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?
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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 10th,
2013 for the United Sates (and September 6th 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.
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