New Year

     Since this is dawn of a new year, I figured I'd let you guys in on what went on in my head for most of this year. Although 2011 had a rocky start, an incredible build up to a crescendo this summer, a rocky breakdown and is building to a wonderfully sweet finish, I had to document my year with my top ten track from this incredible year.

     Not only did this year mark the start of my DJ career, this year was a legendary year for Electronic Dance Music as a whole. Starting with a record attendance at Ultra this year and ending with the Swedish House Mafia selling out Madison Square Garden in under ten minutes, we made major moves as a group this year. In my opinion, and hoping with all my might, 2012 is the year we all finally step into the spotlight.

    My top ten tracks are tracks I have played at most of my shows this year. With most of them having a whole boatload of energy, I searched far and wide to find tracks that had the power to completely electrify a dance floor. With an effect heavy, hard hitting style, I know my fans expect nothing less of me to build up the energy in a room and drop them on their heads with an unexpected dance floor bomb. Not only do I strive to do this every time, I keep working on different things to make my fans lose their minds.

Dotty's Top Ten tracks of 2011

10. Feel So Close - Calvin Harris

     One of the songs I usually play later in my sets as the energy winds down, Calvin Harris really nailed the energy in this song. A completely happy track that makes people feel good about coming out to the show. Watching people jump around with me to this track makes it an easy pick for my number ten song. 

9. Ressurection - Michael Calfan (Axwell's Recut Club version)

     A simple synth that lets the beat build is really all I ask for from my favorite producers. Axwell definitely nailed this super high energy track. If I add this into a set, I know I'll be able to inject lost energy after some tracks with bigger breakdowns. Since the track is so open ended, it's pretty easy to lay some vocals in and throw off the crowd a little. The drop in this song hits so hard when done right too.

8. Around the World - Arty

      The youngster from Sweden first got my attention when I heard this gem on ElectricArea. Another track that is incredibly simple but extremely effective.

7. Maximal Crazy - Tiesto

     It goes without saying that Tiesto is a living legend in the world of Electronic music. The world's #3 DJ has always had a knack for making crazy trance songs that completely own a crowd. Without a release since Kaleidoscope, I was worried he had fallen off a little. Nope. Maximal Crazy assured me Tiesto is still here to stay after all these year.

6. Drink to Get Drunk - Sander Van Doorn

     If someone engages with me in a conversation about EDM, they will quickly find out that Sander Van Doorn is a absolute legend in my mind. I've been listening to him for several years now and Eleve11 was one of my favorite DJ albums this year. Drink to Get Drunk is a track to kinda let the crowd know that I'm dead serious about the set I'm playing. With a super groovy opening, I can set up the crowd pretty easily. After the big drop hits, they know their in for it. You can almost see the electricity hit the dance floor when Sander loads up that first big synth hit.

5. Encoded - Hardwell

     Not many DJs impressed me this year as much as Hardwell did. Coming out of the shadow of one of the world's biggest DJs, being from the same town as Tiesto, Hardwell has done a great job of making a name for himself. Yes, I did steal most of my DJ moves in the booth from Hardwell but putting both hands in the air as the beat drops is like being the puppet master in a puppet show, except you have complete control over 200 kids..

4. One Last Ride - John Dahlback (Tommy Trash Remix)

     One word, astounding. Tommy Trash came out of no where this year and produced some of today's biggest tracks that the world's best DJs are dropping left and right. This gem is my own person favorite. I can't help but freak out when I drop the beat at the perfect time. Whether I'm in my bedroom or in from of two hundred kids, this drop is utterly perfect and Tommy has never failed to disappoint me or my audience.

3. Eyes - Kaskade

     One of the happiest songs to ever grace my mixer is this wonderful tune by my all time favorite, Kaskade. Those of you who are regulars here at Electric Dreams Inc., know the special relationship I share with Kaskade and this has quickly become my favorite track. I have formed connections with so many crowds to this song and I only hope it gets better in the future.

2. Antidote - Swedish House Mafia

     A late entry into the scene, but definitely necessary. The energy played through this song destroys any crowd around the world. The drop is one of the more interesting drops I've heard this year and watching the Three Musketeers of house music drop this at the legendary Madison Square Garden was incredible. A staple in my future sets. Look out kids, I'm probably going to ruin your face with this one.

1. Fade Into Darkness - Avicii

     Was it really that hard to see what my favorite track of 2011 was going to be? I have some incredible memories made to this song. Playing it in my first live set ever and hearing the crowd scream the lyrics over my speakers was probably one of the most magical experiences ever. Screaming along with my hand up in the air was instantly hooked me into this movement and let me know that I was in the right place at the right time. It's those moments I strive for in my life. With a big thank you, the top honors go to one of my favorite DJs ever, Avicii.

Dethroned

     To a big surprise of many of us here at Electric Dreams Inc., a quick look at Beatport.com's Top 10 charts this morning showed that the absolute dancefloor atomic bomb of Levels had be dethroned as the best selling song on Beatport.

     A surprisingly short run at the top, of which most of us thought would be a record breaking run at number 1. Also quickly slipping from number 37 on the iTunes charts down to a mediocre 57, we can only wonder what is really going on with the music world today? With songs like Flo Rida's Good Feeling taking the same epic Etta James sample and using a similar 128 beat, we can only ask what is happening to Avicii's 9th symphony?

      As you can easily see in the video above, Avicii, the stage name for 21 year-old Tim Bergling has quickly become the king of the piano based synth sound. Starting at the tender age of 18, producing with industry legends such as Roger Sanchez and Bob Sinclair, the sound of the young sensation out of Stockholm, Sweden has infected dance floors across the world. With hits like Seek Bromance and Fade Into Darkness, the high energy sound has quickly propelled Avicii to big sets on the main stage of both Ultra and Electric Daisy Carnival.

     Reaching and incredible number 6 spot on the Top 100 DJs from Djmag this year, only to be beaten by DJ with twice his experience, 2011 has been extremely good to Bergling. A Pete Tong Essential Mix, a private set at Studio 54 set, and working with David Guetta on their amazing track Sunshine, there is no stopping the Swedish youngster from becoming a legend in the future.

     Attending an Avicii show is always as exciting as it sounds. As his set builds and everyone waits for his next track, when the crowd hears the arpeggiated synth come in from Levels, the screams are almost deafening. Once he drops the first bars of the main beat, it is impossible to keep your feet on the ground as everyone around you jumps as high as possible while imitating the sound of the song. Once the breakdown occurs, the soulful styling of Etta James are drowned out by thousands of screaming kids belting out the lyrics "Oh, sometimes I get a good feeling." 

     Not only did Tiesto, Afrojack and David Guetta drop Levels at Electric Zoo, the most exciting time we all heard the song was when the kid himself dropped it. Which also makes you think, what makes it so different? Kids cannot seem to get enough Levels and although he is busy touring, there have been video uploads on YouTube of a Level2, which is already astounding but reminds me a lot of when Levels was still just a bland sample of the song in his Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1. 

     Whatever the future may hold for Tim Bergling, there is no doubt that he will fall under the greats such as Tiesto, Carl Cox and David Guetta when he hangs up his headphones for the final time. Although Levels has dropped one spot, there is no doubt that Avicii is on a path to immortal fame with the work he is doing in clubs around the world.

Big Brothers, Big Inspirations

     Since I have have done an amazing job at neglecting this wonderful blog that many of you have come to enjoy, I thought I would hopefully try and start back up again. Since I've been your typical college student, slammed with homework, a non stop social life, having an incredible time networking with my peers and professors, I sure haven't had much time to myself. When I do find time to myself, I usually am surrounded by the wonderful sounds of my favorite house music songs. It's become a little bit more of a passion ever since I have decided to take the plunge into the life of a DJ.

     Ever since I first touched my cousin's Pioneer CDJ system and watching him mix different beats and songs in his basement, I have always dreamed of learning how to completely electrify a dance floor. Whether in a lit up club or at the front of a huge music festival, I've always wanted to have 10,000 kids losing their mind to my mix. Since the United States is currently having an electronic music revolution, it has been the perfect time to actually learn how to spin like my favorite DJs do at the shows I've been too. Watching these masters of their craft, make myself and several thousand other kids like me completely lose their mind is a work of art.

     If you happened to watch the video above, which is highly recommended, you can easily see what I mean when Kaskade simply takes control of the crowd. Not only does he make these kids lose their minds, he is also having the time of his life in the booth. Dancing like crazy and doing what he truly loves for the people that truly love it. Not only is Kaskade my favorite DJ, he is the biggest inspiration to me as a budding DJ. The fact that when I listen and play his songs on stage, I feel completely free. Free of insecurities, free of pressure and free of all of life's troubles. I can't really come up with any other musician that has made music that makes me dance as hard as I do in the booth or can bring me to tears like Kaskade has done through his storied career.

     Not only have I learned a lot about music in becoming a DJ, I've learned that it simply isn't for everyone. Being on the road, touring the world and playing every night and sleeping 4 hours only to do it again the next day. It may sound like a grueling task to meet but feeling the feelings you feel on stage are simply indescribable. When I try to describe it to people, I usually end up saying "imagine being on a roller coaster for two hours". Although, I have somewhat defined a personality for myself on stage, I still look up to my heroes on the tables for inspiration and for assurance that one day, I'll be that guy. For this, all I can say is Thank you. 

Socialism

      Now, this title may have scared a few of you away due to our ever populous die-hard capitalism fans out there but I promise I'm not talking about the ideology of Socialism. I am speaking about the social aspect of our lives. Genuine interactions with real people in a real setting using real words. Not some computer babble over a mobile network with all kinds of acronyms blotted across the message. I'll even be generous and throw in phone conversations because without those I would not be able to stay in touch with my friends and relatives that live so far away.

     Our generation depresses me. With the luxury of email, texting, BBM, Skype, Gchat, Facebook and the many other things we use to keep "in touch" with our "friends" we really have done the opposite of what we have intended to do all of these years. We've lost touch. I'm not saying you aren't aware of what your friends are doing at any give moment. I'm well aware that you check your Facebook over 5 times a day and read what people are doing. I'm mainly saying we have lost touch with reality. Since we are doing things differently now, human interaction has changed and I fear it is for the worst.

     One of my all time favorite things to do in life is make others laugh. I love the raw sound of someone simply losing their minds with uncontrollable laughter. One of the reasons my friend and Alex are such good friends is because every time we get together, we are bound to touch on subjects that many people don't ever talk about and we are bound to both laugh our asses off. It's one of my favorite activities and I'm sure many people share the same opinion. In today's "modern" world, I still attempt to be "that funny kid from this class" and constantly joke with friends. Since Nextel's push to talk system never really caught on, there is no short simple way to send a voice message to a good friend. Now the punchlines of my jokes are simply answered with a "lol" or a even crappier "haha". Another reason Alex and I are such great friends is because even when I send her a short text message, I can just tell when she's laughing her ass off. Although it is easy and eliminates the problem of just trying to run into people on campus, I really do hate text messaging and all the other crap I mentioned earlier in this post.

     Ever since I really found out who I was, I've become quite a social creature. I've made a whole bunch of friends and met plenty of great people through the awesome friends I've made in my time being single. Now I don't preach that everyone should be single to find themselves, although it would make college life pretty interesting if everyone was single, but it definitely changed my life. Being free of inhibition and doing crazy shit I would never get away with in a relationship definitely helped me become who I really am. Flying across the country to visit friends I haven't seen in forever, getting way more drunk than I ever should be on a week night, laying in my front lawn after doing the former really helped change my life and open me up to this beautiful world that I really do harp on and on about. 

     My challenge to all of you this weekend is to actually meet up with a real person, have some coffee or some cocktails and just talk to each other like real humans. No lol's and definitely no haha's, laugh at real jokes and connect on a level that you definitely won't able to connect on over a stupid text message. It really shouldn't be that hard, I'm just challenging you to do more of it.

P.S. - Sorry for the absence yesterday guys. School is getting more and more hectic as the weeks fly by but I'm in it as long as you guys are. I'll keep the posts coming if you guys keep eating them up. It's been great hearing the kind words you all have to share about my writing style and philosophy and I can't thank you enough for help keeping my dreams alive. 

Talent

      I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say that they aren't good at anything. Contrary to popular belief, I firmly believe that all of us have a hidden talent. Something that we absolutely shine at. Something that makes us utterly happy while we are doing it. This is simply what I like to call a talent. Sure not all of us can be six foot six and soar to heights that would make Issac Newton rethink his theories about physics but we're all good at something, no matter how much you want to deny it.

      I think the real problem that we all face in finding our talent is not being fearless enough to take the risks we need to discover our talent. People today are obsessed with going to college to find a great job after they graduate. Little do they know that any job is considered a good one in this economy and they also don't consider how much they don't like what they're studying. Most people think, well it doesn't matter because I'll be making a ton of money and I'll buy really nice things. I agree, the sound of a V-12 engine surrounded by the classic Rosso Red paint sure makes me smile but money does not buy happiness. Waking up every morning knowing that your about to make a commute to a job that your absolutely hate doing is really no way to live. 

      A ton of people have offered statements about how many shots you miss if you don't take any but i can't stress enough how true they ring. People always offer me the same advice, like "how am I going to make money doing this?" or "what if it doesn't work?" Another lesson I learned from "His Airness" other then what shoes I like best is that no matter that he got cut from his high school basketball team, there is no doubt that he was the best player to play the game. Not only was he good at the game, he would step on the court with missions to dismantle players that he was up against. Dunking from previously unreachable heights, playing above the rim and doing what he needed when his team needed him the most. You can never realize your full potential until you actually get after it and make the best effort you possibly can.

      Take it from me. I originally went to college to study engineering which I was good at but utterly miserable while at practice. Although it offers a lot of room for creativity, I could not let my full potential shine due to all of these rigid rules people called physics. Now that I'm studying Photojournalism, there is literally no limit to my creativity other than the law and common things we call ethics. Even those are bendable. 

      Lastly, learn to take your time through life. There is no rush to figure out anything. When I hear people talk about youth and when people tell me you have your whole life ahead of you, I simply reply with so do you. If you really think about it no matter how old you get, you'll always have your whole life ahead of you. So what are you waiting for, Live.

Look into my Eyes

     Everyone ought to know by now how much I love house music. It's the music that sweeps through my soul and makes me want to dance like an idiot. Although I love a whole bunch of DJ's there is one solid favorite that's been with me since high school. Going by the stage name of Kaskade, Ryan Raddon has literally torn up the charts this year by dropping some of the hottest songs of 2011. His two brand new singles, "Eyes" and "Turn It Down" have become favorites for all those deep in the house scene. Even some of his older songs have made major play on top 40 radio stations and it couldn't make me any happier. 

      I've been into House music since high school when my buddies of the crew team would blast the infectious beats out of the "erg" room in the basement of my school. Getting hooked on artists such as Deadmau5, Kaskade, Tiesto, and so many others. A few of them I decided to stick with and still follow to this day.

      Although my tastes in music have varied over the years from obsessions with death metal to hardcore trap rap phases, house music has always stuck with me. I guess it's just the beat that my soul moves to that keeps me coming back. 

      Kaskade has become the premier DJ out of the US today. Although many other countries have their superstar DJ's like the Dutch have Armin Van Buuren, the Swedes have Avicii, us Americans live for Kaskade. No one really has blown up to the level that he has in today's scene. You really can't blame him with the beats he drops and his utterly beautiful vocals he plays over them. 

      All in all, music is what moves all of us. It can move us to tears, give us goosebumps, make us scream and dance like we never have before. I enjoy a wide range of music because the writer in me is completely obsessed with lyrics but the musician in me will always flock to house music. Being personal, you should find the music you truly and deeply form an incredible connection with and scream like I do when it comes on American radio for the first time. It's been a pretty wild 8 years and I only imagine it's gonna get wilder. 

Miracles

     Ask anyone who has gotten to know me within the past few years and they will probably tell you that I have such a weird view on the world. Frankly, one of my best friends and surrogate older sister, Aimee Nucci, tells me that I'm crazy. Most of the time I don't believe that statement but looking back on it, Yep, totally crazy. People who really sit down and talk to me about the world and happens that go on in a day, always look at me with the most puzzled expressions. With my unique view on the world, I tend to turn even something stupid like the way coffee tastes into a miracle. 

     If you really factor everything, and I mean everything, into human existence; it really is a miracle that all of us are here. One out of a billion or so, give or take, sperm decided to make it to a specific egg and they mated with no problem. Then our mothers carried us for nine months as we gestated and most of us come out problem free. Sitting and thinking about that really blows my mind and it's crazy to think of the slim chance that we all had at existence. Thinking about how lucky we are just to live, breathe and exist to view the world around us really makes a stupid fight you had with your sibling utterly pointless.

     I saw this video circulating the internet a few days ago but I decided to wait until I really had a quiet moment by myself to take the time to watch and really take it all in. After about my fifth time through the video and finally finding a tissue to dry up my own tears, I once again found a reason to affirm my philosophy that miracles happen literally every minute of every single day. 

     Watching this woman simply overcome with joy at the simple fact of hearing her own voice for the first time in twenty nine years is nothing shy of a miracle. Quickly bursting into tears of joy all due to the fact that she could hear. Most people are so miserable about their lives because they don't own a Mercedes-Benz, they hate their job or they are a little overweight and this woman is crying her eyes out in ecstasy over hearing her own voice. Take notes everyone because this should teach us we all have so much to celebrate in our lives.

     When people ask that oh-so-interesting question "what are you most thankful for in life", I always come up with the same answer no matter what my circumstance. I am always going to be thankful for life and the fact that I was put here to witness one of the greatest stories ever. Human life. Life is magical and inspires me every single day the more that I witness it. This small video was simply proof that life is so much better than any story ever written, any movie ever made and any song ever sung. Life really shows you how marvelous it is, every day. Do yourself a favor and get out there and just take it all in.

Dream Highway

     The dream highway is a place many people find themselves on in the wee hours of the morning resting comfortably in their bed. Scientists say that everyone dreams but some people forget what they dreamt about before they wake up. Unfortunately I am in the small minority that happens to remember their dreams. Frankly speaking, I can remember certain dreams I've had almost two years ago and even further. Dreams can be a great thing and inspire people to do great things but dreams can also be one of those things that can be, at least for me, crippling to your productivity during the next day.

     Last night I had a strange dream about getting surgery. I can't distinctly remember why I was getting the surgery but It was a delicate one and my family was upset because they were unsure if I would survive the surgery. I was supportive and kept telling them that I would be perfectly fine until someone from the past showed up a complete emotional wreck. Have you ever been in the spot where someone from your past shows up and you are completely unprepared to deal with the situation? Multiply that feeling times ten right before you about to go into surgery. I remember the feeling I had when I woke up and it took me all day to try and figure out how to deal with that feeling.

     Normally, dreams tend to inspire me to create things. Things like artwork, care packages for friends I've fallen out of touch with and even whipping up a new dish in the kitchen. Kind of like the Michael Scott peanut butter and tuna fish sandwich dream he had when he opened Michael Scott Paper Company. Dreams tend to work in my favor. Although sometimes my dreams work against me and take me out for a day. 

     Listen to your dreams kids. Dreams tell you exactly what your insides are thinking and your insides are never wrong. True happiness is about following what your heart is telling you to do. My philosophy on the whole "Brain vs. Heart" argument is that you should never stop listening to your heart. If you end up in a jam, your brain will help think you out of it but your heart never lies. Your brain on the other hand is, well at least I'm convinced, is sometimes wired to lie. Lying helps us get out of sticky situations that sometimes we would rather not be it. Your heart will truely lead you down the road you want to be on. Take it from me, never do the so called "smart thing", always do the "Heart thing".

Flagships

     So it's finally October and I say that like I've been waiting for this month all year but it's just another one on the calender. I've decided that I've kinda let you guys down in the sense that I haven't been a good blogger in a while but October is a whole new start. DAILY POSTS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN ALL THIS MONTH. That's right, I said it. This is going to be our most productive month here and it's a promise. To start this month off, I'm going to talk about a topic that I've been thinking about for a while and the subject of this post is going to be about flagships.

     Now I'm not talking about those kind of ships because the good lord knows I could probably write a blog about ships themselves. I'm taking about the top of the offerings presented. A company makes their flagship model the best they can offer without an compromise. If we were to look at it with cameras, Canon's flagship model is the monstrous 1Ds Mark III. A twenty one megapixel beast of a camera that produces the highest resolution images in the Canon line to date. Not only does it offer high resolution, the feel and the way the camera works allows professional photographers and Canonites to work effortlessly since they know exactly how the camera is going to work and how the images are going to come out on the other side. Seamless adjustments made on the fly and productivity skyrocket when the right tool is used for the job. This is a perfect example of what a flagship product is.

Photo Credit: Joey Lawrence on a Canon 1Ds Mark III

     Although it may be tough to say, we should all strive to be flagship models of the human race. Being the best at what we do and making what we do look effortless. Practice definitely does make perfect and when it comes to executing nothing helps more than previous practice.  Looking flawless doing what you love is no doubt one of the best feelings in the world. For example if you were swimmer and someone came up to say how great you swam in your last race, would you have any problem with that? Even if you were just speaking at your best friend's wedding and your friend came up after and said "Bro, you totally killed that best man speach". I challenge you to frown after that compliment. Who seriously doesn't like being told they did an awesome job.

      Life takes us all in different directions. Finding your direction and flying the course is what it's all about. Sure, we all get a little lost and drift off course at times but we seldom realize that these little offshoots actually help us in the long run. Teaching us what we really need in our lives and what we really need to stop wasting time on. Ask any of my friends and they will tell you one of my most famous sayings it that life definitely gives you a lot of room to fuck up. I know this because I sure have lived it. Don't take life too seriously, people tend to shy away from those who do. Even if you're not super successful, you might have friends that are and would be willing to share the wealth.

      As for me, school has pretty much invaded my life to the fullest extent. On campus 5 days a week and at work 5 nights a week is something I wouldn't wish on anyone but you have to what you need to do to get by. If you know me though, don't think I've factored fun out of my life completely. It sure has been pretty fun meeting a whole bunch of new people and learning new things from my teachers. It's gonna be a short two years, I know that for sure but I'm going to do what I can to enjoy it and really live this thing they call life. For now, its just the old saying. Keep on keeping on. 

       

We're Back --- Directions

     After a long break you guys, I'm finally back. School has started and is in full swing but I haven't forgotten about you guys. Everyone knows what fall brings. A new school year, an end to the warm, sticky, sweet weather of summer and getting us prepared for the cold winter ahead. For some reason I find solace in the cooler temperatures and the ever changing leaves of the giants of our world, the trees. It always brings me hope and gets me to finally realize that my life has some kind of direction.
     

     The name of this soundtrack was inspired by that feel that I get every fall. Taking a direction and sticking with it. Although the summer brings flings and all sorts of things that make your life happy, fall leads us into the winter where like a liquid, our feelings become concentrated and focus on that one thing we strive for. Take it and squeeze it for all it's worth. Your dreams will become reality if you let them. Stop denying that feeling you want so bad and go out and get it. Life takes time and gives us a lot of room to fuck up. Let your life become your dreams. And without further adieu, Ladies and Gentleman, Directions.

     The Switchblade Soundtrack Vol. 6 - Directions

         

         01. - Hanging High - Lykke Li

         02. - New Slang - The Shins

         03. - Pressure - Company of Thieves

         04. - Borrowed Time - A Fine Frenzy

         05. - Peace of Mind - Selah Sue

         06. - Shiny on the Inside - Leona Naess

         07. - Walking on a Dream - Empire of the Sun

         08. - Changing - The Airborne Toxic Event

         09. - Canvas - Imogen Heap

         10. - The Freshman - Verve Pipe

         11. - Your Hand in Mine - Explosions in the Sky

         12. - Best Day Ever - Mac Miller

     I know that this volume is kind of an emotional roller coaster but that seems to be how the fall goes. You get built up and broken down over time until the warm sweet embrace of the spring time. I really hope you enjoy this one guys. To all of your directions never stop dreaming about finally reaching your destination. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR HEART OUT!

free, like it always will be.

Living, and Partly Living

     Today has been one of those days that I've been calling practice. It's been raining steady all day and it's good practice for when I move to the Great Pacific Northwest. I was browsing the internet this morning and stumbled across these wonderful inspiring images. You know I have to share these, guys. I'm one of the most encouraging people I know and am always telling people to chase their dreams. I think it comes from the philosophy that I want people to do the same thing for me. That whole "Be the change you wish to see in the world". I'm tired of hearing people say "that's a stupid idea" or "you'll never be able to do that". Go for it and fuck people that say shit like that. 

     The only thing that the world ever asks you to do is be you. There is only one you in the world so quit trying to copy someone else. If you want revolutionize the world of business, go for it and make sure you take steps everyday to get yourself to your final goal. If you want open your own surf shop, what are you waiting for, find retail space, advertise and do it! Even if you just want to collect Nikes, I'd suggest starting with a pair of air maxs because they never go out of style. Chase your dreams and never let anyone convince you you're making a mistake. Being happy is never a mistake.

2,087 Miles

     It's that time again ladies and gentlemen. Time for another installment of your favorite running, monthly mixtape, The Switchblade Soundtrack. August is a big month for everyone here on the East Coast. Vacations to the beach, last hoorah parties and packing your stuff for another school year. Last but not least dusting off the old fall jacket for when the weather gets a little chilly. I decided it was time to give my fans a taste of my own little world. The Switchblade Soundtrack Vol. 5 - 2,087 Miles is me stripped down to an extremely emotional level. Get to know these songs and you'll know exactly how I feel about my daily life.
      Since it is the most intimate installment of the Soundtrack, personally I feel as if it is the best one yet. Which brings me to the title. I had a tough time coming up with a name for this one and anyone who knows me, knows I come up with the best team names at Trivia Night. I decided to name it 2,087 Miles due to the fact that the city of Seattle is exactly 2,087 miles from where I am now. You may ask why I've been obsessed with Seattle in the past month and the answer is simple. I've never felt a more powerful emotional connection with a place like I did in Seattle. I may have been the legendary memories that I have from the trip but something about Seattle and the Pacific Northwest simply spoke to me. Calling me softly as I sat and stared through the Fir trees, telling me this is where you belong. I may have said it in sync with the spirits of the Northwest but it was an incredible experience.
       To save you guys from the spiritual mumbo jumbo, here it is. Like myself, I hope you all find that place in the world the simply speaks to you. Whether it's in your backyard or halfway across the world. Go out and find it. You'll never regret finding your one true home. You guys should know the drill by now.

The Switchblade Soundtrack Vol. 5 - 2,087 Miles

          01. The Town - Macklemore

          02. Circles - Incubus

          03. Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars

          04. Assassin - John Mayer

          05. Right There - Nicole Scherzinger

          06. In The Dark - Dev

          07. Fire in Your New Shoes - Kaskade feat. Dragonette

          08. Swagga - Excision and Datsik

          09. Hang With Me - Robyn

          10. Punching in a Dream - The Naked and Famous

          11. Sleepyhead - Passion Pit

          12. Time Flies - Lykke Li

          13. Go Do - Jonsi

get your download on!

     

      There you have it kids. I'll see you next month with the September edition which should also be killer. Peace out, family.

Cathedrals in my Heart

     Since I haven't dropped a music post on you guys for a while, I thought I would come back to them in style. Not only have I been a Coldplay fan ever since Parachutes but I've liked every album more and more when they come out with a new one. Although technically it's not a new album, their newest release is probably one of the closest songs to my heart they have ever released. I've come back to songs and applied my own meaning on top of them from past albums but Every Teardrop is A Waterfall could not have come out at a more perfect time.

     I can remember hearing this song about a week before I left for my trip in Seattle. I was still in quite a good amount of pain from the huge ordeal that went down at the end of April but this song came to my rescue , literally. To this day I still hang on to every word that this song sung to me that first night I heard it. Lines like "You can hurt, hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag" and "Cathedrals in my heart". Words that simply spoke to me and told me all of the tears I shed in pain and suffering can now be tears of joy. Listening to it on the plane right before flying over the Emerald City was simply one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced.

     After landing and seeing scenery like this above, I literally could not shut up about how beautiful everything was. After the first cigarette since Philadelphia everything was perfect and I think that's literally why I fell in love with Seattle. I guess you could say it was love at first sight and I am now truly a believer in it. I don't think I'll ever forget that experience and the way I felt when I landed. I was exhausted walking through SeaTac airport and almost fell asleep sitting on my suitcase at the arrival pickup area but once I saw that car pull around the corner and we were off on the 405, I was instantly recharged with love and a sense of beauty. I leave you with a little advice that I saw on a church sign. Sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can fall together. 

A Few Simple Rules...

      One of the legendary nights out in Seattle ended up with a hangover the size of the entire state of Washington. The best time for philosophy is easily when you are half alive and attempting to make food while still intoxicated from the festivities. The best hangover activity is closing all the blinds, sitting in the dark and watching a movie. Shutting the world out and tuning into a wonderful film. Our choice, The Dark Knight. One of the Joker's more profound lines was talking about living by rules. It instantly sparked a conversation about the rules we live our lives by. I thought I would share with you kids my rules of life.
      To start, my first rule is never lower your standards. Settling for work that is simply not up to par will never get you anywhere in life. I like to put all my effort into the things I work on until I am satisfied with my work 100%. It took me a while to learn this simple rule and I learned the hard way. I've taken advice from some great people but this one comes from my old man. Simply, never lower your standards in any aspect of your life.

      My next rule isn't really a rule just a simple guideline for living. It's not about where you come from, it's about where you're going. Too many people look back into their past and simply shutter at the thought of things that happened in the past, happening again. Life begins a new each and everyday. No two days are ever the same. The past can only repeat itself if you want it to repeat itself. Thinking about how you don't want something to happen will only force you to think about what happened and, naturally, it is most likely to happen again. This rule also plays into the first rule about keeping your standards high. If you don't think about what happened in the past and only think about where your perfect future lies, simply make it happen. It's really not hard to dream, the hardest part is doing all the work to realize your dreams.

     My last rule is pretty cheesy but it's always done the job for me. Follow your heart without a doubt, your brain will do all the thinking once you get there. Life isn't calculated, it moves on the currents of wind called change. Change is a fickle beast but once you learn how to accept that winds come and go and learn to ride those winds, Life becomes a lot more simple. Your brain is wired to keep you safe and making safe decisions will never push your boundaries and let you grow. I can't tell you how many people I've met that fear change. I hate when things stay the same because new things don't come into my life and possibly light things up for a while. Confidence is key for this rule. You must be confident enough that you have the strength to pick yourself up if you happen to fall. Remember, things never change when you're staring at the ground.

     One of my favorite sayings has always been that "Nobody said that life is easy but they always promised that it would be interesting." It rings true no matter what stage I've been in. The last thing you should remember when making your own rules about life is always try to bring a positive light to the people you meet. The world already knows enough pain and suffering and you never know what kind of day someone is having. If you're the one person who throws them a casual smile or even a friendly hello, you might just save their life. Keep your standards high kids, no one ever lowers the bar. Jump for the moon.

The Switchblade Soundtrack Vol. 4 - Seattle State of Mind

      So if you've been keeping up on things. Seattle was absolutely incredible and I usually don't use that word so I'm sure you can understand how good a time I had out there. It was everything I expected and even a little bit more. Things might have been done spur of the moment but everything turned out like we planned it.
      We all know how much traveling sucks but good music and something to be excited about makes the hours of suffering in the air a lot more pleasant. The Switchblade Soundtrack Vol. 4 - Seattle State of Mind  was literally composed on a Boeing 737 in the air above the Mississippi river, the Rocky Mountains and the hills of Montana. Once I shut my computer off and watched the plane cruise over the Emerald City, I knew I had created something great. When I arrived to good friends and in good hands, life was simply sublime. Here we go guys, once again, you know the drill.

     The Switchblade Soundtrack Vol. 4 - Seattle State of Mind

           01. Go Outside - Cults

           02. West Coast - Coconut Records

           03. Wordless Chorus - My Morning Jacket

           04. Riot Rhythm - Sleigh Bells

           05. Levels - Avicii

           06. Changed the Way You Kiss Me - Example

           07. Not Giving Up On Love - Armin Van Buuren feat. Sophie Ellis Bextor

           08. Sun & Moon - Above & Beyond

           09. RetroSuperFuture - Rick Ross feat. Wiz Khalifa

           10. Sandwitches - Odd Future

           11. All Around The World - Mac Miller

           12. Hip Hop Saved My Life - Lupe Fiasco

           13. Unrequited Love - Lykke Li

           14. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall - Coldplay

      I have special relationships with all of these songs since they are what kept me sane on the plane but these songs will forever remind me of the wonderful times I had out there. Maybe I'll have a chance to listen to this album when I move out to the Pacific Northwest. I fell in love a few times out there and nothing can stop the power of love. The city of Seattle stole my heart and I wouldn't have it any other way. Hope you guys enjoy.

DOWNLOAD NOW!!!!!

Take You Downtown

     It's my last day out and I'd say we took it to a whole nother level out here in Seattle. We truly left our mark out here and we'll be back to show Seattle some love like it's never been loved before. I'm from Philadelphia so I know a good deal about that brotherly love. Seattle, you are officially now one of my brothers for life.

We Out Cheyah

    So if you haven't been keeping up on twitter, I made it out here in one piece. Once I got here is when I got dismantled. If you didn't know, the Seattle nightlife is quite a party. Although It was well deserved, my friends at American Airlines did a decent job at getting me out here.

     For some reason I find the airport poetic. People constantly coming and going. Nobody can really call this place home. For some strange reason I feel the most at home when I am between two places. Call me a vagabond but home is where the heart is and my heart is somewhere up in the sky.

     It's been an amazing trip so far and it wouldn't be a stretch that I might call Washington my home state sometime soon. It's been good to me so far and I think only good things can come in the future. I'll post up the rest of the trip tomorrow when I edit all the photos I took in downtown Seattle. Take it easy family.

State of Emergency

     Tomorrow is the big day ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow at 11:10 am, I will be taking my talents to Seattle, Washington to see two members of the Electric 11. If you're interested to see how my trip goes tomorrow I will be tweeting the whole experience. Follow me @patmcpeak. Hopefully there won't be too many delays and the weather looks really decent this weekend out there. I'll make sure to drop a couple of posts with all the photos I'll be taking out there. It's going to be a wild ride team and I'm sure it will be entertaining.

     We're about to take over the Seattle/Tacoma Area. Philadelphia, I'll be back but I have worlds to conquer out there. Til next time guys, I'll be at my post on the West Coast.

Electric Eleven: Alex Bohn

     Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce the first member of the Electric Eleven. Eleven people that fill the roster of our own personal Dream Team. Everyone who follows us or gives a shit about what we write here is a member of the Dream Team but these people are the innovators. The people that make this website tick and our personal brand truly personal. Without hesitation, meet Alex Bohn.

     It's kind of a typical story how Alex and I met. College darkroom buddies but after getting to know each other, we were strangely identical. Both into photography way too much, both had hip, although different styles and both listened to the same types of music. The similarities get weirder. We both attended Drexel University the same year, both studied the same major (which we found wasn't for us), both had the same professors, both played Ultimate Frisbee in high school and both wore similar glasses. Weird isn't it? We're like ghost twins.

notice extremely hip style

     Alex is currently attending Rochester Institute of Technology, along with another member of the Electric Eleven, studying advertising photography. We all know he is going to succeed because it only takes one look at the kid's work to see he is really a budding master of his craft. Portraiture.

     Just so you can get to know him a little better. Here's a quick interview we did earlier in the year while we were still classmates.

Introduce yourself here.
Alex Bohn. 20 years old. Photo geek from Philly. Currently enrolled in Rochester Institute of Technology for Advertising Photography. 

What got you into photography?

I suppose I got started the same way a lot of kids do. I always saw my parents taking pictures of my sister and I with their film SLRs, and I just thought the whole concept of freezing a moment in time like that was so cool. I think my first camera was a Nickelodeon 4-shooter from my aunt. I used that thing till it broke.

How long have you been shooting?

I first started taking pictures when I was around 8, I’d say, but I’ve been seriously shooting for around a year and a half. In August of 2009 I was hired to shoot a women’s triathlon along the Schuylkill so that sorta motivated me to try harder for other freelance jobs and just to push myself further.

What's the best part of photography?

Personally the entire process fascinates me. The ability to capture the essence of someone by converting the energy of photons into pixels (or silver crystals if you’re kickin it old school) is one of the coolest concepts to me. I don’t think I can pick anything more specific, because for me its the process from start to finish that captures my interest.

What really drives/influences your artwork?

Right now, no one inspires me more than Joe McNally. He is an absolute legend behind the lens. Yeah, he’s shot covers for Time, National Geo, Sports Illustrated, and LIFE, and has a clientele base that would knock the film right out of most photographers’ cameras, but beyond all that he is a genuinely inspirational person. In light of the events of 9/11, Joe created a series of images titled "Faces of Ground Zero — Portraits of the Heroes of September 11th" that glorified the heroes of the terrorist attacks. He used the world’s only giant polaroid camera to take 246 life-size portraits of those heroic men and women, and later exhibited a selection of the photos and printed a book, which ended up raising $2 million for the relief effort. So all in all its his unparalleled knowledge of photography combined with his compassion for people and the art that makes him my number one inspiration.

What are your current plans for the future?

Simply to do what I love and make the most of what I can with a camera for as long as I can. Realistically though, after I graduate I’d like to get a job assisting at a studio or with an advertising company. Eventually, and I mean far down the road, I’d love to be my own brand and just do freelance work for people. When I do work for clients now, its necessary to make it a personal experience and really talk to them about why they need the photos. Hearing their individual stories motivates and helps me produce images that both the client and I are happy with, and I fear this experience would be lost working for a larger studio or company with lots of people.

I heard that you're a long lost twin of Pat's?

Yeah I heard that rumor going around... probably got started because we were both at Drexel at the same time, studying the same major, then left Drexel the same year, and both have interests in cameras, music, ultimate frisbee,  and clothes. To top it all off, we ended up in the same photography class at MontCo. Weird am I right?

You've got a pretty hip style. Where do you draw style influences from?

Uhhh someone gave me a gift card to Urban Outfitters and it all went downhill from there....

What kind of music are you into right now? Some of your favorite artists?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of music from the UK. I started streaming BBC Radio 1 online a few months ago and I discovered so many good artists I’d never heard of before. They listen to a lot of dubstep and Drum n Bass over there, and I got really into one duo in particular called Chase & Status. I think its safe to say that their newest album No More Idols is my favorite album of 2011. Tinie Tempah is another great UK artist, he’s probably one of my favorite rappers. He’s collaborated with a huge variety of other musicians and thats definitely one of the reasons I like him.

Aside from Radio 1’s influences, I’d say my favorite artist (and overall person) right now has to be Childish Gambino. Better known as Donald Glover, he stars on NBC’s Community, but few people know that he’s also a super talented rapper. He’s also just one of the funniest dudes around. He was a writer for 30 Rock, and his stand-up is straight-up genius. I guess I got a little carried away there, but bottom line, he’s easily one of the most underrated rappers in the game.

Hypothetical question. Your aunt comes to you with her brand new D700 and asks you how to work it. What would you do?

Not gonna lie, this question had me stumped for the longest time. I guess if she really wanted to know how to work it I would only have one rule for her to follow: never use the built-in pop-up flash. Nothing kills me more than seeing a beautiful camera like the D700 being used and abused by taking pictures with the pop-up flash. In the words of McNally,

“Ahh, the pop-up flash. Lets talk straight, okay? It is the condom of on-camera flash. Use it if you really gotta, right? The only situation I can think of for an acceptable use of the pop-up is if you ever get caught up in a rugby scum of paparazzi and get knocked over and your speedlight unit goes tumbling and you roll into the gutter in between the horde and the limo and you look up desperately from that angle as the door opens and out steps Paris and Britney in short skirts (and nothing but short skirts) and you can retire on the stock sales of the next series of frames, then by all means, go for it. Use the damn pop-up.”

So yeah, I think that about explains it.

Where can we find your work?

I’m still working on trying to get an actual website up and running (web designers hit me up!) but for the time being I have a temporary site. You can check it out at alexbohn.com.
Other media:
52 Weeks blog: http://alexbohn.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderbohn/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alexanderbohnphoto

     We wish all the luck in the world to our friend Alex but we all can see he needs none of it.