In a previous post, I had said that I wasn’t on the country music hype. After Kacey Musgraves won the coveted title of ‘Album of The Year’ at this years Grammy awards.

Fast forward two months, I can safely say that I am obsessed with Golden Hour by the country songstress. An album that I would put in one of my best albums from 2018 list.

Musgraves performance at the highly popular music festival in California definitely stunned fans and event attendees alike – with her set occurring on the actual golden hour – and for me was one of the top performers at the festival.

Funnily enough, the crowd could not follow along with her ‘Yee Haw’ chant, in which she brings her charm and humor to the stage.

‘I didn’t say F***ing Yee!’

Read more about the infamous incident here: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/8507018/kacey-musgraves-coachella-yeehaw-chant

The debut album from Los Angeles based singer Billie Eilish arrived at the end of March this year. Eilish, is known for eccentric and experimental style. This is certainly conveyed in her debut, which blends elements of Pop, Electronic and Trap.

Despite being only 17 years old, she has paved a successful career in the industry. She certainly isn’t your average teenage Californian girl.

All tracks were written by Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell. O’Connell also handled the production on all 14 tracks in the album. Astoundingly, she has managed to nag the top spot on all major album charts.

Stand out tracks for me include: ‘bad guy’, ‘you should see me in a crown’, ‘wish you were gay’, ‘my strange addiction’ and ‘listen before I go’.

Pitchfork article – https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/billie-eilish-when-we-all-fall-asleep-where-do-we-go/

 

Scottish band Chvrches have released a statement calling out American producer Marshmello. They criticised the fact that he worked on a song with Chris Brown, this comes after the Chvrches x Marshmello collaboration that came out in March.

A debate that sparked recently, that has seen some artists removing songs they have record with abusers. For example, Lady Gaga removing her song with R. Kelly.

It is important, for artists to use their voice and shed light on this sort of situation. In my opinion, I do find it hard to listen to a song that is by or featuring an abuser such as Chris Brown or R. Kelly.

Singers like Lady Gaga definitely take the right step forward in removing songs that were recorded by said artists. Should the music industry take into consideration removing such songs from radio play?

Article from Pitchfork for more information:

https://pitchfork.com/news/chvrches-call-out-marshmello-for-working-with-chris-brown-and-tyga/

 

My favourite website to check all the latest news in music and reviews.

https://www.theguardian.com/music

Last night, on the 10th February, the annual Grammy awards took place in Los Angeles. Living in Scotland, I never tend to watch them due to time differences. However, I am always keen to check the winners first thing in the morning.

At the risk of sounding too pretentious, I do find the Grammy’s rather ‘mainstream’. Although some artists I regularly listen to were up for a few awards.

My main surprise was the award for ‘Best New Artist’ which went to British singer Dua Lipa. Considering she has been famous for at least two and a half years I would not consider Dua Lipa an exciting new artist.

The coveted award of the evening – ‘Album of the Year’ went to country singer Kacey Musgraves. Unfortunately, I am not on the country music hype so feel I don’t have an opinion on this win.

‘This is America’ by Childish Gambino took home ‘Record of the Year’ as well as ‘Song of the year’ – would someone care to explain what the difference is between these two awards? That being said, the song conveys an important message that relates to current fairs in American Society. Therefore, the recognition is honourable.

I am happy that H.E.R. took home ‘Best R&B Album’. As well as, Ella Mai being awarded ‘Best R&B Song’ for ‘Boo’d Up’.

Last year, the Grammy’s did face backlash for not awarding many female artists. It was good to see many female musicians being celebrated at this years ceremony.

On another note, I do feel like there are an abundance of pointless awards that the Grammy’s dish out. Unlike at the Brit Awards here in the UK, where the awards are simple and straight to the point. Which I will be looking forward to watching next Wednesday.

My favourite songs from 2018:

After The Storm – Kali Uchis, Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins

February 3rd – Jorja Smith

Love Lies – Khalid & Normani

4ever – Clairo

Day 1 – Honne

It Runs Through Me – Tom Misch

I Wished I Missed My Ex – Mahalia

Bambi – Hippo Campus

Saint – Blood Orange

When The Party’s Over – Billie Eilish

 

Link to Spotify playlist: