Album Excitement 2018

We are less than a month into the new year and we already have new music to be excited about! 2017 was a great year for music, but I’m betting 2018 can top it. As of now, there are already a few albums that have piqued my interest and I can’t wait to hear them in full when they are released! Here are a few albums I’m most excited to listen to in 2018.

  • IMG_6684Dashboard Confessional – Crooked Shadows February 9

    • I’ve been a casual fan of Dashboard Confessional for years, but once I saw them live this past summer I became obsessed! As soon asI got home I decided to listen to their entire discography and began wishing for new music. They have released two singles from the album, “We Fight” and “Heart Beat Here” and fans are more than ready for the album todrop tomorrow!
  • MGMT – Little Dark Age – February 9

    • Again, as a casual fan, I learned about MGMT’s new album in one of my classes this semester. I was a huge fan of their song “Kids” and when I heard about their upcoming album I got excited! Catch MGMT performing at a slew of festivals this summer.
  • Moose Blood – I Don’t Think I Can do This Anymore – March 9

    • I love Moose Blood and listen to them anytime I feel like I need a good cry. Their emotional expertise comes through in their lyrics, and their instrumental ability is amazing. I can’t wait for this album to come out!!
  • Jack White – Boarding House Ranch – March 23

    • Jack White is a Michigan Native, so I’ve been listening to his music since I was a kid. He recently announced his upcoming album and accompanying tour, which always brings excitement to residents of our state. I always feel a sort of pride for all Michigan Made musicians. There is some conversation surrounding his tour, seeing as he’s pushing for fans to check their phones at the door and go technology free.
  • The Vaccines – Combat Sports – March 30

    • The Vaccines have made their way into every single one of my playlists since I was a senior in high school, so I was obviously excited when they announced new music. So excited that I actually chose to study the release of Combat Sports for my music production course!
  • The 1975 – Music for Cars – 2018img_3403

    • While we don’t have a confirmed date for the album, The 1975 have been teasing Music for Cars on their social media accounts for the past year. The third, and final installment of The 1975 era is sure to be their greatest yet! While I’m definitely sad that this final album marks the end of one of my favorite bands of all time, I’m happy that I’ll at least have one more record to play on repeat.
  • Kanye West – Turbo Grafx16 – TBA

    • Okay, so nobody actually knows when Kanye’s newest album will drop, and it may not even come out in 2018, but I’m still excited about it!

So there are the albums I’m most excited for this year! Are there any that I should check out before these drop? Let me know in the comments!

-Swaggie Maggie

Every Nite is Emo Nite

It’s not a band. It’s not a DJ. It’s a party to celebrate the music they love. Emo Nite LA was founded in December 2014 and they’ve been taking the scene by storm ever since.  By bringing fans both young and old together to revel in the nostalgia of emo classics, Emo Nite has become a nation-wide force, recognized by artists of all genres, music publications, and, of course, fans.

Emo Nite LogoThis fall, Emo Nite LA has been touring across the United States, bringing the party to fans who can’t make it out to Los Angeles to participate. With dates continuing through December, emo devotees across the country can come together and have a great time.

For those who aren’t quite sure what Emo actually is, it’s a genre of rock music that is created through melodic, and often intricate musicianship. The lyrics are meaningful, confessional, and obviously emotional. Emo artists include Brand New, Dashboard Confessional, Mayday Parade and Taking Back Sunday.

October 20th, The Loft in Lansing will be hosting Emo Nite, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on the vibes! Emo Nite promotes an inclusive community where the only requirement is a love for music and good times. Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 here, and you can keep up with Emo Nite by following them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Spotify!

See you there!

-Swaggie Maggie

 

Photo and Video courtesy of Emo Nite LA

My Top 10 All Time Low Songs

All Time Low has been tearing up the music scene since 2003 when the band found their beginnings in high school. Not only are they killer songwriters, but they’re amazing performers. The band has just started this year’s world tour to promote their latest album, Last Young Renegade. With 7 studio albums to choose from, it’s difficult to decide which of the group’s songs belong within their “Top 10”, but here are my top 10 All Time Low songs that have impacted my life for the better.

Good Times – Last Young Renegade

This track off All Time Low’s new album, Last Young Renegade, is already a fan favorite. With vulnerable lyrics and a nostalgic tone, it’s easy to fall in love with this song. When I heard this song for the first time it brought tears to my eyes. It helped me remember every important memory of my life, and allowed me to realize that I have years left to have more experiences. It’s perfect for those times in your life when you’re on the cusp of something new, but you take a moment to look back on your past.

Old Scars / Future Hearts – Future Hearts

Old Scars / Future Hearts is an edgy song off of Future Hearts, and it’s reminiscent of the band’s early days. It has everything you could possibly want from a pop-punk song; jaded vocals, skillful instrumentals, and a killer beat! Not only is this song great to listen to on a daily basis, but I loved hearing it live! The energy that All Time Low brings to the stage during this song can’t be beat.

Backseat Serenade – Don’t Panic

This metaphorical masterpiece is what lyricist’s dreams are made of. All Time Low turned a song about a wild fling into a beautiful story. With an instantly recognizable verse and chorus, this song is definitely a fan favorite. This song was actually one of my “summer anthem’s” in high school, and I’ll never forget singing it at the top of my lungs with my best friend.

The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver – Don’t Panic

Found on Don’t Panic, this song is the perfect rebel anthem. I remember listening to this song in high school every time I got in an argument with a friend, or when some mean girl tried to ruin my mood. I think everyone can agree that this song is great for blasting in your car after a long day.

Weightless – Nothing Personal

Weightless, off of Nothing Personal, is one of the first songs I ever loved by All Time Low, and it really helped introduced me to the pop-punk genre. This song is definitely essential to any Throwback playlist!

Break Your Little Heart – Nothing Personal

This song is so edgy, and I love it! Its lyrics are are full of angst, and the electricity of the guitar matches the mood perfectly. Break Your Little Heart is one of those songs that you always end up singing along to.

Damned if I do Ya (Damned If I Don’t) – Nothing Personal

Damned if I do Ya (Damned If I Don’t) is actually the first All Time Low song I’d ever heard, and it made me fall in love with the band instantly. The song is somehow catchy without becoming cheesy, and All Time Low’s attitude really shines throughout it.

Therapy – Nothing Personal

This ballad is definitely emotional and beautiful. The lyrics are poignant, and Alex’s beautiful vocals are showcased perfectly in this song. With instrumentals and passion that build over the course of the song, it’s obvious why this is one of All Time Low’s best songs.

Dear Maria, Count Me In – So Wrong, It’s Right

Easily one of the band’s most recognizable songs, Dear Maria, Count Me In, is a favorite of fans who have loved the band since the album So Wrong, It’s Right was released in 2007, as well as fans who are just beginning to love the band. Take one listen, and I promise you’ll be hooked too!

Jasey Rae – Put Up or Shut Up

Jasey Rae can be found on All Time Low’s first EP, Put Up or Shut Up, and it deserves a spot in their Top 10 Songs. It’s fun to listen to it now, more than 10 years later, and see how far the band has come since it’s release, what they’ve changed, and what has stayed the same over time.

Don’t forget to catch All Time Low on their world tour this Summer and Fall! Check out my top 10 All Time Low songs, and let me know what yours are!

-Swaggie Maggie