Author: Yourcupatea

A Music Journey

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Every event has a soundtrack in my mind. After going cross country skiing in Yosemite, this past week, my mind is full of new bands, new songs and new rhymes that highlight and sum up the fun times of the trip.

Of course there’s always the classic artists that play a large role and debut on such a trip these artists include people such as Johnny Cash and Bob Marley as well as bands like The Who and The Clash. With these pastimes also come old, iconic songs such as Jolene as well as new alternative covers of these past hits.

Next comes the worst of the songs: recent pop songs. These songs are often synthesized rubbish by groups who lip synch and Hip Hop artists that try and impress by remixing old classics. These along with other cheesy artists will irritatingly stick in your head but make you laugh because of their catchiness.

Finally there comes the new music, new tastes, different sounds and great bands.

By sitting on long car journeys everyday I heard lots of different songs and artists, which is very exciting for me as a music lover.

So now that my tastes have been expanded and my pallet rejuvenated with the fresh sounds of others I am ready to get exploring on the biggest music journey now that I am home.

Little Dragon.

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Little Dragon.

Enjoy laying in bed, relaxing on the sofa or chilling outside on a warm night? I have the perfect music for you and it comes in the form of Little Dragon.

Little Dragon is an electronic band from Sweden. Immediately you hear electronic and think how can this be relaxing in any way. For those who think that, not all electronic is crazy club, beat filled music. Being classified as electronic means that a band uses synths and other electronic equipment in some form in their music.

The band came together in 1996 releasing two albums since they formed, Little dragon in 2007, Machine Dreams in 2009 and then Ritual Unions last year.

Since coming together the four-man group has gained lots of support from indie lovers across the globe. They also have produced songs with famous groups such as the Gorillaz.

Little Dragon blend different music sounds together to create calm, cool and relaxing rhythms.  Throughout their albums they sample different genres, drawing from sounds of soul and pop and jazz and blending them with the smooth vocals of lead singer, Yukimi Nagano.

This band produces lively but relaxing music that is perfect for any evening, so give them a listen.

A Gift From God.

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Angel Food Cake

There’s always some sort of delicious food staring at you as you check out your groceries. Today as I checked out my healthy dinnertime ingredients this one item was angel food cake.

With a deal price of $1.99, how could I possibly resist? After all God or maybe an angels placed it there for a reason.

The purpose being that I could taste or sample a piece of heaven and that is an extremely appropriate word to describe angel food cake. Heavenly.

the I don’t know if the angels used their floaty, soft wings to beat the batter or if God created some kind of miracle, but as I chomped down on the first bite my mouth hit air. I could only describe it as how I would imagine the texture of clouds. It was light, airy, but unlike clouds we see in the sky, sweet and vanillary.

I tried angel food cake and I liked it. By taking one simple step I experienced something great, a gift from God.  So take a gamble in life and be tempted because you never know you may experience something out of this world.

Jack Penate

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Jack Penate

Jack Penate is a singer and songwriter from London. Armed with a guitar and an excellent voice he is a man that puts his heart, soul and passion into his lyrics. He is a man who exhibits true artistry and charisma through his music.

Jack released his first album, Matinee in 2007, which debuted at number 7 in the UK album charts. Two years later, in 2009, he came back and released his second album Everything Is New and now has recently returned with new material including the single No One Lied. 

His music visits many genres and could not be labeled as anything other than alternative because many of his songs are indefinable as a genre and this is what makes him great. Each song has a different tempo, strong but simple lyrics and is full of quirkiness.

Jack Penate is an extremely gifted artist that’s music can evoke many emotions depending on your mood.

So give Jack Penate a listen.

Make A Change.

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Calcutta Kids

Everyone aspires to be something great, someone noble and someone admired; yet some people don’t have any of these ambitions and this is because they live in desolation and poverty.

Some people don’t have the chance to dream, the chance to have ambitions and many often don’t have the chance to think. Sometimes you may think your life is hard because you can’t go out with your friends or you can’t go on a trip, but think about how you would feel if you couldn’t say no.

Children all around the globe today are forced into slavery and prostitution by their families and friends and never have the chance to say no, let alone worry about material goods.

After watching the documentary Born Into Brothels I have realized it is up to us as a society to make a change. Donating a few dollars a month, visiting countries to work with those in poverty or just giving children something that they can learn from and cherish.

By giving children and families across the globe inspiration and aspirations we can achieve something great. We, the people have to help. We must give many their key out and aid them with the tools to gain freedom and the liberation to stand up to say no and fulfill a life that they choose.

Issues.

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Everyone has issues, whether it be with their family, friends, co workers, employees or even teachers. Issues with people and things are  common as people become fired up by different situations.

Gossip, drama, lies etc. are all just things that entice people to get caught up in the play of every day soap operas. Just like when watching soap operas it’s good to observe drama and plays between people sometimes and discuss the plots, but you must never get too involved in the drama. When the storyline becomes your life that is when tangled webs tie you down and don’t let you go without some sort of punishment.

Recently I have been observing lots of drama in my community. I must admit sometimes it’s entertaining but after a while it gets boring. The same old charades occur and the same old people will be the villains of the crimes.

Some things will never change and a lot of drama involves around secrets and lies. One common theme occurs don’t lie unless you expect to be found out, because in the end it always happens. So don’t become star in your own soap opera.

secret

Gotye.

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Gotye

Gotye or Wouter De Backer is a singer and songwriter who has recently found international success with his third album.

Originally from Belgium he moved to Melbourne at the age of two. Here he grew up, attended school and fell in love with music.

His music passion was flared when he became great at playing a number of instruments. From here he went on to form a high school band The Downstares and then later became part of the famous Melbourne band, The Basics.

In 2003 he released his first album Boardface and followed on to release his second album Drawing Blood in 2006. This album received much praise and the album was nominated for an ARIA award among others for his independent music.

Last year Gotye released his latest album Making Mirrors and that is when his real success came in as he music began to go international this year. On February the 1st he performed his song “Somebody I Used To Know” in which he duets with female vocalist Kimbra, along with others on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Some have compared his voice to Police front man Sting and others to Peter Gabriel but in my opinion you cannot compare him with anyone because his voice is unique and the songs he produces are fantastic. So give him a listen.

Plan B.

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Plan B

Yes Plan B may be a name for the morning after pill but is also the name of a great and talented young rapper.

Plan B or Benjamin Drew is a 23 year old rapper, singer and song writer as well as actor from Great Britain. A talented man, Plan B has had two debut albums, gaining great success with the help of his adoring fans in the last few years.

Plan B is primarily known for his high pitched, soulful voice and strong powerful lyrics. A man who lived a rough and troubling childhood, he is not a person who holds back when talking about his abandoning father or his feelings of being a social outcast.

Plan B released his first album in 2006 “ Who Needs Actions When You Got Words” and then went on to release “The Defamation of Strickland Banks” in 2010 which went straight to number 1 in the UK Charts.

With the release of his second album Plan B’s success really began to peak. With people singing his songs on street corners, playing them in bars and clubs as well as shops he became quickly known. This success only grew after he reached out to a new crowd with his collaborations with Drum and Bass stars Chase & Status.

He is a rapper that is absurdly easy to relate to and likable. He does not try to put on a front to conform with other hip hop artists, instead he stays true to himself and that is why I like him so much.

So if you’re not usually a big hip hop fan but fancy listening to some soulful, rap, indie rock, give Plan B a listen.

Gossip.

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gossip

Gossip is one of those few things in life that you really shouldn’t do but when you do participate in this sport it is extremely rewarding. Yes you get to hear about everything that’s going on but also you get to vent all those secrets that are on your chest. Secrets are not to be shared I must admit, but there are so things in life that are meant to be talked about.

I admit gossiping is my favorite sport, but if someone swears me to secrecy I will never tell.

There is a fine barrier between mean and rude about a topic and sharing important information and it’s a line that should never be crossed.

I give you permission, get gossiping.

XOXO

A Time To Relax.

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Cabo.

Ok yes I do live in sunny California but it’s still very exciting to be booking a holiday to somewhere hot. Somewhere with beautiful, idyllic beaches, great food and a lovely warm sea. The prospect of relaxing with absolutely no cares in the world is so appealing right now. Just one more thing to do, make it through senior year.

To some, Senior year may have been a breeze, but to me right now it is a struggle to make it through. No I’m not suffering from the good old senioritous. I just really need a break. Some people may say that your High School years are the best years of your life and they have been, don’t get me wrong. But right now I need a long time to relax and summer is just a little to far away.

Swimming in a clear ocean, snorkeling, diving in pools or just lapping up the sun on a inflatable lilo. All these are things that I love to do to relax but they all involve time. Time I just don’t have. Plus in Cali the water is just a little too cold.

Currently the bath has become my place of rest and relaxation. The bath is a place where I can clear my mind of all thoughts, close my eyes and dream that I’m lying in some luxurious sea. Unfortunately this dream is shattered when I step out the water filled shell into reality.

Bring on the summer and bring on a time to relax.