Tag: music

YG Lyrics That Speak To Me

Honestly, this post is going to be one wild ride. It’s going to be just as entertaining to make as it is to read…I HOPE. If you have been living under a really thick rock, YG is an artist that makes bad bitch anthems for EVERYONE. Are you shy? Listen to YG. Suddenly you’re chatty Cathy. Breakup? Listen to YG. Suddenly, you’ve never had a man/woman in your life. There is also no wrong time to listen to him. 6am? Perfect time to blast “Big Bank.” I have literally done this on a road trip and it changed everything. If I wasn’t awake before that song, the heavy bass acted as a defibrillator to my system. Recently, he released a new album, which is going to make finding “moving” lyrics way more fun. 

Let’s begin with his famous hit, “Who Do You Love.” For some reason, whenever this comes on at a bar, the room goes crazy. As if the song just came out. It’s been five years, that’s how influential this song is. My friend and I love to bring up the lyric, “Eatin’ crab out in Malibu at Nobu.” While this is kind of a cheat, because it is Drake delivering it, it still counts. For me, this lyric is super influential because while I have been to Malibu, I have never been to Nobu. I’ve heard great things though. However, my bank account is still only allowing me to eat fake crab at Trader Joes. So, I just like to listen and daydream about what my life would be like if I decided to save money. Moving on. The next song has a lot of influential lyrics to me. It inspires me in ways you would never believe. “Big Bank.” Already judging by the title, it is something I desire, that I do not have. Right now the lyric that is most impactful to me is, “Big bank, take lil bank.” My bank right now is as little as ever. Seeing that I left my job to mentally make myself happier, there is no big bank. If the song said big bank, take non-existent bank; it would be almost exactly like my life. The song is obviously about making SO much money, that you have to brag about it. What I’ve taken from the song, is to just pretend. The way I am living my life, people must think I have the biggest bank ever. However, Capital One likes to remind me at least once a month, that I don’t have shit. 

We can’t talk about influential YG lyrics without tapping into his most recent album. Almost every single song has an iconic collab. We obviously have to start with his song with G-Eazy. “Do Not Disturb,” is an influential track about really annoying hoes. I mean, c’mon, we’ve all had to deal with them amirite. I think my favorite line would have to be when G-Eazy says, “Bitch you’re doing too much, please stop yourself.” I felt personally victimized when he said that. Like am I doing too much partying? Too much spending money? Too much festival partying? I couldn’t even pick. However, when Gerald tells you to do something, you do it. No questions asked. 

While I could go on for a whole three pages about YG lyrics that I love screaming out of my car window, this post is long overdue. By that, I mean I initially wrote it in JUNE. So, the comedic relief cannot be tapped back into. However, I did want to share it with the world, in hopes of inspiring people with YG’s motivational hymns. Maybe, you too, will find the YG lyric that takes your life to the next level.

 

Praise Our Founding Fathers

Well this is definitely some new territory as far as topics go for me. PODCASTS. They have been around forever, but for some reason, everyone is just now hopping on the bandwagon. I remember the first podcast I ever truly enjoyed, Serial. I am a big murder mystery fan, but that’s a topic for another time. Personally, I never found myself in a position where I would want to sit down and listen to another person talk. Unless I was having a face to face conversation. Books on tape were never up my alley. However, one day, everything changed. 

My friend sent me a text saying something along the lines of, “Have you listened to Call Her Daddy?” Initially, I thought this was going to be a new song that had just been released. However, she informed me that if I like anything to do with Barstool Sports, then I would love this. Obviously, I had to do my research. Now, any NORMAL person would think to start a podcast from the beginning. I later learned that the Daddy Girls strongly advise this concept. However, my initial research began with watching their vlogs on Youtube to get a feel for who they are. For me, I would like to see who exactly is giving me all this raunchy advice. 

Now yes, let me preface this whole post by saying, Call Her Daddy is not for the weak of heart. It may not even be for anyone reading this who is over the age of 40. Let me tell you why. It is RAUNCHY and RELATABLE. Which for most adults, is horrifying. Especially for parents. I can’t imagine any parent sitting down to listen to this podcast and thinking, “Groovy”. However, it is 2019, and young adults are being young, wild, and free. Most of the premise of these podcast episodes, deal with the trial and error of dating. Just when you think you’ve met the one, something isn’t right. These girls also give real and raw (no pun intended) sex advice. Now for some people, this is where their opinions on the podcast waiver. Maybe you aren’t a hoe, so to hear some of these stories is scarier than Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. However, maybe you are, and you’re looking for something to spice it up. These girls do it all. 

Let me give you an example. Tragically, most of us reading this, like men. It’s more often than not, tragic. However, like the saying goes, you truly cannot live without them. In a more recent episode, Alex invites her male friend to come on the podcast. Now you’re thinking, cool, time for some useful advice from the man’s perspective. Judging by his name, Milf Hunter, you can only assume it isn’t going to be romantic. While I am sitting in my car listening, I am mistakenly waiting to hear advice from a guy on how girls SHOULD act. Instead, I am listening to a normal guy talk about all the savage things he has done in the past, and how he doesn’t plan on settling down anytime soon. If that doesn’t confirm my point that men are TRASH, I don’t know what will. I’m kidding. I actually found the episode super amusing and maybe a TAD insightful. I mean, who am I to kid, I have the worst taste in men. So, he seems right up my alley. I actually, in turn, learned a couple tips and tricks on how to play a player. NO MAN IS SAFE FROM ME NOW. I say as I am literally typing this alone in bed with my cat. 

My favorite portion of the podcast however, is when youngins like myself, get to submit questions. At the end of the episode, Alex and Sofia pick which questions may be the most relevant and useful. Most of the time it’s about a cheating spouse, or sometimes it is just a crazy story about college. While I am no longer at the age where I have to worry about boys at frat parties, I still love to hear the advice. It makes me wish I had these girls in college, would that have changed anything? Probably not. Would I have steered clear of the frat stars? Most definitely. It was just recently that I found myself writing in to these girls for advice. On what, I won’t disclose just yet. However, whether I get chosen or not, there was some comfort in thinking they might see it. It almost feels…fatherly. Maybe they are the daddy’s of the internet. 

While I would LOVE to tell each and every one of you to go listen to this podcast, I feel as if I should disclose a warning. This podcast is EXTREMELY inappropriate. Mom and Dad, close your ears and stay away okay? But, while it is raunchy, do not go judging your friends for being die hard fans. In all reality, this podcast is what girls talk about at slumber parties with their friends. If you are a guy reading this and have listened to the podcast, yes it is true, we are talking shit about you behind your back. Lastly, to the men. If you use your little Airpods and decide to listen, kudos to you. HOWEVER, this is not a reflection of any of your female friends’ endeavors, okay? There is no slut shaming in this house. These stories are obviously not ours, and that’s why they’re hilarious to listen to. 

With that being said, if you are not scared away yet, listen to the podcast. Maybe it’ll spark some memories from your wild past. Or, maybe it’ll just make you grateful for your easy, breezy, beautiful dating life. Either way, Call Her Daddy, has a little something for everyone.

 

HAYDEN JAMES

This is kind of a “best of both worlds” situation for me. I have been loving Hayden James’ music for quite some time now, so I was thinking he would be a perfect edition to Ones To Watch. THEN, today, he decided to release a whole new album. Previously, he had only a few singles, some remixes, and a baby EP. So, here I am, listening for the first time and writing an AUTHENTIC review of his music. In my last album review, I had listened to it weeks prior, and based my opinion on their previous work. In this case, I only have a handful of songs, most of which are debuted on this new album as well.

So why do I think he’s an artist to watch? His music has beats that make you want to party by the pool all day, combined with lyrics that sometimes make you sit and say, “Wow. I’ve been attacked.” Which is totally a good thing. That means he is making relatable content that you can sing your heart out to, if you have any oxygen left from dancing. Let’s talk about some songs that were out in the world before this album. The reasons I became a fan, and the reasons I believe he’s going to be popping on Top 40 charts soon.

The first song I had ever heard by him was actually a remix. I heard ODESZA remix “Something About You”, which lead me to wonder who he really was. The crazy thing is, the different effect both songs have on me. When hearing the ODESZA remix, it gives me some sort of nostalgia that gives me a little lump in my throat. However, when I go and listen to the actual version of the song, it makes me feel super relaxed. The type of feeling you get when you’re just laying by the pool tanning. By now, this song is probably pretty popular, due to the fact that the remix blew it off the charts. However, if you haven’t already heard, I suggest listening to both, and deciding which one you like better! That single came out in 2015, and it looked like he had released one single per year since then, until 2018. He released a whopping TWO. However, these two are probably my favorite songs on this planet, not to be dramatic or anything. Starting with the song, “Just Friends.” This song was released toward the end of 2018, and for some reason it REALLY spoke to me. At this time, I was boy drama free and had no reason to particularly relate to it…yet. If you were to ask me if I can relate to the song now, I’d tell you to mind your business. This song is just everything. I don’t even know how to use proper terms to describe it. At the time it came out, I would play it on repeat 24/7, not listening to anything else. Now that I don’t do that anymore, whenever it comes on shuffle, it feels like a jolt of electricity. Just hearing the beginning I think, “Oh shit, here we go.” The lyrics are so self explanatory that I don’t even think it’d be necessary for me to talk further about it. JUST GO LISTEN TO IT OKAY?

Now, let’s get into the build up of the album today. Then, we’re going to tear it apart. For some reason, I like to think that 2019 just started. That’s how fast it’s blowing by. So, while I was listening to Gryffin Radio, a bomb station that curates music based off that one artist’s style, I found a new gem. It’s called “Nowhere To Go.” When I first heard it in my bathroom, I was STOKED to find out it was by Hayden James. I knew it had to be relatively new, but when? How did I miss this? Turns out, he just released it in May. I wasn’t missing out for too long. This song has been my obsession lately. It lyrically has almost a similar vibe to “Just Friends,” but a little bit different. That was his last single before today, June 14th, when he blessed my ears this morning.

He kicks off the album with a voice I recognize immediately, Boy Matthews. The beautiful voice on “Just Friends.” The awesome thing about this album is there aren’t any real slow songs to kill my vibe. Lately, I’ve been wanting something upbeat that will keep me going throughout the day, not put me to sleep. Who am I kidding, that’s ALWAYS how I’ve been. I can appreciate a good slow song from time to time, don’t get me wrong. However, it is unique to have an artist come up with all upbeat stuff, that lyrically is amazing too. The album is filled with his singles he’s released this past year, but the new songs are just as exciting. I think my favorite on this new album would have to be “Hold Me Back,” which is his album kick off. Sometimes, the first song on an album can be hit or miss.

Overall, I think Hayden James is going to be a real hit on the more dreamy side of the House Music charts. While he does have 2 million monthly listeners, I still feel like he belongs on a Ones To Watch. I just don’t hear his name as much as I should. However, not to toot my own horn, but I am usually the one who presents new names to my friends. I also don’t see him on as many release radars as he deserves. So here he is! If you haven’t heard of him, now you have. As always, I am leaving a little playlist radio down below. So, if you’re lazy, you don’t have to go far to listen to him. Or, if you don’t have Spotify, this is your chance to download. Honestly Spotify, sponsor me already. #AD

Coachella 2019 Recap

I know why some of you are here…you think I had another Coachella disaster. I’m going to be completely honest, for the sake of content creation, I wish I did! However, no. This year was perfect. Maybe that’s just a part of growing up and not being a stupid college kid anymore. Or maybe it’s the simple fact that I did not take a sip of pineapple cider. We won’t know!

This year, like all years, I decided to trek to the desert for Weekend 1. Overly excited, I packed my bags, and left right after work on Thursday night. To my disappointment, I hit traffic at 11pm on the 10 FWY going towards Indio. Sadly, the cold brew high was wearing off. By the time I got to Indio, my friends were exhausted on the couch watching Flip or Flop Vegas. Classic. I go to sleep and wake up bright and early on Friday morning, obviously excited to finally be back on my turf. While we didn’t have any artists to see until the evening, we wanted to spend the afternoon catching up by the pool. In my head, I was already planning my outfits, as if I did not spend all week sorting them out to pack. The time comes to get ready and I am FEELING the Red Bull coursing through my veins. The excitement is too real. It is at this time that I should mention how we THOUGHT we were going to get to the festival. We figured with the Uber lot probably being crazy, and the prices being a rip-off, we would just walk. To justify that, we said, “It’s only a mile.” ONLY A MILE. In the hot ass Coachella sun. In cute ass outfits. We were way too confident. So, I strap up my sandals, throw on my romper, and get ready to walk my happy ass to the festival.

About 10 minutes into the walk we realized, this just wasn’t it. This was not the life hack we had envisioned. Luckily, some guy in a van pulled up next to us and told us we looked like we needed a ride. So, we got in. For someone who watches way too many murder mysteries, I really did not hesitate at all to get in this large white air conditioned van. However, as you can assume from me sitting here writing this, I didn’t die. Once we are in the festival it is madness. The first day always seems to be the most crowded. People are getting a feel for the land, seeing what’s new, and deciding what artists to see. Although this wasn’t my first year, Coachella had changed the layout and added tons of things since I had been last. However, my big ego wasted no time taking charge when my friends suggested I lead the way. Festivals are only truly fun when the blind leads the blind. We decide to ring in our first Coachella sunset with Gorgon City. At this point, they are our first act, and I can already feel my wardrobe malfunctioning. My sandals were chafing my ankles and my romper was about to give me a little nip slip. However, with the power of my anti-chafe balm, my ankles were blister free! As the sun set fully, we decided to walk around and check out the rest of the stages. The thing about the lineup this year was that most of the acts were super spread out. There was really no sprinting from one stage to the next to see your faves. The night was going amazing until it got EXTREMELY COLD. I knew from previous years it gets chilly, to where you need a cardigan if anything. No. Not this year. This year I was shocked at how windy and cold it got. So much so that day two I purchased a sweater.

Let’s fast forward to day two. No more complaining about how cold I was.

We wake up, in a little worse shape than Friday. Exhausted, dusty, and crusty (literally). That’s what caffeine and 20 minute showers are for. My outfit today was the most simple. We really had nobody on the list that we were DYING to see, so it was going to be our day to explore all the new things. So, I just threw on a tube top, shorts, and my favorite white platform sneakers. Safe to say, these sneakers are nowhere near white anymore. Will I still wear them? Absolutely. After exploring all the boujee food, and seeing the cool little HP dome, we ended our easy day with Gryffin. Who, by the way, totally blew me away. I have been listening to him since we’ve been back. Specifically, the song, Remember. My only regret of the night, is not seeing Billie Eilish. However, her set was later in the night, and it turns out she came on late because of technical difficulties. A recurring theme that Coachella still has not been able to master.

Day Three. I am starting to realize this is IT. However, I am trying to not start the day already sad picturing the end. All my faves are today. We have Zedd, Khalid, Dillon Francis, Ariana Grande, and NGHTMRE. Unfortunately, today was probably the worst in terms of Coachella microphone malfunctions and technical issues. However, not knowing that, I slap on my forehead jewels and we hop in our van. We start off by seeing Zedd. Now this is where I am starting to get emotional. The sun is setting, and all my favorite old summer songs are playing. I am sure if you heard me singing in the back of the videos I took, you will hear my voice crack. The lump in my throat stayed the whole set. It was bittersweet. I was sad it was ending, but still so happy to be in my favorite place. Once his set ends, we decide it’s time to stock up on water, the night is just beginning. There is about an hour gap until we go see MY MAN, Dillon Francis. While I have seen him many times in the past, my love for him has grown way stronger since my last music festival. While waiting for Dillon, we decide to stop at our baby Khalid’s set. This is where the speaker malfunctions become a real bummer. His mic kept cutting out, and the speakers in the back seemed to be completely blown out. This has happened every year I’ve been to this festival, and always on the last day. So, we decide to head over to the Sahara tent early. At this point, I am getting so excited, that I can’t stop moving. My friend Emily is taking it upon herself to let everyone in our friend group know, that I am the bitch commenting on every single one of Dillon’s photos on IG. Classic. He goes on, and it’s AMAZING. I think I even said, it felt like a really cool house party that everyone’s always wanted an invite to. During this set, was when I got the most EXTREME video of my singing. Remember the one of me screaming during The Weeknd at Life Is Beautiful? This one is comparable.

After Dillon gets us hyped for the night, we decide to head over to Ariana Grande and see what’s up. To my disappointment, the speaker situation had almost gotten worse. Of course, right around the time that she brought out some of the members of NSYNC. I at least got to hear a muffled version of Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored. So, we decide to go back to the Sahara tent one last time this year, to go see NGHTMRE. While I knew some of his stuff was super hardcore, I was really looking forward to his set. For those of you who don’t know, my friend who passed away, this was one of his favorite artists. One of my favorite songs at the moment is GUD VIBRATIONS, which I absolutely had to end the night with. He closed Coachella with music that you just couldn’t stop dancing to for an hour. Which was the perfect way for us to end our weekend. Exhausted and content.

The thing I love the most about music festivals, and going with the perfect group of people, is the dynamic. With my friends, there is never a time when we have to fight about who wants to see what artist. Which is something I hear happens a lot between friend groups at festivals. However, our music taste is so similar, nobody ever has to make a sacrifice to see another person’s favorite. This means, we all get to enjoy not only the experience, but being with each other. Sometimes people ask me why I attend festivals if I am only super stoked about a couple artists. For me, yes, it mainly is about the music. However, I have also learned that it is about the memories you make with your friends along the way. While Saturday I had nobody I wanted to see, I had the best time watching one of my friends cry seeing her favorite artist ever. Something about that makes the experience 10x better. I know there were no Coachella disasters this year, and I am sorry to disappoint anyone who was hoping I almost got heat stroke again. However, Coachella 2019 exceeded my last minute expectations.

LAST MINUTE COACHELLA PREP

After months of back and forth, I have finally decided…..to go to Coachella…again. If you have been here before, then you should know that my relationship with this festival has been interesting. From heat stroke, to campsites almost blowing up, Coachella and I are…complicated. However, I have decided after a year apart, it’s time to get back out there and see what happens.

With that being said, as I am writing this, I now have two and a half weeks to plan everything from transportation to clothing. Things that people have been planning for as long as the last year! However, I know I am not the only one. I can’t be. So, I figured I would sit down and talk about how to calmly organize yourself, with as little time as possible. For those of you who are not going to the festival, or are not concert goers in general, you may learn a tip or two on how NOT to plan trips. Or, you may just learn how to get your shit together when you decide to procrastinate planning your next trip.

The first thing I wanted to get a grip on was my finances. If you didn’t know, I am partying on the government’s money. Decided to use my trusty credit card to pay for the ticket. So, how am I going to pay this back, while also having the time of my life at the festival? I am still a little undecided about this one. While I am always in a panic about paying off my credit card in full, I have had countless people say to me, “You have TIME to pay that money back!” It’s like they don’t know telling me that will just encourage me to spend more money I don’t have. They are right though, why is that my main concern? It shouldn’t be. So for now, I would just like to give a big shoutout to whoever invented credit cards, my life would be so so boring without your help.

Next, we have to plan the outfits. For me, this part is more stressful than I would like it to be. While I would like to think being a Coachella Veteran has prepared me for packing, I am still extremely unprepared every time. This year, instead of being all flashy and pretty like the first timers, I just want to be comfy and cute. I want to look like I tried, but could also comfortably move from stage to stage. What most people don’t think about is the fact that the festival is an all day ordeal. You are out there for at least 12 hours. My biggest downfall clothing-wise, is ALWAYS the shoes. If you ever have a chance to be up close and personal with my ankles someday, take a look at the scars. My ankles look permanently bruised thanks to the constant chafing I endure at any music festival/concert. I don’t know what it is, but I just CAN’T seem to get it right. If by some miracle this year I pick the right footwear, I will let you know. As far as tops go, everyone knows I am either a crop top or bodysuit bitch. Five out of the seven days a week you can probably catch me in one or the other, rain or shine. I am not a jeans girl either, leaving me with a vast selection of shorts to bring. Now of course, with all that being said, I have been hunting for some cute new tops and outfits. I mean c’mon, the things I wear at Coachella will be recycled into my going out selection for the bars. I have to bring something fun and fresh to the table.

As far as transportation goes, I trust myself and myself only. I have made the decision to make the short two hour drive. While the way there is going to be so exciting and fun, I just know the way back is going to be hell. Will I even be able to hear the music over the sound of my own crying? Super stoked to find out. This of course means I will be making a playlist for the drive, that I will also be sharing with my friends to listen to on their drive as well. Will I leak it for the rest of you not going? If I’m feeling generous. I will definitely have it available to listen to after, for those who want to feel like they were there. Or for anyone prepping for weekend 2.

With all that being said, it hasn’t actually hit me that I am really doing the damn thing. Every other year I’ve been, it took months of preparation. I would fly from Arizona to California, and then drive to Indio with my girls. This time, I am just leaving from work like a normal person. I guess when you buy the ticket when they actually go on sale, you have months of build-up and excitement to where you just can’t stop talking about it. For me, since I got the ticket two weeks ago, I have only really been blabbing about it the past week. My poor friends and coworkers are really going to get an earful from me when the festival is over that’s for sure. Oh, and also this blog, duh. My next content is going to be filled with Coachella nonsense until the next festival. Get ready for the madness!

$5 Therapy

It is no secret that mental health is important. It is probably one of the most important things for us human beings to maintain. Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more people posting mantras about self-care. Which led me to thinking about how I personally take care of my own mental health. While some people find that going to a therapist soothes their mind and overall well-being, I never felt as though that approach was the one for me. To be completely honest, my way of easing my mind and taking care of myself is probably more expensive than sitting down with a professional.

When I have just about HAD IT with thinking for the day, I tend to go on a nice lengthy drive and blast music. Whether it is the middle of the day and I can roll down the windows, or late at night and I am enveloped in the sound, driving is my therapy. I guess you could also say good music is a form of therapy for me as well. What many people don’t know about me is, I tend to overthink everything. This can be extremely stressful for me, whether I decide to show it or not. I could treat myself to an extra cup of coffee and then proceed to overthink about how that $3.50 is going to affect my bank account in 6 years. While my brain is constantly in overdrive, I have a hard time putting my thoughts into actual words when I am feeling overwhelmed. Most likely because I don’t even know where I would begin. That is part of the reason I never felt the need to sit down with a therapist and talk about all the things bothering me. I know how to alleviate the stress and I also know my brain loves to make a bigger deal of things than necessary.

Now, you might be thinking, isn’t driving and listening to music just a temporary fix? To which I would say, yes. However, for myself, if I can settle my mind and space out for even just thirty minutes, then I can come back to reality with more clarity. When I get a chance to relax, that is when I can decipher between what is an actual pressing issue in my head, and what is just being dramaticized.

I titled this $5 Therapy, thinking I was being super clever because of the fact that Spotify for students is only $5. However, if you’re including mileage of my relaxation drives……I don’t want to talk about it. I think it’s good to find what works for you when it comes to mental health. Some people can swear by going to a therapist, but still leave the session feeling as if something was left unsaid. Now I know late night/mid-day drives may not be for everyone. I just thought I would shine a little light on what i do for self-care. Essentially, taking care of your mental health is the base work of self-care days. If your brain isn’t in a good state of mind, your whole body will be out of line. I wish I could say that this was going to be another post in which I include a playlist I made for my therapy drives. However, every music streaming service I know of has sections of playlists that are made specifically to wind down. If you’re into that kind of thing. Personally, I always will be listening to something upbeat. I’ve only mentioned that about nine HUNDRED times here.

Whenever I head to my local bookstore, I always like to read a little bit about music and the mind. I always used to think I was crazy for believing in the power of a good playlist more than the next person. When reading, I always find little facts that differ from book to book. However, the most common fact they always state is, to listen to your body. Every person’s mind and body reacts differently to certain types of music. Apparently, those goosebumps you get during your favorite song, is a wave of adrenaline washing over you. Which in a scientists perspective, is a really good sign. So, they basically say to strive for that feeling whenever listening to something that you intend to make you feel better. I know this blog is starting to look like an anti-sad music kind of page, but I have never gotten goosebumps from a sad anthem. The artist could win best vocals at the Grammys for a sad song and I still would be thinking, “Can we change this to something else?”

What was the moral of this story? Ummmm that music is the cure for everything?? The moral of all my stories on here?? The moral is, therapy isn’t always black and white like some people make it out to be. When people talk about taking care of mental health, you always read about therapists and going to see one. For the people that find that method helpful, I say keep at it! However, for people who do not see that as something they think would be the best self-care method, try something else! I also say, while venting to your friends can be super helpful, essentially the only person who knows your situation is you. Friends can offer some great advice, but at the end of the day they still may not have the full picture. Nobody can feel what you’re feeling, so make sure you are getting the right care your brain needs. For me, that care is blasting music and taking a break for a little. Find what works for you and keep at it!

YEAR IN MUSIC: 2018

WE MADE IT. WE SURVIVED ANOTHER YEAR.

Is it just me, or was 2018 not AS bad as people were making it out to be? To be fair, we all go through different struggles. With that being said, I just did not think it was the most awful year to date. However, I did think the year in music was a little more garbage than most. Feel free to disagree.

The reason I am under the impression that 2018 was just a giant “bleh” when it came to new music, is because of the Spotify “Wrapped” playlist. Every year, the music streaming platform dedicates a whole playlist to your most listened to songs. In doing so, they also enjoy reminding you of your previous year’s playlists. While I look forward to this EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR, I was a little disappointed to see what 2018 brought me compared to my previous years. My top songs were as predicted. At some point in the year, once I have found a song I can’t stop listening to, I like to see if that said song will become my most played song. Usually, I am never wrong. What can I say, your girl LOVES that repeat button.

Upon looking at my 2018 year in music with a slight hint of disappointment, I decided to take a peek at 2017. Let me tell you, THAT PLAYLIST WAS ABSOLUTE FIRE. It is currently January 17th, and I am still listening to it. So much so, that I am wondering if some of these songs are going to make a comeback on my 2019 playlist. Don’t get me wrong, 2018 had some absolute bangers. I just don’t think there was anything mind blowing. Which for me, is a really big loss. After seeing my playlist, I was talking to a close friend about my disappointment, to which she said she agreed. She basically stated that 2018 just seemed like it was “there” and nothing really amazing seemed to happen. We were kind of talking about life in general, but I think that tied into our year in music as well. I want to save this discussion for a later date, but I think music is a key factor in telling how our lives are going. While 2018 had some of my favorite songs and releases, nothing really struck me as WOW. The Weeknd released a mini album that shook me to my core, but to me that is nothing too influential in the REALM of music itself. Only because he can come out with an album of white noise, and I will go around saying it changed my life.

So why is that? Were musicians just going through an “eh” year like the rest of us? Or, is this post just extremely biased? Like the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” this could have been a year of musical treasure for some people. I also like to think of this as a positive. Usually in years where music doesn’t have that big WOW moment, it generally means musicians are hard at work creating something amazing. For me, with 2017 being such a bomb year musically, most of my artists were probably on tour or in the studio. I literally cannot be mad at that. With that being said, it wasn’t completely awful. I was still so excited to listen to my playlist and reflect on the year itself. What I was experiencing in real life was extremely reflective in what I was listening to. I encourage you to listen to your playlist again and see the same.

I am keeping today’s post short and sweet. Just because I not only want you to go listen to your playlist again and think about how 2018 was for you, but because I am going to as always, link my playlist. Which means, I also want you to try and figure out where you think my 2018 was going, and where it is leading me in 2019. In listening to your playlist, maybe jot down the good and the bad. If there are some sad songs, think about that time you were upset and if you can do anything different in 2019. The happy songs take note of, and think about the good times you were blasting those. Try and keep those good vibes alive in 2019, but maybe with some new tunes. Most of my posts are meant to spark a conversation in your own mind. Since I am always blasting my opinion loud and proud, I want you to think about how yours compares. 2019 we are going to be “WOKE” about our musical opinions and we are going to use that mindset to drive and motivate us in all aspects of life. Buckle up, there are great things in store.