The Commute

First, grab headphones if you're at work.

Second, push the play button below. 

Finally, read. 

(Editor's Note: You can still enjoy without the music, but it's not nearly the same experience. To truly get that rush, my writing needs a little musical assistance.)

The sunlight’s dancing. Eyes flicker. Wake up.

Routine, routine, get out of bed. Dizzy head. Not enough sleep. Too much sleep? Get dressed… We’re already late. We move like someone pushed "fast forward." Routine, routine, slowly reach for your bag. 

Remember… something? Oh well.

Forget. Forget your umbrella; your homework. ‘Least it’s sunny.

Bread or maybe fruit? Pick your poison, either way we’ve got to go.

More routine.

Lights off.

Bagged lunch.

Heels in purse.

Flats on feet. One last glance. You’re out the door.

30 steps downstairs, then 4 more out the front.

298 steps to the food cart on the corner. Yeah, the one past the Laundromat. White man says go so you go, go, go. Avoid the slow woman in front of you.

Sidestep, sidestep, squeeze by. 

Hurry up the street. Two minutes down Steinway’s all it takes.

That man’s talking to you. Different language. Smile’s creepy.

Ignore button.

Blasé face.

Stare ahead and he’s gone. There’s something sharp in your purse, but no, no. That’s only for the night! Daylight’s for smiles.

Or at least blank looks.

Is that coffee?

WATCH IT! Watch the sidewalk – you always trip there! Two flip flops down, may they rest in peace.

Oh yes sir, we’ll take that. Free sample from the cafe. 

Who could say no?

1,2,3 walk 1,2,3 walk. When did you start counting?

Blue sky.

Warm enough.

Mornings like this make you want to… WALK FASTER! There’s the TRAIN!! You’ll make it if you run.

Past the fish market.

Up the stairs.

Metro card already out.

Thadda girl – you were thinking!

Swipe. Step. Stairs come two at a time.

“Stand clear of the closing. doors…”

No! No! Not if we can help it. Lunge, and your in.

Good.

Breathe deep.
1 train down, 1 train to go. 

Squeeze by, and grab blessed metal. Hold tight. 13 minutes left.

Who’s baby’s crying? That woman’s purse bumped us twice.

Headphones today? iPod’s dead.

Stare straight ahead.

Last stop in Queens. Let’s all smash together now.

Rumble, rumble in the tunnel.

59^th and Lexington! Out out out…Excuse me and pardon us.

Rush across the platform. It’s not crowded yet! The train’s coming. But walking on the edge get’s you through faster.

5 more steps till safety.

1,2,3,4,5…whoosh.

There’s the other train. We just made it to the center of the platform. That’s our rush for the day. Oh but wait,

DUCK! 

Man with a large box almost got ya.

It’s okay. Hair’s still in place.

Up the escalator. The left side’s for walking. And of course no one’s walking. MOVE. Don’t you hear the connecting train? Left side for walking, right side for standing…

Blast. 

We missed it. Blame it on the uninformed escalator takers. LEFT is for walking. LEFT IS FOR WALKING. 

Breathe.

Headphones?

No, wait… iPod’s dead.

Bright lights, shuffled feet… next connecting train's coming.

They all pile out.

We all pile in.

Be at work soon.

Doors open and we move. Walk faster! You’ll miss the crowd.

Excuse us! Sidestep sidestep, squeeze by. Through the gate, up the stairs.

Sunlight on your face again – breathe in the day. Take in the city…

Okay, stop breathing.

Keep walking.

Two blocks to go.

You see it? I see it!

Chaos. Foot traffic’s bad today. Bumper to bumper; hip to hip.

Whatever.

 Sidestep… just walk on the grate. Hold down your skirt.

Pull out your ID. Where’s our ID?
We're still on fast forward. 

Orange hand says stop.

White man says go.

Go. Go…

You’re finally there.

You made it. 

The Commute

Music for Your Soul

I wake up most mornings with my hair on top of my head and a hungry stomach. Generally there are three things that will get me out of bed (and no, a warm shower is not one of them).
1. Food – more specifically a bagel and coffee.2. “The Price is Right” – but only on late mornings since it’s on at 11am.3. Music – especially a happy, epic, good-morning-kind-of playlist.

I want to leave my apartment invigorated and optimistic. Everyday I have to take on the world! You do too, right? And what better way to conquer life than by enjoying a personal playlist comparable to the score of a movie, beating continuously in the background of reality.

So today I’m sharing with you one of my more current wake up mixes. I’ve been in a “discovering” mood all week… aka I’m not working on my thesis, and instead I’m digging through online databases or twitter accounts for free music downloads.

Expect more tunes to come your way this week… thesis isn’t due till Friday.

What songs help you wake up and conquer the world?

Music for Your Soul

A Random House Party

“and that is why you should intern with Penguin.”

Applause trickled through the lecture hall. Every student still had a thousand questions, and a certain desperateness probably sparkled in our naïve, publisher-wanna-be eyes.

I was at the Pace University downtown campus because a friend had randomly forwarded me information on a meeting with Penguin publishing house recruiters. Skipping my bagel, I jumped in the shower and began the trek towards greater knowledge in my given field.

But wait.

What was my given field?

A younger woman from The American Publisher’s Association was making rounds at the meeting, asking each student this very question.

“So what most interests you?” Becca inquired, grinning at me. I looked down at the list of possible internships. Publicity? Online? Ebooks?

“Eh, Editorial?” I tried to reply like it wasn’t a question. Truthfully the decision between a magazine, a publishing company, or a literary agency for an internship has yet to be elucidated. Never the less, Penguin recruiters were smiling at me, and the last expression I wanted to show was that of the irrevocably confused.

Now – here’s a little back story.

Editors at publishing houses are not the same as newspaper copy editors. You don’t even need to be punctuation obsessed. Erase that image of an old man with horn-rimmed glasses, pouring over manuscripts in a dark room, looking for hanging participles.

Not me. Only sometimes. And sans pipe.

In fact the majority of the editorial department’s work results from acquiring stories, maintaining a profitable author list, overseeing contracts, and being the general advocate or promoter of a book they enthusiastically believe will succeed.

I could do that… right?

"Yes, I'm interested in editorial."

After a brief question and answer session, my friend Mauricio and I headed towards the subway. The 6 train would be barreling through the tunnels at any second, and it was almost time for my class uptown to start.

So let the usual New York race begin… down the stairs, through the turnstile, down more stairs, avoid that woman, say sorry to the man you bumped, zip up your book bag because some random person told you it was open, say thank you to the random person, get on the platform for the subway… and then run into Becca, the woman from The American Publisher’s Association, on the 6 train.

We talked about the meeting. Mauricio and I listened eagerly to her advice about the field and asked a few more questions concerning the the general internship process. She had worked in several aspects of the industry, making her anecdotes all the more appealing.

Then, quite suddenly, we were being invited to a Random House Publisher’s cocktail party.

Oh my.

To be continued.

Random House lobby

A Random House Party

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 9 and Day 10

I've done it again! So sorry for the lack of routinized blogging. I've been busy walking all over New York City and driving all around upstate New York to visit the lovely Young Lifers at Saranac and Lake Champion. Internet was scarce and cellphone reception

was even scarcer.

So I'm going to do a little combination post, adding Days 9 and 10 together to make a wonderful music medley. And the final artist are..... ?

Katy Perry and Lady Gaga!

Just kidding. Though both of these ladies did get their start on the same show that brings our next two artists to the limelight. "So You Think You Can dance" has uncovered quite a few interesting musicians in seasons past, and these last few episodes prove this year is no exception.

First let's discuss Christina Perri's debut single "Jar of Hearts" that has brought this waitress Top 40 success. It was used for a contemporary dance several weeks back, and was such a crowd-pleaser, that she was asked to perform during an episode of "So You Think You Can Dance." Click here to view the performance.

The 23 year old L.A. waitress just might have hit it big. More information on Christina Perri: http://www.christinaperri.com/

The second artists I loved, almost instantly, was Florence and the Machine. I had heard a pervious hit by this band titled "Kiss With a Fist" which has a definite it's-summer-time-let's-rebel sort of beat. But I simply can't get her song "Cosmic Love" out of my head - so that's what I'm featuring. Click here to view the music video.

According to their website, Florence is from south London, writes her own music, and found her voice while enrolled in art school. More information on Florence and the Machine: http://florenceandthemachine.net/index

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 8:

We are nearing the end of our musical journey with only two more days to go. I thought I would present another up-beat-geared-towards-summer kind of tune.

This is one of those fun songs that remind you of days when your biggest problem was trying to figure out how to get to the beach or to the pool. Car? Friend' car? Would Mom pay for gas?

Oh, the dilemmas...

The Drums came on the music scene in New York sometime in 2009, and have since excited the city with their dace party, retro sounding "post-punk" that reminds me a little of The Smiths. The band consists of Jonathan Pierce, Jacob Graham, Adam Kessler, and Conner Hanwick.

Like what you hear? Check out their website for the free MP3, "It Will All End In Tears."

More information on The Drums: http://thedrums.com

Photo Courtesy of: The Drums Myspace Homepage

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 7:

In college, my roommate Steph and I would put on my ipod to this certain playlist with some of our favorite bands. We were particularity creative with this one song - jumping around the room like idiots and laughing so loud that I'm sure we could be heard by the neighbors.

The beginning of the track starts with a slow beat and gradually grows to a fast tempo. Steph and I always imagined some girl looking lost, in a field in Africa around sunrise or sunset. And then she starts walking... and then she starts running... and then she sprinting and smiling as the first verse of the song begins.

I won't go into anymore detail because we DID plan out the entire song.

But you get the picture.

This song "Be Set Free" is by artist Josh Garrels. If you ever get the chance to see him perform live, definitely take the time to do it. He came to CNU my freshman year, and mesmerized the crowd with his one-man-band. By overdubbing, mixing sounds, and using an interesting mix of interments, Josh Garrels puts on a complex and interesting performance.

More information on Josh Garrels: http://www.joshgarrels.com/

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 6:

I was clicking around the internet this morning, and stumbled across a band that reminds me a bit of my first "10 Days of Music" post on Radical Face. As I listened to the Freelance Whales introductory track of their album "Weathervanes," there was a sense that something epic and slightly spooky was about to happen.

The band uses classic interments, but mixes them with multiple forms of media, creating an eclectic sound that matches the theme of their hodgy-podgy website. In one track you

might hear bells and a guitar, while in another there might be an electronic beat.

The band is quoted saying, "the record works to tell a simple, pre-adolescent love story: a young male falls in love with the spectral young femme who haunts his childhood home (source from "History"). Each track follows this tumultuous storyline, reminding me of some updated version of the gothic tale, Weathering Heights.

And by the end of the album, you have to wonder... did the boy ever get the girl?

Band members include: Judah Dadone, Kevin Read, Doris Cellar, Jacob Hyman and Chuck Criss

More information on Freelance Whales: http://www.freelancewhales.com/

Photo Courtesy of: Freelance Whales - MySpace

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 5:

So sorry, but the "10 Days of Music" blog series was on a slight hiatus at the beginning of this week. A friend and I had a last minute opportunity to hop up to NYC for a fews days and start some job-hunting. After resume-dropping, blisters, and Chinatown's insanity with a huge suitcase, I am still in love with The City.

On a more musical note, my recent song craze had me bobbing on a bus to this band, also based in New York...

A few blogs and websites quoted two band members explaining the term "rassle" as being a slang word for wrestle that was said often in their home state of Texas.

The Rassle is comprised of Blair Van Nort, Reed Van Nort, Erik Ratensperger, Mark Solomich. Several of the guys were also members of NYC rock bands, The Virgins and The Young Lords.

More information on The Rassle (and some free EPs): http://www.myspace.com/

therassle

Photo Courtesy of: ralph24's Photobucket

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 4:

This is one of those songs that came on my ipod as I was walking down the street, covered by the shade of massive trees overhead. I really wanted to dance in the road, and slowly have neighbors come out and start dancing with me. By the second chorus of the song I expected to turn onto my street with hundreds of people behind me...all dancing!

Alas, only a squirrel followed me home - which I promptly ran from because he was albino and had creepy red eyes.

Anyways, I love the nostalgic 60s sort of introduction to this song. Sometimes I want to listen a tune from a different decade, but can't quite find what I'm looking for in my "Classics" playlist. This band satisfies that craving.

And I love the idea behind this song: What are you doing with your life? Well... you'll figure that out, but you've always got people by your side to help you along the way.

Music By: The Americans

This group consists of six members: Charlie Klarsfeld, Kyle Olson, Sissy Clemens, Corey Dozier, Mass Chef, and John Stanesco. They have an eclectic, full sound with lots of vocal parts to enjoy.

More information about The Americans: http://www.myspace.com/theamericansnyc

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.myspace.com/theamericansnyc

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 3:

I was actually introduced to this song on a cold, winter morning in February. An intern at the church we were working at in Newark, NJ decided to get our team pumped for the day by blaring this song over the sanctuary's sound system.

It has a catchy little melody that started an impromptu dance party, and has always since reminded me of energetic mornings - even when you haven't slept or showered in days. Because at least there's always Daylight. And coffee.

Music By: Matt and Kim

This band is comprised of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino. Both reside in Brooklyn, New York and have gained some of their popularity through creative YouTube videos and Facebook/MySpace uploads.

More information about Matt and Kim: http://mattandkimmusic.com/

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music

Day 2:

You get up in the morning, and this song starts to play. It's poppy-hoppy melody has you gliding down the hall with a smile. The words kick in right as you grab the coffee pot, and by the time you're relaxing in the shade catching up on current events, the chorus of the song begins.

Well at least if my life were a musical, that's how it would be. This song if that quintessential good-morning-summertime tune that starts off your day just right.

Music By: She and Him

You might recognize these voices - yes it's the one and only Zooey Deschanel from "500 Days of Summer" and the indie/folk artist M. Ward. They will be performing together in several upcoming festivals and tours, so keep a look out for this dynamic duo.

More information about She and Him: http://www.sheandhim.com/#

Photo courtesy of: Autumn De Wilde

Summer Playlist - 10 Days of Music