BLOG: END OF YEAR SELF PROMO

I've been told I don't do enough self promo. It's true, I'm not one to scream and shout about myself but I think I'm going to close the year by doing just that. I'd like to thank you for reading whatever you've been reading on this Blog over the past two years, however much or (more likely) little. If you like, please feel free to spread the word with your friends, as I'm sure to continue posting my not-all-that-valuable findings and feelings long into the new year.

Right. I have three social media outlets I like to use, each serving slightly different purposes, but all reflecting myself and providing the space to expand or express my interests further. Do give them a follow if it so pleases you; they all take the username of tleeoriginal. Very tidy. 1: Twitter for the day-to-day ramblings, quick links, snide comments and slightly overeager interaction, the latter usually to serve my music fanaticism (you know, Chvrches, MØ, Ellie, Lana...). 2: Instagram, for the sake of having Instagram, I suppose. I've not really grown into using it fully just yet, but for the time being it's a useful library for all of my gig attendances. Do take a look at my iPhone photography skills (or lack of). 3: Pinterest for probably the highest value of them all. I'm proud of this one, as my input is regular, using it to source and store any image on the internet that influences or inspires me. It's my aspirational, lifestyle archive or something along those lines and it's grown significantly enough by the day. With over 7k pins and edging closer to my first thousand followers, it's a big 'un (ish).

So check me out. Or for any conversation send me an email, I do like a chat. Bye now.

DIARY: GRENSON FRANCIS PURCHASE

Grenson have kicked off their sale and I succumbed to bagging myself a pair of Francis, making it three shoes purchased in as many weeks. Whilst I'm not at all proud of that statistic, I am laughing at this latest addition as it's precisely what I've been wanting in my lineup of footwear – and at (just) £90. Merry fucking Christmas.

MAG: HAIM ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

A breakthrough year that this sister act have simply cruised through draws ever closer to its end and last night they killed it on the Sony Outdoor Stage for Jimmy Kimmel Live. Here in the UK, they're also set to join Jools Holland's annual do for NYE on BBC Two, plus, they've just released the EP for their London iTunes Festival performance (that I was blessed to be at). There's just no letting up. And long may that continue.

MAG: DISCLOSURE FT. LONDON GRAMMAR SOHN REMIX

This pleasant surprise landed today, a remix by the incredible talent that is SOHN for one of Disclosure's stand-out collaborations on their album, featuring lead singer Hannah from London Grammar. "Help Me Lose My Mind" adds to SOHN's impressive list of official remixes, all oozing with a signature wave, rich and melancholy. We're told he has more original material on the way in the new year, and judging by what we've heard already, it's highly promising.

BLOG: TOP 25 MOST LISTENED TO 2013 RECORDS

Huge, huge year of music. The internet's been doing its rounds of collecting everyone's Top-whatever-lists and you could say this is my contribution. Although, to be honest, I realise it won't greatly differ from anyone else's. But, my contribution to music consumption in general has arguably been my biggest yet – I attended 19 live shows, including over 50 artists at venues large and small from arenas to recording studios. More of such details, as well as every purchase and download, are all logged on my regularly maintained Music page.

I've found myself (unintentionally) using this Blog more and more as a platform to present music material that I've been engaging with, more so than any other topic, and I suppose that's a natural reflection of how I'm spending my time. 2014 already promises so much and I don't foresee the intense interest stopping on my part either. I've got gigs lined up for CHVRCHES, Justin Timberlake Ellie Goulding, MØ and BANKS already – and I'm loving it.

So this is my list of the 25 records released in the year of 2013 that I have listened to most.

25. Braids / Flourish // Perish

24. Paramore / Paramore

23. Blue Hawaii / Untogether

22. Sampha / Dual

21. Poliça / Shulamith

20. Active Child / Rapor

19. MS MR / Secondhand Rapture

18. Four Tet / Beautiful Rewind

17. Daft Punk / Random Access Memories

16. Ta-ku / Songs To Break Up To

15. FKA twigs / EP2

14. Lorde / Pure Heroine

13. Rhye / Woman

12. Volcano Choir / Repave

11. James Blake / Overgrown

10. Daughter / If You Leave

9. Justin Timberlake / The 20/20 Experience

8. London Grammar / If You Wait

7. Sigur Rós / Kveikur  

6. The Weeknd / Kiss Land

5. Ellie Goulding / Halcyon Days

4. MØ / Bikini Daze

3. BANKS / London

2. HAIM / Days Are Gone

1. CHVRCHES / The Bones Of What You Believe

MAG: MØ VEVO DSCVR ONES TO WATCH 2014

Deservedly highlighted amongst VEVO DSCVR's "Ones To Watch" series for 2014, MØ performs a gorgeous, intimate, stripped down version of "Never Wanna Know" and sits down for a short interview too. With the new album looming and a string of tour dates set, she's getting ready for her biggest year yet – and she's already looking at writing the second record. Such exciting times, check out both the videos above.

DIARY: DECEMBER SUBSCRIPTIONS

MAG: IYES CRAZY IN LOVE BEYONCE COVER

This caught my eye (ear). I posted about IYES just the other day and, almost in sync with that viral release by Beyoncé herself, the upcoming Brighton duo have now dropped this crazy cover for "Crazy In Love". Sexily transformed into their own genre, the creamy vocals and mellow electronic production does this track wonders, I feel, and I must say I'm rather enjoying it. More IYES to come soon for sure.

MAG: CHVRCHES STAY ANOTHER DAY LIVE LOUNGE

CHVRCHES were in the Live Lounge for Huw Stephens earlier today. They performed the above 'Christmas Cover' electing for a haunting take of East 17's "Stay Another Day", as well as the superb acoustic version of "The Mother We Share". There's an in-depth-ish bit of chat with Huw too (for whom the band played their first recorded session over a whole year ago at Maida Vale), which you can enjoy direct on the Radio 1 website as they reflect on 2013, discuss tour life, praise HAIM and cuss Tyler The Creator.

MAG: INTO THE ATMOSPHERE BY MICHAEL SHAINBLUM

Nothing short of beautiful. Earth is fucking awesome.

Visit the Vimeo page to read Michael Shainblum's accompanying description message. And also check out a video he did back in July, another astonishing timelapse.

MAG: LONDON GRAMMAR LIVE LOUNGE WRECKING BALL

Fresh from the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge today, London Grammar did a session with Fearne Cotton and covered "Wrecking Ball" along with their current single "Nightcall". Now while I prefer to avoid anything to do with Miley Cyrus, this cover is too good to let pass by. It's a stunning rendition that would fit so cosily in the trio's LP; the song is perfect for them, they've really made it their own (and don't let that phrase be devalued by what you hear on TV talent contests). It's amazing, and Hannah smashes it.

DIARY: BROKEN HEADPHONES

Just as I hypothetically discussed the new AIAIAI release as a potential, eventual replacement (with trepidation might I add) for my beloved Bose On-Ears that have been with me for five years now, it broke. The right ear pad detached and the left's output disappeared, I must sadly call its time and announce its demise. Inevitable perhaps, considering such daily use in urban combat since my sixth form days back in school, but today I am filled with heartache.

MAG: PAUL WALKER FAST AND FURIOUS TRIBUTE

DIARY: SEVEN DIALS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT

Another one of the biannual shopping nights by Carnaby's sister venue Seven Dials & St Martin's Courtyard, it was one to savour. Tipsy and happy from beers, red wines, mulled ciders and champagnes (all plural), my accomplice for these occasions and I spent a good three or four hours just wandering the area for more booze and bargains.

I didn't go with the intention of acquiring anything, having already spent enough for the season over the past couple of weeks, but I somehow ended up with my hands and arms full. A pair of New Balance 410s, new optical frames and a wooden easel were amongst my impulse buys. Whilst they were prices both reasonable and unmissable, I wasn't exactly happy to splash the cash. But having said that, I'm rather pleased at the same time. So, with that, I thought this was as good a time as any to update my Purchases page. With some new additions to boast about, take a look at the things I've bought.

MAG: LANA DEL REY TROPICO

MAG: MØ DEBUT ALBUM NO MYTHOLOGIES TO FOLLOW

From: Chess Club Records

If you've seen my tweets over the past week and a half, you'll already be aware of the Danish superstar-to-be's latest news.

It's the announcement we've all been waiting for, MØ's debut full-length record will be released come February 24 next year. And full-lenth it sure is, because according to the iTunes Deluxe edition, there's set to be 21 tracks, including 10 unreleased songs, 4 "Night Versions" and a track-by-track video. I absolutely cannot wait for it to drop, and my ticket for her London HEAVEN show in March is all the more special. The countdown is on. My heartbeat is racing.

DIARY: NIKE REFLECT PACK AIR MAX 1 PURCHASE

I saw the Reflect Pack announced on my feeds a month or two ago and the all-black models with subtly hidden reflective patterns have resonated with me since, and I might just have treated myself.

With the men's zebra print already sold out, I went for the women's version, which reveals a leopard print when exposed to headlights, otherwise a dead black silhouette from tip to toe. I've wanted a pair of Air Max 1s for ages and this Premium Tape Reflect Pack model is definitely the one. I'm delighted. My accountant though, if I had one, would not be.

BLOG: INTERN MAGAZINE ISSUE ONE

What fittingly started as a Kickstarter project, Intern recently launched its maiden issue for Autumn/Winter 2013 as they weigh in on the widespread debate of internships. Exploring the works and contributions of interns in creative industries across the globe, their treatment and reward, the general attitude around the subject. It's particularly sensitive and current as the latest generations begin to question the model of the industry's bottom tier and point of entry, and how healthy it is (and more importantly can become) for the parties involved. Of course, as my personal student status of my own approaches ever closer to its end, it's a discussion of high relevance for my near future and I read it with some degree of terror. But also, there's reason for hope and optimism with some featured talents showcasing examples of tremendous ability and opportunity, the ones we dream to achieve. Still in the process of reading the beautifully presented 144-page document, but it's already a delight to engage with.

MAG: HAIM FOREVER GIORGIO MORODER REMIX

What a dream remix, Giorgio Moroder uplifting HAIM's track "Forever" to a classic disco dance number, also featuring his signature Vocoder skills. Already a stunning single, one of the best of the year, this remix just cranks up the energy and brightness.

BLOG: BBC SOUND OF 2014

The "longlist" this year features some names of regular occurrence in my library, namely in BANKS, Sampha and FKA twigs – all of whom are each guaranteed to enjoy big 2014s and I'm so stoked for the new year. Other artists that spring to attention are Jungle, who share Chess Club record label with of course MØ (who I would personally have at the top of my list), Kelela and Say Lou Lou. HAIM were the big winners for 2013, basically reaching superstardom over the past 12-18 months and you know full well how ecstatic I've been with CHVRCHES' rise in the industry as well. The BBC are still looking to be ahead of the game, and good on them, and I look forward to seeing how this selected class will fare next.

MAG: AIAIAI TMA-1 X BY KIBISI

From: designboom

The new iteration of the mighty successful TMA-1 headphones has officially been released by AIAIAI. The TMA-1 X, designed by KiBiSi, aims to be more compact whilst maintaining the sound they can produce. And the minimalist matte black look is clean as fuck, making these headphones near perfect. I've talked about eventually replacing my Bose On-Ears before, should they break (touch wood...), but this would be the ideal candidate. Beautiful design.