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ALBUM REVIEW - KAYLEE BELL - NIGHTS LIKE THIS

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Last Friday (15th March) New Zealand born singer-songwriter,  Kaylee Bell  released her brand album, Nights Like This which is made  up of 11 tracks. Take It To The Highway  opens up Kaylee's album brilliantly thanks to an upbeat instrumental giving off summer road trip vibes. The first verse sees Kaylee's crisp tone which is brilliant showcased throughout. However, the chorus is great and filled with many super catchy lyrics allowing for the sunset vibe moments to come through. The more I heard the chorus the more I enjoyed it. The second verse is beautifully written and has such a wonderful vibe to it that made me instantly smile. Kaylee's songwriting is brilliant. Take It To The Highway is the perfect road trip anthem, perfect for that romantic summer picnic. Good Things  begins with a upbeat pop country feel the perfect blend. The verses see Kaylee's crisp tone with the song having this perfect road trip kind of vibe with lyrics that make you want to sing along to d

INTERVIEW WITH SOPHIA SCOTT FOLLOWING HER C2C PERFORMANCE

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During C2C 2024 at London's O2 Arena, I had the opportunity to see Sophia Scott perform as part of the festival, and following this I recently had the chance to interview her about her experience of the festival. Hello Sophia. You've just performed as part of this year's C2C festival how was it? The festival exceeded all of my expectations! The fans have been absolutely unreal: I can't get over it. You performed at The Barrelhouse on Friday and The Big Entrance Stage on Saturday, how were they? What were the audiences like? The audiences were so attentive and engaged! It was really special. You performed your single, Lipstick On You were I have to say was my standout performance from you - what was it like seeing the UK audiences reaction to this song? They were singing along, and it was awesome. It feels really good to see people resonating with such vulnerable lyrics. Photo Taken By Me During C2C 2024 How did you find the UK audience compared to the ones in the US, as

C2C 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

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This year's C2C blogs are a little different as due to personal reasons this blog is brought to you as a weekend highlight due to my anxiety and stress taking over after an extremely stressful few weeks. Photo Taken By Me During C2C 2024 Brooke Eden was a highlight having caught two of her shows, I was overwhelmed as having discovered her when she was last at C2C in 2016, you can see and hear a lot of progression within her voice making for many incredible moments. However, it was her performances of Outlaw Love and Whispering that had me teary but that's what music can do when you relate. Photo Taken By Me During C2C 2024 Tigirlily Gold's Radio 2 Stage performance was fantastic and to be involved to their first fan club party was incredible, these talented ladies have progressed so much in the last 12 months that honestly it has been so magical to watch. Photo Taken By Me During C2C 2024 I also caught Halle Kearns over the festival but you can read my review here . Photo T

C2C SET REVIEW - HALLE KEARNS - THE BARRELHOUSE

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Over C2C weekend, I had the opportunity to catch  Halle Kearns  who I have supported since the very start of her career back in 2020 and watching her performance did something great for my stress levels. Photo Taken By Me During C2C 2024 Halle opened her set with Whatever You Do  which is a brand new song to me and honestly it was wonderfully delivered and Halle's vocal tone was beautiful. Halle performed a new song called Settling Kind was one of two moments that I caught myself getting a little emotional over thanks to the song's wonderfully written lyrics and Halle's softer tones making for a magical song. The House That Build Me by Miranda Lambert was the next song that Halle covered that was a beautiful version and you could hear how much Halle connected with the song making for a wonderful moment to be shared with everyone watching her set. I Don't Drink Whiskey  is one of my favourite Halle songs that Halle does and it's one of these songs that knowing the

C2C SET REVIEW - COLBIE CAILLAT - RADIO 2 STAGE

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During C2C, I had the incredible opportunity to catch  Colbie Caillat  who I have supported since 2007 and my god was I emotional as I was watching her perform on both the Radio 2 Stage in The Indigo as well as in The Barrelhouse. Photo Taken By Me During C2C 2024 Colbie opened her set on The Radio 2 Stage with  Fallin' For You  which I have to say was stunning - the vocal tones from Colbie were fantastic and it was amazing to just listen to the song's lyrics closely and really appreciate them. Realize was up next and my god I forgot how much I loved this song growing up and my best friend can tell you how much we used to sing this a lot in high school aha. Colbie's live version is even more stunning - it was a pleasure to witness this. Try  for me is just that song that makes me emotional due to the song's lyrics that I have to admit makes me cry and it was no different when I heard live version and the piano instrumental was beautifully selected with each version bein

SINGLE REVIEW - SINEAD BURGESS - ALWAYS GONNA BREAK MY HEART

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This Friday (8th March) will see Australian singer-songwriter,  Sinead Burgess release her brand new single, Always Gonna Break My Heart and was co-produced by Sinead and longtime friend Tom Jordan of Seaforth. Always Gonna Break My Heart  begins with a soft guitar instrumental complimenting Sinead soft crisps that open the song brilliantly as you can hear the emotional lyrics shine through as the meaning of song and the memories you have of that person as you leave them in any situation good or bad. The songwriting is beautiful and is filled with some of the most stunning lyrics, I have heard in a very long time making the song even more special with Sinead's vocal delivery being incredibly pure. You can hear a different vulnerable moment within all three of the verses that I have to say comes the song even more special! The chorus is the most beautiful part of the song as you can hear so much vulnerability that I have to admit bought me to tears the second time I heard it. As som

SINGLE REVIEW - TENILLE TOWNES - AS YOU ARE

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Today (Friday 23rd February) will see Canadian singer-songwriter,  Tenille Townes  release her brand new single, As You Are. Photo Credit:  Matthew Berinato As You Are  begins with Tenille's crisp tone with heartfelt lyrics that instantly got me thinking of my good friends when they have gone through a difficult time pushing people they care away thinking they were doing what was right for everyone involved turning into the worst decision they could have made as we all suffered even more. The chorus is stunning and all about acceptance of their good and bad parts which is the part important thing in a friendship. The more As You Are continued the more I discovered the chorus is the perfect join for all the verses coming together. The second verse is an emotional one as the past is hard to open up about to many people, however to our friends it is really important to do as they try to understand even if it's a little while after it happened just knowing people are thnationere is

SINGLE REVIEW - KAMERON MARLOWE - QUIT YOU

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Today (Friday 23rd February) will see American country singer-songwriter,  Kameron Marlowe release his brand new single, Quit You. Photo Credit: David McClister Quit You  begins with a soft instrumental complimenting Kameron's soft tone of the first verse which had a sad feel to the lyrics as you can hear a relationship that takes the listener on a journey, but it's not until near the end of the verse that you can hear it's a happy one. The chorus is heartfelt filled with moments where you realise that you can't live without them and the lyrics blend into every single verse in a wonderful way. The melody of Quit You is brilliant especially within the second verse as you hear many heart on your sleeve moments. However, it was during the bridge/ final chorus that has a great sentimental feel complimenting the final chorus wonderfully with many poignant moments. You can follow Kameron on his Social Media Instagram X Facebook Website

C2C 2024 ARTIST INTERVIEW WITH COLBIE CAILLAT

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It's that time of year with C2C only a matter of weeks away, I am back with an interview from one of  this year's artists, the incredible Colbie Caillat who I have to say is someone I have wanted to interview in years having been a fan of her growing up. Hello, Colbie. Thank you so much for finding the time for this interview. I  have to start by saying the biggest of congratulations to you on being selected for C2C London 2024!  How are you feeling about coming over to London for the C2C festival for the very first time? Thank you so much! I haven't been over there for so long and I am very excited to go back and to sing for a new audience and hopefully some of my OG fans as well! What can fans expect from your set? I'll be playing some old songs, some new songs off my new album Along The Way and maybe a couple of covers. It's a stripped down organic band. It's my favourite way to perform. Photo Credit:  David "Doc" Abbott What's the one thing you

ARTISTS I AM EXCITED TO SEE AT C2C 2024

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With C2C 2024 due to begin next month (Friday 8th March - Sunday 10th March at The O2), I am very excited for the festival especially to see the artists listed below: *Times are yet to be confirmed so please keep your eye on the C2C app* Halle Kearns  (I can't believe I am writing this name) if you have been following this page over the past 4 years, you would know that I have featured and worked with Halle during lockdown especially and I have wanted to see her perform live in the UK since and the time has finally come. You can catch Halle on The Barrelhouse at Town Square stage on Friday 8th as well as The Saloon. The Wayside on Saturday 9th before ending on Sunday 10th at The Icon Stage. Brooke Eden  is an artist I first saw at the festival back in 2016 and I absolutely loved discovering her. I have followed Brooke's career ever since and following the opportunity to interview her I am excited to hear her live during my time at the festival. Brooke has released one of my fav

SINGLE REVIEW - FRANKIE DAVIES - NEVER USED TO CRY

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Today (Wednesday 14th February) will see Channel Islands Jersey born artist,  Frankie Davies  release her brand new single, Never Used To Cry. Never Used To Cry is a what Frankie has called "My love letter to what really matters in life." Photo Credit: Ollie Jones Never Used To Cry  has a soft instrumental to begin.  The first verse sees Frankie's crisp and soft vocal at the forefront with emotive lyrics filled with lots of honesty that show a brand new side of who Frankie has become as an artist. The chorus features many beautiful moments making it a reflective part of the song - the more you hear Never Used To Cry the more you can hear the growth in her songwriting following her personal journey into motherhood in 2021 and second verse demonstrates this with a lot of honesty making for the perfect comeback single in my opinion for the journey the song takes you on. The much softer vocal tones from Frankie are powerful and in the bridge and final verse made for a beautif

SINGLE REVIEW - SCOTTY McCREERY - LOVE LIKE THIS

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Today (Friday 9th February) will see American singer-songwriter,  Scotty McCreery  release his brand new single, Love Like This. Love Like This  begins with Scotty's crisp vocal tone complimented by a crisp guitar instrumental allowing for some wonderfully songwriting to shine through as Scotty opens up about the things he loves, but ultimately you can hear how much Scotty loves his wife, Gabi and his son. The chorus is filled with many heartfelt emotions lyrics that give Scotty the opportunity to let us listeners in, but the softer tone during the bridge is brilliantly timed. However, it was the second verse that had me emotional as you could hear Scotty singing about his son's birth and how extremely happy he was in that moment and how proud he was of Gabi which was emotional to hear. The final verse is the adapting to parenthood stage that is relatable for many listeners and this is why so many people enjoy Scotty's music. Throughout Love Like This you can hear how much

SINGLE REVIEW - JESS THRISTAN - JOLENE ft Kezia Gill, Jade Helliwell, and Demi Marriner

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This Friday (2nd February) will see Yorkshire based singer-songwriter,  Jess Thristan  release her brand new single of a classic Dolly Parton song, Jolene. Jess is releasing this song with fellow singer-songwriters Kezia Gill, Jade Helliwell, and Demi Marriner on the track. Jolene begins with a crisp vocal tone opening allowing for beautiful tones to be shown - there is something so beautifully raw about this version already as Jess has stripped it back allowing for another side of the lyrics to shine through. Jess Thristan, Jade Helliwell, Kezia Gill and Demi Marriner's harmonies are great as they blend wonderfully with their soulful tones, however, the solo vocals on their own solo lines are great giving the listeners a chance to hear them individually as artists which many listeners will appreciate being a fan of these ladies. The chorus has been carefully thought about when it comes to Jess, Jade, Kezia and Demi's vocal tones and harmonies making for a great moment alone. J

SINGLE REVIEW - HALLE KEARNS - HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS

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Today (Friday 26th January) will see US country pop singer-songwriter,  Halle Kearns  release her brand new single, High School Friends. Photo Credit: Krista Johnson High School Friends begins with Halle's crisp vocal tone setting the tone beautifully. The first verse is filled with memories of high school thinking about all those things that haven't changed but at the same time everything has changed. The lyrics are super relatable with those lyrics of where you thought you'd be and where you actually are being so different - I caught myself starting to open up! The chorus made me emotional as it allowed for me to think back to my high school and all the friends, I lost connect with along the way and am slowly reconnecting with as well as all the memories we made. The second verse is the past where the dream starts to become a reality whatever it takes whether it happens quickly or in a matter of months/ years and that's OK. The standout moment came within the bridge a

SINGLE REVIEW - MEGAN MORONEY - NO CALLER ID

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Today (Friday 19th January) will see American singer-songwriter,  Megan Moroney  release her brand new single, No Caller ID. Photo Credit: CeCe Dawson No Caller ID  begins with a soft guitar instrumental working well with Megan's soft crisp vocal tone filled with vulnerability from the heartbreak as well as some purity with her songwriting especially within the first verse. The chorus is the part of the song that I caught myself listening to carefully and appreciating those moments to reflect which some gorgeous tones from Megan being delivered. The second verse is the part of the chorus where you think you who's calling but at the same time you aren't convinced as you know you will just end up going backwards on your recovery, however, it's the final verse that is the best in my opinion as it's the part where you realise leaving your ex in the past is the best thing you could do! Megan's songwriting throughout No Caller ID is brilliant and you can hear so much

DEBUT ALBUM REVIEW - HANNAH ELLIS - THAT GIRL

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Today (Friday 12th January) will see country singer-songwriter,  Hannah Ellis  release her debut album, That Girl which is made up of 13 tracks. Hannah is signed to Curb Records. Country Can  begins with a small town country feel thanks to the soft guitar that is opens up Hannah's debut album wonderfully with the lyrics being beautifully delivered leading to the chorus taking you on a journey. Country Can reminds me of C2C and the discovery of this talented artist in between many of the other artists on the stages. Hannah is a brilliant singer-songwriter that is shown within all three verses and the chorus blend together fantastically bringing the song together and making you want to sing along from start to finish. Us has a soft instrumental with heartfelt lyrics about those special moments in your relationship that make you realise how lucky you are to have that special person. The chorus is rather beautiful talking about those special moments you have shared that make you both &

SINGLE REVIEW - TIGIRLILY GOLD - I TRIED A RING ON

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Today (Friday 5th January) will see  Tigirlily Gold  made up of sisters, Kendra and Krista release their brand new single and their first of 2024 called I Tried A Ring On. Photo Taken By Me at C2C 2023 I Tried A Ring On  begins with soft guitar instrumental that compliments the songs vulnerability. Kendra's crisp tone with the honesty of the lyrics makes for this wonderful meaning of the song to come across. There is something extremely wonderful about their songwriting and how you can hear that every part of the song based on their own relationships whether it's been a good one or not, many people have probably been there in their relationships as you think to the future with that special person. The chorus is rather catchy but filled with heartfelt lyrics mixed with a lot of emotion especially within the last line of the chorus whilst seeing the two sisters harmonies come together beautifully allowing for listeners to hear their brilliant tones. Krista's tone is beautiful

THEATRE SHOWS I SAW IN 2023

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I thought I would write a blog about the many theatre trips that I have  been lucky to on over the past year which have been incredible and honestly I am so grateful to have found my love for it once again. My first theatre trip of the year was to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at Milton Keynes that I have to say was absolutely brilliant. Being someone who is hard of hearing it was wonderful to see this represented in the production by the fantastic Leonie Spilsbury who played Mrs Bucket in the show I attended. Kazmin Borrer was brilliant as Veruca Salt. I know it's not a proper theatre show but up next was The Neighbours Celebration Tour at The Palladium - an experience I loved having never been to the venue but one I have always wanted to attend and mixing it with my love of the soaps was a brilliant trip to start 2023. Followed by trip to The British Soap Awards back in June at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester which is also a brilliant evening minus the absolute chaos of a

INTERVIEW WITH TINA O'BRIEN ABOUT WHAT'S TO COME FOR SARAH THIS NEW YEAR

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It's safe to say that Sarah Platt has had a tough 2023, but soon Sarah is soon to reunite with her daughter, Bethany Platt who arrived back on the street during last night's episode (31st December). Talking about reuniting with her on-screen daughter, Tina said:  "I think if she knows Bethany well enough, she's knows there's probably going to be drama following very closely behind her. I think she's over the moon to see her, she doesn't expect it, it's a complete surprise. For me personally working with Lucy has been such a joy." As an actress, you must be relishing in the drama for Sarah?  "To be honest, I feel like I have won the jackpot when it comes to my job. I absolutely love working with the people I do. Ciaran being back as well I haven't stopped laughing. Sam's always a dream. And Lucy, I just love her. It's amazing!" Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street When asked about does Sarah think there is a way back for her an

PETER BARLOW BIDS FAREWELL TO CORONATION STREET

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During tonight's Boxing Day episode (26th December) of Coronation Street, viewers saw Peter and Carla Barlow is a very special episode which led to Peter leaving Weatherfield. This special episode featured fan favourites Peter and Carla Barlow as they hit a rough patch in their marriage leading to some home truths being revealed. After everything the couple have been through recently you could see the strain in Carla's eyes and the way that Alison King delivered the dialogue with such emotion that she had Peter's best interests at heart. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street The scenes in the flat were rather emotional and you could see how much all Carla wanted was/ is the best for her husband even if it is hurting them both but I personally feel like Carla has a point. The love between the characters is and always will be there despite what happens next for them! Alison King and Chris Gascoyne deliver the best emotional scenes whilst nailing emotions that go with it first