Prelude: Solace

Credit: textravler.com

 

By M. A. Alvarez II

Thus begins a new chapter.  A new age; a dream to come. A distant reality. There is much to do and much to see with this light shining so brightly as one looks into the past.

It’s impossible to forget the journey up to this. If I even started to recall the first memory within this place; this valley beneath a river called San Marcos. It was here that I became the person who I am today. It drove me away from a darker state and bestowed onto me a sort of confidence I had never known. Over time it took hold and made me stronger and firmer. I had felt my heart harden. Even as the strife of life and quarrels of my past broke my spirit. I found my way; somehow.

It’s hard to say when my transition started. I was so different before, but I can admit something was concrete. I had found solace in music. I remember the piano on the first floor of my dormitory at Gaillardia. Upon many nights, I remember sitting there playing with the keys, thinking of melodies past. It’s true. I was no one before I came to Texas State. No one important as it seemed. I barely knew what I was doing myself. Simply one could say I was a blank slate, predisposed by a past I wanted to forget.

But music changed my life. Before it was merely a means to focus and to bring words to paper as I am sure it is doing now as I write this. But it wasn’t until I found myself here, that I truly began to appreciate it. I was no longer bounded by the inhibitions of where I came from. My newfound freedom drew on a different part of myself, one that had gone unnoticed.

Eventually I developed a new relationship with music. It became a friend; comfort when in need. I even came to even realize that my writing alone could not be without it. Music was the driving force that brought life to my words. It was music that enticed them to flow from my mind.

My independence and perseverance in San Marcos has molded me and made me resilient because of that. Music drew me to people, places, and the times of my life. With each new memory, time had granted me wisdom. All within the light of night, within the solace of music’s serene sound. I have felt myself grow, from Sagewood to Copper. West to East and even in the heart of the city itself at Sanctuary. I have become one with this town and it has birthed a purpose in me. I have learned what I must do. I won’t fight my fate or test my faith. I’ll aspire to be all that I desire to be. All that is meant to be; to never settle. This is what I will seek; the American Dream.

 

 

 

 

“How You Love Me” and 3LAU’s San Marcos Takeover

3LAU lights up The Marc. San Marcos, Texas. Sept. 27th, 2014

By M. A. Alvarez II

The first time I heard “How You Love Me” was earlier this year while I was heading home out in the middle of south Texas from South Padre Island. Spring Break was nearing its end, but it felt as if the spirit of music been exercised from my body. Though UME, a festival branded “The Ultimate Music Experience” was over, my friends and I continued to jam out to the radio as we made our way back to school in San Marcos. “How You Love Me” was the first major single I heard by 3LAU (pronounced Blau), and it had captivated me the moment it popped up on the radio. I had no choice, but to look into this producer, this up and coming EDM artist with a ton of talent and a name to make for himself.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal called 3LAU “one of America’s fastest-rising DJs-Producers” and there is no question to why. After releasing many mash-ups and mixes, 3LAU gained recognition through Youtube and launched his own tour releasing one single before “How You Love Me”, but I don’t think the glory truly came until he released this epic track.

“How You Love Me” was destined to be a hit once it was released on March 18th, 2014. It garnished so much attention 3LAU became a household name. Even with only two singles under his belt at the time. The 23 year old was drawing ears. 3LAU was on his way to becoming a legend.

It came as a total shock hearing that 3LAU would becoming here to San Marcos, Texas; the home of my one-day alta mater. Immediately upon the show’s announcement, I snagged a ticket at an early bird price and began to prepare for the event that would take over the San Marcos Square in the coming weeks.

I was ready to capture the moment, this once and a lifetime opportunity to hear one of my favorite DJs among a familiar setting. This night would be one to share among my best friends. I had made my way to the Marc on September 27th, where immediately I was greeted by many of my close friends. All of which, were just as excited to catch a glimpse of what 3LAU had to offer during his live set. After passing through the front doors of the Marc, the bass quickly overtook me as Gamma, the Marc’s residential DJ, prepared everyone for what was to come with his opening set. Heavy with bass, it filled everyone with the much needed energy that would be required for what was to come.

I was able to make my way to the front of the stage. The light were bright as they spiraled downward towards the crowds that scurried to watch as 3LAU emerged onto the stage and so humbly picked up a mic and uttered the words “Welcome to 3LAU’s house.” The crowd went wild. I watched as the lights then began to flash. The screen behind him began to protect images of bright orange as camera light shuttered over 3LAU as he brought in the welcomed the crowd into the world of melodic progressive house. The bass hovered in the air. 3LAU’s set was hypnotic and energizing as he played his singles “Escape” and “How You Love Me”, he also mixed familiar songs such as Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” into his set which balanced out his big-room house with a harmonious trance-like rhythm that allowed the crowd to move and dance.

The emotion within the music was evident. The passion 3LAU implemented into every song echoed through the venue. 3LAU is undoubtedly talented. This was clear as he prepared the audience for his closer, a look into his work and a chance to hear something not many had heard before.

3LAU brought to San Marcos and the students of Texas State University that night an experience that truly defined passion and talent. Though 3LAU, might lack the years of experience many DJs before him have, he definitely displays talent, charisma, passion, and a genuine love for what he does. This sense of hope, I find differentiates him from any other up and coming DJ. Through diligence, an unbreakable faith and love for music, this artist has truly created art and has established himself as a house hold name. I’m sure if you are a lover of music as I am, 3LAU is a name not many will forget in the times ahead. He is definitely around to stay. The music speaks for itself.