen to the entire Ray of Light album and what a pleasant surprise it has been, as it truly is a fantastic, critically acclaimed album.

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Mercury Prize nominees, SEED Ensemble, performed live from British Grove studios

The audio was streamed in real time in MQA to audiences in 90 Bluesound dealers across UK, Europe and South Africa.

The inaugural Master Sessions event at London’s British Grove Studios on 5 February featured the live audio stream of SEED Ensemble to audiences at Bluesound dealerships across UK, Europe and South Africa. The event also included a music and tech-themed panel discussion moderated by British Underground’s Crispin Parry, with Justin McKenzie of Jazz re:freshed and SEED Ensemble members Cassie Kinoshi and Shirley Tetteh.

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Happy Valentine’s Day: My top favourite romantic songs

The season of romance is fast approaching us in the form of Valentine’s Day, and its safe to say that you can listen to all of the romantic happy and sad songs on this very day, regardless of your relationship status!

I am sharing some of my favourite romantic songs below. I have chosen all songs that feature in the happy genre of romantic music and I’d love to know if any of these are your favourites too!

Crazy for You – Madonna

Everyone loves a song from Madonna in the 80’s, and my top choice of her most romantic song from that era is the ballad Crazy for You. This song will definitely set the mood for you!

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