Music Spotlight: LANY

Indie electro-pop band LANY has been making a name for themselves in the music industry these past few months. After supporting Halsey on her recent Badlands tour, they have now signed on to open for Ellie Goulding on her UK leg of her upcoming tour. Created in Nashville, this bi-coastal band divides their time between Los Angeles and New York. Their song "ILYSB" has been play over 5 million times on Spotify. I am absolutely addicted to this band and can not wait until they release a full length album. You can definitely hear their urban city influences in all of their music. LANY is transcending the indie scene because they are such a band of the time. Their nostalgic yet innovative sound is so new and interesting. They even keep their song names creative by using common text language such as "ILYSB" and "BRB." My favorite songs are definitely "ILYSB" and "Made In Hollywood."



Make sure to check them on Twitter!

Buy their music here!

xx
Ashley

#WelcomeBackGC

THEY'RE BAAAAAACCCCCKKKKK!!!!!!!!!



Last week, Good Charlotte announced that they are back together and writing an album! No one was more excited than I was. This band completely changed my childhood and are the reason why I fell in love with alternative/rock music. They just put out their new single Makeshift Love and now have a video out as well. Also announcing they will be going on tour with All Time Low! I'm hoping that tis means that an album is coming really soon!

Makeshift Love. @iTunes. @AppleMusic. 9:30AM PST. #WelcomeBackGC pic.twitter.com/hxjd7syDkd

— Good Charlotte (@GoodCharlotte) November 5, 2015

xx
Ashley

5 Things I Learned in the First Month of Living by Myself

1. I'm actually a pretty decent cook.
When I was at home, I would obviously cook for myself, but I would really just want my mom to cook for me constantly. Since starting college, I've made so many incredible meals for myself and I'm beyond proud!

2. Being independent is a lot of hard work.
When I was still at home, I considered myself quite an independent person already, but I honestly had no clue about what being independent meant. I had never opened a bank account by myself or asked questions about public transportation. Now being able to do these things by myself has been scary but extremely rewarding in so many ways.

3. I can actually have a really fun time by myself.
I went out for coffee a few weeks ago by myself for the first time and for some reason, I was terrified. But then I realized how dumb of a thought that was because nearly 50% of the place was filled with people also by themselves. Since then, I went to an exhibition, went back to more coffee shops and walked around the city many all by myself. We forget how much we need alone time when we are constantly surrounded by people.

4. Not everyone will be friendly, but you just have to brush it off.
London is a huge city. Although I love it, there are days that I hate it because some people just always seem to be really unhappy and they will show this through being rude to other people. But what I have realized, is that these peoples actions should not effect me and my day.

5. Being homesick never really ends, it just gets a little bit easier.
My first few weeks here, I was absolutely miserable. I tried so hard to stay calm and enjoy being here but it was so difficult being in a foreign country and not having my friends and family here. But in those weeks I learned a lot about myself. Each day it gets a bit easier, but I still seriously miss California.

xx
Ashley

My Life In Suitcases

Hi everyone! I have been completely absent from this blog for quite a while because I made a huge and crazy life decision… I moved my entire life to London, England for college! For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of living in London for a least a few years of my life and I decided that college was the perfect time. So I applied, got accepted and packed up my entire life into 5 huge suitcases (mostly filled with clothes, obviously.)

This past month and a half has honestly been one of the weirdest times of my entire life. I have experienced stress, excitement, fear, loneliness and hopefulness all at once. I have been feeling so homesick these past few weeks, missing my family and California like crazy. At points, I've wanted to quit. But when I take a step back and look at the journey that I have started, I can't help but be really proud of myself already. I'm only 18. I get mad at myself when I feel homesick because I know that so many people would love to be in my shoes right now. Then I remember that I need to give myself the benefit of the doubt because the way I'm feeling is perfectly normal. When you are taken out of your comfort zone, you tend to close yourself off and get upset. And it's okay to get upset but I don't want that to hold me back from enjoying the hell out of my 3 years here.

I have been extremely lucky to have already met some friends that I know I will have for a lifetime. Being in this city will only give me independence and experiences that I will forever be grateful for.

I just wanted to give you guys a little update on everything that has been going on with me at the moment. I'm going to try my hardest to blog, YouTube and Instagram as much as I can so you guys can go on this crazy journey with me. So stay tuned for some great stuff!

xx
Ashley

Follow me on YouTube here!

And Instagram here!

I HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!!!

With a huge push from many of my friends, I finally made a YouTube channel so you guys can keep up with me on my adventures! I just posted my first vlog, so go and check it out and subscribe!!!



Go and give it a like and subscribe!!

xx
Ashley

Bring Me the Horizon Drops "True Friends"

With the release of Bring Me the Horizon's highly anticipated album "That's The Spirit" quickly approaching, the band dropped another track this morning titled "True Friends." The album is set to be released on September 11th (which in my opinion is not soon enough.) The boys will be playing at Reading & Leeds Festivals this coming up weekend and have a U.S. tour coming up with band, Issues, in the fall.



Pre-order "That's The Spirt" here on iTunes.

xx
Ashley

My Music Festival Survival Guide

I have been to my fair share of music festivals. After a lot of practice, I think I have finally come up with a decent guide on how to survive. If you have never been to a festival, and are planning to in the future, here are my tips.

1. If you are going with a group of friends, have a meeting spot. Cell service at any festival is awful and getting a hold on your friends can be really difficult. So make sure before you split up, that you have a easy meeting spot.

2. Go in with a plan, especially if there are quite a few artists you want to see. Take pictures of the lineup and set times. It will save a headache.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. I can not stress this enough. I happen to be a "cuteness before comfort" type of person, so find something cute and comfortable. Converse, Vans, or even cute boots/booties. And make sure you don't mind if they will get ruined, because they probably will.

4. Drink a lot of water. A couple of years back at Coachella, I almost fainted due to dehydration and missed Tame Impala. I will forever regret not doing the simplest thing ever… DRINKING WATER.

5. SUNSCREEN!! This is probably one of the most important parts. I went to Warped Tour a few days ago and got one of the worst sunburns of my life before 3pm. Make sure to reapply it every few hours.

6. Portable phone chargers will be your best friend. You will probably be taking quite a few photos and video, which drains battery really quickly. You can buy a charger for as cheap as $10. It is completely worth it.

7. This is really only a tip for rock shows, but if you can't handle mosh pits, do not stand in the middle of the crowd. Mosh pits can get mental really fast. So if you don't like them, stand towards the back so you can enjoy the show.

I hope these tips help make your festival experience more enjoyable!!

xx
Ashley

Music Spotlight: Halsey

I recently talked about Halsey in a recent blog post after the release of her new music video, Ghost, but I felt like it was necessary to talk about her again. I discovered her about a year ago because of her involvement with a band I like... (aka love), 5 Seconds of Summer. Halsey is, in my opinion, one of the best songwriters of my generation. Her music only to be described as dark indie pop. She is only 20 years old and writes all of her own music. Originally hailing from New Jersey/New York, Halsey (aka Ashley Frangipane), draws a lot of her lyrical inspiration from being a unique teenager in New York. She is in the process of releasing her new album, BADLANDS, in August, and is currently touring as the opening act for Imagine Dragons. I was extremely lucky enough to meet her at Coachella this year and she was so incredibly sweet. She told me, "Touring with Imagine Dragons this summer is going to be really different for me because most of my songs are about sex and other things, and this is a completely different audience. Now I have to try and be 'family friendly Halsey'. But I'm extremely excited." Apart from her music, she also has the most incredible style and iconic blue hair.

If you don't know who Halsey is now, I'm sure you will be hearing a lot about her really soon.

You can pre-order her new album BADLANDS here!

xx
Ashley

Vinyl Theatre On Their Recent Adventures

Milwaukee bred, Vinyl Theatre, caught my attention when I came across their hit song "Breaking Up My Bones" on Spotify about 9 months ago. Since then, the song has been played over 1 million times and their name has come up numerous times in the alternative music world. Bassist, Josh, and keyboardist, Chris, met in grade school, later becoming friends with lead singer, Keegan, and drummer Nick in high school. After realizing they all had a similar interest in music, they created a band, originally named "Alchemy", later changing the name to Vinyl Theatre. "The name Vinyl Theatre comes from us wanting to be able to share the bond and connection that music creates with our fans. When you buy a vinyl record, you are sharing a closer, more intimate bond to the band. Theatre comes from us wanting to give fans the best possible show that we can, not only sound wise, but theatrically as well," stated the band.

The band signed with Fueled By Ramen last year and released their first full length album titled "Electrogram" in September. Every song on the album is different from the other and has its own unique vibe but the song "Breaking Up My Bones" definitely caught the attention of everyone quite quickly. "Breaking Up My Bones was a song that we worked on for a good amount of time. When writing it, we actually didn't think it was really going to be a single. The song to us is about the struggles of trying to create something that is unique in a world of noise. There's so much music out there, and it's tough to decipher what is unique." Obviously being proud of all of the songs they wrote on the album, I asked which one means something more to them. They said, "Gold is a song that we are all very close to. It was one of the first we wrote as a band and the meaning behind it has a very positive message about finding what it is in this world you want, and following it."

When writing, each member tends to have a different influence which in the end creates a really unique sound for the band. "Keegan and I (Chris) share a mutual bond over The Killers and a few other bands. Josh takes a bit of influence from some electronic artists, as well as, being into The Shins. Nick is a big fan of the Police and Rush. Overall, we all try and listen to the same groups while we are on tour." Their dream bands to tour with would be Bad Suns, which they said is one of their "go-to" albums to listen to or The Killers.

Currently, they are touring with the Mowgli's around North America. "The tour with The Mowgli's has been great. Everyone in their band and on their crew is extremely friendly and it has made for an awesome tour so far." They also recently toured with Twenty One Pilots. "Our tour with Twenty One Pilots was amazing. Having that be our first national tour was very important for us in terms of motivation and inspiration. We were fortunate enough to have a great group of guys to learn from. It was nice to see how they treat people and especially how they work as a team." After supporting quite a few artists over the past year, I think fans (including me) are anxiously awaiting a Vinyl Theatre headlining tour soon.



You can download Electrogram here!
Twitter: @vinyltheatre
Instagram: @vinyltheatre

xx
Ashley

Halsey's "Ghost" Music Video Release

Dark electro-pop artist Halsey released her music video for her single "Ghost" this Thursday. I was extremely excited being a huge Halsey fan myself. The video takes place in Tokyo and certainly pays homage to the film "Lost in Translation." Halsey said to The Fader, "I wanted to see some representation of a lesbian relationship that wasn't over sexualized. Just two people in love—or at least they used to be." With so much build-up to the release date, it was beautifully done!



The release of Halsey's new album BADLANDS is fast approaching with an expected release date of August 28th. You can pre-order deluxe version here.

xx
Ashley

The Playlist | June 3 2015

xx
Ashley

Summer Bucket List 2015

1. Go on a road trip

2. Go to the county fair and try a new food

3. Get a new tattoo

4. Have a bonfire

5. Go to the beach with my friends

6. Go to a few concerts

7. Have a picnic

8. Learn how to make açai bowls

9. Enjoy California as much as I can before I leave in August!!!!!

What do you want to do this summer?

xx
Ashley

Tanya Burr Cosmetics

I am a self proclaimed Youtube addict. From puppy videos to fashion hauls, I love it all. A few years ago, I came across Tanya Burr's makeup tutorials and became addicted very quickly. Her makeup channel soon turned into a makeup, fashion and lifestyle channel once it started picking up more subscribers. Almost 3 million to be exact. In addition to her Youtube, she also has a blog, a book, nail polishes, eyelashes and lip gloss line! I finally purchased a few sets of eyelashes and lip glosses and can not wait to try them!

I bought 4 lip glosses in the colors Champagne Toast, Picnic in the Park, Afternoon Tea, & Chic

The Individual Lashes

The Bambi Eyes

The colors are all beautiful and the names are so incredibly cute!

Make sure to check out Tanya's links

*YouTube

*Blog

*Twitter

*Instagram

Also, if you want to purchase any of the items, check them out on FeelUnique's website!

xx
Ashley

18 Things I Learned By 18

1. Your number of Instagram followers does not define your value as a person.

2. Work your ass off. Eventually it will pay off.

3. Don't trust everyone. We are given a lot of people in our life. Some are here to build us up and some are here to bring us down. Learn how to see people for who they truly are.

4. Don't be afraid to get rid of toxic people in your life. If the people you are surrounding yourself with are bringing you down, you don't need them in your life.

5. Be strong and be yourself.

6. Be honest. With yourself and with others. Speak your mind but be kind in the process.

7. Smile as often as you can.

8. It's okay to cry. If you are hurt, stressed, upset, excited or happy. Let yourself have emotions.

9. Wear what you want. Not what others tell you to. Being a trend follower can get really boring. Especially in high school.

10. Be friendly and talk to as many people as you can. You can meet really interesting people and learn so much from others perspectives.

11. Be silly, be crazy and laugh as much as you can. We are young and should be enjoying every single moment.

12. Sing as loud as you want. Get in the car with your friends, roll down the windows and sing. It is the biggest stress reliever.

13. Be kind to adults. Especially your parents. Spend as much time with them as you can. You'll miss them later.

14. Take as many photos as you possibly can, and not just of yourself, but your friends and your surroundings as well.

15. Be bold. If you believe strongly in something, don't let others put out your fire.

16. Everyone gets embarrassed. Don't beat yourself up over missteps.

17. Don't spend money you don't have.

18. Be badass. Love what you love, not what others tell you to.

xx
Ashley

Coachella Snaps

I'm so sorry for the lack of blog posts! I have been extremely busy the past few weeks. I got back from Coachella last Monday and had an incredible time. Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend!

xx
Ashley

Interview with Magic Man

After their second album, "Before The Waves," was released in July of 2014, indie synth rock band, Magic Man, sent literal "waves" through the alternative music scene. I've been extremely lucky to see them live and definitely understand why they are loved by many. Alex Caplow (vocals) and Sam Lee (guitars and keyboard) started the band in 2010. "Alex and I wrote the first Magic Man songs when we were traveling together in the south of France, the summer after our freshman year. We made a DIY, self released record that we put online for free and started playing our first shows once we got back. The band ended up expanding to a five piece line up, Justine Bowe (keyboards), Gabe Goodman (bass) and Joey Sulkowski (drums), as we wanted to bring a more band oriented sound to the music, which up to that point was pretty lo-fi and bedroom pop." Lee explains.

No one has really been able to pinpoint the exact genre that Magic Man is, not even the band themselves. "Someone once called us glo-fi, which I like, although I'm not really sure what it means." The beauty of this band is that no song sounds exactly the same. From their first album "Real Life Colors" to their second "Before The Waves" there was quite a big shift in sound. When I asked if we could expect to hear another sound shift in their next album, they replied, "Anything's possible! We're always interested in exploring new sounds and styles, and that's definitely something we're planning for our 3rd album, although we're not exactly sure on the direction as of now."

Fashion style is always something I find fascinating about bands and that was no exception the first time I saw Magic Man live. "In a sense, every aspect of the band influences our image, yes, but I don't think (fashion) has been a huge part of Magic Man the way it might be for a band who dresses up in elaborate outfits for a show. We try to stick to timeless classics and simple styles, something we've always tried to mirror in our music. It's always nice to hear that not only does a fan like your music, but their parents that brought them to the show as well!" They explained.

I was also curious for them to explain the various songs on their albums named after cities. "(Each song is) more so a representation of what that city/place means to us, although sometimes it refers to a specific moment or event related to that place. We actually wrote Chicagoland about a DIY warehouse venue in Providence called Chicagoland, although we love the city of Chicago too!"

Hailing from Boston, I asked if they felt that the city had much of an influence on their music. "Definitely, why do you think we only sing with a strong baaawston accent? In all seriousness, I think playing a lot of our first shows in the Boston DIY scene really affected how we approach a live show. When you're dealing with a subpar PA, no stage, and a tiny sweaty basement, it's really up to you as a performer to make the show exciting. I think it was where we first started to learn how to put on an exciting show." When asked what city would be their wish of the last city to ever perform in, of course, they replied with "Boston—we have such a wonderful group of fans in our home city, and most importantly, it's always great to play for so many friends and family. I never want to play a last show, but if we had to, Boston would be a great spot to do it."

In 2013, they supported Panic! At The Disco and Walk The Moon on their summer tour and picked up a lot of new fans.

Once their single "Paris" started being played on every alternative radio station, the band was "pleasantly surprised." Over the past year, Magic Man has certainly made a name for themselves and I predict that they will only get bigger from here.



If this is the first time you have ever heard of Magic Man, you should buy there album here!

xx
Ashley

Williamsburg | Stripes & Leather

Leather Jacket- All Saints
Shirt- H&M
Jeans- Topshop
Shoes- Topshop
Handbag- Marc By Marc Jacobs

Exploring Williamsburg today was definitely a highlight of this trip so far. We went to a ton of vintage stores and walked all throughout the neighborhood in the freezing cold. Also, I got some really big news on an interview I just scored!! Details coming soon!

xx
Ashley

Central Park | Fur in the Rain

Jeans- Topshop
Shirt- Topshop
Fur Coat- Forever 21
Shoes- Steve Madden

Had a rainy day in Central Park today. Also fell in love at Bergdorf Goodman (what else is new?), and saw Georgina Chapman (head designer for Marchesa) and actress Bella Thorne!

xx
Ashley

Soho | Topshop

*Outfit exclusively from Topshop (Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbag)

Today has been quite an eventful day. Got a latte at Happy Bones, went to brunch at Jack's wife Freda, sat next to Marcus Mumford and Carey Mulligan, found out Zayn is leaving One Direction, cried for about 10 minutes, saw Sarah Jessica Parker, and shopped around all of Soho. I'm sure tomorrow will just as crazy!

xx
Ashley

Make sure to follow my godsister who is also blogging this whole trip!

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I'm in NYC!!!

New York, I'm baaaaack!

After about a year, I'm so happy to be back in the city for a week! I'll be doing a look book every day starting tomorrow! So be on the look out.

For more updates, make sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter!!

xx
Ashley

#BoycottDolceGabbana

It has been a very interesting few days in the fashion and entertainment industry after Dolce & Gabbana duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were quoted saying:

"The only family is the traditional one. No chemical offsprings and rented uterus: life has a natural flow; there are things that should not be changed," and “You are born to a mother and a father — or at least that’s how it should be, I call children of chemistry, synthetic children. Rented uterus, semen chosen from a catalog.”

The statement is confusing everyone, especially given the fact that both designers are gay! The comment has caught the attention of many people in Hollywood including Ricky Martin, Victoria Beckham and Sir Elton John who stated in an Instagram post:

"How dare you refer to my beautiful children as "synthetic". And shame on you for wagging your judgmental little fingers at IVF — a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfil their dream of having children. Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana."

Since then, Gabbana replied:

“This online campaigning is useless. A gay rights group put words in our mouths in bad faith, and it got out of control. We don’t and won’t boycott anyone.”

Personally, I will certainly join the boycott on Dolce & Gabbana because the various comments that have been made have been out of taste and very hurtful to many.

Where do you stand?

xx
Ashley