Drawing Challenge

HOLA!

How do you do? It's been awhile hasn't it.

Sorry it's been so long, though I sure nobody really noticed my absence. Anyway, to the purpose of this post? yes, I think we shall!

I just posted a video to my YouTube, which I have chosen to share with you, as you can probably tell by the video and post title, it is a drawing challenge. BACK STORY TIME! (I feel like Dr. Doofenshmirtz)
Well, it's not really much of a back story, I got a card game from Smiggle, it's awesome, I wish to play with you, and by play with you, I mean get you to draw me things, and then judge them, announcing who is superior. Also, I love all of you guys, Just saying.



Anyway, have fun, tweet me your drawings if you wish to, or post a link here in the comments.

Nice seeing you all again, I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

You all know my twitter right? No, oki, it's @minipixi.

Music and Mental Illness

Hey there,
I know, it's been ages. I've been busy! Homework and stuff.
Anyway, for our homework, we had to do a short report on anything music related, and I thought you guys might be interested to read it. Here it is! :)

Music And Mental Illness

It's a well known fact that many musicians suffer from various mental disorders, and many have taken their life because of it. But It's also been said that having a mental illness, such as depression or bipolar disorder has helped fuel their  creativity. Many artists claim that in some ways their illness has been there source of inspiration, and many people have said that music, be  it writing, playing or listening to, is the only thing that's kept them going. Music is also an effective and reliable treatment for mental disorders and is widely used as a method of therapy.

Mentally Ill Musicians

These days, mental illness is not uncommon,  in fact, it's been said that all or most people will display some signs of underlying mental illness, even if it's not bad enough to be diagnosed as a mental illness, we all have a little bit of crazy deep down inside us. So it would seem reasonable to think that many musicians do indeed have some sort of disorder.
While some may draw from their disorder, for others, it has meant the end.  It's not just recently that musicians have struggled with mental disorders, in the 1800's a composer by the name of Robert Schuman struggled with bipolar disorder, tried to throw himself of a bridge, and later died in a mental asylum, from syphilis. Another well known musician who ultimately met their end after battling mental illness, is Kurt Cobain, of Nirvana. Kurt took his life on the 5th of April 1994, he died from a bullet to the head after he had been battling depression and drug addiction.

Effects of Music On The Mind

Music has a greater affect on the mind than you may think. It's almost like a drug, in the way that it affects you brain. When you listen to one of your favourite bands or artists, you brain releases the same chemical it releases when you eat chocolate, and yes, orgasm. This chemical is called dopamine. Dopamine plays a huge part in the part of the brain that rewards achievements. It also has many other functions in the brain, including behaviour and cognition, voluntary movement, motivation, punishment and reward, inhibition of prolactin production (involved sexual gratification), sleep, mood, attention, working memory, and learning. Highly addictive drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine also tap directly into the flow of dopamine through the brain, this is what makes these drugs (and music) so addictive, and gives them the effect of a stimulant. Illnesses such as Schizophrenia have elevated levels of dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway (one of the dopaminergic pathways in the brain) and decreased levels of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.  ADHD is also believed to be associated with decreased dopamine activity.  

Music As Therapy

Music therapy helps in many ways, such as giving the person something they can relate to, a safe way to vent, a creative outlet, and opportunities to socialize in music group and build confidence. Also, as mentioned before, increases dopamine levels, improving ones mood and making them feel fulfilled and rewarded. Music also encourages freedom of expression and creativity. Writing lyrics is one exercise they do in music therapy. This is a way for the person to let out what they're feeling and turn it into something creative that they can be proud of. Turning negative experiences into something you can be proud of, and then, overcome.

To Conclude...

Music is a very important part of people's lives, whether they're creating it or enjoying it. It's been said that in a way, musicians with mental disorders are self medicating, expressing themselves and getting that feeling of fulfilment and success. But at the same time, the disorder is what makes the music, what inspires them. So they write music because they are stressed, upset, etc, and doing that makes them feel good. Music has a huge effect on the mind and can really make a difference in someone's life.
Sometimes, singing that one sad song can make everything so much better.

Thanks for reading guys, let me know what you think

Much loves, from Shannon :P

Just A funny Video Of A Band I Like

Hey guys, this is all time low, and they are retarded! :)

(I'll post a song thing at the bottom :D)



And this, this is a song!



Thanks for reading... Or watching, or whatever it is that you did.

Shannon xx :)

Daily Song!

Hello! I'm getting good at this.

Today's song is a dark, twisted, depressing and hilarious parody of Rebbecca Black's Friday by Amanda Palmer




It's incredibly awesome and morbid all at the same time. Only Amanda Palmer is capable of making such a combination work.

Thanks for reading, I'll scedule some more posts so I don't forget to post each day :)

Shannon xx <3

5 Pop Bands/Artists You Might Not Know I like

Hey guys, I thought I'd do something slightly different today. Normally I post about Metal or rock or industrial bands, so you might not guess that I'm actually a pop fan as well.

These songs are in no particular order.

5. Lady Gaga - Beautiful Dirty Rich

<iframe width="333" height="199" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7Nr33m1zXVE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

4. Katy Perry - ET

<iframe width="333" height="199" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OehxXNCYvTM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

3. Eminem - Lose Yourself

<iframe width="333" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hO2wA0Te0wM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

2. Taylor Swift - Mean

<iframe width="333" height="199" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jYa1eI1hpDE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

1. Jeffree Star - I'm In Love (With A Killer)

<iframe width="333" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GBOv2nw9PdA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

Thanks for reading :D

Shannon xx :)

Daily Song!!!!!!!!

Hey guys,

This is a band that I've liked for awhile, but never been all "OMG THEY'RE SO AMAZING MUST WATCH ALL THE STUFF!!" but I do absolutely love this song. It's Check, Yes Juliet by We The Kings.

Enjoy!



Thanks for reading :)

Shannon xx <3

Daily Song!

Hey Look! Two days in a row! :)

Hello!

Today's song is something I discovered not too long ago, it's a remix type thing done by two of my favourite "pop" artists, Jeffree Star And Porcelain Black. It was Jeffree's song originally, and he now has a version were Porcelain Joins in too. *SUPER EPIC HAPPY FACE!!!*

Here it is



Are you dying from the epic awesomeness and happiness that this song fills you with yet? No? Curses. You all suck.

Tanks for teh readz! :D

Shannon xx

(I went all lol cat on you!)

My Three Favourite Bands/Artists Right Now

Hey guys, so I thought I'd just let you know who I've been listening to lately, you know, just because.

And for the first time ever, these are in order! Wow, I know right!

Starting with number 3.

3rd place would have to go to Porcelain Black (Who I didn't realize was Porcelain And The Tramps!)

This is her song, This Is What Rock'n'Roll Looks Like.



Coming in second place is a band I've recently discovered, The Dirty Youth!

This is The End!



*Snazzy Announcer Voice!* And the winner for favoutrite band right now is.... *drum roll* THE DRESDEN DOLLS With Girl Anachronism!




Thanks for reading :D

Shannon xx :)

My Daily Song! (Ok, so it's not really daily if I don't do it everyday... Still.)

Hey there, Today's song is by one of my favourite youtubers ever, and may offend, but it is fekking awesome.

And It would be... *drum roll* ... BOUNCE THAT DICK by Jenna Marbles!



Epic right. Jenna Marbles is a goddess, and you should definitely check out some of her other stuff.

Make sure you comment and tell me any post or song requests you may want, I enjoy finding and listening to new music, so make me happy! ^__^

Thanks for reading

Shannon xx :)

Why I Love Cyber Goth Music

hey guys, got more awesome music for you. This time of a different genre. This is CYBER GOTH!

These Are my top 5 favourite cyber goth bands/ artists. Once more, in no particular order.

1. Porcelain And The Tramps - Gasoline



2. God Module - False Pretense




3. Asphyxia - Obliterate My Fate




4. Nightmare City - Are You Ready To Die



This isn't actually the video for this song, in case you were wondering, just a video I stumbled across of a girl dancing to it, thought it was kind of cool, so I used it instead of the video that was just a picture, more exciting ^__^.

5. Nurzery Rhymes - Circle Of Pain




Thanks for reading :D

Shannon xx <3

10 Female Fronted Rock Bands You May Not Know

So it's been awhile once more, Sorry about that. I have planned out a few blog posts, so hopefully I'll be blogging a bit more than usual.

These are all songs that I recently discovered, and I'm not saying you won't know them, you may, and if you do, awesome! and I know that some of you may disagree when I say "Rock" but the music styles are too varied to have a more accurate term.

Before I begin, I think I should mention, these songs are in no particular order.

1. Neo Geo - DT Killer




2. The Dirty Youth - Trend Setter




3. The Hell Freaks - Boogie Man




4. Absynth Aura - Believe Me




5. Sister Sin - Sound Of The Underground




6. We Are The Fallen - Bury Me Alive



7. Evarane - The Fear




8. Darling Parade - Bells Are Ringing




9. Renfue - What You Wanted




10. New Years Eve - I Was Right




Thanks for reading! :D

Shannon xx (totally spelled my name wrong three times there >.>)

Metal Goes Gaga

So it's occurred to me that once more I have failed to keep up with posts, so to make up for it I have decided to do an awesome post on metal bands (or bands of similar genres) that have done Lady Gaga Covers.

Here goes...

Halestorm - Bad Romance

30 Seconds To Mars - Bad Romance

All Time Low - Alejandro

Someday Static - Paparazzi

Outline In Color - Bad romance

Lorren Battle - Paparazzi

Six Seasons - Love Game

Annisokay - Telephone

Helia - Alejandro

Artist Vs Poet - Bad Romance

So I think that's about it.

I only posted the ones I thought were best, but there are THOUSANDS more if you wish to go check them out. Most of them are of Bad Romance though.

Leave my a comment telling me what you think, and if you want me to do something like this again, then add that as well. I do take requests on bands to post about or themes and etc, so let me know. Also, before you say anything, I know the All Time Low cover isn't exactly metal, but it's still cool, so shh. ^__^

Thanks for reading <3

Shannon :)

My Christmas Wishlist!

Hi!

So I have decided every Monday, until Christmas, I will post one thing I want! Sound exciting?

First thing on the list, BORDERLANDS!

So my boyfriend introduced me awhile back, and now I really love it. So I MUST Have it! :D

So I don't know what else to post now. I might just end it here and get on with the nest exciting post!

Thanks for reading guys!

love you all very much!

XoX Shannon

Daily Song!

Hey guys! I have three posts planned for you today! WOOOOO!

First off, Of course, the daily song! The other two are a surprise.

Right... As always, I've not really thought ahead and I haven't chosen a song yet... So I will just flick through iTunes and see what comes up...

...

Ok, That was easy. Liar Liar (Burn In Hell) by The Used.

I first came across The Used when one of my friends introduced me a few years back, and we spent the whole day sitting in her room and listening to their album on repeat. (It was a super hot day and it was far too hot to even think about doing anything) Now I can't stop listening to them.

The band seems to be completely insane... which is totally awesome! Every good band is off their nut. The seem to portray this insanity in their songs, which makes it just that more awesome.

Well that's this post done, I'll have the other two up soon!

Thanks for reading!

XoX Shannon

I'm Having A Rant!

Well hi there,

I am posting another blog about how society is unfair and cruel. You don't have do read if you don't want to. But I might have some music at the bottom relating to it, so you might want to.

I am so sick of how society instills this image of perfection onto us. Everywhere you look, there is some beautiful woman who every body wants to be like, or be with. But she's been so heavily made up and photo shopped she shouldn't be clasped as human anymore... And sex... Everywhere there is sex, and not enough is being done to educate about it, and young girls are going out, getting drunk and winding up pregnant, or even dead, and just because their friend said to or because the felt like they'd be left behind by their friends and society if they didn't.And things like smoking and drugs... People don't smoke because one day they woke up and decided they wanted to... They do it because a friend said to, because everyone else was doing it.Celebrities are out there and getting wasted... No one wants to help them, because it makes for good news... And all over the world there a people watching their idols lives fall apart, and people deciding to follow in their foot steps. The media makes this shit look glamorous, but it's not. It's horrible. But it's becoming normal. It's becoming part of daily life. And i can guarantee, each day, you'll hear about drugs, alcohol, suicide or other such things at least once a day. And people are defiantly slacking when it comes to suicide and self harm. "oh, she's cut herself. What an attention whore. She's fucked in the head. Let's tease her". It's either that or people just completely ignore it. I know of parents who's kids have cut, and they've just ignored it, thinking it's just a phase... And they there's the parents who decide it is a good idea to punish their kid for doing that. Taking away the things that make them happy. Punishing the kid for punishing them self. Not enough people understand. Practically no one makes and effort to try and understand.That's another thing I wish they would educate more about. Mental disorders and things like that. People are so intolerant to people with disorders and illnesses. We're not aliens. We're human too. But because every one has been so slack, people don't seem to understand that. I've heard people say that there, no such thing as depression... It's just a state of mind or the person over reacting. I know of people who have opened up to someone and told them they had depression and the person has just told them to get over it. Intolerant animals! Not only this, but people are so stereotypical and racist. Again, it's a not understanding thing. If you were part of a sub culture, like goth or geek or something, people will come up with all these stereotypical theories, like all goths hate living and want to die, and every geek is a virgin who lives in his mums basement. And it's the same with race. All Irish are crazy drunks, everyone from Scotland wears kilts and plays bag pipes, all Italians like pizza, all Americans are either obese or anorexic. Some one's skin is darker that yours, so they must be inferior to you. OK, so some of this may be true for certain people, but not for entire races. You may meet a fat American, someone from Scotland who plays bagpipes, someone from Mexico who LOVES tacos. But not everyone from that race will be the same and there is no need to generalise. Where someone is from or the colour of there skin IS NOT means to judge someone by. And then there is sexism. Oh my god people, we're all human, and sure generally speaking, men may be stronger, and women better cooks, But I've had some pretty weak boy friends and met some men who are far better cooks than many women I have known. We are all human, and we all have different strengths. Women are not inferior to men because of their sex, if a certain woman was inferior to a certain man, it would not be because one has a penis and one doesn't. It would be because of other things completely unrelated to gender. The man might be really kind and generous and supports lots of different charities, and the woman might be some horrible mas murderer who kills Innocent ponies just because she can. Nothing to do with gender. And to all of you out there who think someone who is feminist thinks that all men are inferior and women are far better, please actually do some research into it. Feminism is a fight for gender equality. Humans are so not the superior species. We are far from it.

Well I think that's all I have to say for now. Sorry if anything I have said has offended you in anyway, or if you think my use of words was inappropriate. This is all just my opinion and if you disagree, that is fair, you are allowed. And please, keep the comments section looking nice.

Now some music and stuff that relates to this stuff :)

Ok that's all I can think of for now.

Thank you all so much for reading.

XoX, Shannon <3

Daily song!

So it's been awhile once more. Sorry.

Before I Begin, I would like to make a little announcement!

I dropped out of school!!

Now some of you are probably thinking "Why did you do that! You'll never achieve anything if you drop out of high school, you'll never get a job" And blah blah blah. Well let me explain...

As I had been away for about a month in term three with a badly sprained ankle and Giardia I had missed a lot of important work, especially seeing as we were coming up to end of year exams, and because my attendance hadn't exactly been up to scratch prior to that, I was very far behind. Teachers were putting a lot of stress on me to catch up and I couldn't really handle all of it. Not only was this making life difficult, but I had also been diagnosed with depression a few weeks earlier. Reasonably severe, I believe it was. Also, a month or so earlier I had been accepted into MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) which was super exciting, so I wasn't going to be returning to school next year anyway. So one morning I woke up and explained to mum that I want to drop out. We agreed eventually that if I was going to, while I was home I was going to help out around the house and get as many more credits as I could by doing correspondence courses. So yeah, that's about it. It also means I can blog a lot more :D

So onto the daily song...

Today I have chosen for you... Saw Her Standing There by The Beatles

I really like this song, which a lot of people find surprising. Is I 16 year old goth girl not allowed to like the Beatles or something? I first cam across this song in music, when the teacher split us up into groups and gave us each the same song, which was this one. I didn't like it at first, but it's grown on me now.

I will hopefully have more up later, and I will eventually get you a weekly band.

Thanks for reading guys

XoX Shannon <3

Daily song!

Hey hey hey!

Sorry I've not posted in a while, I've been terribly ill will a stupid virus thing *curses under breath* I'll try get a few extra things up today to make it up to you.

So I've started writing this with no idea what my daily song is going to be, so I'm going to go onto my iTunes and press next a few times and see what comes up....

-Later-

Alright, we have a winner! Open Sky by The Distillers!

I really love The Distillers, and Brody Dale is a bloody legend in my books. I might have to make them my weekly band so I can go on some more about how awesome they are!
We'll see...

I actually discovered The Distillers playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (how cool am I?) but I never listened to anymore of their stuff until aimlessly flicking through videos on youtube, and then talking to a friend about them, who then let me borrow their three albums.

I think I will stop there before I start rambling on about nothing.

I will have to awesome things up for you later today, including a weekly band.

Thank you for reading

XoX Shannon

Daily song! ( I think he might kill me for this D:)

Hey guys!
Today's song could possibly get me killed... But it's too amazing not to post up.

It's a cover of Sum 41's Fat Lip, by my boyfriend and his band. this is why I may be killed :P

You guys all have to comment and say how amazing it is, because he thinks it sucks, but they're all amazing :)

So yep... There's three of them, and they're in a band....

How about I introduce them properly? Ok? Yep...

The super sexy one on guitar is my boyfriend, Suhail, the other two not-so-sexy ones don't really matter.

I'm only kidding, the guy singing is Cody, and the guy on drums is Peter.

They're awesome right?

Thanks for reading!

Don't forget to post all your wonderful and lovely comments about the sexiness of the band :P

XoX Shannon

Daily song!

heya!

So it's been awhile since I last posted a daily song. I've been busy (>.>). Well here's today's song!

And that would be....The Lovecats by The Cure!

My current favourite. I'm obsessed with The Cure at the moment, they're amazing! They have a hot lead singer and awesome bass-lines, what more could you ask for?

So I've decided, rather than doing the daily song and having a lot of background on the band, I'm going to just write a little bit of my opinion on the song, and will also post a weekly band, which will be a band I am really into at the time, and think you guys should check out, and that will have information on the band. I will also have other cool things for you guys to read, watch, listen to, and play with! So enjoy it! :)

Thanks for reading

Shannon XoX

MUSIC VIDEO! I'M IN IT!

HIIIII!!!!!!

I'm excited ^__^ I'm in a music video!!!

omfgomgwtflollmfao -incomprehensible gibberish-

Kay... I'm done.

WATCH IT!!!!!!!!! :D

You can see my legs at 0:39 :D hehe

I ish le happeh

Enjooyy!