Mewsic.

Pretty much every year since I have lived in and around London I make that same New Year’s vow that I will go and see more live music each year. Admittedly, this is usually a half-arsed promise to myself that I never follow through. I feel that last year I kept to my word and it made for a much happier year.

It started off nicely with a triple whammy in February –Lily and Madeline at St Pancras Church, Foals at Ally Pally (on Valentine’s day) and Boy and Bear towards the end of the month at Village Underground. I must admit, standing in a sweaty crowd drinking warm cider on the supposedly most romantic day of the year felt pretty euphoric and a whole lot better than sitting at home, crying into a box of Malteasers watching Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Then came my annual trip to the much beloved Latitude in July. Ah, I love that place. Where else can you see an array of multi-coloured sheep or watch the English National Ballet perform on stage on a lake? I had such a sweet time watching loads of the musicians but I would say that my highlights were probably Lykke Li, Mogwai, Tycho and First Aid Kit. To me, Latitude is the epitome of summer time.

Only my summer didn’t end in September like it normally does (being at university, I have naturally trained my brain to think September is when grown-up, responsible life re-commences). I boarded a flight to America and found myself at the Fonda in L.A watching Temples. It was pretty surreal really – I had travelled to the other side of the world to find myself watching a band in which the vocalist used to be a music technician at my school. I was also very fortunate to see Kings of Leon at the Hollywood Bowl and Boy and Bear at the Fonda again. My musical year had been very fulfilling and ended with a bang. Literally.

A whisky-filled Karis got a bit too excited at the gig and banged her head.

This year has got off to a promising start too! I am off to see Jungle in Nottingham in February, Blake Mills at Union Chapel and Mew at the Roundhouse in May. Of course, I hope to fill those months in between with some sweet sounds. SXSW is so tempting, as is New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.