Did that title work? Probably not, it was supposed to be a witty reference to Green Day, aka music (duh), but it didn't really work, at all, did it? Ahh well, moving on.
Now, of course bands and artists all around the world, all year round, are touring their butts off. However, it's come to my attention that around this time of the year, when for most people summer is coming to an end and school is on it's way to take up all of your 'watching Netflix and eating' time once again, that these said bands and artists decide to announce tours. I, for one, find this time of the year very hard because of this reason. I don't have a lot of money to my name so an excessive amount of gigs and concerts isn't really an option. But I'm here to let you all know what bands/tours you should definitely check out.
First things first: Mother. A glorious new band that I became aware of thanks to our good friend Ana. As far as I know they have three songs as of yet and I couldn't be more in love with every single one. On the Thursday that just passed they announced a tour here in England, which I very much plan to attend as long as I get tickets! (Hopefully I'll be able to write an article on that gig when it comes by.) Their music I feel is very different to stuff that I have heard before -- but of course, I am not a music expert nor am I critic. But their music is really something, and who can deny themselves a little Penn Badgley? Oh, did I not mention that the wonderful actor well known for his role in Gossip Girl and Easy A is the lead singer? Well, now you know. Check all their stuff out here: http://mothertheband.tumblr.com
Second?: The 1975. Now, I realise that many, if not all, of you know who these guys are. But I felt I needed to mention them, considering that one of their gigs is one of the few I am actually attending (September 30th, I could not BE more excited!). I know some very music influenced friends of mine find this band very cliche and annoying but I do not see that at all. The band seem incredibly nice and sweet, my elder brother met them a year or so ago for his university radio and agrees completely on my guesses of their personalities. I have realised however some people find it hard to actually understand what the lyrics are in the songs, in which case I suggest searching up the lyrics while listening (it'll make a whole lot more sense!!). So if you live here in the UK and haven't gotten tickets yet, make sure to try and get some!! Too good to miss out on: http://the1975.com
Third: Alt-J. This band, just like Mother, is really something. Their sound is so unique and calming yet makes me want to dance all of the time. Which, I personally, find is a very good mix and I could not enjoy music any more. A good friend of mine, Joe, told me about them and at first I wasn't so sure about their music. Like I said, it's very unique and maybe it's an acquired taste. But the more and more I have listened to them, the more and more I have fallen in love with the lyrics, the voices and the music in general. They're definitely a good band to check out and see if you can: http://www.altjband.com/uk/
Fourth: Vance Joy. I'm sure you've all heard his popular song 'Riptide', and if not I'd be undoubtedly shocked and before you read this any further I command you go and listen to it (if you've heard it before, you should still listen to it now just to remind yourself of how great it is). Listened to it? Grand. Now you can sit there in awe. Riptide is without a doubt one of my all time favourite songs, it's one that reminds me of someone and a particular time in my life, which I guess could be the reason why I love it so much. However, if you haven't listened to his EP, God Loves You When You're Dancing, I suggest you do so now. All of the songs on there are just as good as Riptide and I personally cannot wait for his album, Dream Your Life Away, to come out in September. Again, if you have a chance to see him live, I'd definitely recommend it, I'm thinking of trying to go myself (if I can tussle up some extra money that is!). Check him out here: http://vancejoy.com/dreamyourlifeaway
Fifth and final band or artist I wish to share with you all?: The Drowners. I don't know how I came across this band but I'm glad I did. I cannot pin point what it is that I like about their music, nor can I pin point what era it reminds me of, but for some reason it makes me feel nostalgic for the past. I know that sort of sounds pretentious and strange and I apologise, but I cannot help the way music makes me feel. Maybe you should give them a listen and give us feedback on how it makes you feel: http://www.drownersband.com
There are obviously other bands that I adore in different ways to these, and one band in particular that I love with all my heart (but sadly split up a few years ago and never actually got very far). I'm sure I'll share that band with you one day, but for now I'll carry on keeping them to myself. If you have no concerts lined up for any time soon, you should definitely check out these guys above and think about going to one of their gigs. I'm positive you won't regret it!
I hope your ears enjoy! Happy listening and discovering.
Written by: Phoebe Francis
(Photos belong to their rightful owners)