MIGGS

My favorite band, I found back in 2009, thanks to going to see another artist. I listened to their album “Unraveled”, on repeat for a 4 hour drive.  I was hooked at first listen. I shed a few tears having had many of the songs touch me like no others ever had. They weren’t just emotional songs they were songs that spoke my pain.
Of course everyone may feel a song differently than what it was originally written to evoke, and yes I know the story behind a few of these songs, but I still feel them for the original meaning I may have gotten from them. It really expressed a lot of what I was/am dealing with in my life, marriage, and still at 30-something discovering myself after having gotten married too young to have really known who I was, and in most respects lost who I was.

“I Believe” – Reflects my marriage. That sometimes feeling of despair, that feeling of stumbling through the motions, but still having hope that things will change.
“To Be Wrong” – Probably one of my favorites from them. “She swims when she just wants to sink, remembers how to think, She’s been deciding things like who she is and what that means, she’s been down long enough till finally enough’s enough. She got tired of the lie, she wants to feel alive, and she knows what she’s doing, she just wants to be wrong” 
“Nothing” – “I’m left holding nothing while you’re walking away with me”    “I’m an open book that you haven’t read”  Really speaks where I was at the time of finding these guys. Probably still am.
“Everything is Fine” – isn’t that something we all say even though it’s not? When deep down maybe we are really hurting? The lyrics perfectly reflect how, I know personally, how someone will say  I’m fine but under the surface I’m really not.

I’m still in awe of the way he has captured (having felt these emotions himself or not) the feelings so fucking perfectly.

They have an album that came after “Unraveled” called “Wide Awake” which has some excellent songs and some of those touch me just the same. There are some songs on it that for the life of me I haven’t figured out why it hasn’t gotten more notice. “Let the games begin” & “Girls and Boys” come on is everyone’s head stuck in the damn sand?
I will say at first listen “Enemy” was probably my least favorite on the album, still haven’t put my finger on why, I love the shit out of it now. Lol
“Fire” - has got to be my favorite on that album.    “you never knew me like you should, it’s never the endings that are good”  “there’s a windshield staring at my face and there’s a rear view saving my mistakes and I made a few… I’ve made a few.”
For a long time I couldn’t listen to the song “Damage” without crying. Not gonna share why, that would be opening an entire new can of worms. But I am always open to discuss… tweet, email or comment. Lol

Obviously I might be a little biased, but I’m beyond excited to see what these guys have cooked up with their upcoming album. Still no release date, as of yet, but I’m antsy as all hell. I’m confident that with the talent involved it’s gonna be better than the last. They have a free download of one of the new songs called "Pretty"on mp3.com here's the link 

http://mp3.com/free-mp3/miggs-pretty/

I’m kinda surprised this isn’t longer than it is… talking about my favorite band and all. HA.
Give them a listen, I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed. They are on a million different social media sites. Sorry not gonna name them all, but for the most part they are listed under “MiggsMusic”

www.MiggsMusic.com
www.twitter.com/MiggsMusic
www.soundcloud.com/miggsmusic
www.tumblr.com/miggsmusic

<3
May Music Keep Your Heart Beating, like it does mine.
www.twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart
ThisMusicHeart@yahoo.com

2 cents for the bands...

This is for all the bands...
If you say you are going to do something, such as a video diary of your tour, or of rehearsals maybe even while recording your next album, then Do It! Those little steps will spark interest but if you only ever do it once and blow it off then what the hell are you doing? I understand your personal life may get in the way but guess what? You want this "job", this "life" as a musician then make time to engage your fans or potential fans. Unfortunately its not just "play music and they will come", people have to actually find out about you, wheither word of mouth or other.
I've noticed my favorite band has taken social media by storm. So much so that I'm nearly dizzy and having trouble following them on all the outlets they are posting on. But I love the fact that all the band members are posting.
If you have a quirky sense of humor run with it. Use it as a way to draw the fans in. Use twitter hashtags to your advantage. See what is already trending and work with it or run with the old standbys #music #newmusic #musicmonday #tunesTuesday #FollowFriday
Just don't give up and don't expect the followers to come over night. Your effort is no longer just making the music you have to socialize too! 
 
Once again just my two cents... Take it as you will. 

Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart

Band Of The Day App...

Thought I would share some of the bands I've taken a liking to thanks to the Band Of The Day IPhone App! Have to say this app is amazing and perfect for any music lover... It's free, which Geezus with all the good music it's introduced me to I would so be willing to pay for it!!!!! (but don't get any crazy ideas guys!) 

Jan 8
Blind Pilot... Listening to this band I have the feeling of sitting back in a chair with my feet on the window ledge and my head tilted back. Warm Sunday afternoon with a cool breeze. Little city sounds as the world is peaceful. Just a good mellow sound, great vibe... And found one of their songs as a free download on Amazon! (score for free music)

Feb 6th
Dolorean... "If I Find Love"- this song, I have a pretty good feeling hearing live I would shead a few tears. My favorite line... "Well my hearts been broken but my hearts still strong..." It's a beautiful song, and so relatable, at least for me. The singers voice is like... honey, wait is honey the word I'm looking for? Honey is sticky...hmmm... Lets just say his voice feels good. I out played what the "Band Of The Day App" allows, I believe that would be them saying *Hint Hint* BUY IT! And another freebie song via Amazon! Woohoo! 

Feb 20th
The Hooks... "Everything is Golden" Ok go listen to this song and tell me it isn't catchy as hell... And seriously (said with no disrespect) does it not remind you of every time The Count would sing on Sesame Street? Tell me I'm not the only one who hears it!!   'the glass is never empty, the glass is never full oooooh and life is but a drink... Ooooooooooooh and everything is golden'.  Also from The Hooks "Tennessee Rain" & "The Commuter" ... Just grab your favorite beer and go enlighten yourself. (Though Guinness is recommended!) 

"Whale" by Yellow Ostrich 
& 
"Came Out Of A Lady" by Rubblebucket 
Go, Find, Listen and be better for having done so. That is all. (yeah I just made myself laugh) 

Twitter freak like me? Tell em what you think.
@BlindPilot
@YellowOstrich
@TheHooks
@RubbleBucket
@DoloreanMusic
And I couldn't forget @BandOfTheDayApp  <--- I love you man!

Don't have access to the App... Check out SoundCloud.com/ThisMusicHeart  
I've tried to find the bands and follow on there.


May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart

The Product

I’ve listened to this band a few times since we were “Introduced” and being caught up in my day to day life never fully gave them the attention that, really, any band deserves at first listen. Which makes me long for the days I could sit and listen to an album, cassette, cd… [whichever may pertain to your maturity level. ;) ] and actually read the liner notes and read the lyrics along with my first listen.
I usually listen to music while I’m at work, it helps the day pass. But a few days ago listening to The Product it hit me… Seriously it was an OH MY GOD moment, I realized why I was so drawn to listening to them. They remind me of a band that evokes some of my best creativity, I turn to them nearly every time I feel the urge to write. Evanescence.
I get that same feeling from The Product. The powerful music acts as my muse… It gets me revved and awakens my mind. I find the singers voice on “Make Your Move” haunts me almost as much Amy Lee. I've only heard the songs they have posted on soundcloud, (my favorite go to when checking out a band before I buy their music.) 5 songs with an additonal acoustic recording of "Nightmare". Love their cover of “One Is The Loneliest Number” it's bad ass! But I really can't wait to get my hands, or should I say my ears on the rest of their music.
Give them a listen and let me know what you think. Hell, let them know too!
SoundCloud under "ProductRock"
www.twitter.com/ProductRock

May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart

Ratham Stone

Ratham Stone... Where do I start with these guys? Well I suppose with how their music has found it's way to grace my ears. I got a follow from them on twitter which prompted a conversation with (it turns out) the lead singer. I checked out the link on their twitter from my phone, (YES thank you for having it easy to access and ready for my ears) which was a cover of "Pumped Up Kicks". I actually like it better than the original. (yep i said that!)
I downloaded the freebie songs they had on their facebook, a few were originals and some covers. That started a quick addiction to their music. Three days later I bought "Enough to Last" & "Hearing Colours".
I lean a little more towards the "Hearing Colours" album. Maybe because there are more songs I can relate to? More than likely. Gonna share the ones I listen to most often by them, they're actually on my FUN playlist. You know that list that has all the catchy songs that get you pumped, or singing along. That just evoke some sort of emotion. Don't laugh, you know you have a playlist like that.
"Grab The Gold" - I find that this one is probably a top go to for me when I want to listen to them. It makes me wanna dance around, not just tap my foot to the beat, but seriously jump around dancing. 'Darlin grab the gold' come on it's just down right catchy.
"Anywhere Away From Me" - This one gives me that taste of angst. '...I burn the bridge your walking, you can try but you can't stop it, take your old apologies anywhere away from me.' I find it fits perfect for those I hate the world moments. Obviously some dancing to the riff on this one too.
"Eastbound Train" - 'a white horse has lost it's meaning' I feel this way sometimes. Ok maybe more than sometimes, yes i'm slightly jaded. Listen to the lyrics you'll get it.
This last song I'm throwing in because I just love it.
"I Left Love" - 'I packed my truck with all my shit, can't believe I'm doing this...' Yeah. This one I like for reasons I'm not sure just yet that I'm ready to get that deep with y'all.
They have some really nice collaborations, and shit check out their cover of 'Paradise' by Coldplay. Really I most definitely recommend these guys. At the very least go check out the free downloads and decide for yourself. www.facebook.com/RathamStone www.twitter.com/RathamStone
Looking forward to seeing them live very soon! :)

May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart

Tailgates & Tanlines...

Now, I know not everyone is into country music, but well I listen to a lot of music, so of course country falls in there somewhere. I decided to catch one of the “Tailgates & Tanlines” shows. I knew maybe 6 of Luke Bryan’s songs, so didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but honestly his show was extremely entertaining.
It wasn’t just his music, he threw some ‘Baby Got Back’ to stretch our hips as he said to get ready for ‘Country Girl Shake it For Me’, a little ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica (I only added the artist name for that one since I was completely perturbed that a younger friend with me had no idea who they were.) Not that I listened to a large amount of Metallica, or really any growing up. But geezus I knew who they were and that song. I call that a MUSIC FOUL! … From there he did that one Adele song, and did pretty well with the high notes, he threw ‘Bad Romance’ in there among some others that are eluding me at the moment.
Over all Luke was very engaging and was on his game musically. Seriously even if you only know a handful of his songs, it’s worth the price of admission. The show was fantastic!
Now I can’t over look the openers. They keep all of us “early birds” entertained before the main act. I’ve been known to see a show just for the opener. (not. naming. names.)
Cason and the Bad Habits was first on deck and man did she have powerful voice. Michael Ray… he reminded me a bit of Jason Aldean voice wise, but it was still very much his own. He had some really great songs. I have a good feeling about him. (just throwing it out there) I did get the chance to meet him at his merch booth. Very polite. (The first time I didn’t want to rip someone’s head off for calling me ma’am. HA!) A review of his album is on my agenda. (Don’t wanna slam my one reader with too much country at one time. lol)
Tom Jackson, Josh Thompson and Lee Brice… All excellent. Need something new? Check em out.

Wow I guess I just completed my first actual… review I suppose you could call it. It did flow easier than I expected. I could get used to this… hopefully you won’t be bored. ;)

Now which band is on deck…. Hmmmm…

May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart

You Me At Six, The Swellers, Twin Atlantic, We Are The Ocean

     I had the opportunity to see some bands that aren't usually something I would necessarily have listened to or gone to see.  But I am always up for hearing a band... or 4... play. I do like to know some of an artists music before I see them play. Not because I wanna screen a band, but because I love to be able to jam along with the music. I knew none of these bands but my daughter had some music from one of the bands. I listened, and went searching for the others. Since I knew I was seeing them play and I prefer to purchase a physical CD I searched for the bands on SoundCloud. (A seriously good way to check out new music)

I found Twin Atlantic and couldn't bring myself to go any further to hear the other 2 bands. I was caught up with the lead singers voice, yeah yeah I'll admit it was partially the Scottish accent, but I couldn't stop listening. The lyrics, the repetition in some of them, the sound. Just worked for me and I really enjoyed seeing them live. Twin Atlantic Faves- "Human After All"  "What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?" <-- awesome Skrillex mix of this one on Soundcloud. "Babylonian Throwdown"  "Your Amazing Lying, Lion, Lie in"

Now a few days before the show my daughter and I started talking about the bands. She looked at me seriously, and with a little concern, and said "We Are The Ocean, mom, your probably not gonna like them, they have some screamo." (thinking about it now I'm laughing, she actually seemed concerned that I wouldn't enjoy. That'll be a first...) I told her ok, lets just see how they sound.

First of all, you tell me a band has screamo and I think nothing but screaming, no way to possibly understand the lyrics. They weren't that at all. I thoroughly enjoyed them. They had 2 singers, one had the smoother voice, and the other rougher more gravely voice, which perfectly handled any of the "harsher" lyrics. It actually was an excellent pairing. They had the crowd going, even walked thru the crowd to the bar and sang from on top of it. Really some excellent songs. We Are The Ocean Faves- "Before I Die"  "Now And Then"  "Overtime Is A Crime"  "Runaway"

The Swellers were the only American band on this tour. They had lots of energy, and a very animated bassist... I think he was the bassist, he mouthed all the lyrics.  LOVED "The Best I Ever Had" Still learning their songs. Definitely not done listening.

Now the band all the girls "squee'd" over... You Me At Six... The lead singer really took control of the crowd. His stage presence struck me as much older than I believe he actually is. You Me At Six Faves- "Little Bit Of Truth"  "Bite My Tongue"  "Loverboy"

 I considered seeing if my daughter wanted to write up her own take on the show...It popped into my mind for about 2 seconds and then I thought better of it. She'd be horrified I was even mentioning her. You know cause I'm mom and totally not cool! HaHa! She still has a lot to learn.

Enjoyed all of the bands more than I thought I would, and shared it with my daughter - that was the icing.

I recommend giving them a listen even if it's not your type of sound. I'm even considering hitting Warped Tour this year, for the first time, since I've heard some of the bands will be playing it.

Just a little bit more of my 2 cents I suppose. Take it all as you will... but as always...

May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart

What it is all about...

I've been urged to do a blog in the past, but have never really had a big interest in it... until recently. I've had a huge flux of up and coming bands following me on twitter and have tried to check out all of their music, some easily accessible to listen to on a mobile device, others take logging onto a computer, which I'm not fond of. None the less, I've found a pretty bad ass band or 2 in those random follows. So this leads me to this blog... I've decided as I get those random follows I would give my review of their music. What I get from their sound, not so much focused on their look cause I could really give a shit what you look like if you have a great sound... "Great to me sound"... Not to be confused with "great to the world sound". Not that I don't love me some Top 40, not gonna lie I always "Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle" when I hear LMFAO, but I love music that has substance. Keep in mind this will be music that has substance to me. We may never agree on music, and that's ok, music is in the ear of the beholder.
Who am I? I'm just a fan of music, all types. Though I will say some genres I'm not too fond of, so you will probably never see a review of those. I work, I have a family, and I find music is my escape. It can be my muse, my mood maker or breaker, it can cause me to be reflective or party ready. It's even kept me off the "ledge" a few times.
I may do a song or an album.... shit maybe concerts too. This is my outlet so I will do as I please. My musings will be random as hell as others may be apropos. My idea is just to hopefully share a band with you that you may not yet know. It's just my two cents, do with it what you will.

May music keep your heart beating... Like it does mine.
-ThisMusicHeart
www.Twitter.com/ThisMusicHeart