SWEENØ / My Diary of Pain / An Album of Honesty & Power Where Oli Speaks from the Heart, the Mind & the Soul.

It is an absolute honour for me to share with you, my review of Oli Regan’s recently released début album, My Diary of Pain.

As a Mental Health Sufferer who suffers from Bipolar & ADHD, both of which among many other Mental Health conditions, is often overlooked, Oli Regan channels his true feelings, emotions, strength, rawness and energy into this album, My Diary of Pain.

My Diary of Pain certainly is an eye-opener, because it has a sense of power that you can’t quite describe, but the rawness of Oli’s voice on this album really stands out, as he speaks from the heart, the mind and the soul about how he really feels.

When you listen to Oli Regan’s album all the way through, you begin to not only understand and appreciate life more, but you begin to realise that life is filled with pain and that pain can strike you at certain points in your life, but with resilience, care, compassion, support, love and respect, the world can be a better place and that negativity can disappear altogether from all existence.

For Oli, an ambassador for Time to Change, to really put his heart, his mind and his soul into producing My Diary of Pain, you can’t help but appreciate Oli Regan entirely for producing such an interesting and powerful album.

SWEENØ – My Diary of Pain (Official Album Artwork)

Oli’s EP, My Diary of Pain, is really powerful and he has created that cut-throat approach where it’s no fuss, no messing about, just get on with it and for Oli, he’s made sure to highlight that this world is already messed up enough as it is and the only way we can all make it a better place is if we all put in the hard work and graft now and make sure that negativity is completely non-existent and that positivity blossoms in this world.

My words of praise go to Oli Regan (SWEENØ): “Oli, keep expressing yourself and keep raising awareness to end this negative stigma that is attached to Mental Health, you’re awesome!“

To listen to Oli Regan’s album, click or tap the Play button below to listen to My Diary of Pain.

Trust me, Oli Regan’s album, My Diary of Pain is worth a listen, because it reflects on how he feels about this world and everything else in general and it’s worth a listen.

If you enjoyed my review of Oli Regan (SWEENØ)’s album, My Diary of Pain, please feel free to comment below. Your feedback is much appreciated.

Alex Smithson

© Oli Regan, OnPoint Headshots, SWEENØ 2017

© The photograph used above of Oli Regan (SWEENØ), including the album, My Diary of Pain, the Official Album Artwork of My Diary of Pain and the logo, SWEENØ, are all copyright of Oli Regan, OnPoint Headshots & SWEENØ. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

Album Rating: 10 / 10

ADELE | 25 | Special Music Feature

With her third album becoming the number one most pre-ordered album, with her album still remaining number one just after it was released, Adele has finally delighted us all with her much awaited album, 25, which is the first album in a while since she last released music. In just the space of the first week alone, Adele has officially broken the sales records in the US with 3.38 million in sales, with her ‘Hello’ video spanning over 500,000,000+ views, also with the sales record in the UK showing that a whopping 800,307 copies of Adele’s 25 album were sold in the first week alone, which also beats the 18-year long record that the former music group, Oasis, once held with their 1997 album: “Be Here Now”.

Before the album was announced, Adele sent the whole of Twitter into meltdown after premiering a 30-second advert of her comeback record: “Hello”, which aired while The X Factor was on an ad break. In theory, she kind of did a Beyoncé moment, because the advert was completely unexpected, but once I heard her voice, I thought: “Oh my god!!! It’s Adele!!! She’s finally back!!! At last!!!! Welcome back Adele, we missed you!!!”, which just goes to prove that none of us knew what type of new music was to come.

On the day of Adele’s 25 album release, I listened to Adele’s new album after it arrived through the post, and I must admit, I thought it was absolutely fantastic, because her voice has matured and she appears more and more relaxed now given that she spent a two-year long hiatus from the music industry altogether to focus on bringing up her son, Angelo, who she gave birth to on the 19th October 2012.

This new album brings with it a new kind of sound that is absolutely enjoyable and also happy, but also at the same time, absolutely heartwarming, because you can listen to Adele all day and never get tired of her music, because her music and her voice are timeless, and her music will never date, which just proves that if she has managed to get three albums out in her time, and have all three of them become chart-topping albums as well, including winning 2 Ivor Novello Awards, 10 Grammy Awards, 4 Brit Awards, 1 Academy Award, 1 Oscar Award and 1 Golden Globe Award, including many more other various awards, then that just indicates that a musician doesn’t have to prove themselves in order to have a big success, and Adele has sold 3 albums, 25 involved, with massive successes across the board without needing to prove herself to anyone, and that is why I love her music because she has the bubbly personality and a powerful voice that go well together with absolutely no problem at all.

Since the release of 25 on the 20th November, Adele’s album, at the end of the first week, became the Official Number 1 album on the Official Charts, as well as being Number 1 on iTunes.

Adele most recently said that she was inspired by Madonna’s 1998 album, Ray of Light, which was the main influential album that inspired her to write 25.

Below is the Official Album Artwork for Adele’s third album, 25:

© Official Album Cover – ADELE & XL Recordings 2015

Below are two of the latest music videos released by Adele from her 25 album: “Hello” and “When We Were Young“:

What do I think of the whole album overall? I absolutely love 25, because Adele has taken all of the much needed time to make this album, in order to produce the perfect sound possible. I love this album as well mainly because it is heartwarming, and 25 is completely open, as Adele has explored so many emotions from so many different perspectives and aspects, but the different kind of perspectives and aspects that we are all more familiar with.

The album is like a story, because it shows her mature from her 19 and 21 days into the 25 days, when she was at that age, even though she is now 27. Overall, I absolutely love the album, and I believe that Adele’s 25 album and her “Hello” video, including her live rendition of “When We Were Young” will certainly keep her album in the Top 10, the Top 20, the Top 50 and the Top 100.

Overall Rating for the Official “Hello” Music Video: 10/10

Overall Rating for the Official “When We Were Young” Music Video: 10/10

Overall Album Rating for 25: 10/10

Alex Smithson

© ADELE 2015

© XL Recordings 2015

© The Adele Logo, the 25 Album Logo, the Official 25 Album Artwork and the wide-scale Featured Image have all been used courtesy of the record labels and the artist. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

Ben Haenow (The Deluxe Edition) | Croydon | Special Music Feature

Coming exactly 5 weeks today after he released his collaboration of Second Hand Heart with the Piece by Piece American singer, Kelly Clarkson, Ben Haenow has finally released his long-awaited debut album to the world.

After spending 10 months out of the spotlight, considering he won the X Factor last year, Ben Haenow decided to take as much time as he needed to make sure this album achieved the sound that he wanted, as he didn’t want to release an album less than 6 months after winning, which has, in the past, been the usual method after a contestant has won on the show. Well, not this time, as Ben Haenow has taken all of the time he’s wanted to take to make sure this album is perfect.

The three songs he released from his album, which were Second Hand Heart (feat. Kelly Clarkson), Make it Back to Me & All Yours, were all made available for purchase in the weeks leading up to today’s release, and for this album to be a powerhouse pop-rock album, Ben Haenow has most certainly hit all of the right notes and has also done this album justice. It really is that good, you just can’t miss out on the opportunity of listening to his debut album.

© Ben Haenow, SYCO Entertainment & RCA Records 2015 (Official Standard Album Artwork)

© Ben Haenow, SYCO Entertainment & RCA Records 2015 (Official Deluxe Album Artwork)

To show my love and full support to our Croydon lad, Ben Haenow, I have taken to GIMP to use both of these debut album covers, and I have merged both of them together to make this for Ben:

© Ben Haenow, SYCO Entertainment & RCA Records 2015 (Official Fan-Made Customised Deluxe Album Artwork)

What do I think of Ben Haenow’s finally-released debut album overall? I absolutely love it, he really has hit the right notes, and to be honest, I’m absolutely glad that I pre-ordered his album and received it, as it feels like he’s given us all something back we can always feel proud of, knowing that we’re absolutely proud of him, and even I am absolutely proud of Ben Haenow.

My full recommendation to all of you is to give his debut album a listen, and I am absolutely pleased to announce that starting from now, Ben Haenow’s self-titled debut album is now available to stream via the Spotify Playlist that’s located in the “Ben Haenow” widget on the right of this website. This album will also remain as a permanent fixture on Mother Nature.

We love you Ben!!!!! I absolutely love this album of yours, and I believe, hand on heart, that you’re going to be in the music business for a very, very long time. I will always believe in you, not just because you’ve done the whole of Croydon proud, but because you have also done me proud as well. I will always support you no matter what, and I’m absolutely glad that I’ll be behind you 100% all the way to support you in your musical career. This is your time to shine. We love you Ben Haenow :-)!!!!!!!!!

Overall Album Rating: 10/10

Alex Smithson

© Ben Haenow 2015

© SYCO Entertainment & RCA Records 2015

© The Ben Haenow Logo, the Official Standard Album Cover, the Deluxe Album Cover, the Customised Fan-Made Deluxe Album Cover and the wide-scale Featured Image, including ‘The Deluxe Edition’ logo have all been used courtesy of the record labels and the artist. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

Vander | Venus (EP) | Special Music Feature

After working hard behind the scenes on his EP, Vander is back!!! Last year, you might remember me telling you all about Vander, as he released a free download of his single: “Back to the Sun” last year. After I gave his Back to the Sun record its first listen, I knew straightaway that it would instantly grow on me, and it did, and I had a very good feeling that more of his music was to come. This Special Music Feature article has been commissioned by the man himself, Vander, and it gives me the absolute pleasure to talk about his EP in full detail.

Back to the Sun has seen a final re-hash of the same record, and still captures the sound of the demo version that Vander released via Bandcamp last year, with some new lyrics, and I won’t lie to you, the sound of it is really futuristic and bold, as it retains the same sound, but brings more magic with it as well, and I absolutely love it.

Shine has a vibrant summer sound to it, as it captures the shining light of Summer, but in a style where you can feel the natural vibes of summer, but also with a glimmer of hope and joy that brings its own chant with it too.

Take You Home has a kind of homesick, yet interesting feel to it, as Vander has aimed for a feeling that anyone can relate to. When I say homesick, I mean that Vander has created this feeling where it feels like that person is missing that special someone in their life, and that they want to meet up again and rekindle that special connection that they’ve been missing. This song is more of a make-up song, because it’s a song anyone can relate to, as it tugs at the heart-strings, and has a good emotion that you can understand, feel and relate to in many different ways.

Below is the official artwork for Vander’s Venus (EP):

© Vander (William Vandermade) 2015 – Official EP Artwork

Below is the official music video for “Back to the Sun“, taken from Vander’s debut EP, Venus. Enjoy!!!

What do I think of Vander’s Venus EP and the official music video? I absolutely love the EP & video, as they connect together completely, and Vander has created his own sound with full originality, and not only that, but his music appeals really well to any fan who is a fan of the likes of U2, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Bastille & Imagine Dragons.

My final thoughts? I absolutely love the EP, as it carries a different sound, but the kind of sound that I’m more familiar with now than I was before. I highly recommend you give Vander’s EP a listen, it’s actually that good that you won’t want to stop listening to it. Please click on the official Venus (EP) artwork above the official music video to be directed to Vander’s Bandcamp page, where the EP is available for purchase now worldwide.

My Overall Rating on the Venus (EP): 10/10

My Overall Rating on Vander’s “Back to the Sun” Official Music Video: 10/10

Alex Smithson

© Vander 2015

© The Vander Logo, the Venus EP Logo, the EP artwork, including the Featured Image have all been used courtesy of the artist. Full permission has been granted by Vander. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

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iOS 8.4 Available Now. Go & Get it!!!!!

Coming just weeks after iOS 9 was unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (also known as WWDC), iOS 8.4 has just officially been released to the masses. With this update comes the official Apple Music service, as well as many of the other new features that are now available in this update. This update came two hours early ahead of the usual release time that Apple have normally stuck to since the first ever iPhone, iPod touch and iPad were released.

Also, the Music app has officially been redesigned and includes new features, such as Recently Added, which is seen most commonly in iTunes. As well as that, the music player has finally got a mini player as you would most commonly see in iTunes as well, and to top it all off, Up Next and other further features in the Music app have finally been added.

Upon opening the Music application, you’ll be greeted with the Apple Music logo and background, with two options that will come up, giving you the chance to choose whether you want to start your 3-month free trial with Apple Music today, or if you don’t, you get the chance to just go to your music library.

Here is the full changelog for iOS 8.4, covering the features that are new to the software, as well as the music application’s icon being given a redesign, ready for the iOS 9 update coming in the Autumn:

This update introduces Apple Music — a revolutionary music service, 24/7 global radio, and a way for fans to connect with their favourite artists — all included in the redesigned Music app. iOS 8.4 also includes improvements for iBooks and bug fixes.

Apple Music

• Become an Apple Music member to play from millions of songs in the Apple Music catalogue, or keep them offline for playback later.
• For You: Members can see playlist and album recommendations, hand-picked by music experts.
• New: Members can find the latest, greatest new music available — direct from our editors.
• Radio: Tune in to music, interviews and exclusive radio shows on Beats 1, play radio stations created by our editors, or create your own from any artist or song.
• Connect: See shared thoughts, photos, music and videos from artists you follow, then join the conversation.
• My Music: Play from all your iTunes purchases, songs from Apple Music, and playlists in one place.
• Completely redesigned music player that includes new features such as Recently Added, Mini Player, Up Next and more.
• iTunes Store: Still the best place to buy your favourite music — one song or album at a time
• Availability and features may vary by country.

iBooks improvements and fixes

• Browse, listen and download audiobooks from inside iBooks.
• Enjoy the all-new Now Playing feature, designed specifically for audiobooks.
• Books that are Made for iBooks now work on iPhone in addition to iPad.
• Find and pre-order books in a series straight from your library.
• Improves accessibility of widgets, glossary and navigation in books made with iBooks Author.
• New default Chinese font.
• New setting to turn off Auto-Night theme in your library.
• Resolves an issue that may have prevented Hide Purchases from working.
• Resolves an issue that may have prevented downloading books from iCloud.

Other improvements and bug fixes

• Fixes an issue where receiving a specific series of Unicode characters causes device to reboot.
• Fixes an issue that prevented GPS accessories from providing location data.
• Fixes an issue where deleted Apple Watch apps could re-install.

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:

http://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT1222

After an extremely long wait, iTunes Radio has officially arrived in the United Kingdom, and can now be found next to the playlist icon. Also, Beats 1 and many other various radio stations are now available within the Music app. Apple Music Connect is also a welcome of open arms, meaning that after some time, you can now follow your favourite musicians, either through tapping on the “Follow” button, or by tapping on the “Automatically Follow Artists” button when you add the music from your iTunes Library to your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad device.

At last, after a long wait, landscape mode for music videos has officially returned to the Music app, a commonly used feature that was in iOS 6.

The Music application has had a major design overhaul and has also been more of a focus for Apple, considering that the Apple Music service has just officially been launched today.

Below are the screenshots that show iOS 8.4, and the redesigned Music application all in action (including iTunes Radio UK & Beats 1 Radio).

I have checked in the Music app, and it’s a luck of the draw, if you feel that you don’t want to subscribe to Apple Music, there is an option to say no, as Apple have put an option below the “Start 3 Month Free Trial” button, saying “Go to My Music”. This is a wise move from Apple, as this means that you don’t have to worry about it, you can still use the Music app for free, and making purchases in the iTunes Store and the App Store, including the desktop version of the iTunes Store mean that you can still use iTunes and the Music app for free without having to pay, unless you’ve already started the 3-month free trial with Apple Music today.

If you haven’t already, please make sure to go ahead and upgrade your iPhone, iPod touch (5th Generation) or iPad to the latest software. This iOS update is much better now and is worth the upgrade. It is also the most stable software update that Apple have released before the final version of iOS 9 arrives in the Autumn.

To update your iOS Device, go to the Settings app, then to General, and then to Software Update, where the update will be available to download and install.

Until then, enjoy the update!!!

Alex Smithson

© Apple 2015

© iOS Logo Copyright of Apple.

© Any of the logos, including the screenshots that have references of musicians and their album artwork, that’s including the changelog that was used in this article are all courtesy of Apple. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

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