Tag: Spotify

The Zodiac Killer Facts and Cover Songs

Police Sketch of the Zodiac Killer
ZODIAC-C-14DEC99-SC-HO--Police sketch of the man suspected of being the "Zodiak Killer," 1969.

The Zodiac Killer investigation leaves so many questions open leaving an audience wanting The Zodiac Killer Facts. Here we’ve answered some of your questions about the infamous serial killer.

“I hope you are having lots of fun in trying to catch me. I am not afraid of the gas chamber because it will send me to paradice (sic). all the sooner because I now have enough slaves to work for me,” the decrypted message reads, without throwing any light on the killer’s identity.

Introducing the Zodiac Killer

Serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez, David Berkowitz, and John Wayne Gacy captivate audiences. Human beings are fascinated by the destruction that these people have left in their wake. The Zodiac killer is another example of audiences being enthralled with death and destruction. It’s morbid but fascinating in a way.

Facts About the Zodiac Killer

This is still an active case.

Napa County, Solano County, and the California Department of Justice have maintained an open file on this crime spree. As well, there are several people, professionals and civilians alike that are working together to solve this mystery (CNN).

They are getting new leads in the investigation.

Thanks to the work by the San Francisco Police Department, the FBI, and a team of private citizens, one of the ciphers has been cracked and finally understood. This ‘trio of code breakers” includes a trio of code breakers — David Oranchak, a software developer in Virginia, Jarl Van Eycke, a Belgian computer programmer, and Sam Blake, an Australian mathematician (CNN). The FBI said in a statement, “Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, and out of respect for the victims and their families, we will not be providing further comment at this time.”

In a comment to New York Times, Blake describes that “Not only were we lucky enough to find the needle in the haystack, but we were lucky enough to pick the right haystack to start searching for the needle.”

There may be more victims.

There are only 7 confirmed victims by the names of David Arthur Faraday, Betty Lou Jensen, Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin, Cecelia Ann Shepard, Paul Lee Stine. In the killer’s letters and cards, he admits to killing 37 people. There are up to 37 probable victims including Ray Davis, Kathleen Johns, and Donna Ann Lass and several others (Zodiackiller.com; Graysmith).

Crime writer Robert Graysmith argued that the Zodiac killer remained active through the 1980s and murdered dozens of more people (Britannica).

There have been thousands of Zodiac suspects.

Since 1968 there have been countless suspects including Gaikowski, Allen, Marshall, and Kan (Zodiackiller.com). Russell Johnson, known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley on the sitcom Gilligan’s Island, was rumoured to be the infamous Zodiac killer. This was found to be untrue as it was originally printed on a satirical and amusement website Empire News (Snopes).

There’s still a lot we don’t know about the Zodiac killer.

There are a lot of unanswered questions about his motives, his methods, and most of all the letters. The Zodiac Killer gained notoriety by writing cryptic letters to law enforcement and local media. This is what set him apart from other killers (The Varsity). The Zodiac never clarified his symbols or the letters, although there are many ideas about what it meant (Zodiackiller.com).

The original sketch of the Zodiac killer is futile.

It’s useless due to how nondescript it is. Over the years there have been countless people that know someone that matches the sketch whether it’s a neighbour, brother, father, grocery clerk, real estate agent. They simply look like a generic young-to-middle-aged white man in the 1960s. Add to this, even in optimal circumstances, sketches done from memory aren’t very reliable or accurate (SFGate).

Covers of Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan

Here’s the original for your viewing pleasure. Let us know in the comments how the covers compare to the original. Did they do better? Or worse?

Below are numerous covers of Donovan’s Hurdy Gurdy Man, a song that is intertwined with the film, Zodiac (2007). that investigates the infamous Zodiac killer murders.

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By The Phantoms

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Hurdy Gurdy Cover By Daniel Mantey

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Jimmy Ether and family

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Eartha Kitt

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Arthur Horeanu

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Azzmeir

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Maša Gjerek

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Harp, Sitar, Guitar & Harmony Cover By Teak Wood Gallows

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Eric Mercury

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Reflective Detectives

 

 

Final Thoughts: Who Is the Zodiac Killer?

In the end, we’re still left with the same question “Who is the Zodiac Killer?” This is the main question that everyone is still asking. Still, we have no answers.

Although they had a suspect in mind and have an ongoing investigation, authorities are still looking to hold someone accountable for 7 possibly more murders. The Zodiac killer is responsible for the deaths of David Arthur Faraday, Betty Lou Jensen, Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin, Cecelia Ann Shepard, Paul Lee Stine that we know of. May they rest in peace.

Learn More About the Zodiac Killer at These Following Resources.

Dowd, K (2021, January 6). Why has the Zodiac Killer never been caught? SFGATE; SFGATE. https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/why-has-Zodiac-Killer-never-been-caught-15847923.php

Fagan, K (2021). Zodiac ‘340 Cipher’ cracked by code experts 51 years after it was sent to the S.F. Chronicle. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Zodiac-340-cypher-cracked-by-code-expert-51-years-15794943.php

Graysmith, R (1976). Zodiac (1st ed.).

Leah Asmelash and Cheri Mossburg, C (2021). After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer’s cipher has been solved by amateur code breakers. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/11/us/Zodiac-killer-cypher-340-code-trnd/index.html

Sarah Moon and Cheri Mossburg, C (2021). Group claims it has solved the identity of the Zodiac Killer as law enforcement investigates. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/06/us/Zodiac-killer-identity-law-enforcement-investigation/index.html

Snopes (2019). Hollywood Shocker: “Gilligan’s Island” Star Turns Out to Be Zodiac Killer. Snopes.com; Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/russell-johnson-Zodiac-killer/

Voigt, T (2021). Homepage – ZODIAC KILLER .COM. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://Zodiackiller.com/

Wang, H (2021). Half a century later, the Zodiac Killer’s identity is still a mystery. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://thevarsity.ca/2021/10/24/Zodiac-killer-discovery-unsolved/

Watchmojo.com (2021). Top 10 Things Zodiac Got Factually Right and Wrong. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn9Jdc8fEQ4

Zodiac Killer (2021). Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/Zodiac-killer

Zodiac killer | History, Murders, Movie, Letters, Suspects, & Facts (2021). Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zodiac-killer

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Interviews Reviews

Interview With Notedead

Are you ready? Are you sure you’re ready for this? We don’t think you are, but you better get ready. Switching Styles has the answers you need with this interview with Notedead.

Introductions All Around!

Max Preuss (drums) and Trymer Martin (guitars/vocals) combine to form the band, Notedead. It all started where all great bands start, with a passion for music. The band found their start during the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic, despite the hardships. Everything was rough. That didn’t stop them. For Notedead, this was a new beginning. The band formed in 2020 and has been rocking the world since.

Q&A Between Switching Styles and Notedead!

In an interview with switching styles, they’ve opened up about their band, their process, and their goals. Read below to get to know Notedead even better!

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

 Music emits emotion. I long to feel what the artist felt when they wrote the song and kind of experience it together. Music is also everywhere, from malls to elevators. And rhythm is in footsteps and your heartbeat, it’s everything.

 The emotions a song can put you through makes me feel alive

How did Notedead start and how did the Covid 19 Pandemic impact your band?

 Early on in Covid times when everything stopped and when we couldn’t jam with our bands Trymer started writing his own stuff and asked Max to write drums along with it. We both quickly realized that our writing for our respective instruments clicked together.

We started ripping out songs super-fast, so we decided to continue writing under our own band together which is Notedead.

How is being an Edmonton-based band impacted Notedead?

 It’s funny because only half of the band (Max) is Edmonton based and the other half (Trymer) is from Lacombe so it’s almost a long-distance type band relationship.

 The local music scene in Edmonton has a great group of people who support and encourage us, and we are forever grateful.

What inspired you to start playing and making music?

Trymer:

 Before I got into my own music I listened to my dad’s classic rock/metal, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Foreigner, ZZ Top, etc. Anyways but I’m in grade 5 I had some project to do at school and there was another classmate who did his project, but his was on Sum 41 and it caught my eye, so I got the CD “all killer no filler” at a Walmart in Manitoba, and that cd changed me.

From there I adopted my first taste of music away from my parents and it inspired me to want to play guitar, the ball started rolling from there!

Max:

Rock band. I loved the game because I was able to some of jam along to my favorite songs while simultaneously learning a basic version of the drums. I got very good at that game, and it made my transition into real drums very easy.

My music teacher in junior high band class then asked if anybody knew how and I volunteered to learn some percussion. The rest is history, between drum lessons, drumming for my high school jazz band & winning jazz artist of the year, it’s safe to say I’m a real drummer now

What bands or genres inspire your sound?

 Counterparts, Napoleon, Dance Gavin Dance, to name a few… but it’s really so hard to say what inspires our sound, so many bands growing up shaped us into the musicians we are and what our preferences are as well.

We also use it a lot! Of dead notes haha

Describe your creative process when you write new music.

 We both write our music on Guitar Pro. being as we are far away from each other, and we both enjoy the punctualness we can read. Trymer usually comes up with the first riff and then sends it to Max and Max writes the drums and then we work together from there, writing the song section by section.

Sometimes there will be a pre-discussed idea before we start on our next track, but we always write song by song and never add too much to our plates.

What’s your favorite venue for performing? Why?

 We don’t play shows as we are only a 2 man band writing songs to share with people, but if we could Trymer would want to play the St. Andrews United Church in Lacombe as he used to play local punk shows there growing up (it’s kind of odd I know, but it was so much fun!) and Max wishes we could play at Polar Park Brewery in Edmonton but it unfortunately just closed down.

What are some of your current projects?

 Currently, we have some new music in the bank but nothing to confirm aside from our new album “Separate Paths”. However, Max is in 2 other bands, Withered Days and Sol Runner.

What advice would you give to musicians just starting?

 Listen to music as often as you can. Find something that you wish you could make your own and take that drive to make your own with your inspiration and feelings

 Don’t give up, you’re going to suck at times, but music is a lifelong partner if you let it be.

Is there anything you wanted to mention that I didn’t ask about?

 Yes, our new album ‘Separate Paths’ is out September 9th

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Interviews Reviews

Featuring Notedead

This content was sponsored by Notedead. Thank you for supporting local music blogs like Switching Styles!!

Are you sure you’re ready for this? Are you ready for truly hardcore music? We don’t think you are, but you better get ready. Notedead is one of the most hardcore bands in the province, and they’re not stopping any time soon.

Introductions

The band formed in 2020 and has been rocking the world since. They’ve been releasing music since their debut in 2021 with the release of their Best Wishes EP. Then the single “Labyrinth” was released a year later.

Max Preuss (drums) and Trymer Martin (guitars/vocals) combine to form the band, Notedead. It all started where all great bands start, with a passion for music. Despite the hardships, the band found their start during the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic. The covid pandemic was a tough time for Canadian musicians. Venues were closed. Live performances were limited. Finances for everyone were rough. Everything was rough. That didn’t stop them. For Notedead, this was a new beginning.

Getting Started.

Trymer started writing instrumental tracks solo during the quarantine. Channelling the pressure, uncertainty, and anxiety into the melodies, he created three of Notedead’s first songs. But something was missing, and that something was Max. As a drummer, Max had felt the impact of the pandemic firsthand. Trymer reached out and Max took to his role like a fish to water. They both quickly realized that their writing was an amazing match. That’s the exact moment that Notedead was created.

You may think you know the post-hardcore genre, but not like this. Max is a drummer, not only for Notedead but also for Withered Days and Sol Runner. His skill combined with Trymer’s artistry makes entirely unique music. This band brings something fresh to the post-hardcore genre. The band is inspired by classic rock and metal legends; Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Foreigner, and ZZ Top. That’s not all. Notedead’s influences also include contemporary bands such as Counterparts, Napoleon, and Dance Gavin Dance. Notedead is breathing a new kind of life into the genre with its music.

“A dynamic, immersive, and progressive assimilation of heavy influences. Rangy guitars work that balances urgent and melodic astutely and a pummeling vocal delivery intertwines deftly with the instrumental unit”

Raves Katie from Carry The 4 PR.

Their Music

This post-hardcore Canadian band is bringing out all the stops in their music. Notedead is bringing forth impressive drums, emotive lyrics, and an emotional connection to each one of its listeners. All their music has such a profound level of depth to it. Each note, each strum, and each word have a meaning and a purpose. That purpose is to connect with the listener within that moment.

Their most recent release is an album called “Separate Paths.” This album of 11 hardcore songs has been available as of September 9, 2022. Not even one of the album’s songs is flat when it comes to emotions. The songs all tell a story of humanity and share a part of the human condition. Pain, anger, joy, rage, and misery, it’s all there in their music.

Notedead is aiming to be one of the greats coming from right here in Edmonton, Alberta. The goal was never to impress people. It never has been. It’s been about the music. The real goal is to write great music that speaks to the human heart. Find their music online on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and Bandcamp.

Check them out and let us know what you think!!
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Reviews

Em Beihold’s ‘Numb Little Bug’ Cover Songs.

Now it’s time for Em Beihold’s ‘Numb Little Bug’ cover songs. We’ve reviewed Em Beihold’s ‘Numb Little Bug’ before with our guest writer, Jason Greiner.

He explained, “Beihold comes at the listener with an extremely catchy vibe infused with a sense of fun even though the lyrics are actually a bit deep. It is a far cry from much of today’s pop tracks that seem to be overproduced and somewhat hollow.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fwJ8H5wWCU

This song was released in 2022, as a part of Em Beihold’s Album, Escape Sonoro. And boy did it take off. Don’t take my word for it. Since it was released, it’s gotten over 16 million views and counting.

‘Numb Little Bug’ Cover Songs

This is a fantastic song hand down. Though you know as a reader of Switching Styles, we don’t stop at reviews. There’s much more to a single song than the original. When you have a song that essentially exemplifies how most young adults feel, there’s no shortage of covers. The lyrics, “Do you ever get a little bit tired of life? Like you’re not really happy but you don’t wanna die Like you’re hangin’ by a thread but you gotta survive,” is something that resonates with many folks around the world.

Photo by Marcelo Chagas on Pexels.com

Now I’ve kept you waiting long enough, here’s a list of Switching Styles’ favourite covers of Em Beihold’s ‘numb little bug’ for your listening pleasure.

Rock Cover by Our Last Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLT4OTeOxXM

Rock Version by Rain Paris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPpEqXtkv9o

Vocal Cover by YellOw22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHtX_n8xGVI

Duet Cover by Ni/Co

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZNrgRdLTh4

Tell us in the comments below which of these covers resonates with you the most. If we missed your favourite, share it with us on your favourite social media!

Categories
Reviews

National Share The Love Day; Ways To Combat Social Isolation

Photo by Elle Hughes on Pexels.com
Photo by Elle Hughes on Pexels.com

Did you know that today is National Share the Love Day?

The pandemic has certainly made it more difficult to share affection with loved ones. Although the pandemic has settled down in terms of Canadian restrictions, there’s still some hesitation with folks to going out.

Statistics Canada published the Canadian social survey for august and September of 2021. They reported that more than 1 in 10 Canadians are always or often lonely. That’s a lot of loneliness for one country. That means in a single high school class of 30 kids, at least 3 of those kids are feeling lonely. In an average downtown Edmonton office of 120 people, 12 of your coworkers feel lonely most of the time. It’s a sad statistic but there are things that you can do!

“socialization is important because touching and talking to people is a natural cure for anxiety and depression,” said Dr. Asim Shah, Professor And Vice Chair in the Menninger Department Of Psychiatry And Behavioral Sciences At Baylor explains to Homa Shalchi a writer for Baylor, College Of Medicine.

Isolation doesn’t just make you feel lonely though. The negative impacts of isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) as well as chronic conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia).

There are ways to socialize even during and after a pandemic. Here are some ways to share love with loved ones if you’re not able or not yet comfortable doing so in person.

Play Online Games Together.

Get on your headset and boot up the old computer. It’s time to play some MMOs, Jack Box, World of Warcraft, Animal Crossing, Pokemon Go, or even Facebook’s popular game Words with Friends. Add in a discord server and there’s no limit to the games you can play with your friends.

Host An Online Party.

These are great ways to socialize face to face without it being in person. There are countless apps and software that are perfect for this. Zoom, google hangouts, and jack box games are just a few examples.

Give Them a Ring.

Get some facetime with the ones you love with video calls with the help of Skype, Discord, Facebook, and Snapchat just to name a few.

Send Them an Ecard.

These lived and died in the early 2000’s but ecards can still make a comeback. According to the new York Times, they’ve already have made a comeback.

“it reflects the fact that people are wanting to show that they care, with that extra piece of effort of producing a written artifact to send, even if it’s a digital one,” Professor Simeon Yates, A Professor Of Digital Culture At The University Of Liverpool In England explains.

Send Them a Gift.

Have a gift delivered to their home! This is a fantastic way to let them know that you’re thinking of them. What about some of our very own Switching Styles Merch? It could be something small to Something that’s been on their wishlist for a long time. Even a handwritten letter will make their day.

Attend Live Online Events and Concerts.

Thanks to online event listings like Facebook, Eventbrite, Travel Alberta and many more, you’ve got options for webinars, online training, live concerts and so much more!

Share In a Watch Party.

Watch parties are where everyone is watching the same movie at the same time with the opportunity for real-time chatting. Check out watchparty.me for all the options.

Send Them a Personalized Spotify Playlist.

Share your favourite songs and artists with friends and family. This could be a way to show off your new favourite covers of “Numb Little Bug: By Em Beihold Or Your Top Quirky Songs By Wild Child!

Happy National Share The Love Day! Here are some love songs covers to share with your loved ones. Send them one of these songs to get the socialization started!

“Lean On Me” Originally by Bill Withers Performed by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, John Legend

“Jenny” Originally by Studio Killers Covered By Justine M.

“Friends Never Say Goodbye” Originally by Elton John Covered By Kristo Qerama

“Anytime You Need a Friend” Originally by Mariah Carey Covered By Jo-B Sebastian

“You’re My Best Friend” Originally by Queen Covered By Heavy Weather

Share this with a friend or loved one for National Share The Love Day today!

Photo by Marlene Leppänen on Pexels.com

Categories
Interviews Reviews

Reviewing “Politician Man” by Adrian Sutherland

Just in time for the Canadian Election, Adrian Sutherland releases a single, “Politician Man”, discussing the issues of drinking water in communities throughout Canada.

Introducing Adrian Sutherland

Adrian Sutherland is an artist with more than just creativity and talent but a quality musician and a quality father. Adrian Sutherland is a Canadian artist from Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay. He’s not just a singer, songwriter, musician, speaker, author, and advocate but He’s also a father of four, a grandfather to four, a traditional knowledge keeper, and a respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree.

Northern Canadian roots rocker, Sutherland has become an increasingly popular artist. His Spotify Wrapped shows a huge following with over 10k listeners in over 57 countries.

Photo of Adrian Sutherland

As an artist, he’s taken to using his musical popularity to spread information and hope among Canadian citizens. Sutherland wrote this American-style song himself. With the writing help of the brothers Chris Gormley and Matt Gormley, the lyrics send such a vital message. During the Canadian election, this is a rather poignant message.

Introducing Politican Man

A press release by Adrian Sutherland explains, “The powerful protest song – Sutherland’s debut single as a solo artist – has been gaining audiences ever since its premiere on October 17, 2019, four days before Canada’s federal election. The video and its important message earned national media coverage at that time and continues to garner attention today.”

The federal election is a chance for a citizen to have their voices heard. People can fight for what they believe in, make a stand for their values, to stand with the people that can’t stand for themselves. The meaning behind this song isn’t just political. It’s much deeper than that, especially for Sutherland. It’s a far more personalized message.

Message Behind The Music of “Politician Man” by Adrian Sutherland

“The seeds for the song were planted in July 2019, when Attawapiskat First Nation – Sutherland’s fly-in Cree community on the James Bay in remote Northern Canada – declared a state of emergency over contaminated water,” describes Sutherland. This contaminated water has elevated levels of Trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acids (HAAs) which can cause skin irritation as well as increase the risk of cancer. These can’t be cleared by boiling the water.

“Attawapiskat should be drinking the same quality of water the people in Ontario and Canada take for granted,” Attawapiskat Chief Ignace Gull said in an interview with CBC, “We shouldn’t be going through this kind of stuff, to declare a state of emergency. If this happened in Timmins, they would deal with it the same day.”

Nigel Nakogee, 17, holds a sign in front of the Attawapiskat band office on Tuesday, protesting the community’s water quality problems. Published via CBC

In the Globe and Mail, you can Read Adrian’s previously written editorial piece about the lack of clean drinking water in Canada’s communities. Sutherland has never had clean water running into his home. This is a sad case for countless communities throughout the country. Countless communities throughout Canada are under water advisories.

Keep up to date on Short-term drinking water advisories including Boiled Water Advisories (BWA), Do Not Use Advisory (DNU), and Do Not Consume (DNC). There are also numerous long-term drinking water advisories available here.

“For his entire 44-year-old life, he has had to collect clean drinking water from elsewhere. When he was younger, his family used to draw water straight from the river. These days, Attawapiskat has two dispensaries where families access drinking water,” reads a press release from Sutherland.

This prompted Sutherland to write a song in response. Coming from a very personal place, Sutherland is using his platform to send a message about this issue.

“At almost the exact same moment, insensitive comments about water from a thoughtless politician in Ottawa sparked massive public outcry, and national media coverage. Politician Man, a song that speaks to Canada’s troubled relationship with First Nations, was Sutherland’s response.”

“The relationship between Canada and First Nations has been difficult for a long time, and in many ways, it still is,” continues Sutherland Politician Man is about this relationship, and the need for all of us – politicians, chiefs, Indigenous people, all people – to start listening to each other, and move past the blaming. We all need to do our part to make real change happen. That’s the message behind Politician Man.”

About The Music Video

The music video portion was created by Justin Stephenson, an acclaimed animator and filmmaker and produced by RoseAnna Schick. produced and engineered by Carl Jennings in Hamilton, Ontario, this is a fantastic masterpiece of a music video. Not only that, but it’s also been screened in over 20 film international festivals gaining several rewards including the following.

🎥 Yorkton Film Festival – Best Performing Arts & Entertainment – Jun 18, 2020   

🎞️ Moving Parts Film Festival – Best Music Video – Sep 26, 2020  

📹 Indie Shorts Buenos Aires & Indie Shorts Miami – Best Music Video – Dec 8, 2020

📽️ Phoenix International Short Film Festival – Best Music Video – Jan 4, 2021  

🎬 London Music Video Festival – Best Music Video – Jul 1, 2021 

“Politician Man” by Adrian Sutherland is not only an impressive work of art but also an impressive message. Visit here to see how you can make a difference in your community. Keep up to date on the progress of the Canadian Government here. Write and send a letter to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Tell him it’s time to end drinking water advisories in First Nations.

Categories
Reviews

The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body Guest Written By Jessa Brooke

Music makes you feel a slew of emotions that sometimes depend on our mood but also can depend solely on the music we listen to. Have you ever been driving and a fast-paced song starts to play and before you know it, you are speeding or zipping around a little faster? If so, you are certainly not alone!

Why does music make us feel a certain way? Is it our emotions, the words of the song, or the beat? While all of these things can impact how a song makes us feel, there are also other factors at play. Have you ever considered the frequency of the music playing or the vibrations from the sounds in the song? The vibration and frequency of music are just as important as the words and beat. Especially when we begin to look at the impact of the song on our emotions and energy.

            When a slow song comes on during a workout, it has the potential to slow you down and even cause a distraction while you try to change to something more up to the speed you are working at. This has a lot to do with the beats per minute (BPM), as BPM increases, our heart rate increases. The vibrations from the tunes cycle through your speakers and vibrate your eardrums, causing a physical response.

Have you ever listened to lower BPM music before bed to help you relax?

It has a similar, although reverse, effect. The increase or decrease in vibration creates sensations in our bodies and also prompts a response in our brain. Another interesting aspect of vibration can be found at concerts, or when subwoofers are used for listening to music. The lower vibration music creates a deep bass that you can actually feel vibrating through your body. Sometimes it even takes your breath away!

Think about a concert that you’ve gone to, where you were closer to the speakers. Do you remember feeling the vibration as the music pulsed through your body? It is a powerful feeling, isn’t it? Music and the vibrations that we feel from the beats in songs have a physical and energetic impact on us. However, frequency has an even bigger impact on our energy, and you might be surprised to learn that it can impact us physically as well.

            Frequency is very interesting and is within every sound we perceive and even exists in such high and low ranges that we cannot hear them. The low end of the frequency spectrum is called infrasound. Infrasound is inaudible at certain levels (typically a human can detect tones as low as 12 Hertz) and can cause physical damage around 4-8 Hz or lower. Different parts of the human body resonate at their frequency, for example, your eyeball holds the frequency of 19 Hz.

There is an interesting story called Ghosts in the Machine that discusses the physical effects of this frequency on vision as documented in a laboratory by several technicians. Another fun fact about frequency is that music was once set at 432 Hz as a standard for production but has since changed to 440 Hz since an adjustment in the early 1900s. The reasoning behind this is highly speculated, and a lot of countries still use 432 Hz as their standard for tuning instruments.

Higher frequency sounds are said to have a lot of benefits on our physical and emotional well-being, for instance, 639 Hz is said to help with communication, relationships, and love (associated with the heart chakra and the colour green).

There are a lot of options online for listening to music tuned to higher frequencies and sound baths are a great example of ways to experience the effects in person. Typically, a sound bath will include various instruments such as a gong, bells, chimes, and sound bowls. Some sound bowl sets have bowls tuned to several higher frequencies, and you can find great examples of these sound baths as produced by Dynasty Electrik. Another example of how frequency sounds are used for healing and/or changes in the body are binaural beats or subliminal sounds, although subliminal sounds are typically affirmations spoken at very low levels rather than a specific frequency, they can be combined for powerful results. It is easy to see the impact frequencies can have on our mental and physical well-being just from these few examples.

The next time you turn up your favourite song, pay attention to all the sensations you are feeling. From the words to the vibration, and if you venture to test out different frequency sounds, notice how you feel afterwards. Experiment with headphones versus a home stereo or even a sound system with a subwoofer. If you ever feel like your mood or energy is taking a little dip, find a 20–30-minute 528 Hz song that you can play in the background while you clean, drive, or work. There are even 8–9-hour songs you can find on YouTube and listen while you sleep, just be sure for these you focus on relaxing, healing, and energy clearing. You might have some interesting dreams if you listen to a frequency that is trying to help you get amped up!

Photo by Roberto Nickson

Music has so many great benefits and we can all attest to the effects a great song can have on our moods. Now you can take this newfound knowledge and experiment for different effects. Oh, and a sound bath is always a great idea! If you are new to the effects of frequency healing, a sound bath is a great way to relax and enjoy a new wave of sounds to lift your energy.

Check out these songs suggested by Switching Styles’ guest writer Jessa Brooke to improve your Mental and Physical Health.

 “Silent Night Sound Bath” By Dynasty Electric.

This is a High vibing song – which is perfect for a cool winter night.

“Forest Bathing” By Dynasty Electric.

This song always makes me feel like I’m walking out in nature

“174 + 285 + 396 + 417 + 528 + 693 + 741 + 852 + 963 Hz” By Walkower121

This is my favourite frequency mix on YouTube. It’s under an hour and has lots of great frequencies to help balance all your chakras.

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi
Categories
Covers Remixes Reviews Switching styles

Reviewing “Overwhelmed” By Royal and The Serpent

Bringing you relatable feelings and anxiety is Royal and the Serpent. Switching styles is reviewing the song “Overwhelmed”.

Introducing The Overwhelming Topic

To get started here is the original song by royal and the serpent. If you haven’t watched the music video, you certainly should!

This is such a wonderful song. It’s not just that this song is popular on Tik Tok. And it’s not about its eleven million views on YouTube. It’s not just that the music video was artistically shot on Kodiak’s 16 mm film. All of those are damn impressive elements but the aspect that stood out to me is the feeling of the song.

Don’t mind me getting personal with my readers. With someone with anxiety, ADHD and depression, the highs, and lows of the song itself are very reminiscent of when all the mental illnesses combined. There’s a lot of high energy and repetition, and then it’s quiet for a little bit. This is what goes on inside my head. Royal and the serpent nail it.

“All I wanted really to do with ‘“Overwhelmed” ’ was to give it to people to hopefully make them feel better,” Says Royal In An Interview With Marni Zipper Of Audacy.

What Do I Do If I Relate To “Overwhelmed” By Royal and The Serpent”?

The first step would be to take a deep breath. Talk to someone you trust. Ideally, this would be a doctor but sometimes that’s not very possible with timing, schedules, finances, jobs, and school. Some of the things that are making you anxious, upset, or even plain unsettled. In the short, it’s valid to relate to music. Heck, it’s encouraged. With mental illness, it helps to talk about it and to relate to others that know how you’re feeling. Because you’re not alone. Not in the slightest.

What Even Is Mental Health?

Mental health is someone’s emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual wellbeing. It’s important for a list of varied reasons; better coping strategies, improved relationships, a feeling of purpose and potential, increased productivity, and better physical health.

Did you know that mental disorders and mental illness can raise your risk for physical health concerns including ulcers, migraines stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease?

What Do I Do If I Think I Have Anxiety Like in The Song?

If you think that you have concerns about mental health, a call to your doctor is a great first step. If you find yourself struggling with mental health, there’s never a right time to get help. Don’t wait for the right time. Reach out for help when you need it.

There’s also no right way to get help. Talk to your friends and family. Get a therapy appointment. Discuss your feelings with your doctor. Download CBT workbooks. Try mindfulness meditation. There are so many different options that work better for different people. Find what works for you to be the best version of yourself.

Cover Songs to Bring You a Smile

Here’s what the readers are here for, to be encouraged and given some amazing music.

Now the question is, can other artists make the same impact with the song? There’s an almost overwhelming amount of amazing cover artists out there. (Pun intended, I’m not sorry). Here are some covers of the song “Overwhelmed.”

“Overwhelmed” Covered By Emma Hamel

“Overwhelmed” ” Covered By Living in Fiction

“Overwhelmed” Covered By【 Slow Tea 】

“Overwhelmed” Covered by Zizoucorn Ft Robert Grace and Luxcity

“Overwhelmed” Covered By Rubychan’s Nightcore

Categories
Covers Reviews Switching styles

Bringing You Quirky Songs By Wild Child

Wild child’s song “Crazy Bird” is an amazing bop about love, fear, and longing. This is an adorable song between two quirky kids. Take a look at the adorable and quirky music video.

Introduction To This Wild Child

This American Indi pop band hails from Austin Texas. Since 2010, they’ve been creating music for people all around the world.

The band members include Kelsey Wilson (lead vocals and violin), Alexander Beggins (lead vocals and baritone ukulele), Sadie Wolfe (cello), Tyler Osmond (bass), Matt Bradshaw (keyboard and trumpet), Cody Ackors (guitar and trombone), and Tom Myers (drums). Starting as The Migrant, Wilson and begins started the indie act. To complete the sound they were going for, they needed help. That’s where the other musicians were added in. Their talents just heightened the newly formed Wild Child Band.

Pillow Talk was their first released album in 2011, with quite a lot of interest. Next came “The Runaround following in 2013. New albums followed with Fools (2015), Expectations (2018), and Single (2018).

Wild Child has a range of romantic songs. The song we’re looking at today, “Crazy Bird” is the third song on the 2013 album The Runaround. This sound specifically appeared in the 2014 episode “#drama” of Awkward. That’s not the only song they have in popular media.

  • “Meadows” From Fools Was Shown In The 2015 Episode “Chapter 28” Of Jane The Virgin.
  • “Bad Girl” From Fools Was Featured In The 2016 Episode “Things We Lost In The Fire” Of The Vampire Diaries.
  • “Fools” From Fools Appeared in the 2016 Episode “Girls Gone Viral” Of Awkward.
  • “Meadows” From Fools Came Up In The 2017 Episode “In The Eye Abides The Heart” Of Pretty Little Liars.

“Crazy Bird” as A Love Song

There’s a reason this song has been popping on your For You page, your music suggestions, your pop cultures. It’s a darn good and relatable song. “Are your bags travelin’ elsewhere / You need to know I got the bones / Rollin’ hard against the floor / And if you left, I’d break until the little pieces felt no more,” these are the lyrics to the song. They slap. They get rather deep, romantic, and yearning. It’s rather dark in a romantic type of way.

Did you know that love songs and music, in general, are so universally known that the average listener can figure out what the purpose of the specific music is?

“Untrained listeners in 60 countries could on average discern the human behaviour associated with culturally unfamiliar musical forms. (“Exploring the Universality of Human Song – NIH Director’s Blog”) These behaviours included dancing, soothing a baby, seeking to heal illness, or expressing love to another person,” wrote Dr. Francis Collins on the National Institute of Health (NIH) Director’s Blog.

The Wild Child’s Music Video of “Crazy Bird”!

Take a deeper look at the music video produced for the song itself. This cinematography and content aren’t what you’d normally expect out of a love song. But weirdly enough it fits. The music video is colourful, weird, artistic, emotionally relevant, and put together oh so magnificently. It relates quite well not only to the song but the overarching themes of love and how God darn crazy it can feel.

Covers Of the Song

Not satisfied with this review. Need more music? Want to learn more about music? Need more “Crazy Bird”? We’ve got more for you. Below are curated covers of Wild Child’s song “Crazy Bird”.

“Crazy Bird” Remix By DJ Princess Kush

“Crazy Bird” Covered By Eli Marten

 

“Crazy Bird” Covered By We The JMS

Final Thoughts on Wild Child

Give this song a listen and let us know what you think on your favourite social media platforms. What are your thoughts on this vibing song from Wild Child? Who do you think had the best cover of “Crazy Bird”?

Comment below or tag us on Twitter @Styleswitching!

Categories
Reviews Switching styles

Otis Stacks Feature

Are you looking for a new tune to vibe to? Let Switching Styles show you the synth soul sounds of Otis Stacks.

Introduction

Otis Stacks’ music is something else entirely. It’s certainly not something you’d expect – vintage synth soul with some hip-hop beats.

Although the name of the band sounds like a single fellow, it’s a team. Otis Stacks is a collaboration between JustMike also known as Micheal Munch, a Danish producer from Copenhagen, as well As Elias Wallace, a singer/songwriter/emcee from Los Angeles, California. Their talents combine into something completely different.

The Story Behind the Sound

Few bands tell you exactly who they are. Otis Stacks isn’t the name of the singer, the musician, the producer or really anyone involved in the band. It’s a reference to the soul musician, Otis Redding.

Redding is a famous singer, considered to be one of the greatest singers in American history. Take a listen to a few of his songs and you’ll know why he was nicknamed the king of soul. He’s known for famous songs like “Try A Little Tenderness,” “These Arms Of Mine” and “Cigarettes And Coffee.”

The second name? Well, that’s a bit more of an obscure reference. Stacks is an intentional misspelling of the Memphis label Stax. This was done intentionally to give a nod to the legendary label in which Redding recorded both “The Dock Of The Bay” and “Respect.”

They explain their sound as, “using vintage synthesizers and Rhodes keyboards, munch has created a soulful soundscape for Wallace’s songs about loss, reconciliation, and the universe of space that people who love each other often find between them”.

Song Suggestions from Otis Stacks

This band has some amazing songs that go great on a chilling or studying playlist. Check Otis Stacks out on YouTube, YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer

Final Thoughts

Otis Stacks has lyrics that slap. Their songs all have a fantastic vibe combining hip hop and soul for something completely bumping. From, “walking through the city with no cares /  walking down the beach to slow stares / top floor elevator no stairs / but I’m not at home and it’s not fair “ to “I’m / and I kinda hate myself for / even being in this place”, there are written words that his audience relates to.

These lyrics slap. What more can you want?