Chloe

Before i go into this post my camera i use is getting a bit old and the quality probably isn't that great. Im looking into getting a new camera but I'm sorry for the quality in some of the photos. If you've not been following me on instagram or twitter recently you will know that i went to Bestival this year I've only ever been to Isle of Wight Festival before so after wanting to go to Bestival for years i finally went and needless to say it was an interesting weekend. Now i know in recent years the main stage was massive until this year they downsized to a really small stage which confused me a lot considering the main stage is the stage that everyone see's the headliners each night. So without going on about how small the stage was this is what my weekend was like.

FRIDAY

We got to bestival and the first thoughts that popped into my head were unorganised mess and this was just in the que. As i wasn't camping i thought there would be a separate que for people that weren't camping but oh no there wasn't so i started getting anxious because i don't deal with queuing to well as it sets of panic anxiety. I was supposed to go Thursday but my anxiety the night before was out of control so we decided not to go. I was feeling pretty anxious on the Friday as where i had never been before i was pretty much freaking out. It turned into a bit of a disaster. I missed Oh Wonder who i was really looking forward to seeing and i was absolutely gutted but they walked past me so i wasn't too upset. We managed to catch Petite Meller who was bonkers but amazing. If you don't recognise the name go and listen to Baby Love then i think you'll know who she is. We also watched Aurora who is literally the most adorable human being ever and her set was enchantingly wonderful .

So as we were walking about we managed to walk past Clean Cut Kid who's set i missed but I'm seeing them in November which I'm not to annoyed about. I was to shy to say hello to them but oh well never mind. The reason why i missed them was because i wanted to see Years and Years who annoyingly clashed. We decided to see years and years knowing that i'll be seeing clean cut kid later on in the year. Years and Years were incredible and definitely worth the wait. We then went on to see Creeper who I've wanted to see for a while and that was another band worth waiting to see because they were amazing. I did get a bit anxious because of the words "circle pit" and "crowd surfing" came out of Will's mouth. Needless to say it was a rather pathetic attempt and two girls fell over right behind my feet after the circle pit.

The mercury prize recently happened and Skepta won. Skepta also won over a massive crowd at Bestival. Im not a massive Skepta fan but honestly his live show is mental. I think there was even a stage invasion of a load of people he knew which was hilarious. We watched a bit of skepta and caught a tiny bit of Fatherson who sounded very good. Me and mum didn't stay for Major Lazer because i had a panic attack during the day which made me very tired so we went home after fatherson and skepta.

SATURDAY

it rained and it was awful considering my first Isle of Wight Festival was torrential rain all weekend. The big top was rather busy because of people sheltering from the rain so Billie Marten had a nice big crowd which was nice to see that she had a good size crowd. Billie was the only person we saw in the big top on saturday as the other people i wanted to see annoyingly once again clashed so i missed seeing Izzy Bizu and Anne Marie. After seeing Billie Marten we decided we wanted to see Lady Leshurr who absolutely smashed it considering the weather was so damp and miserable. As Lady Leshurr was performing , Joel and Joff from Wolf Alice walked straight past me. The person who probably drew the biggest crowd of the weekend was Craig David. Don't get me wrong i think Craig David is a rather big name and his music is alright but there was something about his live show that i found a bit holiday camp like. He was very good and drew a huge crowd i just wasn't to fond of his performance.

Samsung had this weird virtual reality experience you could go into which we checked out as it was raining and we wanted warmth for a few minutes. You put these virtual reality glasses on and in the glasses is a Biffy Clyro video. It was probably the closest thing i will ever get to seeing Biffy again to be fair. I also saw Wolf Alice for the 2nd time and they were also playing the main stage which was pretty cool as they've been playing some pretty big stages at festivals recently. They were definitely the highlight of the saturday for me. We watched a tiny bit of the cure and left because they were on for 3 hours , they also turned up 10 minutes late and i was freezing.

SUNDAY

It didn't rain thank goodness. The ground was pretty muddy but that didn't stop me from being so excited to see so many great bands and artists. When we arrived we caught a bit of Caravan Palace who are a band who's sound is described as electro swing drew a rather big crowd which got everyone dancing. I really suggest giving them a listen if you can because they're very good. Once they finished we headed over to the big top to see Jeremy Loops. Before Jeremy came on there was this circus band thing that was pretty much eurovision on acid. It was good but a bit bonkers but i like bonkers things. There was fire , hula hooping and burlesque involved whilst a woman sang and rapped. It was something rather weirdly unforgettable. Jeremy Loops was incredible. As it says in the name Jeremy uses a loop pedal in his live performances which really makes his live show really exciting. He really got the crowd going and i was glad i was there to see something so incredible happen.

After Jeremy performed we got ice cream then headed back to the big top to wait for Frances. My mum said Frances sounded a bit like Adele when she sang which is a massive compliment i suppose. To be honest Frances has the most amazing voice i have ever heard live. She performed the majority of her songs with her and a piano and sometimes her band joined her onstage to accompany her. She also performed the most beautiful cover of Good Grief by Bastille which of course got me pretty emotional.

After her set we got chips and waited for Bastille. We caught a bit of Kano who was interesting. Kano is a grime artist who was recently nominated for a Mercury Prize. He's not my sort of thing but he was pretty good. I could not control how excited i was to see Bastille on sunday at all. To be honest i couldn't shut up about how excited i was to see them again. The last time i saw them was back in 2013 when they played a 2,500 capacity venue. Bastille are one of my favourite bands and well I'm not going to be biased or anything but they need to be headlining festivals because they are that good. I cried when they walked onstage , i sang along to every song which even the new ones that not really many people knew the words to i kind of knew them word for word.

After Bastille i wanted to see Eliza and the Bear who weren't on till 8:30pm so we watched a bit of Sean Paul and honestly it was like being at a holiday camp with someones embarrassing dad prating about onstage saying the words sexy lady too many times to count. I mean i could probably get up there in a bald cap pretending to be Sean Paul. We soon left to wait for Eliza and the Bear because i'd literally had enough of Sean Paul's crap. So i was a bit annoyed when Eliza and the Bear decided to spend more time sound checking than actually being onstage. They finished earlier than expected which i wasn't to fussed about because i heard the songs i wanted to hear after missing them 4 times it was worth the wait. We didn't stay for Wiz Khalifa because i was so tired and i think someone trod on my toes even though we were at barrier for Eliza and the Bear.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Now this was my first time going to Bestival and honestly i don't think i'll go back again. It was like a massive lads holiday to ibiza. There were just groups of men wondering about in massive packs being absolute morons. Some were even strutting about in ugly printed vintage shirts and others chose not to even wear a top which i just think why on earth would someone do that not only do you look stupid you also look like a complete bell end. I also can't count the amount of butt cheeks i saw over the space of 3 days. The main reason why i probably won't return was down to the organisation of the entire festival. Campers that turned up on the Friday had to ask how to get to one campsite as there weren't any sign posts lurking about anywhere. The map was also pants so you couldn't find anything very well. It was like they spent more time decorating the site than actually caring to sign post things other than how to get to the stages.

It was a nice way to end the festival season though. I've been to two festivals this year which is more than i normally go to as i've always been to Isle of Wight Festival which i think i'll be heading back to next year again if the line up is decent. Bestival definitely had a strong line up but the headliners were a bit meh. I know i didn't really stay for the headliners but judging from the mess that was Sean Paul they really cocked it up. Next festival season should be interesting if this year is anything to go by. I wasn't overly impressed with Bestival but i don't think many were which was a real shame.

Speak soon ,

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, by chloeamies123

3 Songs For August

We are finally reaching the autumn months and i am so excited ! I hate summer with a passion because i hate all things to do with the sun , warmth and heat. Basically i just hate hot weather. It was also my birthday and i turned 19. I had a really nice birthday which involved going shopping to southampton with my mum and watching Ghostbusters 2 in the evening. A nice present was waking up to a new lower than atlantis song which is included in here so with out further ramblings here are my 3 songs for August.

1. Lower Than Atlantis - Work For It

The last song they released was get over it which was released last year. They recently played the main stage at this years reading and leeds. They never seem to release a bad song every song they release is incredible. They've completely out done themselves with work for it. Just everything about this song couldn't get any better if they tried. I don't know how many times i have listened to this but its insanely good and i can't wait for them to release more music soon.

2. Kaiser Chiefs - Hole In My Soul

Now I'm really happy that there is new music from these guys as i've loved their music for years. They have really had a bit of a sound change but i think having a fresh sound for a band that have been going on for so long can be really tough to do but i think they have nailed it. I really loved the last song they released from the new album which was parachute. I was really surprised when i did hear parachute but it was a nice surprise. I really hope i get to see them on tour next year as I've wanted to see them for years. I think was a good move for them and i think the new sound that they've created sounds great.

3. Metallica - Hardwired
When i had heard that Metallica had dropped a new song and a date for a new album i screamed. They haven't released anything for a while so new material from them makes me super happy. I think this is one of those songs you'll either love or hate. I'm so happy they are releasing a new album and I'm excited to hear it after loving hardwired. For people in their 50s they are still coming out with some proper incredible music which sticks to their recognisable heavy sound that Metallica are known for.

So this month is actually a rather exciting one I suppose ! I'm hosting a few blogger chats over Twitter so make sure your following me over there. I'm also going to bestival next week so expect a few bestival related posts within the next few weeks. I'm also dying my hair which will probably gets its own post too. Songs that didn't make it into this months 3 songs as it was once again pretty difficult to choose but i will name the few songs that didn't make it into this months 3 songs for August !
Young Guns - Echoes
Twin Atlantic - The Chaser
Saint Motel - Move
The Courtneers - The 17th

Speak soon ,

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, by chloeamies123

Who To See At Bestival 2016

If you follow me on twitter you will know that I'm going to Bestival for the first time ! I am super excited to see what Bestival is like as i've heard many good things about this crazy festival ! There are many other things besides the live music side of things like llamas , a giant bouncy castle and this year they have a giant rocket that fat boy slim is going to be doing a dj set on the sunday inside this giant rocket. This post isn't just going to be about the fact they have llamas there but all the great bands and artists that your not going to want to miss this year !

I did do a post on one of the stages at Bestival called invaders of the future so if you want to go and read that one then you can. Bestival announced their final headliners recently who are Wiz Khalifa and Sean Paul. My initial reaction to them being the final headliners was a lot of laughter. Its safe to say i was surprisingly happy with that. Other headliners include Hot Chip , The Cure and Major Lazer. So besides the headliners you're probably wondering who else is there that i think is worth seeing over the weekend.

Spring King
I've only recently started listening to their music a bit more and I'm obsessed with their sound. Spring King released their debut album this year and its so , so good and i really recommend listening to it as its very good. These are not ones to miss at this years Bestival at all. They are bound to pack out where they are playing too. Song to listen to - Who Are You.

Oh Wonder
The ultimate hangover cure for the night before. Oh Wonder are Anthony and Josephine who haven't been going for too long but are going from strength to strength and gaining new fans all the time. They only played their first live show last year and have recently headlined Barn On The Farm and have Supported Halsey on her U.S tour dates. I had a feeling they would be coming to the isle of wight this year and I'm rather excited to finally be seeing them. Song to listen to - Without You.

Bastille
Well of course I'm not going to leave these out am i ?! Bastille are once again playing Bestival. The last time they played Bestival they dressed up as characters from the life aquatic with steve zissou and had dancing crabs onstage.Yeah i have no idea either to be honest. Bastille are soon going to be releasing their next album 'Wild World' which I'm excited to hear as there hasn't been new music from these for a while so i can't wait for the album to be released. Song to listen to - Good Grief.

Years and Years
Years and Years broke through last year with their song 'King' which stayed at number one for a while. They also went on to release their debut album Communion which i think also got to number one in the album charts. I am really excited to be seeing Years and Years finally because it feels like I've been waiting years to see them .... Dad joke intended I'm sorry. If your going to Bestival this year you don't want to miss out on seeing Years and Years at all because they know how to bring the party vibes to any festival. Song to listen to - Gold.

Glass Animals
I'm making a trip to the Bestival site on the Thursday just to see these and oh my god i am so excited to see Glass Animals. They released their debut album 'Zaba' in 2014 and are set to release their 2nd album which is called How To Be A Human Being. They remind me a tiny bit of Tame Impala so if you like them then you'll definitely like these if you've not listened to them already. They will be playing the Thursday in the Big Top if your wondering where they will be on the Thursday. Song to listen to - Life Itself.

The Human League
80s synth legends the human league will be bringing the sound of the 80s with them to the future this year and are certainly not ones to miss. At first i had no idea who they were until i listened to them and instantly recognised their songs. I am very excited to see these too. They are going to be heading to the future on the Sunday. Song to listen to - Together In Electric Dreams.

Billie Marten
Billie Marten also known as Isabella Tweddle is a younger version of Lucy Rose in my eyes. There's such a similarity to their voices and i think that is why i love Billie's sound. She's another one that was on the shortlist for the BBC Sound of 2016. At the age of 17 her voice and music is so mature and beautiful. Her debut album 'Writing of Blues and Yellows' is out in on the 23rd September. Song to listen to - Milk and Honey.

The Chuckle Brothers
Right i know their not a band or anything but The Chuckle Brothers were my childhood and i can remember coming in from school and sitting down and watching chuckle vision i even think they used to show it on a week day in the afternoon when i was off sick sometimes in primary school. They have one song that they did with tinchy stryder that pretty much went viral a few years ago. If your heading to Bestival your not going want to miss these if you want to have a throwback to your childhood.

Well i hope this comes in handy if you're heading to this years bestival if not i highly recommend you check some of the bands and artists that i've mentioned in this post if you haven't already.

speak soon ,

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, by chloeamies123

3 Songs For July

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, by chloeamies123

The Best Bands I've Seen Live

i've been lucky go to a lot of gigs and a festival over the years. As i don't really get out much due to being anxious all the time i find that going to gigs and festivals is something i love doing because i feel like i don't have to be so on edge and can forget about my anxiety. I already have a few more gigs to attend in the winter and next year already which is really exciting ! In this post i thought i'd share which bands i've seen that have been incredible live. I like a lot of different types of music so be prepared to be surprised.

Muse
I wrote an entire post about the time i went to see muse back in April. You might have caught their set at Glastonbury if you were like me and watched it from the comfort of your home. This band are incredible and are probably one of the best i have seen in a while. Their production for their UK arena tour was bonkers. I'd never been to a gig with that much production to it so for me it was pretty exciting. I had heard a lot about how good Muse are live but i was not expecting them to be that good at all. You really wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Matt Bellamy's studio and live vocals because they are genuinely that incredible.

Rudimental
They played Isle of Wight Festival in 2014 and holy crap they really know how to get a crowd going. There was not one person stood still in the crowd at all , well as far as I'm aware. They had only released their 1st studio album around the time. Anne Marie used to be one of their touring singers and of course we saw her when Rudimental played at the festival. Her vocals live are incredible and you really need to check her out because her music is so good.

Wolf Alice
I'm not just saying this because they are one of my favourite bands but oh my goodness they are amazing live. I've only seen them once and hopefully i'll be seeing them again at Bestival. I was supposed to see them back in the winter but decided not to go as i wasn't feeling well which was really annoying ! They're one of those bands that you're not sure about seeing live but honestly they've been one of the best bands i have seen so far ! I think i also wrote a post about the time i went to see them so you can also read that too.

Fleetwood Mac
I feel so lucky that i got to see these last year as they are knocking on a bit. They had to pull out of a few gigs before playing festival last year as someone got ill and couldn't perform. From seeing Fleetwood Mac it taught me that stevie nicks is really cool and will always be really cool. She even gave Dave Grohl a shout out onstage due to his broken foot. I did have a bit of a cry when they walked onstage , it got pretty emotional to say the least.

Twin Atlantic
Surprise they made it. I don't think it comes as a shock to anyone that i've put these on this list. I've been lucky to see these twice now and they've been insane both times. You've probably seen the photos i shared about seeing them at this years iow festival. Its nice to hear new material too. They played no sleep and gold elephant cherry alligator when i went to see them and the songs sounded crazy good. They're going on tour this year so if you want to go and see them live for yourself then go and grab a ticket while you can because they're bound to sell out.

Little Mix
This is a bit of a weird one for me to be putting down on this list but their vocal ability is insane, especially while they dance around. I don't think i could multi task on that level thats for sure. They played an outdoor summer gig where i live and i wasn't going to bother going until someone asked me if i would like to go with them. From what i can remember i got waved at by one of them too as we managed to get barrier which wasn't so bad. This was my first barrier gig too which i honestly deserve a medal for staying down the front for the entire gig as thats a huge deal for someone with anxiety. I wish they'd do these outdoor gigs again as they were really good and provide entertainment for the summer as there isn't much to do on the island in the summer.

Sterophonics
Well i wasn't expecting them to be that good thats for sure ! I saw these once again at iow festival this year. I didn't think they would be headliner material so i wasn't sure what they would be like as headliners. They co-headlinded with faithless who i didn't go and see because i don't really like their music that much.I never stay for the dance acts in the evening anyway. Their recent album keeping the village alive is one i mentioned in my July favourites as its the perfect summer album. They played a few songs from this album and their other ones which were really cool to hear live. I'd 100% recommend going to see these if they're at a festival as they are good live.

Twenty One Pilots
Holy crap these two are insane. Josh and Tyler really become super popular within the past few months or so. Getting tickets to see these was actually really stressful as the tickets flew out the door really quickly. The que when i went to see these was so long it was nearly around the corner from Portsmouth Guildhall. Its the longest que i've ever been in. There live performance is insane. I have no clue how they can drum on wooden platforms being held up by people is beyond me but its also incredible. I think even if you're not a fan of their stuff you have to see them live if you ever get the chance.

Biffy Clyro
There is no surprise that I'm putting these on here at all as i referred myself to being number one biffy clyro trash on twitter a few weeks ago. They headlined iow festival in 2014 and i had the best time ever. They've been a band i had wanted to see for ages as i had to miss seeing them in 2012 as i felt ill when they were due onstage which was really annoying. They are easily one of my favourite bands of all time and definitely one of my favourites to see live. I'm really hoping they announce tour dates soon because i really need to see them again.

The 1975
Possibly one of the best bands I've seen at Isle of Wight Festival in a while. They played in 2014 and i can't wait to see them again ! I won tickets to see them on tour in December which I'm very excited about as i really wanted to see them again. It was a while ago since i last saw them but from what i can remember matt healy did multiple things that included : ripping his shirt open , lighting a cigarette onstage and also drinking a large bottle of wine onstage. This was when they only had the one album so its cool to see them grow within a few years.

Let me know if you've seen any of these bands that i've mentioned before and what you thought of them. Apologies for the grainy photo at the top but i really wanted to include that photo. These have been a few of my favourite bands as i've seen a lot due to going to festivals so you get to see a wide variety of bands. I mean i've even seen iggy pop who was really good but also hilarious because he reminds me of pepe the prawn from the muppets ...