Sunday funday with Sabrina (@ Arroyo Seco Weekend)

Heart eyes since 2010 😍😍😍 (@ El Rey Theatre)

Tuxedo (@ Observatory)

When your friends give you free tickets to see Mayer Hawthorne, you repay them with booty shorts from the merch table, obvs. Thanks, Jessie and Abe! 😘

R.I.P. Chris Cornell 💔

I worked 16 hours straight yesterday and haven’t slept much these past few weeks 😩

I always need something good to look forward to during conference season, so I bought tickets to two LA shows (Sylvan Esso and Blind Pilot), an OC show (Young the Giant), and music festivals in LA (Arroyo Seco) and NYC (Panorama).

I may or may not have been delirious at one in the morning.

Bastille – Good Grief (@ The Novo DTLA)

Every minute of every hour
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you more

Never Knock / You Send Me (@ Troubadour)

My favorite Kevin Garrett show yet. Alessia Cara came out to sing the song he wrote for Beyonce, and all was right with the world.

The way I keep myself together
Is by not keeping anything at all

Tomorrow ♥

Even faces change, my heart stays the same

Tame Impala in NYC??? Yes, please.

Bon Iver (@ Hollywood Bowl)

The rain may or may not have hid my tears! So apropos…

<3

Tame Impala was lit af (and so were we) 🔥🔥🔥 (@ FYF Fest 2016)

BRB crying (@ Staples Center)

I’ve wanted to see Radiohead live since I first heard Exit Music (For A Film) in the 9th grade. You guys, that was 20 years ago! Yikes.

I kind of expected them to stick it to LA and not sing Creep, but no Paranoid Android or Karma Police, either??? You’re killing me, Thom! OK Computer is my favorite album of theirs, so No Surprises was my favorite song of the night:

Twilight Concert Series (@ Santa Monica Pier)

Watching Mayer Hawthorne for free while eating a churro??? I could think of worse ways to spend my Thursday night.

I was standing next to the guy from Stepbrothers (the one who’s not Will Ferrell) while waiting to get in. I can count on one hand how many celebrities I’ve spotted since I moved to LA nearly 4 years ago. Most of the ones who live near me in Manhattan Beach are pro-athletes, so I probably just don’t recognize them (like that one time we ate at a communal table with Marshall Faulk). I’m pretty sure the tall drink of water who asked me where I got my torta bread from at Costco last week was an athlete. After directing him to the bread aisle, I asked him where the toilet paper was because I like to embarrass myself in front of hot guys, obvi. I crossed paths with him again while making my food sample rounds and died a little when he smiled at me and my bulk 30-pack of Charmin Ultra Soft Jumbo Rolls.

I’m pretty sure the victim in this episode stole my CD binder circa 2001.

Kevin Garrett (@ The Echo)

Remember that name. He’s gonna be big! Also, he liked my video, so I can die now, obvs. Please invite him to my funeral. And request that he sing this Sam Cooke cover ♥

I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly (@ Birch Aquarium at Scripps)

Claws + crop tops (@ Green Flash Concerts at Birch Aquarium at Scripps)

I saw BØRNS for the third time, and unlike the weather, he did not disappoint! It was my first Green Flash concert overlooking the pacific, and the only green flash I saw on this gloomy day was the overpriced beer all the UCSD kids were drinking. I love this venue, though. You get to explore the aquarium before the show, and on a clear day, you can watch the sunset while your favorite band plays.

This was like the time Paul Walker died, and everyone was texting me to make sure I wasn’t hanging from my shower rod (with the exception of Shi, of course, who was texting me corgi vids instead).

Rest in paradise, Prince! May you purify your soul in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.

ILYSM ♥

Leon Bridges took me and Anthony to church last night (@ The Observatory North Park)

Love, love, love ♥

My Austin City Limits trip was cut short due to my grandma’s passing, and Anthony had the time of his life those first few days without me. He hit up the Dirty Sixth with Austin locals he made friends with and ended up giving one of them my Friday wristband. They saw all the bands I wanted to see. I’m bummed I missed Tame Impala and Leon Bridges among others, but luckily I didn’t have to wake up at an ungodly hour on Saturday and wait with him in that 4-hour line for Franklin. Day-old brisket reheated in a hotel microwave and eaten in my chonies still tasted better than any BBQ I’ve ever had in California!

I flew in Saturday night and met up with Anthony at an Irish pub downtown. Fado is the official US soccer bar in Austin, and it’s surrounded by gay bars on 4th Street. My uber driver was convinced he was taking me to see my gay friend once I told him where I was headed LOL. I mean, it would explain so much… After US lost to Mexico, we hit up Firehouse (a cool little speakeasy inside a hostel) and Rainey Street. I loved, loved, loved it there. Rainey Street is a block of old houses converted into themed bars. We stayed till last call, and all I remember from that night is a lot of Ludacris and stanky legs. You don’t realize how drunk you are until you’re walking the hotel halls in nothing but your dress slip looking for a beverage machine so you could wash down some tylenol at three in the morning.

We didn’t wake up early enough to stand in line for BBQ before the festival on Sunday, but we stopped by Torchy’s Tacos before we made our trek to Zilker Park. There was a lot of walking. Like. A LOT. Before, during and after the festival. In nearly 100 degree heat. And in sandals that had 0% arch support (but were 100% cute, obvs). This was definitely not Portland where we had a local friend with a car, ample public transportation, and weather that was 50 degrees cooler. The highlight of my day happened just before BØRNS’ set when the sun disappeared behind the only cloud in the sky for half a minute and everyone cheered. BØRNS, Sylvan Esso and Hozier’s sets were very close seconds. So were those two snow cones we each had.

Before I knew it, it was Monday and time to check out. Anthony hit up the gym in the morning while I stayed my ass in bed. We ate lunch at Valentina’s Tex Mex where Anthony had brisket tacos and I had a beast of a beef rib with the most beautiful smoke ring. We strolled down South Congress afterwards and drank micheladas for three hours at a bar inside Hotel San Jose. We got to the airport early to watch the Chargers lose, and I asked the TSA guy if the Starbucks was before or after the security gate. He ruined my mom’s life and told me that there’s no Starbucks at all, because Austin is all about supporting local businesses. I get a Starbucks mug for my mom whenever I travel, and she’s just gonna have to be happy with the mug I got her during my layover in Phoenix!

All things considered, I’m glad I was able to take a break from life and escape for a couple of days. I’ll def be back to explore this little town again.

When I was reading The Diary of a Young Girl in high school, I mentioned to my grandma that I wanted to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Years later, she traveled to the Netherlands while visiting my aunt in Denmark and brought me back a souvenir from the museum. I couldn’t believe she remembered after all that time. My grandma was the most considerate and sentimental person I’ve ever known, and I’m grateful that she instilled her thoughtfulness in me.

She is the reason I have random notes in my phone that say, “christine garlic delight dip at del mar fair” or “anthony swagu stamp.” She taught me that even if people have everything, you don’t have to give them the world to let them know you appreciate them. You just have to remember the little things.

She is also part of the reason I have over 20k miles on my new car. I’d put a million more miles on there if I could drive down to San Diego and spend just one more day with her.

Rest in paradise, Grandma Julie. I love you more than my seemingly apathetic demeanor suggests. You know I don’t like to let them see me cry.

Questlove x Michael Jackson (@ Grand Park)

If this event was any indication of what ACL will be like, I’m not ready for the heat (sunburn city!) or Anthony’s dance moves.

Tame Impala sounds like a psychedelic Beatles ♥

I half expect my dad to show up during their set at ACL and have seats behind me like he did at Sir Paul Mccarts! Can’t wait for this festival.

(via @acoustictrench)

Even dogs love the dulcet tones of Young the Giant.

#TBT to Kim Kardashian’s ugly cry face (@ FYF Fest 2014)

This is also the face I’ll be making when Morrissey headlines this year’s festival.

Cubanos on the curb (@ Animal)

Jon Favreau and Roy Choi hosted an El Jefe pop-up from one of my favorite movies tonight! Chef was everything, and so was this sandwich (and so was this soundtrack!).

(via @acoustictrench)

This isn’t the kind of bar I’m used to (@ Cardio Barre)

I almost cried at the end of class, partly because I was so exhausted, but mostly because they were playing Bon Iver during savasana.

Not pictured: Anthony on the air drums and me on vocals (@ Petco Park)

Paul McCartney – Hey Jude (Live)

The Strokes – You Only Live Once

Epic weekend. I saw The Strokes perform, and I forget the rest. x__x (@ FYF Festival)

…or what happens when a certain someone leaves my amazon prime account logged in on their dad’s computer.

The last time Paul McCartney played a show in San Diego, I wasn’t even born yet. But I grew up listening to the Beatles because my dad would blast their records and play along with his guitar when I was a kid. I always thought he was their biggest fan, but Anthony might be giving him a run for his money.

Since none of our friends are going to the show with us, I’ll probably have to be Anthony’s emergency contact for when he faints like a fangirl at a Michael Jackson concert! Ha. When I asked my dad if he wanted tickets for his birthday, he said that he already bought tickets for himself, my mom and their friends before I even got mine. My bad, presale! Maybe someone else can be Anthony’s emergency contact after all.

That one time Kimbra showed up at the Electric Wire Hustle show (@ Bootleg HiFi)

Banks – Waiting Game

What if the way we started
Made it something cursed from the start

Tove Lo – Habits (Hippie Sabotage Remix)

Can’t go home alone again
Need someone to numb the pain
You’re gone and I’ve got to stay high
All the time to keep you off my mind

Dance party (@ The Fonda)

Chromeo – Jealous (I Ain’t With It)

Only in LA (@ Fairfax & Rosewood)

LA rain + Local Natives.

Young the Giant – Paralysis

And lately I’ve been thinking
I’m not feeling anything at all
Will I survive in the dead of night?
And now the lights are fading faster
Save me from my disaster

Pain takes my heart’s place
The love we made remains

Say something, I’m giving up on you

When the beat of my drum meets the beat of your heart
You know I couldn’t love any other, any other

Exactly one month till the 2014 Young the Giant CD replaces the 2010 Young the Giant CD in my car and my heart explodes.

I kicked off my Thanksgiving vacay last week with the girls and JT in the OC!

It wouldn’t be a Justin Timberlake show without Christine almost getting into a fight! Ha. The image of Christine with half of her body hanging out the car window as we drove off will stay with me forever.

Thanks to Pammie for risking her life to take these awesome vids!

Queen Bey at Staples Center last night! She dedicated her final song to Paul Walker ♥
I may or may not be sobbing uncontrollably in the background. More videos here.

Monday mani + Elliott Smith.

Drink up with me now and forget all about
The pressure of days, do what I say
And I’ll make you okay

Beach House – Take Care

I’ll take care of you if you ask me to

City and Colour – The Golden State

Why’s everyone still singing about California?
Haven’t we heard enough about the Golden State?
I guess if you like sandy beaches and blue ocean water
There’s something about it, to which I cannot relate

City and Colour and vino.

Give me a reason to stay alive

Oh, my love, you don’t know what you do to me

Dallas Green’s voice still fixes things in the universe, FYI.
More videos from last night’s show here!

City and Colour – Un-Thinkable (Alicia Keys Cover)

This is exactly how it should feel when it’s meant to be
Time is only wasting so why wait for eventually

Dallas tonight ♥

Caroline Pennell – Anything Could Happen (Ellie Goulding cover)

I’ll give you everything you need
But I don’t think I need you

I just happened to be the 98th texter. No bigs!

Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know

The Naked and Famous – Hearts Like Ours

Local Natives – Ceilings

Thinking of what we’d give
To have one more day of sun
One day of sun

Obsessed.

And the years go by
And the years go by

Indie rock music is more my bag, but I like to get turnt every once in a while! Ha. Fun times with Pammie, Christine and Cat! It was only the best concert I’ve ever been to IN MY LIFE.

(Ask me again after this weekend, though… I may or may not be reliving my youth at the Hoobastank show in West Hollywood this Friday.)

Jay-Z feat. Justin Timberlake – Holy Grail

I somehow got swindled into going to this concert tonight.

Shi offered me her extra ticket, and I said I would go on the condition that 98 Degrees performs ‘Invisible Man’ and we embrace through the entire song.

98 Degrees – Invisible Man

Lorde – Royals

Let me be your ruler
You can call me queen bee
And baby, I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule, I’ll rule
Let me live that fantasy

“There’s a lot of white people here!” – Marcus Mumford @ San Manuel Amphitheater

Mumford and Sons – Timshel

…or me watching the final episodes of The Office. I CAN’T EVEN.

OneRepublic – I Lived

Concert season is here!

We kicked off last summer by shaking our sandy parts to Santigold, so it only seemed fitting to do the same this year.

Santigold – Creator

Lucius – Until We Get There

What do you say, is this the time
for one more try at a happy life
What do you say, is this unwise
to think my fears will not reprise

The Neighbourhood – Sweater Weather
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/The Neighbourhood – Sweater Weather.mp3]

Use the sleeves on my sweater
Lets have an adventure

Hanni El Khatib liked my instagram post. I can die now.

Hanni El Khatib – You Rascal You

The Weeknd – Wicked Games

Just let me motherfucking love you

I’m pretty sure I just got pregnant from this song.

Ticket purchased.
Vacation days requested.
Spotify playlist made.
Is it August yet???

After working twelve hours of overtime yesterday, I deliriously spent the rest of my night listening to the new Strokes album and watching pole dancing videos on YouTube with this clown.

City and Colour – Of Space and Time

I don’t know what drugs to take
To successfully alter the state
That my mind has been in as of late
Something is eating away at my brain

New album = new tour! I love me some Dallas Green.

Um, of course my #choking playlist has Young the Giant on it… as does my workout playlist and my baby makin’ playlist. Just kidding. (I don’t have a workout playlist.)

The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping

Two Door Cinema Club – Sleep Alone

And I don’t know
If in the morning I will be here and if so
Let it be known
That I was worthy
I was worthy
I was worthy
I was…

And I want you
I want you
I still do

80s dance party at The Observatory with Walk the Moon!

Mumford & Sons – Winter Winds

And my head told my heart
Let love grow
But my heart told my head
This time no, this time no

Loved, loved, loved.

Mumford & Sons – White Blank Page

You desired my attention but denied my affections

Shi came up to have lunch with me and watch 500 Days of Summer at Santa Monica Pier last night! LA doesn’t feel like home to me yet, but it felt like home when she was here ♥

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

Imagine Dragons with Pammie at The Observatory ♥

I’ve always wanted to A) watch a show at Red Rocks and B) see Mumford and Sons live… Someday I’ll do both (just not any day soon). Mumford announced their one show in LA this year, and it just happens to be the day of my sister’s wedding! Boo whore.

Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait

And I will wait
I will wait for you

Mr. Little Jeans – Rescue Song (RAC Remix)

Dessert and drinks at D Bar followed by an encore of Celeste and Jesse Forever with the original Celeste and Jesse Chel and Anthony last night!

When Anthony texted that he was waiting for us in the second row, far left, he meant in the theater that was actually showing the movie, and not the one that Chel and I were sitting in for five minutes before we realized that what we were in the wrong theater! Ha. We always seem to get lost when we’re together…

When I got into work this morning, Jesse had me watch this video of the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders lip syncing to ‘Call Me Maybe’ in bikinis.

I immediately regretted everything I ate this past weekend in life and cried into my bowl of oatmeal. With ground flaxseed. And two splendas.

I had my camera in one hand and my Texas-sized maple bacon donut in the other! Um, best day evs. More videos of Young the Giant at the OC Fair here.

Private acoustic show with Imagine Dragons at The Griffin last night! Thanks, Jessie ♥

More videos here.

Walk the Moon – Fixin’

Are you fixin’ to come with me?
Are you fixin’ to fix me?

Young the Giant has been on constant rotation in my car for over a year now. I’m not particularly proud of it (that’s a lie). And I want you to know, it ends right here (also a lie).

On the drive to work this morning, I tried listening to the radio for a change. While flipping through stations, I heard songs by P.M. Dawn, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Mary J. Blige, TLC… Is it 1992? Am I back in the fifth grade? Did I just leave a note in David Krzywicki’s desk telling him that I think he’s cute???

If I wanted to hear 90s music, I’d listen to Shi’s “current” playlist! Ha.

P.M. Dawn – Set Adrift On Memory Bliss

And I want you
I want you
I still do

Mark Duplass – Big Machine (Acoustic Version)
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/Mark Duplass – Big Machine (Acoustic Version).mp3]

Maybe I’m wrong and all that you get is what you see
Maybe I’m right and there’s something out there to believe

My summer soundtrack ♥

Update (6/9): For those of you who asked—and by ‘those of you’ I mean ANTHONY, and by ‘asked’ I mean demanded—you can download all the songs from this playlist here. Enjoy, my lovelies!

Christine, Jessie and I got naked and famous at SPF 94/9 in Oceanside last night!

I was too busy shaking my sandy parts to record anything during Santigold, but she was def the highlight of my night! Here’s a vid of her performing in the OC:

Imagine Dragons – Demons
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/Imagine Dragons – Demons.mp3]

They say it’s what you make
I say it’s up to fate
It’s woven in my soul
I need to let you go

Firecrackers in the east, my car parked south
Your hands on my cheeks, your shoulder in my mouth
I was up against the wall on the west mezzanine
We rattle this town, we rattle this scene
Oh, Anna Sun

That awkward moment when you realize you were listening to Taylor Swift when your private session timed out on Spotify.

All that I know is I don’t know how to be someone you miss

Dat F sharp.

The Dear Hunter – Home
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/10-the_dear_hunter-home.mp3]

I was listening to FM 94/9 broadcast live from Coachella on the drive home from work today when I heard The Dear Hunter for the first time and thought… why am I not at Coachella again???

I think it’s partly because I thought Outside Lands would have a similar lineup, but mostly because I don’t like camping outdoors and not showering for three days.

Hotel next year, anyone?

I’ve eased up on the concerts lately to save money for that trip to Outside Lands! Now that I’m not going anymore, I regret not buying tickets to see Jason Mraz & Christina Perri. They still have tickets available, but none of them are in the pit!

There are two things you should know about me:

1. I don’t do nosebleeds.
2. I always find a way to score awesome seats. Even if I have to sleep outside a Ritmo Latino to get them. Just kidding. I haven’t done that since I was 17.

Christina Perri feat. Jason Mraz – Distance

How long can we keep this up, up, up?
And I keep waiting…

After Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Coachella announced similar (amazing!) lineups, I was sure Outside Lands would follow suit. Never have twelve syllables hurt me so much to say, but NOT EVEN YOUNG THE GIANT COULD SAVE THIS LINEUP! I should have went to Coachella. At least I would have seen Radiohead. And Tupac’s hologram. Boo whore.

In other news, Incubus and Linkin Park are touring together, and their last show is here in SD! My 19-year-old self is punching the air in excitement.

Justin Bieber – Boyfriend
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/Justin Bieber – Boyfriend.mp3]

Glass Pear – Eyes Wide Open
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/Glass Pear – Eyes Wide Open.mp3]

Don’t you, don’t you let go
Tell me it’s not too late

I had happy hour at The Prado at Balboa Park last night! We enjoyed margaritas and live music by Trent Hancock. The highlight of my night was when he asked for song requests and hand to god, someone suggested Hoobastank (and it wasn’t me!). The lowlight was parking down the street on 6th and trekking to the restaurant because I didn’t want the valet attendant to see my secret shame! Ha.

The Perishers – Sway
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/The Perishers – Sway.mp3]

Charlotte Sometimes is on The Voice! Waves & The Both Of Us got me through some shit with Il Postino years ago! So excited to see her on the show. Now I have a reason to watch besides Adam Levine’s beard (as if that wasn’t reason enough).

Charlotte Sometimes – Pilot
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/Charlotte Sometimes – Pilot.mp3]

And when I say that you should stay
Remember what I’m drinking’s cheap
And I’m a pilot and I am steering deep

Do the things I wanna do
Not the ones I’m supposed to
Why can’t I get close to the better side of me
When I was young

Young the Giant debuted some new songs last night at Soma and this was my favorite…

Rusted Root – Send Me On My Way
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/Rusted Root – Send Me On My Way.mp3]
Thanks to this week’s episode of New Girl for my new ringtone! Expect to see these dance moves every time I get a text message…

Crosses – Prurient

I see you wanna taste
But don’t wanna wreck your life
I think you know the game
So go ahead and take a bite

Chino ♥

Greg Laswell – This Woman’s Work

Give me these moments back
Give them back to me

Sleeping At Last – Turning Page

I’ve waited a hundred years
But I’d wait a million more for you
Nothing prepared me for
What the privilege of being yours would do

I may or may not have cried during this scene when I watched it for the first time at the theater on Friday. And again when I watched it on Saturday. And a third time while watching the bootleg I just downloaded today.

It was a Saturday night, so I was in bed eating beef ribs from Phil’s BBQ when Christine called me and said that Diplo was having a free show downtown for the America’s Cup World Series. I’ve had this weird crush on Diplo ever since I saw him in that Blackberry commercial, so I finished my ribs got ready and was out the door by 7:30.

I had dessert and drinks with Christine at Karl Strauss, walked to the harbor, fist pumped to Diplo’s set, met up with Jessie, had one too many mules at El Dorado, ate late night tamales at La Fachada, and got home at three in the morning.

Today, I woke up with a headache and a half eaten burrito next to my face.

Boys, try not to fall in love with me.

So please don’t come to me on my dying day
Just let me go in peace
With all the things that I forgot to say
Racing through my mind

Sold out City and Colour show with Jessie and the hipsters last night! Is it just me, or does Dallas Green’s voice fix things in the universe?

City and Colour – Northern Wind
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/City and Colour – The Northern Wind.mp3]

Oh, my love, you don’t know what you do to me

Goldspot – Rewind
[audio:http://www.mayanrocks.com/blog/GoldSpot – Rewind.mp3]

Life’s too short to even care at all…

I’ve had Young the Giant’s In the Open Sessions on rotation all summer, but I’m pretty sure I’ll still be listening to them this fall. And next winter. And when I’m on social security.

Young the Giant – In the Open Sessions

1. Strings
2. Typhoon
3. Guns Out
4. Every Little Thing
5. Apartment
6. West Virginia
7. Cough Syrup
8. I Got
9. Your Side
10. God Made Man
11. Islands

Come on, skinny love, just last the year…

After the Bon Iver show last night, Jessie and I met up with Shi, Christine and Antonio at The Local and drank away our sorrows till last call. And then we ate our feelings at Lucha Libre. And then we went home alone and cried ourselves to sleep.

If there’s no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I’ll follow you into the dark

Three days of live music wasn’t enough for us, so Jessie and I kept the party going in SD last night at the Death Cab for Cutie show.

Now we’re both sick, and Jess is worried about the half marathon she’s supposed to run this Sunday, while I’m worried about not being able to taste the celebratory beer we’ll both be drinking after she crosses the finish line! Ha. Priorities…

Children wake up
Hold your mistake up
Before they turn the summer into dust

Last day / last band / last song at Outside Lands!