The Friend Zone: An Analysis
The Friend Zone.
It’s a well-documented and oft experienced phenomenon. Heck, there’s even a Wikipedia entry for it. Recently, in my circle of friends, the topic has come up often enough for me to gather a number of thoughts on it. If you choose to read this, bear in mind the usual disclaimers: this is just my opinion, take it with a grain of salt, there is an underlying theme of Faith, in no way is this supposed to be representative of all experiences, yadda yadda yadda, etc. I’m going to explore the subject by breaking it up into a few categorical sub-topics.
Same Old New Me
If you were to ask me if I consider myself a “better” person than I was 10 years ago, I’m honestly not sure how I’d answer.
A decade ago, I was on my way to college. A kid on the brink of “adulthood”. The next few years would be spent trying to figure out who I was in the context of friendship, romance, ministry and faith. But interestingly enough, for every area that I’ve grown and gained, I feel like I’ve regressed and compromised in others.
I’m now “wiser”, but more jaded. I’m smarter but more hesitant. I used to approach relationships with my heart, but now I do so with more of my head. I’ve become more tolerant, but less passionate; more accepting but less invested. I’ve traded depth for breadth. Now, I’m more eager to talk, but less willing to listen. Increased self-sufficiency has brought upon increased selfishness. Arguably, I’m now healthier in mind & body but less so in spirit. I like more, but love less.
Now let me clarify that this post isn’t meant to offer any epiphanies or definitive answers. It’s simply a realization and declaration that although I’m different from the old me, I don’t really consider myself any better. I think it’s time for this to change.
Relient K – “Be My Escape (Acoustic)”
New Music: “Adagio” featuring Lily Bee
Adagio
Hello friends. I’m back, coming out of the woodwork once again to share some new music with you all =). This one is called “Adagio” and is another song off my future mixtape, GT & Friends. So of course, this includes another collaboration – the wonderfully talented Lily Bee. If you don’t know who she is, then you should! If you mix the warm voice of Norah Jones with the SoCal charm of Colbie Caillat, then you might be able to imagine what Lily Bee might sound like. I had the awesome opportunity to work with the artist during her short stint here on the East Coast, and made sure I didn’t let her return to sunny California without blessing me with a track.
So there you go. Some might call this one soft, or a little sappy, but who hasn’t felt like that once in a while? Maybe this one will keep you just a little bit warmer this winter. Otherwise, stay tuned for next time. I’ll be sure to bring you a headbanger – keeping it real, fo shiggity, fo jinjja my ninja. Word is bond, to the break of dawn. Peace outside.
Below you’ll find the lyrics video, a little kinetic typography courtesy of YMG (Yo Media Group).
Aaaaaand, if you’re so inclined, feel free to DL the track, as a freebie of course via Bandcamp. Enjoy!
I want to be a Ninja.
This was too cool not to share. Courtesy of Gizmodo.
Shot with the Canon 60D. Edited in Premiere.
Post production done in After Effects with Twixtor.Directed by Rishi Kaneria.
Starring Dante Ha, a professional stunt man whose work includes Dark Knight Rises, Contagion, X-Men:First Class, Walking Dead, Teen Wolf and more.
imdb.com/name/nm4010586/Music by Clint Mansell.
New Music: DCho – “Free” Featuring J. Choi & Yours Truly
Though the title of this post says “New Music” it’s a bit of a misnomer as this song was originally conceived last summer. Due to a number of reasons it wasn’t actually completed until about a month ago but I think it may have been for the better. DCho & J. Choi are two of my oldest friends that I’ve grown up with so it was a blessing to work on this project together with them.
I recall when DC approached me about this track, saying that he had the perfect idea for B.o.B.’s “Airplanes” instrumental and we got to working on it. At the time, the original song still had a ton of airplay and so we decided to take our time completing it – waiting for the saturation to die down a little and here we are a year later.
The song should be self explanatory based on the title. DCho, a pastor, wanted to really convey the empowering Freedom of God – something that I think was accomplished quite well with this track. The chorus is just a repetition of the line “I’m Free!” (in great melodic form thanks to J. Choi) and really drives the point home that “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom“. I hope those listening are able to experience & relate the same. Big ups to DCho for having me and J. Choi jump on the track.
You can DL the song for free via his bandcamp page.
Gifted Thought 