Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
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.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
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.
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.
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