Atom Smash

Okay so when I was thinking abut what I could write for this blog my mind went blank. I felt as if I had pretty much covered all of the basics of what I want or needed to talk about when it cam to music. So I figured that I would discuss yet again one of my favorite bands. My favorite part about this band is my discovery of them.
One of my old friends lent me a cd a while back and he ended up moving away. Afte he left Florida I found the cd when i was cleaning out my room. After listening to it I decided that I really liked that band a lot. So I gave him a call asking who they were and how he had found out about them. Through our conversation on the phone I had learned that this band, Atom Smash, was actually managed by one of my friends' dad. After learning about this I gave my friend Sebastion a call and found out that he is really close with the members of the band because of his dad's position as manager that they see them frequently.
Turns out Atom Smash released their first cd recently, they are an awesome band with great style. They are all very talented and I definitely suggest you to give them a listen. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KuZ4Le-YIg&feature=related

Christmas Music

I am a major supporter of Christmas music and Christmas spirit. Call me Cindy Lou Who from The Grinch if you want. :) Listening to Christmas music really gives me a lot of Christmas cheer and I love singing along. However, starting this spirit in November in my opinion is a little ridiculous. The other day I was at Physical Therapy, and what were they playing? Christmas music. I am definitely for celebrating with family and decorating all while listening to fun and spirited music..but is two months in advance really necessary?

         I know that at times all of the Christmas music played on the radio and through all of the stores is overwhelming and sometimes annoying but I feel that it’s tradition and without it, the holiday wouldn’t be the same. All I am really suggesting is that we save “Baby its Cold Outside” to when it’s actually “cold” outside. 

Open Mic Night

Last Monday Night a couple of friends and I went to a coffee house called Sacred Grounds. On Monday nights from 8:00pm-12:00am they host an open mic show. Anyone can sign up, and you can sign up on the spot. The only conditions that are given are that the music is your original music and no covers are allowed.

At the coffee house you can buy anything from coffee to tea or pizza to hummus and chips. It’s a relaxed set up with couches all over the room and a small stage in the front. They have a small P.A. system, so it’s not a big ordeal, but it’s a nice place to go study or just kick back and relax and enjoy the music. Mind you, anyone can sign up so it’s not always the most talented people on stage. However, the majority of the acts were worth watching, and I can honestly say that I was impressed.

What I think I enjoyed most about Sacred Grounds was to see different talented people having the ability to express themselves through the best way they know how, music. It was cool listening to different music for the first time and having the ability to hear that everyone has a story. There were many talented groups there that I was definitely surprised hadn’t cut a record deal. Many of these groups were a different type of music though, however, they were still talented. All in all, it was a worthwhile trip.

 Okay, I couldn't find any of there songs that they sang Monday. This isn't one of my favorites, but it gives you a little preview of what kind of music they play. Check it if you like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuAK3LPyD3k&feature=related

Part Two

The place I listen to the majority of my music is in the car, and of course in the car, I listen to my radio a lot.  I like listening to the radio a lot because they play a lot of new music, and listening to the radio I get familiarized with new songs. This way I can buy or download songs when I get home and update my iPod as frequently as possible. One definite disadvantage of listening to the radio is hearing these songs or playlists over and over. I can’t stand it when songs are overplayed and I don’t think I’m alone when I say that.

As much as I like these songs to start, hearing them over and over again day after day gets so tiresome. What I think is pretty nifty is the fact that right after you get tired of the number one song the radio station starts playing part 2 of that song. This way it’s not the same exact song, but kind of the same song with a different consistence. One example from last year would be “Airplanes” and “Airplanes part two”. As good as the first one was, the second one featuring Eminem blew the first one out of the water. A more recent example would be “Love the Way You Lie” and “Love the Way You Lie Part two.” Both songs are great and now that the first one has been overplayed the released the second one to gain the same fans as before or more. Either way, just when you think a song is being overplayed, they release a second part of the song to keep you listening.

Halloween Music

In the spirit of Halloween, I figured I could write about scary music and how music or various sounds when arranged a certain way can scare us.  Growing up I remember trick or treating like it was my job. I would circle the neighborhood for hours with my friends with pillowcases to hold all of our candy. I loved when other families got in the spirit and decorated their house. When we saw houses decorated, we thought to ourselves “jackpot!”

All in all, I can honestly say I was never too scared of houses because of their decorations. What frightened me the most, were the terrifying soundtracks they had playing in the background! Music can have such an impact on our emotions. After seeing a movie such as Jaws and knowing the themed “da-da-da-da” shark attack sounds we associate those sounds with a scary movie scene. Music is what makes a scary movie so frightening.

Last night, a few friends and I watched the movie Mirrors, and the entire length of the film we were all pretty scared. Then I realized that the volume of the TV was half way up, so it was pretty loud. So we all decided to mute it when the suspenseful music started. After doing that, the movie was not scary at all. Because there was no lead in by sharp punching sounds you weren’t expecting anything scary to pop out. It was a different way to avoid being scared but proved to be very effective. J

Old Music

Ever since the start of this year I have been super busy with work, school, and friends. I have barely had time for myself, and my room is evidence of that. So, this week I decided to go through my room top to bottom and get rid of things I didn’t want anymore so I would have a fresh start not only at college but also back at home. The first place I hit in my room was my entertainment center. I found stacks upon stacks of dusty old cd’s. I know you are probably thinking “Really, Cd’s? Who listen’s to those anymore?” That’s exactly my point. So, I went through all of my old “mixes” and took lent and ear to listen to my past favorite tunes. I must say it was rather entertaining. I had bands/songs from Hawthorne Heights to R. Kelly to Ludacris and even Enrique. The best part is that the majority of these “mixes” were not only mixes of bands but completely different genres.  I was honestly wondering what the heck I was thinking. I have to admit; listening to all of my “oldies” was fun, and kind of a blast from the past. It brought back a lot of old memories of different songs and bands that my friends and I used to listen to. 

            Listening to my mixes was definitely, a great way to jam out to some good music while cleaning my room. I would encourage everyone to try this. It’s a good way to get some cleaning done, reminisce, and get some oldies put back on your itunes. J

30 Seconds to Mars

This week I wanted to write about the concert that was held on campus yesterday evening.  When I heard that 30 Seconds to Mars was coming for a concert on campus I was indifferent. Honestly, the last time I had ever listened to one of their songs was probably my freshman year of high school.  I heard that the band Neon Trees was playing, and I am familiar with some of their music so a few of my friends and I decided that we would go.

The opening acts for 30 Seconds to Mars were decent, and the weather was fabulous so overall I was having a great time. It was cool to see the MTV played a part in putting the concert on and they were filming there. However, one thing that really annoyed me was the language. When it comes to profanity, I would say that I am pretty tolerant. I don’t care if someone cusses it doesn’t really have any influence over me. However, the band members were just plain ridiculous. Every other word was FFFFFF. Seriously? Not only is that trashy and rude but it is also ANNOYING. I understand that they think they are “super-hot rock stars” but they looked like fools. From what I can remember they don’t use a lot or any profanity for that matter in their music. Yet, when they were on stage that is all that they could say?

As far as the actual music content goes, I think that the concert was good. They played a lot of their older songs, which is cool, because I didn’t know any of their new stuff. A lot of their songs, however, were played acoustic which, in my opinion, really should have been played full instead.

All in all, I think that besides the language issue the concert was a huge success. Good music, nice weather, a fun time with friends, and free reeses  cups(Reeses sponsored the concert). If you went, give me your opinion. What did you think of the opening acts, and the music? Did his repetitive use of FFFFFFFFF annoy you too? Haha:) Here is a picture of me and my friends last night!

Music and School Spirit

This whole week I have been trying to think about what I could write about for my blog. Obviously, I would write about something pertaining to music, but what? I was thinking about critiquing various artists that we constantly hear on the radio that are overplayed, or the latest and most popular song on 9.33flz. However, today’s game against Syracuse definitely sparked an idea and got me brainstorming, once again, on the impact music has on us.

I really don’t think we can even come to realize all that music can do to us, whether the effects are good or bad. It influences our attitudes, moods, perspectives, and our interaction. Music easily alters our mood swings, as I discussed on my previous blog. It also energizes us and feeds our adrenaline.

Today, at our Homecoming game, despite the loss I saw how music brought all of the fans together. With the USF fight song, the Alma Mater, and even the National Anthem, Bulls all around the stadium showed support and pride for not only for our school but also for our country.  Songs such as “All I Do Is Win” that are played just about every five minutes of our football games unite the fans just by letting us goof around and dance like a bunch of idiots around the stadium. I was so pumped with the school spirit at the start of the game; it was a neat picture seeing all of the hands up in the student section flowing to the rhythm of the music. Usually when at the game, you end up sitting next to, or a few people surround you that you may not know. However when USF’s marching band, better known as The Herd of Thunder stampede’s across the field playing “The Bull” your neighbors suddenly become your best friends because of the energy through the music played. Sometimes, you might get along because your neighbor is wicked drunk, but on other occasions the music played is what unites you and brings out your USF Bull’s pride.

Music Surrounds Us

Music lets us express ourselves. Through songs, we are able to relate because of the emotion or message conveyed by the artist. On my worst day I know I can come home and crank up some of my favorite tunes on my stereo, and vent just listening to music. Other times, music gets me pumped and motivated while running or cleaning my room. Music gets us moving and is fun to dance to. On bad days, when I come home from school my only vice is to either come home and listen to rock music to let my stress out or to chill listening to some Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Another time music is a great companion is when you are exercising. I don’t know about you, but I cannot go running without it! If my iPod is left at home, I will definitely opt out of running that day. I feel as if it would be almost impossible to exercise without music. There would be nothing pumping your adrenaline in the background keeping you motivated and at a steady pace.  

Music constantly surrounds us. Whether we are studying at Starbucks, dancing at a club, or just driving down the interstate we are always listening to something. I believe sometimes it can just become the white noise in the background. I find this true at places like Starbucks or Panera, places we often meet to eat, study, and socialize. Walking in these places, there is always music playing, whether we like or even know the bands on the playlist. If you think about it, we never really take a minute to listen to the music being played; it’s just something we have become used to hearing, the white noise. I feel that it would be an awkward or uncomfortable environment if this element were missing.

Music creates an inviting feeling, and at times can make a great companion. Often times, it can be the thing we need to brighten our day. Music empowers us and excites us. It stimulates us and motivates us. 

City and Colour

This week I have been trying to keep my options open as far as to what music I am listening to. It’s been slightly difficult in not just listening to my preferred playlists on my iPod.  As I mentioned in my last blog music keeps us going with it’s rhythm and plays a very vital part in all of our lives every day.

Throughout the past few weeks I have been finding myself in the library studying, A LOT. As a commuter student it is a great place to be able to get away and get some homework done or study for an upcoming exam.  However, Surprise! The library is not always quiet.  Because of this, I continue to stress to find something to keep me focused on what I am doing. Again and again I find myself searching for mellow bands that are relaxed and calming during this time of frustration.            

This past week, a band that I found of particular interest is City and Colour.  This band consists of one man, Dallas Green who is the vocalist and the guitarist.  Previously, no one would have thought of Dallas to play such mellow and calming music. Starting his career as a musician he originally played with Alexisonfire, a well-known screamo band from Canada. However, within breaks of the band Dallas managed to produce a few solo albums.

Many his songs are “love-inspired” and have sort of a folk sound to them. Now, I realize that music is something that is partial to each individual but I encourage you to go beyond your everyday norm and check some of his songs out. One song in particular that girls might enjoy is entitled “The Girl.” Remember, this isn’t the type of music you would typically sync onto your iPod and go running with. Its purpose is to relax and stimulate your mind. In my opinion, I think this is a band you might hear while chilling at Starbucks.

So, this week when your in the library and an unproductive study group sits next to you, or someone is noisily opening their subway lunch, plug in your headphones and jam out to some City and Colour.  :)

Please, please, please contribute with comments on different bands that I could listen to and share or any ideas. They would be much appreciated. :)

Music

When thinking about what I was going to use as the theme of my blog, what I would be writing about for the remainder of the semester, I really wanted to think of something that I enjoyed doing, that I was passionate about. What came to my mind at first was music, something that has always been present in my life. People enjoy listening to music for various reasons, and everyone has their own type or genre of music they prefer. Music pieces are composed for different reasons and bring about different responses from every listener. Music can bring unity within a group, and can provide for peace and tranquility. Songs can tell a story or communicate a message that the artist is passionate about. Music can motivate and stimulate the mind. Music plays a vital role in society today, and is very powerful among our culture.

From week to week, my goal for this blog is to take a glance at different genres of music, learn to appreciate all types of music, and grasp a better understanding on the effects that it has on it’s listeners. Furthermore, I might throw a few suggestions out there of bands or groups that you might want to check out. Recently a group I have personally took favor to is “Explosions in the Sky.” They are an instrumental/rock band, and you may be familiar with some of their pieces if you have seen the movie “Friday Night Lights.” Lately, I have found myself listening to them while I am doing homework or studying because there aren’t any lyrics, and the majority of their songs are pretty chill and relaxed. If you have any ideas to contribute, or have any preferences on a genre or specific group let me know. I am looking forward to hearing your feedback, and I am excited to begin blogging.  :)