audio love.

When THAT PERSON decides to walk back into your life...

do you give them a second chance?
or do you run the other way?

By that person, I mean the one person that always seemed to understand you. One that knows the right things to say and also get under your skin. The one person that makes you feel good about yourself and invincible...

xo leah

New Years resolutions never ever work out, but this year I'm going to consider them more goals & guidelines for the year ahead. What do I feel like I need to work on?

1. Focus more on my photography. [this begins with getting my camera fixed (or buying a new one) and starting a photo a day project.]
2. BFF SQUAD [let's get a move on girls & make our plans a reality, we've got the skills lets put them to use]
3. Stay positive. [remove toxic friendships & work on being more optimistic about certain situations.]
4. Take more chances. [stop being so safe regarding relationships and work decisions.]
5. Be smarter with my money. [limit unneeded spending & pay off loans!!]
6. Help friends gain the success they deserve. [ *cough* Chris Nathan *cough*]
7. Be healthier. [no more scary tonsillitis!, eat better, & take better care of myself]
8. Stand up for myself more. [I'm way too passive sometimes, I hate confrontations.]
9. Stop Procrastinating. [this will take the most work...haha, I'm actually better than I use to be sadly.]
10. Discover a new artist a day. [whether it be a photographer, artist, or band, gain more inspiration!]
11. Write more. [blog, livejournal, real journal, stories, SOMETHING.]
12. Be more organized. [with dates, plans, work, shows, knowing tidbits, etc...]
13. LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY. [whether it's about a friend, something I love, or something I know nothing about.]



I already started working on some of these. I quit my job at PetSmart, I need to refocus on where I want to be in my life and it was holding me back.

My life since graduation has been full of ups and downs. I hope 2008 brings me more than 2007 did. 2007 was a very trying year for me, but I've learned a lot about myself and where I want to be. Would I change anything about it? I really don't think so, the person I was in the beginning of 2007 is not the person I am now and I'm actually very happy about it.

So here's to 2008, hopefully it'll be better than the last. What are some of your goals for this year?

xo leah

I'm going to be on tour from December 12th-December 20th on the Northern Lights Tour with Chris Nathan (AND chrisnathanmusic.buzznet.com). If you're in the area I expect to see you once or twice!!! I will be doing photo and video and helping out the best I can with four amazingly talented guys.

I'm not quite sure how internet connections will be on this tour but I'll be updating as much as possible with photos/videos and everything in between! I'm really looking forward to this so be sure to catch us if you can!

xoxo audio love.

Hey everyone!
So I had the pleasure of attending not one, but TWO tour dates of the Sleeping with Giants Tour. I was at both the Buffalo show and the Pittsburgh show. The Pittsburgh show I just enjoyed with the squad BUT the Buffalo show I did photo. I have fully edited/uploaded the photos to my flickr account and my photography myspace with a couple sample photos here on buzznet. Photos are of The Academy Is..., The Rocket Summer, & Sherwood!

Therefore if you haven't already ADD me on flickr & myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/leahfalkowskiphoto
http://www.flickr.com/photos/audiolove

Fall Fest photos should be up by the end of the night (including Jack's Mannequin, All-American Rejects, Trapt, One Republic and Reel Big Fish!

Always check out http://www.leahaudiolove.com for the latest updates! :D

xoxo audio love.

from official band website:

Today is probably the worst day ever. Its with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before sound-check. We've spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible. At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know.

Sincerely,

Hawthorne Heights

Eron, JT, Micah and Matt

I'm not a fan of the band (musically) currently, but I have been in the past. They have always been awesome guys whenever I've been in contact with them and I hate to have this happen to anyone regardless of if it was someone I loved or hated. Your bandmates are your family, your fans are an extention of that family... So to everyone that is a family member, friend, tourmate, fan, etc...my thoughts are with you tonight.

Try to keep your chins up and remember the good times that Casey brought you because those memories will keep him with you always.

xoxo audio love.

There were an abundance of boybands in the 1990's. I will admit it, I was stuck in the middle of the BSB vs. N'Sync dispute. The first concert I personally purchased tickets to were for the Backstreet Boys. I still have all my old concert t-shirts, there is no way I will ever throw away my XXL shirts that I've never worn (haha!). Actually, the first concert I took my nephew to was N'Sync when he was three. Actually, it was more like he took me to it but that's a story of it's own.

Anyways, here are my top 10 boybands in order of importance to me!!

10. Westlife


9. BBMak


8. Five


7. 98°


6. Hanson


5. O-Town


4. N'Sync


3. LFO


2. THE BACKSTREET BOYS


1. New Kids on the Block


Obviously NKOTB had to be number one because without their success, none of the others would have ever followed!!!

Which side of the N'Sync/BSB debate were you on? Did one of your favorites not make the list? Leave a comment and let me know!

I'm a sucker for 80's music. I can promise you if I'm out somewhere and can request a song, one of these songs will make the list. If I'm at a party or the girls are over before we ended up going out and I'm given control over the music, I'm playing 80's music.

Why you may ask? Well, considering I have a very eclectic taste in music it's hard to pick a good soundtrack that everyone will know. Therefore, why not play something that EVERYONE knows? Even if they claim to hate it, you'll see them burst into the chorus of "Jessie's Girl" or "Small Town Girl" ... 80's music is just irresistable!

So you're having some friends over you say? Make sure these songs are included in the mix!


10. Mr. Roboto - Styx


9. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions


8. Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N' Roses


7. Come On Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners


6. You Give Love a Bad Name/ Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi


5. You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC


4. Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart


3. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield


2. We Built This City - Starship


1. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey


Be sure to drop a comment and let me know your favorite 80's songs!! Until next time,

xoxo audio love.

p.s. if it's just a group of girls don't forget Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper!!

Long distance relationships suck. It doesn't matter if it's long distance with your boyfriend, your best friends, or your family the situation is not a desirable one. Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who seems to be constantly dealing with long distance relationships.

For four years I had one with my family and friends back home, now I have one with my boyfriend and friends in DC. Don't even get me started on my other friends that find themselves scattered across the United States. Although, thanks to the iChat, texting, and other technological advances we don't have it as hard as they did years back it still isn't easy at times.

So here are my top ten songs that get me through those tough times when I'm missing my loved ones, whereever they might be at the current moment. The lyric excerpts following my selections easily sum up their reasoning.


10. Slide - Goo Goo Dolls

I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide

9. Leaving on a Jet Plane - John Denver

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin' it's early morn
The taxi's waitin' he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die

8. Goodnight Starlight - The Juliana Theory

And what we've got is something special,
And what we are is a perfect match.
And 3000 miles could never come between us,
No matter what we do, it's always you and me and you and
It's always me and you.

7. Tiger Lily - Matchbook Romance

why does tonight, have to end?
why don't we hit restart,
and pause it at our favorite parts.
we'll skip the goodbyes.
if i had it my way,
i'd turn the car around and runaway,
just you and i.

6. Second Star to the Left, Go Until Dawn - Copeland

I'm jealous of you, moon
tonight you'll get to see her
alone beneath the stars
and everything I fear

5. Hurts Like It Should - Chris Nathan

It hurts like it should
I know this is good
Cause you're the best damn thing I need in my life
And it hurts like it should
Lord I know this is good
Cause you're the best damn thing i needed tonight
I can't stand leaving you...

4. Better - Adam Richman

there was a time when I could say
it's fine to take this day by day
but knowing all we're meant to be
I find each day is killing me

but the times you come
or I am there
are worth the hurt
of this despair

3. Teleport A & B - Spill Canvas


My faith in you could move these mountains I am driving through
It's times like these when I wish I could teleport to you
'cause then we wouldn't have an issue
We're cleverly, strategically
Challenging our fright and insecurities,
And never seem to want to leave

2. Next to You - The Police

I can't stand it for another day
When you live so many miles away.
Nothing here is gonna make me stay,
(You) took me over, let me find a way.

1. Stay Where I Can See You - The Starting Line

I can name all 50 states
48 get in the way
From me being next to you (From me being next to you)
If it were up to me
We'd have everything we need
You'd have me, and I'd have you


I also have a problem following rules, that whole top 10 thing? Not so much. Here are a couple "honorable mentions," aka those who got thrown off the list when I remembered/rediscovered another one.

Stay On The Phone - The New Amsterdams
Faithfully - Journey
Dismantle. Repair - Anberlin
Left Coast Envy - The Starting Line
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's

Let me know what you think/any songs I might have missed! (As I'm posting this 10 other songs just came into my head that I should have had on it....maybe I'll make a "Top Ten Songs I missed on my Top Ten Songs for a Long Distance Relationship".)

xoxo audio love.

In case you've never listened to a word i said...

go listen to chris nathan RIGHT NOW,
you'll have eargasms i promise.

http://www.myspace.com/chrisnathanmusic
He's put up 5 new songs off of his upcoming album Words.

They are nothing short than amazing,
he shocks me more and more everytime.

<B>xoxo audio love.</b>

I've started a public blog for people to read what I have to say on various matters or just get to know me better. It's also going to be a preview blog for sets that will be uploaded onto my photography website. There will be some photos featured that won't make the site or the flickr account and be exclusive to the blog. It doesn't have too much right now but you can check it out and get into my head somewhat at:

http://www.leahaudiolove.com

for now you NEED to put the www before it.  I'm working on getting that sorted out.

xoxo audio love.

Awhile back DJ Rossstar asked people to come up with their top five albums that they can listen to start from finish and never stop or skip over a song. My list is fairly predictable if you know me and it sorta turned into a top 10 when I tried to figure out a number 5 it was pretty much tied between the ones remaining.

1. Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up The Girl

2. Counting Crows - August & Everything After

3. The Starting Line - Say It Like You Mean It

4. This Day & Age - Always Leave The Ground

5. The Spill Canvas - Sunsets & Car Crashes

rounding out the top 10 (in no order)

Adam Richman - Patience & Science

The Early November - The Room's Too Cold

Journey - Greatest Hits

Cartel - Chroma

The Academy Is... - Almost Here.

All of these CDs have played a huge role in my life, mainly just as a soundtrack, others words to live by. Some of them I refuse to listen to unless I start at number one and listen through, others I'll jump around but every single song on each of these CDs I love. All of these CDs regardless if they came out 10 years ago or only a year ago have made a difference/impact to me.

xoxo audio love.

If there was ONE song you think I haven't heard that I should, what would it be?
If there was ONE band that you think I'd love, what is it?
What is ONE song that makes you think of me?
If there was one 80s song you could put on a mix tape, what would it be?

I need some new tunes to check out. Thanks kids.

"I never felt so all alone..."

xoxo audio love.

How things start falling into or out of place. I'm ready for this chapter to close, Monday can't come soon enough for me. I miss my family, I miss everything that makes me me. I need a short getaway to Buffalo. See some people I haven't seen in forever, see my family, but then I need to get out or I'll be stuck there.

This weekend it was so good to be around people who have the same motivations and goals as me. Or just the same passion about something greater than themselves and just wanting to succeed in doing what they love. It's a reality check in a lot of ways. I want to have myself be surrounded with positive influences, not negative. Music really is what drives me, seeing so many people succeed, doing what they love for the enjoyment of other people, helping people through their music, and just having a blast doing it. There is nothing like that feeling.

I'm realize how hypocritical a lot of people are. It's expected for me to bend over backwards to appease them but when a simple favor comes into question it can't be done. Today I had someone that i barely knew help me in more ways than anyone else could be bothered. Because of her, I might not fail my class (although I most definitely failed the exam)...so thank you Anna.

I take a lot of shit from people and i just take it...I really need to stop it. I've said it numerous times that it's my biggest flaw because I hate confrontation and I'll avoid it at all costs. But then I just get to my breaking point and snap. So many comments and things have been said to me recently that I can't believe, if I said ANY of them to the persons who's mouth they came out of they would NEVER speak to me again and I know that for a fact. So why is it okay to say them to me? Because I'm just going to take it? Because it some how makes you feel better about yourself? Or do you really just want to get a rise out of someone? I really don't understand it.

I haven't been the same person since I got back from bamboozle. Maybe it's because I'm so focused on succeeding, maybe it's because a lot of little things were brought to light when I was gone. Maybe it's just that I've grown more as a person and am finally starting to realize that I need to stand up for myself and that time away from it made me realize it even more.

I'm allowed to make mistakes, so are other people. I'm allowed to do things for fun or just because I can. It doesn't make me any different than the next person. So why am I constantly being criticized for my actions when they barely measure up to 1/6th of what you've done in the past. You never grow as a person if you don't make mistakes. The only constant is change and to change you have to make mistakes along the way. I don't have regrets and I never will.

xoxo audio love.

Who's going?! Where are you planning on staying if you're hoteling/moteling it?

I'm going with some friends, crashing in a hotel nearby. Get at me if you want in on it/want to meet up sometime during the day.

good friends, good bands, good music, good alcohol, raging it, bro-downs, shall be a kickass time as normal.

Goo Goo Dolls/Copeland time comes before though, can't wait for next weekend.

xoxo audio love.

and California's on her mind.

so true, so true.

On March 10th I boarded a plane to Chicago (where we had an hour layover) then to Los Angeles with my friends Ashley and Lindsey. Spring break 2k7 was in full effect. Jason and Ross picked us up at LAX and drove us to our hotel on Sunset Ave right in West Hollywood. After catching up for a bit and us girls getting ready for dinner Jason & Ross took us on a little sightseeing tour and then we went to dinner. We ate at Birds and then ended up back at the hotel and on the Sunset Strip bar hopping. Fun times.

Sunday, Jason picked us up and we went to sunday brunch at Patty's and met up with his friend Seth and Sean. We then spent the day at Universal with them. It was a blast, I think I could have gone on the Mummy ride about 15 million times. The studio tour was sweet and so was everything else. I'm jealous that the boys go to Universal whenever they want to hang out. We got dinner at Hard Rock at Universal where Steve and his girlfriend Chelsea met up with us. Jason and Seth were the manliest men ever and ordered Pickled Tink drinks. We then went to see 300 right in Universal City.

Monday, what did we do on Monday? I believe we just laid up at the pool and wandered around Sunset for a bit. We got a late dinner with Jason at this sweet pizza place and then us girls went off to Metal Skool. Oh Metal Skool how I LOVE THEE. The opening bands were...meh, but I couldn't wait for the real show to begin. Check down to the bottom to see the YouTube videos that were posted from that night. It was David Draiman of Disturbed's birthday and so many people were there celebrating. He got up and sang a couple songs while Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains joined in. Some of System of A Down were there and Pantara plus others. Then RZA of Wu Tang got up and sang while Justin Guarini got spotted and called down. He sang Journey which pretty much made my life. Seriously, if you can go to Metal Skool you really need to because it's something of it's own.

Tuesday, I woke up and went to the pool as usual. Did I mention that our pool was on the roof of our hotel and had a SICK view? We then got ready and caught a cab to the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. We were touristy all day and it was amazing. We ate lunch at this sweet ass Disney diner. We then changed and Jason picked us up with his friend Jorge and they took us to Santa Monica. We ate at this mexican place at the end of the pier. I had a sand fight with Ashley that was fun...until she realized that she lost her ring. I'm still not sure who was to blame for the beginning of that war. haha. We came back and got drinks at our hotel bar in which I pawned mine off to Lindsey because it was gross. Might I add how much I hate pineapple juice? Ash and I finally hit the sack because we were exhausted.

Wednesday, Lindsey met up with us at Mel's Diner. It's a great place to eat that's all I have to say. We didn't do much because Seth had got us guestlisted for Jay Leno that night! It was so much fun, Minnie Driver, a seven year old girl Bailee Madison? and Finger Eleven were on it. We then went to dinner with Jason & Seth at Wokcano where Sean worked. I got some sweet sushi and Jason and Seth surprised us with a Chocolate Soy Sauce Cake. Yummm. We then went back to "party city" which wasn't much of a party because we were all exhausted.

Thursday was suppose to be our last day. We changed that. Added 3 more days onto our stay because we weren't ready to leave. We ate at Mel's again same table even. We then finally made it down to Melrose. Ash spent an hour in Ed Hardy and finally bought a sweatshirt, haha. We all made out amazing in Teenage Millionaire and had fun browsing the shops. We only made it like 4 blocks before we had to catch a cab to Ross's apartment for his show. Alesana called in and did a phone interview and Mellowdrone was in the studio. No One Goes Home was hanging out and we all went to dinner.

Friday, we woke up and went shopping again on Melrose after grabbing burgers at a diner that begane with a C, I'm blanking right now. Made it a couple more blocks down on Melrose. I almost decked a employee at one of the stores. We all bought dresses to wear that night. One of the Jason, Ross, and Steve's friends was having a birthday party and we were going with them. We first got dinner with Jason at P.F. Changs after our cab driver was the biggest douche and got us lost for about an hour. We then went to this club that took us back to the 1900s. It was amazing. It was so pretty and so different from any where I'd ever been. I really felt like we'd been taken back in time. I'm pretty sure that was one of my favorite nights in Cali. It was a great place, great drinks, with amazing people. Minus the fact that Jason got us lost in Compton for a bit on the way home when Greta couldn't tell us where to go.

Saturday. Oh Saturday, our last day/night in California. We woke up early and got breakfast with Jason & Seth at Jack & Jill's in Beverly Hills. We then walked down to Rodeo Drive and walked/looked around. It's so pretty but I liked Melrose better, maybe because I'm poor. We then went back down Sunset went to the "rock of fame" that was in front of Guitar Center. Ash & Lindsey went on a "secret mission" with me which was successful. We then went back to our hotel where we were going to pack, but we napped/rested instead. We got dinner at Saddleranch and that's where my memory taps out. Happy St. Patty's day for me I guess? Or not...?

Sunday, we left our hotel at 5:00 am. Our cab driver ripped us off. We got on the plane and left. The weather was warm when we left even with it being that early, we got to dc and it was 40 degrees, I just wanted to go back to the sun.

All in all, California was everything more than I expected. I had so much fun. Thank you again to Jason, we seriously can't thank you enough for everything you did for us, I miss you already. Ross/Steve/Jorge/Seth/Sean and everyone else we met, thanks for everything you guys are great and made our spring break unforgettable.

I'm still waiting for photos and such, that'll be another blog. I have some videos to upload as well. But for now I'll leave you with a few videos:

Metal Skool!!




Bordello video won't allow itself to be embedded, so head over to ross's buzznet to watch it: http://djrossstar.buzznet.com/user/video/play/184487/

So basically, that's it in a nutshell. I'm leaving out tons and forgetting a lot but it was one of the most amazing breaks/trips I've ever had. Thanks again to everyone who made us feel at home.

Oh, and these shoes rule.

xoxo audio love.

LET'S PARTY!!!

I'll be in L.A. from March 10-15 with my two friends.
It's our last spring break so we want to make it count!!

Let us know what's up, what's going down, and all that jazz.
I've never been to the west coast so I'm looking for a good time!

We're staying right on Sunset Ave at the Hyatt West Hollywood.

Drop a note/line/comment with anything you think we need to hit up or if you want to party with us!

xoxo audio love.

http://www.myspace.com/chrisnathanmusic

He's a man on a mission. I'm a girl who's trying to get him the recognition he deserves... PLEASE go check out his new tracks. They are fresh from the studio.

xoxo audio love.

I hope everyone had a glorious Thanksgiving. I'm sure yours was better than mine...haha. Thanksgiving truly does make me realize how grateful I am for the family that I have. Yes, I was hungover for the first year. I was embarressed beyond belief that my grandparents knew that, but what did my grandmother say? "Well, we know who you get it from!" with a wink to my grandfather. Haha.

I can't wait for Christmas, Christmas Eve is the best day EVER. All of my family under one roof, it's so nice to see everyone considering it is the only day that no one misses. Plus Christmas equals SNOW and I miss it.

It's nice to be home as well, I'm home in Buffalo until Weds. I took a day off & even though I miss my Bailey-boo and feel horrible that he's alone in my apartment, it's amazing to be home. I've seen everyone that I wanted to (or have plans to) and then again I've seen some I never wanted to see ever again. Oh well.

Sabres game was amazing & they won against the leafs, Sunday is the Bills game. Woo! Rugrats tomorrow & friend hangs at night. We'll see how that goes....

I really don't know where this was going to go but I felt like updating. I've had buzznet for over a year now but I always forgot about it. Now everyone seems to be getting it. It's another good marketing tool so why not?

xoxo audio love.