Kelly’s Thoughts
SOUNDS LIKE: Late Night Oldies
There’s something really magical about the nighttime and the way music just hits different past midnight. One of my favorite things/worst habits I picked up in high school was writing essays throughout an entire night. What I mean by that is I would start brainstorming the structure of an AP … Continue reading “SOUNDS LIKE: Late Night Oldies”
A Thank You Letter to Bad Suns
Y’all. I waited TWO YEARS for what I got to do this week. By that I’m referring to seeing Bad Suns live and in person again. If you can recall the first time I mentioned this band, it was one of the first posts I ever created and spilled all … Continue reading “A Thank You Letter to Bad Suns”
New Music Crush: Samia
“I only write songs about things that I’m scared of, so here, now you’re deathless in art…” – Is There Something in the Movies?, Samia Ok, not gonna lie…I saw this one coming. I’ll explain exactly what I mean. Today, I’m talking about my latest new music crush, Samia. Samia, … Continue reading “New Music Crush: Samia”
The Musical Loves of My Life: Shakira
When I was two years old, I had one goal in my life and one goal only. And that was to be Shakira. Twenty three years later, I have some different and more concrete goals but I still look to Shakira for a reminder of who I am, where I … Continue reading “The Musical Loves of My Life: Shakira”
What We’ve Been Listening To: Summer 2021
Ah yes, Labor Day Weekend, the unofficial end of summer. School’s starting again, the sun is starting to go down sooner, it’s getting colder (or if you’re in LA you’re waiting to smell smoke from a nearby wildfire), but also it’s time to start reflecting on what the heck just … Continue reading “What We’ve Been Listening To: Summer 2021”
Eden + Kelly: The Playlist
Four score and seven years ago, I met one of my best friends for the first time. She’s always been one of the coolest people I’ve ever known and oh man, I’m so excited to introduce her as a new guest contributor here at SOUNDS LIKE FEELS LIKE. Wow, I … Continue reading “Eden + Kelly: The Playlist”
Why It’s Time for A Buckingham Nicks Re-Release
One thing you will quickly learn after knowing me for some time is that I love Fleetwood Mac. And it’s not a casual love — it’s a “I spent the entire summer before I started college researching everything I could about them” kind of love. So yeah, without under exaggerating, … Continue reading “Why It’s Time for A Buckingham Nicks Re-Release”
Same Title, Different Song Vol. 1
One of my favorite music phenomena is how you can like two songs that have the same title but sound totally different. I started working on this playlist because I equally enjoyed listening to two songs called “My Type” by Saint Motel and by Saweetie. It was funny to me … Continue reading “Same Title, Different Song Vol. 1”
The Musical Loves of My Life: The Killers
Welcome to The Musical Loves of My Life, a new series similar to the New Music Crush, except we’re talking about artists I’ve loved for much of my life. You might know these artists by one or a couple songs, but I’m here to fangirl about them and tell you … Continue reading “The Musical Loves of My Life: The Killers”
I’m Not Bitter Anymore, Just Petty
You know what’s a curse put on the human brain? The fact that we remember people’s birthdays that are no longer relevant in our lives. I have a lot of dear friends whose birthdays are in July. It was really selfish of me to openly tell them last year that … Continue reading “I’m Not Bitter Anymore, Just Petty”
SOUNDS LIKE: A Conversation About Classical Music
Ok folks, let’s just take a moment to thank TikTok, because we’ve got a special treat today. I recently connected with an incredibly talented TikTok creator who I’ve been following for a while because of his refreshing take on classical music. Joe Sedarski is a student at Boston University who … Continue reading “SOUNDS LIKE: A Conversation About Classical Music”
New Music Crush: Arlo Parks
“Suddenly he started screaming, Caroline, I swear to God I’ve tried, I swear to God I’ve tried…” – Caroline, Arlo Parks Oh man, I have been waiting to talk about this New Music Crush. Arlo Parks is the musical poet I’ve been looking for and honestly aspire to be. Please … Continue reading “New Music Crush: Arlo Parks”
Quintessential Queer Artists Vol. 1
Happy Pride Month everybody! I wanted to make this playlist to make a statement. I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and realize I’ve never been as vocal about it as I should. I didn’t know that the queer community even existed before high school (that’s on living … Continue reading “Quintessential Queer Artists Vol. 1”
New Music Crush: Rina Sawayama
“Excuse my ego, can’t go incognito, every time you see me it’s like winning big in Reno…” – Comme Des Garçons (Like The Boys), Rina Sawayama Ah yes, another new music crush that helped me get through 2020. I’ve been waiting to scream and shout about this one. Rina Sawayama … Continue reading “New Music Crush: Rina Sawayama”
The Modern Voices of American Music
Hi, so first of all, to quote Phoebe Bridgers, I’m a liar who lies. I wanted to get this post out last week but I didn’t. I was dealing with a really bad migraine on and off all last week and couldn’t muster up the strength to post. Also, not … Continue reading “The Modern Voices of American Music”
The Founders of American Music
Re: the blog post and playlist I made on Juneteenth last year, this is (chronologically) the first in the series. I’ll be focusing on modern legends from the 90s to today next week. The artists I’m featuring here are just a few major artists that have gone on to profoundly … Continue reading “The Founders of American Music”
New Music Crush: The Aces
“I’m stuck, babe, stuck with nowhere to go…” – Stuck, The Aces Yeah, ok I’m SUPER late with posting about this new music crush. Why? Do I even have to say it? We’re all thinking it. Ugh, well, 2020 sucked. I’m done sugar coating it or pretending it wasn’t terrible … Continue reading “New Music Crush: The Aces”
Dancing Through Pain
So LA has been hitting rock bottom when it comes to COVID cases. One out of every six people in LA is dying from COVID. I am absolutely terrified. I do not want to leave my house for anything, even though I committed to volunteering somewhere every Saturday. Literally, my … Continue reading “Dancing Through Pain”
My 2020 Album of the Year: Petals for Armor by Hayley Williams
“Wrap yourself in petals for armor…” – Simmer, Hayley Williams When you think about soldiers going into battle, you look for tough materials — steel, titanium, bronze, anything that looks like it can withstand anything. But is that the way to handle growing from trials? I’d say no. The concept … Continue reading “My 2020 Album of the Year: Petals for Armor by Hayley Williams”
Can’t Get You Out of My Head: Sports Car by Valley
I have so much to catch up on. I stopped blogging after June because I started feeling really spent. My full time job was really starting to take its toll on me. I really just wanted to quit to spend my time learning what I could to combat my own … Continue reading “Can’t Get You Out of My Head: Sports Car by Valley”
this is america
A revolution is upon us. And it is long overdue. America loves Black culture — music, fashion, slang, comedy, food, the list goes on. But at the same time, racially motivated violence and acts of hate continue after generations of abuse. How many more times must a Black person in … Continue reading “this is america”
SOUNDS LIKE: Shanghai 2015
Five years ago today, I boarded a plane for the very first time to Shanghai, China for the most memorable summer I’ve ever had. That summer in Shanghai was magical, full of adventure, and my first taste of real independence. I’m gonna reminisce a little here. To prepare for the … Continue reading “SOUNDS LIKE: Shanghai 2015”
Can’t Get You Out of My Head: “Friends” by Sure Sure
Welcome to a new series I call “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” This is where I ramble on about a song that is so completely stuck in my head that I need to scream to the void about it. Yes, I’m referencing the Kylie Minogue song. Ok first … Continue reading “Can’t Get You Out of My Head: “Friends” by Sure Sure”
New Music Crush: Saint Motel
“She doesn’t bother finding love, There is no man that’s good enough, Lucky sevens come up eights, Rabbits feet won’t help your fate…” -Ace in the Hole, Saint Motel Welcome to another, ‘she fell in love with a band at a concert’ story. I need to realize that this happens … Continue reading “New Music Crush: Saint Motel”
To the Love of My Life vol. 1
One of my most formative experiences as a kid and a teenager was being part of church choir. It was where I learned to play guitar, sing with all my heart, and where I learned about the hidden power of love songs. I grew up Catholic and as a kid, … Continue reading “To the Love of My Life vol. 1”
24 Kelly Magic
It’s my blog and I’ll make a playlist if I want to. Instead of getting all nostalgic (aka how I always live my life), I’ve decided to make a playlist that explains how I want to live my life as a 24 year old. I’ve been really good at getting … Continue reading “24 Kelly Magic”
New Music Crush: Maggie Rogers
“If I was who I was before, then I’d be waiting at your door, but I cannot confess I am the same…” – Give a Little, Maggie Rogers Female singer-songwriters are, to me, one of the most powerful people in the world. It takes a pure talent and skill to … Continue reading “New Music Crush: Maggie Rogers”
The Road to Restoration: A 2019 Reflection
Folks, it’s time for my yearly reflection and it’s gonna be a good one. I normally just type away on a Word document for this type of thing but now I have a platform! That being said though, I can’t be as “diary entry” here because #theinternetisforever. But ehh, y’all … Continue reading “The Road to Restoration: A 2019 Reflection”
The Albums of (My) 2010s
The end of the decade is upon us. New Year’s Day is coming up fast and THERE IS SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH TO PROCESS THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE PAST 10 YEARS. My friend Aric was wise in creating his album list of the 2010s early. (Thanks … Continue reading “The Albums of (My) 2010s”
The Taylor Swift Love/Hate Rollercoaster
I hope I’m not prematurely saying this, but Taylor Swift is a legend. Love her or hate her, she’s set records and impacted the music industry. In my lifetime (but mostly through the last 10 years), I’ve both hated her and loved her. But throughout the love/hate rollercoaster, I think … Continue reading “The Taylor Swift Love/Hate Rollercoaster”
How the Jonas Brothers Saved (My) 2019
Feature Photo Credit: The Miami New Times (Disclaimer: This post is purely about my love for the Jonas Brothers personally. I’ll talk about their artistry when they release more music, right now I just have so many feelings.) 2019 has been one of the best years of my life, but … Continue reading “How the Jonas Brothers Saved (My) 2019”
SOUNDS LIKE: The Rodriguez Family Household
Welcome to my “SOUNDS LIKE” series! This is where I recount specific parts of my life where I have strong musical memories. (I know it’s selfish, that’s why it’s on my blog.) If you look at the music I grew up listening to, you can clearly see how I got … Continue reading “SOUNDS LIKE: The Rodriguez Family Household”
How Shawn Mendes Took Over the Spirit of Young Nick Jonas
This might be what some folks think of as a “hot take.” I was talking with a new friend at my church community group earlier this week (shout out to Shaina!) and we were talking about how familiar Shawn Mendes feels…because he basically picked up where Nick Jonas and the … Continue reading “How Shawn Mendes Took Over the Spirit of Young Nick Jonas”
New Music Crush: Bad Suns
All I want All I want is you Your violet disposition My unsound intuition… — Violet, Bad Suns So, I have this thing for rockstars. I’m not sure exactly when it started but I can say that Joe Jonas was definitely the first one to blame for setting the bar … Continue reading “New Music Crush: Bad Suns”
