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.

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

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/

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/