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.