The Carousers Interview.

 

I am really excited to be able to share with you guys a recent interview I had with two members, Joey Affatato (vocalist/lead guitarist) and Cassidy Crosby (backing vocals/bassist) of the West Long Branch local punk band, The Carousers.  Since the release of their debut self-titled EP back in October, The Carousers have been taking the local scene by storm, playing shows nearly every week at venues like The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park to The Millhill Basement in Trenton, New Jersey.  It is safe to say they are one of the most hard working bands around.  With that being said, here is my interview with The Carousers!

1.)  Let’s jump right into it!  Back in October you guys released your debut self-titled EP, how has the response been to it so far?

Cassidy: The response has been great! People are really seeming to dig it, and we’ve had some great reviews and write-ups of it online!

2.)  What was the recording process like for you guys for this specific EP? What studio did you guys go to?

Cassidy:  I think we all collectively enjoyed the recording process. We recorded our record at SRG Studios in Hamilton NJ with Sean Glonek.  Since we had done several waves of demoing on our own, we were able to knock out the recording in 3 days. Each track has the basic drums, bass, vocals, and several electric guitar tracks, however we had some time to add some keyboards, acoustic guitars, percussion, and other auxiliary instruments, which we think really added to the songs.

3.)  I feel like whenever a band goes into a studio, there is always that one song you guys record and everyone in the room falls in love with it immediately.  Did you guys have one of those songs?  

Cassidy: Our song “Cracked Pot” was definitely a collective favorite during the recording process.  It has a different feel than the rest of our songs, making it the most low-key track on the album. However I think this diversity adds to the EP as a whole, and it was just such a fun song to record.

Joey:  Yeah, I definitely knew “Cracked Pot” was going to be really solid after we tracked it.  Cass did some great harmonies on that one – we always get compliments on how well our voices blended on that.  I was a big fan of “Another World” too, probably because it’s a band favorite.  I really think they all came out great though and shine through in their own ways!

4.)  It is really exciting to see how active you guys are in the local scene right now and it seems like you have shows every week, or so.  What is the band’s favorite venue to play? Why?

Joey:  I really like The Saint a lot in Asbury.  The sound has been good every time we play there and a bunch of people are always out.  Millhill Basement is a fun spot too – cheap beer is a plus!!

Cassidy: House Of Independents in Asbury Park is an awesome place to play too, we’ve played there a couple times and the stage and room are great.

5.)  Now that we know The Carousers favorite venue to play, can you all agree on your favorite original song to play live?

Joey:  Probably “She’s The Devil” for me.  Especially if we’re playing a house show, I’d say that one is our biggest jam.   It’s really cool to see our Monmouth friends singing along!

Cassidy: I agree with Joey, “She’s The Devil” is always a banger at house shows. I think “Another World” is also super fun to play live, because its punchier and different than our other tunes.

6.)  Any hilarious, unexpected, and/or, memorable show moments you can guys can recall?

Joey:  Hahah…  I remember one time we played Roxy and Dukes.  I think it was our first time and I broke a string…  I remember I had to switch over guitars and Cass had the stage to talk for a few minutes.  She was really uncomfortable and still hates me for it, but I thought it was pretty funny.

Cassidy: Joey never broke guitar strings until this winter, and now it happens all the time.  He once broke strings on both of his guitars in one set. Our friend Vito had to get his other guitar from the car while we played, and one song in he broke a string on that.  Andy and I were just laughing the whole time.

Joey:  Anthony Vito is not only a great photographer,  but a great friend, especially in my time of need!  If you’re reading this, thanks again bud!!

7.)  The last EVER Warped Tour lineup is getting announced soon.  Any bands you all would like to see play it?

Cassidy: Personally, I’d love to see Blink-182, Offspring, Sum 41, Jimmy Eat World , some old school pop punk.  Or OG punk bands like The Descendents or Pennywise, that would be rad.

Joey:  I’ve never been to Warped, but if any one of those bands played, I’d get tickets immediately.

8.). If you guys had to change your band name, what would your new band name be, and why would you choose that name?

Cassidy: Beef.

Joey:  I second that.  Haha.

9.)  I heard you guys know the Devil man. Can you confirm?

Joey:  I’d run while you still can!!!!

10.). Are there any other local bands you guys would like to give a shout out to?

Joey:  Definitely dudes in CK5 and The Vansaders.  Both are bands we’ve had a lot of fun playing with and are just great bands in general.   Would love to get more gigs with Jean Pool too – just saw they got a cool new shirt I need to snag!

11.)  What are some of The Carousers’ goals for 2018?

Joey:  I’d really like for us to play Starland Ballroom.  Open up for a bigger band like The Menzingers or Bouncing Souls.  That’d be a dream come true.

Cassidy: I agree with Joey! I’d also like to start branching out and tour outside of New Jersey.

Joey:  Touring is a definite too.  We’re in the talks of doing a few weekenders, so keep an eye out!

12.)  Where can everyone find your music?

Cassidy: We’re on all music platforms! Spotify, Itunes, Apple Music, YouTube, BandCamp, SoundCloud, Amazon, you name it!

 

 

I Do Not Own The Photos Used.  All Rights Belong to the Original Photographers, Liam Frank and Anthony Vito Cosentino.

5 Songs Why Lights is One of the MOST Underrated Artists.

Anyone who is a part of the Lights fanbase aka, “The Lights Army,” could easily tell you she is queen.  Not only a queen of music, but she has also conquered the world of comic books with her, Skin & Earth comic book series, which coincides with her newest album also titled, Skin & Earth.  If I am going to be real here, Lights has more talent in a single pinky than most.  However, she still remains in my opinion, one of the most underrated artists I know.  This past Sunday, February 26th, I was lucky enough to see her in Philly at the Theatre of the Living Arts for her, We Were Here Tour.  It was my first time ever seeing her headline a show, so naturally I was really excited because I am a big fan of her myself.  However, it was when the acoustic portion of her set began, I started thinking to myself, “Wow, Lights is really one of the most underrated artists I think I have ever been a fan of, if not THE MOST underrated.”  It wasn’t just the emotion in her voice, but the genuity in her lyrics.  She had everyone in the room at the palm of her hand and even I could feel it.

With that being said, here are “5 Songs Why Lights is One of the Most Underrated Artists”:

1.) “Drive My Soul”

“When you’re gone

Will I lose control?

You’re the only road I know

You show me where to go

Who will drive my soul?”

So, “Drive My Soul,” was actually one of the songs she performed during the acoustic portion of the show I got to see in Philly this past Sunday.  Somebody held up a sign, requesting she play it acoustically and being the angel she is, she did not let that fan down.  I am so happy she played it.  The song is originally off of her first album, The Listening (2009), and  I think this might actually be my favorite song by her now.  Her performance and the song itself really spoke to me.  Personally, there are so many stories to be told throughout the many experiences a person will have during the life of a car they own.  This song is specifically unique because she uses driving as a metaphor to symbolize a part of life, you cannot live without.  It does not necessarily have to be a boyfriend or girlfriend, the song speaks to any element you want it too.  Everyone has that someone, or something they cannot live without.  Everyone’s someone, or something is different and this song is relatable enough to speak to any of those aspects, which makes it so special and a song that should be more well-known.

 

   2.)  “In The Dark I See”

“It’s you who brings the morning

And you who takes the sun when I sleep

You’re the only who stuck around

For me when I was losing

Faith in what I thought I would be

You’re the only one in the dark I see”

“In The Dark I See,” is not actually featured on any of Lights’ albums, but 100% should have been.  The song was recorded and released through an iTunes Session back in 2013 and it is easily, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.  This song can definitely take you into a another world and it also shows a different side of Lights.  I feel like there is a lot of vulnerability in this song and I can’t help but feel vulnerable everytime I listen to it myself.  Throughout life, you find these people, or maybe just a person who helps you see the light even during your darkest moments.  Sometimes it feels like those people are the only thing you can see during those times and this song truly does that concept justice.  That is another concept just about anyone can relate to and this song is guaranteed to make anyone have the feels.  

 

     3.)  “Muscle Memory”

“When I am alone, I see you in the dark

I talk into the empty like you were with me

Started on a cold night, felt you in the low light

Noticing a reflex taking over me

I see you and I reach, muscle memory

I feel you endlessly, muscle memory”

Out of all of Lights’ song, I always felt like, “Muscle Memory,” was one of her best and most beautifully written songs to this day.  The concept she writes about in this song is so unique and definitely deserves more attention than it has ever gotten.  For those who don’t know, the term, “muscle memory,” refers to the ability to reproduce a movement without any conscious thought.  Usually this happens because when you are used to moving in a certain way frequently.  In this particular song, Lights talks about being so used to someone’s presence, you still see and feel them even when they are not there.  One of the other lyrics in this song is:

“When I’m playin’ games

When I’m drinkin’ wine

And I see your glass

Sittin’ next to mine”

I feel like that lyric makes this song really personal and it just makes the concept more clear.  You miss somebody so much, even their objects are present in your eyes, even if they are not physically there.  

 

  4.)  “Follow You Down”

“So just call me, you know I will be waiting

For you as you walk towards that redemption sound

You know I’ll be the stillness when you’re shaking

And when you fall overboard, I’ll follow you down”

I actually heard, “Follow You Down,” for the first time ever when I saw Lights in Philly this past Sunday.  This was another song she played during her acoustic set and she explained how she had written it for a film, but the film fell through so she kept the song for herself and it is on her album, Midnight Machines.  After hearing it for the first time and overlooking the song myself previously, it made me realize how overlooked it probably has been by people this whole time.  Truth is, this song is another beautiful and relatable Lights’ masterpiece.  In the past, Lights has also has said this song was her favorite off the record and listening to it definitely shows because it is executed in such a raw, emotional way it can really resonate with someone, like it did with me.  I think this is a song about being there for someone through their darkest times.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the love kind of way and it applies to any relationship.  That concept of staying with some someone through anything is really powerful, making this one of the most powerful Lights’ songs out there.

 

   5.)  “Timing is Everything”

“There I was, none the wiser

Both of us, different trajectories

Who’d have thought we’d be right here in this spot

Timing is everything”

“Timing is Everything,” is off Lights’ album, Siberia (2013).  For me, this has always been one of my favorite songs of hers because of the concept behind it, being that fate plays a huge part in our lives.  Whether it be fate playing a part in our love lives or our friendships, it has affected us in the people we meet and everything we are meant to do.  Sometimes it takes being in the right place at the right time.  Suppose if one thing changed the path of someone you love currently are in love with, you might not have had the chance to fall in love with them.  Personally, I am a believer in fate and everything happening for a reason.  Like in Lights’ song, “Timing is Everything,” and another concept everyone can relate to.

 

 

All rights to media used in this blog are reserved to the original producers. I do not take credit for any images, or recordings used in the write up of this blog. 

Shows Give Me Life.

This past weekend was WILD.  I had the honor of going to THREE different shows, at THREE different venues and I don’t think I have ever felt happier in the presence of such incredible music and talent.  Each night I could feel the passion ignite inside my heart, serving as an instant reminder of how much I LOVE music.

Let’s first talk about NIGHT ONE.  On Saturday, February 17, 2018, I had the honor of seeing the band PVRIS on their North American Tour at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey.  Despite driving through a snowstorm to get there, I knew it was going to be a great night when the indie-pop band, Cherry Pools, opened up the show with one of the best performances I have seen from an opening band in a long time.  My friend and I were absolutely blown away by their performance.  Not only was their stage aesthetic pleasing, but their sound was unlike anything I have ever heard before. The singer, Martin Broda, had a voice that took me into another universe and my friend and I agreed that if, The 1975 and Chase Atlantic, had a baby it would be Cherry Pools.  Therefore, do yourself a favor and AT LEAST go listen to their latest single, “Are You In Love?” I promise you will have no regrets.  After Cherry Pools, Detroit pop artist, Flint Eastwood, took the stage and commanded the crowd unlike any other female vocalist I have ever seen before.  I had seen her previous with PVRIS before a few months ago on PVRIS’ last headlining tour, but her growth is substantial as she thrives off of the crowd and delivers powerful performances of songs like, “Monster” and “Glitches.”

Last but certainly NOT LEAST, PVRIS came on stage and immediately took the room by storm as they opened with, “Heaven,” their lead single off of their 2017 album, All We Know Of Heaven.  From the first stroke of the piano of, “Heaven,” to the final beat of the drums in, “No Mercy,” which ended the set, I was immersed in everything this band and show had to offer.  I had always been a fan of PVRIS’ unique attention to aesthetic as a band, but their particular stage set up this time around made me feel like I wasn’t even at a Starland Ballroom show (which was an amazing experience).  I felt like I was transported to their own world and that is something I never felt at a show before, especially at a venue I have been going to since I was in middle school.  I was especially engaged in the frontwoman, Lynn Gunn, and her angelic, yet some kind of mix of angelic and gruff badass, voice.  I had chills throughout each song, but one that stood out to me particularly that night was their stripped down piano version of, “Same Soul.”  It was so beautiful, I really think there were tears in the eyes of many besides myself in that room during that song.  Overall, amazing show, definitely the best I have seen from them so far.  One for the books for sure and a new personal favorite.

 

Now NIGHT TWO.  On Sunday, February 18, 2018 I was given the opportunity by my newly acquired internship at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, to assist at Of Mice & Men’s Defy Tour show.  First of all, I just need to start by saying that it has been a LONG TIME since I listened to Of Mice & Men, but I figured this would be a good first show to help out at since I was practically obsessed with them back in my middle and early high school years.  Also, I knew Blessthefall was their direct support and I always wanted to see them live, but never got the chance, so it is fair to say I seized the opportunity and it was GREAT.  I am really happy I got to be a part of that show, even if it was just handing out flyers before and after the performance.  

It is safe to say I was very impressed by Blessthefall’s performance and I am also extremely glad I finally got to see them because they were fantastic.  Leader singer, Beau Bokan’s, command of the crowd and stage reeled me in from the start.  However, I think my favorite part of their set was when Beau got a young kid to crowd surf to him to give him a high-five and demanded the crowd bring the kid back to his father… AND IT HAPPENED.  Definitely one of the most unforgettable moments for not only me, but especially for the kid.  If he is not taking over the music world in the next 15 years with his future rock band, I will personally feel disappointed.  

As for Of Mice & Men, I felt like I was in middle school all over again and it was fantastic. Right before the show I tried to prepare myself by listening to their new album, Defy, which they wound up playing a lot of songs off of.  Now when I say WOW, I mean WOW.  They were unbelievable.  From the instruments, straight to the vocals, everything was so clean cut and I immediately felt invested in their performance as they opened the show with the title track off their new album, “Defy.”  I honestly loved them even more live, than on their records this time around.  As a vocalist myself, of course one of the first things I listen to (or most people listen to) at a live show are the vocals and I was floored by Aaron Pauley’s voice live.  It sounded SO good.  I could feel every note he hit pierce my soul and he was honestly so on point.  It was really unbelievable and impressive, of course I didn’t expect anything less, but they exceeded my old middle and high school expectations.  Another thing I noticed was how the crowd changed for them.  Back when I listened to them more, the age demographic was definitely around 15 to 26… MAYBE 30.  It seems like now even people in their 50s are rocking out to their music and that made me genuinely really happy.  That just proved to me that music is so universal and it was cool to see they had sparked another crowd’s interest over the years, besides the one that grew up with them.

 

Last, NIGHT THREE.  On Monday, February 19, 2018, I bought tickets the night before to see the co-headlining Get Free Tour which featured, Silverstein and Tonight Alive at the House of Independents in Asbury Park.  The two openers for this show were two New Jersey natives, Picturesque and Broadside.  Unfortunately because of class, I actually missed Picturesque, but luckily I made it right in the middle of Broadside’s set.  Funny enough, for some reason I did not realize I knew Broadside until the very end of their set when they played a song called, “Coffee Talk.”  When they announced to the crowd that was the song they were going to be closing with, I actually turned to my friend in laughter and was like, “I like coffee, I will probably like this song!”  Little did I realize that song had been on one of my playlists for weeks on repeat, so I instantly flipped out when I finally put the two together.  It was really fun to sing along to and I really enjoyed the part of Broadside’s set I was there to see.  I definitely plan on listening to all of their albums now sometime this week because they were so tight and fun to be in the presence of.

Right after Broadside, Silverstein took the stage and the crowd went WILD.  I think just about everyone in the crowd had to be Silverstein fan because I never heard the crowd roar so loud at the House of Independents.  My friends and I were near the front and right next to us, a huge mosh pit broke out as soon as the music started.  I never had actually seen Silverstein live before, so I was excited for the experience and let me tell you, I LOVED every second of it and would 100% do it again if they come back around again.  The band is widely known for their songs, “My Heroine,” and, “Smile In Your Sleep,” which of course I love too, but I was really happy they performed a few of my favorites off of their newest album, Dead Reflection.  Two of my personal favorites of the night were definitely two songs from that album called, “Retrograde,” and, “Afterglow.”  The band’s overall performance and stage presence was insanely immersive and even if you didn’t know all of the words to every song, you wanted to be part of it and the Silverstein experience.  They were a complete 10/10 and again, I would love to see them when they come back to New Jersey again one day.  

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Finally, the last band I saw over the past three days was a band I had watched ever since their second EP, Consider This, dropped in the United States.  Now they are currently on their fourth studio album, Underworld, which was recently released on January 12, 2018.  This band is called, Tonight Alive.  I had seen them quite a few times before, but never in a headline setting.  They were always great, but they never shined as bright as they did to me that night at the House of Independents.  The lead singer, Jenna McDougall, was always a role model frontwoman to me, she really touched my heart in so many ways that night and made me happy to be a woman in music.  She commanded the stage unlike any other frontwoman I have ever seen.  In fact, she moved and danced around so much, I started wondering to myself how anyone in the world had that much stamina to sing as flawlessly as she did and move around THAT much.  I was also thrilled they played a balanced amount of new and old songs, especially since I was a super fan of all of their older material like, “The Edge,” and, “Hell and Back.”  The experience felt so personal, as I basically had Jenna McDougall singing near my face and I felt like the crowd and myself were in tune with everything she had to say in her lyrics, and the words she spoke between songs.  Personally, I definitely felt the most captivated during their special broken-down acoustic performance of, “Oxygen.”  I could feel my heart well up inside and overall, seeing Tonight Alive was just such a refreshing and inspiring experience.  If I could, I would relive that night to feel the positivity and energy throughout the room that night all over again.  I can’t wait until Tonight Alive comes back to New Jersey again, hell, I will travel beyond if I have to.  Seeing both, Jenna McDougall and Lynn Gunn, this weekend really brought me back down to Earth as an aspiring woman in the music industry.  These two women are two of my heroes.  

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If you are ever given the opportunity to see any of these bands live, DO IT. I promise you won’t regret it, or even if you just go give them each a listen.  The experience is worth it.  Shows give me life.  It was a weekend of incredible music and talent and I really can’t wait to continue going to shows throughout the rest of 2018.  There is MORE to come.  

It all starts with music.  

–Kelli ♫

 

Special thank you to Anthony Vito Cosentino Photography for letting me use his photos of Silverstein and Tonight Alive, as well as Natalie Merlo for the “No Mercy” PVRIS snippet.

Motivational Music Monday: “One Foot” by Walk the Moon.

“Cross my heart

And hope to die

Taking this one step at a time

I got your back if you got mine

One foot in front of the other

All that we have is each other

One foot in front of the other”

Walk the Moon has always been known for their uplifting, feel good music.  However, their lead single, “One Foot,” off of their 2017 album, What If Nothing, takes motivation to a whole new level.  Personally, I have been a long time fan of the band since a friend of mine showed me their song, “Shiver, Shiver,” which was off of their 2012 self-titled album.  I remember being immediately drawn in by the catchy-ness of the song right from the get-go, as lead singer Nicholas Petricca sang, “You grip your hands around my throat and you strip the buttons off my coat…”  which led directly into probably one of the catchiest choruses I have ever heard.  Watching this band evolve since then has really been a ride and I can’t help but fall more and more in love with them as they continue to dominate the alternative world.

When I heard “One Foot” for the first time, I remember being taken back by it because it was definitely different from all of their previous releases.  Then as I continued to play it on repeat, the more empowering and meaningful the song became to me.  I started listening to it when I needed a pick-me-up, or just the simple encouragement to keep going.  To me, this song is about getting to wake up each day with the decision to keep going, or give up.  You never really know what today, or tomorrow is going to bring, but for some reason, even with that uncertainty we move forward anyway.  The uncertainty is the best part.  Uncertainty is the journey.  It is our motivation and with that motivation, we make that choice to persevere with, “one foot in front of the other.”

 

Nicole Govel Interview.

Recently out and about in the local music scene, I was really happy I got to interview the upcoming alternative rock singer-songwriter, Nicole Govel from Marlboro, New Jersey.  Back in November 2017, Nicole Govel released her debut EP titled, Happy Hour and celebrated its release with a SOLD OUT show at The Saint in Asbury Park.  Happy Hour is definitely not an EP you want to miss out on. My advice to you… GO LISTEN IMMEDIATELY.  Nicole’s jazz and alternative rock twist in her singer-songwriter style music, is unlike anything I have ever heard before.  With tracks like, “Reckless,” she has you hooked with a Strokes kind of vibe, to her final track, “Last Call,” where her jazzy-hook will have the chorus stuck in your head for days.  Here are some things she had to say about her involvement in music from a young age, Happy Hour, and future releases!

1.) What got you into music and made you want to become a musician?

My mom sings and my dad plays guitar so music has always been a huge part of my life and becoming a musician was the inevitable next step. I’ve been singing since I was ten years old and my parents, as well as all of the musicians I’ve met at school, have encouraged me to pursue my dream.

2.) Who would you say are some of your musical influences?

Major songwriters like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury inspire me with their songs that practically paint pictures. I also love the edginess of the Strokes and The Killers and try and keep that in mind when I write. Right now, Billie Eilish is the artist I look up to most because she’s young, bold, and takes risks. 

3.) Can you give me a little more insight to your debut EP, Happy Hour? What was the recording process for it like?

 

My friend was opening up a studio and told me to write songs to make an EP and so that’s exactly what I did. Two of the songs were written in the middle of the night and I made voice memos on my phone to remember them, one was written in the shower, and another was written on a whim in the studio. I only play piano so I only write songs with piano in mind and when the musicians who recorded on my album came into my studio, it was magic. They captured the exact sound I wanted even though I couldn’t necessarily verbalize it.

4.) What was the first song you wrote for Happy Hour and what was the inspiration behind it?

 

“Reckless” was the first song I wrote for Happy Hour. Bad “break-up” I guess you would say.

5.) I was really happy to make it out to your Happy Hour EP Release Show at The Saint in Asbury Park.  I heard that it SOLD OUT.  What was hearing that news like for you?

 

I’m so happy you made it to the show! It was definitely the highlight of my life so far. Hearing the show was sold out was the most surreal experience. I couldn’t believe that all of those people were there to see me, considering I didn’t even think I would sell twenty tickets. It was incredibly humbling.

6.) Now for some fun questions.  Imagine you’re watching a concert and one of the band members spontaneously combusts. You get called to the stage to replace that band member. Who’s the band?

Probably Britney Spears. I grew up listening to her and know every song by heart so I think it would be a pretty easy fill-in. Plus, she’s beyond fabulous.

7.) What is your favorite album to listen to right now?

I’ve had AC/DC Back In Black on repeat in my car for the past two weeks.

8.) If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?

If Ella Fitzgerald were still alive, I would collaborate with her. I’m a trained Jazz singer and have always listened to her duets with Louis Armstrong so I always imagined what a duet with her would be like.

9.) Are there any other local bands, or musicians you would like to give a shout out to?

Yes! I sing backup for Dan Amato and the Sentimental Gentleman and, even though I may be biased, we always kill it and pack the house when we perform. Look out for new music from them soon. Also many Ernest and Deal Casino songs have made their way into my playlist.

10.) What can we expect from you in 2018?

I hope to release some singles in the summer and perform more! With work and school, writing has been put on hold for now but the second I graduate I plan to release so much more music. I’m also looking to make a music video!

11.) Where can everyone find your music?

You can find Happy Hour and my previously recorded song “San Francisco” on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube! There may be more platforms for all I know, but definitely the majors!

 

All Photos Right Reserved to the Original Producers of the Images.

 

10 Love Songs You Probably Don’t Know, But Should Know.

 

Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, I think love deserves to be celebrated everyday.  Not just the romantic kind of love, but the love we feel for those who support and care for us day after day.  Some of the most beautiful people in my life are single, but deserve all of the love in the world.  So why not show it?  There are also songs out there that need to feel the love on days like this too.  You don’t need a significant other to embody the love shared in music.  With that being said, single or taken, here are ’10 Love Songs You Probably Don’t Know, But Should Know.’

1.) “6 Months” by Hey Monday

 

“Everything you say

Everytime we kiss, I can’t think straight

But I’m okay

And I can’t think of anybody else

Who I hate to miss as much as I hate missing you”

 

Easily my personal favorite love song to have ever existed.  The simplicity of the recording and raw emotion behind the melody and lyrics of, “6 Months,” really speaks to what it means to be in love with someone.  Whenever I listen to it, it feels like a song you would sing sitting across from your lover on the couch with your guitar in hand.  It is so personal and sweet, a perfect depiction of a pure love.  My heart melts everytime I listen to it because it just oozes genuine love.

 

2.) “Whoever She Is” by The Maine

 

“She could be money, cars, fear of the dark

Your best friends or just strangers in bars

Whoever she is, whoever she may be

One thing’s for sure, you don’t have to worry”

When it comes to love songs by The Maine, most people who know them will probably think of, “Into Your Arms.”  “Into Your Arms,”  is a beautiful and iconic love song off of their debut album,  Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.  However, for me, “Whoever She Is,” is definitely one of their most underrated and beautiful love songs to date.  This is another raw, simple acoustic love song, but it is so powerful.  In, “Whoever She Is,” lead singer John O’ Callaghan sings about loving someone for who they are, despite whatever obstacles may get in the way.  He sings about how you don’t have to worry and fate will bring soulmates together, if they are supposed to be together.  That person could be anybody, no matter how unexpected it is and again, not to worry because it will happen for you.  This song is so easy to listen to and reinstalls a hope that love is out there for everyone.

 

3.) “Surround You” by Echosmith

 

“I kept passing by every sign

Hoping one day I’d make you mine

We’d be laughing side by side

Darling I’m thrilled to have you by

By my side”

“Surround You,” is definitely one of my favorite songs off of Echosmith’s debut album, Talking Dreams.  I think it embodies love differently than any other song I have ever heard before.  It is so soothing to listen to and it feels so fragile.  To me, “Surround You,” talks about never thinking love could be found and then when you find it, you just want to give it all you’ve got to make sure that person knows you are fully invested in them.  You want them to know you’re always there to love and support them, and I think that is something important in any relationship, whether it is a passionate one, or not.  

 

4.) “Tiger Teeth” by Walk the Moon

 

“A tiger in my heart again

When you swallow someone whole, you are bound to choke

Well, I guess we can never be friends

I ate you up the day we first spoke”

“Tiger Teeth,” is off of Walk the Moon’s newest album, What if Nothing.  Whenever I listen to this song, I think it talks about craving someone and wanting them come back into your life.  Maybe it is a borderline-sad love song, but I think the passion speaks for itself behind the music and yearning lyrics here. Rather than borderline-sad love song, I would actually say it is more-so a very nostalgic love song, even if you can’t relate to it in the moment.  Everything about the song puts you in a different place and I truly think this is one of Walk the Moon’s most beautiful masterpieces.

 

5.) “Stay” by Artist Vs Poet

 

“I feel a rise in my chest when I see that smile

‘Cause I know now at least for a while you’re going to stay”

I remember being addicted to this song when it first came out back in 2013 and I have probably shown it to everyone I have ever known.  It has been five years since this song was released on, Remember This, and four years since Artist Vs Poet’s last release ever, but, “Stay,” still has a place on my, “Top 25 Most Played,” playlist on my iPod.  Immediately, this song hooks you right in the second the song starts with, “And it’s a sign, the way your eyes reflect in mine…”  “Stay” is another acoustic love song, but an incredibly addictive and catchy one at that.  Joe Kirkland’s voice made this one a homerun for me.  In this song, he sings about not wanting the girl he is with to leave.  He wants her to stay in bed with him all day and he wishes they could stay there forever.  There is not a complex meaning behind this one, but it is sweet and again, easily one of the catchiest songs in existence.  

 

6.) “Change Your Mind” by The Summer Set

 

“Hey you, queen of the cool

Something ’bout you making me lose my mind

Lose my mind

Hey you, rock and roll dress

Hard to impress, baby I’ll change your mind”

It still breaks my heart to think  The Summer Set only recently called it quits as a band, but their music still lives on.  “Change Your Mind,” is off of their last release titled, Stories For Monday, which was entirely incredible album (but we’ll come back to that).  Honestly, when I first listened to this song, I initially thought it was a little corny.  But the more and more I listened to it, the more I began to adore it and now it is one of my favorite Summer Set songs EVER.  I think this song talks about being really infatuated with someone and stopping at nothing to steal that person’s heart, no matter what.  The music as a whole speaks to that adrenaline you feel when you are so overwhelmed by the feelings you have for a person and you would do anything to make them yours.  That is a relatable feeling and that is what makes this song one for the love song books.

 

7.) “Endlessly” by The Cab

 

“Yeah, the ink may stain my skin,

and my jeans may all be ripped.

I’m not perfect, but I swear,

I’m perfect for you.”

Hands down, one of the most romantic songs I have ever listened to.  Unfortunately, The Cab is another band no longer in existence, but, “Endlessly,” was easily one of the best songs they ever wrote, as well as the most romantic.  “Endlessly,” is a song about not being perfect, but being perfect for someone.  Despite whatever obstacles may get in the way because of these imperfections, that does not stop you from loving someone to no end.  Personally, I think people suffer in relationships because they think they are not “perfect” enough for someone.  But the truth is, nobody is ever perfect and the right person will love you and your imperfections.  Even though you might think you are not perfect, you will be perfect to them.  

 

8.) “Around the World and Back” by State Champs featuring Ansley Newman

 

“Sometimes I can’t help but say

I’m falling in love and it’s scaring me”

“Around the World and Back” is an acoustic love song performed by pop-punk band, State Champs and it features female vocalist, Ansley Newman.  The song focuses on a relationship where two people are apart from each other for long periods of time constantly and then reunited, in this song’s case, I am pretty sure it relates to touring.  However, when you are a touring musician I am sure it is really difficult to be in a committed relationship because you are away so often, making it a “scary” thing to fall in love.  I think this song characterizes that feeling of always having someone on your mind, despite where you are.  You don’t want to fall in love, but you can’t help it.  

 

9.) “Fallingforyou” by The 1975

 

“According to your heart

My place is not deliberate

Feeling of your arms

I don’t want to be your friend

I want to kiss your neck”

I definitely have read somewhere before, Matt Healy of The 1975, regrets not putting, “Fallingforyou,” on The 1975’s self-titled album because he believed it was the best song he had ever written.  I am going to have to side with Matty on this one, this song is truly something.   It is heart-wrenching with lyrics like the ones above, yet so meaningful.  I think, “Fallingforyou,” is another song that provides you with that nostalgic feeling.  From the way it is produced, all the way down to words.  It reminds me of those feelings you get when you are falling for someone, but you have no idea if they feel the same way.  Completely relatable. Completely beautiful.

 

10.) “Never Gonna Let Go” by Shinedown

 

“Caught in the act of flying solo

This acrobat is lost and I don’t

Know where I’ll land, as I reach for your hand”

I recently heard this song back in December at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, when Brent Smith and Zack Meyers of Shinedown played an acoustic show.  “Never Gonna Let Go” is actually a bonus track off of their 2015 release, Threat to Survival.  However, the bonus track was ONLY released in Japan, which still blows my mind because it immediately became my new favorite Shinedown song the minute I heard it for the first time.  There is something special about the metaphoric use of an acrobat to me in this song and that was what really made me fall in love with it.  I think “Never Gonna Let Go” depicts an unknowing relationship.  One where you just take the leap, without necessarily knowing where you will land and it is scary, but you know need that person.  You can only hope they will never let go of you and what you have together, despite everything you might go through, the unknowing is the best part.  

 

Until next time, life starts with music. Even love.

–Kelli ♫

With Sails Ahead Interview.

I am really excited to have had the chance to interview progressive rock band, With Sails Ahead, for my first local band interview.  From 2014 to now, With Sails Ahead has been making their way out of their hometown of Brick, New Jersey and has been on the road and back again.  With their unique, edgy captivating sound and hard work, they stand out above all the rest.  With two EPs already out, Open Letters and Years in Waiting, they are now expecting the release of their third EP very soon sometime in 2018.  

1.)  How did you guys get together and become With Sails Ahead?  

Our first EP Open Letters was a demo that I used to find members for With Sails Ahead.  It took YEARS of posting on social media, in New Jersey music scene groups and networking at shows for me to find everyone.  Josef found me via social media, Santino in a Facebook Group, Jaime reached out from Craigslist and Ryan was the only member that was recruited simply as being a friend-of-a-friend.

2.)  What is the story behind your band’s name? Who came up with it? Where is it derived from?

 I picked the band name – ‘With Sails Ahead’ is a lyric from one of my favorite songs, “Miami Nights” by Lower Definition, a post-hardcore band I love.  Lower Definition is part of the reason why I set out to create music like we do and one of the core influences for our sound.

3.)  What is your favorite venue to play and why?  

House of Independents is our absolute favorite. Incredible venue and awesome staff.  We’re so thankful to have a venue like this in New Jersey- that brings in mid-level tours, great events and is supportive of the local New Jersey music scene. We absolutely cannot wait to go back and play again. We’re trying to wait for the right opportunity.

4.)  Any funny show stories?  If so, what is the MOST memorable one so far?

 At our show in Rahway with The Orphan, The Poet in June of 2017, our drummer Ryan found a mosquito in his drink from the snack bar.  Santino couldn’t stop crying.  Honorable mention goes to Santino confusing Benjamin Franklin for Larry David at the last Halloween show we played.  There’s definitely a lot I’m forgetting but these two are memorable for sure.

5.)  If you guys could go on tour with any 4 other bands you could dream of, who would they be?

Circa Survive, Dance Gavin Dance, I the Mighty, and Saosin.

6.)  Do you guys have any pre-show rituals?  

We just warm-up individually! Vocal exercises, guitar scales, anything to get us ready for performing.  However, post-show we’ll grab food together depending on the area we’re playing in.

7.)  If you guys could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Anthony Green would be a dream come true.

8.)  Is there a local band you guys have been supportive of and would like to give a shout out to?

 Since it’s hard for us to play favorites, we’d love to give shoutouts to New Jersey locals My Lonely Heart, Visenya and Calm Down– such hardworking bands that absolutely deserve everyone’s attention.

9.)  It looks like 2018 is going to be full of great brand new music.  Are there any new releases you guys are looking forward to this year?  

Whatever Covet puts out this year is going to be incredible.  I believe there’s going to be a new Dance Gavin Dance album as well, which we always look forward to.

10.)  What can we expect from With Sails Ahead in 2018?  

We’re finally releasing a new EP very, very soon.  After that, we’re doing some shows throughout the Northeast this spring, and then hitting the Southeast/Midwest this summer!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep posted on everything that’s going on.

11.). Where can everyone find your music?  

You can find our music on iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp.  Physical copies of our EP Years in Waiting are available on our Bandcamp as well!

 

 

 

Let Me Introduce Myself.

Hello everyone! My name is Kelli Misenheimer and welcome to my blog, Myze Music!  I am really excited show my passion for music in a new, exciting way… Through my very first music blog!  Not only am I a very active music listener, but I am also a very active concert goer. Music is a part of my daily routine. I truly believe it is one of the most powerful forces in world. It gives us a place to escape to whenever we feel uneasy and it gives us something to dance to whenever we feel that weight lifted off our shoulders. It is there when we are happy, it there when we are sad. It is there when something needs to be said, it is there when we are incapable of finding the right words to say. It is always there.

As for a little bit about myself, I am currently a junior at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. My major of study is Music Industry, with a minor in Public Relations. I started writing lyrics when I was in the first grade, which ultimately evolved into me picking up a guitar when I was 13 and then I began writing my own music. For two years, I was the lead singer of a pop rock band called, Before It’s Too Late and now I am a singer-songwriter trying to figure out my next move. However, my passion definitely lies in working with other artists to help them achieve successful careers in some shape, or form and I hope to be able to work behind-the-scenes in the music industry when I graduate next year.

My goal for this blog is to really engage others in music on a local to large scale and to spread the importance of music. Music always starts where you are from. There is a significant importance to your local scene that always seems to get overlooked. But I also hope to really bring a diverse variety of music to the lives of others. I love a lot of different kinds of music and it is one of my goals in life to be as well-rounded in music as humanly possible.  From musicals to pop punk and even genres like country and jazz, they are all important.  From even the artists you may think you ‘hate,’ 10/10 times those artists have saved as many lives as your favorite artists. We all sing different songs for different reasons.

I hope you all follow me on this new musical journey and subscribe to Myze Music! Stay tuned for more blog posts and upcoming interviews with local bands and musicians, as well as playlists every week!

Thank you for stopping by! Remember, life starts with music. 

-Kelli ♫