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.

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.

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/ 

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/

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.