Music: Lorde

Okay, so it's been a while. I understand that. I'm sorry, is that okay? 

I have definitely been slacking on writing recently. It's been a busy term and sometimes I neglect some parts of my life in favour of others (namely my extra-curricular activities for my degree, it's important and all that) but now I'm back with a vengeance, well almost.

Today, I have to share my love for a new artist on the block. I can't get enough of her dulcet tones and witty lyrics on life. Namely, Lorde. A young lady from New Zealand who has been involved in the music business since the age of 12 and rocketed into my musical awareness a couple of months ago. Lorde was propelled into the spotlight as unknown 16 year old when she was featured on the Spotify playlist 'Hipster International', being described as "the antidote to disposable pop" by the owner of the playlist (here).

I am loving the music this girl is making, it's moody yet catchy, punchy, and easy to listen to. I don't feel as though I'm listening to a glimpse of teenage angst against the world but something that is well-thought out, considered, and then clean cut into these pieces and then matched perfectly with videos that reflect the world which Lorde inhabits and invites the listener to join in for those three minutes. But don't take my word for it, have a listen for yourself...

K xo

Good Girls Gone Bad?

It's occurred to me recently that I don't like how all the innocent, goody-goody television stars of my childhood are becoming raunchy singers. From Miley Cyrus' 'good girl gone bad' image to Selena Gomez's more recent raunchy video, it seems the Disney Channel stars are growing into young ladies who feel that the only way to sell their songs is sex-appeal. What worries me is that these young women are considered role models for young girls, many look up to them and want to be like them. How can they be classed as a 'role model' when they appear half-naked, wearing stilettos, strutting around in every video? Isn't there more to a woman's life?

I'm not saying every video MUST be PG rated but surely these stars need to consider their influence on the young girls who follow their every move. With other, more recent stars coming into the music industry, such as Bridgit Mendler of Disney's 'Good Luck Charlie' and Ariana Grande of Nickelodeon's 'Victorious', do Selena and Miley set the bar that these young stars have to then live up to? 

It just feels strange to watch all these women on television, working hard, playing strong characters to then see them writhing around on the floor and making eyes at the camera. 

K xo

The Magic of Music

Recently I've really been suffering from exam stress. Now, I don't usually stress about exams; I was heading to house parties the week before my A levels were due to start and never had a meltdown in preparation for my final exams. However, university seems to have cracked me. With 4 3 hour long exams to prepare for, which all fall within 10 days, I have been seriously FREAKING OUT. I've tried doing all sorts to calm down a little; running, long showers, shopping, talking to old friends. Nothing seems to have done it quite so well as playing with my jazz band for a couple of hours this evening.

As previously mentioned, I enjoy my music. I think that the best kind of music is that which you create yourself. I love the social element to a band, chatting with different people, but also the amazing feeling that you get when you work together as a group on a piece and it sounds absolutely magnificent, it's really the best feeling and you get such a buzz from performances. The best part of music is that you don't have to play an instrument to get this feeling either, it comes from singing too! 

So, if you've never been in a band or a choir, I seriously recommend joining one. Especially at university! You meet the best people.

K xo

Prom Day

The school year below mine at Landau Forte College (my old school and sixth form) have finally reached the culmination of 7 or 2 years of blood, sweat and tears: PROM DAY.

The Prom at Landau Forte is the stuff of legend. From arriving in year 7, I knew that I wanted to stay for Prom due to the sheer hype around the whole night. Plus I liked the idea of wearing a pretty dress and dancing all night at some swanky venue. It seemed like a lovely way to celebrate finishing my secondary school life until the night finally came around and I didn't feel old enough to be there or to finish sixth form.

Honestly, it was the greatest night of my life and I have some brilliant photos to go with it. I spent a ridiculous amount of money, both before the prom and during. It was all worth it. To celebrate the passing of over a year since my Prom, here are some photos:

So, to all those Landau Forte students who have their Prom tonight, I hope you have a smashing night and remember it forever. It really is the best way to round off your time at a fantastic school!

K xo

The Revival of the Comeback?

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So with the latest news that My Chemical Romance are doing the average band-at-the-end-of-their-time thing and heading for the split, I can't help considering if they'll do the average comeback that everyone seems to be doing right about now. With Take That, the Spice Girls, S Club, Steps, and many more, all having quite successful comebacks it seems to be the logical thing to do if you're low on cash and need that boost.

However, to give them all credit, I always considered making music to be a lifelong hobby. I've played the saxophone and sang in choirs since I was 12 and at 19, I couldn't live without the music I make. It's calming and enjoyable, why would you give something like that up? So I do see how those who may step away from the music industry feel the compulsion to return but I feel that a split as a band needs to be forever. 

Of course, it depends on what the split is over. If it's a fall out between two members then that can be reconciled but if it's to do with that feeling of coming to the end of your peak then I feel that should be it. You've had your time at the top, go and enjoy the rest of your life.

In all honesty, My Chem will be a loss to their genre but to allow new bands through you need to create some space. I applaud their controlled step down, bitchy band splits are never great and it's nice to keep a good reputation up even after you've left the scene.

Kxo