Taylor Swift

There are not many people that I have come across that has not liked or heard at least one song by Taylor Swift.  Now I wasn’t always a fan of Taylor, I had sang a few of the more popular songs that I heard on the radio a few times and played my “air guitar” while singing. Ever since I met my boyfriend, who I might add is a DIE HARD Taylor Swift fanatic, I’ve heard so many other songs that I probably would not have listened to if he had not introduced them to me, because he of course has every CD she ever released [yeah I said it, he actually goes out and spends $$ on sound tracks- no piracy]. Now I had always thought that my boyfriend was the only guy that was such a big fan of Taylor’s music. He knows every song, every line and every change in pitch and has no shame in blasting the song and singing when we’re in the car. He would be beyond thrilled to go to a concert and see her live and would be like a little kid on Christmas who got a new puppy if he ever got the chance to meet her in person [he want’s her at our wedding-that’s a long shot though]. Naturally I follow Taylor and her fan page on Twitter and recently Taylor has been all over the media because of another BIG fan, who is also a boy, living in New Jersey.

Kevin McGuire, an 18 year old New Jersey high school student, was the second biggest [male] fan of Taylor Swift that I had heard of. Kevin’s story however is one of the most amazing stories I have ever heard and I give him so much support for everything that he has been through. Kevin McGuire, was his high school’s football star. McGuire was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was just 13 years old, and though he had beat it 2 years ago. However, he relapsed and the cancer has come back, but he’s not letting the treatment hold him back from anything. Even while receiving treatment, he was still actively participating in sports, basketball and when he was a freshman join the varsity football team. According to the articles that I have read and from a video that I had watched he is known as a very strong willed, kind and noble person and of course a HUGE Taylor fan. In order to help support his brother during his battle with Leukemia, Kevin’s sister Victoria, started a Facebook fan page called “Taylor Swift PLEASE take Kevin McGuire to Prom” which instantly recived 200,000 hits and supporters all around which eventually rose to around 400,000 followers. June 1 is Kevin’s prom and also his birthday on the page Kevin posted a message to Taylor in high hopes that she would read it and accept his request.

“I will push your chair in. I will hold the door for you, I will do my best to make sure you have a great time,” said Kevin, adding, “So Taylor Swift, will you please go to prom with me and make my birthday one I’ll never forget?” 

In just 24 hours they actually received a response from Taylor Swift’s OFFICIAL Facebook page where she left a comment which stated:

"Kevin, I'm so sorry but I won't be able to make it to your prom. But I was wondering, the ACM Awards are coming up ... Would you be my date? Love, Taylor."

 

MacGuire of course immediately responded with a YES and told news casters that the Country Music Awards is definitely a better date than Prom. His dream came true; he has a date with his favorite country artist Taylor Swift. This news spread very quickly and gave me a higher respect for her. Lately, I find myself perfering to listen to Taylor’s music over anything else, it seems to put a smile on my face no matter what type of mood I’m in, which is why I’m sure Kevin McGuire loves her music so much. She helps keep his spirits up even in the worst of times and everything that he’s going through he can still get through it with a smile on his face, singing her songs and now knowing that he will get to meet her in April for the Country Music Awards is beyond a dream come true to him.  Taylor Swift is nominated in the entertainer of the year, female vocalist and video categories at the ACM Awards, I have my fingers crossed that she wins a few awards. She’s supporting Kevin buy giving him this amazing opportunity and he will be supporting her, right by her side in April. 

I'm looking forward to watching the Country Music Awards, are you? 
What do you think about the story? 

CLICK TAYLOR'S PICTURE to the right to view the article and video of Kevin McGuire's response to Taylor's Facebook Post. 

Feel free to leave some comments :)

Yours Truly,

Gina

Skyscrapper

Skyscrapper is a very powerful song and can be interpreted in many different ways.  The overall idea is that there is some challenge that one faces inside and that individual grows internally to stand up against what is getting them down.  

As Demi Lovato fans probably already know, she went through struggles with eating and self-harm.  Eating and self-harm are serious and can take control over an individual.  There are usually hidden issues that cause an individual to cope through the control of food and cutting.  She symbolically demonstrates breaking free and being herself; standing tall and not letting others get her down.  When one lets go of the negative behaviors that were used to cope does not mean one is fully better yet; now they can finally stand on one’s feet and learn how to manage those broken windows.  The setting of the video is very open, with the symbolic props that add to the meaning of this song.      

Ratledge performs this song with a scene of actual skyscrapers, and he appears to be going through a divorce or break up.  He expresses how he won’t let things get him down, but how he will rise to the top.

               This song is very empowering for me with challenges that I have faced, and even just going through day to day life.  It reminds me that yes, people can try to hurt us, take everything we have, and treat us like we are worthless, but we don’t have to let it be that way, that each of us do have control over our life.

 

How does this song affect your life?  What challenges are holding you back, that if you break free, you will be free?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment box below. 

Stand tall,

Carissa                 

"Dancing With the Stars" Dancer Also Sings?

From what I have heard, the show "Dancing With the Stars" features professional dancers who are paired with celebrities (or "stars'). However, I have recently found out that one of those professional dancers has another passion that most people might not be aware of: singing. Not being a huge fan of the show, I had no idea who Mark Ballas was, until a friend introduced me to his song titled "Hotwire" from his album HurtLoveBox. I instantly fell in love with the song and was excited to add a new tunes to my lonely "Recently Added" playlist. The song is said to be about a guy who is bored with life and is looking for some and any inspiration. If you like John Mayer or Joshua Radin, you will probably end up having this song on repeat and end up memorizing all the words (like I did). I also thought it was interesting how the lead actress in the video for "Hotwire" was chosen. After watching an interview of the making of this video for the song "Hotwire," I learned they chose Ballas' partner from "Dancing With the Stars," Chelsea Kane. The reason behind why they chose Chelsea Kane was because they were running a little behind in the casting department and did not have enough time to formerly cast someone. So, Chelsea Kane volunteered for the job. After watching the video, you will see why she was the perfect fit. The chemistry they have, along with he beat and Ballas' soft and inviting voice, made the video look fabulous. I posted a link to the video for "Hotwire". And yes, there are other songs on Balla's album titled "HurtLoveBox," but in my opinion, "Hotwire" is the best. Check out the video =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thq0CqoUjSU

WELCOME

Welcome to Listen Up!  

The purpose of our blog is to share our opinions about our favorite music artists that have currently caught our attention. The genres of music we are going to focus on include Country, Pop, Rock and Punk Rock. With these genres, we will be discussing popular news
articles relating to artists for the genre itself, songs and new albums.We will also discuss how we have rediscovered new songs and artists, and how artists have changed their material overtime. We also want to allow our readers to communicate with us by posting their opinions about our weekly topics.

Sincerely,

Your Bloggers,

Jeana, Gina, and Carissa