I'm Melissa. This is where I write things down and share new things. Sometimes I even post cute pictures of cats...

if you're looking for my portfolio,
it can be found here, or by clicking any of the links across the top of this page.

I just moved back to Ohio after living in the central valley of California for almost three years. People still mention that I'm all grown up and keep asking how being an adult is going, but I really don't know what they're referring to.

I'm officially a (self-proclaimed) curator -- OF GIFS. GIF CONNOISSEUR. Check it out. My GIF blog even made it to buzzfeed once.
ONE MORE CHECK OFF MY LIFELONG INTERNET TO-DO LIST.

Albums of note UPCOMING/2011/2010/2009
A list of albums from the year that had staying power. Not a top album list, because I haven't heard every album, so that just seems a bit silly to me -- the whole "of the year" thing... although I suppose in my own mind that's what they are...

THE ARCHIVES

Nostalgia
a place where I keep things that are already memories and store things that are currently in my life that will inevitably become memories. Vague enough?

Vestiges of a Life Soon Forgotten
A photographic series devoted to images taken in and around my apartment where I lived for 3 years in college. I moved out for good in December 2009.

Photobooth Sketches
photobooth documentation of sketches i have done and/or found.

Monthly Self Portrait Series
This was a short-lived project that sometimes shows up without warning again on my feed, but definately cannot be considered an "on-going" thing.

My New California Life
What started as an essay series about my experiences living on the left coast turned into a general account of my life here -- through words, photos and other ephemera.

jef etters tips of the day
Jef Etters was a colleague of mine who gave me life tips on a daily basis via a telephone call from a rotary phone. I would then transcribe the tips and post them here for the benefit of all mankind. He didn't know what tumblr was (nor does he now), but he did want to share all his wisdom with the world. enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: Jef did finally get free long-distance after 7pm EST and will occasionally call to give me tips to transcribe. Be on the look out, it'll change your life.

ScreenCaptureSeries
Funny and or poignant things I feel the need to share with the world via screen capture. This project carries on with the luck that the internet will continue to bring the lulz. I think the odds are in our favor.

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SXSW 2013: Polyphonic Spree on Flickr. I got to see one of my favourite bands from growing up right in front of my face last week at SXSW, and I didn’t even plan on it… 

SXSW 2013: Polyphonic Spree on Flickr.

I got to see one of my favourite bands from growing up right in front of my face last week at SXSW, and I didn’t even plan on it… 

(Source: icatchfoxes)

The very first @wmcfest #SXSW showcase will be Wednesday March 13, 6PM at Barbarella Patio 615 Red River St. Austin TX. FEAT: Laura Stevenson, Northern Faces, Pentmento, Pswingset, Autumn Owls, Cherry Cola Champions, The End of America, Paper Moons. Hosted by yours truly and Mr. @jerryycola SEE. YOU. THERE. [Click image to RSVP via eventbrite]

The very first @wmcfest #SXSW showcase will be Wednesday March 13, 6PM at Barbarella Patio 615 Red River St. Austin TX. FEAT: Laura Stevenson, Northern Faces, Pentmento, Pswingset, Autumn Owls, Cherry Cola Champions, The End of America, Paper Moons. Hosted by yours truly and Mr. @jerryycola SEE. YOU. THERE.

[Click image to RSVP via eventbrite]

(Source: icatchfoxes)

Yu(c)k - Automatic

Gorgeous.

“i was always in automatic
don’t assume i’m in control
i was always in automatic
don’t assume i meant you harm”

AON 2012 Day 28: #1 From Indian Lakes: Able BodiesYosemite Valley, CaliforniaLabel: Self ReleasedReleased: November 13, 2012 This five-piece from the mountains have followed up their debut release with a brilliant sophomore album featuring poingniant lyrics, dramatic instrumentation and overarching percussion. This type of musicianship and songwriting is hard to come by, especially across an entire album. The passion seen in Able Bodies is astonishing and it’s not hard to recognize. I’m sure we can expect a lot more from these boys in the future, given their track record. Listen to From Indian Lakes’ “Able Bodies” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 28: #1

From Indian Lakes: Able Bodies
Yosemite Valley, California
Label: Self Released
Released: November 13, 2012

This five-piece from the mountains have followed up their debut release with a brilliant sophomore album featuring poingniant lyrics, dramatic instrumentation and overarching percussion. This type of musicianship and songwriting is hard to come by, especially across an entire album. The passion seen in Able Bodies is astonishing and it’s not hard to recognize. I’m sure we can expect a lot more from these boys in the future, given their track record.

Listen to From Indian Lakes’ “Able Bodies” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 27: #2 P.O.S.: We Don’t Even Live HereMinneapolis, Minnesota Label: RhymesayersReleased: October 23, 2012 The fourth studio album from P.O.S. opens strong with “Bumper,” setting the tone for the whole record. We Don’t Even Live Here doesn’t let up for the full 39 minutes and 40 seconds. The record shows growth since Never Better, which seems almost impossible considering the caliber of work on the last album. I have no words for the excellence shown on this record. Listen to P.O.S.’ “We Don’t Even Live Here” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 27: #2

P.O.S.: We Don’t Even Live Here
Minneapolis, Minnesota 
Label: Rhymesayers
Released: October 23, 2012

The fourth studio album from P.O.S. opens strong with “Bumper,” setting the tone for the whole record. We Don’t Even Live Here doesn’t let up for the full 39 minutes and 40 seconds. The record shows growth since Never Better, which seems almost impossible considering the caliber of work on the last album. I have no words for the excellence shown on this record.

Listen to P.O.S.’ “We Don’t Even Live Here” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 26: #3 Ramona Falls: ProphetPortland, OregonLabel: BarsukReleased: May 1, 2012 Brent Knopf (formerly one-third of Menomena) founded Ramona Falls in 2009. Prophet really showcases Knopf’s tendency of mixing electronic looping with sparse natural sound. Lyrically the album follows a loose storyline while simultaneously being completely disjointed and subtle beneath the huge instrumentation. Listen to Ramona Falls’ “Prophet” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 26: #3

Ramona Falls: Prophet
Portland, Oregon
Label: Barsuk
Released: May 1, 2012

Brent Knopf (formerly one-third of Menomena) founded Ramona Falls in 2009. Prophet really showcases Knopf’s tendency of mixing electronic looping with sparse natural sound. Lyrically the album follows a loose storyline while simultaneously being completely disjointed and subtle beneath the huge instrumentation.

Listen to Ramona Falls’ “Prophet” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 19: #10 Nada Surf: The Stars are Indifferent to AstronomyNew York, New YorkLabel: Barsuk Records / City SlangReleased: January 24, 2012 Fans of Nada Surf had been waiting since 2008’s Lucky for another full-length album. In 2010, the band teased audiences with a cover record, but what fans really wanted was new original material. The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy far exceeded the expectations of many, including main-stream critics. Nada Surf has a stellar back catalog, but hasn’t really seen the kind of success their talent warrants. This record could help change that. That’s not to call this album anything less than it’s predecessors, Stars brings a lot to the table and stands alone as a really great fuzzy and addicting alt-rock record.  Listen to Nada Surf’s “The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy” album on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 19: #10

Nada Surf: The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy
New York, New York
Label: Barsuk Records / City Slang
Released: January 24, 2012

Fans of Nada Surf had been waiting since 2008’s Lucky for another full-length album. In 2010, the band teased audiences with a cover record, but what fans really wanted was new original material. The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy far exceeded the expectations of many, including main-stream critics. Nada Surf has a stellar back catalog, but hasn’t really seen the kind of success their talent warrants. This record could help change that. That’s not to call this album anything less than it’s predecessors, Stars brings a lot to the table and stands alone as a really great fuzzy and addicting alt-rock record. 

Listen to Nada Surf’s “The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy” album on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 18: #11 Annabel: Youth in YouthKent, OhioLabel: Count Your Lucky StarsReleased: November 24, 2012 The sophomore full-length from local-favorites Annabel shows great maturity and significant growth since the band’s early years. Youth In Youth showcases their strength as a four-piece and really highlights the sound they’ve been honing for years. The show they put on at their release party in downtown Kent really gave insight into how much energy and passion went into Youth In Youth. Annabel really is one of the greatest bands producing music today in Northeast Ohio. Listen to Annabel’s “Youth In Youth” album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 18: #11

Annabel: Youth in Youth
Kent, Ohio
Label: Count Your Lucky Stars
Released: November 24, 2012

The sophomore full-length from local-favorites Annabel shows great maturity and significant growth since the band’s early years. Youth In Youth showcases their strength as a four-piece and really highlights the sound they’ve been honing for years. The show they put on at their release party in downtown Kent really gave insight into how much energy and passion went into Youth In Youth. Annabel really is one of the greatest bands producing music today in Northeast Ohio.

Listen to Annabel’s “Youth In Youth” album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 17: #12 Cherry Cola Champions: Self-TitledKent, OhioLabel: Self-ReleasedReleased: August 23, 2012 I am biased toward this selection. These two dudes are some of the most awesome people on the face of the earth, and I am honored to know them. However, even in the face of this obvious bias, I assure you this album is not going to disappoint. Jesse and Tony ventured out to Denver, Colorado to record at Mammoth Cave Studios with Tim Gerak. The final product is a very well crafted and captivating first record. I couldn’t be more proud, and I can’t wait to see what else lies in store for C>C>C>.  Listen to Cherry Cola Champions’ Self-Titled album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 17: #12

Cherry Cola Champions: Self-Titled
Kent, Ohio
Label: Self-Released
Released: August 23, 2012

I am biased toward this selection. These two dudes are some of the most awesome people on the face of the earth, and I am honored to know them. However, even in the face of this obvious bias, I assure you this album is not going to disappoint. Jesse and Tony ventured out to Denver, Colorado to record at Mammoth Cave Studios with Tim Gerak. The final product is a very well crafted and captivating first record. I couldn’t be more proud, and I can’t wait to see what else lies in store for C>C>C>. 

Listen to Cherry Cola Champions’ Self-Titled album on Bandcamp.

AON 2012 Day 14: #15 Sigur Rós: ValtariReykjavík, IcelandLabel: ParlaphoneReleased: May 23, 2012 The sixth studio release from this now well-known Icelandic band meets expectations of fans and effortlessly draws in new listeners. Jónsi Birgisson’s voice is highlighted as always, but over a much more electronic base than past efforts by the four-piece. The Icelandic “Valtari” translates to Roller in English, which further accentuates the more undulating and dance-friendly feel this album creates. Listen to Sigur Rós’ “Valtari” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 14: #15

Sigur Rós: Valtari
Reykjavík, Iceland
Label: Parlaphone
Released: May 23, 2012

The sixth studio release from this now well-known Icelandic band meets expectations of fans and effortlessly draws in new listeners. Jónsi Birgisson’s voice is highlighted as always, but over a much more electronic base than past efforts by the four-piece. The Icelandic “Valtari” translates to Roller in English, which further accentuates the more undulating and dance-friendly feel this album creates.

Listen to Sigur Rós’ “Valtari” on Spotify.
AON 2012 Day 13: #16 Ben Howard: Every KingdomTotnes, EnglandLabel: IslandReleased: September 30, 2012 Most singer-songwriters these days really don’t grab me much, but the lyrical capabilities and musical talent presented by Ben Howard set itself apart quickly, and interested me enough to listen to his album more than once. As I grew to better acquaint myself with this record, it became apparent that this record is a great example of the type of transcendent song-writing that has become a standard across generations and backgrounds. Howard’s lyrics are accessible and easily some of the most transcendent stories told this year in the genre. Listen to Ben Howard’s “Every Kingdom” on Spotify.

AON 2012 Day 13: #16

Ben Howard: Every Kingdom
Totnes, England
Label: Island
Released: September 30, 2012

Most singer-songwriters these days really don’t grab me much, but the lyrical capabilities and musical talent presented by Ben Howard set itself apart quickly, and interested me enough to listen to his album more than once. As I grew to better acquaint myself with this record, it became apparent that this record is a great example of the type of transcendent song-writing that has become a standard across generations and backgrounds. Howard’s lyrics are accessible and easily some of the most transcendent stories told this year in the genre.

Listen to Ben Howard’s “Every Kingdom” on Spotify.
AON 2012 Day 12: #17 Natural Thrills: s/tFresno, CaliforniaLabel: Self Released Central Valley musicians Kevin Figueroa, Justin Rodriguez, and Kaleb Saldate make up Natural Thrills, an experimental math rock trio. This project brings the strengths of all three individuals to the forefront and showcases the type of diversity the Fresno music scene has to offer. Taking cues from jazz, post rock, and blues, Natural Thrills ranks  with the likes Karate, Colossal and Sharks Keep Moving. Listen to Natural Thrills on Bandcamp

AON 2012 Day 12: #17

Natural Thrills: s/t
Fresno, California
Label: Self Released

Central Valley musicians Kevin Figueroa, Justin Rodriguez, and Kaleb Saldate make up Natural Thrills, an experimental math rock trio. This project brings the strengths of all three individuals to the forefront and showcases the type of diversity the Fresno music scene has to offer. Taking cues from jazz, post rock, and blues, Natural Thrills ranks  with the likes Karate, Colossal and Sharks Keep Moving.

Listen to Natural Thrills on Bandcamp