You know, it's always funny; you go through your life, and then look back on it two or three years later and discover that you always had songs to describe the way you were feeling. So, in short, you have like that SPECIFIC song for the summer of 2008, or so and so. And I can actually remember a whole lot about the time when I remember what song I had in my had. It's actually a pleasant exercise, and reminds someone of the good ol' days (not that these days aren't good, we'll get to that later). You don't necessarily go looking for a song to become the song of the time, it just becomes it... you listen to it a lot of times, and it becomes a perfect way to describe your life... See if you can guess what was going on at the time haha.
Songs of my life:
Summer 2008: Listen to Your Heart, Roxette
Listen to Your Heart, DHT
Summer 2009: Poker Face, Lady GaGa
Where is the Love?, Black Eyed Peas
What about Love?, Heart
Our Solemn Hour, Within Temptation
Aug-Sep '09: I'll Stand by You, The Pretenders
Lean on Me, UB40 Version
Smile, Brooke White
Sep- Oct '09: I Love You,Putnam Spelling Bee
Take a Bow, Glee Version
Dear Mr. President, Pink
Nov- Current: Paparazzi, Lady GaGa
Bad Romance, Lady GaGa
Alejandro, Lady GaGa
Dance in the Dark, Lady GaGa
Speechless, Lady GaGa
Monster, Lady GaGa
Eh, Eh, Nothing I Could Say, Lady GaGa
Dreaming of You, Selena
I Could Fall in Love, Selena
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Chicago band tries recognition a different way
This is another story I did for class this past week about a local Chicago band called Your Villain My Hero. Thoughts? I will post more about the band in a bit.
Your Villain My Hero is trying to make a name for themselves: they play Lady GaGa; they just finished filming their first music video; they play gigs at clubs throughout Chicago and the Midwest. But don’t ask them when they’re going to “make it big.”
“The ratio of success to failure is astronomical,” manager Roger Jansen says. “After you get a record deal, the chance of success is [about] 3%. All bands have this inherent desire to become popular; to become famous; to have a successful profile.”
Band member Mig Mora says by certain measures, the band is successful. But they also stay grounded, and focus on their goals, he says.
“We want to play music people will dance to. I think it’s important for a band to really identify their goals. If you don’t have a plan, you might not have a plan to get it into people’s hands,” Mora says.
While the band plays cover music, Jansen sees it as opportunity to open the doors for audiences.
“I think that you have to be a great songwriter; it’s hard to write great hit songs,” Jansen says. “If you want to make money, I would suggest learning cover songs. Audiences [at first] don’t want to hear original music.”
Mora says that audiences also aren’t like they used to be; he says it takes effort to get the product out in the business.
“People don’t purchase music like they used to,” he says. “Add value to it. Give the music away. Music is our business card.”
In contrast to what most bands think, Jansen says that you need to start off unoriginal, and build a base.
“Some of the most creative artists are also the craziest ones,” Jansen says. “We’re building a brand. Radio is very political. [So] we’re not concerned about airplay. We’re building a fan base.”
A fan base that Mora says has already begun to appear.
“We’ve gotten a good start so far. The most fulfilling thing is when we’re at a show. My favorite [part] is when we play our original music, and [people] are just as interested,” Mora says.
Your Villain My Hero only recently filmed a music video for their first single, I Don’t Need a Boyfriend.
“I find artists that are fantastic are also unmanageable; there’s a sense of entitlement. Comparing us to any other cover band in Chicago is unfair to us,” he says.
It’s also unfair, Mora says, to think that music is a once a week job.
“Make sure you’re doing something every day,” he says. “We started this band back in the summer. We’ve gone through a metamorphosis. We write pop music; we want to start releasing singles; we like to throw a dance party.”
Your Villain My Hero is trying to make a name for themselves: they play Lady GaGa; they just finished filming their first music video; they play gigs at clubs throughout Chicago and the Midwest. But don’t ask them when they’re going to “make it big.”
“The ratio of success to failure is astronomical,” manager Roger Jansen says. “After you get a record deal, the chance of success is [about] 3%. All bands have this inherent desire to become popular; to become famous; to have a successful profile.”
Band member Mig Mora says by certain measures, the band is successful. But they also stay grounded, and focus on their goals, he says.
“We want to play music people will dance to. I think it’s important for a band to really identify their goals. If you don’t have a plan, you might not have a plan to get it into people’s hands,” Mora says.
While the band plays cover music, Jansen sees it as opportunity to open the doors for audiences.
“I think that you have to be a great songwriter; it’s hard to write great hit songs,” Jansen says. “If you want to make money, I would suggest learning cover songs. Audiences [at first] don’t want to hear original music.”
Mora says that audiences also aren’t like they used to be; he says it takes effort to get the product out in the business.
“People don’t purchase music like they used to,” he says. “Add value to it. Give the music away. Music is our business card.”
In contrast to what most bands think, Jansen says that you need to start off unoriginal, and build a base.
“Some of the most creative artists are also the craziest ones,” Jansen says. “We’re building a brand. Radio is very political. [So] we’re not concerned about airplay. We’re building a fan base.”
A fan base that Mora says has already begun to appear.
“We’ve gotten a good start so far. The most fulfilling thing is when we’re at a show. My favorite [part] is when we play our original music, and [people] are just as interested,” Mora says.
Your Villain My Hero only recently filmed a music video for their first single, I Don’t Need a Boyfriend.
“I find artists that are fantastic are also unmanageable; there’s a sense of entitlement. Comparing us to any other cover band in Chicago is unfair to us,” he says.
It’s also unfair, Mora says, to think that music is a once a week job.
“Make sure you’re doing something every day,” he says. “We started this band back in the summer. We’ve gone through a metamorphosis. We write pop music; we want to start releasing singles; we like to throw a dance party.”
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New song I wrote... thoughts?
Thoughts????
You called me at night
And said that you missed me.
Too bad you’re drunk,
Or at least acting like it.
You’re growing up too fast,
You’re drinking them cheap shots,
Smoking it expensive
Having nights full of fun
Too bad you don’t know
How it’s not me
Sometimes I hope
You’d realize how
Hard that it is,
How fast that it is
How new that it is
To me, Cause I’m
Walking on thin ice
Releasing all the vice
Dreaming of a time
When it’ll be alright
Cause I’m walking on thin ice
Releasing all the vice
Dreaming of a time
When it’ll be alright
One day all the pain,
Was released all away
When it happens to you,
Give me a clue
For I’d like to know, how it feels
So where do we stand?
Girls, drinks and smokes
But it’s gonna be ok,
Cause we’re all gonna be toast
When they find out,
Where we’ve been the most
Cause I wish you could see How…. (chorus)
You called me at night
And said that you missed me.
Too bad you’re drunk,
Or at least acting like it.
You’re growing up too fast,
You’re drinking them cheap shots,
Smoking it expensive
Having nights full of fun
Too bad you don’t know
How it’s not me
Sometimes I hope
You’d realize how
Hard that it is,
How fast that it is
How new that it is
To me, Cause I’m
Walking on thin ice
Releasing all the vice
Dreaming of a time
When it’ll be alright
Cause I’m walking on thin ice
Releasing all the vice
Dreaming of a time
When it’ll be alright
One day all the pain,
Was released all away
When it happens to you,
Give me a clue
For I’d like to know, how it feels
So where do we stand?
Girls, drinks and smokes
But it’s gonna be ok,
Cause we’re all gonna be toast
When they find out,
Where we’ve been the most
Cause I wish you could see How…. (chorus)
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Clique
In an effort to avoid reading the mounds of homework I have for my two history classes, I will graciously tell you how my day went. Currently, I am reading, reading, and reading for those history classes! Not that I don't enjoy them, but it's just really time consuming... and frustrating, considering our teachers have lives, too! We would expect them to at least be considerate, and recognize, that us students also have lives :). But, anyways...
I always find it funny when I realize I'm auditioning for plays through our school's theatre department. After all, what is a journalism major doing in the theatre department anyways? Well, for one, I work there. Two: I love acting... It's amazing, how, with acting, you can discover all sorts of things about yourself, while playing someone else... I've always thought an actor can be all the different jobs he wants... One day he is a playing a doctor, the next, a globe trotting playboy. It's interesting to say the least. And, while it is intimidating to go into auditions knowing that you're going up against "established" theatre performers. It's like a big clique that I have to break into! GAH! But, I will not be intimidated, and I will go in without worrying about anybody else... I am a journalism major that is going to try to get into the plays.. While I'm at it, I'm planning on doing something from The Crucible and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Wish me luck!
I have also slightly calmed down from my previous meltdown had the other day (you know, when I wrote a song)... I'm not gonna let it bother me. But I really wish people wouldn't consider me the "square" or "safe" friend. While I do pride myself in being cautious, I LOVE to take plenty of risk... just the right type of risk. I think it's time to write some emails to friends.
I always find it funny when I realize I'm auditioning for plays through our school's theatre department. After all, what is a journalism major doing in the theatre department anyways? Well, for one, I work there. Two: I love acting... It's amazing, how, with acting, you can discover all sorts of things about yourself, while playing someone else... I've always thought an actor can be all the different jobs he wants... One day he is a playing a doctor, the next, a globe trotting playboy. It's interesting to say the least. And, while it is intimidating to go into auditions knowing that you're going up against "established" theatre performers. It's like a big clique that I have to break into! GAH! But, I will not be intimidated, and I will go in without worrying about anybody else... I am a journalism major that is going to try to get into the plays.. While I'm at it, I'm planning on doing something from The Crucible and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Wish me luck!
I have also slightly calmed down from my previous meltdown had the other day (you know, when I wrote a song)... I'm not gonna let it bother me. But I really wish people wouldn't consider me the "square" or "safe" friend. While I do pride myself in being cautious, I LOVE to take plenty of risk... just the right type of risk. I think it's time to write some emails to friends.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I'm a Monster.
It always seems like people grow up rather quickly, after a certain point. It's no longer about taking it easy, or enjoying simple pleasures... like curling up in bed and watching Friends (which I NEED to start, btw). It's about partying, drinking and the other thing that happens to ruin your voice. No, it's not the fact that this stuff happened when I came back to good ol' school. It's the fact that this break, it seems like everyone is very eager to try some things. Quit fitting into a mold. Impress some people, and don't be afraid of what people think of you... after all, who the f**k cares about what others think. If you don't like me, that's too bad. I say this, only because it's like we're afraid of not fitting into a certain teenager mold. We MUST do what teenagers do, right? Now, I have a lot on my plate, but I certainly look forward to days in my week when I can laugh and chill. Going to Target on Sundays? That equals a surprising amount of stress relief... chilling downtown? Same. You know, stuff like that... Non-teenager stuff. I guess I just don't fit into that cookie cutter teenage mold. And that's fine. But, wait a little to grow up? Yeah.
This break was indeed one of the craziest I have ever experienced. Hardly any sleep, missing my school, and the promise it provides to do whatever I want, dealing with all sorts of issues, and reevaluating where I want to go in life. Do I want to be a journalist? Sure. I'd love to. But I'd also love to all other sorts of things... Let me just say: you think journalism is unsteady? Ummm, yeah. lol. BTW, I LOVE acting. I've always considered it to be something I enjoy. Last week, I tried out for anchor for my college TV news program... I didn't make it, but that's alright... I'm barely a freshman and there are plenty of opportunities. This weekend, I'm trying out for my school plays, and hopefully I have some luck there.
I'm caught up between missing friends back home, and looking forward to what I'm going to accomplish this year. Believe me, you don't want sadness and anxiety at the same time! GAH! haha. But in all seriousness, I'm SUPER excited at what I've laid out this year, and hopefully by next New Year, I can say: "Damn, my year was amazing." Oh, yeah, and schoolwork is a bi**h. I like it, it's just a lot of work... but what else is new?
We all want to be something, right? Sure we do. Just some of us lose the motivation, after constantly being told we can't. I got news for you. You can. It's a little bit frustrating to always be told, "maybe you should take the safe route." Life isn't about safety. Life is about taking risks. The biggest risk is taking none at all. Yes, I actually do have an idea of what I want to do in life. Yes, these are all my decisions. And yes, I'm content with the idea of not knowing where I'll be in five years. It's ok, trust me. ANNNNDDDD>.... there. I'm done. For those lucky souls who actually read this, thanks... you've gotten things off my chest! And I don't usually do these kind of blog posts... but I need to speak! haha. Thanks.
"Whenever someone tells you you can't be who you are, or you can't chase your dreams... you remind them that you're a Monster, and you can do whatever the fuck you want." - Lady G.
This break was indeed one of the craziest I have ever experienced. Hardly any sleep, missing my school, and the promise it provides to do whatever I want, dealing with all sorts of issues, and reevaluating where I want to go in life. Do I want to be a journalist? Sure. I'd love to. But I'd also love to all other sorts of things... Let me just say: you think journalism is unsteady? Ummm, yeah. lol. BTW, I LOVE acting. I've always considered it to be something I enjoy. Last week, I tried out for anchor for my college TV news program... I didn't make it, but that's alright... I'm barely a freshman and there are plenty of opportunities. This weekend, I'm trying out for my school plays, and hopefully I have some luck there.
I'm caught up between missing friends back home, and looking forward to what I'm going to accomplish this year. Believe me, you don't want sadness and anxiety at the same time! GAH! haha. But in all seriousness, I'm SUPER excited at what I've laid out this year, and hopefully by next New Year, I can say: "Damn, my year was amazing." Oh, yeah, and schoolwork is a bi**h. I like it, it's just a lot of work... but what else is new?
We all want to be something, right? Sure we do. Just some of us lose the motivation, after constantly being told we can't. I got news for you. You can. It's a little bit frustrating to always be told, "maybe you should take the safe route." Life isn't about safety. Life is about taking risks. The biggest risk is taking none at all. Yes, I actually do have an idea of what I want to do in life. Yes, these are all my decisions. And yes, I'm content with the idea of not knowing where I'll be in five years. It's ok, trust me. ANNNNDDDD>.... there. I'm done. For those lucky souls who actually read this, thanks... you've gotten things off my chest! And I don't usually do these kind of blog posts... but I need to speak! haha. Thanks.
"Whenever someone tells you you can't be who you are, or you can't chase your dreams... you remind them that you're a Monster, and you can do whatever the fuck you want." - Lady G.
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