The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #14: Dark Waves

Do you know what my most favorite thing in the world is? Being surrounded by music. EVERY TIME I go to a show I realize this time and time again. It happened in Phoenix. Again at The Viper Room last week and this Saturday at the Make Music Pasadena Festival.

I don't remember how I found Dark Waves aka Nick Long, but it all began on Instagram. If you DON'T know, as a photographer, Insta is my favorite way to express myself, besides this blog!

Like I said, I don't know HOW I found Dark Waves on Insta, but the happy thing is that I did. I don't remember if I knew he was a musician or not. I just knew he was a great photographer and I'm kinda a Insta snob as in I only {for the most part} follow accounts that inspire me.

When High Voltage Magazine asked me to shoot for the Make Music Pasadena Festival I was excited to see Dark Waves on the line up. Even better than experiencing live music, is experiencing it with friends who GET IT and my High Voltage ladies get it.

Dark Waves hit the stage and I hit the pit ready to shoot. Upon his first note, I had the hardest time shooting. I think I ended up shooting as fast as I could and by the end of the second song, I had to be done. Nick grabbed my music loving heart with his first strum and I was a swooning puddle doing the best I could to complete my assignment.

When I knew I had what I needed I re-joined my friends and melted {and not just from the heat}. Songs that really grab me, make me do something very specific. It might sound weird, but I have to grab my heart and just close my eyes and be in the moment. When it's REALLY good I have to grab my friend next to me. BOTH things happened during Nick's performance.

And since I got in my car at the end of the festival day the Dark Waves EP has been on repeat. My favorite songs being The Heartbeat The Soul and I Don't Want To Be In Love.

NOW go LISTEN to Dark Waves AND follow him on Insta! Not just one...BOTH! Learn from my failures. I am so happy to have Nick's music in my life now, better late than never right? Thank God he is LA based! I cannot wait to see him preform live again! #swoonmusic

Twitter: @darkwaves
Insta: @dark_waves
Spotify: Dark Waves
Facebook: Dark Waves

Dreaming that everyday could be a festival day and living our live on the rails.

The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #13: Bad Veins At The Viper Room

I don't know why I am always surprised by how much I LOVE live music. I am always happy and excited to go to shows, but as soon as the band hits the stage and their music fills my ears, I am transported to my happy place. It is like a musical awakening. I cannot stop smiling, dancing and just living in the moment. I have found it increasingly harder to want to photograph my favorite bands. Usually my bands sets are only thirty minutes long...which isn't much. I want to be in those thirty minutes with no distractions, just music, it is what I live for.

I was of course introduced to Bad Veins by The Music Maven. Surprise, surprise am I right?! Three years later and I've gotten use to seeing my boys every May. The same month, the same week and sometimes the same day each year. So when they announced a one off show at the famous Viper Room on the Sunset Strip, there was no question of wether I'd be in the crowd or not.

What I have really loved as of late, is meeting up with friends that you haven't seen in a long time and it being like no time has ever passed. That was what it was like with Bad Veins. Ben {singer, guitar} and Jake {smashing drums} welcomed me with big smiles and hugs. These two guys are some of the sweetest musicians I have ever met.

This was my fourth time seeing Bad Veins live and every time I have seen them perform they have blown me away. Three out of four times it has been a 21+ and over crowd. Now usually I prefer 21+ for my own sanity, but for the bands I love, I find that the all ages crowd GIVE more.

Bad Veins gave it all that night and I felt like I was the happiest person in the room. No matter wether they are performing to twenty people at The Casbah in San Diego or a packed house in Santa Ana, Bad Veins always brings the fun. They played MY favorite Nursery Rhyme and a NEW song Under The Covers. LOVED IT! I cannot wait to hear their brand new FULL album, which hopefully comes out sometime this year!

Since we had a LOT to catch up on, after their set, we headed across the street for a quieter venue and drinks. I had my VERY FIRST Guinness and am now obsessed! It was only one night I got to spend with the guys...hours really, but I am so happy they were able to make time for me. I'm finding more and more that quality time is more important than quantity of time. I will always make time for these talented guys.

Follow them on Insta {they have a GREAT Insta}, Twitter {@badveins} and Facebook. LISTEN to them on Spotify, they have the most heartstring tugging rendition of Rainbow Connection!

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's Music Monday #11: The Filthy Souls

Did you read my last week’s Music Monday?! I had a bad case of concert blues and band jealousy. Thankfully, this week, the slate was wiped clean and I got my groove back, all due to Dave Green of The Filthy Souls.

You might remember my novel about how I came to find The Filthy Souls...and what came after...if not, you have to go read one of the most favorite posts I’ve ever written {5 Songs That Changed My Life}. Go a head and read it, or even read it again, then come back...I’ll wait!

There are only a handful of bands that give me all the FEELS and The Filthy Souls is one of them. I’ve seen them once before as a full band, but this past Friday at O’Brien’s in Santa Monica {my backyard!} it was the lead singer Dave Green, solo.

I can always tell that a show is amazing when I don’t want to take pictures {so sorry these aren’t my best!}. I love when an artist can capture my attention, keep me in the moment and make me only care about the music. I definitely had this “trouble” during Dave’s set. He is such an emotional singer that I didn’t want to fuss with capturing it in camera, I wanted to capture it in my heart and soul.

One of my favorite parts of any The Filthy Souls set is Destroy You {fave song, LISTEN!}. During this song Dave’s stunning and talented girlfriend, Taryn joins him on stage for a duet. They have such amazing chemistry, it’s intoxicating. The picture above is from their show at The Troubadour this past July. See what I mean when I said, I hardly took any photos?!

We all know those "LA girls," the ones that are too pretty, cool and intimidating to talk to. Taryn is pretty, cool and a joy to talk to! We are both taking guitar lessons from Danny, the guitarist of The Filthy Souls, so right away we had something to bond over. I love how this city, which I was so intimidated to move to, has brought truly genuine and rad people into my universe.

Dave played a bunch of new songs during his set and the new stuff had me hanging onto every word as much as the songs I already knew and loved. This is why I love live music so much, if an artist is great, they can hook you even with songs you’ve never heard. The bonus that night was that I was able to be there with amazing friends. When you can look over at someone who gets a band as much as you do, the experience means so much more.

A cherry on top to any amazing band is how they interact with their fans. Dave and I have interacted back and forth on social media for awhile now, and have met once in passing at guitar lessons, but never have been formally introduced. So when Danny officially introduced us it surprised me that Dave knew me by name and The Nerdy Girlie.

Taryn, Danny, me, Dave.

This never ceases to astonish me. It means that the artist takes their job seriously and shows that they are truly invested in the people who love their music. Wouldn’t that make you want to shout from the roof tops and cheer them on?!

What is your favorite part of the concert going experience? Friends, photos, band interaction?  Share your stories in the comments below! THEN go listen to The Filthy Souls and get ready for them to explode this year!

The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #10: Bad Suns

If you know The Nerdy Girlie…you know I am passionate and dedicated to the things I love.  One of those things is music.  You can read that much in my Friday's post 5 Songs That Have Changed My Life.  All the bands on that list have my entire heart.

I am always open to finding new music and get super excited when it is something that I can connect with on a different level other than just a fun song.  I long for music to go straight to my heart.  

I'm not sure how I first heard Bad Suns, but I remember playing their EP Transpose over and over again while The Hunny and I searched LA for what would soon be our new home in LA.  I found this oddly perfect since the band originates in LA.

Bear with me as I dive a little deep into my Bad Suns history so you will understand where I'm coming from with this post.  During the height of my LOVE of their EP, I found out that they were going to do a FREE Hornblower cruise show back in San Diego.  I had just moved to LA a week before and was LONGING to return to San Diego.  So when I won tickets, I hopped in my car and drove down for the weekday show on the San Diego Harbor!

The FREE cruise around the harbor was enough to make my heart swoon…the setting sun, the Hotel Del, the Coronado Bay Bridge…it was my city at it's finest hour.  The boat was packed with people there obviously for the free booze and could care less about the band.  Which I'm sure would be disheartening for any band.

When Bad Suns took the stage, I was front and center…and without earplugs.  I ALWAYS have them at shows, this one I didn't {later I found out that I actually did…oops!}.  I'd be fine I thought, we are outside the sound will carry.  It really didn't.  The sound was horrible and I found it really tough to dance through even my favorite of songs.

I'm sure everyone goes to a concert to hear the music and I love that part of the show…live music is amazing, but as a fan I also want to be able to get a vibe off the band and feel like I've seen their personalities shine through.  This first show of Ban Suns…sadly I really didn't.  They had a captive audience…literally since we were out on open water and as a fan I really didn't feel the show.  

Afterwards they said they would be down at the merch table to do a meet and greet, so since I had some awesome pictures of the show, I wanted to get their JUST released FULL album on vinyl, get them to sign it and write up a post for the blog.  Obviously that didn't happen since this is my first time writing about them.  They never came down, I almost got kicked off the boat before following another fan upstairs to get the band to sign the vinyl…which they didn't seem all that thrilled to do.  Did I mention that we had to hunt down a Sharpie as well.

You can imagine, I wasn't in a hurry to see them again anytime soon.  Then The Music Maven, The Gamer Geek and I met up in Las Vegas and The Gamer Geek found out that Bad Suns was having a FREE show there.  I went because I love my Gamer Geek, but otherwise, I would have skipped it.  

Photo by The Gamer Geek

The venue was super chic, near Fremont Street in a place called Container Park.  Guess what the place was made out of?  Old, recycled shipping containers!  The stage was on a large grassy knoll…ok this isn't half bad I thought.  When it was Bad Suns' time to take the stage, The Gamer Geek and I took our signature spots right in front of the stage.  Unfortunately that was also where some other, more vocal fans also made their spot.

I had the pure luck of getting caught in front of some girls who REALLY needed the bands attention and that involved screaming their desires directly into my ear.  Now I can fan girl with the best of them…you guys know that and I TRIED to let them have their fun..but soon it was too much for me, even after their requests were acknowledged.  I left The Gamer Geek to the front and I strolled to the back.

From that moment on, I had a REALLY good time!  I had all the space I needed to dance my fan girl booty off and no one to yell in my ear.  I was in music heaven.  The guys seemed more aware of themselves, they gave off some great personality and lead singer Christo Bowman even pointed at "me" way in the back while I danced away and took pictures, not that I NEED that sort of thing, but it was nice.

NOW this past Sunday night Live Nation asked me to cover Bad Suns' show in Santa Ana for their Ones To Watch site.  See if third time really was a charm in the second part of my review coming this afternoon!

5 Fandom Friday: Songs That Changed My Life

{LISTEN on Spotify}

Music has been a major part of my life from as far back as I can remember.  It makes me dance, inspires my writing and makes me feel all the emotions!  I LOVE how music makes me feel and the joy I get when I can share that with people.  Here are the five songs that made the biggest impression on my life.

1.  Harbour Lights - A Silent Film.  I've shared this story a million times with you all, and I still never get tired of telling it.  So for those who haven't heard it, here it goes.  The Music Maven made me her best of 2012 album and Harbour Lights was the very last song.  From the first note I knew it was special.  From there I got ASF's album Sand & Snow and listened to it everyday until my 30th birthday party, where I got to see them live for the first time. Since then I have never looked back.

The Lads are the so kind and sweet plus their music goes straight to my heart.  I have been so inspired by their music and have made some amazing friends {Lamplighters} who I would have never of met otherwise.  I am so thankful to A Silent Film and would do anything for them.

2.  Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional.  Speaking of all the emotions, enter Dashboard. The MTV Unplugged album got me through some "tough" times.  This past year I was finally able to meet Chris Carrabba in person for the first time and he exceeded all of my expectations.  After all these years, he still comes out to the line and talks to his fans.  He takes pictures, asks questions and is a completely authentic person, loving what he is doing.  I was so happy to finally see that for myself after ten years of being a fan.

Chris is also the one who made me to want to play the guitar in the first place. Though it took ten years, and being re-inspired by ASF, I finally did it and celebrated my one year anniversary this Thanksgiving. {MORE about that to come below!}

3.  Chocolate - The 1975.  It may seem that I think that every song is something special, but that couldn't be further from the truth.  The Music Maven and others suggest bands/artists to me all the time and not all of them stick.  Then came Chocolate.  Who wouldn't want to listen to a song named Chocolate?  While editing The Gamer Geek's post My Blog As A Mix Tape, I found myself intrigued by the title, and went straight to You Tube to have a listen. One listen and I was then down the rabbit hole.

That was the beginning of my The 1975 lust.  I completely admire how self aware and comfortable they are in their own skin.  I wish I could be that free.  I listened to them every single day since The Gamer Geek's post up until I saw them live this past November, to The Hunny's dismay.  You can read all about the amazing time I had at their show HERE.  I got a VERY unexpected story out of this show!

4.  Up & Go - The Starting Line.  I feel very nostalgic about TSL.  I went back and listened to them a bit while writing this and the memories came flooding back.  They were the first band I found all on my own back in my 20s and I was quite proud of that fact. I followed them around to multiple shows in Pennsylvania and had such a great time with my good friend Tommy!  I will credit them with my passion for concert photography {those above were all taken with my cheap/giant film camera} and my wanting "the tour life"!  Guess what?!  I still feel the same to this day!  Some things never change!

5. Destroy You - The Filthy Souls.  One day while listening to the weekly High Voltage Magazine Music Hour the lovely ladies {and SherlockeDCC 2014 party sponsors!} introduced this song.  From the first drum beats my heart stopped and I knew this song was something special. Straight away I went and found out as much as I could about the band {British boys!} and got their EP.

I was living in San Diego at the time and was dying to see them live.  They live and play only in LA, so it wasn't until I moved there this past July that I was able to attend my first show of theirs.  It was my very first LA show and I was alone, though that is not unusual.  I was nervous about parking and the neighborhood, but soon found nothing to fear.  The Troubadour is on a gorgeous street and is a lovely venue!

I rocked out the entire time and their performance was entirely worth the wait!  Jump to a few weeks later when I decided to FINALLY search for a guitar teacher.  I'd gone as far as I could on my own and was informed that The Filthy Souls' guitarist taught lessons.  I mentioned it to The Hunny whose first and only question was "Is he British?"  With that I was off to my first lesson in North Hollywood at night with a guy I had never met.  Safe? Totally!

Danny, my instructor, is THE BEST!  I am super hard on myself and he is always encouraging, patient and kind.  I love chatting with him and he always takes the time to play me something special.  It is like a private mini concert each week!  And guess what?!  I am also now working for High Voltage Magazine and JUST wrote my first article!  It is amazing to think back on what one song can do in your life.  What a complete full circle moment!  Thank you High Voltage and The Filthy Souls for helping me fall in love with LA.

BONUS
I couldn't end the list without mentioning my boy band obsession.  It started with New Kids on the Block, peaked with Nsync and Backstreet Boys and continues to this day with One Direction!

Bye Bye Bye - *Nsync.  I always hated the Backstreet Boys vs. *Nsync rivalry.  I loved both, but I couldn't help but be swayed a bit more to the *Nsync side when Bye Bye Bye was released {though seriously I Want It That Way is PERFECTION!}.  I remember watching the Making The Video on MTV with baited breath, teaching my brothers who each member was and finally seeing them in concert!  It was such a magical feeling during the not so magical teen years!

Whew!  Are you still with me?!  I love rambling about my music loves and this has to be my FAVORITE 5 Fandom Friday we have done!  I cannot WAIT to hear what your life changing songs are!  I LOVE music so much, have I said that before?!  Make sure you share your links below and tag me on Twitter for a RT!

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 30th:  Favorite Fandom Accessories I Own

February 6th: Favorite Funko Pop Figures

February 13th: Favorite Fictional Couples I Ship (Valentine's Day)

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 BFF's

March 20th: My Comfort Films

March 27th: One Fandom Item Styled Five Different Ways

| Check out my GEEK shirts! |

The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #9: Tokio Hotel

Sometimes you find a band and you just don't click.  You think they are all right, but it just might not be what you need right then.

When my friend Rachel invited me to see Tokio Hotel do a secret show at The Viper Room on Thursday, I was nervous!  What if I didn't like them.  Before committing I You Tubed them quickly and listened to ONE of their songs.  I dug it and replied back YES!  BONUS I've been DYING to go to The Viper Room since moving to LA.

The night arrived and to be honest I ALMOST talked myself out of it.  I do that a lot, especially since I usually go to shows alone, and I always regret it.  Getting anywhere in LA by our designated 8:30pm meeting time, is HELL.  The drive ended up taking me over an hour to go ELEVEN miles.

BUT upon arrival I found a lot just a block down to park in which was lighted, felt safe and was only FIVE dollars!  I was already happy I came.

There was a fairly large line when I arrived, but it moved quickly.  As soon as I walked into the venue I felt like I had stepped into the opening scene of one of my favorite movies School of Rock!  My excitement continued to grow.

Up a dark staircase opened into the main viewing area of the venue and it was just about at it's 250 people capacity.  I loved how even though there were THAT many people there, it still felt intimate.  Tokio Hotel took the stage around 9:30pm to fans who had been queuing up since early afternoon!

Now you know that I LOVE my bands, and I have done the same a time or two, but this felt like an entirely new experience for me.  I knew NOTHING about Tokio Hotel or their music. I liked the song I heard on You Tube, but would the show even be like that?  It was so much more.

Right away I kicked into photographer mode, so I wasn't fully in the moment.  Once I knew I had what I needed, I was able to finally sit back and share in the scene.  I LOVED seeing how the fans reacted to the band.  Usually I am in my own world at a show, this time I felt I was like an outsider looking in and I couldn't help but feed off the pure love that filled up the room.

Tokio Hotel held their fans in the palm of their hands from start to finish.  The vibe in the room was super chill and the songs, though I had never heard them before, caught my ear and made me want to hear more. Their very short set of only five songs peaked my fan-girl interest and I cannot wait to devour all that they have to offer.

SO definitely check them out if you haven't already!  They have been around for a long time have you heard of them before?!  What do you think?!  Let me know in the comments below.  And I want to end with another HUGE thank you to Rachel for MAKING me get out of my comfort zone and experience some awesome music!

The Nerdy Girlie's Music Monday #8: 10 Songs To Nerd Out About!

{LISTEN to the Spotify playlist}

I have been a lifelong fan of music.  It was my first fan-girl obsession {along with the NES and Popples}.  My music tastes back then were not as refined as now *cough* {Backstreet Boys, *Nsync and NKOTB}.  But with guidance from The Music Maven I have been introduced to some awesome bands {more props to follow!}.  

So let's roll the windows down, let our hair blow in the breeze and make up dance moves to these squee-able songs!  {in NO particular order!}

10.  Harbour Lights - A Silent Film.  First thanks to The Music Maven for introducing me to these awesome Lads.  Harbor Lights was one of her top ten songs of 2012 and with that song I fell in love.  When I found out they would be in San Diego for my 30th birthday I got a group of ladies together and we had an amazing night rocking out!  Finding out that the band were also kind was a bonus!  I was even more excited to be able to see them WITH The Music Maven...and the rest is history.

9.  Soldier - Gavin DeGraw.  I have been a fan of Gavin DeGraw since the beginning.  His newest album, Soldier caught me right away.  I am such a hopeless romantic and this song totally plays into that.  Plus it was easy to make up my own dance to {I only do that with songs I love}.

8.  Not In That Way - Sam Smith.  I have a really blessed life.  I don't have many troubles to deal with, but sometimes I'm weird and like to pretend.  That is when I turn to Sam Smith and THIS song.  I LOVE belting it out when no one is around and have all the FEELS {and the Oscar goes to...The Nerdy Girlie!}.  He is my go to writing inspiration and chill out music. #swoonmusic

7.  Pavement - Mona.  Mona was another of The Music Maven's top albums of 2012. The song she added Lines in the Sand was my first favorite, but after getting the entire album Pavement just grabbed my heart with its pure raw emotion.  This would totally be my karaoke jam!

6.  Nursery Rhyme - Bad Veins.  The Music Maven's top album of 2012 and I have to agree!  Nursery Rhyme just makes me want to get up and dance!  I was happy to have been able to see Bad Veins multiple times and they put on an AMAZING show!  BONUS:  The nicest nerdy dudes who are fun to talk to.

5.  Skip the Charades - Cold War Kids.  Another one of The Music Maven's all time favorite bands.  This entire album I love, but this particular song is my stand out!  You can feel the heartbreak in this song, I love songs with powerful emotion! {Insert my 2nd Oscar win}

4.  Kathleen {live} - Josh Ritter.  Josh Ritter is best heard LIVE.  I had never heard him before and my friend Susan took me to his show.  I fell in love right then and there with the way he emotes on stage and brings his songs to life.  You can see on his face how much he loves what he is doing!  Seriously that smile?!

3.  Chocolate - The 1975.  One word, chocolate.  Yeah I wanna hear a song about that amazing sweet!  Do you love eating chocolate?  Then you are going to LOVE rocking out to this song.  It is so completely delicious and infectious!  I dare you to not like it!

2.  Juliet - Royal Wood.  I credit Being Human U.S. for my love of Royal Wood.  Their first season had a few of his songs and that prompted me to get the vinyl.  His songs are so romantic and I am alway a sucker for the use of a piano in music!  As you will find out with most of these bands I have picked.

1.  Destroy You - The Filthy Souls.  Listen to just one note of this song, you will be hooked.  Before any lyrics were sung, I was done.  BUT that's not it!  Just wait till you get to that chorus!  Yeah you'll be dancing in no time.
  

As I was half way through this write up, I realized that it is difficult to explain why something grabs me!  There are so many songs out there, why do these ten do something different to me?!  What do YOU think of them?!  I would love to know if the feelings are mutual!

PLUS you have to tell me what songs YOU have to close your eyes and just dance to!  Share them with me in the comments below!  I love finding new musical loves!

Also it looks like I need to see Sam Smith and Royal Wood this year!  They are the only band on my list I haven't seen live!