#CANTCLUTCHTHIS August: Don't Make a Big Mistake...Push Yourself

If you’re coming out of a hard season and trying to feel like yourself again… this is for you ☕

Start Small 👉🏼  Your Gentle Reset Guide ✌🏼💖☕️

This may be embarrassing for some to admit, but I never pushed myself until I turned 30.

For 30 years I just did as I was told, what society said I should do and just followed the path that was laid out before me. I didn't deviate. I didn't step off. I didn't grow.

The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #17: Indie Christmas Playlist

Tis the season nerds! Who started listening to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving like me?! My favorite way to consume Christmas music is via my record player....ahhhh the sweet crackling of a spinning vinyl, sipping a warm mug of something sweet, watching the Christmas tree lights twinkle...heaven on Earth!

I WISH I could have all of these songs on vinyl but my iPhone will have to do. Enjoy a taste of my FAVORITE bands at Christmas!!

1. A Christmas Song - A Silent Film.

2. Baby It's Cold Outside - The Filthy Souls.

3. You're Just Like Christmas - The Crookes.

4.  Merry Little Christmas - Bad Veins.

5. Just Like Christmas - Dan Croll.

6. Christmas At Our House - A Silent Film. Because you can never have enough A Silent Film at Christmas time! I've been bugging them for two years now to make a Christmas vinyl! This song is an original song and the video is of Robert singing his cat Woody to sleep! #dead

I just also have to mention that my absolute favorite Christmas album is Lee Greenwood's Christmas To Christmas. I'm not a country fan, but to me this isn't country, it's just a cozy home-y Christmas vinyl! Do you nerds have any obscure favorite Christmas tunes?! I'd love to hear them! I LOVE Christmas music so much! Let me know what you think of my list in the comments below!

Nerd Crafts: Nerdy Ornaments

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year!  I LOVE Christmas decor and I love nerdy things. I wanted to mash my love of both together in this month's nerd crafts! Hope you enjoy!

Supplies:

*Various Colored Felt

*Clear Gel Tacky Glue

*Twine

*Various Fabric Paint Colors

*Scissors

*Black Tread

*Needle

Serenity Ornament - I used a CD to trace the orange circle.  Cut it out, then placed it under the yellow felt and free handed the yellow circle.  I used this Serenity logo as an example.  I used a red Sharpie to draw on the characters, but think that some sort of paint might work better {I ended up going over it with red fabric paint}.  Make sure you have sharp scissors for the felt!  I used the clear Tacky Glue to glue the circles together and for the twine on the back.

T.A.R.D.I.S. Ornament- This one was easier than I thought it was going to be.  The Tacky Glue worked fine for everything, just let it all dry before doing any painting {just to be safe}.  Black and white fabric painted worked perfect for the details.

Breaking Bad Ornament -  Taking green felt I cut out my squares, glueing two on top of each other for more stability.  I used a white fabric paint for the lettering.  When everything was dried I used the clear Tacky Glue to glue the two squares together in one corner.

Union Jack Ornament - Using blue and white felt, I cut the shapes needed and used red fabric paint for the red stripes.  This one was by far the hardest ornament to make.  I know it is not totally correct, but not horrid for a first try.  Good luck on this one :)

A Silent Film Ornament - This one I made my job harder on myself than necessary.  I took way too much time trying to draw the perfect diamond, when I could have just drawn a square and turned it!

I actually made about four variations of this one to send to all my Lamplighter friends. For mine, it came together as a happy accident.  I had extra black felt and two different sizes. I really like how this one came out.

The original design was cream felt with black lettering.  I then hand sewed a boarder of black thread. This was  super quick and easy {I am not a sewer}!  I cannot wait to give these to all my Lamplighter friends!

Total cost for all the ornaments was around $11.00 and I made a lot!  I had to make three separate trips to Michael's but I did it all for you!  Let me know in the comments how your's turn out and also if you decide to try something different.  Happy crafting!

5 Life Lessons I've Learned From A Silent Film

Do you have one? A band that has stolen your heart. Made you dive deep into their lyrics and melody. Fall in love and discover more about yourself than you ever thought you could?

A Silent Film has done that for me since December of 2012. I've been sharing my experiences with them and their music with you since the birth of this blog. Since then I have seen them in eight different cities and just saw their 12th show in three years this past week. The show reminded me of my love of their music and them as human beings. From the first song I ever heard of theirs, Harbour Lights, my heart was stolen, molded and guided into what is now the life I am living today. One I never knew existed until the first notes of their music entered my world.

To know that someone can write exactly how you are feeling is a bonding agent. Here are five life lessons I've learned from their music and the the journey it has taken me on.

1. Don't regret a thing. It can be easy to regret things you have done in your past. For me I battle with that daily. But when I look at where my life has taken me because of the choices I have made, I remind myself that regrets can fade when you are living the life you always dreamed of, but never knew you could get yourself to.

2. Strong enough. I never thought myself a strong person, until I decided to make a change for myself. I wanted something my ex-husband couldn't give me and I was able to leave knowing that one day I would find it no matter how long it took. Some days I didn't feel strong enough, but that is when I leaned on my amazing group of friends. Through it all we all made each other strong enough. And continue to, to this day.

3. You were my rock, never my stepping stone. I was with my ex-husband for fourteen years. Never once even at the end of our marriage did I think that I had used him to step into a new life. I grew as a person. I didn't feel supported in the way I wanted. I didn't feel heard. So I decided to make a change. He had carried me for fourteen years, now it was my time to step out and be the true me, the me that was hidden inside for so long. Though I was ready for the change and he was not, I'd not be who I am today without him.

4. Tomorrow is another day. And so tomorrows and tomorrows came and went. And the tomorrow that stands before me is clearer than ever. My photography has blossomed. My writing has flourished. I look forward to every tomorrow in this my new life. And if today is a bad day....Tomorrow is another day.

5. Something to believe in. A Silent Film's music has given me something to believe in, myself. From the first notes of Harbour Lights to their cover Take Care and their newest album's song I Don't Need A Reason. The love I've felt flowing through their music, I now feel flow freely from another person. The passion I felt for their words are now being spoken to me daily. For three years I've waited and now my dream is a reality. Life makes you wait, but it also leaves you something to hope for. The waiting is hard, but the end result is something to believe in.

Growing with my Lads. 

From March 5th, 2013 to today and all the tomorrows.

The Music Maven's Music Monday #44: The Music Maven’s Top 10 Albums of 2015

By Tillie Elvrum aka The Music Maven

Where did this year go?! 2015 went by in a flash! Thankfully, we had some great music to get us through the year.  Here are my Top 10 Albums – these are the albums that sound tracked my 2015.

10. Stages by Josh Groban: This album is my guilty pleasure – it’s SO not rock n’ roll.  I love all kinds of music, and I love Broadway musicals and the classics from the American songbook. Stages is such a beautiful compilation of some of my favorite songs including two songs from Les Miserables, and a medley from Into The Woods and Sweeney Todd.  If you’re not a fan of Josh Groban now, you will be after listening to this album. Music Maven Approved Tracks: Bring Him Home, Children Will Listen/Not While I’m Around

9.  Dopamine by Borns: Borns had me with his first single Electric Love – I think I listened to it about a thousand times straight.  His EP was just as good and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his debut LP – Dopamine didn’t disappoint.  It’s synth-y, dancey, and harmonic. Music Maven Approved Tracks: 10,000 Emerald Pools, Electric Love, Dopamine

8. South/Bashful Creatures by Hippo Campus: Okay, I’m kinda breaking the rules here, but I’m obsessed with this band, and they just had to have a spot on this list even though their releases this year were EP’s and not full length albums. I love the interesting rhythms that are layered throughout their songs – it’s really difficult to sit still when you’re listening to Hippo Campus. I need a full length release from this band SOON! Music Maven Approved Tracks: South, Suicide Saturday, Little Grace

7. And the Wave Has Two Sides by On An On: I love this three piece band. The first time I saw them it was me and about 3 of my friends – that’s it – in the whole venue. Oh, wait, there was a random drunk guy…but I don’t think he had a clue who was on stage.  That kinda depressing show didn’t dampen my interest or love of On An On’s music, and I was so glad when I saw them again this year that there was a great crowd that showed the band a lot of love. I’m sure their latest album has a lot to do with their growing following – And the Wave Has Two Sides is moody, atmospheric, and a steady listen from start to finish. Music Maven Approved Tracks: Drifting, Icon Love, Wait for the Kill

6. Chaos and the Calm by James Bay: Longtime Nerdy Girlie readers know that I have a thing for UK singer/songwriters – I just can’t help myself.  James Bay’s debut album Chaos and the Calm is an incredible debut album. He sings with a lot of maturity that some of his fellow British troubadours just don’t have.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Hold Back The River, Let It Go, Move Together

5. What’s Real by MisterWives: MisterWives just make me happy. Their singles Our Own House and Reflections were my jams this year – I cannot listen to those songs without starting a one woman dance party.  What’s Real was the album that I most frequently had on blast this year. Music Maven Approved Tracks: Our Own House, Reflections, Best I Can Do

4. Smoke + Mirrors by Imagine Dragons: This is an album that really didn’t become a favorite until I saw it performed live.  My first impressions of the album left me feeling like it was a victim of over-production, but beneath it all there’s still everything I love about Imagine Dragons: deeply personal lyrics, vulnerability, and solid musicianship. We saw the Smoke + Mirrors tour in Denver at the Pepsi Center, and even with a sold out crowd of 20,000, Imagine Dragons still managed to make it feel personal and intimate.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Shots, Polaroid, The Fall

3. Story of an Immigrant by Civil Twilight: According to Spotify, Civil Twilight was my most played artist this year.  I love this band because they just don’t seem to follow a formula when it comes to their songwriting and arrangements – I feel like I hear something new and interesting every time I listen to Civil Twilight.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Holy Dove, Story of an Immigrant, River Child

2. Hold My Home by Cold War Kids: It seems like 2015 was the year of Cold War Kids – I don’t remember hearing their music on mainstream radio more than I did this year. It’s about time that everyone woke up to the wonder of CWK – longtime fans are excited to see this band take off and get the recognition they deserve. Music Maven Approved Tracks: All This Could Be Yours, First, Hear My Baby Call

1. A Silent Film by A Silent Film: I know. I know. Nerdy Girlie readers were expecting this…A Silent Film owns our music loving hearts.  Despite our complete loyalty to A Silent Film, this self-titled album stands on its own merit. The opening songs, Something To Believe In and Lightning Strike, are radio-friendly – there is no denying Robert Stevenson and Spencer Walker know how to write a great pop hook.  The album is rounded out by the 80’s tinged tracks including Paralysed with a sing-a-long worthy chorus.  Lake Swimming is my personal favorite – I saw it performed live several years ago and I’m so happy to finally have a quality recorded version that I can listen to on repeat. And I really can’t talk about A Silent Film without talking about the ballads that they do so well – Lavender Fields and Where Snowbirds Have Flown just make my heart ache.  I was dying with anticipation for this album and A Silent Film didn’t let me down.  Music Maven Approved Tracks: Something To Believe In, Lake Swimming, Lavender Fields

And there you have it – my Top 10 Albums of 2015. It was a very good year to be a music lover!  Don’t forget to tell me your favorite albums of the year in the comments below!  See you in 2016!

Figuring Out My Place In Time & Space: Don't Regret A Thing

I’m going on an adventure!

For the past 8 months I have been on the go. All day. Everyday. From the moment I wake, until my head hits the pillow at night. I discovered what I love about LA, made new meaningful friendships, dated…a LOT and rocked my musical heart out. All of this for the first time in my life. Finally I could do anything I wanted, just for me, as long as I showed up for work the next morning.

Now…that is all out. And I’m left here thinking of what I could have accomplished in 8 months if I hadn’t been so focused on dating. But I’m stronger now. Stronger than I ever thought I could be. And I can now find my place in life and continue to surround myself with the squad I want.

So I’ve taken a leave of absence from the movie theater I work at…to their dismay. I left LA a week ago today and already I am feeling more focused, relaxed and inspired. 

I'm letting the adventure lead me...

First stop? A Silent Film. Everything big in my life always begins with them. I opened their Fall US tour in San Diego and thought to myself, maybe I’d close it as well. When I found out one of my Lamplighter friends {Brenda} was driving out to Phoenix I jumped aboard her fangirl train and we were off on a road trip that would mold my heart.

By the end of the trip, Brenda and her cousin {Jecenia} helped me realize how much I have changed since the last time I was in Phoenix this past May. 

{side note: I’m writing in honest detail about all of my dating, friendships and hard lessons learned in my 100 Cups Of Coffee book. This sabbatical is allowing me to finish my first draft to send off to my editor. So STAY TUNED!!}. 

The girls and I went to a few of the same places, saw many of the same people and all I could do was flashback on where I was then and MARVEL at where I am now. Daily I think that I haven’t changed much in 8 months….this trip opened my eyes to the fact that I have. 

Last time it was all about boys, this time it was all about women. This adventure I'm following is about the women in my life and the one I am trying to become.

Going to A Silent Film shows have become so much more than music. Brenda could have picked anyone to come on this trip with her. But she chose Jecenia and I. The three of us were all open to creating a meaningful and honest experience and sharing our happiness, loves and losses. All three of us are in different stages in life and we could safely share and learn from each other. As Jecenia would say, we helped each other bloom.

Our hosts for the weekend, Lee and Maryann opened up their home to one person they’ve never met, and two they’ve met only a few times before. Spoiling us to the core and never asking for a thing in return. What I’ve come to discover is that every person in my life today is truly kind. I don't have a toxic person near me. People talk about drama in their lives. I’m going through my own drama everyday. But the people that find me and I connect with are pure. My eyes are seeing people in a different light for the first time.

A Silent Film’s songs even touched me in a different way. I heard different words this time and they sunk into my soul “run away now Anastasia and don’t regret a thing.” I ran away to Phoenix for a band and ended up running back to reality holding the hands of two strong and gorgeous women.

Even my favorite band chooses quality people to surround themselves with. Their new members Matt, Matt and Jake are genuine welcoming souls. It was a joy to see them at the beginning of their ASF journey and the close...for now. :) Smile Matt you DID make it to The Nerdy Girlie blog! 

I fly to Denver on December 2nd where my journey continues with my best friend Liz of Being Geek Chic and the rest of my The Nerdy Girlie team. Bring on the bonding!

{I am forever Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space. Learn and grow with me by reading my other heart felt and often over sharing articles!}

Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space: Something To Believe In ✨🕯️

✨ 2026 Author's Note ✨

I wrote this post in October 2015 and couldn't bring myself to say what was really happening during those "seven months of ups and downs." I was in the middle of a divorce. The LACMA visit where I wanted to be invisible, the Lamplighter meet-up where no one showed, nearly not staying for the show — all of it was me trying to hold myself together.

Robert pointing at my friend and I during Lamplight at The Casbah in San Diego — dedicating the song to the Lamplighters who had traveled show after show — is one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I tried not to cry. I blew him a kiss. I grabbed my phone with shaking hands.

I ended this post with "here's to better days." I had no idea what better days actually looked like. A new chapter. A husband who read my novel twice. A debut book. And in July 2026, eleven years after this show, I went back to San Diego as a published author — with a novel that exists entirely because of A Silent Film, these shows, and the Lamplighter community that held me up when I was figuring out my place in time and space.

The better days came. 💖

📖 Read Musical Awakening on Amazon the book that was being lived in every word of this post. 🎶

Long time readers might have heard a lot of this story already. This is one of my favorites to speak about on the blog. 

A Silent Film.

5 Fandom Friday: 5 Hand Over My Heart, Swoon & All The FEELZ A Silent Film Songs

I'm being a rebel and skipping another 5 Fandom Friday! Last week it was 6 Months of Singleness and this week it's my British Brothers A Silent Film.

Another A Silent Film tour is upon us Lamplighters and I couldn’t be more excited! If you follow along with The Nerdy Girlie team, you know that this is OUR band and we couldn't be more pumped that they are back in the States touring their new self-titled album which drops on October 16th!

The tour opens in San Diego on October 14th {I'll be there and the 17th show in LA!} and travels across the US ending up in Phoenix in November. Tickets are on sale now nerds! So NOW is the time to see the band I've been blabbing about for years, LIVE and in person! Trust me they are pure magic on stage...just listen to these 5 songs for a sneak peak!

1. Aurora. It is the piano intro that pulls at my heart. Eight notes repeated over and over. Then Robert’s haunting voice fills my ears and travels deep into my soul. “The more you guide my hand, the less I understand.” This resinates with me because every time I get around my ex, I feel like this happens. I know in my heart what the right things are for me are, but he had a way of making me doubt myself. He did. Now that six months have passed, I feel like we finally understand each other more than ever.

2. Cuckoo Song. “I’ll be there in the morning if there are fireworks tonight.” And done. The most romantic line ever written.

3. Message in the Sand. Again with the piano intro, they pull at my heart strings so. The entirely of this song is how I want to be loved. It builds like a relationship. Sweet and simple beginnings. The drums come in after the first chorus making your begin to race. Then the guitar hits in the third chorus and the passion carries you away. "May I surprise your teary eyes with a message in the sand."

4. I Don’t Need A Reason. All of these songs hooked me on the first note. A smile crosses my face immediately and that is how I know it’s special. I love what their music does to me. My heart slows, then quickens and all I want to do is dance out my feelings. ASF makes love sounds so easy. As it should be. "I was gonna call you up last night. I swear that we were having the same dream, again."

5. Lake Swimming. The Music Maven and I, along with the rest of the Lamplighter family, have been waiting for this song for two years. I remember where and when I heard this song for the first time and every time I hear it I am taken back to that place and those feelings. I cannot help but smile through the entire song and cannot wait to hear ASF open with it {fingers crossed} on Wednesday in San Diego at my favorite venue, The Casbah, where I saw them for the very first time on my 30th birthday. It will definitely feel like a full circle moment. Surrounded by the music and the people I love most! 

SOOOOOOO if you DO go see them in person...and you SHOULD, tell them The Nerdy Girlie...Megan sent you and give them a BIG hug for me!

Still tweet and tag me in YOUR 5 Fandom Friday posts on Insta, Twitter and Facebook! I'll give you a RT over on Twitter! Thanks for bearing with me nerds and my musical obsessions! See you next week with my favorite things about Halloween!

ORIGIN OF 5 FANDOM FRIDAY!

PAST POSTS & COMING SOON:

October  3rd:  Gateway Fandoms That Made Me Who I Am Today

October 10th:  Geeky Clothing Items I Need In My Closet Immediately

October 17th:  Characters I'd Love To Dress Up As For Halloween

October 24th:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November  7th:  Comfort Foods That Always Make Me Feel Better

November 14th:  Smart Phone Apps I Cannot Live Without

November 21st:  Characters I Would Invite To My Thanksgiving Feast

November 28th:  Black Friday Purchases I Would Sacrifice A Night Of Sleep For

December 5th:  My Favorite Holiday Songs To Spread Cheer

December 12th:  Presents I Want Santa To Bring Me

December 19th:  My Must See List of Christmas Movies

December 26th:  New Years Blogging Resolutions

January 9th:  My Favorite Things About Winter

January 16th:  Conventions I've Been To Or Wish To Attend

January 23rd:  Songs That Changed My Life

January 30th:  Favorite Fandom Accessories I Own

February 6th: Favorite Funko Pop Figures

February 13th: Favorite Fictional Couples I Ship

February 20th: Things I've Bought But Haven't Read/Watched/Played Yet

February 27th: Character's I Would Name My Kids After

March 6th: Favorite Snacks/Drinks To Consume While Blogging

March 13th: My Fictional Boyfriends

March 20th: My Comfort Films

March 27th: One Fandom Item Styled Five Different Ways

April 3rd: 5 Times I Totally Fangirled

April 10th: 5 Magical Items I Would Love To Own

April 17th: Favorite Theme Park Rides 

April 24th: Games I Love To Play

May 8th: Favorite Fictional Moms

May 15th: Your 5 Most Binge Worthy Shows

May 22nd: 5 Nerdiest Things You've Ever Done

May 29th: 5 Fictional Characters You Most Identify With

June 5th - Comic Book Heroes You Would Like To See With Their Own Series Or Movie via @JaymFace

June 12th - Favorite Fictional Fathers

June 19th - Characters With My Favorite Fictional Closet

June 26th - Fandom Guilty Pleasures via @MeghanSaraK

July 3rd - Five Favorite Aliens via @MeghanSaraK

July 10th - Five Spinoffs I'd Like To See Get Made 

July 17th - Five Things You Own That You Bought At Cons 

July 24rd - Five Fictional Vehicles I'd Love To Travel In

July 31st - Five Fictional Pets I'd Like To Adopt -  via Sara Richey 

August 7th - Favorite Wattpad Fan Fictions

August 14th - Fandom Phrases

August 21st - Crossovers That Would Make My Heart Explode

August 28th - Geeks Who Inspire Me

September 4th -  5 Fandom Deaths I’m Still Upset About…SPOILERS!

September 11th - 5 Broadway Roles I'd Love To Play via @n_williams316

September 18th - 5 Favorite Things About Autumn 

September  25th - 5 Pumpkin Items Cannot Wait To Purchase

October 2nd - People You Want on Your Side During an Apocalypse (Kendall Ashley)

October 9th - Favorite Fictional Teachers (Heather Q - Beyond the Aisle)

October 16th - Things I Love About Halloween

October 23rd - Characters I Want to Dress Up as for Halloween
October 30th - Favorite Halloween Episodes of TV Shows

Follow me on:

Instagram // Twitter // Bloglovin // Facebook // Pinterest // G+

The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #12: A Filthy Road Trip

{Heads up this is gonna be a looong one, so settle in! #MusicIsLove}

One night when I was still living in San Diego, I was listening to High Voltage’s radio show. A few songs were played that I enjoyed and took note of, but then something magical happened.

A pounding drum filled my speakers. For a second my heart stopped, and just as suddenly it began to beat again in time with the rhythm. The song was "Destroy You" and the band was The Filthy Souls. Within just a few beats of a drum, I was hooked.

The magic continued when I was able to see them perform live for the first time in October 2014, my very first official LA resident show. Since then I’ve done all that I can to tell anyone and everyone about these phenomenal guys, and I have been lucky enough to have their guitarist as my guitar teacher.

You might have noticed that a post went up last Monday about A Silent Film and The Filthy Souls that had nothing on it. Well, that is because I thought after spending the entire weekend on the road with The Filthy Souls I would be able to come back and write a post about it for Monday...WRONG! A week later and I’ve still not had a chance to breathe or recover from an eye opening weekend with my band.

Thursday morning the guys met and I loaded up our two very small cars with all of their gear, all of our luggage, and us. It took some serious Tetris skills but eventually everything and everyone ended up finding a place and we were ready to take on the horrendously boring drive to Phoenix so they could open up for A Silent Film on Saturday.

Through the wind, the rain, and endless stretches of nothingness, we finally arrived in paradise. We actually had a bit of time to enjoy it since the guys were not scheduled to perform until Saturday. Insert leisurely breakfast at one of my favorite places, Snooze, emergency trip to Guitar Center for a tambourine, and a quick game of mini golf {I got 2nd place} before lounging by the pool. 

Gathering photos for this post was actually difficult for the first time ever. I was having so much fun that I didn’t want to use my phone or take photos. I’ve discovered that lately, I’m more happy to be in the moment and with people, unobstructed by technology.

When the time came to introduce my two favorite bands to each other, it was a completely surreal moment. Lead singers Robert {of A Silent Film} and Dave {of The Filthy Souls} are total polar opposites, but in the best way possible. I couldn't love either of them more for who they are and what and who their music has brought to my life.

Like I said before, this was the first time I had seen the full band play together since October and they did not disappoint. All of the craziness that happened up until they hit the stage was gone in an instant. These four have such an infectious chemistry. You can tell how much they love each other and enjoy playing together. It was so fun to witness and to capture for the first time. This is why I love them so much and want others to love them as well. Their music is pretty amazing too! I couldn't help but dance the entire time I was shooting.

Dave Green

The lead singer, the pretty one and the one whose music captured my heart. Ever since moving to LA I’ve secretly found everyone here to be super cool and hard to talk to. I’m pretty good at faking it. Dave is one of those cool kids. He has the confidence I wish that I had. His talent is such that he can sound check for five minutes or not at all and still lead the band in a jaw-dropping set.

Danny Wagstaff

Danny is my guitar teacher. He is definitely the quietest one of the bunch, but you would never know that the minute that he steps on stage and shreds the guitar. I am so happy to be taking lessons from such a talented and kind musician. And even more happy to have him be one of my very first friends I made upon moving to LA!

Topher Daniel

Since Topher is the youngest and around the same age as my brothers, I felt like I was hanging with one of my brothers. He is super sweet and we totally bonded over our love of emo music and McDonald’s. He rode in the back seat to and from Phoenix making me feel super old while he slept and listened to his iPod. LOL

Daniel Curcio

I had never had a chance to talk to Dan before this trip. Dan was another one of those cool kids. But what I soon realized is that he is a complete sweetheart and was great at making me feel included. I think all the black and leather threw me off. ;) As soon as he stepped off stage he gave me a big hug and thanked me for the photos. 

How can I love two completely different bands with all my heart? What it really comes down to is, I’ve realized, is the people. The music captured my heart, but the people who create it it, hold it. I’ve grown so much in the past couple months and I feel like I am at this point in my life where I need A Silent Film’s passionate love and The Filthy Souls' well…filthy love. 

It’s not too much to ask for both, am I right? I finally feel that I can say and realize that and truly mean it and won’t settle for less, no matter how long it takes. Thank you, The Filthy Souls, for inspiring me to live the life I love.

The Nerdy Girlie Team's Music Monday #2: 3 Secrets with A Silent Film

If you are a regular reader of this blog...first off...THANK YOU! Second, you MIGHT have heard of The Nerdy Girlie team's love of a band, "our band," A Silent Film {a few of my favorite posts Lamplighter-palooza Portland, 5 Songs That Changed My Life}.

{Secret #1 - LA}

I want to say it but I don't know how…. - Message in the Sand, A Silent Film

That might sum up how I feel as I begin to write this post.

A Silent Film is Robert Stevenson and Spencer Walker, our Lads from Oxford, England. When they decided to set out on a tour to promote their new EP New Year, they wanted to put something special together to thank their fans, aka the Lamplighters. Enter the Secret Rooms tour: an experience for a very select few; intimate; and the most personal musical experience I've ever had.

The Secret Rooms ticket sale was a lottery and I was lucky enough to be picked to attend the LA show. No one knew how many people were going to be in attendance at each performance or what was even going to happen. Hence secret. So when I and a group of fellow Lamplighters showed up to the venue on April 28th, we were happy to see it truly was what  was promised to us. Less than fifty chairs sat circled around the instruments.

I had come with a group of Lamplighters, as I always do for all my ASF shows, and when we checked in, we were told to choose a card. The card corresponded with our seat, so none of us got to sit together. That proved to be a blessing in disguise.

I was lucky enough to get an aisle seat so I could get up and take photos without disturbing anyone, and boy did I take photos! Almost 300! Though I made plenty sure to be in the moment as much as possible. First The Lads came out and explained what was going to happen throughout the night. Up first, meet and greet, second, the performance and lastly a Q&A.

I love A Silent Film's music, but what I might love even more is how warm, welcoming and kind they are to their fans. This was my sixth show of theirs and ever since the second show I attended they have known me by name. They always make me feel special for the few minutes that I get to speak with them and each of those times, it's like no day has passed since the last time we spoke.

Of course this time was no different. When it was my turn to speak with the Lads, they didn't disappoint. Spencer took the time right away to thank me for our review of their new EP and I thanked him for sharing it on their social media accounts. There was one thing that I really wanted to say to them and it was this. I've met so many special people because of them and their music. One of them being Lindsay {she will tell you about the Seattle show below}. Lindsay lives in Utah and I'm in LA. We met on the Facebook fan page and have talked everyday for what is it, a year now?! We met for the first time in Portland last year. She's helped me with my writing and I've helped her with her photography. Besides that, she has been a huge support system and one of the best friends I have. If it wasn't for ASF and their music, we would have never met. I just had to tell them that their music touches lives in so many different ways.

I always feel like I can write better than I can communicate in person. I try to be outgoing but really I am a quite person who doesn't open up to just anyone. I have so many feelings and ASF's music touches my soul. Robert is the primary lyricist and composer of ASF. Ever since I heard the first notes of Harbour Lights, the second time we met and he knew me by name and each I see him play the piano I realize that there are just some people that come into your life for a reason. His music inspires me, his performances captivate me, and he as a person is so sincere and genuine, and quite like me. In the three years that I've been a fan of ASF, Robert and I have only spoken mere minutes, but in that time I've come to think of him as my musical British brother. Both he and Spencer are apart of my musical family wether they want to be or not!

When the  meet and greet finished, I took my seat and was directly in front of Robert and his piano. Perfect spot right? That's what I thought until Spencer announced after a few songs that we all had to get up and move around the circle to our same seat in the section to our right. NOW I was basically sitting right next to Robert as he played my favorite of their new songs "Strong Enough" {see video above}. I couldn't be any closer unless I was sitting right next to him. It was a gorgeous rendition of the song and I cannot stop listening to it on repeat. It was the most magical musical moment of my life.

On the third rotation, my second favorite moment of the night happened. Spencer got up and played the harmonica on "Danny, Dakota And The Wishing Well." This was my favorite song of the night. I wish I videoed it, but I am more happy to have the memory inside my head and was able to just live in the moment, smile bigger than I ever had and clapping and singing a long. I love living in moments like that, - it was pure joy. When I looked over at one of my friends after, we just both looked at each other and that was all that needed to be said. It was THE performance of the night.

The night closed out with our final rotation and one of the most personal performances I've ever witnessed. The Lads closed out the show with the lights turned down low and a haunting performance of "Rustle Of The Stars." Like I said before, I wasn't able to sit by my fellow fans, and in the end I was very happy about that. The entire experience felt like a personal concert just for me. I was isolated from the norm and in turn was totally focused on the experience and the music in front of me and just lived in the moment.

The Q&A portion highlighted The Lads' personalities perfectly and we were even given one more extra song! As the night concluded, we exited the venue we were given so much amazing swag -  the best thing being a key. Only attendees of the Secret Rooms tour will be given these keys. In the future at each show the merch table will have a lock box that only our keys will open. Inside…who knows? Something exclusive just for us! I cannot wait to find out what the first item will be. In two weeks, I travel to Phoenix for two more ASF shows so hopefully there I will find out.

{Secret #2 - Seattle}

By: Lindsay Clyde Flanagan

On July 3, 2011, I went to Park City, Utah, to see one of my favorite bands play. I thought I would sit back and relax while the opening bands played, but when this band from Oxford, England came on stage and began to play with such enormous talent and passion, I stood up and noticed. A Silent Film’s music just kept ringing through my mind after their set. As I was leaving the venue, I happened upon Robert Stevenson, so I talked with him for a moment. I bought their first album, The City that Sleeps, and fell in love with all of their songs. When Sand and Snow came out, I was blown away again – even more so. This album became my anthem for the summer of 2012, one that was difficult for many reasons and life-changing for others. I missed their show in May of 2012 because of one of those difficult reasons, but when they came to Salt Lake again in October 2012, I was there, right on the front row, singing my heart out. I had the chance to meet them again and I was floored when Robert told me he noticed me singing along on the front row. Since then, they have won me over. I write about them a lot on my own blog, and part of this post is adapted from one I wrote for it. Their music continues to inspire me and change my life, always for the better.

Photo: Lindsay Clyde Flanagan

It’s because of them that I am writing on The Nerdy Girlie. Megan and I met on ASF’s Facebook fan page, the Lamplighters. We connected because of our love of the band, but have found so many other things we have in common. Not a day has gone by that we haven’t spoken or messaged. It’s also because of another friend I met through the Lamplighters, Shawnte, that I was able to experience the Secret Rooms tour. Salt Lake City was not on the list of cities where they would be touring, so when they were announced, I was resolved to wait until the full tour was announced. However, Shawnte was selected in the lottery for the Seattle show - and she invited me as her guest. I didn't know what to expect from the Secret Rooms tour, but I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime experience, something totally different and completely special. The Secret Room was at the Ballard Homestead, a very small, quaint space. The instruments had been set up in the middle of the floor and chairs and stools were situated all around them. No stage, minimal lighting, and a very small crowd of maybe forty fans. This was most definitely going to be an unforgettable evening.

Photo: Lindsay Clyde Flanagan

They didn't begin their show with music. They took a few moments to introduce the concept of this tour and why they were doing it. They then allowed each fan one-on-one time with them so they could meet the fans they were playing for. I was so excited for my husband to finally meet them. I was surprised--although I shouldn't have been, given how sweet they are to their fans--when they were excited to meet him! We were able to talk with them for a few minutes and get our picture before heading back into the Secret Room to await the show. They began their set with their new song "Message in the Sand" and then moved into their well-known "Harbour Lights." From the first note of their set to the last reverberation, I had a lump in my throat. The tears fell during "Strong Enough," for many, many personal reasons (and one because I related to the reason it was written). I was absolutely stunned by their cover of "Pictures of You" by The Cure, not only because it was a great cover, but because Spencer Walker, usually seen behind the drums and singing backing vocals, came out and played the bass. He surprised me even further by sitting down at Robert's piano and playing during "Lavender Fields." I knew these boys were talented, but to see how multitalented and hardworking they are was beyond anything I could have asked for in a show. They stepped away from their microphones and Spencer picked up a harmonica (add that to the ever-growing list of instruments Spencer Walker can play) to play an a cappella version of "Danny, Dakota, and the Wishing Well." The tears almost fell again when they played "Where the Snowbirds Have Flown," because, if I have to choose a favorite song, that one would be it. It's lyrically and musically gorgeous, and contains one of the most perfect lines of poetry: "When love rolls through your body like thunder and I am the storm cloud..." Robert Stevenson is, and will always be, one of my favorite poets. I hope to inspire someone in the way his words have inspired me: they never fail to set my pen on fire. 

As we left the show, we were each given a signed poster and an envelope that contained gifts from the band. So not only are these lads talented, kind, and gracious, they are exceptionally generous. As always, I'm counting down until I can see ASF again. But in the meantime, I'm going to continue to turn up the volume, sing even though I'll be off tune, dance with my daughters, and write...always write...when I listen to ASF.

{Secret #3 - Denver}

By: Tillie Elvrum aka The Music Maven

What more can I say that Megan and Lindsay haven’t already covered…Robert, Spencer, and the entire A Silent Film team thought of everything when it came to the Secret Rooms Tour.  Everything about this tour was special – from the way the New Year EP was released with a series of clues and mystery envelopes arriving on fans doorsteps, to the location of the shows being revealed one at a time, and down to the cool way fans were seated during the shows.  Every single thing about this tour was a personal and you could tell that the band was very hands-on throughout the planning stages.

Photo by: The Gamer Geek aka JD Elvrum

They took it a step further and kept things personal and intimate during the shows as well.  Before the music even started, Robert and Spencer spent time with each and every attendee – for some fans it was a new experience and for longtime fans it was a chance to say how much they’ve been missed.  If you’ve seen A Silent Film before you know that there isn’t a whole lot of banter during their full shows – they are all business when they’re up on stage, but this ‘in-the-round’ setting allowed for more dialogue.  It was a pleasure to learn more about the songs and what went into the new music.

Photo by: The Gamer Geek aka JD Elvrum

My favorite moments from the show…hearing a stripped back version of You Will Leave A Mark – it’s my all-time favorite ASF song. I had to smile at how animated Robert was playing a “real” piano – he was definitely in his happy place.  I loved seeing Spencer take a seat at the piano to accompany Robert on Lavender Fields – it was a beautiful rendition.  The cover of The Cure’s Pictures Of You was absolute perfection – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to the original version of this song since it came out in 1989, but Robert and Spencer nailed it.  

I have seen just about every type of concert you can imagine – festivals, stadiums, small clubs, and in-studio performances, but nothing compared to this Secret Rooms show.  The venue, Bazaar, is a hidden gem among the Denver music scene – residing in an old muffler shop, with a very sparse décor, there is nothing to distract you from the music and the acoustics were amazing.  

Photo by: The Gamer Geek aka JD Elvrum

The band is recording various songs during the tour and I cannot wait to see the finished videos because this is a tour that I’m going to want to re-live over and over again.

Thank you to Robert and Spencer for the amazing experience and all of the special mementos they sent us home with.  I pity the next band I go to see because they will never be able to top this extraordinary show.