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Image from RollingStone

In 2011, I stood at the back of Wembley Arena and watched Ed Sheeran perform for the first time. The softness in his voice during Small Bump silenced the whole crowd and his pedal work during No Diggity sparked energy throughout. Since that day, I have been a huge fan. Ed's incredible voice is one thing, but his stage presence and personally is another. He is a genuine, down-to-earth guy who loves what he does and is where he is now due to simply working hard and having passion for music.

This year's album has been much-anticipated for me. From You Need Me to Loose Change, No.5 Collaborations to X, all his other albums have been faultless and I think Divide continues that trend. Ed always shows his versatility off and I can't wait to see how he changes his songs from this album to suit a live crowd.

Ed knows how to drop a bombshell and at the Brit Awards this year, that's what he definitely did. Bringing Stormzy onto the stage with him became everybody's 'moment' of the evening. A clever publicity piece to promote both their album's dropping in the same week? Probably. Even so, it was an incredible moment and a performance that people will talk about for weeks.

The singer-songwriter's latest album is exactly what I was hoping for; beautiful lyrics, witty lines and a whole mix of beats. There is a song for everyone on this album, and Ed is definitely skillful musician in the way that he really is loved by everyone. Guys love him, girls love him, even my Nan loves him. I'm a complete sucker for this album and it sounds brilliant on vinyl - an added bonus.

Eraser is a peculiar start to this album, as Ed admits that he is no rapper, however listening to the lyrics, you can see why he would choose such a strong message to begin Divide. Castle on the Hill is where the album really gets going and How Would You Feel is no surprise, a typically beautiful song, perfectly constructed to be the soundtrack to many 2017 weddings. The foot-stomping, drunken-rambling tune of Galway Girl is super catchy and definitely one I could see myself singing along to after a few drinks! I can't wait to see more of this album, hear reactions to the songs and watch how it will grow through the summer.

Quitting music, found a new job. New album out now - https://t.co/zcIzlFOm8C pic.twitter.com/mr0nJPb7gk

— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) March 3, 2017

Gang Signs & Prayer

Image from Stefan Heinrichs

Gang Signs & Prayer is the debut album from Stormzy and trust me when I say, I'm glad it's here. As soon as I started listening to it, I could tell how hard the 23-year-old grime artist has worked to create an album that emphasises his passion and determination for what he does. And why not? He's pulled it off. The album is brilliant - he's made grime music mainstream, broken records and his collaborations are like nothing else.

While he made the album, Stormzy silenced his social media and came back with the biggest announcement of his life. It's pretty much kicked off from there and I can only imagine what lies in store over the next few years but I can't wait to hear more of Stormzy and what he has to offer. Gang Signs & Prayer is such a good start to 2017, a year that's going to be big for this London born artist. 

At the moment, all I'm hearing from entertainment stories and programmes is 'who's Stormzy up against?' Being compared to other artists is something that definitely doesn't come to mind when you hear Stormzy's interviews, watch his snapchats or even read his tweets. He's offering something different to everyone else at the moment and he's very gracious in his album and the meaning behind it. However, Gang Signs & Prayer is a serious contender and this album is going to take him a long way. Whether it throws the album chart or not, it will most definitely go down as one of the best grime hip-hop albums of this time.

After other huge grime albums released in the last year from the likes of Skepta, Kano and Wiley, Stormzy has finally made his own mark on the scene. The album has already been celebrated by so many other iconic artists and the praise keeps on coming. The catchy 'Big For Your Boots' combined with the determination behind 'First Things First' and the softness of 'Blinded By Your Grace' have done it for me - it's an album that I think I'll always go back to.

From watching his YouTube videos to seeing him live in 2015 and now this breakthrough album, it's clear to see that Stormzy is grateful for the opportunities he has been given and the journey that it's taken him on. This is just the beginning for Stormzy and this album is like no other. In his own words, "nothing can define you."

My debut album "Gang Signs & Prayer" is OUT NOW - https://t.co/5PLL98qT0t 🙏🏿🌎 pic.twitter.com/XaghlRl1IP

— 24/02 (@Stormzy1) February 24, 2017

Film review: Legend

Legend is based on the rises and falls of the Kray twins, London's most notorious gangsters from the 1960's. Their ownership and power over the police, clubs and London's aristocracy are shown along with the softer sides to them; relationships and their loyalty to each other.

The one thing that makes Legend so different to other gangster films is the outstanding performance by Tom Hardy. Playing both Ronnie and Reggie Kray, Hardy differentiates between both of the twins to create completely different characters with such ease. However, the similarities between the twins are evident and Hardy plays on the humour of the script to show this.
The editing and camera work are also brilliant, especially those scenes that feature both Kray twins.

Obviously in a film like this we expect, and want, to see a lot of crime and fighting. And there is a lot of this. The scenes are directed to be hideous but the way in which they are shown also makes them easy to watch and interesting. After all, we want to see how the Kray twins behaved and how they fought to gain the power that they had.
However, we also see a lot of more emotional scenes that work to give us information on both Ronnie and Reggie's personal lives. The open honesty from Ronnie about his sexuality and his mental illness show him as a sensitive character, who looks up to and depends on his brother. And Reggie's relationship; the passion between him and Frances in the build up to their marriage and the break-down of their relationship and the difficulties she faces being married to a gangster.

Legend is brilliant throughout. The clever scripting not only gives the audience a sense of reality and an honest view on what life was like for the Kray twins, but adds humour and class to the film, making it a joy to watch. Along with fantastic music, costume and iconic shots, this 60's gangster film is a must see!

Loving London

I love visiting London. Compared to the small town I live in, everything is exaggerated! The people, atmosphere, shopping, attractions and things to do leave you wanting more and more; it's never a boring trip.

Before I went on holiday, I went to London for the day with Ollie and his family. We headed off really early so I slept most of the way down but we decided to park at Westfields and walk into town. I'd never been to Westfields shopping centre and didn't know what to expect but it's great; probably the same size as the bullring with loads of variety of shops and tens of restaurants to choose from.

Walking into town was fun. It was such a warm day which was lovely as we strolled through Kensington and Hyde Park - ending up at Harrods. I could really spend all day in Harrods, I love everything and if I had enough money, would absolutely love to walk in and buy a couple of really nice items. There's just so much choice and everything is amazing!

Once we'd finished browsing, we walked from Harrods to Piccadilly Circus and from there to Trafalgar Square. We wish we'd have had a look around Carnaby Street now but at the time, it was nice to just walk around, taking it all in. Neither of us bought anything but we go shopping so much that being somewhere different, it really didn't make a difference to us! Ollie's family had gone to look at the Audrey Hepburn exhibition which sounded fascinating so we met up with everyone else just before our restaurant reservation, so we could talk about it all there.

Finishing off the day with a huge meal at Planet Hollywood, we were too tired (and full!) for the walk back, so grabbed a taxi back to the car and headed home! It was a brilliant day and I can't wait to go back again at Christmas time - making sure we don't forget that bit of extra shopping time!!

Happy Birthday George!

This brand new official image has been released just in time for the Royal Highness' birthday. As Prince George turns two, I thought I would reflect on the past two years and take a look at the top moments this special toddler has had:

1. Pubic debut

On 22nd July 2013, we met our future king.

2. Christening

Prince George was 'a good boy' at his Christening, his mother said.

3. Sydney Zoo

Prince George came up close with a bilby named after him.

4. Christmas

These first official photographs really show the toddler's personality.

5. Meeting his baby sister

Practicing his royal wave, Prince George visited his sister, Princess Charlotte, for the first time.

6. Beaufort Polo Club

While his father and uncle play polo, George is centre of attention for his mother.

6. Sibling photographs

Photographed by their mother, these images show the already close bond between the two.

7. Princess Charlotte's Christening

Looking the spitting image of his father, Prince George chatted to his great-grandmother.

As you can see, Prince George is always one for stealing the show! From his debut to becoming a big brother, the toddler has captured the nation over the past two years. The family are thought to be celebrating Prince George's second birthday at Anmer Hall sometime this week.

So, as our future king steps into his 'terrible twos', what can we expect next?..

Wireless weekend

Waking up this morning, I still feel a buzz from the weekend. 

On Saturday morning, we both couldn't wait to get to Finsbury Park and see some of our favourite acts perform. From MNEK to Avicii, Gorgon City to Kendrick Lamar, this was going to be such a good weekend!

We decided to stay in Reading for the night. As it is a non-camping festival, Reading is a lot closer for us to drive but still convenient for travelling into London without much planning. I was booking the hotel and wanted to make it nice and relaxed for both of us so I chose to stay at the Pentahotel. The bar and lounges were amazing and the hotel was a short walk from the train station and town. I would definitely recommend the hotel for anyone travelling to London.

 We found it really easy to find our way around the underground lines and made it to Finsbury Park for around quarter to one. Getting into the festival was easy and quick but once we were in there, it soon got very, very busy! We'd already looked at the stage times and had a pretty good idea of who we were going to see. The layout of the festival was good and the stages not too far apart, but with plenty of different bars and food stalls.

After staying at the main stage to watch a few of the earlier acts, we headed over to the Pepsi Max tent to see MNEK and Robin Schulz. Although it was pretty much a sweatbox, we didn't really care, both the acts were amazing. My favourite performance on that stage has to be MNEK - Never Leave You; such a good atmosphere.

We spent most of the afternoon at the main stage where we saw Gorgon City, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar and headliner, Avicii. All artists were amazing and definitely got the crowd going, building up the atmosphere for the night. 

After Childish Gambino we headed over to the smallest stage, where Stormzy was mid-way through his set. The crowd for him was insane and we got there just as he had announced Krept and Konan to the stage. Hyped up, it only took us a few seconds to realise that we were stood right next to MNEK, who had just finished performing with Gorgon City. He was such a nice guy and happily spoke to us, while taking pictures on my phone.

My highlight of the day was definitely Kendrick Lamar; the crowd were really enthusiastic and the songs that he performed were incredible. You could tell that a lot of people had come just to see him and the impact his songs had on the crowd left everyone wanting more. Avicii also ended the night with a bang, performing old and current songs, along with remixes of classic dance tracks. 

It was such a good day and I'm so glad we picked Wireless as our festival for this year. Now, back to work... enjoy your Monday!!

Festival Essentials

I'm finally off to Wireless tomorrow and I'm so excited! Yesterday, I went to do some last minute shopping to get all the necessities I need. As it is a non-camping festival, I didn't have too much trouble so for your non-camping festival essentials, these are what I think is most important:

1. Bumbag

A bumbag is the most handy summer accessory you'll buy. It keeps all of your belongings safe, easily accessible and right where you can see them. Just make sure you buy one with an inside pocket and a cool summery design.

2. Hand Sanitiser 

Hand sanitiser is an absolute must when you're going to a festival. Every time you go to the toilet or wash your hands, no matter how clean you think you are, you will need hand sanitiser to get rid of those portaloo germs!

3. Suntan Lotion

UK festival's are typically known for raining and being covered in mud, but there's the odd occasion British weather will surprise us. With this heatwave at the moment, be sure to take a travel-size lotion with you to avoid burning from head to toe!

4. Bandana

Even after the first day of your festival weekend, you will feel like your hair needs a good hair mask blow dry. No amount of dry shampoo will seem to cure it! A bandana (or hat) will cover up your greasy hair and keep it stylish for the rest of the weekend.

5. Sunglasses 

Sunglasses never go out of fashion! Aviators, cat-eye, club masters and wayfarers will make a come back every year so be sure to protect yourself this summer.

Summers day in Oxford

On Sunday, Ollie and I spent the day out in Oxford. Neither of us had ever been and we thought it would be a ideal day to just jump on a train and try somewhere new! We both absolutely loved it - the old buildings and cobbled streets were typically English and the city had a great atmosphere.

The shopping was pretty good too. A huge choice of shops - from high street brands to individual traders - made it seem a bit more varied compared to the usual shopping trips I take. We must have walked miles.

Taking a walk around the university grounds and park added a bit more variety to our day, and was only a minute's walk from the lively high-street. There was also opportunity to go on a selection of tours, but we thought we'd do a bit of adventuring ourselves!

There was more than enough choice when it came to food as well, with every restaurant chain you could possibly think of in addition to the many local pubs and restaurants. We ended up at Byron Proper Hamburgers and it definitely did not disappoint. I went for the 'Byron', a medium cooked burger with bacon, cheese, american sauce and salad - it is probably the best burger I have ever tasted. Oh, and their milkshakes are to die for! 

I would 100% recommend Oxford for a beautiful day out or weekend getaway.