Hey everyone,

I intended to avoid writing another update about my persistent exhaustion or my "jello-brain." However, the truth is unavoidable: I am incredibly tired.

Since the words aren't wording properly, I am leaning into a music post. It is a low-effort way to share a piece of my life and keep the momentum going while I navigate this fog.

She Shreds

All weekend, SiriusXM Octane has featured Lzzy Hale from Halestorm hosting a guest special on women in rock. I thought it was a good topic, so I am selecting three tracks by women who absolutely dominate the stage.

Starting Old-School: Kittie

One of the first all-female metal bands I encountered was back in high school. I remember picking up the CD and being fascinated by the fact that these were teenage girls, around 14 or 15 at the time, delivering such raw power.

Kittie - Brackish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yev3JqH6TpY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yev3JqH6TpY

A Change in Time: Linkin Park

I felt some initial trepidation when I heard Emily Armstrong would be stepping in after Chester Bennington. I chose to give her a fair chance rather than being a skeptic, and that decision paid off. She sounds phenomenal, bringing a fresh energy while still respecting the legacy of the older tracks.

Linkin Park - The Emptiness Machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280

Current Favorite: Spiritbox

I realized my recent playlists have a clear theme: In This Moment, Jinjer, and Spiritbox. I definitely have a type 😅. Spiritbox is currently my favorite band, largely because Courtney LaPlante is a generational talent. Her ability to transition seamlessly from ethereal, haunting melodies to bone-shaking gutturals is unmatched in the scene right now. She commands the song with a technical precision that few can replicate.

Spiritbox - Soft Spine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80VTmBAnTSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80VTmBAnTSE
(This was up for a Grammy; it is a crime that they lost!)

Final Thoughts

I am focused on establishing a routine and posting more consistently. I wanted to share these words so my friends know I am doing great, just navigating the world while being perpetually worn out.

As always,
Michael Garcia a.k.a. TheCrazyGM