Genre Smonrah

Written on March 20, 2010 @ Murray Theatre during Copelands' Farewell Tour. 


The best thing about music is that it transends everything. Race, language barriers, religion, even our own personal affiliations. Genres aside, music can reach our very core and bring out the most raw and incredible emotions. Often times they are emotions we've never experienced.  You can be driving down the road listening to the radio when all of the sudden a song comes on and touches us.  Our lives don't exactly mirror the lyrics of the song, but even without experiencing those things...it effects us.  Then again, it's amazing to me the different songs that have defined stepping stones through out my life. They've documented the person I've become, a continual progression.
Even as I write this, I'm standing at a concert listening to a band that I've never heard of before but will forever be ingrained into my memory.  It's hard to resist the influx of emotion that's emitted from their instruments, their melody, their lyrics.  Chandale shares the quote "music is what feelings sound like" (author unknown to me).  I begin to understand the artist and, in turn, something deeper about myself. I get the feeling that I got the better end of the deal with my $20 admission price.  Going to shows, it's therapy, that's what it is for me. Doesn't matter the artist, the genre, even the crowd...here I feel healed from the world. Even in the midst of an insane mosh pit, I can't help but feel the frustrations seep from me and onto the floor.  The artist and I make a connection, they put my thoughts on paper in a way that I never could. Plus I get the benefit of being able to see their face and what the music means to them.  I  love that moment when you watch an artist and their eyes just close.  There could be a number of different reasons why, but I like to think it's because that riff, that line, that beat, whatever it is in the song...it means something.  They love their music.  It's not just for a paycheck, it's because they honestly love and care about what they do.  They love music just as much as I do.  Again...we're connected.

Written on March 22, 2010


Many years ago, I was at a church function where we had kind of like an Open Mic night.  A girl named Jessie Crystal sang the song "California" by Copeland and thus began my obsession with them.  From that moment on that song has been my comfort.  In 2005 I had the opportunity to see them for the first time and I was BEYOND excited, dragging one of my best friends, Jace, with me just to have a chance to hear that ONE song live.  (Their other songs are just as incredible btw.)  But they never played it.  I left the show entertained but not fulfilled.  It took 5 years to get the opportunity to see them again, as they finally made their way to Salt Lake City.  On Saturday night, my dream came true.  They played "California" and it was by far one of the best concert experiences I've ever had.  And just to properly document the occasion, I recorded it.  It's not the best quality, but it's proof and a reminder that I was there. I would have been satisfied leaving the venue after that one song, BUT to add the cherry to the cake, I met the lead singer, got his autograph and a picture with him.  And of course I couldn't properly say goodbye without thanking him for the brilliant music that I've enjoyed over the years.  But this just exemplifies how important music is to me.  It defines me, regardless of the genre.  Just as I don't label people for what they are, I don't label music by what it is.  Music is music, and if you hear something you like then why does it matter if it's outside of your "usual" taste?  


Anywho...I've ranted enough.  Now it's time to make some recommendations.  I want you to check out these four amazing bands....Deas Vail, Person L, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business (especially for The Early November fans), and of course Copeland.  

Sometimes Life Is Just "Blah"...

These past couple weeks have been really rough.  For no real reason in particular just haven't been feeling myself.  Little things set me off and all of the sudden I hate the world and nearly everyone in it.  It's days like that when I really miss home, especially my momma and Delli.  I was ranting to Dell last night and she asked "Is that really what you're upset about?  Is there more?", when Taylor asks that question I yell and get even more upset at him, when she asks...I bawl.  It's not that T doesn't want to help, I think it's more that he thinks I'm trying to find a reason to mad or an excuse to be offended.  Dell understands that sometimes things just rub you the wrong way and it effects you more than it normally would. 
One of the things that have been bothering me is that Taylor and I really want to start a family.  For a long while I wasn't ready to think about that.  At the time, it wasn't an option.  We were newly married and still adjusting to that lifestyle (heck, we still are).  But I'm a firm believer that couples should try and wait at least a year before having kids.  I wasn't ready to learn how to be a mom without first learning how to be a wife.  Well, I'm just now beginning to feel like I'm ready to be a mom.  Mostly that's my age talking, being 25 going on 26 in a few short months doesn't do well for my sanity when it comes to motherhood.  First off, let me say that Taylor and I haven't entirely TRIED having a baby yet either.  However, when talking to Dell last night, I admitted to her that I've been getting the feeling that I won't be able to get pregnant.  I came to grips with that (at least I thought) years ago when I was diagnosed with Polysistic Ovarian Syndrome.  Needless to say, this was just one of a few reasons for my breakdown last night.  (*Note...I know in my heart that Taylor and I will have kids.  I don't doubt that that's what the Lord has in store for us.  It's just a matter of how that I've been having issues with.)
I also keep getting the feeling that all the things that I've ever wanted to do in my life, I'll never be able to do.  T and I never got a honeymoon, we probably never will (at least not anytime in the next few decades).  I will probably never get to do a study at Mt. Vesuvius or even get my PH.D.  I'll never be a rock star (much to my dismay) and I'll never sing on Broadway.  Before you say anything, yes I know I'm throwing a "woe is me" fit.  This is a pity party for lil ol' me and I dragged you along.  But please try to understand, that these are things that I spent my whole life believing will happen, so it's hard at the moment to realize that they won't. 
On the upside, Delli will be here in a little less than two weeks time and I get to see my mommy in three weeks.  And then there will be much rejoicing in my world.
Also, I know that these are things that I have to deal with myself.  I have to come up with new game plans and focus on what will be best for my family.  Life isn't always fair and it doesn't always turn out the way you expected.  I, in my naivety, just assumed that I would be able to do all those great things despite my circumstances. 
On a side note, The Lightening Thief (film adaptation) was WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY different than the book.  Still entertaining though.