Daily Tips #6

It's been a long time since the next serving of tips, huh? No need to worry! Today is the day they return! =)

Today's tip of the day is:

01. Fight the Opposition!

Fight the Opposition!

 
Now, I don't mean to start a fight with your worst enemy, aha. All I mean is to stand up for yourself and what your music stands for.

Yes, you know this already, I know. However, this is really important because sometimes the pressure can be too much. For example's sake, if you're used to writing a certain way, and every one of your listeners are used to hearing that certain style, people usually get comfortable with anything that they're accustomed to. Why can this be a problem? Let's say you get tired of this style, and for a while you want to try something different. Experimentation could allow you to reach more followers, however, in some instances, the ones that are used to that specific sound, could be driven away.

The key is to not let negative comments get in the way of how you want your music to be. You're the one behind the pen, behind the keyboard, behind the guitar, behind the computer, behind the songs. You should be the one who gets to decide what to make, as long as it's not in bad light, or bad energy.

So bottom line is, make the music you want to make, and don't be discouraged by what fans or listeners of your music may say! Cause if you're not having a fun time making the music you make, that will show in the final product. So have fun, be cautious, but not too cautious so that you lose sight of what your music is supposed to represent!

Thanks for reading, and till next time, peace out to all my drafters!

Sincerely,
Julian.

Notice & Update! Song of the Day #14: Lana Del Rey - "Young And Beautiful"

Hello all,

For those who follow Draftboard, I want to give my sincere apologies for the hiatus from updates recently! A lot has been going on in my life, and time seems to become shorter by the day. To make up for all lost time, Draftboard will be undergoing major changes in the next couple of weeks, including lots of new posts! Once again, my sincere apologies, but stay tuned for more material please!

In a lighter notion, we've reached number 14 for "Song of the Day!" For today, the winner is "Young And Beautiful" from singer, Lana Del Rey! Enjoy!

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Scope of Songwriting: Episode #1 (Podcast)

Dun, dun, dun, dun...
Dun, dun, dun, dun!

I have an announcement!

This marks a very special post in Draftboard's history, (which has not been too long) but...

We have the first post of a new section!

Introducing the 'Scope of Songwriting,' a new section of Draftboard that revolves around interviewing various musicians and artists, to find out what their routines are, how they view the industry, what we can expect from them in the future, and more!

In this intro episode, I sat down with Christina Kay, and Matthew Miller, two, young, aspiring artists, who each have a different take on the industry, reflections of themselves, and their desires. 

This episode may be a little short but I assure you that future episodes will have a bigger range. Some episodes will be short like this one, while others will be longer than ten-fifteen minutes. 

However, let's not talk about the future so quick because the future is now! Enjoy the first episode of 'Scope of Songwriting' and thank you so much for all the support!

Till next time, peace out to all my drafters!

 
Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #13: There For Tomorow - "A Little Faster"

Today's song of the day winner is "A Little Faster" by rock band, There For Tomorrow! Enjoy, and till next time...

Peace to all my drafters! ^^ 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #16 - J.Cole

Today's quote goes to rapper, J.Cole! Enjoy!

"I don't live for the accolades. I'm more so about the music. Making it, and putting it out. Those are the two best feelings." ~ J.Cole

I don't live for the accolades. I'm more so about the music. Making it, and putting it out. Those are the two best feelings.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/j_cole.html#L3sQqSX8K0Zf26R3.99

I don't live for the accolades. I'm more so about the music. Making it, and putting it out. Those are the two best feelings.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/j_cole.html#L3sQqSX8K0Zf26R3.99

J.Cole

Sincerely,
Julian.

"Soar"

Have you ever encountered a time where you were sitting on the couch, watching TV, when all of a sudden...

Your soul escapes from your body.

You made sure it wasn't a dream, but you still tried and tried again to prove that is was in fact a dream...but,

Your eyes were open, and you were awake the entire time.

Haven't had an experience like that? Well, a family member of mine did. The scientific term for it, is having an, "Out of Body Experience." 

Does the term sound a little familiar now? Even if not, it still strikes me as being a very interesting concept. That concept knocked on the door inside my head, when my mother told me that story, back in 2012. So what did I do with that knowledge embedded in my brain? While songwriting at the time, I asked the question to myself. 

"Could I possibly write a song to this?"

Nevertheless, I did. One of my favorite songs to this day, next to "Where Hearts Meet Minds" and a couple of others to be brought to the light soon. I tried to evoke the emotion, the surreality, the experience, and the wonder, all in one song. For one of my first songs, I could not contain my excitement about exploring that concept on the surface. It was one of the biggest rushes of adrenaline that I have ever received while writing music. 

I also finished it in twenty minutes as well, haha. It was a very short-rendered song, but it served its purpose, and in the end, it came out short and sweet. 

"Rising up, lifting sensation,
 I'm well afraid, that I count to ten,
 Watching, this world that I live in,
 Observing, form the outside-in,
 Interpret, many walking souls,
 Stories, worth as shining gold,
 Worried, what they can't be told,
 Within me, I've been feeling,
 Cold,

 Soar, this feeling of desperation,
 But I can see, upon me, 
 The will of elevation,

 Soar, the sight of deprivation,
 But I can feel, what is real,
 The cycle of destination,"

A girl having an "Out of Body" experience

"Rising up, lifting sensation,
 I'm well afraid, that I count to ten,
 Watching, this world that I live in,
 Observing, from the outside-in,
 Interpret, many walking souls,
 Stories, worth as shining gold,
 Worried, what they can't be told,
 Within me, I've been feeling,
 Cold,"

This excerpt basically defines the underlying message of this song. In the true story, my relative's spirit (soul), left their body, and took flight out of a window. In this instant, their soul literally began to take 'flight,' as they flew through the sky, soaring higher and higher up. As they were flying around, it was just like any other day, and they were observing people walking about their daily lives. This excerpt reflects those first moments.

"Soar, this feeling of desperation,
 But I can see, upon me,
 The will of elevation,
 Soar, the sight of deprivation,
 But I can feel, what is real,
 The cycle of destination,"

Soaring through the sky. Feeling desperate, because you cannot explain or show anyone what is happening to you. After all, it is your spirit, and spirits are not visible to the naked eye, like a human body. As you are elevated and flying through the sky, you still feel like yourself, but you're just not in your body. These are paraphrases from the words that my relative told me, for when their "Out of Body" experience, occurred. This is the true meaning of this part of the song, aka the 'chorus.' It is also the most important message of the song in my opinion. What I gathered from talking to my relative, was an amazing new way of thinking, and a cool song to go along with it on the side. ^^

Thanks for reading this post of Draftboard! Enjoy the mini-acapella of "Soar" as your reward! Very fun writing in this post!

 
Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #12: Dead By Sunrise - "Too Late"

Number twelve for "Song of the Day" belongs to "Too Late" by rock band, Dead By Sunrise! 

Fun fact: The frontman of this band is Chester Bennington (vocalist from alternative band, Linkin Park). 

Enjoy! 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #15 - Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire)

Today's musician quote is from frontman of rock band, Memphis May Fire, Matty Mullins!

"I just wanted you guys to know that it's possible to come out in top, even when you're the underdog." ~ Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire)

Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire)

Sincerely,
Julian. 

"The World Is At Your Feet"

In this post, I'll explain my song, "The World Is At Your Feet!"

However, before then, I have an announcement to make!

Thus far, there hasn't been a lot of original song material from me, and in the next coming weeks, there will be more of that, plus the addition of new sections to Draftboard itself! 

These new sections (not to give too much away), will include more original concepts to the site, and all of these sections will contribute to a bigger announcement for Draftboard, (which is going to be announced after those sections are published). All I can say for now is, keep your eyes on Draftboard watch, and stay tuned! Thanks for all of the support thus far! ^^

Now, how do you all view the world? What is your perspective? 

That concept is what my song, "The World Is At Your Feet" (let's call it 'TWIAYF' for short), is all about; viewing and looking at the world from your own perspective and not being afraid to explore life. 

"Immobility is not a sin,
 But if you always want to win,
 Then why are you still here?
 You start to question, why you're running,
 The moment that the world, stopped turning,
 And it's axis, comes to a halt,

 There's no need, to worry,
 To worry, anymore,
 There's no need, to hurry,
 To hurry, anymore, 

 The end is coming to you,
 And if you cannot follow through,
 Then seize the moment,
 Seize it, like you own it,
 Trust in yourself, and you'll believe, 
 The world is at your feet,"

A person sitting on the edge of a cliff, looking at the World.

"Immobility is not a sin,
 But if you always want to win,
 Then why are you still here?
 You start to question, why you're running,
 The moment that the world, stopped turning,
 And it's axis, comes to a halt,"

This excerpt from the song has a deeper meaning then some of my other songs. It basically represents the people who want to make a difference in their lives, but they never want to go for it; at least in the spur of the moment. At the same time it also represents those who anticipate success, and won't stop until they reach their goals. By saying, "You start to question...why you're running, The moment that the world, stopped turning," in more relative terms, I painted imagery of someone running around the world to reach their goal. Sort of like the movie, 'Forest Gump.' "Run Forest, run!!"

"There's no need, to worry,
 To worry, anymore,
 There's no need, to hurry,
 To hurry, anymore,

 The end is coming to you,
 And if you cannot follow through,
 Then seize the moment,
 Seize it, like you own it,
 Trust in yourself, and you'll believe,
 The world is at your feet,"

Don't have any worries about where you're headed in life. Life is about exploring the world, and seeing what's out there for you. The world is at your feet, and there is no need to rush anything, or worry about future days, because you don't know what can happen during those days. Life is a roller-coaster, and anything can happen. That's the mystery, and beauty of life. Just because you may not know what is going to happen, does not mean that you have to be scared. Dive in, and enjoy your life! 

That's the main idea of this song! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post, and thanks once again! I hope you guys enjoy the acapella recording as well! Short and to the point in this post! ^^

 
Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #11: Celldweller (feat. Styles Of Beyond) - "Shapeshifter"

Today's song of the day goes to "Shapeshifter" by alternative band, Celldweller (featuring rap group, Styles Of Beyond). Enjoy, and till next time, peace out to all my drafters! 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #14 - Hans Zimmer

Today's musician quote goes to composing artist, Hans Zimmer!

"If something happened where I couldn't write music anymore, it would kill me. It's not just a job. It's not just a hobby. It's why I get up in the morning." ~ Hans Zimmer

Hans Zimmer

Sincerely,
Julian. 

If something happened where I couldn't write music anymore, it would kill me. It's not just a job. It's not just a hobby. It's why I get up in the morning.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hans_zimmer.html#1SjpSOLAWJez8mI6.99

If something happened where I couldn't write music anymore, it would kill me. It's not just a job. It's not just a hobby. It's why I get up in the morning.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hans_zimmer.html#1SjpSOLAWJez8mI6.99

If something happened where I couldn't write music anymore, it would kill me. It's not just a job. It's not just a hobby. It's why I get up in the morning.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hans_zimmer.html#1SjpSOLAWJez8mI6.99

"Where Hearts Meet Minds"

Hey there!

In this post, I will be explaining the concept of an original song of mine called, "Where Hearts Meet Minds." 

Without further adieu, let's go! 

Now, I'm usually not one to write the 'casual love song.' In fact, even though in a previous post I stated that I never try to restrict myself, I used to stray away from writing any sort of 'love song.' I used to think it was so cliche and unnecessary, especially considering the fact that there are lots of songs related to love. I was beginning to think that even if I wrote a love song, it would succumb and fall into the pile of other love songs, and I've never wanted that. 

So it's really ironic that "Where Hearts Meet Minds" was my first love song, and it's one of my favorites to this day. 

In 2012, I was starting to be on a roll of writing original song material. It was one of the best feelings ever! (Probably why I keep referring back to it, aha). Anyways, in the beginning days of June, was probably when I was feeling best writing songs.

I was writing songs based on giving hope, breaking away to be free, and every other concept I could think of. Anything besides the concept of 'love.' Until one day, since I was really liking how the songs were coming out, I asked myself, "Why not?" 

In turn, I gave writing a love song a chance, and the product of that was one of my favorite written songs to this day, "Where Hearts Meet Minds."

"Everybody is dancing, to this music,
 We are not perfect,
 Everyone is counting steps, inclusive,
 The feelings we connect, 

 Dance around, and claim the right of sound,
 Up and down, memories profound,
 We are searching, to find,
 Where hearts meet minds,"

Couple on the Beach with Hearts in the Sand

 
The flow of the song, the concept, the lyric structure, and my singing; It was all unlike any song I had written before. It was too different. To the point where I fell in love with it myself. 

"Everybody is dancing, to this music,
 We are not perfect,
 Everybody is counting steps, inclusive,
 The feelings we connect,"

In this stanza, my true goal was to paint a picture in the head of listeners and readers. It means that everybody can dance around and have a good time in the moment, but on the inside, we are all hiding something from one another. We all have secrets. However, if we're all dancing together, we might find something similar in one another, that we can all connect to. I had a music video style in mind for this song as well. It's sort of funny how I have a lot of things planned for a song, I initially never wanted to write.

"Dance around, and claim the right of sound,
 Up and down, memories profound,
 We are searching, to find,
 Where hearts and minds,"

This is a further explanation of the above stanza, but in a simpler format. As we dance around, and drown ourselves in the music around us, we're secretly looking for someone to dance with, to connect with on the dance floor. Dancing to the rhythm of our hearts, and our minds. Searching for that one true person to love. 

That's the story behind "Where Hearts Meet Minds." Thanks for reading as always! Any comments? Comment on this post! Also, enjoy the mini, acapella recording of "Where Hearts Meet Minds!" Till' next time!

 
Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #10: Cris Cab - "Paradise (On Earth)"

Today's song of the day belongs to "Paradise (On Earth)" by Cris Cab! 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #13 - Skylar Grey (also known as 'Holly Brook')

I'm coming home, I'm coming home,
Tell the world, I'm coming home,
Let the rain, wash away,
All the pain, of yesterday,
I know my kingdom, awaits,
And they've forgiven my mistakes,
I'm coming home, I'm coming home,
Tell the world, I'm coming...

-

Today's artist quote goes to Skylar Grey, also known as Holly Brook!

"The best thing that can happen is that a song you've written will live in the world so people can hear it." ~ Skylar Grey/Holly Brook

Skylar Grey/Holly Brook

Sincerely,
Julian.

Dangerkids - "Hostage"

In this new post of "Spotlight Songs," I will be reviewing the song, "Hostage" by the band, Dangerkids!

Quite a title for a song, isn't it?

However, even if that is the name of the song, the message is very distinct and clear, and it is not about the act of kidnapping. 

When I first heard "Hostage" in 2013, I did not quite know what to initially think. I was feeling a sense of excitement, while at the same time, also feeling confusion. The intro to "Hostage" was unlike anything I heard before, or what I was currently listening to. I think now is the perfect time to admit that once that first verse of lyrics kicked in, I was completely, and positively taken over by the climactic aura of the song. 

Dangerkids

Suddenly, I knew the main reason why I was so intrigued. One of the vocalists from "Dangerkids," Tyler Smyth, (located in the middle of the photo above) managed to surprise me with his lyrical and vocal style. In "Hostage," he raps in a similar but different format to Linkin Park's rapper, emcee, and vocalist, Mike Shinoda. 

It was almost like I was listening to an "alternative" Linkin Park, with the recession of turntables from Joe Hahn, aka "Mr.Hahn." Listening to "Hostage" was like listening to rather a fusion-style of 'Linkin Park' and 'Hollywood Undead.' However, what all three of them share in common, and what is related to me is that I like all three bands. 

Sorry if I went off on a tangent...back to the song! =P

"Hostage" by Dangerkids has many climactic, and nonlinear guitar riffs that complement the vocals, and background instruments of the song. In my opinion, vocal prominence is evident in this song, showing off and reflecting darker emotions, in efforts to uplift the broken spirits of other people. The reason I say that is because, the message of "Hostage" by Dangerkids is about being who you are, and not allowing yourself to fall and beckon to struggles and obstacles that you may encounter in your life.

"Hostage" by Dangerkids, in my opinion is a very good listen, and even if you may not like the genre, there might be something in the song that you can take from, and appreciate. =)

Without further adieu, I welcome all of you, "Hostage!"

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #9: Kanye West - "Touch The Sky"

Today's song of the day is "Touch The Sky" by Kanye West! (featuring Lupe Fiasco). 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #12 - Bob Marley

Don't worry, 
About a thing,
Cos' every little thing,
Is gonna be alright!

-

Our artist quote of the day goes to the one, the only, Bob Marley!

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~ Bob Marley

Bob Marley

Sincerely,
Julian.

Daily Tips #5

Today's daily tip for songwriters is...

01. Write Poetry!

-You can say that this is sort of like a "part two" to the 4th section of 'Tips for Songwriters.' Sometimes when writing, and you get writer's block, it can be a really hard thing to 'shake off' per say. Another way to possibly rid your mind of writer's block, is to write poetry! 

Writing Poetry can help get rid of "Writer's block."

Now if you particularly like lyrics to a song, those words can connect to you in a way that possibly the regular spoken word, would not. However, writing lyrics is a form of poetry as well, and it's very important to remember that. 

However, if you have writer's block, writing literature and poetry on it's own, could help to free your mind and flow out ideas as well.

Why?

When writing song lyrics, you might have a distinct flow in your head that you write to, or you might want the words to come out in a certain way. It might be specific to how you want the song to be, and because of this, writing lyrics can sometimes be constricted to a certain format, depending on the structure or flexibility of the song. The reason why writing poetry on its own could help free your mind, is because there is no distinct flow for writing poetry. 

Poetry is a vast expansion of the world. It is purely your imagination. Writing freely with poetry, could be one solution to revert your mind back to writing lyrics the way you want them. Who knows? Try it out! It has worked for me! ^^

Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #8: 30 Seconds To Mars - "From Yesterday"

The winner of our last song of the day, for today is "From Yesterday" by rock band, 30 Seconds To Mars! Till next time, peace out to all my drafters! 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #11 - Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park, Fort Minor)

Our last quote for today is from musician, rapper, producer, and vocalist from rock band, Linkin Park, Mike Shinoda!

"As a creative person you just get an idea in your head, and sometimes you just can't shake it off." ~ Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park, Fort Minor)

Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park, Fort Minor)

Sincerely,
Julian. 

Daily Tips #4

Need some tips for the day? 
No fear! 'Tips for Songwriters' is here!

01. Having or encountering 'writer's block' is not always a bad thing.

-If you're a songwriter, then you most likely have probably encountered some form of 'writer's block.' Yes, it is annoying, and sometimes even grueling to deal with, but I assure you, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

From my personal experiences in songwriting, there were countless times that I've encountered some form of writer's block. When it happens, you really do feel like (or at least I did) that it's all for nothing. However, every time that I pulled through and got over my writer's block, it was either the same as it was, better than before, or different all together. 

Now if you are accustomed to writing in a certain style, adopting a different style after having writer's block can make you feel a little off, or way off. An example is when this happened to me. I was so heavily a part of one style of rock that I wrote songs in, and when the opportunity came when I had to change my style of writing, I didn't know what to do. 

Blank sheet of paper (Writer's block)

Needless to say, I did it. Oh boy though, when I did, I almost completely lost track of my original writing style. Even now I am still having trouble remembering how I wrote songs before in the older format, and sometimes I wish I can revert to it, to write more songs in that style. However, even though sometimes there are cons of writer's block, there are also pros. It can lead you to new things. Perhaps a new way of singing, a new way of writing. Writer's block is a gift and a curse. It just depends how you take it, and how you look at it afterwards.

For me, it was a gift. Even though sometimes (maybe even more) I miss my old style, I have a feeling that one day it will return to me with open arms, and possibly even greater than before. Now, because of experiencing writer's block, I also have multiple styles that I can work with, and I am so thankful for that, because in the end, it just gives me more ways to hopefully connect with the world, through my lens of music and songwriting.

The bottom line is for this tip is, don't be scared of having a writer's block, because sometimes having a 'block' in your way, can lead to having a 'greater and broader view' of yourself in the end.

Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #7: Yellowcard - "Fighting"

Today's first song of the day is "Fighting" by Yellowcard! Enjoy the tune! 

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #10 - Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy)

Today's first quote is from the lead singer of rock group, Fall Out Boy, Patrick Stump!

"Advice? Focus on the craft. Study the greats. Try and understand how and why they made the writing choices they did. Then, start by copying them...just as an exercise. See if you can do similar things. Learn how to write a song like so and so. Then, when you've done that, write a song like yourself. Learn to color within the lines before going outside them.” ~ Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy)

Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy)

Sincerely,
Julian. 

"Burnout Stars"

Hey!

It's been quite some time since I have posted an original concept, song, or idea of mine. Let's get right into the action! 

For this post, I will be explaining the story behind my song, "Burnout Stars." 

I was always fascinated with outer-space and stars. The concept of how some can blowout and therefore, 'die,' always fascinated me. It's amazing how vast our universe really is, and we haven't nearly seen all there is to offer in our outer-world. 

One day, since I am also a gamer, I was listening to a track off of the 'Kingdom Hearts' original soundtrack, called "Dearly Beloved." It's one of my favorite gaming tracks, and after to listening to it that day, a fire blazed in me of inspiration to write a song about space and the universe. Of course at the same time, somehow tying it in with human emotion, and the choices that we make while we are living on Earth.

"But if we dare to dream ourselves,
 Then we should know, that in the end,
 Only time will tell, if heaven or hell,
 Will take us for, who we are,
 If we are the brightest ones, or if,
 We're burnout stars, to come undone,"

Stars in outer space

Space is so vast, and that's what makes it so exciting to me. Across horizons of stars in the sky, and that's not even half of what there is to see. It's so awesome! Anyways, back to explaining this song. =)

"But if we dare to dream ourselves,
 Then we should know, that in the end,
 Only time will tell,"

This section means that we as people are not afraid to dream. We're not afraid to have dreams, goals, and destinations that we want to reach in our lives. However, the counter-message in this section is that time is what will be the deciding factor in whether we achieve our dreams, or not.

"If heaven or hell,
 Will take us for, who we are,
 If we are the brightest ones, or if,
 We're burnout stars, to come undone,"

Before I get to explaining this section specifically, I just wanted to say that the first line of this section is not meant to be religious in any shape or form. In this section, I clarify in this song that 'heaven' symbolize the good choices that you make in life, and 'hell' represents the bad choices. So in the end, 'heaven' will take you, or 'hell' will take you, if committed good or bad things overall, in your life. 

What does this have to do with space?

For me, I put a personal touch on this song, and I believe that karma exists in the world. I also believe that if you make a good or bad decision, karma, or in this case, the 'universe' will recognize that accordingly, and fulfill that action. Those are the main ideals of "Burnout Stars." Karma, good and bad choices, and being one with where you live, and realizing that there is more to see while you are living. Bottom line, don't hesitate to explore, but be responsible doing it! =)

Enjoy the mini-voice recording of "Burnout Stars" and till next time, peace out to all my drafters! 

 
Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #6: System Of A Down - "Chop Suey!"

Today's first song of the day is "Chop Suey!" by alternative rock band, System Of A Down. Enjoy the music!

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #9 - Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)

It's time for a little Ozzy!

"What is this? It's music to get a brain seizure by." ~ Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)

Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)

Sincerely,
Julian.

Daily Tips #3

Just wanted to throw a couple tips out there to help you guys out! 

01. If you're a songwriter and accustomed to a certain style, don't be afraid to branch out and explore! 

For me, I can't even count how many times that I've changed styles over the course of my songwriting. Well, I probably could, but that's besides the point, aha. When I was younger, I would listen to every single genre, every song, and watch every music video. Since dancing was my first musical passion, during the times I would listen to a song, I would never care about the genre, because I never thought that I would ever portray writing in a single genre of music one day. My mind was very open.

That's why I was so surprised that after I would write poems, I dove right into writing rap material. I would try to write a rap song, after every poem I wrote. 

(Not to say the raps were that good either, aha). 

 

Me (Julian Wilson) standing outside my High School

However, after my first, original song "Don't Run" was recorded and released, my entire outlook on writing music changed. It's as if I went through a metamorphosis. It actually felt amazing. Since "Don't Run" was a rock song, after its release, it managed to open my eyes to a whole new world, (not an 'Aladdin' reference...or was it? =P). 

Very soon after that, I found myself being able to write both rap and rock material for music. After that, I even started to dive into writing different styles of both rap and rock, as well.

It just goes to show that sometimes through experience, it can change your life for the better. Just remember, if you're accustomed to listening to a certain genre, or writing songs a certain way, remember that if you take a risk you don't think you should take, it can end up being a gift, rather than a curse. That's the one thing that everyone should take from this Draftboard post! ^^

Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #5: Incubus - "Monuments And Melodies"

Today's first song of the day is "Monuments And Melodies" by band, Incubus. Enjoy! =)

 

Sincerely, 
Julian. 

Quote #8 - Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings)

Hello all,

Today's last artist quote is from none other than Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles! =) Enjoy the wise words, =P. Thanks for all the support everyone!

"One of my biggest thrills for me is sitting down with a guitar or a piano and just out of nowhere trying to make a song happen." ~ Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings)

Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings)

 
Sincerely,
Julian. 

The Beatles Celebrate their 50th Anniversary of U.S. Debut!

Hello all,

Earlier this month, the surviving members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, performed at the Grammy award show, with songs, "With A Little Help From My Friends," and "Hey Jude." 

Paul McCartney (Left), with former Beatles' member Ringo Starr (Right)

This event marked the 50th anniversary of their U.S. television debut, premiering on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964.  

Here is the link to the rest of the article! =)

Beatles' Reunion! 

The Beatles Posing with Late TV Host, Ed Sullivan of the 'Ed Sullivan Show'

Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #4: Story Of The Year - "Burning Years"

Hello all,

This is today's first song of the day! Introducing "Burning Years" from Rock band, 'Story Of The Year.' This song is present on their debut album, "Page Avenue." Enjoy! ^^



Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #7 - Liam Gallagher (Oasis, Beady Eye)

Hello all,

Today's first artist quote is from former lead singer and front-man of rock band staple, Oasis. Liam Gallagher.

"I don't know what any of my songs are about. I don't sit down to write about anything. They're about whatever you want. I don't pick subjects. I just start." ~ Liam Gallagher (Oasis, Beady Eye)

Liam Gallagher (Oasis, Beady Eye)

Sincerely,
Julian. 

The xx - "Intro"

Hello all,

This marks the second entry of Draftboard's section, "Spotlight Songs," where I review a song, and relate them to my own personal experiences with them. In this post, I will be reviewing the song, "Intro" by the band, The xx. 

The xx

"Intro" by The xx, is a song that I fell in love with, back in the days of watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. You know, one could think that watching and re-watching the same commercial of short track speed skating star, Apolo Ohno, could get weary a little. For me, it did exactly that, but only because I couldn't stop myself from listening to the song playing in the background of it! =P.

Eight-Time, Short Track Speed Skating Medalist, Apolo Ohno

After finding the song that was played in the commercial, and repeatedly replaying it, "Intro" by The xx, became an instant fave of mine. After the 2010 Olympics came to a close, any other time where I would hear "Intro," it would give me a sense of focus, and a sense of adrenaline. I have no idea whether actually hearing it for the first time while watching the Olympics did the trick, or if I naturally got pumped while listening to the song. 

An interesting fact about "Intro" by The xx, is that the song has no lyrics, at all. Actually, besides the beat, it only features some background vocals, but that's what a good song does sometimes. It lets the instruments do the talking, and in "Intro," that's exactly what it does. In the end, "Intro" just stuck with me as a song that I really like, and hope that some of you guys will too! =), enjoy the song. 



Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #6 - Adam Young (Owl City, Sky Sailing, Port Blue, Swimming With Dolphins)

Hello all,

This is the last artist quote for the day, and last post of Draftboard for the night! I love you all, thank you for sticking around, and supporting my blog! Till next time, peace out to all my drafters!

"Writing music is like tasting the sky. It keeps me dreaming in color." ~ Adam Young (Owl City, Sky Sailing, Port Blue, Swimming With Dolphins)

Adam Young (Owl City, Sky Sailing, Port Blue, Swimming With Dolphins)

Sincerely,
Julian.

Song of the Day #3: Viv And The Revival - "Go Live Your Story"

Hello all,

Final song of the day for today! Introducing the song, "Go Live Your Story," by Rock band, 'Viv And The Revival.'

 

Sincerely,
Julian.

Some Fun Facts About Myself, ^^

Hello all,

I just thought I'd say a bit more things about myself. This is a community based website/blog, but I never really did say much about myself, =P. My apologies, but I will make up for that right now. =D. 

Here are a couple facts about me:

01. I used to take passion in breakdancing. Dancing was my first real expression of how I felt about music, before I shifted into singing, rapping, and songwriting. 

02. I take interest in playing video games. A variety of them as well. The genres I like to play include 'Fighting' games (Tekken/Soul Calibur/Naruto/DBZ/Dead or Alive), 'Role Playing' games (Final Fantasy/Kingdom Hearts), sports games like 'NBA 2K14,' and 'Platform' games (Uncharted/inFamous), to name some of them. 

03. I have been writing music as a passion ever since 2012.

04. I take interest in watching Anime, and Japanese cartoons. To name some, I like Naruto, DBZ, Angel Beats, Clannad, Kuroko no Basket, Durarara, and Steins;Gate, to name a few. 

and for now,

05. My all-time favorite musician/band/artist is 'Linkin Park.'

Thanks for reading! More little fun posts to come very soon! =D

Sincerely,
Julian.

Quote #5 - Tim McIlrath (Rise Against)

Hello all,

Our third musician quote today, is in the following of lead singer and front-man from band "Rise Against," Tim McIlrath.

"Music speaks to people at a level that is much more universal and can kind of trigger things in the listener in ways that other forms of communication can't." ~ Tim McIlrath (Rise Against)

Tim McIlrath (Rise Against)

 
Sincerely,
Julian.