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) 

The Air Inside Our Lungs

Ever since eighth grade, I have been obsessing over the electronic pop group, Measure. They are a beat-driven band based in Brooklyn, NY. You may know their song, "Begin Again," which can be heard on Pretty Little Liars. Otherwise, though, without the help of television, they remain in the dark.

Their first full-length album, The Air Inside Our Lungs, came out nearly three years ago, yet I feel like I haven't properly fangirled about it yet. I was able to purchase the album via Bandcamp, along with a grey shirt that I wear every once in a while. Yeah, it was a pretty darn good deal, and you'll want to buy all of the merchandise, too, once you hear some of the songs.

I was going to make this post about the whole album, but I think I'll just write about the songs that have (this seems like something I'd say during a book discussion) impacted my views on life, or made me think deeply. I mean, all of Measure's music is pretty deep (let's be honest, y'all), but these are the ones that take the cake. And it takes a lot to take the cake. I like cake, after all. And that had nothing to do with anything.

Track 2. "Point of You"

Pull us apart
What are you made of now?
...
So what is your point of view?
What is the point of you?
What is your point of view?
What is your point?

I can't get over Laura DiStasi's keys on the chorus of the song. I'd use specific numbers, but that'd require actually watching the video, and my sister may or may not be watching American Horror Story right across the room from me. The point is, it just sounds really beautiful, along with the what-sounds-like-a tambourine that comes in right after the first "point of view."

This song has always provoked thought for me since I first heard it when I was thirteen (whoa... I can actually watch PG-13 movies without being a rebel...), especially that line: "Pull us apart. What are you made of now?" I feel like the whole point of this song (no pun intended) is, what is your purpose? What makes you who you are? What do you stand for? What is your point?

Track 4. "Other Plans"

I couldn't find a video for this, so I'll just go on and skip to writing the key lyrics (all the more reason to buy the album).

I found out,
But not from you.
I found out,
And so it's true.
But you play it so cool,
She's just someone you met,
Well, go on pal, put it out there
You know I'm just someone you'll learn to forget.
And love turns into friends
Who always make other plans
And leave me by myself
While you hang out with someone else.
...
So where are all my friends?
And when were they all making plans
To leave me by myself 
While everyone's with someone else?
So, how'd it come to this?
Disposing of the evidence
And sitting by myself
You gave your heart to someone else.

This song is the perfect example of being lonely. It's kind of like Facebook, when you see everyone's doing something with someone else, and you're just like, "Oh. Well. Was everyone in on some kind of joke to leave me by myself while they're all having a good time? When were they planning this?" It also brings in romantic love, with the line, "Disposing of the evidence." I think of it as her trying to get rid of the love she felt for whoever this is written about, while he gave his heart to someone else.

 I love how this song is just utterly confusing. The song not only focuses on Laura feeling left out because everyone has someone, but it's about being in love with someone who didn't care much at all. She sounds angry, apathetic, and sad all at the same time. Like, goodness, Laura. Goodness.

Track 5. "I Want to Know You"

How 'bout roll down both of the windows,
So I can see you
While you sing at the top of your lungs,
Thinking no one
Can hear nothing at all
Uh-oh, I want to know you
Always come and go, uh-oh
And I just see you
That when you go
Uh-uh-oh, I wanna know
Uh-uh-oh, Where you go
Uh-uh-oh, oh, oh
...
Yeah, you gotta know, uh-oh
And I'm gonna tell you
That when you go
Uh-uh-oh, I wanna know
Uh-uh-oh, where you go
Uh-uh-oh, yeah come on, come on, you know
And there you go, uh-uh-oh, oh, oh.

Is this not the happiest song Measure has released? If "Begin Again" and "The End of Everything" didn't reach so deep down into my soul (with lyrics like, "You're no calendar, you're no concrete plan" and "The world keeps turning at the end of everything," it's hard to not be moved), this one might, MIGHT, be my favorite.

I can't even tack a meaning onto this one, because it can be taken in so many ways. But first, can we talk about the music?

Just so you know, this song is best experienced with sound-cancelling headphones.

1:42 is the part I wait for every time the song comes on on my iPod. Even if I'm not in the mood for it, I always tell myself to hold on until then, because I know it will lift my spirits every time. The entire song up to this point is just one long build-up until finally, exploding at this point. But is it my favorite part? I wish I could say that. And it's not that there are any flaws, it's just... well, it gets better.

1:59. That guitar. THAT guitar. Man. It goes perfectly with Laura's vocals. I wish I could say that's the best part, but once again, it's not. Surprisingly, it STILL gets better.

And then at 2:33-2:50, Woody Quinn just TURNS UP on that guitar again. Like many before me have said, usually, he and Tommy Harron (bass) fill out the sound, and for most of the song they're in the background, with few yet memorable moments (like the famous guitar in the final chorus of "Begin Again"). However, this is that beautiful place where all of the instruments can be heard. Especially the guitar. I can't really tell you why I like it; it's like trying to describe a color you've never seen.

Now. The lyrics. The amount of fangirl is strong with this one. I just really love how it sounds like being in love. What doe being in love sound like? I don't know, never have been. But, unless I'm wrong, this just sounds like being in love. It has the sound. Like, I just want to meet my soul mate one day, and then this song will play as I am completely smitten, just dreaming of seeing him again. Oh, wait. Now I know why I got Aurora as my result for which Disney princess I am.

Now, a fellow Measure fan reviewed this same album here, saying that the lyrics are "gasp, happy. Ish. And vaguely stalkerish." Yeah. It might sound a little stalker-like, but I really like it. I just think of it as being so in love with someone and you just want to be around them even when they're doing little things ("While you sing at the top of your lungs..."), and you just want to... know them. You don't want to do much, you just want to know everything about them, and you want to tell them. Now, I am that one creepy friend in my group, so maybe my interpretation is kind of stalker-ish, but I don't care.

Track 7. "Make You Love Me" cover

When I've used up the best you
And I'm breaking myself against the next you
I will think of
Your sweet and true love.
Just another inner monologue I've gotta ignore
Still a little too easy, too insecure, but
All I wanna do is make you love me.

This song, though a cover, is brilliant. What I love about Measure is that it doesn't matter whether they wrote it or not (although, I'm pretty sure this is the only song published that they didn't write). It doesn't matter who the lead singer is. Everyone has a large role in making me love their music. They've succeeded in... (*winks*) making me love them.

Can we talk about the percussion? It's perfect throughout the whole song, thanks to Casey Tuck. And that combined with the guitar... mmmmmmm.

But. 2:05. I don't know what instrument that is (I want to say it's a guitar but I don't think so), but... man. That lead.

I also wanted to embed "Fireworks 2.0," but it wasn't uploaded to YouTube or something.

Nevertheless, if you want to discover an indie band this year, Measure is the band to look for.

I Was Here

"I want to say I lived each day until I die...
And know that I meant something in somebody's life.
The lives I have touched will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference and everyone will see
I was here."

Goals Before School Starts

School is in two weeks. I need to finish up summer reading, summer music, summer workouts, and summer reinventions. So, here are my goals for the end of summer:

READING

"Just Listen" by Sarah Dessen. Some person requested it, so now I can't renew it, and it's got to be done before Louisville. And it's the biggest book I'm reading right now. Plus 13 others.

"Seventeenth Summer" by Maureen Daly. I knew this book was old when I realized the author was dead (AND born in 1921). And someone requested it, so this has to be done before Louisville as well, and oh yeah, I haven't even STARTED this one.

MUSIC

I'm currently doing two piano books before I start lessons in the fall. One is "Piano for Dummies." It's like, having a teacher in a book. Then, I have an old book from when my mom started lessons a really long time ago (she doesn't play anymore) which I just use because it has quizzes. Very useful to help prepare for the school year and make sure I don't forget what I've learned.

For violin I'm using the book "Play Violin Today! Level One" and I will use this series until I can find a teacher. It's helping me learn my notes. And, the scales are finally starting to sound like real songs! I also use "Tipbook for Violin and Viola" for info on the violin and keeping it in good shape.

FITNESS

So, I figured since I'm out of gymnastics, when I'm seventeen I'll try to get back in and move from Level 1 (I was higher than that, I was in the competition levels) and try to get higher than I was so I can stop sitting around saying, "Oh, I wish I was still a gymnast." So, in order to still be fit by then, I really need to get into some flexibility, conditioning, and of course, TUMBLING!


My split leaps have always... uh... sucked. LUCKILY! I have a mini-trampoline that I prop up to be a springboard that helps me open my legs more. Once I master that, I'll just do it on the trampoline. Then, after that, to the floor.

I have been studying this GIF all week to find out how Sam Peszek is doing this. Every time I think I have a clue, I find out she's doing something else. To get this skill (simply so I can brag about it), I need to perfect a cartwheel aerial, perfect my round-off that I used to have perfectly, and do push-ups like, every day.

I am just gonna do back walkovers off the couch. I give up on the floor.

I am soooooo gonna get into yoga and stretching.

I can still do this! But I can't hold it, so I need to work on my balance and stretch out that leg so I can go higher.

REINVENTIONS

So, if you don't like something about yourself and you can change it, change it. So here's what I'm doing:

Handstands to make my arms bigger.
"Supermans" to tone my abs.
Wax eyebrows.
Use hair removal cream instead of a razor (I get really bad razor burn).
Take speech and debate to get out of my shell.
Read more blogs and novels and poetry and song lyrics to inspire me.
I'm currently homeschooling myself for the summer in Science, Algebra I, and just finished Chinese (the book was "Bitter Melon" by Cara Chow--- one of my favorites now).

Those are my goals for the end of summer! Think I can do it?

"Take all of your chances while you can. You'll never know when they'll pass you by."
-Athlete (my favorite British band!)

What You'll Need For National Fine Arts

Hey y'all! I've missed blogging on here, and I want to say I was too busy to blog, but if you've seen my Tumblr, you know that's not true. Now you know why I used to be so against Tumblr? It's addictive, and it's ruining everything--- my novel-writing, my songwriting, my blogging, my piano, my violin, my summer reading, my arts and crafts, my math (I'm kinda homeschooling myself right now to prepare myself for freshman year), my science, my SAT prep, my Olympic watching, my vocal solo--- everything. Why? Because I'm on freaking Tumblr all day!

I've had all kinds of post ideas, but... Tumblr is ruining everything. There's also an entire playlist of DIY things on my YouTube, so while I'm gone, I might schedule them to publish. But as of now...

National Fine Arts Festival is like, the Comic Con of the Assemblies of God (which, I've never been to Comic Con... and this year I really wanted to go)--- everybody goes. It's more than just competing for scholarships, bragging rights, callbacks, and eternal spots on the Top Ten board on the website. It brings us, the youth of the AG churches all over the nation, together as one big happy family. If you could just see us in the hallways.

Only at Fine Arts can you start to play Ninja with four kids from your church and end up playing with forty other kids that you don't even know. Only at Fine Arts can the entire city be full of Christian teenagers and pastors. Only at Fine Arts can you sing about God and no one look at you weirdly. It's just Fine Arts, and what makes it awesome.

Well, this year, we're hitting Louisville, Kentucky. In less than a week. Be prepared for a lot of T-shirts, nights on the town, and callbacks (if you've been practicing hard enough). And... it's taking forever to type this. Yes, I'm on Tumblr.

So, here's what you'll need to have on you:

A suitcase (not included in the picture, due to not being able to get a suitcase out of the closet without making a mess), a bag to carry to and from the convention center (the gym bag), an over-the-shoulder purse for the ladies, and a folder.

In your suitcase:

You might want to take your hairbrush to the convention center in your convention bag, but start out with putting this stuff in a suitcase. A lot of this you may want in your beach bag for when you swim. The olive oil is great for getting out chlorine, so in case you can't take a shower right away, it softens the chemical's effect on your hair. And make sure you comb when your hair is wet, using the wide teeth first, blow drying a little, small teeth, blow drying a little, Perfect Results oil-stuff, blow drying, paddle brush, air dry, bristle brush. And the sheen hairspray is great for heat styling protection once your hair has dried.

You gots to keep dat mouth CLEAN! This is especially important for you singers out there--- I've found that mint and a clean mouth helps my voice be more articulate and have better tone quality. Plus, who doesn't like fresh breath? You're gonna be sitting in a car or plane (maybe trian) with people all up on you, and you don't want to smell like last night's omelet. Trust me--- After Phoenix 2011, on my plane a kid had garlic breath, and it was miserable (we had to get up at three, so I didn't brush my teeth either). If time allows, throw in that extra step to eliminate odor.

Guys, you're bound to swim, and unless you're there for General Council, Kids Council, or National Youth Convention, you're bound to compete. And when I say guys, that means BOTH GENDERS. So, don't you wanna look cute, ladies? And guys, don't you wanna look put together for the band performance? What I love about straightening irons is you can curl, crimp, or straighten whereas with curling irons you can only curl. And they help you look like you never even wet your hair. And this iron specifically is great because it gets hot quick (like, two minutes kind of quick) and it doesn't get too hot. So all hair types can use it--- really. Remember, as white as I sound I am a black girl, and my hair is coarse and thick. And this works great on me. So: Get a cool-temperatured straightening iron.

Earrings are glamourous. If you're like me, your ear holes are beginning to close up because you never wear them! So, NFAF is a great opportunity to get back into it! With a lot of nights in the city, don't ya wanna look like you belong there and not like a fanny-pack tourist? That's what I thought.

These are shirts that show the city I'm from specifically. These are community service shirts, my home school (Wayne High) shirt, my gymnastics shirt, and my actual school shirt. The gym shirt isn't really relevant, considering I'm not doing a worship dance or human video. But it brings back memories (if only a few things happened differently and I'd weighed a little less and had been a little shorter, I would have a chance of representing the U.S. in Rio in four years. But whatever).

I gotta admit, some of these shirts are inappropriate--- I wear wife beaters, crop tops, shirts that are cut in crazy ways, shirts that reveal skin below the belly button, and shirts that would otherwise be see through without a tank top. So bring a few.

Maxi skirts and aztec-styles have totally been in this summer. So bring that bohemian vibe with you. These skirts are as comfortable as pajamas, but way cuter. And if you're gonna be living in T-shirts this week, why not wear something cute?

No kidding, it's gonna be hot. But those days inside the convention center or your hotel room are bound to be cold. So do yourself a favor. Get yourself some skinnys, boot cuts, and colored jeans.

HATS! They're so cute, and every hat has a story here. I need a green hat--- as you see, where normally the green Olympic ring would be, I have a light blue hat (come on... it was the closest shade to blue I had... I deserve some credit) and where the yellow ring should be, I have orange and yellow. So, the dark blue I got from my Aunt Rose (she was on the 1996 United States Olympic Commitee) and it is two years old, which I got it in Atlanta. The black one I bought myself, and it is my favorite so far. My pink one was my first and it is three years old. My light blue one was my second, I bought it at a thrift store in North Carolina, and it is two years old. The orange one I bought at Phoenix 2011 and it is almost one year old. This year I plan to buy another one. These come handy because I never wear sunblock (I don't want cancer, but I do want a tan, so I usually just cover up the skin that is most likely to burn), and they're like a tree that follows you.

I couldn't find my rainbow pajama pants, so here's an old sixteen-year-old polo from Atlanta 1996 that I wear to bed. My Aunt Rose gave me this. You know, she was on the Olympic Commitee so I kinda have an entire box of this kind of stuff.

I love doing my nails. If I want to spontaneously change up my colors or just have fun with the girls, it's nice to have my nail bag with me. Remember nail polish remover!

A nice outfit for when you just want to sit by the pool but not get in. Also nice for a laid back day around the city.

Everybody needs a pair of Converse, boy or girl. You're gonna be walking all day, every day for a week--- you need something comfortable that protects your feet. Graphic tees add that edgy feel, along with shorts and neon leggings. This outfit was inspired by this.

MORE SHOES! Heels, wedges, gladiators, flip-flops, Converse.

Socks are so important if you're gonna be wearing Converse or tennis shoes.

Most churches will want you wearing a one-piece bathing suit, but I could only find this tankini. And guys, I'm really not that fat--- it's supposed to flow like that.

It is so important to feel clean and smell fresh. It's summertime, and you're gonna sweat. Plus, I always feel shy and awkward when I feel less than fresh. "Are they cringing inside because of me?" "Do my armpits fill the room with sweat?" So it keeps me from doing what I want. So, deodorant is a must. That goes for you, seventh grade boys. And lotion is a great aftershave. A shimmer spray makes you look glamourous for your performance, and a normal perfume is great for the whole week.

This Neutrogena Acne Wash works so well! My skin is really clear because of it. And no, my skin isn't clear because I'm prepubescent---because I hit puberty a LONG time ago (I was nine when I started my period)---but probably because my mom didn't have acne growing up. My dad did, s I'm still rather acne prone. If you have time, use a peeling mask to help get rid of callback stress. A toner removes excess mask or face wash.

Don't forget your razors, guys and gals! Don't forget shaving cream or body wash, either!

In your convention bag:

Gotta accesorize your hair!

Make sure you have a Bible and notebook. You're gonna want to remember the sermons you've heard. And when you're sitting around your hotel room, why not read your Bible a little?

Make sure you have some books with you. I included "Sixteenth Summer" because I'm almost done with it and "Just Listen" by Sarah Dessen because it is a huge book to keep me occupied on the road. And every youth group has that one kid that is either crazy or annoying. You need something to keep you occupied.

Music feeds the soul. Some songs I downloaded for Louisville are: "Begin Again" by Measure, "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry (don't laugh), "Wonderwall" covered by Landon Austin and Chad Sugg, "I'll Make a Man Out of You" covered by Donny Osmond, "Echo" by Jason Walker, "I Am the Doctor" by Murray Gold, "Follow Your Heart" by The Good Mad, "Anywhere Place" by Katie Costello, "Lay Your Head" by Athlete, "Superhuman Touch" by Athlete, "Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray, "Happily Ever After" by He Is We, and "With You I Never Lose" by Athlete.

If you forget to bring this, you are DOOMED. If you're a dancer, BRING YOUR LEOTARD (yes, it's a gymnastics leotard, but hey, I was a gymnast, not a dancer). If you're a solo musician, BRING YOUR DRESS OR SUIT. If you're doing a sermon, BRING A BUSINESS CASUAL OUTFIT. If you're in a band, wear something epic (it really depends on the genre you choose). If you're in a human video, WEAR YOUR UNIFORM WITH A UNITARD UNDERNEATH.

And if you have room, put your purse in this bag so you don't lose it.

In your purse:

Keep the colors natural. Put on just enough to feel decent, moisturized, and glowing. You don't need to attract any hot guys at a Christian convention.

You might need to blot your lips every once in a while, so make sure you have a pack of tissues with you. Plus, what if your nose starts running?

The fun thing about AG youth activities is that, even if you never go back to camp, you will always run into your friends from camps, conventions, retreats, and DFAF. Therefore, you want your hands to be germ-free! No one wants to come down with a fever in the summertime.

Keep dem eyes protected! Seriously. You don't want to hurt your retinas.

You should see yourself in the mirror. You'll have one in your room, but it's nice to have one on-the-go.

In your folder:

Everything I could have possibly missed is on this list. make one for yourself, according to what church you go to, what events you do, and how long you're staying.

Yes, those are the chords to "Excuses" by Deas Vail. Remember to bring your lyrics if you are a songwriter, in a Christian Band, or on the Worship Team. It's not worth losing two points over a sheet of paper.

If you're in a drama, you might want to study your script a few hundred more times to make sure it's flawless!

The previous year's schedule gives you an idea of how many people might be up against you and what workshops might be offered.

ONCOURSE is always conected to the schedule, but bring an old one just for the memories (:.

BRING YOUR SCORESHEETS and make sure to bring a paper from a self-evaluation! The best critique you can get is from yourself (because YOU are the most critical judge), so a self-evaluation paper is necessary. And your official score sheets are reminders fo what you should have worked on, and good tips for when you're about to get going.

Bring a list of the things you want to do to prepare for next year and little words of encouragement for yourself (don't ask why I wrote "Jesus, I love you").

So! This is what we'll need! Are YOU going to Fine Arts? Let me know so I can see your performance!

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.

Womens' Music: Ellie Swisher

Name meaning: I think "Ellie" means "Light" or something (but I think her full name is Elaine or Eleanor). A swisher is a cigarette. But hey, it's just her name.

I don't remember when I discovered Ellie, but it was during my eighth grade year (just a way of making myself sound old--- I'm only a freshman). She has been such an inpiration ever since. She is unsigned (don't ask me why), and she lives in the same state as me (O-H-I-O!), just a few counties and two hours away. She performed in a free concert in Genoa, but freakin' Fine Arts had to be scheduled the next day. Ugh.

Genre: Acoustic, alternative, pop

I am a huge fan of Ellie. She reminds me of that great feeling I have when I'm at home. Probably because we both live in Ohio. But whatever. You'll just have to listen to this kid. She's like an angel on earth.

You heard this during my Landon Austin post on here. Don't they both sound like angels? And 3:07 is still my favorite part--- beautiful bass note!

This song is so pretty--- I've never even heard the original, but now I'm gonna have to buy it! I'm loading up my iPod for NFAF, and Ellie has helped me discover more artists day by day. "This could be the end of everything...so why don't we go somewhere only we know?" Why not?

I don't like this song too much, but I do like Ellie's version. Notice she's wearing a Landon Austin shirt?

I love this song so much! I don't know who the heck it's dedicated to, or if it's dedicated to anyone at all, but all I know is that it is so relatable. It's everything I want in a guy in a song. "I'm so lucky that I have you. I couldn't say what I'd do without you... you're the best friend that I could ever ask for... you're the perfect ten, I wouldn't trade you for anything... you're everything that I couldn't be, you're the other half of me... can't sleep, too busy laughing... you say life is sweeter 'cause I'm in it. But trust in me, I'm the one that's winning... I can't describe what I feel inside every time you walk into my life!"

Stop messing with your hair. Nevertheless, we still love you, Elle! For fans of: Katy Perry, Landon Austin, Nicole Nordeman, Katie Costello, He Is We, Danielle Lowe, Megan Nicole, Sara Bareilles, Marie Digby, Brooke Waggoner, The Good Mad, Maddi Jane,

Musical Men: Landon Austin

Name meaning: Well, it's his name. You can ask his parents why.

I discovered Landon in... I want to say February, but I'm thinking it's more like... March. I found out about him from Ellie Swisher (I'll blog about her during the womens' music week), when they did their "Safe & Sound" collaboration (she has some free music on Facebook--- don't miss out!).

This twenty-three-year-old, class of 2006/2007 high school graduate, has over four million views on YouTube. But, that doesn't automatically mean he's a star. His videos each get as little as a few hundred views and as much as a hundred thousand. This guy needs some serious help, because I know he can make it big, if we attract more bloggers to him. Though he's classified as mainstream, he's soooo indie. Yet still he has his claims to fame--- collaborations with Luke Conard and Ingrid, Chad Sugg, and his amazing vlogs--- they're like blogs, but they're videos (*open mouth thing!* You'll know what I'm talking about when you see the vlog I'm gonna embed here)! He'll get big, sooner or later. And I have a feeling he'll "make it there, sooner than later." (quoting Mat Kearney's "Sooner or Later".)

Genre: Indie rock, pop, covers, YouTube artist, country, acoustic, it's-Landon-you-can't-find-a-genre-for-him

I've talked enough. As you know, talk is cheap. Talent however is not, so I better quit talking and start embedding. Trust me, it's impossible not to fall in love with Landon.

Thank you, Ellie Swisher, for collabing with this guy. Thank you, Landon, for finding her (no, they're not dating--- she's like, nineteen). I'm extremely picky about this song, as you saw in my special battle of the covers. They like, nailed it. Ellie sounds like an angel. Landon has the voice for this--- it's the male voice I wish I heard in the song. I mean, yeah the guy from The Civil Wars sang, but they only did backup and I wish they had a bigger part in the song than just "ooh ooh ooh ooh"-ing, you know? In this, instead of hitting a cymbal, at 3:07 they have a huge bass note. It adds more emotion in there. And Landon looks adorable at 3:14-3:18.

Yup. He's a proud blogger vlogger. And don't worry, boy. I can't whistle either. My attempts sound the same as yours. And I love the theme song (of course, he recorded it *girly sigh*). "Hello there/welcome/how'd you get here?/I don't really know but um/I'm glad you're here/'Cause this is my vlog:)". Isn't it so cute? Even the drawings are cute! Landon, I'm glad I'm here, too (you made me glad I came! Ha, see what I did there? If not, he covered "Glad You Came"!). But if you really wanna know how I got here... okay... I wanted to see what your house looked like. If it looked normal, I would have a chance of interviewing you. If not, well then, I better get started on that Journalism major the second I graduate! It looks normal... so we have a chance of dating I have a chance of interviewing you. In fact, I have some questions for you right now. How many shoes exactly do you have (you mention them at 1:55, 2:09, and 2:48. I think they're all the same pair...)? And why are you so awkward... it's so cute but distracting...? I love ya--- little stalker 2:49! 3:49--- "It's America's freedom. And you should be free from moving." I feel so bad for the kid--- I know how stressful moving is, (cross-country moving in my case) even though I was so young. 3:54 made me crack up... little creeper! 4:06 is the open mouth thing, LoL! 4:41-5:01 is totally how I am with my bloggies--- "I liked most of your posts, but I had a problem with this one---" and I'm like, "Holy no no no, don't tell me what you didn't like!" And 5:31, I cracked up. Landon, you're a little behind, I see (this was filmed a few days ago)! And I am so jealous of you--- you've got black gospels, Radiohead, Johnny Cash. Lucky. 7:20... hmm... why does that sound like something I would do.... And 7:52. I really needed that hug.

I really love how Chad Sugg and Landon Austin sound together. They both have such unique, raspy voices. I'm glad they're friends. Because I love them both, and them singing together makes my heart jump.

I love this trio here! I am not a fan of Ingrid's voice, I must admit. Luke admitted that he uses Auto-Tune (though I've heard him sing without it and he really doesn't need it), so I hear quite a bit of tuning on Ingrid. She's a nice beauty guru, but singing... um... at least she's trying. However, surprisingly her part was my favorite: 1:29 through to 1:47. I love how there's a whole bunch of snare on her solo, and I always find myself singing "...Wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to kno-o-o-ow..." So catchy. But, Landon. His thirteen-second solo (0:26-0:41) was so... I can't even... gah.

I hate the original. I love this. Even his dog is cute.

Wanna hear him NOT AutoTuned? This is him, unedited. Not even Photoshopped (okay, that's a maybe).

Maybe it's just me, but Landon always seems more camera-ready than Luke! I love this. The acoustic seems less mainstream, though. I love it. Anyone else thinking of Spider-Man? Come on--- he can't fly but he can definitely take you on adventures, he won't move at the speed of light but if you need him he'll be there. For fans of: Ellie Swisher, Coldplay, The Decemberists, Glen Hansard, Chad Sugg

Local Natives

Name meaning: It is what it is. Kinda like those people that have been living in your town for decades and decades. They live in your area, they've been there for like, ever. Which, that makes them local natives.

I discovered the Local Natives in around November or December from a friend. He introduced me to the band's song "Airplanes" (which, I've blogged about many, many times--- just check out my label for the Local Natives and you'll see) and eventually I got so hooked on it that he gave me the Gorilla Manor album. Trust me, I had to really nag him about it.

These guys made it big in 2010, when their album (Gorilla Manor) was published. Of course, they're still classified as indie, but they're a very popular indie group. They have performed on the same radio show (KCRW) that artists like Gotye ("Somebody That I Used to Know") have performed on.

Genre: Indie folk/rock

Wanna know why this California band is big in Britain?

"Wide Eyes." This is their most popular song, along with the hit "Airplanes" (which I will embed in this post). I learned the guitar lead on acoustic--- it's so easy! You just put your fingers in a down-diagonal on the last three strings starting from the space between the first bar and the second on the last string and then going down with the others. Then, you pluck from the last to the first fingered, then pluck the second, then back to the last. The rest you can figure out (can't give a guitar tutorial using just text! Sorry!). "All the men of faith and men of science had their questions. Could it ever be on earth as it is in heaven?"

I love how this song never even says the word "airplanes," but that's the title of the song. And for those of you who thought this song was about a breakup, no, it's about Taylor's late-grandfather.

"World News" is the perfect song to listen to in the car when you're dealing with road rage, or just plain angry. Ever had one of those days when just nothing is going your way? Maybe this is you: "The lane next over is always faster and you wait so long until you're so bothered but right after you complete your merge, the lane you started in gets going... you don't like anything on the radio... a cloud covers your car at just the right time for you to see the dark on your face in the mirror... your phone goes off with a picture of your mother. It's five to six, and she can't find your brother..." Ever had one of those days? And "while normally you'd yell and scream, instructing her to go and find him on her own," that's when things start going right and "calmly you're exiting, telling her that you are headed on your way home." Yeah, everyone has those days when they feel so angry they could die. But you know what? "The bad feeling so bad makes the good so good!"

"How is the language we're speaking the same? Shape Shifter, have you discovered a change?" I love this song. "Your eyes, they swell like a riot... deranged. Tomorrow you're laughing like a child again."

The video for "Who Knows Who Cares" looks like it must have been fun to shoot---This song is so carefree and perfect for summer. He starts out kinda without confidence like "Is my life about to change?" Then he gets more confident in the second verse and in the bridge he admits, "it's all about to change." But, whatever. "Who knows... who cares?"

"Sticky Thread" has quite some message. No, he's not just singing about spider webs. Besides, I'm deathly afraid of spiders--- I would have hated this song (but I sure love Spider-Man!) is that's what it were about. But it's about fights in relationships. "Why didn't I say anything until now? So much is said without a sound." How they're essential, I guess. It shows passion. I don't know, I'm no marriage counselor. These guys may have abstract lyrics and beautiful (but distracting!) music, but what I love is that you can interpret the message any way you want. Even when told the meaning, you can still find a way to connect it to your religion, your relationships ("Cards & Quarters" and "Cubism Dream"), your problems ("World News"), your life. Their copyrights, your jam.                                  

This band is for fans of: The Decemberists, Regina Spektor, Yael Naim, Arcade Fire, Kiersten Holine, Chad Sugg, Coldplay, Glen Hansard, Athlete, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie

Summer Music: Cubism Dream

Sorry, but my computer is being super annoying right now and won't let me type in the format I use for lyric posts, so I'm gonna have to settle for just the video. It's still a fun song, though!

I love so many Local Natives songs, but I had to pick this one for what was Music Monday. It has that summer vibe, ya know? Besides, you'll hear some others on Friday! Then, I can chat about all the reasons they're one of my absolute favorite bands on Earth. :)

Summer Music: The Redeemer

The Redeemer

Sometimes I just wanna start over
'Cause everything looks like a wreck
And I need the courage to carry on,
'Cause I can't see what's ahead.
And there are place I've wished I could be,
Battles I've wanted to win,
Dreams that have slipped through my hands
That I may never get back again.

But I'm still a Dreamer,
A Believer!
Oh I've lost my faith in so many things but I still believe in You
'Cause you can make anything
New...

Sometimes I just wish we could say
All the things that are easy to hear,
Ignore the injustice we see,
And explain every unanswered prayer
But I'd rather speak honestly
And wear a tattered heart on my sleeve
'Cause in the middle of my broken dreams,
Redemption is here.

And I'm still a Dreamer,
A Believer!
Oh I've lost my faith in so many things but I still believe in You
'Cause You are the Answer,
The Redeemer!
Oh I've given up on too many things but I'm not giving up on You
'Cause You can mkae anything
New...

I don't have every answer in life, but I'm trusting You one day at a time
'Cause You can make a weak heart stay alive
Forever.
And this is where heaven and earth collide.
I lift my hands, give my life.
This is how my weary heart stays alive.

And I'm still a Dreamer! (This is where heaven and earth collide, lift my hands and give my life)

Still a Believer! (This is how my weary heart stays alive. Ooh, ooh...)

And YOU are the Answer! (This is where heaven and earth collide, lift my voice, give my life)

The Redeemer! (This is how my weak heart stays alive. Ooh, ooh...)

'Cause You can make anything

New.

Yeah, You can make anything

New.