Dear people of Rock Allegiance,
Hello. Yeah, hi, its me again. The girl that's been contacting you on and off with new content, and questions. I apologize for being a pain in the ass, but hopefully you understand why you're being bombarded by all of those who are bombarding you with questions and links. Everyone's excited, and those who are genuinely interested in covering this festival, are simply trying to prove it. It dawned on me all the sudden though, that maybe that's not enough. Sure, you can post a hundred times about something, and the dedication does say a lot about how much you want it. However, those who are holding the event rarely ever hear why someone wants to cover an event and what it may mean to them. Perhaps they never hear the reasons. I mean, I know, I've never been asked why I want to cover an event by a festival coordinator. Its possible that they don't even care, but if I was the one choosing who got to cover my event, I think I would want to know why they want to do it. Many will definitely say its because it sounds cool and it would be one hell of an opportunity. That's undeniably true, but for me it goes much deeper than a great coverage opportunity. Frequent readers of my website know who my favorite bands are, and more than likely have heard me talk about my dream concert lineup at some point in the past. Rock Allegiance is as close as it's probably going to get. Other big festivals are happening right about the same time with other variations, but this one is special. This one not only features three of my favorites, Art Of Dying, Saint Asonia and Papa Roach, but also features my mom's all time favorite, Five Finger Death Punch. If I get this, she will finally get to see them after missing them several times in the past. 5FDP doesn't play very many indoor venues, and we live in Florida, so its ungodly hot most of the year. She can't handle that, and the one time she tried, she nearly passed out within a few hours. This was not because she wasn't taking care of herself, she was, she just couldn't take the heat. We're always saying festivals should be later in the year, so its not so hot, but somehow all the big festivals that come around, come in the summer time. So this one, having an incredible lineup, and at a good time of year in an area that probably won't be hot that time of year, was simply too good to pass up. I hesitated to apply, because it is 17 hours away, but something kept telling me to do it. The feeling wasn't going away, so for shits and giggles, I looked up the press person for the event. The press lady is the same one I have worked with for Uproar 2012 and 2014, and Fort Rock. That settled it, and I applied. Honestly, I expected to never hear back, just because of the distance, but it was one of those things I couldn't pass up trying. Then while a crowd was dispersing at the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, just after a performance from Escape The Fate, my phone buzzed. I assumed it was a text message, but it was actually an email. The email more or less stated that I made it past the first level of consideration for Rock Allegiance and someone would be in contact with me closer to the event. My reaction may have been sparked by the 'high' I was already on from seeing a great band who I always enjoy live, at an event the band I manage got on, but for the first time ever, I had an unprofessional reaction. I read the email, said "Oh my god!" out loud, causing my friends to ask, "What?" I just looked up and yelled, "I'M BEING CONSIDERED FOR ROCK ALLEGIANCE." Or something like that. I am recalling something that happened almost a month ago, keep in mind. This was proceeded by a bit of a flail and a hug tackling of a friend, because like I said earlier, this is about as close to my dream concert lineup as I am going to get. My biggest reasons for wanting to go are Papa Roach and Saint Asonia. I have seen Papa Roach twice now, twice this year, in fact. But they mean a lot to me, to the point that I do have one of their lyrics tattooed on my body. And both shows have given me some incredible experiences, indirectly involving Papa Roach. I'm secretly hoping the third time is the charm. I have special memories connected to Art of Dying. Had they not been so friendly, kind, and just all around incredible musicians and people the night I met them, frankly, I don't think I'd still be doing this today. Cale Gontier, and their ex manager, TJ were my first interview, and I actually stayed at this venue until 2:30 in the morning just chatting with the band. They set a precedent that has stuck with me for the past four years. Did I mention I was only 18 at the time, and this was only my fourth interview ever? That night is so full of memories for me that frankly, I will never forget and I cherish a lot. I thank Art Of Dying for keeping me going with this ,I really do. There's been so many times I've wanted to quit this because I will admit, it does get frustrating! It gets discouraging and frankly, it gets down right depressing sometimes. But on the flip side of that, there are incredible experiences. Like getting to sit down and talk to these musicians that genuinely love what they do and want to share it with the world. I've had a special place in my heart for music my entire life, but that really kicked in fully when I was fourteen/ fifteen. A time hit where I felt alone, and this was right as I was making myself get into rock music. I turned to music for help, to drown out what I was feeling, and to this day there's been one voice in particular that helped the most. That voice was Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace, now of Saint Asonia. I may thank Art Of Dying for keeping me going with this career, but I thank Adam for making me who I am today. Had I not discovered Three Days Grace, I don't think I would have gotten into music to this level. I would have never wanted to become a music journalist, therefor, I wouldn't be writing this. I wouldn't be remotely the same person, I can tell you that. So facing a possible chance to finally sit down and speak with the man that changed my life, is something you can't give up without a fight. That's not my only reason, of course. Its an incredible event. Any time you get so many legends like Rob Zombie, Korn, Godsmack, and Papa Roach together, you know you're in for one of those nights you will never forget. Covering huge events is a hectic thing, I'm not going to lie. Every show where I have a pass ends up stressing me out at some point, even if its just for a moment. Something does always go wrong, sometimes on a massive scale, but those moments when you find yourself sitting in special press area, or a tour bus, chatting with someone who has shared countless experiences through music all over the world, or are in front of a barricade and you get the perfect picture..It takes the concert magic and heightens it by a thousand. Then imagine involving your favorite bands with all of that? That's an indescribable thing. This is a once in a lifetime thing, or it feels that way anyways. I want the magic, I want to do this more than anything I've wanted to do so far. This would be an unforgettable adventure to a new place, to the biggest event of my career so far. for not only me but my mom, and you guys because I plan on vlogging a ton for this whole trip. I don't know, maybe words can't full explain it. Just know that if I get chosen, I will be incredibly honored and probably won't stop talking about it for quite some time. Thank you for putting up with my excitement, and my consistent plugs for the festival to everyone out there. Not even online but in person, too. I appreciate your support a lot and I just had to get all of this off my chest, I suppose. Sincerely, Ariel May, Founder of Immortal Music
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January 2022
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