Travel Music

So back in 2007 I randomly flew to Hawaii on a whim to try to get on the film "Tropic Thunder". I bought a plane ticket on July 5th and flew away the same day. I only had a few hours to grab what I needed. I grabbed some clothes, a friends gps and an ipod shuffle. It was one of the free giveaway shuffles that could only hold around 20 songs so I had to choose wisely. I decided to go with an album I hadn't heard yet - Paul McCartney's Memory Almost Full. I flew to Oahu for the interview. The day of the interview I realized I was on the wrong island, which might have granted me the award of most stress ever from a person visiting Hawaii. So, I made up some bs story and pushed the interview 3 days as I hopped on a plane to the right island - Kauai. Went to the interview and after some promising calls eventually didn't end up with the job. Meanwhile, during the 2 weeks that was my adventure in Hawaii, I was listening to Memory Almost Full. Now, even three years later, that album is and will forever be linked to that trip. When most people think of Hawaii they think of surfing and palm trees. I think of a British guy's album about the winter years of his life. Completely random but I love it.

Anyways, I thought that I'd post my suggestions for great songs to bring with you on your next journey. Here are my top 10:

#10 - "Red and Shine" by Blue States - This song must be played in that moment where it hits you that you are somewhere far away and you love it.

#9 - "Snow Spectrum" by Seekae - Play this song when you are lost in nature and you will be at peace.

#8 - Any Siqur Ros song - Seriously...any of them. They can make anything 10 times more epic. Chilling at the Great Wall of China? Cool. Chilling at the Great Wall of China with Sigur Ros playing? Amazing.

#7 - "Ever Present Past" by Paul McCartney - It's Hawaii for me, what is for you?

#6 - "Long Time Fish Pie" by Seekae - I imagine that this song would be a really great companion if you were lost in some Asian country. Try it out and let me know.

#5 - "Look to Your Laurels" by Blue States - If life were a film, this would be in a redemption montage scene. It wouldn't be over the top like Rocky but it would still be just as inspirational.

#4 - "Happy Up Here" by Royksopp - Such a poppy song that screams night out in Europe.

#3 - "We Are The People" by Empire of the Sun - This song has such a dreamy sound that I can't get enough of. I love the break in this (the part right after chorus). This song reminds me that I am young.

#2 - "World Citizen (I Won't Be Disappointed)" from the Babel Soundtrack - This song is the perfect song to listen to if you are far far away and alone. I'd prefer to hear it in a Japanese cigar/jazz bar at night.

#1 - "Allies" by Blue States - This song is in queue for my next inspirational films ending. It just hits you. It injects you with this amazing euphoria and makes you feel like anything is possible. Definitely check out this artist.

Day and Night

I have noticed a pattern in my mind process. When I first wake up in the morning I usually have a very strong mindset on things. Second guessing myself and anxiety almost always occurs at night.

Is it the lack of distractions that cause this at night? I'm not sure exactly. Usually my mornings are more simplistic than my evenings. Is it the idea of starting a brand new day that blocks the anxiety with hope? I always hear about people tossing and turning in their sleep, never in the morning.

If you are like me and have this cycle of optimistic mornings and pessimistic evenings then I have a few remedies for you.

1. Do what you do in the morning at night. Switch up your routine. If you always go to bed watching tv, read a book instead. Change is always good.

2. If you are thinking of moving somewhere but keep second guessing it, try watching video of your dream place. When I second guess going to New Zealand I often go on youtube or vimeo and search out inspiring clips of it. It immediately makes me feel better.

3. Hang out with other people who support you. Anyone who is bringing you down is not your friend...simple as that.

4. Change your soundtrack. I love depressing music but it can quickly take me to a dark place. If I find myself going to the dark side I have a few albums that can get me out quick. If you have a more optimistic soundtrack in your life, your life will be more optimistic.

5. Just do it. In the case of traveling or anything really...just do it. We often find ourselves in this state of hesitation and it really has no purpose. Back when I was in that job I wasn't sure about asking time off and going to Australia. I spent a few weeks going back in forth until I finally just did it. I bought the plane ticket and pissed off my boss but whatever. It felt great to take a step further.