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.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
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.
Peace to all my drafters! ^^
Sincerely,
Julian.
Quote #16 - J.Cole
Today's quote goes to rapper, J.Cole! Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Julian.
"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#L3sQqSX8K0Zf26R3.99I 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,"
"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.
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.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
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.
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!
Sincerely,
Julian.
"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,"
"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.
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.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
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.
Sincerely,
Julian.
Quote #14 - Hans Zimmer
Today's musician quote goes to composing artist, 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." ~ Hans Zimmer
 |
| Hans Zimmer |
Sincerely,
Julian.
"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,"
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.
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.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
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.
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!
Sincerely,
Julian.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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