Just a quick note to say that I wrote a list of bands and musicians to watch in 2014, over on my new blog, you can view it here. I’d also add BROODS, Tobias Jesso Jr, Hayley Coupon and Tess Parks to that list. I’ll probably do a records of the year at some point.
I am also occasionally writing about music for Crack in the Road.
Miss you guys!
Happy 2014. Anna x
Here’s a song I have enjoyed this year.
Filed under Features
When I started this blog, I never imagined I would still be writing it three and a half years later. It started off as a bit of fun, a release for all my musical passions, and for all the great bands I listened to who never got noticed. It’s grown into so much more than that, and has become a centre point in my life. Through writing and listening, I have met some incredible people, organised my own events, and had the chance to work on some amazing projects. If I hadn’t started this blog I can safely say that a lot of the cool stuff that has happened to me over the last few years, wouldn’t have happened. More than that though, it has become a complete pleasure to write about and support all the incredible new music coming out of the UK and the rest of the world.
I have always tried to keep my personal life separate from the content of this blog, however, I feel that I cannot just stop writing, some explanation is needed to explain why I am ending Flying with Anna. I’ve spent the last three years living in London, studying, blogging and working in the music industry. However, despite all the things I love about London, I became immensely tired of my life there, and in April, after almost 3 years, I decided to leave. For the past few months I’ve been finishing my degree from home, and preparing for what’s to come. Ending this blog feels like turning the last page of that chapter of my life, and opening a new book.
Today I fly out of the UK to travel the world, and I have no return ticket. I will continue to write, the aspect of music I have loved the most. You can now find me over at One Way to Kathmandu, where I will be writing, photographing, and soundtracking my travels.
Thank you for reading and listening for the last three years. It has brought me so much joy.
A special thanks to: Robin at Breaking More Waves (if you want a new blog to read, I can’t recommend Breaking More Waves enough- also check out Skeletory, Crack in the Road and Just Music that I Like– all excellent), and all the other bloggers who I have met over the last few years, the blogging community has been such a highlight of writing this blog. To all the incredible artists I have had the chance to work with, meet or exchange a few words over the internet, it’s your thanks which have kept me going for so long. To all of my favourite PR people, especially Matt and Ellie at Stay Loose. To everyone who has been involved with the events I have put on, the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, and to anyone who has ever read this blog and found some new music to love and cherish.
I will leave you with a song, one which seems appropriate.
Filed under Uncategorized
Everyone knows that summer is all about a really good remix, and The Colourist/Yeasayer have got it spot on.
Everyone is posting this. That’s because it’s real good. I know nothing about Oceaán except that he/they are from Manchester. Summer vibes all round.
Filed under Music
I Break Horses‘ debut Hearts was one of my favourite albums of 2011, and one I still listen to regularly. I am therefore incredibly pleased at the arrival of this new song. Yet another strong electronic track, with elements of dream-wave in Maria Linden’s voice. Perfect!
Filed under Music
You probably already know that Bridie Jackson and the Arbour were this years winners of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition. They were also my pick in the blogger stages of the competition, so I felt very proud when they won. I went to see them perform their winners slot at Glastonbury in the Acoustic Tent, and they proved to me that they more than deserved their win. A stunning performance from a band made up of incredibly talented musicians.
‘Prolong’ is the next single from the band and is yet again another haunting number, with Bridie’s voice delicately weaving it’s way through the lush string arrangements.
Filed under Music
Ah, remember back in the day when Ellie Goulding appeared on the scene as a ‘folktronica’ act, guitar in hand, and her pretty songs showcasing her quirky voice. A few years later she has developed into a fully fledged pop star. She’s got the hits, the looks and the voice to make her a megastar who is still credible. She’s come a long way over the years, and still managed to keep me engaged and excited about her music and her live shows.
‘Burn’ is her new single and it’s the biggest pop-hit yet. Also pretty suitable for this weather we’re experiencing. It will be released on August 18th.
Filed under Music
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from London 4-piece Pale Seas. I expect that’s because they’ve been busy recording their debut album, set to be released later this year. This 7 minute track is the first we’ve heard from the debut record. Despite its length, it’s engaging and shows a real step up in songwriting from the band.
They play Hoxton Hall later this month but unfortunately it’s already sold out.
Glastonbury Festival is my favourite place on earth. To me, nothing even compares to the feeling I get when I arrive at this festival. I feel like I am home. After the festival took a break in 2012, I am even more excited than usual to get back to Worthy Farm. Glastonbury 2013 will be my 5th Glastonbury, and with the Rolling Stones headlining the Pyramid Stage and the weather looking up, I have a feeling it could be one of the best.
Writing a preview for Glastonbury is near impossible. I don’t want to tell you what to do, or who to see, because essentially, Glastonbury is about self-discovery. Each of the 175,000 ticket holders will have a different experience, see different bands, and end up down a different rabbit hole (often quite literally). I think Glastonbury is best approached with no expectations, no plan, no list of bands to see. Come with an open mind and I guarantee you will never want to leave.
I beg you to use this preview as a mere guide to the festival. There is no rule book, no must sees, just explore.
The Park
My favourite area of the festival, The Park is a festival within a festival. Host to one of the smaller main stages, this year The Park hosts the likes of Solange, HAIM, Devendra Banhart and Cat Power. The area is also host to a number of other stages, bars, a silent disco and numerous art installations.
If you walk up the hill behind The Park, you get one of the best views of the whole festival. And if you keep on walking, yep, keep on going, up and up, you will eventually reach a tiny little tent entitled The Crow’s Nest. This stage hosts a secret line-up, and often from bands playing larger stages around the festival. Head up early in the weekend to get a copy of the line-up, it’ll be worth the walk.
The Green Fields
The Green Fields describe themselves as ‘A joyous celebration of life’, and that couldn’t be more accurate. Celebrating everything from yoga and meditation (The Healing Field), arts and creativity (GreenCrafts Village), and creating a greener planet (Green Futures), the area is one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of the festival. The Tipi Field is one of the best places to get delicious homemade vegetarian food and The Stone Circle is the best place on site to watch the sunrise with thousands of others.
The best way to experience the Green Fields is to wander round on Wednesday or Thursday with plenty of time to take it all in, it’s rather huge.
Shangri-La/Block9
My favourite nighttime area is the infamous Shangri-La. A broken down city created within the festival, Shangri-La features many indoor tunnels which are home to some to tattoo parlours, underground rave bars, and some stuff which has to be experienced to be believed. It’s a bit of a mind-fuck but in the best possible way. The field often gets full so head over there straight after the headliners finished to have the best chance of getting in.
Block9 (pictured above), located next to Shangri-La is also worth a nighttime’s exploration.
The Pyramid Stage
For all you Glastonbury virgins, the Pyramid is the main stage. It’s literally shaped like a pyramid, and is the stage that The Rolling Stones, The Arctic Monkeys and Mumford & Sons will headline this year. At a festival like Glastonbury, many people will write off the pyramid in favour for the smaller stages like The Park or Williams Green. What is often forgotten about the Pyramid, is that the atmosphere is often incomparable to anywhere else on site. There is something so special about being surrounded by a hundred thousand people, all singing the words to the same song. It’s completely euphoric.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have never headlined Glastonbury before, and they’ll probably never do it again. It’s gonna be special.
To see the full line-up click here. For all the information you could ever need about the festival, click here. Tickets have sold out. If you’re lucky enough to have one, i’ll see you at the farm.
flying with anna 