The night of songs and roses

Hola everyone.


And welcome back to another week. Happy Monday – and also Happy Easter, actually. I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I spent most of it down at the beach here in Brighton as the weather has been so incredibly nice the past few days. I’m not doing to lie, I felt like I was on a holiday, lying there, in the sun, my lunch propped next to me. It’s crazy when you realize that you actually live in such a place. I feel incredibly grateful. Especially when I went for a walk in the evening, walking barefoot, feeling the sea water between my toes and the sun setting in front of me. Talk about feeling like you’re stuck in some movie scene. So, yeah, that was my weekend.

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But let’s talk about today. Today I’d like to share a very very special evening of my life with all of you. One that I honestly never thought would happen and one that I will definitely never ever forget. The evening I met Tom Rosenthal and saw him live for the very first time. Still sounds absolutely crazy when I say it out loud, to be honest.

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It all began last year when Tom suddenly announced the show in London. His very first show ever, like ever ever, to be exact. I couldn’t believe my eyes. But that happens when you listen to a guy who has two young daughters and an info on his official website saying that he’s not planning on going on tour because of them. So out of all the artists and bands I listen to, I wanted to see Tom live the most and was expecting to actually ever get to see him live the least. But there it suddenly was, the date of his first ever show, perfectly scheduled for me as I knew I’d be in Brighton/London around that time. And I mean, I don’t have to make a big story out of it, of course, I bought a ticket the second they were available. And of course, it was sold out within an hour. And of course, Tom had to add another two shows. And guess who’s in the middle of a full-on tour right now? Still can’t believe it, honestly.

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For those of you who don’t know who Tom is, here’s why I love him so much in a nutshell: I adore his music with all my heart, listen to it 24/7, he has basically helped me through my whole Bachelor degree and has been my most listened artists for two consecutive years and counting. So, yes, I love him and his music a lot.

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And on the 15th of March, it was finally time for me to make my way to London to see him. Obviously, I was very very nervous and uber-excited, but not just because of the concert. Before writing this post, I was debating on whether I should tell you this or not, but it’s just such an important moment in my life, I have to share it. I didn’t drive to London just to attend Tom’s show, I also went there to meet him beforehand and do an interview with him. There, I said it. Yes, guys, it really happened. I really had an interview with the one and only Tom Rosenthal and I still can’t wrap my head around it.  And I still feel incredibly honoured and grateful that he agreed to chat with me. I’m obviously not going to make a big story out of it, that’s not who I am. I just want to say that he was incredibly nice and absolutely lovely and I felt so welcome around him, so yeah. Definitely something I will never ever forget. Thanks so much, Tom, for everything. Also, as I did the interview for my uni magazine, I’ll try and post the link of the published article on here as soon as it’s out, so stay tuned for that.

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So, after that incredibly unreal interview had happened, I went to get dinner in London and went straight back to the venue – which was a literal church (St. Pancras Old Church) and also the most beautiful place ever. Obviously, the room was already packed, which just proved my point that the world had only been waiting for Tom to finally come out of his shell and do a few shows. He told me that he actually doesn’t want to get big, but I don’t think there’s anything he can do about that. It will just happen, naturally. Because everybody loves him and his music. That’s just how it is. Which was also something you could actually feel in the room as soon as Tom and his lovely band came on stage and started to play. God, it was just such an incredible gig. Tom even sounds better live than on his studio versions, which didn’t surprise me at all. He’s just that talented. And he was so funny, holy moly. Cracking one joke after another. Even though it was his third ever show, he already had the whole stage presence thing nailed down. And I was standing there, watching him and taking it all in, soaking up the beauty of the moment. I think throughout those two hours, I didn’t stop smiling, even when I was crying and silent tears were rolling down my cheeks. Happy, emotional tears, of course. It was just such a beautiful gig, honestly. A small church, about 70 people, Tom’s incredible band and his angelic voice. Nothing can compare.

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I remember that I went home, completely mesmerized by what had happened in the past few hours. And I still can’t fully believe that it all happened. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of gratitude and happiness and incredible luck I feel whenever I think about it. And I hope by reading this post, I could translate some of those feelings over to you as well. As I mentioned before, Tom is currently on tour, so I can just highly recommend attending his shows and experiencing this magic live – here’s a link to his website, where you can find his tour dates. And until then I hope you enjoyed this post. As always, please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts and comments down below. And, of course, I wish you all an amazing week. Oh, and just as a short info – I won’t be posting anything until next Friday, as Leni will be visiting me here in Brighton this Thursday until next Monday. We’ll be watching Endgame on Friday and, honestly, if I could put into words how excited and also frightened we both are, I would, but I can’t. So yeah, I’ll see you next Friday, obviously with a whole post about Endgame. What else. And until then, thanks for reading, guys. x

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Home

Hola everyone.


And welcome to back to another week. I hope you’ve all had an amazing, relaxing and/or exciting weekend and that you’re doing good. As most of you, who have been following my blog, will know, I’ve recently been at home for a short break – hence the absence of posts – and have now been back in Brighton since last week. And as I just went through my camera roll of those three wonderful weeks I got to spend at home and loved the pictures I flicked through so much, I thought it would be nice to share those special moments with you guys.

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Some pictures were taken with my camera, some with my phone. Some were taken during my birthday trip to a local chocolate factory (best day ever), some capture calm moments like lying on the couch with Peaches. Moments that I actually miss the most when I’m here in Brighton. It’s the normality, the ordinary I miss. Eating dinner with my parents. As said, lying on the couch with my baby Peaches. Playing cards with my parents. Going on a walk with Molly. It’s only when you can’t access these moments at any time you want, you start to cherish them the most. Because in the end, they are what matters the most. So, here they are. Moments that matter the most to me and moments that feel like home. I hope you enjoy them.

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As always, I hope you’re all doing good and wish you a great week. Oh, and please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts and comments down below. And, of course, thanks so much for reading. x

New Music Friday

Hola everyone.


And welcome back to my blog – after quite some time, I might say. I’ve missed you guys, honestly. But on the other side, can you believe it’s already been over three weeks since my last post? And five days since I came back to Brighton from my break? I for sure can’t. Time is honestly flying by in full speed, it’s totally crazy. But I’m not here to moan about time and you surely aren’t here to listen to me doing that, so I’ll stop it right now. Today, we’ve all gathered together to not only celebrate this blog finally blooming again but also to have a little party. And guess what, I brought the music. I know, I know. I’m just that thoughtful. And there did happen quite a lot in the music scene while I was at home on my break, so right behind me, in a metaphorical way speaking, there’s a pretty big pile of music that’s just waiting to be shared and listened to. So, let’s get going, shall we?

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Kitchen Sink – Twenty One Pilots

It probably won’t surprise you that this list starts off by the one and only Twenty One Pilots. But this time it’s not one of their newer tracks, but a really old one, from their album ‘Regional at Best’ from the year 2011. I recently re-discovered the lp and basically totally fell in love with it all over again. And ‘Kitchen Sink’ for me is the one song of the album that stands out the most. Just the overall meaning and all the work that went into it never fails to blow my mind. Even more so, because you can actually hear Tyler’s raw emotions. Such a masterpiece.

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Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots

Well, what can I say? There can never be enough Twenty One Pilots, can there? I recently found this live version of ‘Stressed Out’ on YouTube and after first being completely shocked that it only has about 5.000 views, I was even more shocked as soon as I started listening to it. I think apart from when I heard ‘Bandito’ and the ‘Sahlo Folina’ chorus for the first time, I was never so in love with Tyler’s voice. This is definitely the most beautiful version of the song that I’ve ever heard.

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SOS – Avicii ft. Aloe Blacc

When I heard that Tim’s team and friends would be releasing the tracks he was working on before his passing, I felt my stomach drop. As most of you will probably know, Tim’s music was a big part of me growing up and my musical journey, but I wasn’t really expecting to hear any new songs. But here it is, the new single he worked on, together with Bonn and Albin Nedler and Aloe Blacc. Needless to say, I had a few tears rolling down my cheeks while listening to it for the first time. Such a beautiful track. I wish Tim was still here to share it with us himself.

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Talk – Two Door Cinema Club

Oh how long I’ve been waiting to finally be able to say that TDCC have released new music. I’ve missed these guys so much. And I’m honestly so happy that they are back again. I may still be clinging onto their indie rock kind of sound from 2013, but I can’t deny that it’s simply impossible for me to not enjoy their newer sound as well. I really can’t wait to listen to their full album.

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Curls – Bibio

This is one of those songs that I usually listen to while writing or cooking. Or if I’m feeling a bit over-emotional on a car ride. Which happens quite often, to be fair. And I know I’m usually sticking to indie, but it’s nice to listen to something like this once in a while.

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Only Friend – Wallows

Holy moly, this freaking song. I can’t even begin to tell you how long I’ve been waiting for their debut album ‘Nothing Happens’. I remember lying in my garden at home and starting to listen to it and then it kicked off with this song and I couldn’t believe it. I’m planning on doing a whole post on the album in the next few weeks, but I just had to include this song in the list. It’s just too good. Pure indie goodness.

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Good Excuse – The King’s Parade

This is another very new track I just recently stumbled over. And I can’t really tell why, but it kind of reminds me of a mix between Lewis Capaldi and OneRepublic. As if you had put both of these in a box and shaken it really good. Which is a good thing, to be honest, because they are both absolutely amazing. Just like this song right here.

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So Now What – The Sins

If any of you guys have ever seen the movie ‘Wish I Was Here’ by Zach Braff, then you’ll probably know why this song is part of this list and where I’m coming from. It’s just another one of those tracks that will always be good. For all eternity.

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Who Could You Be – HalfNoise

Most of you guys will probably already know about my deep love for HalfNoise, aka Zach Farro, aka the guy most people in the world will know as the drummer from the uber-amazing band Paramore. But guess what, Zach is also doing his own thing and I can’t get enough of it. He’s got the whole indie deal nailed down, no joke.

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Mountain – HalfNoise

Long time no see, ha? No, but for real, I had to include a second song by Zach, I just had to. That may also be because I recently found out that he will be playing at the Great Escape festival here in Brighton and I honestly can’t even begin to tell you how utterly excited I am.

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Sin – Kakkmaddafakka

Such a weird band name. And maybe an even weirder band. And I know what I’m talking about because I just got to see them live last week. I’m not going to lie, it was such a cool party, oh my god. And they are even better live than on the studio versions. The room was nearly bursting with energy.

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HELP – AREA21

It wouldn’t be a ‘New Music Friday’ list if Marty wasn’t mentioned in any possible way, would it? So, here we have him, together with his friend Maejor. I’m usually not the biggest fan of rap and RnB, but what those two have created with Area21 is just incredible. Also, the meaning of this song right here is so good and important, I was shocked when I first listened to it. I’m really happy to see Marty address some current issues. Way to go.

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Style – Foster The People

When will these guys finally go on tour, so I can finally see them live? They are right up on my list of bands I still need to see and, to be honest, amazing songs like this one don’t really make it any easier for me. But I’m not complaining in any way, please give us more. More more more of this.

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You Might Find Yours – Tom Rosenthal

And last but not least we have the ultimate king of ‘New Music Fridays’ – the one and only Tom Rosenthal. This time shaking us all up with a spoken word song, that might hit a bit too close to home. Spot on, as always. But we wouldn’t expect anything less from this musical genius, would we?

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So, there you go, guys. Here’s another New Music Friday and another big big big celebration of music. I can just repeat myself – I’m honestly so happy and feel so honoured that I get to share all of these fantastic tracks and my obsession with them with all of you. It really means the world to me. As always, I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do. Please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts and comments down below. And, of course, I wish you all a nice weekend and thanks for reading. x