Review: Inside A Dream EP by Echosmith

Well, after a 3 year drought of new music, the Indie Pop trio Echosmith finally return in the form of a Summery, Pop laden EP that is sure to please many fans. After the departure of their brother, Jamie, many questioned what kind of music the band would make from that point on. Some people (like me) said pop, others said they were going to quit. It certainly felt like the latter with no new music for such a long time. But, fear not! Echosmith is back with what I think to be the best music of their career. I'm eager to hear the full record in April, but these 7 songs will do just fine for now.

The EP starts out with "Lessons," a song that begins with an acoustic guitar, and may remind many fans of the lead single "Goodbye." It's a track that many people may find relatable. It basically says that sometimes love feels so good that you really dont know how fast its going or where it's going and that we should learn from other love songs. They end the song by saying "Maybe one day someone can learn from our love song," which is really clever writing.

"Lessons" goes straight into "Get Into My Car." Its a song that is very guitar and synth-driven and could find major success on pop radio. Sometimes, you just really like someone but they don't feel the same. That's what I feel like this song talks about. Like you just want to show said person how much love you have, but they aren't willing to even give you a frickin chance. I know I, for one, can relate to that.

The third song on the EP is easily my favorite. They teased "Hurts To Be 18" about a year ago, when lead vocalist Sydney announced her fashion line with Hollister. Me, as well as hundreds of others have been dying to hear it since. After hearing the full track, I can say it's my favorite on the EP and definitely one of my favorite songs by them to date. It's a song about not being ready to grow up, and I know many people, including me have said that.

"Future Me" is a song that, lyrically is like their breakout single "Cool Kids." It's about being ready for what the future has to bring. You don't want to change for anyone. It kind of, to me, is a continuation of "Hurts To Be 18." The previous song was talking about not wanting to grow up, but in this one, she realizes that she is ready to grow up and that her future is who she is right now.

In June is when we finally got the taste of new Echosmith in the form of "Goodbye," which is also the 5th song on the EP. The song came with a tour and album announcement, both releases got pushed back to the spring. But "Goodbye" is about people in your life that gave up on you. But when you find who you are, they want back in, when truth is, you've moved on and grown up and don't want them in your life anymore.

The 6th song on the EP, is my least favorite. "Hungry" is a good song, but it's not a song that I would find myself listening to on its own. It's another song about wanting someone's love really bad, but not as memorable as "Get Into My Car." Overall, the song is okay, but not one I would find myself coming back to unless it came on shuffle or I was listening to the EP.

The EP closes with the acoustic song "Dear World." Its a song that the world definitely needed. We see all these Hurricanes, Fires, Shootings, etc. and the world doesn't seem like its getting any better. It's a love letter telling the world that you want the be the one to start the change. It was co-written by the singer of my favorite band, Switchfoot. When I first heard it, I really though "Whoa, it feels like this could be a Jon Foreman song." Sure enough, he tweeted that he cowrote it with the band. It's also the first song Jamie has played on since 2014's "Terminal."

Overall, Inside A Dream, is full of bops, that I will keep jamming for the next 6 months till the full record comes out. I'm really hoping they'll add an Orlando, Florida date, seeing as I will be there during the tour. I'm happy to finally have new music from Echosmith and can't wait to hear more already.

Top 3 Songs: Get Into My Car, Future Me, Hurts To Be 18

Rating: 3.5/4 out of 5


Until Next Time, Alex

Praising God No Matter What

I juts wanted to take a few moments to talk about something major that occurred this weekend in a place very near to my heart and why I didn't respond appropriately.

If you weren't aware, this week, the hurricane from hell invited herself into homes across Caribbean Islands such as Cuba and Puerto Rico, completely leveling a couple more, and made it's way to Florida as a category 4 storm. This is the 4th hurricane in the past 2 weeks that have been over a category 2 that hit land. 2 hit North America, 2 hit some Caribbean islands, and one hit Central Mexico (just a day after they had an 8.2 earthquake). During all of this, my anxiety was so high, seeing as I have friends in Miami, Orlando, and Puerto Rico. I let Satan control my thoughts. He told me that a good God wouldn't allow this destruction to happen. At times, I believed him. Like God controls everything so why is He allowing all this to happen? I even was at a point where I didn't want to live because this world is just getting worse and worse and there is nowhere safe to live anymore. I wasn't praising God in the storm. But when I got a notification on my phone that my friend from Miami snapchatted me at the end of my lunch break at work, for the first time in almost a day. Not even 5 minutes before that, I tweeted the following:

Just have to keep telling myself that God is good all the time.

— Alex ϟF (@VanderSPOCK) September 11, 2017

 That was maybe the first time during this chaos that I actually gave God the praise. I wouldn't call the snapchat a reward but maybe He was holding it off until I could actually say that He is good no matter what.

So why do we as humans do this? We have to stop letting Satan into our brains. If you have the YouVersion Bible App, there's plenty of studies on there about anxiety and trusting God. Next time something like this happens, I've learned and will praise Him no matter what. Because next time, I could be in the middle of the disaster.

Until Next Time, Alex

My DCP Experience: How to Survive DCP Recruiting Season

So here you are. You've finally decided to apply for the Disney College Program. Although the initial application takes only about 20 minutes, the entire recruiting season is about 2 and a half months. So what can you expect in the application. Below, I will give detailed explanations of each step as well as a tip or two to help you not go insane, especially since the entire DCP Recruiting Season is a waiting game. And before I start, know that your dashboard and timeline don't mean anything, any significant updates will be in your email. Mine show up in junk almost every time, so be checking there.

1.) Applying
I mean it's kind of obvious that step 1 is applying. What you may not know is when doing the application, you NEED to pay attention and read every word in it. The first few pages are simple, it just asks for your info, work history, etc. When you get to the role interest page, only put interest in roles you are qualified/want to do. They will consider you for every role you put down, even as low interest. This also doesn't mean, only put interest attractions, because I guarantee that won't get you too far in the application.

2.) Interviews
Typically, you'll know pretty quickly if you got the first interview, a Web-Based Interview, which is essentially just like the questionnaire you would do on a normal job application, just this one includes questions about Disney itself. Immediately after the WBI, you'll find out if you got the second and final interview, a Phone Interview. Don't stress it too much. Just imagine if you were sitting at a desk with the manager in front of you. He or she is just on the phone this time around. Don't, I repeat DO NOT write you answers down and read them. For one, they could ask you completely different questions from the ones you wrote down and second, you could sound scripted if you do that and that will more than likely end up in you being NLIC'd (No Longer In Consideration). You got to the phone interview, so you already basically have the job, now its up to you why you deserve to be one of the 7,000 College Program Participants they hire every semester.

3.) Job Offer!
Congrats! You got offered a job. When offered the job, you will have a week to accept the position, pay the program fees, and select the dates of your program. When I did it in Orlando in Spring 2017, the fee was $350, so be prepared to pay that within a week, or they will assume you're turning down the position and you don't want that. The $350 pays for your first week and a half of rent, as well all the free events during the semester (a lot of the time, they'll come with dinner and/or a souvenir). I unfortunately do not know the fees for Anaheim's Program.
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Now that you've accepted the position, what's next? Depending on when you're offered the position, you should have about 2.5-3 months to prepare for your move to Orlando (or Anaheim). This is more than enough time, but don't save shopping and packing till the last week before you leave. It'll put a lot of stress on you and whoever you may live with. You wont get your first paycheck until about 1 or 2 weeks into your program (depends on when your Traditions is), so I suggest bringing about $200 or $300 for that time. That's food and in case you see something (or two or three) in a store that you really like and want. I think I've covered everything that I need to! My prayers are with you and I hope you get the job!

Until Next Time, Alex 

My DCP Experience: Surviving A Disney Park 101

It's Summer. Which only means one thing. Everyone is going to Disneyland or Disney World. I mean, why not? Both parks are in really beautiful places, so it just makes sense. Seeing as I have been going to Disneyland my whole life (literally) and I worked at Disney World for 4 months, I know my way around the parks, even when it's annoyingly busy and you're about to lose your freakin' mind. So here are a few tips that you may or may not know, whether its your 1st or 100th time at a park.

1. Stores 
There's 2 things you should utilize about stores. The first is a shortcut, or as I like to call it a "storecut." Almost every Disney park has stores that just go from the beginning of Main Street to the middle. Its a great way to get where you want and fast. The second option is to shop early. Disney can hold your purchases until the end of the day for free, or if you're on vacation, they can even have it shipped to your house or placed in your hotel room.

2. Free Water!
Every Quick Service in the parks have free ice water. All you have to do is ask for it and they'll give it to you. No purchase necessary! It's a great way to cool off especially in the hot California or Florida Summers. Just note, by default you will get kids size cup of it, if you would like a regular or large cup, just ask!

3. Go To The Shows!
Most of the shows at WDW or Disneyland are indoors and air conditioned. Not only that, they put a lot of work into these shows. They have been known to be Broadway quality. What show do I recommend? The Tiki Room. Its the only show that allows you to eat inside. Plus, watching birds sing while eating a Dole Whip sounds like the dream!

4. Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
If you've ever been to a Disney Park, you know the food is borderline overpriced. But there's a solution to that with a way to get out of the crowds. Both US parks have a shopping district with food and clothing. Some of the food in both are cheaper than the in-park food. I suggest Blaze Pizza if you are at Disney Springs and Earl of Sandwich if you are at Downtown Disney. Another plus is both have World of Disney stores that have a lot of the same merchandise as inside the parks, without the crowds.

5. Free Soda?
Yes! I think my favorite part about any of the parks is Club Cool at EPCOT. They have free Coca-Cola soda samples from all over the world. There's no limit to how many cups you are allowed, but be sure to watch out for parties who are trying Beverley for the first time, it might be quite a sight... I think you need to try all of them once, but my favorite is the Melon Frosty.


That's all I have for now, but as I think of more, I'll add more!

Until Next Time, Alex

Thoughts on Look What You Made Me Do and the "Taylor Swift Tix" Program

On Friday, Taylor Swift unveiled her highly anticipated new single, Look What You Made Me Do. The single is taken from her upcoming 6th record titled reputation. The single has had mixed reviews, with more being negative than positive. People are saying Taylor has lost her mind. While that may be true, she has also been holding all this in for 10 years. Its not just Kimye. Its not just Calvin. It's all the criticism and hate she's gotten. She's fed up. And I don't blame her, man. Just because shes arguably the most popular musician of all time, doesn't mean shes not human. She has feelings like all of us. Some people hold it in and end their life (thinking about Chester Bennington). Others, go to counselors. Others will write poetry or songs. Taylor never wanted to be called "that bitch." Taylor never wanted to have sex with Kanye. She just wanted to make music people loved and related to. She didn't want drama. But she got dragged into it. And I can't help but feel bad for her. I agree, maybe she needs a little help, but people also need to stop hating her for no reason.

Now onto the Taylor Swift Tix program that many are calling a scam and why I say it isn't a scam.

Earlier this year, Ticketmaster started a new program called Ticket Master Verified Fan to stop scalpers and bots from getting tickets to high ticketed events. If you've even heard of Taylor, you know that her concerts are more than just concerts. And I think everyone needs to experience one to truly appreciate her art. Taylor's upcoming US tour is participating in this. She has took it further and instead of just posting on social media or listening to a song to get a place in line for tickets, you have the option to buy merch or her new cd to get a higher boost than the social events. Many people are calling this a scam because whoever has more money will get better tickets. That's not necessarily true. If all your friends register, you will be way up in line. Just as far as the merch buyers. So its not a scam because you don't NEED to buy merch to get good tickets. These are just the haters after her again. If you want tickets, register here. Get your friends to sign up, go see her live. It'll change your life.

Until Next Time, Alex

My DCP Experience: 5 Things You MUST Do On Your Program

I'm back! Sorry for no post last week, I was super busy and had very little time for anything. But I'm back! So I hope you enjoy yet another DCP post!

1. Go To Concert
Concerts are not only a great way to hang out with friends, but its also a good way to make friends! They also have been known to let out a similar high to weed, especially if you see your favorite band. With Orlando being such a big tourist city, pretty much every national tour will come through, so you will have plenty of chances to see a band that you like. If you do the Spring or Spring Advantage Program or extend from the Fall Program, I suggest going to To Write Love On Her Arms' annual Heavy And Light concert at the Orlando House Of Blues. Although, almost everyone that performs and appears are Christian, the event is in no way a Christian event. Its just to raise awareness for depression and suicide. If that doesn't appeal to you, EPCOT has concerts with some pretty big artists almost every weekend from January - May and August - November.

2. Pick Up A Shift In Another Location
One thing that's cool about working for Disney is once your training is over, you are able to pick up a shift in any location as long as its the same role you were trained for. One location I really suggest is ESPN. If you do the spring program, you might even have a chance to work during a Baseball game!

3. Go To A Baseball Game
To snowball off of the last one, you should go to a baseball game.  You get discount tickets on the Braves games during the preseason and chances are, they will be playing your favorite team. If not, the Tampa Bay Rays aren't too far away. Housing does a couple of trips to Rays games a year, so you wouldn't even have to drive.

4. Housing Events
Housing does a really good at planning events for the CPs. They're fun, they have great food, there's music, and even giveaways. Why wouldn't you go? You paid that deposit for a reason, right? Unless you're working, DO NOT miss Starlit Splash during the Spring/Spring Advantage Program. You get to be in Typhoon Lagoon from 7pm-1am just as CPs and its amazing! Go with friends, it makes it better. Another great event is the Grocery Bingo, the chances of you winning are huge and free groceries!

5. CRU Pizza Night
If you go to a big university, chances are, you have heard of CRU. They are an outreach organization that's worldwide. There is one for WDW. Everyone's favorite event through them is Pizza Night. There free pizza, soda, and a chance to make new friends (trust me you will). On top of that, besides 20-30 minutes in the middle, they don't force religion on you. And even that little time, its more to make you think and less of preaching. Don't go just because you don't agree with them, go because it saved my program because of the friends I made.

I hope you can do all or at least a couple of these. Make the most of your program, most of you will only be there for a limited time!

Until Next Time, Alex

Top 10 Albums For The First Half of 2017

This year has been both good for music and bad. But luckily, the good over-weighs the bad. In fact, there's been so many good albums that I haven't had much time to listen to most of them (besides a couple) more than once or twice. Here's the list of my favorite records released so far this year. Yes, they are in order.

1. Paramore - After Laughter

Paramore's transition to pop has been a lot smoother than say All Time Low or Fall Out Boy. For one, they still are very guitar based. And second, for the most part, the fanbase isn't pissed off about it. This is EXACTLY how I imagined a Paramore pop album sounding like. To be honest, this could very well be my favorite album by the band. I keep getting more and more addicted with each listen.

Top 3 songs: Told You So, Rose-Colored Boy, Fake Happy

2. The Maine - Lovely Little Lonely

For some reason, I never really got into The Maine. They play alongside bands that I'm fa fan of, but I still never checked them out. I even have a shirt by them because I found it during Hot Topic's Hot Mess sale a couple years back. But, without seeing any reviews, I decided to listen to Lovely Little Lonely on the way to work the day after release. I'm glad I did. I listened to it at least once a day for like a week or two. I couldn't stop. And it didn't get old. I give them props for finding a way to blend Pop Punk and Ambient Indie Rock in a perfect way. And for the record, yes it was my favorite album until After Laughter came out.

Top 3 songs: Bad Behavior, Taxi, Black Butterflies & Deja Vu

3. Hollyn - One Way Conversations 

Hollyn is going to be the next big thing in music. Her voice is amazing, and although she is a Christian and some of her songs are inspired by her faith, she does have some songs that aren't about her faith. I could easily hear "Can't Live Without" or "All My Love" getting played on Top 40 radio and being very successful. Her debut album is so good and I can't wait to hear more from her.

Top 3 songs: Party In The Hills, Obvious, In Awe


4. Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness - Zombies On Broadway

It took Andrew McMahon 3 projects and nearly 20 years to have a hit song. But when "Cecelia and the Satellite" was released in 2014, he finally did it. 3 years after his debut, self-titled solo album, Andrew released the lead single "Brooklyn, You're Killing Me" from Zombies On Broadway. I was very intrigued seeing it was so different from the material from his first album. So, I bought tickets to his show. I'm so glad I did because he is a great performer. And this album is one of the best pop albums in recent years.

Top 3 songs: Brooklyn, You're Killing Me, Dead Man's Dollar, Walking In My Sleep



5. New Found Glory - Makes Me Sick

The 9th studio album from Pop Punk band is very different from anything you've ever heard from the scene. They added synthesizers to their signature brand of pop punk which made the album sound both very unique for 2017 and like it was made in the 80's. But I'm not complaining. Besides Sticks and Stones, this is my favorite album by them and I can't get enough.

Top 3 songs: Party On Apocalypse, Say It Don't Spray It, Happy Being Miserable

6. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.

DAMN. is right, Mr. Lamar. Although you didn't top 2015's To Pimp A Butterfly (which lets be honest, you never will no matter how hard you try), you still made an amazing album. An album that makes you think. An album that changes every time you listen to it. An album that once again, is changing the rap game. I think one of my favorite lines from any mainstream rap song is on this album. "Show me something natural like ass with some stretch marks." That'e one way to get ahead and tell the world that you're sick of fake.

Top 3 songs: HUMBLE., DNA., XXX. (feat. U2)

7. Phoenix - Ti Amo

Before their spring tour was announced, Phoenix remained pretty quiet. Besides their Christmas song, they weren't really active and people, including me, questioned if the band was still together. We were relieved when the tour trailer had a new, yet unreleased song. That song turned out to be "J-Boy," which is the lead single from the album. This was a perfect album to be released in June because it just screams Summer.

Top 3 songs: J-Boy, Ti Amo, Tuttifrutti

8. Elevation Worship - There Is A Cloud

Unfortunately, Elevation Worship has been overshadowed by the huge successes of Hillsong UNITED and Bethel Music. So it's not surprising that in their latest album, they use some of the electronic elements that made both of those artists so unique for worship. But, they truly have made an amazing album that literally made me emotional because of the beauty in the lyrics and music.

Top 3 songs: There Is A Cloud, Do It Again, Yours (Glory and Praise)

9. Hillsong UNITED - Wonder

The 5th album from the Australian Worship band came as a surprised. It was announced, then released 3 weeks later. The band really knows how to keep it fresh as well as keep you thinking while listening. They are obviously trying to reach out to the broken with the music sounding like modern Pop and Indie.

Top 3 songs: Wonder, Shadow Step, Shape Of Your Heart



10. Harry Styles - Harry Styles

The debut solo album from the (most popular) frontman of One Direction came as a total surprise. We knew that he was making a new album but we didn't know what kind of album. But Harry took us on a trip through the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The rock and roll of this album could land him a spot opening for Paul McCartney or The Rolling Stones or U2. I wish his tour dates wouldn't sell out so freaking fast because I would love to see him live.


Top 3 songs: Sweet Creature, Only Angel, Ever Since New York


So there you go! This year has already been so great for music and its not even done. We still have albums/releases from Echosmith, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, The Killers, and many more coming out so we will see how the rest of the year pans out.


Until Next Time, Alex