❤💙💛
It's kind of hard to imagine that it's already been one year since the release of Air For Free. I vividly remember Mrs. Hippopotamuses' being the first song that played when I gave the album a listen for the first time, and it's now one of my all time favorites from the album.
This time last year I was just beginning to develop a deeper love for Relient K. I considered myself a casual fan, having listened to Collapsible Lung, FANSD, and a handful of songs from the older albums. But this album is what cemented that love for this band. Something about it felt right and resonated with me. It held my hand through some hard times and helped me draw closer to my faith in God.
By August, I'd bought tickets to see them on the Looking For America tour and I kept a daily countdown. Then finally October rolled around. Between the time I bought my tickets and the day of the concert, it hadn't really hit me that I was going to see them play live, until my mom and I arrived at the parking garage. I was fine until I started walking across the street, then the tears hit.
I'm sure in that moment I looked like one of those crazy fangirls, but I didn't even really care. I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness I didn't know how to react other than cry happy tears!
Music has and always will be an important part in my life. Words through music seem to impact me so much more than if they're just spoken. Music inspires me to create everyday and I'm so thankful for it. I'm thankful for the band, Relient K, and I'm thankful for each and every person who reads this blog. Starting this thing was one of my best decisions yet!
So I just want to ask: what does Air For Free mean to you?
For the past few weeks, I've been asking people to make a little sign with a few words (or none, if you just can't put the feelings into words) that explains what the album means to you. I've had a few people ask, so you have until the end of the month to get them in. Tweet or post them on instagram with the hashtag #AFFBirthdayProject!
I can't wait to see everyone's designs and what they have to say.
Thank you again, Relient K. I can't say how much you mean to me.
- Sarah
Showing posts with label Air For Free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Air For Free. Show all posts
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
The Local Wave + Earth Day Updates
Hello friends, welcome back to the blog! I've been a little inactive recently due massive cold, but I'm on the up and up. Hehehe.
ANYWAY, today I want to talk about two things! First up is the podcast Matt Hoopes did with The Local Wave last week, and second is the Earth Day stream the guys did a couple of days ago.
However, I do recommend you check out The Local Wave's podcast (click HERE to listen online and download). It's a little over an hour but it's really a great listen.
The thing I really loved about it is hearing some of the stories around certain events and albums (like how they were first discovered and how the AFF primary color theme was an accident).
The bit about Empty House was another great moment. It's by far one of my favorite songs from the record for the reason of perfection in the midst of imperfection, and listening to Hoopes' opinion and thoughts about the song was really great!
Now as far as Earth Day, the guys released a surprise song (you can download it for free at relientk.com) and did a livestream straight from Thiessen's porch. They played Mountaintop and Air For Free as well as the new song, then did a mini Q&A!
Some highlights from the stream (in no particular order):
• The actual vase that inspired Mountaintop (there's an actual bluebird on the vase and that missing piece)
• Matt T mentioned a solo project and Goodbye Dubai (confirming the project with Owl City's Adam Young for a second time)
• Jake Germany's rice cake shoes
• M@ ate dirt and threw some at Hoopes
• M@'s improvised lyrics to Awakening by Switchfoot: "Here we are now with a piece of toast and jam"
If you missed the stream, you might be able to find it on YouTube. I know for a fact the Instagram stream is on there somewhere.
So until next time, I'm signing off!
- Sarah
ANYWAY, today I want to talk about two things! First up is the podcast Matt Hoopes did with The Local Wave last week, and second is the Earth Day stream the guys did a couple of days ago.
However, I do recommend you check out The Local Wave's podcast (click HERE to listen online and download). It's a little over an hour but it's really a great listen.
The thing I really loved about it is hearing some of the stories around certain events and albums (like how they were first discovered and how the AFF primary color theme was an accident).
The bit about Empty House was another great moment. It's by far one of my favorite songs from the record for the reason of perfection in the midst of imperfection, and listening to Hoopes' opinion and thoughts about the song was really great!
Now as far as Earth Day, the guys released a surprise song (you can download it for free at relientk.com) and did a livestream straight from Thiessen's porch. They played Mountaintop and Air For Free as well as the new song, then did a mini Q&A!
Some highlights from the stream (in no particular order):
• The actual vase that inspired Mountaintop (there's an actual bluebird on the vase and that missing piece)
• Matt T mentioned a solo project and Goodbye Dubai (confirming the project with Owl City's Adam Young for a second time)
• Jake Germany's rice cake shoes
• M@ ate dirt and threw some at Hoopes
• M@'s improvised lyrics to Awakening by Switchfoot: "Here we are now with a piece of toast and jam"
If you missed the stream, you might be able to find it on YouTube. I know for a fact the Instagram stream is on there somewhere.
So until next time, I'm signing off!
- Sarah
Thursday, April 6, 2017
The Full Scoop: Air For Free on r/place
Few days ago I'd been posting something Air For Free related on all the blog's social media that had something to do with r/place (for those that don't know, it's a subreddit where you can place one colored tile every five minutes to create art).
My friend Nathan (AKA u/relientkfan), proposed the idea that we try to place a 7 by 15 rectangle design featuring the AFF dots somewhere on the canvas. He made a post on the Relient K subreddit and some of our friends from the Discord chat (shout out to Chris, Joe, and Ben!!) agreed to help.
The design started in an area that was held by r/edBoxes. We ended up forming a treaty with them, so we abandoned that spot and headed about eight squares north. We were above most of the red boxes, but eventually had to leave because of a "HAN_SX" design that was moving our way.
After this, the design was moved to an area above the "HAN_SX" design. We built there for almost a day, completely untouched, but then Quebec arrived. Nathan asked if they could stop covering our design, but it seemed we had found ourselves in the middle of a political battle between Canada and Quebec.
SO, to avoid that whole situation we decided to hit the road and move down south, settling above a sign that said "r/HEYYEA". At this point, things were going well. We almost had our entire boarder complete, but then we started to lose control and suddenly we were battling "the brown splotch" and r/ainbowroad. Turns out, the brown splotch was actually a shoe. Of Mappy the mouse. After some peace talks with r/heyyea and r/ainbowroad, Mappy the mouse and Rainbow Road were no longer an issue.
At this point, it was almost 5:30 AM, Monday morning. There were some rogue bots attempting to cover our design, but Nathan had a connection through r/porterrobinson who taught him how to use a bot code. He made some modifications, then sent to code to Joe and myself so all three of us could run it at once.
The next day, I kept an eye on the design. and by that afternoon r/place had ended! Thankfully the design was intact and recognizable. If Reddit ever does this again in the future, I'd love to work on a bigger design. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and it's cool to think a part of Relient K is immortalized in this piece of internet history.
See if you can find the design below in the final canvas, or keep scrolling to see it up close!
The design started in an area that was held by r/edBoxes. We ended up forming a treaty with them, so we abandoned that spot and headed about eight squares north. We were above most of the red boxes, but eventually had to leave because of a "HAN_SX" design that was moving our way.
After this, the design was moved to an area above the "HAN_SX" design. We built there for almost a day, completely untouched, but then Quebec arrived. Nathan asked if they could stop covering our design, but it seemed we had found ourselves in the middle of a political battle between Canada and Quebec.
SO, to avoid that whole situation we decided to hit the road and move down south, settling above a sign that said "r/HEYYEA". At this point, things were going well. We almost had our entire boarder complete, but then we started to lose control and suddenly we were battling "the brown splotch" and r/ainbowroad. Turns out, the brown splotch was actually a shoe. Of Mappy the mouse. After some peace talks with r/heyyea and r/ainbowroad, Mappy the mouse and Rainbow Road were no longer an issue.
At this point, it was almost 5:30 AM, Monday morning. There were some rogue bots attempting to cover our design, but Nathan had a connection through r/porterrobinson who taught him how to use a bot code. He made some modifications, then sent to code to Joe and myself so all three of us could run it at once.
The next day, I kept an eye on the design. and by that afternoon r/place had ended! Thankfully the design was intact and recognizable. If Reddit ever does this again in the future, I'd love to work on a bigger design. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and it's cool to think a part of Relient K is immortalized in this piece of internet history.
See if you can find the design below in the final canvas, or keep scrolling to see it up close!
 |
| The final canvas from r/place |
 |
| Air For Free design on r/place |
Lots of thanks to Joe and Nathan for helping with the bot install, and to Nathan for sending me all the screenshots and a play by play of what happened when I wasn't there!
So, until next time (hopefully I'll have some nice new Relient K news).
Don't blink,
Sarah
Monday, March 27, 2017
New Music??
Oh boy, do I have a big and exciting one today.
Most of you, if you've been keeping up with the RK social media (specifically Instagram) or talking with other fans, you'd would know the guys are being pretty sneaky about something. So, let's break it down!
The first clue we got was this:
I thought it was amazing the guys released Air For Free and The Creepier Ep...er in the same year, then they threw in Truly Madly Deeply and my mind was blown. I didn't think it could get any better, but apparently I was wrong. They're cooking up something, and I can't wait to see what it is.
Next came talk of more live music. Live 2009 is the first and so far only live Relient K album to exist, but that isn't going to be the case for too long. Live 2016 may be (and probably is) coming soon.
Finally we come to this very mysterious post.
I legit freaked out a bit over this one! I'm thinking possible B sides album or an acoustic album (although I had a dream they released a book, not even sure where that one came from), and I've seen some others talking about a deluxe version of Air For Free, but either way I'm beyond excited for this.
PLUS! Series 4 of the 7 inch vinyl sets are set to be released soon. Not exactly sure when, but I'm guessing in the next few months or so. I'm really excited about this set specifically because I think this is one where Look On Up will be making her debut. There's also the 7 inch version of Five Score, not sure when he'll be making his appearance though.
I have no idea how the guys manage to do all this stuff at once, but MAN I am excited. They're some pretty awesome dudes. #relientlove
Before I go I've got two other things I want to mention. First, if you're interested in joining a RK chat, I've got just the thing for you. Introducing: the Relient K Fans Discord! Click HERE to be directed right to the action! You'll definitely find me hanging out there!
Second, we've hit over 2000 page views since the blog's formation back in November! I was so shocked, I never expected this blog to make it past my friend circle. Thank you all so much for stopping by to check this out, it means the world. 🎉✨
Most of you, if you've been keeping up with the RK social media (specifically Instagram) or talking with other fans, you'd would know the guys are being pretty sneaky about something. So, let's break it down!
The first clue we got was this:
I thought it was amazing the guys released Air For Free and The Creepier Ep...er in the same year, then they threw in Truly Madly Deeply and my mind was blown. I didn't think it could get any better, but apparently I was wrong. They're cooking up something, and I can't wait to see what it is.
Next came talk of more live music. Live 2009 is the first and so far only live Relient K album to exist, but that isn't going to be the case for too long. Live 2016 may be (and probably is) coming soon.
Finally we come to this very mysterious post.
I legit freaked out a bit over this one! I'm thinking possible B sides album or an acoustic album (although I had a dream they released a book, not even sure where that one came from), and I've seen some others talking about a deluxe version of Air For Free, but either way I'm beyond excited for this.
PLUS! Series 4 of the 7 inch vinyl sets are set to be released soon. Not exactly sure when, but I'm guessing in the next few months or so. I'm really excited about this set specifically because I think this is one where Look On Up will be making her debut. There's also the 7 inch version of Five Score, not sure when he'll be making his appearance though.
I have no idea how the guys manage to do all this stuff at once, but MAN I am excited. They're some pretty awesome dudes. #relientlove
Before I go I've got two other things I want to mention. First, if you're interested in joining a RK chat, I've got just the thing for you. Introducing: the Relient K Fans Discord! Click HERE to be directed right to the action! You'll definitely find me hanging out there!
Second, we've hit over 2000 page views since the blog's formation back in November! I was so shocked, I never expected this blog to make it past my friend circle. Thank you all so much for stopping by to check this out, it means the world. 🎉✨
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Vinyl Unboxing: Air For Free (MSSS Series, Part 1)
Now that all the little added extras to the blog are finally up and don't need my full attention, I can dedicate my time to writing more about the guys, their music, and their merch. Today's post is all about Air For Free on vinyl, and it's the start of a little four part series I'm going to call the "Merch Store Shopping Spree" series.
This is something I've wanted to write about for a long time, and now that I have a record player I can finally do it!
I ordered this vinyl along with some other goodies on December 26th and received my package on December 30. I don't think I've ever been so inpatient in my life.
The 2LP 180 gram white vinyl come packaged in a gatefold jacket along with an insert that features photos of the guys and the Air For Free primary color dots, and a digital download card.
The track listing is different than the CD, and is as follows:
Side A:
Local Construction
Bummin'
Marigold
Runnin'
Side B:
Mrs. Hippopotamuses
Cat
Elephant Parade
Man
Side C:
Air For Free
God
Prodigal
Empty House
Side D:
Mountaintop
Sleepin'
Flower
Heartache
Matt Hoopes said a lot of time was spent sequencing the vinyl album. Songs on each side are specifically grouped to give the album a nice flow and allow for quick listening sessions. Personally, this is one of my favorite features of the album. It almost reminds me of how Forget and Not Slow Down goes from one track to another with connecting intros/outros. It all just clicks and works.
As for the tracks that really stood out upon the initial listening, all I really want to talk about Empty House.
Empty House was one of the tracks that really hit me. Hearing any song or album on vinyl is an experience in an of itself, but with a song like Empty House? For me it was like no other. I've heard the song numerous times, and it's one of my favorites, but the first time hearing it on vinyl reduced me to tears. The simple piano track paired with the autotuned vocals just convey this feeling that's like no other. It's a truly moving song, even though I still don't have a clue as to what's sung in half of the first verse.
In the end I just want to say this is an amazing album. Each song is of the highest quality and they all sound spectacular on vinyl. If you haven't listened to it yet, please do! And for those of you who haven't bought the vinyl but want to hear it in the same sequencing as the vinyl, check out Relient K's Spotify playlist here.
Hope you guys have a great New Year's. See you then!
Don't blink,
Sahara
PS: I'm uploading the entries to the Creative Corner tab tomorrow, don't forget to check it out and submit your own edits/art!
This is something I've wanted to write about for a long time, and now that I have a record player I can finally do it!
I ordered this vinyl along with some other goodies on December 26th and received my package on December 30. I don't think I've ever been so inpatient in my life.
The 2LP 180 gram white vinyl come packaged in a gatefold jacket along with an insert that features photos of the guys and the Air For Free primary color dots, and a digital download card.
 |
| Front and Back |
 |
| Inside |
 |
| 180 gram 2LP vinyl |
 |
| Inside Notes |
 |
| Front and Back of the Insert |
The track listing is different than the CD, and is as follows:
Side A:
Local Construction
Bummin'
Marigold
Runnin'
Side B:
Mrs. Hippopotamuses
Cat
Elephant Parade
Man
Side C:
Air For Free
God
Prodigal
Empty House
Side D:
Mountaintop
Sleepin'
Flower
Heartache
Matt Hoopes said a lot of time was spent sequencing the vinyl album. Songs on each side are specifically grouped to give the album a nice flow and allow for quick listening sessions. Personally, this is one of my favorite features of the album. It almost reminds me of how Forget and Not Slow Down goes from one track to another with connecting intros/outros. It all just clicks and works.
As for the tracks that really stood out upon the initial listening, all I really want to talk about Empty House.
Empty House was one of the tracks that really hit me. Hearing any song or album on vinyl is an experience in an of itself, but with a song like Empty House? For me it was like no other. I've heard the song numerous times, and it's one of my favorites, but the first time hearing it on vinyl reduced me to tears. The simple piano track paired with the autotuned vocals just convey this feeling that's like no other. It's a truly moving song, even though I still don't have a clue as to what's sung in half of the first verse.
In the end I just want to say this is an amazing album. Each song is of the highest quality and they all sound spectacular on vinyl. If you haven't listened to it yet, please do! And for those of you who haven't bought the vinyl but want to hear it in the same sequencing as the vinyl, check out Relient K's Spotify playlist here.
Hope you guys have a great New Year's. See you then!
Don't blink,
Sahara
PS: I'm uploading the entries to the Creative Corner tab tomorrow, don't forget to check it out and submit your own edits/art!