I love sharing my playlists with you guys and you all seem to love it too, so today I'm doing just that. I love using Spotify to create playlists of songs I currently love because I can easily access them. Today I'm going to be sharing a random playlist I've created over the last few months. Let me know what you've been listening to lately!
I have fallen in love with Spotify. If you don't use it to listen to music, you're doing it wrong. I asked last week what what on your summer playlist and decided to make my own little list of jams for when I'm cleaning my apartment or working on blog things. I decided it'd be fun to share with you all today.
Let me know what you've been listening to lately and tell me if your favorite song from the playlist above.
I know I can't possibly be the only person in the world who finds a band / artist and listens to them on repeat until I become sick of it. I started noticing this recently when people would ask my music taste and I replied "Well, I've been listening to a lot of (insert band here) lately."
A few weeks back I found out about a really talented dude who makes some really awesome music and I have been listening to him non stop since. I love sharing good tunes with you guys so here's my latest love, Front Porch Step
If you only have a chance to listen to a few songs my favorites ares: Aware, Drown and Island of the Misfit Boy. Let me know your thoughts below.
I haven't done a music Monday post in a while. I ditched the whole "schedule" and decided to write when I wanted and about what I wanted. I decided to bring it back this week though because I found the most PERFECT band on Pandora and I just knew I had to share them on here.
Enjoy. You're going to fall in love.
Love what you hear? You can check them out on Facebook + get all the info you need there.
Today's playlist is just a few songs I've been listening to a lot lately or ones I've noticed myself really liking when they come on my Pandora station. If you have some songs/favorite bands I need to know about- comment below.
I've noticed a lot of the Wonder Years on these playlists- and honestly I only listen to them when they come on Pandora. I have a little "The Wonder Years" station + it has such a good mix of music, probably my second favorite station (my first is Four Years Strong- such a perfect mix of music.)
I also wanted to share one of my all time favorite bands- The Dangerous Summer. They're on tour now promoting a new record (that I'm pretty sure drops next week- but I could be wrong) and I just can't get over and how great this band is. I think I've said it before but they're one of the two bands that I listened to a lot (and still do) to help me deal with everything over the last year. It's so nice to hear songs + be able to relate and that's why I really love TDS. I highly recommend them if you're into the same genre of music as I am. They really helped me a lot.
It's been a while since I've had a playlist like this on my blog + I thought it would be neat to share with you all what I've recently been lovin'. Here's a few songs I've liked on Pandora recently or thought were great ones to share.
Tell me what you're favorite songs are? It's sometimes hard to pick an all time favorite song- so I go with what I've been loving lately.
Last week when I went to see Fall Out Boy, I was given at CD from the guys in Somewhere South of Perfect. Typically when I get handed CDs at shows, I just toss them out. This time, I actually gave it a listen + I liked what I heard so I thought I would share with you.
I emailed the guys letting them know I wanted to feature them on my blog + wanted to ask a few questions. They were super helpful + super nice with their reply. So here's there's answers.
*Introduce the band to my readers. (Your names + what you play, etc) SSOP is a five-piece group! It's made
up of James Bohner (vocals), Will Miller (guitar), Andrew Snell
(guitar), Mitch Canote (bass/vocals), and Andrew White (drums).
*What's the origin of the band name? Have you changed the band's name before?
We've
always been Somewhere South of Perfect, but the idea came to us while
brainstorming names for a song that eventually became "Honestly" from
our first E.P. We thought it was super catchy so we pocketed it and
wound up using it for the band once we released the project. It just
conveys the idea that no one is perfect and that our lives are to be
spent in humility knowing so.
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
We call ourselves pop/rock, but no
one really knows what we're creating! All five of us have different
influences, but the music we listen to is actually drastically different
than the sound we portray. We're all fans of FTSK and a few other
pioneer-esque pop artists, but our interests range across the board. We
take a lot of inspiration from heavier artists such as Memphis May Fire,
Crown the Empire, etcetera.
*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
The band formed in June 2011 just
because we all love to make music! We were newbies to the music scene
and managed to create a fairly decent first E.P., but other than a love
for the music, we didn't have any mind-blowing inspirations. We've since
had a rejuvenation of goals, but we'll get to that later on.
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
No
labels and no attachments. We've been kicking it independently from the
beginning and have just recently been talking with some companies about
taking this to the next level in the business area of things. We're more
about reaching people than pursuing the labels.
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Venues... We have
played a ton of shows over these last few years, but I'd say The Blue
Note in Columbia sticks out as a favorite. Super cool downtown vibe and a
great local scene. Also, any show organized by Jimmy Mustion is
guaranteed to be a success! Our biggest gig on the calendar right now is
the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on August 18. You all should
come out! We'll get the chance to play with Audio Adrenaline, which is
fun considering we all grew up hearing their material! Aside from that,
it's definitely a transition period for us. We're toying with a
completely new sound, so letting the pieces fall together is a process.
We're taking the scene one day at a time. *Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We play every song we
have at every show, but "Be Careful What You Wish For" seems to be a fan
favorite! Having just dropped three new tracks, the fair will be our
first opportunity to incorporate the new songs into the set. We're
stoked about a brand new intro track from our producer, Geoff Rockwell,
as well. We usually play the same set, but we've thrown in covers from
Bowling for Soup to Lupe Fiasco in the past. You just never know what
kind of genre-mixing you might find at an SSOP show.
*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of
your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
We all write
the songs, and though most of them are about our experiences with
relationships, we're moving toward exploring a few more mature themes in
writing. Like I said, it's an exciting time for change and
experimentation!
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
The tunes have definitely changed a bit. Our
first E.P. was in a large way an extension some older piano-driven
projects we had done that had gotten transferred to guitars after a
member change. Now we're moving into some really riff-driven stuff.
We're looking to capitalize on fun rhythms to keep the people bouncing.
Lyrically, it's always been about big hooks and connecting with young
people. We're hoping for more of that in the near future.
*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Our
biggest challenge has always been location. At one point, we were all
living in five different cities and driving hours on end for shows each
weekend. It's just hard to maintain the dream financially when the
geography is tearing at the group's seams. It's really limited the
amount we've been able to write because togetherness has been few and
far between for some seasons or our music careers. Fortunately, it's
improving. Without the solid friendships we have in the band, I'm afraid
we'd have parted ways long ago!
*What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Fame? Not at all. Fortune? Only
enough to one day support our families and give generously to those in
need. Our faith and foundation in Jesus Christ has always been at the
center of this band, and you can't go on pursuing the glitz and the glam
knowing the true meaning of being a follower of Jesus. We want to love
on people and show people that the music industry isn't all about glory
and groupies. That's why we're so passionate about Memphis May Fire.
They've brought the message to a crew of lost people without sacrificing
their beliefs and standards. It's an exciting adventure to be a part
of, and I'm glad you asked that question.
*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Advice for the kid
wanting to be in a band... Lol well... First of all, evaluate your
motives. Why are you pursuing music? I'm afraid too many people are in
it for the wrong reasons. Also, I'd have them be very intentional with
every move. The era of fairytale band signings is coming to an end.
Realize that your first single might not be complete gold. You won't be
signed to Sony or Fearless or Rise or whichever label may tickle your
fancy after one hot track. It's a game we all play, a machine we all
feed, but be intentional. Evaluate your diligence, and when you feel
your life calling you toward music, pursue and be a warrior. Giving up
is only an option for those who don't understand what it means to truly
seek joy in the undertaking of your greatest passion.
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Well, first
of all, we're abandoning the term "fans." We're all about making
friends because we're no cooler than the next brother. I guess we tried
to convey that a bit in our most recent release, "More Friends Than
Money." We're all over Facebook and our tunes are up on iTunes! Our
first E.P. is up totally for free on a few websites (artistsignal.com)
and you can find a few tracks for free on Twitter's Tweet for a Track
feature. Honestly, if a friend-to-be just asked real nice for a free
song, we'd probably hit them up in a heartbeat. Lol it's all about
having fun and realizing that part of the game is being a little poor
sometimes. We'd rather have a song in a friend's ear than a dime in our
pocket.
*Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
The financial and emotions shout-outs could go on and
on... I'm almost afraid to even begin because I'd hate to leave someone
out. The best place to find it would be in the insert of our first E.P.,
"What Happened to Love?" For now, let's give all the credit to God, who
gave us the hands and minds to delight in the passions he instilled
within us!
*Any Last Words?
As for last words, let's just say that we want to love
people. We want to meet people and to connect with them. To relate with
them and to become real friends who live the same lives under the same
passions. We want to help those that need help and love on those who
have perhaps never been loved. The mission goes much beyond the music
field for us, and we're excited to see what the future brings upon us!
I can't even express how much I loved reading their answers to these questions. It's very easy to get caught up in things + forget the real reason behind what you're doing. I kind of feel that way with this blog and I pray each night that God is in control of my words + this blog. I love seeing people on fire for Christ. I'm really glad I came across this band + I really hope you take the time to give them a listen + support these dudes.
I'm all about promoting music I dig. If you'd like to be a part of Music Monday, please send the answers to the above questions to my email (sabrinatakespictures@gmail.com) with a few music samples so I can see if we will be a good match.
*What's the origin of the band name? Have you changed the band's name before?
--The Beautiful Display is about the art that comes out of a million
mixed emotions. The music is all about that feeling when you're awake at
night, alone with your own thoughts.
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
-- We consider ourselves to be indie rock with a slight pop influence as
well. Some of our influences include; The Fray, The Script, Go Radio,
Transit, Straylight Run, and Taking Back Sunday
*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
--The band was formed in January of 2013 after Anthony had written most
of the material on piano and wanted to start doing the music full band
at shows. Original line up had Skyler Klotz switching back and forth on
different songs from bass to guitar. Upon his leaving of the band, we
picked up a bass player AND guitarist to give us an even more full
sound.
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
--We are currently unsigned but we are being the Wabash Valley Musicians Club's featured artist of the month for July.
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
-- We have performed all over Indiana and some in Illinois. We are due to play in Kentucky July 25th. Also, there is talk of us hitting the road early 2014 for a tour with Lion In The Mane across the US.
*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
--Our usual set list goes as follows, but we have been known to switch it up.
Go On Three
Seventeen
We Are The Droids You Were Looking For
The Monster, The Princess
My Carbon Footprint Is Pretty Massive
*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of
your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
--Anthony writes most of the songs with obvious musical input from the
rest of the band. We write alot about whatever we are going through
emotionally. It's alot of "what you've always wanted to say but never
had the guts to" music.
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
--We have gotten so much tighter musically and have begun to really find "our sound".
*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
--Our biggest challenge as a band had just been getting this music into
your ears and onto your playlists. We'd love any help with promotion if
anyone is interested!
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
I went shopping yesterday for the first time in a long time. I was mostly looking for shoes and pants but I didn't even buy pants. I recorded a very fast video of what I got + you can peep that below.
Fall Out Boy was on Friday + I seriously can't even put into words how amazing it was. I guess I will have to try for your reading enjoyment.
Let me say this, I've been a Fall Out Boy fan for a while now. I used to be in love with them. They were like my first actual favorite band. Some of their newest stuff wasn't my thing so I stopped being so crazy about them but I knew I had to go see them at this concert. I've never seen them before + I just knew it was my time. It took forever for them to play but they are SO good live. Pete + Patrick are just as attractive in real life + Pete's smile is just a perfect. They played so spot on + it was probably one of the best shows I've ever been too. I think it may be my favorite show of all time. I didn't sleep at all on Friday + I ended up getting sick RIGHT before we left but the show was worth it. It was so perfect + I'm seriously so glad I went.
Now, enjoy these crappy iPhone photos I tried taking during their set. There's plenty of video on my Instagram feed, so go follow me on there (@heysabrina)
Sorry for the awful photos + that they are mostly Pete, he was on the side that was close to me + I was just snapping away. My phone had very little charge so I had to snap fast + just deal with what I got at the end of the night. If you missed this show, I'm sorry. What a great tour.
Here's one of my new favorite songs from them, since it IS Monday.
It's Monday + what a crazy weekend it's been. I came to Mikal's on Friday + I can't explain how crazy things have been. Gregory came with me + he has kept us up at night meowing so loudly, it's slowly getting better but I didn't know what I was going to do at first. Not to mention- the medicine I'm on is making me sick, Mikal doesn't have a working car + my back has been hurting to no ends.
In the midst of all the things going on with me- things are happening back home where I just feel so heartbroken. A friend of mine was in a accident that has him in critical condition and I just can't fathom why bad things happen. His roommate is now left with all the bills and dealing with losing her best friend. I have set up a fund to help her pay her bills- so if you want to donate you can by clicking here. If you have questions- I will share what I know. Any little bit helps + I would honestly appreciate it so much if you could help her out.
Now let's get on to Music Monday. I'm going to keep it short this week I've been listening to Alone Together by Fall Out Boy since I'm hoping to see them in just a few short weeks. (Depending if Mikals car gets fixed.) I really like the old Fall Out Boy a lot but I dig a few of their songs.
I am super sorry about this being later than usual. I've been working on some blog designs for some awesome people + just installed another one over at Silly Silberman. (go peep it. tell her I sent you) I also spent some time with my mama at the thrift store today. Didn't find anything but she did. so that rules.
This week I wanted to share Brand New. I know I've shared them on here before, so I'm only going to share a song I found while checking out Z's page again.. You need to go check it out.
This song is from a band that I've honestly heard A LOT about but never listened to them until this song. I may share more of them in the future if you guys like it.
I'm not sure if I've shared The Wonder Years before on the blog, but today's playlist is nothing but. A few weeks back a friend of mine (go read her blog here) gave me a few bands to check out. One of those bands was The Wonder Years. I had heard a lot of good things about them but never gave them a chance. I downloaded something a while back that had one of their songs on it but I always skipped it over. I always feel like bands that a lot of people like, I'm not a fan of. Then on Tumblr, I saw someone post lyrics from that same song (which happened to be Came Out Swinging) and I decided to give it a listen. I totally fell in love with it + knew I needed to share them on the blog today..
Happy Memorial Day, you guise. I hope you are all having a great day + had a wonderful (safe) weekend with your friends + family. I think we are staying pretty low key today + just going to grill out at home. Don't forget what today is about though. Take time to remember those who have lost their lives for our country. + please please please be responsible when you drink.
This week I wanted to do it a little different- instead of posting a playlist of different songs- I wanted to focus on just one song/one group. Today I'm going to share with you a song that I came across when blog hunting the other day. (Thank you so much Spec + Wings) It is awesome + I have listened to it on repeat so much over the last few days.
Today is also a big day because my sister + her husband celebrate SEVEN YEARS together as a married couple. I am so very blessed to have these two in my life + I'm so glad that God has brought them together. I love them both very much.
As for me: this weekend was full of lots of frustration + Push Girls on Netflix. I have been having a hard time trying to figure out the next design for my blog + I feel so frustrated because I want to change my look so bad. This new one just isn't me + I'm ready for a change but I don't know what.
Hey pretty kitties- I didn't get to do a music Monday last week because I shared about my week visit back home. I had a lot of fun so I'm glad I got to share that with you guys.
I think I may start doing Music Monday like I used to where I focus on a certain band- not just a random playlist of songs. If you have a band you think I would dig- let me know and I will hopefully feature them on the next Music Monday. (If you're a band + want to get on here, just email me)
Did you guys notice I changed the look a bit? I had some people tell me the colors were a bit too much- so I cleaned it up a bit. I am not sure if I love it or not, so it may change again soon. I also am stoked because I finally got myself a domain name. I feel like a pro now, it's exciting.
I've been doing a lot of praying on where I want this blog to go. I want to start doing more things about my relationship with Christ and share some devos with you guys. I have a neat one planned for tomorrow that I think is oh so fitting for me right now.
Anyways, I'll stop rambling and let you listen to the tunes you came here for...
Happy Monday. I'm in Indiana with Mikal for the week. I will be heading to Illinois to see my family there on Saturday + back to TN on Sunday. This week is kind of a busy one for me. Wednesday is Gregory's first birthday, Thursday is Mikal + I's anniversary. Saturday I'm getting my hair done + spending much time with my sister. Hopefully I can give my niece her birthday presents, too. Then Sunday is Mothers Day. I love having things to look forward too. I'm trying to think of ideas for my hair- what colors do you think would best suit me? Blue, teal, purple or pink. I'm not doing an all over color, just lots of it throughout my hair. I really love pastel colors but I'm scared they will fade too fast. What colors do you love in your hair?
I have had the song "Titanium" stuck in my head for a few days now + I'm not sure why so I added it to this playlist so it will be stuck in your heads as well. I also have been hearing this Tegan and Sara song a lot + I really enjoy it, I just didn't know it was Tegan and Sara until I looked it up.
Another Monday- Another fun music playlist for you all. I feel like sometimes these get a little repetitive with some of the same song or bands. I go through random phases of bands/genres of music I like to listen. It usually depends on my mood. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of upbeat stuff, which is why you've seen it here on my blog. I hope you guys are diggin' it just as much as me.
I am needing people to help join in for my May group giveaway. I am going to accept ads, gifts, gift card, shop credits, etc now instead of money for an ipsy/myglad subscription box. If you want to enter something for part of my giveaway, send me an email.
Another Monday + I'm sure it's kicking my butt, too. Today is my re-eval for therapy + I'm *hoping* that I can get the okay to take some time off + visit home for a little bit. I'm overly stressed with worrying about what I'm going to do when I do actually decide to pack back home + move back to Illinois. Do I have any readers who live on their own and are in a wheelchair? Give me your advice on it. I need it + lots of Jesus talk time so I can make the best choice. bleh.
This weeks playlist is full of upbeat songs that make me wanna dance. I hope you enjoy!
Jackie from Jackie Jade has teamed up with her sponsors and blog friends to bring this giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card. Check out these lovely bloggers and enter in the Rafflecopter below!
Not sure about the rest of the world, but Tennessee has been beautiful lately. This weather has been perfect and I am so ready for it to be nice outside. Since the weather has been super great here, I've been trying to listen to music that keeps me up beat. I was doing a makeup tutorial for a blogging friend (stayed tuned for that) and started listening to the "Owl City" Pandora station, which brought on so many good songs. Here's a few songs I love to listen to and songs I would be cruising' too if I had a car right now...
p.s. the winners of my giveaways have been picked! Congrats to Alena for winning the ad space + hair ties and congrats to Karen for winning the 30$ Amazon gift card.
If you didn't win- no worries. There will be more giveaways on the blog + I have another 50$ Amazon gift card giveaway tomorrow!
I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday. I was planning on spending the day in Illinois with my big seester but I got sick and didn't wanna risk traveling so Mikal and I had dinner with his family + then went grocery shopping for the rest of the time I'm here. We are trying to not go out to eat as much. We are both tight on money and cooking at home gives us some more bonding time. It's a win-win in my book.
Tonight we tried making homemade Crab Rangoon's + well...they were not that great. I think you're supposed to deep fry them + the recipe we had said to bake.. oops. We shall get them next time, I hope anyways. We spent some time watching Seven Pounds (which is an awesome movie) + hanging out together.. it's always nice to have some bonding time. Time together goes by so fast + I don't want it to end...like ever. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike distance? Ugh.
Here's a playlist of some songs I've recently "liked" on my Pandora station. I hope you guys enjoy + have a great April Fools Day.
I am still taking sponsors for the month of April. If you would like to be a part of my side bar this month, please take a look at my sponsor page. I am offering 30% off all days with the promo code "spring"
I've been listening to a lot of A Day To Remember recently (uhm who am I kidding? I always listen to them) because in just a week, I will be seeing them again. (Remember when I saw them last? I was walking + happy as ever..) My friend who I mentioned last week had told me that they were playing a new song + I promised myself NOT to listen to it on YouTube and wait to be surprised. (so far I have not listened to it, even though I've been tempted.) however I did run across this gem, the set list that is supposed to be what they are playing live. (ughhh)
I was kind of upset but once I saw it, it couldn't be unseen. So I decided that today I would make a playlist full of these songs so you guys can get a dose of what I'll be listening to live next week. Obviously I won't have the new song because I refuse to listen to it yet.
P.s. I am a bit peeved that I didn't know they were selling VIP tickets for meet and greet because..I didn't get one + that kind of makes me sad..
Tell me what song is your favorite below.