A Pop-Punk Christmas

I'm tad bit late on posting this, but it's better late than never! Since I missed Christmas this year, you can have this playlist ready for next year! I picked out my personal favorite ORIGINAL pop-punk Christmas songs. Some may or may not be covers that I just haven't heard... Anyways, I got sick of listening to the same songs every year during Christmas, so I came up with my own. Hopefully you guys like a few of these too and they can give you a break from the endless cycle of unoriginal Christmas carols.

1) Yule Shoot Your Eye Out- Fall Out Boy
        (My personal favorite Christmas song in general!)
2) 12 Days of a Pop-Punk Christmas- Sunrise Skater Kids
       (Hilarious!)
3) Fool's Holiday- All Time Low
4) I Won't Be Home For Christmas- Blink 182
5) Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass- All Time Low
6) Nothing For Christmas- New Found Glory
7) I Don't Wanna Spend Another Christmas Without You- The Ready Set
8) Santa Stole My Girlfriend- The Maine
         (I also found this quite funny)
9) Merry Christmas I missed You So Much- Taking Back Sunday
10) My Christmas List- Simple Plan
          (Sounds very similar to my own Christmas list...)

Of course, these are my personal favorites. You can hate them for all I care. These are just the songs I was playing this Christmas. Next year maybe I'll post a list of my favorite Christmas covers. They'll be on time next year! Because let's be honest, Brendon Urie's cover of "White Christmas" is amazing! The Summer Set has a pretty good Christmas cover out there too...
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!!!!

Best Friend Murder Prank

If you haven't heard about this video than you must not have any connections to the outside world. What a sad life! A video titled "Best Friend Murder Prank ft. Sam and Colby" was uploaded by the already controversial Youtuber Sam Pepper. Sam Pepper is 26 years old. He's been on Youtube for roughly five years. He started out as a rising Youtube sensation. He was well known for his pranking videos as well as his collars with other Youtubers like Marcus Butler, Mark Ludford, Pointless Blog (Alfie Deyes), Harrison Webb, Mazzi Maz, and JacksGap. Of course there are many other names. The YouTube family is a close one.
In 2014 things took a turn for the worse for Sam Pepper. He was accused of sexually harassing multiple women in the UK. He also release his first extremely controversial video. It was a video of him going up and pinching girls butts. However, he did not physically touch them. There was also a follow up video of a female Youtuber doing the same thing to men. They then filmed a video explaining that they were doing a social experiment on gender and double standards. Sam was the only one to get backlash from the videos. He wasn't formally charged of anything. The honest truth is that nobody other than Sam himself knows what did or did not happen.

Sam Golbach and Colby Brock came to fame through Vine. Their videos were mainly public disturbances and skits. The duo got such a large following on the app that they decided to go to Youtube. The two have been friends for five years. They grew up in the same Kansas town and went to the same high school. Needless to say they are best friends going on life's adventure together. Both are fresh out of high school and just moved to LA where they met their friend Sam Pepper.
The three came across each other somehow and ended up spending some quality time together. After a couple days, they decided to film a collaboration. Sam Pepper and Colby decided to prank Sam Golbach because Sam Golbach was always pranking Colby. That's how this video came to be.
Sam Pepper kidnapped Sam and Colby while they were having "car problems" in an alley. Colby is in on the prank. The two of them put Sam Golbach in the trunk of the car and take him to a roof top somewhere in LA. Sam Pepper removes the bag over Sam's head so that he can see Colby kneeling off to the side with a bag still draped over his face. Sam reassures his friend that everything will be okay. Sam Pepper gives him one last look at Colby's face before firing a blank at Colby's head. Sam's reaction is pure, real emotion. There was nothing fake to it. If it was, he definitely needs an award!
The trio didn't realize that the video would get so much attention in such a short amount of time. It has been covered on National news and plastered all over the internet. A petition to take down Sam Pepper's channel also surfaced. Youtubers spoke up saying that Sam took the prank too far and needed to take the video down. People were speaking on behalf of Sam Golbach and saying that he was suffering from things like PTSD and that he was having trouble going outside and sleeping at night. None of which is true. Colby came under fire for being a "dick of a friend". Colby explained that he knew what Sam's limits were that he would be okay once he realized everything was alright. Sam Pepper was also aware of Sam's limits and knew the boundaries. Sam Golbach spoke up and said that he had actually been expecting a prank to happen to him. Not to mention he had two weeks to tell Sam Pepper and Colby that he didn't want to video to go up. Sam also said that he was thankful because the whole experience brought him and Colby closer together as friends. Other people have also reached out to Sam and Colby and told them that because of the video they became closer with the people that they love.
There is a message in the video that everybody is overlooking. Life is short. Anything can happen. Tell the people you love that you love them now. Go and live your life. Keep your friends close. Appreciate what you have and who you have in your life. Don't take a damn thing for granted. In my opinion that was actually an amazing video. You just have to look at it from the perspective that they were looking at it. As for the reaction Sam Pepper is getting, I think it's not deserved. There are more important things that we should pay attention to. The only reason he's getting so much heat from this is because he already had a bad reputation. The truth is, nobody knows Sam Pepper personally and what he's done. Until we know for sure, people should just lay off of him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBvX5dNdMK8

After Romeo

After Romeo is the pure definition of a boy band. BUT they are amazing artists! The band consists of Jayk Purdy (29), Drew Ryan Scott (27), TC Carter (22), and Blake English (21). Former member Devin Fox (18) left to pursue a solo career. Each member of the band contributes something specific to band aside from vocals. Jayk does most of the social media content. TC, which stands for Thomas Carter, is in charge of fashion. He does a pretty good job if I do say so myself. Blake does the choreography for the group while Drew writes a majority of their songs.
The members are from Athens and Las Vegas. They came together in L.A. courtesy of Drew in 2013. As I mentioned before, they started out with 5. So, the five of them started posting videos on Youtube. They caught the eyes of some record producers and are currently signed on to 4 Sound Entertainment's record label. As a band of 5 they released 3 singles. The first being "Free Fall" in 2013. The released a Christmas single, "Save Some Snow" that same year. In 2014, they released what is probably their biggest single "Love On Lock (LOL)". That just so happens to be my jam. After Devin left, the band continued to write music and post videos. Their first single of 2015 had the fitting title of "Juliet". They also released "Where The People Go", which is probably my second favorite from them. Yesterday they released a surprise titled "Souvenir". It's clear that losing Devin didn't deter the band. They are working on an album "The Story Continues". I personally cannot wait to see what all these four can do!

For only being together for a short period of time and not having much publicity, they are doing pretty well. The "Free Fall" music video reached number one on MTV's music chart and was also featured on international advertisements. Most of the time it takes an artist forever to be able to get their music international. In 2014 they launched into the Italian music market. The band has also reached number six on Radio Disney's countdown. The thing that stands out to me the most though is the fact that these boys started a Bully Proof Tour where they toured across the U.S. to stop and talk to students about bullying. They would go to the schools to speak and then perform in the city/town on the weekend. They group has also toured around the U.S. on the 2015 Pop Nation Tour.
I really don't know what else to say about this band. I honestly don't know as much about them as I do other bands, but I do know that these boys are talented and entertaining. They are definitely a boy band, no doubt, but there is something special about them that I can't quite put my finger on. They are just four hard working boys trying to make their dreams come true. I admire that. If you are ever board, look them up. You could find a new music obsession.

Catharsis Playlist

(We're about to get personal)
I cannot be the only one that has those moments where I need to cry. I don't want to cry, but I NEED to cry. I discovered that at these said times, certain songs helps the process along. Not only does this playlist allow me to ball my freaking eyes out, there are also songs that help me kind of reflect on the better times in life and make me feel a little bit better. It my "Catharsis Playlist". I think everybody needs to have one! I suggest you pick songs that you have a connection to, whether it be a good or bad memory or even a person. It helps if you're familiar with the artist as well because it makes it more personal. Most importantly, make sure that you relate to it lyrical wise. That's the whole point to this playlist! It lets you relate to something for a little while and just let go and cry!
1) Untitled- Simple Plan
2) Hotel Ceiling- Rixton
3) Live Forever ft. Faydee- DJ James Yammouni (of The Janoskians)
4) Amnesia- 5 Seconds of Summer
5) 3000 Miles- Emblem3
6) Ghost- Hollywood Ending
7) You Will Not Be Forgotten- Keaton Stromberg (of Emblem3)
8) The Memory- Mayday Parade
9) Letting Go- Mayday Parade
10) Wasted- MKTO
11) Once in a Lifetime- One Direction
12) Infinity- One Direction
13) Broken Home- 5 Seconds of Summer
14) The Only Reason- 5 Seconds of Summer
15) Hello- Emblem3 cover

This has actually helped me out a lot. It's dumb, it's cheesy, it's a waste of time to put together a depressing playlist. It really does help though! Take it from a professional in the area of mental breakdowns! :) 

Open Letter to One Direction

Dear One Direction,
5 years, 3 months, and 17 days ago the five of you were put in to a group. At the time you didn't have any clue how that moment would change your lives. You didn't know that that moment would change the lives of thousands of people, including my own. You walked in completely clueless, with no idea what you were doing. You walked out with more knowledge and life experience than most people will ever get. The 5 of you were more than happy to share it all with hundreds of people you've never met. You guys were and still are an inspiration, friends to many, family to others, and a constant comfort for thousands. One Direction kept going after losing the X-Factor. You became the biggest band on the planet. You kept going after losing family, friends, and eventually your freedom. You literally gave up everything to give your fans everything they ever needed or wanted.
I'm the fan that never saw you in person. I didn't spend hours trying to gain your attention. I listened to your music instead and realized that I already had your attention. I didn't pay attention to the amount of awards you won. I paid attention to all the good you did in the world. By finding meaning and inspiration in the band and in your individuality, I was able to find a little light during a dark time in my life. Ever since then One Direction has been a constant in my life. I was always able to escape with a song or a video. I gained the false impression that you would always be together, always be there. Now I'm saying thank you, good-bye, and letting go.
Thank you for being an escape. I know you still will be. This isn't really good-bye either. You promised to never really leave us. Your music will always be there no matter what. That will be there whether you're together or apart. The meaning in the music and behind the band will still exist. I will still have an escape. It will just be nothing new. Thank you for 5 years of new music, videos, concerts, interviews, and other random means of escape for me and many others. Thank you for giving me a huge family of people that feel similar to the way I do, that understand and relate. Thank you for giving up your lives to make me feel better about my own. Thank you for giving me hope. Most importantly, thank you for helping me find happiness again. Thank you for helping me become me. Thank you for being there when no one else was. This isn't good-bye. It's more like see you later. But I am letting go and moving on. Thank you!
You loved the time you were together. Now enjoy the time you have apart. Take the break that you all so well deserve. Just make sure that you don't forget about us because there is no way that we will ever be able to forget about you.
Love,
The Directioners

The Tide

The Tide is a band that most have not heard of. If you have, I guarantee it's because you are a dedicated fan of The Vamps. The Tide was formed by the british band in 2014. The Vamps announced a secret project in December of 2014 and they held auditions for guitarists and drummers to form a band. The band the put together was The Tide.
Austin Corini is the lead singer of the band. He also plays guitar. He's from Gilroy, California. Austin auditioned for The X-Factor in 2012. He sang an amazing cover of "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes. He didn't make it past boot camp on his own. They put him together with other boys to form the group, Playback. However, the group didn't make it past the judge's houses. This was the same year that Emblem3 was on The X-Factor, so Austin knows the boys. Drew Dirksen is the lead guitarist and contributes vocals. He is from Ohio, as is his band mate Nate Parker. Nate is the drummer. Levi is the bassist and the last piece to the puzzle. He is from southern California.
The band officially formed in 2015. They made their debut together on the internet on February 25, 2015. They posted a cover of 5 Seconds of Summers "She Looks So Perfect". I'm not a fan of covers from my favorite artists, but I actually really liked their version of the song. Since they actually caught my attention by doing my favorite song, I decided it was worth my while to check out who they were and to keep up with the newly formed band. I'm glad I did, because since their formation they have posted many other great covers on their youtube channel. They have also posted an acoustic version of one of their original songs, "Falling in Love Tonight". As of right now, the band sticks to covers, but they do perform originals live, like "What you Give" and "The Rest of Us". The band plans on releasing an EP or maybe even an album in 2016.
 Since their formation, they have been on tour with The Vamps. The accompanied them on their 2015 tour along with Before You Exit. They also played at 2015 Fanfest and the Big Ticket Summer Concert Series. They have performed next artists such as Union J and Luke Friend. The band is also planning on a 2016 tour. In order to release an EP and follow it up with a tour, it's best to have a record label, right? Well, The Vamps signed the band on to their own record label, EMI Universal. That was their big announcement/secret project in December of 2014. The Vamps also had them do a major cameo in their latest video for their single "Wake Up" along with Brooklyn Beckham.
So, what can you expect from The Tide? Their style and their influence is rather different, which I find interesting. They have a wide range in taste. Their musical style is pop. The band has even admitted to it. However, they also throw in the fact that their main influences are 5 Seconds of Summer and All Time Low. They want to become a similar band. Mayday Parade and Sleeping With Sirens are also have an influence on the band. Going in a totally opposite direction, the band looks up to singer/song writers like Ed Sheeran and even Shawn Mendes who is younger than the members in the band.

I adore this band as whole and love each of it's members. They are so down to earth. All four of them are absolutely adorable. The best part is that I can say that they are hot without feeling like a pedophile because they are all 17-18 years old! So, not only are they talented, kind, and entertaining, they are very nice to look at. Looks aren't that important though. What is, is the fact that these four boys are talented and dedicated to their music and to their fans. I love, love, love them! I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. They have the world at their finger tips! I'm going to love telling people that I knew them long before they were famous. 

SOUNDS GOOD FEELS GOOD

Sounds good. Feels better. The new 5SOS album is pure gold. Granted, I am a little bias because I am a huge fan of the group, but I am not the only one praising the work produced by these fine young lads and a few of their friends and idols. Many people admire the fact that, yes, the album is a little "soft" for being considered punk, but they are still able to channel that genre clearly in certain songs and with certain lyrics. While doing this, they also managed to gear all of their songs towards their audience lyrical wise. The band is well aware of the struggles that their fans go through and who is in their fan base age wise. They did a great job making the album appropriate for them while still making it enjoyable for those that don't exactly fit in to the group.
I'm not going to take a huge musical stance on the album. They showed off their instrumental talent by crushing guitar solos and mastering difficult, yet catchy riffs. Don't even get me started on the imperfectly perfect vocals provided by every member of the band. My judgement is a lot more based on the meaning behind it all. Every single song on that album has a meaning in it that is clear to find. The title of the album fits it very VERY well. You definitely feel something after listening to it. If you can't catch the overall meaning of it or the messages in the songs, then it's time to exit their fandom.
This album has a lot of meaning to the four Aussies. It's literally their life. You can hear the emotions they were feeling when they wrote the songs through the vocals. Every song tells a story of some kind. You just have to listen and find it. Some of them are more clear than others. "Broken Home" was a major shout out from drummer Ashton Irwin. Fans caught on to this immediately after the album was released and got the song title trending on Twitter. Invisible easily puts the focus on feeling like you don't belong and don't really matter to the world, but at the same time it delivers the message that you've got to stay positive. The longest song on the album "Outer Space/Carry On" is basically about the same thing, but it focuses more on the message of carrying on.
It's obvious to me that this album was also meant to start a movement within their fandom. They've got to start somewhere, right? They were able to rally their fans in to the New Broken Scene before the record was released. Then in the first single "She's Kinda Hot", they delivered the explanation for The New Broken Scene. "They say we're losers and we're alright with that. We are the leaders of the not coming backs." "Hey Everybody" is an uplifting song that screams at you to realize that you don't have to live your life the way people want you to. "Hey everybody, we don't have to live this way." My favorite? "Permanent Vacation". This is the first song that comes to my head when I think about this movement that the band is starting. Every verse in that song is a diss towards the way we live. The end verses Michael sings, "Congratulations, your imitations are taking over the radio stations. Corporations, calculations. We're the voice of the new generation." A bold statement for the band, but needless to say, a very true one. This song is the anthem for The New Broken Scene. (In my opinion anyways.)
Okay, this has gotten lengthy enough. Bottom line is that this album means a lot to me and the boys themselves. If you're in to the whole lyrical meaning things, you'll love this. If you like punk-pop, then you'll find something to love on here. More of the "She Looks So Perfect" type? No problem. You can probably find your new favorite song on here. Sounds Good Feels isn't the best album, but it's pretty damn amazing. They are progressing greatly as a band. I can't wait for their third album!