Nova State at Brighton Rocks

I do love a bit of live music and last week I had the chance to see my friend's band Nova State as part of Brighton Rocks in the lovely south coast city. The event took place at the wonderfully named 'Sticky Mike's Frog Bar' and at only £4, we got the beers in and prepared for a brilliant night of music. 

          From sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net

         From sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net

Nova State (formerly known as Kurt Mundane) is a delicious mix of alternative rock and indie pop. The band is made up of Sam Lelliott,Louis Brennan,Mike Cutuyar and Iwan Jones, with their most notable song being 'I'm Not Going Out Tonight'. Infectious lyrics and a quirky beats guarantee you will be addicted before you know it. 

They are currently gigging around Brighton, and have a facebook page so give it a 'like' if you fancy finding out where they will be playing next. 

Their soundcloud page is a great place to listen to their new music, and you also have the opportunity to download their awesome tunes. What are you waiting for?? 

                            From sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net

                                                                         (me fangirling on Louis) 

8 Unforgettable Elements of Lady Gaga's iTunes Festival Performance

From static2.stuff.co.nz

After what felt like an agonising wait for her return, pop titan Lady Gaga showcased some of her newArtpop album as she opened the iTunes Festival last night. The event was streamed live at 9pm BST and was available free via the app on iPhone,iPad or through an Apple tv. If you missed the spectacle, here are eight moments that made the gig extra special. 

Performing Her New Material 

For those of us desperate to hear new Gaga material, last night was the perfect opportunity to obtain our Artpop fix. The star seems to be back on top form with addictive beats and memorable lyrics as she performed one of her tracks 'sex dreams'. 

She Kept It Controversial 

                           From 24.media.tumblr.com

Not one to be confined to stereotypes, Gaga kept it dramatic with single 'Aura', a performance full of strong symbolism. She can be seen kneeling with a large knife with the words Hollywood written on it, before she is placed into a cage while wearing black material around her face, supposedly emulating a burqa. 

She Spoke to her Audience 

With a lot of artists, their music may be flawless, but their stage presence is often lacking. For Gaga on Sunday, she had the full package. During Applause she exclaimed "lights out London, it's just you and me" and continued to tell her audience how much she loved them. No-one can take it away from Gaga that she shows a lot of adoration for her fans. During 'Manicure' she took part in an on-stage costume change before performing a vigorous routine. 

Those Outfits

Gaga wouldn't be the same without her kooky outfits and last night she didn't disappoint. Along with a number of wigs, those who watched the VMAs would have recognised the mermaid-esque piece along with a seemingly Mad Hatter inspired suit. 

             From assets7.gcstatic.com

Even as she was leaving the venue, she was seen in yet another outfit, this time donning  a white mini dress with an elaborate bubble machine built-in. 

                 From l1.yimg.com

#Swinefest

Lady Gaga took to Twitter to name her gig Swinefest where she encouraged fans to dress in pig-inspired attire.

                 From pbs.twimg.com

Single 'Swine' in which her idea stemmed from was performed on Sunday, a song that started off melodically before a tremendous build-up then staggering drop- Gaga is well and truly embracing an electronic rock 'n' roll feel and I can't get enough.

Her Genuine Emotion

Miss Germanotta didn't hold back as she told her fans repeatedly "I would do anything for my monsters" and candidly revealed her fear that she would never perform again. She stated  "When we're in this space together we make the most beautiful thing in the world - we make love"

She Tried a New Style

Gaga admitted she was trying a new music route as she exclaimed "I'm a fan of all types of [music] aren't you?" Jewels and Drugs was a heavily rap-based song with T.I. and I think we are all thoroughly applauding Gaga for her adventurous nature. 

Celebs Turned Out to See Her 

Only last week the megastar was spotted chatting to none other than boy band sensation One Direction at the VMAs and it seems that at least one of them wanted a slice of that Gaga experience- Niall Horan was spotted at the performance, along with Grammy award winning singer Adele. 

From l1.yimg.com

MTV VMAs 2013: The Best Bits

Last night played host to possibly the biggest anticipated night in music: The Video Music Awards which took place in Brooklyn, New York as massive stars from around the world turned out for the event. With Lady Gaga opening the show and performances from Robin Thicke, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and N'Sync made a comeback. For those of you who didn't watch the show, here are some of the best bits. 

Lady Gaga is well and truly back

I am a massive Gaga fan so I have been looking forward to this performance for a while, and it didn't disappoint! She began her performance showing off her stunning voice, and pulling some pretty powerful faces while manoeuvring what looked like a priest's cassock and a giant square on her head- classic Gaga. 

From d2g892zuoe3k49.cloudfront.net

With five costume changes in total and three different wigs, she isn't anything to sniff at as she belted her heart out while delivering some stellar choreography.

            From media4.onsugar.com

Definitely my favourite performance of the night. There is only a handful of people who can pull off covering their precious parts with shells.  

She also apparently took a shine to One Direction's Zayn Malik. I can't see the two hanging out in the future though, can you? 

                       From images.sugarscape.com

Miley Cyrus as laughable

In general, I don't think I have laughed as much during a VMA performance. Three words: Gyrating, thrusting and twerking.

              From www.washingtonpost.com

As the Cyrus entered the stage last night, all traces of Hannah Montana were vanquished as she attempted to sing We Can't Stop before stripping down into nude underwear and grinding on Robin Thicke during a duet to Blurred Lines. Take a look if you don't believe me...  Is it just me, or did Mr Thicke look like a pervy Beetlejuice? 

                  From amokmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Taylor Swift's bitchiness. 

I think the fascination with the relationship country-come-pop singer Taylor Swift had with One Direction member Harry Styles will always be a hot topic, but last night the young lady really voiced her opinion on what she thought of him and the 1D lads- yay! 

From blog.zap2it.com

She received the award for Best Female Video and when she collected her moonman, she said

"I also want to thank the person who inspired this song because he knows exactly who he is, because now I've got one of these" Back-handed compliment or what? meoww. 

She was also caught mouthing 'shut the f*** up' while the One Direction boys were up on stage, what a legend. It's kind of what we were all thinking. 

JT doing a Destiny's Child and Stealing the Show from N'Sync

Justin Timberlake, you thoroughly spoilt us last night. Beginning his performance with Sexy Back, then dipping into Like I Love You.

           From img2.timeinc.net

So much classic dancing before dipping into My Love. The fact that the whole audience were on their feet showed how amazing the performance was- I was blown away.

The Grillz were out in full force. 

Katy Perry and Rihanna donned their tooth bling last night and looked fabulously fierce. Both looked a thousand times better than Madonna who stepped out last week looking positively vile in her tooth jewellery. 

                     From i.huffpost.com

Above: Rihanna sports the subtle grill. 

                              From l1.yimg.com

Katy Perry= brace face. 

Audience cam was at it's best

I do love to watch celebrities in their natural habitat, and there is definitely nothing I enjoy more than seeing those famous faces interact with each other. Last night saw Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez dancing to Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran cuddling up together and the Smith family's reaction to Cyrus' stripping, eeep! 

Hand on leg: Got something to tell us Ed?!

Harry Styles has a perve on his ex, Taylor Swift- cheeky. 

Katy Perry Roars onto the stage

LOVED her performance as a pretty dapper looking boxer. Still prefer Gaga though. 

All the winners: 

Video of the year: Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best female video: Taylor Swift, "I Knew You Were Trouble."

Best male video: Bruno Mars, "Locked Out of Heaven"

Best pop video: Selena Gomez, "Come & Get It"

Best hip-hop video: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best rock video: Thirty Seconds to Mars, "Up In the Air"

Best collaboration: Pink and Nate Ruess of fun., "Just Give Me a Reason"

Best video with a social message: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert, "Same Love"

Best song of the summer: One Direction, "Best Song Ever"

Artist to watch: Austin Mahone, "What About Love"

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Justin Timberlake

Best direction: Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" (director David Fincher)

Best visual effects: Capital Cities, "Safe and Sound"

Best choreography: Bruno Mars, "Treasure"

Best art direction: Janelle Monae featuring Erykah Badu, "Q.U.E.E.N."

Best cinematography: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best editing: Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

 

Live Blog: Lady Gaga Premieres New Music Video 'Applause' on Good Morning America

Pop Princess Lady Gaga might have been accused of having her comeback over-shadowed by fellow songstress Katy Perry, but it was clear this morning that all of her 'little monsters' were out in full force at Times Square to catch a glimpse of her before her Good Morning America interview. 

                           From pbs.twimg.com

(above: Gaga arrives in Times Square to greet fans)

During her interview, she was asked about her broken hip, saying "I'm okay now.. I thought about nothing but my fans [during my rehab]"

                        From pbs.twimg.com

She also joked that she "rehearsed on [her] back" whilst injured. 

When asked about the creation of her Applause look she said she has an

 "obsession with transforming" and the make-up is an "ode to the jester who lives for applause"

She constantly referred to her fans during her talk, saying: "I live to make you happy"                    

Her new single 'Applause' was forced to be released early on August 12th after a number of leaks. The lyric video received a number of mixed reviews, most of which criticised it's rushed release. 

The influence of magic was clear in her new video as she is seen in her signature clown-esque make up and hair covering as well as seemingly appearing from a giant top hat.

 As with all of her videos, she takes on several appearances, one of my favourites was a no-doubt a more masculine, perhaps  mad hatter inspired outfit with greased back hair, duel coloured eyebrows and bubble wrap style attire. 

The most bizarre moment of the video is when she reveals herself as a black swan with a human head (below) 

'Applause'  is full of flamboyant looks and fast paced dancing, exactly like Gaga fans would have imagined it.  

Watch the video here: 

Lady Gaga vs. Katy Perry: Who is the REAL Queen of Pop?

The illustrious title of Queen of Pop is something which countless female artists have yearned to be crowned. Two particular ladies who have been plotting  their comebacks for a while are the kooky meat dress-wearing Lady Gaga and cotton candy-laced Katy Perry, both of whom are  planning to burst back on the scene at similar points this year. But who will come out on top? 

Miss Katy Perry hasn't been seen previewing a new album since California Gurls back in 2010 followed by the sickly sweet Teenage Dream, her squeaky clean image being cemented in electric blue and pink hair, pin up curls and fruit-print tea dresses. 

        From i33.tinypic.com

Her comeback album has the hipster-inspired title Prism (set for release on 22nd October) and in her teaser videos for her up-coming single Roar she is seen burning her blue wig, instead opting for a darker, more sophisticated look. Roar  was set for release on August 12th, but was rapidly leaked in the early hours of August 10th.

          From i1.cdnds.net

The lyric video was posted on Youtube on Monday, inspired by phone emoji and the song itself packs a punch.  The no-nonsense Perry depicts a new strength as she says "You held me down, but I got up", " I let you push me past the breaking point"- an inspiring feel-good song that will no doubt roar into the charts with unsurprising success. 

Listen here: 

Lady Gaga was last seen back in 2011 with the release of her second studio album Born This Way, a follow up to the hugely successful The Fame, which this year was named in the top 100 debut albums of all time by Rolling Stone. Whilst on tour last year, the star was forced to cancel a large number of gigs after she broke her hip and was forced to use a wheelchair. 

Gaga's image has changed several times, from the blonde wigs and leotards,to Pepsi cans in her hair, to almost nothing at all- she is a truly irreplaceable persona. 

Gaga is set to make her comeback with her new album ARTPOP  being released on November 11th, just a couple of weeks after Perry's. Like the latter, leaked versions of her first single Applause were spread across the internet forcing the star to release her official audio track yesterday after tweeting "a pop emergency is underway". 

             From candidonline.com

Set to be a club hit, Applause emphasises the singer's love for performing. It has an incredibly addictive beat, and for me, tops Perry's 'Roar'. 

Listen to Applause here. The official video will be released on August 19th. 

Both ladies will be performing their new singles live for the first time at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25th.

Who is your Queen of Pop?! are you part of the #littlemonsters or #Katyscats ?

Bittersweet Beni: The Highs and Lows of Festival de Benicàssim 2013

For a first time festival-goer, I approached the idea of Benicàssim with equal amounts of trepidation and sheer excitement. Friends who had attended similar events in the past were quick to tell me to stock up on baby wipes and prepare for the slum-like conditions of the camp site, something which would be the least of my worries while in the Spanish town. 

       From sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net

The locality of Benicàssim is situated in the province of Castellon and consists of little more than a small beach resort and a few beach-side bars selling Spanglish nibbles and cold beer on tap.  I had booked up eight days of camping, with four days of festival attendance so on arrival at the beginning of the week, we set up our tents in the sweltering heat. Our group of ten soon got familiar with the area and began to settle into a daily routine of hunting for patches of shade, constantly wishing the sun was lower in the sky, and rejoicing every time a cloud gave us a little bit of relief from the blistering heat. 

         From sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net

(above: look, there's me surrounded my rubbish, not giving a dam. Festival life for ya)

My holiday hit rock bottom half way through the week when I was pick-pocketed on the beach, leaving me phone-less, penniless and completely deflated. 

Aside from those things, the music, which luckily commenced in the cool and dusky Spanish evenings WAS AMAZING. I was lucky enough to see acts such as Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, AlunaGeorge, Rudimental, Jake Bugg, Dizzee Rascal,Miles Kane and Knife Party to name a few.

          From sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net

(above: Best moment of the festival: JAKE BUGG)

For those of you who hope to attend the festival in the future, I do not want to dis-hearten you in this post so here are a few highlights of my trip, and tips to consider when going! 

Highlights

• The Music
  For one festival, Benicàssim offered a true eclectic mix of music, all of which I enjoyed immensely. The highlights for me were Jake Bugg and Rudimental, and I stand by my adoration for live music- there really is nothing better than sitting on someone's shoulders screaming the words to your favourite songs. 
   
• The cheap alcohol
  For the duration of my trip, I found that beer on tap was a lot nicer and colder to drink than water, so I drank A LOT. Vodka was four euros a bottle- crazy!
   
• The memories
  The few negatives I had while at the festival will soon fade from my outlook of the whole experience and I have some amazing (and hugely positive) memories of my trip.

                  From www.thisisfakediy.co.uk​

• The showers
  With temperatures hitting 40 degrees during my week of madness, I loved the showers, having up to 3 a day. Ice cold and never a queue, they were definitely a winner. 
• The days before the festival
  Although the days were excruciatingly hot, the evenings were extremely fun. They provided a chance for us to meet our neighbours in campfest and I definitely saw some things I will never forget. 
• Being away from technology 
  I do love my iPhone, but it was so refreshing to forget about the internet and social networking sites, instead just chat or play cards. I need more of that in my life!
• Barcelona
  I stayed in the beautiful city of Barcelona for a night before heading to the festival. Totally recommend it as a city break. 
• By the end, you don't care.
  Dirty, dusty, sunburnt or sweating, no-one really cares about their appearance by the end of the festival. 

               From www.efestivals.co.uk​

Tips

For those of you thinking about attending the festival next year, here are a few things to remember. 

• Use the lockers provided
  I was initially skeptical about the lockers, but highly recommend them, for obvious reasons.
• Do not take a valuable phone
  I am so thankful I didn't bring my iPhone. You don't need it and old phones have a longer battery. 
• Bring an old camera or a disposable
  Although disposables can be unreliable, they avoid a lot of heartbreak if your nice one is lost, stolen or broken. 
• Make sure your bag doesn't look desirable
  Thieves will definitely target new looking bags, so avoid expensive or shiny new handbags.
• Make shade for yourself
  This is pretty much essential in Beni as they tell you you are under canopies, but you aren't. Bring groundhsheets to fasten onto the frames provided, as they charge you 60 euros for the one on camp. 
• Travel light
  Another obvious one, but a rucksack is your best friend as suitcases get dusty on the dry mud and gravel. 
• Stay in the city/hostel 
  On your way to/from the festival, treat yourself to a night in a hostel, it will give you a chance to rest and relax. 
• Bring a pen and paper
  You will no doubt meet a huge volume of cool people on your trip, so rely on pen and paper to write down names and numbers!