Tom Odell set to play Forestry Commission gigs in 2015

Tom Odell has announced a unique new UK tour for summer 2015. The 24 year old singer/songwriter will be joining Forest Live, an independent programme of events organised by the Forestry Commission. Playing in forests and woodlands across the UK, Tom will be joined by other acts such as The Script in this unique series of events.

Odell has had a smash hit year, winning the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year and having renewed interest in his music after his connection with this year’s famed John Lewis Christmas advert. Covering ‘Real Love’ by John Lennon, Odell’s version of the track appeared in the highly anticipated advert and saw him peak at number 7 in the UK charts.

Now Christmas trees are being swapped for Oak, Ash and Pine when Forest Live opens in June. "This will be a whole new experience for me," said Odell. "I can’t wait to bring my live show to the woods and I hope to see you there."  Hoping to open the forests to new visitors, all of the money raised from the shows will go towards protecting and expanding England’s forests and woodlands.

Tickets for Odell's shows go on sale at 9am on Friday December 19 from the Forestry Commission Box Office. He will appear, along with other acts, at these events across June and July…

Friday 19 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Saturday 20 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.

Thursday 25 June: Dalby Forest, near Pickering, N Yorks.

Friday 26 June: Sherwood Pines Forest, Edwinstowe, near Mansfield, Notts.

Saturday 4 July: Delamere Forest, Delamere, Cheshire.

Sunday 5 July: Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk.

Sunday 12 July: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.

For now, we can stay in the Christmas spirit with Tom Odell’s recording of ‘Real Love’

Written for www.BEAT100.com

Albert Docks, Liverpool

Last Friday I visited Liverpool with my Art Gallery and Museums Studies class in order to visit the Museum of Liverpool and the Tate Liverpool. I have previously visited the docks briefly with a local friend but have never actually explored the docks fully. The Albert docks have been part of Liverpool's waterfront for over 100 years and now houses various nightlife venues and top museums. With stops at the highlights of Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool we also managed a whistle-stop viewing of the International Slavery Museum. I was impressed with how the docks have been brought into the 21st Century while still retaining historical value.

I found the 'Dazzle Ship' very amusing; the retired 760-tonne Pilot ship was transformed this summer by the Merseyside Maritime Museum and artist Carlos Cruz-Diaz. The stunningly eye catching piece dedicated to British marine artist Norman Wilkinson who first created 'dazzle ships' for the Navy in 1917.

I found the whole of the Albert Docks to be very interesting overall and wished I could have spent some more time exploring. There is definitely another visit in order some time soon. (When hopefully the weather will be better!)

The Tate Liverpool 

The Museum of Liverpool

While I am not a fan of modern art, the Tate Liverpool was definitely an experience and I can see why it is an integral part of the Albert Docks area. We particularly enjoyed a visit to the Andy Warhol exhibit that is currently showing at the Tate; his most iconic images are on show in a very dynamic display for the very reasonable price of £5 for a student admission. 

The Museum of Liverpool however was much more to my liking, full of interactivity and engagement which would be particularly fulfilling for those with younger members of the family. 

UK Vinyl Sales to Reach 1 Million this Year for the First Time Since 1996

It seems that the popularity of vinyl records has rocketed in the UK this year with sales being at their highest point in almost 20 years. Billboard have reported that vinyl sales are currently around the 800,000 mark and with the all important Christmas selling period on the horizon, that number is set to definitely pass 1 million for the first time since 1996. This has already surpassed last years sales which were at 780,674 for the entire calendar year of 2013. It seems that vinyl records are enjoying a 'renaissance' of sorts, especially with the popularity growth of all things vintage and retro.

Vinyl sales are still only responsible for around 1 percent of all UK album revenue, with CD sales at 65 percent and digital album sales at 35 percent but the vinyl revival has been growing over the last few years, after hitting a low in 2007 when sales only just reached 200,000. Earlier this year, Jack White's album 'Lazaretto' was recently confirmed as the highest selling vinyl album since Pearl Jam in 1994. It accompanies 'AM' from the Arctic Monkeys and 'Definitely Maybe' from Oasis as the biggest sellers this year. 

Written for www.BEAT100.com