isaktheartist

I have clay on my face @justjadeiris https://www.instagram.com/p/CB_pwCuBbHG/?igshid=11qkqq4mdvir4

Before // After I got the haircut before the wedding because my fiancé thinks I’ll be embarrassed in the future when we look back at the pictures. She may be right, but that doesn’t mean I like it. Nonetheless, it’s good to have short hair again. .-~<{===}>~-. #haircut #timeforachange #longhair #shorthair #weddings #switcheroo https://www.instagram.com/p/CBmPGMcjDUK/?igshid=1s4e644sggb6w

CW: Murder . . . . . . . . My heart is broken today. I usually like to keep my page light and funny, and occasionally inspirational, but today is different. I wept after watching an innocent man die after crying out for his life for seven minutes. To a man who held his neck down with his knee, pushing it harder and harder into the asphalt with every passing "I can't breathe." The murderer was white, wearing a uniform he vehemently violated after killing someone he was supposed to protect and serve. The victim was black. The only reason he's dead in the first place is because of the color of his skin. That's it. This is racism, alive and well, here in 2020, right in the heart of America. Not even the first time violent, racist behavior happened this year, lest we forget Ahmaud and In the midst of anger, sadness, and desolation, I have so many thoughts, yet words are hard to come by. However, I keep thinking about these words of the great Rev. Martin Luther King Jr that keep coming to mind: "I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action”; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a 'more convenient season.'" I am afraid he is right. Which is why I don't want to be silent about this anymore. I'm gravely sorry for the times I have been silent. But today, I want my black brothers and sisters to know that I stand with you. I hear you. I see the injustices that have happened upon you, and I weep with you. (continued in comments) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6BXhOhvLu/?igshid=1cmuv2uy5bi8c

Vinyl: Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color Whiskey: Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon Vinyl notes: God Bless the Alabama Shakes. This record is so rich and colorful. Listening to it intimately on headphones revealed for me how many different kinds of reverb show up on this record; all of them have its own color, depth, use, and style. A weird thing to point out, I know. But my producer side geeks out over this thing. Of course, the production isn’t the only great thing about this record: Brittany Howard’s impeccable vocal delivery and vibrant, eccentric lyrics are the key to this album slapping as hard as it does. Steve Johnson keeps the rhythm steady and groovy with some of the most c h e w y drums I’ve had the pleasure of hearing. Zac Cockrell brings in a rich yet bubbly bass lines that keep the foundation of these songs strong (especially in Gemini and Guess Who). And Heath Fogg’s guitar lines across this thing are nothing short of greatness, and at times, iconic. When these four people come together to make a record, magic happens. And I really, really hope they come out with another record soon. Whiskey notes: I bought this whiskey on a whim because it was only $30 and it came from Texas. Kentucky ain’t the only state that makes bourbon, and it surely ain’t the only state that makes great bourbon neither. God, this bottle went too fast. I get sweet sweet corn up front that turns into a spicy pepper, and the sweetness is consistent through the finish. I honestly don’t remember having a bourbon this oily and rich before. Even at 46% it’s full-bodied and it demands your attention. I will definitely be buying from Balcones again. .-~<{===}>~-. @alabama_shakes #soundandcolor #vinyl #currentlyspinning #nowspinning #33rpm @balconesdistilling #texasbourbon #potstill #whiskey #rich https://www.instagram.com/p/CAwSH7YhcAS/?igshid=1cx0w2yfrenzm

Wednesday doesn’t want me to work... https://www.instagram.com/p/CAp11eXBBiH/?igshid=1w9pa2bmp2iyv

Made some pico de gallo today 😋 https://www.instagram.com/p/CAJFMPgBPrZ/?igshid=1rcg10e3fuvwx

Vinyl: Death Cab For Cutie - Codes and Keys An underrated and horribly under appreciated album from their discography. It seems like after “Narrow Stairs” their popularity took a dive and this album pushed them further down. The production goes synth-heavy and electronic drum sounds take over during a few tracks. None of their singles really landed, and people shook their heads in disbelief. I, however, warmly welcome the new direction the band took. I think there are quite a few gems here, and Ben’s songwriting is strong as ever, although a bit more abstract at times. The title track is blissful, with gorgeous string arrangements filling out a grand piano rock tune, with lyrical themes about oneness that turn witty at times. “You Are a Tourist” still slaps to this day, with an energetic guitar lick and upbeat lyrics. The thing that really makes this album stick out for me isn’t their sonic switch, but rather one of themes. There’s this air of optimism, hope, and, at times, pure joy, throughout Codes & Keys that none of their other records quite reach. There’s hardly any melancholia here, which Death Cab made a name for themselves on. Not that they haven’t written a happy tune before, but on “Unobstructed View” you get six minutes of swelling, rich synths playing in unison over lyrics about pure, innocent, simple, love. “Portable Television” displays a cute story of a couple huddled out in the snow, trying to keep each other warm while watching a dinky little television that had no channels on, just some static. But they let the static play anyways. It ends with “Stay Young, Go Dancing” a short but sweet tune about enjoying life while you’re young. I don’t think Death Cab will ever make an album like this one again, but I’m glad they gave optimism a go, and I hope they may stumble upon it again someday. .-~<{===}>~-. @deathcabforcutie #codesandkeys #np #currentlyspinning #33rpm #ontherecord #deathcab #vinyl #songwriting #goodalbum #lovelymusic https://www.instagram.com/p/B__mS6YBP_W/?igshid=10cidf5xg9585

Playing an Instagram Live concert tonight at 8pm EDT :: 7pm CDT :: 6pm MDT :: 5pm PDT!!! Join me and get cozy. In the meanwhile, enjoy this picture of me fake-yelling into a microphone lol .-~<{===}>~-. #instagramlive #concert #liveconcerts #inthestudio #playinglive #singinglive #live #goodtimes https://www.instagram.com/p/B_7lHZ2hC_D/?igshid=1p4ptop8bznw7

I finished up a real somber tune today. Currently debating whether to release it on a future EP or something, but I think I might. That being said, a few days ago I wrote and recorded a ridiculously silly song. I think it’s good to let out the sad feelings just as much as the happy ones, and both are therapeutic for me. I hope you’re staying safe, healthy, and can find a creative outlet to express yourself, be it music or knitting or coloring or whatever it is that brings you joy 😊 .-~<{===}>~-. #melancholy #songwriting #makingmusic #sillysongs #taylorguitars #writingbook #lyricbook #newlyrics #newmusicsoon (at Dayton, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_yJaFxh0FI/?igshid=13rsbqal90ty8

I’ve been getting back into writing songs lately. I know I just released an album, but I already have a few ideas as to what I want to do next. And those ideas mean writing more songs. After I released Ahh, Young Love, I wanted to play out more and get some live exposure and start a fan base here in Dayton. But I didn’t know the world was gonna shut down, so instead, I’m playing live here on Instagram. Make do with what you have. That being said, I am grateful to be living in a world where I can play to a live audience in the comfort of my living room, and I would love to keep doing these Instagram Live concerts well after the quarantine is over. Tomorrow, I’ll be playing a concert right here on Instagram Live at 8pm EDT :: 7pm CDT :: 6pm MDT :: 5pm PDT :: 1am BST (for you UK late night freaks) and I’ll be playing a new song or two. I hope you’ll come and join me! It’ll be a good time, as it always is ✌🏻 .-~<{===}>~-. #instagramlive #quaranstream #newsongs #songwriting #littlebook #songbook (at Dayton, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_U5ukOhuKB/?igshid=14gvnneidvb55

Vinyl: Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city Whiskey: Michter’s American Whiskey Vinyl notes: Undeniably a masterpiece. One of two in Kendrick’s belt. (some would argue three but I think that’s debatable) A coming of age album quite unlike anything else. What to do about a good kid raised in a mad city? The album unfolds a story about Kendrick and his decisions when he’s with the homies. He swears he isn’t violent, or does drugs, or breaks the law when he’s by himself. But he’s with the homies. It’s a crazy story, and I don’t want to spoil it here; just listen to the album yourself. Amazing beats. “Backseat Freestyle” is so simple and so effective; my booty is shaking the ENTIRE song. “Money Trees” has a great chorus, “Sing About Me; I’m Dying of Thirst” always hits me in the gut when it’s on. In between songs there’s a Lo-Fi recording of different people continuing the narrative that really turns this into a cohesive story. Just a masterfully done work of music tackling a sociologically dense topic in a nuanced way. Whiskey notes: a whiskey aged in used bourbon barrels, so it’s TECHINCALLY not a bourbon... but it’s delicious! I get vanilla, light caramel, with baking spices and a nice oaky finish. Some light floral notes too. .-~<{===}>~-. @kendricklamar #goodkidmaadcity #nowplaying #currentlyspinning #vinyl #33rpm @michterswhiskey #americanwhiskey #goodwhiskey #whiskeytribe #michters https://www.instagram.com/p/B_JajOThR1W/?igshid=8xoplv9frx45

Vinyl: Relient K - Forget and Not Slow Down Whiskey: New Riff Bourbon Single Barrel Vinyl notes: One of my favorite Relient K records. An under appreciated album to the general public, but a fan favorite: this is their break-up album. Matt Theissen’s best songwriting to date, he details his denial over his breakup in various stages, from wanting to be back together, to knowing life could be worse, to being over it all, and then not over it at all. The songwriting alone would already make this an excellent album, but it’s paired with fantastically produced alternative piano rock. Saturated, bright, and overdriven guitars, snappy snares and a punchy kick, booming yet trim bass, and a real live grand piano, all shapes this to be an absolute pleasure to listen to. One of my favorite break-up albums to spin, and if you haven’t heard it yet, it’s a must-listen. Whiskey Notes: Every New Riff Single Barrel is bottled at cask strength (!!!) It does vary on flavor from barrel to barrel, but with this one (barrel no. 15-4414) I get caramel, followed by peach and vanilla, with an odd (yet enjoyable) vegetable note, finishes with a pepper note that ends off round and smooth. New Riff is an independent distillery in Newport, KY and they really do make excellent bourbon! If your store sells it; please do yourself a favor and get one. .-~<{===}>~-. @relientk #FaNSD #currentlyspinning #33rpm #vinyljunkie @newriff #singlebarrel #caskstrength #delicious #bourbon https://www.instagram.com/p/B-3EqpMhRfE/?igshid=u4lq1r57j57w

Almost forgot to make a post about this! At 8PM EST TONIGHT I’ll be playing an Instagram Live concert. Tune in soon! It’ll be a real fun time. .-~<{===}>~-. #livemusicsoon #livemusic #instagramlive #8pm #est #soloacoustic #joinme #haveagoodtime https://www.instagram.com/p/B-iSoD5BOzg/?igshid=1bhpsu4g67vm9

Vinyl: Lucy Dacus - Historian Whiskey: Ardbeg 10 Year • Lucy Dacus hails from Richmond, VA and has been making the rounds as an indie rocker. I got my hands on this copy several months back but finally have gotten to sit and listen to it. I’ve listened to this lovely album in the car many times, so I’m pretty familiar with the music, but this gave me a moment to sit with the lyrics and...it’s a goldmind of witticisms, one liners, and deep thoughts. Themes throughout this album range from remembering old flames to death to being remembered to the hope for unconditional love. It’s a fairly dynamic record, with a lot of solid jams, a couple of cool down points, but the title track really leaves an impact as it finishes the record with: “Was I most complete at the beginning or the bow? If past you were to meet future me, would you be holding me here and now?” One of my favorites from 2018 and one of my favorites still. • Ardbeg 10 Year is an entry-level (price wise) Islay Scotch, and it’s very smoky. Very, very smoky... but it’s mixed with a pepper spice and inter laden with moments of savory meat and sweet fruit. Not for beginners into the whiskey world (because of the smoke) but I love its unique flavor profile. I guess I would match the whiskey with the record, but honestly, I was just in the mood for some smoky scotch during the listen. .-~<{===}>~-. @lucydacus @ardbeg #historian #10yearscotch #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #33rpm #lucydacus #indierock #dram #currentlyplaying https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fwwTehIgR/?igshid=m8zv5m524sya