A lot, as it happens. Recently, after departing from label Fueled By Ramen, Sierra Kay and Blake Harnage (formerly of VersaEmerge) embarked upon a new journey under the name VERSA. Obviously, there is a clear connection between the two names - after all it's still the same people behind them - but are they really the same band?
VersaEmerge were an alternative band, and many people consider VERSA just to be a regeneration of this. However, VERSA's music is entirely different. Listening to songs such as 'The Authors' alongside 'Neon' show a complete musical progression and change. It would be wrong to say 'VERSA formerly known as VersaEmerge' because they are a different band. If you wikipedia VERSA (such a reliable source of information, I know, but do try to bear with me) you still get directed to VersaEmerge's page. But how can this be right, if VERSA are an entirely new band?
Kay and Harnage's decision to begin a new project under the name VERSA is still referred to as another form of VersaEmerge. However, it is wrong to say 'I like their old stuff better' because VERSA have no 'old' stuff. Harnage recently confirmed in an interview on tumblr that VERSA is an entirely new project for himself and Kay, and so it's clear that the comparisons between the two bands are misguided. They both have different musical styles and are entirely different bands. There is no 'old VERSA', because they've only just started out, and if the Neon EP is anything to go by they're certainly worth a listen.
Wednesday 29 January 2014
Tuesday 14 January 2014
One song can make a moment
No matter where we go, we are never far from music. Whether it's someone with headphones in, or a radio in a car or shop, or just birds tweeting each other, it's always close. The most curious thing about music is how it can change things.
Music is used most effectively in films. A soundtrack can make or break a movie - use the wrong track at the wrong time and a whole scene could fall apart. Some of the best soundtracks usually tend to be instrumental; Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings have some of the most iconic and effective soundtracks. However, other songs are associated with certain films, too. Hear AC/DC? Think Iron Man. Hear 'Love is All Around'? Think Bill Nighy in Love Actually.
Music affects us in ways we don't even realise at the time. When we are in a self-pitying mood, some people seem to deliberately gravitate towards sad music. After a few club hits, all I want to do is go out. Music can change our mood regardless of how we think we're feeling. For example, Christmas Eve I found myself walking home in the dark, through my 'nothing-ever-happens-here' village, down the same roads I've walked since I can remember. Even in the dark, I've felt particularly threatened or edgy about the walk. But this time was different. This time, I put my headphones in and listened to VersaEmerge 'Lost Tree'. I came across no other people or cars, as you'd expect at 11pm, yet for the first time it felt eerie. I found myself speeding up, and after the build up in the middle, I found myself running home. All because of the music.
I often wonder how people can not care for music - it's such a part of everyday life. If you don't think it can change you, I recommend taking a familiar route at night with 'Lost Tree' playing.
Music is used most effectively in films. A soundtrack can make or break a movie - use the wrong track at the wrong time and a whole scene could fall apart. Some of the best soundtracks usually tend to be instrumental; Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings have some of the most iconic and effective soundtracks. However, other songs are associated with certain films, too. Hear AC/DC? Think Iron Man. Hear 'Love is All Around'? Think Bill Nighy in Love Actually.
Music affects us in ways we don't even realise at the time. When we are in a self-pitying mood, some people seem to deliberately gravitate towards sad music. After a few club hits, all I want to do is go out. Music can change our mood regardless of how we think we're feeling. For example, Christmas Eve I found myself walking home in the dark, through my 'nothing-ever-happens-here' village, down the same roads I've walked since I can remember. Even in the dark, I've felt particularly threatened or edgy about the walk. But this time was different. This time, I put my headphones in and listened to VersaEmerge 'Lost Tree'. I came across no other people or cars, as you'd expect at 11pm, yet for the first time it felt eerie. I found myself speeding up, and after the build up in the middle, I found myself running home. All because of the music.
I often wonder how people can not care for music - it's such a part of everyday life. If you don't think it can change you, I recommend taking a familiar route at night with 'Lost Tree' playing.
Thursday 2 January 2014
There's nothing like a new set of strings
Admittedly, my old guitar strings have been on old Val since I bought her 2 years ago, mostly because I was so scared of changing them, but today I bit the proverbial bullet and it's wonderful!
After much google-ing, I settled on D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze strings. I use light gauge because Val's an electro-acoustic APX500, and they're much easier on my fingers. Many reviews say that the phosphor bronze lasts longer than standard bronze or steel strings, and with my phobia I sure hope they're right. The strings themselves are colour coded - which I'm sure isn't the case with all brands - so it was easy to change them. They look beautiful too: it's only once you have new strings that you realise how dull the old ones were getting.
Once I'd changed them, it was time for a sound test. If anything describes 'music to my ears' best, it's new strings. They sound very bright, and unplugged compliment the acoustic vibe perfectly. Until now, I hadn't realised just how sad my old strings sounded. The sound is far more rounded and she sounds every bit as new as when I first got her. I'd highly recommend these strings to anyone with an electro-acoustic, and they only cost £5.10 for a single set off amazon.
I don't play my instrument that often as it's a hobby for when I have the time, so although some people may be horrified at how long I left it to change my strings it really isn't too bad when compared to usage. The only thing I can say is I understand why musicians change them more frequently. Val sounds glorious!
After much google-ing, I settled on D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze strings. I use light gauge because Val's an electro-acoustic APX500, and they're much easier on my fingers. Many reviews say that the phosphor bronze lasts longer than standard bronze or steel strings, and with my phobia I sure hope they're right. The strings themselves are colour coded - which I'm sure isn't the case with all brands - so it was easy to change them. They look beautiful too: it's only once you have new strings that you realise how dull the old ones were getting.
Once I'd changed them, it was time for a sound test. If anything describes 'music to my ears' best, it's new strings. They sound very bright, and unplugged compliment the acoustic vibe perfectly. Until now, I hadn't realised just how sad my old strings sounded. The sound is far more rounded and she sounds every bit as new as when I first got her. I'd highly recommend these strings to anyone with an electro-acoustic, and they only cost £5.10 for a single set off amazon.
I don't play my instrument that often as it's a hobby for when I have the time, so although some people may be horrified at how long I left it to change my strings it really isn't too bad when compared to usage. The only thing I can say is I understand why musicians change them more frequently. Val sounds glorious!
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