#Go check them out they keep posting banger after banger and their stuff is super duper helpful for my current bg studdies

[generichoneydew]

Still experimenting with backgrounds a bit. I'll get it at some point lol.

7/52

[floppyhatwitch]

Last new year's eve, I made a resolution that I would learn to draw by drawing one page every day of 2023. I was meant to post this recap on January 1st, but it turns out that I have like a full thesis worth of infodumping about this project, so it got pushed back. Art dump time! <3

(editor witch here. This post is LONG. Like, tumblr-can't-save-the-draft-properly long. I've decided to split this into multiple parts to mitigate formatting issues and pulling my hair out when it inevitably comes out wrong. This is part 1 of 2)

Long post incoming! Art under the cut :)

First off we have the OG, the Day 1.

I try not to pass judgement on my earlier works, because getting more confident with drawing was the entire point of the resolution. However, I can definitely say I've improved a whole bunch since then. It's basically just copied from reference material and the proportions could use a little work.

Fast forward to Day 11 where I had the first piece I thought was kinda good.

Still goes pretty hard tbh. Love a good beholder.

The first piece I ever got a compliment on was this goopy texture text stuff.

Unfortunately since all the early drawings were done in pencil, a lot of them have been ravaged by the unholy nature of graphite smearing.

Day 49 is another one of my favourites, I'd just won big in a no stakes poker match against my mates and thought I'd celebrate with a rendition of Mr Green.

On Day 100 I decided to draw my top 100 favourite pokemon. It took SO much longer than I anticipated, but I still think it was worth it.

After passing the Day 100 mark I thought it was about time to start varying my materials, so I gave pen drawing a go.

I learnt crosshatching and absolutely loved it, it's still a staple technique whenever I go for pen exclusively, highly recommend.

By Day 121 I was fed up of fumbling MY way through drawing faces so I decided to really crack down and try and learn.

As you can tell, it was a long and arduous journey.

By Day 125 I had filled up the first sketchbook and started a new one. As has become tradition, I decided to draw V2 again to see if I'd improved.

While still not my best (that one's coming up) I'm definitely a lot happier with how this one turned out compared to the first. Being able to see how I'd improved gave me so much inspiration to keep going.

Day 136 was the first time I decided to crack out the coloured pencils, so I commemorated the occasion by depicting one of my homebrew DnD deities bring colour to the material plane.

Banger after banger Day 137 is still one of my favourites. One day I'll make it into an album cover or something.

Jeff Bezos exploding in space because his stupid fucking cowboy hat isn't pressurised at all.

Day 142 I started experimenting with including the day number in the art itself, which was a trend I continued throughout the rest of the project.

After seeing Across the Spiderverse, I couldn't just not dedicate two pages and 4 hours of my life to making a tribute piece to the film. I still absolutely adore it, it's easily my second favourite film of all time (right behind the first one).

On Day 163 I recreated the Creation of Adam with my hand and my son.

This is my son btw:

I love him dearly and he is an excellent muse (he sits so still!)

Anyway so the next day I drew my top-secret creative process since so many people were asking for it.

Gettin naked and eating paint in the forest, duh.

Day 178 I made a spidersona, which is kinda my first ever OC? Like official one anyway.

Gave him a spruce up and a colour for ArtFight (which is SO FUN OMG)

Day 183 was the halfway mark (if you round up from 182.5) so I had to pay homage to the modern classic.

The face is my favourite bit.

Speaking of ArtFight, I made a whole cast of characters for it! I was a little apprehensive to participate at first, since I still wasn't super confident in my abilities, but it turns out that the community is super welcoming <3. If you wanna see the whole shebang you can check out my profile here, but my most popular character was Alice.

Which is awesome because we need more rollerblading rep in this world. We have Jet Set Radio and Ramona Flowers, but we need MORE.

I went to see the Barbennheimer double feature and had the time of my life during it, so I had to go home and make art of it.

Come to think of it, I use art to commemorate a whole lot of stuff. Isn't that neat?

On Day 221 I had just finished my first real short film for school and I was so happy I had gotten it all done. It was like 30,000 words of documentation, 7 months of work and I had to act as a man in it (damn you gender binary!) So I personified the relief of completion as the spectacle of gratuitous violence.

On Day 230 I finished Act II of Ultrakill for the first time (which at the time was the full game) and I couldn't get over just how hard Gabriel's monologue goes so I had to draw my favourite intro ever.

I still haven't played layer 7 though so no spoilers pls.

My son again! This time he's posing like Kali Uchis in her album "Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)" I won't pretend like I understand what that means, but the album sounds so beautiful and the cover is to die for so I put my son in there.

Day 235, the first full appearance of Spider-Girl. She's talking to her friend (Batman Beyond) who is trapped by the Riddler and forced to write a analytical essay of 12 Angry Men. Fun little detail with the day number is that Doc Ock actually threw the D at Spider-Girl as an attack.

frog cowboy :)

I don't remember drawing Day 244, but I think it's actually really nice. Like an abundance of material slowly being wasted on someone hesitant to accept it or something. Idk I was probably sleep deprived to hell.

It's kinda pretty right? Some little art fairy must have broken in an done it for me

DAY 252! A momentous day. It was my second time switching sketchbooks and so I had to give V2 another crack and...

Still my favourite drawing of V2 I've ever done. Getting the ricochet coin in there as a framing tool is just so slay.

On Day 254 the pen I was using to take notes at school was finally laid to rest. I captured its final lines in this piece.

It's actually kinda moving. That pen was so good.

This is the part where I circle back and remind you that this is too long for one post, so check out part two here

[lordmayokcorner]

THE BOYZ 『Christmas in August』 - Album Review

Allkpop

THE BOYZ—no not the TV show—is a boy group (shocker) that I know very little about, besides the fact that they are supposedly very good and I should check them out. Perfectly timed, I got a request to write a review for this album. (Send me asks on my Tumblr if you want something reviewed!) If life has taught me anything it’s to always believe random people on the internet, so let’s see how their newest album PHANTASY Pt.1, Christmas In August, holds up to my standards. I rate on a balanced scale so a 5 out of 10 means I feel neutrally, not that I don’t like it. Enjoy!

LIP GLOSS - 6.5

This song has an upbeat, summery beat that feels like a cross between new Harry Styles and Prince. It’s pleasant and groovy. Some of the elements feel a bit disorganized however, which is off putting for a song that requires the rhythm to be tight and right in the pocket. It works well as a title track but could use a little more catchiness which it lacks because it’s a little generic. I love the energy though, classic summer song!

Passion Fruit - 7

I love the sampled beat! This song also has a lot of funk but is a bit darker feeling and has a wider sound spectrum. I love the way the bass and the rapping in the verses overlap. The prechorus draws things out but doesn’t drop the tension at all. The chorus is a bit of an anti drop, letting go of all of the tension and build from the prechorus, feeling much more hushed. Classically, it scales up again in 8 bars but still feels somewhat laid-back. It’s much more energized than LIP GLOSS and I’m living for it. It’s not adventurous but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Lighthouse - 7.5

This one is not at all uplifting. The beat feels somehow underwater and ocean-cave-like if that makes sense and lacks the funkiness of the past couple songs. The chorus is lighter and more subdued, but when the post chorus hits it feels massive and dark. Massive modulated synth basses back screaming vocals for a mere 4 bars in a way that makes me want it back more than anything. The second verse doesn’t do that many interesting things till the end when it brings in some crunchy harmonies with some extra instrumentals. The post chorus has even more oomph this time around and thankfully lasts a little longer. A post post chorus concludes the song excellently. The whole song feels very reminiscent of being under the ocean. Lovely stuff.

Fantasize - 8

Arguably the first epic on the album, this song starts with a stripped down drum and bass verse and adds more synths in the prechorus to build tension to yet another anti drop…getting a little old. It feels very After Hours (The Weeknd); It’s very much a reference to the 80s, just like After Hours. We love an 80s K-pop banger, just like the iconic LA DI DA. I like its ability to simultaneously be this big power song but also be pretty laid back in the chorus and verses. Certainly a banger.

Fire Eyes - 4

The kick-snare beat, pluck bass, and fun quick vocals are indicators of a classic light pop song. The vocals are definitely sub-par, which is unfortunate because there’s not very much beat to back them up. The melody is nothing to speak of either. I would say it’s the first clunker so far, which is pretty good overall. It’s not painful, it just doesn’t feel like anything special. Light pop has never really been my thing anyway. The end has some more synths, but that doesn’t change much for me.

Fairy Tale - 5

Another one with ‘meh’ vocals. The autotune is unsoundly, I guess you could say. The melodies feel a bit all over the place in the verse; They don’t really connect in a way that they should. The chorus turns things around a bit though. The arpeggiated synths are really nice to listen to. It’s definitely refreshing to hear a final track that’s not just a flat boring ballad. It has flavour for sure.

Final Thoughts

A great summer comeback! The sealike and tropical vibes keep going throughout the album. Super fun but also has some pretty impressive production in it. The middle of the record is really solid. I give this album an overall score of about 6.5 for that reason, with my favorite song being Fantasize. I didn’t love everything on it but I can say that I’m overall very satisfied with it. Some interesting stuff from THE BOYZ, thanks for recommending this to me! I’ll have to listen to some of their other releases. Thanks for reading!

- Maya

[startistdoodles]

Top 5 legendary Pokémon trio you liked??🤭

OHHH interesting question!

As per usual with my rambly posts, I'll explain under the cut as to not take up a bunch of space 👌

5. Legendary Beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune)

I absolutely love the designs of these three, I think they’re so distinct and majestic. Although their capture method is a bit frustrating (as roaming legendaries tend to be) it always delights me when I’m just going through a random patch of grass and I can hear the distinct battle theme start playing. It’s such an adrenaline rush.

Of the three, Suicune might be my favorite. I love its blue and white coloration and the wind-like tails make it look very mystic. I also loved the role it played in the Celebi movie, I think that’s why I was drawn to it as a kid.

4. Lake Guardians (Mesprit, Uxie, Azelf)

Unlike most of the “mini” legendary trios, the lake guardians have an important role to play in their story. Their power is used to summon one (or both) of the deity Pokémon, and you have to rescue them. They also assist you in return for saving their lives. I love their designs and how each of them are based on a type of forest spirit (a sprite, a pixie and an elf/gnome). And not to mention...their battle theme? Is such a banger.

Of the three, I think I like Mesprit the most. Not just because it’s the one that most closely bonds with the player canonically, having been the guardian of the lake where they grew up, but I also remember fervently chasing after it when it was roaming and it was the first legendary I ever caught. It also sounds like it’s saying “owo” which is an added bonus.

3. Legendary Golems (Original) (Regirock, Registeel, Regice)

I’m gonna pretend for a moment that the Hoenn regis and the Galar regis are separate groups for this because I have stuff to say about the original trio. I love how the game doesn’t explicitly tell you about the hidden Regis, but you do get hints and bread crumbs laid out about these sealed chambers that need to be opened. I actually didn’t even know about their existence until I was reading the Emerald handbook and it said something about a secret passage underwater on one of the routes. It was such a thrill going to uncover this ancient tomb and deciphering braille to solve puzzles. It made me feel like an actual archeologist uncovering something huge and mysterious. And again with the battle themes...just listen to it. It’s incredible.

Of the original regis, I think Regirock might be my favorite? There’s not really a particular reason, I just think he’s neat and a big ol clunky boy. Ün ün ün,,

2. Tao Trio (Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem)

Black and White are my favorite main-series Pokémon games and these legendary dragons play a part in that. They’re designed so flawlessly, with Reshiram being very soft and fluffy while Zekrom is tougher and more sturdy-looking. And Kyurem is the frozen empty husk left behind. I love the fusion that Kyurem has with the other two, but it makes me curious why it can’t fuse with both simultaneously. These three were all once one being, but it seems they can’t all fuse together anymore. I’d be interested to know the lore behind that.

My favorite in this trio is Zekrom. I’m bias, I got White version and bonded with him. His body shape reminds me a lot of Palkia (another one of my faves) with the bipedal stature and the wings on the back. I just think an electric dragon is such an amazing idea and Zekrom does the concept flawlessly.

HONORABLE MENTION: Weather Trio (Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza)

I couldn’t pick between them and the number one spot so consider these three to be in the 1.5 position. I won’t ramble about them too long, but their designs are amazing (especially in their primal/mega forms) the lore within the story is so good, their powers are so iconic and their battle theme in ORAS is absolutely LEGENDARY PLEASE LISTEN TO IT-

Kyogre is my favorite of the three, but Rayquaza is a close second. I love its cry, its design (orcas are my favorite aquatic animal) its primal form is AMAZING and it would absolutely win in a fight with the other two with all the water and ice type moves it can learn. Kyogre is the mvp.

1. Creation Trio (Dialga, Palkia, Giratina)

This was probably the most expected on the list, lol. The creation trio has always been my favorite group of legendaries and their powers have fascinated me since i was but a wee 9 year old playing Pearl. The myths and legends around them are so fascinating and they’re the start of the Pokémon franchise actually giving a deeper amount of lore to their story. How the world began and the god-like Pokémon behind it. Not to mention the revelation of a world that is parallel to our own and keeps the balance between them in check. And the trio’s designs are unlike any other Pokémon we had seen at that point. Very otherworldly and embody their respective elements very well.

As for which one is my favorite...that’s a toss up. I love all of them, but I am a bit more partial to Palkia. I love its design, its robotic wings and the pearls in its shoulders are so unique. Its cry in the game and in the anime are both just so alien-like and one of my favorite cries in the whole series. And also its typing of Water/Dragon is SUPER good, it’s a real tank.

Anyways that’s about it! Thanks for the ask, this was fun to think about~

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Whats your favorite song at the moment

Hey Nonny!

Ooof Too many, hahhaha! Because I don’t leave home anymore, I’m not looking constantly for new music to add to my Playlist, so mostly it’s stuff that I come across on Tumblr and is living rent-free in my head on repeat, or me digging on my harddrives for a nostalgia kick.... currently, these are the top 5 cycling in my head, no particular order:

(EDIT IT’S NOW TEN. I COULDN’T CHOOSE. LISTEN TO THEM ALL. THEY’RE ALL AMAZING)

(EDIT 2 SORRY IT’S NOW 15!! NONNY I’M SO SORRY. I know no one cares, but I LOVE sharing my Music with people)

(EDIT 3 *SIGH* Now 20. :| HELP. Stopping before I get carried away. No one ever likes my music so I love when people ask me for my songs with genuine interest)

Nathan Evans - The Wellerman (220 Kid X Billen Ted Remix) (flashing images CW in video!) – Got into the original of this one during the sea shanty trend, and then this dance remix came out... those of you who know me well, know that I am HOOKED on remixes, especially dance remixes. So I was so happy about this official one.

The Kiffness - Ievan Polkka ft. Bilal Göregen (Club Remix) – This one I got into because I think, again, the original with the blind man was trending, and then I found this remix artist on YouTube from his remix of The Wellerman, and his is SOOOO good!! I loved this song back in the early noughts when it was popular as “Leek Spin”. But then these young folks had to go and make it amazing again!!

ZHU, partywithray - Came For The Low – (LOTS OF FLASHING LIGHTS IN VIDEO CW!) Thank Falcon And the Winter Soldier for this one! It took me a WEEK to find out what song they’re playing in the club in Episode 3 when Zemo’s dancing, and YAY I found this finally (not the one hour one, sadly, still trying to find the song D+ Marvel used for that one). I LOVE IT. LISTEN TO IT. SO good if you like heavy club beats

Sim Gretina - A Friend Like Me (Electro Swing Remix) – This is SATISFYING. I LOVE IT. Found it years ago after that homemade Aladdin carpet video was going viral, and every time it comes up on my playlist, I replay it like 6 times.

Linkin Park - Numb (80′s Remix) – That tumblr meme song that went around years ago? HERE YOU ARE!!! :D This is TOO SHORT and it’s also on repeat when I listen to it. Y’all, this is what depression feels like when you’re trying to pretend to be happy all the time LOL. It’s a whole MOOD. This one is great to blast in the car and have people confused at you singing at the top of your lungs. Like, “I AM NUMB AND AN EDGELORD BUT READY TO PARTY!!!”.

One Ton - Supersexworld – Okay, this is an OLLLLLLDDD one by a one-hit wonder Canadian band that I stumbled upon recently when I was going through my hard drives to find new stuff to put onto my iPhone. I was OBSESSED with this song when it first came out, forgot about it, and NOW... SHIT I can’t STOP. This one is BLARING when I hear it, and am so happy I found it again. It’s simple, amazing, and AWESOME. LISTEN TO IT. You will love it. Please. It’s got one verse and one chorus over and over, and it’s catchy as hell. It’s on my personal Johnlock playlist :D

Deorro - Rise and Shine – GUYS. This song. Also on my personal Johnlock Playlist, this one is SOMETHING. First heard it in my BodyPump class, I NEEDED it. It’s SO GOOD. Jazzy Club Music??? YES PLEASE! Video is all kinds of amazing? YES PLEASE. PLEASE listen to this. I LOVE IT SO MUCH.

Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch (Eiffel 65 Remix) – Is this song a decade old? YES. Has it been on my iPod since it first came out? FUCK YES. Y’all, Eiffel 65 is SO underrated for their remixes. This is one of their best remixes, and it’s the PERFECT walking song. YES I look like an idiot walking to it, but I love it SO MUCH. It’s better than the original, imho.

Gotye feat. Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know (Bastian Van Shield Remix) – LOL I KNOW: sacrilege to remix Gotye, but Y’ALL. This is the DEFINITIVE remix of one of his best songs. Six minutes of pure club beats, and just... ANOTHER perfect walking song that you need to SCREAM at the top of your lungs. Also on my personal Playlist, John POV, that I will share eventually.... it makes sense in the song order on the list, I promise LOL)

Tee Lopes - Marble Zone '12 – Tee Lopes is the official composer for Sonic Mania, hired because of all his AMAZING Classic Sonic remixes he did as a hobby on his YouTube channel. This one has a Tango flavour, and it’s SO good and not long enough. There’s an extended version here. Also love his Flying Battery and Ice Cap remixes. If you love video game music remixes like I do, check out his YT channel. There’s a TONNE there and it’s GREAT music to write to.

Aaron Smith - Dancin’ (KRONO Remix) – I dunno where I first heard this one, but I LOVE it. It’s like trancey club music. It’s beautiful, and WORTH a listen.

Pet Shop Boys - I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing [Extended Nude Mix] – Ooooof this one has been on my faves for a LONG time. Originally heard this on the PSB’s album Disco 2, back when their remixes were this good and long and clubby. I miss these so much. If you want a good club beat to thump your car, this is it my friends.

Informätik - A Matter of Time – FUCK ME I love this song. This is the song that made me want to start a Johnlock playlist. I talk more in length about it on this post here, but yeah, I still just.. MM. It’s just so beautiful and is what got me into EBM music in the first place. I listened to this and a lot of their music quite often in college when I was pining over people. Always the pining and never the requited, LOL. I just really love it. 

Pride and Fall - Paragon – GUYS. This one is SO good. Trancey EBM and just, UGHGGHHGHGHHHG It gives me so many feels. I’ve loved this song for SO many years, and just, still has to be on every iPod I own. It’s beautiful, and the lyrics are beautiful and I wish I was as beautiful as this song, LOL. Please listen and enjoy. Best bit is a 3:11 :D <3

Rammstein - Mein Teil (Pet Shop Boys Remix) – GUYS. This is one of the greatest collabs of all time. I love both Rammstein AND Pet Shop Boys, and was SO EXCITED when they remixed this song for the single. This is the better of the two remixes PSB did for them, and YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO IT. PURE CLUB BLISS. This is the PSB in their remixing best!!!! <3 Plus, it’s SUPER WEIRD to hear these angry Germans backing a club beat, I LOVE IT. Also, it’s literally a song about a true story of literally eating a dick, so.... *shrugs*

Pet Shop Boys - Love Etc. (PSB Mix) – Y’ALL. This is 6 minutes of LITERAL dance music BLISS. A fantastic remix of one of my fave songs from the PSB, which is essentially shitting on the materialism of relationships. And I love this one, it’s a great work out and car song. Honestly PLEASE listen to it.

Apoptygma Berzerk - Kathy’s Song (Beborn Beton Remix) – GUYYYYYYYYYsSSSS I love this song so much. The original is much slower, and I discovered Beborn Beton FROM this song (another great artist, check them out). This song is just, a great dance song, and just makes me scream out when I hear it. Full volume, beautiful song, beautiful lyrics. It’s my Android!lock headcanon song, but it is also on my JL Personal Playlist, LOL.

Darude vs. Robert Miles - Children of the Sandstorm – One of the BEST MASHUPS in the world, and I am CERTAIN it is an official one; I was obsessed with mashups when I was in college so I have a TONNE of them, but this one has always been a fave, and I still jam to it over a decade later. Seriously, these songs SEAMLESSLY blend together, it’s fantastic. Classic club and trance? HELLS YES. 

Eminem - Nobody Listen to Techno (Deep Dish Mix) – Another nostalgia hit for me. Is it pointless? Not if I enjoy it!! I LOVE this song. Deep Dish mixes were THE JAM in my college years, and like, this is just 9 minutes of PURE techno with some of his song “Without Me” sampled throughout. I LOVE IT. SO MUCH. This is a banger, and just, if you need music to listen to while driving or writing, this is one for you!!

Rammstein feat. Sharleen Spiteri - Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Don't Die Before I Do) – And to bring the mood WAYYY down, did you know Rammstein did a love song? A beautiful, moves-me-to-tears love song? Because I did and it’s one of my FAVE songs by them. It’s SO beautiful, and the Till’s harsh voice WORKS for it. It’s gentle and soothing. It’s a German/English duet, and it makes me nearly cry EVERY TIME. Because I imagine John and Sherlock and then I die inside LOL. It’s so beautiful and I listen to this one years after it was released. Look up the translation, it is so beautiful.

AND if you guys happen to like any of these songs, copy the youtube video link and use this :)

Most of these that aren’t silly are on my Johnlock playlist, so do give the latter songs a listen! <3 I’m sorry for adding more than five... I just really love sharing things with you guys I like because I’m so lonely, LOL.

If any of y’all are playing these and trying to pick me up, *finger guns* Let’s go get cake and jam :D

AHH I like when I get asks like this! Sorry I took so long Nonny, but I just kept ADDING to it, as you can see. Had to stop because I could keep going.

[frenchibi]

hey, so i thought maybe you could tell us a little what you're currently interested in? ♥ like, what have you been doing during quarantine, are there any new shows you watched that you enjoyed a lot, did you maybe take up a new hobby or something? :)

Hello!! I did not forget this lovely message, I was just in no state to answer (who’d have thought that recovery from surgery is, y’know, taxing) BUT I’M BACK NOW and ohhhh do you know what you’ve unlocked by asking me this question...?? I cannot give you a comprehensive list but I can tell you a couple of the things that I got into during quarantine, and the things I am currently super passionate about! My memory is, uh, not great but thankfully I do journal and write down things so I am confident I can answer this for you :D (plus I do always love recommending things so - aaa??? Thank you for this ask????)

Putting things under a cut because I physically cannot chill but if tl;dr I want you to take away one thing from this it’s that everyone should read Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. Thoughts below.

(Also. I would love to go off about my interests more on here but am not sure what... shape that should ideally take? Text posts? IDK pls give me suggestions, help me out?? dfhasjkldf)

Movies

I have not seen many, but I can and will scream about The Old Guard over and over because... it was everything I never knew I needed in an action movie?? I don’t reblog many things about it anymore but I love love LOVED it!!

Also, upon recommendation by one of my friends from India, I have been delving into the world of Bollywood movies and WOW Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was so fucking good??? idk if it’s on Netflix in every country but it is in mine and I highly recommend it. It’s thoughtful, honest, emotional and shot absolutely gorgeously, and it also has that cheesiness that is just... so good... sometimes you just need the cheese y’know???

(Side note, 2020 was the year I saw Pride and Prejudice (2005) for the first time and I am a changed woman. It is now my ultimate comfort movie. Please see it if you have not, I cannot believe it took me this long. I saw it for the first time on an airplane (in january... a lifetime ago) and have seen it many, many times since.)

TV Shows

So, to everyone’s shock but especially my own, I have not really been into TV lately? I watched The Boys because my brother recommended it (it’s good, but gorey and pulls no punches, the R rating is deserved), and recently started watching Jujutsu Kaisen because my sister recommended it (I haven’t watched a new anime in like a year which is kinda wild to me? But I am enjoying this one - the opening SLAPS and what I’ve seen so far has been fun! Plus I’m watching it with my sister and I like sending her reactions xD),,, and that’s pretty much it for this category?? I am aware there is a LOT of good shit out there I just.. .don’t seem to have the attention span for multiple episodes of a Thing these days. Meh. I’m sure it’ll come back to me eventually ^^

Musical Theater

One of the main reasons I think I haven’t been big into TV is because my Musical Passion is in FULL SWING (haha get it). Probably because the only thing that has remained for me during this quarantine is my singing lessons (and lemme tell you... over skype, that shit is ROUGH but still better than not singing at all) and I have been obsessing over learning new songs and finding shows through recommendations and compilation videos on youtube... So.

Shows I listen to a lot these days include Starry, Anastasia, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, Come From Away (I made a post recently specifically about musicals, you should be able to find it under #French speaks) - specific songs in my range that I am currently learning and obsessing over include “Bring on the men” from Jekyll and Hyde, “The Mad Hatter” from Wonderland, “Show Yourself” from Frozen 2 (I liked it ok I DID), and “Go Tonight” from The Mad Ones (this one makes me cry... I’m making my sister duet it with me bc I can’t stop thinking about it).

Also, if you’re interested in hearing me sing things, head over to my instagram where I post covers (and also art)!!

(Musical people, I am curious to hear opinions about Great Comet, and also The Count of Monte Cristo - two shows I’ve been meaning to check out!)

Video Games

Listen. Animal Crossing New Horizons is awesome and I’m glad I have it (...give me Brewster back, Nintendo, or I WILL RIOT), but I have been branching out into other games for the Switch (might as well make this purchase worth it amirite) - current faves include Celeste (which is SO HARD but also SO FUCKING FUN) and Spiritfarer which I specifically bought to play at the hospital bc I knew I was going to be there for a few days, and let me tell you - best decision of 2020. Please watch the trailer if you haven’t heard of it, it’s GORGEOUS and beautiful and emotional and I loved every second of it. Both of these can also be purchased for PC and I think they are definitely worth the investment!!

In other news I’m back on my Stardew Valley bullshit. It’s just so calming.I revisit it a lot lmao

Books

So... I have been reading. A LOT. I read over 70 books this year, which for me is... average tbh? I have had some less productive reading months but overall I have torn through stuff and BOY do I have recommendations if you want them?? For the sake of brevity I will only mention a few here:

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir “Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space”. That is all. This was my first five star fiction book of the year and I will never be done screaming about it. There is a dedicated but smallish fandom here on tumblr and it deserves SO MUCH MORE. Please, please please. Everyone should read this damn book. It’s confusing in the beginning but I promise it’s worth it IT’S SO GOOD!! And also the sequel is out and it’s also confusing and SO GOOD!!!

Educated by Tara Westover. This is an autobiography and it’s one of those books that like. Stick in your mind for months after you’ve read it. It’s about how this woman escaped an abusive household that was religiously oppressive and also like... survivalist (prepping for the apocalypse) and avidly believed in conspiracy theories - by educating herself, working her way up to going to Harvard. Nothing I say could do the emotional impact of this book justice - and also just, the perspective this book gave me?? Incredible. Education is the most powerful tool and this woman grabbed it by the hair and did not let go and I was FLOORED. Everyone should read this. I don’t even usually read biographies but DAMN.

The Winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden.(Book 1 is called The Bear and the Nightingale). This is a bit of a slow burn type deal - it’s a retelling of a Russian fairy tale (I think?? Or like a folk... story? Something like that) and it is just. So magical. It’s not fast paced but it works up to FANTASTIC moments, the focus is on family and magic and change and “making your own way” and all three of these books were wonderful. It reminded me of Naomi Novic’s Uprooted and Spinning Silver (both of which I also loved back in 2019 and would highly recommend) and they are PERFECT winter reads if you’re looking for something to get cozy with. I liked book 1 well enough but books 2 and 3 knocked it out of the park. Fantastic. Loved them.

I have many more recs but this will do for now hahah

Music

Gonna keep this brief too - my music taste is all over the place, but here are some songs I have been obsessed with recently!! Beware of genre whiplash though because these are Very Different from one another (and different from the musical theater stuff above)

Factories - Autoheart (that bridge gets me every time, idk why. This is one I could have on repeat for hours and not get tired of it either. Something about it just gets me!!)

History Read - The Altogether (The lyrics!! Tbh the entire Silo album is GREAT, but this one is my fave. Their music is so... mellow, in the best way??)

Weather Man - Valley of Wolves (ok this one is just a banger. I’m a sucker for a good sing-along-able hook (that’s not a word. you get me though right) and this fucking DELIVERS. I also just think “I make these dark skies blue, I make these mountains move, let the rain come down, I’m pushing through.... [pause] ... ‘cause I’m the weather man” is such good execution of a concept?? That PAUSE GETS ME it’s just SO FUN?!?! idk man I like a good upbeat banger and this is that.)

I believe (get over yourself) - Nico Vega (this one is just a callout at myself tbh?? “you’re a fool” I AM and I needed to hear it?? It’s also SO FUN to sing!!! We love a banger.)

Kiss me you animal - Burn the Ballroom (mentioning this mainly because it reminded me, lyrically, of Gideon the Ninth and I need someone to confirm this for me before I go insane?? “everybody knows that home is where your teeth sink, love” - I mean c’mon??? Also it’s a banger. I do like some rock from time to time... and this also has a killer driving bassline. This is super fun to drive to, too!!)

((If we have overlap and anyone wants to exchange playlists with me - I am SO here for it. Always looking for new music!!! I mean it!!))

Youtube

Last and certainly not least... meet my newest hyperfixation!!! I have always loved watching video essays, and booktube videos, and arttube videos - and my current niche of favorite creators is the Polygon video team!! They made videos about video games and board games and anything gaming-related and I just. I’m only peripherally a “gamer(TM)” but I love anything and everything they create. (Also you don’t have to know much about video games to enjoy all of their content!! A lot of it is still accessible to Non-Gamers(TM) or casual gamers!) BDG is my new favorite creator, the Unraveled series he does on the channel is a work of genius - but I have also started watching their streams and older series and I am enjoying myself SO MUCH! I love boardgames so their series on them, Overboard, is so fun and entertaining (and I already know a bunch of games I want to buy based on seeing the gameplay), and it also made me invested in the other creators - particularly Simone, I would die for Simone?? And Pat? And Jenna? They each have their niche and they work really well together too and their videos are my Main Serotonin Machine in these trying times(TM), thank you for coming to my TED talk.

Also. If you’re already following me here and you are familiar with Polygon things I BEG YOU TO COME AND TALK TO ME ABOUT THEM because I am like, bursting, but I also don’t want to flood my dash with stuff that 99% of my followers are unfamiliar with y’know??

...I think I’m going to leave it at this - it’s already a lot!

But thank you once again for asking and for letting me Go Off about things I am interested in!! I just... I very often wish I could do this more, but I’m not sure how to go about it? Should I just do text posts about things?? Would that be interesting to anyone?? Or is that like, annoying? Should I start a review blog or something? dhfajkldhf I just want to talk about things that excite me, but whenever I’m here I often just stick to reblogging other people’s stuff... help?? What do y’all want to see??

[mccoys-killer-queen]

This Week’s Playlist (2/14)

Not sure how I got hooked on this idea- but this week I’ll be focusing entirely on 70s songs (and next week I’ll do 80s). Disclaimer: I’m not saying these are my favorite songs of the 70s (believe me that would be WAYYY too hard to narrow down), I’m just filling this week’s list strictly with songs released in the 70s.

I’ve also created a spotify playlist made up of all the songs I’ve used on playlists! I’ll update it every week (before I even post the playlist, so if you check at the right time the songs will be there!)

1.) London Calling- The Clash (1979) I like to define this song as the song that started my descent into classic rock. When I was in 7th grade I had this music teacher who would always play pop music of the late 20th century for class. This song was one of the first songs she showed us, and it became a trademark of the class. We used to get this song played at dances and stuff- so there’s a lot of middle school memory there. Guess we all wanted to be punks- and this is a great boppy song just for that.

2.) All Right Now- Free (1970) Am I being typical for picking this song...? Perhaps (because honestly, at least where I’m from, this is the only Free song anyone knows... yikes. It’s overused in media sometimes imo). But that doesn’t meant it’s not great! It’s got everything! An epic guitar riff that frames the lyrics, a sick beat, funny rhymes, a killer musical interlude with bangin piano and a guitar solo- all while being undeniably CHILL. This one of those chill summer songs to me; the kind you listen to on a hot, quiet, and sunny car ride through the country with the windows down while wearing sunglasses. That’s just the aesthetic I’ve always associated with this song.

3.) Rock’n Me- Steve Miller Band (1976) Just try not to bop. I dare you. This is a real dance-a-little-in-your-seat song with a GREAT, smooth flow to it. Killer rhymes and a fast, subtle beat you can’t avoid even if you try. Steve Miller Band is one of my favorite groups of the 70s and I wish they got more appreciation in general. I could’ve picked so many of their songs already for these playlists, but this one stood out to me this week because I feel like it’s very recognizable (I always heard this song as a kid and I feel like maybe some people on here did too). It’s so damn catchy that it’ll just stick with you, so listen and get ready for an earworm. Also a great road trip song.

4.) Once Bitten, Twice Shy- Ian Hunter (1975) No, this isn’t Great White!! This is the song we all know and love but this one’s the original! I feel like I need to educate anyone who’ll listen about this! *scoff* god, now I can see why Joe Elliott’s always shoving Ian Hunter in everyone’s faces- because he’s worth it! Maybe I’m a little biased, but I personally prefer this version over Great White’s for a bunch of different reasons. For one thing, I think this version focuses more on telling the story rather than trying to make the music over the top. The instrumentals of this one ROCK, but the way it’s constructed with the lyrics makes the story more understandable- essentially, it’s just more raw, and I like the raw sound to it, but that’s just me. You all probably know how the song goes at this point, but after listening to this version you’ll see just how much of it Great White changed. You take it upon yourself to decipher the meaning of the lyrics ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) I think we all know what “rock and roll” means at this point...

5.) Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’- Journey (1979) I don’t like to acknowledge Valentine’s Day, nor was I going to mention it in any way on this playlist- but let me tell you a story: last year on VD, I was driving home from school, and this song came on the radio. Then it hit me- I had completely forgotten about ANTI-Valentine’s Day songs! This is a PERFECT example of one. It tells of an unfaithful someone who gets bitten in the ass by someone else’s unfaithfulness. Talk about a SICK burn! This has gotta be my favorite Journey song as well. It’s like a flash-fiction song; telling a huge story while barely saying anything at all. My favorite part of this song by far is how each instrument has a crystal clear part, and you can very easily pick out each one. The intro of this song is just excellent. You can clearly hear the bass, drums, guitars, and piano all introduced in different ways. It’s just a gorgeous song through and through, and those 189 “na”s at the end just tie it all together (and yes, I counted). You’ll have all the words down before you know it.

6.) You’re All I’ve Got Tonight- The Cars (1978) Like I said last week, The Cars are one of the perfect combos of rock and pop. If you think about it, this one can be another anti-Valentine’s Day song. The lyrics have a sloppy and desperate feel to them- kinda like the speaker is drunk and throwing themselves at someone because they’re that desperate. “I don’t care if you hurt me some more, I don’t care if you even the score”- like oof man, you just sound desperate. This song is a banger in every way and let’s face it- the keyboard at the chorus is just the absolute best part. Strong points for these guys are always keyboards and guitars. It’s got this rock hard chill 80s vibe to it (despite it being a 70s song- new wave, you know), you’ll feel that you need to be doing something cool while listening to it.

7.) Rock and Roll- Led Zeppelin (1971) It’s so cliche of me to use this I know I know I KNOW- but can you blame me? On Sunday in a record booth at the market I found an original Zeppelin IV and I feel like this song has been following me all week because of it. This is unarguably one the most recognizable and famous rock songs of all time- because it was so expertly crafted in every way imaginable- just like everything else Zeppelin’s ever done. It’s ALWAYS the drums that do it for me in this song. l That filler at the end is- without question- the best part of the whole song. Bonzo just KILLS it. Overall, it’s a short-ish song that uses its time extremely well; it’s like all four of them went “let’s maximize every single element that goes into a bop, and make a song like that”. In some ways, this song is objectively perfect. If you want pure rock and roll in all its glory- what better song to choose than Rock and Roll itself?

8.) Keep Yourself Alive- Queen (1973) Another objectively perfect rock and roll song with a killer drum solo. I’m super biased towards Queen- but I cannot believe I never heard of this song until I was prepping my brain to see Bohemian Rhapsody! Honestly, who thinks it’s okay to keep this hidden? It’s the leading song off of their very first album- so this is almost like the song that INVENTED Queen fans! It’s a Brian May baby- and hell yeah does it show. I think everyone needs to know this song for artistic and historical reasons. It’s pure, power rock Queen through and through- despite being one of the earliest of their songs.

9.) Cum On Feel the Noize- Slade (1973) NO, it’s not Quiet Riot!! This is the song we all know and love but this one’s the original!! Again, I feel like I need to educate anyone who’ll listen about this! I get so angry sometimes that Quiet Riot gets all the credit for songs like this one and Mama Weer All Crazee now. Slade was super popular in England in the 70s- ahead of their time for sure but definitely one with the glam rock movement- but not as big in America. I never knew these guys existed until about five years ago and damn I felt like I had to be blind before learning that. Just listen to this song and then I think the sound of it’ll make a lot more sense, like “oh yeah- Quiet Riot’s version kinda DOES sound like it could be a glam rock song from the early 70s!” Just goes to show what geniuses these guys were, because their songs can be both glam rock AND heavy metal and work either way. Once you hear this version, though, I believe there’s no going back.

10.) Roll With the Changes- REO Speedwagon (1978) This was my favorite song for a few months when I was 16- it’s absolutely EPIC. The speaker is bursting at the seams with accepting a new found moral understanding of how they feel about trying to please or win over an apparent lover. They come to the conclusion that the other person just needs to keep on “rolling with the changes” and that they’ll be there for them whenever they decide to accept that perspective. The KEYBOARD is to D I E  F O R GUYS. Neal Doughty is a motherfucking SAINT- and SO IS GARY RICHRATH. This song sounds like it’s the finale of a musical or something! Possibly the biggest bop REO has ever created. It’s a groovy, extremely poetic, fast, theatrical, very slightly operatic rock and roll song and I’d highly recommend this to any person on the planet I love it that much. It’s lovable in every possible way.

[phungiphotography]

June 28 2020

MAKING MULTIPLE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS OR GROWING THE ONE I HAVE?

Trying to grow your instagram account is not an easy thing to do. I’ve found the usual advice with promises of expanded following, farther reach, more interaction, and all that fun stuff. I’m going to compare what I’ve been doing to the things I’ve leaned this week and then overview what I’m going to change about how I use instagram. But, before we do, let’s backtrack a little bit and quickly go over the things I’ve leaned this week: the basic stages of instagram and what you should be doing in each one.

Starting

Establishing

Growing and maintaining

Starting.

It’s exactly what it sounds like. You’re new to instagram and photography and you should be taking photos of everything and posting a little of everything until you find something you like.

Hashtags ## are another things you should be looking at in this stage: What tags work for you and different subject matter (e.g., nature, street, birds, food, etc.). I’m not going to get into hashtags in this because from what I know and have learned, Instagram’s algorithm seems to change every four months, making tagging information dated quite quickly. The only thing I will say is that you should split your tags between General and Specific tags. Basically, General tags are tags that have a hit count of over one million and Specific tags have a hit count of under one million.

Yes, there is a lot more to hashtags than just this, but to be honest, I’m still learning them myself. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. The results vary and it can all be confusing. (If you want to read about my experience with tagging photos, let me know and I’ll make another post about it).

Establishing.

When you should start to establish yourself is up to you. I’ve been doing this for two years now and I think I’m just starting this phase. There are a few things professionals recommend to start doing during this time:

Make a posting schedule. This is the time and day you consistently post content (e.g., Monday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 9 p.m.)

Theme and Style. This is the subject matter you post and how you colour grade it (e.g., Birds, nature, city streets, food etc.)

Branding. What do you do? What are you selling? Show your followers why they should be following you and why they should use your service.

Only post your best images. I think this one is a bit vague and kind of overused. If you’re selling yourself, you should always put your best foot forward. But keep it to what you’re selling! Your posts should relate to what you do. Anything else like personal posts should be put in your story and later in a highlight.

Engage with your audience. Before you post, let your audience know that you’re active and again after you post so when they comment and ask questions on your latest post, you’re right there to answer them.

Before and After shots & Behind the Scenes. This one isn’t for everyone, but if you do a lot of Photoshop work, you may want to have the finished image in front and then a swipe to see the raw/unedited file(s). Same with studio shots; consider a phone snap to show what your set up is like.

Be personal. If you’re trying to sell yourself, the client wants to know what kind of person they are hiring. So post some personal stuff to your Instagram stories. E.g., You with clients, social life, and pets. But don’t overdo it. Most people don’t want to go though fifty story photos of your life just to find today’s art post

Growing and Maintaining

What’s working and not working for you? If you are consistently posting twice a week and you’re finding that one day is not getting as much reach as the other day, then try changing it up. Instagram has a bunch of analytic tools for business and creative accounts including Audience View so you see what day your followers are most active and at what time (this does change all the time, so take it for what you will).

Trends & Mass Media. Giving the people what they want doesn’t mean you should be catering everything to your audience. Well, I mean yes, you should be, but you should also be posting what you like. If there’s a big news story or something is trending, try to post something that relates to it (e.g., sports, if your home team is doing well then post something about them)

Are you happy with what you're doing? If you answer yes, then continue to. If no, then you should take some time and reflect on what kind of content you are posting, and why you started taking photos and posting them to Instagram in the first place. If the answer is that you are unhappy because your following is small and you believe you are doing everything you can to increase it, then unfortunately this might be as big as your following gets. If you’re not happy with this, then you should once again reflect on why you started this journey in the first place. To express your self, promote your business, or just to get followers.

Now that I’ve summarized what I’ve learned form this week let’s compare it to what I actually do.

I consider myself to be in the establishing phase right now, but from the looks of it, I may still be a starter.

Schedule for posting. Not really. Right now I’m experimenting with sets of three posts that go along with my most recent YouTube video, but my following is also under 200 people right now so I’m not sure this is super important to me

Theme and Style. This is hard for me and why I’m considering making a second account. I don’t want to limit myself to just posting one thing and keeping a consistent style seams hard for someone that one day will shoot the city and shoot nature the next, and I know what you’re going to say “just colour grade it the same.” Again, personal problem: I like dark moody city posts and bright colourful nature posts and now I’m playing around with product photography and a lot of those are solid background colours (mostly white or black).

Only Your Best (Or the “bangers” if you’re hip on Instagram lingo). This is probably one I can start following more. Recently, I do feel like I have been posting only a few good photos out of the sets (remember I’m experimenting with sets of 3, and often with multiple images per post) so I could either make fewer posts with more images or at least make sure there is a great image in front of the other ones.

Before and After. This is something I’ve played around with in both posts and stories. Swipe to see before and again to see half edited and half raw, as well as trying a tap to edit for story highlights

Be personal. This is not something I’ve done very well, partly because my phone plan doesn’t have data so I can’t just post while I’m out and about taking photos and also because my day job is working on theatre and film props, which is not photography related at all and also full of NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements). I also have another account for this kind of stuff, so if anyone is really interested they can follow that.

I’m not even going to go into growing and maintaining because I don’t think I’m there yet. The only thing I can do right now is tailer some posts to the masses.

So what am I going to be doing? I still want to shoot everything because I like creating and I don’t want to limit myself to just one or two things. I will pick two days that I will post to my feed and if I want to share photos that I like but don’t have a place in my feed at that moment, they will just go in a story and maybe a highlight.

I’m also going to start keeping a consistent colour theme. It’s summer right now, so orange and yellow would be the proper colour to use.

I’m going to try this for four to six months and see what happens and after that, I may start a second account just for nature photos and the only reason I’m not starting one right now is because I feel like if I do, all I would be doing is mass postings or bombarding feeds with random quality posts since I don’t feel like I take enough great photos to be consistent. I’m also not travelling and you can only post so many photos of the same species of birds that live in your city, the few green spaces surrounded by tall buildings, or of the same local beaches.

Anyways if you made it this far thank you so much. You are awesome.

If you want to check out my work links below.

INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE

[kpoptimeout]

Top 10 Most Underrated K-pop Songs of 2017 (Idol Edition)

2017 has come and gone before we knew it.  

Continuing with the K-Pop Timeout Tradition (see 2016 Ver) of listing the Top 10 Most Underrated K-Pop Songs because all the other sites are just bothered with the Top 10 that pretty much everyone will have heard of/have fan wars over, below are our top 10 picks of songs that did not rank high but deserves your attention! Like last year we have a section for underrated non-idol tracks too, but this year we will make a separate post for Top 10 underrated non-idol tracks. A separate post will also be made for Top 10 underrated K-Drama OSTs.

Some of the artists have escaped the list in recent years to stardom (this year the escapees are LOONA and NU’EST) so hopefully it happens again!

This is in alphabetic order NOT order of awesomeness because all of them are awesome. Also, all MVs are linked in the song titles because Tumblr won’t let me share that many videos in one post.

APRIL “APRIL STORY”

With the successful debut and management of K.A.R.D, it seems like DSP Media is finally back on track and they have definitely been giving APRIL a lot stronger comebacks in 2017. The most underrated is perhaps their first banger of the year “APRIL STORY”, which should have propelled them to success instead of their slight increase in attention that was still not enough to help later comebacks like “MAYDAY” and “Take My Hand.” An amazing winter track with Disney-esque instrumentals and killer vocal performance, the song is further complemented by the music video, where the girls’ doll-like visuals sign in the magical dollhouse theme. If you love the dramatic sound of GFRIEND, the fantasy-infused tunes of LOVELYZ, and the Disney musical like pieces of early IU, “APRIL STORY” is the perfect combination for you!

B.I.G “1.2.3”

A comeback missing one member, because rapper Minpyo was sick, B.I.G still managed to carry “1.2.3” as four and slayed with this super powerful track. The song is a mix of the typical dance-pop we are familiar with in K-Pop with a lot of funk and RnB influences and highlights how Benji is one of the most underrated power vocals of K-Pop. The choreo and MV are also super fun and retro, complementing the already great track in many ways. If you are a fan of BLOCK B’s dramatic theatrics and MAMAMOO’s fun power vocals and need an energetic jam to get you started on a Monday or run miles in the gym, then B.I.G’s “1.2.3.” is the song for you. 

Brave Girls “Rollin’”

Sadly still stuck on the underrated list, Brave Girls return with 5 members in another woefully unappreciated banger with “Rollin’”. Featuring the signature Brave Brother’s sexiness and addictive post-chorus instrumental, the song has everything needed in a classy sexy K-Pop track. The memorable chair choreo also furthers the mystery behind the song’s lack of success in South Korea. If like other Brave Brother’s produced female groups like SISTAR, T-ARA, and 4MINUTE, this song is your dance-pop fix!

ELRIS “Pow Pow”

While they only debuted this year and have time to grow, ELRIS and their song “Pow Pow” definitely deserves more attention, especially considering their 2017 rookie competitors being mainly popular girl groups with I.O.I members. This fun girl group track with a strong rock guitar riff blends in intro and dance break plus a catchy electronic chorus makes it one of the strongest girl group tracks of the year. If you are a fan of cutesy girl groups with an edge like TWICE and Oh My Girl, go check out ELRIS in “Pow Pow”!

N.Flying “The Real”

With a long hiatus and the addition of popular PRODUCE 101 member Yoo Hoesung, fans were uncertain of N.Flying’s comeback but the boys delivered with a super catchy track that will hopefully kick off an amazing Korean career for the boys. “The Real” shows all the best of N.Flying - a colorful blend of vocals and rap that only got amplified by Hoesung’s ridiculous vocal range. If you are a fan of other FNC bands like FT Island and CN Blue but also like the crazy fun pop tracks of BLOCK B and B.A.P, “The Real” is the song for you!

9MUSES “Love City”

With only 4 members left, 9MUSES continue to make us ask the question of “Why are they not super famous yet?” “Love City” continues to showcase the unique 9MUSES dance-pop sound and surpasses it with an addictive chorus that goes up the scales (musically and figuratively) and has that Janet Jackson-esque giggle to top it off. If you want a top class and smooth mature girl group banger like those of After School and SNSD during their prime, you better check this song out! 

SNUPER “Back:Hug”

Hopefully “The Unit” will give these boys more attention because “Back:Hug” and pretty much all SNUPER tracks are bops. Produced by Sweetune, the masterminds behind early INFINITE tracks, “Back:Hug” continues with the signature Sweettune 80s synth melodies but with a 2017 twist - tropical house! The distorted tropical house sound adds an interesting layer to the already addictive track makes it insane how underrated this track is. If you like INFINITE and BOYFRIEND’s previous Sweettune produced tracks and like the tropical house stuff from K.A.R.D, you should give this song a listen!

SONAMOO “I (Knew It)”

Sonamoo is one of those groups with a crazy hype debut but through mismanagement, has started being forgotten. While Eujiin is hopefully going to change things as the center on “The Unit”, it would also help if more people listen to their newest track “I (Knew It)”. After TS Entertainment seemed to finally settle on a concept for the girls with “Friday Night”, the sultry and mature image continues with “I (Knew It)”, where the girls flaunt their sharp moves, killer rap and top vocals in this Latin-infused dance masterpiece. If you are a fan of SISTAR’s Latin-infused tracks and some of GAIN’s sexy solo stuff, you need to listen to “I (Knew It)”!

VAV “ABC (Middle of the Night)”

Another group that never stops with bops is VAV, and “ABC (Middle of the Night)” is easily one of the catchiest songs of the year with little to no attention given to it. Not only do the boys have a consistent sound, they also improve on it, with “ABC (Middle of the Night)” being the epitome of it. Addictive beat - check. Playful rap - check. Catchy chorus - check. Honestly, if you are on the cute and smooth boys train of ASTRO and early BOYFRIEND, you should really check out “ABC (Middle of the Night)”!

VICTON “Unbelievable”

Although they come from the same company as popular girl group A PINK, VICTON is still very underrated in South Korea. “Unbelievable” continues with their unique sound from debut - fun, colorful, and laid-back tracks that clearly highlight each member’s unique vocal color. The whistling in the chorus is also super catchy and will keep the song in your mind for days. If you like the feel good and fun sound of groups like SEVENTEEN and recent HIGHLIGHT (B2ST) stuff, “Unbelievable” is the track for you!

[archerwindsor]

Get Out of a Workout Rut with NEW LSF Gear!

cute workout equipment

I don’t know what it is about November. I think there’s this hype about the holidays paired with the sluggishness that comes with winter and the sun setting so gosh darn early. Whatever it is, I know it can be extra hard to motivate yourself to work out this time of year.

And that gets even harder if you feel like you’re in a workout rut. When you’re not seeing gains — or you’re just super bored during your workouts — it’s so much harder to want to get your sweat on!

Girl, I feel you. I have been in my fair share of workout ruts. The good news? I know how to get out of them! Let’s talk about what’s helped me in the past. 

Get out of a rut with our new, cute workout equipment!

New gear, new me.

No, seriously. I’ve found that just changing up what equipment I’m using makes my workouts so much more interesting. And it helps me work my muscles in different ways so I can see even better results!

To see change, switch it up. To switch it up, get geared up. That’s why — as you’ve prob noticed — we’re offering more cute workout equipment than ever before. 

Hopefully, you’ve already peeped our resistance bands and our new foam roller. But it’s like, why stop there? So we’re rolling out even more cute workout equipment! This gives you a way to change it up so your bod can try something new. 

And don’t worry. You won’t need a ton of storage or space. I’m all about stuff that’s easy to store and easy to use. So I’ve got two small pieces of cute workout equipment that will give you BIG results. I’m super excited to introduce you to the brand NEW LSF GEAR! We’ve got:

Resistance tube bands

TRX ain’t got nothin’ on us! The resistance booty bands we already have are so great for working your legs and that booty, but we don’t want to leave your arms hanging! So we’re launching these new tube bands.

Of course, I made sure they fit the cute workout equipment vibe. But they’ll also give you plenty of resistance to work those muscles. If you’re ready to join the no-dumbells club, babe, these are for you!

Slider discs

Oooooh, girl, are you going to feel it with these! Seriously, all you need is these super-small slider discs and a hard floor and you can kick your workouts into high gear! 

We’re going to be #LSFslidingintotheholidays with these bad boys.

If you’re not sure how to use slider discs or tube bands, I’ve got you. Here’s a full-body workout you can get in with this new, cute workout equipment! Plus there are brand new workout videos in the LSF App using the new gear, check them out!

Get your sweat on with this workout using LSF Gear

Mountain Climbers x30

Pike x15

Row + leg lift x8 each side

Bicep curl + squat x12

Other ways to get out of a workout rut

Okay, on top of getting the cute workout equipment you need to switch it up and break out of your rut, I’ve got a few of other tips for you. 

Get a friend involved.

I know you all are #LSFupforthechallenge! But I also know that workout ruts are real. That’s why I love having my girls to call on for accountability. If you’re struggling to get your sweat on consistently, find a friend with similar fitness goals. You can work out together, or you can just text each other each day to check in. Knowing that someone else is going to ask if you worked out might be the push you need. Plus, it’s so fun to cheer each other on! If you guys are game, you can even set workout schedules for each other. Trying out your friend’s routine can be a fun change of pace!

Sign up for something.

I know I work way harder when I’m prepping for something. Maybe you sign up for a 5k or a yoga retreat. Or, heck, maybe you just book a vacation where you know you’ll be wearing a swimsuit. Having a date on the calendar when you know you want your body to be its best is super motivating. Knowing the event’s coming up can help you stay focused and can remind you why you’re working out in the first place. 

Track it.

The LSF app is here for you, friend! Use it to keep track of the workouts you’re doing and how you’re feeling afterward. I notice that I get in a workout rut when I’m doing the same thing over and over — but sometimes it’s hard to notice that you’ve developed a pattern. Mark your workouts and keep an eye on how you feel before and after each. If you notice that something different helps you feel more energized, work more of it into your routine. I’m telling you, switching it up is the best way to bust out of a workout rut!

Move locations.

Speaking of switching it up, your workout rut might be linked to quarantine. When you’re spending more time at home than usual and then adding at-home workouts on top of that, it’s easy to feel a little stagnant. So change up your view! Move to a different room or, better yet, head to the closest park. The fresh air and vitamin D from the sunshine can help you feel extra awesome post-workout. 

Pump those tunes.

Are workouts even fun without a great playlist? Make a playlist of all of your favorite bangers. You’ll look forward to listening to it so much that you’ll have an extra dose of motivation to get your sweat on.

Get that cute workout equipment ready, use these tips, and let’s slay the rest of the year! I can’t wait to see you girls #LSFgearedup!

The post Get Out of a Workout Rut with NEW LSF Gear! appeared first on Love Sweat Fitness.

Get Out of a Workout Rut with NEW LSF Gear! published first on https://olimpsportnutritionuk.tumblr.com/

[deadcactuswalking]

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 07/11/2020 (Ariana Grande, Bring Me the Horizon)

You know, it’s odd how that despite two pretty massive albums dropping, both having an impact on the chart, we actually have less debuts than the scattered mess of singles from last week, thanks to silly UK Singles Chart rules. Regardless, this week’s #1 is still “positions” by Ariana Grande and welcome back to REVIEWING THE CHARTS.

Dropouts & Returning Entries

The biggest drop off the chart this week is undoubtedly the #1 hit “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi, exiting the UK Top 75 after a run lasting 50 weeks. Nothing really compares to the weight of that drop-out but I guess we do have “GREECE” by DJ Khaled featuring Drake, “Heather” by Conan Grey. “Bando Diaries” by Dutchavelli, “Heart of Glass” by Miley Cyrus, “forget me too” by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Halsey and “Hold” by Chunkz and Young Filly, only lasting a measly two weeks but still peaking high. There is actually a theme to our returning entries as all of these are spooky scary Halloween-themed tracks. The classic “Thriller” by the ever-controversial King of Pop Michael Jackson is back at #57, “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr. Is back at #54 – this is my personal favourite of the bunch, mostly thanks to Neil Cicierega – and even “Monster Mash” by Bobby Boris Pickett is back at #50. Oh, and “5AM” by M Huncho and Nafe Smallz is back at #66 but that’s just scarily bad. The biggest fall this week was for “Cool with Me” by Dutchavelli and M1llionz down to #64 whilst the biggest gain was unfortunately for “Whoopty” by CJ at #48. Honestly, what’s the appeal here? Sigh, at least we have some really interesting hijinks this week, pretty fitting for a week that saw the messiest US election in history, and I won’t write this in order so you won’t see what I’m leading up to until a while after you read this part but there is some incredible stuff here. You know what’s not incredible?

NEW ARRIVALS

#74 – “Too Many Nights” – 220 KID and JC Stewart

Produced by 220 KID, Joe Janiak and Mark Ralph

I started off this episode by writing about the Bring Me the Horizon songs first. Not only is the album good and I had recently listened to it, but I had a lot more to say about the tracks, obviously since it’s not something you see on the charts every day and there’s a lot more to discuss in these tracks. Hence, after writing nearly 2,000 words on the metalcore boys alone, I have a question: do I really need to cover this emotionless tropical house-pop crap manufactured by labels and DJs who rarely find any interesting instrumentation, songwriting ideas or even samples to cover up their complete lack of innovation and at times even talent, for a quick buck and stupid amounts of unwarranted chart success? I don’t want to say I’m angry and I don’t want to seem pretentious but music is art. Art is, as a result of the society that produces it, a product, but even #1 hits and major-label records are still pieces of art. They can be analysed, appreciated and listened to with a lot of thought and detail. I cannot see that in “Too Many Nights” by 220 KID and JC Stewart. To me, this is purely a product. I’m taking this way too seriously but this really exemplifies what people hate about pop music in three minutes and eight seconds of cheap plastic dance music. Next.

#67 – “Ginger” – Wizkid featuring Burna Boy

Produced by P2J

Wizkid and Burna Boy are both highly acclaimed Nigerian singers and given everything that’s happening here recently, it’s no surprise Wizkid released an album that I would think touches on these issues, Made in Lagos, which is a name I can infer means he will explore Nigerian identity and what it means to be from Lagos and make it big in music. Wizkid is one of the big stars and pioneers of modern African pop music and whilst I should be interested in the album, I haven’t had the time to give it a spin yet so I’ll take this first impression from the track with Burna Boy. This is a pretty sweet tropical tune with an infectious hook referencing the traditional West African dish of jollof rice, and whilst the language barrier does prevent me from fully understanding the song, I can gather that this is a mix of a hook-up jam and typical rap stuff, with him flexing how he lives nice and if people want smoke, he’s got smoke, and a lot about this woman gyrating on him. Seriously, that’s the whole first verse, which only arrives after a really awkward pause. The second verse is kind of awkward here and Wizkid’s voice and flow have never done much for me, especially here where both he and Burna Boy sound checked-out. Burna Boy’s contributions are pretty much relegated to half of the chorus and an outro that quickly fades away and soon enough, this really slow, kind of uninteresting song has already finished. I’m not personally a fan of this but I am still interested in that album – I like the song with Skepta even if it does sound very much like “Ginger”, just with a stronger guest. Now onto the big story, or at least my big story, on the chart.

#55 – “1x1” – Bring Me the Horizon featuring Nova Twins

Produced by Jordan Smith and Oliver Sykes

I never read Kerrang! magazine, mostly because I’m not a loser [citation needed]. I understand that they originated in the 1980s as a metal-focused magazine but I wasn’t there for that. I was there for the Kerrang! TV era of pop-punk whining, scene-core screaming, nu-metal grunting, emo crooning and the Bloodhound Gang for some reason. Listening to this new Bring Me the Horizon album, titled Post Human: Survival Horror, took me back to that place. That feeling of classic Metallica followed by less classic Foo Fighters followed by the absolutely not classic Medina Lake (some of their stuff still slaps, however derivative) – oh, yeah, and like 10 minutes of adverts after six minutes of music. That feeling of All Time Low and You Me at Six playing back to back and being completely incapable of telling the difference between the two. “If we ain’t got that then we ain’t got much and we ain’t got nothing.” They were simpler times. I may be mashing up eras here but it still stands. Hell, the BABYMETAL tracks even took me back to the “Flashing Lights” disclaimers of all things. Rest in peace to Scuzz by the way, and, yes, I said BABYMETAL, we’ll get to that in a bit. So, yeah, I really liked that throwback to turn-of-the-millennium mallcore, but it does keep itself fresh and interesting enough throughout, especially with Sykes’ unique delivery and topical albeit ham-fisted edgy lyrics. You can say a lot about Bring Me the Horizon but at this point at least they definitely have pretty defining characteristics and a lot of likeability even if they do like to stick to a formula at times that makes it pretty obvious where their influences lie. That said, I do think the album becomes a slog by track seven, and it’s a lot duller than it probably should be for the final stretch. Unfortunately, this is track seven. I’m not familiar with the Nova Twins but they’re a punk-rap duo from London and honestly I am interested in checking out that debut album but I’m not really impressed by them or the metalcore boys – which is somehow a better band name than “Bring Me the Horizon” – on this track. Again, there is a formula to the metalcore boys’ banger tracks, and here it feels particularly stale and awkward, thanks to the loudness war that’s present in the album as a whole (Linkin Park’s influence shows up everywhere, even in the production) and the awkward trap elements shoved into the percussion of the first and second verses. I think Amy Love of Nova Twins obviously flows better on it than Oli Sykes who should have handed everything that’s not the chorus – one of the most cookie-cutter on the record – to the Twins, because he sounds pretty off here. There’s a lot less “epic edgy” lyrical content (I’m not sure if that’s a compliment) but that leads to kind of vague and disjointed ideas that don’t all line up to the core theme of the song, which is human guilt for the sins of man or some crap like that. Boys, when you interpolate four of your own songs AND Linkin Park, you’ve got to realise you’re re-treading some ground here. Not even the typical Bring Me the Horizon drop into the metal breakdown from an electronic bridge really feels like it’s worth it or climactic here, which is a shame but who needs the Nova Twins when the metalcore boys have a collaboration with another unique all-female rock duo...?

#51 – “Kingslayer” – Bring Me the Horizon featuring BABYMETAL

Produced by Jordan Fish and Oliver Sykes

When I saw BABYMETAL on this tracklist, I was amused and kind of laughed it off. These guys do have some pretty bizarre collaborations – they have songs with Halsey and Grimes – but BABYMETAL? I remember them when they were half-awesome Japanese pop-metal band and half-complete and utter meme in the early 2010s, and I knew that they had continued being so, mostly because the last time I heard from them they were playable in Super Mario Maker. Seriously, look it up. Now when I saw BABYMETAL on the charts, nearing the top 50 no less, I was ecstatic and honestly shocked. Needless to say this is their first appearance on the chart and whilst metal bands in the 2000s like Slipknot and System of a Down had genuine hits, outside of, fittingly, Bring Me the Horizon, it’s unheard of, especially for a Japanese girl group who happen to have freaking shredders playing on stage behind them. I haven’t listened to a BABYMETAL album but I feel like I don’t need to because of how much they’ve made an impression through singles, videos and live performances. Judas Priest’s Rob Halford called BABYMETAL “the future of metal” and whilst I’m not into the metal scene, I’m half-inclined to both agree and add Bring Me the Horizon to that conversation. I’m just amazed there is a cyber-kawaii metal song on the charts. I’m honestly astonished. Oh, and it helps that the song is incredible. On the album there’s a short interlude that functions as an introduction but honestly the short, aggressive synth riff followed by an immediate crash into the metal groove and Sykes yelling his lungs out works better on its own to just shove you face-first into some insane music. I love how that opening yell is chopped up and digitally re-arranged in the background of the chaotic instrumentation. The cutesy and bleep-bloopy synths that are not new to Bring Me the Horizon’s repertoire are used to their full potential here and yes, it is complete sensory overload, but it’s also kawaii-cyber metal. I mean, what did you expect? It also thematically makes sense. The song is about Call of Duty but it’s also an ode to the people willing to stand up for what they believe in even if it’s illegal and even if it doesn’t abide by rules and regulations. The album is full of these songs that fully support a revolutionary attitude and a clear frustration with keeping up with the old guard for all these years. You can hear how fed up and sick and tired of the political hellscape Sykes is in his shifts between pitch-shifted whining not dissimilar to Blink-182 and gravelly yelling straight out of extreme metal, except unlike most extreme metal I’ve heard, this is actually mixed properly. This track and especially the opener, “Dear Diary”, have so much anarchic energy and that is what I love about the hardcore punk edge to a lot of the album, not necessarily as much sonically as that in content and lyrical themes, where Sykes presents his inner mental struggles and contextualises them on the world stage, making an album that tackles the pandemic, racism and corruption vaguely and with poetic wit without being shallow or impersonal. Most songs that relate to the social distancing will not use the depressive emotional bloodletting of “Teardrops”, the subtly ominous yet still anthemic choruses about lockdown in “Obey” (seriously, these guys can make even YUNGBLUD sound listenable) and even the slow, sour conflict with both Mother Nature and general isolation on the closing ballad that has a name way too long for me to recite, as much as I enjoy upping the word count on every episode. Sykes’ verse in “Kingslayer” discusses opposing points of political opposition and protest, on one hand wanting to express how sick people are of going through the capitalist machine only to be spat back out again but also asking him the condescending question of if he really wants to poke the governmental bear. On the pre-chorus, he voices those frustrations in profanity-laden motivation that is asking not just himself but the general public to wake up, not that they’re unaware of how unfair the system is but instead acting as a call to action. Su-Metal of BABYMETAL takes this ode in a different angle, seeing revolutionaries as idolised figures, so much so that the chorus works as a confession of love or just awe in how the “kingslayer” is destroying castles in the sky and will save “us” from the darkness and from the struggles that the corrupt elite forces onto the populace. In the verse Su-Metal juxtaposes the imagery in the hook of some kind of medieval warrior (“angel of the blade”) with the near-incomprehensible verse, which is half-sung in Japanese with a cry for help responded to in commanding English, which I see as a reaction from the authority that undermines these problems. They call the revolutionary “artificial” and “modified” in a condescending, mocking tone, as well as using so much digital jargon that the verse becomes practically meaningless, especially backed by the heavy, loud music that drowns some of the messaging about and very much intentionally. It also seems pretty intentional that this song sounds like a take on an anime opening, as all of this cyber-punk imagery and anti-authority lyrical content feels a lot sharper when coated in references and criticism of mass-media. Oh, and it also helps that the song rocks, Su-Metal’s melodies are beautifully placed against a frenetic, monotone bass note in her verse, and that final chorus is absolutely perfect. That rapid-fire addition to the chorus took me by surprise on first listen and just completes the song for me. The song ends with one last wake-up call from Sykes about the rabbit hole before his yell is manipulated, screwed and played with by the production, rendering his scream inhuman... and followed by the playful, childlike inflections of BABYMETAL. If we don’t at least try to change in this time, the generations after us will suffer from our mistakes and missed opportunities. Man, this song is a rollercoaster that starts with drum and bass rhythms and ends with Oli Sykes growling gratuitous profanities that get close to feeling like he’s insulting the listener – it’s really brutal – and I’m here for it all the way. There have been songs on REVIEWING THE CHARTS that I like and that I love and whilst I know this won’t stick around (it is still cyber-kawaii metal), this is undoubtedly the best song I think I’ve ever covered on this show and might as well just be one of the best songs I’ve heard this year and maybe ever. I adore this track, please, PLEASE check it out.

#46 – “Flooded” – M Huncho and Nafe Smallz

Produced by Sean Murdz

Okay, seriously for a second: who cares? There’s nothing interesting here. A synth-based soundscape with some cheap flute loops drowned out by trap percussion that doesn’t even drop in, it just awkwardly fades in – yes, even the 808s – and Auto-Tuned mumbling from a nasal-voiced child with an unbearable falsetto. What is the appeal? None of them sound interested, there are no bars of any interest or even a funny line, not even unintentionally. D-Block Europe make me laugh but this tragically awful duo make me bored to death. M Huncho has a cool mask he wears and I wish his gimmick was more than just that and you know, actually translated to the music, but he doesn’t sound intimidating or like a villain. He just sounds like some dude who decided to rap barely on the beat of badly-mixed type beat with bass mastering that should be pitied. He did have a fluke song that kind of slapped called “Pee Pee”, which just comes to show that the more ridiculous and stupid he gets, the more vaguely entertaining he is. So why is he this dull and lame?! The flow is either talking over a beat that refuses to stay still but never truly reaches any kind of climax or even build-up, or just trap-rap word association. “I flooded the chain, it’s like a lake, we runnin’ the game, you pressin’ the brakes.” There’s nothing here, absolutely nothing, and these two hacks cannot sell it. I’m just looking for some effort and even if something is effortless, at least have the charisma to make it sound like you give a damn because this is pretty inexcusable.

#35 – “Paradise” – MEDUZA and Dermot Kennedy

Produced by MEDUZA

I’m tired and I feel like I’m almost at breaking point with these songs. What would usually be generic and uninteresting is sounding offensively bad to me right now and I’m not sure why. That doesn’t really matter all too much to me though as this show has never been an in-depth critical assessment... okay, well sometimes it becomes as such but these are usually just my first impressions of tracks that happen to debut that week on the UK Singles Chart and this can range from volatile frustration to immediate adoration to not giving a rat’s ass about a single one of the songs that debut, depending on how I feel that day. That said, this song is fine. I actually really like Kennedy’s delivery, even if his rougher edges are smoothened and cleaned up by the vocal production here, which is pretty reverb-drenched but does allow for Kennedy to actually release rather than editing the vocals to sound really tight and closed-in... except for that really weak, pathetic drop but I do like the lyrical content, fittingly about distanced relationships as England enters a second lockdown. There’s little to say here but it’s worth a listen.

#32 – “Four Notes – Paul’s Tune” – Paul Harvey, Daniel Whibley and BBC Philharmonic

Produced by ???

No production credits for this one for whatever reason. Anyway, I am tired to the point of just complete speechless confusion at why this charted, and especially so high, rather than having any intrigue in why, but I looked it up anyway. Paul Harvey is a man from Sussex with dementia who is able to improvise beautiful piano melodies with only four notes as a reference point, hence the name. This was recorded by his son Nick and posted onto Twitter, where it soon became viral. This composition was then arranged by Daniel Whibley and recorded by the BBC’s Philharmonic Orchestra to be released as a charity single with proceeds being split between the Alzheimer’s Society and Music for Dementia. This isn’t a song I can critique. The arrangement is really pretty and it was in the original video, with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra only serving to make it sound grander and fitting for a single release. Dementia, Alzheimer’s and any kind of brain disorder are all really tragic and really depressing things to happen to anybody, especially to the people it tends to affect: the elderly. It’s sweet that this is a single and I like that it charted high so those organisations that can assist science in treating these disorders and give help to those with family members diagnosed with and suffering from brain disorders have more funding. The song sounds good, it’s mixed well and honestly it’s pretty gorgeous at times, and if this helps people, then it’s done its job, and I commend Harvey and his son, Daniel Whibley and the BBC for letting this happen. Now for something completely different.

#26 – “Deluded” – Tion Wayne featuring MIST

Produced by Steel Banglez and Chris Rich Beats

Steel Banglez, Tion Wayne and MIST? God, maybe we are returning to the new normal; this is a 2019 line-up. Tion Wayne is a character and a presence on the track always and MIST is quite the opposite, but that “So High” song with Fredo was pretty cool, I suppose. Tion Wayne has always been more of an entertaining presence than half this crop of drill rappers, even if his flow and bars suffer from it, but he’s always a lot more fun and he does have a couple punchlines that hit. This particular song uses that “mm-mm” flow that originated on his track “Keisha & Becky”, and both him and MIST sound really interested and enthused here, as they trade bars in the verses and support each other with ad-libs throughout. The two seem to actually have some chemistry and it’s not an unnatural collaboration. Even in Tion Wayne’s solo chorus, MIST is shouting behind him, and it overall makes the song really aggressive and punchy, even if some of the lyrics are just kind of uninteresting or even confusing, like the oddly-specific jab at an unnamed crack abuser, always referred to as “you” in the song. Is the listener a crack addict? Should I be scared? I’m not entirely sure, but this kind of slaps, especially the keys and vocal sample in the outro. It kind of reminds me of a harsher version of the #1 hit back from 2018, “Funky Friday” by Dave and Fredo, except these guys are legitimately menacing in the song and the bass-heavy drill beat never subtracts from that, not to say that “Funky Friday” is a bad song (far from it). It’s not about being able to convince me with lyrics, it’s about being able to sell what you say effectively and interestingly – not even uniquely, but just in a way that’s presentable and leads to genuinely good music. M Huncho and Nafe Smallz could take a couple hints from these guys.

#16 – “motive” – Ariana Grande and Doja Cat

Produced by TBHits, Joseph L’Etranger, Mr. Franks and Murda Beatz

Murda Beatz, huh? Well, I haven’t listened to Positions yet, mostly because I’ve been bumping Goddamn Bring Me the Horizon for the past week, but also because 14 tracks of the same song doesn’t necessarily interest me. For the sake of the show I probably should check the album out – it’s not that long – but don’t expect me to have that a positive opinion on it. I said my peace on Grande last week and given the singles I seriously doubt this album will erase my continuous issues with her projects. I’ve always felt that despite her unbelievable talent, she is also unbelievably disinterested and detached from her own music to the point where whatever artistic contributions and creativity she and her team had is completely washed out by the questionable production, weak-sauce trap beats and misguided song ideas (I still roll my eyes on “7 rings” and “sweetener”). From what I’ve heard from this new album, it has a lot more classic R&B keys and strings undercut by trap skitters and modern vocal production, and this is pretty clear in “motive”, a funky house-inspired dance-pop tune that feels miles less robotic and factory-made than most house on the charts, instead going for an organic fast-paced groove and mildly annoying vocal samples. The trap breakdown in the pre-chorus is what gives Murda Beatz the right to put his producer tag at the start of the song, which is honestly just funny. I do like the verses but the chorus doesn’t hit in quite the same way it should, possibly that pre-chorus is just garbage and it doesn’t build to an effective crescendo for the chorus to build up on off of whispery murmuring. Oh, and Doja Cat is here, which took me by surprise when she started lazily rapping since Ari actually sounded like her in the second verse. In fact, this is a Doja Cat song in all but lead artist credit and honestly, the song kind of suffers because of it. This is decent, I suppose, but a collaboration that doesn’t favour either artist.

#9 – “34+35” – Ariana Grande

Produced by ProdByXavi, Mr. Franks, Peter Lee Johnson and TBHits

Ariana Grande’s albums have disproportionate producer credit to producer effort ratio. At least there’s not a M-M-M-Murda on this one. The song title is stupid but this was pushed to radio so I guess it has to be family-friendly PG clean to some degree. It is interesting how it goes for the absurdity of being dirty over Disney-like orchestral blossoms and pretty nice-sounding strings, but it doesn’t go far enough other than the chorus. It’s missing a good, effective, funny opening line, and I feel that the verses are pretty lacking. The pre-chorus is almost cringeworthy and just going into bizarre levels of horny on main but that is very much the point of the whole thing. “You know I keep it squeaky”? I find it almost difficult to take this song as anything more than a joke, but she does have some pretty commanding tones when she asks him to “just give me them babies” and the snarky laugh in the intro combined with pretty slick albeit absolutely stupid punchlines that go from so bad it’s good territory to just unabashedly ridiculous and embracing itself as such. I love the falsetto in the chorus even if it is just building up to that stupid title that is nowhere near as clever as Ari thinks it is. By the way, she completely delivers here and it’s a pretty damn great performance from her, one of her most enthusiastic on record, even with her now typical “yuh”s spread throughout. Hell, the rap verse actually works this time mostly because her charisma actually comes through and the trap skitter has some energy this time, unlike “7 rings”. I don’t get the end where she says she was never good at maths, though, because “34 + 35 = 69” is a pretty solid and correct albeit obviously simple calculation. You got the answer, give it a tick in a different colour pen.

Got the neighbours yellin’, “Earthquake!” / 4.5 when I make the bed shake

There’s a song in the top 10 that uses the moment magnitude scale as a sex metaphor. 2020, everyone.

Conclusion

Let’s cut to the chase: Best of the Week goes to Bring Me the Horizon and BABYMETAL for “Kingslayer”, which should have been obvious. I’m so glad I expanded beyond the top 40 on this show. It means I can talk about songs like that in depth. Honourable Mention might actually go to Ariana Grande’s “34+35” on plain fun alone, although the similarly numeric “1x1” did get close. The Worst of the Week is really a toss-up because there was a lot of disposable filler between the good and interesting stuff this week had to offer. I’ll probably go with “Flooded” by M Huncho and Nafe Smallz, with a Dishonourable Mention to “Too Many Nights” by 220 KID and JC Stewart. Both are just impressively lacking in effort or any appeal I can search for, but knowing my luck, they’ll both be “Old Town Road”-level big. Here’s our top 10:

Thanks for reading this! You can follow me @cactusinthebank on Twitter and I need some sleep. See you next week!

[buttonpusherdiy]

ArcTanGent Festival 2017 : Review

Photo Credit : Helen Messenger

Now in its fifth year, ArcTanGent Festival has well and truly cemented itself as the best festival in the UK for experimental music and this year was no exception, arriving to a sunny Fernhill Farm we set up camp as quickly as we could before checking out our first band of the weekend. The fantastically fun Bearded Youth Quest never fail to disappoint. Their happiness is infectious and it’s not long before everyone’s having a great time bouncing around to their party prog riffs.

Photo Credit : Ed Sprake

Up next were Chiyoda Ku who confidently took to the stage with their clever twists and turns showing a sense of songwriting mature beyond their years. With a new album due in October these guys deserve to keep playing bigger and better shows.

French post screamo band Fall of Messiah play to a rammed tent which left us out back to listen in the sun which was actually pretty perfect considering that the festival is normally hit with the worst rain imaginable each year. Gallops are a party band and unfortunately it still felt a little too early in the day to properly get into party mode but with that aside the band still played a blinder with their live electronic elements and tight as f*ck drums. HECK played their last ever show at ATG this year, no one really knows why but there are a lot of people there to witness the mayhem one last time and that pretty much sums up their short lived career, nothing short of MENTAL. We find ourselves not knowing where to look as the band disappear off into the crowd!

Photo Credit : Helen Messenger

Future of the left are always an enjoyable live act with Falko’s razor sharp lyrics and pummeling riffs taking command of the tent as they played through a mix of their back catalogue and a few Mclusky bangers too which get everyone singing along. Thursday headliners Russian Circles are one of my favourite bands so it was amazing to see them return to ATG this year, they always seem to make it feel like the world is about to end but that you’d at least feel safe and comforted by their music so it just wouldn’t matter anyway! Playing a range of songs from across their career this band can do no wrong. Closing with “Death Rides a Horse” it’s a perfect ending to a perfect day!

Photo Credit : Nick Sayers

Friday morning meant tough decisions had to be made between Cardiffs Right Hand Left Hand and Bristols Hoggs Bison, in the end it was the Bristol boys who helped nurse my hangover with their laid back, hypnotic grooves, their debut album comes out soon and i can’t wait for it. Another clash next but having seen Gilmore Trail very recently meant catching a song and opting to see Bristol based Madilan who were dressed in girls clothes with taped nipples, definitely weird music by weird boys but the good kind of weird you’d expect from ATG.

Over on the Arc Alpha Male Tea Party play to one of the biggest crowds of the weekend so far, it’s amazing how far this band have come and their new album Health is a big part of that reason, they are a band that just spew out infectious riffs constantly, it was also an honour to be asked to be a part of their choir for their last song, “No More”

Photo Credit : Ed Sprake

Frontierer were one of my must see bands, brutal music made by a bunch of guys that have only ever met a few times in real life, they didn’t disappoint as they pummelled the crowd with some of the most technically insane math-core of the weekend. The Number 12 looks like you, keep the heavy up next with their technical hardcore at its finest before finding ourselves taking shelter from the rain to the sounds of Leeds duo, worriedaboutsatan who were a nice alternative to Converge after a few hours of pretty heavy music, as much as I love Converge I just couldn’t tear myself away from the floaty electronic vibes.

Saturday began with the weekends biggest regrets after waking up with the worst hangover and realising i’d missed Real terms & IRK, this wasn’t made any easier during the day as everyone had glowing reports for both bands sets. Jardin De la Croix were another new discovery who didn’t fail to impress as we watched from the back enjoying the glorious sunshine Saturday had delivered after Fridays downpours.

Photo Credit : Ed Sprake

The Physics house band played the Arc Main stage and the sunny afternoon slot is the perfect setting for their Jazz influenced prog noodles, the addition of Saxophone for many of the tracks was an excellent touch too, serious stuff!!!

Next up it’s anything but serious as A Werewolf brought their filthy grind mathcore nonsense back again after spliting up after last years festival, some seriously silly banter and hawaiian shirts, the band demand circle pits and the crowd happily oblige with the biggest smiles on their faces. Part filth, part comedy, it all comes to an end too quickly with guitarist Niall being crowdsurfed out of the tent and carried to the nearest bar.

Photo Credit : Nick Sayers

Belgian trio Brutus were one of our most anticipated bands this year, they delivered a ferocious set of tracks from their debut album “Burst”,  very powerful music and Drummer/Vocalist Stefanies voice is flawless live, go see them if you get the chance when they tour the UK later this year.

Photo Credit : Nick Sayers

Tricot are by far the bounciest and happiest band playing this years festival without a doubt and the Japanese math rockers make it look effortless as they batter through their super slick set of upbeat anthems. South Koreas Jambinai were another first for us and were one of our highlights of the weekend, from the get go they had the crowd hooked with their unique take on post-rock which included traditional Korean instruments, it was a very unique set and it was lovely to see how happy the band were to be playing to such an appreciative crowd, definitely a band we will be going to see again the next time the opportunity arises.

Photo Credit : Ed Sprake

Opting for The St Pierre Snake invasion as our festival closer was a good call, the Bristol band have been making big waves over the past year and they deserved this headline slot. Yeah they were up against Explosions in the Sky but that didn’t stop them putting on one of the most furious and intense shows of their lives and as they finish their set the sad realisation that ATG is drawing to an end for another year sets in but not before one more silent disco.

Photo Credit : Jonathan Dadds

ArcTanGent Number 5 was an amazing weekend and we can’t wait to see what Number 6 has got in store for us next year!!!

[lindyhunt]

How Nikki Yanofsky Found Her Sound and Herself on Her Newest Album

To quote Nikki Yanofsky, it’s been “a minute” since the 24-year-old singer released new music. You remember Yanofsky. She sang I Believe, the theme song–and certified banger–from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It was basically our unofficial National Anthem that winter. But, you might also know her as the youngest performer ever to headline the highly-regarded Montreal International Jazz Festival when she was just 12 years old.

But after taking a short hiatus to focus on truly finding her sound, Yanofsky is releasing an album that’s 100 per cent true to herself. The first single Big Mouth debuted today. She wrote it in response to the Women’s March in New York City earlier this year. An accompanying video also dropped, shot by Emma Higgins, who’s previously won a JUNO for Video of the Year for her work with Mother Mother.

When it comes to having a big mouth, this singer isn’t afraid to admit she’s got one. And we’re very excited to see all the things she’ll say (and sing) with it. Check out our interview with Yanofsky below, as well as the brand new Big Mouth music video.

What’s been different about the process of working on this album, in comparison to the previous work you’ve released?

I think this is the first album that I’ve really found my sound and known very clearly what I want to say. Every song is written very clearly and with intention. It just feels like me for the first time compared to all my other stuff. I mean, everything I’ve worked on has a special place in my heart, obviously, but I feel like right now, it’s the most me because I’m the most me I’ve ever been. You know, it’s different working on an album at 16 and working on an album at 24, I feel like I’ve found myself.

Because this album has so much of yourself in it, does that mean you write all your own stuff? Is the music based on real-life experiences? 

Yeah, so I write or co-write all of my own music and it’s definitely based on my own experiences. I’d say mostly all, because sometimes I’ll hear a story and think, oh that would be a cool song and I get inspired. But really, my strongest stuff is stuff I’ve really lived because it comes across genuine. And it’s not necessarily even an experience. Like in this song, Big Mouth, I’m not really telling a story, it’s more me commenting on a movement. It’s about having women be proud to speak their mind and to stand up for themselves and to never dull their shine for anybody. That’s what I want the song to do. I’ve always been a kind of in-your-face person, but I’ve definitely had my fair share of moments where I’ve felt, oh maybe I shouldn’t have said that or just felt ashamed. I wanted to write a song to remind women everywhere that no, never be ashamed of being you.

You wrote Big Mouth in response to the Women’s March in New York earlier this year.

Yeah, I actually couldn’t make it to the march, but I saw it on the news and I felt so inspired watching woman after woman speak and be so poised and articulate. It felt like history and I just wanted to have something forever to remind me of that moment. Songs, in my opinion, are like tattoos. You write them and you put them out and then they’re there forever, you can’t take them away. I just wanted to have a tattoo of that moment in my head.

I love the concept of twisting that “Big Mouth” perception from a negative into a positive. Why did you decide to release this song as the single? Why did you want this to be the first taste of the new album?

I think I wanted Big Mouth to be the first taste because in terms of messaging, it’s exactly what I wanted to say to the world. And it’s been a while – like I havn’t released anything in a minute—and I wanted the first thing I said to be important and to have a real sense of self. This is a song that’s so me and I think a lot of women can identify with it too. My whole life my family has always called me “Big Mouth”, that’s like their nickname for me. It’s because I don’t stop talking, I don’t stop singing, whatever it is, I’m using my voice. And I was like, what if I use that voice to encourage others to do the same? That’s why I thought Big Mouth was an important single. I think also, with the current climate of the world, it’s important to have a song that celebrates women like this and doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. You know, you can also play to the softer sides and the funny sides and the sassy sides of women.

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ITS OUT!!!!! Listen with the link in my bio !! I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!!!! 👄🎉🎉🎉🎉👄 #femmefortefriday

A post shared by Nikki Yanofsky (@officialnikkiy) on Sep 13, 2018 at 9:00pm PDT

You mentioned that you haven’t released new music in a while. Has there been a reason for the break?

I think there’s been a bit of a break because I wanted to get it right and I’m definitely a perfectionist. I think up until now, I was hesitant to release anything because it didn’t feel like me yet. I was still finding my sound while I was finding myself and I think now they’ve both coincided. Now, I feel stronger than ever with where I’m at, from a professional standpoint musically and also personally.

Speaking of your sound, on this album do you think you lean more towards your jazz background or more towards pop?

It’s really melted together. There’s definitely a lot of jazz influence in what I do, because vocally I stem from jazz so everything I sing–even if it’s in a pop world–will have a bit of that inflection. But this album is really walking the line of both. I call it like a very happy, playful, fun Amy Winehouse-type. I mean Amy is a huge influence of mine. In the past I’d play someone something and they’d be like, okay so describe your sound, describe what you are, and it was hard. But now, when they hear it, they get it. I don’t have to describe anything. They can picture what I would look like, what I would dress like… and that’s great.

Have you felt that industry pressure in the past to lean more towards the pop side?

Not necessarily to lean towards pop, but just to pick a lane. I don’t know, for me, music is genre-less. Good music is good music, right? I never wanted to have to commit myself to just one and I feel like now I don’t.

Where does that love for jazz come from? It’s not necessarily a typical sound, especially for such a young artist.

Definitely not. I think my love for jazz came from finding Ella Fitzgerald on iTunes when I was like 11. I just stumbled upon her. But I was always into older music growing up. I listened to a ton of Motown–like Aretha Franklin is one of my biggest influences. Who else? Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, there were so many. And then Ray Charles was kind of walking that jazzy line and then I got into Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Amy Winehouse–who was at the time, really big–and Nina Simone. Something drew me to it. I can’t even really explain it, it just felt like I’d found my sound.

At 12 years old you walked out on stage at Montreal Jazz Fest to sing, I can’t even imagine having that confidence. Were you nervous?

You’d be surprised. I think in a way ignorance is bliss. When you’re so young, you can’t really grasp how big it really is. It kind of worked to my advantage. I think if I had been more self-aware I probably would’ve been more nervous, but because I was oblivious to it, I was just excited and confident and just went out there at 12 years old and performed for almost 100,000 people. But it’s funny because my confidence did go up and down. I started out super confident and then when I was a teenager and more aware of myself I went to being sort of unsure. But now, I feel super confident again.

Because you started so young, did you ever find it hard to find that balance between your music career and just being a teenager and growing up?

It’s funny, I never felt like I was missing out on anything because that was my normal. Because I started so young, I never had anything to compare it to so that was just my life, that was just normal for me. I think my parents also did a really good job of keeping me grounded and making sure I never missed out on important things, especially with friends and school. I did everything. I kind of had this double life, I always say I was kind of like Hannah Montana in high school!

Looking to the future, what are your hopes for your career?

I hope that I’m just able to sing for my whole life. I don’t know what that means for my career, I can’t predict the future, I just know that presently I’m so happy with where I’m at. I just want to take things one day at a time and keep this sense of peace and happiness and really work on just bettering myself as a musician and as a person. Obviously, I want as many people to hear this stuff as possible because that’s what my goal is as an artist, but even if this all just helps one person, then I’m good. I’m happy.

[tyleroakley-obsessed]

Ed. Note. Downtown’s Irish bar/soccer HQ has reopened under new management with a refreshed menu, new hours, but the same cozy pub atmosphere and crave-worthy goat cheese balls and fries. Contributor Stacey went to check it out and has reported back. All photos are courtesy of the Brass Door unless otherwise noted.  The Brass Door has always been a favorite watering hole, and I’m not even a Guinness girl. As one of my more poetic drinking buddies notes, “It’s got all the elements one looks for in a hang out bar—warm wood, a feeling of elegance without it being pretentious or expensive, and great stuff to look at.” A post shared by Robert Mabe (@robert_mabe) on Dec 14, 2017 at 1:10pm PST He’s specifically referring to the collection of black and white photographs of famous performers in the cozy bar next door (which is now non-smoking), though we both agree that it’s lovely to just sit and stare out of the beautiful windows. Local power couple Patrick and Deni Reilly took over the daily operations in November and now have it running like gangbusters. Most of us know Patrick and Deni from the Majestic Grill, their hugely successful restaurant on Main Street. photo by Holly And we got to know them a little better with their six month takeover of Beale Street Landing last year. They’ve brought the same expertise that made The Front Porch such a hit to the Brass Door. My pal Seamus Loftus, one of the owners, has never seemed happier. He’s delighted to have the Reillys on board. “Having exceptional team members has brought me a certain level of peace that I’m very happy with,” he says. His happiness is contagious. The three or four times I’ve been in since November, I’ve been greeted with nothing but smiles—from waitresses, bartenders, the GM Chris Backey to Patrick and Deni themselves. When the staff is happy, the customers are happy. The service is friendly, fast and spot on. Let’s talk about the food. Patrick completely revamped the menu, though he did leave former favorites such as the Brass Door Burger, the BELT (bacon, eggs, lettuce & tomato) and the goat cheese balls (which are so good “they’ll hurt your feelings”). That burger though—beer braised onions and Cashel bleu cheese—make it a real stand out. Add on some hand dipped fries, and hot dang! (Seamus does have one small beef with Patrick’s menu. His favorite item – the bangers and mash with onion gravy – is called The Beckham. I’ll let the Arsenal fans to explain this one.) As the temperatures tank, keep the Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chips, and Smoked Seafood Chowder in mind for meals that’ll stick to your ribs. The chowder is Patrick’s late mother’s recipe and includes smoked haddock, shrimp, salmon, potatoes, bacon, celery and leeks. It’s served with brown bread which is eaten at almost every meal in Ireland. Know what else is good when it’s cold outside? Yep, Irish coffee. And may I introduce you to what is perhaps the best bar snack ever? Irish Nachos. They’re hand cut fries smothered in the Door’s signature Smithwick’s Irish Ale cheese dip, chopped corned beef and beer braised onions. Yes, please! I feel like I should just mention here that all of the Brass Door’s beers are available by the half pint. As Deni says, “We’re just doing our part to bring back drinking at lunch.” Those of you with New Year’s resolutions, never fear. The menu also features six amazing salads. Personally, I am a fan of the Kale Caesar, which is a traditional Caesar with a super food added in. Deni recently turned me on to adding the chicken goujons (aka tenders) though, so I don’t know if I’m really being too convincing about eating clean at the ol’ Brass Door. Healthy eaters just bypass the goujons, fries, and cheese dip and go directly to the Baby Spinach or Smoked Salmon salad. The new menu has a little something for everyone. So grab some pals, grab a beer, grab some grub, maybe watch a little soccer, and enjoy all that the new, improved Brass Door has to offer. The Brass Door is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. There’s a limited late night menu after 9 p.m. There’s also special early-morning Saturday and Sunday hours (8 a.m.) for breakfast and international soccer matches. Brunch starts in a couple of weeks. Go there: The Brass Door 152 Madison Avenue (901) 572-1813 Facebook Page Twitter Instagram About The Author Stacey Greenberg is a freelance writer who lives in Cooper Young with her two teenaged sons. She’s a contributor to Thrillist.com, Edible Memphis, I Love Memphis, and Memphis Travel. She’s also the author of the award winning blog, Dining with Monkeys (diningwithmonkeys.com). A lifelong Memphian, she loves the fact that she’s never met a stranger here. Are you a home owner in Memphis, with a broken garage door? Call ASAP garage door today at 901-461-0385 or checkout http://www.asapgaragedoorandgaterepair.com/

http://ilovememphisblog.com/2018/01/pop-in-to-downtowns-irish-pub-the-brass-door/

[stipulatedconflict]

Band interview with NEGATIV(Oslo/Norway)

NEGATIV from Oslo, Norway

 NEGATIV is a new hardcore punk from Oslo. This band makes me feel that it will bring something exiting to the Oslo punk scene which is not just about Oslo punk scene but it is more involvements from punk scene in other countries. It’s maybe also by the vocalist Skunk’s own hard works for label and bookings, and NEGATIV is deeply involved in it as well. Thus this band makes me feel something will happen! I have seen them couple of times and the latest one was at Barrikaden with SIEVEHEAD. Once they started playing, the band immediately grabbed the entire atmosphere in the moldy underground space and delivered its manic primitive energy thoroughly. Their sound is based on 80s hardcore with weird mixture of Scandinavian hardcore punk, some Japanese flavor, light distorted guitar sound which sometimes sounded even rockin and the edge of thrash hardcore. Their groove is undulated with its manic groaning vocal but still has some sharp edge of thrash hardcore here and there. Their groove completely smashed the space and whole live space was undulated by the crowds and its sweaty moist heated air. It was a great show.

This time I could get a chance to interview them.

  Check their sound Here:

 Bandcamp: https://negativ1010.bandcamp.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endlessnegativityoslo/

  Interview start from below;

  -So, who is in the band? is there any band which any of you have played or been playing before or currently playing beside NEGATIV?

Skunk: I do vocals, me and Sig used to scream against each other in JENKEM WARRIORS before and I'm also part of a noisy hardcore band called INTERNT OPPGJØR. Sig used to play drums in DISCUNT and has a electro band called HYSJ.

Møkk(Kenneth) plays guitar and has been in bands since I wore diapers, MORTE CEREBRALE, 2:20 and currently KNUSTE RUTER just to name a few!

Our drummer; Erik has probably had the most musical projects than I can count! He originates from Death Metal but is very comfortable with anything rockin' and-a-rollin and grabs punk songwriting better than most; maybe it's because he's so untouched by all the genre-wanking bullshit that's been going on. I think his most noticed band was FILTHDIGGER, he also had a hardcore band called STRUKTURELL VOLD which is coming out on 7" sometime this year..

  -Is there anyone who is involved in any DIY punk activities like running label, writing zines, taking pictures, designing, organizing shows etc in NEGATIV?

Skunk: Møkk is the mastermind and fingers behind ENDLESS STUDIO which is where we record and practice, we just moved into a new space so it's still under renovation. I'm gonna do my label work from there as well.

Sig has always been super busy with Queer and LGBTQ activism in Oslo and used to be the editor of the feminist radio RadiOrakel!

Erik does sound on a regular basis in our squatted venue; Barrikaden.

I've been running a small hardcore-punk label for about six years now called BYLLEPEST DISTRO and been doing booking at Barrikaden for pretty much the same amount of years. I've done sporadic designs for covers and posters but wouldn't really consider myself a designer in any sense. Just a complete hc-punk dweeb who spends too much time on punk stuff.  

We all do shows!

  -How did NEGATIV start in the beginning? how did all of you get together?

Skunk: Me and Sigrun had some aspirations to start a japanese-style hardcore band in the veins of stuff like GAI, EEL, LEBENDEN TOTEN etc. but had really big problems finding people in Oslo who were interested in playing that primitive and distorted. Sig was supposed to play drums originally, then guitar when Erik joined in on drums. We had our first rehearsal with a complete line-up including MØKK on guitar , which resulted in Sig playing Bass.

Møkk and Erik brought their own inspirations along and it ended up like something completely different! Kenneth wanted to bring influences from Italian 80's hardcore like NEGAZIONE and IMPACT, I think.. Although we try to avoid it I think we can't remain completely untouched by roots of Norwegian hardcore like KAFKA PROSESS , SISTE DAGERS HELVETE etc...

It was a really cold winter and all our other band project were on complete Hiatus.

   -How do you describe the sound of the band by your own words? 

Skunk: I think Sorry State Records described us the best; so I'd rather not describe our sound in my own words! They wrote; "After starting with a primitive SOA-style banger based around a punishing polka beat and snare rolls as jagged as a prison shiv, Negativ settle into a pleasantly thrash-infused take on 80s hardcore." It's originally about the two first songs on our EP; Automatic Thoughts but I think it describes our entire sound pretty well.

It's primitive and banging steadily! Sometimes we jazz out completely into weird atmospheric parts, but it always remain primitive to the bone.

  -Is there any specific bands gave influence/inspiration to the band sound?

Skunk:  Anything 80's hardcore but I think we all come from a bit different directions!

All the mentioned above and so many more! I listen to too many hardcore punk records... For the past year I've been quite inspired by the vocal style in UPRIGHT CITIZENS from Germany and early DEAD ENDS from the Philipines. The foundation for me has always been japanese bands from the 80's though.  Sigrun is mostly inspired by american hardcore , anything from MINOR THREAT to SICK FIX to L.O.T.I.O.N to LIMP WRIST; I know there's also a great deal of EMBRACE and other mid-era SST influences in there... I know for sure that Erik is inspired by the roots of punk like THE GERMS, SEX PISTOLS and BLACK FLAG while Kenneth gets his groves from anything technically aggressive and JIMI HENDRIX!

  -What kind of elements/influences do individual members bring to the band to sounds like NEGATIVE? 

Skunk: Everyone in Negativ are practically professional musicians besides me, Erik brings a lot of discipline and force to the band which makes us evolve faster. He's also the father of the term "S-Beat" which is his most common beat inspired by SLAYER and old school death metal like that, it adds a great foundation for primitive hardcore punk!

Sigrun gives our songs those bass lines that makes the songs stick out, there is always a minimalistic melody or harmony that gives the songs a certain drive. I guess it's from that post-hardcore stuff I mentioned above but I dunno haha! I think Kenneth truly gives us that 80's sound with the way he plays in general and he's also a genius at making simplicity sound massive!

  -How did you decide the band name? Is there any special meaning? something negative?

Møkk: We where talking about how things seemed upside down in the world.

That the ruling class of the world is mentally ill, but they act as they are the healthy ones. That right wing racist tyrants claim the role as victims, while refugees have lost everything, that capitalists are talking about ecology and “saving the world” while they are the ones raping it. When its more hierarchy, social and sexual abuse in the punk community than in the rest of society? What the fuck is going on!?!?! Its upside down isn’t it?! We where thinking of calling us “The Negatives” Like a photo negative. Where everything is inverted. But, since we`re all quite pessimistic, and having more experience with depression and negative thinking than we would like, and the double meaning with the upside down status of things at the moment, we cut it short and went for Negativ. The meaning is the same.

Its no secret that we dig Negative Approach either. Hehe!  

  -How's the punk scene in Oslo?

Møkk: Oooh, its like a roller coaster! Haha! Its ups and downs.. But yeah, oslo is a “bi-polar” city. We usually have very cold, long and dark winters. But still we have hot and sunny summers, the sun is up almost 24/7.

So when the winter is letting go, it seems that people are becoming manic, its good! But its definitely manic. Hehe!

Everything happening at the same time, everybody is ON and its a million things to do.

And of course, people are depressed during the winter. Getting “winter depressed” is as common as getting a cough here..

All that affects the punk scene, how the spirit is, if we are fighting each other or fighting our real enemies, or fighting for keeping our spaces, fighting for a better world. We are a small scene, everybody knows everybody, we aren’t very split into fractions. At least not in the same degree as other cities in Europe where I see more fractions and more homogenic communities. And I feel that the punk scene in Oslo is gonna be a good place to be in the future. Seems like people is starting to see what we have in common, rather than what we don’t have in common with each other. I think it has been a bit of a down period lately, but it looks promising at the moment. But hey! Its the month of May right now and maybe I`m just optimistic and manic at the moment?  

   -How do you think about playing in a band in Oslo?

Skunk:  I think we only played five shows in Oslo during the year we have existed. It's a small city and even though there are always some punk gigs, the quota of local bands is always a variable. We've only done five shows here or so for the past year and we're gonna keep it at a minimum just to keep shit interesting...

The best thing about playing in a band in Oslo would have to be the access to studios, venues etc. We run our own label and studio directly in the center of Grønland and can pretty much play how much/how little we feel like and still be sustainable. I

The worst part is probably that a lot of great bands from Oslo doesn't get recognized abroad because we're so far away from everything and often drown in the shadows of bands from Sweden and Denmark!

  -Which bands are you playing together a lot? any bands you feel sympathy as in a same scene?

Skunk: We played a couple of shows with Terrorstat, they're probably my personal favorites in Oslo. All good mates and half the band played with me and Sig in Jenkem Warriors. Terrorstat is a true freak accident of a fusion between Boston hardcore and Svart Framtid. They always deliver and is just such a hard-working, no bullshit band! All the members are also involved in Punk shit in Oslo outside of the band! Båndtvang is also a sick new noisy gang that I love to bits! Can't wait to see what direction they're heading, but it kinda reminds me of if Crucifucks would play Noise Punk!

We also did a two of our gigs with BLOOD SUCKERS, which is probably the only puristic USHC band in Oslo at the moment. Håvard from that band has put up quite a few gigs for us as well with the SVART SAMTID collective!

  -Is there any bands you feel sympathy for the sound/attitude outside of Norway?

Skunk: First off, I'd have to say Arggh! Fukk! Kill!!! that we played two gigs with in Germany, they've helped us out a lot and are great guys; we are doing a UK tour with  manic D-beaters in Split-Veins in the end of June, Carlos from that band has done some artwork for us and is generally a super sweet guy! We had a good session with PMS 84 in a club in Oslo not long ago and we hope we'll get to do some US shows with them in 2018!

  -Is there any good bands out there in Oslo which we should keep our eyes on in these days?

Skunk: Besides BÅNDTVANG, BLOOD SUCKERS and TERRORSTAT; I would strongly recommend everyone to check out MODERN LOVE, URBANOIA, PURPLE X, and OUTER LIMIT LOTUS! Oslo is not really a big enough scene to segregate genres, so the bands on this list varies from post punk to hardcore to power pop! We all play together!  

  -How do you guys compose songs and lyrics? some specific members are dedicated to it? or more like bring some riffs and developing it by jamming?

Skunk: Most of the flesh on our songs is hammered out by Erik; our drummer; then the rest of us puts our flavor on it. This is not a rule though and I think all of us bring ideas to the table!

  -Have you played outside of Norway?

Skunk: We did a short European tour about 8 months into NEGATIV's existence where we toured Denmark, Germany, Holland and Belgium. We got to meet old and new friends and I think it helped us define how we want to tour in the future.

  -What was the most impressive/unforgettable show NEGATIV had so far?

Skunk: The craziest shit ever for sure was to see the kids in Die Friese, Bremen singing along to our lyrics! I never expected that on our first tour!

  -What was the craziest things you had as NEGATIV?

Skunk: For me it must be the positive receivement we've gotten from the international punk scene. I've been playing in bands for about five years now where we've practically been having to beg for shows; with NEGATIV things've just fallen into place and the record has almost distributed itself. We're getting so many requests for shows, interviews etc. it's actually becoming stressful! We're extremely thankful to the punk community in it's completeness!

  -What is the further plan for NEGATIV?

Skunk: We're just about to embark on a UK Tour with Split-Veins and if things go as planned we wanna record our side for a four way split we're doing in Sheffield! We are also working on material for an LP and would love to tour the US in 2018 if shit go as planned!

Møkk: We just played together for a year, so i have the feeling we have some crazy things happening in the future! Right now there’s just some small stories involving chocolate in Amsterdam, stalking in Copenhagen, Latin American punk sieg-heiling in Rigaerstrasse. So, can`t wait for the real crazy stuff to happen! Haha. Ugh!

  -Is there any specific goal/aim for NEGATIV to achieve?

Møkk: At first it was just a goal to create a vent for frustration. Just to let it out.

The ambition was no ambition. It still is I guess. Some kind of therapy.

Right now we want to make an Album, we have a lot of stuff we want to sing about, and musical ideas to dig into. So no.. No specific goal at the moment.

But that can change as Byllepest Records is making a compilation called “infection”.

I think the goal is to infect society with punk rock. And make punk rock a very dangerous contaminating disease.

 Skunk: Our goal is to keep up the fight and make sure it doesn't end anytime soon! Fight in Progress!!!

[circlesandsoundwaves]

“There's an exciting kind of fear that kinda gets your adrenaline pumping”:  Email interview with VISTA

Interview by Molly Louise Hudelson.

Photo credit: Holly Turner.

If you’re not already familiar with New York / New Jersey-based trio VISTA, you should be. The anthemic rock group formed after frontwoman Hope Vista ended a decade-long solo career, and in just under a year, they’ve released an EP, VERSUS, and have begun making serious waves with an impressive live show.

This Friday, January 13, VISTA will be releasing a new single “Henchmen” (check out a preview of the song here). They’ll be debuting the song live at their biggest show to date that night, where they’ll be opening for Against the Current, Beach Weather, and CRUISR at Irving Plaza in New York City.

Read on for our interview with VISTA, where we talked about “Henchmen”, the show with Against the Current, and what else we can expect from the band this year!

CIRCLES & SOUNDWAVES: For the record, could you please state your name, your role (what you play) in VISTA and a random fact about yourself?

Hope Vista: Hiiiii, I'm Hope. Lead vocalist of VISTA! I collect all different shapes and forms of Toy Story aliens :-) Matt Vlosak: I'm Matt, I'm the drummer and I'm a sucker for peanut butter and pizza. Greg Almeida: Hi, I'm Greg, some call me Groogles, and I am also a sucker for peanut butter and pizza. Too bad Hope is allergic to one of those! I can twist my tongue upside down too.

C&S: You're about to release your new single "Henchmen". What's on your mind right now leading up to the release? HV: Fear :) I'm really excited though, there's an exciting kind of fear that kinda gets your adrenaline pumping. I work off of that. I'm super stoked to hear what others think of this track, we've kept it under wraps for a while now! MV: EXCITEMENT. Mainly pertaining to the show with Against the Current and performing the actual single live at said show haha. GA: Stoked to hear what people think. I think our fans really care about us and we care about them too so we will have some nice dialogue over the song.

C&S: Can you talk about the writing process for "Henchmen"? What inspired the song? GA: Hope had this type of post-apocalyptic sounding voice memo on her phone. I took it home one day and put some cool chords behind it, and then we all tried jamming on it basically. World events/the crazy world we live in inspired this song.

C&S: What do you hope people get out of listening to VISTA or coming to see you live? HV: I always say that when people come out to shows, I hope that they're able to leave life at the door for a night and just get lost in the show. MV: I hope we send them home going, “Holy F*! Now THAT was a show!” I want to give that kid a show they've never seen before. An experience to wow them. GA: Yeah, I definitely want them to feel something emotionally. Just like that feeling of being blown away/stoked. It's hard to convey that sometimes, but we try our best!

C&S: You'll be playing with Against the Current, Beach Weather, and CRUISR at Irving Plaza in New York on Friday. How did you react when you found out you'd be playing the show? MV: I stared at my phone for a while. Put it away and came back to make sure I wasn't dreaming! GA: It was a Christmas Eve miracle!

C&S: This is VISTA's biggest show to date. What are you doing to get ready? MV: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Haha, seriously. Trying not to overthink and to stay positive. Drinking lots of water too. GA: Yeah I've been practicing all my odd lead parts and stuff, haha. Singing it together, stuff like that. Getting a bass drum head with our logo on it. HV: I've changed up my eating habits a lot the past two weeks. I've cut out a loooootttt of junk. And I eat a LOT of junk to begin with. But I cut out a lot of foods, am eating healthier, working out more, the whole thiiiiiing.

C&S: Describe your music- without using genre words like "pop" or "rock". HV: BIG BANGER ANTHEMS. MV: Bombastic drums, driving guitars and bass, catchy lyrics and melodies and ambience. GA: So far, we've been trying to get big with things. Sometimes the energy can change from song to song. But “Henchmen” is very “catastrophic” in my opinion. We have to make more stuff with each other in general, but I feel like we like big sounding records and songs across the board.

C&S: Who are your biggest musical influences? MV: For me, Angels and Airwaves, Brand New, LIGHTS, 30 Seconds to Mars. I listen to all types of music (minus country and EDM). I grew up in concert and jazz band and am a sucker for anything on the radio too. HV: My influences have a wide range. They go from 90's pop, what I grew up listening to, all the way back to 70's classic rock and ish, and then back again to today's Warped Tour-esque scene. I'm more influenced by life in general, though- things I see happening around me and anything I'm experiencing personally! GA: Musically, I really like super poppy stuff, super mathy-rock type stuff, and lots of rap, it honestly depends. If it makes me feel something, I'll probably like it. I like a lot of instrumental music too.

C&S: What else can we expect from VISTA this year? MV: Writing and touring! HV: Def a new EP! We're gonna get on the road ASAP and keep playin' a ton of shows, writing, tryna to some big shtuff! GA: Shtuff is not an actual word. HV: Double SHTUFF Oreos.

C&S: What's your response to haters or anyone who doubts your band? MV: It's all noise to me. I don't worry about anyone saying negative things unless it's constructive criticism. There's much more important things to worry about like animals dying, kids suffering from depression or starving, and war happening every day. GA: Da haterz can see me laterz. HV: Ooh boy.

C&S: Is there anything else you'd like to say? MV: Thank you for taking the time to read this and checking it VISTA! We hope to see you soon! Much love. HV: Thank you for the interview, Molly! Hope everyone enjoys “Henchmen” :-) GA: Thanks a bunch for the opportunity! We really appreciate anyone who takes the time out to interview us. And to the fans, spread “Henchmen” around a bit if you can. Thank you!

Thanks Hope, Matt, and Greg! Be sure to keep up with VISTA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you’re in the NYC area, pick up tickets for their show with Against the Current at Irving Plaza this Friday, January 13 here.