The Lost Passion of Music

I'm not alone in my quest for inspired music. It seems that there are a large number of people who don't buy into the oh so shallow genre that is pop music. These individuals strive to find artists and music which have been born from the heart and not the wallet. (So to speak.)

Excerpted from google.com, the first definition of the word "music":

The art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. Although what is "beauty" and the "expression of emotion" may possibly be up for debate, I feel that there is a certain sense of agreement universally or just a universal definition of what sounds beautiful. Every single person may not enjoy typically pleasing sounds, just as there may be different types of music that shouldn't be considered pleasing to the ear, but they are. I have talked with many of my friends, both those who are musicians, and those who consider themselves heavy listeners, and never have I heard so much agreement with the statement that the passion and true beauty in music is slipping away, pop artist by pop artist. (Or however we as people can agree things are changing. I consider it to mostly be by way of pop/Top 40 music. This piece is not something I am writing to attack writers of pop music, performers, or anyone involved.) Sadly, if you listen to the lyrics, or even the music itself, which has been poked fun at by Axis of Awesome's 4-chord compilation (see below), which includes quite a bit of music that can be considered or was at some time top 40.  The originality and true feeling that seemed to have once once inspired and brought music alive have been squashed by a combination of things including, but not limited to: the media, pressure of record labels, managers, publicists, and likely even fan's negative opinions of some of the more original work. This is likely not a true reflection of the quality, but a reflection of some fans being influenced by the media themselves. Artists are pressured to create music that will sell, instead of the music they are proud of and want to see put out into the world to touch lives, with the attitude that "if it sells, that would be wonderful." Instead of writing a song based on their inspired scribblings or a life experience, they're basing their music off research done on what's popular and what will fans eat up like hot cakes.  I know it's a tough world out there to make money and to balance your reputation. But in my eyes, a true musician is someone who is proud of the music he puts out there and proud of himself when all is done with. Do what you love, and hopefully you will someday (whether it takes 1 day or 10 years) be recognized for the true, wonderful artist that you are.

Video: Axis of Awesome: 4 Chords Song

The xx, John Talabot, and 2:54 @ The Hollywood Palladium 10/12/12

The xx is one of my favorite bands and has been since the first time I heard them. I listened to their album (xx) several times over in one day, and became somewhat obsessed with their music. The fact that they only had one album out likely added to me becoming such a huge fan, but their first album stood alone for three years, so I obviously wasn't the only one who stuck around patiently waiting for their second album to be released. Of course, along with the release of their second album, Coexist, came a tour around the U.S., which isn't their native country. That was another thing that had become a dreaded feeling for me as I fell in love with their music: the fact that they are from the UK meant that I would likely never see them in concert. So earlier this year, when I heard The xx was going to be doing a U.S. tour, I practically jumped for joy. My friend and I decided we would go together and we got the tickets. It had sold out within minutes, so we were fortunately able to find tickets with hiked prices from a resale website. (Totally worth it.) Outside the Palladium before the show, I was interviewed on camera for Livenation!

The two bands opening for The xx were 2:54 and John Talabot. I hadn't heard either of them live before, but  I knew the band 2:54 was also from the U.K.

I didn't hear much of John Talabot's set after finding the first couple of songs uninteresting and uncomfortable, but listening to 2:54 was the best way I could have imagined to prepare myself for The xx. The crowd seemed to get really into the band and the energy building inside the venue

When The xx took the stage, I think the only reason I didn't go deaf was my own loud cheering. I've genuinely never felt suck positive energy and heard so many people who knew the lyrics to the songs being played at a show before.

I was a little concerned that they might overtake the show with only songs from their new album, which although I liked, wasn't what I'd been listening to for the past few years on repeat! They managed to play quite the balanced set-list between both albums that pleased the crowd very much. The band's stage presence is phenomenal and their gratitude obvious. They even added a light show that changed throughout the night, which just added to the experience. I was impressed by how many fans knew the lyrics to the songs from Coexist, considering it didn't come out long ago.

Without question, it was my favorite concert of the year and possibly of all time.
Photos by Daisy Marietta, (c) October 2012

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Metric and Half Moon Run @ The Greek Theater 10/9/12

     On a breezy evening in Los Angeles, California, Half Moon Run took the stage, kicking off the evening and opening up for a much anticipated Metric concert. The Montreal based band got the crowd excited, with songs off of their debut album (2012) Dark Eyes. Three talented guys make the group a strong trio, whose music has been described as both traditional folk and electronic. Whatever genre they may be placed in, they certainly have a unique sound. I had the pleasure of meeting the band briefly during intermission, at which time they shook my hand and although they were already engaged in conversation, they behaved like complete gentleman. For me personally, this added a certain charm to their observed on stage presence and their sound.

     As the seats filled post-intermission, you could clearly hear the buzz and excitement of all the fans of the Canadian born band, Metric. For most of the concert-goers on this Tuesday evening, it would be their first time seeing Metric perform live. That was true for myself, and I was beyond excited to get to see one of my favorite bands play. I wondered how they would handle the set-list, due to the fact that they had just released their newest album, Synthetica. And handle it well, they did! They managed to impress me greatly with a combination of songs from each of their albums, but understandably focusing on their last two: Fantasies being the one previously released three-four years ago.

     As they opened with the first song on Synthetica, "Artificial Nocturne," I was impressed to see and hear that the majority of the fans in the crowd knew the song well enough to sing along. This followed suit with each of the songs throughout the evening that the band played off of their new album. I clearly underestimated Metric's fanbase and their ability to swiftly memorize the lyrics. I was equally impressed with Emily Haine's stage presence and with her versatile voice that I had previously enjoyed for so many years on their albums.

    All in all, Metric's beautiful songs paired with the energy at the Greek Theater and with the beautiful light show, made for an unforgettable concert.

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Secret Empire - "Storm Command" August 2012 (Album Review)

This is my official album review for "Storm Command" by Secret Empire.

************

Despite being a fairly seasoned writer, this album has done to me what nothing else could: rendered me somewhat speechless. I find myself unable to find the proper words to express just how moving this album is. All of my usual adjectives used to describe something amazing just don't fit right. 

The artist is truly passionate about his music and you can tell how much work and love he put into this album. In every single song, you can hear the intensity in every meaningful line of lyrics and behind his sensuous voice. In a sea of vapid,"catchy pop songs", with lyrics about promiscuous sex, drugs, b*tches, and "swag", this album is a true star. These tracks are truly emotional, tear-jerking, and real. 

I've had the album pretty much on repeat since getting it and it hasn't gotten old one bit. If anything, you can come to appreciate each track more and more every time you hear it. I've put it into my "snobby" top 5 album list. (I say snobby because I've been called a picky listener or music snob and I'll take it, if it means I have fairly good taste in music.) 

This album has already done so much for me and moved me endlessly. I don't use this word often, but everything about it was truly perfect in my eyes and I can't get enough.

Buy it and buy yourself a box of tissues. Support this wonderful artist who will never stop bringing you truly beautiful, breathtaking music.

x

*Find out more about Secret Empire on Twitter or Facebook below, and check out (and buy) the album on Amazon or at his website!*

http://www.twitter.com/secretempire

https://www.facebook.com/evilorphan

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008S77MBW/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

http://www.evilorphan.com/

Edit: June 2013...

First time I've ever done this, but I have to say after nearly 9 months have passed since I wrote this, and it's still one of my favorite albums. Ever.

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Back Pocket Memory & Culprit @ Club Moscow (Boardners) 9/5/12

     Picture this: Wednesday night brings Club Moscow to Boardners. Loyal friends, family, and fans come out late on a weeknight to see their favorite local bands. Cut in to two incredible local bands, Culprit and Back Pocket Memory, playing a show that doubles as a West Coast tour kickoff and a birthday show for BPM bassist Rob.

     The crowd both bands brought to the venue was only the first reflection upon the strength of their fan base. The way Back Pocket Memory moved (and excited) the crowd was just as impressive, especially when they played material from their new self-titled EP. Culprit was just as powerful in the way they kept the venue moving and singing along.

    I was especially impressed with hearing Back Pocket Memory's new material, since having heard their single, Prisoner, before they released their EP. It was my first time seeing Culprit live, and I was entirely blown away with how beautiful their songs were live!

     With two strong vocalists, exceptional drummers, impressive guitar and bass, Culprit and Back Pocket Memory seem to be the perfect 2 bands to tour together, and it's just coincidence that they're friends!

     If you are a fan of BPM or Culprit or want to hear more, you're in luck! They're only halfway through their West Coast tour! Check out the tour dates below as well as the links if you're not at any of the cities listed. Additionally, please look out for my interview with Back Pocket Memory coming soon, as well as one in the works with Culprit!

September 10th – Bend, OR @ The Soundgarden

September 11th – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

September 12th – Portland, OR @ Mt. Tabor Theater (Lounge)

September 13th – Vancouver, WA @ Pop Culture

September 14th – San Lorenzo, CA @ The Annex

September 15th – San Jose, CA @ Homestead Lanes

www.facebook.com/backpocketmemory
www.twitter.com/bckpcktmmry
www.backpocketmemory.tumblr.com
www.backpocketmemory.bandcamp.com

www.whatisculprit.com
www.twitter.com/culprit
http://whatisculprit.tumblr.com

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Lemonade - Kyle Castellani's New Feature Song & Album

When Kyle asked me if I wanted to hear his new song "Lemonade" a week or two ago, I had to contain myself. Of course I would be thrilled to listen to an unreleased song! I was expecting something along the lines of what I had heard thus far, which has never let me down or disappointed me (including the songs I had heard so far from Lemonade before it was released - at live shows and on his website) but I could never have prepared myself for the flood of emotions I experienced listening to "Lemonade." It would be an understatement to say the song simply "failed to disappoint."

The song moved me so much that it took me a couple of days to actually respond and let him know what I thought of it - and when I did, embarrassingly enough, the words wouldn't stop coming. Kyle is an underrated, amazing musician who will hopefully get the recognition he so deserves. Just by this song alone being a sign of what's to come, I thought, he truly is going places.

Lemonade specifically, is a very soft and emotional song which moved me to tears. (I may be a woman, but I am not a crier.) Tears actually fell out of my eyes.

Kyle expresses himself perfectly through meaningful, deep lyrics and strong, versatile vocals. His range is incredible and I am consistently blown away by his finished products. Having been sent "Lemonade" for a preview, I had officially heard every single song on the album before its release (today, August 1st, 2012) by way of online teasers and live shows, I think it's safe to say that I have ground to stand on with my review saying that this is definitely my favorite album of 2012.

I really only intended to write a review for "Lemonade", but I got a bit carried away. (Not unusual for me...)

If you like beautiful lyrics and acoustic music, (with the added bonus that he actually sounds just as good live - so you're not getting some butchered, auto-tuned album) you'll want to get this CD!

To buy it on iTunes, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lemonade/id549621894

(You can find out more about Kyle and his current West Coast tour at http://www.reverbnation.com/kylecastellani)

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Kyle Castellani Goes Solo - An Interview

     After Nural broke up in 2010, Kyle Castellani continued to make music on his own. (Sweet, beautiful, soulful music.) Now, though the band is back together working on their new album, he is embarking on a Northwestern tour and will soon be releasing his new album! He was gracious enough to give me an interview, I hope you enjoy it and if you've never heard Nural or his solo music, be sure to check him out through the links at the bottom of the post! (You can definitely check him out even if you have heard of Nural, too.)

Me: What made you decide to go solo and is this part of the reason that Nural broke up?

 (I ask this question a bit hesitantly because I know Nural is releasing an album - which confuses my other questions about whether or not Nural is back together for good? Or just releasing the album? But we'll leave this question on its own.)

Kyle: I went solo for the simple reason that I needed to play music again. I wasn’t sure whether to start a new band or join one of the bands that asked me to sing for them, so I finally said, “fuck it”, and just started writing so much and singing so much and playing so much guitar and piano that it left no room for anything or anyone in my life BUT music. It was strange times, but I came out the other side with a heightened appreciation for music and a better understanding of what I needed to do. Nural was broken up for a long time before I decided to do the solo thing, and by playing so much music on my own it made me realize how much I missed being in a band. Hence the reformation of Nural… So actually the solo stuff brought Nural back together, not the other way around.

Me: Are you planning to stick with the solo career or do you have plans to stay both with Nural while pursuing your solo dreams?

Kyle: I’m kinda just playing it by ear. I’ve made some commitments to the solo stuff that I’m gonna see through, but Nural takes priority. There will always be time for my own music, but playing in a band is too much fun.

Me: I'm curious to know what your personal process is like for writing music and how it differs from when you were writing music for Nural?

Kyle: Writing music with Nural is a collective effort where we all have to be on the same page. When I write for me, I just have to make sure I like it and the recording captures the vision I have. Anyone who can listen to my solo material and enjoy it and identify with it not only gets me, but vise versa. It’s basically a glimpse in to my head and heart and puts the essence of who I am on blast! It can be vulnerable to share, but it’s all the more rewarding when people relate.

Me: I'm sure your fans are interested to know, what are your plans for your tour and full-length album release?

Kyle: I plan to tour the west coast in august and play as many places as often as possible! I’ve already got the calendar more than half full of dates and places I’ll be, you can check all of that out online. I plan to release Lemonade online for free download on certain sites and have it on iTunes while also selling it along with Pseudo Romance on the tour! It’s been a busy summer with more ahead, but it’s so fun that it’s hardly work!

Me: Finally, I just want to thank you not only for taking the time to answer questions for me, but for the music you've made over the years, both with Nural and your solo music. There are very few bands/musicians that I've felt a real connection with their music, you and Nural being one of them. Your music has actually helped me get through a lot of hardships and even a few breakups! So, thank you for that. 

Kyle: You are more than welcome. That means a lot that my music could have such an impact.

Thanks for listening, and like I said earlier, you get me, and vise versa. :)

If you like passionate, versatile vocals and genuinely deep lyrics, check Kyle's music out on Facebook, Twitter, and Reverbnation!

https://www.facebook.com/kylecastellanimusic, https://twitter.com/kylecastellani, 
and http://www.reverbnation.com/kylecastellani.


    Pictures taken by me @ Leo's All Star Bar in La Crescenta, CA - Saturday, 7 July, 2012. (c)

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