#lyrics on the comic are from the song when i was done dying by dan deacon

[peitalo]

it’s hard out there for bi genderfluid 18 year old warlocks with adhd but someone has to save/destroy the world

[midnightiscoming-kasabian]

Kasabian’s Serge Pizzorno on taking a break from the band for his solo album

After a string of hit albums and arena tours, Kasabian guitarist and songwriter Serge Pizzorno used a band break to record a solo album. It was a liberating and energising experience, he tells Craig Mclean

The Scotsman | 17 Aug 2019

The way Serge Pizzorno tells it, the road to his first solo album began 10 years ago, around the time of the release of Kasabian’s third album. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, produced by Dan the Automator and featuring band pal Noel Fielding in the video for lead single Vlad the Impaler, was the Leicester band’s stretch for glory, a post-millennial, East Midlands take on The Rolling Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request.

Trying something so ambitious might have been scoffed at, but potential hubris was swamped by victory: the 2009 album went to No 1, was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and was named Best Album at the Q Awards. At the following year’s Brit Awards, Kasabian won Best Group.

But if Kasabian were large, their guitarist and chief songwriter was “larging it”. Since the release of their self-titled 2004 debut, Pizzorno had, not unusually, been an enthusiastic partier. But the achievement of West Ryder… made him reassess.

Or, as he puts it with a typically lyrical flourish, “I looked at the hundreds and thousands sprinkled on top and I thought: wipe them off, that’s nonsense. I just want to make a good ice-cream. So that album was the moment, a definite crossroads, where I thought: do I want the mad excess, the boozing and the partying? Or do I want to make records that will be around hopefully longer than I am?”

With that came a further realisation: “I just like being in the studio or on stage, and that’s it. The rest of it can come and go.”

The result – three No 1 albums and a Glastonbury Pyramid Stage headline slot later – is The S.L.P. As solo albums go, it’s both boldly executed and

neatly titled. In old-money speak, it’s the Serge LP. It’s also the definite article work of Sergio Lorenzo Pizzorno.

Recorded in his home studio in Leicestershire, The Sergery – see what he did there? – The S.L.P. is the sound of the musical brains trust of Kasabian going off on one, touching on psych-rock, Italo house, 60s Italian movie soundtracks, hip hop and, with the help of guests slowthai and Lil Simz, the best that young British rap can offer.

It’s framed by three thematically and melodically linked interludes: Meanwhile… In Genova; Meanwhile… At The Welcome Break ;and Meanwhile… In The Silent Nowhere. Songs set in, respectively, his grandfather’s home town, a motorway service station and (perhaps) the darkest recesses of his psyche began as musical passages for the uncompleted soundtrack to a film that was never made.

“But I was inspired,” the 38-year-old begins when we meet for a breakfast espresso in Islington, north London. Beanpole thin and lanky, even at this early hour Pizzorno is ready for his solo close-up. He’s dressed in fashionforward leisure wear; his hair is neatly feathered on top and sides, and cropped and dyed into leopard shading at the back.

“Those [musical] pieces could wither and sit on a hard drive,” he continues, “or I could do something with this comic-book Batman concept: ‘Meanwhile... in the Batcave’,” he says, referencing the 60s television biff-pang-pow version of The Dark Knight.

Armed with a beginning, a middle and an end, this prodigious multiinstrumentalist knew all he had to do was “fill in the gaps in between. And that wouldn’t take me that long, I’d really enjoy it, and it’d give me new perspective on the band.”

As of last summer, Kasabian were meant to be on a year’s break, after two years making and touring their sixth album, For Crying Out Loud. But time off doesn’t come easy to Pizzorno, even though he has a wife and two young children (six and eight) at home. So after a short summer’s break, he was straight back to work.

He knew it would be “scary in a way doing something without the protection of the gang”. But he went for it anyway, keen to find out “what it’s gonna be like, exploring new lands. And it was done really quickly, really instinctively.”

Following those instincts led him all over the shop. Nobody Else wouldn’t be out of place on a Mediterranean dancefloor. The Wu starts off like Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk, before going all pumped-up, Hall and Oatesstyle 70s soul. And across the whole, Pizzorno’s vocals – chopped up, multitracked, echoing, or just delivered remarkably sweetly – as well as his firm grasp of melody keep the whole thing together.

Not having the pressure of imagining what would work for 20,000 people in an arena or 50,000 people in a field – anthems, basically – was, he says, like “a switch going – you feel the motor slowing down.” When writing for Kasabian and teeing up their tours, “you have to consider there’s gonna be all those people in front of you, so you have to deliver the goods. And in that headspace, if I pick up the guitar, it’s violence and it’s raw, [albeit about getting to] euphoria and togetherness.

“With The S.L.P. I want to get to the same point, hit the same peak. But it’s delicate and rhythmic and a whole different approach,” he grins, the antic excitement bristling off him.

Ask how this will have an impact on the next Kasabian album, which he’s already started writing, and the reply comes swiftly and firmly: “It’s annihilation music.”

I don’t know what that means, and he’s not saying. But with this new outlet for his “mad” ideas, he says, “now I feel like I can make as near as dammit the perfect Kasabian record”.

And what does his brother-in-arms, Kasabian singer Tom Meighan, make of The S.L.P.?

“He’s been so amazing. It’s testament to the love we have for each other that he’s just been pure positive, and really happy for me to do it. And that’s huge, because that conversation was ringing around my head, telling people that I wanted to do this…

“But we were at a level, six albums in, that, without changing it somehow, all the amazing things you’ve done get overlooked.

“Five No 1 albums on the spin is massive – only a few bands have done that. Headlining Glastonbury, selling out three O2s… It’s massive, but everyone’s used to you doing them. It becomes an assumption.”

The S.L.P., then, is a necessary reset. Or, as Pizzorno puts it with a final outthere flourish, “it’s a planet now. It’s just doing its thing.”

The S.L.P. is released 30 August. Serge Pizzorno plays SWG3, Glasgow on 5 September

[violet--minds-blog]

Awesome Queer Media to Check Out!

Piper Gibson | March 20, 2017

Sorry for the absence (school is kicking my ass but what else is new) but I’m back with another list! This time, I’m cataloging some of my favorite pieces of media with LGBTQ+ characters and plotlines. Of course, nothing is perfect, and all these shows/books/movies/etc. have their problems, but I still think they’re pretty damn cool.

1. Check, Please!

What is it: A webcomic

Who makes it: Ngozi Ukazu 

Why you should read it: Queer boys who play hockey! Lots of pie! Discussions of mental illness and drug abuse! An ensemble cast! Comedy and drama in one! Slow-burn, healthy, communicative, gay relationship!! Confirmed happy gay ending!!! Most of my friends know that I love this comic with my whole heart, and it’s really easy to see why. There’s a character in it for everyone, and they’re all easy to relate to and care about. Personally, I relate so hard to Jack having anxiety and trying to navigate his life and career in the intersection of being mentally ill and queer. No spoilers, but this comic includes the best queer relationship I’ve ever seen portrayed. Don’t get discouraged by the hockey-- I knew nothing about the sport going in and it really doesn’t stop you from enjoying the comic at all! Currently in Bitty’s third year and gearing up for more spring updates, Check, Please is a master of storytelling and will make you laugh and cry. Read it here!

2. The Get Down

What is it: A Netflix Original series

Who makes it: dir. Baz Luhrmann

Why you should watch it: Almost the entire cast are people of color, it’s set in the 1970s and focuses on both the dying out of disco and the arising hip-hop scene, and the performances are incredible. You see this world through young Zeke’s eyes, a complex and talented kid looking to be a part of something bigger than himself and for a community to fall back on. No matter what’s going on, the story never lets you forget these characters are in the middle of the South Bronx in the seventies, fighting for a way out of poverty, strict religious family, or gangs, all while holding on to their passions. The music and the performances of these young actors are what sold me immediately. The queer relationship in it (I won’t spoil it) is lovely and gentle and blooms very naturally. The story, the characters, and the music are the focus, and if you’re like me, you’ll be hooked immediately. The second season just came out this month and it’s incredible but holy shit so intense. Catch it on Netflix!

3. Carry On

What is it: A young-adult novel

Who makes it: Rainbow Rowell

Why you should read it: Did you read Harry Potter and think: “Wow, Harry is super bi. Wow, he’s pretty obsessed with Draco. Wow they could be friends if Harry was sorted into Slytherin WOW THEY COULD EVEN BE MORE THAN THAT!” ...Okay, well this is the book for you. Set in a magic school more different from Hogwarts than you’d think, Simon and Baz are roommates that hate each other. But things are complicated when you’re the chosen one and you think your roommate might be a vampire and there’s an evil something out for you. It’s like Harry Potter except different and more queer people and people of color. Plus a happy ending that’s so, so much better than that “17 years later” shit. If you like gay magical boys and ass-kicking best friends and plot twists, you’ll definitely enjoy this.

4. Fourth Man Out

What is it: A 2016 movie

Who makes it: dir. Andrew Nackman

Why you should watch it: If you’ve been searching your whole fucking life for a queer rom-com like me, this’ll make you immensely happy. The story centers around Adam, who comes out to his mostly clueless friends in his twenties. They’re all a little uncomfortable and shitty at first, but they all grow and learn and by the end of the film have created the kind of caring and casual atmosphere any queer person hopes for when initially coming out to friends. The movie explores those awkward first steps after coming out, including online dating and homophobic neighbors, in a comedic yet respectful way. It’ll make you laugh and it’ll make you care a lot about Adam-- his puppy-dog face just makes you root for him from the beginning. Watch this if you hate that more comedies don’t center around queer themes, and then please recommend me more!!

5. About a Girl

What is it: A young-adult novel

Who makes it: Sarah McCarry

Why you should read it: Okay, maybe you should read the first two books in this series first, All Our Pretty Songs and Dirty Wings, but I read this one first and I think it can stand alone pretty well. There is an abundance of queer people of color in this, a beautiful, mythological storyline, a girl/girl romance, and a main character you’ll fall in love with. This book is so gorgeous to read and so rewarding, and I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I’m due for a reread... good thing I just impulsively bought all three of these so now I OWN THEM. Please, please give at least About a Girl a read, though-- the lyrical, soft nature of it was so incredibly healing and I can’t tell you how much I loved it.

5. Moonlight

What is it: A 2016 film

Who makes it: dir. Barry Jenkins

Why you should watch it: First of all, if you haven’t been following the mess that happened at the Oscars with La La Land being announced incorrectly and this film winning Best Picture, where have you been? I saw this rather recently, I’ll admit, but it blew my socks off. This film is so completely centered on the experience of black queer men, and allows them to be so honest and tender, so complex and multi-faceted, in a way we haven’t much seen in mainstream media so far. We know why this is-- mainstream media is overwhelmingly white, overwhelmingly straight, and wants to put down and silence differing experiences as much as possible, making Hollywood a boring and homogeneous space. But Moonlight has broken through and shown that when these stories are told, and they are listened to, something incredible can happen. 

6. Ask the Passengers

What is it: A young-adult novel

Who makes it: A.S. King

Why you should read it: Holy shit, y’all, I loved this book so fucking much. I reread it a little while ago and it still punches me in the gut just as hard. The book centers around Astrid, a teenager navigating her sexuality, her family, and suffocating small-town life. She’s a philosopher at heart, so nothing comes easy, especially not love-- it’s not as clear-cut as her other queer friends may think. This is a really honest portrayal of figuring out sexuality and Astrid is such a lovable narrator that you just want to bundle her up and let no one else hurt her. The book hit close to home as a queer girl who spent a lot of time figuring out my identity and what it meant to me personally. If you have a similar story, prepare to get emotional.

7. One Day at a Time

What is it: A Netflix original series based off Norman Lear's 1975 series of the same name

Who makes it: Too many directors & executive producers to name! But if you’re a Norman Lear fan, he stayed on to be an executive producer for the remake.

Why you should watch it: The show centers around a Cuban-American family living in California and tackles topics like immigration, religion, sexuality, PTSD, divorce/separation, and more. Elena’s coming out storyline is beautifully and respectfully done and I really appreciate how realistic it is. This show will make you laugh and make you cry, but mostly, you’ll just fall completely in love with the Alvarez family and their story. And they’ve just been confirmed for a second season!! (GET ELENA A GIRLFRIEND!!)

8. The Real O’Neals

What is it: An ABC comedy series

Who makes it: Executive producer Dan Savage

Why you should watch it: Okay, I’ll admit, I have more problems with this show than the others-- namely its consistent biphobia and very few characters of color-- but besides the problems, it’s still hilarious and honest. In the very first episode, Kenny comes out to his conservative, Irish Catholic family in an... explosive way, and what follows is them all trying to figure out how to navigate his identity while still being religious. It’s important to see representation of queer people who keep their faith after coming out; it reminds us that religion and queerness aren’t mutually exclusive. Plus, I love Kenny’s relationship with his siblings, and the fact that his younger sister Shannon is the smartest and most put-together of them all. The show just finished its second season, and as of yet there has been no announcement of a renewal for a third season.

9. The Raven Cycle

What is it: A young-adult novel series

Who makes it: Maggie Stiefvater

Why you should read it: Holy wow, this book series is fantastic. I had no idea what it was about when I read it (because I read it for the gays...), but the story is complex and fascinating. Blue is our narrator most of the time, the daughter of a psychic who has no psychic abilities herself and who lives in a house with a bunch of other awesome psychic ladies. Her life has always been surrounded by magic, but it gets even more magical when she meets Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah, four boys who go to the near Aglionby Academy and are dubbed “Raven Boys” because of the raven on their uniforms. I’m pretty sure shit starts to get Really Actually Gay in the last book, but the entire series is fantastic and well worth a read. If you like ghost boys, dead kings, magical dreamers, and weird curses, this series is for you. It’s recently been announced that there will be a TV show based on the books, and there will also be another book series just about Ronan, so I’m super pumped for those cool things... Unless they ruin the TV show, in which case I will be incredibly disappointed. (In the meantime, though, you can read the first chapter of the first book, The Raven Boys, here!)

10. Yuri On Ice

What is it: An Japanese sports anime series

Who makes it: Creator Mitsurō Kubo, dir. Sayo Yamamoto

Why you should watch it: LISTEN, I’ve never finished an anime before this, because I’m not really that into anime. But this series is about figure skating, has twelve episodes, and is hella gay, so it’s not hard to binge it. (For the love of God, please watch the subbed version if you can, the dub voices give me nightmares.) The story is beautifully done, Viktor and Yuuri’s relationship is stable, loving, and realistic, and the portrayal of Yuuri’s anxiety is so important and made me cry in spots. Plus, it’s really funny and the competition scenes are thrilling as all hell. You can watch the series in literally a day, so what are you waiting for?? Binge it and then listen to the soundtrack on Spotify on repeat while crying, like I did.

11. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

What is it: A Fox-produced police sitcom

Who makes it: A million directors and producers, it’s a comedy sitcom

Why you should watch it: A diverse ensemble cast, comedy that isn’t at the expense of any marginalized group, complex characters, a stable gay relationship, Andy Samberg??? I love this show so much, y’all. To be fair, the main relationship is between a man and a woman, but the captain of the 99th precinct is an openly gay black man who’s in an amazing, loving relationship with his husband. And the relationship between Jake, the main character, and Amy (Spoiler! But you’ll see it coming from a million miles away, promise.) is one of the most delicious slow-burn plotlines I’ve ever seen. And as far as I know, the writers have no intention to break them up for “conflict” (cough cough New Girl cough). In an episode from the current season, a character called something transphobic, which was the first time I’ve ever heard that word on television, and I had to pause and look at my girlfriend in wonder, like “Did he just really say that? Oh my God??” Anyway. Please watch this show. It’s currently in its fourth season, just recently back from its haitus, so go binge it now!

There’s so many more to add to this list (Legend of Korra! Rock and Riot!! Etc etc etc!), but since you now have 11 new (or not-so-new) pieces of queer media to consume, I’ll leave you with that. Till next time!