Met The Most Inspirational Famous People. Pretty Much The Best Day of My Life. Milestone.

I guess I haven't really blogged in a while.

Been drinking too much tea, writing so many songs, and making a lot of lattes lately.

I'm a barista now ! So exciting.


Major update: I met Of Monsters and Men over the weekend ! :)
http://www.ofmonstersandmen.com

Listen To This

"Hall of Fame" - The Script ft. will.i.am 

An Oldie But A Goodie

Something Like You - 'N Sync

At the Beginning - Donna Lewis & Richard Marx

I Just Love Music.

Hello Reader,

I hope you enjoy this video. Emeli Sandé is one of my most favourite artists, and I felt inspired to sing one of her songs.
Thank you for the support. I appreciate any feedback I can get, so rate, comment & subscribe and share if you're up to it. :) <3

Love y'all so much...

Jasmine Hope

Yo Guys.

New Tunes On YouTube.

Here's my cover on Sufjan Steven's "For the Widows in Paradise; For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti." 

J'aime Écouter de la Musique Français

http://8tracks.com/ugurdoyduk/parisian-cafe#mix_set_id=3613

^ C'est une playlist. :)

Need New Tunes?

Check out James Vincent McMorrow.

I'm in love. I never thought I'd like folk music so much, but there's something about these tracks that make the genre a little different. 

Just Because.

Here's a post... just because.

Not because I have to... or need to...

but... just because.

I have finally inserted some time for myself: to read. Not just all that junk we are forced to read in English class; it is for the sake of those books left to collect dust both on my own as well as the library's shelves.

Ode to:

The Cosmic Trilogy by C. S. Lewis.

It's absolutely genius. It's taken me a while to read it, but at least I've picked it up. It's lyrical... magical... quite like a metamorphosis about life in general, if you read between the lines.

I recommend it... x10.

Another thing:

You must listen to David Crowder* Band's new album: Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys])

Fresh. New. Exciting. Invigorating. Real.

I 

LOVE

IT.

The End.

Post #4: Justification for the Music Realm.

I figured it would be best for me to include at least one "justice blog" on music... considering I love it so much. Music is a wonderful thing... it allows us to express who we are. Every song in the world is like a piece of soul... every word and every genre explode in such hype... it allows anyone to be who they want to be.

I guess my first question in writing this blog was, What exactly does music have to do with justice? And I thought about how many kids around the world don't get the same opportunities that we do: like being able to take piano lessons, or jam out on banjos, cranking up the bass, screaming in microphones. In North America, we're lucky in a sense.

Then again, we are also limited. On Friday, I attended something we call IB World Music. It's pretty much a bunch of IB kids coming together to dance and play instruments. I rather enjoyed it! I heard of some new instruments and listened to some tunes and beats they play around the world.

I find that we can get so stuck in our own little worlds of pop numbers, that we forget the rest of the world has their own instruments that are not at all similar to our own. A great majority of the student population defines music as anything that can make it on the Billboard Top 100. IB World Music, however, reminded me of the good old days, when I could make music out of banging pots and pans together. Or how about those ancient guitars of elastic bands and tissue boxes!

One of the performances featured a man who brought along some rocks he naturally found to have holes in, as well as a few whistles, and culturally traditional instruments from Vietnam and Japan.
The rocks were my favourite.

In all, I suppose that's what justification in music means to me. We as North Americans need to remember that music doesn't always have to be perfect. Music comes from the heart... and that is what matters most.

As a goal, I'm going to pick up my old guitar again. I know like... 5 chords... and I am determined to make a song before the year ends. It'll be like hitting some old natural roots... playing a song in 5 chords.

I'll Give You Some, If You Give Me Some First.

re·spect/riˈspekt/

Verb:

Admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Sometimes I get super tired of those kids I used to be close to, who don't respect my favourite choices of music. I've been a strong supporter of one of my most inspirational artists (Young Chozen) for a couple of years now, but some people think he's just too "preachy," as I've heard it called before. 

My non-Christian friends don't understand why I'd support someone who remixes songs by their most inspirational artists. The way I see it, Young Chozen makes secular music healthy to listen to. No swearing, No inappropriate phrases. Nothing dirty. He tries to glorify God by making these mix-tapes. 

I'll take a swing at it and say that most of my friends don't like him because he isn't their kind of "party" music.

But here's the deal.

I don't disrespect your favourite artists, kid. I think that what they have to say isn't healthy to living the greatest life all the time. What I respect is the fact that you look up to something. You have someone of great influence in your life, who happens to work in the music world... I just disagree with some of the messages they stand for. Another thing I do respect about these secular artists you are a fan of: most of the time, they're absolutely genuine. 

Sometimes Christianity is inaccurately portrayed by hypocritical people of the Church. And that is extremely unfortunate for the people who are actually trying to do good by what they do. 

The thing is, Young Chozen is one of those Christians who isn't a hypocrite. He's made a life out of following God. He's not the Churchy person who acts like he's perfect 100% of the time, and back stabs non-Christians. Young Chozen admits his downfall all the time, and this is personified throughout the great majority of his songs.

Isn't that what you want to see? You're tired of Christians pointing the finger, and doing wrong against their own words...? Like the "Christian" who'll party it up during the week by losing all of their core values, then put on the "fake face" and go all religious on you. 

I'm trying to live my life by being a Jesus-follower every day. I try my best. I really do.

But I'm only human.

I think thoughts like any other human does.

I want to do things that most teens my age do... but instead I remember the biggest promise I've made to God: to represent Him accurately.

I hold myself to many values that a lot of people don't understand. That's part of the sacrifice of being a "Jesus Freak." We put up with a lot of crap thrown at us. We are ridiculed and picked on for listening to the apparently "stupid" tunes. We listen to Christian music by Young Chozen, Lecrae, Tedashi.... (I could go on!) because it enhances our relationships with God, and aids us in bettering our own lives. True Christian music that's real and alive... it helps us be real. No acting. It teaches us how to teach others. It teaches us that being a hypocrite is terrible. 

Christian music IS preachy. Sure it is. But that's not always a bad thing.

Its message is to help us become better people.

I guess what you don't realize is that our Christian music is always positive. Nothing is ever negative. 99% of the Christian music we have is supposed to encourage people.

I've noticed that 99% of secular music can encourage all sorts of unhealthy emotions, though. It warps depression, anger, sadness, love, and false hope all together.... Do you not find that confusing? 

What I like about Christian music is that it's real. It gives me true hope. It's always about true love. 

Maybe what you don't like to hear is the fact that it will always glorify God. Real Christians and Real Christian Music suggest that no one else is number one, but God; that the world doesn't revolve around you. 

Well. Maybe this will change your mind...? 

Though the world revolves around God... His love revolves around you. 

That's what keeps me going. When I am ridiculed for who I stand for, I remember that at least His love is saving me each and every day. 

Because Jesus loves me... I can be unafraid to live. 

I am 'Unafraid' to die. 

I am 'Unafraid' of fear itself. 

Albums I NEED To Purchase.

Vice Verses - Switchfoot

The Help Soundtrack - from the Motion Picture, The Help

Irked.

Today I am irked.
Irked about what you ask?

How the people I call friends, are bearing burdens that are not there's to bear. I don't even bear this stuff; I don't see the point in making it such a big deal. But no, suddenly it's okay to make me feel super terrible about the stuff I don't participate in.
It's really not that big of a deal. I've never made it a big deal, either. You're the one doing that.
If you're reading this, chances are, I'm not talking about you...so don't take this too personally. :)


Anyways. I'm quite tired of this week and it's only Monday.
Things will get better, I know they will.
:) For I am listening to some good ole gospel-feel-good music.

Fred Hammond. :)
Kirk Franklin. :)
And all that jazzzzz.


And I have started attending Young Adults. :) Definitely will be the highlight of my week: Tuesday. :)

Well. Here's to hoping for a better week. :)

Jazzy. :)

p.s. This is great. 

Has anyone here seen the movie Fame?
Well...I fell in love with this song. :) That and his voice.
I find it all overwhelmingly beautiful.

I don't know why I've caught a liking for this movie. Maybe it's my deep inner desire to go to a big arts school and sing my heart out. I'm not sure.
If you haven't seen Fame, I guess that I would recommend it. I'm not too sure; it all depends on whether or not you love the arts and all the motions they go through.
It kind of gave me mixed emotions about making it big, though. It seems like it would be extremely stressing to be a part of such a dramatic school. Like...they make you do so much you don't want to do.
Like acting for one...would not be my thing. Not even some of the closest people in my life can push me out of my comfort zone...hahaha.
I don't know.
I'd really just love to sing, though. And play my piano. And paint. And dance.
haha. I can't dance ;)

Anywho. I'm gonna go find the chords to this song and practice it.
I'm thinking about performing something for (Our School's) Got Talent. Yes?
If you think I should, maybe comment on a song suggestion.

I sing some jazz songs....like this:

And I like singing Alex Goot's part in this...:

Need Good Music?

Here are some of the latest songs I have fallen in love with. I guess if you've been reading this blog frequently, you'd find that I like a lot of tunes that are inspiring and get-up rockin. I went through a phase where I liked a lot of indie music, but these days I'm quite picky about it. Having said that, I've loaded up my ipod with some jazz tunes, more oldies (oh, how I've always loved the oldies!), rap, and acoustic happy stuff.

Here ya go.

That's just a few :) Enjoy!

:) Hi There.

Isn't summer great?
Hopefully the sun decides to actually stay out for all of August.
I'd say we definitely deserve it.
I mean...last year we were hittin it up at 30-40C! Yet, this whole entire month, July's just been handing us the most random weather. We even went to our favourite vacation spot, and the water was freezing cold! People were jumping into the lake in wet suits. -.- Not right.
I managed to wear shorts, but not half as much as I should have.
July should have given us a little more heat.
Crossing my fingers in hopes that my birthday will deliver us some sweet heat.

In other news, I have been sketching! :) Really enjoying my pencils, this time of year. I drew a Jedi Starfighter 05, and a Stormtrooper. Slightly flawed, and a little too penciled out, but I guess that's what you get when you use a 2B Pencil. :)

I've been practicing my piano! Though, I can't get my printer to work...and I'm supposed to be working on Sonata No.5 or something...... :3 Hopefully it prints out soon!!

Music wise, I'm still listening to a lot of pop, electro, DJ mixes, n stuff.

Movie wise, I am officially all caught up on the Harry Potter movies, and am absolutely convinced that books were +100% waaaaay better.
Don't get me wrong, the director didn't do too bad of a job, but it felt like so much was missing.
I still need to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, though.

Can't wait to see Agapanthus. Definitely miss you sooo much! Hope you're having the time of your life in Greece.
I want to go with you next year! :)

xoxo
jazzymcjazzerpants.

Aspirations.

I love that feeling that twists my heart up into that throbbing emotion of love. I love it when I can sit down on my favourite piece of furniture ~my piano stool~ and let my fingers roll along the ivories and flats. I love the feeling of a pedal beneath my painted toes.

Today I managed to sit down...and just play. I didn't go over my scales (though I definitely need to!!), and I didn't practice Sonatina in C Major (The Third Movement), and I briefly went over my study...but, today I allowed my self to sing and play the three best songs I've written.

It felt fantastic.

All the words fell into place, and I managed to hit some notes I haven't hit before...but I sang like I meant it. Most of my songs are so abstract, and I know that if I ever perform them, I'll have to explain them...but today I sang them with so much meaning.
It felt so real.

For me, when I sing and play my upright....it's like I enter a whole new world. A world where scales and majors and minors echo beyond what they really are. It's like these notes float onto papers in Heaven....and I can imagine that I'm playing along with Heaven's choir.

What it comes down to, is that everything that feels so real to me....becomes my songs. I sing for the sake of the passion deep within me. I sing for what makes me live and breathe.

Today I finished writing one of my songs....I'm fooling around with the bridge...but I can for the most part pull some improv with some chords and make it work.

And then I felt like writing more--and I finally wrote another song. In record time, too!

It takes me a while to write songs...because I don't always write when I have the onus to do so.

But today was a very passionate day.

And I just thought I'd share that with you. :)

One Thing About Adolescence.

As teens, we grow.

Mentally.
Physically.
And Spiritually.

I'm at that point where....I'm looking back, reflecting, and correcting.
I'm dreaming....hoping....aspiring to be like my loved ones.

Over the past year, life's handed me tears, smiles, and frowns....and I've learned how to handle these things. In other cases, I'm still emotionally flustered, and fine myself laying in bed thinking about certain hardships past midnight.

At this very moment though, this song has been incredibly evoking.

I need to wake up.
I want to wake up.
It's just very difficult....to wake up out of hibernation.

More difficult than I thought.

But. "I need to be revived. Bring me back to life."

I'm gonna try harder.
I really am.

Hold me to it folks.

God......Hold me to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5gFdx8o76Y

I'm Racist Against that Racist Coffee.

Why are you reading this blogpost?
You shouldn't be.
You should be watching this amazing video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/juliansmith87?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/16/APyr48GACzc

Blogger's Challenge Day 15

1. My Savior, My God
    Aaron Shust

2. Transatlanticism
    Death Cab For Cutie

3. Shrink the World
    Yellowcard

4. Lie
    David Cook

5. Slice
    Five For Fighting

6. Shadows and Regrets
    Yellowcard

7. Crazy Love
    Michael Buble

8. Innocent
    Stellar Kart

9. Hanging by a Moment
    Lifehouse

10. Fade
      Runaway City

Ughh... quite honestly...that was probably one of the worst shuffles I've ever seen.
So I'm going to do it again. ;)

1. Avalanche
    David Cook

2. All In
    Lifehouse

3. Counting Airplanes
    Train

4. Put the Phone Down
    Pilot Speed <--I've never even listened to this song! :p

5. Had Enough
    Lifehouse

6. All My Folk ft. Milliyon
    Canton Jones

7. Desperate
    Fireflight

8. Rebel
    Lecrae

9. The Truth
    Lecrae

10. Solution
      Hillsong

Hmm....Maybe I like the first one better....not sure.
Ahh well. There ya be.

Memo: I got Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Started reading it. Have to finish it soon. Must.

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you as a child
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- favourite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days 

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die

day 12- write a poem to someone you love

day 13- your 5 favourite books and why

day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- a picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past
day 20- write a letter to someone
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave a lot
day 24- post your favourite quote or verse of scripture and why
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for
day 27- my day job verses my passion
day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of
day 29 - favourite tv shows and why you like them
day 30 - movies you can watch again and again.

Blogger's Challenge Day 10

Oh how I do love today. It's been quite a great day really. A good day for pictures...visuals...art....
And now this. :) Oh how I do love music. How I do love today!

When I am happy, I love to listen to:
"Marching Bands of Manhatten" by Death Cab For Cutie
"Black And Yellow" Cover by Tyler Ward
"Buildings and Mountains" by The Republic Tigers
"Violet Hill" by Coldplay
"Oh Happiness" by David Crowder Band
"London By Night" by Frank Sinatra
"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole

When I am sad, I listen to:
"Keep It Together" by Tyler Ward and The CO
"Blessing In The Storm" by Kirk Franklin
"Transatlanticism" by Death Cab For Cutie

When I'm bored, songs usually include:
 "Clap Your Hands" by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah <--I don't care if you're bored or not, you need to watch that video >.<
"This is Not a Competition" by Bloc Party
"Where it's At" Beck

^that's all a bunch of Britpop. ;)

When I'm HYPED I can be seen rockin out to:
haha "Black And Yellow" Cover by Tyler Ward.... ;)
"Monster" by Skillet (the title probably sounds like it should be under the list of music I listen to when I'm mad...but.... ;) this is like, my favooourite song. ever. i listen to it when i feel like moshing)
"Awake and Alive" by Skillet
"Whispers in the Dark" by Skillet
...more Skillet stuff... ;)

And...when I'm mad I listen to:
"Regime Change" by Disciple I actually saw them in concert. I think they're quite awful actually. I don't listen to this song very often.... (gives a smug sort of look). No. Seriously. :)
"Better Than Drugs" by Skillet


Honestly, there is not enough space to list every song I absolutely love. HENCE, the bar on the right side. Feel free to scroll through it. It has every band on record that I am in love with. True love.
Best music ever.
Yep.

See ya.
Jazzerz.

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you as a child
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- favourite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days 

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die
day 12- write a poem to someone you love
day 13- your 5 favorite books and why
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- a picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past
day 20- write a letter to someone
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave a lot
day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for
day 27- my day job verses my passion
day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of
day 29 - favorite tv shows and why you like them
day 30 - movies you can watch again and again.