Interview with King Eider!

Hello People,

So the other day I was listening to a band doing a 

session for BBC London, I was captivated by their

combination of folk and rock as well as their

brilliant use of the violin and horn.

King eider are a five piece 'Edinburgh-based folk-blues band'

who use three part harmonies to create haunting and 

atmospheric music. They have been compared to the soulful

acoustics of Ben Howard and the foot stomping wildness of Arcade Fire. This is one of their latest songs 'Drink Me Dry'

And so I did what I do with bands that I listen to and love;

I got an interview with them!

Without further ado here is my interview with...

King Eider

1. Could you introduce yourselves and your instruments?

Reuben Tighe - Vocals,Guitar, Harmonica

Sam Chapman - Vocals, Drums,

Lucy Frankel - Vocals, Violin

Josh Casali-Bell Linemann - Vocals, Keys, Horn

Sam Palmer - Bass Guitar

2.Who are you influenced by and how did you discover 

your "sound"?

Our influences span a spectrum of genres and decades. 

Lucy listens to a lot of traditional country and bluegrass. 

Reuben takes influences from his mothers CD collection of 60's blues and rock and roll. Sam brings in more modern influences 

such as Arcade Fire and The Wild Beasts. We share our music

taste so that all of them influence our music 

to some degree.

3.When did you form as King Eider - what made you choose 

the name?!

We formed Early 2012, and were originally named "Zopa and the Shakes" (after Reuben's middle name). After deciding a name change was in order, we decided on King Eider. We were in an ale pub drinking a beer named "YellowHammer", (also the name for a bird native to the UK) and decided we liked the name. Since this was already a popular band name, we decided to research all other UK bird names. It transpires that the King Eider duck is a bird which migrates to the lake district every year, which is home to Reuben, Sam Chapman, and Josh, so the name seemed a good fit!

4. Describe your music in five words.

Hmmm....

5. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to

you before/after a gig?

Some one from the front row recently took his top off and 

attempted to lactate onto Lucy's shoes. That was pretty weird,

and somewhat aggressive...

6. State a fact that people don't know about you.

Two of us have Science PHD's

7. What are the top 4 songs on your playlist right now?

Wild Beasts - this is our lot

The Whitest Boy Alive - Islands

Supertramp - Bloody Well Right

Grizzly Bear - Ready,Able

8. What is the first album you remember buying?

 The first album which really had a musical impact on me was Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, self titled album. Peter Green still remains a big influence on me, the man is a genius.

9. Modern or Vintage Clothing? 

 No clothing is best.

10. What are you plans for the future?

After making the most of our album release, we intend to 

record a 4 track EP. We have been working on some new material

which we are excited to record, and intend to release it

some point early next year. Stay Tuned!

If you like the sound of King Eider then you can head to their

website here and check them out.

So long for now,

Poppy xx

Urban Perk #3: Street-Feast @ Lewisham

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry for the lack of posts recently but

my summer holidays started yesterday so I

should have some more time on my hands to

post now.

Last weekend was spent at the

lovely Latitude Festival in Suffolk.

I'll be posting about the festival once my 

photos are developed!I saw so many great

acts from headliners; Lily Allen and

 Bombay Bicycle Club to under-the-radar bands

like Spring King and Parquet Courts.

So keep a look out!

Today I wanted to tell you about another

perk of living in the city which is
Street Feast London who have various feasts
around new and upcoming locations in London.
I recently went to one in Lewisham (which I have
been told is now nicknamed 'Newisham'), it is set in
the abandoned 1950s Model Market which is
rough and rustic.

To get in, you're probably going to have to queue for a
while, unless you get there quite early.
Upon entering the market you are greeted by a walkway of run
down records shops, dry cleaners and takeaway branches
but when you look in you can see that they are being
 occupied by passionate foodies...

Smoke swirls out from SmokeStak BBQ where I swear they
serve some of the best ribs in London! On the menu there 
is smoked beef or pork ribs - although they are quite 
pricey you get what you pay for in quality and
even quantity! The shop itself has plaster walls,
a make do seating area, an open kitchen and a very
lovely order taking lady. I highly recommend!

Afterwards, I found this place called Yum Bun.
I had heard of Yum Bun from a breakfast show and
was happily surprised when I saw them at the feast
- the food looked incredible and simple too!
Yum Bun are famous for their soft steamed buns with a 
selection of fillings: pulled pork, fish, chicken, salmon or 
mushroom. 
Theses beautiful buns are great as a light snack
and are perfect for munching on the street.
 I ordered the Pulled Pork bun and it was amazing; the bun
light and fluffy whilst the pork sweet and tender!

Not only does it have great food and drink but a lovely

atmosphere too! There area few eating areas which are located

in shabby shops decorated with make-do furniture. However,

the main eating place is right in the centre of the market

complete with a bar, loud music, fairy lights and even

a TV! 

And just to top off a wonderful evening, there are a variety

of desserts to choose from. I chose the brownies from

the South East Brownie Bar who had a great selection of

flavours; Peanut Butter, Oreo, Mojito and loads more!

With the help of the friendly Brownieman I was able

to choose 5 miniature brownies to go; Oreo,

Salted Caramel x2, Mojito and Peanut Butter. 

And they were absolutely incredible!!

So, if you're looking for something to do or you're

feeling hungry head to Lewisham's Model Market for 

some lovely food, people and music. 

Street Feast is open from 20th June to 27th September

every Friday and Saturday from 6pm till late. 

Click here to visit the Street Feast website

Happy Feasting,

Poppy

The Rise of Scandinavian Sound

Evening Everyone,

I'm very glad with the number of entries for my

Pixies Poster competition - the winner will be 

announced soon.

So recently, I was flicking through my playlist when

I realized how many Scandinavian artists I had on there.

I was then talking to my friends who were also very interested

in a number of Danish and Swedish artists. 

I've found this quite interesting and where better to talk

about it than here? 

(Don't go yet - I promise not to talk about ABBA!)

It all started with Bjork (although she is Icelandic)

with her 1993 album 'Debut' she rose from the crowd

like a bubble in a coke can. Her beautiful lyrics and

electronic pop opened the gateway for a new era of pop music.

Combining house, jazz and trip-hop she went on to be one of

the biggest artists of her time - and still is!

Listen To: 'Come to Me' & 'Hyperballad'

Bjork

Closely following Bjork were Swedish band The Cardigans.

The Cardigans leaped to fame when their song 'Lovefool'

was featured in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet.

Their album Life, released in 1995, was produced by

Tore Johansson who also went to produce music for Franz

Ferdinand and Wild Beasts. 

I'm not going to be able to name every artist that has
ever come out of the Scandinavian scene but now there seem 
to be more than ever!
You've got Robyn, who first appeared in the 90s after her hit single "Do you know", MO, The Majority Says and Royksopp just
to name a few!
Although Icelandic, Of Monsters and Men are also a
mainstream band that have paved the way for more
indie pop/rock bands to follow.

One of my favourites is MO (the O has a line through it)
who I discovered a few months back on YouTube.
Her music has strong electropop notes, deep vocals and 
almost jazzy undercurrents (which can be heard in 'Don't Wanna Dance' and 'Say You'll be There') that have been 
compared to the likes of Grimes and 
Twin Shadow.

Robyn has also made a comeback to the pop world with
Norwegian duo Royksopp and their song 'Do It Again'.
The song is a combination of house and triphop, similar to 
Bjork, and has been described as "joyously addictive" 
and "booming" Do It Again, released in May 2014, peaked 
at number 3 in the UK Indie Albums chart.

It would seem to me that the Scandinavian and Icelandic
music scene is returning stronger than ever, this time
it is here to stay. So keep a look out!

Thank you for the music,
Poppy x

Urban Perk #1

Hey Everyone,

I've been away in Istanbul (hence the lack of 

content) but I'm back now!

Since the weekend is on it's way I'm going to show

you some inspiration on where you could go 

this weekend. This is my first Urban Perk

post of many to come (I hope), these locations 

are chosen based on factors such as People, 

Entertainment, Price and Fun/Interesting-ness.

The locations are aimed at Teens who want to 

explore further than the nearest shopping

center.

Warning: Be prepared to discover new territory, home to 

the world's wildest.

Urban Perk #1: Southbank Real Food Market

Entertainment: Food, an occasional vintage fair, 

entertainers on the river

People: Friendly ~ Price: £

The Southbank Real Food Market takes place every

weekend (Fri-Sun) and offers a gorgeous variety

of food, from Chorizo to Chapatis even the pickiest

of eaters will find something to their liking. 

And not only that but after buying your food you

can walk down to the Thames and watch the Skateborders 

backside and bail at the skate park or laugh with

the  entertainers on the riverside. 

My favourite part of visiting the Southbank is

watching the oh-so-cool skateborders try out 

new tricks. And if the weather's good, the 

River Thames sparkles magnificently whilst boats

and tourists cross by boat and bridge. 

Here are some photos I took on my visit a few

weeks ago:

Southbank Skate Park

Amazing Brownies!

Fresh Juices 

Creperie Lui

Hotdog!

Be sure to check out the hotdogs and brownies,

they're seriously good!

Love,

Poppy 

Ps. A new interview will be posted on 

Saturday :D

Top Summer Festivals (UK) 2014

Hey Everyone,

So I thought that since summer is coming up soon

you might be looking at some music 

festivals to go to...

Therefore, I have put together a small collection
 of the top UK festivals to see this summer
(although I am basing this on the blog's music
taste)!

Field Day
Date: 7th-8th June 2014
Location: Victoria Park, London
It may be over 18s only, which is probably
quite a bonus for you adults, but this festival
has a brilliant line-up! The Pixies, Drenge,
Metronomy and Temples are all to bless the
stage and in previous years Beirut and The Vaccines
have headlined too! So, if you enjoy the rock/indie 
music scene then this one is for you.

Bestival

Date: 4th-7th September 2014

Location: Robin Hill, Isle of Wight

Bestival; a festival of music, food and the arts.

Every year this festival comes back with a stronger 

line-up than ever before. Foals, Paloma Faith,

Chvrches and Laura Mvula are set to perform as well

as Public Service Broadcasting (for the more

alternative/electronic musician inside you).

This perky festival is a celebration of all things

fresh and "out-there".

Latitude

Date: 17th-20th July 2014

Location: Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk

Having been to this festival a few times I can honestly

say that it is wonderful! Music, Poetry, Film and Comedy

create a lively, atmospheric vibe. People of all ages

flock to Suffolk annually for entertainment, amazing food 

and beautiful scenery. Named 2nd best festival of 2013,

Latitude gets all the best acts; this year Damon Albarn,

Crystal Fighters, Bombay Bicycle Club and George Ezra

have been announced! 

T in the Park
Date: 11th-13th July 2014
Location: Kinross-Shire, Scotland
Yes, it may be in Scotland but don't let this killer
festival put you off. The fantastic line-up includes:
The Pixies, Imagine dragons, Haim, The Arctic Monkeys,
Bastille and dozens more!! If you want a festival
with a broad music scene then this is perfect! 
A smaller-than-average no-nonsense festival
for the music lover in you, get the tickets
soon or they'll go!

The Garden Party

Date: 24th-27th July 2014

Location: Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

The Garden Party is a lovely festival with the

best new artists including MO, Wolf Alice,

Big Deal and Foxes. Set in a dreamy indie/hipster

forest setting this festival is artistic and 

magical. A must-see!

I'm hoping this may come into some use for

you festival-scavengers! 

Of course I am aware that I didn't include

Glastonbury or the Isle of Wight festival

but I wanted to give some smaller festivals a 

chance.

Have a magical Friday :D

Poppy Valentine x 

Summer is here!

Hi Peeps, 

Wow, some serious blog neglect has gone down 

but I promise to make it 

up to you! 

So much has happened to me since my last post, I've spoken

 to a blogging  legend; Ophelia Horton,  been to New York AND had a  rather big shopping spree. I've been on 

a bit of a lucky streak at the moment 

but it's due to run out 

anytime soon! 

My latest obsession is with White. Anything white will put a smile on my face, although people say it's not a very 

flattering colour I think you'd be surprised! 

One of my latest purchases was a white lace dress 

from Forever 21 - which is absolutely fantastic! 

I would recommend Forever 21 to anyone who is

looking for quality clothing at a purse - nursing price. 

So go on - dare yourself! 

Here are some photos taken by Desire Ageymang: 

Summer is the perfect time for fashion, the days look fabulous and so should you! So why not try something new? A bright red maxi skirt or a pretty little peplum top?! 

You'd be surprised at what you find! 

On to Cosmetics.....

I recently bought some new cosmetics which are perfect for a quick refresh in the summer heat, try Batiste for a quick hair wash and Barry M nail varnish in Lemon

 Ice Cream to awaken any outfit! 

Well, I hope you get some inspiration! 

We'll speak soon! 

Poppy Valentine x