March Playlist & Release Radar

Hello, Hello.

So, another month has passed which means another monthly round-up is here. This month, I don't have any new t.v. shows or films to talk about really, and I prefer the idea of keeping these posts solely about music - what I have discovered, and what is hot of the press that I think is worth a listen. As always, in the sidebar to the right is my spotify playlist for the month. You can give it a listen while you read this post, or save it to listen too later. So without further ado lets get into my jams of March.

If you know me, you know that I will always love The Vaccines. They were the first proper gig I ever went to, I have been to every album tour and I met them on my 20th Birthday. So, you can imagine my joy when on Friday the dropped their latest album COMBAT SPORTS. They had already released the three tracks, Put it on a T-Shirt, I Can't Quit, and Nightclub. I can't lie I do not listen too them as much as I used too, simply just because I am constantly looking for new discoveries rather than repeatedly listening too albums that I love, but from my first few listens I can tell this album is a winner. It really upbeat and sounds more uplifting rather than their normally moody pessimistic tone. I can't give my final verdict on it yet, nor can I pull out my favourite tracks but I'm sure I will be able to give a run down of my favourites next month. 

This month we have seen the return of the three part rap group from NY. Towards the begin of the month they dropped the track Headstone, and just a few days ago they dropped U&I (feat. Dia). Both tracks same the same artwork so I am assuming they are both part of their new album, which will be the follow up to the 2016 3001: A Laced Odyssey. Both these tracks are incredible, but very different. Headstone is a true hype song for me, It proper gets me up. U&I is a lot more chill and has a real 90s vibe too it especially with the gospel vocals. I love them both, and I think one of the greatest things about Flatbush is the different tones and rap style that each of them have, yet they work so well together. Another of their tracks that isn't new, but is on my March Playlist is their remix of Portugal's Feel it Still. It is actually the first song that I added to the playlist, I love the new beat that they added to the song it gives it a whole new vibe, and their verses make it absolutely fire (better than the original in my opinion). 

Another discovery of mine this month was the band Glass Animals, but more specifically the album How To Be A Human Being. I am late to the bandwagon with this one, with the album being released two years ago. But the song Youth made it's way into my my Discover playlist and knew I had to give them a listen. There music has a very feel good vibe, and I particularly like the hip-hop and synth pop vibes that you can hear in some of their songs, especially in my favourite track off the album, The Other Side of Paradise. I recommend listen too the album from start to finish as it is a brilliant listen. I love how each song is different and has a new vibe, it keeps the album fresh and interesting. 

STAND OUT TRACKS

So I have been listening to a lot of rap music again this month, no shock there. But there have been a few absolute fire stand out tracks this month. The first being Energy (Cadenza Remix), by Avelino, Stromzy, Skepta & Cadenza. This track is such a good vibe, it's refreshing to hear grime artists over such a chill dance beat, it makes it less aggressive and more lightweight. It still packs a punch, but in a different way and I think that's why I like it so much. Secondly we have PICK IT UP (feat. A$AP Rocky) by Famous Dex. I really am not into these types of rappers, I cannot stand mumble rappers or any of that bullshit. HOWEVER, the BEAT and A$AP's verse are just out of this world. I think without his verse it wouldn't be as good, he really lifts the song to another level. I have been on a bit of a hype over A$AP lately, I think it might have a lot to do with the fact that he is performing at Parklife this year (*cries tears of joy*). The last stand out track has GOT to be OKRA, by Tyler, The Creator.  He literally dropped this track out of nowhere last week, a random drop and as he says - "a throwaway track". But is is hottttt, like ever other Tyler track, understandably he is a controversial Love / Hate artist, and you probably already know what side you fall on. His work is so different that if you haven't listen too him, just give him a lil listen because I don't think there is a way to describe his music style that will give it justice.

So that was my round up / summary of some of my favourite artists / tracks / releases of the month, obviously there are a lot more that I haven't discussed, which is why the playlist is linked so that you can give them a little listen. I hope you like the new format of this post, I think I prefer it to the way I was doing it before it makes it more cohesive. So, until next time!

XOXO, EMMA 

January Film & Music Favourites

Hello, hello!

Isn't January such a weird month, readjusting after Christmas and the blues that come along with it. For once though, I have actually had a pretty good month! But I am also glad to see the back of it, I feel like my year is only properly coming together now. However, I have managed to come across some amazing music and film discoveries this month (especially with all the time off I've been having), so I thought with it being the end of the month I would do a roundup of my favourites. I know that my film and music posts aren't as popular, so keeping them together in one post makes it more accessible for those who want to read, and easy for those who want to skip past it. So, let's start with music.

MUSIC

To start with if you look on my sidebar to the right,  you will see I have linked my Spotify playlist for this month, so while reading this post (or after) you can have a listen if you're interested, all of the songs I talk about (and the rest of my favourites from the month) are all in that playlist.

There seems to be a heavy focus on soulful moody female focals with songs such as Eliza -Wasn't Looking,  ZURI - Beg For It, and Courage & RAY BLK - 2 AM. These songs are stand outs which I have loved.

But there is also a focus on chilled more stripped back dance /electronic tracks, these sort of tracks always seem to clear my mind and help me relax, which is exactly what everyone needs to cure the January Blues. My top discoveries this month would be Crooked Colours - Flow, The Kite String Tangle - Selfish and Sense & Eleven - All Mine. 

Finally I can not forget the most exciting music release of of this month (well for me anyway), is the return of The Vaccines! There are one of my favourite current bands so I was super pumped about their return, and I can happily say that I am not disappointed. The two tracks released Nightclub & I can't Quit are instant hits.

FILMS

Films wise, this is where it gets more niche (hence why I put music first), with having a film degree I have certain tastes and certain themes / genres which I gravitate towards - especially independent cinema.This may not be to everyones cup of tea, but I want to discuss them anyway as they are incredible films which seem pretty underrated and deserve some more lovin'.

Davyveon (2017), Dir. Amman Abbasi 

70% on Rotten Tomatoes

Independent Social Eealist coming of age film following the life of a poor disadvantaged black youth after his brother was shot dead. Beautifully shot with discreet unnoticeable camera work, i.e. body shots, hand held and lush smooth tracking. I loved how the film did not glorify gang culture, and kept it gritty. It isn't a remarkable film, it isn't full of big blockbuster moments or anything really shocking, but that adds to the beauty of it. It just demonstrates the mundane reality of what his (and the other kids) life is like, and how little the opportunities they get offered are. It isn't Moonlight, but it is a beautiful film none the less. Oh, it's also available to stream on Netflix. Click here to watch the trailer.

Blame, (2018), Dir. Quinn Shepard

80% on Rotten Tomatoes

Written, Directed, Produced and starring Quinn Shepard this teenage coming of age drama follows the contrasting lives of Abigail and Melissa who are both struggling with something in their lives that they cannot control, but in very different ways. The film deals with basic high school issues such as bullying, sexuality and consent, but it also dives deeper into discussing mental illness,  abuse and teacher/student relationships. I think this is important in keeping coming of age dramas realistic, and is more relatable for teenagers going through similar situations. To me this is what makes the best of this genre, and these films are super important to me as I think there is a need to there to be more teenage films openly discussing mental illness and psychical abuse in the mainstream. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, there is a lot of depth to it and is a film you can watch the second time and notice so much more than you did the first. This would be my highest recommendation of the month. Click here to watch the trailer. 

Call Me By Your Name (2018), Dir. Luca Guadagnino

96% (Certified Fresh) on Rotten Tomatoes

This is the most stunning critically acclaimed romantic gay drama I have yet to watch. It is a beauty to behold, an absolute masterpiece. Depicting the blooming summer romance between Elio and Oliver, the development and attention to detail between these two characters is stunning. There is unbreakable chemistry between these two, and it speaks a million through their body language on film. If you are into your LGBTQ movies then this is for you, it's also for you if you like an epic love tale. I can't rave enough about this film, it has really stolen my heart. I feel this one is going to win a lot of awards this year, and is most definitely going to be a worldwide success. Click here to watch the trailer.

So those were my music and film favourites for January, these all kept me positive and happy within the longest / most dark month of the year!. Let me know in the comments what your favourites were! I'd love to know! 

XOXO, EMMA