Music Monday || Camp Electric Edition

Alright, so it's been awhile.....
For some reason July is always jam-packed for me. And this year, the first three weeks I had camp and then I was sick all last week from a combination of being away from home, not getting enough sleep, and not getting a lot of nutritious food. You know how camp goes....
So now I just have a little bit of congestion and I'm ready to recap Camp Electric for y'all!!

I have some depressing news first: I lost my phone. The wailing may now commence.

I lost it at Carowinds THREE DAYS before I left for camp, so I have no pictures. None.

On that note, the story shall continue. My parents and I drove up (over??) to Nashville on Saturday morning. We were originally supposed to go on Friday so we could do some sightseeing, but that didn't work out. We stayed at my dad's cousin's house on Saturday night and I got to see some distant cousins. Then after church on Sunday we went to a Greek diner for lunch and drove around Nashville until it was time to go sign me in.

There are three different weeks for Camp Electric; two of which were in Nashville and one that was in Ohio. The Nashville camps are hosted by Trevecca Nazarene University, which is a beautiful campus. I registered for the vocals track(more on those later), so when I signed in, I got my little packet of vocals info, my name tag, and my dorm key. After meeting my 3 roommates, we walked to the opening concert across campus.

Now I've had a lot of questions about what I learned during my time in Nashville, but the structure of Camp Electric wasn't about learning scales and bars and theory; it was more like getting to peek into the lives of the artists that were teaching and learning their "tricks of the trade" and where their love for making music has taken them and how they got to where they are.

Anyway, my three full days at camp went something like this:
Bible study at 7:30
Breakfast at 8
Worship at 9
Voice clinic at 10- this class was taught by vocal coach Marjory Searcy, and it was basically about vocal warmups and cooldowns(apparently those are important), ways to keep your voice at top performance status. Ms. Searcy was really awesome and helpful and I really feel like I benefited greatly from her class.
Tom Jackson at 11:10- So where Marjory Searcy worked with us on fine tuning our voices, Tom Jackson showed us different little ways to tweak a performance to create moments with an audience and connect with them, which was amazing.
Lunch at 12:20
All camp session at 1:30- basically a mini concert where we were put so all the leaders could have a meeting(:
2:30- Instrument specific class- This is when the different tracks are split up into skill levels. I was Class F, which is intermediate. I had a different teacher each day, all three focusing on different aspects of music and the business. I can do a separate post on these classes if y'all would like that, but there's waaaay too much info for this post.
Dinner alternated every day at either 4:30 or 5:30
Free time was in between 4:30 and 6:30 depending on dinner
Concert doors open at 6:45
Concert ends at 10:00
Lights out at 11- this didn't actually happen(: my roommates and I were up until 2 or 3 every night/morning. When you're sharing a tiny dorm with 3 other people you get real close, real fast. I loved having intense conversations with these girls that I'd only known for 48 hours.

But my favorite part, hands down, was walking around the campus and just hearing music from every direction. There were little jam sessions happening everywhere. People were walking and playing guitars and ukuleles and singing and it just made me really happy to hear and see that.

So that's an overview of my time at Camp Electric! If you want me to go into detail about any aspect of camp, than just comment below or email me at cjhearts98@gmail.com

Much love to all of you and Happy Music Monday!!
Callan

Music Monday

This is the top of my playlist. I've added another song called Good Enough from the Empire soundtrack. It's a son crying out to his father for love and acceptance; a beautiful longing. Should I review it?? Comment below.

 

 

Anyway, you can tell as you scroll down that my playlist is quite expansive and varied. I've got pop, rap, hip hop, R&B, worship, country, the whole shebang.   

Also, some of the songs I've reviewed are on here. If you see one that you want me to review, just comment below.

Even though I don't watch the show Glee, I can't deny that their voices and song arrangements are spectacular!!

Guys, Unstoppable God is SUCH a good song!!

We're getting into the songs that have been on my playlist for quite a while now.

And here's rock bottom:) Just kidding, because obviously I like these songs. So this is my road trip playlist and general favorites list. Something I feel I should note: my all-time favorite song is not on this list. Frankly, I don't know why I keep forgetting to add it, but it's probably because I actually liked it enough to buy it;) It's called See You Again by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, and it's off of the Furious 7 soundtrack. It's a tribute to the late Paul Walker and it makes me cry.

So that's it. I'm not really sure how to end this post, so here's my favorite (and totally irrelevant) dog picture ever. I'm crying with laughter right now!!

Love,

Callan

Music Monday

Track Review
Track~ Boomerang
Artist~ The Summer Set
Album~ Legendary

This song was a fortunate discovery for me. I was trying on clothes at Plato's Closet when this song came on. I liked it so much that I dug a pen out of my purse and scrawled the lyrics on my arm so I could look it up when I got home!! I know, I'm crazy. 

This song most definitely goes in the pop category. I usually don't go for songs that are so pop-ish, but since the lead singer is male and not Britney Spears it's not unbearable at all. Boomerang is basically a summer song about summer love by The Summer Set. See what I did there?? And while most songs about summer love are about flings and end with that, this love seems to have begun before summer or is definitely not just a fling.  This guy is head over heels for this girl, comparing their love to that of the greats: Jay-Z and Beyoncé, James Dean and Audrey Hepburn, love that has lasted. Also, it's a really catchy song;) Everytime I hear it, it makes me want to jump up and dance around like a crazy person. I think that everyone should have a song that makes them feel like that, so with that I make my recommendation: Boomerang by The Summer Set. I promise you, it's worth a listen. 

Until next time,

Callan

Music Monday

Today I just have a very short review because I really want you to hurry up and love this song!!

Track Review
Track- Little Toy Guns
Artist- Carrie Underwood
Album- Greatest Hits: Decade #1

Carrie Underwood has become a household name in the ten years since her stint on American Idol. I believe it's because of songs like Little Toy Guns. She has a decidedly country-rock feel which appeals to all ages and her song content isn't stuff and nonsense like so much music is now. She sings about new love and marriage, but she also tackles social issues like abuse and dysfunctional families, with her latest single falling into the latter category. Little Toy Guns documents the fear and confusion of a little girl whose parents seem to be fighting more and more lately and she doesn't know why. She's "holding onto that heart-shaped locket, staring at a family flawless," and trying to figure out why Mommy and Daddy are yelling at each other. She wishes that "words were like little toy guns..... just a bang, bang rolling off your tongue." This song is heartbreaking when you really consider the innocent little girl whose previously happy childhood is being marred by her parents' fighting. And what's even sadder is when you realize that so many children are experiencing this confusion and losing their innocence. Carrie Underwood really stresses that we need to consider the implications of our words and be sensitive and edify each other with our words. That is why I encourage you to listen to Little Toy Guns.

Much love,
Callan

Music Monday

I have a new system for Music Mondays. As it turns out I don't have much time on Monday to review songs, nor do I have any amount of time on Sundays. So I've found that since I have the most spare on Thursday afternoons after co-op, I'll sit down at my computer and write several track reviews so that when Monday comes I can just post it and not stress about doing a fast review or doing a good review and then end up not doing it anyway.

Track Review
Track~ Drops in the Ocean
Artist~ Hawk Nelson
Album~ Drops in the Ocean (single)

This song is a redemption song. It's not about a certain person finding salvation or a singer relating their own experiences. This song is sung from Jesus' viewpoint and it explains that no matter how many times we mess up or fall down He is still going to be there to forgive us and pick us up.
If you've never listened to Hawk Nelson then you are missing out!! They're a lesser known Christian group that identifies with the pop/rock sound. Drops in the Ocean is a great mix of the different sounds in this genre. The percussion definitely takes the stage in this song. From the piano to the drums to the various other instruments that fall under percussion. I just don't know what they're called(:
I think that Hawk Nelson is a great band for teenagers to listen to because not only do they create awesome, catchy beats, they couple that music with meaningful lyrics that apply to anyone who listens. I think that's really important when, as a teenager, you are constantly being bombarded with negative messages from the entertainment world.
Psalm 103:12 says, "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." This is the main idea behind Drops in the Ocean. In this song, Jesus is assuring us that "[He is] for [us]..... not against [us]," and that we don't "need to settle for a substitute" or change who we are to be able to come to Him. The chorus is definitely my favorite part of the song so I'm just going to put the whole thing in here for you to read.

If you wanna know how far my love can go
Just how deep
Just how wide
If you wanna see how much you mean to me
Look at my hands
Look at my side
If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven
It's more than the drops in the ocean

It's so wonderfully expressed and the best part is that it's true!! Jesus sacrificed his life for us because of how deep and wide His love is for us. So if you haven't yet accepted the gift He's holding out to you, it's time to "open your heart" so that you and Jesus can "start again."

This song is available on iTunes, Spotify, and in the Google Play store

Callan

 

 

Music Monday

So I think I'm finally done with computer problems. *CHEERS*


Track Review
Track~ Thinking Out Loud
Artist~ Ed Sheeran
Album~ x

This is probably one of the most beautiful and touching song I've ever heard. Ed Sheeran is a lyrical genius as it is, but he has truly outdone himself with this track. If you've heard any of his songs before, you know that he has a folksy quality to his music, working mainly with acoustic guitars and raw, powerful, vocals. However, he strays a little from his usual sound to serenade us with an electric guitar. This song is built around the guitar, with the drum kit and bass joining in the second verse and the keyboard coming in on the chorus.
But these elements are just the compliment to his simple, but beautiful lyrics. This song is about loving one person for all of time, which is a refreshing turn from all of the hit songs about sex, drugs, and alcohol. In the second verse, Ed tells his "darling" that he "will be loving [her] til [they're] 70" and how he falls in love with her "every single day". In the third verse he says:
"When my hair's all but gone and my memory fades
And the crowds don't remember my name
When my hands don't play the strings the same way
I know you will still love me the same".

Is that not the most beautiful sentiment put into words?? I truly cannot sing the praises of this song enough. I can only tell you to listen for yourself.... and then listen again and again and again. If you can't tell, this is my current favorite song. I have a feeling that it will be on my Favorites playlist for a long time.

Much love,
Callan

Music Monday

Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement!! Due to the fact that most Mondays are especially stressful and busy for me I have decided that from here on out I will be doing Music Monday on the first Monday of each month. That having been said, let us proceed to the main event....

Track Review

Track~ Cool Kids

Artist~ Echosmith

Album~ Talking Dreams

     The band Echosmith is made up of siblings Sydney, Jamie, Noah, and Graham Sierota. Their general sound is emo with some '80s dance-rock strains. This interesting combination makes for an amazing sound on their hit single, Cool Kids. This track expresses the innermost desire of every teenager's heart: to be "in" with the "in crowd". The chorus says "I wish that I could be like the cool kids/Cause all the cool kids/they seem to fit in.
      The need to be popular affects everyone in varying degrees. Some people live for popularity, some seem indifferent to it, and others become popular, whether or not that was their intention              
     Singer/guitarist Jamie says that the message of the song is simple: the coolest thing you can be is yourself. Cool Kids focuses on two outsiders gazing wistfully at the world of the cool kids. However, they are conscious of the shallow lives that the populars lead. The second verse says "He sees them talking with a big smile/but they haven't got a clue..... They're driving fast cars/but they don't know where they're going/In the fast lane/living life without knowing.
     It's natural for us to want to be accepted, but we have to realize that our decisions and the way we act and talk should not be based on trying to please others, because ultimately our goal should be to please our Creator. He loves us infinitely more than the "cool kids" ever will. We just have to realize it first.

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Posts(hopefully)
    > I want to do a summer recap post that will include the photography challenge, the (mostly) completed bucket list, and some beach pictures. Fingers crossed, everyone!!

    > My beautiful bestie Theresa over at Tmarie and I are planning a fall fashion photo shoot/collaboration for you to enjoy!!

    > Over the next few weeks I'm going to do some varying posts that have to do with all things fall. Comment YAY for fall!!

    > Don't forget to comment a track or album that you would like me to review next month!!

Much love,
Callan

Music Monday

It's been awhile since I've done a Music Monday, but now that I'm easing into my school year routine, I'll be setting a few times each week to post. So here's to regular posts!!

Track Review

Track~ I Hope You Dance

Artist~ Lee Ann Womack

Album~ I Hope You Dance

This song has been a favorite of mine ever since I heard it about 3 years ago. Even though Lee Ann isn't a Christian artist, sometimes secular songs strike a chord in every heart. To summarize the song in one sentence: Live life to the fullest. My favorite line goes, "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean." It just reminds me that no matter how successful we are in life or how proud or happy we make others, we are still such a small part of a humongous universe.

The transition and chorus go:" And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance..... I hope you dance(time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along. Tell me who wants to look back and wonder where all those years have gone)."

The only objectionable content is the line," Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter," but I honestly didn't know it said exactly that until I looked up the lyrics. You guys can use your own discretion for this line.

The music has a country vibe to it, but not so much so that it's off putting for people who aren't as keen on country music. It's a nice soothing song that really puts things in perspective and is also encouraging to the heart. I hope that all of you will give it a listen!!

Available for download on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube

Until we meet again,

Callan

Another Little Note....

Hey guys!! It feels like I've been gone forever!! The past couple of weeks have been cray crayy! First I was at Lake Norman and then I was at a mission camp for a week(more on that later), and then I went to South Carolina for 5 days!! Needless to say I haven't been around much.

 And I promise I will get around to posting that photography challenge!!

And after I recover from camp, I'll update my Summer Bucket List! Yayyyy!!

And I have been tagged by Theresa from thetmarieblog.blogspot.com (go check her out just 'cause she's awesome!!)

Whew!! I'm tired just looking at this post.....

It might be awhile before I start posting regularly since I have a couple more trips planned for the summer. Probably once I get back into the swing of things is when regular posting will be happening.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty much ready for fall and a schedule(:

Til we meet again!!
Callan <3

Music Monday

Happy Monday everyone!! I hope y'all had a FAB weekend and are enjoying your summer so far!!

So in honor of US of A playing in the Fifa World Cup tomorrow, I am going to review the theme song for the World Cup.

Track Review:
Track~ The World is Ours
Artist~ Aloe Blacc & David Correy
Album~ The World is Ours

If you love to dance, this song is for you. This song has a great beat that makes you want to jump out of your seat and start a conga line!! The message of this song is clear: This world cup unites us all and we are one big family. If only for a little while. The World is Ours is peppered with encouraging statements such as "Run like you're born to fly," and "When we all come together we light up the dark." Coupling empowerment and world peace with an amazing beat will get you a chart-topper. There's also a remixed percussion interlude that makes me so happy when I listen to it. So blast this song while you're watching Team USA kick Belgium's butt!! So much for unity....... (:

Available on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube

Much love and go Team USA!!
Callan

p.s.
I'm going to do a cumulative post for the photography challenge in a couple of weeks. Comment below if you're doing one as well!!
~C

Introducing Music Monday!!

Long time no talk!! So my summer has been filled with unexpected things that have kept me away from my laptop.

But is that a bad thing?? I'll let you know when I decide.

So if you read the title of this post you would know that I'm introducing a special day of the week. Music Monday!! But first, a backstory......

It was an overcast night in 2014, and the girl wondered if she wanted to risk getting wet, but then she remembered, "Oh wait, I'm going to Faith, Family, and Freedom, so I couldn't care less!!"

In all seriousness though, I went to the FFF concert on Saturday night, and it was BEYOND AMAZING!!! Although it did rain.... So I have some pictures for y'all and then we shall proceed with Music Monday.

Hawk Nelson~ We were late, as usual, so I don't have many good pictures of them.

Luke from For King and Country

Luke and Joel~ They looked quite dashing in their suit coats, given that it was about 90 degrees. For King and Country was definitely my favorite act of the evening. They are AMAZING performers!!

Joel

They like percussion, if you can't tell.

Britt Nicole

No, your eyes don't deceive you. Her dancers are wearing armor. The song they were doing is called Stand(go look it up), and if you read Ephesians 6:10-20 the armor will make sense.

Matthew West.  I only have one picture of him because it started raining at the beginning of his act.

Fireworks!!

If you've never tried to take pictures of fireworks, be prepared for a lot of gross-looking photos. Unless you have a great, uber expensive camera. Most of the pictures I took were awful, but I did get some fairly good ones. You're welcome. (:

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to bear witness to the first ever Music Monday on Little Quirks and Lots of Sparkle!! This post will go down in history!!

Okay so it won't go down in history, but I hope that Music Monday will become something wonderful. So without further ado......

Track Review

Track~ Light it Up

Artist~ for King and Country

Album~ Crave

I knew I was going to love this song after hearing the first two bars. Plus, I heard it live first, so that makes it even more awesome. It starts off with a drum beat and then the piano comes in and introduces us to the first verse. Music wise, this track has a great beat that builds with the lyrics and the vocals. The first verse and chorus consist mostly of piano and drums, but then the guitars come in with a bang and add volume and intensity to the song. 

In terms of the lyrics, they are very inspiring. The boys of for King and Country encourage the listeners to let the past be the past and to shoot for the stars. We make our own destinies, and if we let the past blur our vision we can't fully realize our potential and claim our future. I highly recommend this song for anyone who is struggling guilt or self-esteem issues. It's such an encouraging anthem, and it kind of reminds me of Let it Go from the movie Frozen. Can you say mash-up??!?! Listen to Light it Up here

Comment below and tell me what song or album you would like me to review next week!!

Til we meet again,

Callan