I've been at my new gig (at Live Nation Labs) a week now but it's such a head rush it feels like longer. I'm pretty stoked on it because it's all about live music and shows and fans and getting excited about shows and festivals and sort of maintaining that *show high* in between experiences.

I have a lot of ideas and I think I'll have the opportunity to MEET some of you guys this year! I'll be at Bamboozle and Sasquatch, to start.

I think we should have some fan-ish brainstorms.

I miss my people at Buzznet but this feel like it was such a perfect direction for what I want to do in my life.

Me in a rocketship. BLAST OFF!

Seth Rogen slams Chris Brown

New Regina Spektor single

New music video from Bon Iver

Free musics in L.A.

Will Skate n Surf return?

1. I've never been to Brazil, but I somehow have inherent knowledge that fans there really take it to the next level. Maybe because every time I ask for fan questions, I just get a barrage of "COME TO BRAZIL" replies, no matter what band I'm even collecting on behalf of. That said, why, as a band member, would you jump in the pit? I mean, I like swimming and all, but I wouldn't so much as stick a toe in the water if I thought something might bite me. Or grab me.

(More photos by Xander Deccio here)

2. I've known bands to get extra security in Brazil... so why is there exactly ONE dude attempting to help Andy back up on stage? Maybe we should've thought this out a bit.

3. Brazil--what's the deal? Why do you think it's ok to be so forceful with your beloved band dudes? What do you expect the outcome to be? Hugs? A hot date?

4. When a fan is getting mauled, a band often STOPS playing so that the audience will calm the eff down. Does his band secretly hate him and want him to die via the dagger nails og fangirls?

5. Throwing your microphone down and storming off stage is not very rock and roll. It also doesn't seem like something that would alter the future behavior of fans. Probably would I would do is start playing something awful like Nickelback of Celine Dion until they stopped being animals and started being respectful little rockers. BUT THAT'S JUST ME.

Anyway, thoughts? Opinions? I'd like to hear some perspectives here.

Are you familiar with the phrase "fly by the seat of your pants"? I am that kind of person. I don't have a five year plan or a ten year plan I just know the values I hold. I like to work with good people, inspiring people and I like to test my skill set. There have been so many things at Buzznet that I've been freaked out by doing, but like.... who was gonna do it if I didn't?

I've been a writer, project manager, video producer, interviewer, community manager, photographer, editor, touring correspondent, branded "voice," label relations, and overall girl Friday. What do you need done? I can probably do it. Is no one else washing the f*cking coffee cups? I'll do it.

As aspiring young music enthusiasts who die a little inside at the thought of giving up shows for a 9-5 gig, you are probably wondering: what can I do? How do I make music my life?

Here are the lessons I've learned:

1. You can't just be a writer or photographer or videographer--you need to know the basics of all those things. You don't have to claim to be Tarantino or James Montgomery or someone on Getty Images staff (they only ever shoot the singer of the band, anyway) but watch those YT tutorials and absorb what you can. Being a one-stop web publishing shop is of extreme value.

2. You're going to be afraid. You're going to be intimidated as f*ck. The best thing you can do in this situation is be prepared. Do your homework. Ask questions. Be the best version of you that you know how to be.

3. Ditch your sense of entitlement. Life math makes no sense. Just because you do A and B does not mean you will get C. A life's dedication to route D or L or a 15k investment does not mean you will be rewarded. Be mentally prepared for the rocky and amorphous path. Get stoked on it. There will be precarious UPS and anxiety-driven DOWNS. Put on your hard hat an be ready to get in the f*cking mix.

4. Don't ever lose sight as your perspective as a fan. Don't forget what makes you feel aiive and giddy and ~part of it all~ 

5. You have to think outside the box, babies. Music isn't just a business for labels and publicists anymore. it's technology and creativity and people with big ideas who aren't totally sure how to translate that into REAL LIFE. Be open. Be excited.

6. Remember that it's an experience. And experience is what gives you depth and stories and you are going to have some low points--but it's not for nothing.

---

UPDATED: these are suggestions from Ashly that I agree with

7. Some people are probably going to hate you.  If you don’t have some “haters,” you’re doing it wrong.

Nobody can like or agree with everything.  If you aren’t attracting people who are trying to tear you down, you are not putting yourself out there.

8. Grow a thick skin.  You’re going to need it.  You’re going to feel out of place, you’re going to feel like people are attacking you or just “don’t get you.”  If you let it get to you, you will be miserable, you will only hurt yourself in the process.  It might take you awhile to realize it, but it is just the internet.  

---

And remember that I'm available for pep talks.

For those about to rock, we salute you

xo, 

-breesays

Watch the video on Jezebel. Go ahead. I'll be right here while your entire being cringes.

OK, now the questions.

-Are you f*cking with us?

-What is a run on question? 

-Are you high?

-Who's responsible for this atrocity?

-You really think you're poetic, don't you?

-Why is everyone in this video dressed like it's 1999?

-Did you really use the word "twittersphere"?

-Did you really just do WORD MATH for me?

-Does anyone ever say NO to you?

And now GIFS that accurately express how I'm feeling:

New Metric Album in June!!!

Motion City Soundtrack album coming in June, too

At The Drive In admits reunion is about money

Thrice Farewell Tour

T in The Park additions

Studio update from Yellowcard

The Lion King

Video game lives



A marching band

Snazzy dressing

Abandoned neon signs

Butter popcorn jelly beans

Inspirational posters

How does the album add up for you? Listen on SoundCloud, then get it on iTunes!

And the most pirated albums are...

Listen to Simple Plan's "Summer Paradise" here

Mark Hoppus expresses his opinions on socialized healthcare

Check out a new fun. acoustic session here

Jared Leto self portrait. That fur thing WAS detatchable!

6 tips for show etiquette by The Swellers

Lil Kim talks about Nicki Minaj's "Stupid Hoe"

Black Cards premiere a video for "One Night"

fun.'s first album is up on Noisetrade

William Beckett will release new solo material soon

And this is the the most dissapointing news of the day. Ugh.