Throwback Thursday: 90s Pop Edition

The majority of my childhood was spent in the 1990s. Therefore most of the television, movies, and music I cherish come from this decade. In the 90s, pop music took on many different forms. Some pop music had rock and alternative influences. Some pop music had more of a r&b and soul foundation. Some pop was sugary and sweet. Some was dark and mysterious. But it became one of the most versatile and widespread genres for musical expression. Enjoy this Throwback Thursday by venturing through a decade of pop hits by some artists and groups still in existence, and others that have disbanded but never forgotten.


Now I cannot mention 90s pop without mentioning Madonna. In fact, any legit conversation on pop music, past or present, cannot and should not exclude Madonna. This is one of my favorite songs of hers. It's got a nice r&b groove to it, a departure from some of her earlier work. But it's still Madonna.


Madonna - Secret (1994)

No Doubt was definitely one of my favorite music acts growing up. Combining pop/rock with ska influences, No Doubt was one of the most successful bands of the 90s into the 00s. This song is their biggest hit, and the most played song of the year it was released.

Don't Speak - No Doubt (1996)

I don't care what anyone says; Savage Garden is one of the best pop acts of the 1990s undoubtedly. The Australian duo impacted the charts with hits such as "I Knew I Loved You," "Crash and Burn," and "Truly Madly Deeply." I posted this song particularly because it showed their versatility outside of the love-song pop ballads that they are most famous for. Plus I am amazed on how much lead singer Darren Hayes resembles Michael Jackson vocally, especially in the chorus.

Break Me, Shake Me - Savage Garden (1997)

Call me old fashioned but this is my favorite Mariah Carey. Natural, focused on the voice.  Now Mimi is, and always will be, one of the best vocalists in pop music history. At the age of 41, which is like 72 in pop music years, she is still turning out hits. And most of the young female pop divas still have a lot to do to match this diva's career. 

Mariah Carey - Vision of Love (1990)

~L~

Saturday Check-In: April 23, 2011

What has yours truly been up to this week?

This week I had taken some time off from websites like Twitter and Facebook and strived to concentrate more on the immediate. I realized I haven't been the most productive and diligent person and I wanted to take this week to really focus on getting these accomplished, instead of just getting things started. With that being said, I have finished the book "Get Started in Songwriting" by Sam Inglis finally. It was really a helpful motivational and practical guide to songwriting, from theory to the importance of hooks. I also finished a book called "The Songwriter's Survival Guide to Success: How to Pitch Your Songs" by Dude McLean.This book was honestly one of the most informative and helpful books I have ever read. It gave very helpful advice and tips from one of the most successful music publishers and record producers in the industry. Some of the most helpful tidbits I pulled out of the book are about writing and pitch songs you don't like, pitching songs to famous artists, making new contacts, ghostwriting, etc. I think I will definitely elaborate more on those for later posts.

I have also created a business card and a logo. The logo was such a struggle. At first I was going to have a treble clef, but some musicians told me not to do that. I am no graphic artist, as I have mentioned before, but I did some fooling around and came up with a logo that slightly resembles an "L." So I am working with that in the hopes that it is not copyrighted somewhere else. I have also started planning my official website: from the color scheme to the tabs that would be on the site. Once I settle on a domain name, coordinate some audio clips, and learn a little more about web design; I should get that up and running.

This week I have been trying to create a miniature organizer to take around with me wherever I go. It will have my business cards as well as my calendar, to-do list, biography, lyrics, etc. With this, I can always have something handy, because I never know when I will meet someone and I will need something handy to give or show them. I recommend that for all my writers and artists. Also I am applying for an internship at a record label in New York City this summer. I have lived in New York before a few summers ago when I took a class at New York University's Clive Davis School of Recorded Music. Even then, I wasn't set-in-stone about my songwriting aspirations. This internship would require a&r, marketing, and promo work. Even though that is not directly related to what I will be doing in the future, it will be helpful to learn and have experience in those arenas. Also, the internship would be at a music epicenter. Again, I never know who I will run into in the future.

I wrote most of a pop song with a catchy little chorus and hook. The song's content and lyrics center around someone who had their heart broken but goes on looking forward to the future, because everyday gets easier than the last. When I was singing this song out in my room, it immediately reminded me of something Lady Gaga would sing a la The Fame album days. Mainly because the melody and vocals would fit well with her first album's work. Careless, catchy, and fun. Sometimes I want to be so deep as a lyricist and not write the fun poppy music that lots of mainstream singers release nowadays. However I am realizing that it is very helpful to have some of that kind of music in your arsenal of work. That may be what Mr. Hot Shot Producer or Ms. Super Publisher want to pitch. It could be what not only gets me in the door, but kicks it wide open.

It's been a pretty productive week. I want to try to make every "Saturday Check-In" a testimonial to how much I get done. Especially more on the writing side. Just like Dude McLean's book said, a writer is on the clock 24/7. Whether they are writing, researching, contacting, networking, practicing, or dormant but alert to ideas; a songwriter always works. He also said just keep working hard, but if you work smart you won't have to work as hard. Keep on and it will happen.

Work smart,

~L~

Songs listened to while writing this post: "So Happy Being Me" Donald Lawrence and Co., "Just Wanna Say" Israel Houghton, "Surely Goodness" Israel Houghton ft. Chevelle Franklyn, and "Imagine Me," by Kirk Franklin, "Encourage Yourself," Donald Lawrence and Co.

My Top 25 Favorite Songs...According to iTunes.

So Lauren, what's your favorite song?

No offense, inquiring mind, but that's one of the dumbest questions you can ever ask me. Asking me what is my favorite song of all time, is like asking me what my favorite time of day to breathe is. It is simply a pointless question. I have songs I play depending on what I am doing or what mood I am in. I have a playlist for working out, meditating, praying, spontaneous dancing, etc. Some authors have a favorite book. Some chefs have a favorite spice or dish. I, as a songwriter, do not feel like I have a favorite song. Lo siento :(

BUT, I've decided for this post to put my music collection statistics on the line...online. On my iTunes, my default for music listening on my laptop, there is a playcount for each song. This means that when a song is completed in its entirety, or within 10 seconds to the end, it keeps count of how many times the song was played. There is an automatic playlist that iTunes creates based on one's top 25 most played songs. Sometimes I find myself checking this list on occasion and often becoming surprised at not only what is on the list but how many times I have played it. A lot of times it would be several songs from the same artist. Sometimes it will be recently downloaded songs that I play on heavy repeat for week and haven't listened to for a long time. Lately, I've been trying to diversify my high playcounts and give other songs I barely listen to some plays. However I somehow find myself listening to those heavily repeated songs when my shuffle comes around to them. I decided to list my top 25 most listened to songs according to iTunes in ascending order. I will be mentally inducting certain artists into my "iTunes Hall of Fame," based on their status in the Top25. I also will include, at the end of this post, 5 of my actual favorite songs of all time that don't get as much play.

Spoiler alert: my #1 most listened to song has nearly 60 plays more than the #2 song. Still trying to figure out how that happened lol!

#25 - What Goes Around (Comes Around) - Justin Timberlake (81 plays)
This was one of those songs that I loved from the first time I heard it. And I was ecstatic that JT released this song as a single. One of his best works truly.

#24 Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs (83 plays)
Electronic-alternative dance mix with a fun artsy video inspired by Michael Jackson's Thriller. Dance, dance, dance till ya dead.

#23 S&M - Rihanna (83 plays)
I like it, like it. It's my guilty pleasure of the moment. The song, not the act. It's crazy catchy.

#22 Tattoo - The Alliance ft. Fabo (85 plays)
Everyone that really knows me knows that I love this stupid song. The beat is loud, Fabo is obnoxious, the lyrics are pretty dumb. But this crazy ode to body art somehow keeps sneaking itself back into my Top25. And even though I have yet to get inked, I will surely blast this song... whenever that occurs.

#21 Remember the Name - Fort Minor ft. Styles of Beyond (86 plays)
Yeah, I don't care if this song raps about work ethic. It's hot lol.

#20 Take It Off - Ke$ha (87 plays)
Addicting party song sampling the popular children's song "There's A Place in France." Say what you want about Ke-dolla sign-HA, but she knows how to make hits.

#19 The Ghost Inside - Broken Bells (93 plays)
First hearing this song at one of my summer jobs last year, I was introduced to Broken Bells. It sounds like a futuristic fusion of alternative rock with Gorillaz-esque vocals. Their debut, self-titled album is one of my favorite albums from last year.

#18 Little Girl - Sparklehorse ft. Julian Casablancas (94 plays)

I found this gem among last year's binge of indie rock and alternative music. Brainchild of the late Mark Linkous and Danger Mouse (1/2 of Broken Bells and Gnarls Barkley), Sparklehorse definitely does it for me with this laid-back alternative jam. Plus I like the lyrics.

#17 Postcards from Italy - Beirut (96 plays)

My discovery of the wonder that is Beirut was long overdue. In any of my moods, I can just put on a playlist of strictly their music and tune out to the world. Especially this song.

#16 L.E.S. Artistes - Santigold (102 plays)
Definitely one of the most peculiar music videos I have ever encountered. But one of the coolest songs I may have ever heard.

#15 Mount Wroclai (Idle Days) - Beirut (102 plays)
I'm surprised by the high playcount. Maybe because this song makes me feel like getting lost in middle-Europe and not wanting to be found. 

#14 Bamboo Banga - M.I.A. (104 plays)
I am a big fan of M.I.A. and her musical antics. Its a catchy mix of hip hop, world, alternative and electronic music. M.I.A. does the hybrid thing well.

#13 Billionaire - Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars (105 plays)
Last year's summer anthem that was put on heavy repeat as requested by all of my roommates and guests in my apartment. We were all pretty much addicted to this song, so freakin' bad.

#12 Round Round - Sugababes (107 plays)
Infectious pop anthem sampling "Tango Forte" by Dublex Inc. with an unexpected slow-jam of a bridge.

#11 Shining Down - Lupe Fiasco ft. Matthew Santos (108 plays) 

Lupe's lyrical mastery mixed with Matthew Santos' pleasant, yet in-your-face chorus. And a beat I picture the local cool kids free-styling on top of in an after-school rap battle.

#10 Joyful Noise - Flame ft. Lecrae and John Reilly (111 plays)
Hands down one of my favorite songs. Marries hip hop, rock, and gospel into a crazy loud anthem of dedication to the Most High. Amen to that.

#9 Reptilia - The Strokes (123 plays)
Did I really listen to this song that much? LOL. It's good stuff though. One of my favorite bands.

#8 Soar - Christina Aguilera (124 plays)

First heard this song off of "The Pursuit of Happyness" trailer and I was in love with it ever since. One of my absolute favorite songs. If I ever have the pleasure of meeting Ms. Aguilera, I might have some choice words for the diva as to why this song was not released as a single off her album "Stripped."

#7 Carry Out - Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake (128 plays)

Awesome Timbaland beat with more food puns than any song could possibly order up. Add in one Justin Timberlake and you've got a savory and sexy hit.

#6 11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas (132 plays)
Retro fun. Lyrics used for many a Facebook status of mine. Great song.

#5 Find Your Love - Drake (139 plays)
Another one of those songs I was surprised ended up so high in playcount. What can I say? Drake unexpectedly impressed me with this one.

#4 Nantes - Beirut (143 plays)

This song is absolutely gorgeous. Beirut is gold.

#3 One Foot In - Sugababes (175 plays)

Reminds me of a song that would have be released in the mid 90s. Urban-influenced tune coming from the young British girl-group's debut album "One Touch," the band's best album in my opinion.

#2 O...Saya - A.R. Rahman ft. M.I.A. (181 plays)

I know if I had to make an official list of my favorite songs of all-time, this song would definitely be in the top 3. You may recognize this energetic medley as the Oscar-nominated opening theme to the 2009 mega-hit Slumdog Millionaire. 

#1 Hole in the Head - Sugababes (242 plays)
*sigh* Here we go. I really don't know why I've listened to this song so frickin much. But I can try to come up with some kind of explanation. The ska-influenced groove, the dance-pop edge, the girl-power vibe. Yeah I don't know. Obviously it's my favorite song... from the group. Yeah I admit it lol.

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*Genre Results: 36% pop/r&b, 32%alternative/rock, 20% hip-hop/rap, 12% electronic/other

**iTunes Hall of Fame: Sugababes, Beirut, Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), M.I.A., Danger Mouse (Broken Bells/Sparklehorse), Justin Timberlake

***Honorable Mentions: Bruno Mars, Santigold, The Strokes, Broken Bells, Lupe Fiasco, Lecrae, Timbaland, Mike Shinoda (Fort Minor/Linkin Park)

****Bubbling Under the Top25: "The High Road" Broken Bells, "Liquor Store Blues" Bruno Mars ft. Damian Marley, "Overload" Sugababes, "Technologic" Daft Punk, "The Catalyst" Linkin Park

Actual screenshot of "Top 25 Most Played" songs on iTunes as of April 17, 2011.
(click to enlarge)

*Results compiled from calculating genre percentages in the Top25.
** iTunes Hall of Famers are artists that appeared more than once in the Top25.
*** Honorable mentions are artists that appear on the Top25 with other songs with significant playcount.
****Bubbling Under songs are the next 5 songs with the highest playcount number not in the Top25.

So after these obviously scientific findings, I am still reluctant to title any song as my absolute favorite; no matter if it has even 300 plays more than the next highest counted song. However, I know of at least five of my favorite songs of all time and I will list their counts as well.

Fallin' - Alicia Keys (4 plays) 
The gorgeous debut single of the amazing Ms. Keys is my absolute favorite song of my favorite album of hers. And I am glad to say that I can play this diddy on piano. Snaps for me.

Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers (8 plays)

The Chili Peppers were the first rock band I remembered getting into. My dad was a huge fan of theirs; and I believe that influence grew into my love for rock. "Under the Bridge" is a legendary anthem and an amazing testament in rock history.

Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls (21 plays)
I'm not ashamed to say that I used to be the self-proclaimed biggest Spice Girls fan. I was obsessed with those crazy Brits and their music. This was one of the first songs I heard from them and the beat is addicting as hell. And if you honestly actually asked me what was my favorite song when I was 10, I would have said this one without much hesitation. Those girls are a part of my childhood that I will always cherish.

The Mummers Dance - Loreena McKennitt (71 plays)

Judging by all aformentioned artists, I bet you didn't expect a celtic/folk tune. Or judging from my randomness, maybe you did. Anyways, Story Time!: I used to dance ballet and jazz when I was younger. I used to dance to this particular majestic song all of the time. I had acquired a low-quality recording of the song that I would listen to often at my young age. It took TEN YEARS for me to gather enough sense to try to decipher the lyrics from the recording, and google the song. After much investigation, I found the song title and the artist. It was like finding a missing puzzle piece to a nearly completed puzzle...ok not really. But I was pretty happy. I got two of Loreena's albums a while later and resurrected my love for dancing.

Aint No Sunshine - by pretty much anyone. (Bill Withers version - 4 plays)

This is one of those songs that is pretty difficult to mess up a cover. Mainly because it's such a gorgeous song. But of course the best version was the original by Bill Withers. Soulful, moving, 2 minutes and 6 seconds of amazingness. If I had to recommend covers, check out Soul for Real, the Jacksons, and my absolute favorite cover Eva Cassidy. 

So...

I challenge anyone with iTunes or another music library service with a playcount to see what your most listened to songs are. It's interesting to see what music we put on repeat without even realizing it. I challenge you as music lovers and fans to also give the songs you haven't heard in forever some attention. You may discover or rediscover some of your favorite stuff. With that being said, happy listening!

♪♫ ♪♫ ♪,

~L~

"New" Music Monday: April 11, 2011

Happy Monday Everyone!

And I say that because I have a bad case of the Mondays. Why? 'Cause it's Monday.

However, I shall be cheerful because, today's post will be a "new" song review. And when I say "new" I mean it's new to me. This Monday I had to write about my discovery of a certain song.

"drinking wine to take away your pain"

For those who don't know, which is almost everyone, I work at a popular retail store that plays music on the loud speaker all day. Most of the music played is pop, dance, and electronic music stemming from popular artists like Ke$ha and La Roux, to relative unknowns. I heard this one song played during my shift that I really liked. It was a hip hop song. And...that's all I can tell you. Rapping with a sung hook. I couldn't make out the lyrics to later search and find the title and artist. But I really wanted to hear this song again. So I stayed up half the night tweeting on Twitter about me desperately trying to find this frickin song. I searched music lists, misheard lyrics, whatever. No luck. So I went on a forum and someone posted a list of songs my store plays regularly. I went through every...single...one. No luck BUT I did find this one song about halfway down the list. It was called "What's A Girl Gotta Do" by Basement Jaxx feat. Paloma Faith.

"shut your mouth, put your lips on me."

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIKl1Z0xeCk 

I was greeted with this crazy intro of brass-induced house music and other effects. I surely have never heard this song at my job because I definitely would have remembered hearing that. I had never heard of Basement Jaxx, but have heard of Paloma Faith. Her vocals were very jazzy and soulful on top of this crazy funky, almost cartoonish beat. Halfway through the song, the song slows down to this ambient break sprinkled with effects before picking up to synthesized brass section and continuing with the catchy chorus. After the first listen, I was not sure what exactly I was listening to... but I kind of liked it. I brought the song to one of my friends and she laughed as soon as the song started. She then proceeded to say the song was crazy and cool. She was definitely also amused by the cover art. Staring right into that owl's beady eyes while it dons a shiny helmet and human arms sucks me into the madness that is this song.

"what's a girl gotta do to get your attention?"

As an avid music-lover and enthusiast, I am always looking for new music to introduce myself to. I am definitely open to suggestions for "new" music to review. I have gotten a few requests for reviews so if you want me to review a song or a short album/demo or mixtape, let me know via Twitter or email, and I can set a "Monday" aside for you. Just so you know, I am no professional critic, but don't be discouraged by my modest audience now. All successes start as unknowns. And you can add my commentary to you bio or press release commentary and, in return, pub a fellow artist's blog. I can't wait to hear what you've got for the world.

Live, love, write,

~L~

21 Hooligans Shooting Lasers From Different Angles

For "New" Music Monday, I decided to write about March Madness. No I am not talking about basketball, but about my mad dash to the nearest music store (in this case, Target and iTunes) for a music haul this past March. Now some of you may be looking at the title of this post and be scratching your head. What is she getting at now? Well my title "21 Hooligans Shooting Lasers From Different Angles" would make one heck of a song-title wouldn't it? But it's actually a semi-clever title combination of the four albums that I purchased during this month: 21 by Adele, Doo-Wops and Hooligans by Bruno Mars, Lasers by Lupe Fiasco, and Angles by The Strokes. This is the most albums I think I have ever bought in one month. All of these artists I admire in different ways and contribute to my songwriting inspirations. This post consists of how I discovered the artists, a brief review of what I think of their album, and what they contribute to me as a writer and a fan of music. 
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Adele: the stunning soul

How did I discover Adele's music? I really can't remember the exact moment I first heard or saw her; but if I had to take a logical guess, it was most likely on a VH1 video countdown with her song "Chasing Pavements." I absolutely loved the video, song, and her voice. Later I was cruising online and heard her newer songs "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," which became bombarded with millions of views on YouTube and critical praises from fans  also and critics. I was so excited to not only hear that Adele's 21 hit number one a few times, but was the highest selling debut all this year in the US. Her album has also broken records in the UK. Many fans are thrilled that a young female artist bares her soul instead of her body and still sells. I wanted to support an artist like so to possibly pressure the pop industry to sell more beautiful talents instead of sexy gimmicks. But that's a discussion for a later post.

21 is the sophomore release of Adele following 19, her 
successful debut record. 

Adele's voice is definitely high-class drawing comparisons from the divas that came decades before her. As much as I was impressed with Adele's stunning vocals on the album 21, I think I was even more impressed with her songwriting. It's very soulful and you can tell that she is emotionally invested in her music. There is an autobiographical aspect to it that draws in listeners. Adele is definitely a storyteller. 


So how does Adele inspire me as a songwriter? She definitely draws past influences to create music that is timeless. When I listen to her, I imagine what she was feeling when she wrote her music. Sometimes I have to analyze my emotions when writing because it may cause me to become even more connected to my work. Many times I hesitate drawing from my own experiences in my music. I just feel others' experiences make better stories. But many times, it's our own stories that makes for a more authentic and genuine flow to the music.

Don't be afraid to write what you've lived. Every story needs a storyteller.

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Bruno Mars: the charismatic craftsman

The first time I heard Mr. Mars was on the radio at work. The song of course was the massive hit "Nothing On You" with rapper B.O.B. I didn't know who made this song at the time but I remembered hearing this record and it actually being the only song that I looked forward to hearing on repeat on the radio at the time. Then I heard Bruno's name again featured on "Billionaire" with Travie McCoy, which became an official summer anthem in my apartment last year. I really liked this new engaging voice in pop music and was hoping that he became a successful soloist instead of just a "featuring" artist. That became a reality when Bruno's first two solo singles both hit #1 on the Billboard Top 100, a difficult feat for any artist especially a new one. But it wasn't until I heard and saw the video for "Liquor Store Blues" with Damian Marley when I became even more impressed with Bruno Mars. I also came to the conclusion that I had to have his record. I got this album off of iTunes because I was too impatient (and/or "lazy") to actually get the physical album, though now I kinda wish I did.

All in all, I feel like this album shows two sides to Bruno Mars. It shows the charismatic romantic that entrances and swoons with melody-driven pop tunes. Then there is the edgier side seen in tracks like "Liquor Store Blues" and "The Other Side" which tends to show off more of his artistic potentials. There are other tracks on the record that mix together other influences and ingredients into a musical melting pot all his own. It's a solid and savory concoction of a debut album that personally leaves me wondering what recipes he will come up with next.

Doo-Wops and Hooligans, released back in October of 2010,

is noted to be influenced by a wide variety of music genres and artists.

At times, I feel like my work screams identity crisis. I love writing all kinds of music about different subjects in different styles. Many books and articles on writing songs would tell me to pick a genre, stick with it, and master it to the point of success. I feel like Bruno Mars is one of the most adaptable and versatile artists and writers in pop music now. He personally inspires me to be proud of my diverse musical interests, and work with that into something I can truly enjoy and have fun writing and listening to.

Don't be worried about labels. Write what you love.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Lupe Fiasco: the visionary vanguard

When Lupe first emerged out of my native Chicago, many of my friends became huge fans of his; but I never took the time out to listen to him. It wasn't until December 2007 when he performed on my college campus that I was heavily impressed with the rapper. I became hooked and got both Food and Liquor and The Cool a few weeks later. Both records are two of not only my favorite albums by any artist but, I feel, two of the best hip hop albums of all time. I, like many of my friends and other fans, eagerly awaited LupE.N.D., his highly-anticipated third album. But along with delays and such, fans had to wait until 2011 for Lupe's third album entitled Lasers. In the album art, I see "losers" in lights but an "A" spray painted in red. I think this is Lupe's scarlet letter that he wears in the rap industry. It is a label for being an intellect and, at times, a political pundit that is an uncompromisable force in hip hop.

According to Lupe Fiasco, Lasers is an acronym

"Love Always Shines Everytime, Remember 2 Smile"

That is to say, I have heard avid fans of Lupe's are actually disappointed in Lasers. They argue that Lupe was sick of the delay of his third album and compromised with his label to create a more "radio-friendly" release. My opinion is if you compare it to other rap albums of the past few years, it is a great record and subject to winning some hip hop album awards for this year. However if you compare it to his first two studio albums, it stands as the weakest. I think that the record at times showed tension. The catchy choruses appeared, at times, too overbearing in some songs and competed against Lupe's verses and flow. Despite so, Lasers went to #1 it's first week being Lupe's first album to do so. This can either mean his label will give him more creative freedom for his next record, or could mean "old-Lupe" is in the past and the new material is what sells. Regardless, I think many fans (such as myself) bought Lasers blindly because we loved for the old material and wanted to support one of the rare gems of the hip hop industry. Some of my favorite tracks are "Till I Get There," "The Show Goes On," and "I'm Beaming" and "Shining Down" previous releases available on the deluxe edition. Lasers may be more "radio-friendly" indeed, but he still sets his phasers to stun.
Lupe inspires me because of his delivery and intelligence. Despite some saying that he did indeed "dumb it down" to please his record label, he still delivers. He is definitely one of the only rappers today that can truly be called a lyricist: someone who desires to make you focus on the words being said, rather than the catchy and bass-driven beats. He still makes you think and question the motives of the hip hop industry and its commercialization of an art form. With that being said I believe that music can be fun and catchy, but I do appreciate complexity and depth. As a writer, I would love to marry the two concepts together in many of my works.

Don't be hesitant to say what has or hasn't been said. Be your own.

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The Strokes: the rebellious rockers

Angles is The Strokes first album in five years after their
third record First Impressions of Earth (2006).

So I am actually kind of ashamed on when I started actively listening to The Strokes. It wasn't until I watched the viral video "Boombox" with The Lonely Island from Saturday Night Live. I didn't know who the singer was that was featured on the song. But I loved his voice. After a little research, I found out Julian Casablancas was the lead singer of The Strokes. I did recognize a few of their songs/videos like "Someday" and "Reptilia" from years ago, but I never was into their music or anything similar to it back then. However, when I became hooked to Casablancas's voice I not only bought his solo record but got all of The Strokes albums. Just like with the aforementioned artists, I was hooked. From there, my liking for indie rock music kind of skyrocketed as well as my appreciation for the indie music world. Music fans enjoy and support the work who don't sells millions and millions (as if album sales were as lucrative as they used to be). It offers one to branch outside the top 40 to many different music possibilities and styles. 


With that being said, die-hard Strokes fans will be disappointed if they want their favorite band to resurrect their ground-breaking Is This It? debut in Angles. The record had songs that I loved at first listen. But the record as a whole definitely grows on you. It is different than their previous records with many tracks and sounds could have molded nicely in the 80s. It is that new wave vintage mix that makes for a good comeback into the forefront of indie rock. My favorite tracks on the album "Machu Picchu" "Two Kinds of Happiness" "Taken for a Fool."


I was in depressing writer's block around the time I discovered The Strokes. They, and other bands I grew to love, not only brought me out of it but challenged me to write in a different way. Write lyrics that others can misinterpret based on their own experiences. Compose music that sometimes is not pleasant at first listen. Yes, that goes against much popular music ideology; but I think it is a healthy exercise for budding and established songwriters. It exercises our minds and abilities and eventually we start to care less about writing hits and more on the art of it all. Before music was a business, it was an artform. 

Don't be scared to take risks. Your audience is out there.

***All of these albums I have purchased physically or downloaded from iTunes. Even though I could have easily gotten them for the free, I am a fan of all of these artists I am fans of and I truly believe in supporting them. No I have not purchased every track of the thousands of songs in my music collection, but I realize that downloading illegally as a musician is kind of hypocritical, for I would want people to support what I create. The politics of downloading in the music industry is a touchy subject of course and how one acquires their music is their own prerogative. It may be crazy as a broke college student behind on her rent to pay $10+ a pop for these records, but hey I'm mad. Mad for music.***


~L~

Saturday Check-In: April 2, 2011

What have I been up to this week?


This week has been more of a research week for me. I have been looking through some publishing databases and analyzing some locations of possibilities for future submissions of my work. I have also been planning my website as well as some events in the next few months. I've also been continuing this book called "Get Started in Songwriting" by Sam Inglis as well as some other materials and articles. In the book, I've been reading up on the importance of hooks in songs. I realize as a lyricist, sometimes I forget about the hooks. It plays a vital part in the melodic flow of the song. I definitely need to focus more on the hooks, especially with popular music. And of course, I have came up with some lyric parts and wrote them down.


I also started notating my very first song onto sheet paper. The song was called "Neverending Dream" and I wrote it when I was fourteen. I wrote this song inspired by one of my favorite bands Evanscence. I wrote this song with Amy Lee's voice and the band's sound in mind. I remembered performing it for my family on my little Casio keyboard and them being really impressed. They suggested that I send it in to Wind Up Records. However, because of my age and inexperience, I did not think the song would go anywhere. I did imagine what it would like if Amy Lee were to sing my little ballad. Still to this day, "Neverending Dream" is still one of my favorite songs and I refuse to edit it because I think there is something special about its adolescent lyrics and stripped acoustic vibe. By my next check-in, I want to make more progress with more of the writing. But I am glad that I have been doing some planning.


This week I also joined a website called songwritingfever.com. I found this website through random google searching. The website is an forum and support group for songwriters that want feedback or collaborative opportunities. I created a profile and posted a small bio. My profile is at http://www.songwritingfever.com/members/profile.php?id=3071. I am not sure what to do with this website yet, but it seems like a cool local community of music lovers and writers.


It's been a pretty busy week with my work schedule as well as trying to get my music in order. Another week has passed and it's another week closer to my music industry goals. I hope all my writers, readers, movers, and shakers realize that too and keep on their grind.


Peace,
~L~


Song listened to while writing this post: Basement Jaxx ft. Paloma Faith "What's A Girl Gotta Do," Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland and Ms. Jade "Turn Off the Light (Remix)," Britney Spears "Hold It Against Me," La Roux "Bulletproof." 

Foto Friday: April 1, 2011

Hello all,

This Friday's "foto" is a teaser I created for a future post. Yes I made it on my laptop, and no I am no graphic designer.  And before you come to this conclusion, this is not an album cover. If I were to ever have an album cover, I would definitely hire a professional lol. 

Enjoy The Madness.

~L~