Thanks to Mayday Parade for posting that incredibly nostalgia-inducing video for “The Problem with the Big Picture is that It’s Hard to See” and inspiring me to look back on the last 10 years of my life.

Looking back at my life 10 years ago is both cringe-worthy and interesting. Mainly because of the makeup and the clothing, but it’s nice to see how much has – and hasn’t – changed. 10 years ago I was 13, in the prime of my “emo days”, covered in eyeliner and band tees. That period of my life is one I’m actually grateful for because it introduced me to some of the greatest musical influences that still continue to have an impact on my life today. It’s also responsible for bringing some amazing people into my life that shared my love for music.  

At 13 I also experienced a series of things that left a lot of nasty scars – both mentally and physically. It was the first time I ever dealt with eating disorders, suicide, and other events that are still hard for me to talk about. It was the first time that I realized that certain things weren’t brought up in casual conversation because they were too dark and people would start to look at you differently. At a young age I was heavily affected by mental illness and it’s something that has continued to have an impact in my life and while I can’t say it’s gotten “easier” because that would be a lie, I have gotten better at finding better ways of coping. Looking back at the place I was in, the way I felt and remembering how angry and hopeless I felt is a terrible feeling. I still experience depressive moods and it’s not always easy to bring myself out of those moments, but I’m glad that I no longer cause myself even more suffering in order to do so.

One thing that has stuck with me through the years is my love for music. The same bands that graced my middle school iPod, you’ll find on my Apple Music playlist. The same band tees that I donned as a teenager, I still wear to this day. The songs that made you feel alive even when you didn’t want to be will always have that effect on you. That’s one of the things I admire most about music – no matter how many years go by it still manages to inspire and change lives. The bands that changed my life at young age, are still making an impact on the ones that fell in love with them at a young age like I did, as well as the ones that came after us. You see it when you attend shows and you see a whole new crop of fans, bright eyed and rocking their favorite band tee as they wait for their faves to grace the stage. I saw it when my younger cousin came to me to make him a playlist filled with classics from Fall Out Boy, MCR, Panic! At The Disco, and Green Day (y’all, I was so proud).

From 13 till now, I’m glad to say that I’ve grown and that a lot has changed. But I’m more than grateful that the things I was passionate about remain a staple in my life today. Though my makeup has improved, I’m pleased that I can still belt “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” at the top of my lungs.

A moment of silence for those bangs. RIP.

Hell in the Hallways

Hell in the Hallways

Posted by TheMikaylaNicole|On 9:47 AM

Ice Nine Kills have a knack for combining my two favorite things: horror movies and music. I’ve mentioned them numerous times on my blog, as well as their current album Every Trick in the Book. I recently got the pleasure of seeing them during the Alternative Press “Hell in the Hallways” tour at...

Since their arrival onto the music scene in 2013, I Prevail finally released their full-length debut album titled Lifelines.  The Detroit based quartet is made up of, Brian Burkheiser (clean vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (harsh vocals), Steve Menoian (guitar), and Lee Runestad (drums). Lifelines was released under Fearless Records, who snatched them up in early 2015, making them label-mates with heavy hitters such as Pierce The Veil, Mayday Parade, The Word Alive and more.

Though this the band’s first full-length album, they’re certainly no strangers to the scene. The band’s 2014 EP Heart Vs. Mind sold over 600,000 copies worldwide. After being featured on Fearless’s Punk Goes Pop vol. 6 with their cover of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space, they gained huge notoriety. The single sold over 300,000 copies and 22 Million plus views on YouTube, topping charts everywhere.

Lifelines is a delicious mix of rock, electronic elements, and melodies that send the listener on a new journey every time they hit “play”. Brian’s smooth vocals laced with the ferocity of Eric’s, create a unique sound that’s infectious. Whether you’re a fan of songs that are more soothing and subtle, or ones that pack a heavy punch, there’s something on the album for everyone.

Now onto my personal favorites from the album.

“Stuck In Your Head” – So, the title of this track is incredibly fitting. This track was the second single from the album, a perfect choice in my opinion. Something this band does right is creating catchy hooks that ultimately do get “stuck in your head”. It touches on a feeling that a lot of people can relate to, which is when a relationship hits a dead-end and it’s time to call it quits.

“Scars” – This was the first single from the album and rightfully so. It’s the first track on the album and it completely sets the tone of the album. Inspired by the band’s personal experiences with being away from family and dying relationships, resulting in feelings of depression and anxiety, the song is one of the more personal on the album. While it’s related to the band’s experiences, it’s still relatable.

“Come and Get It” – As soon as I heard the opening riff, I was hooked. The driving force behind the guitar, and heavy groove, come together to create this infectious track. To me, this track is their way of saying “We’re going to be all you talk about for a while so get ready because we’re not stopping any time soon.”

"Outcasts” – This track feels like it was written especially for the fans. The lyrics are powerful, charged and it’s like one big middle finger up to everyone that’s ever doubted you, judged you and every feeling of worthlessness. It’s full of self-acceptance and an unapologetic attitude for being yourself. My favorite line is, “We were never what you wanted us to be
A generation built from underneath.”

“My Heart I Surrender” – One of the softer tracks on the album, this track is about uncertain love and the worry that what you’re feeling is unrequited. Almost everyone can relate to feeling like the one you love doesn’t feel the same but still holding to that silver of hope. Emotionally-charged lyrics combined with soothing riffs creates a hypnotic sound. It’s probably my over-all favorite track.

Lifelines is available now, online on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon MP3 and in stores at Target, Best Buy, FYE and HMV. If you want a preview of what you’ll be getting, check out I Prevail’s album stream on YouTube. You can also catch I Prevail on the road right now, you can find dates and tickets here.

Till next time,

October 2016 Favorites

October 2016 Favorites

Posted by TheMikaylaNicole|On 10:16 AM

I can't believe October is actually over, I'm shook. But alas, I'm glad it's finally starting to feel like fall here in NC and I can now wear the other 98% of my wardrobe.  I thrive in long sleeves, boots, dark clothing and even darker makeup. Not that I don’t wear dark things all year round,...

Fall Style Ft. Adore Me

Fall Style Ft. Adore Me

Posted by TheMikaylaNicole|On 2:33 PM

One of the many things I adore about fall are the warm colors that emerge once things begin to cool down and the season changes. Bright colors and prints slowly begin to transition into deeper tones and rich colors, which are a personal favorite of mine. Maroons, deep berry tones, rusty orange shades...

Half Glam/Half Skull Makeup

Half Glam/Half Skull Makeup

Posted by TheMikaylaNicole|On 11:48 AM

So Halloween has come and gone (but it’s still spooky in my heart), and even though we’re about to be bombarded with peppermint everything and Christmas trees – I have one more Halloween look for you all. I was inspired by Jamie Genevieve on YouTube to recreate this look. If you haven’t watched...