More than often, I go through phases where I listen to the same songs repeatedly. For no reason, other than the fact that they’re all bangers. I’m always down to discover new music and share songs that I’m obsessing over to others so here are few songs that you need to add to your playlist immediately.

“Enjoy Your Slay”- Ice Nine Kills. I’ve been waiting for this track ever since Ice Nine Kills had everyone vote between The Shinning or Psycho for their next book-inspired hit. This song was inspired by The Shinning and it’s killer. Nothing warms my heart like anything horror related – especially when it involves Ice Nine Kills.

“Moshpit”- Attila. Okay, so this song has been in my head since I saw them back In April. This song is such a bop and I cannot WAIT to get in the pit during this song when I see them at Warped Tour.

“On Her Mind”- Volumes (ft. Pouya). This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head, If I’m not listening to this song I’m humming the beat to it. If you haven’t heard Volumes before now, do yourself a favor and get familiar. They recently released their album Different Animals and it’s a must have. Their sound is so unique and addicting. Definitely don't sleep on these guys.

“Hard Times”- Paramore. Paramore is back and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This upbeat, pop-infused track is phenomenal, along with so many other songs from their latest release After Laughter. The song is catchy and makes you want to dance but the lyrics are so much deeper, as it talks about struggling with mental illness. Many of the tracks on the album are like this (similar to As It Is’ Okay), where they use their music as an outlet to discuss the reality of living with mental illness.

“Mess”- Real Friends. Pop punk realness. Let me just go grab my snapback and skateboard so I can kickflip and ride around my shitty hometown. Plus, just look at this music video - all those Halloween vibes. You know I was hyped about this! Side note: If you ever get the chance to see Real Friends live, GO. They are some of the chillest dudes I’ve ever met. Anyone that’s willing to share their Starbucks, dance to Destiny’s Child AND put on a hell of a show is okay with me.

“Bite Marks”- The White Noise. This is one of the latest singles off their debut album AM/PM. It’s so damn good. Their songs have a great mix of heavy and soft vocals, so no matter what you’re into you’ll find a track you love. While you’re at it, check out their track “The Best Songs are Dead” as well!

Give me some new music recommendations in the comments!

I’m a huge advocate for supporting women, especially in the music scene. The music scene is no longer just a boys club and there are a huge number of women from all different walks of life, dominating and tearing up the scene and it’s not going to stop any time soon. Seeing strong women make a name for themselves and grab rock n roll by the balls is more than inspiring. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, someone that wants to work in the music business, or just want to some positive role models in your life – just experiencing these women live or hearing their stories can impact your life in some shape or form.

One of my biggest influences is Lindsey Way, the bassist in Mindless Self Indulgence. For years, Lindsey has been a role model for me and so many other young women. From being an incredible performer, a talented artist (despite not even finishing art school), being an advocate for fiercely supporting women’s rights and equality, on top of being an amazing parent. You know those people that are just effortlessly cool and you’re like “oh wow, I need to be their best friend”? That’s Lindsey. My girl taught herself to play bass in a week and completely nailed the audition to be MSI’s bass play by almost setting the room (and lead singer Jimmy Urine) on fire. If that doesn’t inspire you to go after what you want, then I don’t know what will.

One of more frustrating things about being a woman in the music business has to deal with those that want to discredit you simply because you’re female. Hearing things like “whose girlfriend are you?” “You can’t be back here unless you’re working.” "What's it like to be a girl in a band?" The list goes on. Because clearly, you can’t be backstage at a show unless you’re trying to sleep with the band, it’s not like there’s female musicians, techs, merchandising managers, tour managers, and so on. In times like this I’d like to refer to one of my favorite tweets from Lindsey, “I’m not fucking the bass player, I AM the fucking bass player.”

Now, before this turns into an essay about my love for Lindsey, I’d like to shed light on a few other women in rock that have inspired me in one way or another. Whether they’ve inspired me to love myself, fight for what I believe in, to go after what I want, or to stand up for myself and live unapologetically. Here are a few of the bands and women that have made an impact on me, the music scene, and are continuously paving the way for those to come.

1.      Lindsey Way and Jennifer “Kitty” Dunn (Mindless Self Indulgence):

2.      Hayley Williams (Paramore):

3.      Chantal Claret:

4.      Ash Costello (New Year’s Day):

5.      Brody Dalle (The Distiller’s):

6.      Sierra Kusterbeck (VersaEmerge):

7.      Lynn Gunn (PVRIS):

8.      Courtney Love (Hole):

9.      Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill):

10.  Cassadee Pope (Hey Monday RIP):

11.  Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless):

This is only a glimpse of the many women that have inspired me. Huge shout out to all of the women in the music world that have impacted my life. Cheers to the women on stage, and especially those behind the scenes that continuously make things happen and help run the show. The women in the audience thrashing around in the pit, screaming every word back at the artists on stage. The future of rock is in your hands.

“Every night I sweat, I hurt myself and I don’t stop until the job is done because I want every little girl in the audience to walk away thinking that this is possible, that they can do this.”- Lindsey Way.

For some, the thought of wearing makeup to Warped Tour is like a death sentence. It’s hot, sweaty, and no one wants to have to worry about their makeup melting off halfway into the festival. But for those that do want to wear makeup, the key is going to be making sure your makeup lasts all day without sliding all over the place.

When looking for products to wear to Warped, keywords to look for are “smudge-proof”, “Waterproof” or “sweat-proof”. You’re going to want products that are gonna last all day no matter how hot you get in the pit. So here’s a list of products to try out that can fit an array of budgets. Because the less you have to spend on makeup, the more you have to spend at Warped.

Eyeliner:

Maybelline Gel Liner: This gel pot is great for winged liner, as well as the water line. It’s extremely black and doesn’t fade throughout the day. It might smudge a bit in your outer corner but your wings will still look bomb. It’s about $9. Pro tip- set your eyeliner with an eyeshadow for extra staying power! It’ll help with the smudging.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes: This gel pencil is waterproof, budge-proof, jumping in the pit all day-proof, you name it. It comes in a ton of intense shades, perfect for whatever look you’re going for. It’s a bit pricey at $21 but it lasts forever. Make sure you have a good makeup remover; something oil based will help take these waterproof products right off at the end of the day.

Colourpop Gel Liner: These pencils are only $5 a pop and they come in a ton of shades! They glide on and last all day.

Mascara:

Wet N Wild Mega Volume Waterproof Mascara: This stuff is amazing. It’s about $4 and it doesn’t budge once it’s dried. It stays on so well that just using a makeup wipe doesn’t even do it justice.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara: The regular mascara is one of my faves so I’m a huge fan of the fact that there’s a waterproof formula! It’s about $23 at Sephora.

Brows:

NYC Brow and Eye pencil: These pencils are literally 99 cents and they’re they bomb.com. It lasts all day, doesn’t smudge and at this price you can’t go wrong. I couldn't find a link to the 99cent pencils so definitely check the NYC section in stores. It's available in drugstores, Walmart and Target!

NYX Microbrow Pencil. This pencil is a perfect dupe for the Anastasia Brow Wix at a fraction of the price. It’s waxy so it stays in place no matter how hot it is. It’s about $10 at Target or Ulta.

Jordana Fabubrow Gel: This brow gel is about $4 and it comes in various tints or in a clear gel depending on your preference. This will ensure that your brows don’t budge while you’re out in the hot sun.

Face:

Now, I don’t wear foundation because I have incredibly sensitive skin and I hate how it feels on my face. But If you want to rock some face makeup, my suggestions are to go as light as possible with the coverage and then get a setting spray! The lighter the coverage, the less cakey the makeup will be and the less likely it’ll melt all over the place.

Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: Okay, now this is about $40 at Sephora but finding a good tinted moisturizer in my shade that won’t feel heavy on my skin is rough. This moisturizer is lightweight, has good coverage for a moisturizer, plus it has SPF and that’s gonna be your best friend at Warped Tour!

Pacifica Ultra Radiant CC Cream: This is a great alternative to the Nars tinted moisturizer because it’s more affordable, and still has SPF and it’s lightweight. It’s about $18.

Setting Sprays:

NYX Stay Matte Setting Spray: This stuff kept my makeup on during a double feature of Rocky Horror, while dancing, singing, and crawling around under extremely hot theater lights. This is about $7 and you can’t beat it.

Urban Decay All-Nighter Spray: It’s like you can’t even suggest a setting spray without bring up this bad boy right here. It’s worth the hype. It keeps your makeup in place all day and will keep your face from melting off. It’s about $30 BUT you can get the travel size for $15.

Lipstick:

Now, I most likely will be sticking to lip balm with SPF because chapped lips are the devil. But If you’re brave and want to rock some lipstick, my suggestion is to go for a liquid lipstick. Go for something long-lasting and smudge-proof that won’t let you down throughout the day.

Colourpop Ultra Matte and Ultra Satin Lipsticks: These lipsticks are $6 and have never let me down. These babies are highly pigmented and long lasting. The ultra mattes are smudge-proof but keep in mind that they are matte so they’re very drying. The ultra satin lips are long-lasting but not smudge-proof. They are however, really moisturizing!

Even if you’re rocking lipstick, I still recommend applying some lip balm with SPF underneath to help keep your lips from drying out plus to add some protection from the sun.

If you have anything you’d like to recommend let me know in the comments below!