Owl City Music Review

I've had no inspiration to write in this blog lately. Not even any sound advice about starting off a new school year in the right way has come into my head....So instead of posting a brand new entry I am "going green" and recycling an old article I found. The following is the first article I ever had published, a Q & A with Andrew de Torres, the lead singer of The Scene Aesthetic, that I wrote for a music review. Enjoy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Scene Aesthetic opened the Oct. 8th Owl City show at People's Court with the chill acoustic tracks they are known for. The indie band sang deep, rhythmic lyrics, which, paired with the acoustic guitar and harmonious back-up vocals, gave the band's performance a personal and subdued touch. DrakeMag caught up with Andrew De Torres, the 24-year-old vocalist and guitarist of TSA.

DrakeMag: What did you think of the drive to Iowa?

Andrew De Torres: Oh, it was beautiful! Not a ton around-a lot of farms, and those big windmill things.

DM: Have you lived in Seattle your whole life?

ADT: I moved to Seattle when I was about eight or nine. I actually was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I lived there until I moved.

DM: How long have you and your bandmate, Eric Bowley, been together?

ADT: We've been playing together for about four and a half years. It's kind of weird though, because he was gone two of those years on a mission trip in Argentina. So technically the band has been together two and a half years.

DM: How did the two of you meet?

ADT: It was kind of random. I'm in another band called Danger Radio. Eric's cousin used to come and watch us play all the time. He randomly brought Eric out, and we became friends and went to a Christmas party together. Eric was driving me home and his car broke down. We ended up just singing Hanson until the car started again. I was like, "Oh, you can sing. Let's write this song together." So, we started playing together.

DM: How'd you come up with the name The Scene Aesthetic?

ADT: I was looking for a name for Danger Radio, because we didn't really have one yet. During my senior year of high school I wrote down a ton of names that I just thought sounded cool. And, weirdly enough, when we had to choose a name for The Scene Aesthetic, that was one of the only ones I could remember. I was like, "Hey what do you think of this name?" and he was like, "Yeah I like it!" It's been with us ever since. But you know what? I mean in theory, it's probably an awful name. Not many people can spell 'aesthetic', let alone say it. But I don't know, everyone just calls us TSA, so I guess that kind of works out.

DM: What would you do if you weren't teaching

music?

ADT: I would teach kindergarten. I love kids! I think that they're honest and amazing. I tell my mom that all the time. I'm like, "Mom, just wait. When I go back to school, if that ever happens, I'm going to be teaching kindergarten." She thinks I'm crazy.

DM: Do you have any goals for The Scene Aesthetic?

ADT: Yeah! I mean absolutely! We just got back from recording our brand new full-length album that's way overdue. We're hoping to release it early next year. It turned out amazing. We had really talented people play on it. Three out of the five people also played for John Mayer, so getting to play with these people...it was like my heart just stopped and melted and broke into a million pieces. So, I mean, we'll just release it and see how it goes. It's a little bit different, but hopefully kids will like it.

DM: What's the title of that album?

ADT: It's untitled right now. It's a couple months away, so it's going to take some thorough thinking.

DM: Are there any other bands that you draw influence from when you're writing your songs?

ADT: I'm a huge, huge Death Cab for Cutie fan. I think Ben Gibbard is one of the most amazing songwriters of our era. I don't think I've heard anyone for a while that can paint such a good picture. I feel like when I'm listening to his lyrics, I can see exactly what he experienced in that moment when he wrote it. I love that! Plus, he's got the most amazing wife ever, Zooey Deschanel. I mean, that's a catch!

Direct link to this page: http://orgs.l3.drake.edu/drake-mag/Music/Scene-Aesthetic.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Owl City

On Oct. 8, Owl city made music-lovers of all ages flock to Des Moines for a night of soulful emo-pop. The concert sold out and had to change location from The House of Bricks to People's Court, a larger venue, after only the first week of ticket sales. Fans were lined up outside and down the street two hours before the doors opened. A few ticketless hopefuls came to the concert, but were turned away, as People's Court was already filled to capacity.

Owl City was upbeat and energetic. The band consisted of several instrumentalists-a violin player, a cello player, a drummer, a keyboardist, and even someone playing the maracas. The band did a great job of pumping up the crowd and including them in the show.

Concert Footage

Check out footage from the Oct. 8 concert here:

http://orgs.l3.drake.edu/drake-mag/MediaSection/Scene-Aesthetic-Concert-Video.html

Pretty Little Liars

Aside from the crazy summer nights with my friends from high school, aside from sweet summertime romances and outdoor dates, aside from soaking my hair in my friend's chlorine-filled pool...one of my favorite activities this summer has occurred every Tuesday night.

Okay I'm talking about a TV show. Sometimes after I've worked a ten hour day in the sun with screaming kids, the prospect of vegging out in my air conditioned house in front of the TV sounds just as exciting as a night out.

The show that has captured my attention this summer? Pretty Little Liars

Despite the fact that it's on ABC Family, Pretty Little Liars has all the intrigue and drama of a more mature show like Desperate Housewives. The show follows four girls whose missing friend of three years has finally been found, dead. Their dead friend, Allison, is the only one that knew all the secrets the girls would never tell anyone else. Now someone (possibly Allison) is sending the girls messages threatening to expose their secrets.

I enjoy a good scandal and all, but what I really love about the show is the clothes. Each girl has a really individualized style, which for a fashion junkie like me is really entertaining to see each week. And of course, the sexy male cast on the show doesn't hurt.

Scandal, fashion, and eye candy. My Tuesday nights sound a lot more exciting now, don't they?

Vows

Marriage vows I understand. Just because you have a relationship with someone and love someone doesn't mean there should be no rules or established promises. With marriage vows you're promising you will be with someone forever, you will stand by them no matter what happens, through anything, you will be there for them.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone significant in your life took similar vows? Parents for instance. Yes, they are your family and there is an unspoken commandment that they will always be there. But we all know how often this is not true.

I recently went to visit a friend's home that I had never been to. Like my mother, a former real estate agent, I love looking at homes and seeing how they reflect the people who live in them. And this home, was clearly full of love. Looking around at all of the kid's pictures on the walls and their various awards displayed with pride, one could clearly see that these were involved and loving parents. It gave me a pang just thinking of the plain white walls of my father's own home. Later as I listened to these parents talk about their kids, even if it was just lamenting on one's head being in the clouds, I wondered what my father would say about me, and I dearly wished he knew when my own head was in the clouds or when I'm upset....or happy for that matter.

There is no doubt I grew up with lots and lots of love. After my mom passed, this love was revealed to me even more. My sister became my biggest hero, someone to look up to, and someone who has indeed been there for me no matter what. I'm almost certain that at some point when I wasn't paying attention she must have taken some vow to God, because she is truly incredible. Additionally, a family friend became a sort of surrogate mother, taking on responsibilities that she had no obligation to take on. My grandparents have been there for us since our loss, giving a silent support that one could feel if not nessacarily hear flat out. And my father, in his own awkward ways, loves me too.

However the lines of communication between us are not always clear. I have my secrets and he has his too I'm sure. We only say the things we think are acceptable for the other to hear. Surface level conversations that avoid any possible hurt about the things that have happened. And these surface level conversations lead me to question, What if parents had to take certain vows to their children? Or vice versa? It'd be difficult, yes. But sometimes you need a push to do those things that are most difficult...and I know we are both still waiting for that push.

Putting Down Roots: Finding a Home at Drake

Another article published and my portfolio is growing! Read below for my article in Drake University Honors Magazine:

First-year students typically fall into two categories: those who instantly love college and those who hate it. College buffs look forward to breaks but can't wait to get back to their "real home." These students revel in the freedom of being on their own, enjoying the sleepless school nights and the excitement of starting their own paths in life. Other students aren't so lucky.

But for every first-year student experiencing the endorphin rush that is college, there is another sitting in the hall Skyping with friends from back home for hours. With any new experience comes some level of discomfort, especially in a university setting. There are the roommate disagreements, 12-page paper assignments and the realization that for at least the next two years you will be forced to eat in a dining hall.

Katherine Fritke, a broadcast major from Scottsdale, Ariz., came to Drake like most first-year students, enthusiastic to start over. Fritke participated in a slew of extracurricular activities in high school and felt the pressure of people's expectations. "I grew up in a very Catholic household and never really got to have a lot of fun and try a lot of things," she says.

However, since coming to Drake, Fritke says she hasn't really experienced any homesickness. She's no stranger to distance however-going to camp every summer, and even spending this past summer as a camp counselor in Durango, Colo., will do that to you.

"Camp forced me to make friends and connections and take charge of myself," Fritke says, "so I was used to being on my own."

Although Fritke misses the big city atmosphere of Scottsdale, Ariz., the trusting people and laid back attitude of Iowa have won her over. Spending time with neighbors from back home who recently moved to Des Moines has helped ease the transition, as had Drake's academic setting. "Since the classes are smaller, I feel like I can always ask my professors for help when needed," Fritke says.

Unfortunately, not all college students have such a smooth transition. Like many at Drake, first-year student Autumn Bradfish comes from a suburb of Chicago. Even though Bradfish's home is much closer than Scottsdale, Ariz.-by more than 1,000 miles, actually-Bradfish has experienced homesickness in a way Fritke hasn't. After choosing Drake based on the quality of its journalism school and the job opportunities available at Meredith Corporation in Des Moines, Bradfish began to count down the days until college. "I didn't like high school so I was ready to move on and be in a more mature environment," she says, "But I've found that people are not more mature."

Soon after school started, Bradfish realized how much she wished she were closer to her family. She is the only person in her family attending an out-of-state school. That makes leaving after breaks that much more difficult. In fact, Bradfish calls her mom on the phone every day to help with the homesickness. "I've learned that no matter how independent I was, I still like having the comfort of my family and a home," she says.

However, Bradfish has recently been broadening her horizons and attending more events on campus, such as "The Vagina Monologues." Her increased involvement at Drake has improved her college experience.

Senior PMAC (peer mentor academic consultant), Eric Gudmundson didn't feel any homesickness when he first came to Drake. He immediately fell in love with the campus. In fact, he loves Des Moines so much he had the skyline tattooed on his rib cage. "I got it because Drake has given me a lot of meaningful experiences and changed my perspective on a lot of things," he says.

Nonetheless, he is well accustomed to helping first-years deal with homesickness. "I think it's really helpful to get off campus," Gudmundson says. He suggests students explore all the "nooks and crannies" that make up Des Moines. "Des Moines isn't exactly a city that presents all its opportunities right away; you have to dig a bit. A good Web sit to find things to do is Metromix Des Moines," he says (desmoines.metromix.com).

"Starting any new experience can be difficult, but that's completely natural to feel," Gudmundson says. Although Fritke was able to feel immediately comfortable at Drake, her previous experiences helped her adapt quickly. If you've experienced homesickness like Bradfish has, it's best to take an active approach. "Drake does a really good job of making you feel like they want you here," Gudmundson says. "Also there are always plenty of on-campus events to take advantage of." In time, anyone can put down roots at Drake.

Break a Sexy Sweat

Drake Magazine came out this week, along with my article about the best workouts for your sex life. After so many rounds of editing, it is always exciting to finally see your name and piece in print. So here is my piece, Break a Sexy Sweat, enjoy!

Ask any woman who's rockin' a good sex life what her secret is and nine times out ten she’ll tell you: confidence. As easy as it is to worry about your “wobbly bits” as Bridget Jones says, it is just as easy to find a fun, unique workout to give you the confidence boost you need, and the resulting boost in the bedroom. These workouts all not only help you build confidence, but also let you have fun and feel sexy.

Strip Tease Aerobics

“When you feel good, you look good, and you want to go home and…feel even better.” Caeli Esser teaches strip tease aerobics at the Des Moines Social Club, giving women an intense cardio workout while teaching sensual dance moves. The 45-minute class is almost nonstop movement. One class consists of some stretching routines, a few dance/strip tease numbers incorporating burlesque moves, a chair dance, some ab and arm work, and finally a much-needed cool down stretch. Esser teaches in a fun, encouraging way that really lets you open up and let loose. Participants leave feeling invigorated, accompanied by some soreness, but mostly feeling their body humming with energy. Strip Tease Aerobics can simply be a good workout, or as your boyfriend may prefer, you can take home the moves for a sexy, practical application. After all, a spicy sex life is more than just having the right moves; a good visual is always appreciated.

Kegels

If you aren’t comfortable exercising in public or don’t have time for to go to a gym, Kegels are an exercise you can do while just sitting in class. Dr. Locke, of the Winneshiek Medical Center, describes Kegels as tightening and relaxing of the pelvic floor muscles and can be done by both men and women. Don’t know which ones are the pelvic floor muscles? He often tells patients to try to stop your flow of urine mid-stream, the muscles that you use to clench are the same muscles you use when doing Kegels. However, don’t attempt to do this often or you’ll find yourself with more problems than just a dull sex life. Although Kegels are most often used to help urinary incontinence, they can also help with your sex life. For men, the strengthening of these muscles helps stop early ejaculation and can lead to multiple climaxes. And while it can’t hurt for the sex to last a little longer, women also get the added benefit of tightening, which you can use to squeeze your man’s package more (a benefit for him as well). But beware, the benefits of this exercise are controversial; some doctors say to see results you may have to do up to 200 a day!

Yoga Booty Ballet

Yoga Booty Ballet is just what it sounds like, a little bit of yoga, a little bit of ballet, and a whole lot of working and toning the booty. And of course, having a good booty helps you get some good ‘booty’ (cheesy, but true). Yoga Booty Ballet is a series of DVDs that help you embrace your inner power and inner beauty through toning ballet exercises combined with breathing techniques and yoga mantras. This workout is more about your mindset than anything else. “My outer body will now reflect my beautiful insides,” is one mantra used in the DVD “Goddess Booty” (available at Amazon for $19.95). It gets you thinking about what mantra you could use under the covers; perhaps “I am a sexy, confident, strong woman.” That pretty much sums up what we want our guy thinking about us as well.

Other DVDs to try include Flirty Girl Fitness (flirtygirlfit.com $9.99), in which you can even order a pole to be installed in your home to aid your workout, Core Rhythms (at Amazon from $13-$20), a Latin-inspired abdominal-centered workout, or the Pussycat Dolls Workout DVD (also at Amazon for $10.99) with routines set to the group’s hit songs and choreographed by their own choreographer, Robin Antin.

Whether it’s getting the right moves, building up certain muscles, or just thinking in the right way, there are plenty of ways to spice up your sex life. If you don’t believe me, get out there and start seeing the results, you’re certain to get rave reviews. Remember, the key to all these workouts is the one thing guys crave the most, confidence.

Going Home

As I was cleaning my room today (which was even more of a disaster than usual due to Relays) I kept thinking about how much it is going to suck to have to pack this all up in two weeks. On top of that, it's crazy to think I have two weeks left of being a college freshmen! When did life start moving so fast?? Let me tell you, the sucky parts, they definitely did not move this fast. The awkward middle school years? I swear they took a couple decades to get through. Fights with parents? Felt like 6 years. But the most fun year of my life? Gone in the blink of an eye.

This year at school has done so much good for me, I am absolutely dreading going home. Living in a small town everyone knows everything about you, and when a tragedy occurs, there is no escaping it. Almost eight years have passed since my mom died, but in that small town, it is a part of my past impossible to escape. My sister and I will always be those "poor little Mason girls who lost their mom" when we are there. I really can't stand the sad look people get in their eyes sometimes when they talk to me. And after eight years I would really appreciate it if every time I got a physical the nurses wouldn't apologize for the death of my mom.

While what happened to our family is something I will have to live with my whole life, it isn't something I am constantly sad about. I've accepted it, and I've kept living. But back in that small town....it's hard to get past. Can you imagine having to live with something from eight years ago constantly? Can you even remember what you were doing eight years ago?

Here at Drake, I am so thankful that not everyone knows everything about my past. I am only judged by what I do here, and I can fully look ahead to the future instead of living in the past. I can finally call some place "home".

What We Can't Have

Why is it that we always want what we can't have? Is that just something women do, or are men the same way? Of course I understand there's a mysterious allure, the thrill of a challenge, and the excitement of wondering what's going to come next. However, there's the flip side as well.

There's the point where you think the "chase" may be just that. A chase, with no finish line in sight. There's the uncertainty, the doubts, the constant state of un-knowing.....although I suppose those three are all the same.

And while we are constantly chasing after what we can't have, we are ignoring all the other cliches we hear almost daily. "There's plenty of fish in the sea." "Where's there's one, there's another." If we simply followed this advice we'd end up with that nice guy that adores us.

While we know all of this to be true, I can't help but realize I don't care. I know what's right for me, but why should I start playing it safe now? I've never been one to follow rules anyway...Reckless? Self-destructive? Probably.

But I'd still like to wait a while before I take my own advice and actually learn from my mistakes. That thought just seems too adult for now.