I am moving over to the dark side.
tumblr, that is.
I've been following a few guys' tumblr pages and really enjoyed the design capabilities, as well as the user base (it seems no one uses blogger anymore, at least nobody in my target demographic), so I have decided to switch over.
Any and all posts from here on out will be posted on my tumblr page (link below).
I will keep this blog up for archival purposes, as some of my older rants and my testimony are quite long and could throw my new page into a funk.
Here is the link to my new blog. Use it well. Click Here Nao
Alright then. That's settled.
Love you, blogger.
~@
March 31, 2010
March 25, 2010
A Call To Arms
I'm really tired of waiting around for something to happen. I know impatience is a bad thing, but I honestly feel like I should be doing something proactive about my calling rather than just kinda sit around and sing all the time. That being said, I would like to enlist your help.
Here is what I believe to be my calling for ministry (what I hope to do with my life for Christ, to those who didn't quite understand right away):
I feel that God has led me to head up a metal band similar to For Today, Sleeping Giant, Underoath, ITMOL, The Crimson Armada, APFP, TDWP, etc (these are not my sole influences, but just some bigger names in the industry). The goal is to sing/scream for said band, making a unique sound that will help us stand out (quite crucial really) and to bring the gospel to the previously unreachable metal masses. If you have ever gone to a metal concert, you can plainly see that the hearts of these kids are extremely passionate, but VERY often misled. They feed off hate, and most of them have had a terrible experience with Christ before, due to us stupid Christians being so misleading with our faith.
In order to fulfill this calling, though, I need to find a band (obviously). For a long time (about a year), I had struggled to even scream properly, but about a month ago kinda got my start doing it right, and am progressing. My first plan is to do vocal covers for two reasons: 1) is that I practice more frequently when I want to cover things for perfection's sake, and 2) I can record said covers and post them on the internet to kinda give people a taste of my style.
About a year ago, I had put out an APB for musicians who just wanted to play in a band period. I had stated that it would be Christian, but had really no serious intentions other than maybe playing a show or two at bars or something someday. A couple guys whom I love dearly stepped up, and we've been "a band" since. The thing is, we don't practice very often, we're not getting any better with our instruments (I sort of am, but not a whole lot yet), and as they're both still in high school sophomores, it doesn't appear that we'll be doing anything major any time soon. I also am not certain that their hearts are where mine is in terms of absolute calling. I know they have good intentions, but what I need is a band wholly dedicated to Jesus; not the music or the fans or the money or fame or whatever. Jesus. And I'm not saying that these dudes are like that, but some things indicate a lack of absolute dedication that I want.
All that being said, I am seeking help. I need a band. Ideally, I could find a band just shy of a singer who are all set like I am on ministry through the music, and nothing more. Unfortunately for me, most bands like that have a dead-set vocalist who appears the most dedicated (aka will not step down). So I have no problem starting from scratch really, as that seems to be what's going to happen anyway. What I need are some people (no gender requirement, though methinks not many of you ladies are all too into metal itself) who are good with their instruments, like blessed by God good, with willing hearts
and a calling to do music for Jesus.
Said persons will not need tour-worthy gear YET, but must be willing to set aside money to get some. Being in a band is a lot more costly than a lot of people think.
This will not be a soft-style band. There will be blood. Granted, I do enjoy throwing a good falsetto into the mix, by and large, this band will be intensity, passion, energy, and most importantly, love. So if you're looking to play Jack Johnson or The Beatles style stuff, look elsewhere.
I do plan on making this my job. Ideally I would also work with a design company, record company, promotion, or recording stuff too, but primarily it would be ministry, much like a worship pastor at a church, only my church is comprised of dark, smelly stages and pissed off kids as my congregation (though I'm not aiming to preach per se).
Also, it would be fitting to say that I do intend on finishing my schooling (Lord willing) before doing anything like touring the entire country. I am on track to graduate in May of 2011. That does not mean, however, that we will wait until then to practice, play shows, promote, or write music. Getting a band off the ground is going to take time, so I feel that staying in school while I can is a smart move.
Musicians that I am looking for are:
-Guitarists. I would like at least two, as that provides a wider range of writing capabilities, but I know several great bands with only one guitarist.
-Bass player. You and the drummer are the backbone, the "heavy" of our sound, primarily. Guitars help, but you need to be REALLY good with scales to make the metal awesome.
-Drummer. Double bass pedal work is a must. I have a really ghetto set at my house if you don't own one, but methinks any highly talented drummer is talented because (s)he plays their own set a lot.
*Keyboardist. This is optional, but sampling can really liven up the sound and bring a lot to the table for a band.
*Other vocalist(s). This is, again, optional. This should also be tied into other band members for backup vocals only, or some switch off parts. I don't mean to come across as controlling, but I LOVE to sing, and my screaming is fairly unique which makes harmonizing and such a bit more awkward.
Clendis and David, I'm not cutting you guys from the band or anything, I'm just making it an open forum. I love you guys a ton, but I need that dedication. If you're serious about this, we need to get crackin' on our instruments, and not just jamming together but practicing by ourselves as well.
To the rest of you, if you, or someone you know, feels that you/they fit what I'm looking for, please contact me somehow about it, and we'll get to work on the whole mess.
Also, if you know of any bands that are looking for a vocalist and fit this description, PLEASE inform me and/or them! I understand this is a long shot, but you never know until you try, right?
Also also, if you can think of any songs you want me to do a vocal cover of, hit me up and I'll do my best. Please try to stick within the metal-esque genre, as trying to scream a pop song just doesn't work too well. I also do clean singing covers to some pop/rock stuff (Mayday Parade, All Time Low, etc.) so those would be fine as well. I just want to improve and get a "portfolio" of sorts going.
Also also also, if you know of any OTHER ways of getting my call to arms out there, please let me know. It's kind of a hard thing to intentionally do in Arizona, it seems.
That's about it. Thanks for reading, and please help me out! I know God is faithful and will provide, I simply wanted to do my best to get something done myself so I'm not being lazy about it.
Bless you,
~@othern
P.S. Sorry for not keeping this blog updated too much, but I've been in a hustle to get stuff done in the past few weeks, and really haven't done much writing, even for school or myself, so I apologize to anyone who might read this. I'll try to keep it more regular. Maybe I just need more fiber in my diet, ha.
Here is what I believe to be my calling for ministry (what I hope to do with my life for Christ, to those who didn't quite understand right away):
I feel that God has led me to head up a metal band similar to For Today, Sleeping Giant, Underoath, ITMOL, The Crimson Armada, APFP, TDWP, etc (these are not my sole influences, but just some bigger names in the industry). The goal is to sing/scream for said band, making a unique sound that will help us stand out (quite crucial really) and to bring the gospel to the previously unreachable metal masses. If you have ever gone to a metal concert, you can plainly see that the hearts of these kids are extremely passionate, but VERY often misled. They feed off hate, and most of them have had a terrible experience with Christ before, due to us stupid Christians being so misleading with our faith.
In order to fulfill this calling, though, I need to find a band (obviously). For a long time (about a year), I had struggled to even scream properly, but about a month ago kinda got my start doing it right, and am progressing. My first plan is to do vocal covers for two reasons: 1) is that I practice more frequently when I want to cover things for perfection's sake, and 2) I can record said covers and post them on the internet to kinda give people a taste of my style.
About a year ago, I had put out an APB for musicians who just wanted to play in a band period. I had stated that it would be Christian, but had really no serious intentions other than maybe playing a show or two at bars or something someday. A couple guys whom I love dearly stepped up, and we've been "a band" since. The thing is, we don't practice very often, we're not getting any better with our instruments (I sort of am, but not a whole lot yet), and as they're both still in high school sophomores, it doesn't appear that we'll be doing anything major any time soon. I also am not certain that their hearts are where mine is in terms of absolute calling. I know they have good intentions, but what I need is a band wholly dedicated to Jesus; not the music or the fans or the money or fame or whatever. Jesus. And I'm not saying that these dudes are like that, but some things indicate a lack of absolute dedication that I want.
All that being said, I am seeking help. I need a band. Ideally, I could find a band just shy of a singer who are all set like I am on ministry through the music, and nothing more. Unfortunately for me, most bands like that have a dead-set vocalist who appears the most dedicated (aka will not step down). So I have no problem starting from scratch really, as that seems to be what's going to happen anyway. What I need are some people (no gender requirement, though methinks not many of you ladies are all too into metal itself) who are good with their instruments, like blessed by God good, with willing hearts
and a calling to do music for Jesus.
Said persons will not need tour-worthy gear YET, but must be willing to set aside money to get some. Being in a band is a lot more costly than a lot of people think.
This will not be a soft-style band. There will be blood. Granted, I do enjoy throwing a good falsetto into the mix, by and large, this band will be intensity, passion, energy, and most importantly, love. So if you're looking to play Jack Johnson or The Beatles style stuff, look elsewhere.
I do plan on making this my job. Ideally I would also work with a design company, record company, promotion, or recording stuff too, but primarily it would be ministry, much like a worship pastor at a church, only my church is comprised of dark, smelly stages and pissed off kids as my congregation (though I'm not aiming to preach per se).
Also, it would be fitting to say that I do intend on finishing my schooling (Lord willing) before doing anything like touring the entire country. I am on track to graduate in May of 2011. That does not mean, however, that we will wait until then to practice, play shows, promote, or write music. Getting a band off the ground is going to take time, so I feel that staying in school while I can is a smart move.
Musicians that I am looking for are:
-Guitarists. I would like at least two, as that provides a wider range of writing capabilities, but I know several great bands with only one guitarist.
-Bass player. You and the drummer are the backbone, the "heavy" of our sound, primarily. Guitars help, but you need to be REALLY good with scales to make the metal awesome.
-Drummer. Double bass pedal work is a must. I have a really ghetto set at my house if you don't own one, but methinks any highly talented drummer is talented because (s)he plays their own set a lot.
*Keyboardist. This is optional, but sampling can really liven up the sound and bring a lot to the table for a band.
*Other vocalist(s). This is, again, optional. This should also be tied into other band members for backup vocals only, or some switch off parts. I don't mean to come across as controlling, but I LOVE to sing, and my screaming is fairly unique which makes harmonizing and such a bit more awkward.
Clendis and David, I'm not cutting you guys from the band or anything, I'm just making it an open forum. I love you guys a ton, but I need that dedication. If you're serious about this, we need to get crackin' on our instruments, and not just jamming together but practicing by ourselves as well.
To the rest of you, if you, or someone you know, feels that you/they fit what I'm looking for, please contact me somehow about it, and we'll get to work on the whole mess.
Also, if you know of any bands that are looking for a vocalist and fit this description, PLEASE inform me and/or them! I understand this is a long shot, but you never know until you try, right?
Also also, if you can think of any songs you want me to do a vocal cover of, hit me up and I'll do my best. Please try to stick within the metal-esque genre, as trying to scream a pop song just doesn't work too well. I also do clean singing covers to some pop/rock stuff (Mayday Parade, All Time Low, etc.) so those would be fine as well. I just want to improve and get a "portfolio" of sorts going.
Also also also, if you know of any OTHER ways of getting my call to arms out there, please let me know. It's kind of a hard thing to intentionally do in Arizona, it seems.
That's about it. Thanks for reading, and please help me out! I know God is faithful and will provide, I simply wanted to do my best to get something done myself so I'm not being lazy about it.
Bless you,
~@othern
P.S. Sorry for not keeping this blog updated too much, but I've been in a hustle to get stuff done in the past few weeks, and really haven't done much writing, even for school or myself, so I apologize to anyone who might read this. I'll try to keep it more regular. Maybe I just need more fiber in my diet, ha.
March 09, 2010
Thingsome (Poem)
I'm kinda breaking my own rules here, and wrote a poem instead of lyrics, though I suppose one could potentially alter it a bit and make it music-worthy. I was browsing a poetry website and just got a wave of inspiration by the title "Something" by Maddaline Liotta. I didn't even read the poem (though I'm sure it's great), but I just went on a writing craze. Here is the result:
I thought it was pretty cool.
Anyway, I've gotta get to bed. One week until spring break for me, which means I just might churn out some new writing in a week or so. Stay tuned, and give me ideas on what to write about!
lovelovelovelovelovelovelove,
~@othern
there is always something.
you cannot grasp it
you cannot find it
you want it, no, need it
there is always something.
the pursuit of happiness
forms a wide circle of confusion
and insatiable thirsts
there is always something.
no leaves remain unturned
no shadows unsearched
no hands that have gone without holding
there is always something.
every sweet, bitter morsel
all refreshing swash
come and gone, turned to ashes
there is always something.
nets and traps cannot keep it
nor can it be contained at all
yet within us it lies dormant
and ready to be had
there is always something.
I thought it was pretty cool.
Anyway, I've gotta get to bed. One week until spring break for me, which means I just might churn out some new writing in a week or so. Stay tuned, and give me ideas on what to write about!
lovelovelovelovelovelovelove,
~@othern
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