Tag: OneRepublic

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Rainy Days

Amanda

If you ask me what my all around favorite music genre is, anyone who knows me well, know that it’s country. But if you were to ask me what my favorite “music mood” was, I think many more of you would be surprised (Or are just confused by what I just said LOL).

Making playlists is something I’ve been doing for a LONG time. From the beginning when I had an iTunes in middle school I started created playlists and mixed CDs, all revolving around different themes, events and moods. I actually still have a lot of my old mixed CDs in my car and like to pop them in every once in a while for a fun throwback. Anyway, above all, my favorite “music mood” is by far what I’ve always personally called “soul music.” I know that I should probably find a different name, because traditionally “soul music” is associated with jazz, gospel and the blues, but the label has just always stuck with me. So what I am referring to is essentially slower, laid back music, often with a single instrument. Most often, this music isn’t your really passionate love songs or really sad songs, but more of a lighter dose of either of those, or just a bit more lighthearted. And it is always best listened to on a cozy rainy day, or a relaxing, warm sunny day.

When I decided that this was going to be an upcoming feature playlist, it was way too long (hundreds of songs), so I started picking through over the past couple of weeks, and then separated that into two lists. I followed my usual rule and tried to focus on including a big variety of artists, instead of multiple songs from the same artists. Which is SO HARD, considering some of my favorites, like Vance Joy, could have whole albums on here. I’ll also say that, for the most part, I don’t really put country music on a playlist like this. In my mind, that is a different kind of playlist.

The first list that I am saving for later features my all-time favorite self-proclaimed “Soul Music,”… all songs that are permanently on repeat. But today’s post is still pretty great, and since we’ve been having quite a few warm spring rainy days where I live recently, labeling this as my “Rainy Days” playlist was perfect.

Enjoy!

What are you listening to lately?

See ALL past Friday Jam Session posts HERE.

British Artists
90’s  Country
Post Break Up
Motivation
Favorite Albums in 2017

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Post Break Up

Amanda

Just keeping it real over here on all accounts.

First, it’s not Friday. But last Friday, my Wi-fi was down all day due to a crazy wind storm we had and this Friday I have a different post that I want to specifically post on that date. But hey, I definitely jam out other days of the week, so really, it works. #rebelyell

Second, I’m fully aware that it is a bit dramatic to create and share a playlist titled “Post Break Up,” but hey, unfortunately most of us need a playlist like this at point or another. You are welcome.

I’ve been adding songs to this list over the past couple of weeks and it was MUCH harder to keep it under a reasonable number than I thought it would be, which was silly to think because all artists have at least a handful of break up songs to their name. And really, I could have just made the list with only country songs… or only Taylor Swift songs.

So is this list a bit cheesy? Yes, because there was no way I was leaving Dolly out of it. And it is definitely full of angst (my teenage self would be so proud). But it is pretty well-rounded — meaning it covers every stage of a break up and quite a few different situations. So please note, I obviously don’t personally relate to every single song, quite a few are just songs that I enjoy and love to jam out to regardless of what they are about. Enjoy!

p.s. There are a few songs that are explicit, just FYI, if that’s not your thing. #sorrymom

What are you listening to lately?

See past Friday Jam Session posts HERE.

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Motivation

Amanda

This week’s Jam Session is all about songs that motivate me, some that are upbeat that you can workout to and others that are slow and maybe more calming and uplifting. Both typically have positive messages. I’ve said a few times lately that my attitude just hasn’t been the best and so music is definitely one of my main go-to’s to help change my mood or help me get through things. This list is fun because there is a good mix of newer songs that have been on my radar lately, and a few of them are older, and are some of my all-time favorite songs to help motivate me and change my outlook. There is also a really good mix of genres, which is just a reminder and how vast my music taste is.

A few playlist notes…

If you played high school sports in the late 2000’s you’ll probably agree with me on Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” and I couldn’t count the amount of times that my sister and I rapped through the whole thing on the way to school. Speaking of high school, I included an early Taylor song, which really takes me back! I tried to not duplicate any of the artists, but my favorite Christian rock band, NEEDTOBREATHE, snuck in there with two songs, because to be honest, almost all of their music motivates me. There are three songs that have the word “Arrow” in the title, though they could not be more different. Ed Sheeran is one of my all-time favorite artists, but I was a bit surprised that I managed to still include him on this list. I don’t know if I’ve ever considered any of his other music to be particularly motivating, but this one definitely hits that point. I hadn’t heard Pink’s song until the Grammy’s this year and am still think back about the impact of her very simple performance. Hope you enjoy this week’s playlist!

What are you listening to lately?

See past Friday Jam Session posts HERE.

Year in Review

In 2014, I Lived.

Amanda

iswearilived

In 2014, I wandered.

Memphis. Philadelphia. Austin. Chicago. Des Moines.
Countless trips to Kansas City and Wichita.
From the Oregon Coast to my beloved Blue Mountains to home sweet home.
And I’m going to be ringing in the New Year down in San Antonio

My job took me to new places and on great adventures.
It also gave me the time to travel and visit those who mean the most to me.

Surprising the family for Thanksgiving.
Philadelphia grub.
The Diggins | family cabin
Yaquina Head Lighthouse | Newport, Oregon
Beale Street | Memphis
Childhood best friends.
Boat tour | Chicago
Independence Hall | Philadelphia
The Bean | Chicago
Newport, Oregon

In 2014, I celebrated.

Three of my best friends got married…within one month, and I was in all three of them.
Yah, that happened.
I became a bridal shower/bachelorette party hosting pro.
There was a speech to write, flowers to design, lots of accessories to keep track of, DJ-ing, nerves to calm, 10 different hairstyles to do and a few tears.
There was cake too, that was pretty great.

To Kyla, Leah and Richole, thank you so much for asking me to be a part your special days and, a part of your lives. You each are such vibrant, loving, beautiful women, and I am so blessed by our endless laughter and memories.

The full Pearce wedding party at the rehersal dinner.
Taking pictures at the Pearce wedding. Such a fun wedding party!
Co-Maids of Honor & Best Men giving our speeches.
Richole & Dustin’s small ceremony on the Oregon coast was PERFECT!
Minutes before Leah & Ryan got hitched!
Leah’s Bachelorette Weekend.
Doing Kyla’s hair.
Kyla’s Bridal Shower.

In 2014, I took big kid steps.

I might have graduated college in 2013, but since I continued to live with my college roommates for the remainder of the year I was kind of in limbo between college life and “post grad life.”

But in 2014, I made up for it.
I moved into my own place and cut 7 inches off my hair.
I fought the urge to get a puppy and settled for plants.
I bought good furniture, became a Kansas resident and a Manhattan townie.
I’ve started to cook more than ramen and pb & j sandwiches.
Heck, I don’t even think talking about budgets and retirement plans are boring anymore.

I realize I’ve barely made it past chapter one on all there is to learn,
but from where I’m sitting, this life ain’t half bad.

New hair cut!
Work trip.
Carl, Kevin and Russell.
Pinterest | weheartit.com

In 2014, I learned to enjoy this season of life.

Concerts under summer stars. A purple stadium to cheer in. Making last minute plans and random weekend adventures.
Visits from my family to Kansas and traveling home to surprise them for Thanksgiving.
I had time.
Time to think, read, explore and enjoy good wine.
Time to rediscover old hobbies and uncover new ones.
Time for successful DIY projects and failed attempts at new recipes.
It’s hard not to want to rush through toward the next bend in the road, but 2014 taught me to take a deep breath and take the time to enjoy this season, and live.

Rodeo with Bri.
Grampy and I at the Auburn game.
Exploring Wichita with Mom.
Audrianna’s baby shower!
Always love my random run-in and life chats with Justin!
4th of July with Leah, Megan and Jancey.
K-State tailgating with Leah, Aspen and Miranda.
Celebrating Brandi’s graduations!
Celebrating my birthday with a weekend trip to Kyla’s.
BaconFestKC with Megan and Cameron.
Sister tattoos.
Grammy came to visit me!
OneRepublic, The Script and American Authors.
Pinterest | devonaragona.wordpress.com

In 2014, I swear I lived.

Thanks to all who were part of a pretty fantastic year.
Looking forward to spending 2015 with you, and all that is to come.

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Confessions of a Music Junkie

Amanda

I was destined to be a music junkie. I born in the early 90’s, the start of a new generation when music was continuing to evolve at a rapid pace. Growing up I listened to my dad’s outlaw country driving around in the truck and caught bits and pieces of the remnants of my parent’s 80’s teenage years. Time with my kid uncle meant christian rock and alternative, and the fact that I was also a dancer opens up a whole other list. THEN, I came to the Midwest, fell in love with red dirt country and met my best friend with a completely different iTunes and who’s love for music matches mine.

One might think that I might be musically confused, or have some sort of complex, but no, I just embraced it all. And ‘all’ translates into a music library of 7,500 songs and growing.

So now we are here at I’ve decided to call my ‘Friday Jam Session.’ Discovering new music  and sharing it with other has become almost like a game to me, and hardly a day goes by on my Facebook or Twitter without a new link being shared. I’m warning you though…my taste in music is all over the board and I’ll listen to songs that came out 30 years ago just as often those that debuted last week. It depends the mood, what’s happening in my life or just what’s stuck in my head. Enjoy!

Say Goodnight by Eli Young Band
EYB is a go-to band when it comes to great lyrics. The vocals in their most recent single just about makes you melt. There is an official music video, but I prefer this studio session version.

Pretty Little Lie by Blackberry Smoke Band
I just discovered this band literally two days ago, but just after one listen I was reminded why I fell in love with red dirt. Talented musicians, ‘rough around the edges’ vocals, honest lyrics and that sound that makes you feel at home. They also kind of remind me of Whiskey Meyers.

Can’t Go Wrong by Phillip Phillips
Phillip squared is one of my newest obsessions. I stalked the Olympics last summer waiting to hear the tv spot that featured his first single “Home,” just so I could try to figure who this voice belonged to. And THIS song is soulful, warm fuzzy music gold.

Feel Again by OneRepublic
Speaking of soulful, warm fuzzy music gold…this one is from one of my permanent obsessions. Lead singer Ryan Tedder goes on my list of people whose voices I could listen to endlessly. Plus it gives me an excuse to throw a few hallelujahs’ in there.

Sure Be Cool If You Did by Blake Shelton
It’s impossible not to love Blake. Seriously though, country music’s resident party boy one minute and then croons this simple one that makes you melt. Come on.

I always welcome suggestions and recommendations. What are you listening to right now?
Amanda