Tag: music

Spring mixtape

Published on by Alicia4 Comments

Hi everyone! I made a fall mixtape in September and had planned on making one for winter and never did. However, after making a playlist for my long plane rides in the coming days, I have decided to make another for Spring. Let’s get started.

  1. Machine-Misterwives: You all know my love for this band and this song is no different. Off of their second studio album (released May 19th), machine is an alternative jam that I listen to almost every day. It has such great vibes going along with it and has a bit of a political hidden message in it and when they played it at the concert, I sobbed. Give it a listen.
  2. Where Does the Good Go-Tegan and Sara: This song is over 10 years old but I just discovered it within the last month while watching Grey’s Anatomy. It sort of reminds me of leaving and new beginnings which is what I will be having in a week so I felt it needed to be here.
  3. Paris-Chainsmokers: I know this is a ‘basic’ band or whatever but this song sort of screams wanderlust to me and since basically half of my spring I will be in Peru, I felt it needed to have a place on this playlist.
  4. Midnight Movies-Saint Motel: I was listening to this song when I decided I wanted to make a Spring mixtape. This was never one of my favorite Saint Motel songs but it has a weird tempo, not too fast paced for a summer feel but not slow enough for a fall song. I have learned to appreciate this song more recently and I definitely recommend it.
  5. Girls like Girls- Haley Kiyoko: This song was just released and I love this song. It is quite a catchy tune and I find myself humming it even when it isn’t on.
  6. Ophelia- The Lumineers: This song has a more fall vibey tempo (it could just be the album cover) but it is a beautiful song sung by an amazingly talented person. This is a song I love to listen to with my windows rolled down when it’s late and no one is speaking, just enjoying music and each other’s company.
  7. What a Feeling-One Direction: Harry Styles is releasing his first ever single on April 7th so that song would make this playlist (even if it was just him playing the triangle for 5 minutes), however, it isn’t out, so I thought I would give one of my favorite One Direction songs a place on this playlist.
  8. Work this Body-Walk the Moon: This song always makes me feel very confident in myself and like I can do anything. I am living my dream next month so this song is being put to life for me.
  9. Art Exhibit-Young the Giant: I don’t really know to describe this song. It’s sort of magical and it isn’t a very well-known song by the band. Nevertheless, it is a wonderfully elegant and beautiful song.
  10. Fire Escape-Andrew McMahon: This song is another song like Machine, an alternative jam. It has a weird beat so it’s upbeat but not super upbeat… if that makes any sense. It has become one of my favorite songs as of late and I listen to it all the time. I had never heard of the artist before this song but I have started to listen to more of his music besides this song, and I really like the sound he puts out.

What would be some songs on your Spring playlist?

Alicia

Nine in the Afternoon

Published on by Alicia3 Comments

Hi everyone, and Happy Monday to all of you! This past weekend I was able to see three of my favorite bands in concert… together! Panic! At the Disco invited the bands Misterwives and Saint Motel to join them on the  Death of a Bachelor tour. Coincidentally, I love all of these bands with all my heart and so does my sister and one of our best friends. Casey, Jesse (Casey’s sister), my sister Madi, and I have been waiting for this concert since September when my mom and I pre-ordered these tickets. The second I got the notification that the Misterwives Instagram account and posted a photo, one depicting that they were to be joining Panic! And Saint Motel on this tour. I screenshotted this and sent it to our group message where we immediately agreed that we had to attend. And Bam! 6 months later and it was a reality.

Saturday night we set out to have an amazing night. After a quick Dunkin Donuts stop and a bit of traffic we were at the Allstate Arena and absolutely ecstatic for the hours to come. After leaving my phone in the car, running back to the car, waited in the cold until they opened another door, dealt with a crotchety old woman, saw the 4-mile long merch table, decided against the merch line for the time being, and then made it to our seats.

Saint Motel was amazing. I saw them in October with Casey and our friend Alec. They didn’t play our two favorite songs so we were pretty bummed, but we’ll live. They are so incredible live and I love AJ (the lead singer) and his cool hat-wearing, piano-paying self.

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After Saint Motel was over, and we were thoroughly satisifed, we made a run for the merch table. I needed my damn shirt. Both lines were incredibly long so we decided to head back to our seats to await my all time favorite band Misterwives. I fell in love with this band when I started watching Finding Carter. Their song Vagabond was the theme song for the show and ever since I had heard this song, I have been a huge fan of their band. I have waited 3 years to see them and I finally was able to do it Saturday.

They played some of their best songs, a few new ones, and the lead singer, Mandy, is engaged to the drummer, Etienne, debuted a song that she had written just for him. It was super cute and I want that sort of love one day.

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The second the Misterwives set was over we dashed to the merch table and got our shirts. Madi, Casey, and Jesse got Saint Motel shirts and I got a Misterwives shirt. As we were waiting in line, we kept hearing screams. Panic! Wasn’t supposed to come on for at least 15 minutes when we began to hear these screams so we were worried that we were missing the openng or that something else was going on. We later found out that there was a timer to countdown to when Panci! Would come on stage and people would scream after each minute had passed.

When Panic finally started It was almost an out of body surreal experience. There are not many bands that are better live than on the record and I can say that Brendon Urie’s voice is some sort of God-given gift created to better the world. The way he can hit any high or low note you can think of it maddening. Every time he would hit a note that wasn’t how it was on the album, Casey and I would look at each other, jaws dropped and completely in awe of how a person’s vocal cords can create those beautiful vibrations.

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so artsy Brendon

Our seats were on the floor, however, they were a bit towards the back of the floor so I was a little dissapointed that we wouldn’t be able to see as well. After a few songs, however, Brendon left the stage and a video of him and Pete Wentz started playing on the screen. I assumed he was going to change and all of a sudden casey and I thought that Pete was going to join Brendon on stage. We began holding hands and freaking out in anticipation when all of a sudden a spotlugt appeared about 10 feet from where we were sitting. Immediatlely everyone in the vicinity ran to crowd around the spotlight when Brendon Urie, sitting at a silver piano ascended from the ground and began playing This is Gospel while rotating and confetti fell from the sky.

Everyone was crying and screaming and recording and it was an amazing few minutes. Everything past that was a blur of hoarse voices, runny makeup, and sweating bodies pressing agsinst each other.

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During Girls/Girls/Boys :’)

Sadly, the concert had to come to an end. We made our way to the car with confetti and streamers in our hair, coats, shoes, and purses and smiles on our faces. After being trapped behind a girl giving head to her boyfriend for 10 minutes we finally got out, headed to McDonald’s for a large water and shamrock shakes for everyone else, we stopped at WalMart because we couldn’t bare to have the night end, walked around and bought candy before parting ways for the night.

I hope one day you all find something that makes you as happy as these three bands make me. This night will forever have a place in my House of Memories.

Ultimate Christmas Party Playlist

Published on by Alicia2 Comments

Hi everyone. For those of you who don’t know this about me, I am a huge music fan. All types of music you can catch me listening to, and Christmas music is so exception. I figured I would put together my ultimate Christmas playlist for you and see if some of my favorites make your playlists too

 

That’s my playlist, what’s yours?

Alicia

Music Tag

Published on by Alicia4 Comments

Nov. 15: What are the best/worst dishes at Thanksgiving dinner?

Totally skipping today’s prompt because I don’t feel the need to talk about my love for mashed potatoes or hatred of rubber in a can or you might know them as ‘canned raspberries.”

Over the past few days I have been tagged in an enormous amount of tags and awards and I personally find doing them super fun. So, I did an award already and now I’m going to be completing the Music Tag. I was tagged by Azia, so definitely check out her blog!!

Onto the tag.

Questions

Name your top 3 favorite bands. 5 seconds of Summer, Misterwives, Saint Motel

What is the last song you listened to? Feed me Now- Saint Motel

What was the first concert you went to? Justin Bieber (the tickets were free do not judge me)

If you could spend a day with your favorite singer who would it be? Michael Clifford (lead guitarist in 5 Seconds of Summer) lol I love him

Are there any songs that you can’t stand hearing? Anything by Ariana Grande:/

If you could have a soundtrack to your life what would it be? I’m Good by the Mowgli’s

Can you sing? I like to think so but maybe not

Your favorite cheesy song? Ripped my Pants by Spongebob is literally the only thing popping into my head

What songs do you listen to when you are feeling down? I have a pump up playlist which contains a lot of upbeat songs such as “I’m Good” the Mowglis, “Move” by Saint Motel, “Girls Talk Boys” by 5 seconds of Summer, “Happy Pills” by Weathers, “Welcome to Your Life” by Grouplove, “Dark Blue” by Jack’s Mannequin, “Nine in the afternoon” by Panic! At the Disco, and a bunch more

First L.P./CD/MP3 you bought? My first CD I bought was Taylor Swift’s debut album “Taylor Swift” I went through such a stage with her omg

Do you like musicals? If so, which is your favorite? I adore Wicked but Oklahoma, Annie, And Legally Blonde are really good too.

Favorite musical instrument? I always wanted to play the saxophone, guitar, and piano so one of those probably

If you could see anyone in concert who would it be? I was fortunate enough to see 5 Seconds of Summer this past summer whom I’ve waited 2 years to see so now I really want to see Misterwives. AND I AM. My mom bought tickets for me, my sister, and one of our friends to see because three of our favorite bands are playing together, in one night, at one venue, TOGETHER. So I AM PUMPED.

If you wrote a song what would it be called? Dude I don’t know, I got yelled at last night for singing Christmas Carols so I made up a song about Christopher Columbus for Thanksgiving. It was called “Fuck You Columbus”

Quick Fire Round:

Rock or pop? Ugh how about pop rock. I like them both and the mix equally.

Sing in the shower or on stage? Shower, only when no one’s home though.

Musical or concert? Concert for sure. The adrenaline while at a concert is like nothing else.

Guitar or drums? Guitar.

Ear phones or speaker? When I’m alone at home definitely speaker but usually ear phones.

Music while you work or quiet? It has to be like jazz, classical, Alpha waves and then yes.

One Direction or Justin Bieber? One Direction. For about 4 years my head was shoved so far up One Direction’s ass you don’t even know, I own all of their albums, know all the lyrics, and even have merch.

Sing or dance? Sing. I cannot dance to save my life.

Instrumental or lyrics? When I’m writing, instrumental but typically lyrics.

Prince or Michael Jackson? MJ

I Nominate

Ayo           Britt               Cassie          Rayna             Jenny

That’s all for today, can’t wait to see what you guys answer with

Alicia

Quick College Update post

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Hi everyone. So, a couple posts ago, I mentioned that I had absolutely zero clue where i wanted to transfer to next fall. Well this is still the case, but I have a little bit more figured out.

For starters, college. I have been looking into schools for about a month, picking ones with a variety of majors, extracurriculars and good financial aid packages. I had written a list of maybe 15 colleges down that had all of these. Upon further investigation, hearing from other students, etc, I have narrowed my list down to 7, and here’s why.

  1. DePaul University- Lincoln Park, Il: DePaul is a great school that is close to almost everything in Chicago. With a wide variety of extracurriculars. Sports, and majors, it’s basically perfect. The only con is that because of the proximity to my house, my parents are urging me to live at home while I attend. I get saving $15000 and potential loans in ideal, but at what cost?
  2. Ohio University- Athens, Ohio: This is newer on the list so I don’t have an insane amount of reasons why it’s there. The school is great, they have everything I need and more, plus  I Wouldn’t have to live at home…
  3. Xavier University- Cincinnati Ohio: Xavier is still high on my list because it was my second option for schooling the first time around. It’s a beautiful quaint campus with an impressive track record on all things academic. My only issue is it doesn’t have a huge variety of majors so if I want to switch (again) I may be out of luck.
  4. The University of Findlay- Findlay, Ohio: These last 4 are on the list because they have everything I need, some even more. I really want to attend one of the top 3, but if somehow that can’t happen, one of these four will be just as great.
  5. Otterbein University- Westerville, Ohio: These last 4 are on the list because they have everything I need, some even more. I really want to attend one of the top 3, but if somehow that can’t happen, one of these four will be just as great.
  6. Winona State University- Winona Minnesota: These last 4 are on the list because they have everything I need, some even more. I really want to attend one of the top 3, but if somehow that can’t happen, one of these four will be just as great.
  7. Clarke University- Dubuque Iowa: These last 4 are on the list because they have everything I need, some even more. I really want to attend one of the top 3, but if somehow that can’t happen, one of these four will be just as great.

I have asked my dad to let me visit Xavier and University of Ohio soon so that I Can gauge if I want/still want to attend either. I have visited DePaul, however I have not taken an official tour. I want to do and get a bit more information to make a truly educated decision.

Alicia

Mental Illness Awareness Week

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Hi friends, this week was mental illness awareness week. Basically, having mental illnesses suck but we need to understand that 1 in 4 people struggle with them and that typically, these people can function in society just like people without.

I always struggled with my mental illnesses since I was in middle school. Now, I am finally coming to terms with them and myself. It’s very unfortunate that I had to struggle with mental illnesses alone for such a long time. I do not want any of you, or anyone ever to have to go through something like this alone.

Recently, I started following the instagram @wearyourlabel which is basically a clothing store that tells you it’s okay to not be okay. This instagram sells shirts with slogans such as “self care isn’t selfish,” “you are enough,” and “anxious but courageous.” I really like all of them and in order to prevent impulse buying each of them, I am holding off until I can narrow down until there is only one I am absolutely in love with.

After I started following wear your label, another instagram account @buddyproject. Intrigued as to what the ‘buddy project’ was all about, I followed them back and took a look at their website. Basically the buddy project is a project started by Gabby Frost. Gabby’s mission was to pair people as buddies while raising awareness for mental illnesses.

I really think that the buddy project is a great organization and kudos to Gabby for thinking about it. It’s very easy to sign up for a buddy. All you have to do is share you name, twitter handle, email, and share what a few interests are and bam! You’re signed up. I’m not sure how long it will take to get my buddy, but when I do find out, I’ll be sure to let you all know. I also recommend everyone suffering from mental illnesses or those wanting to be more aware of mental health in general, to take a look at either wear your label or buddy project.

Have a great weekend and Always Remember to be Aware of Mental Illnesses. I didn’t write 2 essays and three speeches about them in college for nothing

Alicia

Fall Mixtape

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When I had one of my previous blogs, my friend and I decided to choose a summer song that was sort of our anthem for the summer. We used it in each of our youtube videos as background music and whenever it played on the radio, we were ecstatic. So, i have decided to make a fall playlist and why I chose each song. Also, this list is just such a jumble of random songs of many genres, they’re just songs I have been jamming to lately and want to share.

1: Closer- Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

Okay, so this is a jam and anyone who tells me otherwise is lying or needs their ears checked. This is a song that I dance around my house in my underwear to. Also, whenever this song comes on when I’m driving I turn the radio up super high and jam (mom if you’re reading this, I am still being safe even if I am using one of my arms to fist bump). I have listened to this song at least 100 times since they performed it on the MTV video awards in August. I also like it because I want a tattoo on my shoulder and they sing about one (lol).

2: My Body- Young the Giant

This is another jam of mine. I have sort of been a fan of this band for a couple of years but I recently started getting more into them and discovered this song, as well as many other amazing ones. This is another one of those jamming in your underwear songs.

3: Sit Still, Look Pretty- Daya

I’m all for independent women songs, especially in this era (all eras really) when it is instilled in women that they have to be at a man’s every beckon call. This is such a great song, mood uplifter, and empowering song to women everywhere. However, almost every song by Daya and Alessia Cara seem to have that effect. I’m also a fan because every time I have been in a car or it has come up on Spotify or whatever, every man always asks what HBIC means. It’s sort of funny because the notion a woman can be in charge leaves men and their masculinity in shambles.

4: That’s My Girl- Fifth Harmony

Another lady jam. Fifth Harmony has been quite the group of role models for young women everywhere who need to show anyone that they are independent and amazing and don’t need validation from anyone. This is their most recent single released off of their album and even though I wouldn’t consider myself a huge fan (harmonizer I think they call themselves), kudos to them for empowering women everywhere.

5: Make You Miss Me- Sam Hunt

Don’t judge me for liking Country music. My dad has literally lived on a farm and I was raised on it (the music not the farm). Also, I don’t care if you don’t appreciate my music taste. It’s a nice slow song that has a lot of meaning for him and is nice for car rides alone, aka me all the time because I have no friends (jk my drive to and from work but not jk about the no friends part)

6: Cancer- Twenty One Pilots

If any of you are/were My Chemical Romance fans, you may be familiar with the song Cancer. Twenty One Pilots recently covered it, and if I ever need a good cry or a moment to remember how fragile life is, I give it a listen. My grandma died of cancer in the fall and a playlist without a song dedicated to her, wouldn’t be complete.

7: 1997- Saint Motel

I love this song. I absolutely adore it. I am actually seeing them in concert in like 2 weeks and am PUMPED. Anyway, it’s an amazing song and I was also born in 1997 so bonus. It’s a bit of a slower song, not super slow, not super fast, but awesome nonetheless.

8: This Town- Niall Horan

Alrighty, I was (still am) always a HUGE One Direction fan, so last week Niall Horan shook my entire existence by releasing this song. I haven’t listened to it enough to memorize every word yet, but I am working on it. I miss the band, but I am super happy for each of the band members (except Zayn, RIP Zayn) that they are happy and living their lives during their break (?) or whatever they’re doing. No one really knows what is going on with that band anymore.

9: From the Ground Up- Dan and Shay

Another country song. Woot. This is such a cute song about family and love and other gross stuff. I have never aspired to have a family of my own but if I were to, I would want it to resemble the family that Dan and Shay sing about in the song.

10: Cool Girl: Tove Lo

I had planned on putting 13 songs on here but, as you can tell from my last 3 descriptions as to why they are featured on this playlist, they were lacking. It is almost 1 in the morning and I have to be up at 715. Hahahahahahahaha kill me. Anyway, this is a Cool Song (get it because the title is Cool Girl). Ok, enough exhaustion filled jokes. I really like this song and it is a jam and I go hard to it every time it comes on the radio, which of course, since all radio stations play the same 7 songs for weeks on end, has been a lot.

 

Well, if this gets good feedback, I might make one for each season. Please Note that Winter’s will mainly consist of Christmas Carols with #1 being Mariah Carey’s iconic ‘All I Want for Christmas is You”

Until next time,

Alicia