In "Every Day Is Christmas," artist and author Armando Heredia delivers a heartwarming ballad that beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet joy of the holiday season, especially when loved ones are far away. This episode explores the emotional depth of the lyrics, the nostalgia it evokes for past Christmases, and the motivation behind a father crafting this song for his sons, particularly one who can't be home for the holidays.

The song's opening lines, "Soon it will be Christmas day / And we’ve hung the lights with care," instantly transport listeners to a cozy and festive atmosphere reminiscent of classic Christmas carols like "Deck the Halls". However, a poignant undercurrent of longing surfaces as the father acknowledges the physical distance between him and his sons: "And I know we’re here and you’re there / But you’re right here in our hearts". This sentiment echoes timeless Christmas ballads like "I'll Be Home for Christmas," expressing the universal yearning for family during the holidays.

Heredia's lyrics paint a vivid picture of past Christmas Eves, where he and his wife would stay up late wrapping gifts for their young sons, creating a tangible sense of nostalgia for cherished family traditions. He acknowledges that "time is a thief," yet emphasizes that it can never steal the precious gift of his children. This powerful sentiment encapsulates the enduring love between a parent and child.

The chorus bursts forth with the heartwarming message that every day feels like Christmas because of the love and joy his family brings him: "It’s like everyday is Christmas / Like everyday is Christmas". This refrain shifts the focus from the holiday itself to the deeper meaning it embodies: celebrating love, connection, and gratitude for family.

Despite his son's absence, the father affirms their commitment to upholding Christmas traditions, gathering to share the joy of giving, even if it's through phone calls. The lyrics highlight the adaptability of family rituals, emphasizing that love and connection transcend physical boundaries. He underscores that the most precious gift is his family, "the gift that makes it like Christmas everyday".

The song concludes with a message of love and hope, acknowledging the son's absence while celebrating the gift of his existence. The father expresses his longing to hear his son's laughter through the phone and dreams of being together, "if only in our dreams".

"Every Day is Christmas" is a deeply personal song born from Heredia's own experience. His son's inability to come home for Christmas due to financial constraints inspired him to write this heartfelt ballad. This personal touch imbues the song with authenticity and makes it resonate with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet longing for absent loved ones during the holidays.

Experience the heartwarming message of "Every Day is Christmas," available on Apple Music, Spotify, and many other streaming platforms through DistrKid.com!

#EveryDayIsChristmas #FamilyLove #ChristmasSong #HolidayMusic #LongDistanceFamily #DistrKid #ArmandoHeredia #IfWeWereABand #MerryChristmas

Submit to the Mystery: Exploring Love, Power, and the Unknown

Submit to the Mystery, the latest EP from If We Were A Band, is a captivating exploration of human nature, using allegory and metaphor to examine the complexities of love, the allure and danger of power, and the humbling vastness of the universe.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and most major streaming platforms, the four-track EP, written by Armando Heredia, invites listeners on a journey of introspection and contemplation.

"Easier Than Love" contrasts the immediate gratification of hate with the demanding, long-term commitment of love. Hate is depicted as a quick descent, requiring minimal effort or understanding. In contrast, love is a challenging ascent, necessitating selflessness and deep empathy, symbolized by "walking in their shoes."

"Little King" presents a cautionary tale of ambition and the perils of unearned power. The "little king," blinded by his desire for the crown, fails to recognize his own limitations and the responsibilities of leadership. He embodies the folly of seizing power without the wisdom to wield it, leading to his downfall and the destruction of his kingdom.

Throughout the EP, rich metaphorical language paints vivid imagery, enhancing the listener's understanding of the core themes.

• In "Easier Than Love," love is likened to a "highest show," emphasizing its aspirational nature and the effort required to attain it.
• "Little King" utilizes the metaphor of fire, symbolizing the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and the king's inability to protect his kingdom.

"The Stars" shifts the focus from human relationships and power dynamics to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the cosmos. The stars, "bolder than the setting sun," represent a timeless, powerful force, dwarfing human concerns and highlighting the vastness of the universe.

"What Do You Know About It" challenges conventional notions of love, questioning the ability to truly understand and define such a complex emotion. The song compares those who try to dissect love to "chemists in an art museum," highlighting the limitations of a purely analytical approach to something as nuanced and subjective as love.

For a deeper exploration of the EP and the artist, visit ArmandoCreative's blog at https://www.armandocreative.com/submit-to-the-mystery/.

#LoveAndHate #PowerAndAmbition #MysteriesOfTheUniverse #TheUnknown #EasierThanLove #LittleKing #TheStars #WhatDoYouKnowAboutIt #WalkingInTheirShoes #FoolWithACrown #BolderThanTheSettingSun #ChemistInAnArtMuseum #IndieMusic #SingerSongwriter #ThoughtProvokingMusic #IntrospectiveVibes #IfWeWereABand #SubmitToTheMystery #ArmandoHeredia #ArmandoCreative

"Fragile," a demo by artist and author Armando Heredia, writing as If We Were A Band, is a powerful musical commentary on the resurgence of racism in 2024. Heredia uses vivid metaphorical language to expose the fear and insecurity that fuel racist ideologies.

The song opens by contrasting the overt racist symbols of the past with the more subtle signs prevalent today. The lyrics describe someone who has "traded [their] white robe for that little red hat" and is "burning [a] cross through that flagstika" while wearing a mask. This imagery suggests that while the outward expressions of racism may have evolved, the underlying prejudice remains. The repetition of the phrase "You're a little fragile" throughout the song emphasizes the central metaphor: racism is a sign of weakness, not strength.

Heredia connects contemporary racism to its historical roots, singing about the fear that drove past generations to deny basic rights to people of color. He points out the hypocrisy of those who create "safe spaces" for themselves while simultaneously making the world unsafe for others. The song suggests that this fear, passed down through generations, continues to motivate racist behavior in the present.

Heredia attributes the rise in racist behavior to the rhetoric of the conservative party in the 2024 election. He believes that this rhetoric has emboldened individuals to express racist views and engage in discriminatory actions. The song concludes by highlighting the insecurity that drives individuals to march in "matching uniforms, railing against social norms." This conformity, Heredia suggests, is further evidence of their fragility.

"Fragile" is a timely and relevant song that offers a powerful critique of racism and its underlying motivations. The song's metaphorical language and thought-provoking lyrics make it emotionally resonant and impactful. "Fragile" is currently available for recording artists and/or producers interested in amplifying its message.

#fragile #racism #xenophobia #fear #insecurity #socialjustice #music #commentary #ArmandoHeredia #IfWeWereABand

"Daytime Monsters," a song penned by Armando Heredia and performed under his stage name If We Were A Band, presents a sobering commentary on the emboldening of hate and prejudice in modern-day America. The song utilizes vivid imagery and metaphors to portray a nation increasingly tolerant of extremist views, particularly those amplified by the political landscape following the 2024 election.

The song's central motif revolves around "monsters" distinguished by their "red hats, red ties, red teeth, red eyes," serving as a symbolic representation of individuals who openly endorse and propagate hateful ideologies. These figures, once relegated to the shadows, now brazenly "grind their teeth in the daytime," highlighting a concerning shift where prejudice has migrated from the fringes to the mainstream.

The title, "Daytime Monsters," itself encapsulates this alarming transformation. It signifies a departure from the era where hate festered in darkness, replaced by an environment where it parades openly in broad daylight. This transition from nighttime to daytime underscores a progression from concealed bigotry to blatant displays of hate, a phenomenon Heredia attributes to the rhetoric prevalent during the 2024 election campaign.

Beyond the prominent figures embodying hate, "Daytime Monsters" introduces a secondary layer of characters: the "good little monsters." These individuals, drawn to the allure of powerful figures, readily embrace hateful ideologies in exchange for acceptance and validation.

The song depicts these "little monsters" as yearning for "a pat on the head, a wag of the tail" from their "daddy," highlighting a vulnerability to manipulation and radicalization. Their longing for approval and belonging renders them susceptible to exploitation by those who capitalize on their insecurities and prejudices.

Heredia, through "Daytime Monsters," voices a stark warning about the potential ramifications of unchecked hate for America's future. The normalization of extremist views, compounded by the emergence of "good little monsters" eager to appease their "daddy," could cultivate a society riddled with division, violence, and the erosion of democratic principles. The song serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and confront the growing presence of hate in their communities and on the national stage.

The Ladies at the Station is available on Apple Music, Spotify and most major platforms.

#DaytimeMonsters #HateIsNotWelcome #SeeNoEvil #HearNoEvil #SpeakNoEvil #FightHate #StandUpForWhatIsRight #UnitedAgainstHate #NoPlaceForHate #ChooseLove

Ten-year-old Fleetwood Gonzales is the responsible one. Since his mother left and his father works long hours, he’s in charge of getting his younger siblings ready for school and generally keeping them safe.

But in Chapter 12: Knife Fight, Fleetwood's carefully constructed world crumbles when he discovers his mother’s obituary and a note accusing his father of killing her. The author, Armando Heredia, describes Fleetwood as being overwhelmed by shock, grief, and confusion. He runs away to the Million Barrels, a local landmark that holds childhood memories for the Gonzales children.

When his father finds him at the Million Barrels, Fleetwood is so consumed by fear and anguish that he attacks his father with a letter opener. This act of violence illustrates the profound emotional turmoil Fleetwood is experiencing. Experience Fleetwood’s heartbreaking journey in Chapter 12: Knife Fight, available now at the self-publishing site ⁠Lulu.com⁠!

Read more about the book on the ⁠author's blog⁠.

#Creedence #ArmandoHeredia #KnifeFight #FamilyDrama #TexasNoir #MillionBarrels #Lulu

What if art is the key to unlocking deeper levels of engagement with faith and community? Join author and artist Armando Heredia as he explores the intersection of art and faith in his new book, Articulate: Exploring Art As Faith. This podcast is for ministry leaders, artists, and art enthusiasts looking to make a greater impact.

Discover how:

• Scripture uses symbolism and visual cues to communicate God's message.
• Prophets in the Bible used performance art to bring God's word to life.
• The Psalms offer a model for authentic worship and personal reflection.
• Modern worship songs can be seen as contemporary expressions of the Psalms.
• The church can create spaces for artists to thrive and contribute their unique gifts.

Armando shares practical insights on:

• Developing a thriving art community within your church.
• Incorporating art into sermon series and ministry events.
• Creating a gallery space and curating exhibitions.

Get inspired to:

• See the Bible through a new lens, appreciating its artistic depth.
• Embrace the power of art to connect with people on a deeper level.
• Use your creative gifts to make a difference in your community.

Read more about Articulate: Exploring Art As Faith at ⁠ArmandoCreative.com⁠

#ArtAsFaith #MinistryAndArt #ChurchCommunity #CreativeExpression #SpiritualGrowth

"So Much Time," by If We Were A Band - a song born from sawdust and profound realizations. This track, featured on the album This Time Is Different, started as a poem by Armando Heredia, inspired by his work with reclaimed materials. The act of sanding, the dust on his hands, sparked a powerful thought: eternity speaks to us through the remnants of our efforts.

The song expands on this idea, exploring the paradox of striving for permanence in a temporary world. It examines how we spend our precious time - often lost in self-absorption or chasing temporary things. But through somber reminders of our mortality, the song also offers hope. "So Much Time" urges us to find meaning in the present moment and to consider what truly matters.

Listen now on Apple Music and Spotify. Let the dust on your hands remind you of eternity.

You can read more on our blog.

#SoMuchTime #IfWeWereABand #ArmandoHeredia #ThisTimeIsDifferent #Time #Eternity #MeaningfulLiving #Reflection

The Price of the Prize: Examining Hustle Culture

Have you ever questioned the toll "hustle and grind culture" takes on us? In this track, "This Is The Prize," Armando Heredia, also known as If We Were A Band, explores this very question, reflecting on the potential emotional and physical costs of relentless ambition.

Inspired by Johnny Cash's poignant cover of "Hurt," Heredia examines whether the rewards of the music industry are ultimately worth the sacrifices artists make. He questions if the end result is simply to be left feeling "hurt" and disillusioned, wondering if the "prize at the end" is truly worth the tireless grind.

Stream "This Is The Prize" now on Apple Music and Spotify to hear Heredia's powerful reflection on the trade-offs we make in the pursuit of success.

Read more about this song on the writer's blog.

#hustleculture #musicindustry #newmusic #IfWeWereABand #ThisIsThePrize #emotionalhealth #wellbeing #JohnnyCash #Hurt