Sunday's Seven Songs

Week five of Sunday's Seven Songs! I would be lying if I said it's getting harder to remember to do this, especially because they aren't getting that many views. I just keep telling myself that it's good practice that I write every week, even if there is no one reading. This is better then giving up my blog all together. And there's a bunch of concert and album releases coming up, so I promise that this blog should be getting more interesting. 

Anyways, the Academy Awards are on so I'm a little distracted writing this. With that said, here are the seven songs:

1) Polaroid by Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons' new album, "Smokes and Mirrors," came out last Monday. I have to say that I don't love it as much as their last album. It's lacking the energy that made their first album stand out. However, I think that this band is extremely underrated. I've read some jokes here and there that poke fun at people who are still fans of this group, but I don't understand. They are an extremely talented bunch. I'm sure the more I listen to their new album, the more it will grow on me. "Polaroid" definitely was the first song to stand out to me. I love the tempo and sound of this song. I might to another blog post this week dedicated to what I though of the rest of this album.

2) One Foot by fun.

"Some Nights" by fun. will always be one of my favorite albums. There is such a deep meaning in every one of the songs that I find so inspiring and so unique. From the first time I heard this album in 2012, "One Foot" has always been my favorite song. When you really take the time to listen to the lyrics, it's amazing how simple yet thoughtful it is. This album is really about living and finding yourself. I hope the band comes out of hiatus soon, however I can't complain about what some of them have been doing in their spare time which leads me to the next song.

3) You're Still a Mystery by Bleachers

Jack Antonoff is the lead guitarist of fun., but he also is the lead singer and songwriter of Bleachers. It wouldn't be fair for me to compare the two bands because they're too different. Bleacher is best known for their radio his, "I Wanna Get Better." I think that song is probably the best on the album because it has a great meaning, not to mention that it is extremely catchy which makes obviously made it a hit. I thought I would make "You're Still a Mystery" the selected song because while it might not be as catchy, it still has a really good and simple sound. 

4) American Candy by The Maine

American Candy was released a couple of weeks ago and I could have sworn I already covered this in a previous Sunday weekly post, but it looks like I didn't. American Candy is a clear throwback to the early days of The Maine, the more poppy and carefree band. This song has almost a complete opposite vibe from the dark and sad, yet thoughtful "Forever Halloween" album. While I loved the last album, American Candy created some high expectations for the rest of the album. I cherished the early days of this band because of their songs were just so much fun and uplifting to sing along to and I believe their new album will bring back that feeling.

5) Reason to Believe by Sum 41

I have listened to a lot of Sum 41 this week and it's amazing to listen to how the band's sound evolved over time. "All Killer No Filler" remains my favorite album of theirs; however, "Screaming Bloody Murder" is definitely an album worth talking about. Their last album released in 2011 definitely shows that the carefree skater punks had grown up. Taking a darker and more serious turn, this album addresses some deep themes that all pack a powerful punch. "Reason to Believe" reminded me of an anthem song, like a song that makes you want to scream the lyrics on the top of your lungs.

6) First by Cold War Kids

I'm a new fan of this band and the reason that made me look them up is that they are coming in town soon (I'm not seeing them though). Their album "Hold My Home" was released last October. I'm not too sure why this song stood out to me the most, but I find it catchiest and it's been stuck in my heads a few times this week. I can't say that I'm totally hooked on this band, but there's no denying their talent. 

7) Rock a Little by Stevie Nicks

I know this song seems out of place, but I recently got a record player and this week I went record shopping and this was one of the vinyls I picked up. I can't say that I have listened to a lot of Stevie Nicks, but she is so talked about so I had to give her music a try. I can totally understand why she is the legend she became. The music is something you can just start playing, close your eyes and tune out everything else. It isn't always that easy to find music like that so I'm glad I decided to bring home this record.

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One week from today Tom Delonge releases "Songs Without A Home," an album with songs that were originally meant for Blink 182, but we know what happened there. 

Academy Awards are wrapping up soon so I'm going to finish watching that and call it a night. 

Until next time,

Nikole xx

P.S. Happy Birthday shout out to an incredibly thoughtful, inspiring, and talented musician, Kurt Cobain, who would have turned 48 years old this week. He is one of the most legendary people in music and he'll never be forgotten.

Sunday's Seven Songs (Week Four)

February feels like it never ends. My least favorite month will probably always feel like this one because it just feels too long even though it's the shortest month. Anyways.... I watched the 1999/2000 show Freaks and Geeks which was unfortunately cancelled right after it got started. It's honestly one of the best shows I have seen even though it's brief, but it is just so relatable. I highly suggest it to everyone, especially high school-ers, and you won't have to worry about getting hooked because there's only one season anyways. Plus, it has young James Franco, Jason Segel and Seth Rogan. Another show I have been completely hooked on is Parks and Recreation. Literally everything done and said on that show is absolutely hilarious. I can't even begin to explain what makes it so funny - just go watch it for yourself.

Well, anyways, here are the seven songs for the week:

1. Lock Me Up by The Cab
My sister started to play a couple songs in the car and it made me go rediscover their music. First of all, I have to mention that Alexander DeLeon (singer) seems like one of the coolest people ever. I follow him on Twitter and Instagram and he always seems to be enjoying his life and what he does and every day he seems to do something fun - whether it's working on music, hanging out with friends, going to Disneyland. The Cab came out with an EP about a year ago and I think they are working on new material, but don't take my word on that. I love the vibe of this song, just as much as I love the lyrics and the way you can't help swaying to the beat of the song.

2. Uptown Funk (Cover) by Fall Out Boy
I know there are a lot of people who would disagree with me on this, but I feel like Uptown Funk is extremely overrated. I feel like I was one of the last to hear this song, even though every other song on every radio station is playing it. I'm not saying it's a bad song, it's fun and catchy, but I'm getting tired of it. When I heard this cover by Fall Out Boy, it made me enjoy the song 100000x more. It's a guaranteed mood lifter, just like the tumblr caption said when I found it. Patrick Stump's vocals are perfect for this song and I can just picture the band playing this song which makes me smile. Pete Wentz, get the stretch. I find it impossible now not to like this song after hearing this.

3. Walking Disaster by Sum 41
I can't even remember when I started listening to this band and it's hard to believe that they have been playing since I was born!? "Walking Disaster" has always been one of my favorite songs of there's, despite it's sad theme. It's such an anthem song. I can't remember what got me listening to them this week, but I've had this song and their album "All Killer No Filler" on repeat. Honestly, it's probably because 5SOS just announced that they have been writing some songs with Deryck Whibley (vocals, guitar). Actually, Deryck announced last summer that he was working on some new Sum 41 stuff, so I'm still waiting to see if we're going to be getting anything out of that soon.

4. Let's Get Started by Dylan Gardner
A couple of days ago I got my new assignment for the last issue of my school's magazine. I didn't really care what the story was on, as long as it was about music. My teacher had some promotion stuff for an artist named Dylan Gardner, who I have never heard of before. That just made me more excited though. It's a new challenge, having to write about someone that I'm not already attached to and have seen live (compared to my previous stories on the 1D tour and Run 2 Cover). This 18-year-old multi-talented musician is extremely skilled at what he does. He was recently signed with Warner Bros. and his song "Let's Get Started" currently has over three million views on Spotify. He reminds me of a young, but modernized John Lennon (based more on looks and what I got from him from his music video, but not so much musically).

5. 18 by Anarbor
It honestly amazes me how much good music comes out of Arizona. Anarbor is an alternative rock back and it's hard not to fall in love with every one of their songs. I can have their latest album, "Burnout," on repeat for weeks. The album covers a broad range of emotions and I love when artitsts decide to throw a few alternative acoustic versions at the end. The acoustic version gives a deeper meaning to the song, but the original version is something that you can really rock out to. The beat is simple and the lyrics are catchy and easy to learn. I'm crossing my fingers that the band comes out of hiatus soon.

6. Addict with a Pen by twenty one pilots
I just found out that Chipotle (yes, the Mexican food place) is hosting their own free music festival that features twenty one pilots and some other musical acts. I think the point of the festival is to teach everyone how healthy and organic Chipotle is or something which is great, but the idea of a free music festival gets me on a whole new level of excited. Every song this band has written and the way they perform the show with so much passion speaks to me every time. There's a lot I can say about this song, but I really just suggest clicking on the link to the song and watching. Then you'll see what I mean about them performing with passion.

7. Come Sail Away by Styx
I mentioned earlier that I watched a show called Freaks and Geeks. So the show is based in the 80s and it has one of the coolest soundtracks of any show (which I had to look up since Netflic decided to replace much of the original soundtrack with cheap replacements). It really tries to capture the musical spirit of the decade and now it has me listening to bands like Styx. It's easy to forget just how amazing rock and roll bands were in the 80s. Last night I spent some time listening to Styx and it's so easy to get lost in this kind of music. I think I might be rediscovering some old classics this week.

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I made it a whole month with this weekly update! I know it doesn't get as many views as my album and concert reviews did, but I have to keep blogging somehow. As spring approaches, more tours and new albums are coming around and I promise you will see me blogging about that. Unless something comes up last minute, my next concert will be the Pot of Gold festival on March 13-15. Following that will be Blink 182 featuring Matt Skiba at the Musink festival on March 22. Before then, Tom Delonge's new album is scheduled to release on March 1. Lots of new stuff headed our way.


Until next time,
Nikole xx

Sunday's Seven Songs (Week Three)

Happy Sunday! I have a new update for my upcoming shows which I am super excited about. Tonight, I saw Run 2 Cover open up for Escape the Fate and The Family Ruin. I always love supporting local bands. Today I got tickets to go to Alt AZ's "Festivaltaz" on April 10 which includes performances from Death Cab for Cutie and Panic! At The Disco!! So far I have a concert every month until August. My life basically revolves around concert countdowns, but I'm not complaining.

With that said, here are my seven songs for the week:


1) Some Boys by Death Cab for Cutie

I know some songs by Death Cab for Cutie, but when I decided earlier this week that I will be going to the music festival hosted by Alt AZ, I felt I should get to know the band some more. I am so happy I made that decision. I've had their latest album, "Codes and Keys," on repeat all week. Their music reminds me of the early days of The Black Keys and also someone else who I just can't put my finger on. "Codes and Keys" has a relaxed vibe, but it doesn't put you to sleep. Listening to the album makes me a lot more excited for the music festival!

2) Lakehouse by Of Monsters And Men

My friend recommended this song to me in the beginning of the week and it really stuck in my head. Everyone knows the radio hits from this band like "Little Talks" and "Dirty Paws," and I feel like this song could have been a big hit just like the other two. The chorus is energetic, but not in the typical "gym playlist" energetic way. The album is really good to listen to in the morning to wake you up. I was disappointed to find out that the band only has one album that's been released (and I haven't heard of anything happening in the studio as far as I know).

3) Act My Age by Hoodie Allen

I first heard Hoodie Allen on the radio with his song "All About It" featuring Ed Sheeran. So I decided to give his album a look and it turns out I totally love it. It's not often that I find someone in the rap genre that I like. I'm honestly shocked that Hoodie Allen isn't more well-known than he is now because I can see a lot of his songs becoming big radio hits.

4) Stray Heart by Green Day

Green Day will forever and always be one of my favorite bands. There's never a time where I don't feel like listening to this band and the past few days I decided to put their 103 songs on my phone on repeat. There's a song for every emotion - from soft and thoughtful like the classic "Time of My Life" to the angsty (is that the right word?) and energetic "Know Your Enemy." "Stray Heart" leans more to the soft side, but I can easily say that it is one of my favorite GD songs. I can't wait to find out what the band has in store for 2015.

5) Someday by Run 2 Cover

I'm actually blogging from the concert right now as I write this because my sister, friend and I mostly came for R2C and the other bands aren't really our taste. R2C changed their sound for the show tonight and I totally loved it. They are currently touring with loud ("screamo"- I hate that descriptive but I don't know what else to call it) bands and Christian seemed to have picked up a bit of that technique in vocals. They also did covers of Bowling for Soup's "1985," Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" and Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean."

6) Budapest by George Ezra

The first time I listened to this song, I wasn't much of a fan; however, the more 93.3 played it, the more it grew on me and now I love it. I constantly have it stuck in my head and I'm singing along with Ezra on the radio. I'm curious now to look up what other songs Ezra has released because the vocals and lyrics of "Budapest" are really chill and I don't mind listening to it on the radio everyday on the way home from school now.

7) When Songs Collide - "Fat Lip" and "Feeling This" 

I stumbled upon this mashup by accident on tumblr and I'm completely obsessed with it. It combines the guitar riffs and drums and bass of "Fat Lip" with the vocals from "Feeling This" and it makes a oerfect combination. Tumblr is a great place for finding new music or mashups or anything really.

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It's really weird blogging from a concert - I feel guilty, to be honest. I promise I am almost never on my phone during a concert because it's all about being in the moment, but it's hard to be in the moment when you can't sing along to the songs. Right now people are moshing and I can't really understand what's being sung. Anyways, this post probably has more mistakes than usual because I'm typing from my phone, but there was no way I was going to miss my weekly post. I also realized on my way to the show that I'm missing the Grammy awards tonight! So it looks like I'll have to get caught up on who won in the morning. 

Well, that's all for this Sunday's Seven Songs! I hope you liked my music suggestions. 

Until next time,

Nikole xx

Sunday's Seven Songs (Week Two)

Happy first day of the month! First of all, I have to acknowledge that today was the Super Bowl. I'm not really a football fan, so I wasn't that passionate about who won or lost. Anyways, a big congrats to the New England Patriots. They came back from losing by 10 points in the fourth quarter so, needless to say, it was an exciting finish.

On Friday night I went to the Super Bowl party in downtown Phoenix where The Technicolors and Walk the Moon put on amazing performances. I've kind of been obsessed with The Technicolors this week. I recently discovered them and I am so happy I did because I enjoyed their show much more than I would have and I get to see them again on April 3 when they tour with The Maine! The music I listened to this week was also influenced by the Blink-182 drama that has been going on since Monday and has continued to escalate. I blogged about some of the situation in my last post but a lot has happened since then so it really isn't that up to date. In other big news, I got tickets to see Blink-182 featuring Matt Skiba on March 22 at the Musink Festival!

With that said, here are my seven songs for the week:


1) Sweet Time by The Technicolors

I can't believe I just now discovered this band. You know that feeling where you are trying to figure out what you want to listen to, but you can't find that one song/album/artist that fits what you're looking for? There's probably a better way to word that. Anyways, this is that band for me. The way that Brennan Smiley's voice (which my dad described as a cross between Led Zeppelin and the lead singer from Stone Temple Pilots) is perfectly reflected in the instruments and the lyrics is just what I was looking for. The music is very relaxing and calming, and also comforting in a way. The album "Listener" came out in 2012 and the band is expected to release some new music this year. Their show at the Super Bowl party was great and they didn't disappoint. I can't wait to see them again on The American Candy Tour.

2) What Went Wrong by Blink-182

The title itself sums up the reason why I am listening to this song. This entire Blink-182 mess has me constantly thinking What went wrong?? Mark, Tom and Travis were best friends. Especially Mark and Tom who have known each other since high school. I watched their show at Big Day Out in Australian in 2000 (my favorite show of theirs) and it's amazing how so much can happen between then and now (granted that things really started falling apart only a few years later during their first split). I love this song because 1) it's from my favorite album (Take Off Your Pants and Jacket) and 2) it's a "secret" song. It's not something you can buy on iTunes. It was originally released as a bonus song on the hard copy album. It's an acoustic song and you can start to hear how the band was drifting towards a more serious tone in this album. Anyways, I love this band. To see them argue publicly like they are doing now tears me apart.

3) Not Now by Blink-182

Usually I'm going to try not to repeat an artist on the same post in my Sunday songs, but this is an exception. The main reason I chose this song was for the music video. It flashes back to some of the most memorable times in Blink-182 history and the song itself is meaningful. This was released as a single not attached to any other album and I like it that way because it stands out. Despite the drama that is happening now, the song comforts me because I'm reminded that whatever happens to the band, the music they've recorded and the shows they played will last forever.

4) There Is by Box Car Racer

Box Car Racer is a band composed of Tom Delonge and Travis Barker of Blink-182 along with guitarist David Kennedy. The band was active between 2001-2003 which marked the years leading to Blink's first breakup. Box Car Racer just might be my favorite Blink side project. The lyrics are meaningful and the songs are packed with emotion. The music video is also worth watching because the emotion of the song is emphasized by looking at the band perform outside in the rain, seeing the expression on Tom's face and the story line that goes along with the video. Also, out of every artist I have ever heard, Tom's voice is honestly my favorite. I can't explain exactly why it is, it just is. And this song, like "Not Now," is comforting. The thought that you aren't alone in how you feel and that you can still find hope.

5) Little Death by +44

+44 is made up of Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker along with guitarists Shane Gallagher and Craig Fairbaugh. They were active between 2005-2009 during the Blink haitus. Mark commented that he will never consider +44 as being "done." Their entire album (they only had one) is mostly filled with sadness and I can't help but think it was largely influenced by the Blink break up. It's nice to hear more of what Mark is capable of vocally because he tends to stick to one sound (vocal range?) in Blink. The song feels like it has a deeper meaning than what I understand it as which is really what makes the album unique. There are a lot of songs out there where they seem pretty easy to decode, but that isn't the case with +44.

6) Everything's Magic by Angels & Airwaves

I've already had one post dedicated to this band and their most recent album, but as a recap, the band was started by Tom DeLonge and is one of the huge reasons he has been less committed to Blink. This song is featured in my favorite AvA album, "I-Empire," and is definitely in my top 3 AvA songs. Like "There Is" and "Not Now," the song is really uplifting. It has the same theme of "you're not alone" within the lyrics. It's one of those songs that can instantly lift my mood. I can remember the first time hearing this song and I instantly knew that this is a song that I will never get tired of.

7) Bleeding Out by Imagine Dragons

Yesterday I watched the new movie, "Project Almanac," and it was by far one of the best new movies I have seen in awhile. The reason I bring it up is because the soundtrack is probably 99 percent Imagine Dragons, including songs from their new album that debuts later this month. It got me thinking about their first album in 2012 and how much I loved it when it first came out. Hearing the new songs in the movie created some high expectations for "Smoke + Mirrors." (On a side note, I highly recommend seeing Project Almanac. You get totally absorbed in the movie and forget about everything else. Also, the actors are all new - no one famous - and they did an amazing job for their first big break.)

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I was worried that I was going to slack on the Sunday songs, and I'm glad to find out I'm not. I know this is only the second week, but I'm really happy with this weekly post idea. Again, if you have any song suggestions, leave them in the comments and I will check them out. Or if you listened to any of the songs I mentioned, you should let me know what you think of them.

Anyways, I wish everyone a good week.


Until next time,

Nikole xx

Blink-182 Lives On

Let's start with what we know for sure first.

Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker announced earlier today that Tom DeLonge "indefinitely" left the band and Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio will replace him for an upcoming show at the Misink Festival in March. Twitter erupted in chaos. It was 2004 all over again. Theories of a breakup and angry questions thrown at DeLonge were everywhere. Just a couple of short hours later, DeLonge posted an update on Instagram that read:

To all the fans, I never quit the band. I actually was on a phone call

about a blink 182 event for New York City at the time all these weird

press releases started coming in... Apparently those releases were 

'sanctioned' from the band. Are we dysfunctional - yes. But, Christ.....

#Awkward #BabyBackRibs

About two hours ago, Rolling Stone released a new interview with Hoppus and Barker clearing up all the rumors. Hoppus even tweeted a link to the interview saying "This is the real deal." In summary, Hoppus and Barker explain that Blink-182 have been trying for the last two years to get in the recording studio to work on a new album. On Christmas Eve, the three of them signed a new record deal. Things were looking up for the band until over time Delonge distanced himself.

There's a flurry of e-mails going back and forth for clarification about

the recording and the show and [DeLonge's] manager sends [an e-mail]

back saying, "Tom. Is. Out." Direct quote. This is the exact same e-mail we

got back in 2004 when Tom went on indefinite hiatus before. -Hoppus

The fans could see that the band wasn't doing that great. We've been hanging around since December 2012 (September 2011 since their last full album) for a taste of something new, but we've been left with nothing. It's not that the band left without saying goodbye. It was obvious to see who was and wasn't dedicated to the band just by looking at the time they saved to go to a studio or what they posted on social media. 

It's hard to cover for someone who's disrespectful and ungrateful.

You don't even have the balls to call your bandmates and tell them

you're not going to record or do anything Blink-related. You have

your manager do it.... Why Blink even got back together in the first 

place [after the first hiatus] is questionable. -Barker

Everyone knows that when Travis speaks up, things are serious. When I first heard all of this news, I couldn't see how Blink-182 could continue. That was before I realized just how committed Hoppus and Barker are to keep the Blink legacy going. If they are this willing to keep going, keep recording, keep playing, then there is no way in hell that I could ever stop supporting this band. Blink-182 means more to me in more ways than I can even explain. There has never been nor will there ever be a band that could be compared to Blink. They began my love for music which I will someday combine with journalism to make a career. I don't know who I would've become or where I would be today if my dad hadn't started playing "What's My Age Again?" or "All the Small Things" during car rides. That may sound dramatic, but we all have that something that means so much to us that we just can't find the right words to explain how it makes us feel. 

I just want to go out and play Blink songs. I want to go out

and play the songs that we've been spending the last 20 years

of our lives writing. That's what Travis and I want to do. -Hoppus

Reading that Rolling Stone article brought up so many mixed feelings. I'm overcome with pride towards Hoppus and Barker that they have finally decided to say something about the matter and directly confront DeLonge in a way that he can't ignore. Also, the fact that they want to continue doing Blink. There are no words to describe how much that means to a fan. We all saw an ending coming, but (for me at least) this has the chance to become a happy ending. Blink-182 is not over. On the other hand, I am overwhelming disappointed in DeLonge. I understand that he has other projects that he may be more committed to, but he could have at least had the decency to directly tell not just his bandmates, but his friends, what the situation was. Mark and Tom have known each other since high school. I don't know any of them personally and I may just be a fan, but I am pretty confident that Mark and Travis deserved better than this. There was no need for his manager to speak for him. Then he posts on Instagram talking about how everything is fine when that entire statement was just one huge lie. Even in the Alternative Press magazine, only Tom was quoted and he directly said that Blink-182 were going to get an album out this year. He just failed to mention that Blink did not include him anymore. 

I just wish Tom does whatever makes him happy and stops

holding back Blink-182 from what we all agree that we're going

to do: play shows, record music, continue this legacy and have

a good time doing it. -Hoppus

To Mark and Travis: I will never stop being a fan of Blink-182 and I could never stop supporting you guys. I wish you and Matt Skiba the best of luck at Musink and I hope I get the chance to get tickets and see you guys. 'Thank you' isn't enough to express how grateful I am that Blink-182 is not dead. Let's continue the legacy.

Long Live Blink, 

Nikole xx

(*I understand that there is Tom's side of the story. Even on Twitter and Instagram, a lot of people have been picking 'sides.' After this Rolling Stone release, I felt I understood more of the situation and it explained a lot of questions I had about the band during the last two years. As far as I know, Tom hasn't released any official statement other than his Instagram post. 

**All of the quotes I used besides Tom's came from the Rolling Stone article which can be found at http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/blink-182s-hoppus-barker-blast-ungrateful-disingenuous-tom-delonge-20150126 )

Sunday's 7 Songs (Week 1)

I'm going to try something new for my little blog that will hopefully get me to write more. Each Sunday, I'll list the top 7 songs that I've been listening to for the past week. (Hopefully, I'll think of a better name for this weekly thing later.) It will probably be a mixture of songs I've had on repeat and new songs I discovered this week. I might change this idea or edit it as I go, but I really wanted to have something that encourages me to regularly update (kind of how youtubers are known to post a new video a certain day of the week). Anyways, here are the 7 songs.


1) Something's Gotta Give by All Time Low

All Time Low released their first single for their new album "Future Hearts" about two weeks ago and I have had it on repeat ever since. It's absolutely amazing. Everything from the lyrics (which are a mixture of motivated and sadness) to the energy produced from the instruments. It's one of those songs that you play in your car or in the shower and you can't help but scream the lyrics. If this is any indicator to how the rest of the album will sound, then I know I won't be disappointed. Their music video has an interesting plot twist, but besides that, it is just as great.

2) Favorite Record by Fall Out Boy

Last Tuesday, Fall Out Boy released their new album "American Beauty/American Psycho." I considered dedicating a post completely to that album, but for some reason I've put it off. I'll admit that I understand why they used the songs they did to promote the album because they were honestly the better half of the album. That doesn't mean the other half was bad. I've had the album on repeat all week, so I can promise the album isn't bad. Out of the new songs released on Tuesday, I've listened to the "Favorite Record" the most. As soon as you press play, the intro beat has your attention. I don't think you can get any sweeter than by comparing someone you love to the song that's been stuck in your head, to every song you've ever loved.

3) Go Go Go by Sleeping With Sirens

A few days ago, Sleeping With Sirens announced the release date of their new album "Madness" and the pre-order came with their single "Kick Me" as well as a new song, "Go Go Go." This song reminds me of early SWS which makes me really happy. The vocals are clear and it's just a fun, upbeat song. Even the music video is filled with the same humor that could be seen in their other videos. The band doesn't sound like they are trying to be something they aren't. I wasn't as thrilled with "Kick Me" as I am with this song. This song has gotten me even more excited for the rest of the album (which comes out on March 17).

4) Up 2 U by Walk the Moon

It's the vocals in this song that really catch my attention. The way Nicholas Petricca (the vocalist) starts the chorus with a little scream It's up to you! has me pumped. I've been happy with the entire "Talking is Hard" album. This song and "Sidekick" really stand out to me, though. There isn't any song on this album (and previous albums that I know of) that sounds anything like this song. I love when artist's throw songs like that in an album. It can either end up being a good or bad thing because sometimes listeners don't want change but it really comes down to what the artist wants to produce and I'm extremely glad Walk the Moon decided to include that song.

5) Shirtsleeves by Ed Sheeran

I listened to a lot of Ed Sheeran today because I was in the study zone and I had a good amount of homework to get done. I'm not sure if there is a particular reason why I play this song (and "Photograph") more than others, but I do. This song, like a lot of his other songs, is really mellow and relaxing. It's a really sweet song, as well.

6) I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic! at the Disco

I blame my sister for this one. I'm not too sure why she's had this song on repeat, but since she has, it's been stuck in my head all week. It's one of those songs where I think everyone knows despite whether they realize who the band is or what the song is called. This song is only a sneak peek to how talented this band really is. In my last post I mentioned that P!ATD have an album in the works and they haven't released any information on it yet, but I'm still hopeful.

7) So Much Better by Eminem

I can't even explain why I've had this on repeat. Over winter break, Kaitz and I played Eminem on repeat for hours and I haven't listened to him as much these past couple of weeks, but there are still some songs I can listen to over and over. Listening to it makes me really miss winter break though.

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I realized that this list is really good to show all the different kinds of music I listen to. I laughed just looking at how I can skip from Fall Out Boy to Ed Sheeran to Eminem. The more I wrote this post, the more I liked the idea about Sunday's 7 Songs. The reason I started writing tonight was because 1) I haven't blogged in two week and I miss it a lot and 2) I was trying to finish up my story for the next issue of the magazine and I cannot word it the way I want to. I thought it was kind of like a writer's block thing, but I seemed to write this pretty easily even if it took awhile for me to come up with an idea on what to write. I'll give another shot at the story tomorrow. I'm really close to finishing it, but for some reason I can't find the right words or phrasing.

Anyways, if anyone has any songs they would like to suggest for me to listen to, I would be more than happy to check them out. I love finding new music or rediscovering old music.

Until next time,

Nikole xx

The Most Anticipated Music of 2015

I got the idea for this post from Alternative Press magazine. Some of the anticipated music I'll be listing is also included in Alt Press's article, but I'm adding my own expectations. 2015 already sounds like it is going to be an incredible year for music and I doubt we barely know even half of the expected music to be released this year.

FALL OUT BOY
American Beauty / American Psycho 
January 20

Little by little, Fall Out Boy have been releasing songs from their album. "Centuries" has been by far the most popular since the song is played everywhere from ESPN to pop radio stations. They have also released "American Beauty / American Psycho," "The Kids Aren't Alright," "Immortals" (featured in Disney's Big Hero 6), "Irresistible" and "Uma Thurman." The songs are extremely promising and set some high expectations for the rest of the album. I've been looking forward to how the band would follow their last album, Save Rock and Roll, since it was such a large success. They've taken a few aspects from that album such as the story-telling technique. Based on their newest music video and comments from the band, the album focuses on an unhealthy love between the "American Beauty," Nancy, and the "American Psycho," Sid. Only a little over a week left until we find out the rest of Sid and Nancy's story.

SLEEPING WITH SIRENS
February

Three months ago, Sleeping With Sirens released their single, "Kick Me." This was the first sound of new music since the release of their last album, Feel (June 2013). The single was followed by another single called "We Like It Loud," which has some more rock vibes than their previous songs. The band decided to end their ties to their previous label, Rise Records, and instead sign with Epitaph in order to work more independently as a band. John Feldmann has also been helping in producing the album. The band is currently on their world tour alongside Pierce the Veil.

IMAGINE DRAGONS
Smoke and Mirrors 
February 17

Imagine Dragons were deemed by Billboard as "2012's Brightest New Stars" and "The Breakout Band of 2013." They also added three more Billboard awards to that list in 2014. Their last studio album was released in September of 2012 which was followed by a live album in April 2013. The band mentioned to Rolling Stone that the new album is mainly rock-driven with more hip-hop influences than their previous work.

THE MAINE
American Candy
Spring

This is one of the most anticipated albums of the year for me personally. I've grown to love this band more and more over the last couple of years and I even joined my first street team to help promote the band. Earlier this week, the band came out of hiding from the recording studio they were living at in Joshua Tree, California. They shut themselves off from the internet and dedicated themselves to the music. There hasn't been any released singles as of now, but they did release information about their new tour (which I have tickets to!). They've mentioned how they brought back some of their early pop sounds and tried to make the album not as serious as Forever Halloween was. The band sounds like they are about to jump out of their skin, they are so excited to release something new.

ALL TIME LOW
Future Hearts
Spring

I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for this album and the new single that premieres TONIGHT. The last time we heard new music was in September of 2013 when the band re-released their October 2012 album as Don't Panic: It's Longer Now! which included some bonus songs. Just two days ago, All Time Low announced on BBC radio the album title and artwork. They were featured on the cover of Alt Press magazine as the most anticipated album of the year and the article by Evan Lucy is absolutely amazing and I recommend everyone to read it. They produced the album with John Feldmann. The band collaborated with Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, Kool Kojak and Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte. I can't think of a better way to describe the band's goals for the album other than how Lucy says it.
"If anything [All Time Low's] goal was simple: harness the parts of their sound that make the band great, amplify them and expand the sonic palette without losing sight of their roots." -Evan Lucy, AltPress

PIERCE THE VEIL 
Spring

Pierce the Veil have been working hard and long on their upcoming album and the only thing coming in the way of them putting on the final details and releasing it is the fact that they are constantly busy on tour. For months now they have been touring next to Sleeping with Sirens and they won't finish until early this summer. The band claims that touring and recording has actually been really helpful because they find a lot of their inspiration for new music while they are on stage and on the road. They plan to design their album based on their performance on stage, including some loud and exciting songs, but not forgetting about the softer places.

TWENTY ONE PILOTS 
Summer

There hasn't been much talk about a new 21P album, but the duo admits that it is definitely in the works and they are very worried about it. It's been quite awhile - two years -  since the guys last released new material. Tyler Joseph mentioned in AltPress that he was scouting in LA for someone to help produce an album. He described that the trouble was finding someone who didn't want to "polish" their sound. I love that the duo are staying close to their roots and not letting anyone change who they are. In the AltPress issue that they were on the cover of, they sounded like they had huge plans for 21P. Despite their confessions of being nervous, I'm looking forward to what they decide to release.

PANIC! AT THE DISCO
Summer

I hadn't heard anything about new P!ATD music until I read the AltPress article. There was an interview in September of last year where Brendon Urie stated that he wasn't sure if the fifth studio album would be a P!ATD album or a solo album, but according to his comment in the latest issue of AltPress, he is calling it a P!ATD album. The band is currently cut down to only two people - vocalist/guitarist Urie and bassist Dallon Weekes - so Urie kind of steals the show whether the music is released as a band or solo. Either way, I'm psyched (despite having to see some really talented guys enter and leave the band). I was impressed with the last album, Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!, which was released about a year and a half ago, so I'm looking forward to see what else P!ATD has for fans.

MAYDAY PARADE 
Fall

Mayday Parade have announced that they are planning to experiment with their fifth full-length album. Their goal is to try to bring the raw human element that is seen on stage into the recording studio and onto the album. Their last album was released in the fall of 2013 and featured the pop-rock sounds that they are normally associated with. The band was traveling on their The Honeymoon Tour during the last few months of 2014 and have some international shows set for this year's spring and summer. I'm crossing my fingers to see them again at Warped Tour this year.

BLINK-182
Late Fall

A new Blink-182 album sounds like a myth nowadays. Their sixth
studio album was released in September 2011 and was followed by the Dogs Eating Dogs EP in December 2012. It's not like they've been sitting around doing nothing. Tom Delonge released an album with his band Angels and Airwaves in December 2014. Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker have been busy with their families and their own side projects. Even though whatever they release won't sound like the Blink most of us fell in love with in the late 90s/early 2000s, a new album is still a new album and it will show the band's growth and how they've changed. Delonge commented that the recording process for the new album will begin early this year and will have a lot of similarities with their self-titled album which was released in 2003. Delonge also mentioned in the AltPress issue that they are currently trying to find the perfect producer for the album. (I want to know why they don't produce it themselves since they all have experience in producing. Maybe they can't agree or something. Or hire John Feldmann because I've become a fan of his but his ideas may not reflect Blink's new sound...) I saw a rumor that they could be touring with Fall Out Boy and Cobra Starship this year, but it's unconfirmed (just think of how amazing that would be though).


**GREEN DAY

"I'm in a hardware store in queens. and this
is on my mind. #greenday15 #thefutureisnow
#greendayforever" -Billie Joe Armstrong on instagram

I have no information on a new Green Day album other than Billie Joe Armstrong saying on instagram that the band has big plans for this year. They released ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!  in September, November and December of 2012 and that was the last time they released anything new. A lot of events have been happening in their personal lives such as Mike Dirnt's wife developing (and beating!) cancer and the band's guitarist Jason White being diagnosed with tonsil cancer (which is said to be treatable). I hope after everyone is healthy again that they will be back in the recording studio soon and maybe even start touring again.



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As you can see, there is so much great music coming out this year. Think about all of the bands who haven't released information about new music or the artists that we may not even know yet. This year is going to be huge. Along with the music, I'm going to be graduating this year!? Actually, it's just four short months away. Then I move into a dorm at ASU and start my journalism major. Last week I interviewed a local band for the first time and while I noticed I have a lot to improve on in my interview skills, I had a lot of fun with the whole thing. On Monday I begin working at my first job at a local community college bookstore. It may not sound like much, but I am so excited to start. The closest I've come to a job is babysitting and tutoring.

I know it's been awhile since I last blogged but I promise to be more dedicated to this site. I've grown to like it a lot. I'm regretting not committing to this earlier. I love getting all my thoughts down on artists, albums, concerts and whatever else.

Anyways, I'm going to list the upcoming concerts I have coming up:

-Run 2 Cover (along with Jonny Craig, Kyle Lucas, Captain Midnite, Down with Webster, and So Loud) (January 17)
-Pot of Gold festival (March 13, 14, 15, 17)
-The Maine (April 3)
-Warped Tour (June 23, not sure if I'm going yet)
-APMAs (hopefully!!!!!!!!!!!) (July 22)

That's all of them for now. Well, I hope everyone's new year is starting off great and I will blog soooon.


Until next time,

Nikole xx