It's Always Summer Somewhere

This is my band's new single, Summer Somewhere. It would mean the world to me if you would give it a spin. Have a look at some of the gorgeous snaps taken by Georgina Martin who deserved her 2 hour nap that very early morning in the Peak District. We were there by 7am and the weather was incredible. The clouds had descended into the valley over the village of Hathersage so the backgrounds to this video add a certain eerie atmosphere. I am so lucky living on the edge of Derbyshire.

The box is from an antiques fair in Sheffield, I paid £13 for it. And now it holds Summer. Big task that. I'm wearing a dress from Peacocks that was £7 in the sale and clock earrings from Topshop. Vintage belt. Sodden leopard print shoes. 

Love.
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Field View Festival 2012

My goodness. I think I need a nap but I can't as I have to write all about Field View Festival 2012!

Let's start with a quote from the effortlessly siren-like Lucy Rose:

"Field View is the most amazing festival ever!"

Screaming Maldini were confirmed to play FVF earlier this year so I've been looking forward to it for months and boy, it did not disappoint. Still a small festival with a humble line-up, FVF is home to a 3,000 strong campsite with people who seem to be regulars already. Started only 5 years ago in someone's back garden, it's safe to say in 5 years I'll be cooing "Well I actually played FVF back when it was new, I saw Lucy Rose stage dive, took my own gin into the site (which was 2 minutes from my tent) and ate reasonably priced food without being ill."

Highlights for me included meeting two lovely boys Zack and Max who entertained me all weekend, especially with Zack's dancing to The Resonators in the sunny sun sun. Cheery reggae with gorgeous vocals.

Headlining one of her first festival's was Lucy Rose, the girl must have had a special moment on stage, it was lovely to witness her be so overwhelmed by how much FVF bloody loved her! Then she stage dived. Ace stuff. 

I knew that Hey Sholay were good. They're from Sheffield and I must admit I hadn't previously made any effort to go to a gig (poor, I know) but sweet JESUS these boys are incredible. My mind was officially blown by how captivating they were, both musically and visually. Not only are they a very attractive bunch of lads, they know how to put on a show without apparently TRYING to. Something I wish I could do. Looking forward to seeing them take over the world, fingers crossed I get to be a part of that. 

More than anything though, we had a fabulous weekend as a band. Bonding over card games, camping and general larks. Big thanks go out to Tim, Andy and Nick for driving all that way. I hope they know that if I had a decent car I would too. Sadly, my Fiat Bravo freaked out after his trip to Hull. Poor thing. 

I shall leave you with some festival snaps! Vintage took a back seat as did any sense of style, but I hope you'll let me off what with the mud and rain and stuff. I've captioned the TWO outfits I wore...!

Festival hair issues. Vintage specs.

Jumper: £2 charity Shop

Skirt: River Island Sale

Wellies: £2 Charity Shop

Flowers: Various 

The most gorgeous ice cream that Stella McCartney loves apparetly. Ooh.

Jumper:  £1 Charity Shop

Shirt: Primark

Scarf: Charity Shop

Necklace: Vintage Fair

T-shirt: Primark

See you at FVF 2013!

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ARK Clothing VS Flashmob

Though I love vintage, thrifting the perfect bargain and sales galore, I had the pleasure of choosing an outfit from the Hearts & Bows line at ARK Clothing to gig in over the Tramlines festival weekend.

How come? I hear you mutter. Well...my band Screaming Maldini decided to crack out an a cappella arrangement of Summer Somewhere bang in the middle of Sheffield's ARK on Division Street. Check it.

I'm wearing an 80s dress that I shipped in from the US from Etsy and a bag I got from River Island in the sale years ago. I had to just...sing! In front of the unsuspecting public! But knowing I'd soon be joined by the rest of my band and 25 singers, a trumpet, guitars and a flute. Absolutely loved it. 

In return (!) ARK let us wear their clothes. 

Photo: Georgina Martin

Photos: Georgina Martin

Here is the dress I chose, I loved that I could make it my own by adding the ridiculous Topshop fruit necklace as the black high neck provided a perfect "blank canvas" for the statement necklace.

 Annie had such a huge decision to make! She looked amazing in all the options from Hearts and Bows but I'm glad she went with this leatherette skirt as it's not something she'd ever usually wear. Teamed with the pretty shirt, the leather was softened somewhat.

The boys looked pretty sexy too. But enough about them.

 I do hope you come to a gig soon and check out Screaming Maldini on the internet (we're all over that shizzle). Especially here. Oh and ARK.

G x

Sheffield Goes Bloody Mental

Oh yes. It's my favourite time of the year. Tramlines Festival is upon us once more! Sheffield is invaded by thousands of extra gig go-ers hoping to catch at least one fantastically FREE gig from one of the top notch indie bands around at the moment. I thought I'd condense the weekend into my top picks across the weekend of July 20th-22nd. Oh and check out the website: Here.

Alt - J
This band have created a somewhat unexpected wave across the nation. Despite not being able to quite decipher 90% of the lyrics, I absolutely adore the kooky, glitchy sound these guys have formed. Breeze Blocks is a firm favourite. Find them at The Bowery on Friday night. Form an orderly queue.

Joe Banfi
Audiences are guaranteed to be captivated by Joe's beautifully raw vocal. Accompanied with guitar, cello and haunting vocals from Miss Annie Rushworth, Joe Banfi is one to look out for in the coming year as he has been signed by cult label Communion Records. Olive Green makes me tingle. Catch Joe at the Folk Forest in Endcliffe park at 2pm on Sunday.

Mammal Club
Now, I confess. I've heard of Mammal Club before, they are a local trio. But I've never actually tuned in until today and boy, they're bloody good. Painting flies the flag for Wild Beast' style falsetto with a disgustingly catchy, soaring chorus. There's a tinge of Sheffield in there, but I'm happy to hear my city coming up with some electo-indie-pop without a grain of irony. This lot take to the stage at SoYo on Sunday at 6pm.

Beth Jeans Houghton
The woman is incredibly sexy, twisted and blessed with gorgeous effortlessly beautiful vocals. Main stage eye candy on Sunday night. Dodecahedron is a highlight.

Screaming Maldini
Sticking with SoYo on Sunday, my band Screaming Maldini will be taking to the stage at 8pm. I'm not even going to try and be modest. We are freaking awesome and give good gig. Of course, we'll be playing new single Life In Glorious Stereo but we have a new track to share with you and it's a really good laugh. I'm so excited! Plus we will be decked out in Hearts & Bows clothing so we look extra neat and tidy.

David J Roch
David is obviously a troubled soul. Come to these shows with a heavy heart and leave with it plummeting through your shoes. Having said this, David's voice is just stunning. Skin And Bones is still my favourite song. He plays a full band gig on Friday night at The Library Theatre around 8pm. Plus he's a babe.

It's quite obvious that I could go on and on and on with a ridiculous list of artists. So I'm going to give you a whole more of people to check out in list form below all leading to a song of theirs. I do hope you can make the journey up to Sheffield to catch some of Tramlines, because the city just goes bloody mental. The atmosphere really is electric.

Captives On The Carousel

Nathan Holme

Let's Buy Happiness

Louis Romegoux

Hey Sholay

Blue Lip Feel

See Emily Play

Mad Colours

Frankie Vera

Johnny Foriegner

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Gigs and Getups

Hello!

It's been a while, my bad. But I have been busying myself, mucho promiso. There are exciting things afoot with my shop Pretty Used Things, so please keep an eye out on the internet for that shizzle. 

Last night my band Screaming Maldini supported our fellow label mates and cool cats Johnny Foreigner and Tip Your Bartender at The Harley here in Sheffield. It was absolute U16s moshpit chaos by the time JF graced the stage, which was awesome to watch!

I had about 10 minutes to get ready, and I chose to don this dress which I haven't worn in years. It was £10 from a jumble vintage shop here in Sheffield, and with a nod to the pastel trend, I thought I was doing OK.

Belt: Peacocks
Bag: Vintage
Shoes: ASOS

Victory Rolls rushed to imperfection.

Have a looky at some gig snaps...they're awful! But what a handsome crowd!

The morning after the night before I HAD to wear my new Johnny Foreigner t-shirt. What a cool teacher I am. The kids will love it. I love that I can dabble with a 40s/50s look one night then throw on a shorts and t-shirt the next day. As much as I admire Vintage purists like Fleur de Guerre and Judi Yesterday and the Bright Young Twins (see my blog reel) I can't help but dress it down sometimes and feel better off for it.

Shoes: ASOS

Bag: Vintage

 Morning enthusiasm on 6 hours sleep.  Nutter.

BYE BYE

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