The New Crew Part 2: Loren Kessell

It is my pleasure to introduce Loren Kessell as a part of the FFOMusic team!  Loren is a communications major at Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ but her concentration is journalism.  Rather than have me blab on about all the details of Miss Kessell, let's have her show off a little bit of writing skill!

"I'm a girl with big dreams who loves everything life has to offer. I'm the first person to say yes to an adventure, and if I wasn't in school I'd love to travel all over the world as well as to other states. I am a book worm, and my favorite book is Adverbs by Daniel Handler. During the summer my life consists of hiking, beach trips, bonfires, driving with my windows down while blasting music, and other stuff that probably won't fit in one post. 

Although I seem cool, I'm actually a huge dork but I think that's lovable. My quirkiness lends itself to interesting moments that eventually turn into great stories. My love for writing started when I was little, and my grandpa helped me perfect the craft. Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to be the one who helps spread it to others. 

Music is a huge part of my life, but there are a few defining artists who shaped my music taste. My number one band who got me into what I listen to now is Weezer. Ever since I listened to the blue album in 8th grade I've never stopped. "In The Garage" became my favorite song, and people probably hated me for playing that album 24/7. 

Death Cab For Cutie is another band that has shaped my music taste. Ben Gibbard writes some of the best lyrics I've ever heard, and I can always relate to what he talks about. My favorite album is Transatlanticism, and I often listen to it on repeat. I'm fortunate enough to be seeing them play in April, and I am beyond excited.

The best show I attended in 2011 is a tough one! I saw Girl Talk, Cage The Elephant, Against Me!, Bassnectar, TV On The Radio, Peter Bjorn and John, Pixies, and The Bouncing Souls. All of these shows were unbelievably good, but the Bassnectar and Peter Bjorn and John are tied in first place. 

Bassnectar created an event on Governor's Island called Bass Island, and the bass was so fantastic that I think the whole island was going to crack in half. Lupe Fiasco opened for him, but the energy increased by a long shot when Bassnectar took the stage. He had stage presence like no one I have ever seen, and he got the crowd of 10,000+ people dancing.

I saw Peter Bjorn and John at the Bowery Ballroom, and I was right at the front of the stage. The band played all of my favorite songs besides "Up Against The Wall," but that was fine since they were amazing. Peter jumped into the audience during "Young Folks," and I managed to leave with a pick.

I could go on and on and on, but I think this gives you enough of an idea about what I'm like! I'm looking forward to writing, and I hope you all enjoy reading!"