The Diner - Soho

One of my favourite things about being in London is discovering new places to stuff my face. Being a tourist can be pretty hungry work, so knowing a place where you'll get good grub that'll fill you up and add to your list of places to return / recommend to others is a blessing. 

When you're hungry and looking for something to eat in London before going home or heading to the theater, the time constraints and rumbling tummy can lead you to diving into the first place you see and paying ridiculous money for pretty crappy food, so when I find somewhere worth writing home about, well, I do. 

I've known about The Diner for quite some time, in fact I think I may have eaten at the one in Camden a few years back, but couldn't remember a thing about it. Last weekend, me and the boyfriend were looking for somewhere to eat before going on the Blood & Tears London Walking Tour (all about infamous serial killers from London. Macabre, I know). After running through a list of different cuisines, we decided we wanted something dense and greasy to fuel us for the two hours of walking we had ahead of us. An American diner is THE place to find that kind of food. 

There are a few of these specific diners scattered across London, with restaurants in Camden, Covent Garden, Islington, Shoreditch and Soho. With Soho closest to us, just off Carnaby Street, we popped in, got seated straight away and focused intensely on the menu. 

One thing I'll recommend if you're not planning on having a big meal is their milkshakes. Specifically, their hard shakes. They're a dangerous concoction of naughty treats and alcohol that goes down a little too easily. I had the Creamy Nut (hazelnut and pistachio ice cream with Baileys) a while back, and I need it on tap. 

This time round, we were planning on filling up to the max, so I tried The Diner Blend Ice Tea (perfect combo of bitter and sweet, and very refreshing) and Kurtis had a Coke Float. 

To eat, I had the Diner Chicken Burger (buttermilk fried chicken breast, bacon, blue cheese, coleslaw and pickles) whilst Kurtis had the Corned Beef Hash (salt beef, onions, potatoes and two fried eggs) from the All Day Breakfast menu. We also shared a side of Hanger Fries (cheese, smokey onions and burger sauce). 

If you're ordering a burger or hot dog, prepare for things to get messy. You just have to embed your face in the greasy goodness and chow down. Not great first date food. I was really pleased with my burger. The chicken was incredibly tender and juicy, and the coleslaw was crispy and surprisingly full of flavour (I feel you can always tell a good restaurant by its homemade coleslaw). The chips were amazing too. I do get worried about diner chips like this with so many wet toppings that the chips will turn to mush, but these ones maintained their crisp. The burger sauce, dare I say it, may have been better than McDonalds. It was so zesty and flavoursome. 

A main, drink and side came to £15, which is brilliant when you consider the size of the portions and where you are. For London that's excellent. 

So if your looking for comfort food with a stylish retro American feel,The Diner should be on your list of places to visit. Oh and they also play amazing music! 

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The VIP Experience with Jaw Breaker and Voodoo Vixen

I don't mean to keep boasting about the amazing time I had at London Edge, but I was spoiled rotten and made to feel so welcome that I feel it's only right to give it a mention here on my little corner of the internet. 

So Jawbreaker and Voodoo Vixen were the hosts of the after-party and invited me and some other bloggers to be their VIPs for the day. Prior to the event we had to choose a dress from either brand which we would receive at the event, and get our hair and make-up done to match. 

Many bloggers got their dress and changed into it straight away, which meant London Edge was a sea of A-lines and victory rolls. It was like I'd gone back in time. 

As London Edge is an alternative fashion trade event, it was so interesting to see everyone's personal style, so I decided to change into my dress last minute. I've always loved vintage fashion, but I feel it's a style you need to commit to 100%; hair, make-up etc and I've only just mastered a fishtail plait. So I was intrigued to play around with it and see how I could make the style fit me. 

So after the blogger meet-up and looking at all the amazing brands, it was time to go get my dress and get dolled up.

The VIP area was like a mini salon, with a hairspray haze and hair grips used by the dozen. I take my hat off to the team though, who had been on their feet doing hair and make-up since 6am, but were some of the loveliest ladies I'd met that day. When it was my turn to sit in the chair, I had no idea what I wanted. I'd seen so many victory rolls , and wanted something different, so I told the lovely Nicola Abraham that she had free reign over my hair and could do whatever she wanted. I'd seen her do the hair of some other bloggers and knew straight away that I was in good hands. It was quite a weird experience having my hair done but having no idea whatsoever what was being done to it.

As you can see from the pictures above, she's one very talented lady. The end result was so me, and gave the vintage dress the grunge twist I never could have achieved myself. I was hoping to wear my Dr Martens with the dress but wasn't sure how it would look, but when I saw what Nicola had done to my hair, it turned out the boots would work perfectly.

It was also quite fitting that in the goody bag I received at the blogger meet up was a pink Miss Candy Floss hair piece which contrasted wonderfully with my hair and matched the dress, AND worked perfectly with the hairstyle Nicola had created.

 I was a little bit worried about the dress because I'd only seen one picture online, and I wouldn't really know what it was like until I'd seen it, but I was actually really pleased. I chose mine from Voodoo Vixen, and it's their Adeline dress which is an elegant floral patterned flare dress featuring cherry and cherry blossom motifs. It fit me really well and the material was really good quality, which surprised me as a lot of the vintage dresses I've come across in the past are amazing to look at, but are really poor quality.

The after-party was a lot of fun, with drag-queens, burlesque acts and magicians. The Jawbreaker and Voodoo Vixen crew really had pulled out all the stops. I only wish I could have stayed longer, but with luggage and a two hour journey home, I'd had a very long and eventful day and my feet were crying out for a rest. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who organised such an awesome VIP experience and made me personally feel so welcome.

Until next time London Edge!

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London Edge Trade Show and Blogger Meet up with Kat Williams

(picture by Rage Studios)

 

Last weekend I got to attend London Edge alternative fashion trade show at the Olympia Exhibition Center, London. It's an event only open to fashion buyers and press, and is a place where gothic, grunge, punk and vintage brands show off their latest collections to potential buyers. 

I heard about the event last year and knew it was something I had to attend, but underestimated how amazing the event would actually be. Not long after registering as a blogger I was invited to attend the Blogger Meet-Up which was to be hosted by the fabulous Kat Williams from RocknRoll Bride. 

I was overwhelmed by the range of brands and the variety of unique styles they presented. It's a brilliant place for seeing your favourite brand's latest collection before it's released, but also for discovering new brands that you just can't wait to spend your money on. 

Iron Fist and Killstar have been fixed favourites of mine for years now, so it was awesome to see what they've got coming up for SS15. I've already got my eyes on a few pieces. Keep your eyes peeled for sneak peak at the Iron Fist SS15 collection. 

I discovered some new brands that I fell in love with. Lip Service's sexy yet elegant use of lace, sheer fabrics, vinyl and velvet had me drooling, whilst Alice Takes a Trip were channeling some Cutester vibes for the Summer with adorable bee motifs and rainbow fur inserts. 

Jawbreaker and Voodoo Vixen were hosting the after-party, and many bloggers, including myself, were asked to attend the show as a VIP of the brands, and were given a free dress to wear to the after-party and a make-over, which included vintage hair styling and make-up. I decided to change into my dress last minute, but many wore theirs straight away. As a result the show was a sea of A-line silhouettes and victory rolls. It was quite a sight. 

The Blogger Meet-Up was a perfect opportunity for me to get to meet some like-minded bloggers. With free champagne, sweets and the biggest goody bag I've ever received, conversation was focused on how generous the brands had been. Many selfies were taken and Instagram names swapped. I always feel quite nervous about things like this, but it was a lovely atmosphere with a lovely group of ladies. I had the pleasure of meeting Emma from Emma Inks who's an absolute babe, and Claire from clairelouise.net

Kat Williams was a sweetie as always, answering our questions about blogging and finding your own niche, and walking around with us as we checked out some of the brands. 

The whole show is one big blur for me now, but getting my hair done by the talented Nicola Abraham stands out clearly as one of the best moments of the day. I'd wanted something a bit different and told Nicola that she had free reign to do whatever she wanted with my hair. The end result was epic (see first picture above). I'm actually going to do a whole blog post on the VIP experience, so watch this space to see the final look. 

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Bella and Phoebe: Our Adopted Cats

Now this isn't going to be a post where I boast about how cute my cats are and all the Youtube-worthy antics they get up to (although I can't promise there won't be a teeny bit of that), but more a post about the adoption process itself and what my family and I learnt, and are still learning, along the way.
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Past Experience and Reasons for Adopting
(sorry for the poor quality picture)

Three years ago we were going through the same joyful experience of bringing a new pet into the family, and that pet was Ron. My Mum loves ginger cats, and for her birthday my Dad decided we should surprise her with a ginger kitten. We scoured the internet, and found one for sale on www.pets4homes.co.uk just down the road from us.  He was advertised as old enough to be separated from his mum, neutered, de-wormed, flea treated and up-to-date with his injections, for £40. So we went to get him. What we were met with when we got there couldn't be further from what was advertised. 

We could smell the cigarette smoke from the garden gate. The glass in the front door had been smashed in and boarded up with cardboard, and a Staffie was going bonkers inside. We knocked on the door, and a man took the £40 from my Dad's hand and thrust Ron into his arms and closed the door. Ron was tiny. Too young to be away from his mother. He was also crawling with fleas and reeked of cigarette smoke. I know what you're thinking. We should have turned away the minute we got to the front gate, or given the kitten back. But to this day I firmly believe we rescued that cat, and no animal lover would have the heart to put an animal back into that situation. 

I wrapped Ron up inside my coat and held him until we got home. Long story short, after surprising Mum with the kitten, we took him to the vets and got him everything he needed. After that, well, he never really stopped growing. He was more like a dog than anything, playing fetch and having mad running sprees around the house and chasing tin-foil balls. We all doted on him, and like to think we gave him an amazing two years that made up for him being born into such a hell-hole. 

Two years. Was that it? Unfortunately yes.  He disappeared for a few days, and came back emaciated, struggling to carry his own weight, dribbling, losing control of his bladder and labored breathing. It was a traumatic process in which the vets wanted an extortionate amount of money to keep him overnight on a drip and do tests even though he was already in so much pain and most-likely wouldn't make it through the tests, let alone the night. After discussing our options with the vet, we decided the kindest thing to do was to put him to sleep. 

 Shrouded in guilt and what-ifs, it took us a good few months to get over Ron not being around. We did get some closure though. A few months later I saw an article in the local newspaper about how someone had poisoned 10 cats with anti-freeze in my area, and the woman being interviewed was actually someone I worked with. After reading the article and speaking to her about the symptoms of her cat, it was clear the same thing had happened to Ron. It was so sad to know he died at the hands of something so sick and sadistic, but it was a relief to know what it was, and that nothing we could have done would have saved him. 

Why am I telling you all this? 

Well firstly, as grateful as I am to have had Ron in my life, and to have rescued him in the beginning, the way in which Ron came into our lives was as a result of someone lying online. Someone constantly breeding cats to make money, only to bring them up in appalling conditions and completely disregard the welfare of the animal. I want to spread the word that when it comes to advertisements for animals online, you can't always trust what you read and to some people, the money means more to them than the actual animal. It's a trade that I don't think will be stopped any time soon. After my experience and further research, I don't agree with it as a way of getting an animal, but I know that there is supply and demand, and therefore it will continue. 

Secondly, there were many times in the year between Ron's death and getting our new cats that we were tempted to get another one. But we felt it was really important to assess whether our desire for a new pet was because we wanted to replace Ron, or because we were ready to move on. This may sound melodramatic, but the way in which you treat your new cat will depend on what frame of mind you're in when you get it. We didn't want to get another pet with expectations for it to be just like Ron, or for it to fill that hole. That wouldn't be fair on the animal. 


About Adoption

When we were ready, we decided we would adopt. I guess we'd been put off buying from breeders. I know there are some genuine, honest breeders out there who care about their animals, but you'd be shocked to see how many cats out there actually need homes. Rehoming centers are actually having to turn cats away because they're so full, and they have more cats coming than going. 

This is also a process that requires a lot of thought and research, It's not just about finding a cat that you like the look of and going to get it. You need to know for definite what it is you want, and what you can actually give the cat. For example, a few may have medical conditions and need frequent medication or trips to the vets, whilst others may have a nervous disposition, which would require you to be very patient and put what you want from the cat to one side. There were plenty of cats that were stunning and caught our eye, even a pair of Bengals, but when we read they needed a family with experience in the breed or special care, we knew that our family situation wouldn't allow us to give the cats everything they needed. 

The Adoption Process

We looked on a variety of sites, from Woodgreen Animal Center to Cats Protection. Eventually we came across a Mother and Daughter pair. Their owners had fallen ill and were simply in need of a loving home willing to provide lots of fuss. 

After sending an email to the Cats Protection expressing our interest in the cats, we got an email back arranging a time for someone from the charity to come and do a home assessment, in which they make sure your house is suitable for cats (not near any main roads, a decent sized garden etc) and that you're suitable owners for the cats. The lady was lovely, and shared out love for ginger cats, so we shared pictures of our cats and swapped stories for a while. 

The cats are actually held in foster homes, which gives you the opportunity to go and meet the cats in a neutral environment and see if you get along and bond. This is where both parties get to decide what happens next, and the fosterer keeps an eye on things to see how the cats respond. Our cats had been in foster care for a month before we got them. My parents went to see them and apparently there was a lot of purring and belly rubs, so they brought them home straight away. 

Adopted Cats in Their New Home

The adoption process doesn't end when you bring the cats home. There's a lot to bare in mind. When we bought the girls home, Bella (the mum) was very excitable and affectionate, rubbing against everyone's legs and meowing for a fuss, whilst Phoebe (the daughter) spent most of her first day hidden under the sofa, or trying to hide in any nook and cranny. 

The next day, the tables turned. Bella was very skittish whilst Phoebe came out of her shell. We haven't even had them for two weeks yet, but what I've learnt so far is that every day is different. There is no consistency in their temperament or their mood at first. They're still settling in to a completely new environment and discovering new things. So even if the cats aren't described as nervous or skittish on the adoption site, prepare for that to be the case in the first few weeks. You'll need to put your expectations and wants aside and focus on what they need, but they'll soon settle down. As you can see from the picture above, Bella's starting to make herself at home. 

Prepare for a few minor hiccups, for example, Phoebe will climb anywhere and everywhere. She's extremely curious. Bella on the other hand likes to eat every house plant in sight. Whilst the plants in our house aren't poisonous to cats, they can get a bit of a dodgy stomach for a day or two, so we've now got some cat grass and cat nip toys to keep her occupied. 

So if you are thinking of getting a cat, please consider adoption. Re-homing centers do have kittens if that's what you're looking for, but they do get snapped up very quickly. The amount of cats that need homes is forever growing, and after researching adoption and looking on these sites for a good few months, some of them have been there for quite some time. While it may be better than where they came from, a lot of the cats do not enjoy being in the centers and never really settle. So for us, it's so rewarding to not only take two cats away from that situation, but actually give them a life they can enjoy. 

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My Post-Christmas Detox with Stripteas

So the month of New Years resolutions, diet attempts and fitness regimes is almost over. How are we all doing? I think I can speak for a few of us when I say I fell at the first hurdle multiple times, justifying finishing off that box of Quality Street or the remaining remnants of the Christmas cheese board, all in the name of an eventual fresh start. 

I was blessed with some early January motivation when StripTeas got in contact and asked me to review their *14 day 3 step teatox.

I'm a massive tea drinker with a variety of quirky mugs and vintage teacups purely dedicated to the practice so I jumped on this straight away, curious to try the range of flavours. 

StripTeas have actually worked it so that their Morning, Daytime and Night teas contain 100% natural herbal ingredients.

Morning: Chinese White Tea, Yerba Mate, Lemongrass, Liquorice Root, Orange Peel , Ginseng, Ginkgo, Eucalyptus, Spearmint. 

Daytime: Chinese Oolong Tea, Fennel Seeds, Cinnamon, Ginger, Pu-erh Black Tea, Schisandra Berries, Black Peppercorns.

Night-time: Rooibos (anti-stress) , Ginger, Ashwagandha Root (anti-stress), Chamomile (calming), Lemon Balm, Peppermint Leaves, Hawthorn, Vanilla Pieces, Lavender, Vanilla Flavour. 

Whilst all three teas are packed full of anti-oxidants, after doing some research I've noticed how the benefits of some of the ingredients are very fitting to your mental and physical state at specific points throughout the day. The morning tea is geared towards focus, concentration, endurance and digestion, whilst the daytime tea contains ingredients which work to maintain these factors. The evening tea is my favourite though, with a concoction of awesome ingredients that's designed to calm and relieve stress.

I was really curious to see the effect of the morning one though, because I am such a bad morning person. I don't drink coffee, so I lack that pick-me up that most anti-morning folk get.

Now I've seen a lot of these teas around lately, many of them claiming to make you loose weight. Firstly, no tea can make you loose weight.

What they can do, and what StripTeas does, is boost your metabolism. Of course it's completely up to you what you do with that new-found energy, but if you use it productively and are more active, then you'll start to notice a difference not only in yourself physically, but mentally.

Hydration is a factor to consider. I'm so bad at staying hydrated. Really bad. Sometimes I go a whole day on just one glass of water. If you read my New Years Resolutions post you'll know that staying hydrated was one of my resolutions. Drinking these StripTeas three times a day got me off to a solid start. I noticed the difference almost instantly. I felt less sluggish and snacked less. I actually enjoy the flavours so much that I'd get 2-3 cups out of one tea bag. I may have been popping to the ladie's room every 20 minutes, but it was worth it for how invigorated I felt. 

I do want to shed a few pounds, however I'm not monitoring it by weighing myself or noting how loose my jeans are getting, because I don't want to obsess about it. For me the most important thing is feeling good about myself physically and mentally, and these teas have really helped me get to that stage. 

I'm waking up earlier and tackling the day with more energy and actually sticking to a routine. If routine is something you really struggle with, these teas are perfect for just that, because you want to feel good and you look forward to your next one. I find I'm not craving snacks as much and that I stay fuller for longer too. I've already mentioned that the evening tea is my favourite - my mind is a live wire at night and it's in the evenings that I stress the most because I'm thinking about all the things I haven't got done and need to do. This can have a knock-on effect on the quality of sleep that I get, but since drinking this tea I'm feeling more soothed. I'm going to sleep earlier and waking up earlier too. 

I highly recommend going on a teatox. It doesn't necessarily have to be with the aim of shedding a few pound in mind. Whether you want some routine, to stay hydrated, a detox, or you just love tea, this is a brilliant, tasty way of taking care of yourself! 

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The Sound of 2015 - Who to Look Out For!

The one thing I love about the New Year is all the new talent that will be uncovered. Last year we were blessed with George Ezra, Sam Smith, Ella Eyre and FKA Twigs. Each blessed with their own sound, they've ruled the airwaves and have soared to great heights, so what can we expect for 2015?

Well I've put together a little shortlist of some of the artists who have really come into their own recently. Whether they're supporting some of the names above, or going viral on Youtube, these guys are going to get your attention one way or another.

George the Poet
 His spoken word style uses haunting lyrics that are brutally relevant. Each of his songs on his EP 'The Chicken and the Egg' are part of one big story. After listening to one song, you're left wanting to listen to the next just to find out what happens. 

Wolf Alice 
Delicate breathy vocals contrast with riotous shrieks in this grunge mix of thrash and punk. 

Soak 
She supported George Ezra back in March, and if you love a bit of George, you'll wanna check her out. Her angelic vocals bring a serenity to what is a chilled mixture of  folk and soul. Bridie Monds - Watson is only 18, but is channeling the thoughts of the disparate youth in a stunning way. 

James Bay
'Hold Back the River' is everywhere right now AND he's supporting Taylor Swift on her upcoming tour AND he won the Critic's Choice prize at the Brit Awards. His raspy voice brings atmosphere, power and emotion to the fore, placing himself in an ever-growing movement of one-man bands armed with only their voices and a guitar. 

Kwabs
He's predicted to win the Mercury Prize this year and features on the Mobo Newcomer shortlist.His velvety vocals are sensuous and brooding, and his sounds are a combination of gospel, electronica, and soul, with the odd guitar riff thrown in. 

 Shura
Aleksandra Denton uses synths and beats to create dewy yet hypnotically beautiful Summer sounds, and teams them with her own breathy vocals. . The kind of music you want playing in the car with the windows down on a cool summer's eve. 

Slaves
With their song 'The Hunter' featured on Radio 1 as Zane's Hottest Record, this duo have already marked their territory.  When played among the usual suspects of a Radio 1 playlist, they stand out like a sore thumb, and that's how I first came across them. It was so refreshing to hear something so gritty on a commercial music station, and Greg James' reaction summed it up: 'Finally someone with something to say.'

Sunset Sons
The grit and twang of Kings of Leon's Caleb Followhill, but with a chilled, folky-funk.

Years and Years
I can seriously see these following in the footsteps of Disclosure and Clean Bandit, and completely owning dancefloors everywhere this summer. Angelic, soulful vocals with 90s R&B beats . 

Tove Lo 
You've definitely heard her, you probably just don't know it. Featuring on Alesso's 'Heroes (We Could Be)' and the latest Hunger Games soundtrack, her gritty rasp is making ears prick up everywhere. Her debut single 'Habits' was released 18 months ago, but has only just worked its way into the charts. I'm actually willing to make a bet that you recognize it! 

Florrie 
A sweet voice that packs a poppy, dance-floor punch. She's cute as a button but has a quirky, cool-girl edge. 

Phantogram
The synth-pop genre seems pretty saturated at the moment, and it's pretty hard to find something that really stands out. Making it onto Urban Outfitter's playlist, their unobtrusive climb has them down as a newcomer to watch. Their delicate fusion of hip-hop beats and dreamy vocals make for juicy feel-good tunes. 

Marmozets 
For me to like a female-fronted band, that voice has to have some oomph. Some depth. Something you can mime to whilst looking like you have a serious attitude problem. The Marmozets are making a name for themselves in rock music. Zane Lowe loves them, and now so do I. Melody, sweetness and rage are mixed together to give you something intricate and meaningful, but also something you can rock your arse off to. 

The Aquadolls
Take the 1950s 'Beach Boys' melody and throw in the sultry, psychadelic voice of Melissa Brooks and you've got some tunes that will make you wanna pack your bag and go on an American Road trip in a vintage Cadillac. 

La Roux 
Yes we all know La Roux, but she disappeared off the face of the earth for a while and we thought it was all over. But she's back with a nostalgic 80s vibe that you can't help but tap your feet to. 

Deers 
Can punk be exotic? YES! These ladies from Madrid sprinkle their dulcet tones with flowers and childish melodies. They'll make you desperate for Summer! 

Doja Cat
Remember when Azaelia Banks released '212', and we were all wishing we could be that effortlessly cool? Well I hate to break it too you, but we've got to go through that all over again with Doja Cat. Her R&B beats are so fashionable and on-point you want to walk down a runway in your finest with them blaring in the background. 

Purity Ring
I've loved Purity Ring for a while now. There's just no one like them. You only need to listen to 30 seconds of their album 'Fineshrine' and you'll be mesmerized. Even if it's not your thing, I guarantee you'll be intrigued by the macabre lyrics that are sung with a Cheshire Cat smile and backed by layers of sexy, circus-esque sounds. 

Royal Blood
Radio 1 have been playing Royal Blood constantly for the last two months now, and I can't get enough. Posters of their album smother the London Underground, and they're set to support the Foo Fighters on their next UK tour (which I've got tickets for!!!!!!) Their sound echoes that of Wolfmother, and each song has guts and power. They've already burst onto the scene, but I can definitely see them sticking around. 

Benjamin Clementine 
If Nina Simone was a guy, this is what it would sound like. The vocals grip you more than anything else, and you feel enveloped in a poem. The first time I listened to Cornerstone, I was transfixed. I daren't move for fear of interrupting such hypnotizing sounds.

Marika Hackman
This ex-Burberry model and friend of Cara Delevigne has taken up making folky pop-music. Following in the footsteps of Daughter, Hackman's folk is adult. All grown-up . There's nothing kitsch about her music. It's packed with raw, intense emotion and enchanting vocals. 

Ibeyi
They've been on The Jool's Holland Show - that in itself should speak volumes. These French-Cuban sisters are masters of percussion. Inspired by chants brought to Cuba from Nigeria, they combine the ancient and the modern and the result will give you goosebumps. 

Petite Meller 
French. Adorable. High Pitch. Colourful. I think these four things sum up Petite Meller pretty well. Her sense of style gives Lady Gaga a run for her money, however don't be fooled into thinking she's just a generic cutesy pop chic. There's something very artistic and well thought out about her music. She's kind of like Yolandi Visser's (Die Antwoord) angelic alter-ego. 

Only Real
The trends of the 90s are coming back with full force, and not just in fashion. Only Real are a hark back to the days of Brit Pop. With a voice echoing that of Jamie T, he sings of youth culture in West London. Despite the grunge vibes, there's something feel-good about Only Real that's reminiscent of Summer, festivals, and an ice cold beer. 

Rayleigh Ritchie
You don't need to watch his videos to know he does a bit of acting on the side. You may know him as Grey Worm from Game of Thrones. This is an actor-turned-musician story with no tackiness attached. Elegant piano and ghostly strings meet with powerful beats and gutsy lyrics to create something gritty and passionate. 

Josef Salvat
People are calling him the next 'Gotye', and I can understand why. Atmospheric melodies and choral vocals work in layers to create songs you want to dissect. His cover of Rihanna's 'Diamonds' is hauntingly beautiful. 

Ryn Weaver
A girl with backing from Jessie Ware, Hayley Williams and Charlie XCX is destined for success. But it would be success well earned. Her track 'OctoHate' went viral on Soundcloud back in June with its addictive synth-pop and Weaver's emotive vocals. 

Panda Bear - Noah Lennox experiments with sounds that would usually make your ears bleed and makes them melodic. Yes the result sounds like something from another planet is trying to contact us, but it's actually quite beautiful. 

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