30 Seconds to Mars - A Cinematic Call to Arms (Cross Linked from The Screen Door)

I don't usually cross link to other blogger's posts but this is one really worth reading. This was posted on 30 Seconds to Mars' homepage today, as well as published on antiMusic.com as part of the 13th anniversary of the site. This blog puts into words exactly what This is War, 30STM's latest album makes me feel when I listen to it. It's honest. And raw. And brilliant writing.

There's certain artists who's music I love because its good. I enjoy listening to it. I'd go see them in concert if they came locally, but wouldn't travel for it. Then there's artists that make music that make me feel. The songwriting is raw and honest and the vocals are incredible. 30 Seconds to Mars now goes onto that very short list of artists. (I'm sure from the bands I write about on my blog, you can guess who the others are).

Even if you're not a fan of 30 Seconds to Mars, I encourage you to read this. Because it holds true not just for that one band, but for any album or song that has ever made you feel alive, made you shed tears and be hopeful all at the same time. The one band that you will jump through hoops to see live, travel for, spend hours trying to explain to those who just don't get it - and then finding out that you're in good company when you find those who do.

30 Seconds to Mars - A Cinematic Call to Arms - The Screen Door, with Anthony Kuzminski

One Year Later + Music that Inspires Me

I realized the other day that I've had this blog for a full year. I can't believe it's been that long - and its been quite a year. Looking back - the amount of shows I've been to, the amount of things I've done - I just can't wrap my head around it. I feel like I've done a lot and shared so many experiences - and just the fact that I've kept up with it for so long. When I started, I was just doing this for me, and while I still am - I also love sharing it with all of you - thank you to everyone who's read this, supported it, and shared it. I am excited to see what the future brings!

That all being said, I've been thinking about doing a post about this the last few days, and I figured this was a good tie in with the sentimental post. I'm inspired by music daily and it sometimes hits like a ton of bricks and sometimes it worms its way into my head over a period of time. Here are a few songs that have inspired me over the last year.

Ours - Ran Away to Tell The World
This song was one of the sneaky ones. It wormed its way into my head over a period of time and just didn't leave. It's now one of my favorite songs and one that I listen to to feed my brain daily and to remind me that I can't wait around for things to happen - I need to make them happen.

Ryan Star - 11:59
The whole album actually ties in with the theme of live in the moment and don't let life pass you by because the best times are the ones right now, but I just love the simplicity of it. I first heard it the first time I heard him play live and went nuts trying to find it because I needed it in my life, and I'm glad to say, it was absolutely worth the wait.

30 Seconds to Mars - Closer to the Edge
This came about kind of randomly - I saw 30STM 2 weeks ago in Boston, as I'd won tickets. I've liked them for awhile and really really loved their latest album, but this song hit me like a ton of bricks when I ended up really listening to the lyrics. And now I've fallen down the rabbit hole. Which is really not a bad place to be!

I'm headed to NYC this weekend to catch Plain Jane Automobile's release show and also Mike Robins is playing an acoustic set, so look for posts on both of those next week. :)

30 Seconds to Mars - Agganis Arena, Boston 5.1.11

I was not only lucky enough to win tickets for this show, but I also won meet and greet passes to meet the band beforehand. I had never seen them live before, but have loved This is War since I heard it and I'd heard nothing but good things about them in concert, so I was excited. I had no idea if my tickets would be GA floor or if they would be assigned seating, so I arrived at the Agganis Arena early. Apparently, arriving early paid off - I got street parking - score! I picked up my tickets and stressed a little as no one seemed to know anything about the meet and greet for the radio station.