I tried to listen to this record in middle school and I just didn't get it. I knew I was supposed to, but I guess I just wasn't ready. Ten years later I moved to New York, had a big sad breakup, and spent the next few months in a state that was somehow the loneliest and most triumphant I had ever felt. Pinkerton makes being a loner feel incredibly badass. It's raw and depressing but a total fucking blast. It sort of reawakened the teenage angst inside and inspired me to get louder on my new record. Everything about Pinkerton is perfect. The music, lyrics, production, guitar sounds, drum tones. Everything is perfect.

Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

This record was my gateway into this band, who had so much to do with how my sound developed in high school. Growing up in Georgia, I used to be really in to mainstream country music. This record got me into a mindset that led to Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, etc. I remember when it came out I was beyond excited. I sat in my car with my best friend (who I was in love with) and right before the first track really kicked in, he got a phone call and ANSWERED IT. I couldn't believe my first time hearing it was interrupted. Turns out it was just as good the second time around and I still love it to this day.

Tegan and Sara - The Con

This isn't even my favorite Tegan and Sara record, but it was the one that got me hooked. I had heard various songs over the years when my brother AJ (my bandmate at the time) would play their albums during his driving shifts on tour, but it wasn't until this album that I really started paying attention. After I saw them play the record live, I knew I had to do this music thing for real. It was also the same year that I let myself really accept that I was gay. T&S and The Con and their fanbase played a big part in that.