Ones to watch in 2014

1. Two Door Cinema Club
   They have released a new EP this year and they are playing the O2 Arena. It is fair to say that 2013 has been a busy and successful year for the band. They have grown in popularity which is a good thing because they deserve to be recognised. As much as I am pleased they have the opportunity to play the arena I hope they don’t stray too far from smaller venues as I feel the atmosphere is better. In addition I feel more intimate with the band whereas you can become quite distant in an arena especially one as big as the O2! Nevertheless they will forever be my favourite band, every song makes me feel happy and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them- enough said.
2. Bastille
   So far I have seen these twice this year and each time they haven’t disappointed. I have to say it was nice to see them grow from being almost unknown in February to becoming insanely popular by autumn! They’ve had 2 sell out tours and it is easy to see why with their cool and catchy tunes that most people find easy to listen to. Not to mention that they are great performers! Their gigs are so unique and different I recommend you buy tickets- that’s if you can get hold of some!
3. Breach The Summit 
   I just raved about these in my previous blog post but I want them to get popular so I can add them to my ‘seen live’ list. Let’s face it who wouldn’t want to see this band live? You’d be mad not to! Pretty sure they could be something big given the chance. Go check them out on soundcloud and give them a cheeky follow on Twitter as well @BreachTheSummit.
4. Foster The People
   Now for all Foster fans it has been agony waiting for them to bring a new album out. The album was set for release this year however they pushed the date back till January 2014. Not too much longer then Foster fans! Mark assures us it will be worth the wait. Personally I can’t wait for the tour that is most likely to follow I must get tickets for the UK dates (they better do UK dates).
5. Haim
   After the success of their albums ‘Days are Gone’ Haim are set to embark on their 2014 tour most of which has been a sell out (poo gutted I haven’t got tickets). I still remain hopeful that I will see them live one day (one day). From what I’ve heard of the album it really doesn’t disappoint. They will be on Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 if you’re interested (of course I will be watching). This album is definitely on my Christmas list!
6. We Were Evergreen
   Just had the best email off this band! They are releasing their album early 2014 and that means that they are also going on tour (getting tickets for as many shows as I can). I’m urging you all to go and buy tickets as soon as they go on sale and also get their album. The band have worked super hard and they really do deserve all the success with it! 

That's all for today's post if you have any suggestions for future blog posts or any other questions then let me know by email or twitter (I'll be nice I promise)! Megsiemaysmiles@gmail.com or @Megsiemay95

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan 

Breach The Summit

NEW MUSIC

A band that tweeted me the other day which led to me listening to their new EP The City. Now I love small bands that aren't as famous yet but have the potential to be. Now already from these 5 songs I can tell that their future has to be bright! I mean their songs are catchy and make you want to dance around your room (in my case anyway)! I really want to see this band at a gig however they have no plans to come to the UK yet (cries). If you live in America seek out this band because I'm pretty sure you won't be dissappointed! Think their gigs will be electric and the atmosphere will be fab. When I listen to their songs I can imagine what the crowd would be doing at each point. 

If you like indie pop rock then this is the band for you. They remind me of why I love Two Door Cinema Club and Foster The People. They have catchy tunes that make you feel good and almost...liberated?

Think at this point 'You Don't Know' will be my tune. That's one of those songs I can sing at top volume.

'Step' is another song that I can imagine the crowd being involved with lots of clapping and cheering.

I could list the whole EP because there isn't a song that I don't like. Even if indie pop rock isn't your thing then give these a listen they might just change your mind!

Follow them on twitter and Instagram @BreachTheSummit 

That's all for today back tomorrow! 

"The rest is still unwritten" 

Megan

(@Megsiemay95)

Not feeling myself

Hey guys,

Sorry for slipping off the radar a lot has happened these last few weeks. I looked for new job opportunities, stressed over assignments and I was involved in a car accident.

Now however minor an accident can appear to someone for the person who is actually dealing with it, it is a big and scary thing! My accident only happened on Thursday and I'm already feeling the nasty after effects as well as coming to terms with the fact that my poor Derek is looking a tad worse for wear at the minute! I've missed 3 days of uni cause of my back pain, constant headaches and dizzy spells...not what I expected from my first year at uni. Nevertheless I am lucky enough that my mum and dad were there to jump to the rescue and help me out. My friends from uni have been the best as well missing me and getting stuff from lectures for me. As well as old friends who have checked up on me seeing how I am. 

What I want to talk about is how incidents in our lives change us. I was on my way to a lecture like any normal day and then someone crashed into me. Not only am I suffering physical pain but emotional as well. I don't feel great driving on my own anymore...hate being alone at the minute. I feel angry at myself for feeling weak and under confident. I just seem to cry all the time when I remember how vulnerable I was and how that driver made me feel. I never want to feel that way again- ever. 

What do you take from this? We'll be strong in yourself. These days 97% of the population only care for themselves and we need to take out future in our hands. We don't have to let people walk over us or allow them to make us feel small. We control ourselves and it's no one else's right to say what we can and cannot do! So try something new and be bold. Tell the bullies that they can't boss us anymore. Bullies are the people that think they are above us, they think they can push us around, they think they can get what they want. Not today. 

Believe in yourselves lovelies because you matter. Hope you're still reading- thank you.

"The rest is still unwritten" 

Megan

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

I feel like I need to write this book review now. This is one of the few books that has reduced me to floods of tears. It has a beautiful and meaningful love story that everyone dreams of. The characters are so perfectly written...I just can't find the right words to explain this story. 

Tessa Scott is a 16 year old who has battled leukemia for 4 years and this story is about the final year of her life. Now I know the book sounds depressing but I have read this in 2 nights! Couldn't put the book down. I feel as if I am emotionally attached to Tessa, I felt her pain. I want a boyfriend like Adam who loves me no matter what I look like and who will stay with me through the bad times as well as the good. 

This book has made me realise how precious life is and how most of us take it for granted half the time. You need to buy this book because it is THAT good. You're lying if you say you didn't cry at the ending.

If you're not much of a reader watch the film "now is good" it's the adaption from the book. That also made me cry! I'm watching the movie again on Thursday with Zoe. 

So I'm writing this just as I finished the book and sent a snapchat to everyone of my red raw tearful face! (Lovely) another lengthier blog will be up tomorrow cause I really do need sleep! I apologise for my absence however blog writing day is tomorrow so I will be writing as many drafts as I can so they can be uploaded each day on the go!

The rest is still unwritten 

Megan 

One to watch- We Were Evergreen

Venue- The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge
Date- 06/11/13

Rais and I arrived at the Trades club for 7.30. Fair to say I was rather excited to see We Were Evergreen live again as they had kindly put me on the guest list! I'd seen them walking around before the show and I noticed that a lot has changed since April! Michael's grown a beard and William's lost his moustache. However this isn't the only thing that has changed for the band! New songs, an album coming out?! More than exciting for us fans new and old!

Set List
LEEWAY
TAMBOURINE
DAUGHTERS
ANTLERS
FALSE START
BELONG

Leeway is of course still a fan favourite, one of the songs that We Were Evergreen always play during their gigs. Have to say it's still one of my favourites as well and it always makes me smile. Some of their new songs had a reggae feel to them as Rais said "feels like you're on a beach in Jamaica". Couldn't agree more! This band just seem to improve with age (rather like a cheese). I can't believe I've just compared We Were Evergreen to ageing cheese...oh dear! I really have a lot of love for this band!

Now they weren't really known by all the audience but by the end of their set they had the crowd cheering and dancing to their new upbeat song "BELONG" which was lovely to hear. I particularly liked this song. The ending where Fabienne, William and Michael all played their drums was amazing to watch live. Had to stop writing notes just so I could have a dance and watch them play!

My friend Rais was busy photographing the whole set and I have to say I am glad he came cause he has got some good shots (if I do say so myself). Go and check out his facebook page showing all his photography. He has some exciting opportunities coming up so I'd really love it if you went and liked his page for me! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rais-Malik-Photography/188418247996501?fref=ts

8.30pm

The band made their way through the crowd to the stage where Rais and I had taken a spot right in front of Michael. This is the most intimate gig I have been to so it was a lovely change. They had a few claps and my rather loud cheers (sorry I'm embarrassing) and began their first song. The crowd were easily won over by their unique sound and arrangement of instruments. I mean it's not everyday you see a 3 piece band playing a xylophone, ukulele, cymbals with their feet. Crazy but amazingly good to watch! One thing I never fail to do when We Were Evergreen are on stage is to have a good dance. They play catchy, happy tunes unlike anything I've heard before. That's a good thing because their sound is refreshing. They left the stage to a chorus of cheers, claps (and loud "wooooo"s from me).

After the set I made my way to the merch stand and had a chat with Michael. I'd managed to nab a setlist so Michael kindly signed it for me! After asking my name to write on the setlist he said "oh you're Megan May" Yep that's me! Now I proudly have a signed setlist (my first one) sat on my table waiting to be blu-tac'd on the wall.

Something exciting that happened last night was that I managed to ask a few questions to put on here for you lovely lot! I was desperate to write a piece about this band in the hope that some of you lot would take my advice and go and check them out!

Would you come to Hebden Bridge again?
Yes we're hoping to come back again maybe when the album comes out.

What did you think of the venue?
Love how the music sounds in here, the acoustics are great. We prefer smaller gigs because it's more intimate and the atmosphere is great. This is why we would come back to the Trades Club.

Any plans for a tour?
Most likely when the album is out.

When exactly is the album coming out?
No exact date set yet but it will most likely be March/April...probably April (exciting because this will be just in time for my birthday April 21st).

Who inspires you because some would say you have a unique genre of sound?
We had lots of inspirations and listened to various different types of music. We then made our own sound with elements of music we had listened to.

How long have you been together and how did the band form?
We've been together 5 years. Michael and Fabienne met at School. They met William at music school and We Were Evergreen was created.

I'd asked if I could get a picture with the band and Michael said I could when the others came up. I thought they'd left but he came back with the other members to find me and kindly took a photo with me and had a chat. If they're reading this now would just like to say thank you so much for answering my questions for this blog and also thank you for another amazing live show. I swear this band gets better everytime live! Only thing I missed was 'Baby Blue' played live as that will most likely be my favourite song ever because it's how I fell in love with the band. The best is yet to come from this band and I can't wait for the album and hopefully a tour!

Would love to do more posts like this as I really enjoyed writing this!

Please go and check this band out!
Website: http://www.musicwwe.com/
Twitter: @WeWereEvergreen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wewereevergreen
Instagram: wewereevergreen
Tumblr: http://wewereevergreen.tumblr.com/
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/wewereevergreen

Phew that's it for today's post! Don't forget to check out all the links and go and follow me on twitter as I post updates of when I post blog! @Megsiemay95

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan

Fireworks and celebrations

I love bonfire night. Although this year has been a quiet one and I haven't been able to attend any bonfires I still felt as if I got the experience! It was coincidental that I happened to reach 1000 pageviews yesterday and today these fireworks have put me in the mood for celebrating.

I have spent the last few days back at home doing several loads of washing and doing my assignments. I have to admit I have missed my family as I haven't been home for 2 weeks. This may seem normal to all the 'proper' students out there, but for me this is hard because I am a family girl at heart!

I drove back late tonight with my car (Derek) filled to the brim. I was shocked that I had so much stuff to bring back to my flat! I packed light when I travelled over! Nevertheless the drive home was actually really nice because all around me fireworks were being set off. There were several bonfires that I passed that provided me with a little trouble with regards to vision! However I arrived in one piece so it can't have been that bad!

Tomorrow I am in University from 10-1 and then I might well be heading home so I can go to a gig! I plan to write a proper blog review with reference to a setlist and having several images. If I'm lucky enough I am going to try and see if I can meet some band members and ask a few questions!

*NOTEPAD AT THE READY*

I also realised how much work I still have to do and I need to make sure that I get it done because otherwise I will end up failing!

As I said at the beginning I am so happy to have finally reached 1000 pageviews. If you like my blogs and you have a google account please give me a follow because that would be so lovely! Even if you don't the fact you read my blogs is good enough for me anyway! I appreciate all of you for reading my blog!

Thank you!

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan

Halloween

I have to say I have had a busy few weeks! I felt now was the appropriate time to hop back on my blog and write another post. Now for Halloween I was a cat for my student union party and when I went out in Leeds I was a vampire. I love the chance to dress up and was really excited to make myself into these characters. Now a cat is easy I know but I didn't have a proper costume so I threw a black t-shirt, disco pants, cat ears, a fluffy cat tail, black converse and I drew on whiskers. Now as the party was really dead and boring my friends and I decided to walk back to my flat and have a PJ party instead. This was much more fun and instead watched Twilight.

It felt like I hadn't seen that movie in ages. I think it's one of my favourites because the movie is so simple and you can tell it had a low budget. In my mind (weirdly) it makes it more believable (but that may just be my opinion).

On Halloween I actually went out in Leeds. We went to Halo. Now for this night I wore fangs (these were dental putty ones and only cost me £2.50 from a shop in Horsforth), I also wore red contact lenses which I bought from a shop in Leeds for £9.99. These were a bargain because I can wear them 30 times and they come with a proper solution. I recommend coloured contacts but I did take my friend who wears contacts on a daily basis with me so she could check them for me. I also bought some fake blood as well (£1.10) from a local shop. Now I did like this but I found it wasn't quick drying. I didn't want it to get on my dress so I decided not to actually wear it out in the end. I blow dryed my hair big and fluffy and messed it up so I looked wild. I also wore a bandage style dress from Topshop. Again as I am a 'flats' kind of girl I wore my converse (again). But it's what I'm comfy in right?

Leeds was fab. A little mad I'll admit but it was good all the same. We left Halo early and ended up in Yates. I think this may have purely been down to cheaper drinks! 

(We had to wait an hour for a taxi so we bought nuggets instead! CHICKEN NUGGET CHALLENGE)

I have to say I have been distant from my blog simply because I have an assignment deadline on Friday and I really want to well so I'm trying to focus on it! Now I felt bad about not writing especially when I enjoy writing my blog so here is my sort of 'update' post. I'm not promising when I'll write again it'll be when I get the time but I can promise you that it still means a LOT that you read my blog and I will try and make them as interesting as possible! 

JAMMING IN MY CAR
A song I am loving this week is Drake- Hold on we're going home
A band I am loving this week is We Were Evergreen (now on tour with The Villagers)
I am also finding my love for Maroon 5 again

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan