So we finally finished my room and it looks fantastic… I’ll try to get a picture or two up soon. It only took us, what, five days? I still need to get a little carpet or something for our dog though as she is slipping and sliding away on my new flooring when she tries to lay under my feet. Poor thing…

I just got wind that a newspaper/magazine from Alberta might be publishing my stuff regularly. But the good news is that I’d actually get paid for the articles. Wow, me getting paid for working in the entertainment industry? Has it finally happened? I should celebrate with a pizza. ha. It’s not much cash, but hey it is still something…

I’ve been trying to sort out in my head what exactly I’m going to strive to achieve in life career wise. I definitely don’t plan on doing music journalism for the rest of my days. Not that I don’t enjoy it, but you get the feeling that people in the industry don’t always want to get too close or personal with you in case you’re just digging for a story or will tell the world about the things you have discussed. It’s kind of frustrating because I’m not in this for a story, I do it to help the artists and industry folk out as well as the experience. The only time I ever consider something “on the record” is when we’re doing interviews or when they ask me to publish something, otherwise I just automatically assume everything is off the record. End of story. I’m not out to get people, as much as they’d like to think so…

Anyway, so I’ve been really trying to figure out where my place is. Do I want to work at a record label? Do I pursue artist management? Is there something else in the industry that I should try? Yadda yadda yadda. I just want to do something that will make a difference… Something that people can look back, see and remember. If I just had a mundane 9-5 job for the rest of my life, I think I’d go insane…

I’m planning on checking out a music school on Wednesday with a friend to possibly attend their 12-month industry course starting in the fall…just so I can have a diploma under my belt that is relative to the industry. Though, being out of school for a few years now sure has been nice and I don’t look forward to going back. ha. Of course, if some other great opportunity came up in the meantime, then I would pursue that first. But I have to assume that there won’t be and hope that a diploma and my six years (and counting) of industry experience will help me chase the dreams in the end. I’ve had a lot of amazing opportunitites to add to my resumé, and it’s hard to believe I’ve done them all without being on any sort of payroll. ha. I just hope they will all work together for something bigger in the end… We’ll see…

Okay, enough rambling. It’s time to go eat…

Rock on.

So lowercase people, an online magazine started (or at least endorsed) by Switchfoot, has posted it’s third edition recently. In this edition is an interesting conversation between Mute Math and Mae, so I thought I’d share with you all. For those who don’t know how this works: basically they took a couple members of Mute Math, one member of Mae, and put them in a room together to talk.

Something they go fairly heavily into is the Christian Music industry and what is good (or not so good) about it. Check out a few quotes…

• It seems for so long the ambition of that industry at its purest, has been to quarantine people, the consumers, into a safe place where they don’t have to interact with “the world” and then at its worst, it’s a money-making venture. And for that reason I think it’s done some harm.

• I think it wasn’t until I was able, as a listener, to kind of extract myself from that and begin to open my mind up to deeper music outside of the Christian music industry that I began to get an idea of what good songs are supposed to be about, what good musical substance is about.

• What the Christian industry does a lot of times is take that formula [creating bands who sound similar to secular ones]: “Ok well, they’re playing these riffs and this dynamic or whatever so let’s do that and just put Christian lyrics over top of it.” There’s something disingenuous about that and people outside of that world can see it but people inside don’t really care about it because it’s more important to them to have lyrics that are comfortable. It’s comfortable, there’s no challenge to see a different perspective or to understand somebody’s pain or someone’s despair, somebody’s rage even.

Hmm… So who said what? What else did they have to say? Read the full article here:
http://www.lowercasepeople.com/index.php…&theSubSection=feature

Anyway, I just thought I’d share that… There are some good thoughts in there…

Rock on.

My dog is lying under my feet and has the hiccups. What a weird sound…

Anyway, things have been a whirlwind still for the past while. Just when I think it’s dying down, it gets busy again. Today was my first of two much needed days off though, and I didn’t really do a whole lot. It was great. I need to go shopping tomorrow though and pick up a couple of things…

On Sunday I went and saw Superman Returns in the city on the big IMAX screens. Part of the movie was in 3D too, which was awesome. The experience was definitely a great one and the movie itself was pretty enjoyable too. Very well casted.

So changes are becoming more and more likely with Renown in the not too distant future… While it still might not be for a little while, one word might best describe it: overhaul. Hmm… But, for now, I just need to work away at it in its current state until the time comes.

Have you ever wondered why we get strong desires or become really passionate about something? I especially wonder when it is something that you really have no reason to have a desire for. For example: for as long as I can remember I have always had the strong desire to move down to California eventually. To be most specific, somewhere around the L.A. area. Why? I really don’t know… I don’t know anyone down there or know exactly what I would do down there, I just really want to. ha. Plus it isn’t like I can just pack up and move there either, as that is kind of illegal…

So that’s when the big questions are posed… Is this just some sort of human desire to have something that I don’t have now? Or maybe this is part of something bigger and is God’s way of preparing me early on? Or perhaps it is just the spaghetti I had for supper?  Hmm… When it comes to things like this, I just wish I could know why the desire is there and have it laid out in black and white. ha.

Ooh, so U2 is finally releasing their ZooTV: Live In Sydney concert to DVD in September in a two-disc set. Booyah! That was such an amazing tour… Everyone here needs to go and buy it when it comes out. Now all they have to do is release their PopMart concert on DVD and I’ll be happy…

Of course, I already have a bunch of their concerts from all of their tours on DVD, both pro shot (from TV) or fanmade. But it would just be nice to have an officially released DVD from the tour… *sigh* I love 90’s U2…

Oh, that reminds me. U2 is back in the studio now recording some new songs. Bono also has received a haircut and now has really short hair, along the lines of the PopMart tour. Usually he doesn’t change his look except for a new album… Hmm…

Anyway, I should get some other things done before it is bed time. I’ll post again soon.

Rock on.

Do you know what bugs me?

While I’m not usually one for public complaining, I’ve got to admit that a few things have irked me within the past little while. More so then normal, actually. So here’s my official list of complaints in no specific order…

1. People (especially teens) trying to be rebels, or at least when compared to what they are usually like or used to socially. We get it, you want some attention. You want to be cool. But you do realize that when you try to be “different,” you are now just like the millions of other teens trying to be “different” too… right? So now you’re still not different and you just look silly. But at least you’re getting some attention now… Just don’t mind the mocking and the laughter from everyone else.

2. Guys who treat girls like objects and girls who almost encourage it by their actions. Seesh, some of the things a couple of the guys at work say make me want to smack them. Hard. I mean, when the girl is doing pretty stupid stuff or dressed a certain way that encourages it, then I figure they both cancel each other out and I’m not as bugged by it. But when some guys say things behind girls’ backs (even those they’ve never seen/met before) without any sort of respect or sense that they are talking about a human being… Eek, I’m not even going to go there. It makes me think of all of the sweet, nice females whom I love to death and respect, but no doubt gets this behind their back too. Guys are such idiots sometimes… Next time I hear it, I’m just going to tell them to grow up. I have no problem standing up for it.

3. Teenage dating. Okay, wait wait, hear me out… This kind of goes with my last point. I’m not one of those anti-dating enthusiasts, as I honestly don’t really have a problem with dating itself. But most teenage dating (especially up until 18 or 19) is pretty pointless… Those above that age demographic usually make fun of teenage dating (at least from my experience) just because of its logisitics and lack of serious thought or consideration. Seriously, when we see them come in at work, that’s when some of us get a good laugh. The point of dating is to find the person you’re going to marry, not to get a happy feeling. That’s not love, that’s hormones. There is a difference and you should wait until they pass before you start taking things seriously. ha. Besides, it seems that most teens, because they tend to always have to have someone, are more in “love” with being in love than the person they are with… Talk about being used. It’s like a game of leap frog; jumping from person to person all of the time. Plus there’s also that whole he said/she said dynamics that’s really annoying…

4. The whole emo fad right now (both in music and culture). It sort of goes hand in hand with my first complaint… Okay, we get it, you want attention. You’re hardcore. You’re all that. And if you’re not all that, then you hate life. ha. That being said though, not everything (or everyone) that could be classifed under this title annoys me, just most. Especially the extreme ones.

5. Indie bands who think they are good. Ha, okay, so this is more of a goofy one, but I’m still somewhat serious. On a daily basis, I get countless messages on MySpace or e-mails from people asking for my opinion about their music, or that want me to review their music because they are looking for a “professional opinion.” However, they are actually horrendous and make me wonder what they could possibily be thinking when listening back to their own material… Generally I have learned not to really respond to these anymore, simply because if I reply back with what I think (even in the nicest way of saying it possible), I end up getting shunned, bad mouthed, and not taken seriously because it’s not what they wanted to hear. ha. Anyway, I like indie bands, it’s a way to find new talent… But when they can’t sing to save their life, I’m scared.

Okay, I’ll hold there… These are the five that have been really bugging me the past few days, but there are definitely other things that bug me too. Maybe I should make this into a series… ha.

Now, to counteract the negativism… I love pizza, music, and long walks on the beach. Call me sometime.

Rock on.

P.S. Happy Canada Day and Independence Day to all. Hope you have/had a great holiday…

It’s been over a week since my last update. Oops. Sorry about that gang, things have been busy here. But I’m not going to get onto a big list of excuses though… Instead, I’m going to ramble for a while without any sort of structure.  I hope you have your thinking caps on as it’s going to be a long one… Keep an open mind though…

Read the rest…

Do you know what I realized at work today? It’s actually Fall now officially, and it has been for a week now. Crazy. This means the kids and teens (or perhaps that should be the same thing? Ha ha) have been back in school for a few weeks already. By now they should have adjusted to their class schedules, caught up with friends, and met some new faces. This also means that by now the majority of them should have found their “significant other” for the umpteenth time, only this time it is “definitely for real.” Why? Because if you record their name into a microphone and play it backwards, it reveals a hidden message saying he or she is the one. Or something crazy like that. Then just give it a brief period of time and it’s bye bye to each other, only to find the real one next… again. No no, this one is definitely for real now. It’s pretty funny actually, as well as pathetic.

Ah, high school drama… You just have to love it. And I got to see it each and every day at the arena when I worked there, but now I don’t see it anymore. It’s a shame too, as it was a fun game to play (who will be with who next, who hates who this week, etc.). We just made fun of them, and sometimes to their face. Ha ha.

I’ve come to the conclusion – and everyone past their high school days seem to agree – that high school is essentially like it’s own subculture, distant from most realms of reality. Obviously there are a fair amount of exceptions, but the majority seemingly falls under the distant from reality category. When those in it graduate and look back, they’ll tend to agree as well. But for now they will think it’s completely absurd and perfectly normal, logical and untainted. Right. And now it is back in the full swing again since it’s Spring. Thank goodness I’m not in high school… But sitting back and watching the whole thing makes for fun jokes and mocking for those of us out of school though. Ha.

I didn’t really mean to ramble for so long on that issue. It was just a topic some of us had the other day at work which kind of annoys me. I just don’t understand how the teens don’t see it… Especially the whole switch in and out of relationships every few months thing. Love is just becoming another four letter word, being completely abused and losing it’s meaning. People are looking for warm fuzzy feelings and something to fall back on, all in the name of love. Seesh. Now I understand why some parents recommend getting out of high school first before you consider it, it’s because your view can be so tainted and skewed in there that you can’t see anything clearly. Again, there are exceptions (and I applaud the exceptions), but for the most part it can be generalized.

Anyway… On to other things… You know something that has really intrigued me over the past couple of weeks? Vlogging. I’ve been looking at a few of them recently. It’s like blogging, only it’s done through video and not text. Has anyone seem them? It’s pretty cool stuff…

I’ve been thinking of experimenting with it a bit. Dip my toes in a bit of video editing again as it has been a while since I worked at the TV studio last, even if it would just be for simple stuff (since it’s just a blog). Of course, the blog/vlog wouldn’t be ALL video, as I talk too much for that. I would make it a mix of both.

So what do you think? I’m not very picture/camera friendly though, that’s the only thing. And I have a tendency to mumble, which is why I write for a magazine and am not a DJ..

Let me know what you think about the whole Vlog thing. I’m going to clean up my room and go to bed, so I can start my third day of work in a row (out of five). Hooray for me!

Rock on.

Last night I wrote my review for the upcoming Thousand Foot Krutch album… It’s a huge review at over 800 words. Crazy.

Anyway, the last couple of days have been fairly busy. Lots of running around, building things (desks, TV cabinets, fans, etc.), having visitors show up to see the new house, work, and the list could go on. I’ve also been going into our pool a fair bit to cool off, which is always nice. I’m actually super hot right now and am tempted to go in now, but considering it’s after 11 PM I’ve decided not to.

This morning I went onto AOL Music and watched a fair number of Live 8 videos. U2, Linkin Park, Will Smith, Coldplay, Jay-Z with Linkin Park, and Jars of Clay, among others. I can’t wait until the DVD comes out, that will be great. I sort of feel bad for Jars of Clay though… While it was great they were there (I think it’s awesome, actually), no one really knew them so crowd participation was greatly lacking. I wouldn’t be surprised if a number of people used their set as the chance to go to the bathroom or something.

I’ve been understanding more and more lately why people get frustrated with the Christian music industry and move on to work in the mainstream realms. Honestly, I’m getting to the point where I would much rather do the same too. While there are those few bands/artists that really stick out and are well worth listening to, for the most part I have been experiencing nothing but mediocre material for the past while; if not of less quality. Plus when you add in the whole stupid dynamics of the industry behind the scenes, and the fact that it’s always two or three years behind the mainstream industry, it gets frustrating. I’m also finding myself really only listening to mainstream artists for the most part in my “free listening time” (where I get to listen to whatever I want).

I turn the dial on the radio in the car fairly frequently to see what’s playing on the mainstream industry and they usually have a decent variety of good songs when I’ve been tuning in. Then I would turn back to the Christian station and a song will be on that was either already played once (if not more) that day, or a song will be on that sounds exactly like other songs they have been playing all day. Or, if it doesn’t fall into either category, then it usually is just a cheesy sounding song. Either way, with a few exceptions, I have wanted to turn the Christian station off pretty much right away after listening for a short period of time.

I guess the contrasting differences just never seemed so vivid until recently, and I’m not sure why. I mean, they have always been there and easily seen for me, but just not quite as strong until now. Perhaps because I’m being a little more experimental and venturing more into the mainstream market. Before I would peek out here and there for a few artists, but stayed within the Christian music bubble because it’s usually all I have time for, thanks to work.

It’s frustrating, it really is. Why must art be compromised for the message? Why must we have our own Christian music subculture, which actually feels like it’s becoming more than that. Christianity in general is bugging me a bit because of the fact that it can be so closed in and to ourselves; a subculture of it’s own. And what happens? Well, to use music for example, we get so used to our own subculture of music that we are comparing the artists to each other in order to tell what is good and what is not. When really, what blows some people away musically really shouldn’t blow them away at all if they saw what is happening in the mainstream industry. Or even on the independent scene, whether it’s Christian or not… There is mad talent in there waiting to be discovered.

This is not how it should be. What’s worse is I feel like I’m adding fuel to the fire because of my line of work. But after four and a half years of doing this, I will admit I am getting harder and harder on the albums as time goes on. Especially lately. Now that I see what all is out there, I’m going to be comparing Christian albums with mainstream ones and vice versa. At least that way I haven’t completely sold my soul yet and could still possibly encourage the artists to work harder, provided they actually read my reviews (which I know a number do).

I just don’t want to jump ship and leave Renown to rot on its own, as there is no one there to keep it up after so much long, hard work. Besides, I don’t even know where I would go. I would stay in the music industry, but considering this wasn’t a paying job and I don’t have a degree, I don’t know where or how I would get another writing gig yet. So abandoning Renown is out of the question for now. But I’m still frustrated.

I could go on, but this is already huge so I’m going to stop there. Thanks for letting me rant.

Godspeed.

Another day to send to the history books… June 8th, 2005 will never happen again. Then tomorrow will be the only time you can ever experience June 9th, 2005, and only for a short period of 24 hours. What are you going to do?

Today I worked. It was hot, it was busy, and by the time I got home I was sore – which is odd, as normally I’m not by the end of a shift. That should have been my first hint of what was to come. As the evening progressed my body started getting tired, and finally by about 8 PM or so my throat started hurting a bit. It still is now, and it’s not really that fun. Swallowing really shouldn’t be a difficulty. Why do colds – even just minor ones – always seem to find me lately?

So here’s something I was thinking today… It really can be a blessing to have younger people (aka kids) around the house. Whether it’s a younger sibling due to a fairly large gap in age or a child of your own, there can be some real positive aspects to it.

In my case, I have an almost-ten-year-old sister. Sure, she can get on my nerves here and there, as I can on hers, but tonight she was watching some of her shows on TV while I was in the room. As much of a cartoon buff I am, I wasn’t really watching this one since it was aimed more for a younger audience (it was The Berenstain Bears, okay?). That doesn’t mean I wasn’t listening though, because while I’m reading a book for some reason my mind still likes to pick up the sounds going on in the room I’m in while my mind picks up what is on the pages in front of me.

Anyway, to get to my point, I actually realized that it’s not such a bad thing at all to pay attention to or watch these shows with the younger person (or read the books with them, or whatever). Obviously you wouldn’t want to watch them all of the time… but still I don’t think it’s a big deal watching it. It’s not something to be ashamed of or even something that you make fun of someone else for having to watch it.

There’s something about that innocence as a child that I think is fascinating. You are just learning the ropes and beginning your journey, completely naïve to some things since you are just finding out about them now. And I think it’s good to come back to that sometimes, to get down off the pedestal of thinking you know everything and come right back where you started. To look at the world through a child’s eyes from time to time and see that things aren’t always as complex as they appear.

On tonight’s show there was a little spot on admiration. The children were in the classroom and the teacher was giving them a project to choose who is the person (or bear, in their case) that they admire the most from any time period in history. One of the students asked what admiration is, and the teacher defined what it means to admire someone. But the thing is, and this is what’s great about the kids shows, the teacher couldn’t really give a dictionary answer or else it would go right over their heads. So she just says a simple, understandable definition that even a child can grasp.

That is what we need more of. That is what I mean when I say it’s a good thing to go back to the innocence and naivety of a child. Because honestly, the definition she said gave me a real, tangible reminder of the meaning of the word. Not some by-the-book response that can be good for some, but doesn’t have the simplicity to make it more real or effective for a lot of people. It was a definition that not only I could understand, but my nine year old sister sitting next to me as well.

I’m not saying to go and watch children’s shows from now on by any means. Again, I’m just saying that I really think it’s a good idea to go back to the innocence and the naivety of a child sometimes (if not, a lot). I used the word before, but I’ll use it again: it can be fascinating. Because being able to remember the by-the-book definition filled with technical terms is nice, but maybe it’s harder to apply or truly comprehend. When you get something so simple that even a child can understand, it speaks to you more. You can apply it easier into your life, because you know exactly what it means.

I think that’s a lot of the reason for the beauty of grace and salvation… Just the simplicity of it, that even a child can comprehend and understand it. The problem is people forget that and so much more is thrown into the equation, it almost loses its beauty. But that’s a different topic altogether.

Anyway, just something to ponder. I’m tired and sore, so it’s bed time.

Godspeed.

Dear Blog,

There’s something disconcerting inside of me lately, but I’m not entirely sure what.

I’ve found myself becoming even more fascinated with music over the past little while. Not just listening to it. No, but with the execution and songwriting process. I’ve always dipped my toe in these aspects before – especially over the past six or seven months – but it seems within the past week that interest has sparked even more. Almost over night, actually. Should I be worried? Should I be joining Music Anonymous?

Sure, I play the guitar, but only since the Summer/Fall of last year. While apparently I can strum fine (so I’m told) and do the actual chords alright, it’s the switching of the chords I’ve still struggled with. I’ve been progressing overtime, but it is still one of my biggest challenges.

But what also is odd is the fact that overnight I can seem to switch a heck of a lot smoother than I could the day before. Yes, in case you haven’t guessed, that’s the same “overnight” that my interest in songwriting grew. Is this a coincidence, Blog? I’m really not sure. All I know is I can play a lot smoother than before, suddenly.

To bring this back around to the opening line… it’s also been heavy on my heart to do something worthwhile with my life. I’ve spoken of this many times before to those who read my website; the desire to change the world and be used in big ways. It’s always been heavy on my heart, but even more so lately (on top of all of these other things happening lately). None of the above experiences/fascinations were my doing though, it’s just suddenly happened without me really having a choice. Why? I’m not sure. Can you tell me, Blog?

I’ll be honest though, I’ve always considered music as an avenue to achieve what I would like to achieve. After all, it’s a universal language that can communicate better than normal conversations sometimes. Though I’m rather limited in my musical ability still (but I seem to be continually improving), perhaps there is that chance…

I saw an old video of BB King with U2 yesterday from 1988, and something he said about himself really stood out to me. BB King is considered one of the best guitar players in the world, but that’s because of his amazing solos. On this video however, he told Bono to make sure someone else plays the chords on the song because he is horrible with chords – he can’t play chords. How crazy is that? So if one of the best guitar players in the world struggles with something fairly “simple” as chords, maybe there is still hope for me yet.

I’ve never really taken music too seriously though, that something could come from it. Just because there are millions of people out there who “want to be in a band,” and the odds are against you. So, even though my intentions are different from most of theirs, I just never thought about it or wanted to try to go for anything.

However, with my line of work I have found myself placed in a strange position. Should I actually get involved with something and material is produced, I have the ability to place that material in the hands of many record labels – both Christian and secular. So when I consider this fact as well as these new experiences as of late, plus discussions with some friends… I don’t know… Maybe, just maybe, something could work out. But I don’t know, it’s really silly to me.

I’m sorry for taking so much space in your column, Blog. I just needed to vent a little. I guess it comes back to this disconcerting feeling. I so much desire to do something big and massive. A desire to change the world. Is it wrong to aim high? I don’t really think so. However I still don’t know how I’m going to do this. And while I’m still exploring different avenues, this one is making a pretty convincing case. But then again, what do I know? Even though I wouldn’t be doing it personal gratification reasons, I still feel silly.

What do you think, Blog? Is this sort of confusion normal? Or is there maybe that sliver of possibility?

Perhaps… Yes, perhaps…

Signed,
Royally Confused

Change. Whether you like it or not, it will be coming down the pipes numerous times over the course of your time here on earth. To some change is a frightening thought, to others it’s a welcomed fact of life.

Lately things have been happening in my personal life that continually indicate change is on the way – more so than ever. Whether it’s moving, transportation, work, or many other things, it seems every major aspect of my life could be undergoing a facelift within the next little while in some way, shape, or form.

But you know what? As tedious as some of it may be, I embrace it. There is nothing like standing outside on a beautiful day and smelling the strong scent of change in the air. I sometimes wonder why people are so afraid of it. Sure, comfort zones may be broken, but perhaps it’s for the best.

I can understand people being discomforted by some major changes, where everything they know is taken from the light and randomly thrown around in the dark — making things almost impossible to find. I can understand that they would feel like they don’t really have much familiar remaining around them, and basically have to start over. That can be hard, though it can also be a great thing.

But at the same time, some people are afraid of such small changes that it is ludicrous. They have been so used to their regular routines, surroundings, people, etc., that if the opportunity to partake in something even better or logical comes along, they won’t take it because they prefer what they are used to.

Obviously I’m not saying everyone must undergo change all of the time and never keep things the same for long period of times, I’m not. I’m just sort of thinking out loud again, I guess. Because lately I’ve been seeing a lot of people doing the same routines over and over again, and they have been doing them for so long in the same (or very similar) surroundings… And they don’t seem to want to change. Some of you may have an idea of what I’m talking about, especially if you go to my church. However, at the same time, I don’t think you do. If I were to use my church as an example (which is not the only thing I was thinking of for the record), I don’t have just one demographic in mind. I would and have seen this problem in some of the older folk there, as well as in some of the younger/youth-group-age folk too. It’s something that can be found in any age.

Oh well, when it comes down to it, if people don’t want change then I guess they are stuck in a rut. In my opinion, it’s not something God would want in some cases, but who am I to judge?

For me, I can’t wait to see what’s in store. Yes, with most of it I really don’t know what is going to happen yet or where I’ll end up… But I do know that I’m ready and willing to breakaway and soar to new grounds if I’m able. So whatever that next step in life is in order for me to do that, if it’s in God’s plan then I’m game to give it a go. Take a leap of faith and be dangerous. Get out of the past (and even the present at times, for that matter), and move on to what’s next. Kind of like what the Future Shop slogan says: “It’s time to see what the future has in store.”

It’s been a few days since I’ve updated this… Sorry everyone. I know I don’t really have reason to apologize, since it’s my blog and I can choose when I should update it… But still, you come looking for an update and there hasn’t been one.

I have good reason though, things have been busy. Monday was lots of work… Arena work, Renown work, and so on. I’m certain I did some other things that day of significance, but I can’t remember now… Oh well.

Tuesday was a long day though. I went to the arena and worked for a bit, then I came home and got things ready to head out to Toronto for a concert. It was Jump5, ZOEgirl, and Kimberly Perry. It was insane, there were hundreds and hundreds of people. When I arrived at 6:30 PM (half an hour before doors opened) there were already people lined up outside around three sides of the building. Then they got mad at me when I went in the back. ha ha.

When they all piled in though they filled the seats, then the promoter added more and peopled filled those, then people filled the balcony upstairs too. There were at least three times more people than Superchic[k], I’m guessing (it was at the same venue).

But you know what? I’ll admit it, it was a good show. All three acts did a great job, especially when you look at their attended audience. It’s amazing seeing all of these kids look up to Jump5 and freak out over them, it was like a young Beatles concert or something. They’re doing a great job… providing a positive alternative for them.

Today I went to the arena and worked (yet again), came back and wrote a review for Renown (my first of the week, I’m behind), then did some other stuff that I forget. But after supper I headed out with my brother, dad, and friend to see a play called Heaven’s Gate & Hell’s Flames at a local church. Then my bro, friend, and I went to the gym from 9 to 10:15 or so.

About the play though… has anyone seen it before? I don’t know what I think about it yet. I kept hearing great things about it before I went to see it, but I honestly didn’t really know what to expect. It’s one of those things that are originally intended for non-Christians and to “save the lost” so to speak. However, in today’s post-modern society, it doesn’t really work as well anymore… ten to twenty years ago? Probably. Today? Not as much…

Don’t get me wrong, it was pretty good… I liked it. But essentially it shoves it down your throat that if you don’t believe this, you are going to hell… It literally says it like that — very black and white — over and over again in different situations. So it’s cool for a Christian audience… to help make it more real to them and maybe help rededicate their lives. Or even for, as a friend of mine said, kids under 10 or people 45-50+.

But it’s harder now to reach those who aren’t already saved in this attempted fashion, at least the middle age group. My dad actually mentioned something that fits along these lines… Today, kids are being taught in highschool religions classes and what not, so some are really familiar with the many religions and the history behind them. This is why there are many more teens getting into other religions and what not, because now they are being taught it in highschool instead of university level – like it was a couple of decades ago or so. With these people who are taking these classes, shoving things down their throat doesn’t work on them. Saying “my way or the highway” is not a good way of doing it to them, they have more knowledge than that.

Anyway, this is getting long… I’m not going to get into it really, I’m just more venting. We need to start looking at other ways of getting a message across to this large demographic of people, as the black-and-white way won’t work for everyone anymore. There are people still getting saved, which is awesome and amazing… But honestly, this type of play probably won’t last too much longer on an outreach level the way things are going. If we are going to still do it via theater, we need new ways of doing it… make it more attractive and not lambaste, and perhaps not host it in a church. Ha ha

Thanks for putting up with me whine. I’m out. Godspeed.

What is it about music that grabs our attention? Why does everyone, for the most part, can’t help but love music in some sort of shape or form?

With other mediums of entertainment – such as movies or video games – you might only watch it or play it a few times before it begins to get old and you lose your original connection and feelings toward it. But with music, it’s timeless and you can always seem to connect with it. When you hurt, it can hurt with you. When you are experiencing joy, it will be joyful alongside you. When you are broken, it can build you back up. You can be confused, angry, happy, nostalgic, sad or whatever other emotion you can think of, and it always seems to relate and/or be of encouragement.

Not only does it quench your thirsty ears, but it also soothes the heart and soul. This is why music is such a big part of my life and why I do what I do. Out of all of the years that I have pursued (and worked with) various forms of entertainment, such as movies or video games, there is nothing that even comes close to moving a person and providing a valuable experience like music. Sure, others might provide a short-term fix, but nothing I have found is as timeless as music.

Music is actually like a scent, in a sense. It can stay with you for a very long time, sometimes bringing back memories or taking you to a place that you wish you could be. Like how the smell of a certain kind of food takes you back to your favorite restaurant and meal. Or the scent of a specific kind of perfume, cologne, or even gum reminds you have a significant other. Or the smell of sweat and blood makes you think of the days of playing in that favorite high school sports team. Music can and does have that same sort of impact.

But most importantly, music is one of the best ways to communicate things. What may be harder to express in a speech or even a conversation – due to various reasons – can very well be summed up and put into better words in a song. You might take and learn more from a four or five minute song than in a whole church sermon or political speech.

There’s a quote from downhere’s documentary DVD that is similar to this and worth repeating:

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” – Victor Hugo

So what is it about music that grabs our attention? Why does everyone, for the most part, can’t help but love music in some sort of shape or form? Well, it’s a little bit of everything really…

Certain music plays with your emotions, comforts the soul, makes you feel alive, and for some even gives the desire to be a rock star themself. Of course, there’s just as much music (if not more) that makes you want to shoot your CD player too – the bad scents, if you will. But it’s the great scents that stay with you forever. It’s the great music that not only assists you when needed, but just gives life a whole new dimension.

Disclaimer: While not being near as long as my Superchic[k] entry a little while ago, this is still fairly long so I added the “More” link to the “bottom” of this entry. It’s not really the bottom though, instead when you click the blue More link it will take you to the rest. So please be sure to read it all if any of it.

For those that don’t know, what happens with a Walk Of The Cross is all of the churches in town come together and carry a cross a fairly decent length across town. A group of people carry the cross, then everyone else walks behind.

So today was the Walk of the Cross here in my town/city (almost 30,000 people, so it’s borderline city. lol). It was amazing. Just the fellowship with familar faces and friends in such a large group. We had a police escort leading the pack, then there was the cross and a group of people carrying it, then right behind them was me, my brother, and a couple of friends (because we happened to be standing next to the cross when it started). Then finally there were the tons of people behind us.

However, after only about a block or two, some of the people carrying the cross got tired and needed substitutes — so that’s where we came in. We switched up and next thing I knew I was carrying the cross with a bunch of people I know for the remaining course. Two brothers (twins) of a good friend of mine, my brother, two friends, and I all were carrying it. Then at the half way mark another friend of mine jumped on board and we all finished it out. It was amazing… a bunch of friends carrying the cross together with a police escort, singing hymns and choruses together, and a ton of people following us — some of which were singing along with whatever we started. It was just awesome, I haven’t been a part of something like that before.

Read the rest…

Man, I’m tired, and it’s only 10:30 PM. I should go stick my head in a snow bank or something since, you know, we just got snow again today… Oh well, it’s supposed to warm up next week, so I’m looking forward to that. Maybe snow will melt again.

So here’s the deal. As I’ve said before, I’m not really much of a public speaker – especially if it’s scripted or needs to follow something similar to it. I guess everyone has their weak aspects, and that’s one of mine – and why I stick to writing usually. Sometimes I’m just not good at communicating what is in my mind and what I really want to say. I get a little tense and can’t think as straight as I would like to, so just so I can get out of the awkward feeling my brain just sort of says something quickly to get me the heck out of there. Of course, every time in hindsight I regret it and feel like I made a fool of myself or something – and I wish I could do it again only try to say exactly what and how I feel.

That being said, I’m actually considering offering to do a study at my church’s youth group. I’ve attempted to write things before, but I’ve just never pursued it since, again, I’m not much of a public speaker. But I don’t know, I just really feel like it’s something I should say and that it’s something people could get something from. Even if it comes to me just standing there and reading word for word from my sheets. Perhaps they won’t get anything and it’s a silly topic too though, which is why I’m still debating. Maybe I’ll talk with someone tomorrow about it and see what they think.

Too bad I can’t just write something and hand it out for everyone to read. The problem is it would be a few pages long at least, and I highly doubt many (if any) of them would read it all. I just wish there was a better way to communicate things to people for me. This is where writing music would come in handy. Ha ha. Maybe one day…

Okay, time to comment on a couple of the aforementioned CDs I finally listened to briefly today…

Deep Space 5 – Unique Just Like Everyone Else: Pretty solid hip hop album that drops on May 10th. It’s huge in length. Honestly, I don’t enjoy it as much as other acts like LA Symphony or Mars ILL though, but then again I’m not really a hip hop head. I’ll leave that title to my dawg, TRu.

House Of Hereos – Self titled: Hitting store shelves on April 26th, this Ohio-based band has some catchy pop-rock/punk tunes with an emo flare. Too bad the vocals are average and rather annoying at times. Reminds me of Kids In The Way in that aspect.

Jason Upton – Great River Road: Man, this album is insane. I don’t even know how to describe it really yet, but it’s laid back music with some native influences in the background. I haven’t heard his stuff before, but after listening to half of the album I’m really digging it a lot. I have to listen to the rest. Oh yeah, this one also comes out April 26th.

And that’s all I really had the time to demo today. Again, these are just quick opinions upon listening to the first quarter to half of the album. Consider them as previews instead of reviews… initial thoughts.

Well, I’m off. I sure get sidetracked when I write this, it’s been an hour since I started.

Godspeed.

Sorry for not updating yesterday… I ended up getting a cold and I wasn’t really capable of doing much computer work last night. But I’m feeling fine today, so that’s spiffy… I’m glad it was just a 24 hour thing.

Monday’s update on Renown Magazine is shaping up to be pretty decent. We’ve got two low score reviews coming (woo hoo, sometimes it’s just plain ol’ fun to write them), plus an awesome EP review. I’m still not sure what the fourth and final review will be yet, but I’m sure it’ll be good too…

While writing one of the reviews I realized something that annoys me, and thankfully counteracting this problem (or at least speaking against it) is becoming more of a popular way of thinking. Why is it that poorly made modern worship music is justified because it “worships God”? Yes, it does do that – and that’s great. However, it seems like a poor reason to excuse why the project is poorly made and executed.

If we are supposed to be worshipping God and giving Him our all…shouldn’t we also be pushing our talent to it’s fullest while doing so? There are some artists who do this in great ways… Jeff Deyo is a great example, both as a solo artist and while he was in SonicFlood. Delirious? is another great example. Both of these two quick examples still have the worshipful lyrics that praise God, but don’t compromise their music or production in the process.

But then there are those that are poorly executed. The music and production is sloppy, the lyrics are filled with boring clichés, but they are written off as “okay” because they worship God. Isn’t there some poor logic to be seen here? It’s kind of silly really… doesn’t God deserve better?

I don’t know, maybe I’m just rambling on about nothing. I was still pondering it nonetheless though today as I was writing a review… And consider that as a hint as to who it is for.

On a completely different note: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie is whacked.

Rock on.