FAQ:
Q: What’s your favorite Fall Out Boy album?
A: That’s tougher for me to answer than the meaning of life. Every album is unique in its own way and demonstrates different musical endeavors, all of which I respect and appreciate.
Evening Out with Your Girlfriend holds a special place in me because it was made back when Fall Out Boy was living in this area and playing shows down my street, back when they were going through exactly what I’m going through. Its lyrics are a spot-on rendition of what I’m getting through right now.
So, in answer to your question, I guess you could call them all my favorite albums, but I love EOWYG slightly more.
Q: What are your favorite bands/musicians?
A: I made a list of them here.
Q: What are your favorite venues?
A: In Chicago: Riviera Theater, House of Blues, the Metro, Aragon [Brawlroom].
I hate First Midwest Bank Amphitheater and Charter One Pavilion.
In the suburbs: Durty Nellies, Knights of Columbus, Palatine amphitheater at the park district, small park area next to the Glenview library, this one bar in Wheeling I can’t remember the name of, shady, abandoned church basements, etc. There’s a lot.
Q: Do you have a facebook?
A: Yes. Ask me for it, though. I’ll give it to you if I know who you are.
Q: What “famous people” have you met/talked to?
A: That’s pretty complicated. I consider myself to be a modest person, so if you’re really interested, ask. I’ve never gotten starstruck, and you shouldn’t get jealous, because “famous people” are just people like the rest of us…
Q: Why do you hate where you live?
A: Hundreds of reasons. I love Chicago, don’t get me wrong, but it’s something I love so much that I need to get away from it. Too many lingering feelings here.
Q: Do you have a boyfriend/have you ever had a boyfriend/have you ever been in love?
A: For over 3 years, I was in love with a guy from a distance. He didn’t even know my middle name. And no, I’m single and it looks like I’ll remain single for a long while.
Q: What university do you want to go to?
A: If I stay around here (God forbid), Northwestern is the dream (but I’m not focused enough to get a high enough GPA). DePaul is my attainable and realistic choice. University of Illinois is a safety because it’s in the middle of nowhere and I need to be in the city. Maybe Loyola. University of Chicago is nearly impossible.
Outside of state, I’m looking at UCLA and UNY. I still can’t figure out whether Full Sail is a trade school. Oh, and I really don’t want to go to Marquette in Wisconsin.
Q: Do you have a job?
A: Yes. I work at a hospital (cough college resume cough). Besides that, I have on-and-off, very spontaneous journalism assignments. A few years ago I was a band roadie for some suburban bands (Orange amps are heavy, man). I also used to work sound for shows, but unfortunately, I don’t have opportunities to do this anymore. :/
Q: What do you want to do with your life?
A: I want to be happy. I’ve never been happy. I’m going to major in journalism and go into music journalism because I’m good at writing and music is my passion. Eventually, once I’m comfortable in my own skin, I’ll make music and fully pursue it in good time. My love for music outweighs the risks of going into such an unstable industry. I’m not a mindless dreamer, but it’s evident that music’s the only thing I believe in anymore and this won’t change, no matter what my age is. I know there’s a long road ahead of me, but I’ve overcome quite a bit of shit alone already. It’ll be good. It’ll be worth it. Even if I burn out and get stuck playing at C-rate venues to make a living, which is realistic, I’d be happier doing this than having a “successful”, cookie-cutter life, living with 3 kids and a husband in a large house in a picturesque suburb like the one I’m trying to escape from.
And finally, the question I get the most frequently:
Q: Post a picture of yourself?
A: That makes me feel vulnerable. For years, I wasn’t a “pretty girl”. I got bullied brutally and even though I’m not awkward-looking as I used to be (I’m still awkward on the inside, don’t worry), I still haven’t regained my self-esteem. If you really want to see me, come off anonymous and I’ll send you a photo.
