tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31840994014533661192024-03-25T00:15:31.496-07:00sonika's world - all things musicSonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-32464611009882501892023-01-11T06:45:00.001-08:002023-01-11T06:49:30.747-08:00From the Barcelona Archive<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">I’m writing this (short) post from a plane on its way to Barcelona, because that’s what my life has been like lately. I don’t say that in a braggadocious way, but more to emphasize just how chaotic this year has been. It’s been everything I didn’t know it could be: a rollercoaster, a slap in the face, a warm hug and a cold shoulder. I thought 2022 would start to feel like pre-covid life eventually but instead it brought a revival of disco and a pre-recession. Disco was one of the only good things to come out of previous recessions, and I think it’s because when shit really hits the fan we are all just looking for an escape. May that be in the form of a cross continental flight or a playlist of modern music reminiscent of a disco depression era, an escape has been all I’ve been grasping for lately. If you can relate, throw this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/000FNIkbpTt4B0fLCQmH2r?si=fda317793886403a">playlist</a> on and put real life aside for a bit.</span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWPrKG6PktfiOLPjtRaPm-hjGPQHeG1OI38zb5DElhFyE5U44oVZihZEnlmNtVL64xkRWU-Xv7IPN1LeoikVKO6U9yhll0uGfEhfaLB0zj7MIlzJ4gQPCWWiSxVdJ2_EtiWXGqmD7_XXpj_Zej-5gr1xvDJNVGwSPqEYhVZ4q4xuXJwLU977XF6A3/s388/FB1CD30F-7985-4DDC-B3B4-A826B3C9EC08_4_5005_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="388" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWPrKG6PktfiOLPjtRaPm-hjGPQHeG1OI38zb5DElhFyE5U44oVZihZEnlmNtVL64xkRWU-Xv7IPN1LeoikVKO6U9yhll0uGfEhfaLB0zj7MIlzJ4gQPCWWiSxVdJ2_EtiWXGqmD7_XXpj_Zej-5gr1xvDJNVGwSPqEYhVZ4q4xuXJwLU977XF6A3/w400-h300/FB1CD30F-7985-4DDC-B3B4-A826B3C9EC08_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span><p></p><br />Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-16084927910468737632022-06-27T16:51:00.001-07:002022-06-27T16:51:49.866-07:00Continued Evolution<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">Lately I've found myself in a music rut, listening to playlists I made years ago or repeating the same songs - my comfort songs. I have been so busy surviving, going through the motions, that I started feeling disconnected from myself. I couldn't seem to figure out how to get back to the closeness to my emotional center that, for better or worse, I am so used to feeling.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">"</span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">there's something about living life deliberately.. [ext]..listening to songs and creating playlists that excite you and represent your actual mood, not just listening to songs that you've downloaded for years that don't make you feel anything special anymore. It's very easy to stay with what you're comfortable with and it might take a bit of experimenting before you find what feels like a deliberate choice that reflects more of you."</i><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"> <span></span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">In an effort to live more deliberately, I realized how much can change around you when you're not paying close attention. Some of my "comfort" artists, that I would normally rely on for their signature sounds, have been branching out and exhibiting a lot of experimentation in their newer work. <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4j56EQDQu5XnL7R3E9iFJT?si=ZC6oHB65T3GOh-sgLXqC2Q" target="_blank">Young The Giant</a></b> released their debut album in 2004, breaking into the indie scene with a fresh new sound. They capitalized on the lack of indie music at the time focusing on the primary use of strings and acoustics, the violin a prevalent instrument used throughout the project. Over the years, they incorporated more synth, pop-flair, and most recently on their single <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2JLhVqWY3tzTwtjZXbUdnQ?si=f0ec8074f3b04b9f" target="_blank">Wake Up</a></i>, samples from traditional Indian folk music. I'm looking forward to hearing more from their newest project, American Bollywood and experiencing more of their continued evolution. It's been 18 years since their debut, and as we all grow as humans - we can and should expect artists to grow and shift their sound as well. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">I've had a little more trouble embracing this thought process with another long time favorite band - <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gLjJuczGWhqKVMmVpIT52?si=YfuZ0cKVStG5A6us_Uwh2g" target="_blank">Turnover</a></b>. Turnover began their musical journey as a pop punk band, but quickly found a genre seemingly more suitable for their sound - indie surf rock. Their 2015 album <i>Peripheral Vision </i>is a fan favorite, and what most fans would consider the height of their discography to date. I personally hope that with every new release, they will reproduce some of the magic we heard on PV. Their more recent work can be classified as something closer to psychedelic rock, which is a far cry from their pop punk roots. Similar to Young the Giant, their debut was 11 years ago - and I know that when I was 18 I was not nearly the person I am today at 29. Judging music by its quality is fair - but judging an artist's project against different sounds they have experimented with feels like a denial of a natural human evolution. If anything, a band willing to explore and produce albums that can fall into 3 different genres is incredibly impressive. A fluid fan base is something only few artists are able to obtain during their careers, and should be celebrated. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">This has been a time of great evolution in my life, and I can't help but to draw may own parallels to this theme. I have noticed myself leaning into different interests, meeting new people and slowly closing doors to things that no longer serve me in ways that they used to. If we as individuals are given freedom without judgement to be who we want, work and live where we want, drift in and out of relationships - we should extend that grace to the artists that supply our daily soundtracks. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">I hope you enjoy this</span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"> </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ToZ5it1OUg8DcOhV0Z9Ib?si=8835ca65d50c4e8b" style="font-family: "Crimson Text";" target="_blank">playlist</a><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">complete with a few of my aforementioned favorites, Young the Giant and Turnover, a brilliant Father John Misty cover by Lana Del Rey, a few hits off of Soccer Mommy's new album and more. </span></p><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ToZ5it1OUg8DcOhV0Z9Ib?si=25c7026ce1fb4b31" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ToZ5it1OUg8DcOhV0Z9Ib?si=25c7026ce1fb4b31" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAX94FYcSJ1RfRSN7xMJEsrhSZj_bVmFUMkMuV3olIDOxso394lqn0SyHEtkgbIVm7If4LVKm-osvNMLyJwad_HnRqB6CARPN-5Fhl_TaCImLin9sgEHCDrNJ4_6oVyFaCiC8KZOmu1fG-ERqgSSc60HamXVK2drLrPPzWxYLJa-O4cg9PsZ9GAGm/w400-h400/55b6ff62ff27924bce5fcbea9ec2cc7c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator"><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: xx-small;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>art by <span style="color: var(--color-text-default); text-decoration: underline;">hillergoodspeed.tumblr.com</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: var(--color-text-default); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ToZ5it1OUg8DcOhV0Z9Ib?si=25c7026ce1fb4b31" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div><div><div class="linkModuleActionButton" style="display: inline !important;"><div class="zI7 iyn Hsu" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline !important; text-decoration: underline;"><div class="tBJ dyH iFc sAJ O2T zDA IZT swG" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--color-text-default); display: inline !important; font-family: var(--font-family-default-latin); font-size: var(--font-size-300); word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-4254204241135698362022-05-13T09:50:00.000-07:002022-05-20T05:25:29.944-07:002932<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: medium;">2022 has been already carved out its place in the hall of fame of most memorable years. Only 5 months in, that's saying a lot about how this year has treated me so far. I started my year with a bucket list full of items that, if crossed off, would make me feel like I had a gratifying year. Sounds like a pretty simple New Years resolution, but it has truly allowed me to craft my time around enjoyable and attainable milestones. By means of this frivolous "North Star" I crafted in December, I have traveled all over the country... I ran a race with my family & friends, helped a few people in need and I've been drinking better coffee. I've been consuming less by building a capsule wardrobe, and speaking of north stars, I set up a trip to see a show at the Red Rocks with some of my closest friends. On a less <i>utopian</i> <i>coming of age story</i> note, I've struggled to reintegrate into city living, gotten covid, written a lot less, & slowed down significantly on some of my other hobbies. Where there is sunshine, there is usually a little sunburn too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: medium;">I am really looking forward to seeing what the rest of this year holds - as a 29 year old. I started making these playlists when I was 22, living in San Diego. I used to sit at the beach with patchy Spotify service and make playlists because they gave me something tangible to hold on to when I was feeling lost. My most loyal listener actually shares a birthday week with me - Rohit, happy 32nd birthday. The <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63XayIQUmlPnnpMHO0JzQP?si=ca2108fdb68f4038&pt=b2ab2cc0eabbf3a88fd594ca7470a0e1" target="_blank">annual birthday playlist</a></b> is the highlight of my year; it provides me the opportunity to reflect on how far us siblings have come in our lives since this tradition began. Sometimes it's hard to believe how much life has changed, but boy am I thankful to be able to share that with him and with you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; font-size: medium;">The general feel of the birthday playlists changes every year, depending on what type of music I'm into that year, but you can always count on light spring vibes. I framed the energy of this playlist around the new Cannons album, <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6jJSf3YPVS7DBIvgFhyPCd?si=RqoGfA4FSRejL0vABO5uKw" target="_blank">Fever Dream</a>,</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>which has been a source of inspiration in my life recently. Roll the windows down, start at the first song, and think about what would make you feel like you had a good year. Then go do those things, time is of the essence. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63XayIQUmlPnnpMHO0JzQP?si=ca2108fdb68f4038&pt=b2ab2cc0eabbf3a88fd594ca7470a0e1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23MktESTgcOlASEHDUC-qr7t6G6Iz6PsW8cygASKhji7YD8cHGPVzBEP8S_NDL9wpEp6GMnxVolONrUerVRM2V67tOz2i2L7MwMwSTpti5h7iofL5EDr5sf81dRkikgSsWzg4jYqSU-2Qh0a-ycZKNdyfusqwW15fED6zS_JHSzuJRiL4nOYd7Gk1/w640-h480/483531B8-CAC2-401F-8967-4FAA54053C69.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span><p></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-47082550879021754912022-01-15T06:34:00.011-08:002022-01-15T06:56:26.350-08:00The Perfect Playlist ~ By Zane Stalberg<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Anyone who knows me knows that in the past few weeks I have become insufferably obsessed with the music of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2kGBy2WHvF0VdZyqiVCkDT?si=54sR4p1wSEC6mY5vtVkgKQ" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Father John Misty</span></b></a>. As I am prone to do when the moment strikes me, I have delved all the way into a new musical obsession, on a creative and personal level. This particular musical dalliance stems from an interview where the artist in question voiced a sentiment that has always resonated deeply with me.<br /> <br />While discussing the importance of art, he said, </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">“<i>music does very bizarre things when it comes to pain or isolation, or sadness</i>” </span><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">and continued on to explain that the connection you form with an artist is based on the idea that </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">“<i>you’re falling in love with someone who is articulating something for you.</i>” </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">To that end, I posed a simple question to my friends and family: </span><b style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">what do you consider to be a perfect song?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"> <br />I asked because I love, and am inspired by, the way that art can bring you closer to a stranger, but also even closer to those whom are most important to you. For me, there is nothing quite like the feeling of sharing a song, or any piece of art, that you love with someone, and having them say they love it too. Beyond that, in compiling these songs, I could see the ways in which my loved ones have formed a similar intimacy with the songs, and artists, that have shaped them. In the end, what is more endearing than that?<br /> <br />The idea of perfection is subjective, but <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/111ETN0tksOR1jZhzSJDrN?si=995e447228ea4563" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">these songs are perfect to these people</span></b></a>, and in my mind, sharing what you love with the people you love the most is the consummate example of human connection.<br /> <br />ZLS</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZlkWaAB2SfUsvjS2l1mmodFISCPXmtJ4BxKdY0D3v8WGJdhgrW4ZgGm3RI3zLYrzKkuweHgvhvGqCg2KpOMd-XSNcS4pcHs9C-NRY-4-Gw137W8STgicz3NqunaQmUILVITTMa5PJD0t341TyF83F7bGlW44V8oEwCrLG8sQdQ_iWOvO8kgiblY45=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZlkWaAB2SfUsvjS2l1mmodFISCPXmtJ4BxKdY0D3v8WGJdhgrW4ZgGm3RI3zLYrzKkuweHgvhvGqCg2KpOMd-XSNcS4pcHs9C-NRY-4-Gw137W8STgicz3NqunaQmUILVITTMa5PJD0t341TyF83F7bGlW44V8oEwCrLG8sQdQ_iWOvO8kgiblY45=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><u></u><u></u></p></div></blockquote>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-7202043149971284482021-10-29T17:40:00.005-07:002021-10-29T17:54:18.195-07:00Between The Days of Doubt, There's Good<p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">There are seasons of life, striking a parallel to seasons in the weather. They come and go, usually before we are ready for them to end and we have absolutely no control over how long they last. The only thing we can do is enjoy them while we have them, find the little things that make us happy like the changing colors of the leaves or the deep conversations shared in a dark bar while watching the rain. The fleeting moments become the unshakable memories, if only we knew at the time that those might be the most important moments of the season and to cherish them just a little bit more. Something I've always found difficult & unfair about life is that just as something is starting to feel good, it can end. Winter shows up out of nowhere with weeks of rain and frigid temperatures; people you care for suddenly hurt you by showing how equally frigid and soulless they have the ability to be. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Learning how to be comfortable with the uncertainty of life is maybe the hardest thing a human has to do in their short time on this spinning ball of soil and water. The fact of the matter is, there will always be another season - figuratively and literally. When one door closes, you're presented with options of if you want to try another door, walk down the hallway, or exit the building. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">This <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wzNGUOS6vS2sqeTnOXHLl?si=28dff3c16e314d86" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">playlist</span></b></a> is a collection of songs that speak volumes about the feeling of that door closing a second before you are ready. You don't get to change the past, but you do have complete control over how you react to that premature conclusion. Trying to pry the door open is only going to hurt everyone involved; the only viable option is to walk in a new direction with your head held high. With every sludgy, cold end of winter comes a tiny green sprout of spring; for every loved one that withdraws while you're screaming into the abyss waiting for them to hear you, there is someone else listening. Look around, appreciate the people who stand by you when the earth is on fire.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">I took a 4 month hiatus from writing and a lot changed in my life in this last season. I reconnected with some old friends, deleted my most frequently used social media in an effort to be more present, ended a big chapter of my life in the ad agency world and entered a new chapter in corporate America. Not to mention, I saw <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4QMYdqiJf5bEC7P0EHbnxn?si=mfWNjjKrRbO2A0N6hryfoQ" target="_blank">Dead & Company</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1r1uxoy19fzMxunt3ONAkG?si=t1Sme8rcQQe0086CcGqLfQ" target="_blank">Phoebe Bridgers</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yvcSjfu4PC0CYQyLy4wSq?si=BbVnKoTdRSaBSS5_VJ9jdA" target="_blank">Glass Animals</a> </b>&<b> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HWFXU9pHBj0u58yoRwwOJ?si=TYQOmTIwSuenKrcUXXmKvw" target="_blank">The Menzingers</a> </b>live in concert (in person!!) Life has been good. There have been some rainy days, some sweaty summer walks through the city, dinners shared in small towns, and painful fall outs as fall snuck up on us. I'm wholeheartedly looking forward to the start of a new season with love in my heart and good music in my ears. <b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wzNGUOS6vS2sqeTnOXHLl?si=efdde9b5bfaf4c7e" target="_blank">Happy listening and I'll see you all on the other side of that door. </a></span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlZrZU7VIecdZ5QSWPc6aKR688LYxJCi7pdEYMJblGSmRDWEJYgO3m_AjfGKsNj92G_WOyi7igX_n9G-PRw7w0hJceYC-5rfqnqOm47UjPJL1vQI0wqk8qVuNRqz16hZM3nlravqNuugBObXisSn9Ylt-audkavTeI0lPTIaa5NBxHMrOoAJtu2S-b=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlZrZU7VIecdZ5QSWPc6aKR688LYxJCi7pdEYMJblGSmRDWEJYgO3m_AjfGKsNj92G_WOyi7igX_n9G-PRw7w0hJceYC-5rfqnqOm47UjPJL1vQI0wqk8qVuNRqz16hZM3nlravqNuugBObXisSn9Ylt-audkavTeI0lPTIaa5NBxHMrOoAJtu2S-b=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-6723450176617817982021-06-22T11:45:00.003-07:002021-06-22T11:45:44.512-07:00Rainy Days & Silver Linings<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">That feeling of returning from a vacation and having to face real life... now imagine that but after your first vaccinated vacation since early 2020, returning to daily thunderstorms & constant rain. That's where I'm at right now, and why I put together a playlist for my rainy day. We have some new music from <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l0CmX0FuQjFxr8SK7Vqag?si=WXTOFCJnSmGq8xc-GaI2bg&dl_branch=1" target="_blank">Clairo</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZxZlO7oWCSYMXhehpyMvE?si=V1xAt0s4TwuYKRrBF5nJ4Q&dl_branch=1" target="_blank">COIN</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wXchxfTTggLtzkoUhO86Q?si=aj77Pbc0SY-BOWnmfuBlVw&dl_branch=1" target="_blank">Soccer Mommy</a>, and other rainy day all-stars on this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mdUrRUlmbJzXbaINwX4es?si=4eb528d8f62f49e2" target="_blank">playlist</a>. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iMO20EPodreIaEl8qW66y?si=vKHDx-PPRaKolXPR8dEc1w&dl_branch=1" target="_blank">Still Woozy</a> also announced his debut full length album & tour - I dropped his new single on this playlist as well, it's a banger.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">As much as I'm looking forward to all of the upcoming rescheduled tours, the reintegration anxiety has been hitting hard lately. I have so far secured tickets to Dead & Company, Glass Animals & The Menzingers rescheduled tours and my wallet is already feeling a little heat from each new tour announcement. My patch-work solution to the ever present fusion of anxiety, excitement & disarray has been to focus on the present moment and the task at hand. I'm a serial over achiever: juggling a full time job with about 3-4 side projects, a healthy social life and recently replenished concert calendar. Narrowing my focus to the present has allowed me to breathe away the stress of wondering what's next. Inhale the good shit, exhale the bullshit right?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">A little lesson I learned in the pandemic is that life will pass you by a little too quickly when you're too worried about the future, and all of the ways it could possibly go wrong. Stopping for a deep breath and a relaxing music break can really go a long way. <b>So, stop. Breathe. And take an hour to watch the rain and listen to this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mdUrRUlmbJzXbaINwX4es?si=4433b13aaf4e4cb6" target="_blank">collection of chill ass tunes.</a></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mdUrRUlmbJzXbaINwX4es?si=d74d3551abef424b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2BRu18E3kR8j0zD_OQVa8-fh6BAn0Ii_D-vXOJowkLRiTMbmSsvezxJIAqG7R9MW4njJ8XvBnqZisLJjYBFxZZw3n5SihyVhZhQuFfUAoveegIOKdzLqjj051w9qVGo_MyqCfDkzrWY/w300-h400/60D269F0-1C3A-4DA7-AC37-9265B610B793.heic" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-37562860952024878502021-05-19T21:00:00.024-07:002021-05-19T21:00:00.250-07:00Another Trip Around The Sun<p>It's<i> [almost] </i>my birthday! I welcome you to enjoy a little tradition I have with my brother who I share a birthday week with. We are 4 days (& 3 years) apart and are lucky enough to celebrate our birthdays at the best time of year, the end of May. The weather on the east coast is getting nice, summer is around the corner and the vibes are strong. For the past few years, one of my little gifts for both my brother & myself is a playlist to start our new year off strong. As we get older, it gives us a memory to look back on from birthdays past. I've been making these playlists for the last 6 birthdays, and I hope I never stop. </p><p><br />If you choose to join in on our celebration this year, my only request is that you listen to this playlist in order. Some artists that are featured<i> (LDR, girl in red, Tame Impala, Arlo Parks)</i> are frequent flyers that you've seen or heard on other playlists of mine - but most of these artists are actually new to me too. I try to take a step back on birthday week and find some new artists to support. Hope y'all love it.</p><p><br /></p><p>To Rohit: Happy 31st birthday. Thank you for being my first friend. <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74fp0d3xQS49gZIlH4Ki8W?si=bb40ae0a7f094446" target="_blank">Cheers to another trip around the sun. </a> </b><i><-- playlist here.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>& To everyone who has contributed to this blog, read its contents, shared with your friends since it's birth in December 2020, thank you. You are the best birthday present a girl could ask for. ❤</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>some throwbacks:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6xOIEKn8TtzkhEsi4Rg4jf?si=4c18221f9b7145ce" target="_blank"><b>2020 Birthday Playlist</b></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0r9cqAzALatiP9ML145GiF?si=9ff04b4a693e4ad5" target="_blank"><b>2019 Birthday Playlist</b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74fp0d3xQS49gZIlH4Ki8W?si=4376955928244430" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtPefWEo5PFTqpsUNN32YX0TFSs58CT2vWWAETptYdsGtlXXjGGrESaLj9qGwpNQcocADLM_jPbSUpT1OPBE0wCIxuDYPfiamcnnL2QTmW6qBLNyBLIrCbZOG-xtwuYHqiy2QDj94rMA/s0/5.17.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-72839375174634355722021-05-01T06:57:00.002-07:002021-05-01T06:58:45.423-07:00Meditations, Ruminations, and Reincarnation - By Zane Stalberg<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of the most valuable things my therapist ever said to me was, “sometimes you just have to fucking surrender.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crimson Text";">What she meant was, a fundamental part of being human is being imperfect, and that you have to let life come to you. In the spirit of that sentiment, this </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/28EvxGhNJtGHteIzIAntS2?si=qSQ6xuwUSbqy6NVlsd89cg" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crimson Text";" target="_blank">playlist is named Meditations, Ruminations, and Reincarnation. </a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">In the past few months it has been the soundtrack to the time I spend trying to let go of the notion that I can control what path I head down. Or at the very least, that a step in the wrong direction doesn’t mean I’m not worthy of what I want in life. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">To that end, I have come to embrace the fluidity of life. Beyond that, I have come to embrace the fact that being imperfect doesn’t make me a bad person, despite what I have lead myself to believe. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Bruce Lee once said, “Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">When I think about the trials and tribulations of the two years since I was diagnosed with OCD, I think of that. Anxiety can be a constant search for control in a stacked deck where that control is never really attainable. This playlist is dedicated to that journey. It comprises the feelings, both good and bad, of a long, long road. One, that I’m finally starting to see the end of. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">The journey is different for all of us, but what I’ve learned is that while it is easier said than done, letting go of your faults is a good place to start. <b>Sometimes you just have to fucking surrender. </b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">ZLS</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/28EvxGhNJtGHteIzIAntS2?si=qSQ6xuwUSbqy6NVlsd89cg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="464" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ9ii6qTDDRdwCx7PrYY6tOwPZ4TipqDtU5UpfClJ_VXXv7n9jV0bJwGh6KfByMin0FwtYg1yhQRHyyCREPqnftFd3SLUxoliLGDMLePu4KRJar891dHzdcPBZyDLUH0_i-28-JntrhY/" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-91646255066833972682021-04-14T18:35:00.002-07:002021-04-14T18:39:15.684-07:00Artists You Should Know - Volume 2<span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">I'm really excited to publish the second installment of my <b><i><a href="https://www.sonikasworld.com/search/label/Artists%20You%20Should%20Know" target="_blank">Artists You Should Know</a></i></b> series. In the last AYSK post, I wrote up a short bio on each artist and linked their Spotify artist profile. You all are smart & capable -- you can hit up their Wikipedia page or bio in Spotify/Apple Music! For this round of artists, I'm going to share why I chose to feature them instead. These artists and their music all mean something to me, whether it is knowing and believing in the artist on a personal level, or just generally connecting with their music over the years. You've likely seen some of them on previous playlists I've pushed out; they are all very much worth a listen - <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6a41TX78CDCfjX6iADRXGj?si=c39c608e524842ff" target="_blank"><b><i>here is a playlist containing some of their best work</i></b>.</a> <--</span><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Let's go!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dgwEwnK0YtDfS9XhRwBTG?si=tS1vUYN0T2GOSVpjHbq4Ag" target="_blank">Broken Bells </a>- </b>Broken Bells were a band I listened to a lot more in high school, driving around doing things my parents wouldn't approve of and feeling like I was getting away with it. Turns out I definitely wasn't getting away with it - but when <i>The High Road</i> comes on shuffle it takes me back to those days and feels so good. Broken Bells is actually made up of Brian Burton & James Mercer, Mercer being the lead vocalist of The Shins<b>, </b>explaining the similarities between the two bands' sounds. Though their most recent release as Broken Bells<b> </b> was in 2019 (single <i>Good Luck)<b>, </b></i> they were one of my top picks for artists you should know.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/10exVja0key0uqUkk6LJRT?si=6GGB-x4aSN6LiBKJ6MdOgg" target="_blank">Vance Joy</a> - </b>If you play music and haven't tried your hand at covering <i>Riptide, </i>well I mean you definitely have so don't even try lying about it. Vance Joy has other, better songs and was a pretty intense obsession of mine for my formative college years and beyond. <i>Georgia,</i> featured on this playlist, was written about the feeling of peace one finds when you kiss someone you love, and I think that's beautiful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6beUvFUlKliUYJdLOXNj9C?si=YsTTMXqRRy6rHjGTqIxriA" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">King Princess</a><b> - </b>I'll never forget my former roommate turned close friend Lucy telling me she was going to a King Princess concert, me saying I had no clue who that was, and then fast forward a year becoming her biggest fan...and now adding her to a list of artists you should most definitely know. She's incredible live (yes, I quickly followed in Lucy's footsteps and bought tickets to her show), and she writes music that just about anyone can relate to and dance to. She is actually signed to Mark Ronson's label, along with other big names Fiona Apple, Anderson Paak, & Mura Masa.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PzcKmyWwD0qKQADxMuRoV?si=rcjPdi-OR9SkpGHSdxxSdQ" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Shay Dizzy </a><b> - </b>Up and coming rapper Shay Dizzy originally from Baltimore, but now making music and working in Brooklyn, NY is a supremely talented lyricist, artist, and even a writer. He has contributed to Sonika's World with his write up on fellow rapper Mario Judah, <a href="https://www.sonikasworld.com/2020/12/mario-judah-analysis-by-shay-dizzy.html" target="_blank">you can check that out here.</a> His most recent EP, <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1RElAoAAJaFHFXgZsh2WhX?si=qu1YYJ8tRXGUzdVYXdiR9Q" target="_blank">I Feel Dizzy</a></i> , has some serious flow - but his most recent release <i>Coast </i> really hits different for me. This is one artist you will want to keep your eye on. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kIwETcbpuFgRukE8o7Opx?si=gapokvmzRD6xZI50UnzB9Q" target="_blank">Arlo Parks </a>- </b>If you've been following this blog at all you know I'm a huge Arlo Parks fan. I recently had someone ask me if there was an album that I could listen to the whole way through without skipping a song and my answer was <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/42joEEymK7EIHODfNB4yug?si=yDfJ1VK1TjaczrMXyMjLTw" target="_blank">Collapsed in Sunbeams</a>, </i>Parks' debut album released earlier this year. It's easy, Sunday morning listening and anyone I have shared the album with has been a fan so I hope you become one too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7o96HO2zrujyATtVsqGhh3?si=PN_7yOG4QmCnTTUrKcAnuw" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Goth Babe</a><b> - </b>When I think Goth Babe, I think sunshine, SoCal, Molly Quinn, my alternate personality that is always happy, driving with the windows down in the summer & generally all positive vibes. Are you intrigued yet? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1I4C52CIeOfjclmTpWGnHn?si=HBpwUTY9R-C8ZBYn7KD9Eg" target="_blank">Morgan Brock</a> -</b> What started out as a friend telling me that his coworker was releasing an EP, quickly turned into my <a href="https://www.sonikasworld.com/2021/02/morgan-brock-on-her-upcoming-ep-release.html" target="_blank">first artist interview</a> and a new obsession with her music. Since Morgan released her EP <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4jHjRlSOGypnlhcMwzmzcV?si=QViJYzz6Q_G6LRifCOqycw" target="_blank">Stars or Angels</a></i><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>in February, I have not been able to get it out of my regular rotation. When I was recently visiting my old neighborhood beach in Oceanside, I had <i>Bad Sailor</i> come on shuffle... the combination of being somewhere I loved and hearing that song just instantly brought tears to my eyes. <span style="color: #38761d;"><i>You know it's good music when it stirs up emotions and I will stand by that until the day I die. </i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3qnGvpP8Yth1AqSBMqON5x?si=kCbopT6vTpy45R1HnP5duw" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Leon Bridges</a><b> - </b>Leon Bridges makes music for people in love. I am rarely "people in love". I still love his music and I think that speaks volumes. You should know Leon Bridges.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/22nCgEikczPLtGfDdpRroh?si=JOzgEE0VR7uKH2S4zbdCAA" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Papadosio</a><b> - </b>I have previously written a bit about what Papadosio means to me and you can <a href="https://www.sonikasworld.com/2021/03/music-for-your-workday.html" target="_blank">read more about that here. </a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gLjJuczGWhqKVMmVpIT52?si=gNX29WRbRmqeLKC5nK1vkg" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Turnover</a><b> </b>- An open letter to Conor. If you're reading this, thank you for introducing me to Turnover by putting <i>Dizzy on The Comedown</i> on a playlist for me many moons ago. That quickly turned into a Turnover obsession, seeing them in concert 3 times in 2 years, and many wonderful memories made while listening to their music. People like you have changed me in ways you could never imagine by simply introducing me to music that you liked. That's why I write this blog, in hopes of doing that for someone else. Thank you. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/01aC2ikO4Xgb2LUpf9JfKp?si=ZbLrIL_nTAuccESkxIfLCA" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Gary Clark Jr.</a><b> - </b>Okay. I'm about to make a big statement. The first time I heard <i>Bright Lights </i><b> </b>by Gary Clark Jr. I got major Jimi Hendrix vibes. I know, it's bold of me to say but I wouldn't have put it in writing if I didn't stand by it. This is one you will just have to listen to and report back to me with your thoughts. In any case, he is an incredible guitarist and most certainly an artist you should know. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7qhWa7UI1QNZNDnzYwAYZm?si=ONM1U9tqTsie93VbXhYAew" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Vallis Alps</a><b> - </b>This Australian/American duo has about 6 released songs and I have seen them live twice in different cities because those 6 songs are<b> that good.</b> They met long distance and recorded their music for fun virtually thousands of miles apart. I love their story and love their music more.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/14JvlUiS1EmSAXLeYTFCKr?si=6A7E01LpQNWIHVbhXsPnog" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">FirstNameDane</a><b> - </b>From South Jersey, Dane & company make waves (no pun intended) on <i>Surf Pt 2, </i>a song you are definitely going to want to have on your <i>vaccinated girl summer 2021 playlist</i>. Dane and I share a love of rating and reviewing music; you can find more from him, including his recent cover of <i>Creep</i> on <a href="https://www.firstnamedane.com/" target="_blank">firstnamedane.com. </a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZS223C6JyBfXasXxrRqOk?si=NayyGwN4RJyKi9CSu59qJg" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Jhene Aiko</a><b> - </b>Jhene is basically on the Lana Del Rey level of iconic for me. Feeling sad? Put on Jhene. Angry? <i>Triggered </i>by Jhene. Happy? The entire <i>Trip</i> album. Driving? <i>TWENTY88</i> album. Working? Jhene. Partying? Jhene. You get it, now go stream <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5jlE1zlhT3mEWw0mRpN920?si=ONUuUpV8TRyS4spOcIcBtA" target="_blank">Chilombo</a>.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TMHGUX5WI7OOm53PqSDAT?si=qxyQ6Ps3Q4CQXUSuCMiBng" target="_blank">Grateful Dead</a> - </b>Some artists are honestly too elite for this playlist, but you'd be surprised how many people know the name Grateful Dead and haven't actually listened to any of their music. There's a lot more to the Dead than tie dye t-shirts and stories of your parents following them on tour when they were teens. Some superfans would even go as far as putting together a 12 hour long playlist of their live music in chronological order for fun (not me, I swear)... but I would go as far as saying that I want that playlist on as the background music at my funeral. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HWFXU9pHBj0u58yoRwwOJ?si=ZGmwZnNQT_GDSp4a_ZZmWA" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Menzingers</a><b> </b>- My dream in life is to get The Menzingers to let me interview them for this blog, but this will have to do for now. I've written a bunch in the past about how they are one of my all time favorite bands, the band I have seen live most times, and all around really <b>good </b>people. I want to take this moment to quickly shout out their producer, Will Yip, who recently raised over $79K for the AAPI community fund fighting anti Asian racism. He is an incredible talent and you can <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/will-yip-raises-over-78000-for-aapi-community-fund-adds-new-raffle/" target="_blank">read more about his efforts here.</a></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6a41TX78CDCfjX6iADRXGj?si=0b5EKjZJRbqWlo_GioWB8g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="598" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fvfZeywVnp-fB2Uhy-zz5eJdDim_GVeyzGSFWwf84JvTWy4o-xSybZDjUUba6YRNmO3iNN5egkCtqnG_itl8zGEZJPh0FS7Z4Ib6omIR2Rz1b1aj831aEsDZKQnfpCYYxUkYn0nA54s/w400-h400/Screen+Shot+2021-04-14+at+9.03.29+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span></b></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-25233364387896008942021-03-22T16:30:00.003-07:002021-04-14T06:55:24.650-07:00A Lesson on Making the Most of Every Day<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"> It's pretty amazing what a little Vitamin D and ocean air can do. Every time I'm out west I feel like a different version of myself. It feels more natural to be listening to something upbeat in my headphones, something that will pull me up and keep me there. I've been slowly working on a <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pfJLH4uMRD06j7yhGFOUP?si=EeUnX5T_SimNGZR_9b-6_Q" target="_blank">playlist for walking, working, and background music</a> for an outdoor hang...aka the only things I've been doing for the last year. Recently I've been feeling more disco, french pop, indie dance tunes and it's definitely a far cry from my <a href="https://www.sonikasworld.com/2021/02/emotional-motion-sickness.html" target="_blank">emotional motion sickness</a>. We've come a long way! I've learned a lot of valuable lessons in the last several weeks, one of which being <i>make the most of every day. </i>It's no secret that I have very little direction in my life right now and an important contributing factor to me making the most of each and every day is staying present & surrounding myself with positive energy - music being the root of that, as always.</span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Have yourself a listen <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pfJLH4uMRD06j7yhGFOUP?si=l2j1fwJmSHO7DQTJZlGuPA">here</a>. </b>Artists featured:</span><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PwlsrN0t5mLN0C827cbEU?si=8xgv9E48Rieus2m_jrUBmA" target="_blank">L'Imperatrice</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5tOWIviwLM1EIqGAbF8VSU?si=JbiGMJexT2OIu7wAshQUqQ" target="_blank">SebastiAn</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3K2Srho6NCF3o9MswGR76H?si=Glh0AT5bRAm5psSGXlsQnA" target="_blank">Bakar</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FtCyCJCJaxabYO7Uyda5B?si=EcxmdD7VSb-L6SqH_dA6mQ" target="_blank">Cannons</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3S4d3YRNGg2OhnNm3QvfhA?si=d5i0-engT5SocExED7Y69w" target="_blank">slenderbodies</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CiuXDKttPUT0tWGHicFUH?si=qrpR0GLSQjemT2YbpnlyJg" target="_blank">Tim Atlas</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GG2cWaonE4JPrjcCCQ1EG?si=HdtDDrxAQ8yeNoNIHtshmw" target="_blank">SG Lewis</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3l0CmX0FuQjFxr8SK7Vqag?si=4EHBa9MaRyuoWHl9Bt8LcQ" target="_blank">Clairo</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ih9NQR8CkKRwxfN9yXozi?si=yrDr70diTxqP4QRQkIyqTw" target="_blank">Austin Manuel</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/54KTsBl98buzGkELjGlnuU?si=RdnAJFVURXyOH3yNiPGOAg" target="_blank">Active Child</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GmataFSHOSQWxuuUX57Bh?si=-mdQty-zQgSVcKYy4_8A1Q" target="_blank">Jim-E Stack</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/79QpWIZasGxohDwYZrQ4nj?si=u4kVTrUjQyicUsZ9Q2MpFg" target="_blank">Whitewoods</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/46DBxDEHTfHqwqB8jwmqLB?si=UmkG-uXKQrSAOosHmH3mLA" target="_blank">moanday</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4D42J3IJpcTm3zxzmZ7TCV?si=lNdgLY_USrahbHmqt09kmw" target="_blank">The Undercover Dream Lovers</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AGwPDdh1y8hochNzHy5HC?si=U8ytyADwSaajUeY8To-Fcw" target="_blank">RAC</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wg1qvie3KqDNQbAkTdbX0?si=w22QONTTT8uxLPMSHTOBzg" target="_blank">Louis The Child</a></span></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0B2SlMW40Hs9mijOi1cDyf?si=hLLzQC6fRzKRGzy_txJ5Jg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Mr Little Jeans</span></a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KPezj9yK8mv2pHkn7jftz?si=pnZjFTk8Q8W4CidtVNGJXA" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Little Animal</span></a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rp4f58JlRHkk8hpdLCer1?si=cHmVPzd7SzGi-fKbOmVHzA" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Videoclub</span></a></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><i>And since I know you all are wondering, yes I listened to the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6QeosPQpJckkW0Obir5RT8?si=CuQ3zapOTY2_icnhiyx0eA" target="_blank">new Lana album</a>....and I have feelings about it. Not great ones. Stay tuned for a more official opinion in my next post. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pfJLH4uMRD06j7yhGFOUP?si=Jc1R7a6JRi2h3m8lGn8uGQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy6SSS91r7B1FRLlyxlVwr-LW0CdA26d-IneMfbPeXxygkBfEX5IquiZ6U8T0IHBiRnPehGfr9SvrJh65MhxAE00GUYuP9ExXoME29LhDmzlijyL5Ku6nWaSkQbU2FJIDR20UDq1vacY/w300-h400/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><p></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-17888948560750829092021-03-10T08:43:00.001-08:002021-04-14T06:55:17.979-07:00Goin' Back to Cali<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Since I am (<i>temporarily!</i>) moving back to San Diego this week, I figured I'd bring an archived <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15p02z94aMuSRipoDWamV7?si=ekS65sEpRl-ociC9hVqg4w" target="_blank"><b>playlist </b></a>out of retirement from my first move out west in 2015. This <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15p02z94aMuSRipoDWamV7?si=ekS65sEpRl-ociC9hVqg4w" target="_blank">playlist</a> </b>was my way of feeling connected to my new home, adding music that my new friends suggested to me - good vibes only. I was 21 at the time, with no idea how to live on my own and secretly full of fear. I took everything day by day and with my brother's expert advice - I faked it till I made it. I am super excited to bust out of quarantine for a change of scenery on the golden coast; part of me definitely feels some parallels to my first move. I've been reading a bunch of articles on reintegration anxiety that have been resonating with me big time. How do you go from being locked up for a year with little to no social life to flying across the country and attempting a reset? I'm excited to share more of this experience with all of you and start the process of getting back to "normal." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">In the mean time, enjoy this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15p02z94aMuSRipoDWamV7?si=ekS65sEpRl-ociC9hVqg4w" target="_blank"><b>collection of songs from 2015</b></a>. This playlist brings back memories from some of the days when I felt most free.<i> *Picture yourself at the beach, when the idea of masks and a global pandemic would have sounded like a far-fetched joke.*</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvttm5H_h_-JLhvX3tGYhfZ_Taf5TN0fHIdv4wKgeRue8KHQUJajAY4U9ZOlVwlf2Sc3Eqt4pUDaHFP4oV1tXDidezEh-OohouSul0J8xAsjj1LIfD50vQ5kdx6xp4O8Eg_aL14PrRn30/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvttm5H_h_-JLhvX3tGYhfZ_Taf5TN0fHIdv4wKgeRue8KHQUJajAY4U9ZOlVwlf2Sc3Eqt4pUDaHFP4oV1tXDidezEh-OohouSul0J8xAsjj1LIfD50vQ5kdx6xp4O8Eg_aL14PrRn30/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-15817456043328045202021-03-01T17:51:00.002-08:002021-03-01T18:14:34.682-08:00Music For Your Workday<span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">The title of this post really sums up whatever I'm about to say here, so if you're as busy as I have been lately, skip to the<b> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7K2FlYIMVLwLzYktS2HCBt?si=0YzaPvzRQtqIjUmojESLTg" target="_blank">playlist</a></b> below and get your groove on. </span><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">I've been inspired to put together a playlist of music for my work day by my coworkers who have been sharing some super groovy tunes with me, as well as by a recent need to stay more focused during the day. I can usually vibe out during my 9-5 to just about anything; as my work evolves, so does the music I can play and stay tuned into what I'm working on. Recently, I've found that lofi artists and jam bands from my high school days have been the perfect mix for me. Most of these lofi artists were recommended to me by Spotify, so I can't take credit for them, nor do I have some great story as to how they landed on this playlist. On the other hand, some of my favorite jam bands also make an appearance - and I could talk about them all day. If you haven't poured hours & energy <i>(I'm talking like driving 2+ hours to get out of our small town to the nearest city with a music venue as often as possible)</i> packed into a crowd of people on a psychedelic cocktail grooving to Lotus, Papadosio, STS9... we probably wouldn't have gotten along very well in the late 2000s. ;) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">No need to take my word for why this music quickly made its way onto my list of artists I regularly listen to 10+ years later - listen for yourself <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7K2FlYIMVLwLzYktS2HCBt?si=UcsSIl1ZS-ey2jTU8AeKaQ" target="_blank">here</a> </b>and good luck with that work project you've been avoiding. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">*<i>shoutout to my older brother who went to the ends of the earth to see these bands with me when I was 14, 15, 16 because he knew my parents wouldn't let me go with anyone else. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7K2FlYIMVLwLzYktS2HCBt?si=zsvBy9tfQPa_MHwFxmfG6w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMImyhGEegEFXTF1QjhQypg1ixUWwTUPt-yP0WBx-fG4zDsRlCvOQKiAf_hjIWneQ6wYWnvWlJaqQ9-N5_Hr56k1ziIc2_U-XOxO7HJ0aStKFPkgkGu72FMz2Ej1yK-ubtzBzbK68jzs0/w400-h315/P1020623-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>photo from Lotus in Boston - August 2009</i></div></i></span></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-74031866183027487052021-02-18T21:00:00.003-08:002021-02-19T05:07:47.227-08:00Morgan Brock on her Upcoming EP Release: Stars or Angels<div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In a lovely twist of fate, the stars aligned and I was introduced to <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1I4C52CIeOfjclmTpWGnHn?si=B_ezMc3hRp6ZUaQLxlN1Fw" target="_blank">Morgan Brock</a>'s music through a mutual friend (thanks Pete!) just days before her newest EP release. I was seriously blown away by her diverse range and powerful vocals. I quickly found myself listening to her singles on repeat, curious about her inspirations and the meanings behind her stories. Morgan agreed to tell us a little bit more about her background and the motivation behind her upcoming EP, <i>Stars or Angels, </i>available on all major streaming services on 2/19. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1I4C52CIeOfjclmTpWGnHn?si=tnQenIDlTa-NGvDbPm5p6w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kLt8X5h8S2PweeaJlQ5a5tdMl96qhH_XrAf7iGiCo7CySWyi4Hgbezx-wSMPXFXtq1smRTe3XsnjluFm05b7u41h_dobPCjOtfjEIbSG1O3TSjLQozRTzOoMuHxGF4R6Z_mgP324t7s/w320-h320/Stars+or+Angels_art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sonika: I love the lyrical nod to the pandemic with “s</span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tand six feet away</span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” in </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hold My Own Hand. </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How have you been able to stay creative in the age of COVID? </span></span><div><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Morgan Brock: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">The few things I need to be creative are time, a room with a window, and something important to talk about, which 2020 certainly provided. Also, wifi helps! Zoom co-writes are the future, but they don’t come without awkward mute to unmute transitions and audio issues, but it is pretty incredible to connect with people around the world. This past year kept us from the experiences and people that inspire art, so I had to either pull from the vault or write about the now. The world is hurting collectively but in such a uniquely isolated way, so “Hold My Own Hand” felt like the only reasonable way to console myself literally and lyrically. I feel profoundly blessed to have experienced this past year from a safe home with good people nearby. It gave me time to be still. I’ve never been this creative or productive in my life and I went to art school, where we pulled all-nighters.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span><div><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">I imagine you are unable to tour at the current moment. Do you see a tour in your future?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: Before March 2020, I performed a few times through Sofar Sounds in NY, where I used to live, and I recently opened for rising country artist Lily Rose at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta. I hope to perform more in the future. To be honest, I feel more comfortable as a writer or a creator, rather than a performer, which I think comes from my visual art background. In my opinion, as a visual artist I have the luxury of creating behind closed doors, before cutting the umbilical cord to detach from the art, allowing it to perform on its own. Musicians have to recreate their art over and over again, like an athlete, but with a broken heart.<br /></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-a4542fb3-7fff-0665-ff21-8c00690628bd"><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">What’s your creative process like? Do you write all of your own music?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b098c720-7fff-e0f8-ec2f-ab03f1ba871f"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do write my own music! Each idea comes to life in its own way, whether I have a passing thought, a memory, or something I overheard. From there, I work out the story with my guitar. Some of my favorite songs I don’t remember writing, which is usually when I know I am on to something. The story starts to tell itself and nothing is forced. You also have to be okay walking away from an idea. It will reintroduce itself naturally, if it’s worth chasing. Also, Nashville has an incredible co-writing community, which is great for writing more commercially, across genres, or from someone else’s perspective. It’s also just super fun and a great way to meet people.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">I heard a lot of Mazzy Star, Stevie Nicks, maybe a little Grace Potter in your sound. Who are your influences? </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: I am so stoked you mentioned Grace Potter. I truly worshipped her back in the day and still do, especially the “Grace Potter and the Nocturnals” 2010 album. I am equally excited you hear influences of Mazzy Star and Stevie Nicks, because we actually used a Mazzy Star song as a reference track for Comeback Kid on the Red Chair EP. So good ear! Landslide was the first song I learned when I was 15 from my guitar teacher Marian Mereba (MEREBA), who is an incredible artist. Her blending of genres and lyrics are super powerful. You should check her out if you don’t know her! I have been told before that I have similar tones to Stevie, which is crazy cool and makes me laugh because my mom is not the biggest fan of her sound (everyone please forgive her), but I absolutely try to channel her through my music. Growing up I listened to rock, British rock, my mom is from England, so Queen played in the car a lot, obviously accompanied by Sheryl Crow. I am currently inspired by the sounds of Angel Olsen, Molly Parden, Bon Iver, Waxahatchee, Big Thief, Phoebe Bridgers, Courtney Marie Andrews, Sharon Van Etten, Savannah Conley, Lady Lamb, First Aid Kit, and many more!<br /></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">Who is your dream collaboration?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay I have two dream collab ideas. </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-0940d996-7fff-ec33-2d9b-9e27467f24f9"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. I’d be super down for a male/female duet situation with Kristian Matsson (Tallest Man on Earth). He is an incredible songwriter and guitar player, and I really dig his voice. It’s so textured and raw with crevices that tell stories of their own. Also, I already met him! The day I moved from Brooklyn to Nashville, my boyfriend and I ran into him in the car rental shop, but we only passed along a classic “we are big fans of your music” then grabbed the keys and ran. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. This one isn’t genetically possible, but since we are dreaming, I’d love to be in a sister band, like HAIM or First Aid Kit or the Staves, who are from my mom’s hometown in England. So maybe we are somehow related? So again this is genetically impossible, because I don’t have sisters, only a brother, but since we are dreaming, then Maggie Rogers, Faye Webster, Julia Jacklin, and I are quadruplets in a band together.</span></p></span><span><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">You mentioned you’re working full time. How do you find a balance between a full time job and staying consistent with your music? Do you have plans to make music full time in the future?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: It’s tough but also great for me. It removes any financial obligation from my art, which is super liberating. I also work a lot harder and better with constraints knowing that my hours of doing music are limited around my working hours. Of course the dream would be to pursue songwriting and music full time, but I’m being patient. My brain is also super split left and right, so I am pretty well fed throughout my day, between the 9-5 and writing songs, so I sleep very well at night!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><div><span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m a huge fan of </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Saw a Ghost </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comeback Kid </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">from your Red Chair EP. So far, the singles from Stars or Angels seem to have a bit of a different tone, maybe a bit darker or more honest - very relatable. Would you like to comment on that at all?</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: Thanks so much and totally! You can hear and feel a younger girl figuring out her sound and story in that debut record. I actually wrote and recorded most of those songs back in 2017/I8 and held on to them before releasing in fall of 2019. I even debated wiping them from platforms before releasing new music, because I have grown so much since writing and recording them. In the end, I am super proud of Red Chair, the people I worked with, and that younger version of myself. It is a journey and you can hear it. Sometimes I can’t believe I made those songs happen in a city where I knew no one, nothing about the music industry, and had never stepped foot in a recording studio. I was super open and impressionable to my surroundings while recording those songs, because I felt inexperienced and ill-equipped to have strong opinions. I am thankful to that experience, but afterward it meant I needed to figure out my style and vision, which moving to Nashville was pivotal in my development as an artist and songwriter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">What’s the inspiration behind your upcoming EP, Stars or Angels? </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These 6 tracks are definitely a wintered debut of what I’ve been writing and feeling over the last year or more. The songs are dark sounding and portray a sense of wayfinding and questioning of perspective. I spend a lot of time in between different emotions and realizations within these songs. I can be quite mercurial, so there is a flighty shift between humor and despair, that I hope feels authentic and relatable. “Stars or Angels” comes from a lyric in the final track “Upstairs”, which is a song about finding peace in this life, with the hope of what comes next.</span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">Anything you’d want listeners to keep in mind as they make their way through it?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I want listeners to understand that these 6 tracks are part of a larger collection of songs written over the last year and half. I did not have a map of where these songs were going, how they would communicate with each other, or how I would deliver them to anyone, until my producer, Asher Peterson, and I finally came up for air and realized we had recorded 18 songs. So, we pressed pause, got organized, and arranged them in a way that was not only digestible for the audience, but also for me as well. I really needed to stop and reflect on the art we created and what it all meant.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span><div><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">Can you give our readers any insight into when we can expect a full length album?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: Yes! Like I mentioned, we started recording 18 songs, which we are now finalizing for a full-length record. One of the songs I wrote with my good friend and Toronto based artist, Bryn, which I might release closer to spring, but I’ll let you know when I know! I am hoping to drop some more breadcrumbs throughout summer before releasing the final project closer to fall. <br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">What’s the best advice you’ve been given?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MB: </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2598cf68-7fff-7fea-ad49-7a1f6d57432e"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I can be stubborn and really bad at taking advice or receiving help, so I should probably start there. I have learned that it’s important to speak up and remember we are all human, with spells of self-doubt. Figure out what you like and stand by it.</span></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Morgan, thank you for your willingness to chat and give us an inside look into your work.</span></b> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Find more from Morgan here:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mo.brock/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1I4C52CIeOfjclmTpWGnHn?si=LlX3vswmQbqAgI1tO-7ENw" target="_blank">Spotify</a></span></span></div><div><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4jHjRlSOGypnlhcMwzmzcV?si=SrHnhbi_QnGOeAES3bx0Gg" target="_blank">Stars or Angels EP</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1I4C52CIeOfjclmTpWGnHn?si=FN5SyLOKSfO-QGwZi9Hkyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOGG3PMF-eRWKeap46xLVy02J0uNG1rp7wQXG7Ksa5VWEgiXPwpKrzdiYXJ_3X7xST8P6uQQs1mTfPMRLIIlac9RNj-pwBJu3VeksSyynZolFAZiQLFxy24DYgku4N7nbhfpFHCLxmDU/w400-h266/IMG_2200.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-30108220660426092192021-02-12T15:11:00.005-08:002021-05-01T06:58:37.174-07:00Super Monster - An Album Review<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Releasing their first album (and the first album coming out of <i><a href="https://saddestfactoryrecords.com" target="_blank">Saddest Factory Records</a>)</i> Claud is definitely my pick for breakout artist of the pandemic, and possibly of the year. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1S0ZLW9sEo7yb5wKxYSeYp?si=nS6h9jnBQw-Xi-Qq51iHJQ" target="_blank">Super Monster</a> is a very rich, queer love album that absolutely anyone at any age can relate to. This is a masterpiece and I'm expecting some really big things from Claud in the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Opening the 37 minute album with <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5SDbuA9RhdCE40sWQtkD7I?si=bS_SlqtlQ_ymmmYNnnXavQ" target="_blank">Overnight</a>, Claud examines the steps to turning your relationship fantasies into reality. The feeling of finally getting something you've been longing for, and then rushing it...maybe even ruining it, is so relatable; I love this as an opening track. It sets the tone for the adolescent, high school love vibe that is so present in the singles. Quickly shifting into </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2H5PwGbhDLicNH2x9nowsn?si=yu5MwISYQjeE94tUO0DDhA" target="_blank">Gold</a> with standout lyrics: "</span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">I know it's a problem I like falling into your arms. I'm too optimistic for thinking this will work out without an emotional night where we both break down." </i><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">How 21 year-old Claud manages to take a heartbreaking story and mold it seamlessly with a bedroom pop melody is pretty incredible. I have been playing this song on the way to the gym in the car and singing the lyrics without realizing how much I actually relate to them. Striking a similar tone with </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7G47Ba9JiHkzl3JLYD0zJ4?si=UEliC0HwSRyWeFNE1xNrPg" target="_blank">Soft Spot</a>, every line alternates between themes of pain and simultaneously hope that there is a future in the relationships that Claud is reflecting on. An exceptional track, </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5p83068HiyfmJ7ypjYAlmw?si=1lYRZcwsTOym_7DSgGNZMw">In Or In-Between</a> shows Claud's diverse range and their upper register. My heart started beating so fast hearing the tension in their voice when asking "</span><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: "Crimson Text";">are you in or in between, tell me tell me what you mean [can you spell it out for me]."</i></p><p><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: "Crimson Text";"><br /></i></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">The smooth flow of the first half of the album takes us to the innocent <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/71ygECRAwecbpqK5MYlpVq?si=lFm5PzNnRDO3M00h14AD2Q" target="_blank">Cuff Your Jeans</a> - donning an incredibly catchy melody. The hook "<i>now we're getting close"</i> is a sweet change of pace from the other singles - all carrying a theme of a break or breakup. I love that this song represents the early stages of a relationship, when everything is exciting and full of hope. The trackless begins to take a more volatile turn, dipping down with</span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5d57QEDvRzZybK0ASIHKo1?si=_AEpl7JrSCqMS0at4ApzfQ" target="_blank">Ana</a> ft. Nick Hakim in the form of a love letter, or rather a break up note? I got chills when I realized what the message was in these lyrics. There is an expression of desire to do bigger things, independent of the relationship, that feels a little too familiar. </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">By this point with <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6S8yc3BtzAFvFhjbnL8bTT?si=5_Bq237OTuia5UxnmC0bdg">Guard Down, </a>I'm starting to wonder if I can relate to this album so much because mentally I'm still in high school lol. There is a real Taylor Swift </span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">Fearless</i><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"> vibe happening here with the notes to self on not letting your guard down. About halfway through, the lyrics start to get a bit repetitive. </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4iDbH9ySrDlg7iBA0tq7Eq?si=FBdljJ9ASWmOZu86yjosOw" style="font-family: "Crimson Text";" target="_blank">This Town</a><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"> is basically a King Princess song in Claud's voice. I liked it, but it felt unoriginal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">We are now recovering from the hangover of the previous two tracks with the thirst-quenching </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4aWnAJh12u2XqtN4Afg6Az?si=XKGfdt0USf64FxOG9TgOkQ" style="font-family: "Crimson Text";" target="_blank">Jordan</a><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">. </span><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">The city themes throughout the album, but especially on this track, bring me so much pre-covid nostalgia. I love the line "h</span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">ow do I reach you baby I've been thinking lately that you're too good for me." </i><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">This is the most raw song on the album and I really appreciate the slower tempo and dreamy background vocals. Just as we were beginning to find more depth, </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4mNP7imtIFG7lON26wi1IA?si=nAFCktAwTKm2jVwE7aie8A" target="_blank">That Mr. Bitch To You</a> ft. Melanie Faye started to give me Avril Lavigne pop punk messiness and was the only song I skipped before reaching the end.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"> I had my mind absolutely blown by the opening line of Pepsi, "</span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">I hate that you told me to masturbate instead of coming over," </i><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">and certainly not for the reasons you may believe</span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">. </i><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">My thoughts immediately went to a recent </span><a href="https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe8jfspr/" style="font-family: "Crimson Text";" target="_blank">trend of folks recalling the craziest opening line of a song</a><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">. Many people took this opportunity to revive </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/10/lana-del-rey-cola-harvey-weinstein-speculation" target="_blank">Lana Del Rey's Cola from the Harvey Weinstein hell hole</a> it has fallen into. It seems as though the Cola opening line, "m</span><i style="font-family: "Crimson Text";">y pussy tastes like pepsi cola" </i><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">now seems to have some competition with an suspiciously similarly named track.<i> </i>I'm here for it though. Taking another note from Lana, our first and only melancholy track in the 12th spot on the album - </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1rbAXh5yl89ugzKFZlssJ4?si=kyGKOcaCQCqMYPDqzLMbsQ" target="_blank">Rocks at Your Window</a>. Lastly, </span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5eclXr4TPuibgJxD7iGort?si=nD_TdfXyQfmgFA8Vgk8Uzw" target="_blank">Falling with the Rain</a> ft. Shelly is an airy, dreamy positive closing note to a well rounded and masterfully produced album. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">H/t to <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1r1uxoy19fzMxunt3ONAkG?si=8Yv8NtpUSRKFBt2jxg1uhA" target="_blank">Phoebe Bridgers</a> for discovering some serious talent and giving them the space to be so fearlessly themselves. Whether you are going through something good, bad, or ugly you will find a relatable track on this album and that's what makes it a breakout track list in my opinion. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1S0ZLW9sEo7yb5wKxYSeYp?si=OSBqxt1KRtS4159QOjKq7w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m_bh6D_CzVgdBMYsOQkIB1jSCd7YIrJSpnXiymKtdjk7PLwCk-WnB5JcMDcqnY4PPoqnghX1zVja8OqHPZ0FIuGlVdBmMOQPPhakSv9TtWlC4NAG05DpYqI2WtwU_vTOUPI_bQ44wsA/w400-h266/Claud-Super-Monster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-8989229058470503502021-02-11T12:23:00.005-08:002021-05-01T06:58:25.912-07:00Pick Me Up - by Sky Hanson<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s that time of year again. The impending Valentine’s Day weekend that falls on a Sunday. Now whether you’re into celebrating it or not- I like to take it as an opportunity to reflect on my closest relationships whether they be family, friends, or romantic. It’s been a hell of a past year for everyone and I’m sure we’ve grown closer to some people in our lives and distanced from others (and not just bc of those CDC guidelines lol)</span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5cf3c70a-7fff-c576-fa0a-0bb000677c7d"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2cwhfFhqtQ20bcuUtEc5wL?si=jymY2CQaQZWryGBIwOrxsg" target="_blank">post</a> is for my girls. My hype women. The ladies who light up my WhatsApp daily and make life so much more joyful. The one’s I am so grateful I still get to see in SoCal and the one I am missing so much these days <i>(spoiler: it’s you Sonika)</i>. Through random chats, therapy sessions, encouragements, promotions, moves, break ups, new chapters - I wouldn't be the woman I am today without them. So here’s an appreciation playlist to the friends who love you through it all and always strive to pick each other up!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My forever Valentines.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><3</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sky</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2cwhfFhqtQ20bcuUtEc5wL?si=jymY2CQaQZWryGBIwOrxsg" target="_blank">Tracklist</a>:</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Tokyo Nights </i>(Shout out to M for sharing this one!)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Out of My League</i> (rediscovered this 2013 Fitz jam a couple months ago...yes, you are out of his league babe)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>To Be Young</i> (28 is still very young right?)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Easy</i> (I love that sweet Troye Sivan and I snuck a little country vibe on here with Kacey)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>So Close</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Blonde</i> (got to have a Glades song for Sonika and the updates that she’s gonna dye her hair purple in lieu of blonde lol)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Dancing in the Moonlight</i> (I really like this cover)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Be Fine</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Dance Dance Dance</i> (Astrid S is an angel- a group favorite)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Violet </i>(for my fellow Scorpio soulmate Safia ily)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Be Cool</i> (bc we never are?)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Dr. Jones</i> (some nostalgic silliness of Aqua for Lulu)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Thank You For Being A Friend </i>(yes, that’s a remix of the famous Golden Girl’s theme song from the My Little Pony movie courtesy of Lulu)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I Love You Always Forever</i> (Betty Who’s cover of a Donna Lewis song for some Vday lovey dovey vibes)</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2cwhfFhqtQ20bcuUtEc5wL?si=jymY2CQaQZWryGBIwOrxsg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm44hn0bK1gL9j_sNAPbE5_fRguWt9qnkpQsdlpT6i18v_IypXvNNgXKCfCKIXQ-4762x6JNNSy0_ZATu7OpIt5yoBKMV48qNokSg5cFOOmchmWHj9Ad_ZEKF_iOf2TJv-HKXuTj_O5g/s320/71l6wwf7nvL._SL1425_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></span></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-28435765170756965602021-02-08T18:04:00.009-08:002021-02-11T12:21:43.547-08:00Emotional Motion Sickness <p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="color: #990000;">Disclaimer: <i>This is not an anti valentines day post!</i> I have had these songs on repeat for the last few weeks as I've been going through ... an interesting time in my life. Without getting too deep into the trials and tribulations of my personal life - I want to share a bit of my experience through this</span> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1HtNrq2LjSAl23TZPKzLVh?si=kq50tfjlT16qEJIj-YRUrg" target="_blank">playlist</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span>Starting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1HtNrq2LjSAl23TZPKzLVh?si=kq50tfjlT16qEJIj-YRUrg" target="_blank">playlist</a> out with <b>Eugene</b>, by the ever so talented Arlo Parks, I couldn't get the line "</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: italic;">Seein' you with him burns, </span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: italic;">I feel it deep in my throat, y</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">ou put your hands in his shirt, y</span></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-style: italic;">ou play him records I showed you."</span><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: #202124;"> </i><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">out of my head. Something about knowing you shared a piece of your life (like me, sharing music that I love) with someone and knowing they introduced it to their new boo is like... the worst feeling in the universe. I could feel her pain deep in my soul with that one. Jorja Smith's </span><b style="color: #202124;">Goodbyes</b><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"> carries us through her journey of losing someone and never knowing when your last goodbye will be. To the surprise of no one, I truly can not get myself to stop listening to <b>Motion Sickness </b>by Phoebe Bridgers these days. "<i>I have emotional motion sickness, somebody roll the windows down. There are no words in the English language I could scream to drown you out." </i>I mean.. come on Phoebe! Somehow managing to put my feelings into lyrics time and time again. The last few weeks have felt like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster, every day showing me that I have absolutely no idea what the </span></span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">next will have in store for me. The emotional motion sickness is in high gear over here right now.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">Session 32 </b><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">is the perfect follow up, with Summer Walker starting out with a real "fuck you" attitude ("<i>threw away your love letters, I thought it'd make me feel better")</i>, and then with a complete 180: <i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">"I'm sending you one text at a time, I know you're by your phone so boy pick up your line." </i>I love that this song is acoustic, really brings a level of authenticity to the message. I have been absolutely obsessed with<b> </b>Claud for the last few months and their debut album is dropping Friday - basically the only thing I've been looking forward to lately. <b>Soft Spot </b>could be a page out of my journal and I haven't related to a song on this level for a long time. I can't wait to see what else Claud will be bringing to the table on Super Monster. Stay tuned for an album review coming soon. Ah, we've arrived at the rollercoaster's peak, <b>Wasted Love.</b> Jhene Aiko's freestyle has been my shower anthem for years, but really hits different when you can relate to the lyrics...with some creative liberties of course. I should mention that all of these songs are someone else's experience and there are bits and pieces that really hit home for me or resonate in some way. <b>Remember Me </b>by UMI represents a really beautiful experience in my opinion. When connections fall apart, I always wonder if people will remember the good times, the happy memories and the feelings associated with them. UMI's voice is also absurdly mesmerizing and I've really enjoyed getting to know more of her work.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">Did you think I would make a playlist about my feelings and not have some LDR on there? <b>Norman Fucking Rockwell </b>has the best opening line of any song/album ever and that's all I really have to say about it. You're going to have to listen to this one for yourself. My favorite line from the song is actually, <i>"y</i></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-style: italic;">ou act like a kid even though you stand six foot two, s</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-style: italic;">elf-loathing poet, resident Laurel Canyon know-it-all, y</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-style: italic;">ou talk to the walls when the party gets bored of you."</span><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><i> </i>Seriously genius.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;">Okay, time to party while being sad...<b>The Less I Know the Better </b>by Tame Impala has been one one of my repeat car bops recently. How can you really be sad about the person you love leaving a party with someone else when you drop some synth, groovy guitar and a funky baseline behind the lyrics? I don't have the answer to that but Kevin Parker might. </span><span style="color: #202124;">I know I've put </span><b style="color: #202124;">Godspeed </b><span style="color: #202124;">on another playlist recently but the lyrics really fit well into this one. Frank Ocean knows exactly how to take the feeling of a <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">rollercoaster</span> ride coming to a slow halt and put it into a cathartic, peaceful poem full of relief. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Crimson Text;">Closing out the ride with <b style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Pray For You</b>, 1 minute and 40 seconds of Jhene Aiko's sweet voice reassuring me that I'm not a monster because I can truly relate to the sentiment of this song. At the end of the day, <i>"never will I ever not wish you well." </i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1HtNrq2LjSAl23TZPKzLVh?si=t785ij7jT9q-k49nk2oBkw" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUE-4Wxh23pFuj_2iN3tvPAsArSrCv0Qhcg8Xxsa5KBepOkca7r0sNOwioJHCjh3B7PY00mYVuJom5oTz3MZI3ZYGSYFcsdKrAxVEFyfv_P6R7qyF6bSDqpUUNDPIdYAea4ubYzuXKgg/w335-h400/491516A7-9877-4DD5-B3BE-D00F131756E6.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span> <span> <span> </span> <span> </span></span></span></p><p></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-54507495420628574822021-02-01T06:18:00.002-08:002021-02-11T12:21:53.799-08:00A little pop, a little punk, & a little Drivers License.<span style="font-family: helvetica;">I've had this playlist in progress for a while now, and never felt like it was perfect and ready for others to see. Isn't that silly? I used to make random playlists with anywhere between 8-25 songs, no rhyme or reason what was on them; I just made them for fun for me and my friends to enjoy.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">After starting this blog, I started to feel like I had to be super consistent with producing content and playlists that people would enjoy. Though I was trying to be really purposeful about not letting that happen, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I started reading into it all a little too much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anyways, that's not what this post is about. This post is for the people who never grew out of their side swept bangs, dark eyeliner, all black wearing stage of the early 2000s. It's for the closet emos: the Paramore loving, "fuck the system," mosh pit braving, live music lovers. I know I don't seem like the first person to jump into a mosh pit, and I'm usually not. I'm usually pushed into it and knocked around and scared I'm going to have an earring ripped out... but I always truly, honestly feel so alive at a punk or alt show. I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything in the world (<i>even when Sarah is with me and loses her shoe and we both panic that she'll have to leave the show with one sandal.)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Some of my fondest memories of live music have been at the shows of the artists featured on this playlist. I think I've seen <i>The Menzingers...</i>7 times now? Someday I'll write a full piece on how amazing that band is, how their lyrics have touched me, how I've made new friends just because we both like the Menzingers. For years, I refused to go out on a Friday or Saturday night unless I heard After the Party immediately before walking out the door. <i>(Shoutout Lucy and literally all of my Philly friends for putting up with that.)</i> Yeah I know, I'm insane. Other artists featured on this playlist are <i>Tigers Jaw, The Story So Far (</i>my husband Parker James Cannon's band), <i>No Pressure </i>(his side project),<i> Turnover, Pinegrove, & Tiny Moving Parts. </i>Many of my friends know how much the music of these artists has shaped my adult life and opened me up to an entirely new freedom in feeling like I can like whatever kind of music I like - even if it's not "what I look like I'd listen to." I wanted to share that with all of you as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Really quickly - <i>I have a lot of folks to thank for introducing me to these bands. Tom May, Mike May & Rohit Chandra, thank you for introducing me to The Menzingers...Tom thank you for putting me on the guest list for the SF show in 2017. I'll never forget your hospitality and how welcoming you were without ever having met me. Conor Quilty, I would have no idea who Turnover or Pinegrove were if it weren't for all of the installments of Conor CDs. I think Dizzy on the Comedown was on Conor 7 or something and I'm so grateful to you for those "playlists." I don't know how I discovered or got into TSSF but they will always remind me of Sarah and all of the nights we screamed to Proper Dose in my tiny Philly apartment. I can't wait to do that again soon.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Here's the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4bsbiB95LCDoWiLmGLkroq?si=3uHT9js7TVW0d_bqPC2mqw" target="_blank">playlist</a>, hope you love it...and if you don't, that's cool too! We all like what we like and I don't expect anyone to suddenly jump on the pop punk/alt bandwagon just because I did 4 years ago lol. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4bsbiB95LCDoWiLmGLkroq?si=cXZWK7zXSkm0vl6CsxjpUA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitndHmf6sswN2MfkXZjzP-CIGmNTj9W1e-HRHYetr6hnfpd1Nf-UTPum-oQ-VfpCfF3ny-ki7Voj6BLO2DPMBdKbVugIcmMtpNX85ngMrsVIQihbE_pQJOp0U4EEuCcKEEHcGEKRcUL70/s0/95CD4F79-D7CD-4245-A1EF-130164DF33FB_4_5005_c.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-79296833228735281962021-01-20T08:18:00.001-08:002021-02-11T12:22:00.365-08:00Imagination - By Joe Meola<div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I know it’s easy to imagine,<br />but it’s easier to just do...<br />see, if you can’t do what you imagine,<br />then what is imagination to you?</span></blockquote></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you know the song that accompanies these lyrics, congrats! This set of lines may be some of my favorites from Scott Mescudi’s discography. As Sonika called out in her <a href="http://www.sonikasworld.com/2020/12/man-on-moon-iii-chosen-mini-review.html" target="_blank">review of Man on the Moon 3</a>, Cudi has long been known for his connection to mental health, but for this piece and forthcoming <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VCXFISk2u0tlJqZVozyrO?si=uqaJEZwuRvOM1zr64YD6sQ" target="_blank">playlist </a>we’re focusing on a faint theme that Cudi alludes to in a few of his songs: <b>Imagination</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My imagination, as I’m sure it does for others, runs wild from time to time. It’s a timeless sandbox where the only limitations to the mental sand castles you construct in your head is on you. And while some of those proverbial sand castles won’t ever see the light of day, Kid Cudi’s lyrics serve as a reminder that on occasion you should act on those imaginative thoughts. Besides, why keep all of those thoughts in your head if some of them can make you truly happy just by acting on them?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Music has the ability to transport me to my own mental sandbox; a sanctuary where I replay moments in my life based on the lyrics I hear or the beat drumming in the background. As time has gone on, I turn back to Cudi’s reminder that whatever you conjure up in your head, doing something about it matters.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So let’s dive into the playlist for a sec, shall we? The order doesn’t matter, but at the very least let the first few run through. We start with the song that spurred all of this, <i>Enter Galactic</i> from Man on the Moon: The End of Day. From there, we jump into a song (<i>Bedroom</i> by Litany) that immediately takes my imagination to some of those moments where you’re interacting with someone you care for a lot, but you haven’t built up the courage to act on those feelings. Now that you’re in your feels it's time to be serenaded by the beautiful keystrokes of FKJ (<i>10 Years</i> from his Ylang Ylang EP) as he reflects on being young and not being able to feel time. If you’re wondering, “<i>Joe, what's up with the sandbox talk?</i>”, look no further than the Surfaces song <i>Kid Kingdoms</i>; a tribute to being a kid and building sandcastles. And finally, to cap off the first five songs, you have <i>Pork Soda</i> by Glass Animals, a tribute to people you still want to be in your life even if it’s a chaotic relationship at times. I could go on and on about all of these songs, but I digress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With that, enjoy this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VCXFISk2u0tlJqZVozyrO?si=uqaJEZwuRvOM1zr64YD6sQ" target="_blank">playlist of songs</a>! Do I expect every song to resonate with you? No, but if you have songs that make you imagine, I’d love to hear them. At the very least let these songs and the aforementioned string of lines serve as a reminder that the next time your imagination runs wild and you start building those sand castles in your head, do something about them :)</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">One love,<br />Joe</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VCXFISk2u0tlJqZVozyrO?si=Lam5ZWFRRZCw2DhzRRUQhw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT4ON2g0_-UE2AGX8zHZ3wL9kFaX6mOGQ2O3sLl4Hcl8FlKOsA26usWLLFHfFEldEipLoC1VU1jTbYAteD6TGsZ6-K4267T3BkL1UJd-RW_LWaJ7MzTCIesUzdI8uKK3AtHqsO9oJXys/s320/imagination.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-18777258251924867392021-01-18T18:41:00.004-08:002021-05-01T06:58:11.809-07:00Artists You Should Know - Volume 1<p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">I told my brother today that I'm going to lose my 4 readers if I don't stop posting dismal music playlists. I didn't intend to start this blog to just share a bunch of depressing, cry to this at 4am playlists... I swear! I love sad music for heartaches, for slow mornings, for focusing during work & for long car rides. I also love upbeat rock, indie pop, edm (sometimes), pop punk, dance pop, r&b, bedroom pop and so much more;<b> I would love to share more of that in this space.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">It's no secret to my readers that I have big gemini energy; I flip back and forth between cheerful and low-spirited moods about 1000 times a day and I'm quite similar with music. This <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4q4YIUonZ7WerK7nu3a9g9?si=1-diZCpPQ3iACCt-ccbpZw" target="_blank">playlist </a>is a mix of new music and old, but more of a showcase of artists I think you should know about. I'll keep the playlist relatively short and give you a brief background on the artists featured. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">I'd love some feedback on this style of post, so please reach out direct or drop a comment here or on my <a href="https://twitter.com/sonika_chandra" target="_blank">socials </a>with your thoughts! Thanks for sticking with me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MaQlvNGOaTj39apHsXVq1?si=MO4XBYt9QdS_nScnLA2m6Q" target="_blank">Claud</a>: </b><i>I've written a bit about Claud in the past, but I'm so enamored with them and their bedroom/indie pop vibes. Claud is represented by Saddest Factory Records owned by the one and only Phoebe Bridgers and I have a feeling they are going to really be big. They are one of my favorite artists representing the queer community and already making waves ahead of their debut album set to release later this year.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2h93pZq0e7k5yf4dywlkpM?si=v-36GUfJRuKOgLp5gGY9XA" target="_blank">Frank Ocean:</a> </b><i>I feel like a fraud trying to sum up the legendary Frank Ocean in 2-3 sentences. Frank Ocean is most well known for his overall mystery, vision, and introspective, existential writing style. Falling somewhere between indie and R&B, Frank Ocean is already an icon at age 33 with only two full length albums (and one visual album) released to the public. Personally, my connection to Frank Ocean's music runs very deep; I spent almost 2 years listening to Channel Orange every single night before bed and I wouldn't have had it any other way. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rZp7G3gIH6WkyeXbrZnGi?si=DeuPAug7S0-0MhP8OVdRgw" target="_blank">Novo Amor:</a> </b><i>I didn't know anything about Novo Amor until the song Cold was recommended to me on Spotify. He is a relatively new artist with a soft, romantic sound and I'm excited to dive in deeper along with all of you. His music has been described as chill and atmospheric - 2 things I believe most people would enjoy.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MGoZUcMHAwTKzcXKKofQ9?si=POpPaglgT5GtlLSycroDdA" target="_blank">Riah</a>: </b><i>Riah has mentioned that the inspiration for her music was her incessant, harrowing nightmares. If that doesn't explain why I love her, I don't know what will. Her sound can be described as atmospheric pop, and she has been praised by the New York Times for her "crisp songwriting." I love the song Wildlife featured on this playlist, because of it's timeless sound and positive funky energy.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0wa?si=VMOoI61PSk6t4Ry2BWySIQ" target="_blank">Lana Del Rey:</a> </b><i>I could write you a novel on Lana Del Rey but it would never do her justice. Here are some quick facts to get you started: Lana Del Rey (Elizabeth Grant) is the poster child for a dark, melancholy, california dream fantasy. She hails from New York City, but was raised in Lake Placid where she began her career in 2005. She has steadily climbed the musical ladder, gaining more respect with every album she has released. Her most recent, Norman F*cking Rockwell, was nominated for album of the year at the 62nd Grammys and the title track nominated for Song of the Year. It's currently ranked on Rolling Stones 500 greatest albums of all time, and I'd personally put it in Sonika's 100 greatest albums of all time. Okay I'll stop now, you all know how much I worship her already.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cZQSpDsxgKIX2yW5OR9Ot?si=JTLtRZsLQrGiUBWLBcUUZw" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Lennon Stella</a><i> I was supposed to see Lennon Stella live for my 27th birthday, which came and went in Covid. Sad. But that should explain how excited I am about her music. She has been on the scene less than 3 years, signing with Columbia Records in 2018 and releasing her debut project in 2020.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4j56EQDQu5XnL7R3E9iFJT?si=BV3vH4MyT9K6ENL3UcnGXw" target="_blank">Young the Giant:</a> </b><i>I've always had a deep connection to Young the Giant, discovering them as their earlier name, the Jakes, as a high schooler and playing their debut album on repeat to get myself through some weird times. Some of the band members are children of immigrants, and a lot of their lyrics resonate a lot with me for that reason. Home of the Strange is one of my favorite albums of theirs, mixing social commentary with personal stories.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gbT6GPXMis0OAkZbEQCYB?si=jrId2OmIRxuddZsQiLmTEQ" target="_blank">Pinegrove: </a> </b><i>Pinegrove is a rock band that has been on the scene for a little over a decade. They fit the mold of indie rock, existential crisis waiting to happen, teen angst that never really went away in your adult years and they do it so well. Their most recent project is actually a feature length film with an accompanying soundtrack.<a href="https://pinegroveband.com/amperland-ny/" target="_blank"> Watch it here.</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7e1ICztHM2Sc4JNLxeMXYl?si=k22zvs_jSn6EsRiVOaocIw" target="_blank">dvsn:</a> </b><i>dvsn is a duo hailing from Toronto and is signed to Drake's record label OVO Sound. Their sound really is similar to Drakes, but the good parts of Drakes music if that makes sense. Basically what I'm saying is if you've cancelled Drake for being a creep like I have done my best to, dvsn is a great alternative. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/57LYzLEk2LcFghVwuWbcuS?si=464is2DJQS2nOy9E-BWrog" target="_blank">Summer Walker: </a> </b><i>Soul, R&B, bad bitch music extraordinaire. I love Summer's debut album Over It and I think you will too. Summer Walker has already been awarded Best New Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards, and likely has many more awards in her future. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2314UpIMdS8DMZyKiZ00Fs?si=Dwnkf7VqRXOcDy2Mt_7L0Q" target="_blank">JJ:</a> </b><i>JJ's bio on Spotify is 'i love music', and girl, same. She has less than 1200 followers on Instagram, 116 on Twitter and about 34K monthly listeners on Spotify and that's all I know about her. That and she has a really wonderful and addicting tone in her voice. I'm really hoping to learn more about her in 2021.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/75dQReiBOHN37fQgWQrIAJ?si=ulcrBImRQsqAAtizmuJfNQ" target="_blank">Local Natives:</a> </b><i>I've been listening to Local Natives for what feels like my whole life, even though their debut album Gorilla Manor was released only in 2009. Starting out in Orange County, Local Natives has a unique, indie sound focused heavily on drums and teetering on the edge of rock.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/45lorWzrKLxfKlWpV7r9CN?si=_yowY9qbTuqpK3UE3z90-Q" target="_blank">Ben Harper:</a> </b><i>Ah, if you've made it this far you've been rewarded with the great Ben Harper. This song is one of my all time favorite songs of all time, Burn One Down. Ben Harper has a sound somewhere between stoner reggae, soul, rock, and blues. I'd call him a feel-good musician, and someone to keep in the back of your mind when you just want to relax, and maybe burn one down.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;">Seriously, if you made it here thank you, I appreciate you, and I do this for you. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4q4YIUonZ7WerK7nu3a9g9?si=5ymhH0eBTj2OCiMlZlpB1Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Crimson Text;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="354" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdY1Uhp7R_eVmrCY4mcOnVopDaxLDBZZIkIvN5uBz59tNk02_swgfiMj20zsNzT1aZFVzxnzrmylUt0QNlNyG3N1SGsJV_K3jfsEJuoCLAvsbrbyt96DtV7xC0RWC5aVMwci7WZjvk-U/s320/artists.png" /></span></a></div><br />Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-23948523619655689462021-01-17T15:33:00.005-08:002021-02-11T12:22:05.293-08:00Songs That Shaped Me <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 17px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Though maybe this should be the easiest post for me to write, in some ways it’s actually the hardest. This collection of songs had impacted and inspired me in so many ways, whether it was a song that someone very meaningful introduced me to, a song that helped me through a tough time, a song that reminds me of better days or even worse days, or simply a song that stirs up emotion. Emotions are difficult to face head on, and with that I present you a list of songs that are difficult for me to face head on and especially vulnerable for me to share.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 17px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That being said, these songs may not resonate with you! You may skim this list and be like “<i>haha Coldplay, what a loser</i>,” but doesn’t everyone have their own version of Coldplay? The band they listened to on the first generation iPod in the back seat of their parents minivan on the way to a sport practice that they didn’t actually want to go to?</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That’s what this post is about. If you’re reading this I encourage you to reflect on that too. Who was that band? What were those songs? Do they still stir up some emotions? </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The experiences that this particular list of songs transports me to are breakups, my first time feeling real love, my beautiful life long friendships with some incredible people, my relationship with my family, the love of music that my dad and brother instilled in me, the darkest moments of my life and also the brightest. Have a listen (fair warning: this is a long playlist) and get to know me.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6psgilxN8CkbPoXs2Ejoah?si=uQC6pKHYT9mqMxoljX44FA" target="_blank">Tracklist</a></b>:</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Do You Realize?? - The Flaming Lips</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So Sorry - Feist</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fade Into You - Mazzy Star <i>(this is my favorite song of all time, no contest)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Landslide - Fleetwood Mac (<i>isn’t this on everyone’s list of songs that shaped them?)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Losing Keys - Jack Johnson</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sea of Love - Cat Power<i> (this one is cute, I love this song because it reminds me of sweet high school love. my own, and the love of those around me.)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Green Eyes - Coldplay<i> (I sent this song to a boy when I was 17 and said it reminded me of him, and he wrote back and said he actually had hazel eyes.) </i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix <i>(@Rohit - thank you for this)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">No Ones Gonna Love You - Band of Horses</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I Will Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab For Cutie</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Somewhere Only We Know - Keane</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Something - The Beatles <i>(the Beatles greatest hits was the first CD my dad bought for me. we still sing along to Beatles songs together in the car today)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Float On - Modest Mouse</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Chocolate - Snow Patrol</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Just Abuse Me - Air Traffic</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Piece of My Heart - Janis Joplin</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl - Wet <i>(first real heartbreak, anyone?)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Garands - Young The Giant<i> (Young the Giant is one of my favorite bands and seeing them live in Oakland with one of my favorite people in 2017 is still one of my best memories in my life)</i> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ride - Lana Del Rey<i> (LDR got me through college, showed me so much about who I am and inspired one of my favorite tattoos)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Colorado - Lotus </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I Miss You - Incubus<i> (the first time I ever burned one down, this song was playing in some random guys car lol, and i had a huge crush on Brandon Boyd so...)</i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">China Cat Sunflower - Grateful Dead <i>(yes I’m a deadhead and will always be. some of my fondest memories of the days where I really started to feel comfortable in my own personality were accompanied by Grateful Dead songs in my headphones) </i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Young - Vallis Alps </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dirty Paws - Of Monsters and Men</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">After The Storm - Mumford and Sons <i>(this song is so special to me. in some of my darkest times, my best friend shared this song with me and it showed me that there is always a day after the storm.) </i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Another Kind of Green - John Mayer Trio<i> (my first concert! the beginning of my love for music and connection to live music! John Mayer is a total babe! need I say more?) </i></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Souvenir - boygenius</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6psgilxN8CkbPoXs2Ejoah?si=uQC6pKHYT9mqMxoljX44FA" target="_blank"><span class="s2"></span><br /></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6psgilxN8CkbPoXs2Ejoah?si=iG6pnc9TSZGSUKtU4SdciA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pLmLX4lldZdnVqDVkd_IH0MG66XKjs5mSOYmaUhOQntlez8eY2Vet789YftNebO3BM4D5Zi7nEZ7bl7zuDgq-g9c5n9qfHKO7MjWrI-OOj6k2c5JIqRjEmaRQVwvZSnW8LqnLTCucfY/s320/shaped.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-25830509055848253122021-01-08T12:24:00.005-08:002021-02-11T12:21:25.636-08:00Different Strokes for Different Folks - by Zane Stalberg<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The first Strokes song I remember hearing was The End Has No End. I was in high school and working through all of the trials and tribulations that are the package deal that comes with teenage angst. I was anxious, angry, and constantly trying to live up to the potential that people saw in me, but that I couldn’t see within myself.</span></p><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now, I could say I heard that first Strokes song and everything made sense all of a sudden, but real life doesn’t tend to be as romantic as all that. What I do remember, however, is that it felt like I was getting permission to be myself. In the midst of trying to figure out who I was I felt that I had discovered a band that was telling me that not only was it alright to be fucked up, and confused, but that beyond that, it could be cool. <b>The Strokes made me see that feelings of inadequacy or self-loathing were a natural part of being human, and that being yourself, for better or worse, was good enough. </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Some of those feelings still linger in me, especially as I grapple with mental illness, but all these years later, the impact The Strokes had on me lingers too. Maybe more than ever. After years of constantly struggling to straddle the line between my own feelings of myself and the perceptions of others, I no longer feel the need to project who I am to the world. More than that, I no longer have to convince myself of who I am. I spent a long time trying to listen to certain music in order to create a certain image, but in <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QvXIrG5FrUuVJG0emHG1w?si=g59uVk3XQK-NJc0tJGCiwA" target="_blank">re-discovering The Strokes</a> in my late twenties I realized that they had helped me realize who I was all along. I just didn’t see it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Strokes were that band for me. Whether they are for anyone else reading this is irrelevant. What matters is that everyone has a band like that. A band that they found when they were young that they carry with them, and that either consciously, or subconsciously, made them realize that being yourself is good enough. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ZLS </span></div><div dir="ltr"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QvXIrG5FrUuVJG0emHG1w?si=pumpEfJZQ_CjD9gp2sDf9Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Kgw99IQSt5CsbEm_OgDojv8NA8W_UJxhIRrn4ONj4x94IPOA0KqFYhKWhNbkAgX5tIJ8HWWhfSU9rtpS5GKLWnrvuuOO_rE41nQmkPStxTkuvV24zestHHWDb5B_CYa34kUHy_NPoTU/s320/strokes.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-34057699077849712382021-01-03T17:43:00.002-08:002021-02-11T12:22:11.301-08:00New Year, New Vibes<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">New year, new vibes on this blog. Happy 2021, I have something fun for you this week. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Historically, New Years Eve has been a super fun evening for me, inevitably with New Years Day bringing sometimes a literal hangover and almost always a figurative one. You know the feeling right? The dreadful realization that you didn't accomplish enough the year before, the fear of going back to real life after a long holiday break, etc. I love mulling in my own anxiety and despair as much as the next guy, but this year I've decided <b>we are bringing the good vibes and doing our best to stay high and contented to kick off 2021. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Personally, I have no idea what this new year will bring into my life. I don't know where I want to live, what goals I have for the year, or pretty much anything else - but I do know that music is my constant and I've made a commitment to continue sharing that with all of you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I was inspired to create a good vibes, lively, high energy list of tunes for you by my brother who shared this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MrvX7XJYg3c5OAXVvIQpS?si=ekRb1IACQWiFU4UmcTnbQQ" target="_blank">fabulous collection of songs</a> with me on Jan 2, when somehow he knew I could really use it (<i>sibling telepathy is a thing, I swear)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UrW1jdlPXBRZ65emq0UWF?si=l9lqAKj6QniThIqiKBclNQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EjYfnQqA_SIYFrycxtoDKgt5cg_lbWxPPdsiqUQvtZo5TNQ1hyphenhyphenjZCKGA2oNUGOYHw6vAjTbj0dVo8U7FDI4Y4ThMBVADBJJJNHWKRHMmaj6Sb3Z_5FFgPOSODEgakHArWdEb1cNNarE/s320/1.3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://1.3.21">1.3.21</a></i></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1. Good Days - <i>SZA</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">2. Things Are Changin' - <i>Gary Clark Jr.</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">3. Get You (feat. Kali Uchis) - <i>Daniel Caesar</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">4. Our Love Will Survive - <i>Wild Belle</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">5. Play Date - <i>Melanie Martinez</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">6. Weight in Gold - <i>Gallant</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">7. Patience - <i>Tame Impala</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">8. Drive - <i>Glades</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">9. Feels So Good - <i>HONNE, Anna of The North</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">10. Someone Else's Dream - <i>Absofacto</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">11. Kids - <i>MGMT</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">12. LOVE. FEAT. ZACARI. - <i>Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">13. Sky Might Fall - <i>Kid Cudi</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">14. Rollin (feat. Future & Khalid) - <i>Calvin Harris</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">15. I Wanna Know - <i>RL Grime, Daya</i></span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-30254196822497772002020-12-28T08:02:00.001-08:002021-02-11T12:26:47.533-08:00Mario Judah - An Analysis by Shay Dizzy<div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let’s all gather around the campfire and sip our Lyrical Lemonade as we discuss the new up and coming rockstar - Mario Judah. This dude loves rockin’ red and black…my favorite color combo…so I’m already feelin’ him from the jump. He sports a plethora of gothic and video game themed attire ranging from Marvel tees to full on Grim Reaper <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVzgOhp7JhE&ab_channel=Veckro" target="_blank">robes</a> and his edgy blend of Hot Topic spiked collars and Chrome Hearts bracelets give me some cryptic vibes as I bop along to his trippy, horrorcore, rockstar raps in awe. Instantly captivated and entranced by his 8 bit tag, “<i>ay man where the fuck is Mario Judah?</i>”, I decide to research him a little bit more as I swig some mulled wine on a snowy night. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Turns out Mario Judah is a “producer gone rapper” artist, who seamlessly blends his witfully crafted 808s, synths, hi-hats, and snares into the vocals he so desires. This man has some serious range, dude…and I’m talkin, RANGE. Check out the remix he did to DaBaby’s hit “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUx0Zmu0YeA&ab_channel=OneRoomMedia">Rockstar</a>” and you’ll see exactly what I mean. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">His eccentric/stocatto delivery showcases his articulate rapping abilities yet his atmospheric,reverb filled choruses manage to catchily ingrain melodies right into your mind and soul. He might not have the stamina, yet, to perform a full <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNsXwcWo1Mg&ab_channel=UnreleasedHipHopSnippets" target="_blank">Rolling Loud set</a>…but who gives a shit? This dude is all I could have asked for in 2020. He essentially popped up out of nowhere like a meme and then called out Carti for delaying fans with Whole Lotta Red for two whole years. He gave Carti a Christmas deadline for Christ’s sake - <i>mans is absolutely wylin’ and I’m fuckin here for it</i>. Oh yeah, he’s also just plain ol’ good vibes. Watch his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N21M9Qq4UdA&t=17s&ab_channel=Genius" target="_blank">Genius interview</a> and tell me man this man didn’t make you geek out at some point - he’s hilarious, seems pretty damn genuine, and is really well spoken and composed for only being 21 years old. <br /></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DN21M9Qq4UdA%26t%3D17s%26ab_channel%3DGenius&source=gmail&ust=1608820150916000&usg=AFQjCNE2lFsRQcCgj3ms384gyBX4BBFvdw" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N21M9Qq4UdA&t=17s&ab_channel=Genius" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Carti announced WLR back in August of 2018 guys… <i>almost two and a half years ago</i>…and Mario Judah is ready to help hold us over. I take another sip of my mulled wine as I watch this man punch a whole banger that sounds identical to Carti on a simple Neumann TLM 103 and mesh pop filter setup. If you’re not too familiar with the recording process, punching is when you record your song in chunks or segments and then blend all the bits and pieces together at the end with mixing instead of one-taking the song. It’s a very common process in the hip hop industry, but audio engineers almost always prefer a one take - it seems to capture the true authenticity of the overall vibe a bit better as well as the different tonalities in an artist’s voice. Plus, a one take is all that more impressive when performing your track live. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFw_DdTPPJI&ab_channel=SirrCartierr%21%21%21%21" target="_blank">Here’s a link</a> to the video of Mario Judah going full vampire (on some Edward Cullen shit) and transforming into Carti overnight, or should I say, PLaYboi CaRTii <3 - at 4:42, he starts playing back what he recorded in a mere matter of minutes…and at this point my jaw is touching the damn floor. No way this is real. Oh it’s real…and he’s got <a href=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5DCW-7-hCQ&ab_channel=MarioJudah " target="_blank">visuals </a>with One Room Media to follow up.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As someone who records and engineers their own music as well, I’m highly impressed. This shit sounds clean, and I’m instantly realizing that this dude is here to stay. He has mega potential at such a young age (speaking of which, mans impressively could hold a steady beat on a drum set since the age of 10 months) and his voice sounds really different from anything else I’ve ever heard (when he’s not trying to be Carti). But most important of all, he’s true to himself. Growing up listening to Breaking Benjamin, Five Finger Death Punch, and Pantera, Mario Judah manages to bring something fresh to the table, more genre-bending hip hop to break us out of our comfort zones. Shit man…this dude is inspiring…I think it’s time to go paint my nails black while I jam out to some Ozzy Osbourne. Oh yeah, can you go and pour me up some more wine while I’m at it? </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Find more from Shay Dizzy here: </b><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Instagram - @iamshaydizzy<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://twitter.com/iamshaydizzy" target="_blank">Twitter </a><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/iamshaydizzy&source=gmail&ust=1608820150916000&usg=AFQjCNFwXPUQssc9W8kMF3Td0ZHWObtIcw" href="https://twitter.com/iamshaydizzy" target="_blank"><br /></a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1RElAoAAJaFHFXgZsh2WhX" target="_blank">Spotify </a><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://open.spotify.com/album/1RElAoAAJaFHFXgZsh2WhX&source=gmail&ust=1608820150916000&usg=AFQjCNG9e5D5ZOOiPVo0dffmrcrfDcdpzA" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1RElAoAAJaFHFXgZsh2WhX" target="_blank"><br /></a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-feel-dizzy/1531633717" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-feel-dizzy/1531633717&source=gmail&ust=1608820150916000&usg=AFQjCNHS6P1iLt77IXL142LcQXUZo4WTwQ" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-feel-dizzy/1531633717" target="_blank"><br /></a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/shaydizzy" target="_blank">SoundCloud </a> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://soundcloud.com/shaydizzy&source=gmail&ust=1608820150916000&usg=AFQjCNE8JWR7DBXQJpywX9ztS0uxI1hPog" href="https://soundcloud.com/shaydizzy" target="_blank"><br /></a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Shay_Dizzy_I_Feel_Dizzy?id=Blxcc3qbwtxexomd4ulg7hfvvfm" target="_blank">Google Play</a> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">*This is Sonika! If you made it here, thanks for stopping by. While you're here, take a 15 min to listen to my friend Shay Dizzy's breakout project <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1RElAoAAJaFHFXgZsh2WhX?si=SBtfGuOUSWqxw1_3JrRDzg" target="_blank">I Feel Dizzy</a>, </i>you won't regret it!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYO_EtCzbYO54xUxxLn3RnoupYtIh3AuZG9CGrAX5t_hwNgB8YkKkhNkFXH_xCEMLLg3yL2YMuajLQ84JrKq9SnZzc-5fKZfUXN8oqimx6xOiB4BGCV1r2gNUp7g9hw3ZJwWE14nr8Rw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYO_EtCzbYO54xUxxLn3RnoupYtIh3AuZG9CGrAX5t_hwNgB8YkKkhNkFXH_xCEMLLg3yL2YMuajLQ84JrKq9SnZzc-5fKZfUXN8oqimx6xOiB4BGCV1r2gNUp7g9hw3ZJwWE14nr8Rw/" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-72079611646678582612020-12-21T10:43:00.001-08:002021-02-11T12:22:16.289-08:00Wish I Could Give You My Love<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>Don't read too much into that title, it's just a lyric from one of the works of art on this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qDMzZkbDVmzKNoc8sBrSX?si=Jb-5Gz15RfKe8djT-a5Qtg" target="_blank">playlist</a>. I told you I'd have a painfully emotional collection of music for you eventually. It snuck up on me, I didn't expect to feel inspired to put this playlist together today but I woke up and it was the first thing I wanted to do. I know what you're thinking -- <i>it's a three day week, Christmas is on Friday and this girl is blasting out the most heartbreaking playlist possible?</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><i><br /></i></span><span>I would say I'm sorry but I'm really not. Not everyone can just turn on the excitement and warmth that holidays are meant to bring. There is a much more realistic side to this time of the year... it can bring up challenging memories for some, many of us are not able to see all of our loved ones this holiday season, and some of us are struggling in general at the tail end of a really demanding year. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><br /></span><span>I'm not asking you to be sad and listen to this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qDMzZkbDVmzKNoc8sBrSX?si=Jb-5Gz15RfKe8djT-a5Qtg" target="_blank">playlist</a> in some "misery loves company" kind of way. I hope you all have a joyous & restful holiday season - I'm just not a Christmas music person, I'm a melancholy music person so this is my holiday gift to you.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><br /></span><span>Thank you all for riding with me!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><br /></span><span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qDMzZkbDVmzKNoc8sBrSX?si=Jb-5Gz15RfKe8djT-a5Qtg" target="_blank">Tracklist:</a></span><span><br /></span><span>1. <i>Born To Die </i><b>Lana Del Rey<br /></b></span><span>2. <i>I Can't Understand </i><b>Air Traffic<br /></b></span><span>3. <i>It's All in Vain </i><b>Wet<br /></b></span>4. <i>I'll Still Have Me </i><b>Cyn<br /></b>5. <i>we fell in love in october </i><b>girl in red<br /></b>6. <i>Bored </i><b>Billie Eilish<br /></b>7. <i>Don't Wanna Be Your Girl </i><b>Wet<br /></b>8. <i>Cry </i><b>Cigarettes After Sex<br /></b>9. <i>watch you sleep. </i><b>girl in red<br /></b>10. <i>Somebody Else </i><b>Jonny Brenns<br /></b>11. <i>Paul </i><b>Big Thief<br /></b>12. <i>Georgia </i><b>Phoebe Bridgers<br /></b>13. <i>Stay Down </i><b>boygenius <br /></b>14. <i>One Last Wedding </i><b>Thad Kopec<br /></b>15. <i>Last Girl<b> </b></i><b>Soccer Mommy</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qDMzZkbDVmzKNoc8sBrSX?si=p6K7hBezQf-VM5P7ddMH2A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax5KiXnC3lRlL__X-GeZRfVzsAq-2NqlWIWUA2gT5_dNR-Pl0SQJUZn_vKQN7UQKQ6sAjdhx6_Xc13mCukiDS9_53u7CN5JVTJpmd2ndWOF4OREttAHtz195t5-NahTIkzZdMz-wkS0I/s320/12.21.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Sonika's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106171291088543031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184099401453366119.post-40218145552917768832020-12-14T07:27:00.346-08:002021-02-11T12:20:58.795-08:00Reviewing the Garden State OST by Rohit Chandra : Sad Boi Corner Vol.1<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hello Music World. I'll do a short introduction. My name is Rohit, I'm Sonika's older brother and I share her passion/love for all things music. I thought it was appropriate that my writing debut begins with the "album" that introduced me to so much good music. I only put "album" in quotations because this is technically an Original Sound Track to the movie Garden State. This OST could easily be titled "Millennial Teenage Angst Soundtrack". If you've never seen the movie, you need to add it to your watch list. If you haven't heard the soundtrack, I'm sure many of these songs will be familiar to you. It's one of the few, if not only, sound tracks that I continue to listen to on a regular basis. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Rating:<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is what you came for anyway so let me get it out of the way. I like to do my ratings out of 7 because there's an equal amount of numbers above and below the middle (4). <b>This OST gets a solid 6/7. </b>It's in the<i> "stop what you're doing and put this jawn on" </i>tier for me. My rating is heavily influenced by the fact that this OST sparked my love for The Shins, Zero 7, Thievery Corporation and Iron & Wine. It's no wonder this OST won <span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">a </span>Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Pictures, Television or Other Visual Media. The Compilation Producer, was none other than Zach Braff, who is also the Writer, Director, and Lead Actor of Garden State. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Review/Thoughts: <br /></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am by no means a music critic. The depth of my analysis goes as far as, <i>"huh, this kinda sounds like X"</i>. Instead of trying to be someone I'm not, I'll use this space to discuss what this album means to me and the time in my life that I found it. One of the most fascinating qualities of music is it's ability to instantly transport me back to the time when I was listening to it the most. So let's get into it.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">First up on the track list is <i>Don't Panic </i>by Coldplay: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><blockquote>Bones, sinking like stones<br />All that we fought for<br />Homes, places we’ve grown<br />All of us are done for</blockquote></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Coldplay shaped my youth. If there was a version of Spotify Wrapped for my mp3 player in my teen years, Coldplay would be #1 for years. To be fair, Coldplay deserves their own post so I won't go into too much detail here. I will say that <i>Don't Panic </i>is the perfect opener for this OST and the message rings true in 2020. Coldplay's older stuff is way better than their new stuff. I draw the line at X&Y. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Next up, <i>Caring is Creepy</i> by The Shins. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><blockquote> I think I'll go home and mull this over<br /> Before I cram it down my throat<br /> At long last it's crashed, its colossal mass<br /> Has broken up into bits in my moat</blockquote></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you distill this OST into a 30 second clip, it would be the beginning of this song. The Shins are also the only artist to appear twice on this OST. There could be a more significant meaning to that, or it could just be that Zach Braff really likes The Shins. Every single time I hear this song I can see the Zach Braff and Natalie Portman yelling into the wind with their trash bag raincoats on. This selection on the OST really put The Shins on my map. I'm not a huge fan of classifying songs into genre's but this opened up Indie Rock for me in a big way. I would still classify Indie Rock as one of my top listened to genres. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I'm gonna wrap up this post with the next track on this OST. <i>In The Waiting</i> line by Zero 7</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><blockquote>Nine to Five<br />Living Lies<br />Everyday<br />Stealing Time</blockquote></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I mean that kinda says it all right? Most of us are all just in the waiting line, going through the motions. This song and </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Track 9 -</span><i style="font-family: helvetica;"> Lebanese Blonde</i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> by Thi</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">every Corporation introduced me to a new genre that I fell in love with immediately. I scoured the internet for all the Zero 7/T.Corp albums I could find and had them on repeat for months. This led to the discovery of Groove Armada, Nightmares on Wax, Morcheeba, and another personal favorite, Boards of Canada. My 14 year old mind thought I was so cool for listening to a genre called Trip Hop and discovering artists my peers hadn't heard of. It definitely gave me a bit of a superiority complex. I suppose that's what happens when you get judged by your classmates for the tunes you're listening to on the bus. I still remember that the cool kids at the time all listened to Jack Johnson. If you wanted to fit in, a prerequisite was to go out and buy In Between Dreams on release day. Wild times...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anyway, if you got this far in my post you deserve a medal for trudging through my disjointed commentary on an OST that came out 16 years ago. Thanks for reading and I'll catch you on the next one (if Sonika lets me post again...)</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa_q2PZQcrjPESm2lRnGNxdKF1ff2PYxoNbllrdNqedWBbHK19USefKZOfSdv9Q7nTZvpH77SrL-YDScWwOL933ZgR24tn-icHNpFFQ1itEnlurMdi1GVBnuKC9Iak_CH3sWundbCjWk/s292/gss.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa_q2PZQcrjPESm2lRnGNxdKF1ff2PYxoNbllrdNqedWBbHK19USefKZOfSdv9Q7nTZvpH77SrL-YDScWwOL933ZgR24tn-icHNpFFQ1itEnlurMdi1GVBnuKC9Iak_CH3sWundbCjWk/s0/gss.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>Rohithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03122969971268779699noreply@blogger.com0S ABINGTN TWP, PA 18411, USA41.4887272 -75.708467713.178493363821154 -110.8647177 69.798961036178838 -40.5522177