The Musicality of Spring

Finally, spring is upon us! I have a tendency to listen to songs that correspond with the weather, so this season and its quick temperature changes makes for a fun, varied playlist. Slow, tranquil songs for those rainy days spent cooped up inside; loud, feel-good songs for when the sun begins to peak through the clouds. Spring is that gorgeous link between winter and summer, full of new flowers blossoming and birds chirping as the weather begins to heat up. Spontaneous spring showers, bringing out the vibrancy of colors as each drop slips down a leaf or petal.

Similar to new buds of flowers, with spring also comes new music! I have always believed that the best music is made in spring, for there is immense beauty and opportunity around one while writing. Abbey Road by the Beatles was recorded in spring! Legend by Bob Marley and the Wailers was published in spring! Two amazing albums were written and released surrounded by the beauty of blossoming nature, and proved that spring is a very successful season.

As of winter 2016, there were a couple albums that were so mind-blowing, I have to carry into spring. The 1975's I Like it When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It was released in February of this year, and its slow and tranquil vibe was perfect for those cold, sleepy days of winter; now, the breezy yet peaceful spring. Of course, I cannot forget about Kanye West's Life of Pablo, whose album despite being called "just an album" by various critics, still has a free-spirited, fun feel to it, perfect for spring.

However, the new music this 2016 spring season offers some serious competition. Spring began with the raspy, beautiful voice of Birdy, on her new album Beautiful Lies. Many of the songs are perfect for a picnic under the sun, or a walk on the beach. The season's albums got even better with Alone Together by Skizzy Mars. The songs provide an interesting sound that brings new energy to this season.

Finally, we have even more to look forward to musically for this season, let alone the rest of 2016. Drake's well anticipated album, Views From the 6, is set to release this month, as well as rumored albums for later this year by bands such as Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blink-182, and U2.

Therefore, with all this amazing music being written, recorded, and released this year, it seems like the perfect time to begin your own musical adventures.  Wander in the mysteries of the nature spring offers, or stay inside with the pattering of spring showers on your roof. Opportunities are endless in this season, so seize the day and find your own musical calling! Branch out into a new genre you've never tried: classic rock, hip-hop, alternative, etc. Who knows? This could be your season, so get outside and get inspired.


As for the amazing albums listed in this post, here are a couple of the just as creative and unique album covers:

Birdy Beautiful Lies. Digital image. Pop Crush. Pop Crush Network, 14 Jan. 2016. Web. 6 Apr. 2016.

I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It. Digital image. Consequence of Sound. 
       WordPress.com, 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 6 Apr. 2016.

Picking Your Instrumental Voice

     When performing, you breath your music. Whether you're singing a song that is personally touching and you close your eyes, or you feel the beat and begin to dance, feeling the music is what makes a good performer. That is a matter of stage presence and confidence, but also that you are comfortable with your performance as well as how you are carrying out that performance.
      Whether that means you are playing a piano and you don't like the feel of the keys, or singing and the microphone seems too loud, it will affect how you feel and present yourself on stage. That is why it is important to be comfortable in what you are performing.
      A way to be comfortable with the guitar is to make sure you have one you really enjoy, and that you believe best suits your voice. Here are ways to find your perfect match:

      Experiment with the strings. There are two different types of string patterns on acoustic guitars: all metal, or three metal and three plastic.

The metal strings will give you more of a sharp, country-style sound:

These strings are also beaded, which also may benefit your sound and provide more of a hollow sound.

The plastic and metal strings will give you more of a dull, hollow sound:

These strings are also tied, which is mainly a personal preference, I don't notice much of a different from the beaded strings.

Although music is all sound and experience, the fact that you enjoy how you appear to others is important. If you like the size of the guitar's neck, or the wood that is used, it can make you more confident.

Here are different examples of patterns:

Those images also feature the brand of the guitars, if you take a liking to either instrument.

How you feel on stage greatly affects your performance. Pick a guitar that reflects your personality, and that you feel comfortable in.  Eventually, you could even have a guitar for every different performance setting.

Here's my guitar collection, and a few of my favorite records. Happy music making!

Truly Drowned in Sound?

Music always seems to be more appealing at a music festival; it is easy to fall in love with the vibes and atmosphere. However, have you ever thought about the time and energy it takes to plan and promote these events? DrownInSound, a famous music blog, just recently published an article answering all of those festival questions, "How to Organise a Music Festival". This article explained the setbacks to a music festival, by interviewing someone who has actually planned one, Roel Coppen. He is a famous music producer, and has also planned, organized and promoted many music festivals. This gave the reader insight into the real deal, what it is truly like to be behind these events. He answered questions such as, "Is there a lot of competitions with other festivals?" or "What is it like hosting a music festival, do bands come up to you and ask to be put on the set once your established?". These questions can educate one in the process of music festivals. Also, after reading this article, once you go to a music festival, you can appreciate more than just the music: you can acknowledge the stress and time it takes to produce these massive events. DrownInSound is definitely a wonderful blog reference, it takes time to connect music and culture to current events, as well as offer musical support. It has taken a music blog to the next level, and is a role model for every novice music blog writer.

2015: A Dress Rehearsal

This year was definitely a BIG transition year for me. I started my first semester of high school, only eight more to go right?  It was a year that I am sure I will remember for the rest of my life, due to how hard I worked this past year. 2015 prepared me to catch whatever life throws at me in 2016 and run with it, even if there are a few curve balls in the mix.

I find the concept of the 'new year' very interesting. The whole 'new year, new me' phrase implies that each year you must change to become a better version of yourself than in the past years. That you have to learn from your mistakes just in time to correct them and become a 'new you', and that you need to change to be a better person in this new year. However, I am incredibly proud of my performance in 2015. I had rough patches where I doubted my abilities and felt like giving up, but that doesn't mean in this new year I am going to do everything in my ability to stop that. If you don't doubt yourself, you won't get anywhere.

So now I challenge you to go this year without becoming a 'new you'. Learn from your mistakes over and over again, not letting anyone in life tell you where you should or shouldn't be. Find a new hobby, develop a new passion, and put yourself out there so everyone can see that you don't need to be a changed person to have a successful year.

Here's one of my favorite albums that I have been listening to for the past few months, that has heavily motivated me musically. Even if I was trying to be a 'new me' this year, once a Beatles fan, always a Beatles fan.

"Back and Front of Abbey Road." Steve Hoffman Music Forums. XenForo, 11 Dec. 2011.  
         Web. 8 Jan. 2016.