The other day while I was on my phone, I decided to listen to "Right By You" by Justin Nozuka. Suddenly, I was overtaken by an incredibly powerful sense of nostalgia to which I couldn't assign a place or time. It started to come in bits and pieces--I can smell my body wash very strongly, but it's early morning (I know because I feel exhausted). Odd; I usually shower at night. Next comes the swirl of cold air conditioning around me; it must be summer. Then it hits me. I'm sitting in the lobby of Trojan Hall, waiting for the counselors to walk us to breakfast on some day of GRAMMY camp. I listened to that song almost every morning as I sat, one of the first ones downstairs, waiting to go eat.
I don't know about you guys, but I have really strong sense memories with music. When I hear "The Only Exception" by Paramore, I'm reminded of my first few weeks of seventh grade; I can feel the scratchy denim of my new jeans and the slick metal of braces on my teeth. When I hear "Check Yes, Juliet" by We the Kings, I remember freshman year, when I went to Chicago for a choir trip and listened to that song on repeat as I fell asleep. "No One's Gonna Love You" by Band of Horses, "Empire" by Jukebox the Ghost, and the entirety of the Imagine Dragons album "Night Visions" takes me back to sophomore year; I can feel the weightiness of Jane Eyre in my hands, the nervousness I felt as I auditioned for Scene Monkeys for the first time, the sense of accomplishment as I got my learner's permit. And aside from those tangible things--the physical sensations and sights--there's that intangible thing. You know what I mean? Every year just has a feeling. Last year I bought the same brand and scent of deodorant I'd used in ninth grade without realizing it; when I put it on, I nearly fell over, inundated by that ineffable "it" that accompanied everything about Jensen McRae, age 14.
Sometimes it's a good thing. When I hear "Right By You," I smile to myself at the wonderful memories I created last summer. Nonetheless, certain songs and smells bring back not-so-good memories. Everyone has that feeling. That sappy love song reminds you of the one that got away; some random adult contemporary song on the radio just so happened to be playing when you got into a bad car accident; you had the most awkward first slow dance in the world to an otherwise innocuous Top 40 tune (Today Was a Fairytale by Taylor Swift, I'm looking at you.)
I guess that sucks, that sometimes a song, or the smell of rain, or anything else can be ruined for you. But it's also pretty great that those things can preserve something you never wanted to forget. Sure, maybe certain songs and albums and perfumes are on my "do not touch" list, but there are way more that I listen to and, instead of drowning, I just swim for a while. So you know that album you can't listen to without thinking about your ex? Just put it on. Play it all the way through. And remember why you loved it so much in the first place. No one deserves to steal your songs.
No one.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
May Playlist
May Playlist
I am done with classes! Huzzah! See ya never, high school!
(Longer post about my feelings on this to come. Don't fret.)
May is very nearly over, which means it's time for me to share the songs I've been listening to this month. I hope you dig 'em!
1. "Do You Remember" - 3:54
ALBUM: Do You Remember - Single
ARTIST: Jarryd James
2. "Here" - 3:20
ALBUM: Here - Single
ARTIST: Alessia Cara
3. "Should've Been Us" - 3:06
ALBUM: Unbreakable Smile
ARTIST: Tori Kelly
4. "Bring Me Home" - 4:58
ALBUM: Bring Me Home - Single
ARTIST: Tori Kelly
5. "Blood" - 5:26
ALBUM: The Recordings of the Middle East
ARTIST: The Middle East
6. "Girls" - 4:14
ALBUM: The 1975
ARTIST: The 1975
7. "I'm Gonna Find Another You" - 2:43
ALBUM: Continuum
ARTIST: John Mayer
8. "Arch & Point" - 3:17
ALBUM: Kaleidoscope Dream
ARTIST: Miguel
9. "Fire Meet Gasoline" - 4:01
ALBUM: 1000 Forms of Fear
ARTIST: Sia
10. "Some Type of Love" - 3:05
ALBUM: Some Type of Love - EP
ARTIST: Charlie Puth
11. "The Fool" - 3:49
ALBUM: The Fool
ARTIST: Ryn Weaver
I hope you enjoy these eleven songs as May comes to an end. I graduate high school exactly one week. I've never been more excited for something to end. And right now, I've got to dash out the door, but you'll see me back here soon. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime - music school. :)
xo
I am done with classes! Huzzah! See ya never, high school!
(Longer post about my feelings on this to come. Don't fret.)
May is very nearly over, which means it's time for me to share the songs I've been listening to this month. I hope you dig 'em!
1. "Do You Remember" - 3:54
ALBUM: Do You Remember - Single
ARTIST: Jarryd James
2. "Here" - 3:20
ALBUM: Here - Single
ARTIST: Alessia Cara
3. "Should've Been Us" - 3:06
ALBUM: Unbreakable Smile
ARTIST: Tori Kelly
4. "Bring Me Home" - 4:58
ALBUM: Bring Me Home - Single
ARTIST: Tori Kelly
5. "Blood" - 5:26
ALBUM: The Recordings of the Middle East
ARTIST: The Middle East
6. "Girls" - 4:14
ALBUM: The 1975
ARTIST: The 1975
7. "I'm Gonna Find Another You" - 2:43
ALBUM: Continuum
ARTIST: John Mayer
8. "Arch & Point" - 3:17
ALBUM: Kaleidoscope Dream
ARTIST: Miguel
9. "Fire Meet Gasoline" - 4:01
ALBUM: 1000 Forms of Fear
ARTIST: Sia
10. "Some Type of Love" - 3:05
ALBUM: Some Type of Love - EP
ARTIST: Charlie Puth
11. "The Fool" - 3:49
ALBUM: The Fool
ARTIST: Ryn Weaver
I hope you enjoy these eleven songs as May comes to an end. I graduate high school exactly one week. I've never been more excited for something to end. And right now, I've got to dash out the door, but you'll see me back here soon. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime - music school. :)
xo
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
April Playlist
April Playlist
Hey, guys! It's bright and early on a beautiful Tuesday morning in April, and I'm at school…so why not throw up a monthly playlist before I have to hustle off to creative writing class?
(What? Write my English paper, you say? Hilarious suggestion! On an unrelated topic, your suggestion privileges have been revoked.)
Enjoy these 9 (gosh, short one this time) tunes as we coast into the gorgeousness that is May in Los Angeles…or, well, whatever you are!
1. "Lonely People" - 3:09
ALBUM: Lonely People - EP
ARTIST: Orla Gartland
2. "Let's Get Started" - 3:27
ALBUM: Adventures in Real Time
ARTIST: Dylan Gardner
3. "Gibberish (feat. Hoodie Allen)" - 3:23
ALBUM: Gibberish (feat. Hoodie Allen) - Single
ARTIST: MAX
4. "Going Nowhere" - 3:34
ALBUM: Reflection
ARTIST: Fifth Harmony
5. "Love Somebody" - 4:09
ALBUM: Love Somebody - EP
ARTIST: Robyn Sherwell
6. "Fair Game" - 3:51
ALBUM: 1000 Forms of Fear
ARTIST: Sia
7. "Bigger Than My Body" - 4:25
ALBUM: Heavier Things
ARTIST: John Mayer
8. "Blindsided" - 5:29
ALBUM: For Emma, Forever Ago
ARTIST: Bon Iver & St. Vincent
9. "Muddy Hymnal" - 2:43
ALBUM: The Creek Drank the Cradle
ARTIST: Iron & Wine
Hope you liked this slightly shorter monthly playlist. I really loved listening to all these tracks, but I can't wait to see what new music I discover in May. Perhaps you've noticed that my little "end-of-playlist" tags no longer contain rambling musings in which I wax rhapsodic about time…but fear not! When my senior year winds down to its official close, there will be a whole post devoted to my thoughts on the passage of time and growing up and…well, college. But until then, I'm gonna keep doing what I always do--writing :) See ya around! xo
Hey, guys! It's bright and early on a beautiful Tuesday morning in April, and I'm at school…so why not throw up a monthly playlist before I have to hustle off to creative writing class?
(What? Write my English paper, you say? Hilarious suggestion! On an unrelated topic, your suggestion privileges have been revoked.)
Enjoy these 9 (gosh, short one this time) tunes as we coast into the gorgeousness that is May in Los Angeles…or, well, whatever you are!
1. "Lonely People" - 3:09
ALBUM: Lonely People - EP
ARTIST: Orla Gartland
2. "Let's Get Started" - 3:27
ALBUM: Adventures in Real Time
ARTIST: Dylan Gardner
3. "Gibberish (feat. Hoodie Allen)" - 3:23
ALBUM: Gibberish (feat. Hoodie Allen) - Single
ARTIST: MAX
4. "Going Nowhere" - 3:34
ALBUM: Reflection
ARTIST: Fifth Harmony
5. "Love Somebody" - 4:09
ALBUM: Love Somebody - EP
ARTIST: Robyn Sherwell
6. "Fair Game" - 3:51
ALBUM: 1000 Forms of Fear
ARTIST: Sia
7. "Bigger Than My Body" - 4:25
ALBUM: Heavier Things
ARTIST: John Mayer
8. "Blindsided" - 5:29
ALBUM: For Emma, Forever Ago
ARTIST: Bon Iver & St. Vincent
9. "Muddy Hymnal" - 2:43
ALBUM: The Creek Drank the Cradle
ARTIST: Iron & Wine
Hope you liked this slightly shorter monthly playlist. I really loved listening to all these tracks, but I can't wait to see what new music I discover in May. Perhaps you've noticed that my little "end-of-playlist" tags no longer contain rambling musings in which I wax rhapsodic about time…but fear not! When my senior year winds down to its official close, there will be a whole post devoted to my thoughts on the passage of time and growing up and…well, college. But until then, I'm gonna keep doing what I always do--writing :) See ya around! xo
Thursday, April 16, 2015
On Lists and Influence
TIME Magazine is always publishing lists of influential people, be it their Top 100 Most Influential People in the World or Top 25 Most Influential Teens or whatever other lists I'm forgetting. These lists contain human rights activists, authors, politicians, artists, scientists, tech innovators--many (but of course, not all) of the best and brightest across all disciplines are named in these elite lists.
However, these lists don't just contain people enacting positive change. From Vine stars to YouTubers to reality TV personalities--all of whom are inarguably products of the inexplicable modern fame machine, these people aren't making quite the impact that people like Rula Ghani or Vladimir Putin are making (for better or worse, in Putin's case). In fact, some would contend that the aforementioned "famous" people are making the world worse with their deliriously high status; some have made more egregious offenses, i.e. racist and sexist remarks, and others are just uneducated and soaking up airtime that might be better dedicated to other subjects.
But before we go burning our copies of TIME, let's consider two things.
1.) Let's define the word "influence."
Influence is defined as "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself." I would, of course, whole-heartedly agree that Laverne Cox and Hilary Clinton exert and deserve a great deal of influence over our country and our world as a whole. But Kim Kardashian isn't on this list for nothing. First of all, I mention her in conversation almost every single day. Why?! Why on Earth am I talking about Kim Kardashian and her Internet-shattering butt when there is social change to advocate for, music to review, books to analyze--hell, even localized school gossip to engage in? Because like it or not, she does exert influence over us. Without any of us wanting it to happen, Kim Kardashian affects our character, development, and behavior on a regular basis. We take people's opinions on Kardashian and her family to be indicators of education level or quality of character. It's completely absurd when you give it a moment's thought, but through borderline-sociopathic media manipulation on the part of Kris Jenner and the Internet's insatiable appetite for celebrity scoops, we are all subject to the goings-on of even the most mundane aspects of their lives. And if that's not influence, I don't know what is.
2.) Let's remember that these lists cannot make or break the fate of the modern world.
Yes, Nash Grier was put on the same list as Malala Yousafzai, even though he has made homophobic and racist 6-second videos and she risked her life to protect education rights for girls in Pakistan. No, those two accomplishments are not commensurate. But is putting Nash Grier on some list--the contents of which will someday be forgotten--going to erase the long-term effects of Yousafzai's heroism and activism? Of course not. There are thousands of brilliant minds, creative spirits, and brave hearts left off this list every year, and a handful of less-than-stellar candidates who make it on. But the unnamed people who are still doing good work will continue to do good work, even as their triumphs go unsung by the mass media. And some day, God-willing, the Internet and iPhone app celebrities will lose the last glimmers of manufactured influence and fade back into relative oblivion with the rest of us.
So there you have it. That's my opinion on the lists that journalists love to make. I would really recommend you read the mini-bios of the people included on the TIME 100; they're beautifully written and quite fascinating (especially considering I've never even heard of many of the people on the list). If I can leave you with one thought, it's this: there's enough room in the world--and on the Internet--for Kylie Jenner to post pictures of her lips on Instagram and for Jazz Jennings to advocate for transgender rights without all of us losing our minds.
However, these lists don't just contain people enacting positive change. From Vine stars to YouTubers to reality TV personalities--all of whom are inarguably products of the inexplicable modern fame machine, these people aren't making quite the impact that people like Rula Ghani or Vladimir Putin are making (for better or worse, in Putin's case). In fact, some would contend that the aforementioned "famous" people are making the world worse with their deliriously high status; some have made more egregious offenses, i.e. racist and sexist remarks, and others are just uneducated and soaking up airtime that might be better dedicated to other subjects.
But before we go burning our copies of TIME, let's consider two things.
1.) Let's define the word "influence."
Influence is defined as "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself." I would, of course, whole-heartedly agree that Laverne Cox and Hilary Clinton exert and deserve a great deal of influence over our country and our world as a whole. But Kim Kardashian isn't on this list for nothing. First of all, I mention her in conversation almost every single day. Why?! Why on Earth am I talking about Kim Kardashian and her Internet-shattering butt when there is social change to advocate for, music to review, books to analyze--hell, even localized school gossip to engage in? Because like it or not, she does exert influence over us. Without any of us wanting it to happen, Kim Kardashian affects our character, development, and behavior on a regular basis. We take people's opinions on Kardashian and her family to be indicators of education level or quality of character. It's completely absurd when you give it a moment's thought, but through borderline-sociopathic media manipulation on the part of Kris Jenner and the Internet's insatiable appetite for celebrity scoops, we are all subject to the goings-on of even the most mundane aspects of their lives. And if that's not influence, I don't know what is.
2.) Let's remember that these lists cannot make or break the fate of the modern world.
Yes, Nash Grier was put on the same list as Malala Yousafzai, even though he has made homophobic and racist 6-second videos and she risked her life to protect education rights for girls in Pakistan. No, those two accomplishments are not commensurate. But is putting Nash Grier on some list--the contents of which will someday be forgotten--going to erase the long-term effects of Yousafzai's heroism and activism? Of course not. There are thousands of brilliant minds, creative spirits, and brave hearts left off this list every year, and a handful of less-than-stellar candidates who make it on. But the unnamed people who are still doing good work will continue to do good work, even as their triumphs go unsung by the mass media. And some day, God-willing, the Internet and iPhone app celebrities will lose the last glimmers of manufactured influence and fade back into relative oblivion with the rest of us.
So there you have it. That's my opinion on the lists that journalists love to make. I would really recommend you read the mini-bios of the people included on the TIME 100; they're beautifully written and quite fascinating (especially considering I've never even heard of many of the people on the list). If I can leave you with one thought, it's this: there's enough room in the world--and on the Internet--for Kylie Jenner to post pictures of her lips on Instagram and for Jazz Jennings to advocate for transgender rights without all of us losing our minds.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
March Playlist
March Playlist
Hi hi hi! It's the end of March Wheee! Only three days till spring break! MORE WHEEEE!
*breathes deeply*
I am seriously just trying to f(x) out here and make it through this week. Your girl needs a break! This week has been hella stressful and it's only Tuesday. #getmeouttahere
This has been a terribly informal intro, but yes, onto the songs! Only 13 songs in my March 2015 playlist, but they're all really great, varied tunes! Also, if you're interested, I've got some songs coming out in the next couple of months (yes, real songs on iTunes and stuff!) so follow me on Twitter @mcraejensen to stay updated on that!
Also, if you care, I won't be posting a new cover tomorrow, because my voice is still not where I'd like it to be and I'd rather keep nursing it back to health (also I'm almost out of GRAMMY Camp audition videos to post). Speaking of! The deadline to submit an application to GRAMMY Camp 2015 is March 31st, 2015! You should apply if you are a musician, singer, songwriter, aspiring music businessperson, or aspiring music journalist in high school (specifically if you are a rising sophomore, junior, senior, or college freshman)! Please please please apply! Here is a link to check it out: http://www.grammyintheschools.com/programs/grammy-camp/apply
Okay okay okay! Here we go here's the playlist for real yeah yeah!
1. "Love Songs Drug Songs" - 3:39
ALBUM: Love Songs Drug Songs - EP
ARTIST: X Ambassadors
2. "Cardiac Arrest" - 3:02
ALBUM: Language & Perspective
ARTIST: Bad Suns
3. "Heartsigh" - 3:19
ALBUM: Another Eternity
ARTIST: Purity Ring
4. "Smile" - 3:27
ALBUM: Time
ARTIST: Mikky Ekko
5. "Sooner or Later" - 3:56
ALBUM: Young Love
ARTIST: Mat Kearney
6. "Little Numbers (Acoustic Version)" - 3:41
ALBUM: Mutual Friends
ARTIST: BOY
7. "Kaleidoscope Dream" - 4:17
ALBUM: Kaleidoscope Dream
ARTIST: Miguel
8. "Backseat Freestyle" - 3:32
ALBUM: good kid, m.A.A.d city
ARTIST: Kendrick Lamar
9. "Love Is a Verb" - 2:28
ALBUM: Born and Raised
ARTIST: John Mayer
10. "Clean" - 4:31
ALBUM: 1989
ARTIST: Taylor Swift
11. "I Won't Fight It (Hushed)" - 4:12
ALBUM: Black Bear (Hushed) - EP
ARTIST: Andrew Belle
12. "Perth" - 4:22
ALBUM: Bon Iver
ARTIST: Bon Iver & St. Vincent
13. "You" - 4:42
ALBUM: Birthdays
ARTIST: Keaton Henson
That's all for now, folks! Please enjoy this eclectic mix of songs as we conclude the month of March. Yesterday my not-so-little brother turned 13, and tomorrow my dad turns 50, which is super cool and so I am feeling all celebratory. Other than that, I suppose it's the same ol', same ol'. I'm so ready for break, though. I could really use some time off…
See ya next time! xo
Hi hi hi! It's the end of March Wheee! Only three days till spring break! MORE WHEEEE!
*breathes deeply*
I am seriously just trying to f(x) out here and make it through this week. Your girl needs a break! This week has been hella stressful and it's only Tuesday. #getmeouttahere
This has been a terribly informal intro, but yes, onto the songs! Only 13 songs in my March 2015 playlist, but they're all really great, varied tunes! Also, if you're interested, I've got some songs coming out in the next couple of months (yes, real songs on iTunes and stuff!) so follow me on Twitter @mcraejensen to stay updated on that!
Also, if you care, I won't be posting a new cover tomorrow, because my voice is still not where I'd like it to be and I'd rather keep nursing it back to health (also I'm almost out of GRAMMY Camp audition videos to post). Speaking of! The deadline to submit an application to GRAMMY Camp 2015 is March 31st, 2015! You should apply if you are a musician, singer, songwriter, aspiring music businessperson, or aspiring music journalist in high school (specifically if you are a rising sophomore, junior, senior, or college freshman)! Please please please apply! Here is a link to check it out: http://www.grammyintheschools.com/programs/grammy-camp/apply
Okay okay okay! Here we go here's the playlist for real yeah yeah!
1. "Love Songs Drug Songs" - 3:39
ALBUM: Love Songs Drug Songs - EP
ARTIST: X Ambassadors
2. "Cardiac Arrest" - 3:02
ALBUM: Language & Perspective
ARTIST: Bad Suns
3. "Heartsigh" - 3:19
ALBUM: Another Eternity
ARTIST: Purity Ring
4. "Smile" - 3:27
ALBUM: Time
ARTIST: Mikky Ekko
5. "Sooner or Later" - 3:56
ALBUM: Young Love
ARTIST: Mat Kearney
6. "Little Numbers (Acoustic Version)" - 3:41
ALBUM: Mutual Friends
ARTIST: BOY
7. "Kaleidoscope Dream" - 4:17
ALBUM: Kaleidoscope Dream
ARTIST: Miguel
8. "Backseat Freestyle" - 3:32
ALBUM: good kid, m.A.A.d city
ARTIST: Kendrick Lamar
9. "Love Is a Verb" - 2:28
ALBUM: Born and Raised
ARTIST: John Mayer
10. "Clean" - 4:31
ALBUM: 1989
ARTIST: Taylor Swift
11. "I Won't Fight It (Hushed)" - 4:12
ALBUM: Black Bear (Hushed) - EP
ARTIST: Andrew Belle
12. "Perth" - 4:22
ALBUM: Bon Iver
ARTIST: Bon Iver & St. Vincent
13. "You" - 4:42
ALBUM: Birthdays
ARTIST: Keaton Henson
That's all for now, folks! Please enjoy this eclectic mix of songs as we conclude the month of March. Yesterday my not-so-little brother turned 13, and tomorrow my dad turns 50, which is super cool and so I am feeling all celebratory. Other than that, I suppose it's the same ol', same ol'. I'm so ready for break, though. I could really use some time off…
See ya next time! xo
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
February Playlist
February Playlist
Hey all! February is winding down so I thought I'd share my favorite tunes this month.
In terms of cool updates, two days ago I had a charity concert with a few of my friends that went really well and raised a ton of money for a great cause (visit justincarrwantsworldpeace.org for more info), and just hours ago I returned home from a college visit at my future home!
*drum roll, please…*
This fall, I'll be attending the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California as a pop music major (with a concentration in songwriting)! I am SO excited! It's been my dream school for over a year now and the company I'm joining absolutely defies description.
If you stuck around through this ranting and raving, please enjoy the 17 songs I just couldn't stop vibing this month! :-)
1. "Pain Au Chocolat" - 3:43
ALBUM: Arts Martiens
ARTIST: IAM
2. "Litost" - 5:21
ALBUM: Love Songs Drug Songs - EP
ARTIST: X Ambassadors
3. "Talk to Me Baby" - 2:59
ALBUM: Confluence
ARTIST: Zane Carney
4. "Scars" - 4:34
ALBUM: Chaos and the Calm
ARTIST: James Bay
5. "Magical Machine" - 4:05
ALBUM: Brutal Romantic
ARTIST: Brooke Fraser
6. "Novocaine" - 3:44
ALBUM: Everything's Coming Up Roses
ARTIST: Night Terrors of 1927
7. "Mess Is Mine" - 3:43
ALBUM: Dream Your Life Away
ARTIST: Vance Joy
8. "I'm On Fire" - 2:52
ALBUM: Battle Studies (Deluxe Version)
ARTIST: John Mayer
9. "The Body Breaks" - 2:43
ALBUM: Rejoicing In the Hands
ARTIST: Devendra Banhart
10. "Eavesdrop" - 3:35
ALBUM: The Civil Wars
ARTIST: The Civil Wars
11. "Undeniable You" - 3:22
ALBUM: Jukebox the Ghost
ARTIST: Jukebox the Ghost
12. "Jealous" - 4:47
ALBUM: Jealous - Single
ARTIST: Labrinth
13. "Careless" - 3:59
ALBUM: Wake the Sun - EP
ARTIST: Little Sea
14. "When the Darkness Comes" - 4:02
ALBUM: When the Darkness Comes - EP
ARTIST: JP Cooper
15. "You Don't Know How Lucky You Are" - 3:48
ALBUM: Dear
ARTIST: Keaton Henson
16. "Upward Over the Mountain" - 5:56
ALBUM: The Creek Drank the Cradle
ARTIST: Iron & Wine
17. "Nobody Love" - 3:22
ALBUM: Nobody Love - Single
ARTIST: Tori Kelly
Hope you enjoy these songs, everybody! 2015 is off to a pretty mellow start, and I guess that's how I like it. School is chugging along as ever, and even though calculus is the actual bane of my existence, I'm doing as I always do, and getting over it. To be honest, the theme of my February has sort of been getting over things, and so I'm extending to you a little suggestion, or a blessing, or a magic spell. Get over something that's bothering you. If you're holding a grudge, or you're stuck in unrequited love, or feeling bummed about a failure that happened a while back…just try to pick yourself up by your boot straps and move on. Trust me, I know how hard it can be; there's a reason that the axiom "old habits die hard" is so widely quoted and referenced. But do yourself a favor and find the positive in something you didn't see before, as opposed to dwelling on a negative. If you're still mad about that thing that happened four months ago, try to think about something you're looking forward to four months into the future, and push towards that. If you're still in romantic love with someone who's taken or totally uninterested, seek familial or platonic love in the arms of the people who are always there for you. If you feel like a loser or a failure from a setback, try to remember the last time you succeeded and focus your energy on activities in which you always triumph. Jeez, that's a long tag I just wrote, isn't it? Anyway. Happy February…and, well, happy March. xo
Hey all! February is winding down so I thought I'd share my favorite tunes this month.
In terms of cool updates, two days ago I had a charity concert with a few of my friends that went really well and raised a ton of money for a great cause (visit justincarrwantsworldpeace.org for more info), and just hours ago I returned home from a college visit at my future home!
*drum roll, please…*
This fall, I'll be attending the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California as a pop music major (with a concentration in songwriting)! I am SO excited! It's been my dream school for over a year now and the company I'm joining absolutely defies description.
If you stuck around through this ranting and raving, please enjoy the 17 songs I just couldn't stop vibing this month! :-)
1. "Pain Au Chocolat" - 3:43
ALBUM: Arts Martiens
ARTIST: IAM
2. "Litost" - 5:21
ALBUM: Love Songs Drug Songs - EP
ARTIST: X Ambassadors
3. "Talk to Me Baby" - 2:59
ALBUM: Confluence
ARTIST: Zane Carney
4. "Scars" - 4:34
ALBUM: Chaos and the Calm
ARTIST: James Bay
5. "Magical Machine" - 4:05
ALBUM: Brutal Romantic
ARTIST: Brooke Fraser
6. "Novocaine" - 3:44
ALBUM: Everything's Coming Up Roses
ARTIST: Night Terrors of 1927
7. "Mess Is Mine" - 3:43
ALBUM: Dream Your Life Away
ARTIST: Vance Joy
8. "I'm On Fire" - 2:52
ALBUM: Battle Studies (Deluxe Version)
ARTIST: John Mayer
9. "The Body Breaks" - 2:43
ALBUM: Rejoicing In the Hands
ARTIST: Devendra Banhart
10. "Eavesdrop" - 3:35
ALBUM: The Civil Wars
ARTIST: The Civil Wars
11. "Undeniable You" - 3:22
ALBUM: Jukebox the Ghost
ARTIST: Jukebox the Ghost
12. "Jealous" - 4:47
ALBUM: Jealous - Single
ARTIST: Labrinth
13. "Careless" - 3:59
ALBUM: Wake the Sun - EP
ARTIST: Little Sea
14. "When the Darkness Comes" - 4:02
ALBUM: When the Darkness Comes - EP
ARTIST: JP Cooper
15. "You Don't Know How Lucky You Are" - 3:48
ALBUM: Dear
ARTIST: Keaton Henson
16. "Upward Over the Mountain" - 5:56
ALBUM: The Creek Drank the Cradle
ARTIST: Iron & Wine
17. "Nobody Love" - 3:22
ALBUM: Nobody Love - Single
ARTIST: Tori Kelly
Hope you enjoy these songs, everybody! 2015 is off to a pretty mellow start, and I guess that's how I like it. School is chugging along as ever, and even though calculus is the actual bane of my existence, I'm doing as I always do, and getting over it. To be honest, the theme of my February has sort of been getting over things, and so I'm extending to you a little suggestion, or a blessing, or a magic spell. Get over something that's bothering you. If you're holding a grudge, or you're stuck in unrequited love, or feeling bummed about a failure that happened a while back…just try to pick yourself up by your boot straps and move on. Trust me, I know how hard it can be; there's a reason that the axiom "old habits die hard" is so widely quoted and referenced. But do yourself a favor and find the positive in something you didn't see before, as opposed to dwelling on a negative. If you're still mad about that thing that happened four months ago, try to think about something you're looking forward to four months into the future, and push towards that. If you're still in romantic love with someone who's taken or totally uninterested, seek familial or platonic love in the arms of the people who are always there for you. If you feel like a loser or a failure from a setback, try to remember the last time you succeeded and focus your energy on activities in which you always triumph. Jeez, that's a long tag I just wrote, isn't it? Anyway. Happy February…and, well, happy March. xo
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Sorry, I Gotta Go See About A Boy
Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!
Love is in the air…or pollution. Our planet is languishing before our very eyes! Get your priorities in order, simple humans!
*cough* Anyway.
I am an academic. I am an artist. I am a feminist. I am a sister, a daughter, a student, a counselor, a friend.
Love is in the air…or pollution. Our planet is languishing before our very eyes! Get your priorities in order, simple humans!
*cough* Anyway.
I am an academic. I am an artist. I am a feminist. I am a sister, a daughter, a student, a counselor, a friend.
But I'm also…a teenager. And even though I pride myself on my strength, my maturity, my wisdom, and my talent, I am also ashamed of my less shining characteristics--specifically, in this case, my romantic naiveté.
Basically, I put every boy I like on a pedestal and, in turn, rob them of their humanness. I set them up to fail me. If he doesn't like me, it's earth-shatteringly disappointing. If he does like me, it's…also earth-shatteringly disappointing, because let's face it, most teenage boys have yet to master the whole Prince Charming thing.
In reflecting on my tendency to Alaska-ize or Margo-ize the boys I like (to borrow a phrase from an an author I like), I have started to see the validity of the other extreme. I literally have a note on my phone containing song lyrics that read, "Love is a lie, God's not alive, and I can't trust a soul." Now, that's not particularly helpful, either. Saying "screw relationships" and giving up on the possibility of romantic love because of a few isolated incidents of heartbreak is equally problematic.
I've spent a lot of my life believing that having a boyfriend would solve all my problems. (Super, hopelessly, unbelievably false.) And in the moment of being rejected or heartbroken--which has happened more often than I would like--I retreat into solitude, believing that there is no point in pursuing romantic fulfillment at all. (Also super duper ridiculously untrue.) Neither of those attitudes is healthy.
If having a romantic relationship is something you want, you shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed or naive. Cynicism is the enemy of joy. Even though I have experienced more setbacks than set-forwards (yeah, Jensen, keep telling yourself that's a word), I still believe love is real. But as I get older, I'm starting to see--or at least acknowledge that I should see--that love is real. And by that I mean, love is not a fantasy or a movie plot. Love is fulfilling and euphoric sometimes, but love is also frustrating and disappointing, and love is also just average. Love is like life, in that it cycles through periods of ups and downs like anything else.
You might be thinking, who is this 17-year-old girl who's never had a real relationship to lecture me on the nature of love? To that I say…nobody, I guess. But in case you didn't know this already, I'm a reader, and a writer. And being a reader and a writer means going inside of yourself for the stuff you feel and the stuff you have yet even to fathom. I have used the word "love" liberally because I don't think love is restricted to 30-year-olds who built their relationships like houses. I have felt pain and longing and joy and attraction. So maybe I haven't been in love to your satisfaction, but I have been in love to mine. I happen to really like Valentine's Day, because celebrating love, in whatever form it comes, is a thing I think we should do a heck of a lot more often.
Here's my point: you can't let your search for love rule your life. But that doesn't mean you should stop searching. Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go see about a boy.
(Just kidding. But I probably will go watch Good Will Hunting.)
In reflecting on my tendency to Alaska-ize or Margo-ize the boys I like (to borrow a phrase from an an author I like), I have started to see the validity of the other extreme. I literally have a note on my phone containing song lyrics that read, "Love is a lie, God's not alive, and I can't trust a soul." Now, that's not particularly helpful, either. Saying "screw relationships" and giving up on the possibility of romantic love because of a few isolated incidents of heartbreak is equally problematic.
I've spent a lot of my life believing that having a boyfriend would solve all my problems. (Super, hopelessly, unbelievably false.) And in the moment of being rejected or heartbroken--which has happened more often than I would like--I retreat into solitude, believing that there is no point in pursuing romantic fulfillment at all. (Also super duper ridiculously untrue.) Neither of those attitudes is healthy.
If having a romantic relationship is something you want, you shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed or naive. Cynicism is the enemy of joy. Even though I have experienced more setbacks than set-forwards (yeah, Jensen, keep telling yourself that's a word), I still believe love is real. But as I get older, I'm starting to see--or at least acknowledge that I should see--that love is real. And by that I mean, love is not a fantasy or a movie plot. Love is fulfilling and euphoric sometimes, but love is also frustrating and disappointing, and love is also just average. Love is like life, in that it cycles through periods of ups and downs like anything else.
You might be thinking, who is this 17-year-old girl who's never had a real relationship to lecture me on the nature of love? To that I say…nobody, I guess. But in case you didn't know this already, I'm a reader, and a writer. And being a reader and a writer means going inside of yourself for the stuff you feel and the stuff you have yet even to fathom. I have used the word "love" liberally because I don't think love is restricted to 30-year-olds who built their relationships like houses. I have felt pain and longing and joy and attraction. So maybe I haven't been in love to your satisfaction, but I have been in love to mine. I happen to really like Valentine's Day, because celebrating love, in whatever form it comes, is a thing I think we should do a heck of a lot more often.
Here's my point: you can't let your search for love rule your life. But that doesn't mean you should stop searching. Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go see about a boy.
(Just kidding. But I probably will go watch Good Will Hunting.)
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