Metallica!

When you talk about the titans of heavy metal, Metallica is at the top. For over four decades, they've shaped, redefined, and propelled the genre forward with an unmatched blend of aggression and raw energy. From the thrash-heavy days of Kill 'Em All to the mainstream breakthrough of the Black Album, their influence is etched into the DNA of metal itself. To be honest, I’m not a die-hard fan. I enjoy their music, I respect their legacy, but I don’t have every album memorized. Still, I’ve come to believe one thing: seeing Metallica live is a rite of passage for a metal fan. I mean, most of my favorite bands might not have existed without Metallica. While I'm more of a casual listener, experiencing Metallica live in concert was something I felt I had to do at least once in my life. It's ticking something essential off my concert bucket list. It's not just about hearing the songs—it's about feeling them in person.

Cherry Blossom Woes

Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m living in a blur. The weeks tumble into each other, and when the weekend finally arrives, instead of feeling like a breath of fresh air, it just feels… blank. I used to do a photoshoot or a little activity on several weekends throughout the month. But now, even the thought of planning a shoot or going out for the day feels exhausting. 

I Can Feel Something Sinister Under the Surface

I finally had the opportunity to take a day off for a concert, which was refreshing. I wanted to get a good night's rest and have enough time to prepare and arrive at the venue at least an hour before the doors opened. The downside of attending a concert at a smaller venue is that there are no assigned seats, so you must get there early to secure a decent spot. I realized that I hadn't been to Hammerstein Ballroom since I saw Sevendust in my early teen years, so I had no idea how this experience would turn out.

I Won't Stop Following You

There’s a moment in every teenager’s life when music stops being background noise and starts becoming a lifeline. When lyrics seem to echo your inner monologue, and a guitar riff mirrors the angst humming just under your skin (looking back now, I ask myself what I was so angry about lol). That moment arrived the first time I heard music from bands like Korn, Slipknot, and of course, Deftones. When White Pony dropped in 2000, it wasn’t just an album but a revelation. I was deep in my nu metal phase. Although it wasn't really a phase. I’m still listening to the same bands 25 years later lol. Korn, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot—they were all in heavy rotation. But Deftones were different. They weren’t just aggressive; they were atmospheric. There was something sensual and ethereal in their chaos, especially on White Pony.

I Want to Believe There's a Motivation in Negative Spaces

This week has been a stressful mix of balancing the busiest work week of the year with two concerts. I’m unsure why my favorite artists were trying to sabotage me by scheduling their New York dates at the beginning of April - my worst nightmare. I’ve been dreading how I would pull this week off for a while now. Despite my anxiety, I managed to wake up at 7 a.m. and accomplish what I needed to stay on schedule and meet my tight deadlines. I finished my tasks by 5 pm and had just an hour to prepare for the concert. I opted for minimal makeup and a cute outfit with bows, reminding myself that no one would see me in the dark theater. LOL.

Cabaret!

I finally saw Cabaret on Broadway! I'm so happy I saw this production featuring Adam Lambert and Auli'i Cravalho. You may not know this, but I’ve been a fan of Adam since my early days of watching American Idol. He was an obsession of mine, and his powerhouse vocals, flawless performances of Queen songs, and glam rock aesthetic still amaze me. It’s shocking that he was the runner-up on season 8 back in 2009. I couldn't miss the opportunity to see him on Broadway! 

Swan Lake!

Seeing the New York City Ballet’s rendition of Swan Lake has been on my bucket list for a while. I remember back in 2018 being disappointed in myself for never having seen a ballet live, despite my love for the art form. Naturally, I decided to see six ballets over the next two years. That's just how I approach life—it's all or nothing, apparently. At that time, I had finally secured a stable job and had minimal responsibilities, thus more disposable income.