MUSIC MONDAY: Adi Ulmansky

I'm here to introduce to you Israeli producer Adi Ulmansky.

From an early age, it was confirmed that she was blessed with talent, from Adi's music teacher  "you have a rare gift - music is your destiny". 

However, her musical gift did not just cease at production,  she is a singer/songwriter too!

Following her debut EP Shit Just Got Real via a premier with Noisey Music, Ulmansky has been working hard to create a new set of tracks which are just as colourful as her unique fashion sense.

Adi's forthcoming EP Hurricane Girl combines a whirlwind of genres, which I can only describe as underground pop infused with  bold rap and compelling electro beats. Adi's music certainly reflects her trendsetter personality.

My favourite tunes off the new EP have to be Falling and Was It You? as I love to hear Adi showcase her warming vocals. Also, I prefer the slower flow and relaxed side of the production.

 Nevertheless, the girl has got skills, and I look forward to hearing more from her!

Hurricane Girl is available to stream on Soundcloud and is set for release on August 19.

MOSTLY JAZZ FESTIVAL | MUSIC

On the odd occasion when the sun decides to greet us with its presence, here in the UK, we certainly like to make the most of the rays. What a perfect way to do so, but attend a festival with exclusive performances, from some of the most high profile acts from the 70s and 80s.
 Moseley Private Park welcomed the community with open arms for this yearly showcase for jazz, soul and funk fanatics.

I was lucky enough to attend 2 out of the 3 day festival. Slightly gutted that I missed Bonobo headlining on the Friday night, but was told how great he was.

So on Saturday morning, a group of us set out to Moseley Park - which, lucky for us was a mere 10 minute walk - with our chairs and picnic bags. When we arrived, we set up our pitch, and discovered our surroundings. The bands which played throughout the day were extremely good and created a great ambiance whilst people spectated, caught up with old friends and got their hair braided by the fabulous Nikki B.

As the sun started to set, Craig Charles hit to the decks playing everlasting tunes, it really set everyone off!

The evening ended with a beautiful performance from Candi Staton, as everyone sung along to her most popular hits 'You Got The Love' and 'Young Hearts Run Free'. I was really impressed with Staton's show, especially when I found out how old she actually is.

Saturday had been an energetic day, with painful feet from all the grooving, so we decided to take it slower on the Sunday. I think a lot of people thought the same as us, as everyone was a lot more relaxed. Some quite concerned they were going to miss the Wimbledon Final, but the organisers had taken all of this into consideration, and had a set up a TV screen at the bar, which allowed hundreds to go cheer crazy as Murray led us to victory after 37 years.

 As word got around, and happiness spread, it set the perfect atmosphere for London group Soul II Soul to head up on stage. Of course they sent the crowd going when they dropped their classic hit 'Back to Life' - which was the only song I really knew from them. Most of the headliner's prime time was before I was even thought about, but having grew up with soul music, I certainly knew the best ones.

Prior to the festival, I had watched Chic's performance at Glastonbury, and was super excited to see their set for myself.  Its safe to say they stole the entire show at Mostly Jazz. Headlining the final night, the legend that is Nile Rodgers invited a mass on stage to join them for their finale 'Good Times'. By this time, the whole park was on their feet, wishing that the group could stay and perform for longer, due to the euphoria they had created - which was indescribable. Rodgers couldn't thank everyone enough for attending as he got played out, by the whole crowd singing in unison to  Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' (which he features on).

The vibes of Mostly Jazz festival are truly unique, and by the end of it, everyone felt like one big massive family. The organisers should be really proud of what they have created and achieved this year, and I can't express my love for this festival any more. If you're a fan of Jazz, Funk and Soul music, or even just want an amazing weekend out with a bunch of lovely people, then Mostly Jazz Festival is definitely one for you!

MUSIC MONDAY: Josh Record

With the incredible name that he holds, it appears that London based - Josh Record, was destined for stardom since birth.

After watching various YouTube videos where Josh's song - For Your Love provided the background music, I became mesmerized with his voice. His tranquilizing vocals above the faultless, acoustic arrangements are truly stunning!

He is certainly one to keep your eye on, especially if you like Ben Howard and Bon Iver, as he follows a similar style but puts his own unique spin on things.

Record has recently been on tour around the UK,  showcasing his debut EP Bones,  and new EP The War - which is available to download here.

www.joshrecord.com

MUSIC MONDAY: David Stewart

Now here is a personal favourite of mine, as I've followed David Stewart's career for a few years now, from when I first saw him on stage, back in 2010, playing guitar for Example.

Throughout his time  touring around the world - with Example, Stewart was uploading covers to YouTube and creating music, that would stun many - in different ways.

Focussing now on his own music, David gets to flaunt all of his talents, not only as a singer/musician but as a songwriter and producer too. From his mixtape 'Late Night Viewing', which features the likes of Wretch 32, Ed Sheeran and Example himself, to his newest EP produced by Sango - 'Dark Side of Paradise'.

With years of experience and hard work, he has created a platform for himself, and already has a strong following, who are more than excited for his future in the music industry.

Here is a trailer for his newest single 'Pouring Rain', which will be released on his own label 'Sundream City'.

Stay tuned, as it is set to drop on iTunes on August 11. 

www.davidstewartmusic.co.uk

MUSIC MONDAY: Mike Dignam

After a few years watching his career evolve, I got the chance to meet the singer/songwriter from Preston - Mike Dignam, after a free gig that he performed in Birmingham city centre in association with HMV.  

With his soothing vocals, he is accompanied by his guitar to create a beautiful track listing for his second studio E.P ‘Paint’ - which he has been showcasing across the UK.  

I managed to have a chat with him, whilst he was giving out his album for free - exclusively for one day only.

Reminiscing about the minor gigs in small pubs, to supporting the band Lawson on their tour in major venues.

The future is certainly looking bright for Mike as he is soon to embark on his own headline UK tour.

He is definitely not one to miss!

BUY TICKETS FOR HIS TOUR HERE

Me and the man himself

PARKLIFE WEEKENDER 2013 | FASHION

On June 8th, my friends and I headed off to Manchester's Heaton Park to kickstart the festival season with Parklife.

 I've been to a few festivals in my time, but never one that was non-camping - so I didn't really know what to expect, and how my days would plan out.

There were certainly benefits of this; I could shower, have access to curlers and be able to take as many clothes and accessories as I wanted!

My case was overly organised, with planned outfits (and spares - weather depending of course), an overflowing bag of jewellery and a spectrum of lipsticks - I was satisfied that I was prepared to take on Parklife!

The festival itself really amazed me. 

 I've never been in a space with so many beautiful people before.  It was lovely to see that everyone had made such an effort to impress - from the festival organisers to the festival go-ers themselves.

With the weather in such good spirits, it was a great opportunity for everyone to get their legs out, ditch their wellies and come together as a union to embrace the music!

As much as I was highly focused and tuned in to the line-up - as some of my favourite singers, djs, and bands were playing - my attention was switched to the people. The people that chose to style themselves, making them stand out from the rest.

Now as you may have seen in a previous post, I was given the opportunity from Motel Rocks to snap some of my favourite outfits of the weekend, and give out some goodies in the process.

Check their festival shop out here

Here are some of my favourites:

Playsuit - Urban Outfitters
Trainers - Saucony 

Kimono - Topshop
Dress - Topshop 

Lace Top - Topshop
Dungarees - Vintage
Belt - Zara

Top - H&M
Shorts - Vintage
Shoes - Dr Martens

I had a lovely time speaking to people, and seeing all of the festival fashion, as it really is something in itself. I found that people express themselves more freely at festivals, and with the weather so beautiful, it certainly didn't give any limitations!

MY OUTFITS 

Shorts - Levis
Top - H&M
Kimono - Miss Selfridge
Shoes - Converse

Oversized Tee - H&M
Jewellery - Vintage
Shoes - Converse
Sunglasses - Raybans

Hope you enjoyed the post.

My review of Parklife is coming soon, so watch out for that too! 

Quick Update

After hours sat at my computer, scrolling through endless blogs, I have finally created and edited a new layout for my blog - it is pretty simple, but I think it compliments the genre of my blog pretty well. 

My main aim when trying to edit it, was to make it understandable and easy to access for you all - which I hope it does! 

I've neglected the blog for quite some time. I've just been super duper busy! But I'm back in force, and have a few exciting things to announce.

The first thing is that I'm going to Parklife Festival next weekend, and have been given the opportunity to blog about it for Motel Rocks - which is very exciting! I'll be picking individuals out and talking to them about their style, and also giving a general review of the festival itself. Also, Motel Rocks have given me a 20% off discount code, so feel free to use it at the checkout.

Secondly, I recently won tickets to Benicassim festival - which takes place in Spain. I couldn't believe my luck when I got a 'congratulations on winning' email. So hopefully, I'll be able to blog about that too. Music & Fashion wise. 

Finally, my upgrade is due, so it's bye-bye iPhone 4. Hello iPhone 5! 

Just wanted to share my excitement! 

Things are finally looking up, and I've got some great things to look forward to.

Sophie x
(Behind The Score)