Where the Wild Things Are

"Stay, don’t go. I’ll eat you up, I love you so.”

Quite a memorable line from Where Wild Things Are, so memorable it resonates. Resonates especially with Trenton Woodley, lead singer of Hands Like Houses.

In the song "The Definition of Not Leaving", Woodley quotes this particular line. And explains his connection in a recent interview with Sights of Sounds Magazine:

"I liked...the idea of the innocence of childhood which can be extended to anything. We are just human beings and while we learn different behaviors we’re still the same like, conscious soul. So I think I love the idea that this kid is just exploring what’s in front of him and he still wants to belong, he wants to rule, he wants to run, he wants to just experience everything. That idea of 'stay, don’t go, I’ll eat you up, I love you so' is just kind of reflective of not necessarily a negative side of humanity, but a side of us that is self-driven. You know we see the world through our own eyes and feel the world through our own senses? That’s kind of what it is. 'I’ll eat you up, I love you so,' is just me being who I am in my life. It means that it may have negative effects but I still want to love and be loved."

With this view on life, soon after signing with Rise Records, Woodley and the rest of Hands Like Houses approached a broader horizon of opportunity than just the city of Canberra, or even Australia. The horizon extended to America.

Jump starting themselves, they already had a fan base. Yet, credit goes to the 2012 American Warped Tour for solidifying the American fans. Not only is it a great place to launch a new album, according to Woodley, the lessons learned, the friendships gained and the fans interaction are the most rewarding part.

"It is a great way to interact and we like being out there and enjoying it on our own terms."

Rhythm guitarist, Alex Pearson adds:

"[This] was the first tour where we really got a chance to have “meet and greets” [air quotes]. Anyone can come up and talk to us but it just gave us the possibility for people to line up and just have some time to talk...We try to be as approachable as possible, and it’s the hardest thing to convey to people...When someone meets like either of us and they just sit there and don’t know what to say, but we are actually normal people."

After solidifying a fan base across the ocean, and a summer spent in our "foreign country", Hands Like Houses returned home. Capitalizing on their Australian Warped Tour, more fans recognized Hands Like Houses.

In 2015 the band hopes to return to the American Warped Tour. But who says you have to wait another year and a half to see them live?

No one!

Hands Like Houses were given the opportunity to headline an American Tour that begins May 6th.

And this is the song that hooked me...

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.

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.

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/ 

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/

Origin

I’m always listening to music, creating music or writing lyrics. My life could not function without this cornerstone. For me, music has been a way of coping and a form of self-expression.

If it’s not exposing myself to a new genre, it’s reading between the lyrics; becoming closer to an understanding with the artist and bands.

For this blog, I plan to introduce and give exposure to independent, alternative and non-mainstream artists. They might be popular, and you might have heard of the name they have given themselves, but I think they are over looked for the sole fact that they never pulled themselves out of the “underground” portion of their carrier. But in reality, these people are the ones who don’t care about popularity and how others might judge them. They want an outlet. And to those fans that can connect to similar experiences, this is their release.

The artist enjoys creating the tracks, EPs and albums; the listener builds the emotional connection. Honestly, that is the most rewarding factor for the artist. Through these bands and artist, in which I have found from the Internet and friends, it is obvious the fans are their foundation. Nothing is more important. And that in turn gives the respect and loyalty of the fans to the music and its creator.

But this is not the only topic that will be approached in this blog. At the moment I am taking AP Psychology. I will tie this in every once in a while as my post progress.

Maybe you get to hear some original compositions or songs. We will have to wait and see.

 

I am excited to be taking a journey to meld two important aspects of my life—writing and music—into a central place. And I hope you enjoy the adventure as well.

Music is not just a hobby, it’s my life.