A Peek Inside a Music Freak's Life

Challenge

2013-07-18T20:42:00.002-07:00

Hi y'all!

So today, my friends gave me this (brilliant) idea! :) As you may or may not know, I write songs either about personal experiences, inspirations from other songs and from other's experiences (as do many other songwriters I believe...?).

ANYWAYS, they thought I'd ask you-my wonderful viewers- to give me an idea or experience as inspiration for a new song.

Yes, I know I've been making excuses about my inability to write songs, but I assure you that I will write a few songs over the summer.

I'M SORRY OKAY? I HAVE AN EXTREMELY BUSY SUMMER.

So there is my challenge for myself (and maybe you)!

Please comment below and give me ideas!

EnEx is finally complete!

2013-06-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

It seems like I've neglected this blog for quite some time.

I'll just make school my excuse. ;)

Anywho, I decided I'll share my studio recorded song that I composed, recorded and produced as part of my EnEx project! (for those who don't know what EnEx is, click here)
I can't even explain how excited and nervous I am to share it, but I've gotten some great feedback so far, and I'm hoping it will continue to be that way.

So, it's not a top hit or anything, but it's me. And I'm very proud of this, and how I've come so far in my musical endeavours. Honestly, I can't even believe I was given this opportunity. The entire atmosphere of working in a recording studio was incredible, and I'll never forget such an experience.

As for the song, I'll try to find a way to post it but blogger doesn't like me so I'm not sure how that will work out...

To Be Loved

2013-04-14T23:17:00.001-07:00

Broken hearted
You should be ashamed.
Pictures on my wall
Are thrown away.
No words left
Nothing left to say.
You were gone
Why are you back today?

And I tried to fight back
All the words needed to attack
Think you didn't deserve that
But what have I been thrown at?

*chorus*
And you might think I'm crazy
Full of twisted fantasies
But I'll never know what it feels like
To live life normally
To have something with simplicity
I can only imagine what it feels like
To be loved.

To be loved.

When you were gone
You didn't have a care.
Memories disappeared
in thin air.
You just put us all
In despair.
All I asked the world is
"is this fair?"

And I tried to fight back
All the words needed to attack
Think you didn't deserve that
But what have I been thrown at?

*chorus*
And you might think I'm crazy
Full of twisted fantasies
But I'll never know what it feels like
To live life normally
To have something with simplicity
I can only imagine what it feels like
To be loved.

You're not a hero
So stop trying to patch the hole
I don't need your saving
I'm fine with being alone
You left me years ago
You didn't even care
All I did was imagine
What it's like if you were here.

*chorus*
And you might think I'm crazy
Full of twisted fantasies
But I'll never know what it feels like
To live life normally
To have something with simplicity
I can only imagine what it feels like
To be loved.

^ That amazeballs moment when I wrote a song after what seems like forever :)

Le Fin (almost) :D

2013-04-14T17:11:00.002-07:00

I'm almost finished with my project! Yay!

I know, it's been about 2 months since I last posted, and I send you my deepest apologies on that matter.

But on another note, (ahahah get it? Note? Music? AHAHAHA. No? Ok. ) Friday was my last day recording in the studio. :(

I had the most incredible time recording and I cannot thank my mentor enough for this wonderful opportunity. (yeah, this independent study project requires us to have a mentor, if you didn't know. How else would I have gotten the chance to record a song?) I can't even stress enough how much I've learned in the past 4 months and I'm so sad that it's all coming to an end.

Oddly enough, I'm also sad about finish up all the paper work and research that comes with this project.

12 more days. Oh my gosh. 12 more days and it's all over. The project is due on the 26th. (Same day as my big trip! AHAHA :D )

I don't recall posting the lyrics of the song on this blog, as it's a mashup of 2 songs I wrote over the summer, but what the heck, I'll post it again (if I already did).

Drumroll please... *insert intense drumroll here*

Daydreaming

I can’t decide

Where my heart should go.

I can’t figure out

Whether it’s a yes of no.

My heart’s falling

You can’t even see.

I can’t risk to break

So please just catch me.

You can see through me though

You won’t understand.

You reeled me in, can’t get out

Can I get a chance?

[Chorus]

I can’t keep my head straight.

My chances keep walking away.

All I want is you to stay

But no you won’t.

I’m stuck daydreaming.

I try to forget.

I can’t seem to force it.

Can I run away?

Because it’s too hard to admit.

I can fall

And I can crash,

But will you catch me

Time’s going by too fast.

You can see through me though

You won’t understand.

You reeled me in, can’t get out

Can I get a chance?

[Chorus]

I can’t keep my head straight. ( I can't keep my head straight)

My chances keep walking away. (Walking away)

All I want is you to stay (You to stay)

But no you won’t. (No you won't)

I can’t keep my head straight.

My chances keep walking away.

All I want is you to stay

But no

I’m stuck daydreaming.

While I'm at it, I might as well post another pic!

Shhhhh..

2013-02-20T23:04:00.002-08:00

I recorded the rough copy of my song last week...

But I can't post it here... it's a secret. Shhhhh... ;)

I'm in the studio in a few days. I'm so excited!
Finished editing my song today, so I can't wait to hit the booth and start singing. Although, I'm quite nervous about that part. I couldn't even play the guitar properly because of my nerves last week...

BUT THAT'S OKAY! I GOT OVER IT.

And my rough copy is amazing!!

Honestly, I couldn't be more proud of myself. I actually feel like I'm growing up and working. It's absolutely wonderful, fun, amazing, scary and nervous all at the same time. No joke.

Well, anyways, here's a pic of a part of the studio. (Don't worry, I asked for permission)

I'd Stop (full song!)

2013-01-28T23:30:00.004-08:00

I'm getting worked up, tired,
I'm frustrated.
I can't keep my mind straight.

Ignorance has blinded you,
You just walk away,
I'm losing the connection,

*Chorus*
I'd stop the whole world,
I'd stop those just like you.
I'd make you stop and watch,
Make you remember and regret.
I'd stop myself from falling,
I'd make you search for me.
But I'll never be found.
Cause I'm gone.

Life is a journey,
I've been lead to you.
What have I got caught up in?

My mind's going crazy, insane,
You left me alone,
I should have known.

*Chorus*
I'd stop the whole world,
I'd stop those just like you.
I'd make you stop and watch,
Make you remember and regret.
I'd stop myself from falling,
I'd make you search for me.
But I'll never be found.
Cause I'm gone.

*Bridge

Everything turned into pieces,
Your promises turned into lies.
It wasn't what I expected.
All you did was change your mind.

It's hard to keep trust when there
Was nothing to start with.
Years have come and gone,
And I'm sick and tired of your negative words

*Chorus*
I'd stop the whole world,
I'd stop those just like you.
I'd make you stop and watch,
Make you remember and regret.
I'd stop myself from falling,
I'd make you search for me.
But I'll never be found.
Cause I'm gone.

I Was At A Recording Studio.

2013-01-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

Yup. That's right.

I'm working with a music producer. I'm trying to hold all my excitement...

Nah.

I'M SO EXCITED. AHHHHH! ASDFGHJKL!

Remember when I mentioned I had an Enex project? Yeah, that's what it's for. Nonetheless, I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime. :)

I was at the studio the other day and it was amazing. The studio looked incredible and I can't wait to work with the equipment and start recording. That meeting was my first meeting, where we talked about the project requirements and how this assignment actually works.

Recording an original song soon! I can't wait! One problem... What song should I record?

Leave me a comment! :)

I just realized that I'm going to get marked on my song...

Goodbye

2012-12-21T17:03:00.004-08:00

Take care of yourself,
I promise we will get far,
Tomorrow's looking promising,
Even though we're all apart.

It's not a complete goodbye,
But we have to drift away,
I guess we have no other choice,
But have one thing to say...

*Chorus*
Goodbye, to the memories,
To the journey,
To the laughs we had.
Hello, to the open doors,
Wait for what's in store,
New moments to add.
But all I want to say,
And remember today,
And what we had.
Goodbye, and hello

Take care of yourself,
It's not the complete end of us.
We're all had our share of moments,
Happier ones and rough.

It'll take some time of getting used to,
But we'll be fine.
I guess we have no other choice,
But to say goodbye

*Chorus*
Goodbye, to the memories,
To the journey,
To the laughs we had.
Hello, to the open doors,
Wait for what's in store,
New moments to add.
But all I want to say,
And remember today,
And what we had.
Goodbye, and hello

Tomorrow's looking promising.
We've gotten through everything.
It's not the end of us.

*Chorus*
Goodbye, to the memories,
To the journeys,
To the laughs we had.
Hello, to the open doors,
Wait for what's in store,

But all I want to say,
Is goodbye.

It's only the beginning

2012-12-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

NEW BLOG!

http://splinteredsecrets.blogspot.com

Don't worry, y'all, I'll still write in this blog. For sure. A peek inside a music freak's life is most important. (So much for important, haven't posted in over a month)'

I just thought, that with another blog, I can easily rant and whatnot. I figured I'd devote this blog to more musical stuff... just to keep it simple.

Nonetheless, check it out! I will be posting on both!

Adios

December = EnEx

2012-12-11T22:09:00.001-08:00

Well... HI.

I guess I'm a stranger to you because I haven't posted in ages.
WELL, I'M SORRY. SCHOOL IS TOUGH YA'KNOW

I'm now back on track to my musical endeavours! Which is why I'm giving an update. :)

I'm back on the third (and final) instalment of my EnEx project. For those who don't know, it's a project where we go beyond our comfort zones and learn more about a career and/or passion.

Mine is, of course, music production... again.

THIS YEAR WE GET TO WORK WITH A MENTOR. AHHHH.

And that means... I get to produce a song!

The purpose of this assignment is to get out of our little bubble that we call comfort and work on "real life" skills. This means finding a mentor, getting one, working with one, etc. It's a lot harder and stressful that it sounds, because we have to do assignments (i.e progress logs, reflections, other paperwork, evaluations) but I think it is worth it.

I mean, it's not every day I will get to work with a producer, let alone make a song, perhaps?

This project will be over the course of the next 5 months or so. I'll keep updates on here as well. :D

Sorry, no song today. I know, bummer. Winter break is coming up soon... I'll post a song then. How 'bout that? :)

Happy December!

A poem, perhaps?

2012-10-06T21:33:00.003-07:00

Listen

We strive to let the world know
We belong,
As if our faults cannot be seen,
They point them out,
And tell us to change.
We try to walk down our path,
The one with open doors,
To achieve.
But they turn the light off,
And tell us we can't.
So we,
Listen

I know it's been a LONG time since I last posted, but I tried?! School and extra-cirriculars have been keeping me busy. Same old, same old.

I might turn this poem into a song. I have a feeling this is the chorus. What do you all think?

2 Months No See

2012-09-16T20:27:00.002-07:00

Well, whoops! It's been nearly two months since I last posted. (I hope you noticed I deleted my videos. It's way too time consuming. Maybe I'll just stick to garageband recording.)

Yeah. That's about it. I just thought I'd say hi. My apologies for the lack of content on here. (especially lately.)
I wrote a whole bunch of new songs. No, I'm not saying that just to stall for time. I mean it. I wrote a bunch.

So there you go! I'm busy with school and such, so don't be surprised if I don't post in a while.

BUT I WON'T . I'M NOT THAT EVIL AND MEAN.

I'M A NICE PERSON. :)

Life Story

2012-07-25T23:57:00.001-07:00

First of all, I would like to say that I'm really, really, really, super-de-duper sorry for not keeping my promise from the last post that I will post a new video. I should really just shut up.

I WAS BUSY, KAY? And no, no song today. It's a life story. (Time for Mani to get rambling!)

Anywhoo, I've had a bunch of people ask me how I got interested in this whole music biz. Now, if you don't want to hear all this mambo jumbo, well, feel free to browse around the blog. If you're really not interested in my blog at all, why are you even here? :P (but I love you for giving me a view!)

Alrighty, once upon a time, long before I wrote songs, I wrote poetry. Poetry about anything, anytime. Pizza, weather... you name it.
I was 6.
And when I was 6, I was randomly singing on top of the coffee table in the living room like there was no tomorrow. (My mom made videos. There's proof. I'm so glad I have no idea where they are.)

Shortly after, I wrote a song... about pizza...
Let's say there wasn't much going on at that time.
*fastforward*

I was 9 when I wrote a song with meaning. My friend (*super talented friend) sang a poem of mine, and instantly said it was better off as a song.
I wasn't really a happy chap, I was a poet after all. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I was a better songwriter then a poet. Then I wrote more songs. And started singing them too.

And I got Tino. (my acoustic guitar, for those who don't know.)

I wrote more songs and poems. And I got Vannie. (my electric guitar.)

I wrote more songs and poems.... and here I am today!

That's it! A really lame story about how I got inspired to start pursuing music.

Oh, and I played piano during this story too. Ahaha.

Yuppers... *awkward silence*

Insincerity

2012-07-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

Way to be optimistic, Mani.
Well, here goes nothing.

Insincerity

Here you are right in front of me,
My heart is stabbed by memories.
Broken promises between you and me.
All cause of your insincerity.

I'm falling from the force,
It keeps bringing me down.
I can't seem to find my soul.
It's nowhere to be found.

But I'm not going anywhere,
You have no right to push me.
All this time I've been in pain,
Get me out of this misery.

*chorus*
Here you are right in front of me,
My heart is stabbed by memories.
Broken promises between you and me.
All cause of your insincerity.

Being unaccepted for who I am.
It's hard to change me,
I don't want to please you,
I can't please everybody.

I'm slowly walking away,
Don't chase after me.
I've been in pain,
Get me out of this misery

*chorus*
Here you are right in front of me,
My heart is stabbed by memories.
Broken promises between you and me.
All cause of your insincerity.

Here you are right in front of me,
My heart is stabbed by memories.
Broken promises between you and me.
All cause of your insincerity.

I can't please everybody.

Yeah. There you have it.

I'd Stop

2012-07-15T00:03:00.001-07:00

I'm getting worked up, tired,
I'm frustrated.
I can't keep my mind straight.
You haven't seen me in anguish.

Ignorance has blinded you.
You just walk away,
I'm losing the connection,
There's nothing left to say.

It's hard to keep trust when there
Was nothing to start with.
Years have come and gone,
But the hole never patched up.

*chorus*
I'd stop the whole world,
I'd stop those just like you.
I'd make you stop and watch,
Make you remember and regret.
I'd stop you from hurting me.
I'd stop myself from falling,
I'd make you search for me,
But I'll never be found.
Cause I am gone.

[Insert rest of the song here]

^ I'm in a little bit of a rush, and I haven't posted in quite a while (sorry!) so I decided to jot down a bunch of verses.
Why must choruses be so difficult to write? This chorus is still a work in progress... It's a bit rough, don'tcha think? :(

On a much sweeter note, (Haha. Note. Get it? Note! Haha. No? Okay. I'll keep my lame jokes to myself) I baked red velvet cupcakes a couple of days ago! Unfortunately, I didn't take any pics, but they were delicious.
Thanks Betty Crocker and her cake mixes. (I cheated. Used cake mix.) ;)

I'll be continuing my baking and musical endeavours...

Until next time. :)

Unresolved Ending

2012-06-28T19:41:00.001-07:00

And we break up into shattered fragments,

Not knowing how to respond to the rest.

The world is a blur,

As we happen to see only our matters,

The existence of others fails to be noticed.

We cry to the world,

But deaf to the sounds of cries of help from those who need it the most.

We walk away from a hand in need,

Blinded by what we want.

The cycle goes on

Until one

Falls.

^ Yup. Another poem. :)

Buddy :)

2012-06-26T00:38:00.002-07:00

Hi y'all!

Here's a link to my friend's website. I hope you guys check it out. It's pretty cool, and he's posted a bunch of my links on it too. (Aww yeah! I'm being promoted! Hahah)

He's a pianist, composer and writes songs as well.

Just. Like. Moi. :D

Awesomeness? I think so.

So check out The House of Music 1

And keep coming back soon. I'll be posting more videos and songs up. (Finally!)

Why

2012-06-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

If it weren't for you,
I wouldn't have written this song,
I wouldn't have been in despair,
No one needed to catch me.

I thought I had place to call my own,
But instead I was manipulated.
I never thought I'd be so vulnerable,
But look at what you've shown.

*chorus*
Why did I crumble myself?
Why did you throw me away?
Why did you pick me up,
And placed me someplace safe?

But now if it weren't for you,
I'd be at the bottom of the hole,
I'd be climbing the walls,
Trying to get up.

And I thought I had no hope
But I found myself an angel.
I've been granted a wish,
I never thought I'd ever wish for.

*chorus*

Why did I crumble myself?
Why did you throw me away?
Why did you pick me up,
And placed me someplace safe?

Why did I break apart?
Why did you kick me aside?
Why did you pick me up,
When I was about to run and hide?

Why did you hold me close,
When they picked a fight?

Ours- Taylor Swift cover

2012-06-20T23:09:00.001-07:00

Why didn't I make a youtube before? I'm liking this. :)

Here's my cover of Ours by Taylor Swift. Hopefully, it's much better than my last video. (I'm going to work on that...)

Hope you liked it!

Yes. I know. I'm really awkward in introducing and concluding.

I need your opinion. My last video (Hey Darling) was recorded on my camcorder and this one in photo booth. Which one is better? (in terms of audio and video quality.)

Also, I finally got a macbook pro, which means one thing... GARAGEBAND. :)
Mac + Summer = Recording.

Can't wait!

FINALLY

2012-06-20T00:28:00.000-07:00

So I gave up and decided to make a youtube channel.
AND MY VIDEO IS UP TOO. MWUAHAHAHA.

Anyway, for those that want to know, the link for my channel is www.youtube.com/TheManiD11

First video; kind of rough and choppy. As I keep making more videos, I'll continue to get better. (I hope. haha)

I hope you like the video for my song ""Hey Darling". <-- click on the link for lyrics. (:

Yeah, yeah. I was nervous so my guitar skills were not the greatest, and my voice wasn't close to good as I thought it would be.
DON'T WORRY, I WON'T TORTURE YOU LIKE THAT AGAIN. I promise I'll do better next time! And perhaps a cover? :)

Currently untitled sad, "pick me up" song

2012-06-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

You'll make your way,
You'll find a path to get out,
You've held it for so long,
Without a scream or a shout.

It's hard to let go,
Everything is out of control,
Know that I'll be there,
There's so much to know.

Remember the love, it'll make you stronger.
You can spread your wings, you can fly,
Remember you'll be watched over...

So just close your eyes,
You're in for a roller coaster ride.
Every day will have another sunrise.
Even if every chapter ends sad,
Remember that the story hasn't finished.
So keep your head high, your chin up,
Look at the stars to see.

And every step you make,
Will be the start of an adventure,
So open up a new chapter,
And hold on to those memories.

Remember the love, the memories are there,
The world's spinning fast, but even through despair,
Remember you can find a way out.

So just close your eyes,
You're in for a roller coaster ride.
Every day will have another sunrise.
Even if every chapter ends sad,
Remember that the story hasn't finished.
So keep your head high, your chin up,
Look at the stars to see.

Words like goodbye,
Seems so hard to spit out,
And you don't know when you can say hello again.
But listen,
There's too much to say in this world.
So remember, keep the love in your heart.

So just close your eyes,
You're in for a roller coaster ride.
Every day will have another sunrise.
Even if every chapter ends sad,
Remember that the story hasn't finished.
So keep your head high, your chin up,
Look at the stars to see.

^ YAY! ANOTHER NEW SONG THAT I WROTE ABOUT A WEEK AGO BUT FAILED TO POST UNTIL NOW. :D

Summer

2012-06-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

Time for eating, sleeping, hanging out, vacationing, more sleeping, more eating, more of doing nothing... and most importantly...

Writing more songs and playing more music.

I feel like I've neglected this blog, and I feel terrible! But now that summer's here, I have lots of time. And if I can't write a post, then... well, spazz at me all you want.

Also, if you haven't done yet, please subscribe! I'm usually not the type of person who asks to like on fb, share and subscribe, but I'd love it if you did! Please and thank you!

And I added a bunch more pics on the pics page if you want a look.

More songs to come, pinky promise. :)

-Mani

Surrender

2012-06-10T00:54:00.000-07:00

Surrender

And if I had the choice,
I’d let all of it slip away.
Letting each wave slowly strip my hopes, dreams, achievements, away until it’s all gone.

And I wouldn’t look back,
I’d keep strolling until I fall;
Surrendering.
Letting the beast have a taste of victory.

And there aren't any second chances,
Once you hear the footsteps approach;
This psychopathic decision.

Every story has a villian.

^ Very deep and dark poem, eh? I found this in my notebook, liked it and decided to type it. It's quite old. :)

Reality

2012-05-19T20:20:00.001-07:00

As the days go on, the busier I get. Which kind of sucks, considering that I barely have time to write on here.
FINALLY, I HAVE A SONG! :D
Happiness is twisting and turning in my stomach.

Why do you stay for a while,
When you're gone for the rest of the day.
What's the use of having your around?
When I can't see you, you're not help at all.

So you're picking on me for not caring at all,
But in reality, my words go in one ear and out the other.

*chorus*
And someday, I'll find a way out.
I'll walk out of that door.
I'll never come back,
You don't know what's in store.
And you'll make your way in,
And you can't find me.
Wake up, time to learn your lesson.
This is reality.

You won't find me....
You won't find me.

And why do you ponder around,
You voice is like nails on a chalkboard.
You've become so useless,
You can leave now, I know you're bored.

But rather than you leaving, maybe I'll take a step,
So expect the unexpected.

*chorus*
And someday, I'll find a way out.
I'll walk out of that door.
I'll never come back,
You don't know what's in store.

And you'll make your way in,
And you can't find me.
Wake up, time to learn your lesson.
This is reality.

I've given you plenty of chances.
I've reminded you of your rights and wrongs.
But all you're ever were, and will be is pathetic,
Useless, a liar and a hypocrite.

*chorus*
And someday, I'll find a way out.
I'll walk out of that door.
I'll never come back,
And you can't find me.
This is reality.

So, wake up, time to learn your lesson.
This is reality.

Unloved Reflection

2012-05-08T22:57:00.001-07:00

And those mirrors remind us
Of how worthless,
Meaningless,
Unappreciated,
Repulsive
And ignored we are.
But do the mirrors tell the tales,
Or do our eyes?