Music Journalism // Best Of Twitter

Some might say that over the years I have accumulated quite a large following on Twitter. As it stands I have around 1.7k followers, and that number is ever-increasing. A large portion of that figure is made up of bands, artists, or their representatives (I can only assume this is because of my own music taste which is quite evident on my account if you have the time to look through the long list of bands I follow). Frequently now, I am contacted by members of bands that are not as well known, who ask me to listen to their debut songs on YouTube, or, if I'm lucky, they may even send me a free album. Recently this has been occurring more and more, with around seven requests from bands in the past two days. This contact with bands or their associates is, frankly, brilliant for me because at some point in the future I would love to become a music journalist. I realised that I could help some of these bands get started by recommending some of the best songs I'm sent, to you, blog readers, and simultaneously improve my chances of a career in the field. If not, it's good practice and good fun.

1) Living Proof by The Gift of Ghosts

Sent to me by band member Rich on his account @RichTGOG, this was definitely the best, most promising, well-produced song I've been linked to in a long time... maybe ever. Rich actually directed me to a lyric video, which I also thought was very professionally made. After a couple of listens, I was completely hooked on both the words and sound. Out of everything I've been sent, Living Proof was the only song I liked enough to publically recommend on my own Twitter account. I genuinely believe that The Gift of Ghosts could rival most signed rock bands as they're a perfect example of a band that knows what they have to do to get where they want to. Definitely listen to Living Proof if you're a fan of Crown The Empire or Bring Me The Horizon -  although I wouldn't recommend it if you can't stomach a bit of screaming.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83BA04_IyQ0&feature=youtu.be

@TheGiftOfGhosts

facebook.com/TheGiftOfGhosts



2) Jury Of Wolves by Outline In Color

@OutlineInColor approached me to draw my attention to their album 'Jury of Wolves' on iTunes. I'm not an iTunes user but I took it upon myself to check out their YouTube account instead. I have a feeling that Jury of Wolves would be extremely popular with the metal-heads amongst you, although I must admit it's a little heavier than the music I usually store on my phone. It went down well with my friends who enjoy screamo a lot more than me. That said, the verses provide a nice contrast from the rest of the song and for me they make the song worthwhile. You can decide for yourselves by watching the lyric video below. With regard to Outline In Color's other songs that haven't been mentioned in this blog, I do have a bit of a problem with the screaming going on over the singing. I'd recommend a listen if you like Memphis May Fire or Asking Alexandria.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z94DQBUVXvk

@OutlineInColor

facebook.com/OutlineInColor

3) Under The Weather by Above The Underground
Above The Underground were one of the generous bands. They got in touch with me to thank me for my follow back, and offered me a free download of their new album 'Sonder' in return. Today though I searched them on YouTube and came across a gem from one of their older records, Autumn, called 'Under The Weather'. Above The Underground make the kind of music I'm really into and what's even better is that they're a home-grown band from Cheshire, UK. You might be a fan if you like Blink-182. (And also, no screaming!)

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTc_ZueSgh0

@ATUpoppunk


facebook.com/abovetheundergrounduk

Members of Diamond Days, Tempting Fate (not to be confused with my friends' band Tempted Fate), Forgotten Fallacy and Glory For An Idol all got in touch but sadly their songs didn't make my top three. Bands are nothing without their fans, guys, and every one could use some help in one way or another. Listen to them on Spotify, like their Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter, subscribe on YouTube... please do whatever you can to show them support.

If you'd like to see your band on a blog like this please private message me on my Twitter account @HUNTY0UD0WN by clicking >here<

(links correct June 2014. This post also appears on www.b4ndwagon.blogspot.com)