Absence

   I've had exams over the past few weeks, so I've been revising hard and didn't have any time to blog. But, now that they're over, I'm hoping to start posting 1 or 2 a week. I've also been considering moving to wordpress, because it seems to be a wider known blogging site and therefore might mean that my blog will reach a wider audience. If I do move, it'll be posted on here.

   Obviously, I've had little time to really write anything. So, instead, I'll give my top 10 songs I've been revising to over the past few weeks.

1. Death Cab for Cutie - A Lack of Color. This song is perfect for starting revision as it's so calming - the slow tempo and Ben Gibbard's soothing vocals are a sure fire remedy to revision stress and panic.
2. Cash Cash ft. Bebe Rexha - Take Me Home (acoustic). This song is so catchy and I love Bebe Rexha, but personally when I revise club tracks are a no. Solution? The acoustic version. It still carries the same energy but a little more subdued and not too distracting.
3. Panic! at the Disco - This is Gospel. I love revising to this song, because it's the perfect mixture of Vices & Virtues and their newer, more electronic sound. It's upbeat and shows off Brendon Urie's amazing vocal range.
4. VersaEmerge - Your Own Lov.e. As you can probably gather, I'm a real sucker for strong vocalists with a kick-ass range, and this song offer's just that in Sierra Kay's voice, but with the added softness of Blake Harnage's allowing the track to really balance out.
5. Paramore - Ain't It Fun. I'm not sure whether 'motivational' is exactly the right word for this song, but it certainly got me working. It's catchy without being obtrusive (i.e, I only caught myself singing along to it once or twice instead of revising...)
6. Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX - Fancy. I love this song. I find it strangely empowering and positive, perfect for getting into revision mode. Also Iggy Azalea is a really talented and diverse artist.
7. Lights - Peace Sign. Like 'Fancy', I find this song positive(ish) and it's upbeat. I can't get enough of Lights' sound as I find incredibly unique. I could happily listen to this song over and over and not get bored.
8. Deaf Havana - Boston Square. I find this song very familiar, and it brings back memories of seeing Deaf Havana live which I thoroughly enjoyed, so it automatically puts me in a happier and more positive place.
9. Chvrches - Mother We Share. I've only recently got into Chvrches, and their electronic, futuristic sound mixed with Lauren Mayberry's voice is a perfect combination. The verses build up to the chorus and keep me awake and engaged.
10. Charli XCX - Nuclear Seasons. Another oddly motivational one. Charli's sound is so unlike most other electronic artists which gives her a bit more of an edge. To be honest, all of True Romance is great for me to revise to, but this is my favourite track off the album.

   I think everyone revises to different things, so this isn't what you should revise to, just what I have found works for me. I owe a huge thanks to all of the artists that have made revision just that bit less tedious.

What's in a name?

   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.

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.

Top songs to get you in the mood for Christmas

   It is, once again, that most wonderful time of year...or so we're told. Not feeling it? How about 5 of my favourite Christmas songs to get you in the mood, because there's nothing like good music to put a smile on anyone's face!

1. Kids in Glass Houses - Secret Santa. 
   Certainly a must for anyone looking for a bit of festive cheer verging on the utterly daft. It has all the characteristics of the standard Christmas songs - bells throughout, overuse of the word 'baby' (but not quite to the extent of Justin Bieber) - with the added bonus of almost sarcastic lyrics (such as 'Now you're stumbling into the tree/ 'Cos this time of year you're drunk by three') and an equally funny video to go with it. It's upbeat, littered with tongue-in-cheek, strangely true references to Christmas and a sly dig at other Christmas songs, 'Do you promise you'll try,/ Try to feed the whole world,' and best of all it's a completely original song! Guaranteed to put a smile on anyone's face.
   
2. No Doubt - Oi To The World.
   Originally The Vandals song, 'Oi To The World' brings punk to Christmas, with no bells but a whole lot of trumpets in this version. In the least Christmassy video to accompany a Christmas song, this is certainly for all the scrooges. Or people who are indeed to cool for Christmas cheer. Grungey guitar riffs and a catchy chorus are enough to make anyone listen up, and Gwen Stefani's voice suits the song perfectly. Definitely a must-listen for anyone who wants a Christmas song without he Christmas!
   
3. Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody.
   No Christmas would be complete without hearing Noddy Holder shout 'It's Christmas' at least once, so this is a must listen and a dead certain as far as Christmas spirit goes. Following on from No Doubt, it's more rock than most standard Christmas songs which is probably why it's so popular even 40 years after its original release. Although you hit a few cheesy lines along the way, it will always be played every Christmas and is possibly one of the only explicitly Christmassy songs that won't make you wish it was January after hearing it for the 50th time.
   
4. The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York.
   Even if Spider Stacey's voice isn't to your taste, no-one can deny this is another fantastic Christmas song. Well, the lyrics aren't exactly optimistic in the usual 'I wish it could be Christmas every day' way, but it's still played every year. No cover of this song will ever match up to the original - Kirsty MacColl's raw vocals mixed with Stacey's own create an entirely individual duet that could never be replaced, which is what makes the song so special.
   
5. VersaEmerge - Santa Baby.
   You are guaranteed to find no other cover of this song that sounds so vastly different from the original. Rather than adopt the cheery, upbeat attitude adapted by the majority of artists who cover this song, VersaEmerge have taken a more...creepy attitude. The electronic vibes are a far cry from Eartha Kitt's bouncey original, and the video adds to the atmosphere VersaEmerge create (more like that of Halloween than Christmas). Definitely a song for anyone who wants to hear a Christmas song that sounds nothing like a Christmas song, and the best part is you can listen to it all year long (that is, if you want to).