Musical Heroes

1. Chappell Roan. I actually wrote an entire blog post about Chappell about the entry never posted. I’ll post it eventually. I love Chappell’s music because (despite being a lesbian in a world dominated by heterosexual songs) she’s just so clever. Her lyrics read more like steamy poetry than pop song filler. (“I heard you like magic. I got a wand and a rabbit”). She actually had six hits on the Billboard 100 list at the same time. I think people exploring their sexuality can really relate to her songs. Crazy thing is she’s a year younger than me and she’s already had such influence in the music world. Her songs are usually upbeat and listening to them instantly peps me up. Highly recommend,

Favorite Songs: Red Wine Supernova, Naked in Manhattan, Femininenomenom, 

2. Shinedown. I have stated before that Shinedown is probably my favorite band. And now that I have a Shinedown music book (for the album Amaryllis) I appreciate their music all the more. I did get a guitar book because they didn’t have one for the piano and it is probably the hardest music book I’ve ever worked with, mostly because the band consists of all men and I’m not in their vocal range. I don’t remember how I discovered Shinedown but I started listening to them in sophomore year of high school and found it eerie how the lyrics spoke to me through breakups, rough patches with friends and feeling left out (all the stuff of high am I right). In particular the song “Dangerous” got me through several hospitalizations and kept me feeling strong.

Favorite Songs: Through the Ghost, Call Me, If You Only Knew, Dangerous, Attention Attention

3. Strange Neighbors. I have the privilege of knowing this band personally and seeing them perform multiple times. I am friends with the lead singer and I am constantly blown away by the power their voice holds. They write their own music and lyrics and they always deliver. The lyrics sometimes make me laugh out loud at their cleverness. In a world where everyone is always writing about the same thing their lyrics are unique and refreshing. They recently got signed by a record label and I see this band going places.

Favorite Songs: Skeleton Boy, Hotline Psychic, Crush, Influencer, Without a Head

4, Taylor Swift. I don’t really know much about Taylor Swift as a person and I don’t think that matters. She is a sensation because she is talented. I don’t consider myself a Swiftie and I would never shell out money for a concert but no can deny she has staying power or that she is very dedicated to her craft. I think alot of people like to hate on her because it’s convenient. Hating on things (including artists and bands) is trendy. I like to watch how Taylor Swift has evolved over time- her look and her sound. I think the fact that she’s been around all this time definitely speaks to her talent.

Favorite Songs: Cruel Summer, Wildest Dreams, Mine, Enchanted, You’re Not Sorry

5.  Panic at the Disco

This band marked up my adolescence and young adulthood with red pen. I first learned of them from my first love, a much older drug dealer who liked to string me along because frankly he found it amusing. I was hooked when he showed me their songs because I had this thrill that they were bringing me closer to him. Eventually I moved on (with the help of outraged parents) but the music was mine to keep. My freshmen year of college the Death of a Bachelor album came out. I was partying every weekend, I was in love with my best friend without knowing it and I was struggling with symptoms of bipolar disorder. Death of a Bachelor was like a map of some kind and it provided many go to shower songs. I’m sorry they are no longer together but we have many great songs to remember them by.

Favorite Songs: Ballad of Mona Lisa, Death of a Bachelor, Hallelujah, Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time, High Hopes