The Beatles are a world-wide sensation brought together by their similar love and passion: music. John Lennon, lead singer, is not far from that. In fact, he is not only one of the faces, but the leader of The Beatles. Yesterday, October 9, would be his 70th birthday. This generation needs a "pick-me-up" when it comes to music. Of course, as technology increases, music is bound to rely on the "tricks" and "talent-boosts" that computers and recording studios can do, but there is no replacement for true talent. Either you have it, or you don't.
John Lennon had it. Lennon knew not only how to sing to his audience, but how to listen to them. He was talented musically with his amazing gift. Lennon played a number of instruments including the flute. His first instrument as a child was the banjo. His mother taught him how to play, then bought him an acoustic guitar where he shines. From his earliest days with the Beatles, Lennon's singing voice was recognized as distinctive, versatile, and variable.
Music historians Schinder and Schwartz say that the Beatles' influence cannot be overstated: having "revolutionized the sound, style, and attitude of popular music and opened rock and roll's doors to a tidal wave of British rock acts", the group then "spent the rest of the 1960s expanding rock's stylistic frontiers."
For young people in 1972, it was thrilling to see Lennon's courage in standing up to Nixon. That willingness to take risks with his career, and his life, is one reason why people still admire him today. What remains today, and what will remain in our hearts, minds, and music history forever, is the effort that John Lennon put in to share himself through his songs. He held up a mirror to be seen by the public, showing his true self: inwardly and outwardly.
"His songs spoke to, for, and about, the human condition." - music historians Urish and Bielen.
Let's spend today and these next few days remembering John Lennon and admiring his legacy. Agreed? John Lennon would have been proud to see his music continue to brighten and change lives today.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
musicbytori
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Daughtry Live: Hawaii 2010
Who's the true winner of American Idol? I'll give you a hint, it's not the girl with the title for season 4, though Carry Underwood did pretty well. The true winner was Chris Daughtry. His first performance in Hawaii was an AMAZING experience to attend. Playing at Ka'ako Amphitheater, Daughtry blasted their talents and sung their hearts out for a performance of a lifetime.
Daughtry is one of the few bands out there on tour that aren't drunk or high when performing. It was a nice break from the crazy atmosphere! Not to mention the fact that I had enough room to see my feet, it was an amazing, unforgettable experience to let go with Daughtry. The whole band was interactive with the audience, having us sing repeating lines and notes led by Chris.
This concert was also a treat with actually good opening bands! Kings of Spade and Electric Monkey happily and proudly opened their hearts to the audience. Kings of Spade lead singer's voice was incredible. Not to mention her amazing, incredibly tight pants! The fact that Kings of Spade perform almost every night every week is simply mind-boggling, but it sure paid off! Just opening for Daughtry is an insane experience!
Daughtry has an amazing talent, explaining why he made it so far after Idol. Chris was amazing live, and had the ocean of an audience "bouncing in unison", as he suggested. :D Daughtry Live was INCREDIBLE and I won't soon forget the feeling of letting go and opening myself into the feelings of music :)
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Daughtry is one of the few bands out there on tour that aren't drunk or high when performing. It was a nice break from the crazy atmosphere! Not to mention the fact that I had enough room to see my feet, it was an amazing, unforgettable experience to let go with Daughtry. The whole band was interactive with the audience, having us sing repeating lines and notes led by Chris.
This concert was also a treat with actually good opening bands! Kings of Spade and Electric Monkey happily and proudly opened their hearts to the audience. Kings of Spade lead singer's voice was incredible. Not to mention her amazing, incredibly tight pants! The fact that Kings of Spade perform almost every night every week is simply mind-boggling, but it sure paid off! Just opening for Daughtry is an insane experience!
Daughtry has an amazing talent, explaining why he made it so far after Idol. Chris was amazing live, and had the ocean of an audience "bouncing in unison", as he suggested. :D Daughtry Live was INCREDIBLE and I won't soon forget the feeling of letting go and opening myself into the feelings of music :)
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Sunday, September 26, 2010
What Did You Say?
Hello out there! How many times do you find yourself blasting the music, dancing in front of the mirror, and singing along at the top of your voice? A lot? I think so. Well, how often are you singing the right words? Not very often. I even create my own lyrics to songs without knowing it! I know that's happened to you, so don't try to hide it. Even today, with google at hand to search lyrics for songs, there are plenty songs where you can create over 10 different combinations of words that sound the same as the artist if you sing them with the same intonation.
I still remember one experience I had 3 or so years ago when expressing myself through Jonas Brother music. Whenever the song S.O.S.' chorus came on, I would sing some crazy version of the lyrics. Whether it was "pride of a lion" instead of "bottom line", or "my plan" instead of "I bled," I had my own words and I stuck to them.
Of course, there's that awkward feeling when you're singing along with your best friend and he/she sings the wrong note loud and proud, but the same principles apply with wrong words. When you're driving down the freeway, using your steering wheel as your drum, who's going to care if you sing the wrong words? Umm, everyone except for you, but that's what makes music connect with everyone. Music is how you express yourself, so why does it matter if you have your own way of doing it?
Your assignment for tonight is to listen to a new song from a new artist. Play it once and get the gist of it, then play it again and sing whatever lyrics you hear. After all, when it comes to music, if YOU think it's right...it's right.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
I still remember one experience I had 3 or so years ago when expressing myself through Jonas Brother music. Whenever the song S.O.S.' chorus came on, I would sing some crazy version of the lyrics. Whether it was "pride of a lion" instead of "bottom line", or "my plan" instead of "I bled," I had my own words and I stuck to them.
Of course, there's that awkward feeling when you're singing along with your best friend and he/she sings the wrong note loud and proud, but the same principles apply with wrong words. When you're driving down the freeway, using your steering wheel as your drum, who's going to care if you sing the wrong words? Umm, everyone except for you, but that's what makes music connect with everyone. Music is how you express yourself, so why does it matter if you have your own way of doing it?
Your assignment for tonight is to listen to a new song from a new artist. Play it once and get the gist of it, then play it again and sing whatever lyrics you hear. After all, when it comes to music, if YOU think it's right...it's right.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Sunday, September 19, 2010
What Can You Fall Back On?
The answer is music. Of course. It's an obvious response to such a question, but what's it's significance? What comes with falling back on music? Peace and tranquility. Whether you're listening to hard core rock/ screamo music or singer/songwriter tunes, music is there to help you through life's crazy roller coaster rides.
The older you get, life throws more and more stress and experiences in your face. Most people would agree until you get to be about 65, when retirement is in arms reach. However, retirement has it's own levels of stress and definitely different experiences. The point is, 65-year-olds and 15-year-olds have music to fall back on when life gets a little too out-of-hand.
Hippies.
What does that mean to you? Drugs and rainbow tie-dye? The truth of the matter is Hippies are their own culture. Their lives usually incorporate drugs and peace signs, but music is still there for them. Music is the most non racist, unprejudiced, and inoffensive friend you will ever shake hands with in life.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
The older you get, life throws more and more stress and experiences in your face. Most people would agree until you get to be about 65, when retirement is in arms reach. However, retirement has it's own levels of stress and definitely different experiences. The point is, 65-year-olds and 15-year-olds have music to fall back on when life gets a little too out-of-hand.
Hippies.
What does that mean to you? Drugs and rainbow tie-dye? The truth of the matter is Hippies are their own culture. Their lives usually incorporate drugs and peace signs, but music is still there for them. Music is the most non racist, unprejudiced, and inoffensive friend you will ever shake hands with in life.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Teenage Dream (featuring Katy Perry, as the artist)
Being a teenager, my job is to dream (and to stress out about everything). Teenagers dream about being rockstars, running away with their "true love", or doing enough to make their parents happy. The teenage dream, otherwise known as the "American dream" is to be famous. Katy Perry seems to have grasped that dream well enough to pursue it. Her new album, titled
Teenage Dream", explains the teenage dream in every song.
Katy Perry is known for her genuine creativity and colorful personality. She's naughty, no one is inclined to say otherwise, but that's why she's so popular. She sings out the good and the bad that comes with being a typical teenager.
In the music business, the second album is always the hardest one to pull off. The expectations tend to be high, the time constraints are usually even tighter and the audience tends to move on pretty quickly. Katy Perry's second album, "Teenage Dream" has fully avoided these problems. This albums could very well be considered "the best second album in pop history." Katy Perry introduced us to the chart-topping singles "California Gurls" and "Teenage Dream," then the rest of the album was proved to be just as amazing.
The truth of the matter is why this album is so much stronger and better than most other Pop artists' second album. The answer lies in the consistency of the artist. Katy Perry showed no really weak songs in this album. "Peacock" shows the desire, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" and "Circle the Drain" show the party-scenes, and "E.T." brings us all back to the original pop music. All of this makes up a a teenager. Music, parties, and lust is all part of being a teenager... making this album fully show the "teenage dream."
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Teenage Dream", explains the teenage dream in every song.
Katy Perry is known for her genuine creativity and colorful personality. She's naughty, no one is inclined to say otherwise, but that's why she's so popular. She sings out the good and the bad that comes with being a typical teenager.
In the music business, the second album is always the hardest one to pull off. The expectations tend to be high, the time constraints are usually even tighter and the audience tends to move on pretty quickly. Katy Perry's second album, "Teenage Dream" has fully avoided these problems. This albums could very well be considered "the best second album in pop history." Katy Perry introduced us to the chart-topping singles "California Gurls" and "Teenage Dream," then the rest of the album was proved to be just as amazing.
The truth of the matter is why this album is so much stronger and better than most other Pop artists' second album. The answer lies in the consistency of the artist. Katy Perry showed no really weak songs in this album. "Peacock" shows the desire, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" and "Circle the Drain" show the party-scenes, and "E.T." brings us all back to the original pop music. All of this makes up a a teenager. Music, parties, and lust is all part of being a teenager... making this album fully show the "teenage dream."
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Sunday, August 29, 2010
In Times of Music: A New Birth
Music.
It's a word.
It's a melody.
It's a rhythm.
It's a life.
Time.
It's a second.
It's a heartbeat.
It's a trip.
It's an adventure.
But what does it mean when you put them together? Time and music? Separate they have one meaning, but when combined- a new birth.
In times of music,
the world is calm.
Peace.
The world is enjoyment.
Pleasure.
Yet the world is strange.
Music is strange.
One world meets another.
One word meets another.
One life meets another.
When combined-
a new birth.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
It's a word.
It's a melody.
It's a rhythm.
It's a life.
Time.
It's a second.
It's a heartbeat.
It's a trip.
It's an adventure.
But what does it mean when you put them together? Time and music? Separate they have one meaning, but when combined- a new birth.
In times of music,
the world is calm.
Peace.
The world is enjoyment.
Pleasure.
Yet the world is strange.
Music is strange.
One world meets another.
One word meets another.
One life meets another.
When combined-
a new birth.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Musicophilia
"Suddenly, you hear a song in your head or out of seemingly nowhere find yourself anxious to play tennis. Things sometimes just come to us."-Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks is a famous neurologist and the author of Musicophilia. I was mesmorised by his connection between the art of music and the art of science. From reading the simple preface of his national best seller, I have created a new look on how music affects the human race. Musicophilia is a collection of essays and case studies on the role that music plays in the brain. One man develops a deep love of music after being struck by lightning, eventually teaching himself to play and compose for the piano. Another man, stricken with debilitating amnesia reawakens to the world every few seconds--only music allows him to remain in the moment for any duration of time.
Music has science, psychology, philosophy, art, and literature encorporated into it's melodies. "Although a teaspoon of Mozart may not make a child a better mathematician, there is little doubt that regular exposure to music, and especially active participation in music, may stimulate development of many different areas of the brain--areas which have to work together to listen to or perform music. For the vast majority of students, music can be every bit as important educationally as reading or writing." This quote, directly from Musicophilia, is flat out truth in easy words. Music changes the way our brain works and the way we are opened to other activities.
Not only can it change our brains' outlooks on life, but it's an LSD trip maximized through reality. Music takes us on an adventure of vibrant vibrations, melodies, rhythms, and tunes collaborated into an experience we deeply connect to. Whether people analyze it's deep core the way Oliver Sacks does or just listen and feel emotions, music touches lives.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
Oliver Sacks is a famous neurologist and the author of Musicophilia. I was mesmorised by his connection between the art of music and the art of science. From reading the simple preface of his national best seller, I have created a new look on how music affects the human race. Musicophilia is a collection of essays and case studies on the role that music plays in the brain. One man develops a deep love of music after being struck by lightning, eventually teaching himself to play and compose for the piano. Another man, stricken with debilitating amnesia reawakens to the world every few seconds--only music allows him to remain in the moment for any duration of time.
Music has science, psychology, philosophy, art, and literature encorporated into it's melodies. "Although a teaspoon of Mozart may not make a child a better mathematician, there is little doubt that regular exposure to music, and especially active participation in music, may stimulate development of many different areas of the brain--areas which have to work together to listen to or perform music. For the vast majority of students, music can be every bit as important educationally as reading or writing." This quote, directly from Musicophilia, is flat out truth in easy words. Music changes the way our brain works and the way we are opened to other activities.
Not only can it change our brains' outlooks on life, but it's an LSD trip maximized through reality. Music takes us on an adventure of vibrant vibrations, melodies, rhythms, and tunes collaborated into an experience we deeply connect to. Whether people analyze it's deep core the way Oliver Sacks does or just listen and feel emotions, music touches lives.
Defy gravity, make a memory, and live life with music...
musicbytori
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