A Musical Gift: LUCY ROSE

Music lovers! The year is almost over, however in the spirit of Christmas I've bought you all a present - trust me, this gift is not one you'll be wanting the reciept for! I present to you: Lucy Rose. 

Lucy Rose Parton is 27- year-old singer/songwriter from Warwickshire in England. (and she's amazing)

Anyone that truly knows me knows just how much I love Lucy Rose. She was the first real artist that reminded me of the Parma Violet days. People listen to music for different reasons, some to pump them up before a party, some to make them dance or to relax; I listen to music as a form of transportation. When I listen to Lucy Rose, I can close my eyes and breathe, the melody is anasthetic. The lyrics paint a type of watercolour scene in my head- moving, dancing, soaring and I'm there for 4 minutes until the song is over. Lucy has one of those unique voices that you can't forget and has some great covers too! Her genre is mostly indie folk/ indie pop however she her dabbles in indie rock and sometimes uses elements of basic hip hop. She's an all rounder and a great talent!

 Lucy has her fans at heart and travels all around to the most remote parts of the earth to perform in gigs at very affordable prices. I've actually spoken to her a few times and she is so down to earth and friendly! Her music is partly responsible for getting me through the most stressful times of my life (throwback to exam period and study leave 😐 ) as well as being the soundtrack for some of the best memories. My personal favourite album is "Like I Used To" released in 2012 , which features songs such as "Shiver" and "Bikes". However her most recent work includes her new album "Work it Out" and a cover of "Merry Christmas Everyone" which you might of heard on a BBC advert recently. Lucy Rose is available to listen to on Youtube, Spotify and Soundcloud as well as her own website: http://www.lucyrosemusic.com/

Need something to get you in the Christmas spirit? Check this out:

And from me, Have a magical Christmas and a wonderful new year, roll on 2017!

lots of love, Miriam xx

Long time no see...but I come bearing gifts : (KAMAU)

Hey guys!

 I know I've been M.I.A. in terms of my blogs. Summer was busy and school is even busier but I promise I'm making more time for delivering precious music to you.

Anyway, what better way to return than with a bang? or rather a  KAPOW in the form of KAMAU. Okay that may have been a little cheesy but if you listened to his song "Gaims" you might get the reference ( hint* hint* go listen). This musician is a man after my own heart. He has a gift for interpretation with popular covers such as "Hey ya" and " Hometown Glory". He manipulates the structure of a song with such finesse, breaking the boundaries of conventional composition and rhythm. As well as this he has the ability to merge genres into one skillfully, with clear influences from hip hop and classical music as well as traditional African/Carribean music most noteably seen in songs such as "Jusfayu" from his EP "A Gorgeous Fortune".

(listen here:) Kamau- Jusfayu

Not only does he create music he also has a good eye for visuals/film. An example of this is the video for his song "PohLease" which translates his views on Police brutality and the injustices and grievances in and of the black community.  This song has a voice and a message of it's own which reflects the concerns of an increasing number of African-American men. Nina Simone once said : "As far as I'm concerned it is an artist's duty to reflect the times". In my opinion the need for artists like Kamau to reflect matters that are not only relevant but important is constantly rising. I have a personal appreciation for artists like him that make matters relatable through music, a way of having one's voice heard in a manner so that almost everyone can understand.

Despite his clear and open stance musically, Kamau is quite mysterious, choosing to conceal his eyes, presumably so the listener is less interested in his looks and more his music and what he has to say. Either way I'd look out for him!

Kamau is available to listen to on Spotify, Soundcloud and Youtube so get your headphones on! #YEBO

Parma violets pick of the week: Yuna - Crush ft. Usher

Hi guys, a quick one from me as I select the track of the week! If you're looking for calm vibes today, I've got you covered. This sweet combination of Yuna's soft voice and Usher's smooth soul make music worthy of Apollo himself. It's a real sunset song and I absolutely love it so give it a listen!

Look out for: MURA MASA

Hello music lovers, Welcome back to my blog!

PRE WARNING: [ This blog may sound a little delirious because it's mad hot right now in the UK. I'm talking 33° up in this joint. Basically it's really hot. Also I am jamming out to this EP as I'm writing it because the vibes are unreal. So if you catch any typo's it's due to the fact that I'm dancing like crazy in front of my laptop.]

Anyway, warning over - I am so happy to finally introduce you to this up and coming new artist Mura Masa. If you haven't heard his music already, crawl out from under that rock and get some headphones on because you're missing out!
Mura Masa is in fact the stage name of 20-year-old, Alex Crossan. It is clear to me that this man is multi - talented. Apart from being a skilled and artful musician, songwriter and composer, he is also a producer and owner of his label "Anchor Point Records".

Before listening to Mura Masa I had very little interest in Electronic or House music but I've officially been converted. He incorporates other genres such as hip hop, R&B, rap and even jazz into his music in a way that almost creates a new genre. Occasionally threading in elements of Caribbean style into tracks, using sounds such as panpipes and steel drums (seen in "Lovesick" and "What if I go?").  I would say his music is the sort you could get lost in or listen to on repeat for hours.

The level of pure  musical genius coming from this artist is amazing, with a style that is refreshing. I'd definitely give "Someday Somewhere (EP)" a lsiten. If one thing is for sure he is certainly one to look out for!


Mura Masa is currently on tour: http://www.muramasa.me/live-dates/

Gregory Porter: Liquid Spirit [album review]

Hi All,


So, some of you may or may not know of a certain soulful artist called Gregory Porter. He became quite popular after the release of his hit single "Hey Laura" in 2013; and has recently re-emerged to the music scene with his new album "Take Me To The Valley" in 2016. If you don't know of him I would seriously recommend starting off with "Liquid Spirit".

To put it simply I fell in love with this album in every way possible. Gregory starts the album by easing us in to his world of colourful Jazz and Blues with the track " No Love and Dying". from there you are transported. Mr Porter possesses a rich and suave voice perfect for relaxing, paired with soft piano solos and you can't help but feel your mind open to wherever the music wants to take you.


For me, the ballads on the album reminds me of rainy afternoon spent in a coffee shop, the warm smell of cinnamon, the bitter pain of love still lingering like the sharp taste of raw coffee beans.


 Lyrically, Gregory Porter is nothing short of a genius, his heart-on -sleeve style is all but too relatable. Especially songs like "Hey Laura" where he sings of the rivers of your love flowing up hill. This speaks  on an almost extraterrestrial level about wanting badly to believe the impossible and staying awake pondering it. Other favourites of mine include songs such as " Brown Grass" reflecting the truth about regrets in the most romantic way. Lost love has never been so beautiful.




But it's not all slow songs and sadness. Liquid Spirit also includes a variation of fast-tempo jazz tunes: These are the songs that make you want to get up and dance wherever you are. Horns. Sax. Bass. Drums... all come together to create a vibrant watercolour of Friday nights. You can almost imagine the Jazz evening spent dancing away. Ambient lights and tired feet. The energy of the crowd,  fizzing, beating. This is what I hear as the songs seeps into my headphones. "Musical Genocide" is especially one of the songs that make me feel this way. It has an infectious composition that radiates good vibes, bright and present in their essence. If you love good music and good vibes this is the album for you.




If you haven't heard this album or this artist, it's a must! I'd prescribe it for any mood, any time, any place. I can't wait to have a listen to his new album " Take Me to The Valley".


 LISTEN TO THE ALBUM HERE:

http://www.gregoryporter.com/2015/10/28/liquid-spirit/

Welcome to my blog!

Hey,
Well first of all I'd like to say a very big welcome to my blog. My name is Miriam and I am an aspiring journalist, music enthusiast ( and blogger!!)

....Where to start? I guess you are probably wondering about the name right? Parma violets and sweet tunes.
 Do you remember when you were younger and you and a few friends would ride your bikes or scooters or Pogo sticks in those glorious summer days to the corner shop? The breeze lightly dancing through your hair as you raced on to the shop and purchased a packet of your favourite sweets. The sun's warmth still around and the evening sky still a bright blue although beginning to fade into a shade of purple; and although you were meant to be in by 6:00 it was 6:15 and you were still playing because it was light enough for no one to be worried.

You can almost feel it. Freedom, Happiness. Those care-free summer days when there was really nothing much to worry about except enjoying life and sneaking a  Mr Whippy from the ice cream van down the road before dinner without getting caught. Those were good days. Those were good vibes.

Now maybe this is only me but I love music that makes me FEEL, takes me back, gives me that feeling of freedom. Those vibes I had when I was a child are then relived through music. Those memories are inside my headphones and all of my worries melt away like one of those Mr Whippy ice cream's. Anyway, back to the Parma violets. They were one of my favourites, me and my friends especially felt like grown-ups eating them because they kinda resemble pills. You can guess what imaginative kids like us did with our "pills" we were addicted. That's how music makes me feel. I get lost in a song, play it on repeat over and over until my ears feel happy. I'm addicted to that sweet, liberating feeling that music gives me. Those sweet tunes always bring the good vibes! and that's what I'm gonna do too!

On this blog I'll be sharing, new songs, artists, and album reviews that will make you want to dance and reminds you of sweets in the summer. So please stick around, keep reading and pleeaase follow and share my blog! The more good vibes we spread the better! Hope you love what's about to go down!

Miriam xx