#lippymusic

This is such a joyous song, her last on her imminent CD which will definitely raise your spirits – and believe it, apparently Mvula woke up in the middle of the night and just couldn’t herself but dance to the infectious rhythm she had created. In her own words she ‘wanted to make an anthem celebrating womanhood’, which she has certainly achieved – her now-recognisable and unique way of blending and building layers of her voice will definitely make you feel empowered just by listening to it. Read the full review over at Feel Good Friday!

It’s that time of the term when long nights at the library, last minute study sessions, and endless cups of coffee become part of your regular routine. Having the perfect soundtrack to help you power through those exams and dissertations is essential, and YouTube sensation Troye Sivan’s 2015 debut album Blue Neighbourhood does the trick. Read the full review over at Love Music Monday!

Three years since ‘Can’t Pretend’ and ‘Another Love’, Tom Odell is back with a new upbeat sound. His brand new single ‘Magnetised’, released on YouTube less than a week ago, contains similar themes to his old songs such as love and heartbreak; however, it has evolved into more of a dance track with a happier tone and lively beat. The song ‘Wrong Crowd’ came just before and also shows signs of this new direction, which allows fans to listen to him no matter what mood they are in. As we edge closer to summer these songs are perfect for dancing, blasting out of your car and singing along to the catchy choruses. Listen to the track here this Feel Good Friday.

It’s Feel Good Friday! They’re back with another glittering electro-indie track (if you can really fit VITAMIN within a genre) and it’s called ‘Waterfall’. In a similar fashion to the tropical melodies of ‘This Isn’t Love’, the band layer electronic sounds and sparkling riffs alongside the unique, melodic vocals of frontman, Jared. As he belts ‘so throw me in the waterfall’, we’re inspired to dive head first into our fears and come about a stronger person than before – a similar kind of energising message as in to ‘To Believe’. VITAMIN’s quirky sound has been carried through their 2015 EP Giving It Up to the few tracks they have released this year. Like a Bombay Bicycle Club with a bit more quirky electronic spice, which has come about in the new generation of alternative indie bands including Delamere, Sundara Karma, and Fickle Friends.

Every year, Live at Leeds presents an amazing line-up showcasing emerging artists alongside more established acts from around the world. Over 200 artists will be playing across town in venues like the Headrow House, the O2 Academy, Leeds University Union, Leeds College of Music, Leeds Beckett University, Brudenell Music Hall, the Faversham, the Wardrobe and others. Read more about the festival, celebrating the LaL 10th anniversary, and the full line up over at Lippy’s website here!

As we begin to move on from our Dreamland theme to our new Journey issue, it’s got me thinking about songs which deal with change. My playlist’s opening song by Tinashe, ‘Dreams Are Real’ seems especially apt as she sings about personal development, traveling on roads leading to better places, the future…This is a beautiful song to chill out and reflect to, and was released early 2015 as part of a 7-track mix-tape recorded in her bedroom as a gift to her fans. Full playlist available on last Thursday’s blog post! Listen to the track here. 

For fans of: Rihanna, Jhené Aiko, Banks