Entertainment

How love and loss led to songwriter Brandon Calano’s prolific transformation and the launch of Becoming Young

Published

4 years ago

April 13, 2020

The world takes us on a lot of twists and turns, and throughout our days, we will inevitably face a myriad of highs and lows. A life well-lived sees its fair share of love but is often marred by loss. The important part is how we carry on after we pick ourselves up from our tribulations. Life can be trial by fire, and singer-songwriter Brandon Calano knows how to see the beauty through it all.

Brandon Calano, better known as by his stage name, Becoming Young, is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter known for his inspiring songs and deep lyrics. Brandon isn’t afraid to show a side of himself through his music by writing about relationships and romantic trials. “Love is a part of life, and it isn’t easy to come by,” states Brandon. “But when we find it—and we allow ourselves to be vulnerable by ‘letting in’—we open ourselves to something powerful.”

Originally from Boulder, CO, Brandon always knew music was his passion. Writing and performing came naturally to him, and crowds have loved his music for its raw honesty and relatable stories. “You can’t be afraid to be yourself and tell your story. People are interested in what you’ve been through and how you’ve overcome the hard stuff. It’s all about connecting through a song,” explains Brandon.

Brandon isn’t afraid to bare all when it comes to emotion. A painful breakup brought him to a pivotal point in his life. “It was the end of a serious relationship that made me see things differently. I was suddenly living my life through a new lens,” says Brandon. “It marked a turning point for me where I shed self-doubt and let go of my insecurities.” This breakup would inspire Brandon to move to Nashville and chase his music career.

“Life is messy, I write songs about it,” states Brandon. That attitude is what makes his music even more appealing. Real-life friction and the fear of emotional connection are the inspiration behind his single “Trippin’,” and he takes this approach with every song he writes. When it comes to Brandon’s music, think light pop, dark lyrics, and deep stories. Memorable as he is inspiring, Brandon continues to climb to the top of the music scene with his tales of triumph and transformation.

Entertainment

“The Firing Squad”: I Cried Buckets of Tears

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Sitting in the dimly lit theater, I had no idea what to expect as the opening credits of “The Firing Squad” began to roll. Little did I know that I was about to embark on an emotional journey that would leave me reaching for tissues and struggling to catch my breath.

The film follows the true story of three Christians facing execution by firing squad in a third world country. Directed by Timothy A. Chey, it features a stellar cast including James Barrington, Kevin Sorbo, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Each actor brings their character to life with such authenticity and depth that it’s impossible not to be fully immersed in their struggles and triumphs.

As the plot unfolded, I found myself drawn into a world of despair and desperation, but also one of unwavering faith and hope. The characters’ journey from darkness to light, from despair to redemption, resonated with me on a deeply personal level. I couldn’t help but be moved by their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

But it was the performances that truly stole the show. James Barrington’s portrayal of the protagonist’s internal turmoil was nothing short of mesmerizing, while Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. delivered powerhouse performances that left me in awe.

And then there was the message of the film—that no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem, there is always hope. That even in our darkest moments, faith has the power to transform lives and bring about redemption. It was a message that hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me with tears streaming down my face and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the credits rolled and the lights came up, I found myself struggling to put into words the impact that “The Firing Squad” had on me. All I could manage was, “I cried buckets of tears.” And I wasn’t alone. As I looked around the theater, I saw others wiping their eyes and exchanging emotional glances.

In the end, “The Firing Squad” wasn’t just a movie—it was an experience. An experience that left me feeling inspired, uplifted, and profoundly grateful for the power of cinema to touch the soul. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

The movie is set to premiere in the theatres worldwide on August 2, 2024. And this is definitely a must watch movie, reminding people of the strength of faith.