Spectrum

It's not the words that create a song, but the lyricist thoughts. It's not the lyrics that hold emotion, but the performance.  It's not the song itself that tops the charts, but the musicians behind it. A perfect example, "Radioactive".  

 

With the original artist bring Imagine Dragons, lead singer Dan Reynolds said, "Radioactive is a powerful-sounding song. There's a personal story behind it, but generally speaking, it's a song about an awakening; kind of waking up one day to do something new, and see life in a fresh way."

 

 

 

However, even with Reynold's goal in mind, doesn't mean the message cannot be conveyed by others.  

 

After reaching a top ranking among the Billboard charts, and being the top 3rd single sold in 2013, "Radioactive" has been covered by numerous other artist. Although, the personality changes from performer to performer, the message is broad enough to reach an abundance of people.  

 

The original version balances elements of dubstep, electronic rock and alternative rock. But the covers hit much more than just a few genres. Variety from a piano set to a gutteral scream, I'm sure whatever music that you listen to, you will be able to find a descent cover to fit your taste.  

 

Violins create the texture with Lindsey Stirling & the accapella of Pentatonix:      

 

 

Daughtry takes a step down from his rock and roll to show vulnerability with the backing of the ivory keys:
      

 

Screams evade the melody with post-hardcore Our Last Night:
  

This comes to show music breaks boundaries within itself. The spectrum is as vast, as wide, as deep as the ocean.  

Who knows what will happen when I eventually cover the song. Maybe I'll add my own spin, change the melody a bit. It's at the hands of the performer to embed their creativity and lend their personality to stand out among the rest.  

That is exactly what Imagine Dragons did. That's what Lindsey Stirling did. That's what Daughtry did. That's what Our Last Night did. That's what I plan on doing.  

It's mine to claim a place in the spectrum that is limitless.

The Influence

I honestly don’t have time to pleasure read. Or let me rephrase that. I don’t make time to pleasure read. Many other activities consume my free time. But I couldn’t resist Divergent when it was placed on the dinner table.

Now, truth be told, I’ve owned the book quite a while, actually. But it hasn’t been in my room. My sister had it on her bookshelf. How it got downstairs, I will never know. I can say though, it was much appreciated.

I zoomed through the book, in three days total. Well it helped that one was a snow day. I could never just read one chapter. It was always one more. One more before I begin my homework again. One more before I eat dinner. One more before I go to bed.

Veronica Roth’s writing style is simplistic but engaging. Toss in emotional characters and events that hit you in the heart. The utopian or dystopian society, whatever you want to call the setting—it has characteristics of both cultures (as well as Roth explaining her views between utopia and dystopia but she never comes to a conclusion of what society she has created)—forms itself in your head. I’m not sure how this couldn’t be realistic in your head. Maybe, though, my imagination is vivid enough to establish a convincing character. I don’t know.

But what I am positive of; Roth is influenced by her music choices. Roth has an exclusive edition in the back of Divergent, one portion being on the “Divergent Playlist”.

After listening through her song list, it is evident that Flyleaf had the biggest impact not only on Beatrice, rather known as Tris, but imprinted on the book as a whole.

Each small synopsis shines light on a unique aspect either of Tris or a significant occurring event.

The playlist is as follows:

"Starts with One” by Shiny Toy Guns

“Chasm” by Flyleaf

“Come Alive” by Foo Fighters

“Again” by Flyleaf

“Help I’m Alive” by Metric

“We Die Young” by The Showdown

“Canvas” by Imogen Heap

“Running up that Hill” by Placebo

“Sweet Sacrifice” by Evanescence

“Arise” by Flyleaf

 

As a fan of Flyleaf, it is noticeable that more than just these songs influenced Roth’s writing. There are so many others I could name, but for now, listen to those she has acknowledged. It will give insight and characterization either if you’ve read, or are planning to read Divergent.

Tribute

Mix classical string instruments with the metal genre of music. That’s Apocalyptica.

Composed of four classically trained musicians, the cello quartet borrows elements from a variety of genres. With their roots grounded in Finland, the band find inspiration in Middle Eastern, world, and folk music.

It was the sound that hooked and sunk in me. Unlike anything else I’ve stumbled crossed, literally. Hard driving tempos intensify the sound of strings and the percussive beat of the drums. The contrast is immense. One second you see hardcore rockers in “Bring them to Light”, the next is a stripped piece with the minimum of three cellos and a bass for “Beautiful.” And it is mesmerizing to sit and listen to the transformations of the symphonies. Vocals or not, the aggressive tone is evident as is the passion.

The four pieces do not work alone though. On their current album 7th Symphony, Apocalyptica collaborated with an abundance of other artist for vocals including Brent Smith from Shinedown, Johnny Andrews and Bush’s frontman Gavin Rossdale, Lacey Strum from Flyleaf, and Joe Duplantier of Gojira to name a few.

Ideas of artist who come together are the astounding proof of what collective minds can do, and I love that. It gives a new dynamic to the lyrics and sound. As someone who is open minded, I’m ok with change. Embrace it. Love it. If there’s something new and different, I’m bound to try it.

But the reason for starting Apocalyptica didn’t come from the want to sell four million plus records, the real reason was to pay tribute. Pay tribute to Metallica. In all honesty, that was the main reason for establishment in 1993. Three years later the first album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, was released.

From there it evolved. They didn’t care how many sold but with the increased praised and attention from their first album the second came out within the following year. And, too there were Metallica covers.

Its motivation, you see. Motivation can carry you, even if it’s a small interest at first. It grows. It evolves. It becomes what you want it to be.

The small seed holds the hope. But it needs to find set roots, needs to find water, needs to seek the sun’s warmth. From inspiration you will sprout the greenery. You’ve broken through the surface and by blooming you’re paying tribute to the necessities that provide the nurture for growth.

Freedom at its Finest

Yes, obviously there is censorship in music. When is there not? Well, I guess that depends on what music you listen to. But how is “Explicit” defined? Who is to say that a word or phrase is offensive? It’s up to the perception of the audience.

Green Day can attest to that. With their releases of American Idiot in 2004 and 21^st Century Breakdown in 2009, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong  (pictured left) refused to edit their music to reach Wal-Mart’s policy. Therefore, in those years one wouldn’t find any Green Day record on the shelves of any Wal-Mart stores.

“There’s nothing dirty about our record,” Armstrong said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Personally, I don’t think they are being insensitive.  For Armstrong, as I see it, music is a way to publicize his views; especially in American Idiot hitting on the government and the near future of war. He wanted to be vocal. So he was.  Its Armstrong’s way to call the problems of our society to mind.  Its inevitable, no matter how you approach a subject, someone will take offence to another’s opinions. Who is to say we can’t voice personal perspectives on a problem at hand?

According to Armstrong, if you want to censor someone, what does that say about speaking his mind?

I believe it’s a limitation of creativity. If an artist decides upon language and context, that according to society should be censored, it’s their personal choice. No one is forced to listen to the music.

Even with Green Day’s decision of non-censoring to the biggest music retailor, 21^st Century Breakdown reached the top of Billboard 200 in the short span of 3 days.

But in an opposite viewpoint, to relate to a current event, recently an article was written about Philadelphia’s Neshaminy High School's paper, the Playwickian. The students were sent to the principal for being too sensitive . Too sensitive! How? Because their mascot, the Redskins, was seen as offensive by the students. They in turn removed the word “Redskins” from any piece of publication.

This is unfair to the students—being in trouble for the belief of censoring themselves. It was their decision to eliminate the word. And in the recent staff editorial, it states, “Detractors will argue that the word is used with all due respect. But the offensiveness of a word cannot be judged by its intended meaning, but by how it is received.”

By taking into account the audience, rhetoric is in mind. The stance is taken in position to account the perception of the reader. I see no reason why the school is taking offence to the matter.

According to editor-and-chief of the Playwickian Gillian McGoldrick, they are not giving into the pressure of using the word. No one should be forced into saying something they don’t want to.

It’s called freedom of speech. Sometimes the absence is stronger than saying the word. So, is the school breaking the first amendment?

 

I’d say yes. This is not in any way affecting the government negatively, which is the only reason why the first amendment would be suppressed. It is a decision. One made justly. One made thoughtfully.

Constantly we are told to use our voices for positive impact in our social world. But we are hindered by those educators, as shown above, who deemed it wrong to remove a simple word that could obviously be taken as an insult.

 

Home

According to dictionary.com, there are eleven definitions for the noun home. So how do you describe a home?

Is it the place you lived for the majority of your life? Where you have the most memories? Is it the place where your heart is? Somewhere that you feel safe? Where you have friends? Where you are accepted?

I’ve contemplated these questions for the past three years because I don’t know where I stand. Even before I packed my belongings and left the life I knew in St. Louis, I questioned where I would call home. Could I transition? Would I make friends? Would I keep in touch? How many times could I visit "home"? Would I move back?

It was and still is a thread of unending questions.

I hadn’t heard Bon Jovi’s song “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” in ages, but on the final drive to Ohio, the radio blasted (which rarely happenes). The old, familiar beat played. Perusal, I sang. But At that time, the lyrics hit home the hardest.

"It doesn't matter where you are, it doesn't matter where you go

If it's a million miles away or just a mile up the road

Take it in. Take it with you when you go,

Who says you can't go home?"

In all honesty, compared to most people who have moved away from their hometown, I visit mine quite often. As each Thanksgiving and Christmas come around, there are always family gathering. Weddings are more frequent (as I am one of the younger kids in my family). It seems as if I go home every few months.

Everything seems normal, as it should. I have to be a bit more social with my family than I used to be, but nothing I can’t handle. I just don’t bring a book anymore, or well most times. I still find myself reading a book during the trips, but I have to engage in conversation more often than not. The chatter is about everything. Normal.

My friends and I will meet up to have a sleepover staying up into the night watching movies, eating popcorn and talking about anything that comes to mind. Sometimes I think I haven’t left. But the time always comes when suitcases have to be packed and the drive has to be made back to Ohio.

In the song “That Home” by the group Newsboys, a different aspect of a home is encountered. The chorus describes a safe haven with a platform of love.

 “In that home

We knew we were safe

To be young enough to dream

Find the faith to believe

And in that home

Love, it had no end

It's where we learned to forgive

In that home”

 In essence, this could be anywhere then. This home could be a special sanctuary; a place where you feel most as yourself or somewhere you can be open, honest, truthful. This acceptance is not only with yourself but with others.

It doesn’t have to be a place you live, or even some place you visit daily. This home is personal to you.

Yet another characteristic of what a home is can be found in Carrie Underwood’s song “Temporary Home.” With the slow ballad, the lyrics flow with the meaning that your home is not on this planet. It is the afterlife.

“This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong

 Windows and rooms that I'm passing through

 This was just a stop on the way to where I'm going

 I'm not afraid because I know

 This was my temporary home”

We are all on this planet to live and to leave a legacy behind. But in truth, our destination for life is not here on Earth. We are divine creatures that at some point return to a spiritual world.

♫♫♫♫♫

There is no definitive answer to what is a home. It depends on how you approach the question.

After mulling over countless songs and numerous questions, I still don’t think I’ve settled on an answer, even three years after moving. I think it combines all the messages, really.

For me, narrowing it down, I’d say a home is built off of love, comfort and familiarity. But there is more than just this life. Hereafter holds a new adventure. Yet, we can’t find out that journey, well, until our time comes to pass. It’s waiting. But for now, life is here on earth with people we love. Make the most of it because even if you are uprooted and thrown into a whirlwind of change, you can still return to the place that built you <3

Averting Gaze

Two topics are avoided, touched but rarely spoken about. The room is silent without knowing how to respond to the darker, realistic, and true shades of life. But they need to be addressed. No matter how traumatizing the event, society sweeps rape and suicide under the carpet. It’s not a subject anyone wants to approach. It takes caution and sensitivity to broach such heavy issues.

But in music, topics of such are relevant. Music as we know is it, is a coping method. For some it is writing, others composing, as for the listener it gives insight and comfort knowing they are not the only one reliving with the relentless, horrid memories.

Music has an effect that touches people, moves people and creates awareness.

The Fray does just that in their song “How to Save a Life”. I realize this is a mainstream song, but it feels necessary to bring into light. The song was inspired by an experience of the lead singer, Isaac Slade, when he went as a mentor to a camp to help troubled teens.

He didn’t know how to help. The lyrics bluntly state that:

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

I know you want to say that was just one person. But one person lost their life. To be honest, not knowing how to help occurs more than we’d like to believe. Like the rest of society, we don’t want to deal with confrontation of someone dying or their thought of killing themselves. It’s just normal. We say it’ll pass, but for those with suicidal thoughts, does it?

With no one helping them, it looks as if no one cares. If someone says they’re your friend, they need to help you through everything even if that means staying up ‘til 2am.

The chorus relays that because you didn’t help your friend, guilt is place upon yourself. Just as with the main character, Clay, in Jay Asher’s work of TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY.

Abbey Marshall, a fellow classmate of mine, wrote her own review of the book through her own blog:http://abbeymarshall.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/th1rteen-r3asons-why-you-should-read-this-book/. This is phenomenally written and is strait to the point. It highlights upon teen suicide and realistic motive behind it.

However, this song does not alone bring awareness to suicide of any age, but also focuses on the contributing factors.
 

Lay down a list of what is wrong

The things you've told him all along

With this particular line, its saying that you are repeating the information someone has already given you. It’s not, in anyway, helping them solve their problems or lifting the weight off your shoulders.

Factors of suicide could be anything including, stress, drug addiction, rape, social issues, or relationships. The list could go on and on. Unless you ask, you never know how someone is being affected by your words, how you act, or what you write.

In Sonia Rayka’s blog, One in Three, she depicts the seriousness of rape. Women are taught to avoid a situation and think about how they dress, walk in groups of two or more. But then why are men not taught and enforced that rape should not be encouraged. To read more:http://soniarayka.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/one-in-three/

Anything could be a factor, but frankly, do any of us truly know how to handle a situation, if it were to arise? Is the blame on us, or is it on society because they do not want to truly admit to what hides in the shadows and cobwebbed corners of reality?

My Views

Our world is jaded by the eyes which overlook values morals interest

we implant ideas into younger heads corrupting society           

and we ask: why is it that no one has individuality?

For the sake that we want to fit in

we want to be accepted into a group

not out casted

we are alienated by the characteristics that are against society’s ways

but reality we are humanoid

influenced by music books movies television, mainstream or alternative,

anything that occurs daily

no matter how much we say we break away

it’s bound to influence us

that’s how culture is shaped

we are shaped by our actions words thoughts

we are not ourselves

if we decide that this world is not right

that’s when change can occur

but until we admit the fact that along the lines something took a wrong turn

we cannot pave our own path

but it’s by unconformity that we become a destined person

together we stand strong

but apart we create an interesting world

conflicting ideas challenging one another is what spreads new ideas

no one said we have to be a like

don’t be

what’s your worth if we are all one in the same?

Reconnected

I am definitely the creative writer. I knew that before I even began to write journalistically. I’m always adding little details here and there, descriptive adjectives, varying my verbs. As journalism is becoming implemented into my writing style, I haven’t lost the touch for writing novels, short stories or poems. I’ve just been able to look at my pieces from a different point of view. I will approach a topic differently. And though keeping strait to the point without all the fluff is difficult (or at least for the moment), I thought I’d share a song I wrote.

My inspiration comes from everyday life; from dreams (if I remember them) and internal battles I fight with myself. But this particular composition, “Killing the Clocks”, was inspired by the novel I finished last winter.

In short, I’ve titled the novel Reconnected. It is about a girl, Sephora, who meets international boy band, Imagine Mir, before they became a worldwide phenomenon. Throughout while living in Germany, the four counterparts and Sephora bonded. Four years later it is blatantly obvious Sephora changed; however, Imagine Mir knows nothing of the mistakes and lessons she learned about relationships. Little does Sephora or the boys know that there is a connection between their families to lead Sephora back to Germany to confront her secret. Events following lead to unexpected fallouts, heartbreaks and overwhelming damage. Can the families cope with the outcome? Is there anything else to hold onto, or are relationships sliding on glass?

“Killing the Clocks” is the Imagine Mir’s first single released internationally. It was written for Sephora after she departed ways from Germany.

The first verse explains of the emotion felt when Sephora left. They don’t want time to pass because their life is not the same without the missing piece.

And I'm killing the clocks
So we don't lose time

We're a half a world away 

I don't want to hear the tick, tick, tick
Reminding me you’re not here
For you and me were meant to be
And I kill the clocks
Now and forever

Within the chorus, it conveys time flew by when the five of them were together. With Sephora gone, all they have is a memory. Time is not conceptual. But if they are not aware of the clocks, maybe, memories could be more than just a vision. Maybe the wish of her return will occur to save them from a world that keeps turning without meaning.

Cause eternity is what is left
And that is the time I want to spend
Not alone but with you
You, you, you
I want to be with you
You, you, you
I'm killing the clocks and not the time
Cause in my eyes you are the only one left to save me
From this world that's burning

 

They want to live in a memory, the second verse articulates. Reality is not somewhere that the boys can be expressive anymore. They are shunned from their world and memory is the only escape.

Kill the clocks with me
Let us be one in the same
Find me and together we will be
Lost from reality
Cause without time
We will live forever
In a world that doesn't matter
We can be who we are

And we kill the clocks
Now and forever

After a repeat in the chorus, the third verse proclaims that Sephora was open to their outcast ways. She accepted all four of them for their true colors. Never once did she judge the fact that they were different. Not everyone wants to have conformity in society. All five were unique individuals. 

 Kill the clocks
We won't see the time pass
That all I ask
Cause with our meeting
You changed my outlook
You've changed my perspective

All I want is to see you again
Without the limits of time or space

For you and me were meant to be 

And I kill the clocks

Now and forever
 

In a usual song there is a bridge with the chorus ending with a final repeat. But that isn’t how I composed this piece. With another repeat in the chorus, I end with a few more lines, repeating part of the chorus. 

Killing the clocks to be with you
You and only you
We are killing the clocks together

♫♫♫♫♫ 

As I was writing the lyrics to this song, there was a distinct melody. Normally, the piece begins as a poem and eventually I can pull chords together for the piano. But it was no doubt when I sat down to my beloved instrument that I played a few notes and immediately knew this was what I recalled in my head.

I’ve never written down the composition, come to find out the original sticks. I can pull out the piano bench and know exactly how to play “Killing the Clock”. Every time it changes in minute details to adds characteristic changes.

Nothing’s ever perfect. It’s always a work in progress. 

<3

© 2012 Katie Hermann. All rights reserved.

Relieve Me

Although We the Kings usually catches my attention with their up beat, punk-pop sound, their lyrics from Just Keep Breathing always calms me.

The song is portraying the message that through any situation we can prevail. The emotion is tangible through every note. The words are not forced, but flow together to tell the listener to see life in a new light.

Take breath, after breath—in essence that’s what is moving you forward. That’s how a new day will blossom. Take you life day by day. There should be no reason to stress, if you live for every day. Not necessarily waiting for something good to happen because I believe you should work toward happiness and success. But be appreciative for the miracles that occur.

Every time this song replays through my playlist, I take a step back from my chaotic life. I acknowledge the moment and realize what I have, what I should be grateful for, and what is weighing me down.  I refocus on the important strongholds in my life.

 

The second verse definitely hits home every time.

 

The beginning's just another end

It's not too late to start again

When hope is all too hard to hold

Just take a breath and let it go

Every time I restart obstacles reappear. That’s unavoidable. And when hope is all lost, which happens, take some deep breaths. Come too with a clear head.

This message ties into one of my favorite quotes by Lao Tzu:

“If you are depressed you are living in the past.

If you are anxious you are living in the future.

If you are at peace you are living in the present.”

Sometimes I just have to remind my self not to get caught up in all the drama of life, which might be my own or someone else’s. I have to be consciously aware that I don’t get lost in my own head. My thoughts are always consuming me, which I guess is not the best thing.

It’s songs like Just Keep Breathing that pull me back to the surface when I’m drowning from stress and life in general. It brings me back to reality. I love living in my fictional worlds, but my imagination and thoughts are nott what my life should only consist of. Real people are important too.

It’s time to live day by day; breath by breath. You’ll never know when a moment will be your last. Make the most of what you have.

Brave

“Among 12- to 17-year-olds, 47 percent of girls and 34 percent of boys report having been bullied either face-to-face or online, according to a survey by Mintel, a market research firm,” the New York time states in a recent article.

And it’s true. I know it. You know it. But what do we do about bullying? Most of us are bystanders watching the events unfold, if that is to mean watching statuses posted on line, verbal or physical.

But bullying is not just relevant in a middle school or high school setting. Become aware that bullying happens in every school, at every age. The idea is not to brush off the situation. Now after being the victim, perspective  change.

Two years. Two consecutive years.  By two different people.

At the naïve age of 8, I didn’t know. I didn’t push away the fact that I was being threatened, but I evaded questioning why it was happening.

I avoided him. Yet it was constant. I couldn’t get away. The words were thrown at me in our small groups. But I didn’t want to tattle. I didn’t want to find trouble, if that meant I dealt with the threats of being killed, then so be it.

It was in the corner of the classroom that I remember him stating, “I’m going to kill you. I’ll take a knife and slit your throat.” Or another common one; “I have a gun. I’m going to find you and shoot you.”

As an eight-year-old I didn’t know how to react. I knew it wasn’t normal. Kids in my small group just watched. Their mouths silence. And I was alone. Not a word was ever spoken about the reoccurring event.

With the third-grade rolling around the following year, to say the least, I was relived. Until I was targeted again.

Another student decided it was ok to, again, verbally abuse. Yet this time instead of just in the classroom, it was at recess too. I couldn’t escape. I tried to continue playing with my friends, but it wouldn’t always work like that. He began to snag my friends form underneath me, promising them that he was better, saying that I didn’t need friends. And that they were not allowed to talk to me anymore.

The two years were rough. But looking back these events created who I am. I’ve become more aware of the circumstances around me. And with October here, it’s time to advocate for Anti-Bully Awareness Month.

It is never ok to sit back and watch the bullying happen. That makes a situation ten times worse. It makes you feel like you are stuck in the same position. There are programs dedicated toward the prevention of bullies. And even in music you can find liberating messages.

For Sara Bareilles, her song “Brave” is leaving in its wake a message to take a stand and be who you are.

“It’s acknowledging our own internal silence,” Bareilles said, “What are we not speaking out loud because we are afraid of what that might expose us to, if that is judgment, criticism or vulnerability?”

This song is for encouragement and motivation to stand up for ourselves, mostly, but for others as well. Because you are recognizing that something is wrong, or you’re not acting yourself, it gives you power to change. Rise above the chamber that’s confining you, and breaking the chains that bind you in darkness.

“Letting the light in is a metaphor to the truth,” Bareilles said. “It is such a beautiful, broad concept.”

 

You don’t have to look far for comfort. Standing up is a way to grow into your own skin. It teaches fearlessness and courageousness.

If a friend is not someone you can lean on, there are people who have been in your shoes. No matter what you believe. Someone is experiencing pain, just as you are.

 

And I find it easiest to find meaning within lyrics, if that maybe on the radio, on the internet, or elsewhere. You can always find lyrics that are connectable to describe you situation. Always.

 

To read Anti-Bullying from The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/business/media/the-fight-against-bullying-in-schools-expands-to-store-shelves.html

To listen to Sara Bareilles “Track-by-Track” Commentary of Brave:

http://www.vh1.com/video/interview/sara-bareilles/937407/brave-track-by-track.jhtml

Kind-Hearted

Keys unlock a drawer. Sliding open the inside decorated with calculator after calculator, electronic after electronic.

Now who would have so many? Why would someone spend that amount of money?

Well, for you to know, that is the Lost and Found at Mason High School. That’s where my iPod would’ve ended up, if it was not for a kind-hearted custodian.

He could’ve just continued on with his job, ignoring those around him. Cleaning the school and placing all lost possessions in a pile. It’s not his job to help someone if they are lost or looking for someone, or something. With Mason cutting down custodians from 80 throughout the school district to 40, you’d think a person would disregard the fact that an adult was wondering around campus. Yet he stopped, asking if help was needed.

I reached inside my bag to entertain myself with music on the ride home. But when my hand grasped nothing, my heart dropped. It wasn’t there. My iPod wasn’t there. Stomach tied in knots, I rearranged all the items in my bag, praying, hoping that I overlooked the small item. To my dismay, I rode home with the chatter of the bus filling my ears; not music.

As the minutes passed by, thoughts accumulated of the important items and information my iPod held. Interviews. Book ideas. Song lyrics. Piano excerpts. Inspirational quotes. Everything that impacted me daily.

But really, why would a custodian help? They are downgraded, overlooked, and stereotyped. Honestly, though, why does society think they can forget about these people?

It’s a job, just like a teacher, principal, or a counselor. They are people just as you and I are. They have emotions.

I knew my iPod was at the school with the on and off connection of the internet, but when pinpointed the electronic couldn’t be found. And because the school is contracted to two different cleaning companies, Z-pod, where my last class of the day is, was not part of the custodial group who my mother ran into.

Walking around to trash cans, outside, checking empty hallways, the custodian and my mother searched throughout the school. It was only when running into a custodian  of the other group that the two had permission to comb through the halls of Z.

Yet, it wasn’t there either, where they found my possession. It had been collected with other misplaced items in the arms of yet another worker. Books upon books stacked with calculators and phones, the goldenrod case was unmistakably noticeable within the pile. Black headphones still wrapped around the silicon, not perfectly, but well enough.

I couldn’t have been more grateful. My heart goes out in thanks to those who helped. To those who were persistent enough not to let hope fade.

To those who are overlooked in everyday life. You have meaning. You are the kind-hearted.

With a smile, I say thank you. Thank you. Thank you because I take things for granted. I made myself realize the dependence of objects, but you’ve made me realize that one small deed can go a long way.

:D

Second Chances

It was only recently that I began broadening my horizons in music. I was confined under the notion of following in the roots in grew up with, country. Yet, now, I’ll give anyone a chance, for the music industry has been becoming less dependent of natural talent and more reliant on electronic fixes. That is not to say I do not like electronic music by any means. I just don’t prefer the musician to have their voice fabricated with the new technology.

But there was one band I swept off my radar before I even tasted their vast style of music. For whatever reason I decided that Sleeping With Sirens did not fit my personality or taste. A choice I made in a split second, and one I came to regret.

The first songs that were presented screamed. It was not coherent, or a least by my standards. The sound rebounded in my head, crashing with loud drums and ridiculously hard resonance of guitar.

However after the first encounter, I did not remember the name of the band. It was only by luck that I was searching for a cover of “Iris” (a song originally written by The Goo Goo Dolls).
 

 

The soft melodic piano begins coaxing in Kellin Quinn’s voice (pictured center). An acoustic guitar enters. The arrangement intrigued me. His voice fit perfectly into the melody. Yet, it was not the exact same as the original version. Subtle differences could be heard.

With Quinn’s vocal range being a high tenor, when he reaches the upper range of pitches it is often thought he may be singing falsetto. In reality though, this is still his voice. The correct term for Quinn’s voice is leggiero Tenor, allowing him to also have a “strong and colorful chest register, often extending quite low” (Jones). That explains the low screams that are scattered through out Sleeping With Sirens’ albums.

Beginning as an independent band in 2009, Sleeping With Sirens is now signed to Rise Records. Their latest album was released on June 4th, just before they began traveling the country with the Vans Warped Tour Music Festival. This is a summer long event stopping in major cities across the United States.

With the tour ending mid-August, Sleeping With Sirens is now headlining their own tour “Feel This” promoting the album of Feel.

Yet it wasn’t only by chance that I stumbled upon this band again. My cousin, Kali, is a die-heart fan of Quinn, convincing me to explore the variety of songs which have been produced with the band. It was the fact that she requested “Rodger Rabbit” at a wedding reception we both attended. Although the song was not played that night, I remembered the title, looking up the track later.

It was the moment I absolutely knew I made the wrong decision. Music is not an idea. It touches an aspect of everything, which is why judgment should not be placed upon a tune, a band, or music in general. Give the world a chance. And music is always worth a second chance.

To find more about a leggiero Tenor:

http://www.voiceteacher.com/leggiero_tenor.html

To listen to Sleeping with Sirens’ cover of “Iris”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyOqIKGbYkg

First Impressions

“No album is complete without a title,” a quote from Highlight Magazine’s September Issue. “Album titles give a glimpse into what the album’s theme will be and what the songs will focus on.”

But in all honestly, a title is the first impression. If the title does not provoke a thought or a feeling in the reader, listener or the audience in general, what do you have?

Nothing. They won’t continue on. 

Yet for Australian band Tonight Alive, they already made their first impression around the world with their debut album What Are You So Scared Of?

For lead singer, Jenna McDougall (pictured center), the inspiration came from everyday life. It was a question she asked herself every day, because as a high school student she was afraid of judgment. However, when she became a counterpart to Tonight Alive, she put her past behind her.

The title track is my anthem. I live by the words:

What are you so scared of?

Judgment’s not unfair.

It's what we've learned to see.

These have helped me to open my eyes and be comfortable in my own skin. I don’t act differently around friends or strangers. Although, I might begin quiet, I’m just becoming used to my surroundings. I’ve accepted the fact that other’s make judgments. It’s not at my expense if someone decides to categorize me. They just don’t get to know me since I am now “labeled”.

Yet, that is not the only reason for my love with the song. There is an acoustic version too. It’s not often you can find a punk-rock band having a soft side. Yes, in all the original compositions there are the drums and electric guitar, but sometimes it’s nice to relax and take life a little slower.

What is even more surprising, they rerecorded What Are You So Scared Of? into a full acoustic album. Start to finish. That is what made me fall in love with them.

 

McDougall’s voice is raw and I always feel her emotional connection. Especially now with their newest release as of September 10^th, 2013 for the United Sates (and September 6^th for those who live in Australia), The Other Side has made an impact.

So what does The Other Side mean?

“The Other Side refers to the realization that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” McDougall said. “We originally had the idea of Black and White, or polar opposites, but after all the songs had been written this idea jumped out the most. There is always a light; you just need to find it.”

Life will always be full of struggles. Struggles we face every day. Some people will hide behind a mask. Others will be silent. Yet breaking away from how society has painted the “perfect picture”, McDougall changed. She allowed her experiences to shape her and in the twelve tracked list, not only has her life been exposed, but so has the other four members of Tonight Alive.

“Being able to step out and show the world your scars shows bravery and growth as a person. It’s truly honorable and commendable.”

Tonight Alive conveys a positive message, encouraging all of us.  However, it is up to you, as an individual, to decide how a first impression strikes you and your judgment to continue forward. It may only be by chance that you find a pillar of light in your life, but you have to give a chance for the light to break through the surrounding opaque clouds.

 To read the full article from Highlight Magazine:

http://highlightmagazine.net/2013/09/01/issue19/ 

Catching Your Attention

One liners and lyrics. What an interesting approach to beginning an article.

Mark Motz, a local sports journalist from Cincinnati, brought this to the attention of the Mason High School Chronicle staff.

The statement was an answer to the question of "How do you creatively begin a sports article?"

Motz said he's not an expert at anything, except asking questions. Yet he was pouring out ideas to the Chronicle staff today. He suggested connecting your information to lyrics of a well-known song, history, literature, or biblical references.

For Motz, it’s a different catchy technique that grabs the reader immediately.

And according to Chronicle staff Advisor, Dale Conner, when he reads Motz’s articles, either the lead intrigues him to continue or the lead itself is all that needs to be read because honestly that part is all that needs to be said.

Even now, Motz said, after years of being in the field of journalism field, most of his time invested in writing the lead, for in today’s society people have such a short attention span.

“It may take me an hour or two to write an article,” Motz said, “half the time is spent on the lead, even if it is two words.”

They may not read the full article, but if the lead is strong, and as Conner like to say “Sharp as a knife” that’s your key to keeping the readers’ interest.

Face Value

At first listen, you’ve already made a judgment. It’s true. Don’t deny it. You have, and it’s not exactly your fault. It’s because of our judgmental society.

It could be based upon the looks of a band, the sound of the music, or stereotypes that have been placed upon someone. But I ask of you to look past that for once.

 

Forget about people’s judement and the world’s idea of “cool” or “perfect” and just read the lyrics. Break them down.

In every song there is a message. A personal story. A savior. A burden. But if you are not aware, you brush past songs. Put it aside with the rest of society—like my parents. They criticize me for my change in music choice. To them, it’s like I have become a totally different person because over time I have let go of my country roots. In no way am I denying the fact. Because it’s true, I have changed. But I’d say I’ve changed for the better.

I was only looking for new music. Is it my mistake that I stumbled across a gothic looking band with the dream of becoming rock and roll band? Is it wrong that my friends introduced me to them? Am I at fault for becoming attached to the messages?

The answer is no.

 

It’s something I wanted to give a chance to; something new to explore, connect and create with; something that altered my perspective on, well… everything.



(From left to right: Christian "CC" Coma, Jinxx Ferguson, Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Ashley Purdy)

The lyrics from Black Veil Brides (pictured above) touched me. It wasn’t only words though;it was the personal life it exposed.

 

"In the end

As we fade into the night,

Who will tell the story of your life?

And who will remember your last goodbye?

Cause it's the end and I'm not afraid,

I'm not afraid to die.”

Reading these lyrics, what’s your first thought? Death? Am I right? You took it at face value. You read the words and nothing more. You didn’t look past the connotation of death.  But honestly, reflect on these lyrics. For someone who may, or may not, listen to Black Veil Brides, what does this verse mean? Is that what the Andy Biersack, the lead singer, intended for you to think?

“I went to the funeral for my grandfather, a person that I love very much,” Biersack said, during an interview with Loudwire, “and everyone is speaking about how he went to heaven and how he’s in heaven. I always fight with that because I would love nothing more to believe that my grandfather is in the clouds…but I can’t.

“Whether you believe or don’t believe in an actual physical afterlife, you can’t deny that there is a certain element of an afterlife in the legacy that someone leaves.”

That’s what Biersack meant. He was accepting the fact that an important figure in his life disappeared. He was coping. But not only that, this song is from Black Veil Brides’ concept album, Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones.

Biersack took the time to add commentary behind all the tracks. From the track New Year’s Day, “All the songs on the album are supposed to parallel with things that we experienced.  We are writing things that are thinly veiled representations of our own life.”

They are not disingenuous. Biersack and the rest of the band mates are people who had a dream. In short, they are no different than any of us. They made their dream a reality. And there’s no reason to cut them short. The only reason you would do that is because you take life for face value. But the only way to learn is to read between the lines.

 

To read more about Black Veil Brides and their album Wretched and Dive: The Story of the Wild Ones:

http://loudwire.com/black-veil-brides-singer-andy-biersack-everybody-is-wretched-and-divine/

Prevail

2001 (Established)

2013

Since their first album released in 2005, Tokio Hotel has had its impact on not only Germany but the globe as well.

Everyone tends to bash on the German language; how it sounds rough and unpleasing to the ear. The four members to this band—Bill Kaulitz, the lead singer; Tom Kaulitz, the lead guitarist; Georg Listing, the bassist; and Gustav Shäfer, the percussionist—break the stereotype.

Their music is sung in both English and German, (props to Bill who translated all his original work), which gives a unique taste to the German culture from an American’s point of view. And although I know only a few words in the German language, the music is still wonderful.

Each song performed by Tokio Hotel gains this personable connection. Emotion is tangible in their studio production as well as the live shows.

Now I haven’t been to one of their concerts yet, but that is because I was introduced to their music as of 2011. They are currently working on the release of a new album; however, in these two years all four boys took a break from publicity. They disappeared.

As a fan this concerned me, but at no point did I give up on them. Their sound is unique enough to have me hooked in an obsession for six months strait. I swear everyone in my household was annoyed that the same music continued to circulate on my playlist, switching from German to English to back again. And through this time I connected with a handful of songs. Some in English and some in German.

My personal favorite, after researching some meaning, was questionable at first. It was obvious that the words held weight against Bill. Sadness laced these words, “Spring Nicht”.

I found the English version, “Don’t Jump”. But why would a person at the mere age of 17 write a song holding such meaning and experience?

“We got many letters from fans who have written us that they were ready to give up. They say our music has helped them through,” Bill said, during an interview with Bulgaria’s BRAVO Magazine about the process of making the music video for Spring Nicht and Don’t Jump. “That’s why I think it was important to make this song.”

That’s when everything fell into place; the meaning, the emotion, the connection.

“When you know someone who wants to kill themselves, you have to do everything in your power to make (their life) worth living again,” Bill said.

After finding the true meaning, the lyrics of all the other songs began to pour out. They were never hidden messages, but as an audience member you have to be aware of the layers that create the song.

The majority of Tokio Hotel’s music is positive, but not always touching a dark subject. Give them a shot because when I first started listening, it took a while for their music to grow on me. Honestly, following my gut, I stuck with them. It was a choice I will never come to regret.

Their lyrics have opened my eyes and mind to many new perspectives, how to except someone for who they truly are, and becoming aware of the world around me.

And a quick shout out to Bill and Tom as they are turning 24 today. Happy Birthday!

To read the full interview of the making of the music videos for Spring Nicht & Don’t Jump: http://www.tokiohotelamerica.com/2007/03/11/tokio-hotel-bill-jumps-to-his-death-interview/