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Ana Luna’s Latest Single, “Dance in a Trance,” Is a Stylistic Dream Pop Scene with Deep Roots Emerging dream pop artist Ana Luna has just released a captivating new music video for her emotionally intense single, “Dance in a Trance.” Combining surreal storytelling, masked symbolism, and sultry soundscapes, this is one release that stays with you long after the final beat. A Surreal Story of Love, Loss, and Healing “Dance in a Trance” isn’t just a song—it’s a cinematic experience. Directed by Ana Luna herself alongside Noah Hoffman and Will Curtis, the music video unfolds in a dream-like warehouse, centred on a surreal bedroom scene. “I chose to keep their faces hidden because it’s not about any one person—it’s about the emotion,” Ana explains. “I want viewers to project their own stories onto the characters, not be told who they are.” This dance is more than choreography—it’s a metaphor. The masked characters explore emotional distance, unspoken pain, and the ghosts of relationships past. The video ends not with a reunion but with resolution, as Ana kisses the masked man goodbye—a symbolic farewell to a chapter that no longer defines her. Where to Listen and Watch "Dance in a Trance" 🎧 Listen to “Dance in a Trance”: Spotify 📺 Watch the official music video on YouTube: YouTube – Dance in a Trance Ana Luna’s Emotional World Is Everyone’s Born in Ukraine and raised in Paris, Ana Luna now resides in Los Angeles. She blends cultural insight with emotional depth in her music. Her sound, a mix of dream pop, alt-rock, and moody ballads, is both ethereal and earthy. It echoes the raw emotion of artists like Daughter and Cigarettes After Sex, while also capturing the cinematic quality of a film score. More than just a singer, Ana is a storyteller. She uses both visuals and lyrics to explore the emotional core of human experience. For anyone who’s ever faced heartbreak, questions of identity, or struggles with letting go, “Dance in a Trance” offers a reflection—and some healing. The Creative Process Behind the Music Creating music is a deeply personal journey for Ana. She pours her heart into every note and lyric. The process often starts with a feeling or a story she wants to tell. From there, she crafts melodies that resonate with those emotions. In her own words, “Music is a way to connect with others. It’s about sharing experiences and emotions.” This connection is palpable in “Dance in a Trance.” The song invites listeners to join her on a journey through love, loss, and ultimately, healing. Final Thoughts: This Is One Artist to Watch Ana’s journey into music started through acting, a foundation that enhances her expressive storytelling. Her songs are reflective meditations on emotion, memory, and the psychological subtleties we often hide deep inside. Her upcoming debut album promises more of this emotionally intelligent artistry. With this release, Ana Luna has demonstrated that she’s not just another indie artist—she’s a visionary creating a rich emotional tapestry through her voice, visuals, and vulnerability. “Dance in a Trance” is a must-watch and must-listen for fans of dream pop, alt-rock, and genre-defying music that makes you feel. 🖤 Listen, Watch, Follow, and Connect with Ana Luna 🔗 Official Website 📺 YouTube – Ana Luna 🎧 Spotify – Ana Luna 📸 Instagram – @analunaofficial 🎵 TikTok – @officialanaluna 🐦 X – @OfficialAnaLuna 📘 Facebook – Ana Luna Ana Luna is definitely an artist to keep an eye on. Her unique blend of sound and storytelling is something special. So, dive into her world, and let the music take you on a journey!

What Makes Bubble Gum Special? Bubble gum is a chewy treat designed for one thing: blowing bubbles. Unlike regular chewing gum, bubble gum has a unique elasticity that makes it perfect for creating those fun, floaty bubbles. Invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer, bubble gum became an instant hit, bringing smiles and sticky hands to generations. The Birth of Bubble Gum Walter Diemer, an accountant, invented bubble gum in 1928. While experimenting with a recipe for chewing gum, he accidentally discovered a less-sticky formula that allowed for bubble creation. This breakthrough revolutionized the gum industry. Interestingly, the traditional pink colour of bubble gum comes from the only dye Diemer had available when he made the first batch, and this distinctive hue has become a standard ever since. Fun Facts About Bubble Gum Millions Of Flavors Bubble-gum flavours are limitless, ranging from the classic “bubble-gum” flavour to quirky options like pickles, Thanksgiving dinner , and even soap ! Each company’s proprietary blend ensures no two flavours are exactly alike, leaving the total number of gum flavours in the millions. ( Thrillist ; All City Candy ; Candy Funhouse ) Environmental Impact Most chewing gum contains synthetic rubber, making it non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful. It can take over 500 years for gum to decompose. Thankfully, eco-friendly gum made with natural materials, such as chicle, is becoming more available as a sustainable option. ( EcoFreak ; Keenat ; Amit Saha Roy ; Sanjay Roy ) Bubble-Gum Music Genre “Bubble-gum music” is a pop style that became popular in the 1960s. Characterized by its upbeat, catchy tunes, it was marketed to younger audiences and has remained a nostalgic favourite. ( MasterClass ; Rolling Stones ; Smithsonian Institution ) Gum In Art Contemporary artists have creatively used chewed gum as a medium for sculptures and murals. Artists such as Maurizio Savini , Ben Wilson , Hannah Wilke , and many others use this medium for its texture, malleability, and the nostalgia of gum itself. These sticky artworks blend everyday objects with artistic imagination, turning gum into a unique art form. ( Harvard Business School ; The Guardian ; The Guardian ) Tourist Attractions Made of Gum Did you know that there are tourist attractions made of gum worldwide? Bubble-gum Alley in San Luis Obispo, California, and the Market Theater Gum Wall in Seattle are just two quirky destinations covered in chewed gum. They’ve become popular tourist spots, attracting photographers and travellers curious about these sticky landmarks. ( Wanderlust ) Record-Breaking Bubble Sizes The largest bubble-gum bubble ever blown was an astonishing 23 inches in diameter, achieved by Susan Montgomery Williams in 1994 . Chad Fell holds the hands-free bubble-blowing record with a bubble that measured 50.8 cm (20 in) in diameter, set in 2004. Both records prove incredible skill and practice. ( Guinness World Records ) Myths About Swallowing Gum Contrary to popular belief, swallowed gum does not stay in the stomach for seven years. While your body can’t digest it, the gum passes through your system naturally, just like other indigestible items. ( International Chewing Gum Association ; Mayo Clinic ; McGill University ) Share Your Go-To Fun Facts on Our Socials! Bubble gum’s history and influence stretch far beyond a simple treat, making it a cultural icon with playful, scientific, and even artistic significance. Now, it’s no wonder bubble gum has a special place in our hearts and mouths! Why Bubble-Gum Candy Is a Music Mood Bubble gum candy is more than a treat—it’s a vibe. It’s playful and vibrant, taking you back to simpler times. Similarly, bubble gum pop carries these qualities with infectious melodies, lighthearted themes, and bright production. Think of it as a musical sugar rush, and we’ve got just the playlist to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bubble Gum-Themed Playlist: Songs to Chew On “ Tokyo (Bubble-Gum) ” By Leat’eq & Peach PRC “ Chewing Gum ” By Amyl And The Sniffers “ Chewing Gum ” By NCT Dream “ Gum ” By RoseAngel “ Gum ” By Have A Good Season “ Bubble Gum ” By Clairo “Bubble-Gum” By Animal Crossing Soundtrack Final Chew Bubble gum, whether candy or music, is a playful and sweet vibe. This playlist celebrates that energy with tracks guaranteed to brighten your mood. These tunes will keep you humming long after the music ends. Did we miss your favourite bubble-gum-inspired track? Please share it in the comments!

Markiplier, a YouTube Streamer and gamer, made famous on YouTube. With a larger than life personality, he’s gained a great deal of popularity through his YouTube content. This content is primarily video game playthroughs, but there’s also the creative content, such as  Unus Annus , and various collaborations. His notable game uploads are typically horror and indie games, including Neverending Nightmares, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, SCP – Containment Breach, and Five Nights at Freddy’s . These games allow him to show off his personality, comedy, and his fun-to-watch gaming skills. His collaborations are with several other YouTubers such as PewDiePie, Jacksepticeye, CinnamonToastKen, CrankGamePlays, Muyskerm and LordMinion777, amongst many others. In 2017, Mark hit the goal of most influential YouTuber ranking higher than the most subscribed YouTubers, PewDiePie, and whinderssonnunes. On his channel, he’s gained more than 14 billion total video views and over 27 million subscribers. Winning the Golden Joystick Awards Best Streamer/Broadcaster in 2017 and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Award Ceremony Celebrity of the Year in 2016, he’s certainly an accomplished streamer. Fun Fact: At each milestone of 1,000,000, he publishes a milestone video to show his gratitude to his growing audience. He shares his appreciation and the works he has coming up in the future. Because of this, and his emotional transparency, he’s known as one of the most caring YouTubers in the field. However, the most caring YouTuber isn’t just about appreciating his fans but also his charity work. With a side of philanthropy, he hosts regular charity live streams to raise money for charities, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Between him and his audience, they’ve raised $1,118,645.14 in total with that number growing every month. Fun Fact: Like many YouTubers, Mark has been involved in music throughout his life. With works such as his older outro music tracks, “Funky Outro”. He’s also sung in several other videos including “How to Beat A Monkey at Chess: THE MUSICAL”, “FNAF: The Musical Feat. Markiplier (Night 1)”, and “Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Musical – Night 2”. Though, as many of you know, we’re not here just to talk about Markiplier’s accomplishments as a YouTuber but his stardom in remixes. Taking his game plays and turning them into musical masterpieces are the artists below! “Space is Cool” by  Schmoyoho “Space is Cool” is a heartwarming remix about space and Mark’s love for it. If you weren’t already aware from the song, Markiplier loves space. It captures the childlike wonder that many children and adults alike have towards space. It’s sweet that  Schmoyoho  captures his love of space and his overall energy. “I’m Sleeping” by  Endigo . This is very eerie because of the horror content of the original video is a horror game where you play as a baby. Taking that into consideration with the combination of mark’s voice, this remix is that much more unnerving. Endigo’s description under the video reads, “Enjoy this epic symphonic rock song “starring” Markimoo :D”. “I Don’t Like This” by  Catface This is a remix that speaks to every single person who has ever played Crash Bandicoot or has had to replay one level hundreds of times. There’s a lot of adorable rage in this single remix. “The Voice of Darkiplier” by Day by Dave Akin to Antisepticeye, there are several alternative dark versions of YouTubers. Markiplier’s alternative self is evil Darkiplier. This video is just eerie, with Darkiplier's deep, dark voice and the rather dark, hard techno beats. Add in background vocals with a very Gregorian-chant style, and you have a sinister remix. Day by Dave explains, “SO GLAD MARK RE-UPLOADED THIS ONE!! Everyone has been asking for a Darkiplier remix, and it was a very tricky one to pull off. This is more of an anthem, but I hope you guys enjoy. The speech is all from the quiet Let’s Play series Markiplier did.” “Bitch, I’m fabulous” by PlayHouse This remix is beyond adorable and fabulously confident. While playing HuniePop, a dating simulator where the player must combine charm, intellect, and finesse to find love. This game (and thus the remix) is a bit more adult-rated than some of the others. Though it’s a fantastic remix that shows Mark's confidence, which we probably all should have. Which is your favourite  Markiplier  remix? Comment below!!

Adrian Sutherland is a multifaceted artist hailing from the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario. He is widely recognized for his work as a roots-rock musician, singer, and songwriter, but his talents extend far beyond music. His journey began with the band Midnight Shine, where he honed his skills and garnered attention. As a result, Sutherland’s path eventually led to a flourishing solo career. His music resonates deeply with listeners due to its emotional honesty, powerful storytelling, and authenticity. Raised in a hunter-gatherer village, Adrian credits his upbringing for shaping his identity, both as a person and as an artist. The Influence of Cultural Heritage on His Artistry Adrian’s life and career are deeply intertwined with his cultural heritage. He frequently highlights how his roots in the remote northern Ontario community have influenced his music and worldview. Growing up in a small, close-knit village, Sutherland learned firsthand the importance of community, tradition, and resilience. The values instilled in him by his family—such as respect for education, culture, and traditions—are central to his artistry. These values are often reflected in his songs, which explore themes of family, resilience, and connection to the land. His upbringing in a hunter-gatherer village has not only shaped his identity but also strengthened his belief in the importance of preserving his cultural heritage. Through his work, Adrian emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s roots and staying grounded in the traditions passed down through generations. He also stresses the importance of education, viewing it as the key to personal growth and to reconciliation. This belief is something he consistently shares in both his music and public engagements. A Flourishing Career and Expanding Creative Ventures In addition to his music career, Adrian is an entrepreneur with ventures in both the food and music industries. His debut solo album, When The Magic Hits , has garnered acclaim both in Canada and internationally. The album showcases his distinct blend of roots-rock with emotional depth, capturing his unique voice and perspective. With a raw, honest sound, the album resonates with listeners across the world. Adrian’s dedication to his craft is evident in the care he puts into every aspect of his music, from songwriting to performance. Not one to rest on his laurels, Adrian is expanding his creative reach with several new projects. In addition to his music, he is working on a television series and a book about his life in Attawapiskat. These projects are powerful vehicles for sharing his personal story and preserving the traditions of his people. By branching out into other mediums, Sutherland is ensuring that his message reaches an even broader audience. Why Adrian Sutherland’s Work Matters Adrian Sutherland’s work is important for many reasons. Not only does he bring attention to the rich culture of the Attawapiskat First Nation, but he also uses his platform to promote reconciliation and understanding. Through his music, he opens up a window into the world of Indigenous communities, fostering a deeper connection to their struggles, triumphs, and way of life. His honest storytelling and openness allow others to see the complexities of life in the far north and the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Moreover, Adrian’s influence extends beyond the arts. Through his work, he advocates for a broader dialogue about Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and education. By incorporating themes of leadership, culture, and tradition into his music and other projects, Adrian plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. His efforts remind us of the power of art and storytelling in promoting a more inclusive and respectful future. Ultimately, Adrian Sutherland’s artistry serves as a testament to the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their enduring strength in the face of adversity. Highlights of Sutherland’s Covers Covers are a great way to take something that’s already amazing and alter it to make something entirely new. That’s exactly what Sutherland has done. “My Hero” Cover by Adrian Sutherland. Adrian Sutherland performed My Hero originally by the foo Fighters. This was a special cover requested in memory of flight paramedic Dustin Dagenais with emergency services in Northern Ontario. “Heart Of Gold” Cover by Adrian Sutherland Sutherland’s cover of “Heart of Gold” originally by Neil Diamond has sent waves through national and international headlines. The lyric has Mushkegowuk Cree translations by Adrian Sutherland himself. This version is different from the original. It still honours the heart and soul of the original , as Sutherland explains.

Amidst the palpable buzz of anticipation, I find myself in the heart of the Starlite Room , a local music venue, a 1925 brick structure in Downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Standing near the bar at the Starlite room, I can see the entire room where everyone is excited and anticipating the band coming onto the stage, into the stage lights and giving us a show we won’t forget. I’m standing in a crowd waiting for The Rare Americans to approach the stage. The venue hums with a diverse crowd, eagerly awaiting the entrance of The Rare Americans, the Canadian-Slovak alternative rock maestros, Juno Award nominees for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2023. Comprising brothers James and Jared Priestner, guitarist Jan Cajka, and drummer Duran Ritz, the band promises an unforgettable spectacle beneath the glow of stage lights. But this story is about what happened before their concert. Positioned near the bar, I take in the panorama, the ambiance charged with a shared enthusiasm for the impending performance. The air is filled with a pre-show playlist, enticing the crowd into a collective rhythm of dance and sing-alongs. We’re waiting for the band, and people don’t wait to get into the groove of dancing and singing along. “Teenagers” By My Chemical Romance This song comes up. As the familiar chords of “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance resonate, a wave of nostalgia washes over the audience. We erupt into a lyric chorus, pouring our hearts into the song. The realization dawns that this is a family-friendly affair. Did I mention that this was a family-friendly event? So, teenagers were out there while we were singing about the lyrics. It’s almost funny to think I was a teenager when I first started singing these lyrics. That was interesting, and then I noticed that many younger groups weren’t singing along. It becomes evident that not all are familiar with the anthem of teenage angst. Wait. How old is “Teenager” by My Chemical Romance? I had to know when "Teenager" by My Chemical Romance came out. The classic track is now over 17 years old, released in 2006. The generational gap between us becomes a poignant reality. However, any sense of age-induced disconnect evaporates as a young child, so very politely, moves to the front and maneuvers through the crowd to claim a coveted spot. I stepped to the side so the kid could get the whole concert experience. A subtle smile plays on my lips – perhaps I am getting older, but that’s okay, I think, as the small kid gets the best view they can. I hope this is the first of many for the family and their children. I quietly listen to the song, knowing that this kid will love music and appreciate the artistry and camaraderie it brings. Maybe Aging As A Music Lover isn’t so bad. Hits Of 2006 Listen to the song yourself for a chance to relive the nostalgia of 2006. Feel yourself aging as a music lover alongside me. “Teenagers” By My Chemical Romance But Wait, There’s More. Yes, I did say the nostalgia of 2006. We’ve added some other hits of 2006 to continue the nostalgia. You’ll notice that Rare Americans aren’t on this list because their first song releases started in 2018. “Waiting On The World To Change” By John Mayer “Photograph” By Nickelback “Bad Day” By Daniel Powter

Leigh and Liam form an exceptional musical partnership that truly shines through in their cover songs. Together, as Mr. and Mrs. Trask, they blend their unique styles to create harmonious melodies that resonate with a heartfelt message: “Life is worth living, and love is worth trying.” I highlighted their talent in a previous blog post, “Major and Minor Key Covers,” where I discussed their stunning duet rendition of “Love Yourself.” This particular cover stands out not only for its emotional depth but also for its exquisite interpretation in a minor key, transforming the original into a hauntingly beautiful experience. Leigh was born in Forest, Virginia, and Liam is from Memphis, Tennessee. They are currently based in Nashville. Their influences include Radiohead, Muse, Civil Wars, The Bird & The Bee, and Lorde. Beyond these influences, they bring forward their own classical yet bluesy sound. They have two main sections or sessions of music:  On the Moon Sessions  and  Living Room Sessions . “On The Moon Sessions are inspired by the whimsical nature of the world around us. These live(ish) videos seek to work with nature and man to highlight love in any environment — whether we be on the moon, under the sea, or in a tree.” These showcase a few of their original songs. Check them out…. “Rose Coloured Lenses” “The Well” “Living Room Sessions are our homage to some of our favorite tunes. Come hang out on the couch with us!” Leigh And Liam Covers These are their main playlist of fantastic covers. “Stone Cold” Originally by Demi Lovato “Let It Go” Originally From Disney’s Frozen (2013) Tell me what you think below! Leigh and Liam Trask are a Nashville-based duo known for their beautiful cover songs and original music. Influenced by artists like Radiohead and Muse, they feature whimsical “On the Moon Sessions” and cozy “Living Room Sessions.” Their message emphasizes love and life, showcased through various covers and original tracks. If you have any suggestions for cover artists in your area, let me know in the comments.

Introduction To The Power of Music To know what it is, we need to understand what music is. Music is a vocal or instrumental sound that forms a harmony and expression of emotion. Music has always been, and still is, one of the greatest legacies we have as human beings. That’s the reason why people call it the universal language of humankind. No matter where we are, music is always there around us, and that shows how important music is for us human beings. Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. Music: The Essence of Life The Universality of Music In the words of William Shakespeare, “If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Although it does not seem tied to the philosophy of the music of the spheres at first, Shakespeare used music to signify the supernatural and the strange, from fairies and ghosts to madness and love. Shakespeare’s plays are awash with music. His characters make reference to music; singers and dancers regularly accompany the action on stage, and the Bard’s words themselves flow melodiously. At the same time, music was a vital part of Shakespeare’s theatrical practice. He made use of his company’s musical resources to include performed music in his plays, and his characters frequently sang and quoted popular ballads and songs that would have been recognized by his audiences. Since his death, Shakespeare’s plays have served as inspiration for countless symphonies, ballets, and operas. As the modern musical theatre began to take shape, audiences were well-primed with an appreciation of the Bard’s masterworks and a respect for music’s potential to enhance the live narrative experience. Thus, Music helps us in connecting with our souls or our real selves. The definition of music is very different to many people. Some say that music is the arrangement of sound and silence. Others like myself say music is that and much more. Music is an aural form of art that is used to express emotion and touch the hearts of the listener through the use of phrasing, dynamics, style, and tone colour. Music is a very universal art form. There are not many people in this world who do not listen to at least some form of music, whether it be pop or rock music on the radio. Music can help people in many ways. Music is known to help people with memory and language problems by helping them remember and learning how to speak again. It can also improve your health and productivity, and it serves as a form of expression as well as a way for teenagers to understand and identify some emotions that they might be feeling. Listening to music is also good for people who are under a lot of stress, so they can relax and sleep better. Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening to music, one tends to forget all one's worries, sorrows, and pains. But in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. Music in Hindu Mythology It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized by the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, research has shown that plants that hear Music grow faster than those that don't. It has the power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of Music can be testified by the legends about Tansen. The legends of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving concentration and is thus of great help to the students. Music is the essence of life. Everything that has rhythm has music. Our breathing also has a rhythm. Thus, we can say that there is music in every human being or a living creature. Music has the ability to convey all sorts of emotions to people. Music is also a very powerful means to connect with others. We can conclude that Music is the purest form to connect with our soul. Krishna’s relationship with his flute is so unique that he is affectionately known by various names such as Venugopal, Bansilal, Murali, and Muralidhar, all of which reflect his profound connection with this musical instrument. Once, Krishna asked his devotees how they would like to see themselves in his hands. The bansuri is revered as Lord Krishna’s divine instrument and is often associated with Krishna’s Rasa Lila dance. These legends sometimes use alternate names for this wind instrument, such as the Murali. Often, the curious Gopis asked why Krishna held the flute dear. Krishna revealed that the seven notes in the flute represented the seven aspects of our being. To become His flute, one must be empty and surrender everything, enduring life’s sorrows as holes in the reed. Krishna is the most important of the ten incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu. Here, he is shown with his characteristic flute, a symbol of his time spent as a cowherd. When he played his flute, the animals around would stand still and worship him. The music would entice gopis (cowgirls) to come and dance with him. The ethereal, pure, and poetic sound of the flute is inextricably linked with mythical or spiritual figures and with death. A further aspect of the flute’s symbolism is its portrayal of nature and rural life. This symbolism arose due to the instrument’s sound characteristics and its onomatopoeic nature. Perhaps the most famous story which surrounds Tansen is that when he sang Megh Malhar, the skies would pour with rain. His alleged wife, Husseini, is believed to have sung this raga as an attempt to save her husband as he was being engulfed in flames. His own version of the Malhar raga is known as Miyan ki Malhar. What are the contributions of Tansen? Tansen composed several ragas, including Bhairav, Darbari Todi, Darbari Kanada, Malhar, Sarang and Rageshwari. These are all considered the foundation of classical music. In fact, every school of music that exists today in India tries to trace its origin back to him. The moral of the story can be understood in three parts. The first is the importance of understanding your skill and honing it. Since Tansen was not a natural singer, Swami Haridas’s training honed his existing skills of imitation to something more melodious. The second is to trust your talent. Tansen is remembered as one of the greatest musicians of all time in India. His contributions to Indian music have been recognized with numerous honours and awards. There are several music festivals and competitions named after him, including the Tansen Samaroh held in Gwalior every year. Tansen went on to become even more popular for his music. He had given an excellent display of talent as well as wisdom. The Emperor punished the courtiers who had devised the plan, and he honoured Tansen by keeping him in his court until the day the great musician died in 1585. Thank you to Eddie, aka Garfield, for guest-writing this article about The Power of Music. Check out more of their work at Art Fight !

“Reviewing “Settle Down” by Kimbra” Guest Written by Rachel Rabalais The song I would like to talk about today is “Settle Down” by Kimbra. “Settle Down” by Kimbra A lot of women my age (in their 20s) start to think about their future as an adult and who they want to spend their time with, have children with. I’ve never heard of a song so direct, to the point. She wants to get married and have children and she’s telling him that to “Settle Down”. Usually, we try to suppress this so as not to startle a man in his 20s who feels like he has his whole life ahead of him, whereas women feel like their time is running out. What is the definition of Settling Down? The definition of settling down is “to begin to live a quiet and steady life by getting a regular job, getting married, etc.” or “to become quiet, calm, or orderly.” The word orderly took me by surprise; I don’t know why, really. That’s why a man in his 20’s gets very alarmed because we are telling them how to live in an orderly fashion. Why do we feel the need to rush our future? I don’t know about you but I was always told if you don’t have children before you’re thirty, you might turn into a “crazy-cat-lady”. Back in the early 1900’s women were told to have children much younger than that. The songwriter Kimbra was actually only 19 when she made this song. She has dolls in the background of her song. To me, this is a symbol of switching from child to adult mentally. I like that Kimbra is very eccentric; she sings about things people usually avoid speaking of. “Withdraw” by Kimbra She has another song called “Withdraw” and in my opinion the song is about how the relationship is affecting her, usually individuals that are song writers, write about finding love or losing love, I rarely hear about how the relationship affects them and how it’s hard to break free of it. She says in the song, “I’ve lost all my friends,” “I can’t withdraw your heart from mine.” She has very unique songs, and that’s what I like about her. Who is Kimbra ? Kimbra is a singer/song writer from New England, she is also a model and actress. Kimbra began writing songs at the age of 10 her career started in 2004. She is currently thirty-one years old and still thriving! She is definitely someone to idolize. Keep on shining Kimbra!

“Reviewing Lindsey Stirling” guest Written by  Jason Greiner Guest writing is a powerful way to bring fresh perspectives. It introduces diverse voices to a music blog. This enriches its content and fosters a sense of community. By inviting different writers to contribute, blogs can tap into a wide range of expertise, experiences, and tastes. This offers readers new insights into popular and niche genres. Guest posts also allow for a dynamic exchange of ideas. Fans, musicians, and critics can engage with each other in meaningful conversations. Check out Jason’s deep dive into the artistry and musical career of Lindsey Stirling. Every once in a while, an artist comes around that an appeal to a wide range of age groups crossing a number of generations. As one example, you can cite those mega fans of singer Jimmy Buffet who affectionately call themselves Parrot heads. Some might also consider bands such as the Rolling Stones, who have been touring for ages.  While it is extremely rare to find musicians that generate this response, it is even rarer to find one that not only crosses lines of generations but also cultural and social boundaries. Lindsey Stirling is one such artist. Full disclosure – I am a really big Lindsey Stirling fan. But that being said, it would be hard for anyone to argue that she isn’t a very talented musician and entertainer. She got her start on YouTube. Then America’s Got Talent and is now commonly recognized as one of the most notable violinists in the world. But with all that being said, one of her most interesting qualities is the ability she has had to bring an incredibly diverse group of people together as fans. Unfortunately, I have only had the opportunity to see her in concert once. Sadly it was at a less than suitable venue for her talent. But when I got there and was waiting in the mind-blowingly long line to enter the facility, I was reminded of the unique fanbase she has built. In line you could see young and old but also a diverse ethnic crowd and those dressed in clothes you might expect to see at an orchestra show or symphony mixed with those rocking what some might call “hippy apparel” and Goth and Raver gear. It was like a humanity melting pot. You might ask why she has such an eclectic fan base. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that she is quite eclectic herself. First off, she plays a violin, a classical instrument which can appeal to a classical audience or fans of a more formal style. She often plays the electric violin and provides fans with an electro-pop vibe which in turn draws in fans from EDM and the rave scene. Her commitment to her faith draws in more conservative and family-friendly crowds. And the fact that she has worked with artists like Lzzy Hale from hard rock band Halestorm and the band Evanescence bring in rock fans and the Goth subculture.  All in all, she is a true talent with the added ability to bring people, often ones who might not otherwise associate with each other, together in a positive way. Lindsey Stirling Music Some of my favourite songs by Lindsey Stirling are “ Shatter Me” with Lzzy Hale and “Roundtable Revival”. “Shatter Me” By Lindsey Stirling and Lzzy Hale “Roundtable Revival” By Lindsey Stirling Thank you for reading! Jason Greiner  is the author of several books and eBooks and has worked as a blogging and journalism professional. Also, he provides  photography  and graphic design services on a freelance basis. Greiner , who is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, now resides in Mebane, a small but rapidly expanding city in central North Carolina. He’s been a lifelong music lover and enjoys tracking down fresh talent and reviewing their works of art.

Guest Written by Catherine Guitar Witch Hi! My name is Catherine and I am the Guitar Witch, featured here on Switching Style’s blog for your viewing pleasure.  Wanting to sound like our favourite musicians is usually what draws us to play an instrument in the first place.  While I personally, don’t do a lot of covers, there are a few songs that I am drawn to play again and again, and that to me at least, are timeless.   Photo by Yabee Eusebio on One of these songs is “About A Girl” by Nirvana, off of their first album, Bleach. It is simple and beautiful, and there is an affection and a longing in the lyrics that is endlessly charming and warm. You can hear the original here . How can you record a cover that kicks ass, maintains a connection to the original, and allows you to express yourself as an individual?  Pick something you love: So many people I see on YouTube are covering the flavour of the week, the new single, whatever is popular to get views. That’s all well and good if that’s your primary aim as a musician. For me, the “goal” of musicianship is about art and expressing a feeling, connecting to something bigger than ourselves, and as a way that us mere mortals can commune with the bigger energies of humanity, the divine, the universe, whatever you want to call it. So for me, I tend to go to old classics, to the songs that made me want to pick up a guitar in the first place, or things that touch my soul. If it can make you cry, that’s the one you should pick!   Pick something in your vocal range or change the key: Guitarists (and other stringed instruments) can change the key of a song super easily using a capo. For pianists, it’s a bit trickier. There are videos and online calculators and music writing programs that can help transpose things to a new key for you if you are struggling with this. The music should be in a comfortable range so that you are not struggling to hit high notes or low notes.    Learn the song so well you could play it in your sleep: Doesn’t matter whether you pick out a great tab or sheet music or learn it by ear but play it enough times that it becomes second nature. That means it should flow easily and feel comfortable in your hands and your mind – you shouldn’t be straining to play or sing it. Because we will be recording it, the better you learn it now the fewer mistakes you’ll make during the recording process.    Add your own spin: You might do this naturally while you’re learning it, and all the better! Your voice might be quite different from the original singer, or you prefer to play an acoustic or a piano and the original might be an electric guitar. Most people don’t listen to a cover to hear an absolute replica unless they are going to see a cover band, people want to hear YOUR take on it. So feel free to play around with different tones and textures, different vocal styles, and different timings and rhythms.   Focus on the vocals: The vocals are often what draws people into a song, (especially one that makes you feel the need to cover it!). Vocals are usually what scares me the most about performing. I feel like a very competent guitarist, but there is something about singing that is so vulnerable, so naked, it’s like someone seeing inside of your body, inside of your diary. Even as a voice teacher, it’s taken me a lot of deep work to be comfortable with sharing my voice publicly. If it is something that you struggle with, I recommend trying some therapy, journaling, meditating, or various other techniques to help you become comfortable with yourself. Also taking some voice lessons and practicing good vocal hygiene, breathing techniques and the like have helped me feel confident knowing that I’m doing what I can to be a good singer. That practice and attention helps me know that the discomfort I’m feeling about performing is psychological, and not because I really, truly “suck” (almost NO ONE truly sucks – it almost always comes down to practice and confidence).    Perform it or Record it: This is always the hardest part for me because it’s hard for me to feel like things are “ready” to be released. This often causes me to either work way too hard on something and spend too much time on it, or to call something “live” or “improvised” and not take enough time on it at all. Try to strike your own balance of finding a good sound, using good quality equipment to record with, and also releasing things or performing them when they are “ripe”.   For my cover of “About a Girl”, I went with a low-medium effort approach. This is what I would recommend for most pieces that you don’t plan on releasing professionally. Take a few takes until something works. I decided to record through a room mic for my amp and a condenser for my vocals. I usually record guitar through an Axe-Fx but wanted the warmth of my little 1×12 Crate. Then, I recorded into my DAW and took video separately, and combined them later. I didn’t do any editing of the audio itself, just cut off the ends and added some basic plugins, such as EQ and reverb. You can play around with this more or less depending on what your goals are. I didn’t add in any drums or bass but kept it as a simple guitar and vocal set up.   Accept it: Lastly, learn to accept, even love what you make, even if it “isn’t as good” as the original, even if there are imperfections, even if your voice breaks or you can’t get your recording to sound “right”. Doing things and making mistakes and learning from them is ALWAYS better than letting fear of mistakes prevent you from doing anything at all. Music is meant to be enjoyed, shared, and to express emotion. If you can achieve those things, it has been worthwhile.  And so those are my recommendations for covering a song! I hope that you found this interesting, enlightening, and maybe even helpful.

Let’s take a look at the movies behind Pennywise Cover Songs. It’s been a year since the release of IT: Chapter Two, completing the remake of the IT Franchise. In the IT franchise, Pennywise returns every 27 years. Granted, Switching Styles is bringing you some remakes of our own choice merely a year later. Both versions of IT, played by  Bill Skarsgård  and  Tim Curry,  were terrifying as Pennywise the clown. Utterly terrifying. Skarsgård didn’t have much time with his co-stars for the first film, as they wanted them to be more genuinely scared of Pennywise the first time they saw him. But it’s not just the child co-stars that were scared of both the actor and the player.  Bill Hader, the actor playing Richie Tozier, didn’t realize how scary Skarsgård really was. Skarsgård can actually move his eyes in two directions at once. Harder once asked Skarsgård what kind of special effect it was. While in full makeup for Pennywise, Skarsgård responded with “Oh, you mean this?” and showed him. It freaked Harder out! Granted it would freak anyone out. Pennywise Cover Songs To continue this terror, here are some Pennywise unoriginal. Let’s bring in more versions of Pennywise, specifically these musical versions.  “Pennywise Sings A Song” Aaron Fraser-Nash A Pennywise Parody  Slipknot’s “Devil in I” by Adetue , a Pennywise Drum Cover “IT Is The End” By KDrummer 16 , A Pennywise Drum Cover “Float Too” By Punyaso , Pennywise Dubstep Remix Fear Chapter 2″ By Bdash & Konkrete, A Pennywise Dance Cover Pennywise – Dirty Little Secret (Trap Remix) by  Jmano3000 Pennywise The Dancing Clown (IT REMIX) by StarCannon Pictures The Joker vs Pennywise By Epic Rap Battles Of History

The purpose of the internet is to find new and amazing things, to connect people with ideas. I use the internet to find awesome covers and dig deeper to uncover them (Pun intended). Scrolling through Facebook, I found that Jackie Chan did a Cantonese cover of “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan (1998). I know that several celebrities will do cover songs, but typically those are musicians specifically. It was interesting, so I looked deeper. Here’s a bit of background. Jackie Chan is a martial arts actor known for martial arts films and comedies. Born in 1954, he’s been starring in films since the age of eight. His first film was Big and Little Wong Tin Bar (1962) as a child actor. He’s currently known for films such as Rush Hour (1998) and Shanghai Noon (2000). He’s been extremely successful as he’s made over 200 films. Here is an interview with Jackie Chan hosted by Stephen Colbert. They discuss a bit of his early life as well as his most recent film Foreigner (2017). When he was just seven, he began training at the Chinese Opera Institute, a Hong Kong boarding school. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that he’s a skilled performer in more than just acting. I could go on and on about Jackie Chan forever, but that’s not the point of this article. If you want more information about Jackie Chan, you can check out his website. I had to look into his musical career.  Jackie Chan’s musical career isn’t limited to covering songs. He also has his own original music. Since 1984, he’s released over 20 albums in multiple languages, including English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese. The first being Thank You (1984). If you’d like, check out his full discography . Then he sings for the soundtracks of many of his movies, including   The Spy Next Door (2010), The Myth  (2005),  New Police Story (2004),  The Twins Effect (2003), and  Police Story (1985). He sings the closing credits for the most recent film, Foreigner  (2017). Jackie Chan’s Musical Covers Since you’re here for covers, let’s look at those now. He’s done quite a few covers, including Disney songs and love songs. In all of them, his voice and pitch are phenomenal. “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” Cantonese Cover by Jackie Chan Let’s start with Jackie Chan’s Cantonese cover of “I’ll make a man out of you”. This is the cover that started the research into Jackie Chan’s musical career and it’s gorgeous. “A Whole New World” Mandarin Cover Duet by Jackie Chan Jackie Chan also did a cover of another Disney song, but from Aladdin (1992). He brings a whole new feel to the song “A Whole New World”. This is an absolutely gorgeous duet in Mandarin;  Nana Ou-Yang uses her cello to elevate the cover. The combined vocals between Nana Ou-Yang and Jackie Chan are delightful. “Just for Tonight” cover by Jackie Chan This is one of Jackie Chan’s earlier cover songs.  “Just for Tonight” is a cover of Gilbert Montagné's 1984 original. It’s an upbeat song with happy vocals, a perfect song to bust a move to. The more you know, the more you can appreciate! Give me a favourite Jackie Chan moment in the comments below.