Make Music that Matters

If you watched the Grammy's a couple of weeks ago you may have seen a litte band perform called, "Mumford and Sons." This london power quartet is on the rise in main-stream music and a group you should know. Mumford and Sons presents a old-fashioned sound fueled by romantisism. This band came together through pure talent and will continue to develop. Check em out!
http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

Happy Listening! =]

30 Seconds to Mars

I have recently rediscovered my love for this amazing band. My old favorites were "The Kill" and "From Yesterday". My new favorite is "Kings and Queens". This band is very musical creating the perfect mix of intoxicating melodies and meaningful lyrics. Check them out and try and tell me I'm wrong!
Happy Listening =]

Indoor Percussion a.k.a. Indoor Drumline a.k.a. Winter Percussion!

Any of these things sound familiar? Well, no matter what you call it the sport of indoor percussion is an exhilarating show of sight and sound. This is my second year as a member of the DC Indoor Percussion and I must say it is one of the most rewarding and entertaining things I have ever done. Last year was the first time I discovered the art that is indoor, and I will never forget the magic. If you're having trouble imagining what exactly this sport is think of it like this: anywhere from 10 to 40 performers come together in a gym to create an exciting show using only percussion instruments and their bodies. It's like marching band minus the horn players and football field. The first thing to making a good show is of course the music. We spend weeks memorizing and preparing music to be played in the next portion of preparing the show, the drill. Drill is basically moving around to make different forms and even body movement. Once music and drill come together there is only one last thing to truly complete the show and that is emotion. Once you get so comfortable moving and playing you really feel the music and sell it to your audience. The goal is to make the audience and judges think, "Man, I'd love to be doing that!" Indoor percussion is called the sport of the arts and I think that is the perfect description. Oh yea and there is this thing called independent class where people actually try out and pay tons of money to do this...it's kind of a big deal =]

Here are some of my favorite shows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ef55DxNdpE
This show is about a guy who enters a crazy, fantasy drumming world. Pay attention and it really does tell a story. These guys (and girls of course) really put you in their crazy little world of a show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP3ys-nZg-c&feature=related
WGI Champion 2010 right here! Awesome show and awesome players of course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5fBDq3_vv8&feature=related
Another high energy group here. Best part of this show is the visual aspect but they throw down some beats too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afrS7jvc88o
This is the start to the DC Indoor show for 2011. Still some rough patches but it's off to a great start.

Happy Listening =]

This pretty much sums it up...

So, I bought some new headphones this weekend and what better way to break them in than to buy some new tunes?? Here are some of the best buys...

"For The First Time" by The Script
-Kind of a romantic song because we all want to be loved and all that sappy stuff haha

"Get Outta My Way" by Kylie Minogue (new favorite)
-This is how I feel most of the time...usually walking down the hallways at school.

"I'm In Here" by Sia
-This artist has some pretty dark songs but they really mean something unlike most main stream stuff. Also check out "Breathe Me," an old favorite of mine.

"Paris" by Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
-This shows my rebelious side...haha yea right, but it is fun to rock out to =]

Well, this is what I will have on replay all week hope you can enjoy it too!
Happy Listening =]

"You take the BREATH right out of me"

I love so many different types of music so it's hard to choose just one band as my favorite, but I've decided to make that choice right now. After hours of deep thought, or procrastination, I have come to a conclusion. Their lyrics have meaning and their melodies are enduring in my mind; they are Breaking Benjamin. Even more inspirational than their music is their story. Long story short two members of a band on its way to success decided to "break" away from the pack and put their trust in singer/songwriter Ben Burnley. In my opinion this is the best decision they could have ever made because the best part of their music is the lyrics. Their newest album, "Dear Agony," is the best one yet and there isn't a song I don't love. Although overall this is my favorite album my favorite song is "Breath" on the album titled "Phobia" and it truly does take the breath right out of me. To read the band's whole story and get samples of their music visit http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/breaking_benjamin/artist.jhtml.
Happy Listening =]

"So sacrifice yourself, and let me have what's left. I know that I can find the fire in your eyes."
 -Breath

Daily Vitamin

I find myself not getting tired of songs but wanting a new sound or anything to reawaken my interest. Recently, while searching through iTunes, I came across The Vitamin String Quartet. Being a "band kid" you wouldn't think I would be into the whole orchestra thing, but this group blew my mind! So here's how it works, take a popular group like Coldplay and replace the vocals, keyboards, and guitars with classical string instruments and there you have it! Classical music isn't for everyone, but this group is classic meets modern. The VSQ allows you to fall in love with your favorite song all over again. The quartet not only puts their own spin on the classics but they also have a few original compositions that are just as good. If your are just starting out I would recommend Bittersweet Symphony, Clocks, and Undertow; if you are not a stranger then you are one of the lucky ones who has discovered the awesomeness that is the VSQ. Happy Listening =]