My Most Anticipated/Rumored Releases of 2017

Just did my top 20 albums of the year so now its time for the releases that I am most looking forward to in 2017.

The 1975 

Now I know these guys were just at the top of my top albums list. Well, back in September, their singer Matty Healy posted a tweet that read simply "New The 1975 - 2017." That could mean anything, but the band, up until fall, had limited touring this year so who knows what they have up their sleeves. Whatever it is, I'm excited.


Echosmith

The sibling Indie Pop band from LA recently announced the departure of guitarist and backing vocalist Jamie Sierota, but that isn't stopping them. Lead Singer/ Occasional Guitarist/Keyboardist Sydney recently released a clothing line with Hollister. In the trailer for the line, there was a 30 second preview of one of the band's new songs called "Hurts To Be 18." If that isn't enough, I ran into her at a Switchfoot show and she told me the new album will be out in Spring 2017 so get excited!


Being As An Ocean

Ever since 2012, Melodic Hardcore band Being As An Ocean has put out at least one new song per year. 2017 will be no different with the release of their 4th record, Waiting For Morning To Come. They have put a few previews on Instagram and Twitter and needless to say, I'm REALLY excited.


Stephen Christian

The Anberlin break up just over 2 years ago affected a lot of people because of lead singer Stephen Christian's amazing songwriting. Just before the disbandment, Christian announced that he had interest in releasing a worship album. After joining Calvary Chapel Albuquerque's worship team and hinting about it on his socials, his worship album will finally see the light of day in 2017.

Hearts Like Lions

In 2014, my friends, better known as Hearts Like Lions, released their debut major label EP called These Hands. Since then, the band has released no music. That is until last week when they released the debut single from their upcoming debut album titled Make Your Move. This band has the potential to blow up once this album is released so remember that you heard it here first.

Taylor Swift

2016 was finally the year that the world's biggest pop star broke her streak of releasing an album every two years. That's fine by me because it gives her a chance to perfect her 6th album. She released a surprise new song last week with former One Direction member Zayn for the upcoming Fifty Shades Darker movie and if her next album is anything like this, it will be an instant classic.

Coldplay

Coldplay released one of the best albums in their career, A Head Full of Dreams, in December 2015 so it was surprising to see a Facebook post from singer Chris Martin a while back saying they are putting the finishing touches on their Kaleidoscope EP and that it will be out in 2017. I'm really excited to hear music from one of my favorite bands.

Train

For me, Train and Coldplay are in the same boat. They are one of my favorite bands that I've seen live and are also one of my favorite bands. January will see the release of the band's 8th album titled A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat. They've so far released 2 songs from the album and from what I'm hearing so far, this is going to be another great Train album.

Knuckle Puck

Knuckle Puck's 2015 debut record Copacetic was and still is one of my favorite Pop Punk records. So much as to having one of my friends design a tattoo for their song Evergreen off that album. From hearing interviews about the new record, I'm very excited to see what they come up with.



Christina Grimmie

Even though Grimmie was shot and killed in June at one of her shows, her memory and legacy lives on forever. Before she died, she was recording an album. Her family is currently getting those songs mixed as well as some existing songs remixed and have said it will be released as an album next year. The first single Invisible will be released in January.


Smallpools

Although I only discovered LA-Based Indie-Rock band Smallpools a few months ago, I have quickly become a big fan of their music. Their style of music is very much in my realm of stuff I listen to. They released the lead single from their upcoming 2nd record on Black Friday. Although Run With The Bulls is only a minute and a half, it intrigues me to see what's coming up next from them.



Ed Sheeran

The British Acoustic Pop artist was absent from social media for a full year before finally updating again. Well, sort of. He changed all his profile picture on all his social media to a light blue. Friends of the singer have said that his album is finished and is set to be released soon. Even as soon as January. Seeing as I discovered him a year before he got huge, I'm excited what will be on album 3. Especially since he has said it will be his best material yet.


Hollyn

The Christian pop singer rose to quick fame after her debut single Alone (which features TobyMac's son TRU) blew up not only on Christian radio but everywhere. The 19-year-old has a crazy vocal range which is shown in both Alone and current debut single from her upcoming debut album Love With Your Life. I'm really excited to hear the rest of her album.



Brad Paisley

I don't listen to nearly as much Country Music as I used to, but there is one Country artist that I still love and enjoy. Brad Paisley can wail on a guitar and combines Classic Rock riffs with Classic Country instrumentals and lyrics. Brad is one of the best artists out there and I'm anxious to hear his amazing guitar work on the new album Love and War.



John Mayer

I haven't listened to a whole lot of John Mayer's music but when I have, it was very enjoyable. I'm very much addicted, if you will, to his lead single from his upcoming album which is called Love On The Weekend. The song is a feel good Indie Pop song that is very different to anything he has really ever done and it excites me a lot.

Top 20 Albums/Releases of 2016

Its that time of year again. I saw various music sites doing it, so its time for my annual top 20 albums of the year.

20.) ZAYN - Mind of Mine

In his debut solo album, the former One Direction takes a much different direction than 1D ever did. What came out is a very weird pop album. He was able to truly show off his vocal talent in songs like Pillowtalk and It's You. He has done very limited touring for the record, but if I'm honest, I wouldn't mind checking his live show out sometime.


19.) Lecrae - Church Clothes 3



















In what he called "the album before the album," Christian rapper Lecrae released, in my opinion one of the best Rap mixtapes of all time. CC3 deals with racism, inequality, among others. I don't know what Lecrae has coming out of the studio next but after 2 and a half years between full length albums, I cannot wait to see.


18.) Pierce The Veil - Misadventures



















The fourth LP from San Diego natives Pierce The Veil comes after almost 4 years without a studio album. The album is all over the place. In a good way. One minute, you're listening to screaming from various band members in The Divine Zero and the next you hear some soft pop-rock such as in Floral & Fading. This, in my opinion is the quartet's best album to date.


17.) A Day To Remember - Bad Vibrations




















After releasing their best record, Common Courtesy, in 2013, A Day To Remember had to step it up. Although it didn't beat CC, what ADTR did on Bad Vibrations shows what they can do as a band. As they were writing this album, they were battling for their right to be released from Victory Records. They recently won the case, but doesn't mean it didn't stop them from releasing a pissed off, mostly metalcore record.


16.) Anchor & Braille - Songs For the Late Night Drive Home

Sadly, in November 2014, Modern Hard Rock outfit Anberlin came to an end. That left many fans, like me sad, wondering when we would ever be able to hear lead singer Stephen Christian's unique voice ever again. Well that chance came in February of 2016, when he released his third solo album (A&B is the name of it). The record is aptly named and this, to me, is a perfect record to listen to at ungodly hours with friends turned up LOUD, even though its electronic indie pop, unlike Anberlin's music.


15.) Memphis May Fire - This Light I Hold

This Light I Hold is honestly the first MMF record that I have ever listened to front to back and even though it's their latest, I think it was a good place to start. I love their songs The Rose and Miles Away and I feel like this record totally combined those songs and somehow made one of the best hard rock/metal records that I have ever heard.


14.) DNCE - DNCE




















It's not easy to follow up such a smash hit such as DNCE's Cake By the Ocean. But did the Joe Jonas-led band do it well. The Funky R&B Pop of their debut self-titled immediately sees you dancing, even if you're not very good at it. So not that Nick and Joe have rediscovered fame, where is Kevin musically?


13.) Thrice -  To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere




















2016 sure seemed to be the year to reunite or comeback for my generation's middle school angst bands. There was Underoath, blink-182, and Further Seems Forever to name a few. But among all of those, Thrice was perhaps the best (although I didn't get to see them live, but Underoath was freakin incredible. The band's comeback album is perhaps their best yet and I'm glad they are back.


12.) NF - Therapy Session




















To follow up his 2013 debut album, Mansion, NF knew he had to do something that not many rappers, Christian or Mainstream, have done. In all the albums that I have listened to in my lifetime, this is honestly the most personal. You could hear the pain of him talking about losing his mom to drugs and when he cried in a couple of the songs, I found myself doing the same.


11.) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - This Unruly Mess I've Made




















Macklemore & Ryan Lewis had a big task ahead of them to follow up 2012's monster album The Heist. An album that won a GRAMMY. Which is fitting why they open up This Unruly Mess I've Made with their GRAMMYs experience and trying to figure out how to get nominated again. Although it wasn't nominated for any, this album sure deserves it.


10.) The Summer Set - Stories For Monday





















What does a band do after nearly breaking up? Make the best album of their career of course! Arizona's The Summer Set have made Pop Punk, Alternative Rock, and now have the best pop album since Taylor Swift's 1989. (I was able to get my copy of this cd autographed and tell them that and they loved it. Especially Brian.) This album basically follows the band through what seems to be the best party ever. And I'm glad they took us along.


9.) Bridgit Mendler - Nemesis EP




















First you leave your label, then your computer crashes and you lose your entire album, then you and your long time boyfriend break up. What a crazy couple of years it has been for the former Disney Channel star. But that didn't stop her. Instead, she releases 4 song EP which seem like was her way with coping with the breakup. Although way far different from her 2012 debut, Hello, My Name Is..., she still seems to have a lot of talent. It's not as good as the album, to me, but it is still a gem and is a good way to get her foot in the Mainstream Pop door.


8.) Good Charlotte - Youth Authority




















Like I said, 2016 was the year for comebacks and boy did it ever do well for early 2000s Pop Punk band, Good Charlotte. Their hiatus was a good thing. They made the best record of their career (but who am I to say? This is the only record that I have listened to by them. Which isn't really a bad thing, either.


7.) Bethel Music - Have It All




















The past few years have seemed like a perfect time to make a modern worship album. Ever since Hillsong UNITED released Oceans in 2013, it's like every church worship band is getting played on radio. Bethel Music became big because of their 2015 hit No Longer Slaves, which still just gets to me. They expanded on their horizons and made an excellent worship album that I still love listening to, almost a year later.


6.) Leeland - Invisible




















It's been quite awhile since the world has heard anything from Leeland. But I'm so glad their back. In their first studio album in over 4 years, the band made a record that sounds like nothing you have ever heard in modern worship. This album honestly sounds like if The 1975 all became Christians and made a worship album. I hope to keep hearing more from these guys and also hope that worship begins to sound more like chill, laid back Indie Pop.


5.) Relient K - Air For Free




















Relient K has certainly had a rocky history. But that doesn't stop high school best friends Matt Theissen and Matt Hoopes from making music. For Air For Free, original drummer Dave Douglas returns for half the album. Air For Free is an amazing combination of Pop Punk, Indie Rock, Surf Rock and even a little bit of worship in my personal favorite on the album, God. We never know what the boys from OH-IO will cook up next but I'm so glad they have remained true to their art and faith through all of it.


4.) Yellowcard - Yellowcard




















Saying goodbye is hard. Especially when it's a band that you love. Saying goodbye is a lot easier when a band releases possibly the best album of their career to end it all. Yellowcard's final, self-titled, and 10th record is going to stand the test of time. This record is nothing like the pop punk of their first 9 records. Instead, its just a good rock and roll album that I can't stop listening to.


3.) Real Friends - The Home Inside My Head




















Before this album came out, Real Friends was predicted to be the break out Pop Punk band of 2016. After this album came out and two national tours, that proved to be true. It's a sad record with an even sadder ending, but singer Dan Lambton didn't show that at all when I accidentally wandered backstage at their San Diego show with The Wonder Years. In fact, I couldn't believe this was the same guy that was singing these songs.


2.) Switchfoot - Where The Light Shines Through




















My favorite band Switchfoot's 10th album came really as a surprise. No, they didn't release it overnight like Beyonce or Drake. They brought their guitars back. They broughy John Feldmann back for the first time since The Beautiful Letdown to produce the album. I feel like this album is as if they put their first 9 records in a bowl with some (Holy) water and out came some amazing soup that has a kick. I hope Switchfoot stays rock, although 2014's Fading West is an amazing Pop album.


1.) The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It

In February 2016, The 1975 returned with their second album. Now this wasn't a typical 1975 record. In fact, there is a song talking to God on the album, which lead singer Matty doesn't like doing. But in all, the album is a Pop record that makes fun of pop. Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie couldn't have said it better. "It's sugar made into music." And I agree. With rumors of their 3rd album coming out in 2017, I cannot wait to see what is next for the British Indie Rockers.


Well there you have it! Did any of your favorites make the list? If not, post a comment and tell me what I'm missing.

Until Next Time, Alex


Top 5 Honorable Mentions:

5.) Rachel Platten - Wildfire

4.) Lacey Sturm - Life Screams

3.) Thirdstory - Searching EP

2.) Panic! At The Disco - Death of a Bachelor

1.) HAWAI - Working All Night EP

Thoughts on Love

The longer I’m not in love, the more time I have to think. Some of it bad, but most of it good. I want the kind of relationship where we drive in the rain to no set destination while listening to some indie rock. I want the kind of relationship where we go to the beach while its cold and almost dark and have a picnic and just walk on it holding hands and talking about our lives, jobs, whatever. I want the kind of relationship that isn’t based on sex. It’s literally just love without lust. I want the kind of relationship where we have weekly coffee meetings where we pick a Bible passage and discuss what it means to us. I want the kind of relationship where no one questions us because we are so good for each other. I want the kind of relationship where we dont give up on each other, no matter how hard it gets. I want the kind of relationship where there is no judging. I want the kind of relationship where there is not even a question of leaving each other. I want the kind of relationship where fellow Christians model their relationships on us. I want the kind of relationship where we go to so many concerts together. I want the kind of relationship where we never fall out of love. Ever. Not matter how unattractive the other may become. Most of all, I want the kind of relationship where we base everything we do off of Jesus' love.

Until Next Time, Alex

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

Despite the headline, no I did not just win the Super Bowl. In fact, something happened to me that happened to me last year. You're probably thinking "Oh crap, here he goes again with that Disneyland story." Well YES! But at the same time NO! I won't tell that story ever again. Well at least not on this blog. That's my promise. ;)

So, I decided to apply for that same Disney College Program just for the heck of it. Well I did, then I got an interview, then I got a second interview, then last Friday (September 23rd, 2016) morning at exactly 10:23 AM, I got the same email as last year, but with a little bit different wording. I had been hired for the College Program yet again. But this time, at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I was in shock and didn't believe it. So the first thing I did (since I was in our mall) was find a bench and just prayed and thanked God for this opportunity yet again.

Now here is how I see it. You know that I turned it down a year ago because that is what I felt the Lord telling me to do. A few weeks later, I was given numerous interviews and job offers. I'm STILL at one of those, Domino's, almost a year later (November 11th will be my anniversary). Over the past few days since receiving the offer, I was trying to figure out what to do. Well, I was able to pay the fees this time (with the aid of my brother). 

Here is how I see this, though. I never really saw God work in my life or really even REALLY trusted Him until about a year ago, when all of this was happening. So, I went out on a limb and turned down my dream job, knowing it was a possibility that I would never have this opportunity again. Well the thing is, I trusted God big time and what came out of that was a better job offer, at the better park. So it all worked out and is coming together amazingly.

So, really I just want you all to know the God I know. Don't doubt Him. Trust Him. And believe me, you may see something amazing happen in your life.

Let me leave you with one last thing. One of my favorite Bible verses.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Until Next Time, Alex

Life Is Short, Live It Well.

This year, the world has had to say "goodbye" to too many people. But among the famous people that have passed or been murdered, there are hundreds that die everyday but suddenly when a celebrity passes, we care more than we should.

Let me explain this.

On November 12th, 2009, I was in my web design design class when my teacher received a call and I was asked to go down to the office WITH all my belongings. As everyone knows, when you're called down to the office, you immediately think of every bad thing you have done. So I'm walking down there, my heart beating so fast when I walk in and see my mom crying, with my whole family there. Mind you, my mom was SUPPOSED to be on a field trip with my brother, who was also in the office. My first thought was "Oh boy what did I do to make my whole family come to the office?" And then she barely uttered the words "Grandpa Vanderspek is dead." I stood there in shock, as he was given a clean bill of heath a week before and was on the phone with my dad 18 hours before. I didn't know what to think. The whole 45 minute ride down to my other grandparents was just silent. Nobody said anything. That was the first (and last) time I saw my other grandpa cry. He is still alive along with my 2 grandmas. But I was sad. Shocked. Angry. And that's how that story fits in to this post.

6 and a half years later, I'm on Twitter late at night when I see #PrayForChristinaGrimmie trending at number 1. I click on the hashtag only to find out that she was shot. I had the same thought that YouTube comedian Jarrod Alonge tweeted: "Christina Grimmie was shot? Why would anyone shoot Christina Grimmie?" Honestly. Why? She did nothing but show love. 22 years and at the beginning of what was going to be a HUGE music career. I followed the story until the Orlando Police declared her dead via Twitter. Its almost 3 months since that happened and I still can't even as much as think of her without getting emotional.

So thinking of that, I realized something. I was more shocked and more sad at one of my favorite singer's dying than my grandpa. Thinking of that, now I feel guilty. But let me explain why I'm more saddened which sounds horrible but its the truth and honestly not as bad as you think.

First of all, Grimmie is only 5 months older than me. When she was murdered, I was only 2 and a half months from being 22. My grandpa was 71, I believe. I feel even worse that I can't remember. Grimmie's death made me realize. What if in November, after I have been 22 for 3 months, I'm murdered? Her death made me say "Wow, life is short." I almost immediately related it to Switchfoot's song "Live It Well," that released just 3 weeks before her death. She lived her life so well. She loved the Lord and died doing what she loved. Am I doing what I love? Am I living for the Lord? Answer for number 1 is no and number 2 is yes.

I work at Domino's and on the way to work, a couple days after she was murdered, I was talking to my mom. I said something that was shocking to both of us, but very true. I said "Mom, what if someone walked into Domino's today and decided to shoot the place up and I am gone?" That's still a possibility. If that ever does happen, I may not be doing what I love, but I do die a man of God and know that I am going to Heaven. But, let me rethink what I just said. I actually am doing what I love. I'm serving people and making them happy. I even got to have a short conversation about Jesus with a customer the other day. I would die happy.

That is why her death affected me more than my grandpa's.

So as I conclude this post, I want you to ask yourself: "Are you living it well?"

Until Next Time, Alex

I Don't Know About You...

So yesterday was my birthday. I turned 22 and it feels no different. Today actually really sucked. I didn’t really do much and had to work an hour and a half past my scheduled time. Another thing that sucked is that yesterday made me realize how the older you get, the less your birthday means something. It’s always going to mean something but to others they’ll either forget your birthday or have to be reminded by a Facebook notification. It almost makes me depressed to think of it like that. This whole week really hasn't been good and I just prey it gets better. 

No matter what happens, God is in control. But why do I keep taking focus off that. Why is it so hard to keep my eye on that? I struggle so much with being single and things of that nature, as you have heard before if you follow along with my blog. I don't know what to do but just please pray for me. Pray for the world because that is another reason I am and get so down.

Until Next Time, Alex 

Why I Have Decided To Retire (Monday) Messages

Dear everyone,

I come to you today sad to tell you I have decided to no longer do Monday Messages. There were many factors that made my decision. The main one was that it was not making enough impact. That may sound like I am trying to become more famous but it's not. I need people to be changed. I could careless if I am famous. But people need help. This year alone, I have brought 3 people to Jesus. None of those were because of this blog.

Sometimes chapters close. I will still be doing posts on this blog. I feel like the old posts about how my life could work better in helping people. I also felt more comfortable doing those because they weren't "forced," if you will, like Monday Messages. For awhile, I was writing them late at night because I literally had to find something to write about. With the old posts, I just wrote when something happened or I felt inspired.

Now, there are some things I have planned for the blog to make it bigger and better for everyone. I have taken the steps by starting a Facebook page for my blog. There, you will be able to see all the updates as they come. And trust me, there will be a couple big ones in the next few weeks. The link for the page is here.

I thank you for following Monday Messages since November and hope you continue to follow my blog. Thanks!

Until Next Time,
Alex Vanderspek

Top 5 Albums For the 2nd Quarter of 2016 (April, May, June)

5.) Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman

4.) Pierce the Veil - Misadventures

3.) NF - Therapy Session

2.) Real Friends - The Home Inside My Head

1.) The Summer Set - Stories For Monday

What are some of your favorite releases from the past few months?

MONDAY MESSAGES UPDATE: Sorry for the lack of Monday Messages! It has been an extremely busy Summer and have been so inactive. But fear not! Monday Messages will return in just a couple weeks with a (kind of) new name. It will now be called simply "Messages." And you will no longer just find it on Mondays. Some days are busier than others, so in light of that, I will post the weekly Messages on a day that I am less busy. Thanks for all the support everyone who reads!

Until Next Time, Alex

Band Interview: HAWAI (Indie Rock)

Hey Everyone! This is the first of many interviews I hope to do with bands that are on the rise. Hope you enjoy!

You may be sitting on the beach, drinking a Monster and chowing down on some Dorito's Sweet Spicy Chili Chips (if you're like me that is), wondering what music you should put on. Well then look no further! Orange County natives HAWAI just released their debut EP and if you like summer and indie and rock, then they are a band worth checking out. They have already played with Switchfoot a couple times but don't be surprised if you see them opening up for bands like Echosmith or American Authors. I had the chance to email back and forth with the band's keyboardist and ask him a few questions. Warning: You may laugh so hard you cry because that is what I did. Keep reading to find out which band member like skittles on his pizza.

1. Who would you consider your biggest influences?

I think we each have our own personal influences as far as what made each of us pick up an instrument for the first time or what kind of bands or songs we reference when writing, but off the top of my head, I think we can all agree on Radiohead, The War on Drugs, Bob Dylan, Rufus Wainwright, Cass McCombs, etc.

2. Even though you just released the EP, is there any plans for a full length?

Of course we are always writing and gathering ideas for what's next. We're going to tour this EP for as long as we think is appropriate and then get into the studio when we have enough material to make up what will become our first full length record. If I had to guess when that will be I would guess hopefully sometime in the beginning of next year.

3. What are 2 or 3 bands that you would love to tour with?
Hmmm... Arcade Fire would be cool obviously, The War on Drugs seem like cool guys, Mac Demarco would be fun.

4. If you could play any big festival or tour, which one would you choose?

In my opinion Coachella isn't the same as it used to be. It's far more commercial and mainstream than in years past, but at the same time if we played it then we're obviously doing something right. Sasquatch festival in Washington would be cool too.

5. Who is the nerd of the band? Jock? Cheerleader?

Jared is the nerd, just because he's the tech savvy guy. Jake is the jock because he used to be a football superstar, Bumper is the cheerleader because he's the encourager of the group (and often wears mini skirts)

6. What do you plan to do to bring your music to the world?

I guess we just want to play music that feels good to people. Music that will create sentimental moments for periods of time in people's lives. Also music that just makes you happy and you can play it at any time. Vacation, pool party, BBQ, while driving, in the morning, at night, etc etc. I guess that's a pretty cliche answer but that's what we try for.

7. Finally, each of you, what is your favorite pizza topping?

I'm a strictly pepperoni guy but I think the rest of them will eat anything. I know Jacks favorite combo is sausage and red skittles, but not many places will make that for him.

So there you have it! Are you interested yet? Then go ahead and follow the links below to listen to their Working All Night EP. You won't be disappointed.

Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/7fkyNdClZ8Wo0iQabhZnTn

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/working-all-night-ep/id1117155235

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