Marvin's Room - Jojo

If I Didn't Know Better

Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko

Cup Song from Pitch Perfect

One take, impromptu, no make up, messy hair, 12 midnight boredom. I watched Pitch Perfect for the first time last Tuesday and I thought I'd try singing this song. Since I've already learned the cup beat when Lennon and Maisy's Call Your Girlfriend went viral, it was super easy to pick up.

I got my ticket for the long way ‘round

Two bottle ‘a whiskey for the way

And I sure would like some sweet company

And I’m leaving tomorrow, wha-do-ya say?

When I’m gone

When I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me by my hair

You’re gonna miss me everywhere, oh

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

I’ve got my ticket for the long way ‘round

The one with the prettiest of views

It’s got mountains, it’s got rivers, it’s got sights to give you shivers

But it sure would be prettier with you

When I’m gone

When I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

You’re gonna miss me by my walk

You’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh

You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

Wipe Your Eyes Cover

I feel like I haven't made a cover in like forever. It's harder than it sounds to pick the perfect song, memorize it, learn it on the guitar, put them together, and then record a perfect take on video. But it's rewarding to come out with the final product.

This song is from Maroon 5's latest album, one of my favorites for sure.

Lyrics:

I'm afraid that I gotta do what I gotta do

But if I let you go, where you gonna go?

We gotta make a change, time to turn the page

Something isn't right, I don't wanna fight you

We've been through tougher times, you know it gets worse

We can turn this around please let me be first

And as I feel your tears spilling on my shirt

Something isn't right I don't wanna fight you

Hey you, come over and let me embrace you

I know that I'm causing you pain too

But remember if you need to cry

I'm here to wipe your eyes

Tonight before you fall asleep

I run my thumb across your cheek (across your cheek)

Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

I know I made you feel this way

You gotta breathe, we'll be okay (be okay)

Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

Oh nah nah oh nah nah nah nah

'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

Oh nah nah oh nah nah nah nah

When did we cross the line?

How could we forget?

Why do we let the pressure get into our heads?

Your broken heart requires all of my attention

'cause something isn't right, I don't wanna fight you

Hey you, come over and let me embrace you

I know that I'm causing you pain too

But remember if you need to cry

I'm here to wipe your eyes

Tonight before you fall asleep

I run my thumb across your cheek (across your cheek)

Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

I know I made you feel this way

You gotta breathe, we'll be okay (be okay)

Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

Please don't lose your faith

Don't worry 'cause I'm here to keep you safe

I promise if you let me see your face

That I won't let you down

I won't let you down

I'm here to wipe your eyes

Tonight before you fall asleep

I run my thumb across your cheek (across your cheek)

Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

I know I made you feel this way

You gotta breathe, we'll be okay (be okay)

Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

1901

I was finally able to bring myself to pick up my guitar after such a long time. The last cover I posted was 3 months ago, back when everything was just starting to become hectic with school and thesis and what not.

This song is called 1901 which is an original from the alternative rock band Phoenix. The version I covered however was by Birdy, an amazing 16 year old British artist who has a knack for creating hauntingly beautiful renditions of random songs.

BTW, excuse the subtle hint of a British accent in the way I sing the song, if you listen to the version by Birdy, she has a really thick accent which is hard to phase out from my mind whenever I sing her songs. Lol Same goes for my covers of Lego House and Skinny Love. Maybe one day I'll showcase my talent for accents but for now here's my cover. Hahaha

1901 - Phoenix

Counting all different ideas drifting away

Past and present they don’t matter

Now the future’s sorted out

Watch her moving in elliptical patterns

Think it’s not what you say

What you say is way too complicated

For a minute thought I couldn’t tell how to fall out

It’s twenty seconds till the last call

You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey

Lie down you know it’s easy

Like we did it over summer long

And I’ll be anything you ask and more

You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey hey

It’s not a miracle we needed

No I wouldn’t let you think so

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it

Girlfriend, oh your girlfriend is drifting away

Past and present 1855-1901

Watch them built up a material tower

Think it’s not gonna stay anyway

Think it’s overrated

For a minute thought I couldn’t tell how to fall out

It’s twenty seconds till the last call

You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey

Lie down you know it’s easy

Like we did it over summer long

And I’ll be anything you ask and more

You’re going hey hey hey hey hey hey hey

It’s not a miracle we needed

No I wouldn’t let you think so

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it

Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it

Birdy's Version:

Original Version:

Where Everybody Goes To Be Alone

What and exquisite song and video, don't you agree?

Thinking About You

A tornado flew around my room before you came Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn't rain In Southern California, much like Arizona My eyes don't shed tears, but, boy, they bawl When I'm thinkin' 'bout you I've been thinkin' 'bout you I've been thinkin' 'bout you Do you think about me still? Do ya, do ya? Or do you not think so far ahead? 'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever Or do you not think so far ahead? 'Cause I been thinkin' 'bout forever

Passions in Life: Singing

I just wanted to share a few covers of mine from way back when I was too shy to show my face on camera, hence the lack of picture. These videos were posted on my Facebook account and I dedicated them to friends.

Eventually, peer pressure worked and I mustered up the courage of making a YouTube account and make actually cover videos. I guess you can say I've come a long way.

I used to record these with my camera phone or my Kodak Easy Share digital cameras. I would make sure to cover the lens with a pillow or a blanket or something so that it would only record audio. Good times, but I'm happy I've managed to put my fear of embarrassment aside and was able to make videos where you can actually see me singing. '

Anyway, maybe one day I can remake these covers and make myself visible.

I'm actually really proud of these recordings, I used to take more risks with song choices and really belt out. Haha. Now I'm more on staying safe and choosing more relaxed songs where there is no risk of my voice cracking. I'm still learning and getting the hang of my singing but I'm happy to get such great feed back.

I may not make it big one day, but I'm content with that. I don't mind singing in the shower for the rest of my life just as long as I get to sing my heart out. Hope you guys enjoy these old covers! :)

Terrified by Katherine McPhee



Why by Avril Lavigne



Breakeaven by The Script



Other Side of the Door by Taylor Swift



Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift



Alejandro by Lady Gaga



Impossible by Shontelle

Lego House

"And it's dark in a cold December, 

but I've got you to keep me warm

and if you're broken I will mend you and keep you sheltered from the storm that's raging on now"

Titanium - David Guetta ft. Sia

Payphone

Made a new cover of a more known and current song. I'm really happy with the responses of people, it's so humbling to see it being shared my people on Facebook. I'm really thankful to those who keep supporting me and have nothing but nice things to say. I may not be much but I'm really thankful for the kind words. Please let me know if anyone has any requests, this is how I wanna give back to you guys! thanks again and enjoy this song, more to come. :)

Skinny Love

So I made a new cover after so long and I finally covered the song Skinny Love by Bon Iver. I actually used the tempo of Bon Iver's version and used the melody of Birdy's version of the song. Personally I like Birdy's version better but over all its a beautifully haunting and beautifully written song. Bare with my pitch-yness, It's a really difficult song. HIHIHI

Edit Frenzy

Feeling a bit obsessed with vintage photo effects lately. Edited these photos I took of myself one boring and hot afternoon. Do you detect a hint of narcissism? Hahaha! Of course not, I was just thrilled at how one image turned out that I ended up taking more. Their not your conventional beauty shots, which I love. As you see some of my faces here look unnatural and disturbed, adds character to the photos. I also kinda loved how dirty the mirror was and how messy my hair was.

And now here is a little ambient music for you:

"Could I be, was I there
It felt so crystal in the air
I still want to drown whenever you leave
Please teach me gently how to breathe"

Covers on Que (Maybe)

The Way I Am

I was able to make a new cover today because my afternoon classes were cut short. I was planning to make this cover before Valentine's day but I guess it slipped my mind. I chose the song The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson because I find that it's lyrics are perfect for hearts day. Definitely one of the cheesiest songs I've ever heard but it's undeniably sweet. Of course I dedicate this song to my loving boyfie who has stuck by me through thick and thin. This was our second Valentines day and there definitely will be more to come. We've been through so much together and I'm just amazingly thankful for having him in my life. He makes me happy and that's more than I can ever ask for. Woaahh, cheese alert! Sorry for that! I just can't express enough how happy I am. I wish everyone could be as happy as we are. :)

Anyway, here are the lyrics to the song. :)

The Way I am - Ingrid Michaelson

If you were falling, then I would catch you.

You need a light, I'd find a match.

Cause I love the way you say good morning.

And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.

Your head is aching, I'll make it better.

Cause I love the way you call me baby.

And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.

Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cause I love you more than I could ever promise.

And you take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

Safe and Sound

So I was finally able to find the time to record a cover after many months. The first time I heard this song was in the car, I was driving home alone and I tried so hard to remember the lyrics so I could find in on google. I kept saying "Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound" over and over in my head till I got home. Haha! I found that it was by Taylor Swift and I couldn't believe it because it didn't sound anything like her previous songs. What a beautiful mashing of voices, The Civil Wars and Taylor are amazing on their own but together, I found it to be pure magic. I guess I'm a sucker for harmonies and haunting lyrics.

So as I've mention before, my tripod is broken so its been hard to make posts for Lookbook and YouTube but I've managed to shoot this cover with just my webcam, hence the bad quality of the video.

Forgive my take on the harmonies, Its more difficult than it sounds to blend your voice with your own voice so excuse the imperfection of it all. I'm just glad I was able to post a cover song again after a long time. Hopefully I can update it more often now and cover songs that are more up beat. 

I will also try my best to make covers of the songs people have requested, some of them are hard to learn on the guitar and hard to adjust to my vocal range so forgive me if I wont be able to do your requests but you are still welcome to give me other songs to choose from. I just want to thank everyone again for their support from the very beginning and for all the people who took the time to subscribe and share my videos on Facebook and Twitter. I really hope you like this song as much as I do! Thanks again everyone, love you all!

"Safe & Sound"

(feat. The Civil Wars)

I remember tears streaming down your face

When I said, "I'll never let you go"

When all those shadows almost killed your light

I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone"

But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes

The sun is going down

You'll be alright

No one can hurt you now

Come morning light

You and I'll be safe and sound

Don't you dare look out your window darling

Everything's on fire

The war outside our door keeps raging on

Hold onto this lullaby

Even when the music's gone

Gone

Just close your eyes

The sun is going down

You'll be alright

No one can hurt you now

Come morning light

You and I'll be safe and sound

Just close your eyes

You'll be alright

Come morning light,

You and I'll be safe and sound...

Been MIA lately, running out of creative juices and inspiration.

[Brown High-waisted Shorts: DIY from Vintage pants][Black cropped sweater: Vintage/Mom's]

And oh yeaah, got a new cover out. Have had LSS for a while from this song, cute little country song. Still on the mission to cover Taylor's entire Speak Now Album.

--THE Kat Aurellano

My Pre-Vday Message

Today is Friday, and to me, this means I finally get time to update my YouTube Account because I get off school at 11am. YES, I study in DLSU but I have Friday classes, it truly breaks my heart, but at least I still get my Friday "me time". haha!

So the song I chose to cover is this deliciously insulting but easy to relate to song called Ugly Girl. It's quite an old song though, I've been wanting to play it on the guitar since I was in high school. I'm not really sure who sang the version I keep hearing on the radio but searches have shown me that it's by a band named John and Fleming and the vocalist is named Fiona Apple. Yay for the internet!

And so here it is! I really hate the high notes in this song, their quite hard and considering that I've had a cold for two weeks now did not help me. But I guess its not that horrible.(is it?)

This is my Pre-Vday Message to all the Assholes out there who broke lovely ladies hearts over women whose ass and face can't be told apart. I'm pretty sure a lot of the ladies can relate to this song so I dedicate this to all my lovely ladies. Happy Vday bitches, mwah!

--THE Kat Aurellano