Newscast (Project 6)

Our last project of the year, featuring yours truly voicing a short mock news segment.

"Tell the World" Ad (Project 5)

Here's an ad I voiced for Eric Hutchinson's new album/tour. It's meant to follow the format of an online radio ad for services like Pandora or Spotify. Enjoy!

Hello Professor Weiser!

Hello, all! As you may or may not know, this blog is sort of an ongoing archive of assignments for my multimedia class at my university. It’s been great, and I’ve had the chance to learn lots of different methods of writing, recording, interviewing and editing, all very important in the communications field, a place I hope to become a part of in the near future. I was lucky enough, for half the semester, to have sports broadcaster Seth Everett as a professor for this course, until he landed a job touring with the Mets. But not to worry, he’s left us in good hands.

With that said, I wanted to give a warm welcome to our new, equally distinguished professor, TV news broadcaster Jeff Weiser. This post is a way of giving you an idea of what to expect from my blog and me over the rest of the semester. I’m a sophomore majoring in advertising and I hope to one day work in copywriting and other creative outlets of the communications field. I chose music as the topic for my blog because it’s my absolute passion and something I realized I simply couldn’t shut up about. To be more specific, and as you might’ve gathered from reading previous posts, I’m very interested in reporting and reviewing alternative, indie and local musicians whom I hope to give the recognition they deserve. Any amount of exposure my blog gives these diamonds in the rough will give people an idea of just how vast the music world is, which grows and grows by the minute. The mainstream Top-40 songs can be great – they’re popular for a reason aren’t they? But what you hear on major radio stations by huge artists only skims the surface of what’s out there. I’m here to dive a bit deeper. 

The Pumpkin Kings (Pr. 4)

Photo by Paul Elledge

Hey everyone! Today I wanted to share some news with you that I was really excited about, and I think most millennial alt-rock fans will be too. With their famously distorted guitar tone and heavy, impactful lyrics, Smashing Pumpkins have been back on their game lately, launching a new website called The Panopticon. Referring to it as Smashing Pumpkins’ Official Nexus, it’s a blog of sorts that started just last week, back on March 25, with a special announcement. Come 2015, we can expect the release of two new albums, currently running under the titles Monuments to An Elegy and Day to Night. This was published in the very first post on the website by frontman Billy Corgan. He went on to describe what they were trying to do with their new ‘nexus’, which has since included daily updates of writing, editing and recording.

“Additionally, this stands as the initial post on a new nexus: The Panopticon, which through its simplicity should better address the speed of modern life. A continuing feature, items regarding each day’s recording will be shared that same evening, with song titles, lyrics, poetic impressions, pictures, sound clips, studio gear and the like offered for a circuitous, bird’s eye view of the process as it unfolds,” writes Corgan in his inaugural post. The step towards a more modern, immersive approach to interacting with their fans and updating them in real time is sure to be well received and build the anticipation for the future of the band.

They announced they’d again be working with producer Howard Willing who produced their 1998 album Adore. This was the bands fourth album, and while Corgan would later go on to describe it as “a band falling apart,” it was extremely liked by critics and was even nominated for a Grammy. Fans of this should definitely keep an eye out for their two new LPs next year. In the meantime, since recording has already begun, the band expects a single to be released by year’s end. We’ll be anxiously awaiting the Pumpkins’ follow up to their wildly successful 2012 EP Oceania. If these next two albums share anything with the last, my only hope is that it maintains Corgan’s original grungy, vicious sound he introduced us to in the early 90’s*.


*While we wait, let's go back and remind the world why they're such a killer band - maintaining originality while still giving Fleetwood Mac a run for their money with one of the best covers to date. 

Midterm Interview with Seth Everett for lightning bug

Ty McLaughlin Interview

Thanks so much to Ty McLaughlin for letting me interview him. Check him out on his Facebook fan page as well as on Twitter @GuitarGuyTy and Instagram @officialtmc.

Blues Brother

Ok everyone, it's time for another guest intro! A while back, we got to get to know Allies, the alternative rock group from Long Island, so now I'm giving you guys a bit of a different taste of what my lovely home has to offer with an up and coming blues artist. Say hi to singer-songwriter Ty McLaughlin from Hicksville, NY!

At just 20 years old, he's a newcomer on the music scene, but it hasn't stopped him from making waves. Between his bands unique fusion of sounds and his uncanny guitar skills, Ty is certainly one to look out for. Stop by lightning bug very soon to see an exclusive interview where you can hear more about his story and perhaps even some exciting news! Until then, go ahead and check out his latest single here. I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

Heavier Things

Recently I came across a story in the news causing quite a stir in the media and among sports fans everywhere. After noticing the constant use and abuse of the n-word by players on the field, owners moved to add a 15-yard penalty every time the word is used during game play. Whether or not you agree with this proposal, it’s sure to change the way a lot of people approach the “trash talking” aspect of sports and just how seriously they take derogatory terms like this. 

Now there’s no denying this is a sensitive topic; for may people, the use of this word falls into somewhat of an ethical gray area. Some use it freely, thinking of it is a term of endearment or comradery, and arguing that using it in with positive connotation removes its power as an instrument of racism. Others choose not to use it at all, remembering that it was rooted in times where African Americans were treated as second class citizens, and this word was used as a divisive term rather than a normative one. 

So why am I mentioning this? Well this heavy topic, while finally discussed by the NFL, is present in so many more aspects of the media and life in general. It got me thinking of the way this word is used similarly in a lot of music, mostly rap and R&B. To be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of these genres but from what I’ve heard, a lot of these musicians have no ill-intent. Granted, many of these songs are fodder for the masses – but others prove to be more substantial types of music. It’s easy still to equate this word with hate when they’re featured in songs about people losing loved ones, enduring struggles and making enemies. 

The truth is, I can’t say for sure what’s ok and what’s not. I personally don’t use the word and don’t plan on it, because I won’t ever view it in a positive way. However, that’s not to say I have to authority to tell people how they can and cannot express themselves. I suppose my only advice is to be respectful. We’ve come such a long way since the days of the civil rights movement, and it pains me to see that disrespect between humans, no matter their gender, color or creed, is what’s making the headlines.

Allies Interview

Click play above to listen to my interview with Allies of Long Island, NY. Thanks so much to Joe, Ryan, and Alex for hanging out and talking to me about their secret musical society.

Everyone's Allies

Hey everyone! I figured I’ve talked enough about myself the past couple of weeks, and thought I’d give you the chance to get to know a group of guys near and dear to my heart, Allies. You may recognize them from my Top 5 post last week, where I briefly mentioned them opening up for a Bad Rabbits at a show on Long Island, where they’re from.

Allies at The Paramount in Huntington, NY 1/12

Comprised of lead singer/keyboardist Joe Villafane, guitarist Ryan Higbie, bassist Sean Banicki and drummer Alex Kaufman, Allies began back in 2012 after the childhood and college friends came together under their old name, Along the Falls earlier on. Over the past few years of knowing them, I’ve had the privilege of watching them evolve as musicians and reinvent their sound, putting out work they’re really proud of. 

They really know how to put on a great show and are certainly ones to keep an eye out for, so I figured they deserved a little spotlight courtesy of lightning bug. Within the next few days, look out for an interview with them where we’ll talk about who they are and what’s next for this creative and extremely talented band of brothers.

My Top 5

So in my last post I mentioned a few of my favorite songs on the new summertime playlist, which may have you asking, how did I pick those? Well today I’d like to give you a chance to get to know me better and get a feel for exactly what kinds of music I enjoy, which will also give you a better feel for what you’ll be seeing more of. Also I’d love nothing more than to subtly brag about how close I got to the stage at 5 of my all time favorite concerts attended. Here we go!

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1. A GREAT BIG WORLD

You recognize these guys right? They came right out of nowhere with their somber but beautiful “Say Something” accompanied by the 90s legend Xtina and won over the world. They’ve been featured on Good Morning America, Today Show and countless other TV and radio shows, and I can say that I witnessed history in the making.

This was taken from the *NYC rooftop of the Standard Hotel East, at a very small show back in April of 2012 when the band was simply known by the name of their frontman and founder, Ian Axel. I’d been following Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino (guitarist and cofounder) since early on in 2010 when I stumbled upon their DIYed music video for “This Is The New Year” on Youtube, loving their sound, and like any loyal fan, wishing they could one day get the recognition they deserve. It was at this show that they officially announced their name change to what we’re all familiar with now as A Great Big World, so you can imagine my shock when “Say Something” – which is even more beautiful live, by the way – featuring none other than Christina Aguilera came on a Pandora station years later.

*This was the only photo that survived from that show thanks to my phone’s memory being wiped and me being stupid enough not to back it up.

2. FUN.

Here’s another one of my all time favorites: fun. live at Terminal 5 in  June of 2012. Much like A Great Big World, I followed them all the way from beginning, and it made such a difference when I got to see them live, completely selling out a large NYC venue. I have honestly never gone to a show with the kind of energy this one had. These shots simply don’t do it any justice, and you can’t capture in a photo what it felt like to get chills up and down your spine despite being packed like 3500 sardines into an 80+ degree venue.

3. BAD RABBITS

So this is my friend Joe Villafane, lead singer and keyboardist of Allies doing his thing at Revolution Bar in Amityville, NY during September of 2012 (it was a year full of concerts). They were one of the opening acts before Bad Rabbits, a Boston-based alternative R&B group that pump up the crowd like almost no other show I’ve been to.

While I try to see Bad Rabbits anytime they come through the New York area, that night definitely stood out as the most exciting show because they filmed their music video for “We Can Roll” right there from in, around and on top of the audience. At one point, there was even a GoPro camera being thrown around as fans crowd surfed and danced like crazy. I’ve never been to a show this interactive and I’m so proud to have been a part of the making of their music video. Watch it here!

4. TAKING BACK SUNDAY/BAYSIDE

          Next on my list of favorites is the show at Terminal 5 during November of 2012 featuring Bayside, pictured to the left, and Taking Back Sunday, on the right. Up until this point I’d been going to more mellow concerts, so the fact that I had to relearn how to deal with mosh pits at this one was what made it memorable. Aside from being knocked down a few times and burning my hand on someone’s cigarette in the crowd, the performances made it all worth it. Two of my favorite musicians brought me back to the golden age of pop punk music that only Middle School Steph really got to enjoy, so it was great night for nostalgia.

5. GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL

Last but certainly not least; I’d like to pay mention to the Global Citizen Festival, held in Central Park every September. It’s not only meant to raise awareness of global poverty and other social issues, but it attracts some huge name artists like Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Alicia Keys and Kings of Leon who all came out and celebrated with 60,000 fans on September 28, 2013. I chose this as one of my favorites for the incredible lineup, how accommodating staff was considering the huge crowd, and how Stevie sang each and every one of my favorite songs. You just can’t beat it.

Bob Casale Dies at 61

Original member of Devo, Bob Casale has died of apparent heart failure at the age of 61 on February 17^th, 2014.

As the rhythm guitar and keyboard player, Casale was spoken of fondly by his brother Gerald Casale, founder of the band, in a Facebook post addressing the musician’s untimely death.

With roots in Akron, Ohio back in 1972 Devo made major waves on the music scene in the 80’s, including their major hit Whip It.

Casale is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two children.

Winter Blues

I don’t know about you, but this weather is seriously bumming me out. It’s so cold I think I just saw a tauntaun pass by.

So, while sitting in my ice cold dorm room a few nights ago, I figured I’d do the only thing I thought was appropriate – detatch myself completely from this sunless world and spend the night making a perfect Summertime Playlist. It ended up having over 150 songs, but I’ll go ahead and just name a few of my favorites (in no specific order) in case any of you are also in need of some vitamin D.

Two Drops In The Ocean by 311

Perfect beach song, without a doubt. Like most of 311’s other songs, it’s really an acquired taste, but I think anyone can appreciate this funk rock inspired tune just for the sheer fact that it sounds like it was literally recorded underwater.

Someday I Suppose by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

There was no way I was making a summertime playlist without these guys. I can definitely credit The Mighty Mighty Bosstones with cultivating my love for ska music and brass ensembles incorporated into different genres. Something about this song just makes you want to get up and dance, and definitely brings me back to some great times had where parkas were not required.

Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft

I think it goes without saying that this might possibly be THE summer anthem. While not quite as upbeat as some of its other counterparts on this list, you can’t hear lyrics like, “sweet days of summer, the jasmine’s in bloom, July is dressed up and playing her tune,” without feeling instantly better about the Snowpocalypse.

Sleepyhead by Passion Pit

This was Passion Pit’s breakout hit a few years ago, and with good reason. There is definitely something magical about the song, the way it was composed in PP’s unique electro-pop style, and how it somehow reminds me of catching fireflies at dusk (but maybe that’s just me?).

School’s Out for Summer by Alice Cooper

Need I say more?

Sound Check

I know what you're thinking - not another music blog. Haven't the hipsters taken enough from us? Does anyone even really like Peter, Bjorn and John aside from that one song with all the whistling? It's ok. I totally understand your hesitance. But what I really hope to accomplish from atop my tiny little digital soap box is to share my absolute visceral passion for music and provide (brutally) honest reviews of the latest dropped (or leaked) singles, albums and music videos.

So I guess I should tell you a little bit about me right, because hey, what makes me an expert on any of this?

My name is Stephanie, and I'm a sophomore in college. While I go to school in the New York City area , I grew up on Long Island and have been blessed with a vastly musical group of friends, for whom I can definitely credit with turning me onto the local music scene. I've been going to everything from local live shows at venues, some of which I'll never step foot in again for fear of my physical and aural safety, to larger mainstream concerts since I was around 15, and my momentum has never quite slowed since. I think it's been over these past few years that my tastes and interests have really evolved, so much so that I'm willing to lay it all on the table and share it with you guys - yikes!

The first official post will come your way next week but I did want to leave you with a little commentary on the title of the blog and why in the hell it's called lightning bug. I recently dropped more money than I'm proud of on 5-day passes to the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, DE happening from 6/18-6/23 this summer, and see as it's all I can think about, it was naturally the inspiration for the blog. The lineup is unreal, featuring some of my favorite artists like Arctic Monkeys, Outkast, Third Eye Blind, Weezer, Beck and Jack Johnson, so if anything give My Firefly 2014 Spotify Playlist a listen (see if it doesn't make you fall in love with the festival).

Thanks for listening!
- Stephanie