Off-Track Backpacking » music

Adam’s Attic, Check it Out!

Tanya C — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 02:28:40 +0000

I stumbled upon this video on YouTube and felt like sharing it with you. Adam’s Attic Is an original rock band that moved from New Orleans (Louisiana) following the wake of hurricane Katrina. They settled into Los Angeles, CA shortly after and have been busy creating and playing music ever since.

Wonder how they came up with their name? Their songs are relationship drama-based and they thought Adam was the first guy to have a rocky relationship. The “Attic” piece is a place where people hold onto sentimental things. For the group, music serves as a means to let go of tragedy and heartache and move on in a positive direction. They hope their music inspires others to move on and not dwell on negative things.

Listen to their music on YouTube and iTunes!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV4x1-a58zs]

Shakira in Montreal!

Tanya C — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:26:15 +0000

When I first arrived in Mexico for a second semester abroad, I barely spoke any Spanish. I knew the basics, “Hola”, “Como estas”, and so on but I clearly wasn’t ready to entertain a conversation with others. I have to admit that my first month was pretty rough because of the language barrier I was facing. One way I tried to learn Spanish, other than in class was through music. I would listen to songs and read the lyrics. When I didn’t understand a word, I’d pick up a dictionary and look up the word. I was very motivated! One of the artists that I discovered when in Mexico was Shakira. I heard her English songs back home but I wasn’t too impressed with her music. I felt like she was trying to be another Britney Spears at the time. But all those perceptions changed when I began listening to her Spanish songs. I realized that not only was she singing and dancing, but she was also writing all of her songs. That’s where she gained her credibility as an artist with me.

To my surprise, as I was randomly listening to the radio in the car one day, I heard that Shakira was coming to Montreal! Whether I was going to the concert or not wasn’t debatable, I was definitely going! Although it took her an hour of waiting for her to get on stage, the wait was well-worthed after the performance she gave to her fans. Not only does she look and sound the same as on the radio but she also dances the same as in her videos! This is when you know that her work is not edited! The songs she sang her both English and Spanish which made my night because I love her Spanish music more than her English. The acoustic performance she gave at one point during the concert was by far the best part of it. I love the sound of tam tams and acoustic guitars and then add Shakira dancing barefoot to that, it was awesome!! She also played Gypsy, one of the first songs we posted on Off-Track Backpacking. I love it!

Enjoy these videos from the concert!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d_Y3Id0NwQ]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdPrRg6Wctk]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrN2NKGgT3k]

Discovering Manà. A Mexican band.

Tanya C — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:13:39 +0000

One of the many joys of traveling is discovering of new music. When visiting a country, travelers should take the time to enjoy the music from the region.

Manà is a rock band from Mexico that has been around for about 20 years now. They sold over 22 million albums. Never heard of them? It doesn’t surprise me. ¡Que disfrutas!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5VfcCLIvjU]

Upcoming Summer Festival Destinations

Nara — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:26:06 +0000

This post is for all those backpackers who aren’t planning a huge backpacking adventure this year. Take a quick peek at the music filled festivals below. So if you really want to party and have a good time, I say hit up at least one of these festivals!!

Coachella – California

Two days of sunshine, amazing sound, and living in your tent! The hippie chic festival is all about rock, style, and having a blast. This festival is April 16-18 near Palm Springs. So far the line up of performers are Jay-Z, David Guetta, Gossip, The dead Weather Phoenix, Gorilaz, and Vampire Weekend.

Rock in RIO – Lisbon

This festival goes between RIO to Madrid and now to Lisbon. It is held in Lisbon’s Bela Vista Park with many different stages throughout the park. There will be stages of electronic sounds, rock, and jam sessions. Plus the expected people to be there will be Miley Cyrus, and John Mayer. This festival is between May 21-27.

Glastonbury – United Kingdom

One of the most fashionable, and star- struck festivals to attend, this is one place to be this summer! Many stars such as Kate Moss, Lily Allen, and Jay-Z are regulars to this festival. However, you need to be ready for the rain and mud, since every year it seems to rain lots during this festival. This festival is taking place between June 23 – 27 and a few performers will be U2, Stevie Wonder, and Jack Johnson.

Roskilde – Denmark

During July 1-4 the Nordic Festival is a non-profit organization that will have all profits go to a great cause and free camping is included in the ticket. Plus the well know thing about this festival are the food stands. Suppose to be amazing. This festival is only 35 km outside of Copenhagen and so far Jack Johnson and Muse will be performering.

Benicassim – Spain

Between the most party cities of Barcelona and Valencia the pristine beaches turn into a major dance floors of Spain’s largest party festival of the year. So all day you soak up the sun, swim in the sea and party all night, so who wouldn’t want to attend this festival?