Brayden compares various beliefs and values to different aspects of a band and its music production. Religion is compared to the amp that controls sound and effects. Spirituality is likened to the vocals that must come from within to achieve power. Gender is equated to the equalizer that properly mixes instruments to avoid one overpowering the other.

1. My Beliefs and Values Brayden Carlson My Beliefs and Values are a band, full of instruments and equipment. http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/12798129/blessthefall.jpg

2. Religion Religion is the amp to my band. An amp is used to control the sound and add effects to the instrument. I chose to compare Religion and an amp because I was baptized as a Catholic Christian. Beginning at a young age, it influenced many of the decisions in my family. We would attend Church every Sunday to worship and praise God. It was a large factor on my mom’s side of the family. However, as I grew older I became more distant with Religion which represents the volume knob on the amp. I got to control how much I was involved with Religion. When I was involved with it, at times I was affected by Religion which caused change in my thought and actions which resembles the effects knob on an amp. http://www.andertons.co.uk/and_news_files/images/fender-super-champ-amp-xd-large.jpg

3. Spirituality Spirituality is the vocals to my band. An excellent voice is key to any band on the road to success. The singer is able to reach a range of notes. However, to achieve a powerful voice, the individual must sing from within. I chose to compare Spirituality and the vocals in a band because both enable you to reach deep inside and determine the outcome. There are highs and lows involved in both. In Spirituality , you are trying to discover your inner-being and may achieve success or encounter obstacles. In times of struggle, you must overcome it, and show the world the power of your voice. I discovered that I enjoy helping others and I value friends above all. For example, a singer may become ill or lose their voice during a tour but they attempt to pull through it to entertain the crowd and satisfy them. I am the same, regardless of personal problems, I will push them aside to help others in need. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/4187038999_ed3b73f1b6.jpg

4. Gender Gender is the EQ to my band’s sound. In able to create a wonderful sound, the instruments and vocals must be mixed properly to hear each separate sound. It is to also ensure one sound is not over-powering another. I chose to compare Gender to the EQ in a mix because as I grew-up I was use to seeing the “men-women roles”. For example, men are assigned to hard-labour jobs and women cook and clean. I believe that men and women are equal and their roles can be changed during any situation. It does not have to be the same role, it is possible that men can do “women jobs” and women can do “men jobs”. As long as each side is fair and they are satisfied with the roles. http://www.artlebedev.com/posters/equalizer/equalizer-1600x1200.jpg

5. Relationship to Land Relationship to Land is the bass guitar in my band. In the mix or in a performance it is a challenge to hear it. I chose to compare the bass guitar to my relationship to the land because you cannot hear it in a song and I have no relationship to the land. http://www.bassguitars.us/red-bass-636.jpg

6. Ideology Ideology is the guitar in my band. The tone of the notes or chords are an indication of the mood. The strum pattern determines the speed of the song or the rhythm. The frets allow the individual to create a unique melody. The six strings on a standard guitar can be tuned to produce new sounds. I chose a guitar to represent Ideology because there are many possibilities and approaches at creating a song on guitar. For Ideology, there are many ideas you can choose from to achieve your goals that represent your beliefs and values. Your Ideology may not be liked by all people or may not relate to them but it explains your behaviour. It is the same as people appreciating different genres of music which may identify who you are. http://musicremedy.com/webfiles/artists/WilliamFitzsimmons/WilliamFitzsimmons-01-big.jpg

7. Environment Environment is the compressor to my band. In the mix of a recording, there is points where the music is too loud and must be turned down. It is done so that the sound is not blaring and does not interfere with the rest of the mix. I chose to compare the Environment to a compressor because Scientists are hyping up any problems with the Earth. They only mention what is wrong with the world but not what the world is doing right. Instead of listening to all the noise about what is going to happen in the future, I focus on what is happening now. A compressor turns down the loud sound and I choose to ignore the negatives that people mention. I turn down the noise and enjoy the rest of the song. http://mac.softpedia.com/screenshots/1-1650_1.png

8. Media Media is the drums to my band. A song may contain many instruments but the drums may be the loudest part. At times it is just noise, and the rhythm can be duplicated in every song. However, there can be an interesting fill or solo that catches your attention. I chose to compare Media to the drums because a vast majority of music includes drums and especially in a performance the sound is right in your face. The News is an example of this, there may be other stations but almost all report the same stories. There may be one event that catches your attention and draws you in. Which relates to when a drummer displays incredible speed and rhythm rather than a simple beat. Anywhere I go, the news is all around me and at times, I find interesting. I feel I’ve heard all the stories before, and it is used to amplify negative stories. http://www3.pictures.fp.zimbio.com/Travis+Barker+DJ+Performing+LAX+Nightclub+2acaDmKRXfpl.jpg

9. Culture Culture is the lyrics in my band. It is the backbone to the song and determines the mood. It controls the style of playing from each instrument. Although, people may ignore the lyrics and just enjoy the music, there is a story behind every song. I chose to represent Culture as the lyrics in the song because everyone has a unique culture and different traditions. There may be similarities between individuals or groups but everyone is special, and no one will be the same. My background consists of Irish, French, Norwegian, Danish and Scottish. However, I do not celebrate any of the traditions. It is not a factor of my life and I do not go around sharing my Culture. People may be interested in your background, traditions and culture but would rather have a friendship consisting of other elements. The lyrics are the backbone in a song and Culture is the foundation of who you are but not everyone is interested in it. http://audreyryan.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/lyrics-2.jpg