Taste In Music Throughout My Life

 This won't completely be fitness related but it does give you a glimpse into certain things about me....

Growing up, when it came to music, it was quite the learning experience to when it came to songs, bands and other aspects of music I was exposed to. My parents are baby boomers so being teenagers and 20 somethings of the 60's and 70's, their taste varied from the Beach Boys to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jan & Dean, Boston, Kansas and many others. I remember as far back as the late 80's listening to my mom's mix tape in the car listening to 80's rock, Roy Oberson, the Temptations, Dire Straits, The Beatles and others that it just filled my head with music from many corners of various eras. 

I still listen to that stuff to this day, I'm mostly known for putting up metal, hard rock and their sub genres but that's just a piece of where my taste comes from. As a teenager listening to 102.5 KDON in Santa Cruz, CA, it was pop and rap from artists like Britany, Biggie, Michael Jackson, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Backstreet, Tupac and the likes. When you're in that phase, figuring out what you like and don't like. I got teased for my taste quite a bit which is something I rarely ever talked about.

By High School that was wear my metal and hard rock became a focal point in my life and it was Ozzy, Disturbed, Metallica, Godsmack and others throughout that time. I still liked some forms of rap like Eminem, Snoop, Ice Cube, Mater P but something about metal just hit me differently. When I got out of high school, I was going to concerts frequently at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, watching my friends Archer (the drummer was Tyler Bramlett, my neighbor at the time) doing Battle Of The Bands, doing covers and their own stuff. Just being in that atmosphere, head banging, having a good time and either going home or hanging out with them after shows, went up to SF a couple times and helped set up the equipment. Did a night of bouncing for the bands and that was interesting. Even got to head bang and rock out with an American Idol contestant before he did all that.  

I didn't really use music as a tool to keep my adrenaline flowing during workouts until I was in my 20's and learning the aspects of Physical Culture. As the years passed by, some bands I enjoyed came and went, found others to listen to, go back to 80's and 70's rock. Expanded my taste to metal from other countries like Mongolia, Ancient Europe and others, some of my favorites these days is Peyton Parrish with his Disney Covers, The Hu, Alestorm, Hammerfall, Iced Earth, Norse Style bands and more. 

 There were aspects of music I missed out on growing up, like seeing my older brother play. Heard clips later in life but he was a traveling musician and did some really cool gigs. His band produced an album which he sings and plays on a couple songs. Played opening acts to some big names back in the day. Did a lot of Bar stuff and because I was too young, I couldn't go in to see him. When you got to two brothers from 2 very different generations (we're nearly 13 years apart), some things came around but we didn't get to be brothers the way we wanted even though we hung around from time to time. These days, he casually plays blues and does songs on his computer, got into bluegrass and plays small local gigs out in Oregon. When we went up to see him recently, we reconnected in a massive way that we both needed. Listening to his stories, hearing him play and built a relationship that meant a great deal to both of us, it's something that holds dear to me. He's talented and can do some pretty funny but also beautifully played songs. 

Music has always been there from the time my mom played those cassettes, to listening to stuff that had me in tears (both sad and happy) and just having a blast with Car Karaoke or getting pumped during a training session. Music is a kick ass part of every culture and we all have different tastes. Some things I just can't stand but others are like "holy shit, this is awesome." Even did Choir as a kid in middle school and traveled around Santa Cruz performing in various places like the Coconut Grove next to the Boardwalk. Because of Music, I got to meet the Surf Juggernaut Jack O'Neil when I was 13. Did musicals in high school, wasn't the best singer but it was fun doing choreography and being a part of the shows. 

So yeah, my taste is vast and the stories of bands I've heard and seen are priceless and although some weren't always pleasant, I had fun even for small moments.  

Hope you enjoyed this and have an amazingly awesome day.

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Philosophy Of Rocking Out

           Have you ever been to a concert where your energy became so strong and adrenaline is pumping through your veins and you feel like a million bucks? It’s things like that, that should make you feel when you training. Your body is in a state where nothing can stop you from accomplishing your goal. It’s the rush of picking up a heavy object, doing a bodyweight exercise most people can’t do and you can’t help but wanting more. Most people don’t put any life into their exercise because after all, it’s just an exercise. If you’re in a beginner stage that’s one thing and you’re progressing through stages but even in the beginning, use what you have and believe you will get better.

            Some people like to use certain types of music to get them going. You don’t really need music to jump start your energy but if you choose to use music as an inspiration then do so. Some like pop, mix, metal, classical, hard rock and even worldly types but all have one common agenda and that’s to fire you up. Personally I’d prefer metal and not death metal but like heavy and rhythmic because of the solos and the sound that just hits you like Zeus’ lightning bolt. Music is exciting and it helps you ease the process. However, in order to achieve workout bliss, learn to use your mind as your music because music can also be a distraction and throw off your breathing patterns or your thinking when you’re creating a workout. The more mindful you are, the greater you will achieve.

            Most drag out a workout because the look at it as a punishment and feel miserable and don’t have a sense of happiness towards it. Believe it or not, you can have the time of your life when you train. Think about it, being able to do what you want to do, being happy, pushing through plateaus and living in the moment instead of just feeling like some drill sergeant is walking all over you and telling you you’re no good. Picture as if you’re at that kick ass concert and your favorite band is playing one of your favorites, you’d rock the hell out of that song wouldn't you? It’s the same thing as exercise; make it come alive with power, adrenaline and vitality.

            I recently went to see Black Sabbath while I was vacationing in California, Mountain View to be exact. Went with my best friend and his cousin, I’ll tell you first hand it was the experience of a life-time and most likely will never see that band again and they had the original three members; Ozzy, Geezer Butler & Tony Iommi. I head banged my heart out that night and it was something I’ll never forget. Ozzy was funny as hell but his voice in the lyrics during the songs was just as powerful as if I time traveled back to the 70’s in their heyday revolutionizing Rock Music. Tony’s solos were incredible, even in his mid 60’s he still can dominate that axe better then most of the best today. The point I’m making here is that like a solo riff on a guitar and that feel of Goosebumps hitting your body is a lot like that one moment in your training where everything just feels awesome and you get shivers when something just clicks inside you.

            Make your training as if you’re going to live it and feel more powerful within then ever possible. Build that foundation where you’re going to feel awesome, your body is flowing with strength and vitality and there’s nothing anybody can do to stop it because it’s your time and your moment to shine, just like a concert you’re having a blast and having the best time of your life because you never know when you’ll have that feeling again. Rock out guys and have fun.

Born To Be Wild

            

           Ever since I was little I loved that song. It was one of my first rock songs at a very early age. Rock in the late 60’s was a cultural change in the system throughout the Vietnam War and people wanted to be able to live and be free from the political crap Nixon was throwing and having the country behave like civilized people (yeah sure the hippies loved that and the Black Panthers). Songs like this gave you a reason to be alive and because of it, it became timeless.

            We were born as a race of beings to be strong and fit, conquer our own destiny and live the world the way we choose to. Over the last few decades, that’s become a daydream as people today because of the obesity “epidemic” just throw themselves away, eating terribly, partying like it’s the end of 1999 and just take advantage of the things that are giving to them. It doesn't matter if you’re black, white, yellow, brown, green or blue you are still a human being and there’s still a chance to become healthy again.

            One of the keys to becoming super strong and fit as a fiddle is the ability to open your mind. Have a mindset that you can live forever and feel as if you’re invincible. Now I’m not saying you should test this theory with stupid ideals but when I say feeling invincible, I mean in the sense where you learn to channel your energy. Reality is we can’t live forever like Conner or Duncan McLeod of the Clan McLeod but we can learn to live a lot longer than we are told to be. Hell I don’t care what anyone says I want to be 100 and still walking and talking and moving as best as I can without being in pain as much as possible. Most people who get older feel like it’s going down from there and just living the life of an older person and this starts right around 40-50. What a load of crock.

            To be strong and fit, it takes guts to go out and do something. Want to lift weights at 85, why not? You’re in your 60’s and retired, why not have fun and embrace what you have and do something that will get you over those dumb plateaus. Love what you have achieved in your life but never be satisfied of what you can do more of. I’m nearly 30 years old, some say that I’m still young and vibrant; others say it’s the trend of going downhill and even there are others who just have nothing better to do than be bitter than turning a certain decade starting at 30, for me I haven’t nearly peaked yet and I still have a lot more to achieve that I haven’t begun to touch yet so bring it on.

            Being wild isn't about getting drunk with your buddies or doing stupid shit that you’ll regret later on sooner or later but it’s about adventure, going to different places, finding new people to meet, taking a chance on finding that spark in your life and living it to the fullest that is positive and wholesome to you. Embrace it and live with great vitality and vigor, move freely and believe that there’s more to life than dwelling on past failures, things that you hate and the people you don’t need in your life. Everything happens for a reason and however you choose to do it is your choice. Find something that you love and make it work for you because when we finally reach that time of death, how do you want to go out?