So I flew to New Orleans last weekend to check out this band I really like. SafetySuit. Ever heard of them? ;) I thought I'd do a re-cap of the day's events & post pics & videos from the concert. That feeling I get when I see these guys just gets better & better each time. I thought my life was complete last October when they came to Houston & I got a chance to finally meet them. Don't get me wrong, THAT night was pretty dang incredible; however, this weekend's show introduced me to a whole new side of the band!
The concert was outdoors for a Mardi Gras music festival. The weather was almost perfect with the sun shining, but it got a bit chilly when those clouds started to roll in. My adrenaline was pumping so much though, that I didn't even realize it was below 40 degrees until we left! Just before the guys got on stage, I was able to claim my spot down front. With two of my friends with me, who had never heard SafetySuit before, I was excited for them to experience their music for the first time. Just as the opening melodies for "Believe" began to play, I felt my heart jump a little bit. This was really happening. I am seeing SafetySuit perform, right here, right now.
The guys did a good mix of new & old stuff. I got really excited when they played "Staring At It" because it's one of my favorites from their new album. Doug has one of the best stage presences I have ever seen. The guy is a natural. I loved watching Jeremy on bass and Dave on guitar, just enjoying the hell out of themselves. Every once in awhile I'd take a peak back at Tate on the drums, pounding away with the biggest smile on his face. From every beat, to every lyric, it was so obvious how much these guys truly love what they do. That right there was a gift in itself to witness.
After their amazing performance, I hung around the side stage hoping to say a few hello's to the guys and give hugs. The crowd wasn't very big, but there was a small group of younger girls waiting around. I thought I'd hang back and let them do their meet & greets first. By some luck that I somehow get when ever I am around SafetySuit, a security guard standing near by saw me and let me behind the gate to see Doug. Just as I walked up to Doug, he saw me and said, "Oh hey Ginger!" That right there was the icing on the cake. He remembered me!!! We chit chatted for a bit, hugged for a bit, and took pics for a bit. The moment was surreal, but one I will always remember. Afterwards I made my way behind the stage where the guys were packing up their stuff and said a few quick hello's to Jeremy, Dave, and Tate, where I congratulated them on an awesome performance and of course - gave more hugs!
If you ever get a chance to catch a SafetySuit show, I highly recommend it. These guys know how to rock it! They own the stage. I may have been the only fan there singing along to every note on their new songs (which btw, SafetySuit needs a bigger fan following in the South I've realized!), but again, the guys made it feel like such an intimate experience for me. I adore that!!! Below are videos I took, which I thought turned out pretty good (thanks iPhone 4s, ha!) The "Hallelujah" cover is by far my favorite. Simply amazing. Enjoy the tunes!!!
Most people know I love music just as much (if not more?) as books. One band in particular is my favorite to listen to, follow up on, and promote to all my followers: SAFETYSUIT.
I'm introducing this feature on Sundays (sporadically) to spread the SafetySuit love. Whether it be a song I want you to hear, some news you need to know, or any other random bit of SafetySuit goodness -- you can find it here!
So this Sunday's SafetySuit post is true to it's name because..... I am seeing SafetySuit on THIS SUNDAY! Yay! :) I caught a flight to New Orleans this weekend to visit a friend of mine & to check out their performance at Family Gras. To say I am super stoked for this event is putting it mildly. I'm pretty sure as you're reading this, I am currently jumping out of my skin with pure excitement!!!
A few things have happened since my last SafetySuit Sunday post on the blog. I'm sure you've seen me mention them else where, but here's a fun re-cap:
These Times (their sophomore album) was released on January 10th.
The guys made their late night TV debut on the Jimmy Kimmel show.
The third single, These Times, from the new album now has a video - with someone you may recognize in it ;) AND it's debuted on VH1's Top20 countdown this week!
Please be sure to keep these guys on the Top20 countdown by voting HERE.
Powerful. Amazing. Inspiring.
These are words that come to mind when I watch SafetySuit's new music video for These Times. I am honored to be a part of this artistic expression of what it means to go through a tough time, & recognizing that it will pass. Young or old, we all have those moments.
The band turned to their fans & asked us to create video footage of ourselves holding up a sign expressing our "tough time". I debated on how personal I wanted to go, but I found my experience in creating my video to be very therapeutic. When you watch the video & see my bit (I'm right around 3:02) you'll see that I mention losing my mom to cancer. Though it happened over 8 years ago, some times it still feels like it happened yesterday. Through this experience I realized how far I have come in those 8 years, and what I never thought I'd be able to say, I can finally say it now.... I will be OK.
Thank you SafetySuit for allowing me to be a part of this & thank you for creating music that has inspired me more than you know.
A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music!
Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!
This week's Tune in Tuesday is a very special post for me. My most favorite band, SafetySuit, has a new album coming out NEXT WEEK! The anticipation for this album has been off the charts. The release date has been moved multiple times! Though I would wait forever & a day for new music from these guys, I am pleased to say that it is FINALLY becoming a reality.
To support the guys of SafetySuit, I will be giving away a copy of their new album THESE TIMES. It is out on iTunes exclusively today, so if you'd like to preview the tracks you can do so RIGHT HERE. But the hard copy album will be available on January 10th. All you have to do is fill out the form below & you're entered in my giveaway :) Good luck!!
** GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED & A WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN! **
"Get Around This"
"Let Go"
"Believe"
If you'd like to join Tune in Tuesday on your blog, link-up below:
Most people know I love music just as much (if not more?) as books. One band in particular is my favorite to listen to, follow up on, and promote to all my followers: SAFETYSUIT.
I'm introducing a new feature on Sundays (sporadically) to spread the SafetySuit love. Whether it be a song I want you to hear, some news you need to know, or any other random bit of SafetySuit goodness -- you can find it here!
The guys had an announcement at the end of last week about a video idea for their new song These Times. To see this idea in more depth, visit THIS WEBSITE HERE... but in short, they asked their fans to create their own video footage of them selves, holding up a sign with one sentence explaining something that may have been difficult to over come in their lives.
The song These Times is about recognizing when you're in a rut, when life may be totally against you, and you just don't know how you'll make it through another day. But then, it's also about finding hope, and realizing that we all have moments when we feel like we can't go on, and it's up to us to dig deep and find the strength to believe in our selves again. I feel the message behind this song is powerful and one that so many can relate to. The idea to open up this video to all their fans is genius. I have put together my bit & submitted it. Hopefully it makes the cut and I'll be a part of SafetySuit's music video for These Times.
This is what my sentence says in the clip I recorded.
An acoustic recording of "These Times" by SafetySuit.
Most people know I love music just as much (if not more?) as books. One band in particular is my favorite to listen to, follow up on, and promote to all my followers: SAFETYSUIT.
I'm introducing a new feature on Sundays (sporadically) to spread the SafetySuit love. Whether it be a song I want you to hear, some news you need to know, or any other random bit of SafetySuit goodness -- you can find it here!
2 things to mention this week in the world of SafetySuit:
First, mark your calendars for JANUARY 10TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's official, THESE TIMES will be released on January 10, 2012. And you know what's even more awesome? You can get the album one week early exclusively from iTunes on January 3rd! I've already pre-ordered my copy & plan to snag my digital copy early. What about you?
Second, the wonderful thing about the internet is you can find people from all over the world who love the same things as you! I was lucky to stumble upon a small group called SafetySuit Nation, founded by Emily Earls. Most of our chit chat happens in the facebook group, which is also frequented by the guys from the band! Our passion for SafetySuit has created a strong bond and it's nice to talk with other fans who understand your crazy fangirlyness :P
I'm reaching out to all of my followers here in regards to a fundraiser in honor of SafetySuit. Emily Earls has gone one step further to bring together the fans and help those who are in need. The fundraiser is for Musicians on Call. They bring live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. I for one understand the power music can have on one's soul. I support any cause who can appreciate this importance as well. Emily is asking you to donate anything you can and I am supporting her in this idea.
SafetySuit has always gone above and beyond for their fans. One of the reasons why I adore these guys so much is because they never question why someone may deserve something, they just give, from their hearts. I wish more would follow in their foot steps. Their music has always brought a huge smile to my face and I would love for it to bring many more smiles to those who especially need it right now.
Please click HERE for more details on this fundraiser and to help donate.
From one SafetySuit fan to another, it is very much appreciated.
Most people know I love music just as much (if not more?) as books. One band in particular is my favorite to listen to, follow up on, and promote to all my followers: SAFETYSUIT.
I'm introducing a new feature on Sundays (sporadically) to spread the SafetySuit love. Whether it be a song I want you to hear, some news you need to know, or any other random bit of SafetySuit goodness -- you can find it here!
My favorite four guys dropped some pretty awesome news this week. They released the cover art for their upcoming sophomore album THESE TIMES. I feel like I've been with these guys every step of the way as they've made their major announcements for this album. So when the cover art was released I felt proud to show it off. I know they've been working hard to keep their fans happy as we wait for the new material.
Their music has been described from one extreme to the other. Anything from poppy to edgey. I feel like the cover art symbolizes their growth as a band. They look older, wiser, more determined. From the few tracks I've heard, this album is surely going to represent that well. If you'd like to pre-order a copy of this album, you can do so by clicking here. Though the date says January 10, 2012 that has not been officially released by SafetySuit themselves. As Jeremy (the bassist) once told me, "I'll believe it when I see it."
To get an idea of the variety of the music that will be on the album, check out these two diverse songs. Both of which have completely won me over. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the album cover & the songs listed below.
Some non-book related things showed up in my mailbox this week that I just HAD TO share with you all! As you know I am under a book buying ban at the moment.. but I am not under a SUPPORT SAFETYSUIT buying ban ;-) haha Look at the beauties below!!!
Got myself a new tshirt to wear, along with 2 posters SIGNED!! I plan to frame these bad boys & hang them on the wall :-)
A weekly feature hosted by me that showcases music - my other passion in life besides books! Each week I will post a new or old song in hopes to gain more interest. Help me in spreading the love of music!
Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of this post, thanks!
This Tuesday's Tune: "Believe" by SafetySuit
So today should have been a special day for me & every other SafetySuit fan out there... the band's sophomore album was slated to be released today, but due to label issues it's not. Yes, this makes me very, very sad. However, I know it's out of their hands & they can't do anything about it. As I told the guys, I will wait forever for this album if I have to. They are so worth it! In the meantime, they've given us a special treat. Here's the first song off the album, titled "Believe". I already know a few of the songs that will be on it and let me just say, they keep getting better & better! The messages behind their music is profound. You have to "Believe" you can "Let Go" and eventually you'll "Get Around This" even during "These Times". Yes, those are all titles of songs on the album ;-)
Once again, I'm supporting these guys! and pushing their music on to new & old fans. Let me know in the comments what you think about this song in particular. And be sure to follow @SafetySuit on twitter.
**A very dedicated SafetySuit fan (I know, someone other than me? lol) has put together a petition to get the band on The Ellen Show!!! I think this would be an amazing opportunity for the guys. Their humor + their talent + Ellen?! AWESOME. Please support this idea by clicking here & signing the petition & then go shout it to the world & let everyone else know!!!! :-)
If you'd like to join Tune in Tuesday on your blog, link up:
This is probably going to be the most insane moment of my life that I am documenting here for all my readers to witness. I warn you now for what I am about to tell you. There will be lots of CAPS and lots of !!!!!!!!!!
If you haven't already heard, on this blog, on twitter, or anywhere else for that matter lol.. my favorite band SafetySuit came to town for an acoustic performance. I found out only a week in advance & was beyond ecstatic of the opportunity to see these guys perform live. I had NO clue what was waiting for me, though. So I show up at the aloft hotel here in Houston, where they were hosting a wine & live music event.
Jeremy & Tate... at the bar :-)
I walk in to the bar area and I am the only one there. HA! I order myself a drink & just sorta chill out at the bar. In walks Tate, the drummer of the band, and I'm thinking.. HOLY CRAP. I try to be cool, sip my beer, check my phone, ya know.. whatever normal people do. Then I hear, "Ginger?" I look up & Tate is walking over to me. HOLY CRAP YOU GUYS, THEY KNOW WHO I AM!!!!! So the next 10-15 mins is all a blur. I'm just chilling with Tate, THE DRUMMER OF SAFETYSUIT, talking about lord knows what. Then the rest of the guys walk in & I am beside myself. Jeremy (the bassist) walks up & Tate says, "you know who this is?" and Jeremy's response, "yeah it's Ginger". !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart fell to my knees for the second time. So the next hour or so goes by, and by this time my friend Lena is there with me. We're enjoying our drinks, me catching her up on the epicness that just went down. I'm looking around the small intimate space & I'm just in awe that Doug, Tate, Jeremy, & Dave are there. Chilling on the couches, talking to other peeps. I'm thinking, IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?!
Acoustic performance
So then it's show time. The boys gather up their guitars & position themselves behind their mics. First song up was "Get Around This" with "Stay" to follow. Before the next song, Doug is talking in to the mic, looks right at me and says, "Are you Ginger?" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I said yes. I'm pretty sure I said yes. He then proceeds to tell everyone there who I am & how I am a huge promoter of theirs on twitter and how much they appreciate me. OMG YOU GUYS!!! How nice & awesome is that?! So at this point I am dying inside. The biggest smile is plastered across my face. Then Doug asks what song I want them to play. I'M SORRY, WHAT??!! He says they'll play anything I want. At this moment my mind isn't working & I can't think of ANY OF THEIR SONGS!!! I first shout out "Gone Away" b/c it's the song I first fell in love with. But then I thought, wait.. that's not really a concerty-feel good song lol. So I then scream out "Anywhere But Here"!!! As Doug sang the song, he changed the lyrics to "Ginger you are so beautiful inside, so lovely.." Y'all I about died (if I wasn't dead already).
I love Doug's face! He knew I was EXCITED!!! lol
They rounded out their acoustic set with "Let Go" which is now my new favorite song, btw. I told myself during that song to remember this moment. Make an imprint in my memory & never let it go. After the performance ended the local radio station guy got up there to announce the winner of the giveaway they were doing for the promotional wine event. Thinking nothing of it, I heard the dude ask who happens to be the biggest SafetySuit fan with a birthday in July? Umm I literally screamed ME! Raised my hand! And jumped up & down! hahaha So then every one is looking at me. He then says to me, name every member of the band & you're the winner. Well that was easy!!! Dave, Tate, Doug, & Jeremy. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won 2 nights stay at any aloft hotel in the US + roundtrip airfare for two. I have never won anything like this in my life!!!! The guys all congratulated me. Doug gave me a huge hug & thanked me more privately for always promoting them & he was happy to finally meet me. I then told him how they just made MY LIFE!
The rest of the evening consisted of photos, hanging out on couches, and the most epic ending..... as I'm driving out of the parking garage, top down on the convertible, blasting my SafetySuit music.. I see the guys walking down the street. They all scream, "hey Ginger!" come over & give me high fives. Yes. That is how my epic evening ended. I drove off, wind blowing in my hair, waving goodbye to them, all while listening to their CD. I am still in shock that all of this happened. This band is truly humbling. I have never, in my life, witnessed a more caring & loyal group of guys to their fans. Their talent is amazing live. This night will forever change my life. How could it not?! I told Doug that I plan to use my free trip & come see them somewhere on the road. Let the epicness continue!!!
I got video of a few of their songs. It's crappy quality, so I apologize for that. But you get the idea :-)
Something pretty dang fantastic is happening tonight. In case you've been living under a rock, or haven't seen me mention it the ohhhh 600 times that I have... I AM GOING TO SEE SAFETYSUIT TONIGHT!!!!!!!! Yes, this is really happening. And yes, I am beyond all points of acting rational & staying calm about this.
Some time last year I was listening to one of my many Pandora stations when a little song by the name of Gone Away popped up & grabbed my attention. I thought, hmm.. this is a pretty song. I think I kinda like it. I looked up the artist on iTunes and discovered that I liked a lot of their songs. The band SafetySuit was officially on my radar. I "liked" their facebook page, and followed their personal twitter accounts (which now has been combined in to one main band account). I would tweet songs as I was listening to them, recommending them to people who wanted something new to listen to. I made mixed CDs for my friends, and even mailed them off as far as Chicago :-) Soon my self, and my blog became associated with, "hey aren't you the one who likes SafetySuit?" and I would gladly say yes, yes I am!
This past summer when I turned 30, a small group of amazing blogger friends got together to ask SafetySuit to wish me a Happy Birthday on twitter. When I woke up that morning & saw the tweet from them, well.. lets just say I almost peed my pants! haha It was the perfect birthday present this fangirl could ever ask for. As their new music release dates edged closer, I put myself out there and promoted as best I could. You have NO idea how much joy I get from someone, oh so randomly, finding me on my blog or on twitter and telling me they discovered SafetySuit because of me... and then sharing their love for the music, that I am so passionate about. If you follow this blog, then you know how crazy I am about sharing things I love. SafetySuit just so happens to be one of my most favorite things to infect all of you with!
So fast forward to last week... the guys are holding an impromptu Q&A on twitter one day, and I ask them about their upcoming album release date (November 1st btw) and casually throw in that Houston would love to see them! One of them tweets back saying they'll be here in Houston on the 13th, with details to follow. SHUT THE FREAKING FRONT DOOR. This is when Ginger loses her stuff. I mean almost literally. Someone pick me up off the floor because I'm pretty sure I just died. Right there. On the floor. Dead. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get to meet these guys. In person. It's happening. TONIGHT. Telling you that I am excited for this performance does not even come close to how I feel. The fact that I just wrote out an entire blog post about my history with this love affair should clue you in about how INSANE I am, haha.
Music has and always will be a huge part of my life. It's something I've always connected with. The guys from SafetySuit have created something that I have fallen in love with and never want to let go of. These four guys are truly sensational and really reach out to their fans. Their brilliance comes across loud and clear in every beat, lyric, and note they put their heart and souls in to. I can not wait to witness this with my own eyes and ears. HOLY CRAP. This is really happening.
Posts
