1. Frank Turner

Frank Turner is probably one of my favorite British unknown songwriters because his songs are actually planned out and put together really well. For being on the more "punk" side of the spectrum, it sounds really good and he has really serious songs that don't actually feel serious or sound completely the opposite of what they might be. For example, his song "Make America Great Again" sounds like something TOTALLY different than what it is. It's about changing what America currently is into something where everyone just gets along and loves each other. In concert, he gets the whole crowd together and he includes them.

Another song that I love is "Broken Piano" because it starts really quiet and then it starts to build itself up. I was one of the lucky ones that saw him perform it live at the Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA. He doesn't really perform it that often so it was a real treat.

I saw him a few times but I loved seeing him on the beach during the Sea. Hear. Now Festival in Asbury Park, NJ.

2. Langhorne Slim (& the Law)

Langhorne Slim performs by himself or with a band called The Law. He is so real and so personal when he plays. When you hear him live, he captivates the audience and he always interacts with the audience whether it be dancing with them and being with them or even talking with them from the stage. I saw him Asbury Park at the the same festival that was listed above and we got to meet him after his set. I never had a more meaningful conversation with an artist than with him. He made sure to talk to each fan he got to meet and he was more than happy to take pictures, sign things or even write out something for a tattoo. He always makes sure everyone is having a good time and he always has a story to tell. It could be about his home in Nashville, his mom, grandparents, or even his favorite book. That book inspired him to write a song called "Wolves" and the book is called The Men Too Gentle to Live Amongst Wolves written by James Cavanaugh. It's on a list of books that I want to read. It's such a calming song and I have always enjoyed hearing him play it live.

Another song that I have connected with is "Song for Sid" and I connected with the lyric "where do the great ones go when they're gone?" My father passed away when I was 15 and I always have wondered where he "went" after he left his body. I struggled with his death and after hearing this song, I was able to be comforted and watching this be performed was always hard. The emotion that is pouring out of the performance is so raw and real.

3. The Hold Steady

Another band that I enjoy is The Hold Steady because they're the kind of band that you either don't like or you LOVE. They sound different than other bands that I have listened to. It might be because the lead singer, Craig Finn, sings and talks at the same time and I personally think it's the coolest thing ever that he can do both AT THE SAME TIME! They were the first band that my boyfriend showed me that I never heard of and the first song he ever showed me was "Massive Nights" off of Boys and Girls in America. It was right after my senior prom and I made him go me to Wawa and he played it for me while telling me that "it would be the best prom song."

I saw them for the first time over the summer and it was so much fun. We were right on the barricade for the second night at Union Transfer in Philly, PA, I got a setlist, and then we saw them again the following night Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ. Both shows were great in their own way. I didn't know every song word for word but the way their presence was on stage was very entertaining and the way they interact with each other is pretty neat. I love how Craig can include the audience by pointing and giving eye contact to as many people as possible, too. When we stood in front of Franz at the Philly show, he did a kind-of dance thing while playing and I was able to get his attention for a setlist.

4. The Menzingers

This group isn't for everyone. You either love them or you don't and I only know a few songs that I always hear live when I see them. They are from Scranton, PA and they are always a joy to see. I personally love "The Obituaries" because I love the feeling of literally rocking my face off every time this plays either in my car or when it's played live. I've always liked them live because they're pretty upbeat, they don't have songs that have you crying, and they're pretty cool.

Another song I enjoy is "Thick as Thieves" because it's just an easy song to dance to. I love the constant base line in this song is really catchy and it is leading the song the way a base line should.

5. Mayday Parade

I feel like a lot of people know Mayday Parade but if you don't you really should. I listened to them in middle school and the first song I fell in love with was "Terrible Things" and I related to it a fews later after finding it. After my dad passed away from being sick, it really hit because it made me think of my parents but the roles were switched. It's about a couple falling in love and then they get married and then the girl gets sick and dies. It's such a simple song and then when she dies, it explodes. The electric guitar and drums are brought in and it's like the world is falling apart and I imagine it as if it were glass breaking and falling everywhere.

I saw them for the first time in concert on November 14, 2018 at the Fillmore in Philly, PA. My little middle school emo-self was THRIVING and it was the best few hours I think I have ever spent. Also, I got to see "Miserable at Best" and "Oh Well, Oh Well" and these were my favorites when I was going through my awkward phases while I was growing up.