Hey there!
I'm leaving for Thanksgiving break tomorrow. It'll be nice to be home for a little while. What I'm really excited about though is my trip to Smithville, Mississippi that I'll be going on with other students from my college over Christmas break. Smithville is a disaster area-- torn up by a tornado-- and a group of us are going there with some fantastic "Aunts" and "Uncles" from Lend A Hand. I've never built a house, or fixed a roof, but I'm beyond stoked to meet new people, learn new things, and to journey out to Knoxville, Tupelo, and other places down South on my way to help those affected by the disaster.
As an aside, the American South is iconic as being the birthplace of rock-and-roll-- with headliners like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, music during this chapter in American history is unforgettable. Even modern music artists like Harrison Hudson take notes from 60's and 70's southern rock, so I'm interested to see this part of the country that has had such a profound effect on music history as we know it.
It'll be my first "Do Some Good" act for 2012! Woo!
What do you plan to do next year? Think it over with some solid southern-inspired tracks.
Stay tuned, and I'll keep you posted on Mississippi & other adventures!
Thanks for reading!
-- L.V.
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
American Thunder
Hey, so remember that position I got at school writing music reviews? ...You do?! Your memory is way better than mine!
Here's the article I wrote this past week on Harrison Hudson:
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more music posts, updates, and reviews!
-- L.V.
Here's the article I wrote this past week on Harrison Hudson:
To listen to all tracks on Harrison Hudson's new album, check out their website.Just the title of Harrison Hudson’s third full-length album—“American Thunder”—makes me wish I were driving a muscle car with the windows down, drumming my fingers on the driver’s side door. The album’s sound embodies the spirit that was so much a part of ‘50’s and ‘60’s Americana: raw emotion and pure stream of consciousness. That unbridled sense of freedom, nostalgia, and soulful rock roll over the listener in this third-time’s-the-charm album with a perfect storm of melodies, and Hudson’s vocals are smooth like a soda fountain treat.From humble beginnings in Atlanta, GA, Harrison Hudson got his start as a songwriter backed by a band. In 2008, Harrison Hudson had become a full band—taking his name as their title— and making a new home in Nashville, TN. I caught up with Harrison Hudson in May of 2010 when they were touring with Manchester Orchestra at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philly.Their song, “Indie Rock and Roll Queen” was an instant favorite of mine for its hard-hitting power chords and catchy lyrics. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance around playing air-guitar, singing into your hairbrush; not caring if your roommate judges you.Harrison Hudson captures the vintage, southern-rock feel and re-inspires it in a new generation of music enthusiasts—not re-manufactures the past. “American Thunder” tells the modern tale of “boy meets manic-pixie-dream-girl” (where are my Garden State fans at?) and “boy winds up heartbroken when she leaves him for another guy.” If you’re anything like me, though, the album closes after playing “Run My Way” about six times, and then mouthing the words to “Bookstore Girl” as you walk across campus to class. It turns it into a “choose your own adventure” story.Harrison Hudson writes the anthems for the new age horizon chasers and radio blasters. Now if only gas still cost 24 cents a gallon…
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more music posts, updates, and reviews!
-- L.V.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Live from Folklore Coffee & Co...
There is the most adorable little cafe in the center of the town where I go to school. My hipster heart squees with joy each time I go there (which was four times last week, but hey, who's counting?) At any rate, it is called Folklore, and while having menu items named for storybook characters and being a unique establishment, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.
This past weekend, Folklore had live music performances from several talented and entertaining gentlemen: Talain Rayne, Mark Rose, Jon Walker (formerly of Panic! At the Disco) and Lucas Carpenter.
Rayne, whose sound is similar to that of The Fray, writes melodious, heartrending songs. His piano playing abilities are only surpassed by his wonderful voice. Have a listen:
I think my dreams would come true if he played piano by my bed as I fell asleep. *sigh.*
I was pulled out of my music-and-pumpkin-spice-latte stupor when Rayne introduced his song, "16". As Rayne told it, he used to work as a kid's summer camp counselor. He and another counselor had taken the kids out to a lake on the camp grounds. While swimming and playing with the kids, his co-worked went to reach into the water to pull on the arm of one of the kids she had been playing with. In actuality, she pulled up the body of a sixteen-year-old girl who had recently been murdered. The teen's body had rocks tied to her arms and legs.
Rayne wrote the song in the girl's memory, raising such questions as "who would she be if she had lived?" This song literally struck such a chord with me, and I knew I had to share it with you. Take nothing for granted; this life is so short, and can be taken in an instant.
Next up, we heard from Mark Rose. Another mellow music writer who should play songs by my bed. I especially like his inspirational track, "How Strong We Are." Scratch that, Mark. You should play beside me as I take a quiz in my Shakespeare class this Wednesday.
The much awaited Jon Walker performed then. His songs were distinctly his own, particularly the song he wrote about his beard.
Last, but certainly not least, in the night's line-up was the most comical, Lucas Carpenter. Carpenter had fantastic stage presence, and the audience gathered in the warm, dimly lit coffee shop did not experience a dearth of laughter while he played his set.
Great music, great food, and great friends combined to make one of the best evenings I've had thus far in my college career. Folklore Coffee & Co, you know the way to my music (and tea/occasionally coffee loving) heart!
I'll keep you updated on any future live music events at my favorite coffee shop!
--L.V.
This past weekend, Folklore had live music performances from several talented and entertaining gentlemen: Talain Rayne, Mark Rose, Jon Walker (formerly of Panic! At the Disco) and Lucas Carpenter.
Rayne, whose sound is similar to that of The Fray, writes melodious, heartrending songs. His piano playing abilities are only surpassed by his wonderful voice. Have a listen:
I think my dreams would come true if he played piano by my bed as I fell asleep. *sigh.*
I was pulled out of my music-and-pumpkin-spice-latte stupor when Rayne introduced his song, "16". As Rayne told it, he used to work as a kid's summer camp counselor. He and another counselor had taken the kids out to a lake on the camp grounds. While swimming and playing with the kids, his co-worked went to reach into the water to pull on the arm of one of the kids she had been playing with. In actuality, she pulled up the body of a sixteen-year-old girl who had recently been murdered. The teen's body had rocks tied to her arms and legs.
Rayne wrote the song in the girl's memory, raising such questions as "who would she be if she had lived?" This song literally struck such a chord with me, and I knew I had to share it with you. Take nothing for granted; this life is so short, and can be taken in an instant.
Next up, we heard from Mark Rose. Another mellow music writer who should play songs by my bed. I especially like his inspirational track, "How Strong We Are." Scratch that, Mark. You should play beside me as I take a quiz in my Shakespeare class this Wednesday.
The much awaited Jon Walker performed then. His songs were distinctly his own, particularly the song he wrote about his beard.
Last, but certainly not least, in the night's line-up was the most comical, Lucas Carpenter. Carpenter had fantastic stage presence, and the audience gathered in the warm, dimly lit coffee shop did not experience a dearth of laughter while he played his set.
Great music, great food, and great friends combined to make one of the best evenings I've had thus far in my college career. Folklore Coffee & Co, you know the way to my music (and tea/occasionally coffee loving) heart!
 |
| Inside Folklore! |
 |
| Talain Rayne performing. |
 |
| Talain Rayne. |
 |
| Jon Walker. |
 |
| Jon Walker. |
 |
| Mark Rose. |
 |
| A guy wearing TOMS. I love TOMS shoes, and I just thought this was a neat picture. |
 |
| Lucas Carpenter. |
 |
| Lucas Carpenter. |
I'll keep you updated on any future live music events at my favorite coffee shop!
--L.V.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Dream Chasing
At my campus job, one of the activities my co-workers and I engaged in is something called a "pat bag." We each took a brown paper bag and wrote our name on it, and then taped it upside-right to the wall. Throughout the week, we wrote each other little notes (signed or anonymous) saying things we noticed that the person did well at our job, kind of like a written "pat on the back". At the end of the week, we took the bags home and got to read all of the lovely things people said.
One of my friends closed her note to me with a phrase I won't soon forget:
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night."
That was in June.
In August, one of the editors of my college's campus newspaper contacted me, offering me a position to write about music for the Opinion section of the paper. She had seen this blog, and liked my style; both my writing and my flare for music. I spastically flailed my arms around after I read the email and wanted to stop people in the streets to tell them how excited I was. It's like booking your first gig at a tiny coffee house: even though only a few people are going to be there when you play, and even fewer will care, you're out of the garage, and you get a small taste of the reality of what it is you love to do.
My column is called "Put Your Records On" (the title was created by my editor, and I think it is wonderful!) It's only around 300 words for the weekly publication, but it's a blast because I get to talk about something I love. Tomorrow, my article will be in the first printing of the campus newspaper for the semester.
Some might say that this small-time success is pointless. I say cheer up, buttercup. One small step for another is one giant leap for L.V. (look at this kid, mixing her metaphors like that. She's gone mad!)
Maybe you're wondering, "well, that's cool and all, but what does any of this have to do with me?"
Here's a few tips for pursuing (and hopefully, capturing!) that often elusive creature, success:
1. Find something you love, and throw yourself into it. You don't even have to be good at it to begin, you just have to love it. Enjoying what you do increases your chances of wanting to learn everything about your chosen activity and how to do it well.
2. Do you, dude. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it for you. Don't write, play, or create for other people. Make yourself happy with your work first, and the rest will follow.
3. Stay true. Once you've established your activity, don't lose yourself to it, or let other people change you because of it. Keep it simple: just do what you love, stop when you don't love it, and don't let negative influences tell you otherwise.
That's about all I've got for tonight. My Shakespeare homework is calling me...
Anyways, whatever you do, wherever you are, whatever it is you love, I hope you get the chance to share it with your world, whether that's through your personal website, your school, or even with a bunch of your closest friends.
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night." Remember that.
One of my friends closed her note to me with a phrase I won't soon forget:
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night."
That was in June.
In August, one of the editors of my college's campus newspaper contacted me, offering me a position to write about music for the Opinion section of the paper. She had seen this blog, and liked my style; both my writing and my flare for music. I spastically flailed my arms around after I read the email and wanted to stop people in the streets to tell them how excited I was. It's like booking your first gig at a tiny coffee house: even though only a few people are going to be there when you play, and even fewer will care, you're out of the garage, and you get a small taste of the reality of what it is you love to do.
My column is called "Put Your Records On" (the title was created by my editor, and I think it is wonderful!) It's only around 300 words for the weekly publication, but it's a blast because I get to talk about something I love. Tomorrow, my article will be in the first printing of the campus newspaper for the semester.
Some might say that this small-time success is pointless. I say cheer up, buttercup. One small step for another is one giant leap for L.V. (look at this kid, mixing her metaphors like that. She's gone mad!)
Maybe you're wondering, "well, that's cool and all, but what does any of this have to do with me?"
Here's a few tips for pursuing (and hopefully, capturing!) that often elusive creature, success:
1. Find something you love, and throw yourself into it. You don't even have to be good at it to begin, you just have to love it. Enjoying what you do increases your chances of wanting to learn everything about your chosen activity and how to do it well.
2. Do you, dude. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it for you. Don't write, play, or create for other people. Make yourself happy with your work first, and the rest will follow.
3. Stay true. Once you've established your activity, don't lose yourself to it, or let other people change you because of it. Keep it simple: just do what you love, stop when you don't love it, and don't let negative influences tell you otherwise.
That's about all I've got for tonight. My Shakespeare homework is calling me...
Anyways, whatever you do, wherever you are, whatever it is you love, I hope you get the chance to share it with your world, whether that's through your personal website, your school, or even with a bunch of your closest friends.
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night." Remember that.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
May You Always Have a Roof for the Rain...
I swear to you it doesn't rain here every day. I've been going a mile a minute since I've been back at school, and when it rains, it means I stay inside mostly, but not always. I'm in a Shakespearean drama course, so I've read two plays in a week and a day (they are As You Like It and Twelfth Night for those who are interested, haha). Not gonna lie, I'm a fan of the bard, but I will keep my ramblings about him to a minimum since that is not why you're here (if it is, so sorry, although I would love to discuss it with you.)
Okay, so this next video is a little out there, but stick with me on this one, 'cause the music itself is good. I'm a big Donnie Darko fan, and this song has echoes of Tears for Fears to me. Or even Echo & the Bunnymen, also from the movie. If you haven't seen Donnie Darko, I recommend you watch it. I mean, it's raining, what else are you going to do? Homework?
Last but certainly not least, the catch of the day: Tired Pony.
Tired Pony hails from Northern Ireland, and their rustic, indie-folk style is anything but sleepy. Their first album, The Place We Ran From was released in 2010, and they have since collaborated with the lovely Zooey Deschanel and the always charming M. Ward of She and Him, shifting their American indie-music presence from a walk to a canter. TP's track, "Get on the Road" features Deschanel.
Tired Pony's hit single from The Place We Ran From, "Dead American Writers," was aired on September 30th, 2010, when the band performed on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Like what you hear? Keep up with Tired Pony at their website, http://www.tiredpony.com/. Here's hoping they come galloping to your neck of the woods sometime soon!
Well, this has certainly been more educational than I planned. In short, watch Donnie Darko, download some Tired Pony, and remember kids, stay in school. I just helped you plan your day, and possibly even your future. You're welcome.
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
and All your heart may desire. --Irish Prayer
I'm not even Irish, but I can say an "amen" to that.
Peace, love, & good music always,
-- L.V.
Okay, so this next video is a little out there, but stick with me on this one, 'cause the music itself is good. I'm a big Donnie Darko fan, and this song has echoes of Tears for Fears to me. Or even Echo & the Bunnymen, also from the movie. If you haven't seen Donnie Darko, I recommend you watch it. I mean, it's raining, what else are you going to do? Homework?
Last but certainly not least, the catch of the day: Tired Pony.
Tired Pony hails from Northern Ireland, and their rustic, indie-folk style is anything but sleepy. Their first album, The Place We Ran From was released in 2010, and they have since collaborated with the lovely Zooey Deschanel and the always charming M. Ward of She and Him, shifting their American indie-music presence from a walk to a canter. TP's track, "Get on the Road" features Deschanel.
Tired Pony's hit single from The Place We Ran From, "Dead American Writers," was aired on September 30th, 2010, when the band performed on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Like what you hear? Keep up with Tired Pony at their website, http://www.tiredpony.com/. Here's hoping they come galloping to your neck of the woods sometime soon!
Well, this has certainly been more educational than I planned. In short, watch Donnie Darko, download some Tired Pony, and remember kids, stay in school. I just helped you plan your day, and possibly even your future. You're welcome.
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
and All your heart may desire. --Irish Prayer
I'm not even Irish, but I can say an "amen" to that.
Peace, love, & good music always,
-- L.V.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Singing in the Rain
It's raining here at school, and I can't really complain. I'm content to watch the torrent of water pour down as I stay nice and dry in my third floor room. My desk is by the window so I can look out while I'm writing. Within view is the entrance to a nature trail, and I can't wait to explore it once the weather clears.
Here are some mellow tunes for your listening enjoyment. Also, if you haven't read it already, I highly recommend Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. It is laugh-out-loud-and-accidentally-snort-and-people-stare-at-you-oddly funny. I guarantee it'll brighten your day.
Somebody made this video and posted it on youtube. The baby reaching up at the stove at :26 cracks me up. I have no idea why. Probably because babies should be nowhere near stoves. Ignore me and my ramblings, haha.
Here are some mellow tunes for your listening enjoyment. Also, if you haven't read it already, I highly recommend Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. It is laugh-out-loud-and-accidentally-snort-and-people-stare-at-you-oddly funny. I guarantee it'll brighten your day.
Somebody made this video and posted it on youtube. The baby reaching up at the stove at :26 cracks me up. I have no idea why. Probably because babies should be nowhere near stoves. Ignore me and my ramblings, haha.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Hard Work Pays Off (more often than not)
Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.
This past week at school was incredible. It was transformative, inspirational, heartrending, and eye-opening. It was the culmination of everything I have been striving towards in terms of learning about how to better interact with people.
First and foremost though, none of the experiences I had could have been possible without hard work. My day started at 6 am, and ended sometime around 4:30 pm. Of course there were hours upon hours spent bonding with the people I worked with, so by the time we finished playing games, talking, or sharing stories, it was midnight or later, and we'd have to be up early again to do it all over.It was a lot of work for me as an individual to want to put myself out there every time, and talk to people I didn't know on a deeper level than I'm used to.
I wouldn't change it though. I'd say it was all worth it, and that hard work really payed off there.
As for my friends at home, well, let's just say we'd need more than a week to get things sorted out.
In other news, I start my new job tomorrow: day camp counselor. I can't wait to see what sort of experiences are in store for me.
This past week at school was incredible. It was transformative, inspirational, heartrending, and eye-opening. It was the culmination of everything I have been striving towards in terms of learning about how to better interact with people.
First and foremost though, none of the experiences I had could have been possible without hard work. My day started at 6 am, and ended sometime around 4:30 pm. Of course there were hours upon hours spent bonding with the people I worked with, so by the time we finished playing games, talking, or sharing stories, it was midnight or later, and we'd have to be up early again to do it all over.It was a lot of work for me as an individual to want to put myself out there every time, and talk to people I didn't know on a deeper level than I'm used to.
I wouldn't change it though. I'd say it was all worth it, and that hard work really payed off there.
As for my friends at home, well, let's just say we'd need more than a week to get things sorted out.
In other news, I start my new job tomorrow: day camp counselor. I can't wait to see what sort of experiences are in store for me.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Mulligan!?
Tomorrow, I am going back to school.
It's only for a week. I'm mostly going to work and meet new people. Two things I'm good at. It's been a month since I've been at school. In that short span of time, I've learned a lot about people, and ways to change how I interact with them, but I've also messed a lot of things up in the process. So I'm hoping to do things over: I want to recreate the night (and a few of the subsequent days) I came home from school, except I'm not going to screw it up this time. One person at a time, I'm going to do my best to fix the friendships I messed up.
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.
Please say you will?
I've got a lot of explaining to do...
Goo Goo Dolls - Before It's Too Late by apolinos92
And lastly, a book that could've prevented all of this conflict.
I'm so into reading, I'm surprised I haven't read this one...oh wait. I'll bet someday, I could write this book myself.
Cheers, and I'll see you in a week and a day.
It's only for a week. I'm mostly going to work and meet new people. Two things I'm good at. It's been a month since I've been at school. In that short span of time, I've learned a lot about people, and ways to change how I interact with them, but I've also messed a lot of things up in the process. So I'm hoping to do things over: I want to recreate the night (and a few of the subsequent days) I came home from school, except I'm not going to screw it up this time. One person at a time, I'm going to do my best to fix the friendships I messed up.
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.
Please say you will?
I've got a lot of explaining to do...
Goo Goo Dolls - Before It's Too Late by apolinos92
And lastly, a book that could've prevented all of this conflict.
I'm so into reading, I'm surprised I haven't read this one...oh wait. I'll bet someday, I could write this book myself.
Cheers, and I'll see you in a week and a day.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
5 More Things I've Learned
Learning doesn't only take place in the classroom. If you live life right, you learn something new everyday. This summer, my school has been the relationships I have with other people and my friends. I considered myself to be a socially capable person, but relationships that have depth and meaning are complex, and are a totally different breed of interaction from small talk made at a party.
Here's what I learned this week:
1. Difficulties exist to be surmounted.
2. If you want something done right, do it yourself. Whether it's a job, or communicating with other people, cut the middle man.
3. Actions speak louder than words. So many times have I heard this as I went through school, but now more than ever, I see how much attempting counts, even if I fail. It's better than never starting and always wondering what would have happened.
4. Respect: another grade-school hallmark. Respect relationships with other people by being clear with them of your intentions, whatever they may be. Respect yourself by telling others that they need to be honest with you and to consider your feelings.
5. When you have committed a wrong, admit it. Correct it, if you can. Apologize, and mean it. Even if it is not accepted right away, if you truly apologize, you will have done the best you can for the time that it is.
Here's what I learned this week:
1. Difficulties exist to be surmounted.
2. If you want something done right, do it yourself. Whether it's a job, or communicating with other people, cut the middle man.
3. Actions speak louder than words. So many times have I heard this as I went through school, but now more than ever, I see how much attempting counts, even if I fail. It's better than never starting and always wondering what would have happened.
4. Respect: another grade-school hallmark. Respect relationships with other people by being clear with them of your intentions, whatever they may be. Respect yourself by telling others that they need to be honest with you and to consider your feelings.
5. When you have committed a wrong, admit it. Correct it, if you can. Apologize, and mean it. Even if it is not accepted right away, if you truly apologize, you will have done the best you can for the time that it is.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Last Days and New Beginnings
The more I try to study, the more blog posts I write. Perhaps I should study more regularly and maybe my posts would be less sporadic.
I read this quote, and I thought I'd share:
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~Steve Jobs
I like that idea. As I spend my last full day here at school (I'm in the library no less), I hope you have a summer to remember. I hope that you accomplish everything you want to do, not purely because you want to do it, but because it will better you or further you in some way, in an attempt to bring you closer to who you truly are.
Enjoy the music :)
I read this quote, and I thought I'd share:
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~Steve Jobs
I like that idea. As I spend my last full day here at school (I'm in the library no less), I hope you have a summer to remember. I hope that you accomplish everything you want to do, not purely because you want to do it, but because it will better you or further you in some way, in an attempt to bring you closer to who you truly are.
Enjoy the music :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)