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.

Womens' Music: Megan and Liz

Name meaning: Their names are Megan McKinley and Elizabeth Morgan. Megan's name goes first for the way it sounds/looks and because she is one minute older than Liz.

I first discovered Megan and Liz in the summer of 2011. I saw them in my subscription suggestions and figured I'd just subscribe to their YouTube. I didn't listen to any of their stuff until like, October. Then I heard their cover of "Stereo Hearts" by the Gym Class Heroes (which was a nominee for "Best Cover of 2011" in the Blogspot Awards!) and was like, "These twins are awesome."

Genre: Pop

Though these girls are twins, they make me wish we were triplets!

Don't you love Megan's hair? She's the one playing guitar. I've tried that hairstyle so many times... it's not even funny.

This song reminds me of the feeling I get when I have to unpack. I'm thinking all these memories. "Here I go, randomly thinking about you."

This song is cute. Not my favorite, but still. It's got a good point. People used to think of love so differently. Nowadays it's all about um... must I have to say it... sex and rushing things and hardly anyone stays married anymore. People treat marriage like getting a boyfriend/girlfriend and divorce like a breakup. It's not even sacred anymore. But, their point is a little more fluffy than that, I'm just overanalyzing again.

This is probably one of the most beautiful songs and videos I've ever seen. Megan and Liz's writing is usually not that deep, but this song is just plain beautiful.

This song describes my relationship with Andrew Garfield.

I love Boyce Avenue so much, and Megan and Liz sound like angels here.

Liz's harmony and Megan's rapping <3

Perfect song to listen to when you're freaking stressed.

I've never been through a breakup, but these lyrics are amazing. I kinda miss their old songs...

Now, THIS one, I can relate to.

The video is so peaceful. Looks like they're in... Colorado? It looks a lot like the Local Natives video for "Who Knows Who Cares." For fans of: Maddi Jane, Katy Perry, He Is We, Tiffany Alvord, Hot Chelle Rae, Ellie Swisher.

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:)

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!

VOTE FOR MEGAN AND LIZ!!!!!!

iHeartRadio is having a Rising Star competition. This means?

Whoever wins gets to open at the Macy's 2012 iHeartradio music festival. All the biggest stars in music will be there... it will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and dude... 30,000 people in the audience! That makes Fine Arts, talent shows, and occassionally singing in church sound super small! The most people I've performed in front of I'd say would have to be... 250 people, because when I did Christian Band last year and we made Nationals, we performed in front of the entire adult congregation on a Sunday morning, and that's a lot of people. But... compared to this, that might as well be 25 people.

The most people Megan and Liz have performed in front of? 2,000. And THAT doesn't even compare to this opportunity.

These girls are amazingly talented. They may be pop artists, but I still love them despite my negative feelings toward that genre of music. I mean, they sound great recorded

and live

 and everything in between!

These girls truly deserve this. Like, seriously. They moved all the way from Michigan to continue their music career in Nashville, Tennessee. Either way, they live near the state I currently live in.

ABOUT MEGAN
Full name Megan McKinley Mace. She's the oldest twin by one minute, and the brunette of the duo. She has been playing guitar for over five years. Is a pescatarian.

ABOUT LIZ
Full name Elizabeth Morgan Mace. She's the youngest twin by one minute, and the blonde of the duo. She is beginning to play the piano. Is a vegetarian.

ABOUT MEGAN AND LIZ
They were born in South Bend, Indiana and raised in Edwardsburg, Michigan. They graduated from Edwardsburg High School, at which they were also cheerleaders. Both girls have Tumblr blogs and love singing and songwriting and have published 22 original songs.

PLEASE vote for these girls! They are in the lead currently, but they still need your vote. You cna vote for them up to 25 times today and then 25 times tomorrow and 25 more times everyday until the contest ends on May 13th.

Finally, a contest that doesn't require a Facebook account. All you need is an e-mail account. Like, seriously, that's it. Just click this link:

http://macys.iheart.com/macys/

And then go down until you see them and click VOTE. You can even listen to "Are You Happy Now." Come on, let's help two (rival) bloggers out!

P.S. 30,000 people at a concert? That's A LOT of people! And guess how many pageviews this blog has? 20,000! The readers of this blog can fill up two-thirds of that stadium! Thanks for reading!

"Safe and Sound" Covers

I love Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars' "Safe and Sound" from The Hunger Games: From District 12 and Beyond soundtrack. The entire soundtrakc is amazing... there's "Safe and Sound," "One Engine" by The Decemberists, and "Abraham's Daughter" by Arcade Fire, and more.

Many people have covered this song, so here are all of the covers I've seen, and I don't necessarily like ALL of them, but I like most.
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I love Christina, but... STOP TALKING FOR SO LONG AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR VIDEOS! On this video she cut back on the talking, thanks. It would have been a great collaboration, though, just a suggestion.

Megan Nicole and Tiffany Alvord... two girls I almost NEVER have blogged about. Their cover was the first one I heard. I like it, I just don't like THEM very much, and I don't know why. Tiffany because she collabs with EVERYBODY on YouTube and it scares me. Megan because she doesn't look very confident when she sings and rarely smiles.

This is one of my absolute favorite covers of this song. For once, someone did the "ooh ooh ooh ooh" parts perfectly! Luke Conard's collab was AMAZING on that, too. I just found out about the girl, Ellie, today. She sent me a message on YouTube telling me to look at her "A Thousand Years" cover. I'm VERY picky about that song, and she nailed it. I am SUPER picky about this song especially, but she and Landon aced it. I love how Landon took his voice down a full key but Ellie sang in the original key. i know a lot of singers who WOULDN'T like that, but I do. I love Ellie, but her stage presence is almost as bad as mine, if that's possible. Ellie, this will sound awkward, but you're beautiful (your voice=amazing!) so SMILE, girl!

Megan and Liz. Gosh, you know I LOOOOOOOVVVVEEEEE these twins, but let me be honest, here--- like I said, I am VERY picky about covers, this song especially. And if the bridge or ending aren't (both "ooh"ing) the way they originally were (I don't care if you improvise, but PLEASE keep that part the same), I probably won't like the cover. So Here it is. I kinda hated their cover. And also, the chord at 2:57 to 3:00... I don't think ANY of the covers did that right. You'd have to check the original for that. But in the original, it has this... it's hard to describe a chord.... I don't know... this feeling that shows that the song is leading up to the bridge. And all the covers just did that chorus like normal. And I REALLY liked that part in the original.

Luke Conard... I love him. Faith introduced me to Joey from WinterSpringPro, and WSP did a Hunger Games parody that I blogged awhile ago. Then that introduced me to Luke. Then Luke posted this video. They did the bridge right. I think they met all my expectations... and better!
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It all comes down to this...

Which was your favorite?

For once, I can tell you what mine are.

FIRST PLACE: Luke Conard!!!!! And no.... it's not just because you're SUPER cute. I also hear you're like, thirty, though. I pray that's not true. But I also looked you up on one of those Yellow Pages sites or something and guess what? I heard you have an average income... which I find hard to believe BUT! That means! I have a chance of meeting you. I just gotta move to Iowa.
SECOND PLACE: Landon Austin (with Ellie!). You guys like, almost MATCHED th eoriginal an dI really apreciate it.
THIRD PLACE: Megan Nicole and Tiffany Alvord. They sound great!

BYE!!!

-H

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...

My Winter Playlist

Ah, the goodness music does for mankind. So, I made a seasonal series of what I am listening to right now. So, here is what I'm listening to right now! (In no particular order.)

1. "Old School Love" by Megan and Liz. "Does anybody miss that" old school love? I think so! The music video is really weird and the dancing is really awkward... But I love 1:15 through to 1:41. I've always wanted to hold a guy hostage... as bad as that may have sounded, it was completely innocent, trust me. And the guy on the left is named TJ. I have seen another video he's in (and he talks!) and it will be on Eighth Graders Anonymous very soon. Twinning??? Yes. Megan and Liz are fraternal twin sisters. They look sreepily similar here, especially at that part I just pointed out when they're doing all the same motions... so creepy... so awesome!
2. "Airplanes" by the Local Natives. I love the piano, the bass, the percussion, the really weird lyrics, everything. And the violin, to Pluto and back. I love how it says "I keep those chopsticks you had from when you taught abroad, taught abroad in Japan." I love the song in general. I first heard the song at school. I love my school. I love the Skull Candy headphones I first heard this song with. I love the iPod it was on (Because it has "Move Along" by the All-American Rejects and a song by Peter Bjorn and John on it). I love YouTube. I love the person that posted the unofficial video on YouTube (@BennisHahn). "I love it all... so much I call,  want you back, back, back... You back..."
3. "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars. The song was made for The Hunger Games, and I am more than excited! I never quite finished that series... LoL, didn't have the time to. But the song is just b-e-a-utiful... Even Faith likes, and that is a big deal coming from the Anti-TaylorSwift.
4. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" parts 1 and 2, by The Flaming Lips. Hate the band name, love the song. Part 1 is very inspiring, about a girl named Yoshimi who battled cancer and... well, she died. Part 2 is the battle... intense. And Yoshimi has a screaming part in it!
5. "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn and John. Self-explanatory why I love it.
6. "We Found Love" cover by Boyce Avenue. Love them. I hated the song before they covered it. Like, seriously. Cold hate. But Boyce Avenue changed all that. And, in honor of the brothers, my guitar is named Daniel Fabian Alejandro.
7. "Take My Hand" by The Cab. Totally reminds me of middle school drama. So, my advice? "Don't worry, just breathe... Say they wanna change, I hope that you remain the same to show that this is not a game, let's end this tragedy today. Now take my hand and we will run away down to this place that I know... We won't, be apart of, we won't, be apart of this..."
8. "Go to the River" by Yael Naim. Who doesn't love her???
9. "Time" by Hans Zimmer:) for obvious reasons.
10. "Again" by Flyleaf. Everybody hates Flyleaf and everybody loves them. I don't know how I feel. But I know for sure I love this song.
11. "Your Love Never Fails" by Jesus Culture. When I first heard this song, I was in church with the adults an dwas like... "It's not that good a song..." Then I heard the original and was like, "Oh! The adult worship team didn't do this song justice at all..." and I have permission to say that about them because my dad is the worship team's main bassist!
12. "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. I just love Amy Lee's voice so much...
13. "The Redeemer" by Sanctus Real. I can't get away from this beautiful band...
14. "Battle At Aslan's How" by Harry Gregson-Williams, who composed lots of my gymnastics music way back in the day. He's 2012's Beethoven, Hans Zimmer is our Mozart.
15. "Liar Liar" by Christina Grimmie. Christina... "Tell me why these roads keep leading... leading you right back..."
16. "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne. An old classic I've always loved... and now I can play it on guitar!
17. "Hey Mama" by Mat Kearney. Catchiest song I've ever heard. This is a pop-ish song, but I am making an exception--- Mat, you're amazing!
18. "Sing You Home" by Xenia. I saw the video in a Justin Bieber playlist and was like, "Xenia? Hey, that's a city in my state!" Then I realized the girl's name is Xenia. Yeah, she was a contestant on The Voice last year. I only watched some of it because Adam Levine was on it.
19. "Ships in the Night" by Mat Kearney. Okay, this is definitely pop, no exceptions. But i don't care... this is what pop music was MEANT to be.
20. And, of course, every. Deas. Vail. song. there. is.

That's my music life this season!!

HEROES Week~ Are You Happy Now?

"Are You Happy Now?" by Megan and Liz is about bullies, obviously. But , it is also about bullies who were once bullied themselves and eventually turn into bullies. Basically feeding off of others' pain like a monster, but still not really benefiting from it, and the cycle restarts. Well, the cycle ends now.

To see lyrics to "Are You Happy Now", you can visit Eight Graders Anonymous or you can click a direct link to Eighth Graders Anonymous' lyric post of "Are You Happy Now."

I don't have any personal experiences that relate to this song... oh wait... Yeah, I do!!!

I have a friend who is extremely creative. She's like, my fashion inspiration. Always comes to church with a different color in her hair, more duct tape accessories, more pin-button things, new merchandise from her favorite bands (although we don't like the same music by any means, she likes Black Veil Brides and I don't, that being said I have no idea how we even get along as well as we do), and everything awesome... and a lot of pink! You wouldn't think anything would be wrong. You would probably think she was emo when you first met her, but she wears too many colors for that and has a bright personality. She's like... Christina Grimmie... a Christina Grimmie that listens to metal, that is. But you would think she's the happiest girl alive. Turns out she's not. I'm not saying her name because of what I am about to say. Self-abuse, serious depression... you name it.

Even I am a good example. I am smile-y, and I can't stop laughing, like, seriously. But on the inside I am just like anyone else. That's why so many people ask for my advice--- I listen because in a lot of cases, I've been there. And I don't know why people choose me, but I guess there's something special. You would think I'm the happiest girl alive, but I'm not. Those that saw me today saw I was dressed in all black because I was in a terrible, terrible mood. A lot of things happened over the weekend and I just wanted to be alone and cry for a minute. But, things eventually got better. Didn't get to cry... but eventually, I didn't even feel like I had to.

Here's another experience:
I have a stalker. Yes, a stalker. He's a seventh-grader at my school. And he's freaking me out. At first I thought he was just awkward, but no. I think he likes me (yes, I just now am figuring out he likes me because no guys have crushes on me). It's so unfair. There's the snobby girls that get the guys I really like love, and then there's girls like me who get the geeks. I used to think, "Oh, so I'm not pretty enough to get the hot guys?" But I don't... it doesn't matter as much anymore. Not really. So imagine how the geek feels? He probably feels like the science geek in "Are You Happy Now" verse 2.

"Fifteen years down the road, he could be EVERYTHING and you won't..."

Yeah, I don't think about that. I'm thinking that he's stalking me. He could grow up to be a serial killer, guys. I'm not thinking about him being the next Steve Jobbs. I'm thinking about... me. I do keep in mind his feelings. Like when he hugs me from behind I don't say anything, however my friend Fluffy (we call her Fluffy because she speaks no fluff--- she tells it like it is) screamed, "GET AWAY FROM HER!!!!!" Ha, that's what friends are for. But I just can't tell the kid to back off... what if he DOES become the next Steve Jobbs?

In this case, just like Joe Nichols' song "Size Matters," safety matters. If you don't feel safe, it doesn't matter how the person feels, honestly. Politely tell them to go away.

But also in this case... BE PATIENT. And also, if you're being bullied, you gotta learn to stand up for yourself. Sadly, not everyone is strong enough to speak up, so you have to do it yourself. Just like when being stalked. It's serious. Don't be afraid to say something. Because one thing leads to another...

And trust me, you won't be happy when the worst happens. You fill in the blank _________________.

Are you happy now???