Throwback Thursday: Christmas Edition

Today is Throwback Thursday and 'tis the season of holiday bliss. The smell of eggnog, cookies, and maxed out credit cards fill the winter air. As we are all hustling to get the last bit of gifts before the clock strikes Christmas morn let's not forget to be selfless, compassionate, and thankful for the blessings bestowed upon us. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season and I hope you enjoy these holiday throwbacks. 

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas - Perry Como and the Fontaine Sisters (1951)

A classic Christmas ditty from legendary singer Perry Como with featuring vocals from singing trio the Fontaine Sisters. It definitely a great tune to start off the joyous holiday season as you observe adorned trees, wreathes, and other holiday decor.

The Animaniacs - Noel (1996)

I just recently came across this. Using the melody from another Christmas song "The First Noel", this is one of the punniest Christmas songs out there coming from the classic Spielberg-produced 1990s cartoon The Animaniacs. It's random, it's spectacular, it's animated.

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) - Nat King Cole (first recorded in 1946)

If people were to list their favorite Christmas songs of all time, I imagine most of them would have some version of the song above. This is one of the versions of the very first recording of this song by the legendary Nat King Cole. 

Josh Groban - O Holy Night (2002)

Josh Groban's breathtaking rendition of this song was performed live at Rockefeller Center when he was just 21. Being one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time, this song definitely reminds listeners the joyous event of Jesus's birth and the wondrous season we celebrate to this day honoring such an occasion.

~L~

50 Songwriting Ideas #2

Write a song about...

1. Learning a new hobby

2. Being pressured to like something everyone else likes

3. Trying a food that you believed you would not like but actually do

4. A sarcastic or dry-humored love story

5. Being guilty until proven innocent

6. The heat breaking down during a blizzard night

7. Not keeping up with everyone in an exercise class

8. A millionaire winning the lottery

9. Witnessing a robbery/mugging

10. An real or made-up urban legend

Write a song that takes place...

11. On the last day of winter break

12. While waiting for a doctor's appointment

13. During a graduation ceremony

14. During a chess match

15. While walking on the streets of a high-crime neighborhood

16. During an awards show

17. On St. Patrick's Day

18. In a school cafeteria

19. During the last few minutes of a championship sports event

20. During a job interview/audition

Write a song from the point of view of...

21. An old toy of a child growing up

22. The ring during a marriage proposal

23. A gadget that is being replaced by an updated one

24. A jar that collects loose change around the house

25. An unused household appliance 

26. An unpaid extra in an action movie

27. A background singer of a world famous singer

28. A minority in a homogenous population

29. The publicist/assistant of a misbehaving rock star

30. A friend of the most unpopular person in school

Write a song in which the lyrics...

31. All rhyme with the same word

32. Are a series of haikus

33. Use a profane word in the chorus or hook

34. Contain numbers

35. Are a list of verbs

36. Lists many different cities and/or countries in the world

37. Contain traditional marriage vows

38. Mentions a historical fact, event, or figure

39. Contain nonsense or made-up words

40. Contain yodeling, screaming, animal calling, or baby talk

Write a song inspired by or dedicated to...

41. A very clumsy person 

42. A tattoo artist

43. A mortician

44. A neighborhood spy

45. A circus performer

46. A child who likes to play dress up

47. A good person who is pressured to be bad

48. A college graduate working minimum wage part-time job(s)

49. A person you have yet to forgive

50. A great singer/actor who has stage fright

Check Out 50 Songwriting Ideas #1

Brief Thoughts on the 2012 Grammy Nods

On November 30th, the 54th Annual Grammy nominations were announced live with many of the nominees present, announcing, or performing. There were definitely expected predictions and surprises throughout many of the main categories. While some artists have many nominations to be joyous about, others were completely shut out. By keeping this post brief, I will just be giving my brief thoughts a few of the main categories of the 2012 Grammy nominations.

Album of the Year
21, Adele
Wasting Light, Foo Fighters
Born This Way, Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Bruno Mars
Loud, Rihanna

I am definitely surprised that four pop albums are up for this award with no hip-hop or country album. I expected Kanye West (who garnered the most nods this year) was not nominated for "Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" which many considered to be his critical best. I was also surprised that Tony Bennett's "Duets" album was not nominated for this album as well. I was surprised "Loud" was nominated instead; but with six successful singles in which three hit #1, I guess it shouldn't be much of a surprise after all. It was a solid pop record, just like the others.

Record of the Year
Rolling In the Deep, Adele
Holocene, Bon Iver
Grenade, Bruno Mars
The Cave, Mumford & Sons
Firework, Katy Perry

Song of the year (goes to writer)
All of the Lights (performed by Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie)
The Cave (performed by Mumford & Sons)
Grenade (performed by Bruno Mars)
Holocene (performed by Bon Iver)
Rolling In the Deep (performed by Adele)

Most of these nods were not a surprise to me ("Firework", "Grenade", "Rolling..."). However, I was surprised that one of Lady Gaga's hits off of "Born This Way" wasn't nominated for either of these awards, though she was nominated throughout the pop category as well as "Album of the Year."

Best New Artist
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

With this being my favorite category at the Grammys, I definitely am very interested to see who takes home this prize. I expected Nicki and Bon Iver (although their not particularly new) to be nominated. I was definitely happy to see J. Cole up there but I was really surprised to see Skrillex. Understandably, this is the first year that an electronic music artist has been nominated for this award. Artists like indie pop band Foster the People and British singer Jessie J were expected nominees from many sources, but were not nominated for the honor.

In some other categories I was surprised Britney Spears, who had numerous successful pop hits this year, was not nominated for a grammy. 16-time Grammy winner Beyonce, who is normally a Grammy favorite, was only nominated for two Grammys (for "Party" in Best Rap/Sung Collab and "I Am...World Tour" for Best Long Form Music Video). I was surprised her album "4" was shut out of the R&B categories.

In a tally, Kanye West leads the pack with 7 nominations followed by Adele, Bruno Mars and Foo Fighters with 6. Lil Wayne and New Artist nominee Skrillex also earned 5 nods in their respective categories. It'll definitely be an interesting night to see if there are any surprise wins out of these nominations. I will be posting my own predictions for many of the other categories a few weeks before the Grammy's are set to air on the 12th of February. Stay tuned for that.


~L~

For a full list of the 54th Annual Grammy Nominees visit: http://www.grammy.com/nominees

Throwback Thursday: 1997 Edition

So I bet you wanna know why I am making an edition of Throwback Thursday dedicated to the year of 1997. Well, I'ma tell you anyway. I am a huge fan of the 90s: television, movies, music, heck even the crazy fashion (not really). I loved how much this decade has contributed to my childhood and I am very thankful to have experienced it even at such a young age. And 1997 I felt was a pretty good year, no? Here are some hits from that year that you may or may not remember.

Robyn - Do You Know (What It Takes)

Before there was Britney, Christina, and for sure Gaga, there was Robyn. She was one of the first young blonde pop singers to emerge in the 90s pop era. Native of Sweden, Robyn is still on her grind and, in my opinion, seriously underrated in the US. Here is one of her earliest hits.

Fiona Apple - Criminal

I have always been a fan of this song, even though my mom would not let me watch the video when I was 9 lol. For such a tiny little angsty 19 year-old, she packs a lotta soul in those vocal cords. And I love the incorporation of the flute. Here is Fiona's biggest charted hit "Criminal" which peaked at #21 on Billboard.

Total featuring Missy Elliot and Timbaland - What About Us

This was one of those songs that took me quite a while to track down. I didn't actually re-discover it until college when I first heard it in the late 90s. Timbaland and Missy Elliot were the two of the biggest influences in urban music back in the day and are still making serious moves. Unfortunately many r&b groups male and female don't make as many moves anymore. I guess mainstream labels are more concerned with solo superstars. But still, I miss the r&b girl groups. SWV, En Vogue, Mokenstef, Total: where are you at???

Will Smith featuring Coko from SWV - Men In Black

Speaking of SWV, the amazing Coko lends her soulful vocals to this Will Smith throwback which sampled "Forget Me Nots" from Patrice Rushen. "Men in Black" the title theme song of the movie with the same name, also comes with a dance at the bridge. And you have no idea how long it took me to do the "take a walk with me" part when i was a kid.

~L~

The Music Tourist Updates

Hello my fellow tourists and such,

I hope all of you are as excited for the new changes to this blog. I have been planning a makeover for it since I took a break from it. These changes are intended to bring a little more structure to this blog. But before I can get into that, I would like to give you guys a brief explanation to my absence...

Well back in August, I announced that I would try to post everyday in September. I planned it all out, for every day. But then graduate school started really picking up and I found myself getting further behind preparing my posts. So I saved them in a queue. But then I forgot about it and it started posting unfinished posts through October. Once I realized this I corrected it. I intended to post again for my blog's one year anniversary on November 2nd but that never ended up happening. With a series of graduate school assignments, searching for employment and the next steps in my life, some tragic events including me being in a car accident and in physical therapy since October, understandably The Music Tourist had been put on the back burner. 

Which brings me to my next point. I am setting aside my prospects for being a professional musician right now. That does not mean that I will stop writing. I will definitely keep writing music when it comes to me, but I will not be focusing on it within my short term goals. I am focusing on working odd jobs to pay the necessities until I can get to a limit of comfort and profit. I am also deciding whether or not I will actually continue with graduate school. I do enjoy it but I am not sure if it is right for me right now. I do not wish to accumulate more loans than I have to and not just stay in grad school because I have such limited options right now. I do need to work. However, whenever the opportunity comes, I may be moving out of the state (maybe in a couple of years) to live closer to a music industry capital. I will definitely update whenever that happens.

But for now the only updates are coming from this blog. Here I am stating five points of change for The Music Tourist.

1. I will post on the TTSS from now on. 
What the heck does that mean? That means if the day of the week starts with a "T" or "S," expect a new post from me. That's right; every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday (unless I state otherwise in advance), will be a new post. I will definitely try my hardest to stick with this. Instead of just posting on random days, I want the readers to expect posts on these days. The time frame to expect these posts will be in the afternoon or early evening. I may sporadicly post in the morning or at later night, but I will intend to post in the afternoon/evening.

2. The previous theme days will be killed off. 
Yep, so there will be no more (official) "New" Music Mondays, Word Up Wednesdays, Foto Fridays since I'm not posting on MWF. Pretty much every previous theme day will no longer be, except Throwback Thursday will stay as is. It will still post four throwback videos (at least five years old for the most part) of a certain theme and provide my ever amazing commentary :)

3. Tuesdays are now "Tourist Tuesdays."
I'm not killing off Testimony Tuesdays because I have nothing good to say lol. I'm making Tuesdays about music tourism specifically. I will include interviews, reviews, concerts (if any), and new explorations of music. So it's like "New" Music Monday and Spotlight Sundays have been pushed to Tuesday.

4. Saturdays are music news days. 
Basically I will choose five random music stories/articles/subjects of this past week and either report them, summarize them, or comment on them. I will be calling this day "The Five Spot" and will start in January.

5. Sundays are reserved for everything else. 
With my natural inclination to be random, that is what this day is for. Kinda. Basically this day is for the posts that wouldn't necessarily fit into the other days. 

So that's it. That wasn't too much change. I hope these updates make this blog a little more informative, insightful, and structured as well as random, fun, and entertaining. I'm excited to see how these updates really move along this blog. And of course if something exciting happens to progress my career or whatever, I will make that known. 

Click here for an outline of what to expect for the rest of the year! (i.e. December)

~L~

P.S. I will be incorporating and applying a new design for this site for this rest of the day, in case you see some weird things going on today. 

Updates Tomorrow

Yeah I know. Sorry. I had to work and I had a migraine all day. Updates tomorrow I promise ;)


~L~

The Music Tourist is Returning!!!

Hey all,

As you can see, my posts have been extremely scarce lately. And by scarce I mean nonexistent. I am soeey for the extensive delay. I have had quite a shaky few months and had some thinking and reflecting to do. But "The Music Tourist" is back from hiatus!

So usually after I do one of these breaks I do a big update for my blog. This is true. I have been planning some awesome stuff for this blog and will really be trying to commit to a regular schedule for updated posts. I will be organizing it a lot more so this blog will be more consistent. I will provide what those updates entail as well as a short explanation for my sabbatical, if you will.

I am fully appreciative of the regular readers and passerbys observing this little blog of mine up to this point. If you liked what I have contributed before, I think you'll appreciate the new changes. If not so much, hopefully you'll appreciate the updates and provide ways to make your Music Tourist reading experience more worthwhile, fulfilling, and just plain awesome. Stay tuned tomorrow afternoon for a new schedule, content explanation, and possibly a new layout.

Stay tuned!

My Apologies...

Ok...

So if you have been on this blog in the past month, you probably have noticed some postings that were incomplete and fragmented. I have saved numerous blogposts that were incomplete and were accidentally scheduled for posting automatically. I did not mean to do this and I apologize for the confusion. Truth is, I have not posted since September 10th. I have been really busy with many different things and have been neglecting my blog. I will try to post some more, especially since the one year anniversary of my blog is next week and I want to start posting regularly. So once again, please disregard the posts you have seen this month, for they were technical errors. I also do apologize for being so M.I.A. but I promise once everything is back together, The Music Tourist will be up and running again on schedule. I will give a more detailed background as to why I took a leave of absence on my next post. Stay tuned. Thanks.

Lauren

Saturday Check-In: September 10, 2011

Time for another Saturday Check-In...Grad School Edition.

This week I attended my first of two graduate school classes. All this week I've been texting and calling my undergrad friends telling them I was nervous. After living in central Illinois for 5 years, I had almost completely lost my familiarity with Chicago. On top of that, I knew I would be one of the youngest and most inexperienced people in the class. I remember going around introducing ourselves and hearing all the other students' stories. I was in class with professionals in their late 20s to early 40s who have had years of experience related to their major. Me, a fresh-faced first year without a detailed plan on how I would use this masters towards my professional goals, started doubting. Was this the right path for me? Would I be digging myself more into an abyss of debt and loans? Was I just getting a masters to have one? Was staying in school a result of fear of the real world? So many thoughts crossed my mind as the conversations pursued. When it was my turn to present myself, I remember not mentioning my minor in music as well as many of my experiences were music related. I was afraid of the irrelevance of that. Even though that is what defines and shapes my experience, maybe I would be further questioned and pressure to pursue other interests. So with music as my main passion and ultimate career goal, I spoke about other broad interests of mine. I explained the importance of learning and developing a path while pursuing this degree. It seemed to work and there were some other younger voices that said the same thing. The take-home reading is gonna be grueling and I am the first to give a 30 minute presentation due next week. Not to mention, I haven't even started the second class yet. But for now, despite my nerves and prior doubts, I am sticking with this for at least a semester. If it does not work, it won't work. But at least I will try. I applied and got in this selective school so I'm going to stick it out as long as my heart desires. And with the benefit of residing back in the Windy City, I want to take advantage of the urban atmosphere and network. I hope to gain the confidence and foundation that I need to take me to the next step in life. I have gone so far and there's no turning back. I may not be at that level I see myself being at, but I know I will get there someday and this time is a testament to it.

~L~

Songs listened to while writing this post: 
Bobby McFerrin "Circlesong 6," Broken Bells "Sailing to Nowhere," Sugababes "Follow Me Home"

How the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Makes Me Feel

Music does some interesting things to one's imagination. It takes you places, brings back memories, and cements events into your subconscious until they are brought about by the familiar melodies. Let's create some of those events as it pertains to the current Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.

1. "Someone Like You" Adele
This song makes me wanna sit out on the porch on a rainy afternoon, watching cars drive by in slow motion, conjuring up emotions I didn't even know I had.

2. "Moves Like Jagger" Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
When I hear this song, I am on the way to a party. But when I step in the place, I somehow enter another dimension back to 1973. The atmosphere is smooth and chill and on an wooden stage is a young Mick Jagger performing an everlasting playlist of Stones' hits.

3. "Pumped Up Kicks" Foster the People
For some reason or another, when I hear this I could be some kind of modern day sheriff who sits on her porch in a rickety rocking chair with a giant cowboy hat shielding my eyes from the sun. I spend my free time talking with locals, especially teens who hate their lives, and encourage them to better their situation with a new outlook on their life.

4. "Party Rock Anthem" LMFAO feat. GoonRock and Lauren Bennett
This song makes me feel like going downtown, grabbing random people from sidewalks and stoops, and shuffling and hustling in the middle of a traffic-soaked intersection. And when the police try to stop the madness they suddenly catch wind of the addictive beat, flash their red and blue siren lights, and breakdance on top of their squad cars.

5. "Super Bass" Nicki Minaj
This makes me wanna spaz out...like this kid. COME ON CRACKHEADS!

6. "You and I" Lady Gaga
When I hear this I imagine myself walking along an old dusty country road with my love. He, holding a small runaway bag. I, carrying a vintage guitar. We don't know where we're going; but as long as we have each other, it doesn't matter. *aww*

7. "Lighters" Bad Meets Evil feat. Bruno Mars
This song makes me wanna be in an open grass field full of thousands of people. No fighting, no violence, no sorrow. Just the music of nature and the audience. And we throw up our lighters (or cell phones) reflecting the midnight stars; for they're the only things lighting up the place.

8. "You Make Me Feel" Cobra Starship feat. Sabi
This song make' me feel like walking through a club in semi-slow motion nodding my head at all the partygoers. Then I am spotted by a young guy dressed in business casual leaning against the wall. And by the chorus, we get on the dance floor and dance the night into oblivion.

9. "Give Me Everything" Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
So once again I end up in a club. Only it's in Cuba. And for some reason I'm challenging a local to a dance competition. And after I defeat my opponent we all make our way to a moonlit beach and continue the fiesta there.

10. "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" Katy Perry
One minute I'm lipsyncing the lyrics into a hairbrush in my bedroom and the next minute I end up in a mini-mansion of 200+ people where everything is pretty much trashed. The nervous young homeowner tries to clean up everything, but as the rowdy crowd chants "T.G.I.F.," he puts down the broom and dustpan and plays frisbee with the expensive china plates.


~L~

Throwback Thursday: Addressing the Haters Edition

Haters have been in existence since the dawn of time: from Cain and Abel, to Brutus and Caesar, to Kanye and Taylor. By my own definition, hating is a habitual process of self-loathing that results in tearing other people down in order to build one up to a standard of self-contentment. Not all hating of course results in death or public embarrassment. Nowadays it seems like it has gotten worse with the power of the internet. People are offered a state of ambiguity where people can say whatever they want hiding behind a computer screen with very little or no consequence. So to all of my artists out there, no matter how good you are haters are unavoidable. And the more popular you are, the more you will tend to have. Stay positive, enjoy your success, keep the ones that show you love close to you, and enjoy these throwbacks dedicated to the haters.


Club Nouveau - Jealousy (1986)

"They came out spreading rumors. Now I have to come out spreading facts."

The title of this catchy 80s tune states one of the main reasons why haters hate. People will hate on you and say things about you that are untrue because you may have something they don't have. Confidence, talent, their man, whatever. Jealousy is a disease and Club Nouveau addresses such ailment that their "broken social friends" have. Burnnn!

Mystikal - Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against The Wall) (2001)

"'Cuz sometimes you gotta get knocked down to get up"

People remember Mystikal from that "Shake Ya Ass-Watch Ya'Self" business from back in the day. But some don't know that he made a sweet little ditty about haters. The Neptunes-produced song features Mystikal's signature asylum-worthy lyrical delivery, i.e. "the loud and proud" approach. And it worked for him.

Jill Scott - Hate on Me (2007)

"Wonder if i gave you diamonds out of my own womb, would you feel the love in that or ask why not the moon?"

A great way to give the haters the biggest middle finger in the world is to have a killer voice like Ms. Scott. But since most of us don't, she graced us with this anthem against haters for us to feel empowered by the ones that have nothing better than to tear us down. No matter how amazing of a person you can be, there are always ones that will wish negativity on you. So Jill motivates us to keep doing us and let the haters hate. Right on Jill!

Chamillionaire - Ridin' feat. Krayzie Bone (2006)

"I can't be touched or tell 'em that they shoulda known."

Probably one of the most popular songs to the haters in recent history, Chamillionaire's #1 hit addresses one of the biggest groups of haters out there...the city cops. Such topics have not been spoke of in rap music since the days of N.W.A. and Public Enemy. So kudos to Mr. Millionaire for making another hit addressing the haters. And double kudos for being the direct inspiration to one of Weird Al Yankovic's biggest hits. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qYF9DZPdw

~L~

10 Reasons Why I Almost Quit the Music Industry

The following list consists of 10 reasons why I felt like giving up on my goal of being a hit songwriter someday. All of these things have been a concern at least for a moment of time on my journey. Some of these things still a concern. But that's all a part of the journey; discovering what is keeping you from your destiny and finding ways to overcome.

10. Thinking I was too old.
Yes I know this sounds crazy. I'm only 23 but it seems like musicians are getting younger and younger. Or I'm just getting older. Yeah that's it. Then I was reminded that there are hitmakers of all ages. Look up the credits for some of these hits and these writers go well into their 30s and 40s and beyond. So, so much for that point. NEXT.

9. Illuminati-complex.

Yes, this halted me for a sec. If you don't know, the Illuminati is a group of some rich and influential people who are considered to be devil-worshippers and yearn to dominate and control. I don't know if the whole Illuminati thing is a frightening fact or a mere conspiracy that is only a ploy to excite nothing but attention and paranoia. Truth is, there is greed, deception, and illegal activity in every industry. As long as I stay grounded, have a strong sense of self, and keep my goals in perspective, such things would not affect me. NEXT.

8. I am not an expert at any instruments.
This has always been a handicap of mine. I have played the flute for over 10 years and am pretty good at it. But it is no mainstream instrument and barely useful for songwriting nowadays, right? Wrong. Many writers today don't know how to play an instrument, let alone read music. I know how to do both. Many use a computer, in which I own. I also own both a piano and a guitar. No I am no expert on either but I can at least compose for piano. For writers that aren't experts in instruments, find musicians and make it happen. So much for that excuse. NEXT.

7. Writer's block.
Every writer gets or has gotten writers' block. I could get it for weeks and months. But what I would define as writer's block doesn't mean that I cannot write anything. It's just that I would want to write something that I feel like others would want to hear over and over. I understand that the more I write (good or bad) the better I get. So if I can persist and write 100 bad songs to get 1 hit, it would be worth it. Writer's block is a myth to me. NEXT.

6. No one would take me seriously, not even me.
I had a situation in which I was composing something for a performance...I wanted to be easy-going instead of demanding so I was very lenient on the direction of my composition. One of the artists on stage improvised my piece against my wishes. I was very upset and felt disrespected. But I took that as a learning lesson. I had to be an authoritative figure. I had to stand up for my work and take myself seriously in all situations. Lesson learned. NEXT.

5. It's too risky.

I am reminded of this everyday. Duh it's risky. A small percentage see profits from their music exports. A vast minority can live off of their careers alone. So why do I want to do this for a living again? Why not? If you've got the talent and drive, go for it. Be smart with it though. Come up with a plan B, C, and D. Multitask. If it works out and you become that fortunate minority, then go with that. That's my way of thinking. I've never been much of a risk-taker so I am definitely stretching out of my comfort zone with this.

4. Self-doubt.
I'm just not good enough. The quitter's slogan. I know I have said it to myself many times before. I know I have great potential but there is still the fear of rejection. I have moments of strong confidence and other times of self-doubt. Developing a strong foundation and belief in my work is what will keep me going, even when things don't work. I work to better that part of myself everyday.

3. Procrastination.
I am an expert procrastinator. What I could put off today I would gladly push off into tomorrow. When the pressure is on, I usually find other things to occupy my mind to lessen the stress. I know I need to work on being persistent and block out time in my schedule for my music.

2. It's not practical.
Money is a grave concern in today's economy. The music industry, as much of a money-maker it could be, is not a practical industry to pursue career-wise. I still have this fear. That's why I didn't major in music. That's why I didn't pack a suitcase and move to L.A. knocking on the doors of producers and executives. I am a big dreamer but I am also a realist. I am concerned about how I will pay my bills and loans. I get reminded of it everyday. It's a struggle I deal with and hopefully it will not hinder me from spending the time I need to keep going at this.

1. FEAR.
All of these excuses can be summed up in one word: fear. Fear of the unexpected. Fear of failure. Fear of putting myself out there. It is all fear. When people ask me what would stop me from reaching my goals, I would say me. I often felt like I would stand in my way of greatness and success. So I would retreat to my comfort zone and stay as a closet writer. To me, I owe the world more than that. And I owe myself more than that.

~L~

The O-Word

OOOOOH my gosh. We have heard it so many times. No one is original anymore. This and that is just a rip off so and so. As artists, creators, producers, inventors, and thinkers, we strive to create this sense of originality as a way to contribute a difference into this world. Yeah, I know we are all unique little snowflakes on a mountain of conventionality and redundancy. But can the modern human being create something today that can truly be considered original? What does it mean to be original? Is it possible to be original anymore? And why is it ok not to be?

"An original idea. That can't be too hard. The library must be full of them." - Stephen Fry

We are all schooled by society and elders to think, act, behave, speak, and even create a certain way. It keeps society balanced and in control, which is not a bad thing. But some critics believe that education, while making us smarter and more adaptable into society, can hinder our creative and spontaneous potential. This can cause internal conflict in some artists and block out their creative subconscious. I heard a quote once before that said that there are only 2 more true original ideas left in the world. Everything else has already been thought of. Can formal education be hindering those artists out there that have the last few original ideas left?

"Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void but out of chaos." - Mary Shelley

Well, in my opinion, originality does still exist in these modern times. Originality nowadays can only be achieved through hybridity, meaning a combination of one or more "original" ideas to create something that is different. This creates the illusion of originality for the newer generations. Education creates a way for artists and upcoming artists to be educated on previous artforms and styles, with the hope of creating unique ideas and experiences. Truth of the matter is, all artistic and creative development is some form of legal plagiarism. As artists, copyrights are a very sensitive thing so we must be cautious about creating our works.

"About the most originality that any writer can hope to achieve honestly is to steal with good judgment." - Josh Billings

Continuing from an artistic standpoint, your favorite artist has favorite artists. Your influences have influences, who had influences and so on. Art is a continuous form of warping and evolving original ideas. The ones who are fortunate enough to achieve fame are often the ones credited with the idea or concept. So we must ask ourselves which is more important, the audience or the art? There's so much at stake in the world of arts and crafts. But its the risk factor that provides the adrenaline to keep the hearts of artists pumping wildly; for the hope of creating something that the world will want to see, hear, and experience.

"Originality is simply a pair of fresh eyes." - Thomas W. Higginson

I hoped that I have created a different or renewed sense of what originality is in you. We must not be obsessed with invention but inspired to create what emerges from us naturally. Challenging pre-existing ideas and combining different concepts is possibly the only way to achieve originality nowadays. That should not discourage us but encourage us to keep creating ,which can inspire others after us to create something else. Down the line, one of those 1-2 true original ideas can be invented, and they could not be achieved without your work. Originality is not synonymous with success and self-fulfillment. So for the creators and artists out there who struggle with originality and finding their unique voice in this world, I have some advice in the form of quotations from intellectuals that are just like you and me:

"Originality is merely an illusion." M.C. Escher

"The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity." - Thomas Carlyle

"Mistakes are the only universal form of originality." - Mason Cooley

"Nearly all our originality comes from the stamp that time impresses upon our sensibility." - Charles Baudelaire

"An original writer is not one who imitates nobody, but one whom nobody can imitate." - Dan Vyleta

"Originality is the art of concealing your source." - Franklin P. Jones

"What moves those of genius, what inspires their work is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough." - Eugene Delacroix


~L~

The Four Kinds of Dream Killers, What Weapons They Use, and How to Fight Back

A dream is a very vulnerable thing. It is often is just an idea; an impractical plan; a vision of what could be, but rarely happens. It causes the dreamer to be vulnerable to criticism, especially when it seems like the odds are not in their favor. Life itself can be a dream killer. But it is the people around us that are often the most effective dream killers.

I wanted to write this post about those people. A dream killer is exactly what it sounds like: one that kills a dream. As someone who is striving to make a career in the entertainment industry, I am faced with dream killers often. So based on my experiences and the experiences of others, I decided to think up different kinds of dream killers. I will outline how dream killers tend to function, as well as speak of how the dreamer can overcome the negativity and keeping their hopes and goals into perspective.

The Hater

If you break up haters into the well-known acronym, it stands for "Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success." They ridicule and demean an artist's talent or drive. Their actions and commentary are often irrelevant and unnecessarily pessimistic. Haters can be friends, acquaintances, relatives, or strangers. Some haters are direct while others are indirect. Some do the hating for their own sadistic purposes, while others focus solely on bringing the individual down. Their weapon is their insecurities, which they try to balance with their harsh behaviors. They are mainly dissatisfied with their own lives and feel the need to bring down someone to their level to pacify their own situations.

How to deal with a hater?
There are two different ways to deal with haters. The first is to simply ignore them. Haters thrive off of attention. Do not give in to the temptation of retaliating harshly. That will not stop them but only fuel their fire and progress their actions. If you must retaliate, speak and act with grace and dignity. Do not argue, but offer intelligent rebuttal and opinion. Show them that you have the maturity to hold your composure.

It is important to remember...
Haters are often confused admirers, and can be converted over time when they finally figure out that their hating is getting them no where. But with success comes even more haters. Develop a strong sense of self and keep the ones that support and care for you and your dreams close to you.

The Protector

This is most often attributed to parents, close relatives, and friends. This kind of dream killer has your best intentions at heart, even though may not realize that they may be influencing you to give up on their dreams in order to settle for a more realistic goal. Their weapon is their heart. They want to protect you from the trials and pains of failure that they may very well have experienced themselves. However, they do so without realizing that they may be stifling your drive to succeed altogether.

How to deal with a protector?
Especially if you have a close relationship with the protector, it is important to confide in them. Listen to their concerns and console them of their worries. It is comforting for protectors if you tell them of your well-thought out plans to reach your goals. Make them realize how strong your passion is so they understand how much your dreams shape who you are and who you are meant to become.

It is important to remember...
Protectors want what's best for you so it's important to show them kindness and compassion. They may simply not understand your plight. It will take lots of communication and patience. Remember, protectors can convert into believers and supporters.

The Pessimist

This is the kind of person that reminds you of the statistics, the odds, the obstacles, the limitations, especially in a dwindling economy. Their weapon is their mind. They use such principles like logic, experience, and rationality to overcome one's wild aspirations. Rare feats are often deemed as fantasy and absurdity. Unlike a hater, a pessimist doesn't focus on demeaning your dreams personally. In fact, they may very well see the potential in you. However, they concern themselves the current realities and often cannot see the possibilities beyond the conventional.

How to deal with a pessimist?
Pessimism is a personality characteristic. Many people are naturally inclined to be pessimistic. My advice is to surround yourself with people that do have confidence in you. If the pessimist is only bringing negativity without reason, do not concern that person with your dreams and stay focused on your own goals.

It is important to remember that...
Not all negative criticism is bad. You should develop a mental filter. It takes in the criticism that will cause the artist to grow and improve in one's skills and abilities.

The Inner Critic

This dream killer's weapon, much like the hater's, is their insecurities. This person often feels like their time and energy is wasted when something does not work out. They feel like they are on a lost path with no signs or detours. They minimize their potential with feelings of self-doubt, frustration, confusion, anxiety, and impatience. They also are most likely to be affected by the other three kinds of dream killers. But the most dangerous thing about this dream killer is obvious: the inner critic is yourself. And if you don't believe in your dreams, why should anyone else?

How to deal with your inner critic?
One thing you can do is change your mindset. This is difficult with an experienced inner critic who has dealt with self-doubt most their life. You have to work towards having peace about where you are and know you can evolve. Also it is crucial to practice your craft. You will have less to be critical about if you improve at what you do. Always make time in your daily busy life for your dreams and recreations. Chances are, you will not reach your goals overnight. So its important to make decisions that are best for you, while remaining hopeful and optimistic for a brighter future.

It is important to remember that...
The truth is everyone has an inner critic. The trick is figuring out how to keep it from being an obstacle in your life. Don't let anyone get in the way of what you are destined to do. Especially don't let that person be you.

Here are a few tips that can help you to keep your dreams and goals alive while repelling the effects of dream killers:

• Dream big. Dream hard. 
• Meet people that have "made it" and ask questions.
• Make a thorough and detailed plan of action. 
• Keep focus. Limit distraction.
• Surround yourself with supporters.
• Listen to feedback/positive critique.
• Move forward. Don't worry about what happened before.
• Practice your skills. You are never too good for improvement.
• See things to completion. Build a reputation for persistence and endurance.
• Have no regrets. Learn from the mistakes and use them to grow.

~L~

20 Inspirational Quotations for Your Everyday Motivation

"Motivation is an external, temporary high that pushes you forward. Inspiration is a sustainable internal glow which pulls you forward." - Thomas Leonard

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." - William Jennings Bryan

"Every great achievement was once considered impossible." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

"Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission." ~ Zig Ziglar

“The more I practice, the luckier I get.” - Gary Player

"No pressure, no diamonds." ~ Unknown

“When we put a limit on what we will do, we put a limit on what we can do.” - Charles Schwab

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” - Robert Louis Stevenson

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” - Saint Francis of Assisi

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." - 1 Peter 3:14 (NIV)

“Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

“The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.” - Theodore Roosevelt

“It is never too late to be who you might have been.” - George Eliot

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

“Life is too short, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.” - Author Unknown



~L~

10 Reasons Why I Love Music

I decided to create this list not based off of being a musician myself but a lover of music and the arts in general. Here are 10 reasons why I love the art of music.

10. The beauty of orchestration.

A really well-written and orchestrated piece of music can ignite the emotional, physical, and spiritual realm of its listener. It can revive the art of listening to more than just music but life all around us. I appreciate  especially the arrangement of a piece because it makes me appreciate the composer themselves, and how they connect so many different elements to create a unified composition.

9. Takes up silence. 

Silence is golden indeed. I don’t have anything against silence. It’s a beautiful thing in moderation. But space is meant to be shared. I believe music collaborates with silence. Silence makes you appreciate music

8. Collaboration of the arts. 

Music is just one of the many arts out there. There are the visual arts, fashion, literature, dance, theatre and many more. Music works with the other arts and brings out the best in each other. 

7. Artistic support. 

I am a firm believer in supporting the arts as well as the artist. When we consuming music, we are supporting the producers and musicians who put themselves out there in a risky industry. Of course the art of support has become a very fascinating debate dealing with money, politics, and law. However showing financial, physical, and emotional support is extremely important and keeps the artist and their work very much alive.

6. Engages emotion.

Happy songs elevate happiness. Sad songs empathize with us. Funny songs lighten up our darkest days. Love songs offer hope to the lonely and understanding to the united. Inspirational songs keep us motivated in times of turbulence and struggle. Music engages our emotions and elevates them to their fullest potential.

5. Ignites imagination. 

Music inspires people to think beyond what is happening in the real world. It broadens our horizons. It ignites our creativity. It introduces is to the impossible, the unimaginable, the unthinkable. It rescues us from the mundane and routine into a space of solitude and wonder. It can also cause us to reach within ourselves and express ourselves in ways we never thought we could. 

4. Self-expression.

 You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of music they regularly listen to and the kind that catches their ear. Diverse tastes in music reflect an open-minded personality. Relaxed and classic music exudes a person who appreciates life in the most simplistic ways. Energetic and vivacious music go along with a vivacious and adventurous person. Music helps to solidify us in our identity and allows us to access unique and expressive freedoms within ourselves.

3. Empathy of experience. 

Music, with or without words, tells a story. It offers information and experience in an artistic context. It offers understanding into our worlds and our experiences. Music can express what we’ve gone through and allows us to connect to others based on life experiences through song and lyric.

2. Creates a memory. 

The first time we heard our favorite song/artist. The first concert/event we attended. A song about a loved one, a lost one, a dream, a reality, a sad time, a happy time. Music creates nostalgia. It reminds us of events in our lives, reignites our subconscious, and connects our pasts with our present.

1. Music is universal. 

In a world full of hundreds of different and distinct ethnicities, cultures, and languages, music is one thing that connects them all. It is a language in its own that everyone can understand. Sure there are many different kinds of music. But all music consists of some form of orchestration and arrangement. All music is a form of creative expression that provokes emotion and experience. They create memories for the artist and the audience. No matter how much the world changes, music's influence on the world remains at the forefront of cultural expression. That's how it always has been and how it always will be.

~L~