area 21 – that lemon life

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

Welcome to STMPD

Hola everyone.

Guys, you know that I love talking about music more than anything. But as I guess that all these music lists are getting a little bit boring, I thought I’d change it up a bit. So, today I have the honor of introducing you to one of the coolest music labels on this planet.

But before I begin I wanted to give you guys a little update on my last post and party a little bit, because it seems like Trump stopped working against the ban for elephant trophies. He stated that he stopped it because he wants to investigate further on how the conservation works, but I’m pretty sure that he stopped because the whole world was literally screaming at him and his administration. So yey and congratulations to all of us. Seems like we just helped to save this planet – at least for some time. Well done guys and whoever got active – thank you so much. You’re awesome.

Okay, there’s that. Now let’s get back to this very special music label. The EDM fans among you will probably already know this supercool label called STMPD RCRDS. It was founded in May last year by the one and only Martijn Garristen – also known as Martin Garrix. And before any of you guys question my opinion about this label, no I’m not just interested in it because it’s his label. I mean, I was at first, but now that I’ve actually taken time to get to know it, it’s like Martijn introduced me to this amazing thing that I am now exploring on my own while being so damn thankful for the introduction.

So yeah, it all started in May 2016, so you could say that the label is still pretty young. Martijn founded it after having some severe arguments and a disagreement about the ownership rights of his music with his older label Spinnin’ Records. And as the genius he is, instead of signing to another label, he just created his own, which now gives him complete freedom when it comes to his music and pretty much everything else. If I’m right the label now “belongs” to Sony Music and it seems like Martijn himself couldn’t be happier. Until today there are about 15 or so artists signed to the label, including Martijn himself (unfortunately I couldn’t find a complete list) and I have to say, all of them are freaking amazing.

What I think is especially cool is that the label mostly consists of pretty much still unknown DJs and artists – I mean, at least I didn’t know them before. And also, like I said, Martijn is totally free when it comes to his own music and productions and so on, but of course he has his portfolio and type of music that people expect him to release and stick to, so he can’t just release anything. That’s why – another genius move – he just created side projects like GRX or Area 21, so he can release other music he enjoys to produce too. And I think that’s so damn amazing, because that way he’s able to show the world even more of his talent.

STMPD is based in Amsterdam (like Martijn, of course) and just about a few months ago he and his team took over one of Amsterdams coolest recording studios called FC Walvisch, a spot used by international superstars like Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga and of course Martijn. Actually, in the last of his videos YouTube series “The Martin Garrix Show”, you could see him and his team celebrating the official opening of their new headquarters. You can now find the studio under the new name STMPD Recording Studios – here’s a link to their website.

I have to say that I am incredibly proud of Martijn for bringing this whole thing to life and making his dream come true. It makes me kind of speechless too. And let’s not forget the fact that all the signed artists are seriously so damn good. I mean, how perfect can a label get? Cool headquarters, fresh young vibes, the most amazing boss ever and freaking good artists and breathtakingly good music. That’s all anyone in the music business could wish for. Oh, and if you’re wondering why the label is called STMPD – the name was actually inspired by Martijns father’s stamp auctioning company. So it’s basically just another cute tribute and link to his family.

Okay, so, that’s pretty much all the most important information about this amazing label that I can provide you with. And now let’s get to the most fun part, which is getting to know some of the artists. I actually highly recommend following the label on Spotify (if you do have Spotify), their playlists are amazing and also quite addictive. I’ve been listening to them on repeat the past weeks. So, without further ado, let me present you some of my favorite song releases:

As you can see it’s pretty hard for me to not just add every single song the label ever released. I of course had to put Area 21 on the list, because I just love this side of Martijn so freaking much, and also CMC$ as his song features the one and only Conor Maynard. Like, can you believe it? Two of my favorite guys are working with and for the same label. That’s so damn crazy.

And yeah, that’s pretty much it. There you go guys. Welcome to STMPD RCRDS. I have to say that I’m truly so thankful to Martijn for founding and introducing me to this amazing label and awesome kind of music and awesome artists. And it would actually make me so happy if some of you enjoy it too. So please don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below, I’m really curious. And yeah, I really hope you enjoyed this post and I wish you all an amazing week. And, as always, thanks for reading. x

New Music Friday

Hola everyone.

Another beginning of the month, another music list, right? And as it’s just the beginning of November, I thought we’d start this one off together with some amazing music. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

For this month – and this won’t come as a surprise – my music is pretty heavy on the EDM side right now, due to Martijns show and my longing to relive the show over and over again. But of course there’s something for everyone on there – at least I hope so. So, let’s get right to it, shall we?

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Area 21 – Girls

The EDM fans among you will probably know this – Area 21 may not sound like Martijn, but it actually is Martijn together with the singer Maejor. And I don’t know about you but I’m literally addicted to this side of him, no joke. I usually don’t listen to this kind of music, but I could bury myself in this. And don’t even get me started on how amazing this is live. Holy moly.

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Saint Raymond – Nightcrawling

He is back. FINALLY. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that Callum is finally back with awesome new music. And I’m still so thankful to Ed for taking Callum on tour with him and introducing me to him in 2014. Thank god.

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Hippo Campus – Monsoon / Tuesday

I found this band through another Spotify list and I’m so happy that I did. Just another reason for me for being so deeply in love with Spotify. And this band, oh my god. And this song. I have to say, when I found this song as a live version, I nearly fell off my chair. Seriously. Like, how is it possible to sound this good live? And there is that part when the upbeat part starts and it always feels like a spark of light lit up in my soul. I love it so much. Goosebumps guaranteed, every single time.

And as one song is far too less for this amazing band, I have of course got another song of theirs to show you. This one is called Tuesday and it’s literally such a calming song. I can’t really tell why, but it just is. And it’s literally the most perfect song to listen to while cooking. Actually all of their songs make the most perfect cooking playlist.

The 1975 – Milk

Yes, that really is the title. I really have no idea why, but somehow The 1975 thought they’d just upload this song again, as it is actually pretty old. But that doesn’t make it any less amazing. And that’s how I found it again. I especially love the guitar in this one. And personally I’d say it’s one of their best songs ever.

Brooks & Grx – Boomerang

And another EDM track – what a surprise. And again Martijn, of course. Yes, he has more than one side projects, here under the name of Grx. I can just say that when I heard this live I freaked out completely and since then I’ve been listening to it every single day and am falling for it more and more. The drop is freaking amazing. What an awesome piece of music.

BØRNS – 10.000 Emerald Pools

Some of you may know this song from the movie “The Space Between Us” – one of my favorite movies ever, just to mention it. To be honest, the first time I heard the song I thought that Børns was a woman. Really. But the fact that he’s a men doesn’t change the awesomeness of the song. I really really really love it and I think it’s truly a one of a kind song.

Zuli – follow you

Another song I found through Spotify. Thanks Spotify. It’s the kind of song that perfectly describes my taste in music. Especially the end of it and the guitar part. What can I say? It’s just a great song that puts you instantly in a good mood.

Tom Rosenthal – Pingu in the Igloo

What other good way to end this list is there then to end it on another amazing piece by Tom Rosenthal. I’ve already introduced my love for this guy and his music to you, so of course I had to include him here too. It’s the perfectly calm song, for a nice evening on the couch, preferably with tea and a comfy blanket.

So there guys, there you go. Here’s a small selection of the songs and music I’ve been listening to the past weeks. I hope you enjoy it. As always, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below. I’m really curious whether you know or like the songs or not. Oh, and yes, that is indeed Martijn in the cover picture. And, yeah, until then I wish you all an amazing weekend and, as always, thanks for reading. x