When it's dark, we'll be light

What will YOU be doing on April 1? No matter what your answer, I can think of something better. How about attending the Little Dragon show at Chicago's Lincoln Hall with me and my pals?

I've posted a few of their tracks in the past, but I don't think I ever gave them the credit and praise they deserve. That chill vibe and that soulful voice strike a serious nerve inside of me. Here's a taste...

"Stormy Weather" is probably my favorite track. A song about unconditional love and overcoming obstacles. No matter how cold and heartless I may try to pretend to be, nothing would be more satisfying than to feel the raw emotions expressed in those words: "No distance can separate. Imagine us combined, light up the room, electrify. Our love could be so divine. We'll make rainbows at night. And when it's dark, we'll be light."

The song that cemented my admiration for Little Dragon was "Constant Surprises," probably because I can relate to it most. If you know me by now, you know that my life is absolutely random. Everything is a surprise. Every incident, no matter how small, happens for a reason. Like she says, "Some call it coincidence, but I like to call it fate."

"A New" is quite possibly one of the sexiest tracks I've ever heard. I love the slow, sinister pace combined with that periodic drumline. It makes me think of the first intimate moment shared with someone. A first kiss perhaps? Butterflies and all. "Blinded like new. I'm feeling more strange about you."



Little Dragon - Stormy Weather


Little Dragon - Constant Surprises


Little Dragon - A New

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Wonders never cease

Have you ever traveled alone? Up until last week, I never have—not internationally at least, and definitely not for more than two days. A once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself, and I took this spur of the moment trip to Costa Rica, for one week by myself.

I gotta say...I learned more about myself in that one week than in the past five years of my life. I know it sounds cliché—going on a soul-searching journey and finding yourself and all that other hoopla. But I'm dead serious. There is something about that country that makes you one with nature, gives you a sense of clarity, puts things into perspective. Once that tiny charter airplane landed, I didn't embrace the earth; rather I kissed the sky (just as He advised). It was an enlightening moment.

Essentially, I was a beach bum for a few days. I woke up early in the morning, shortly after sunrise and I'd walk along the beach. I'd lay out and sun bath. And simply meditate. I'd listen to my iPod, but never too loud. I didn't want to drown out the music the ocean made as the waves crashed against the shore.

Along my journey, I met a man who had such a strong presence. I had to talk to him, and shortly after meeting him, I understood why. He possessed such a positive outlook, an infectious smile, an inspiring voice. He was kind enough to share some of his music collection with me, and he even freestyled a lil' something for me—a rap that was all about me! For the first time in my life, I felt I was someone's muse. I inspired art!

My final evening in Costa Rica was spent on my hotel room deck, in a jacuzzi. I drank wine, blasted my iPod through the speakers in the suite, and I lost myself. I closed my eyes and let the ocean waves carry me away. I was at peace, and I haven't felt that in a long time.

So I come back to the States, after my many revelations, meditations, inspirations, realizations, etc. And I share with you the music that made up the soundtrack of my journey. Maybe it'll inspire something in you as it inspired something in me.

Morcheeba - Wonders Never Cease
Sia - Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix)
Mylo - Zenophile
Zero 7 - Crosses
Thievery Corporation - The Shining Path
Little Dragon - Scribbled Paper
Chicane - Salt Water
Muse - Starlight
Manu Chao - Me Gustas Tu