I need to get my mind off of certain things. And if you didn't know this already; I love music almost as much as I love the arts. So here are a list of some of my favorite artists. Some of these you've probably heard of before. I'm going to stay away from my top three favorites and pick other artists. So no MCR, Circa Survive or Taking Back Sunday. Feel free to give me some of your recommendations in the comments. I'm always looking for new stuff to listen to.

1.) Mansions:
I discovered this band about a year ago while surfing through music on Youtube. It's a one man band. But it's so well done. The lyrics and the musical stylings are superb and very much original. I recommend listening to "Seven Years" from their 2011 album 'Dig up the Dead'. They just came out with a new album that's on Spotify now if you want to listen to it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9UVbt…

2.) Pianos Become the Teeth:
I'm a huge fan of screamo rock. I'm not even sure how to categorize this type of sound. There's a lot of spoke word, singing and screaming. The closest thing I can compare it to would be La Dispute or Brand New. If you're into that type of music. The lyrics cut deep and are very powerful if you take the time to listen to them. I recommend listening to 'Liquid Courage' or 'I'll get by' from their 2011 album 'The Lack Long After'.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg2b1c…

3.) Pedro The Lion:
This is a soft indie rock band. Though they haven't made a new album since 2006; their music styling and lyrics are one of a kind. Some of the songs have these light tunes and rhythms but the lyrics are dark and some times disturbing. But over all it's a charming band. Nice to listen to on a rainy day or when you just need to relax. It's hard to compare this band to another because it's so different. I recommend listening to 'Winner's Never Quit' from their 2000 album "Winner's Never Quit (remastered".

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fJ2c0…

4.) Geographer:
If you're a fan of techno but with amazing singing and lyrics then this band is for you. Once again this band is very original. Most of their songs are upbeat and fun. The closest band I could relate them to would have to be Fleet Foxes. But only because of the lyrics and singing. There is a lot of techno beats and not as many soft tempos. But over all it's pleasant to listen to. I recommend listening to "Heaven Waits" or "Original Sin" from their 2010 album "Animal Shapes."

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ71b2…

5.) Seaheaven:
Another screamo rock band. Similar to both La dispute, Tigers Jaw, Basement and Pianos Become the Teeth. But there is a lot less screaming and more yelling. But it's not an annoying ear piercing yell. It's almost like pure poetry how it works so well with the rock ballads. They do have a few soft acoustic ballads that compliment the lead singer's ability. I recommend listening to "Thank You." Or "Honeybee" from their 2011 album "Winter Forever."

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uYmGu…

6.) The Front Bottoms:
This is defiantly a weird band. But in a good way. A lot of their song's don't make sense. Well they might mean something but I'm not sure what. It's like an angsty teenage boy's diary. If you're angry or upset; listen to them. They make everything better. But they also do have a handful of rather depressing songs. I guess some people would label it stoner music. I don't do drugs and I enjoy it. The lead singer has this very interesting sound. The only sound I could almost compare it to would be Andrew Jackson Jihad; but much more monotone and soft. I recommend listening to "Legit Tattoo Gun" or "Swimming Pool" from their 2011 self titled album.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRmaIY…

Others: Balance and Composure, Basement, Koji, La Dispute, Title Fight, & Animal Collective.