The Fray - Scars & Stories

After what seems like an eternity, tomorrow is the day that The Fray's much-anticipated album Scars & Stories finally arrives.  It's been a long time coming.  I've been eager awaiting it's arrival for over a year but I've spent the last nine months (for me this is comparable to waiting for my baby's birth) digging through personal videos on YouTube that fans have taken of the band performing songs from the upcoming album while on tour.


The desperate countdown began in March of 2011 after seeing the band perform at The Fillmore in San Francisco.  I've had the luxury of seeing them perform seven times and it never gets old.  The SF show did not disappoint!  Along with singing many of the songs I've spent the last seven years obsessing over, lead singer Isaac Slade also belted out a few tunes being recorded for Scars & Stories.  Upon hearing him sing The Fighter, a song he'd written by himself when he'd taken a few days away in a cabin, my heart was on fire with pure joy.  You can take a listen here: 

Back in November I won a Meet & Greet with the band through Star 101.3 FM (actually, I won two different contests with the same radio station) and got to see a live performance - beautiful as always.  We sat just off to the side of the stage where we could reach out and touch them.  

Following the show, my friend and I lined up to meet the band and take a photo.  This was my fourth time meeting/having personal interaction with them so we chatted for a few minutes.  Isaac told me he loved my shoes.  How funny, of all the things for him to notice.  He said, "Of the four times we've met, these are my favorite shoes you've worn."  The boys were all in agreement about my amazing shoes.

That week I had won another mini-concert with The Fray through Alice Radio in SF which would take place the same day as the Star show.  As we left the Star show, my friend told the boys, "We'll see you at the show tonight.  She (meaning me) won for that show too."  The second live show was even better than the first.  I was disappointed because they didn't sing The Fighter during either show, instead focusing on the first single off the album entitled Heartbeat.  Watch the video here:

 

During the show DJ Marcus D (@marcusdshow) announced that he'd be pulling a name from the entry forms we filled out when we entered the lounge.  As he began calling out the winners, I realized he had announced my friend's name.  There we were winning yet another Meet & Greet with Isaac and Co.

After the show, we headed to the back where they'd be bringing the band to meet the winners.  As soon as we were given the go-ahead to go in, I stepped directly in front of Isaac and Joe and said, "We're back."  Pointing to me, Ben (drummer) yelled, "It's the shoes!!!"  They all became animated, joking around with us.  We took another photo with them and then I stepped to the side with Isaac and Joe.  I began telling them how disappointed I was that they didn't sing The Fighter.  As soon as they heard this, their interest was obviously piqued by the looks on their faces.  Isaac leaned against the wall and asked, "Did you hear it at The Fillmore show?"  They were intrigued by my love for the song.  I told them how powerful the song is and what an impact it's had on me.  We said our goodbyes and they said, "See you in February!"  I only realized about a month ago when The Fighter was released as their second single, why they were so excited at my inquiry of the song.  I've always been able to pick the singles ahead of release.  ; )

I'll be seeing the band again in just two weeks at the Fox Theater in Oakland and hopefully I'll have more adventures to share.  Until then, Happy Listening!  Don't forget to pre-order your copy of Scars & Stories now at http://www.thefray.com/us/heartbeat.

Muzikgirl

A Day of Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Today is a day to give thanks for all that you have and all that you want.  I am so grateful for the many experiences this year that have led me to this place of pure gratitude.  It's been a challenging year to say the least but so many amazing and beautiful things have come from the bumps in the road.  Thank YOU!  I have never felt more blessed than I do today.

A quick reminder to all: If you're going to participate in Black Friday or any holiday shopping at all this year, BUY AMERICAN. We need to help the American economy badly so PLEASE check the origin of the products you are purchasing before buying. TEAM USA!

 XOXO,

Muzikgirl

Another Encounter With The Fray

Star 101.3 FM Red Carpet

The Fray in the Bleu Room at the Showroom SF

The Fray at Alice Radio's private show in the Infusion Lounge San Francisco

The Fray at the Infusion Lounge San Francisco
Courtesy of Alice Radio Promotions

Live Music!!!

I've been lucky enough to see a few shows this year including Howie Day, Switchfoot (one of my absolute favorites) and Enrique Iglesias.

The Fray @ The Fillmore SF
5/27/11

Howie Day @ Cafe du Nord SF

9/15/11

Enrique Iglesias @ HP Pavilion

10/7/11

  

Switchfoot @ The Warfield SF

10/10/11

Sadly for me there's nobody exciting performing here over the next few months so I'll be laying low again.  I am, however, looking forward to the new Coldplay album Mylo Xyloto due out on October 24 and The Fray's record entitled Scars & Stories which isn't available until February 2012.  You can listen to the 1st single off the album, "Heartbeat," available at iTunes now.  It's another gorgeous song from the melodic band.  I am anxiously awaiting "Scars & Stories," especially eager to finally hear the song that exemplifies my life, "The Fighter."

Speaking of songs that exemplify my life, the track "Thrive" on the new Switchfoot record Vice Verses is a scary parallel to my life over the last six months.  A beautiful story of a person who doesn't recognize himself in the mirror, surviving life but wanting to "live" life.  It's a must-hear so check it out.

Happy listening!

Muzikgirl 

Very Funny Comedian

It's been a while since I've blogged.  Lots going on in my life.  I do want to share with you a very funny comedian I recently discovered after my father emailed me a video of him.  His name is Dan Nainan and he made me laugh so hard I almost peed my pants.  This is one I know you'll love!  Check it out below:

Thank God for laughter!

XOXO

Muzikgirl

Life Lessons

Love: Whether it's between friends, family members, or a man and a woman, love can be complex - but it doesn't have to be! Love is wanting to be together, having mutual respect for each other, and having fun. Love is a beautiful and magical feeling.

Forgiveness: I believe we must forgive whenever possible, but sometimes there are certain things or people we cannot forgive, no matter how hard we try. This is when we must give it to God, for God is greater than we are and can take care of whatever we can't.

Releasing guilt: Guilt is a spiritual killer. The only place guilt has in your life is if you did something to another person with malice - for example, intentionally harming someone. Otherwise, guilt is a useless exercise that destroys spiritual growth.

Strength: Strength is nothing more than enduring life - to be able to survive the heartaches and agonies we go through with our heads held high. Sometimes just walking through adversity to get to the other side is a sign of strength.

My E-mail Contact

I've decided to publish my email address here.  Feel free to contact me with any feedback, comments or simply to say hello.  I love hearing from you all and appreciate all your kind words about my blog.  I'm also considering starting a Facebook page to keep in touch there as well.  Tell me what you think.


Looking forward to hearing from you!


Cheers,


Muzikgirl


muzikgirlonamission @ gmail dot com (formatted this way so all the spammer don't pick up my email address & start pounding me with junk mail - you can figure out what it really is.)