I actually heard this week’s little jewel on One Tree Hill (yes, I watch that show -- don’t judge me). Phillip LaRue is not new to the music world, in fact he’s been around for quite some time, singing in the background with his sister in the group LaRue. But with doors opening for Phillip, he decided to pursue the solo path with his debut album (2009!) called Let the Road Pave Itself.

I’m not sure how I’ve gone all this time without having Florence + the Machine blaring from my speakers, but I'm excited I've found them. I have to admit, I have a secret love (well, not so secret anymore) for British singer/songwriters, so Florence + the Machine already had a place in my heart before I even heart their beat.

After last week’s post about life’s crazy twists and turns, I really got to thinking about happiness and life. It seemed like a good time to have a seat and try to figure out all this crazy curiosity and questioning.

Remember when you were a little kid and you went to the playground with your classmates, siblings, friends, etc? Yeah you know, the care free days full of laughter, happiness, and playing. I remember many times sitting on the merry-go-round with one of my brothers running around me, spinning me so fast I found myself closing my eyes and holding on for dear life.

In my never ending (and much enjoyed might I add) search to find new artists, I’m starting a weekly series of amazing, and usually unexpected finds in the music world that you may or may not know, like, love, hate, or even care about. I encourage you to keep an open mind and even if you don’t like it on the first go-round, give it a shot or three because you just might end up loving it. And if you've got any treasures you love, feel free to send them my way at elizabeth@theunconventionalgeek.com

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Life has been a bit hectic lately (to say the least). From helping plan my sister's wedding (congrats again!), to working non-stop, going out of town, and somehow trying to squeeze in some sleep, my head has been spinning and quite frankly, I've been questioning my sanity (no, really, I have).

But I can easily say the ONE thing that has kept me sane is music.

I really love music.

Ever heard the saying “when one door closes another one opens”? Who am I kidding? Everyone’s heard that saying. And as much as I instinctively want to say “blah blah blah” after I hear that quote, I can’t help but to smile and nod my head in agreement. Lately I’ve really realized that success doesn’t just come knocking on your door saying “Hello! Your success has arrived!” You have to work harder than you ever thought you possibly could, sacrifice some social mingling (trust me, I know all the offers are hard to pass up), and believe in yourself more than ever imagined.

One of my most absolute favorite things in the world is surprises. I’m not talking about the birthday gift surprise that you awkwardly have to open in front of a large group of people and pretend to love even if it’s the ugliest thing you’ve seen in your entire life. Or the phone call you get from some long lost relative “Surprise! I’m coming to stay with you for two weeks!”