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  • Reviewing “Politician Man” by Adrian Sutherland

    Just in time for the Canadian Election, Adrian Sutherland releases a single, “Politician Man,” discussing the issues of drinking water in communities throughout Canada. Introducing Adrian Sutherland Adrian Sutherland is an artist with more than creativity and talent but a quality musician and father. Adrian Sutherland is a Canadian artist from Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay. He’s not just a singer, songwriter, musician, speaker, author, and advocate. Still, He’s also a father of four, a grandfather to four, a traditional knowledge keeper, and a respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree. Northern Canadian roots rocker Sutherland has become an increasingly popular artist. His Spotify Wrapped shows a massive following with over 10k listeners in over 57 countries. Photo of Adrian Sutherland As an artist, he’s used his musical popularity to spread information and hope among Canadian citizens. Sutherland wrote this American-style song himself. With the writing help of the brothers Chris Gormley and Matt Gormley, the lyrics send a vital message. During the Canadian election, this is a rather poignant message. Introducing Politician Man A press release by Adrian Sutherland explains, “The powerful protest song – Sutherland’s debut single as a solo artist – has been gaining audiences ever since its premiere on October 17, 2019, four days before Canada’s federal election. The video and its important message earned national media coverage at that time and continues to garner attention today.” The federal election is a chance for citizens to have their voices heard. People can fight for their beliefs, stand for their values, and stand with those who can’t stand for themselves. The meaning behind this song isn’t just political. It’s much deeper than that, especially for Sutherland. It’s a far more personalized message. Message Behind The Music of “Politician Man” by Adrian Sutherland Canadian Drinking Water Advisories “The seeds for the song were planted in July 2019, when Attawapiskat First Nation – Sutherland’s fly-in Cree community on the James Bay in remote Northern Canada – declared a state of emergency over contaminated water,” describes Sutherland. This contaminated water has elevated levels of Trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acids (HAAs), which can cause skin irritation as well as increase the risk of cancer. These can’t be cleared by boiling the water. “Attawapiskat should be drinking the same quality of water the people in Ontario and Canada take for granted,” Attawapiskat Chief Ignace Gull said in an interview with CBC , “We shouldn’t be going through this kind of stuff, to declare a state of emergency. If this happened in Timmins, they would deal with it the same day.” Nigel Nakogee, 17, holds a sign in front of the Attawapiskat band office on Tuesday, protesting the community’s water quality problems. Published via In the Globe and Mail , you can Read Adrian’s previously written editorial piece about the lack of clean drinking water in Canada’s communities. Sutherland has never had clean water running into his home. This is a sad case for countless communities throughout the country . Numerous communities throughout Canada are underwater advisories. Keep up to date on drinking water advisories , including Boiled Water Advisories (BWA), Do Not Use Advisory (DNU), and Do Not Consume (DNC). Inspiration for the lyrics and music of “Political Man.” “For his entire 44-year-old life, he has had to collect clean drinking water from elsewhere. When he was younger, his family used to draw water straight from the river. These days, Attawapiskat has two dispensaries where families access drinking water,” reads a press release from Sutherland. This prompted Sutherland to write a song in response. Coming from a very personal place, Sutherland uses his platform to communicate this issue. “At almost the exact same moment, insensitive comments about water from a thoughtless politician in Ottawa sparked massive public outcry and national media coverage. Politician Man, a song that speaks to Canada’s troubled relationship with First Nations, was Sutherland’s response.” “The relationship between Canada and First Nations has been difficult for a long time, and in many ways, it still is,” continues Sutherland Politician Man is about this relationship and the need for all of us – politicians, chiefs, Indigenous people, all people – to start listening to each other, and move past the blaming. We all need to do our part to make real change happen. That’s the message behind Politician Man.” About The Music Video The music video portion was created by Justin Stephenson, an acclaimed animator and filmmaker and produced by RoseAnna Schick. This is a fantastic music video masterpiece produced and engineered by Carl Jennings in Hamilton, Ontario. Not only that but it’s also been screened in over 20 international film festivals, gaining several rewards, including the following. 🎥 Yorkton Film Festival – Best Performing Arts & Entertainment – June 18, 2020    🎞️ Moving Parts Film Festival – Best Music Video – September 26, 2020   📹 Indie Shorts Buenos Aires & Indie Shorts Miami – Best Music Video – December 8, 2020 📽️ Phoenix International Short Film Festival – Best Music Video – January 4, 2021   🎬 London Music Video Festival – Best Music Video – July 1, 2021  “Politician Man” by Adrian Sutherland is an impressive work of art and message. Visit here to see how you can make a difference in your community. Write and send a letter to Canada’s Prime Minister. Tell him it’s time to end drinking water advisories in First Nations.

  • Frank Sinatra Parody Lyrics: Ninjas in the Night!

    Time for a Frank Sinatra Parody. Have you ever wondered what would happen if Frank Sinatra sang about ninjas instead? Read below to find out. Ninjas in the Night Lyrics The song “Strangers in the Night” was originally performed by Frank Sinatra. Below I’ve shared the first draft of ninjas in the night. Comment your thoughts below! Here are switching styles always want your comments and thoughts. Photo by cotton-bro on Frank Sinatra Parody Lyrics; Ninjas in the Night! Lyrics Ninjas in the night Exchanging glances Wandering in the night What were the chances We’d be sharing strikes Before the night was through? Something in your eyes Was so inviting Something in your weapon Was so exciting Something in my soul told me I must triumph Ninjas in the night, to other people We were ninjas in the night Up to the moment when we said our first hello Little did we know Death was just a glance away, a cold embracing dance away And ever since that night We’ve been together Melee at first sight Entwined forever It turned out so right For ninjas in the night Death was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away Ever since that night We’ve been together Ninjas at first sight Entwined forever It turned out so right For one ninja in the night Concluding Thoughts on this Frank Sinatra Parody Do you want to have some fun with Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” lyrics? You can try singing your own version of the song while cosplaying. For example, you could sing “Larpers in the Night” or “Musicians in the Night.” The possibilities are endless with this karaoke version. So, go ahead and let your creativity run wild! Tag us on social media to share your version!

  • The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body

    The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body Guest Written By Jessa Brooke Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Music makes you feel a slew of emotions that sometimes depend on our mood but also can depend solely on the music we listen to. Have you ever been driving and a fast-paced song starts to play? Before you know it, you are speeding or zipping around a little faster? If so, you are certainly not alone! Read below to learn more about the impact of music on your mental and physical health and energy body. Why does music make us feel a certain way? Is it our emotions, the words of the song, or the beat? While all of these things can impact how a song makes us feel, there are also other factors at play. Have you ever considered the frequency of the music playing or the vibrations from the sounds in the song? The vibration and frequency of music are just as important as the words and beat. Especially when we begin to look at the impact of the song on our emotions and energy. When a slow song comes on during a workout, it has the potential to slow you down. It can even cause a distraction while you try to change to something more up to the speed you are working at. This has a lot to do with the beats per minute (BPM), as BPM increases, our heart rate increases. The vibrations from the tunes cycle through your speakers and vibrate your eardrums, causing a physical response. Have you ever listened to lower BPM music before bed to help you relax? It has a similar, although reverse, effect. The increase or decrease in vibration creates sensations in our bodies and also prompts a response in our brain. Another interesting aspect of vibration can be found at concerts, or when subwoofers are used for listening to music. The lower vibration music creates a deep bass that you can actually feel vibrating through your body. Sometimes it even takes your breath away! Think about a concert that you’ve gone to, where you were closer to the speakers. Do you remember feeling the vibration as the music pulsed through your body? It is a powerful feeling, isn’t it? Music and the vibrations that we feel from the beats in songs have a physical and energetic impact on us. However, frequency has an even bigger impact on our energy. You might be surprised to learn that it can impact us physically as well. Frequency is very interesting and is within every sound we perceive and even exists in such high and low ranges that we cannot hear them. The low end of the frequency spectrum is called infrasound. Infrasound is inaudible at certain levels (typically a human can detect tones as low as 12 Hertz) and can cause physical damage around 4-8 Hz or lower. Different parts of the human body resonate at their frequency, for example, your eyeball holds the frequency of 19 Hz. There is an interesting story called Ghosts in the Machine that discusses the physical effects of this frequency on vision as documented in a laboratory by several technicians. Another fun fact about frequency is that music was once set at 432 Hz as a standard for production but has since changed to 440 Hz since an adjustment in the early 1900s. The reasoning behind this is highly speculated, and a lot of countries still use 432 Hz as their standard for tuning instruments. Higher frequency sounds are said to have a lot of benefits on our physical and emotional well-being, for instance, 639 Hz is said to help with communication, relationships, and love (associated with the heart chakra and the colour green). There are a lot of options online for listening to music tuned to higher frequencies and sound baths are a great example of ways to experience the effects in person. Typically, a sound bath will include various instruments such as a gong, bells, chimes, and sound bowls. Some sound bowl sets have bowls tuned to several higher frequencies, and you can find great examples of these sound baths as produced by Dynasty Electrik. Another example of how frequency sounds are used for healing and/or changes in the body are binaural beats or subliminal sounds, although subliminal sounds are typically affirmations spoken at very low levels rather than a specific frequency, they can be combined for powerful results. It is easy to see the impact frequencies can have on our mental and physical well-being just from these few examples. The next time you turn up your favourite song, pay attention to all the sensations you are feeling. From the words to the vibration, and if you venture to test out different frequency sounds, notice how you feel afterwards. Experiment with headphones versus a home stereo or even a sound system with a subwoofer. If you ever feel like your mood or energy is taking a little dip, find a 20–30-minute 528 Hz song that you can play in the background while you clean, drive, or work. There are even 8–9-hour songs you can find on YouTube and listen while you sleep, just be sure for these you focus on relaxing, healing, and energy clearing. You might have some interesting dreams if you listen to a frequency that is trying to help you get amped up! Photo by Roberto Nickson Music has so many great benefits and we can all attest to the effects a great song can have on our moods. Now you can take this newfound knowledge and experiment for different effects. Oh, and a sound bath is always a great idea! If you are new to the effects of frequency healing, a sound bath is a great way to relax and enjoy a new wave of sounds to lift your energy. Check out these songs suggested by Switching Styles’ guest writer Jessa Brooke to improve your Mental and Physical Health.  “Silent Night Sound Bath” By Dynasty Electric. This is a High vibing song – which is perfect for a cool winter night. “Forest Bathing” By Dynasty Electric. This song always makes me feel like I’m walking out in nature “174 + 285 + 396 + 417 + 528 + 693 + 741 + 852 + 963 Hz” By Walkower121 This is my favourite frequency mix on YouTube. It’s under an hour and has lots of great frequencies to help balance all your chakras. Photo by Check out other guest written articles like “The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body,” Guest Written By Jessa Brooke right here .

  • Want To Be Sad? Here are Some Mad World Cover Songs to Cry To.

    It’s okay to cry especially listening to Mad World cover songs. “Mad World” is a beautiful song for when you need to shed some tears especially when it comes to the Mad World Cover Songs. Introducing This Very Mad World This sad song was popularized by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules in an emotional version. The original song was released in 1982. Tears for Fears are an English pop-rock band based in Bath, United Kingdom in the early 80s bringing a new sound to the UK. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith make up this rocking band. They cover a range of genres. Their music includes Rock, Pop music, New wave, Pop rock, and Synth-pop. They also explore Alternative rock, Hard rock, Post-punk, Sophisti-pop, and Pop. They haven’t completely stopped making and performing music. Their newest album was released at the start of 2022. On 25 February, Concord Records released The Tipping Point. in November of 2021, they announced a US and UK summer tour starting in May 2022. Check out their website for up-to-date information . Why Do We Listen To Sad Songs? There’s a little bit of everything for someone to feel something. These sad songs are supposed to be sad so that we feel sad while listening to sad songs . Sometimes it’s good to be sad . This is because there’s a release of all that tension and built-up emotion that’s been compounding. It’s good to let out our emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Tears are just one example of this. Photo by Pixabay on “In general, sad music is thought to cause us to experience sadness, which is considered an unpleasant emotion. As a result, the question arises as to why we listen to sad music if it evokes sadness. One possible answer to this question is that we may feel positive emotions when we listen to sad music,” explains Ai Kawakami ,  Kiyoshi Furukawa ,  Kentaro Katahira , and Kazuo Okanoya of the Tokyo University of the Arts.   Let the lyrics tug at your heartstrings with these covers of this incredibly sad and dramatic song. Need the lyrics in order to feel all the feels? We completely understand. So, read the following link for the Mad World lyrics here: Tears for Fears – Mad World Lyrics | AZLyrics.com . Mad World Cover Songs Now, Switching Styles has scoured the internet. We’ve found you the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the crowing achievement. Below are some of our personal favourite covers for your listening pleasure of “Mad World”. Listen and let us know your favorite in the comments under the post. “Mad World” Metal Cover By Black Empire “Mad World” Metal Cover By Evestus “Mad World” Cover By Melodicka Bros “Mad World” Cover By Post Modern Jukebox Featuring Puddles Pity Party And Haley Reinhart “Mad World” Cover By Chase Eagleson “Mad World” Remix By Ian Storm And Silkandstones “Mad World” Cover By Timmy Trumpet And Gabry Ponte “Mad World” Cover By Peter Hollens “Mad World” Cover By Andie Case Final Thoughts on Mad World Cover Songs Did you know that tears aren’t made up of water and salt? All tears contain enzymes, lipids, metabolites and electrolytes but not all types of tears are built the same. In fact, Emotional tears have additional proteins and hormones. These added ingredients can include prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, Leu-enkephalin, potassium, and manganese. However, science isn’t completely aware of exactly why. There are a few theories. One suggests self-regulation of the human body brings it back to a homeostasis level, and another suggests it returns to the body’s status quo. Which one was the saddest cover, do you think? Comment your thoughts below!

  • Reviewing “Overwhelmed” By Royal and The Serpent

    Bringing you relatable feelings and anxiety is Royal and the Serpent . Switching styles is reviewing the song “Overwhelmed”. Introducing The Overwhelming Topic To get started here is the original song by royal and the serpent. If you haven’t watched the music video, you certainly should! This is such a wonderful song. It’s not just that this song is popular on Tik Tok. And it’s not about its eleven million views on YouTube. It’s not just that the music video was artistically shot on Kodiak’s 16 mm film. All of those are damn impressive elements but the aspect that stood out to me is the feeling of the song. Don’t mind me getting personal with my readers. With someone with anxiety, ADHD and depression, the highs, and lows of the song itself are very reminiscent of when all the mental illnesses combined. There’s a lot of high energy and repetition, and then it’s quiet for a little bit. This is what goes on inside my head. Royal and the serpent nail it. “All I wanted really to do with ‘“Overwhelmed” ’ was to give it to people to hopefully make them feel better,” Says Royal In An Interview With Marni Zipper Of Audacy . What Do I Do If I Relate To “Overwhelmed” By Royal and The Serpent”? The first step would be to take a deep breath. Talk to someone you trust. Ideally, this would be a doctor but sometimes that’s not very possible with timing, schedules, finances, jobs, and school. Some of the things that are making you anxious, upset, or even plain unsettled. In the short, it’s valid to relate to music. Heck, it’s encouraged. With mental illness, it helps to talk about it and to relate to others that know how you’re feeling. Because you’re not alone. Not in the slightest. What Even Is Mental Health? Mental health is someone’s emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual wellbeing. It’s important for a list of varied reasons; better coping strategies, improved relationships, a feeling of purpose and potential, increased productivity, and better physical health. Did you know that mental disorders and mental illness can raise your risk for physical health concerns including ulcers, migraines  stroke ,  type 2 diabetes , and  heart disease ? What Do I Do If I Think I Have Anxiety Like in The Song? If you think that you have concerns about mental health , a call to your doctor is a great first step. If you find yourself struggling with mental health, there’s never a right time to get help. Don’t wait for the right time. Reach out for help when you need it. There’s also no right way to get help. Talk to your friends and family. Get a therapy appointment. Discuss your feelings with your doctor. Download CBT workbooks. Try mindfulness meditation . There are so many different options that work better for different people. Find what works for you to be the best version of yourself. Cover Songs to Bring You a Smile Here’s what the readers are here for, to be encouraged and given some amazing music. Now the question is, can other artists make the same impact with the song? There’s an almost overwhelming amount of amazing cover artists out there. (Pun intended, I’m not sorry). Here are some covers of the song “Overwhelmed.” “Overwhelmed” Covered By Emma Hamel “Overwhelmed” ” Covered By Living in Fiction “Overwhelmed” Covered By 【 Slow Tea 】 “Overwhelmed” Covered by Zizoucorn Ft Robert Grace and Luxcity “Overwhelmed” Covered By Rubychan’s Nightcore Let us know in the comments below which ones of these hit the mark! Don’t forget! You’ve got this.

  • Reviewing A Sad Version Of “Uptown Funk”

    Melodicka Bros created a super sad version of “Uptown Funk.” The artists take the high-energy-filled “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars and bring the energy way down. Introduction to “Uptown Funk” Originally “Uptown Funk” was created as well, a funk. Created by British-American record producer Mark Ronson featuring American singer and songwriter Bruno Mars, it’s a high-energy song that brings energy. Many of his songs have this pop flavour such as “Just the way you are,” “That’s what I like” provide a high energy pop-funk. Did you know that quite a bit of the song’s beats was inspired by the song “More Bounce to the Ounce” by R&B Soul musical group Zapp & Roger released in 1980? Check out this snazzy song by Zap & Roger. “Uptown Funk” itself is a vibing song that has topped iTunes lists at the biggest single of the year for 2015 . With lyrics like, “this hit, that ice cold Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold / this one for them hood girls /them good girls’ straight masterpieces/stylin’, wilin’, livin’ it up in the city“, it’s become quite the prominent song. It’s also a song revolving around cocaine with references such as white gold, Michell Pfeiffer, and a few more.  Ride to Harlem, Hollywood, Jackson, Mississippi, are a list of highly prominent cocaine centers within America. It’s not a complete list, mind you. “ Cocaine had a very interesting role in the ’70s. This was the time when it started to become the drug of choice in the growing music and film industries, and it was also when the foundations of the modern war on drugs would be laid,” explains Greg Waldock a Staff Writer for The Other Press . This adds a whole new level to the context behind this song. Changing The Style Of “Uptown Funk” When it comes to song popularity, “Uptown Funk” has quite the coverage (pun intended). The internet is full of “Uptown Funk” covers. But that’s not all. There are covers, remixes, mashups galore for Bruno Mar’s 2014 hit. With its Funk-pop; soul; boogie; disco-pop; genre combination, it’s already a positive and peppy song. However, when it’s put in the hands of Melodicka Bros, it takes a much darker turn. This version of “Uptown Funk” is a sad, dark, and depressing version with so much emotionally charged energy. If you wanted to belt out the lyrics to “Uptown Funk” while feeling the pits of sadness in your chest, this is the song for you. This isn’t what Bruno mars or Mark Ronson would have expected in terms of a cover song. This isn’t like Bruno Mar’s sad songs at all. His sad songs still have that great and positive beat to them. Consider some of his well-known sad songs like “Talking to The Moon,” or “Locked Out of Heaven,” and it’s shown that Bruno Mars has a soft and sad side. This makes it a bit darker still. It’s dark, sad, and meant to be exactly that. The Sad Song’s Music Video The music video adds to so much of the dark tones of the song. Dark navy, pale blues, and everything else in greyscale add to the darkness within the song itself. Way to bring it down, in the best conceivable way. Look for yourself! Ending Thoughts The cover is much more morose and sombre. The Melodicka Bros take this song, one of pop, R&B, funk, soul, reggae, disco, and rock. And then turn it completely on its head. Share your thoughts with us on our Twitter @styleswitching!

  • Otis Stacks Feature

    Are you searching for a fresh sound to vibe to? Let Switching Styles introduce you to the unique synth soul melodies of Otis Stacks. Introduction Otis Stacks’ music offers an experience unlike anything else you might expect. Their sound is a fascinating fusion of vintage synth soul combined with infectious hip-hop beats. It’s an unexpected blend that pulls you in from the first note, captivating you with its smooth and groovy layers. If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting to add to your playlist, Otis Stacks might just be the band you’re searching for. The People Behind the Sound Although the name “Otis Stacks” may sound like a solo artist, it’s actually a collaboration between two incredibly talented musicians. Otis Stacks brings together JustMike, known as Michael Munch, a Danish producer hailing from Copenhagen, and Elias Wallace, a multifaceted artist from Los Angeles, California. Together, they merge their distinct styles and backgrounds to create a sound that is completely unique. Their partnership is an excellent example of how different creative minds can come together to push boundaries and redefine genres. The Story Behind the Sound What makes Otis Stacks stand out even more is the story behind their name. The name itself is not a tribute to any one individual involved in the project, but rather a tribute to two influential figures in music history. The “Otis” part of the name pays homage to the legendary soul musician Otis Redding, often regarded as one of the greatest American singers of all time. Redding’s impact on soul music is immeasurable, with iconic tracks like Try A Little Tenderness , These Arms of Mine , and Cigarettes and Coffee solidifying his place in music history. The second part of the name, “Stacks,” is an intentional misspelling of the renowned Memphis label Stax. This clever play on words is a subtle nod to the label that helped launch Redding’s career, most famously with songs like The Dock of the Bay and Respect . In this way, Otis Stacks connects itself to the rich history of soul music while simultaneously creating something new and exciting. The Sound When describing their musical style, the duo explains that they blend vintage synthesizers and Rhodes keyboards to craft a soulful atmosphere. The soulful soundscape is carefully designed by Munch to complement Wallace’s lyrics, which delve deep into themes like loss, reconciliation, and the complex emotions that arise between people who love one another. Through their unique synthesis of old-school soul vibes and modern beats, Otis Stacks creates a sound that is at once nostalgic and refreshingly original. So, if you’re in the mood for something different, take a moment to dive into Otis Stacks’ world and experience their rich, heartfelt sound that transcends genres. Song Suggestions from Otis Stacks This band has some amazing songs that go great on a chilling or studying playlist. Check Otis Stacks out on YouTube , YouTube Music , Spotify , Apple Music , and Deezer Final Thoughts Otis Stacks is a unique musical collaboration between Danish producer JustMike and American singer/emcee Elias Wallace, blending vintage synth soul and hip-hop beats. The band’s name pays tribute to legendary soul singer Otis Redding and the iconic Stax record label. Their thought-provoking lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, combining soulful melodies and contemporary vibes to create a distinct and enjoyable musical experience. All in all, Otis Stacks has lyrics that slap. From, “walking through the city with no cares /  walking down the beach to slow stares / top floor elevator no stairs / but I’m not at home and it’s not fair “ to “I’m / and I kinda hate myself for / even being in this place”, there are written words that his audience relates to.

  • Combining Meditation and Music

    Photo by Prasanth Inturi on Meditation is an excellent practice that benefits both the mind and body. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress is often overwhelming, it is essential to find effective ways to unwind. Meditation, which has been practiced for approximately 1,500 years, offers a powerful solution to help individuals find inner peace. The rise of modern life, combined with the constant rush, can create feelings of anxiety and tension. However, meditation provides a simple yet profound way to release these burdens and clear your mind. The Role of Music in Meditating Music, which has existed for over 35,000 years, has long been used to soothe the soul. But how do meditating and music coincide? The answer lies in their shared ability to calm the mind. Many people enjoy listening to relaxing music while meditating, as it enhances their experience. For instance, some individuals may imagine sitting on a beach, feeling the soft breeze, or relaxing in a cozy cabin, listening to the soothing sound of rain tapping against the window while sitting next to a warm crackling fire. This imagery paired with music allows them to escape into a place of serenity. Music and Meditation: A Powerful Combination Furthermore, music is a beautiful way to express emotions, while meditation teaches individuals how to release these emotions and find peace within themselves. The types of music used for meditation can vary widely depending on the individual’s preferences. Some music is specifically designed for different meditation durations, measured in minutes or hours. Additionally, meditation music is categorized by specific calming sounds, such as rain, fireplace crackles, or calming piano melodies. Finding the Right Sounds for Yo u Think about the sounds that relax you the most. Perhaps it’s the sound of a gentle stream or the comforting hum of nature. Everyone is unique, and their personal life experiences shape what brings them peace. With meditation, it’s about creating an environment that helps you disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. Exploring Music Genres for Meditation If you’re new to meditation, why not try incorporating music into your practice? It can greatly enhance the experience, guiding you into a state of tranquility. For inspiration, consider exploring music genres like ambient, classical, or new age, which are known for their calming and soothing qualities. Alternatively, you might enjoy nature-inspired sounds, such as ocean waves, bird songs, or rainfall. These genres can create the perfect atmosphere for meditation and relaxation. Photo by Pixabay on A Transformative Practice for Stress Relief Ultimately, we know that sounds and music have a profound impact on our minds and bodies. When combined with meditation, they create a powerful method to achieve calm and peace. So, the next time life feels overwhelming, take a moment to meditate, listen to calming music, and let yourself embrace tranquility. You might just discover a transformative way to handle stress and find peace in your hectic life. Thank you for supporting Switching Styles by Reading Meditation and Music !

  • Today we’re discussing Chickens

    Chicken Purses, Chicken Parodies, Chicken Puns, Chicken Songs; What More Do You Want? Switching Styles is dedicated not only to quality content but also to keeping you on your toes. Although a silly concept, chickens have become something of an internet love from Chicken nuggets (Chickie Nuggies) to the Chicken Wing tik Tok trends, and of course chicken-themed purses. Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Why Is the Internet Obsessed with Chickens? Before you can say  “ cluck cluck ” the internet has become a frenzy with these chicken purses. From rubber chickens to chicken purses to silkie chickens to chicken recipes, there are quite a lot of Google searches. But Google searches aren’t what’s impressive. The Smithsonian research states there are over 25 billion chickens throughout the world. This means they are more chickens on earth than any other bird species. That’s a lot of clucking. Chickens are plain adorable. From beak to feathers. Using Fowl Fashion This chicken purse is a fashion statement so fowl it’s adorable. Though it’s not the only time that designers are using animals for inspiration . Alternative fashion has always had a place within society.  Each decade or era has its idea of weird fashion or fashion that pushes the boundaries of the norm. Animal themes are just one example. Did you know that chickens have a full-colour vision just like humans? They’re able to visually perceive red, green, and blue light. However, that’s not all they can see. What makes chickens’ vision unique is they also see violet and ultraviolet light. Where Do I Get a Chicken Purse? Available from many locations, from Plume to Peavy marts, there are a lot of different ways that you can get your hands on chicken purses. Below we’ve compiled a shortlist of businesses that stock them. Below are products from Etsy, Amazon, Poshmark, Ali Express, Peavy Mart, and so much more! Even Popeyes Chicken is hopping on the trend with their own chicken-themed line. They’ve taken the internet by storm! Did you know that modern chickens were domesticated over 8000 years ago? They evolved from the red jungle fowl and are living descendants of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex! That’s just coo. Time For the Chickens Themed Playlist When you’re showing off your new purse and matching Hen-semble, give these chicken-themed songs and parodies a listen. Besides this list, we also have a bunch of rubber chicken covers . Seriously, we covered those covers. “Chicken Fried” By Zac Brown Band “Chicken Attack” By Song Voyage Ft. Takeo Ischi (Profanity Warning) “Chicken Dance” By  J.Geco “Chicken Wing” By Ricky Desktop “Chicken Dance” By J.Geco  Final Thoughts Now that you are equipped with not only a strong sense of chicken fashion but a handy playlist of some of the internet’s quirkiest chicken songs, it’s time for you to go forth with this adoration for chickens. Not to tell you how to live your life, but these would make some amazing entrance songs while sporting a new chicken purse.

  • The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy

    Whether you’re aware of it or not, music has an impact on your mental and physical health and energy. Read below the guest post, “The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy” by Jessa Brooke. Music makes you feel, a slew of emotions that sometimes depend on your mood but also can depend solely on the music we listen to. Have you ever been driving and a fast-paced song starts to play, and before you know it, you are speeding or zipping around a little faster? If so, you are certainly not alone! Why does music make us feel a certain way? Is it our emotions, the song’s words, or the beat? While all of these things can impact how a song makes us feel, other factors are also at play. Have you ever considered the frequency of the music playing or the vibrations from the sounds in the song? The vibration and frequency of music are just as important as the words and beat, especially when we begin to look at the song’s impact on our emotions and energy. Photo by Aline Viana Prado on When a slow song comes on during a workout, it has the potential to slow you down and even cause a distraction while you try to change to something more up to the speed you are working at. This has a lot to do with the beats per minute (BPM); as BPM increases, our heart rate increases. The vibrations from the tunes cycle through your speakers and vibrate your eardrums, causing a physical response. Have you ever listened to lower-BPM music before bed to help you relax? It has a similar, although reverse, effect. The increase or decrease in vibration creates sensations in our bodies and also prompts a response in our brain. Another interesting aspect of vibration can be found at concerts or when subwoofers are used for listening to music. The lower-vibration music creates a deep bass that you can actually feel vibrating through your body. Sometimes, it even takes your breath away! Think about a concert that you’ve gone to where you were closer to the speakers. Do you remember feeling the vibration as the music pulsed through your body? It is a powerful feeling, isn’t it? Music and the vibrations that we feel from the beats in songs have a physical and energetic impact on us. However, frequency has an even bigger impact on our energy. You might be surprised to learn that it can actually impact us physically as well. Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Frequency is very interesting and is within every sound we perceive and even exists in such high and low ranges that we cannot hear them. The low end of the frequency spectrum is called infrasound. Infrasound is inaudible at certain levels (typically, a human can detect tones as low as 12 Hertz) and can cause physical damage around 4-8 Hz or lower. Different parts of the human body resonate at their own frequency. For example, your eyeball holds the frequency of 19 Hz. There is an interesting story called Ghosts in the Machine that discusses the physical effects of this frequency on vision as documented in a laboratory by several technicians. Another fun fact about frequency is that music was once set at 432 Hz as a standard for production. But has since changed to 440 Hz since an adjustment in the early 1900s. The reasoning behind this is highly speculated, and a lot of countries still use 432 Hz as their standard for tuning instruments. Higher frequency sounds are said to have a lot of benefits on our physical and emotional well-being, for instance, 639 Hz is said to help with communication, relationships, and love (associated with the heart chakra and the colour green). There are a lot of options online for listening to music tuned to higher frequencies and sound baths are a great example of ways to experience the effects in person. Typically, a sound bath will include various instruments such as a gong, bells, chimes, and sound bowls. Some sound bowl sets have bowls tuned to several higher frequencies, and you can find great examples of these sound baths as produced by Dynasty Electrik. Another example of how frequency sounds are used for healing and/or changes in the body are binaural beats or subliminal sounds; although subliminal sounds are typically affirmations spoken at very low levels rather than a specific frequency, they can be combined for powerful results. It is easy to see the impact frequencies can have on our mental and physical well-being just from these few examples. In Conclusion The next time you turn up your favourite song, pay attention to all the sensations you are feeling. From the words to the vibration, and if you venture to test out different frequency sounds, notice how you feel afterwards. Experiment with headphones versus a home stereo or a subwoofer sound system. If you ever feel like your mood or energy is taking a little dip, find a 20–30-minute 528 Hz song that you can play in the background while you clean, drive, or work. There are even 8–9-hour songs you can find on YouTube and listen to while you sleep, just be sure for these you focus on relaxing, healing, and energy clearing. You might have some interesting dreams if you listen to a frequency that is trying to help you get amped up! Music has so many great benefits and we can all attest to the effects a great song can have on our mood. Now you can take this newfound knowledge and experiment for different effects. Oh, and a sound bath is always a great idea! If you are new to the effects of frequency healing, a Sound Bath Is A Great Way To Relax And Enjoy A New Wave Of Sounds To Lift Your Energy. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on High Vibing Songs Here are some amazing songs that provide a much-needed boost with a positive impact on your mind, body, and soul. “Silent Night Sound Bath” By  Dynasty Electrik “ Forest Bathing ” By Dynasty Electrik “174 + 285 + 396 + 417 + 528 + 693 + 741 + 852 + 963 Hz Frequency Mix ” By Walk Ower 121 “ Sound Bath – Pure Frequency Specific Sound Baths | 30 Minutes Each Chakra” By Healing Vibrations

  • Featuring Adan Meza

    As a proud Latinx, Chicago native, and pre-service teacher, he didn’t start out as a musician. “I didn’t consider myself a musician,” he explained. Although he was friends with many musicians growing up, it never quite stuck with him. Until one day, it did. Adan is a relatively new musician. Adan began playing music about 2-3 years ago. It wasn’t until 2015, that he started creating music. Starting his music career 2 – 3 years ago, he’s gained online traction with the band “Almost There But Not Really” between 2017. He’s shined as their bassist. Recently, he left them to focus on his projects. He learned more about himself and more about the art of music itself. Adan M. Music Key Projects to Date Current projects that he’s working on include continuing his studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, as well as teaching bass to music students. As a bassist teacher, he’s bringing a lot of experience and expertise to the next generation of musicians. Though Simbi , he’s teaching people from all around the world with topics including proper playing technique, the names of notes on the fretboard, practicing short basslines and finally digging into the scales.  Using Ariane Cap’s Music Theory for the bass player as a base, he brings his expertise and simple music theory to each lesson. As a bassist, he considers it an important part of any song. There is a difference between the guitar and the bass. For the rhythm of a song, “bass and drums are so monumental.” Adan Meza’s Academic Journey Bass lessons aren’t the only thing that Meza does with his time. Meza brings forth his experience and his heritage into all his projects. He has quite a range of experience beyond that of a musician with experience as a debate coach at  Chicago public schools , a volunteer assistant at  neighbourhood schools program at the University of Chicago and a graduate student that studied international studies at  the University of Chicago . Adan is a dedicated graduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he is pursuing a degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His passion lies in becoming a high school history teacher within Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Adan's academic interests include modern Spanish politics, the Cold War, and Mexico-U.S. trade relations. He believes in the importance of fostering cultural engagement among his students, encouraging them to explore various perspectives on history.   Outside of his studies, Adan has a vibrant artistic side. He plays bass in a band, showcasing his musical talents and love for performance. His involvement in music not only serves as a creative outlet but also enriches his teaching approach, as he often draws connections between historical events and contemporary cultural expressions. This unique blend of interests helps him create a dynamic learning environment for his students.   In addition to music, Adan enjoys performing stand-up comedy, participating in small shows around the city. This hobby allows him to connect with audiences in a different way, using humor to engage and inspire. Adan’s diverse interests and talents contribute to his overall mission: to educate and mentor the next generation, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness through both history and the arts . Final Thoughts; What’s Next for Adan Meza? Keep up to date on his upcoming projects via his online presence on LinkedIn , or Simbi .

  • Introducing Almost there but not really (ATBNR)

    Almost There But Not Really is a Latinx indie group from the Southside of Chicago. With the genres of alternative Spanish rock dream pop indie rock post-punk , these  Chicago local musicians showcase what it means to be musical. They play sad, sombre and sometimes political songs complete with chimney Fender guitars, syncopated rhythms, as well as ambient trails. This Chicago-based band has a range of amazing sounds. Releasing a collection of demos in the spring of 2021, ATBNR has persevered despite the pandemic impacting the entire world. On their Bandcamp account, they explain that “Emerging out of the pandemic is our first release, a set of our self-produced and recorded demos”. DEMOS Album Art by ATBNR Check out the Demos tracklist! All of their songs are available on Spotify . Their release isn’t the only thing that this band has persevered with. As soon as they were able to perform live, they did. Almost There But Not really Band Members During the Halloween of 2012, they performed a Halloween show at Magoos Bar and Grill alongside Death of Self, Alive Alone, Punch Club, Nikko Blue, and Sweet Hudson. With more shows coming up regularly, they’re not likely to stop providing awesome songs to their fans. Check out their upcoming shows on their Facebook page . Learn more about ATBNR right here and on Switching Styles!

Crowd at a dark concert with hands raised, stage lights, smoke.

Switching Styles is based in central Alberta, on the enduring homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Beaver, Big Stone Cree, Cree, Dënéndeh, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lheidli T’enneh, Michif Piyii (Métis), Mountain Métis, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsuut’ina, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Woodland Cree, and many others. As a Canadian music platform, we recognize that the arts exist within broader systems shaped by colonial history. Colonial policies and practices deliberately sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, traditions, and songs. We acknowledge this history and its ongoing impacts of colonialism. We are grateful for the opportunity to share music and culture on these lands, and we commit to ongoing learning, accountability, respect, and meaningful action.
 

We commit to supporting Indigenous voices and ensuring that Indigenous music, stories, and cultures are protected, amplified, and never erased.

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