Matthew Morgis

Philly Proud. Temple Tough.

Those were the words that were plastered all around campus as I started my freshman year at Temple University. 

The entire freshman class all felt the same way. We were excited, awkward and anxious. We had wide eyes, and perhaps the best part, was that we had no idea what the next two semesters were going to bring us, or what those four simple words would end up meaning when summer rolled around.

Let me rewind a little bit. I, like most of my friends I ended up meeting at college, was from a small town with a high school graduating class of about 200. And I, just like most of my classmates, could not wait to get the hell out of that small town.

Some had their eyes set west, while others headed out to big cities relatively close to the area at colleges like Penn State, Pitt, St. John, Villanova, etc. Some had no idea where they were going, they just knew they wanted out badly. Almost like a cigarette that dropped out of a car on a highway. It smashes, scatters and burns out without anyone knowing.

I, however, found myself in the heart of Philadelphia. 

As the first few weeks started to pan out, I had already seen myself going through a few changes. The biggest, was switching my major the third day of classes to Computer Science after a Cyberspace Gen Ed class mesmerized me. 

The nights were fun, but after about a month, I felt like I still wasn’t getting the full college experience. I was seeing a lot of friends from high school that were starting to consider transferring from the university they currently attended, and I questioned if I should be doing the same.

Then, something changed. I’m not sure what it was or how it happened, but I’m sure glad it did. I started to hang out with two of my friends from high school that went to Temple. Those two clowns, along with one my roommates who was also considering transferring but then decided against it as well, became my core and closest group of friends I think I’ve ever had and brought some of the best times of my entire life.

We started to do everything together. Our day had a set schedule. We knew exactly where/when everyone had class. We worked out eating schedules based on that. We would go to the gym, head to library together in the evening to do get some work done, and perhaps the most memorable part of a weekday was fourth meal at 11 p.m.

The weekends became much more exciting. We the four of us all brought in a few friends we met during the first few weeks, and all of a sudden, we would have 20+ people in our dorm before we headed out on weekends. 

We all put down money on a house for sophomore year and before we knew it, the semester was over. We actually had so much fun, the only time we went home was for Thanksgiving. We left for winter break with even bigger expectations for the spring.

Spring started off with a bang. The biggest part that I remember was the fact we started to use the city a lot. Impromptu trips to South Street became a norm. School basketball games, Phillies & Sixers, concerts, Dayglow, Beer Olympics, Crate Race, beach volleyball. There was just so much to do, again we never went home until spring break.

We became good friends with a group of about six guys that lived on the floor above me. That was for the better, except some of the girls that hung around thought we all got a little too rowdy at times, but boys will be boys. 

I don’t mean for this to turn into a rant about how much fun college was for me, or to brag about how I the best year of my life came to an end. I actually decided to write this because through all of this I learned a few things.

Each and every person I met at Temple brought something new and different. Everyone came from similar, yet very different backgrounds. And I learned there is a lot more out there and some people have very different upbringings.

I also was able to snag a job building mobile apps in Center City for the summer. Some of the other guys have jobs in Philadelphia as well, and all were brought to us by Temple. 

When I look back, we were all just a rag-tag group of kids that were just trying to have good time, yet we grew so much in one year together. 

I’m living alone, in a house, with a 9-5 job, in the city. And the crazy part is, some of the others are doing the exact same thing. 

We all had some hard things to deal with as we went through the year. As some people know, Temple isn’t the safest area to live in PA. We were on our own for the first time, we had to balance jobs, school (I also learned you have to study in college), friends, relationships, etc. Looking back, there were a lot of things I can’t believe I was able to handle, but Temple seems to bring a lot of intangibles that you don’t realize.

I came to realization that growing up means watching your heroes turn human in front you. Some people that I looked up to in high school I realized could have set out to be a lot more. 

I finally now understand what those four words mean. When I was in the car heading down to Temple last August, I had no idea where it would take me. I had one goal in mind of making it out of my hometown. That goal is accomplished, and I could not of had more fun achieving it.

One thing is for sure, I’m not going to be running away from anything. Sometimes as weird as that place became at times, it made me, me.

I am definitely not ashamed to say that I am Philly Proud and Temple Tough.

Somewhere among the craziness that is college finals week, I found a little time to look back at a snapshot of my life from the past year — and there really are about a 1,000 words I can think of to describe the roller coaster ride.

Of course there are the big things that stand out like starting college, moving to Philadelphia, meeting my favorite band, but I was finally able to dive into the little things that have shaped who I am today, and I’d have to say if it wasn’t for the people I’ve been able to call my friends and colleagues, I’m not sure I would have had such success.

When I “started out” I was a junior in high school just trying to make a name for myself. I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just wanted people to know my name for something good. One of my favorite songs lyrics ever is from a Rise Against song that says “When I die, will they remember not what I’ve did, but what I haven’t done?”

So, as many know, I threw myself into about a million different things. I worked at a gym and a newspaper. I did video production and live sound. I designed websites and mobile apps. And I truly loved every second of it.

The people I came across have been second to known. From a “tell it like it is” photographer who probably gives the best insight on everyday situations to editors that dealt with stress without developing any type of unhealthy additions, I received a heavy dose of real life.

I know I’m only 20 years old, but being able to look back at how some things have changed drastically since I started a few years back has been a neat experience — and one that I’ll never forget. 

I guess the spark of all of this came when I saw a band I’ve covered from their grassroots, Patent Pending, won a chance to perform at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. The band has done some ridiculous things to stay ahead, gain fans, and jump on some pretty big tours. It just goes to show hard work does pay off.

I’ve literally had the time of my life doing things I love with great people the past few years and I wanted to give one big thank you to everyone who has made it possible. I feel like I’m in a great position to succeed in anything I put my mind to, and I’m not sure I’d be able to handle this whole college thing without all of my past experiences and being surrounded by great people.

jasonriedmiller:

Tigers Jaw. Wilkes-Barre, PA. 4/19/12

jasonriedmiller:

Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog. Electric Factory. Philadelphia, PA. 3/25/12

Think back to junior high. Life was simple for the most part, and your biggest worry was your social life. Everyone’s world seems to get turned upside down in middle school; growing up was beginning, girls were becoming pretty, new friends came along while old ones faded away — things were socially complicated. In my opinion, a lot of who I am came from this social growth and my hunger for music was born.

Days when we still felt alive, we couldn’t wait to get outside

I wouldn’t say my parents were “overprotective” in my younger days, but they definitely kept a close guard on all aspects of my life. I was a church-going, straight-A student that played three sports. I was a good kid; my parents were proud of me. I had responsible friends. We had dial-up internet with Earthlink child restrictions. We were not allowed on AIM for more than a half hour, and we had set times for our homework, family dinners, etc. It was a normal, routine life until I discovered something new. That new thing was a Southern California, punk-rock band called Blink-182, and they were strictly frowned upon in my household.

And mom and dad possess the key, instant slavery

“What’s My Age Again” and “All The Small Things” had taken over mainstream music. Their music videos were all over MTV, top-40 radio would constantly spin the tunes, and my sister had bought the Enema of the State CD, although, I was never allowed to listen to it. I would always sing the songs on the radio in the car, my dad would always let me know when the videos were on television, but whenever I wanted to borrow the CD, the idea was either shot down, or the subject changed rather quickly until I forgot I asked. What I didn’t know was that my sister was trying to protect herself from getting in trouble.

Home show, mom won’t know

One big trait of mine is persistence. I have tunnel vision for better or for worse and I was determined to hear the rest of this album. I don’t remember why, but I was home alone one day — a rare occurrence at the Morgis residence. I snuck into my sister’s room, snatched the disc out of its case, and started to blast it through the stereo in my room. I was stunned by what I heard. Songs about rebellion, sex, food, relationships, music and just about every other topic that was on my mind as a teenager. It was top-tapping, fast-paced, summer punk rock. I was signing my heart out learning the words…until my mother walked in and heard was being played. Without ratting my sister out I was able to say I acquired the CD from a friend at school. No matter what I said, Blink-182 was now forbidden. 

Is it something I’ll regret? Why do I want what I can’t get?

I’ll admit that Blink-182 wasn’t my first banned artist. Who didn’t go through a rap phase at one point? That ended quickly when my parents heard “Every in the club gettin’ tipsy,” being played. I became a big fan of rappers after that. Partly because it was on the radio and mostly because I wasn’t allowed to listen. But with Blink it was different. I felt as though the music fit me and it still wasn’t allowed to be around. Like I was misunderstood and maybe my parents didn’t know what was best for me.

I wish it didn’t have to be so bad

Enema of the State was the first album I listened to constantly. I memorized every lyric, beat, melody, and could even hum every elementary guitar solo. I knew the three member’s names — something I often overlooked. I watched endless YouTube videos of interviews, live shows, and other random things I could find. I read every bit of information I could and found other people who have been listening since day one. The fact that this record was written and recorded in two weeks and had this much impact on my life was mind blowing to me.

I haven’t been this scared in a long time

Enema of the State was a life changer as a I mentioned. I went from the kid who read books and played Madden to the teen who wanted to learn guitar and see live concerts. I started to get into all different music: classic rock, indie, and of course different styles of punk. Green Day became a favorite of mine along with other pop-punk acts of the time (Yellowcard, All Time Low, Less Than Jake, New Found Glory). Everything clicked. There was never a sad song, it taught me how to deal with the problems that life was starting to throw at me, and it formed me as a person I will be for the rest of my life.

After this record, my conversations with new people normally would start with “Who’s your favorite band?” I started to meet people with similar music tastes, and fixing my iTunes library to make sure it had correct album artwork and song names was the most important task at hand. 

Without Blink or Enema of the State, I would never have taken a leap into new music or learned how to be myself. That record taught me to really look out for yourself and do what you like, not what others tell to you do. Without it, I would never have found a lot of artists I listen to today, and I would never have sought out a career in the music industry as early as I did. I would have never written a single article, reviewed a single show, or had any other opportunity that has come my way.

Even now as I change to the technology industry, I carry that “never say die” attitude and the ability to cope with just about anything. And when I feel stressed out from time to time, I still blast that same fast punk rock music I fell in love with back in middle school. After all, without Enema of the State, you wouldn’t be reading this.

Well, 2012, we’ve been seeing each other for a day now and I can’t say I have any complaints thus far. 

2011 was simply amazing and I am sad to see it go, but I have a feeling you’ll be better.

I’m not one to live in the past, but I do not have one complaint from this past year. First off, I finished high school and moved on to college at Temple University. High school was one of those “thanks for the memories, even though they weren’t so great” type of scenarios. It prepared me to move on, and I’m thrilled I can finally advance.

I won the Times Leader’s Best & Brightest award, something I always wished to be considered for. I also figured out what exactly I want to do for the rest of my life.

I saw some of the best concerts of my life, and interviewed my all time favorite bands. I took on new challenges at the paper and succeeded. And I had a lot of “I’ll never forget this” type of moments.

My first semester of college was a blast, and my first winter break lead to a lot good things. 

To sum it up, I am nothing but excited for 2012 and I can’t wait to see what I’ll be looking back on this time next year. 

Legit

Just about every newspaper, periodical and website is releasing their staff picks and “Best Of…” issues. I figured I would jump on that bandwagon and release my personal top-10 albums and live shows I saw or listened to in 2011. 

2011 Albums:

10.) Blink-182 - Neighborhoods

Blink fans are fickle about what their favorite records — one’s “Enema of the State,” is another’s self-titled. Some favor Tom DeLonge’s earlier angst-filled material, and other’s prefer the reflective lyrics of the husband and father he has become. Neighborhoods has a little something of everything. It shows a new side to Blink that is more arena “U2” rock than punk (Ghost of the Dance Floor, Wishing Well), but sticks to its roots (Hearts All Gone, MH 4.18.2011). These 14 tracks can get me through a day.

9.) Dropkick Murphy’s - Going Out in Style

The Dropkick Murphy’s get better with age. The band is now a veteran when it comes to writing music and it showed how well it can compose with this album. It was has the standard irish-punch, but it also has ballads that will catch your ear. Of course it has the sing-a-long drinking tunes as well.

8.) Chuck Ragan - Covering Ground

“A collection of road songs” is how Ragen described his newest masterpiece. Ragan mastered the folk genre, yet still packed a punch big enough to tour with Social Distortion and Dropkick. This trio might have put together one of the most underrated records this year had to offer. There’s also no denying that Ragan has the coolest voice ever recorded.

7.) Title Fight - Shed

These hardcore-punk kids must’ve had the time of their life this year. After recently signing to SideOneDummy records, the hard-working group put out the record they wanted to and made sure to cater to no one — and found success. “Shed” is filled with quick blasts of punk rock and hometown references, and worth every good review it has earned.

6.) Yellowcard - When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes

It was going to be hard to top the band’s last record “Paper Walls,” and I’m still debating on whether it happened, but WYTTSY was the perfect record for the California band’s return. It was nostalgic, yet well-written and throughly composed. Looking forward to what 2012 brings from these guys.

5.) Wilco - The Whole Love

Wilco released this album on their own label. Maybe without pressure from music executives and deadlines, the band flourished. But whatever the writing process was for “The Whole Love,” Wilco should stick to it. A final stable line-up, Jeff Tweedy wrote a gem.

4.) The Black Keys - El Camino

This is one of those “listen and hear for yourself” type of records. Nothing bad has ever come from this duo, in my opinion, and this is no exception.

3.) The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

The Joy Formidable may have released rollicking tracks like “Austere,” “Whirring” and “Cradle” over the past few years, but in 2011, the songs found a proper home on the Welsh indie rockers’ aptly-titled debut, “The Big Roar.” Dave Grohl, who would later take the band on tour, called “Whirring” the song of the year — but “The Big Roar” stands on its own, thanks to frontwoman Ritzy Bryan’s breathy vocals and the juxtaposition of shoegaze- style guitars with pop harmonies. 

2.) Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

This album was all the rave when it was released. The fact that it was recorded on analog equipment in a garage was nominated for a grammy is remarkable. Over all, Wasting Light brings that throbbing rock everyone needs in their life once in a while. Well-written and a good listen from start to finish.

1.) The Decemberists - The King is Dead

An instant love at first spin. Released early in the year, it would be hard to leave it’s mark, but “The King is Dead” is one of those albums you keep going back too — even 11 months later. To capture the love and passion Colin Meloy packed into this album, simply listen.

2011 Best Concerts:

6.) Mac Miller - Electric Factory, Philadelphia

Mac Miller did away with the fancy light shows and production that normally comes with a hip-hop concert. He carried the energy of a rock show and bounced around stage all night, creating an energy in the crowd like no other.

5.) Less Than Jake - Sherman Theater, Strousburg 

These music vets ran through 22 of my favorite songs before closing the curtain. It was filled with jokes, banter, mohawks, yeah, music. I was most impressed that after many years, they still pour tons of effort into each show.

4.) Bayside/Saves the Day - Trocadero, Philadelphia

A true punk rock show at its finest. Two nights in a row the band came out and killed it with co-headliners Saves the Day. It was filled with energy, moshing, excitement and any other element that is suppose to be at a punk rock show.

3.) Four Year Strong/Title Fight/The Swellers - Trocadero

A great showcase of where punk rock music is headed. The Swellers rocked the stage, Title Fight blew it up, and FYS put it back together. A quality showcase of some of the hottest bands in the country right now.

2. Blink-182/My Chemical Romance/Matt & Kim - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ

I saw this band twice as well. The set list did not change, but the line up did. No matter who the support acts were, Blink blew them off stage. It had flying drum rigs, lasers, and lots of immature jokes. The set a good balance of greatest hits and “new blink.” Back from hiatus, the group still can put on a show.

1.) Yellowcard 

I saw this band twice in 2011 and it was amazing. I believe every concert should be modeled after its performance. Violin players were doing back flips and the audience was forming circle pits. It had ballads that can make girls swoon, and rock riffs that can make your heart race. Throughly impressed each time. 

In one of my last posts I explained that I used to use Tumblr as a portfolio for all of my journalism work. I then coded my own website and use that as my online portfolio.

I also said I would use Tumblr for its main purpose - blogging. Which I haven’t done since school started, so here goes nothing.

I finished my first semester at Temple University just a few days ago. It was a truly amazing experience. My grades were solid, I met a lot of fun people, and I was able to see some amazing concerts being in Philadelphia.

I’m now back in Scranton working on a lot of different projects. I’m heading up a video project for “It Gets Better.” I’m writing for The Times Leader, and working on some big interviews for the coming weeks.

That is all.

Cool set I was a part of for a recent video shoot. More to come soon..