Top 15 Songs for Spring

I know it isn't spring yet, but to be honest, this post has been in my "Drafts" for a really long time, and I wanted to publish it.

1. "Ain't That Peculiar" by Marvin Gaye. Spring is the season for playing guitar on the front lawn again, and this song is definitely close to the top of my "Must Learn" list. "I know flowers grow from rain, but how can love last through pain?"
2. "Alchemy (Acoustic String Mix)" by Kyler England. This song is also at the top of my "Must Learn" list, though it seems like something I'd also listen to in autumn. "October turned the leaves to copper and gold. Set my world on fire, left me in the cold. If I were a master of alchemy, I'd change everything, I'd make all the broken things beautiful."
3. "Go the Distance" from Hercules. This song is kind of perfect, and is pretty motivating. After all, final grades are out in two months! "I know every mile will be worth my while."
4. "I Want to Know You" by Measure. I have a post that's almost done that will go more in depth about this song, but... this is one of those songs that just automatically changes your mood.
5. "Shiawase (Happiness)" by Puffy Amiyumi. Yes, this is on my list of songs to learn, too. For some reason, I imagine cherry blossoms. Maybe because "shiawase" means "happiness," I want to attend Northwestern University, and they have a lot of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms = accomplished dream. Or I could be over analyzing.
6. "Young Friend" by Brooke Waggoner. This is the kind of song that I could just listen to on repeat all day and never get sick of it. It's one of those songs that makes you wanna roll down all the windows and drive with no clear destination.
7. "Hold On, We're Going Home" by Drake. I kinda want Drake to be my husband. I have no idea what this song has to do with going home, but... it's Drake.
8. "We Are One" by Angelique Kidjo. Yeah, this song is from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. But I still love it. I love how Angelique incorporates Zulu into the song at some parts. 
9. "Daisy" by Stereo Dive Foundation. This song... oh my. Every person on the planet needs to hear it, even if they can't understand/speak Japanese. After all, there's enough English in it to get it. "I've never said goodbye, and I never will."
10. "Wonderwall" by Oasis. One word: Legendary.
11. "Happily Ever After" by He Is We. For some reason, this song just seems like a spring/summer song. "Author of the moment, can you tell me... do I end up happy?"
12. "Femmes" by Brooke Waggoner. I'd be lying if I said I didn't try to learn this on violin. I'd also be lying if I said I succeeded. 
13. "Dance in Perfect Time" by Deas Vail. Deas Vail may no longer be my perfect band, but this is still a pretty perfect song.
14. "Colorblind" by Overtone. If you've never seen the movie about Nelson Mandela and the Springboks, Invictus, then let. me. tell. you. You HAVE to see it. I was forced to watch it in my World History class, and that teacher became my favorite because of it. Not only did Morgan Freeman portray Mandela, and the story was just so moving, but the music was the foundation of the film. Overtone and Yollandi Nortjie did a marvelous job on this soundtrack. While my favorite might be "9,000 Days" (which I played when I first heard the news of Mandela's death) or "Osiyeza," this one is definitely moving. The soundtrack really fueled this movie-- whenever a super emotional part occurred, there was Overtone's vocals, messing with my feels. And in the ending credits, after all these feels, came "9,000 Days." Needless to say, I cried. Well, I didn't cry. But if I had normal tear ducts, I would have.
15. "Endless Night" from The Lion King. This song, because of the actor who originally sang it (Jason Raize, who committed suicide in 2004), makes me think of depression. However, you could also think of it like a long winter finally beginning to end, and knowing that better times are coming.

"I know that the night must end, and that the sun will rise!"

-Simba, The Lion King (on Broadway) 

Artists who NEED to Collaborate!

Some musicians just make me fangirl. They inspire me to become a better musician, to keep chasing my dreams, to one day become successful (take note of this: "successful" doesn't have to mean "famous!").

Great musicians need great friends. Great friends make great collabs. I'm actually thinking about forming a folk band this year with some of my school friends!

So, here are some artists that NEED to meet up and make some songs together.

1. The Secret Sisters and Eden's Edge

Would you believe how big these two "unknown" bands have gotten? The Secret Sisters are on The Hunger Games album. Eden's Edge is pretty much mainstream. I found out about Eden's Edge through Deas Vail (the lead singer, Hannah Blaylock, is the sister of Deas Vail's lead singer, Wesley Blaylock) but it should have been the other way around! Still, there is some serious talent running in the Blaylock genes. Imagine these two country/folk bands together. Just imagine.   2. The Good Mad and Eden's Edge

Listen to "Follow Your Heart" and then listen to "Too Good to be True" again. I think THIS would be a SERIOUSLY EPIC collab. Maybe just because these are my absolute favorite country bands. 3. The Musical Dorks and Megan and Liz

I don't know why I want them to collaborate. But I do. 4. Measure and Death Cab for Cutie

I am seriously obsessed with "Begin Again" and these two bands' piano rock indie styles (even though neither are very indie anymore!) would just be beautiful together. So come on... why not? 5. Athlete and Coldplay

These bands are both British, creative, amazing, and have got me fangirling every time I hear another one of their amazing songs. Coldplay's new album makes me dance. Their older stuff reaches into my soul, same with Athlete. 6. Kari Jobe and Katie Costello

These two girls sound like angels. 7. Yael Naim and Chad Sugg

I love this world-y feel both songs have. You know, the kind of music that brings you home no matter where you are. 8. Taylor Swift, Hannah Blaylock (Eden's Edge), Wesley Blaylock (Deas Vail)

These three artists. Together. Oh, yes.

Music for Back-to-School

School starts this week on Thursday (sigh). As much as this summer bored me, I'm gonna miss it and Louisville.

Sorry about my last post by the way. I was using a computer in the Exhibit Hall and my youth group wanted to go somewhere. And as I mentioned, I didn't get a callback (but come on. Was I really even expecting one?). There are hundreds of Pentecostal female vocalists in the United States. I'm so proud of myself and my group for making it up to this level--- going against the best AG talents in the entire USA. Representing Ohio was pretty amazing, and I can't wait to go back to Louisville in three years for a college visit! And I can't wait to go to Orlando next year for Fine Arts again if I make it for my drama, vocal solo, possible string solo based on progress, and human video (but only if I'm forced to do it--- I don't really want to and I want someone else to take my place, but Drew keeps saying "It's ministry, Hope" and it makes me all like, "GAAAAH! What should I do?") and other things.

So, I updated my iPoid for Fine Arts and here's that, plus more of my FAF and school faves!

1. "Home" by Phillip Phillips was played during the Olympics this year. Perfect end of summer song, I know. I wish I had it when I left for Nationals, but Faith bought it while I was gone. It's time to "make this place your home" and enjoy your last few years in elementary/middle/high school/college!
2. "Keep Your Eyes Open" by NEEDTOBREATHE. I love that southern voice this band has. Keep your eyes open, guys. Anything can happen here.
3. "With Everything (Live)" by Hillsong UNITED is great to get you really worshipping on the weekends or to listen to on the way to school for you guys who want to be campus missionaries this year. God can do amazing things in our schools, believe me!
4. "Moving Mountains." Jeff Deyo is a music teacher at North Central University, a school at which I know a few people that are currently attending and one that graduated from NCU's music program and is now a creative arts pastor. This guy is epic, and you can download this song free for only a limited time here.
5. "Steady My Heart" by Kari Jobe is a great... I don't know. It answers a lot of things for me.
6. "We Are" by Kari Jobe can really help if you feel discouraged in this whole campus missionary thing.
7. "Find You On My Knees" by Kari Jobe. Just take a rest from homework and just worship. It will change your attitude on everything. Try it.
8. "Love Came Down" by Kari Jobe--- sorry. I'm just really enjoying this free Kari Jobe album I got from the editor-in-chief of ONCOURSE magazine (Amber Weigand-Buckley) at a workshop in Louisville. It felt like a real college experience. The classroom feel, being in a conference theatre, taking notes, everything.
9. "Begin Again" by Measure. This song has some amazing quotes in it--- no kidding. If you feel bullied or like you just need a second chance, this song will uplift you by a lot. "Begin again. Don't waste your time waiting for someone to tell you when... Morning still comes... Move around your furniture or put it all out on the curb and drive away to something new and watch the skyline sink behind you...  Walking out doors only works if you shut them... Quit looking backwards and know where you have been... Begin again. Don't waste your time, 'cause no one's gonna tell you when."
10. "I am the Doctor" by Murray Gold. It will mkae you feel epic the second you walk in dat building.
11. "Superhuman Touch" by Athlete because, well, you can stop the world with "just a wave of your hand" because you're amazing.
12. School's not back in without "Over My Head" by The Fray. It's just not.
13. "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry. "I wish I knew then what I know now." Totally describes how I feel about last school year.
14. "I'll Make a Man Out of You" by Donny Osmond is perfect if you're tkaing gym class this year. You might also need the Gym Class Heroes to save you.
15. "Anywhere Place" by Katie Costello. It can be hard finding your place in high school... but just know that you will.
16. "Lay Your Head" by Athlete. Maybe this is a sign that you need to go to bed early?
17. "Happily Ever After" by He Is We. This is what I think of seventh-grade couples. "We all wanna know how it ends."
18. "Go to the River" by Yael Naim. Just "go, go, go, go."
19. "Safe" by Britt Nicole. "You keep trying to get inside my head while I keep trying to lose the words you said. Can't you see I'm hanging by thread...?"
20. Who is my vision? "You Are My Vision!" Who doesn't love Rend Collective Experiment's version of this hymn?
21. "World News" by the Local Natives. Perfect for anger management.
22. "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato. Don't let people tear you down, because that's fear of man. We're living for fear of God!
23. "Don't Let it Break Your Heart," guys! However, my heart is breaking about Coldplay not playing in the London closing ceremony.
24. "Birds" by Deas Vail. "We are all birds stuck inside our cage, covered up with praise, and behind our saints we hide our face."
25. "Behind the Scenes" by Francesca Battistelli. "Things aren't always what they seem."
26. "Sixteen" by Deas Vail. Makes me feel so young even though I'm not even sixteen yet!
27. "Summer Forgets Me" by Deas Vail. Face it. Summer's over.
28. Jesus, "let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love!" Gotta love For KING & COUNTRY. This song is totally my prayer.
29. "Cubism Dream' by the Local Natives. Story of my non-existent love life, LoL!
30. Show everyone that you're "Born Again" this year! "Born Again" by The Newsboys is pretty nice.
31. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Relient K. Nuff said.
32. "Build Your Kingdom Here" by Rend Collective Experiment. "Come set our hearts ablaze with hope."
33. "Christ Has Set Me Free," (Rend Collective) so I want everyone to know, you know?
34. "Don't You Know You're Beautiful" by Seabird. I have a friend who will only play this song when she has my iPod in her possession. Not Hans Zimmer, not Paramore, not Deas Vail, not Jason Walker, not Athlete. Just this song.
35. "Echo" by Jason Walker. Hey, you. You ain't alone.

Yeah, this is what I do with my life, guys...

Playing Old Songs Like Memories

Ever listen to a song that you used to obsess over and find yourself obsessed again? That's me. One moment I'm, "Hmm... I used to love this song. Let's see if I still do." Next moment, I'm playing air-violin (I have a real one, but why bring it out if I can't play that song on it?) and screaming out-of-tune "I don't need a wallow fa-a-a-a-a-ace. I just need a pla-a-a-a-a-a-ace. I can call a name my own. My anywhere place. My anywhere place..."

So, wanna hear some memories? And just a note: Womens' Music week is next week! The artists so far: Ellie Swisher, He Is We, Katie Costello, Yael Naim, Deas Vail, Megan and Liz, Kiersten Holine, and more or less. It'll be epic. But for now, it's time for some oldies (well, kinda. When I say old, I mean like, as recent as a month ago, haha. Remember, I'm thirteen).

I think this is on the playlist. This was one of my first Deas Vail songs and it remains one of my favorites.

I used to be obsessed with this song. I've got it learned without chords on piano now, and you can check out my lyrics for it.

"Stranger" was my first Katie Costello song, which ultimately lead to the song I was singing above (you'll find out what it was soon). Check out the lyrics.

I love "Anywhere Place" so long. It inspires me to keep making music every time I hear it.

Yael Naim's voice is just amazing--- most of us starting hearing her after loving her hit "New Soul" from all those Apple commercials. Now we love her for her less popular music. You can see the lyrics for this, too.

Many of us first heard this song on a JCPenney commercial for last year's back-to-school sales. Now, I continue listening for a little pick-me-up.

This song is so haunted. I love Evanescence, but this song is probably my favorite over all the others I've heard.

This song brings me back to my human video days... but since I don't wanna cry (RainyMood.Com and "Why" don't mix), I'm changing songs pronto.

Ever heard a song on YouTube and you're jamming to it... and then suddenly you realize you've owned the song for years? That feeling totally describes this song for me. I didn't realize I'd owned the song for over ten years until my parents were playing it. I was one happy chick--- saved me a dollar!

Remember when I was obsessed with this song last year? It happens to be one of my favorite lyric posts.

When I first became a fan of Relient K, this was my song. I have the lyrics written on my HHYMCA gymnastics shirt.

I still love this song. I love Megan and Liz, just don't think I'll say that in public.

I used to love this song so much--- still do! VersaEmerge is one of my favorite mainstream bands ever! I wanna be like Sierra one day!

Everyone loved this song at one point in their life. It's one of those songs that all you remember is screaming "everything everything will be alright alright!" but you never really looked it up. For me, I've known the song since I was like, three, and it's followed me my whole life.

Who doesn't like this song? It is seriously the only 30 Seconds to Mars song that I know, and I am in love with everything about it (except for the crowd. Good thing this version cuts out all that crap).

"Let mercy come and wash away WHAT I'VE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" This song never gets old. It just doesn't.

This song has been an inspiration for over three years now. Kris Allen was (or is) the worship pastor at a friend's uncle's church, so of course I was happy when he won American Idol. I know he didn't write this song, but it's still very inspiring.

I remember when this song first came out and I was freaking out because I knew it was time for a new album! Then I got an autographed poster. And the CD. And a wristband. And there's an obsession.

I would link to my lyric post, but the lyrics are kindsa right there, so...

This reminds me of the Yellowcard lyric, "My worst pains are words I cannot say."

Who doesn't love this Joe Nichols song?

"There is life in the desert."

This song has suddenly become super popular since it was on the Spider-Man movie. Johnny Cash was supposed to sing it with them (it's an oldie).

Will be my last dance at my wedding.

My favorite FFH song ever.

Remember "Growing Pains"? Love, love, love.

Everything You Need to Listen to This Summer!

It's finally here. So, what should you listen to? You heard about bands that are great to get ready for summer, and now here's an updated list of SONGS you need to hear to get you in the summer-y mood. And don't worry, lyric posts are on the way! During the week of Nationals I'll probably have about five lined up to publish that week. And the week before I have a somewhat-pageant... yes, this girl is running for Greene County Princess! But here are some awesome songs that you might want to put on your iPod, especially if you're due for some new songs. (I know I am!)

Everyone needs motivation for a good workout, especially when jogging in the heat.

The clock-ticking is depressing... it mkaes me think of the music video when the kid is inside of, must I say, a SCHOOL.

The video makes me so excited to go the park and play beach volleyball with some friends...

I'm thinking of Phoenix an dI don't know why... maybe because it randomly pops in my mind and I wanna go back...

Nothing's better than guitar int he summertime. And the song is great "because I know that You love me..."

Again, there's that amzing guitar...

The piano reminds me of a swimming pool. FUN FACT: "Lovers in Japan" was the first song I ever learned on guitar.

The drumming and bass... amazing. Deas Vail wows everyone???

Yes. EVERY. ONE.

Even just Wesley (lead vocals) can wow the world.

Isn't the song sooo happy? Voted #1 best song to listen to during 1st period by... me.

This can also get you in a happy mood *sarcastic*...

Summer: the ultimate party.

Boyce Avenue... really hot.

I love Halocene. Remember when I was all sad because Relient K was in Phoenix the day after my stay for NFAF? Turns out, so was Halocene. Now I'm super depressed--- I could have been a fan way before now!

Summertime... "ain't no sunshine when she's gone, 'cause she's always gone too long any time she goes away."

Halocene again... but this time it's a Yellowcard song. I never say this about any cover, but dang... this is SO much better sounding than the original! Who's ready to hit the beach?

Landon Austin is so freaking hot... sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hot... Combine Chad Sugg and Chris Martin and Mat Kearney and there he is. His beautiful voice, attractive looks, weirdly combed hair, and intense, raw talent. Usually I minimize videos when watching them, but I just have to look at him... it's addictive.

Who wants to play soccer? That sport brings bad memories, but oh well.

I love this girl... Yael is so talented, and this song brings a warm feeling of being around family and friends.

Who's thinking of the 90s when they hear this song? Am I the only one? 90s music is the heart of summe rmusic... I either think this song sounds like it because I was born in the 90s or because the band started in the 90s.

"Ignoble" definitely has a home-y, but very sad feel.

These images show some great summer memories for everyone. The song is "Take My Hand" by The Cab. You can also see some graduation images (0:12, 3:21, 3:29), and if you're a senior, well. CONGRATS!
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Well, have a nice summer. I will be posting WAY more often during the summer months and will be sure to update you on my discoveries of new bands and new songs to keep you happy this summer:)

MY SUMMER PLAYLIST!

It's June! I still have eight days of school left, talking school days. June 13th. I know, I'm dying. So, I've been doing these things for a year now. Just to let you know, I've bene OBSESSING over quite a few songs lately. You had fiar warning.

1. "Echo" by Jason Walker. The song is just absolutely beautiful. The piano is absolutely beautiful, like seriously. I love songs that start out with only one instrument and then the entire band joins in, which is exactly what Jason did here. "I don't wanna be down and I just wanna feel alive and get to see your face again, but 'til then... just my echo. My shadow, you're the only friend that I have... I'm out on the edge and I'm SCREAMING my name like a fool at the top of my lungs. Sometimes when I close my eyes I pretend I'm alright, but it's never enough..."
2. "Cubism Dream" by the Local Natives. I love the guitar, and their voices all perfectly harmonize.
3. "Chances" by Athlete. I first heard it on a Doctor Who episode, specifically "Vincent and the Doctor." Why do you think Vincent van Gogh is my favorite artist? They placed this song at the perfect time at the end of the episode, when the eleventh Doctor decides to show Gogh (he committed suicide at 37) how amazing of an artist he will become. In his day, or at least how DW shows it, he was not recognized for his talent at all. Just a mad man with a canvas. But this song at the end in the background voiceovered with these words: "He transformed the pain of his tormented life into ecstatic beauty.Pain is easy to portray, but to use your passion and pain to portray the ecstasy and joy and magnificence of our world… no one had ever done it before. Perhaps, no one ever will again. To my mind, that strange, wild man who roamed the fields of Provence was not only the world’s greatest artist, but also one of the greatest men who ever lived." Just perfect. Athlete has a new fan!
4. "The Other Half of Me" by Ellie Swisher. The song screams everything I want in my future hubby. "You say life is sweeter 'cause I'm in it. But trust in me, I'm the one that's winning!"
5. "Eyes Wide" by Aristotle (warning: profanity involved in the rap--- I only listen to the chorus) featuring the Local Natives (it's my text alarm--- the "ooh ooh, ooh ooh, ooh ooh, ooh ooh..." part) and "Wide Eyes" by the Local Natives, which is the original version of the song. I like the music video for "Wide Eyes"... it ruins my love for the song every time I see it--- a shark stalks this guy so he kills it, he fights it and kills it during the best part of the song, it's rather graphic actually. Then he puts it in a bodybag. It'd be hilarious if he got caught. And then the next day he is free of his anxiety... and then it ends with an evil koala climbing down a tree with red eyes. "Not again!!!" It makes you wanna yell. I guess that goes along with "Oh some evil spirit, oh some evil this way comes. They told me how they fear it now they're placing it on their tongues. Oh oh, to see it with my... oh oh oh own eyes..."
6. "Starbucks Smile" by Maria K. "I'm so in love with your" song, Maria. This song is "as perfect as a Jolly Rancher seems. I'm more than a girl, I'm your biggest fan." You're a pop artist and you can get me to love you. Takes talent. Sometimes I wonder why I listen to this song, but "you give me a million reasons" why. Am I "in love with your" music? "Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah, baby!"
7. "Abraham's Daughter" by Arcade Fire. The song is rather biblically incorrect (just take a listen and if you're familiar with the story of Abraham almost sacrificing Isaac, you'll get it) but since it's Hunger Games based, I think they only wanted to use it as a metaphor. Besides--- check out that killer percussion! It made walking out of the theater feel pretty darn awesome.
8. "The Ruler and the Killer" by Kid Cudi. I posted this on my gymnastics blog. Check it out here!
9. "It's Not Easy (Superman)" by Five For Fighting. So depressing, and speaking of, I have recently discovered my love for slow and sad songs. The majority of the songs I write are slow and sad. "I'm not crazy... or anything."
10. "Gifts and Curses" by Yellowcard. I love the simple guitar lead at the beginning on the "Mary belongs to the words of a song" part. "(She is the one) but I have a purpose, (she is the one) and I have to fight this... (she is the one) the villain I cannot down... What if I fall then where would I go? Would she know (she is the one), all that I've wanted? (She is the one) and I will be haunted. (She is the one), this gift is my curse for now."
11. "Take the Heartland" by Glen Hansard. It's very violent, but it makes my day. Yeah. Being the happy girl I am, it's amazing that I am obsessed with sad and angry songs. I mean, come on--- who listens to songs that say, "Should I kill you with my sword, yeah or should I kill you with this word?" How about you just don't kill me at all?
12. "One Engine" by The Decemberists. Even better than "Down by the Water." I love the electric guitar. But clearly, this band doesn't understand the meaning of the word "hiatus." Weird. "The line of right, it will barely make you feel... make you feel... barely make you feel..."
13. "American Baby" by the Dave Matthews Band. I mentioned this last time, but sorry, this song is pure genius.
14. I still like "Hellfire", too.
15. And I still like "Mombasa" by Hans Zimmer. The only song that makes me rush through my homework like crazy, yet STILL I get a good grade for it.
16. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" parts 1 and 2. Part 1 is inspiring and about a girl with cancer. Part 2 is just something you'd play to torture the people in your car.
17. "Professor Layton's Theme" from some video game. My friend Evan showed it to me in STEM Foundations class one day because he was disappointed that I had good artists on my iPod (specifically referring to Newsboys and TobyMac) but none of their good songs. Come on... I love "Born Again!" but I like this one. Accordion + percussion + piano = Professor Layton and Professor Layton ONLY.
18. "I'll Make a Man Out of You" by Donny Osmond. I used this song to motivate the only guy on my May Madness team in youth... yup, that's what you get to do when you're the team leader. "Stop sipping like a lady and drink like a man! Chug it! You are on a team full of girls! Don't act like us! Be a man! Mister, I'll make a man out of you!"
19. "I Am (Creation)" by Overture. Sounds a lot like "Time" by Hans Zimmer. It's form the same album as "Alive (Mary Magdalene)" by Natalie Grant, another song I love.
20. I might as well mention "Alive (Mary Magdalene)" now:). I love the guitar. "I am His because He is ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE, yeah! ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!" That girl can hit crazy notes.
21. "This is War" by 30 Seocnds to Mars. If you've heard the song, you probably like it. "OH! To the leader, the pariah, the victor, the messiah! This! Is! Wa-a-ar, YEAH!"
22. "I Can't Make You Love Me" covered by Kiersten Holine. This song has such a powerful message, and I think anyone who has had a crush on someone who didn't like them back or was in a relationship with someone who didn't feel the same way about them can understand this and relate. "I can't make you love me if you don't. You can't make your heart feel something it won't. Here in the dark, in these final hours, I will lay down my heart and I will feel the power but you won't. No you won't."
23. "Ignoble" by Kiersten Holine. "I am sorry time was wasted on a heart you didn't love."
24. "Stay Close" by Fireflight. Fireflight's new song from their new album! Gah! This song gives me the same feeling "For Those Who Wait" does.
25. "Sometimes" by Halocene. It's got a pretty awesome feel to it. Another band I really like.
26. "Safe" by Britt Nicole. It's such a pretty song--- Christian, and it's another one of those starts-with-piano-and-ends-with-a-whole-band-behind songs. I would love to sing it in a lower key for Fine Arts next year. I've liked that girl's music since third grade.
27. "Last Dance" by Halocene. The song plays piano in a lower octave, which I love sooooo much. And then guess what? The whole band comes in!
28. "You Are My Vision" by Rend Collective Experiment. I can't wait to sing this hymn in church. Maybe I can suggest that we do when I join the worship team.
29. "Meeting in Doorways" by Deas Vail. It's happy and sad. Of course, I adore its sad vibe more than the happy vibe.
30. "Asleep at the Wheel" by Wesley Blaylock, a solo project of his aside form Deas Vail. Can't wait to interview him...
31. Lastly, "Who Knows Who Cares" by the Local natives. Makes me feel like I'm in a jazz club. Has a sad vibe, but makes me feel confident.

Yup. Those are the songs I am in love with right now. There's probably more but... oh well.

Musical Tomboys

Here's to the girls who prefer guitar over piano...

Who prefer metal over alternative...

And alternative over pop...

Here's to the girls who sing basslines...

To the girls who can sing lower than most guys...

AND ALL THE GIRLS OUT THERE MAKING MUSIC!

Yesterday, Three Years Ago...

Three years ago, three years ago...

...THIS BLOG BEGAN! And thus, this blog began many other blogs. A gymnastics one, a 4-H one, a school one, a reporting-turned-art one that got deleted in STEM Foundations class, a pro-life one which is the newest one with the smallest amount of publicity. And I am also the newest member of the JAM Adventures blog.

This blog, and more importantly its readers, has done so much for me. The blog because without it, I wouldn't have discovered my love for writing fiction and newly I have discovered my love for poetry and songwriting. If you see my second post and then this one (I will not link to the first because it is really pitiful), there is a pretty big difference that I hope you can see. With the second post, you can pretty much infer that I was in the fifth grade and I was. Didn't know much about blogging, I just knew I wanted to do it. And that helped me improve in grammar, in which I am suffering a B in Language! Yuck! But then again, I did skip the eighth grade and move up to freshman Language in seventh grade and this year I had to go back to eighth. And how do the readers help? Whenever I'm feeling down, just in the perfect time I receive a comment from one of you, and it makes me feel suddenly much happier. I do want more followers, but I kinda like the title I have for myslef, the indie blogger.

So, here are my top 3's!
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Fave band
1. Deas Vail (indie rock/alternative/Christian)
2. Coldplay (alternative/pop)
3. Local Natives (indie rock/folk)

Fave solo artist
1. Taylor Swift (country/pop)
2. Katie Costello (indie pop)
3. Yael Naim (indie folk/pop)

Fave cover artist
1. Megan and Liz
2. Boyce Avenue
3. Cimorelli

Fave music genre
1. Folk
2. Alternative rock
3. Country
(I also like worship and Christian music, but that can fit in all of those categories, really.)

Fave indie rock song
1. "Monday" by The Sea and Cake
2. "Wide Eyes" by the Local Natives
3. "Life in These Little Boats" by Deas Vail

Fave indie folk song
1. "Airplanes" by the Local Natives
2. "Go to the River" by Yael Naim
3. "Come Home" by Yael Naim

Fave indie pop song
1. "Anywhere Place" by Katie Costello
2. "Oh, Imagine That" by Max and Simon
3. "Ships in the Night" by Mat Kearney

Fave alternative song
1. "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
2. "Over My Head" by The Fray
3. "Dare to Believe" by Boyce Avenue

Fave country song
1. "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars (no, they're not racists)
2. "Size Matters" by Joe Nichols
3. "Best Days of Your Life" by Kellie Pickler

Fave mainstream pop song
1. "Liar Liar" by Christina Grimmie
2. "Far Away" by Tyga and Chris Richardson
3. "Old School Love" by Megan and Liz

Fave orchestra song
1. "Mombasa" by Hans Zimmer
2. "Time" by Hans Zimmer
3. "Doctor Who Opening Credits" by BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Ben Foster

Fave metal song
1. "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
2. "Again" by Flyleaf
3. "My Heart is Broken" by Evanescence

Fave instrument
1. Acoustic guitar
2. Electric cello
3. Piano

Role model
1. Laura Blaylock (from Deas Vail)
2. Kendall Jenner (she's a Kardashian, sorry...)
3. Ann Marie Calhoun (a rock violinist who has done a performance at the Inception premiere with Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, and Lili Hadyn)

Hair inspiration
1. Amy Lee (from Evanescence)
2. Lili Hadyn (her hair is super curly)
3. Miley Cyrus (crappy singer, but her song "When I Look at You" is beautiful)

Fashion inspiration
1. Taylor Swift
2. Laura Blaylock
3. Liz Mace (from Megan and Liz)

Fave tele show
1. Doctor Who
2. Switched at Birth
3. The Lying Game, I guess

Fave movie
1. The Help
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Disney/Walden)
3. Inception

Fave book
1. "Beatle Meets Destiny" by Gabrielle Williams
2. "The Harvest of Grace" (reviewed but I don't feel like posting a link) by Cindy Woodsmall
3. "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard

Fave blog
1. Timmerie's Blog
2. Drew's Blog
3. Mid-Morning Sunset

Fave blog of mine
1. This one:)
2. Gymnastics IS Life
3. Eighth Graders Anonymous
And my newest one is my pro-life blog, Life in Technicolor!

My main talents
1. Writing short stories and novels.
2. Music, which would be Vocals/Guitar/String Bass/Piano. I've been singing for two years, playing guitar for nine months, string bass for one year (very small amount of practice though), piano for four years however I am just now working on chords.
3. Collaging. If that's how you spell it. I put magazine papers on EVERYTHING--- I have a composition notebook that has a whole bunch of stuff on the out and inside covers, plus my wall if full of posters, all perfectly aligned with each other, I try to make them perfectly straight, and not one poster is one hundred percent next to the other. Can't wait for freshman art class this year!

My fun facts
1. I am supposedly in the seventh grade
2. I am thirteen years old and 5'9" and the second or third tallest girl in my class
3. I was a cheerleader for three years and the best tumbler on my squad. I'm also a former gymnast. I miss gymnastics soooo much. So now I do human videos and I still get to spot and base stunts.

My aspirations
1. Be a famous journalist and novelist
2. A member of an indie rock or folk band, preferably as the guitarist or lead vocalist
3. Be a pastor's wife!!! I know for sure that's on my list... prayed about it at Ohio Youth Convention 2011!

If you know me, you know...
1. I love Jesus with all my heart and will give up ANYTHING for Him. "I wanna live, but I would die for You." -Fireflight
2. I have gone through a few things in the past, but I have learned to give it all a 'whatever' and move on
3. I write because I want everyone to have the chance to be as happy in life as I am!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Y.B.M.L.a.Y!

Music to Get You Looking Forward to Summertime!

In the summertime, you will have more time to go to concerts. I love concerts... I love how a whole bunch of strangers come together and are suddenly bonded over the one thing they have in common: the love of music. Or, more, specifically, that band for whatever the reason. So, here are some artists I want to see live in summer 2012!

Which is better? The non-official (they have an official video, but this one is better and a normal YouTube user made it) video for the studio version of "Airplanes" by the Local Natives or...

...the acoustic version WITH a mandolin!?

Well, though the video BennisHahn made is pretty darn cool, the live version makes me wanna meet the Local Natives soooo badly. I mean, an interview is sooo likely--- there are only like, twenty people at that concert! Which is weird... they are a really popular band... then again, they're indie artists. That's why I love them. Hey, you--- you never gave me that album... which is kinda illegal... but oh well. I still want it. And I will hunt you down until I get it. Remember, we have every class together. And if I don't have that album by Tuesday... then again, I have every class with you that day, too. I will do anything to get that CD.

Yeah. I love my Local Natives. And I am in the process of recording a cover of it. It will be on YouTube soon, and I have been working sooo hard on it. It also happens to be the funnest song ever to play and helps with math! Just look:

Inverse variations in math and inversions on guitar mean: In math, the X and Y axises are doing the opposite things--- as one decreases, the other increases. On guitar, (just an example, there are waaaay cooler inversions out there) the lead E string and bass E are playing the same notes, but one is higher, one is lower. Now, you know one fun way to play guitar AND a little something to help with eighth grade math! Now THAT'S how to succeed in math without really trying!

In the GIF post "Story of my Life" I posted many GIFs from the video "Here I Go" by megan and Liz. I kinda wanna see these twins live... but they're with Allstar Weekend... no interview, no go.

Oh my gosh I LOOOOOVVVVEEEEEE Deas Vail, and a concert would make me feel complete. Like, seriously. I have everything a Deas Vail fan needs. An entire album, a wristband, a poster, autographs (legit), their Christmas music (yes, I listen to it year-round... don't judge me!), singing their song in band at State and going to Phoenix for Nationals, I put a Deas Vail wallpaper on a school computer thinking the netbook was Deep-Frozen... turns out it isn't so now it's stuck there, I learned "Shoreline" on piano, "Desire" on bass, and the lead to "Excuses" on guitar (not saying I remember it because I don't). All I need now: concert, T-shirt, interview. And my soul shall be complete. I mean...

If I snag an interview, I will cry like a baby!!!!!!!!! I will probably be the first fan to do so (both to interview and to cry) since Deas Vail is also an indie band. But if I get an interview with even just ONE of them, I will be like, praisin' Jesus (seriously)! I need that interview. But I can't meet Deas Vail without wearing one of their shirts... That's like, illegal or something! So yeah... I'm stalkin' you guys, be very afraid...

God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!!!

It's Christmas day! Yay! I am having a great Christmas! It's so much better than last Christmas. It still feels like a normal day because snow just doesn't wanna fall on the Miami Valley this year, does it? We haven't had a white Christmas since that ginormous storm back in like, '04 or something. So I don't even dream of white Christmases anymore, because I know that in Dayton, Ohio; they just don't happen.

I got an iTunes card as my favorite gift this year. (and a new computer for the whole family--- you know what that means? No more Microsoft Word 2001 {or something like that}--- We're updating!!!) I downloaded eighteen songs and still have $5.47 left... hmm what should I buy? I know I have to keep at least one dollar so I can buy my "Behind the Scenes" (Francesca Battistelli) performance track for Fine Arts.

So, the first thing I did was buy "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay. This song is just so true. Like:

"When you're still waiting for the snow to fall, it doesn't really feel like Christmas at all."

In Dayton, it never feels like Christmas!!!!! Which is weird, I mean, HELLO, I live in a pretty cold climate. But oh well. Welcome to Ohio...

But this song also means, may it sound like pun was intended, hope. "Christmas night, another fight. Tears, we cried a flood." Sounds like a pretty sad Christmas Eve... no one would feel like celebrating Christmas. But...

"Those. Christ. Mas. Lights, light up the street, down where the sea and city meet. May all your troubles soon be gone. Oh Christmas lights, keep shining on!"

Even if you're having a bad Christmas, guess what??? Think about it like this: You're celebrating Christ's birth--- there's no reason to not be happy! Jesus is alive (still)! He was born so we could have new life! So that when he died on the cross that fateful Friday (and people wonder why I love Fridays... hmm...), we could be separated from sin and set apart to serve God. So you can choose to be an atheist or whatever if you want, you were born with free will. But, remember what this day really is. And ask yourself:

Why do YOU celebrate Christmas???

Is it for getting gifts? Do you like giving the gifts? Are you like me, someone who likes to try something new every year? (Making homemade cards for everyone in my half of the grade---that's twenty-seven kids---was intense this year. Super difficult.) Well, here's MY question for YOU:

If you don't believe in God, why do you celebrate Christmas? Because that doesn't make sense to me, just being honest. I wouldn't celebrate a holiday for someone I don't believe in. Maybe you're a kid and your parents believe in God so you celebrate it anyway, and I understand. But I don't see how someone can celebrate a holiday for someone they don't believe in. Christmas has become a holiday for just giving and receiving. But remember what the ultimate gift is, who gave their life for you...

"I think you've forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter."

-Lucy, Disney/Walden's "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"

Don't forget who Christmas is really about, alright? Merry Christmas, y'all. PEACE!!

Best Indie Song of 2011

Hello! You know I like indie music because I'm always blogging about Deas Vail, Katie Costello, and Yael Naim. Well, you should know at the very least.

So here are your options for voting!

AND DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! We have had a huge decrease in voting this year.

"The Right Mistakes" by Deas Vail is probably my favorite song off the album. It was my favorite from the start.... no, "Desire" was. But this one is like, classic. And you know that OHMIGAHITSJAMES guy that posts like, a whole bunch of Deas Vail videos? Yeah, he went to Phoenix this year! For Fine Arts, just like I did!

"Stranger" by Katie Costello is so ghostly... so creepy... but amazing! Katie has a way with words that really creep me out. Her voice is beautiful and yet still so creepy. They chose the perfect episode of "Switched at Birth" to play this song that got her more publicity! "Anywhere Place" was also featured on the show. If you like Regina Spektor, you're really gonna like Katie Costello.

"Go to the River" by Yael Naim... ah, this girl is slowly moving away from the title "indie"... Her song "New Soul" has been blasted on several Apple commercials. Her song "Come Home" was also on "Switched at Birth". This one is my favorite of hers. Now I really wanna dance toward a river... however, Mad River is not nearly half as peaceful...

"Cemetries of London" by Coldplay--- best Coldplay song ever, yet I'm stuck with only Mylo Xyloto on my iPod... should have bought Viva La Vida, I know (I have "Viva La Vida" the song, but not the album).

The first thing you might say is: "Coldplay--- there is NO WAY they are an indie band!!!" And you're right. They are one hundred percent mainstream, no doubt about it. But this song is probably one of their least popular. Besides... I love this song.

It's so creepy. Yesterday I watched this thing on the History Channel about, guess what? London! I've always wanted to go there, but now I'm not so sure. Let's just say this: The song "Cemeteries of London" is awesome. But watching a show about the REAL cemeteries of London? Uh, creepy.

London's history is dark. And this song goes along with it all too closely. Like:
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"In the night they would go walking 'till the breaking of the day..."
History Channel:
Body snatchers would steal bodies from their graves in the nighttime.

"Through the dark streets they go searching..."
History Channel:
Ever heard of Sweeney Todd??? He's fictional, but still.

"So we go down to the river where the toiling ghosts spring..."
History Channel:
The sewers of London sent all their deadly waste down to the river. It protected London from a Cholera outbreak! Yay, London!

"We go underneath the arches..."
History Channel:
All the murderers hid in the underworld... like the sewers.
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But my favorite line is:

"God is in the houses, and God is in my head, and all the cemeteries of London. I see God come in my garden but I don't know what He'd say, For my heart, it wasn't open. Not open. Singing la la la la la la eh..."

REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!!!