Etsy Shop Alert! Interview with an Etsy Seller

an acrylic painting done by Amanda

Being the hermit that I am sometimes in the summer, I have been surfing the net and windowshopping on Etsy. I have found some shops that have matched my interest and was able to land a couple of interviews with two excellent Etsy sellers. One of them is a fabulous 23 year old girl named Amanda Pereira from Toronto, Canada.I decided why not ask her 13 random questions. And luckily, I did. Here is the interview with her.Hope all of you enjoy it. 

1. What got you started on selling on Etsy? 
 Truthfully, I started selling on Etsy because a few friends suggested it. They thought I’d enjoy it, supported my artwork, and encouraged me. It was a good idea. I love Etsy, and I’ve met a lot of great buyers and sellers there. I’ve come across so many shops filled with lovely wonders from amazingly talented people, which in itself is great inspiration.

2. Was there any trouble or questions in the beginning process of selling?

I didn’t have much trouble - Etsy is a lot easier to use than Ebay in my opinion, and [I] think anyone can get the hang of it pretty quickly if they take a quick tour and navigate around the site. It has a Help section on the website where you can email them for support, or live chat with someone. Your items stay listed for months and can be favourited by other users, so it helps get your name and products out there; I prefer it to any other site I’ve listed on thus far.

3.What's your inspiration when you make your bookmarks and art prints?

Amanda Pereira the artist

The smell of burning wood or the feel of grass on bare feet can inspire a painting or an art piece in the same way that a breakup or a death could for me. It’s all in how you perceive it and what it brings out of you; what it makes you feel, think of, remember... that’s the good thing about inspiration, there is an abundance of it, even if we have to wait for it to become obvious sometimes.

4.What do you do when you get "art blocked"?
It's not so much what I do, but what I don’t do - I don’t force it.  I wait until it hits me again, and then go from there, where ever it takes me. Sometimes it takes an hour, sometimes a day, sometimes three months. Art for me is fueled by strong emotion, and sometimes you’re not ready to bring it forward. It has to come naturally, though, because I can't create anything without putting part of myself in it, and that is something that can't be fabricated. Art has to be genuine. [And] I think it shows when someone has created for the sake of having a finished product, rather than creating because they ‘need’ to. 

5.When you are not drawing or selling on Etsy, what are you doing?

Reading books, reading the newspaper, reading emails; journaling, writing letters, writing poems, writing nonsense; bugging my boyfriend and spacing out to his beautiful music, hanging out with my momma, hanging out with my cats, hanging out with myself; making soap, making lists, making a mess; tending to my garden, brainstorming ideas for things I want to make, healing, thinking way too much... and Sims? Don’t even get me started. I’m a geek, basically.

6.Talking about books, what are your favorite books?
Oh, man... I‘m such a book nerd. I hold so many close to my heart, but my all-time favourite book[s] have always been Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel, followed closely by the Crank series [or absolutely anything, really!] by Ellen Hopkins. The level of admiration I have for what she is able to do with words is endless, and she is by far my favourite author; the one who inspired me to keep writing when I thought I lost that, years ago.

7. Favorite horror movie?

another wonderful creation by Amanda

I love horror movies, so that’s hard to answer. I’ve always been partial to Stigmata, though. I fucking love that movie, to put it not so elegantly.

8. Any tattoos?
 I currently have 13 tattoos:  I have a painting I’d completed for my soulmate tattooed on my arm, a flat-line turned heart monitor with the number of my hospital room which I stayed in after an intense situation, 6 inkblot butterflies and three ink splats, ‘live through this’, and ‘doll parts’ – 11 of them were done by myself... but lucky for me in the future, my brother is going to be a tattoo artist! ;D

9. Most embarrassing moment?
Oh jeeze, that’s a loaded question! I’m one of the clumsiest, most awkwardly anxious people you’d ever meet, and that alone leaves me with an abundance of horribly embarrassing moments. I walk into walls and trip over my own feet on a daily basis, when I’m not scrambling my words or speaking before thinking in general. It’s hard to say... I embarrass myself quite frequently.


10.Vampire or Werewolf?
Vampire, always! I kind of have a soft spot for them; not just on my neck, [or] in the general vicinity of my jugular, either. I watched ‘Interview with the Vampire’ when I was six years old, and instantly fell in love with the essence that is the romanticised powerful immortal, capable of taking or giving eternal life.


11. Edward Scissorhands or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
Edward! Two words – the hair. Enough said.

one of Amanda's prints

12. What fabric print could best define your personality?
My personality can be somewhat erratic at times... part of me says animal print but that’s too generic. Part of me says kittens wearing stilettos, fag deep in cupcakes... but that’s a bit manic. Part of me says raw silk with ribbon accents, but that’s slightly tame. I’m going to go with a solid colour yeti-esque furry fabric, for no other reason than I can contently say that feels more ‘me’. A bit loud [and] kind of curious...

13. And last but not least: what advice can you give to people who want to sell on Etsy but are being skeptical on their decision?

Do it – because the worst that can happen is... well, quite literally, nothing. If you don’t attempt to get your name out there and sell on Etsy, you can’t say, ‘At least I tried!’ Give it a go; chances are many people will come across your shop who will absolutely love what you have to offer. If nothing else, it allows you the freedom to offer your talents and passion to a wider audience from the comfort of your bedroom, living room, backyard, etc. It’s kind of awesome in that way.

if you like to see more of Amanda's Etsy shop, February Flowers, you may check it out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/februaryflowers

 or you can check her other websites if you like:

DeviantART:  http://youwillfade.deviantart.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/februaryflowers

Twitter: http://twitter.com/februaryflowers

Formspring: http://www.formspring.me/mandaquin

Etsy Shop Alert! Interview with an Etsy Seller

an acrylic painting done by Amanda

Being the hermit that I am sometimes in the summer, I have been surfing the net and windowshopping on Etsy. I have found some shops that have matched my interest and was able to land a couple of interviews with two excellent Etsy sellers. One of them is a fabulous 23 year old girl named Amanda Pereira from Toronto, Canada.I decided why not ask her 13 random questions. And luckily, I did. Here is the interview with her.Hope all of you enjoy it. 

1. What got you started on selling on Etsy? 
 Truthfully, I started selling on Etsy because a few friends suggested it. They thought I’d enjoy it, supported my artwork, and encouraged me. It was a good idea. I love Etsy, and I’ve met a lot of great buyers and sellers there. I’ve come across so many shops filled with lovely wonders from amazingly talented people, which in itself is great inspiration.

2. Was there any trouble or questions in the beginning process of selling?

I didn’t have much trouble - Etsy is a lot easier to use than Ebay in my opinion, and [I] think anyone can get the hang of it pretty quickly if they take a quick tour and navigate around the site. It has a Help section on the website where you can email them for support, or live chat with someone. Your items stay listed for months and can be favourited by other users, so it helps get your name and products out there; I prefer it to any other site I’ve listed on thus far.

3.What's your inspiration when you make your bookmarks and art prints?

Amanda Pereira the artist

The smell of burning wood or the feel of grass on bare feet can inspire a painting or an art piece in the same way that a breakup or a death could for me. It’s all in how you perceive it and what it brings out of you; what it makes you feel, think of, remember... that’s the good thing about inspiration, there is an abundance of it, even if we have to wait for it to become obvious sometimes.

4.What do you do when you get "art blocked"?
It's not so much what I do, but what I don’t do - I don’t force it.  I wait until it hits me again, and then go from there, where ever it takes me. Sometimes it takes an hour, sometimes a day, sometimes three months. Art for me is fueled by strong emotion, and sometimes you’re not ready to bring it forward. It has to come naturally, though, because I can't create anything without putting part of myself in it, and that is something that can't be fabricated. Art has to be genuine. [And] I think it shows when someone has created for the sake of having a finished product, rather than creating because they ‘need’ to. 

5.When you are not drawing or selling on Etsy, what are you doing?

Reading books, reading the newspaper, reading emails; journaling, writing letters, writing poems, writing nonsense; bugging my boyfriend and spacing out to his beautiful music, hanging out with my momma, hanging out with my cats, hanging out with myself; making soap, making lists, making a mess; tending to my garden, brainstorming ideas for things I want to make, healing, thinking way too much... and Sims? Don’t even get me started. I’m a geek, basically.

6.Talking about books, what are your favorite books?
Oh, man... I‘m such a book nerd. I hold so many close to my heart, but my all-time favourite book[s] have always been Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel, followed closely by the Crank series [or absolutely anything, really!] by Ellen Hopkins. The level of admiration I have for what she is able to do with words is endless, and she is by far my favourite author; the one who inspired me to keep writing when I thought I lost that, years ago.

7. Favorite horror movie?

another wonderful creation by Amanda

I love horror movies, so that’s hard to answer. I’ve always been partial to Stigmata, though. I fucking love that movie, to put it not so elegantly.

8. Any tattoos?
 I currently have 13 tattoos:  I have a painting I’d completed for my soulmate tattooed on my arm, a flat-line turned heart monitor with the number of my hospital room which I stayed in after an intense situation, 6 inkblot butterflies and three ink splats, ‘live through this’, and ‘doll parts’ – 11 of them were done by myself... but lucky for me in the future, my brother is going to be a tattoo artist! ;D

9. Most embarrassing moment?
Oh jeeze, that’s a loaded question! I’m one of the clumsiest, most awkwardly anxious people you’d ever meet, and that alone leaves me with an abundance of horribly embarrassing moments. I walk into walls and trip over my own feet on a daily basis, when I’m not scrambling my words or speaking before thinking in general. It’s hard to say... I embarrass myself quite frequently.


10.Vampire or Werewolf?
Vampire, always! I kind of have a soft spot for them; not just on my neck, [or] in the general vicinity of my jugular, either. I watched ‘Interview with the Vampire’ when I was six years old, and instantly fell in love with the essence that is the romanticised powerful immortal, capable of taking or giving eternal life.


11. Edward Scissorhands or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
Edward! Two words – the hair. Enough said.

one of Amanda's prints

12. What fabric print could best define your personality?
My personality can be somewhat erratic at times... part of me says animal print but that’s too generic. Part of me says kittens wearing stilettos, fag deep in cupcakes... but that’s a bit manic. Part of me says raw silk with ribbon accents, but that’s slightly tame. I’m going to go with a solid colour yeti-esque furry fabric, for no other reason than I can contently say that feels more ‘me’. A bit loud [and] kind of curious...

13. And last but not least: what advice can you give to people who want to sell on Etsy but are being skeptical on their decision?

Do it – because the worst that can happen is... well, quite literally, nothing. If you don’t attempt to get your name out there and sell on Etsy, you can’t say, ‘At least I tried!’ Give it a go; chances are many people will come across your shop who will absolutely love what you have to offer. If nothing else, it allows you the freedom to offer your talents and passion to a wider audience from the comfort of your bedroom, living room, backyard, etc. It’s kind of awesome in that way.

if you like to see more of Amanda's Etsy shop, February Flowers, you may check it out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/februaryflowers

 or you can check her other websites if you like:

DeviantART:  http://youwillfade.deviantart.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/februaryflowers

Twitter: http://twitter.com/februaryflowers

Formspring: http://www.formspring.me/mandaquin

Something to Definitely Spin To (Band discovery)

Dramatic guitar chords, hypnotic drum beats, and a voice that will remind you of bands like Modest Mouse and maybe even Queens of the Stone Age; this band has something to offer. However, don't be fooled, The Growlers have their own spazzy spicy sound to add to the cauldron.

The Growlers

I came upon this band listening to the Indie Feed Alternative Podcast, in which songs from "new" bands are posted. The minute I heard their almost Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) sound in their song "Graveyard's Full" I was hypnotized and lured by their haunting but still yet groovy beat (yes, I used GROOVY!).  I had to check them out on youtube and yes, definitely stalk their page. 

They did not disappoint me at all. The members are hot! Especially the lead singer. Composed of Brooks Nielson (vocals), Matt Taylor (lead guitar, vocals), Brian Stewart (drums and vocals), and Scott Montoya (bass guitar, vocals); The Growlers started in 2006 in a somewhat funny story. According to the Indie Feed Alternative Podcast, they started out hanging out, drunk, and with a few instruments about them. There they all decided to team up and make this awesome hypnotic dancing beat of a band. Of course, since they aren't really big, some of their videos are a bit of the homemade status. Nevertheless, the sound is priceless. Check. Them. Out!

Something to Definitely Spin To (Band discovery)

Dramatic guitar chords, hypnotic drum beats, and a voice that will remind you of bands like Modest Mouse and maybe even Queens of the Stone Age; this band has something to offer. However, don't be fooled, The Growlers have their own spazzy spicy sound to add to the cauldron.

The Growlers

I came upon this band listening to the Indie Feed Alternative Podcast, in which songs from "new" bands are posted. The minute I heard their almost Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) sound in their song "Graveyard's Full" I was hypnotized and lured by their haunting but still yet groovy beat (yes, I used GROOVY!).  I had to check them out on youtube and yes, definitely stalk their page. 

They did not disappoint me at all. The members are hot! Especially the lead singer. Composed of Brooks Nielson (vocals), Matt Taylor (lead guitar, vocals), Brian Stewart (drums and vocals), and Scott Montoya (bass guitar, vocals); The Growlers started in 2006 in a somewhat funny story. According to the Indie Feed Alternative Podcast, they started out hanging out, drunk, and with a few instruments about them. There they all decided to team up and make this awesome hypnotic dancing beat of a band. Of course, since they aren't really big, some of their videos are a bit of the homemade status. Nevertheless, the sound is priceless. Check. Them. Out!

The Etsy Underground

Varying from art prints to handmade bags, Etsy has become the medium to find underground handmade gifts and meet new people. Recently, I joined to find out what was the big hub-bub and other potential personal reasons; and so far I have found so many things I would want to buy. Whomever joins this website can also join etsyteams in which other people can chill, talk, and do all sorts of stuff (i.e etsy's newbie team). Of course, each team will have their own theme and/or thing going on. Nevertheless, Etsy has been a popular place for all vintage dwellers, trendsetters, designers, and handcrafting fashionistas to show, strut, and share their stuff. If you are looking for something vintage or rather a handmade product don't be shy and stop by Etsy's different shops. Its 90% guaranteed you will find something. 

The Etsy Underground

Varying from art prints to handmade bags, Etsy has become the medium to find underground handmade gifts and meet new people. Recently, I joined to find out what was the big hub-bub and other potential personal reasons; and so far I have found so many things I would want to buy. Whomever joins this website can also join etsyteams in which other people can chill, talk, and do all sorts of stuff (i.e etsy's newbie team). Of course, each team will have their own theme and/or thing going on. Nevertheless, Etsy has been a popular place for all vintage dwellers, trendsetters, designers, and handcrafting fashionistas to show, strut, and share their stuff. If you are looking for something vintage or rather a handmade product don't be shy and stop by Etsy's different shops. Its 90% guaranteed you will find something. 

The Random Tattoo of Today

I am still on the look out for a hands on one-on-one meeting with a rockin' tattoo but for now you are stuck with this until further notice.
I really had to laugh because this is just plain ridicule of christian principles. This isn't really original and I did not know Hello Kitty could turn all holy man if you know what I mean. Although, I love her, whomever did this was horrible into thinking out of all the looks out in the world, Hello Kitty can end up wearing Jesus Christ as an outfit. Its rather unoriginal. Should have been a pacman instead or something else right? While I won't be looking for the perpetrator who inked it in, I will be getting some interviews in with a new poll. Til next time folks,

Miss Bobo

The Random Tattoo of Today

I am still on the look out for a hands on one-on-one meeting with a rockin' tattoo but for now you are stuck with this until further notice.
I really had to laugh because this is just plain ridicule of christian principles. This isn't really original and I did not know Hello Kitty could turn all holy man if you know what I mean. Although, I love her, whomever did this was horrible into thinking out of all the looks out in the world, Hello Kitty can end up wearing Jesus Christ as an outfit. Its rather unoriginal. Should have been a pacman instead or something else right? While I won't be looking for the perpetrator who inked it in, I will be getting some interviews in with a new poll. Til next time folks,

Miss Bobo

Warning you Are Entering the BAND Zone!

Tall Ships, a British band composed of three handsome guys, Jamie, Ric, and Matt; are out and about with their single, Plate Tectonics. Last month they played with We are Scientists and are going to record a new album to be released in 2012. Not much is really heard of them here since their popularity is still growing in the UK. But their catchy chords and powerpop beats are sure to catch your attention especially when the music video has an indie feel of a moving photograph. You can check their music on the above link, search their videos on youtube, or check out their funny conversational blog.
Here is another other song from them

Warning you Are Entering the BAND Zone!

Tall Ships, a British band composed of three handsome guys, Jamie, Ric, and Matt; are out and about with their single, Plate Tectonics. Last month they played with We are Scientists and are going to record a new album to be released in 2012. Not much is really heard of them here since their popularity is still growing in the UK. But their catchy chords and powerpop beats are sure to catch your attention especially when the music video has an indie feel of a moving photograph. You can check their music on the above link, search their videos on youtube, or check out their funny conversational blog.
Here is another other song from them

The Radio Still Rocks On...(All About a Podcast)

Haunting noises of what anyone can assume to be the wind blowing, the howling of wolves, and the voice of a creepy man laughing is heard from speakers connected to a computer. These things might be the stereotypical characteristics of an old horror movie but in reality its actually the opening of The Horror! (Old Time Horror), an audio podcast aired since 2007 from the company Relic Radio. Ranging from ghosts to strange coinciding events, Old Time Horror delivers stories straight from the now vintage past. Although, they won't exactly freak you out of your seat, it will take your interest or rather amuse you for the hour.So for all you vintage lovers out there, check this one out.

The Radio Still Rocks On...(All About a Podcast)

Haunting noises of what anyone can assume to be the wind blowing, the howling of wolves, and the voice of a creepy man laughing is heard from speakers connected to a computer. These things might be the stereotypical characteristics of an old horror movie but in reality its actually the opening of The Horror! (Old Time Horror), an audio podcast aired since 2007 from the company Relic Radio. Ranging from ghosts to strange coinciding events, Old Time Horror delivers stories straight from the now vintage past. Although, they won't exactly freak you out of your seat, it will take your interest or rather amuse you for the hour.So for all you vintage lovers out there, check this one out.

Rockin' Odd Tattoo of the Day and Small News

Kat Von D sporting nice blue hair and hot outfit

Odd tattoo of the day

Lately I have been not only on focusing on changing my hair color which is now weird blue but I have been thinking a lot about tattoos. They have been common off an on throughout the evolution of mankind. Although, some tend to exaggerate and do whole body tattoos they are really popular today in the celebrity world. Angelina Jolie, P!nk, Johnny Depp, and dare I say Rihanna are all celebrities who have gotten tattoos and walked the carpet with them on visible or invisible to the naked eye. One of them became famous not only for her now still spankin' line of cosmetics but for her tats she herself makes: Kat Von D. I love this girl for not only being an artist at what she does but also for representing her nationality and not being afraid to say "hey I am different". Tattoo artists like her are considered artists for the detail, eccentricity, effort, time, and money used to finish these works of body art. To appraise their magnificent talent, I will be spotting the tattoo of the day and interviewing the one who wears it loud and proud.
don't be afraid to be rebellious, show off that tattoo. ;D

Rockin' Odd Tattoo of the Day and Small News

Kat Von D sporting nice blue hair and hot outfit

Odd tattoo of the day

Lately I have been not only on focusing on changing my hair color which is now weird blue but I have been thinking a lot about tattoos. They have been common off an on throughout the evolution of mankind. Although, some tend to exaggerate and do whole body tattoos they are really popular today in the celebrity world. Angelina Jolie, P!nk, Johnny Depp, and dare I say Rihanna are all celebrities who have gotten tattoos and walked the carpet with them on visible or invisible to the naked eye. One of them became famous not only for her now still spankin' line of cosmetics but for her tats she herself makes: Kat Von D. I love this girl for not only being an artist at what she does but also for representing her nationality and not being afraid to say "hey I am different". Tattoo artists like her are considered artists for the detail, eccentricity, effort, time, and money used to finish these works of body art. To appraise their magnificent talent, I will be spotting the tattoo of the day and interviewing the one who wears it loud and proud.
don't be afraid to be rebellious, show off that tattoo. ;D

True Blood Sizzling Season 4: a Spicy New Season

With season 3 of True Blood ending with a Vampire King put to an ironic rest and the main girl disappearing into a dreamland nobody knows where, TB (teehe TB) gave a cliffhanger for hooked watchers to devour and soon enough wither in hunger for a new season. Months have passed with followers anticipating and reading up articles of what is to come. Some speculated that the new season might “suck” because the third season didn’t live up to the standards of the original Sookie Stackhouse novel series written by Charlaine Harris. Now with a new opening episode premiering these past two Sundays, True Blood is not playing games no more.

So far watching the first few episodes, things have gone a whole new twist. Eric Northman as usual has proved to be one smart cookie; Bill Compton has gone eerily weird yet again; Tara is busy having a lifestyle while being with her girlfriend [girlfriend say what?!]; and for once vampires are not the only creatures among the living (yeah not listing the whole entire list of episode spoilers for those who haven’t watched it yet, sorry).

 Nope, this season is not playing cards on the table but rather witches and fairies as a new set. Right now I am still just chewing on the ending, the middle, and the beginning of the first episode. IF anything I am looking for more eye openers like this one. from Season 3 Too bad the Vampire king couldn't stay for another season. 

True Blood Sizzling Season 4: a Spicy New Season

With season 3 of True Blood ending with a Vampire King put to an ironic rest and the main girl disappearing into a dreamland nobody knows where, TB (teehe TB) gave a cliffhanger for hooked watchers to devour and soon enough wither in hunger for a new season. Months have passed with followers anticipating and reading up articles of what is to come. Some speculated that the new season might “suck” because the third season didn’t live up to the standards of the original Sookie Stackhouse novel series written by Charlaine Harris. Now with a new opening episode premiering these past two Sundays, True Blood is not playing games no more.

So far watching the first few episodes, things have gone a whole new twist. Eric Northman as usual has proved to be one smart cookie; Bill Compton has gone eerily weird yet again; Tara is busy having a lifestyle while being with her girlfriend [girlfriend say what?!]; and for once vampires are not the only creatures among the living (yeah not listing the whole entire list of episode spoilers for those who haven’t watched it yet, sorry).

 Nope, this season is not playing cards on the table but rather witches and fairies as a new set. Right now I am still just chewing on the ending, the middle, and the beginning of the first episode. IF anything I am looking for more eye openers like this one. from Season 3 Too bad the Vampire king couldn't stay for another season. 

LBGT victory and a Foreshadow for What's To Come..(an obvious rant)

I am sorry but as an LGBT supporter and a NYC resident, I had to post something about this! When I saw the news a few days ago that New York finally made its contribution I had to silently scream YES! (I know it sounds impossible but really it isn't). It is about time that love gets its chance. Call me a hippie, call me whatever you will, but love has no boundaries. May anybody throw me in a chamber for supporting human beings to marry. Why should two people who care for each other be denied a chance just because they don't follow the laws of a religion that really has nothing to do with how they feel about each other. It bothers me to think that a state of a country who blazes "Country of the Free" in neon letters does not support something that has to do with the "pursuit of happiness". YEAH I AM QUOTING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE(correction in part of good friend Nick)! The very same document that helped this country become a new nation away from the hands of persecution that at the time came from Britain. Everyone worked together and united to fight for freedom. So why is it after milestones many have fought for (the right to vote, civil rights, a black president, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, etc), we cannot unite to give the freedom of union to human beings, because yes they are HUMAN BEINGS! The Bible can be quoted til kingdom come but at the end of the day this is free will being jeopardized and its about time free will, which dare I say was GOD'S GIFT, should be put at the hands of religious bigots. We must end bigotry like Martin Luther King once proclaimed in his speech. Don't let ignorance ruin our evolution. We are animals of reason, we can do better than this! Lets hope we can acquire the right for gay marriage and proposition 8 all over the nation. We can do this. Let's not give up

LBGT victory and a Foreshadow for What's To Come..(an obvious rant)

I am sorry but as an LGBT supporter and a NYC resident, I had to post something about this! When I saw the news a few days ago that New York finally made its contribution I had to silently scream YES! (I know it sounds impossible but really it isn't). It is about time that love gets its chance. Call me a hippie, call me whatever you will, but love has no boundaries. May anybody throw me in a chamber for supporting human beings to marry. Why should two people who care for each other be denied a chance just because they don't follow the laws of a religion that really has nothing to do with how they feel about each other. It bothers me to think that a state of a country who blazes "Country of the Free" in neon letters does not support something that has to do with the "pursuit of happiness". YEAH I AM QUOTING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE(correction in part of good friend Nick)! The very same document that helped this country become a new nation away from the hands of persecution that at the time came from Britain. Everyone worked together and united to fight for freedom. So why is it after milestones many have fought for (the right to vote, civil rights, a black president, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, etc), we cannot unite to give the freedom of union to human beings, because yes they are HUMAN BEINGS! The Bible can be quoted til kingdom come but at the end of the day this is free will being jeopardized and its about time free will, which dare I say was GOD'S GIFT, should be put at the hands of religious bigots. We must end bigotry like Martin Luther King once proclaimed in his speech. Don't let ignorance ruin our evolution. We are animals of reason, we can do better than this! Lets hope we can acquire the right for gay marriage and proposition 8 all over the nation. We can do this. Let's not give up

When In Doubt Trust in the Salvation Army (a journal story)

On a nice Saturday where the sun is high and the birds are singing….that you gotta get out.  For me it was definitely a Saturday city adventure. So I put on my skull shirt, ripped jeans, and gladiator sandals, and hit the pavement for a walk towards the train station. Mission: find the best bargain. Destination: Union Square.

I passed the turnstile and got on the train with my purse in tow. From the looks of it, I wasn’t the only one on a mission with a nice weather as it was.  Good thing there weren’t the usual weekend delays as there is here in NYC. But anyhow, I got out and walked around a commotion going on in Union Square (besides the hardcore chess players). One of the best things of Union Square is that there is always some event happening. Last summer there was a group of people jumping on some bouncing footwear. I kid you not. With these commotions usually a crowd starts and there are pictures being taken with hordes of people walking and hang-a-langing.  Which is great because that is where the cool tattoos come out and get seen ;D. Anyways, back to the mission.

the magic box undergoing a makeover

So I walked a bit past Union Square’s Best Buy, and hit the Salvation Army. I was always curious to go inside because many people have reported finding great deals and treasures that once were a man’s trash. So, I walked in and instantly found a small book section. Found some interesting titles but I wasn’t in the buying book mode until I took a 90 degree turn…I found it. It was this awesome cute box with a latch and everything. It had what looked like dried paint all over the inside and some parts of the outside. I thought because it was vintage it would be expensive so I walked away from it. Not a good move (trust me, you find something that shines like a treasure, you inspect it, and ask for the price). I decided to look in the clothes part of the store since that was mainly what this Salvation Army was and found a kilt!  A KILT! The ULTIMATE punk vintage item you can find. And I didn’t buy it.

But the good news is that after looking through all the clothes, I decided to go back to the box. A woman that seemed was in her forties was already standing around it. I quickly grabbed the box why I still could and went back to looking at the bags being sold.  I breathed a sigh of relief because I knew it was going to be grabbed at some point the minute I walked away. Overall, the mission was complete and done with. But I still continued to look around for other great finds. And I found a nifty bag. It must have been my lucky day because I found a dollar and change inside the pocket of the bag. There was no price tag on it so I didn’t know if I should take it. I went up to the counter and asked for the price. Turns out the box and the bag cost the same value of $2.99. I paid for both and found my way happily to the train station (don’t worry I didn’t skip).

When riding a train it is always good to have a buddy to talk to. To my surprise when I got off 42^nd to take my train home, I found my awesome friend, Ralgy Cepeda of Nova. The whole ride we spent talking and laughing in intervals. We exchanged our goodbyes and treaded home. A Saturday mission complete and a potential hangout in the future. Yep, definitely bargains never to be missed. Til next time.

Band Alert! Band Alert!

The Beatles, Nirvana, NOFX, and Green Day are all male bands that have started and bloomed in the subgenres of the rock world.  Whether for the purpose of fame, notoriety, or just for the music, they all have made hits and gained popularity with album after album making them celebrities. Although they are well-known names now, there was a point in time where they, like many others today, were struggling to get their names out there. Some have described the journey in music stardom not being an easy feat but still worthwhile.

Nova

And now with the music business booming with artists, one can even say that being an artist one has to have a talent, a name, and a dedication. In the case of Nova, a name that is now seen in venues like the Moonlight Bar and Webster Hall, that is not the problem. In an interview with Rockinglicious, both Ralgy Cepeda (vocals & bass guitar) and Alex (electric guitar) described their experiences being in Nova.

According to Salazar, the lead guitar of Nova, the band started in the fall of junior year of high school. The name back then was Running on Empty and they had 6 members already willing to put down music time. As time passed by, the band started “shedding layers and layers of people” and soon enough the band ended but on a good note.         

Ralgy Cepeda and Alex Salazar

After Running on Empty ended, Nova was born with band members Alex Salazar, Ernesto Baez III, and Ralgy Cepeda. And since then Nova has gained quite a fan base. 

When asked how the band members came up with a name like Nova, Alex answered, “I saw a supernova in my dream. It destroyed the galaxy. The next day I came up to Ralgy and asked him ‘what do you think of Nova?’ 

Of course some things have changed and other things have stayed the same with Nova’s members. At 14, both Cepeda and Salazar thought about different things than music: “I didn’t think about the world as a whole or about universal politics. I guess you can say I was more centered on myself and my friends,” Cepeda shared.

However for Nova, being young and in a band is not easy. “It wasn’t until we were 18 that we had access to venues. Now, venues don’t want to pay anymore. We don’t have money. So now I have to work for Starbucks eight hours a day,” says Salazar. Then there is band rehearsal to take care of as Ralgy notes in the difficulty of meeting up: “We don’t get to see each other every day. A lot of times Alex is in school and on the days that he is not in school I still work [on music].”

But for these two band mates, music is life. When asked what they do when they aren’t playing music, Cepeda answers “Our music reflects our life so metaphorically speaking when we are not playing music, we are playing music. When we talk to each other or look out the window, it serves as an inspiration. We don’t live outside the [band] lifestyle.” For Salazar, music changed his life a little more than expected: “My complete lifestyle was changing. I noticed my complete social life crumbled because I played music.”

Ernesto Baez III on drums

Despite it all, music has brought them many friendships and conversations with their fans. Of course, Rockinglicious was curious to ask what new goals Nova had in mind whether hitting the list of featured artists in the famous Warped Tour or taking part in the Loolapalooza music festival. Surprisingly, for Salazar and Cepeda that goal is not really the main deal. Salazar says, “At the end of the day it’s not about making the dollars but the music. The biggest goal I could say for Nova would be progression. Self- development is very important for us. Right now we are working on writing a five part song with a prelude, a symphonic poem (no lyrical parts), and a lyrical part. It would be mostly influenced by classical music.”

Through hearing the voices of both Alex Salazar and Ralgy Cepeda on what it’s like to be in a band such as Nova, it can be ascertained that starting your own band is like growing a tree: there has to be dedication, care, and a love for music along with the equipment to keep it going. If you want to check out this band and even attend one of their shows, check their gigmaven profile: http://www.gigmaven.com/nynova?f=c    

Band Alert! Band Alert!

The Beatles, Nirvana, NOFX, and Green Day are all male bands that have started and bloomed in the subgenres of the rock world.  Whether for the purpose of fame, notoriety, or just for the music, they all have made hits and gained popularity with album after album making them celebrities. Although they are well-known names now, there was a point in time where they, like many others today, were struggling to get their names out there. Some have described the journey in music stardom not being an easy feat but still worthwhile.

Nova

And now with the music business booming with artists, one can even say that being an artist one has to have a talent, a name, and a dedication. In the case of Nova, a name that is now seen in venues like the Moonlight Bar and Webster Hall, that is not the problem. In an interview with Rockinglicious, both Ralgy Cepeda (vocals & bass guitar) and Alex (electric guitar) described their experiences being in Nova.

According to Salazar, the lead guitar of Nova, the band started in the fall of junior year of high school. The name back then was Running on Empty and they had 6 members already willing to put down music time. As time passed by, the band started “shedding layers and layers of people” and soon enough the band ended but on a good note.         

Ralgy Cepeda and Alex Salazar

After Running on Empty ended, Nova was born with band members Alex Salazar, Ernesto Baez III, and Ralgy Cepeda. And since then Nova has gained quite a fan base. 

When asked how the band members came up with a name like Nova, Alex answered, “I saw a supernova in my dream. It destroyed the galaxy. The next day I came up to Ralgy and asked him ‘what do you think of Nova?’ 

Of course some things have changed and other things have stayed the same with Nova’s members. At 14, both Cepeda and Salazar thought about different things than music: “I didn’t think about the world as a whole or about universal politics. I guess you can say I was more centered on myself and my friends,” Cepeda shared.

However for Nova, being young and in a band is not easy. “It wasn’t until we were 18 that we had access to venues. Now, venues don’t want to pay anymore. We don’t have money. So now I have to work for Starbucks eight hours a day,” says Salazar. Then there is band rehearsal to take care of as Ralgy notes in the difficulty of meeting up: “We don’t get to see each other every day. A lot of times Alex is in school and on the days that he is not in school I still work [on music].”

But for these two band mates, music is life. When asked what they do when they aren’t playing music, Cepeda answers “Our music reflects our life so metaphorically speaking when we are not playing music, we are playing music. When we talk to each other or look out the window, it serves as an inspiration. We don’t live outside the [band] lifestyle.” For Salazar, music changed his life a little more than expected: “My complete lifestyle was changing. I noticed my complete social life crumbled because I played music.”

Ernesto Baez III on drums

Despite it all, music has brought them many friendships and conversations with their fans. Of course, Rockinglicious was curious to ask what new goals Nova had in mind whether hitting the list of featured artists in the famous Warped Tour or taking part in the Loolapalooza music festival. Surprisingly, for Salazar and Cepeda that goal is not really the main deal. Salazar says, “At the end of the day it’s not about making the dollars but the music. The biggest goal I could say for Nova would be progression. Self- development is very important for us. Right now we are working on writing a five part song with a prelude, a symphonic poem (no lyrical parts), and a lyrical part. It would be mostly influenced by classical music.”

Through hearing the voices of both Alex Salazar and Ralgy Cepeda on what it’s like to be in a band such as Nova, it can be ascertained that starting your own band is like growing a tree: there has to be dedication, care, and a love for music along with the equipment to keep it going. If you want to check out this band and even attend one of their shows, check their gigmaven profile: http://www.gigmaven.com/nynova?f=c