The Shins: “Simple Song”

Posted Under: Tracks | January 26, 2012

“Simple Song” is the first song off of the Shin’s new album, Port of Morrow. It’s been a grueling five years since the Shins have released an album and this teaser makes the wait more cruel. It’s like they never left, never went on with their lives, never left us waiting patiently for more music. “Simple Song” has the classic Shins sound with a more refined and polished aesthetic. It is so well composed that any listener will be pulled in.

25 Days Of Baking

Posted Under: Photojournal | December 25, 2011

For the month of December, I did a “25 Days of Baking” where I baked for 25 days counting down to Christmas. It’s the same concept as ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas where each day had a different Christmas movie however I had a different baked good for each day. In my school, I’m known for my baking so when my friend Morgan gave me this idea, I just had to do it.

Live Review: The Maine at New York’s Gramercy Theatre (12/16/11)

Posted Under: Concert Reviews | December 17, 2011

When the Maine play a show, they play as if they were in their own living room. Their stage was decorated with rugs, lamps, and table cloths draped over their equipment. This made for a more intimate feel to the sold out show at New York’s Gramercy Theatre. With their new album only being out for 10 days so far, the fans know all the words to their new songs already.

The Maine – Gramercy Theatre – NY, New York

Posted Under: Gallery | December 17, 2011

Last night, The Maine rocked the house at Gramercy Theater in NY, New York. They showcased their new album, Pioneer, and played some old school favorites as well. Their sold out show was full of enthusiasm, sexual comments, holiday cheer, and insane musicianship. Their fans waited in the cold for hours and the Maine certainly did not disappoint. They played their entire album, Pioneer, that had only been out for 10 tens to a crowd that knew all the words.

Album Review: Dia Frampton – Red

Posted Under: Album Reviews | December 11, 2011

Red certainly blew away any initial inklings that I had that a solo album from Dia Frampton would be a continuation of a Meg & Dia record. It just goes to show that whatever musical direction Dia Frampton picks, she will put in her unique touch and it will be a masterpiece. She’s truly come a long way from recording in her mother’s kitchen. With a label behind her, Dia used everything at her grasp to create a great album. Red has all the aspects that made fans love Meg & Dia records but with a Dia Frampton touch. This is truly a solo album done well. Long time fans may be surprised at the choice of musical direction, but Dia Frampton touch will keep fans listening.

Album Review: The Maine – Pioneer

Posted Under: Album Reviews | December 4, 2011

All the members of the Maine have truly stepped up their game on this album. After label disputes, they had nothing to lose so they went and made an album that was truly, the Maine. They’ve faced success, criticism, major label disputes, and now have gained the maturity to make the grown up album they’ve sought to do for ages. Pioneer has a focused energy that runs all throughout it. Each song shows the time and effort they’ve put into this. It’s more complete in the direction, sound, progression, and effort of all the members.

What The Nell designer, Nell Johnson

Posted Under: Features | December 3, 2011

Fashion Institute of Technology student, Nell Johnson, in NYC has been making working with wire since she was a child. Johnson was an only child, so making her own entertainment was of the norm to her. Rather than being “unproductive” and “playing with [her] stuffed animals,” she learned to work with wire and has been making jewelry ever since.

YouTubers: VanJess24

Posted Under: Features, Youtubers | December 2, 2011

Self described “eclectic R&B” sister act Ivana Nwokike and Jess Nwokike, otherwise known as VanJess on YouTube, have always had music around them. These Lagos, Nigerian natives have been around music and performing very early on whether it was “singing in school plays, piano lessons, [or] choir.” Coming from parents who are avid music lovers, the singing bug bit them early and Ivana and Jess have always sang together but when exactly did they discover their sound?

Album Review: Chris Naish – Light a Cigarette

Posted Under: Album Reviews | November 26, 2011

Canada’s own folk/garage musician Chris Naish is like an unpolished but louder Bright Eyes. A true story teller whose convincing songs make you sympathetic with just one listen. Chris Naish’s natural, raw, honest sound makes this EP a refreshing listen. It does what you want from a full length album in just six songs. There is no hiding behind synthesizers and auto tune in this EP. It’s pure emotion. And it’s something you yearn to hear live.

The Song That Changed My Life: Adam Swink (Our Vintage Film)

Posted Under: Uncategorized | November 23, 2011

Our Vintage Film’s vocalist, Adam Swink, took some time out to share about emotional realness, the loss of friendship, and the song that changed his life: “The Mixed Tape.”