Random Nineties Nostalgia

So I was sitting here thinking about music. One of the rare times I'm not actually listening to it, I know...

 Yes. Yes, I am an addict. My name is Jess. Hi
-raises hand- 

I've always liked music but I don't think it ever really hit me just how powerful it can be until I was in high-school. Or to date myself even further, until Collective Soul hit the airwaves along with Bush, No Doubt, 311, Live, Nirvana, Candlebox, Third Eye Blind, Silverchair... Shall I go on? ;-)

Music saved my life. I was nothing but a geeky girl in 9th grade who wore her hair in a side ponytail with bangs and wore Duckhead clothing, constantly...no, seriously. It was bad.
I listened to Prince, Madonna & Janet Jackson (don't get me wrong I mean no offense to these obviously talented artists. I'll still get down on "When Doves Cry", "Material Girl" & "Black Cat" in a heartbeat.)

Then suddenly I heard Collective Soul's "Shine" on the radio one day and my whole world changed. That guitar riff rocked my socks and I was in love! My tastes changed, expanded and my world suddenly started to open up, even if only slightly. I was still a geek but a marginally cooler geek who rocked flannel, wide leg jeans and neon green Sketchers. That's when I really started paying attention to music. I would usually end up having the latest album by a band before my friends and I know they got sick of me talking about it constantly. "Oh! Have you heard the new -insert 90s Grunge/Alt band here- song? You gotta hear this!!"

I can even proudly say that I was the first girl in my school to rock the Angela Chase hairstyle and color from "My So-Called Life"

Music has made me the weird, quirky, random, open minded, tolerant, hippie, goth dancing, peaceful punk rocking psycho ever. And i'm happy about who I am.

So music can be a powerful force in a person's life. It can inspire change and creativity, it gives hope and comfort when nothing else can, and it can dredge up long lost emotions and moments
from our past that we love or love to hate. Music is indeed the most powerful force in my life and I'm thankful everyday that I am able to enjoy it.

What song changed your life?

Contest Alert! Win The Clash's Sound System Box Set!

Sweet Mother Country!!

Diffuser.fm is giving away The Clash's "Sound System" Box set...

It's truly one of the most beautiful things I think I've ever laid eyes on.

Not only does this mega collection include their five studio albums, it also offers up three discs packed full of rarities, demos and B-sides! But wait, it gets better! It also includes a dvd of never before seen footage along with a lot more extra goodies for your punky pleasure!

The contest ends on September 9th.
Go here to enter!  Win the "Sound System" box set from the iconic band The Clash!

Lady GaGa's New Single "Applause" - LEAKED!

As if every Little Monster on the face of the planet wasn't already aware of it, thanks to Mother Monster posting on her Facebook Page... Due to some naughty (AWESOME!) hackers, her new single was leaked today!

She posted this morning to her page
"A POP MUSIC EMERGENCY IS UNDERWAY 911 - 911 SUMMON THE MONSTER TROUPES
DUE TO HACKERS AN ABUNDANCE OF LOW/HIGH QUALITY LEAKS...
WE ISSUE THIS POP MUSIC EMERGENCY...MONSTERS SPREAD THE WORD
MY NEW SINGLE 'APPLAUSE' IS OUT TODAY AND CAN BE HEARD ON UNITED STATES RADIO IN 5 MINUTES. INTERNATIONAL RADIO TO FOLLOW.
POP MUSIC EMERGENCY ‪#‎0DAYSTillAPPLAUSE‬ MY NEW SINGLE COMES OUT TODAY. 911 SPREAD THIS MESSAGE"
 
I actually had forgotten all about it & have only just now (well half an hour ago - I've been listening to it over & over) remembered the wonderful news. And I must say...I love it! It gives a little nod to the 80s with it's opening line "I stand here waiting for you to bang the gong." Not to mention the synths give it a very retro feel, at least in my humble opinion. I'll gladly applaud this new single from ARTPOP any day! My daughter is very excited about it as well :-)

I can't wait until the ARTPOP App is released, not to mention the entire album! I think we're going to be in for a truly wonderful new experience in music & art!

Anti-Fashion Fashion

So my oldest & dearest BFF over at Oh Hello Teresa talked me into giving Polyvore one more shot. I really had nothing better to do today & had no real posts planned, so I thought Why the heck not?...Everyone needs one more online site to get addicted to & let it suck out your soul!

So here I am, making a post about music & fashion, which feels a little weird I'm not gonna lie. I've never really considered myself "fashionable" or thought that I have a keen fashion sense... So please don't be overly critical? :-P

Music is my inspiration. I mean that in the truest sense of the word. Music fuels my writing, my art, my clothing choices, my moods, my life. I truly think I would wither away into a hollow husk of a person if I suddenly had no more music to listen to. So it's no surprise that I came up with two punk inspired sets from listening to my Punk It!! playlist on Spotify.

Like I said I've never considered myself in the fashion loop or a trend-setter. I tend to wear what ever I like at the time, which can range from long flowing gypsy skirts & flip-flops, to ripped jeans & band Tshirts, or girly dresses & lots of pretty jewelry. I'm myself & that's all I'll ever claim to be.

The first one is inspired by the band Bad Religion (in case the shirt doesn't give it away, lol) & the second is simply because I adore pink, black & white together. 

If you don't know who Bad Religion is I highly suggest that you check them out, now!

Punk Pimpin'

Punk Pimpin' by jessica-kemp-mcconaha featuring a travel kit

Pretty In Punk<BR>

Pretty In Punk by jessica-kemp-mcconaha featuring a leather wrist watch