Music Monthly | February

I haven't listened to as much music lately as I've been waking to up NPR and listening to podcasts on the NPR One app. I'm determined to become more educated on current news, and everyday to learn about a new topic not related to my field of study. Recently, I listened to a fascinating podcast about our electronic devices and how much they really know about us. If you're at all interested, I'd suggest downloading the app and trying it out! I may begin to include some favorite podcasts in here as well.

But I did find four new songs to kick off the month of February. My favorite is hands down. Andra Day's Rise Up! Feel free to periodically check back here as I add new songs to the playlist (or give it a follow on Spotify).

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Music Monthly | January

I finally bit the bullet and got Spotify Premium. It's been a wonderful choice on top of my fairly new Netflix account, and my brand spanking new upgraded phone, that I've been fairly floating in new songs, shows, and touch id.

And with all this new excitement, new classes, and refusing to say no to any adventures yet, I'm a bit behind on tailoring my January 2016 playlist. Below are six of my favorites so far.

Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish is number one trending in some Spotify category, and the Astronomy yedit is definitely my favorite. Native Sibling's Oh, Sing, is a bit of a folk song, but with the most positive, uplifting message. The third song, Max Frost's Let Me Down Easy is the complete opposite. Much smoother, and with the most fascinating mix of eclectic sounds it was my first song of 2016. I mentioned Lukas Graham in the previous month, and their second (and only other song) has been on repeat this month - Mama Said. And Avicii has been on here multiple times, but the song Broken Arrows is a nice life descriptor at the moment - super upbeat music, with not so upbeat lyrics. And finally Gentle Bones Until We Die is similar to Native Sibling but a bit more pop-py. I already know all the lyrics.

Happy January!

xx
Erika

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Music Monthly | December

Happy December! Beyond the usual holiday songs (Michael Bublé Christmas anyone?) I've also been listening to the songs above.

1. Slip by Elliot Moss, is a wonderful calm song on his debut album. 
2. LEON's top hit on her EP, Tired of Talking, has haunting lyrics and a catchy beat and chorus. Probably up for one of the top songs to remix this next year.
3. 7 Years is blowing up the charts as Lukas Graham's second song release. Reminiscent of Five for Fighting's 100 Years, it's a beautiful chart. I can't wait for his new releases. 
4. Norway band, Kid Astray, released Home Before Dark earlier this year, and though it's not near the most popular song on the album, I've fallen in love with Diver. 
5. Ed Sheeran and Rudimental joined together for this fast-paced, catch power ballad.
6. Beatrice Eli's deep, chocolate-y voice makes Trust Issues, though released in 2014, an on-the-rise pop ballad.

If you keep listening there are a few other songs on the playlist that didn't make the cut, but I still love. And at the end a few cheeky One Direction and Justin Bieber songs.

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Music Monthly | November

Adele is back baby! And her new song, Hello, as many people aptly phrased it, will make you miss the stranger you made eyes with on the train five years ago. Her slow, ballads come at a time when the most popular songs are upbeat and all about the dance (think J. Biebs Sorry). Also on this list NoLo by Grace Mitchell released this past August, and Hudson Taylor's Chasing Rubies (the acoustic version). I found the acoustic version first, and it's loads better, slower and with stronger vocals. Tim Meyer's album "The Year" has 12 songs for each month. I haven't actually listened to the rest of the months, but March: Hills To Climb is optimistic -- perfect for this time of year. Finally, the least well-known artist here, Tatiana Manaois, has a wonderful acoustic song Helplessly. I'm in love with her lyrics and how she doesn't boost the songs with an entire band, but just her guitar and some backup vocals.

I hope you have a wonderful November!

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Music Monthly | October

I've taken to listening to the Discovering Weekly and Music You Should Know playlists on Spotify to find new music. And I'm oh-so-close to splurging on Spotify Premium but I haven't been able to pull the trigger yet on that one.

CHVRCHES has a new album out, and my favorite song on the album is Clearest Blue. The Young Wild has only one released song on Spotify (that I could find), Not a One, and it's wonderfully catchy. I recently discovered Banners Shine a Light -- literally last night. Kacy Hill's Foreign Fields is the most indie song on this list, the beginning is to die for quirky. Goodbye by Who is Fancy is another only song by this artist on Spotify. Once you listen to this you'll want more. And finally, Halsey's new album Badlands has a superstar song in Drive. I've got a few other older songs on my October playlist, mostly from the Gilmore Girls soundtrack. I've just finished the show and I've never felt such a loss from a finishing a fictional story like this since the Harry Potter series ended. It's as if I've lost a constant, stable, daily happiness in my life.

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers! - Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)

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Music Monthly | September

It's like going back to school. You know, autumn! Time for 'Harry Potter'.
- Robbie Coltrane  

One Direction's ever-nearing end is some of the saddest news I've heard this year. But their new single partially makes up for it. Not to mention that it's def about my parents and their never-ending support for me. I discovered on the "Wake Up Happy" Playlist. The lyric's mightn't be that happy, but the tune is catchy and upbeat. All Time Low by Jon Bellion is my all time high right about now. A bit quirkier, it's got some of the most interesting background music, and relatable lyrics right about now. If you like this song, listen to his new single as well! Jack Garratt is an artist to watch this year. His R&B, electro-pop music, is both perfectly happy and perfectly calming. The next song is a similar to Jack Garratt's song, but with a much smoother sound. One of those songs I use for mellowing down. And Becky G's Can't Stop Dancin' was also on the "Wake Up Happy". Very traditional pop chorus makes it incredibly easy to just listen too -- especially if you're gonna wake up happy.

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Music Monthly | August

The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses on its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color.               Natalie Babbitt (Tuck Everlasting)

This first song is a collaboration between Ed Sheeran and up and coming artist Tori Kelly. Very much in the softer, Sheeran-like style, it has a guitar background and back and forth verses between Sheeran and Kelly.

You may know Years & Years through their song King or maybe Shine. But on their newly released album Communion, Eyes Shut is the song that really shines.

James Bay finally released his full album, and nearly every song is stellar. Right now I'm in love with If You Ever Want to Be in Love. It's got the best haunting chorus while being a bit more up beat as well.

Paint Me Black (Matthew Parker Remix) by Ben Hazlewood sounds so much like a blend of really well known songs that you can't quite pin down. The electro pop remix keeps it slow, but also powerful.

Only One by Mikey Wax is similar style to Eyes Shut. A sort of summer anthem, with a bit of cheese in there. Perfect to listen too during a chill out session.

One of Ella Eyre's ballads We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off really highlights Eyre's unique voice. And perhaps I'm a bit more biased, but I love the piano in the background.

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Music Monthly | July

And just like that we're already half way done with 2015. I've had to heartbreakingly switch my Spotify location back to the US and am now fully ensconced back in American pop culture.

I found this first song, Girls Like Girls, through my good friend Michaela. Besides being super catchy, it's extremely relevant to the national issues in the US right now and the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage (!!!).

This second song, Sun is Shining is by a newer artist (think Alesso, David Guetta, Kygo). It was used in an H&M swimsuit ad, and we loved it so much we Shazam-ed it to be our perfect summer jam.

The girl group G.R.L. released Ugly Heart about a year ago. A kitschy-pop song with really empowering lyrics. The music video...not worth it...but it's a good song!

Kygo has also been hard at work releasing songs for the summer. Stole the Show is in a similar vein to Sun is Shining, but a bit more chill and in a less sunny key.

Slowly rising since 2013, Brit Ella Eyre, has a haunting, powerful voice. Her song, Comeback, has been on repeat since I discovered it a week or two ago.

And finally, I'm sure this has been on everyone's radar for a year now, but Walk the Moon's Shut Up and Dance, can't help but make you smile while you're singing along. I love their live sound and passion when they sing. Freshman year, USC brought them in for a concert and it was one of my favorites. Perhaps I'll have to splurge and see them on their next tour!


There're lots of other songs on there that I've already collected for July. Give them a listen if you've got some time and are tired of your own songs! And, as always, I love song suggestions! It's how I find most all my new music!

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Music Monthly | June

Ryn Weaver has released a new song The Fool, with similar sounds to OctaHate and with the strangest, coolest bridge. The song of the summer (at least over in England) is Hold my Hand by Jess Glynne. For a more chill sound, I suggest checking out Jukebox the Ghost and their song Postcard. Or Just One Day by the Mighty Oaks. I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I heard Hozier's Someone New in Amsterdam the other day and I fell in love. And finally She Knows by J. Cole isn't my typical type of jam, but it's a strong contrast that I enjoy.

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Are You With Me

One of the most exciting things (and probably actually the most mundane as well) about studying abroad is being exposed to a variety of new artists and songs. I recently heard this song playing at the airport Starbucks while I was commiserating the fact that I was too poor to buy myself a frappuccino. It gave me the most intense two minutes of homesickness I've had since arrival in England. That's the thing about art and music - it doesn't matter who produced it, how it was produced, how much other people value it, what matters is if it brings out emotions, makes you the listener feel something. And somehow this song connected with in that moment.


So I did some digging, and found that Lost Frequencies is a Belgian DJ and music producer who remixed Are You With Me from this song of the same name. The song has blown up across Europe, but has yet (if ever) to cross the pond to America.

But here's the irony: the original song is a 2012 American country song from artist Easton Corbin. I love these weird quirks in the music-industry.

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Music Monthly | May

For the first time in years, I am not frantically studying for exams right now. Perhaps a taste of what's to come following school, but let's not talk about that inevitable outcome yet shall we. Instead, May is just that - the time when summer starts to take over (or at least it's supposed to) and the school days wrap up till August for one last time.

First things first, check out Ed Sheeran's new music video for his single Photograph. He take's it personal this time around as footage of his childhood seamlessly blends with current footage.



In terms of new music, I've been listening to James Bay's 2015 release Chaos and the Chain. His most popular songs on the album have been Hold Back the River and Let it Go - both of them angsty, guitar songs if you get what I mean. Try listening to Scars as well. You get a bit more of his range and there're a bit more breaks from the stereotypical dynamic.

Cheerleader by Omi is all the rage over here in Europe. The perfect feel-good, chill-out pop song.

What are your music suggestions for the summer?

And the happiest of Mother's Days to my mom over on the side of the pond. Have a wonderful day and I'll see you in June!

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A Summer Mixtape

Summer is just around the corner, and that means summer jams and summer playlists. This is one of my most favorite chill playlists. It's got a quality blend of lyrical and instrumental tracks. I just picture the sun and the sand and the waves whenever I'm listening. You can check out more of their mixtapes on YouTube at La Belle Mixtape. Otherwise, happy weekend and happy listening.

TRACKLIST 
00:00 Laura Veirs - July Flame (GAMPER & DADONI Remix)
05:30 Milky Chance - Stolen dance (DIMMI Club Edit)
10:00 Faul Ft. Wad Ad - Changes (Original Mix)
14:07 Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Atlas Hands (Thomas Jack Remix)
18:25 David K & The Oh Hello's - Like the Dawn
22:23 FlicFlac - Triangle
25:50 John Legend - All Of Me (De Hofnar Bootleg)
31:11 De Hofnar, Felix Jaehn - Valvé (Original Mix)
35:27 Tez Cadey - Coastal Cat
39:26 Seinabo Sey - Younger (Kygo Remix) 
44:11 Colin Hay - Down Under (David B Edit)
48:40 Julia Stone - This Love (Egokind Edit)
53:31 De Hofnar - De Nacht
57:15 Henri Pfr & Stone Van Brooken - Tarida (Preview Mix)

xx Erika Rose

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Music Monthly | April

I was lucky enough to see in the new month on an overnight bus on the way up to Scotland. And then on April 1st I was the butt of one of the greatest pranks I've ever experienced. I was convinced that my co-section leader in crime (in band) was going to quit and leave me all by my lonesome. All my friends were in on it. They found it hilarious especially considering I was half way round the world and had no way of confirming it. Following that near disaster, I spent the reminder of the beginning of April soaking up some beautiful views and some wonderful stories of clan times up in the Scottish Highlands. The next few days in April were spent frantically writing a paper, accepting an internship and beginning the television show House of Cards. 

And those are all the reasons why I have neglected my one monthly feature, and have frankly been extraordinarily absent here. 

This month is all about spring, and warmth, and "chillaxing". You may remember that Chainsmoker's song #SELFIE from a while ago. We can all agree that song was trash (with a horribly catchy chorus), but they've released a few new songs - Let You Go and Kanye (I swear the song is better than the person it's named after) that are perfect for laying on the beach in the summertime. These feel much more like Los Angeles songs than they do England songs, perhaps I'm starting to crave that LA vibe as I enter my final two months here. Unfortunately I can't completely go all-American and listen to Walk the Moon's Shut Up and Dance because it's not available across the pond. How annoying.

But I might've creeped on what my friends are listening too and found the artist Ghost Beach, an indi electronic duo from New York. From their 2014 album Blonde, I would give a listen to Miracle and On My Side.

I've also brought back some 3OH!3 (being from my hometown and high school and all), but not you're most common, slightly inappropriate slightly raunchy songs. Rather some that don't really sound like 3OH!3 in Streets of Gold and Back to Life.

Check out the continually updated playlist HERE

Keep enjoying this April weather and the SUN, and I'll talk to you later!

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Music Monthly | March

People told me on my way to England that I'd become depressed with the lack of sun. That every day would be miserably gray and cloudy, and I would be craving the warm, sunny weather of Southern California. I can say I'm missing warm beaches and sand, but it's been a pleasant surprise to see the sun a lot more often than I thought I would. And that depression and homesickness has only come in small waves so far. Little moments when I see something, or listen to a song and I crave small comforts from home. A conversation with a friend. Being back on one of the most beautiful campuses where everything is just so familiar and comfortable. 

And I recently came upon the sad fact that my Spotify now lacks a lot of songs that aren't licensed to play here in the UK. Like most of Smallpools and NONONO. Miss Movin' On by Fifth Harmony for when I want to jam. Or Fear by Blue October for those moments when I get a bit lonely and scared on the other side of the world. 

But I've also stumbled upon some songs like Ella Henderson's Giants, which I found out isn't available on the US Spotify after pestering my friend back home to listen to it. And all the sudden I was feeling a bit more out of the cultural loop back home, and a bit more English (though let's be real I'll never be 100% English if only because they don't have goldfish and because I can never stop listening to American music no matter how hard Spotify and the internet tries to stop me).

With that said. Rihanna's new single FourFiveSeconds has been on a bit of a repeat for a while now. Kanye West and Paul McCartney are both featured in it - an American and a Brit (symbolism eh?). And MisterWives, an indie pop band based out of NYC has a few stellars including Our Own House and Reflections. 

Anyhow, here're my eclectic mix of March songs to get me through the transition month. Note the Lion King songs are due to the fact that I saw the Lion King Musical in London the other night. And yes, they are the original and reprise of one song, but it's just sooo powerful.

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Music Monthly | February

And I can't believe it's already February up in here. Where has the time gone? I'm already shedding tears for the fact that I'll be leaving this place in June. Though the one thing I won't be missing is the multiple songs on Spotify that I can't place here, and my inability to access Hulu. It's my one way to stay connected to any type of American pop culture and I'm stuck without my Vampire Diaries and Parks and Rec! But I'll survive. I mean the internet is a wonderful place so who knows what I'll be able to find here *wink wink*. 

Anyhow, here are some of my favorites for the upcoming month. 

Borns, a Michigan native turned Los Angeleno released his first EP Candy a few months ago, and his song Electric Love has been on repeat in my room since. A catchy, up-beat, up in the clouds kind of song perfect to brighten up gloomy days. Seeing Stars is also one of my favorites off his new album.

Disregarding the fact that this Ellie Goulding song is for the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, Love me Like You Do, is a wonderful love anthem. 

Otherwise we've got some new Maroon 5 on there, some Sam Smith and Alesso's Heroes.

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Music Monthly | January

My favorite song of the new year (though it's already a year old) is Changes by the French electronic duo of Faul & Wad Ad. Sampling from Australian electronic duo Pnau's song "Baby", it's reminiscent of my summer song Jubel.

Other favorites of the new year include Clean Bandit's Real Love and Ella Henderson's song Ghost (which takes a few plays to really enjoy). And props to sort of (2013) newcomer Kim Cesarion and his song Undressed. It's one of those addicting, relaxing songs. Top marks to him, wish I had found it a bit earlier.

There's a few other songs on - a Calvin Harris one, some Fickle Friends, and an oldie, but goodie at the bottom.

Fun fact, according to Spotify alone, I listened to 23,709 minutes of music this year. 395 hours. 16 straight days. My top artist was Tom O'Dell, and my top song Rather Be by Clean Bandit. Music is sort of important to me. 

What were your tops of 2014, and what are you listening to to start of this wonderful year?

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Music Monthly | December

The weather has been grand lately. Gray skies with the occasional torrential downpour and the constant mist. Normally I would be in love with this weather, but right now I need Los Angeles to get it together. I need the sun for at least two more weeks before traveling to the land of eternal clouds. I've been listening to some more quieter tunes this week to match the weather. It just doesn't seem proper to be listening to upbeat songs. But don't worry, the holiday songs are beginning to make an appearance as well so I'll include one or two.

Someone mentioned Bon Iver's Skinny Love to me the other day and all I could think about was Birdy's cover of it - perhaps even better than the original. I love her calm, haunting voice, and her songs (both covers and originals) are perfect for the rainy days. Given my emotional, roller coaster these past days, she has been on repeat in my apartment, much to the chagrin of my roommates.

I've also brought back Vance Joy's Riptide, a bit more uptempo singer-songwriter song. An Ed Sheeran approved song.

And the one Christmas song I invite you all to listen to is Ariana Grande's single Santa Tell Me. It's got all your classic jingle bells and of course Santa Claus.

What songs would you suggest for this holiday season?

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Music Monthly | November

We're rolling into my birthday month in style. At least here in Los Angeles when the rains hit on Halloween, the fall wardrobes finally appeared. The boots, the sweaters, and the leggings. This is also the month that I finally get to go back home after a solid 6 months in California (with a two day stint in Utah). 

It's still a bit early for Christmas music - give it another two weeks - but I've found some wonderful, autumnal songs that I've been enjoying. I mentioned Ryn Weaver before with her song OctaHate...and she's officially released her EP! I've been loving all the songs on it - especially Sail On. Avicii's new song, The Days, has also been on repeat. And my favorite song of the month is Not Giving In by Rudimental ft. John Newman and Alex Clare. John Newman has one of those haunting voices, and the song is exactly what I need to hear on the daily.

And of course (not pictured but definitely a must) T-Swift's new album 1989. I suggest listening to Style for the casual mention of James Dean.

Let me know what songs you've been listening to recently! I need to fill the void before Christmas.

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Thinking Out Loud // Music Video Review

Ed Sheeran stormed into the music scene a bit over three years now. His powerful, evocative lyrics, and pictures he paints with his songs have captured a lot of attention as well as his almost superman ability to loop all his background music by himself on-stage, live. 

But his music videos have never been able to fully capture the emotion of his songs until Thinking Out Loud. The combination of two art forms is hypnotic. And the choreography is incredible given that Ed's obviously not danced before. If I could dance this at my wedding (with my as of now non-existent significant other) it would be incredible. But for now I'll just watch it again...again...again.

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Music Monthly | October

My favorite artist of October: James Bay

Isn't it crazy to think that just twenty years ago, you couldn't listen to whatever song you wanted whenever you wanted to? You needed a radio or a CD, and portable music required a walkman, which meant listening to one album at a time. Music is so available now, that it's easy to fall into a pattern of listening to it all day and every day. And obviously you all know how much I enjoy music, and how much I use to escape life and to understand life, and to get through some really hard times.

But I'm learning about the value of quiet now. The value of "organic" noise if you will, and the sound of your own thoughts. I spend solid chunks of my day without music in the background and I've found myself just thinking more. Instead of losing myself in music, I face all of my thoughts and desires. (On a side note, I'm also watching a lot of Parks and Rec as well which means I listen to music less)

With that said, let's look at some of my discoveries for October for those times that you really do need some music in your life...

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