Competition Winners! Sleep Star Ignition!

If you follow me on twitter, you will know that I recently did a competition for that when I reached 200 followers I would randomly select a follower of mine, to win a sort of promotion on here.

I reached 200, followers no problem, however, I being an airhead, managed to loose the emails between me and Sleep Star Ignition, who were lovely enough to even send me a link to get their latest EP - "I Love What You've Done With The Place" which is available for everyone to get. 

They also do weekly podcasts called "I Love Sleep Star Ignition" which is available here and on iTunes.

I got talking to Bob, who is guitar and vocals, however there is also Nick, who is main vocals, Zach M who plays bass and Zach B who plays drums.
I asked if there was any additional information that the guys would like to tell me and this is what they said;

"Additional things about us include the face that we're pretty hardcore comic book nerds and have a guilty pleasure for professional wrestling. We played the Cincinnati, Ohio date of the Vans Warped Tour in the summer of 2014 and are looking forward to more accomplishments like that in the future. We are completely independent as far as releasing our own music and running our own social media, so any time you interact with us it is, in fact, US. We're very proud to be a band that looks at our fanbase as a family and we're always down to chat with whomever would like to learn more about us. "

At first when I watched their video for Lunar Transmission, I thought that Nick looked like a mix between Dave Grohl but more beard-y and Adam Lazzara, which isn't a bad thing when it comes down to it!

 

And they have a sound that's the best of both Foo Fighters and Taking Back Sunday, with lyrics that will have you truly thinking about everything, and I mean everything. I really can't wait too hear more off these guys and too see exactly where their music takes them, and I pray that it's far and they can get everything out of it because they are the most down to earth and helpful guys especially when they were so understanding about me loosing an email and everything! 

These guys are honestly amazing, they will blow your expectations out of the water, because they did that for me! It's like putting your hand in your pocket and finding some money, it's like a little gift to yourself from yourself, but in this case it's a little gem from twitter to me. And now I'm sharing that gem with you! I know, I know, you're welcome!

 

Oh and they've just released some merch, which is looking extremely tempting! 

Twitter | Facebook |Website

Throwback to all my Skindred memories!

At the age of 14, I'd be going to see a band I would fall in love with, and go and see a further 3 more times, that band being Skindred.

Merthyr Rock 2012

Merthyr Rock was my first ever festival, it was only a small local one which was set up 10 minutes down the road from where I live. My parents, close family friends and I decided to go because how often does a small Welsh town get it's own festival?. The line up was full of Welsh bands and not so Welsh bands, like The Blackout, Funeral For A Friend, Straight Lines, Reaper In Sicily and of course Skindred, but at that time I didn't know what to expect with them, because I had never heard of them.


They blew my mind. They got the entire crowd going, it was unreal, I had never seen a crowd move in such a way, with such energy. I was hooked. No other words could describe the pull they had, not just on me but my entire family. And the thing is, they weren't even the headliners, they were essentially the support for The Blackout.

 My dad ended up coming home and buying their CD's at stupid o'clock in the morning after an entire day of consuming alcohol... That could have ended up horribly wrong...

I then ended up seeing them again, for the second time, again at Merthyr Rock 2012, this time they were the headliners. This time I was a lot more prepared for the carnage that they were going to unleash, especially with the Newport Helicopter, which I've mentioned in previous blogs. I sung until my lungs gave out, but that did not stop me, I went absolutely nuts. I loved every minute of it, I came home sweating, bruised and ringing in my ears, because once again I was on the barrier.

They weren't playing Merthyr Rock 2013, so I had to go to go a year without my Skindred fix. I was gutted because I was dying to see them. 

However, in 2014, they announced that they were playing a home town show, in Newport. I told my mam and she bought five tickets for me, her, my dad, and my aunt and uncle. It was an amazing night, especially to see a band I've loved for years now, develop in to something so mind-blowing, with raw passion and energy, which is something I've never seen done to such an extent.
I've written a blog about the gig which you can see here.

And then months after recovering from that gig, they announced that they were playing again in Cardiff, in a venue which I found out to be absolutely tiny. That alone made me want to go because each time I've seen them they've been in a fairly big venue. So I begged and pleaded with my mother to get tickets but she said 'that she's getting to old for gigs'. Psh mam, you're not that old. 

But my aunt and uncle became my saving grace. They told me that they would get me tickets for my 18th birthday. I honestly at the moment could have cried. No joke.


November came around, and a couple of days before the gig, the Doc Martens store in Cardiff announced that they were holding a signing with the band before the concert. I was like YES! This was finally my chance to meet them after wanting to for three years.

I finished college early, because it was a Wednesday and I finish half 12, so me and my aunt, went down to Cardiff so that we could have a bite to eat and do some shopping before the concert and the signing. 

We ended up in Spoons having some pre-drinks, just as a way to pass the time, because we still had half an hour to go before they opened the door to the DM store. 

Once we finished our drinks, we headed towards the store, there was about three people in front of us, so it wasn't too busy, me and my aunt both bought raffle tickets, because there was a very good chance of us winning, the prize was a pair of white DMs signed by the band.

The guys were so down to earth and lovely, they honestly didn't seem like the were in a band, they were just a group of guys.  They signed my book with no problem, and asked if we were coming tonight, and we replied excitingly with an 'of course' and  I had to mention that this would be my fourth time seeing them, and Benji asked where and when I saw them previously, so I listed them.


We then left after having our photos taken with the band, because we were meeting my uncle, but I felt guilty, my mother wanted so bad to come to the gig, but she couldn't. So we went back to the store, and asked them if they could possibly sign something for my mother, they said yes. 

Benji asked me what my mothers name is, I was like Natalie, he wrote on the poster '2 Nat' and then signed it, the rest of the guys signed it too. My aunt sent a picture of it to my mam, I think it cheered her up, because she now has two Skindred mementos, first Mikey Ds plectrum, which bounced off four people and landed in her handbag at Merthyr Rock 2012. 



We then went to meet my uncle, who then drove us to The Globe, which is a tiny little venue, not in the main city center part of Cardiff, unlike the Motorpoint or the Y Plas (the students union).


We then queued, we again were about third in queue, so we again managed to get on the barrier, which I've noticed is a running theme for Skindred gigs. The supports were okay, I couldn't really hear them, something wasn't right with a the sound system in my opinion, but they rectified it for when Skindred was on. Thank god. I'll post the set list below so you can marvel in the musical genius and how far they have come from the 10 songs they played when I first saw them at 2011, many of those songs are still played, such as Warning, which is the anthem of the Newport Helicopter.

I loved every minute of the gig, nothing will ever compare to seeing them live. Each time, I swear they blow the last time out of the window and some how find a way to better themselves and put on more of a show.

I'm going to be absolutely amazed to see where they go from there, because there was nothing like them playing such a small venue, well other than seeing them play their home town, which gave the gig an atmosphere that can honestly never be replicated, well not unless they play another home town show, which I would honestly love. I more than likely will be at the next four or more gigs that Skindred play in Wales, because it's got to the point where I need to see them otherwise I'd get withdrawals

To sum up, Skindred have created some of the most amazing memories, not just for me but my entire family. They've made me realise that even if you are from a small Welsh town you can still make it big, which means if they can do it, so can I.

Setlist

Thunderstruck (AC/DC cover)
The Imperial March
Rat Race
Stand for Something
Doom Riff
Ninja
Cut Dem
Proceed with Caution
Destroy the Dancefloor
Kill the Power
Thrift Shop (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis cover)
Sad But True (Metallica cover) (Partial)
Trouble
Pressure
Nobody
Duality (Slipknot cover) (Partial)
Warning (With Newport Helicopter)

Boywithauke Interview

I have had the amazing opportunity to interview Craig Gallagher, otherwise known as Boywithauke. What an amazing way to start 2015 off, with an interview. He was such a pleasure to work with such a down-to-earth guy who was able to laugh and joke along with me as the interview went on, and I got told to tell you guys, he's pretty, but don't take my word on that

Firstly, tell us a bit about you and your music.

Well, my names Craig, I'm 19 and I live in Glasgow, Scotland. My music is indie-pop and my name for my music is 'BoyWithAUke'. 

Why and when did you start playing music? 
Well I was mainly a singer and actor. I went to the Royal Convervatoire of Scotland for 11 years doing the drama-works programme every Saturday.


Who inspired you to start playing? 
I started to play a bit of guitar when I was 12 and I guess it all unravelled from there I guess.

I remember in primary school I sung Anastacia 'left outside alone'. That was funny thinking back to that. 

First song that you learnt to play? 
The first song on the guitar I learned to play was Iron man bh black sabbath. Just the easy riff, not the complicated parts haha.

Favourite musician? 
My favourite musician. God, I can't pick. There's Geddy Lee from Rush, Charlie Simpson and more. I guess it would have to be those 2.

Talk us through how you would go about writing a song 
 How I would go about writing a song. First, if I have a lyric stuck in my head I'll try and write around that. Sometimes I'll make up little stories and characters in my head and work out what they're going through and write about that.

What song of yours are you most proud of? 
The song I'm most proud of is probably 'FGMG' which will be on ny first EP. It's just a catchy lyrical song. There will be a full band version of the song in a future EP and I can't wait to show everyone it.

If you could have written any song in the world what would it be and why? 
If I could ever written a song in the world. It would have to either be Working Man by Rush, Kick Me by Sleeping With Sirens, Na Na Na by MCR or Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. 

How do you go about unwinding/relax? 
How I relax. I guess I just like to play my uke, play my ps3 or watch netflix. 

What do you do when you face haters/trolls?
I usually tend to ignore the haters, but there has been a few comments that have hurt me and set me back a bit.

Anything you would tell a younger version of yourself?
I'd tell my younger self, "Don't worry, it'll get better, you'll be fine. Just work hard and do what you want to do" 

The EP is coming out 1st March and is available for pre-order right now on iTunes worldwide and my single 'on the run' is available on Google Play, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Beats Music 

Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

The Last Garrison Video

Enter Shikari are back again with a new video for the latest single, "The Last Garrison", off their newest album "The Mindsweep" which is set to be released on the 19th Of January 2015.

The track listing for "The Mindsweep" can be seen below the video for "The Last Garrison"

1. The Appeal & The Mindsweep I

2. The One True Colour

3. Anaesthetist

4. The Last Garrison

5. Never Let Go of the Microscope

6. Myopia

7. Torn Apart

8. Interlude

9. The Bank Of England

10. There's a Price On Your Head

11. Dear Future Historians...

12. The Appeal & the Mindsweep II

Getting back into the swing of things!

Hey guys! 

Just wanted to let you know that I've been chasing up some more interviews, which means hopefully by the end of this month, we shall have three interviews up! That's if everything goes to plan!

I shall let you know who they are closer to the dates


Sophie x

Sorry guys!

Hey guys, I know it's been a while since I last updated but it's been a busy couple of month!

Tiffany

Firstly I turned eighteen last month, so I had a lot of celebrating to do, I've been swotting for my driving theory especially since for my birthday I had a little Citroen C2, who I called Tiffany because she has orange interior. Who is a beaut to drive and I honestly can't wait to drive without my dad sitting next to me barking instructions at me! 

One of the many selfies I took that night!

We then had a joint birthday party for me and my uncle who has just turned 30 as well, which meant that there was doubly the celebration and doubly the amount of alcohol drank! Included shots of very very cheap vodka which tasted like nail varnish remover and I swear burned the inside of my throat but I didn't care because I was partying waaay to hard! 
Perks of being 18 is being able to buy alcohol, however, much to my dismay my first attempt at buying alcohol I wasn't asked for any ID but the second time I went to by two bottles of wine I did and I was like "YES of course I have ID!" What an exciting life I lead haha!


 

Me, the boyf and a boxtroll...

Three days later, I went out for a 'date' with a friend, to get coffee, we then ended up having a very deep and meaningful conversation which then lead to him then asking me out and of course I said yes, because I had liked him for a while before then. So it was a win-win situation. I have never been happier to be with someone because he has had the most positive influence on my life and it's only been about a month and honestly I can't wait to see where the future takes us tbh!
I have to thank my best friend for this, as if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have had the courage to message him and tell him how I feel. She used to "ship" us so hard and wanted to make sure that we both were happy and that is what we are now. I honestly can't thank her enough for giving me the courage to tell him I liked him.
I can't thank him enough for saying yes to going and getting coffee.






However, the celebrations had to be cut short as my Great Nan died in her sleep, which shocked us all. However, it was the best possible thing for her, as she was suffering way to much and now she gets to look down on us with the biggest smile on her face because the pain isn't bothering her anymore, she also gets to be with her loving husband, my Grampy Gordan. I hope that I can do her proud in the next couple of years by getting the best possible results at my A levels, and then hopefully getting into my first choice university.
I just wish she was here to witness it all first hand, but we can't have it all now can we? She seen me in my prom dress, she seen my GCSE results, she seen my AS results and I know in those moments that she was happy.
I love you Great-Nan, you wonderful woman x

Aberystwyth Beach

I've also been to universities for open days and summer school and I've meet some amazing people during my time there. However I have come to the conclusion that there is no other university for me other than Cardiff, due to the music scene and the fact that I know what the town is like, I know what to expect on nights out and such. Plus I know that there is always going to be an abundance of jobs, especially when it comes to Rugby season, plus Aberystwyth town was lovely, don't get me wrong,
just the uni was so gray and drab. Plus it was on a hill, which would kill me especially after a night out. However I have not decided which course I want to study because I can't see myself actually in a job. If that makes sense? However, speaking of jobs, I actually managed to get my first job! I still haven't gone through my training, yet they've told me that I have the job, just got to wait for them to tell me when training is. I honestly can't wait for the money to start rolling in!

One of the Two weddings!

I also had two weddings, which was very fun and very tiring. However, it was a good excuse to get drunk and look hot whilst doing so. It's also another excuse to buy about 4 dresses and only wear two, God I am such a girl!
One was for family, the other was my best friends mothers(she might as well be family, I've known her that long!) I honestly couldn't have been happier for either of the two couples, as it gives me hope that not all relationships will crash and burn and completely destroy everything around them.
Plus it was my first wedding in a castle! Imagine that! Plus many episodes of Doctor Who was filmed there so I was in my zone fan-girl wise! It was such an amazing venue, even with the bats flying over my head during the night just added to the whole feel of it being in a castle.

Plus my A2 workload has increased hugely, like I didn't notice it at first but now looking back on it I have been swamped under, between revising for tests and exams to having to decide what I'm going to do my coursework on. Not including trips to Cardiff for coursework related trips and trips to court and prison. I'm so tired all the time because I've been using all my effort in college.

So I apologize for not being as active as I should have, that will change! I promise!

Love Sophie xo

Blue Banana

As I have now become an affiliate of Blue Banana, so if you're looking for band merch or hair dyes or anything to update your wardrobe then click on the following link :)