#thought about this while blanking out and playing project diva

[cowboy-robooty]

something that i think is sooooo stupid is this obsession people have with being "good for their age" at art. i know a million people say this and talk about this sentiment being harmful already but i really do think it is a terrible way to think about things. Art is a skill just like being good at math or playing basketball and I think its stupid when people put the worth of their skillset in tandem with their age because also it completely disregards the notion of how everybody lives in different ways. Michaelangelo was so good at art not only because he was a genius but also because bro literally woke up every mf day and only drew since he was a little baby so no shit he could make amazing sculptures in his early 20s. Everyone lives with so many different responsibilities and different amounts of freetime, so really i think its quite stupid to say someone is "good for their age" because that doesnt say anything about their ability to budget their time or naturally progress or commit to the grind despite everything or really anything at all since you dont have any idea about what kind of life they live. There are crazy artists out there who go to cram school for 11 hours a day on top of extracirriculars + volunteer work and still manage to create with the same skill level as someone who is the president of going home club. You dont know the resource of time that is ACTUALLY avaliable to one person compared to others using their age, so its stupid to act as though that its such a big deal. I personally dont think ive ever been good at drawing for my age and thats fine because I dont care about that. I could be good at drawing for my age if i committed more freetime to practicing it, but i dont because i dont want to. just like how i could be a super scholar whiz at chemistry or something but im not because I dont want to spend all my freetime doing problems and reading textbooks. I dont think the progress id make in those kinds of skills are worth missing watching a movie with my friends or learning how to bake a cake or enjoying a walk on a trail. I think anybody can be a genius at anything if they put their mind to it, but it also comes at great suffering most of the time because a lot of sacrifices have to be made and being able to embrace the choices you make with the limited time you have is important to being happy with what you have. Like yknow celebrating the stuff you were able to collect instead of mourning all the things you wish you had. I think only very few people are actually good at art for their age, like how einstein is one of the few people who was for real smart for his age and that is okay because what matters is having something you feel passion in doing. For a lot of people if they actually forced themselves to sacrifice what they needed to in order to be "good for their age" they would probably lose the passion in their craft during that process; which is probably one of the only ways to make the skill of drawing useless.

[bensakindofmagic]

IT’S ANOTHER BEN HARDY FANFIC (pls read it) Ben Hardy x female reader WARNINGS: talking about sex/toys/drugs - also there will be swearing throughout, I’ll try to warn you before each chapter but some might slip through w/c: 1.5k+ A/N: it’s kinda short cause it’s the first chapter and we’re setting everything up, also pls note that I have no idea how an actual film set operates so reader is a Cast PA but I’ve made up her job a bit, pls be nice to me I hope you like it :)

Chapter One “Okay, let’s do one more run through of Hammer to Fall and then we’ll break for lunch,” you heard the call from the side of the makeshift stage. It was the first week of your new job, day four of rehearsals for Live Aid, and you already felt like you were getting your ass kicked. After a few years on the film circuit as a runner and low level AD, you had lucked out and landed a job as Cast PA on the new Queen film, Bohemian Rhapsody. Being a huge Queen fan, you had accepted the job in a heartbeat, but it being your first time working directly with the cast, you were pretty nervous. Being Cast PA meant you worked with the main talent personally, making sure they were where they needed to be when they needed to be there, acted as a liaison between them and production, and generally fulfilled any requests that they might have for the duration of the shoot. The hours were gruelling, which you were used to from previous jobs, but that, paired with the increased pressure and inexperience, had you running around frantically all hours of the day, usually trying to fix some mistake (which frustratingly often wasn’t yours). The upside was that the cast were all lovely; no divas, no assholes. You’d told them from the off that you were new to the job, and they were patient and kind, even helping you out here and there. Joe, the guy playing the bassist, was particularly sweet. He’d been on film sets for most of his life - he was the kid in Jurassic Park, you had learned much to your excitement - so was more than used to the environment. He reminded you what the abbreviations stood for when your mind went blank, and always met your eyes with a smile when he caught you looking stressed. Gwilym and Rami were lovely too - and seeing the first glimpses of his performance as Freddie blew your mind - as were Lucy, Allen when you’d met them before the principle photography started, and the whole cast. Well, almost the whole cast. It was that Ben Hardy; you knew he was going to be trouble the moment you laid eyes on him. He was far too pretty for your liking, with eyes like forrest pools, deep and warm and inviting, and plump lips that always seemed to be hiding a smirk. The first time you shook his hand you had to tear your eyes away from the rippling muscles in his arm, barely covered by a tshirt. You could tell that keeping yourself from crushing on him would be a challenge, but we all have to make sacrifices now and again. You had decided long ago that you would never jeopardise your career over a guy, so as far as you were concerned, all four of them were out of bounds. You watched the guys from the wings; it was just a rehearsal so they were all in their own clothes, no one had the hair on, and it was a little bit ropey, let’s not beat around the bush. They were each so focused on their own performances, getting every detail right, they it seemed a little isolated, disjointed. But you saw how much potential they had, and the thrill of what this project would become was most of the reason you managed the twat-o’clock-in-the-morning starts. They seemed to swell, each getting into his own performance, and you saw that they could build to become more than the sum of their parts. Rami was prancing about like he owned the stage, Gwilym concentrating so hard on getting the guitar solo right, Joe was killing it with the Deacy two-step, and Ben, shredding those drums, veins bulging, open-mouthed, wisps of hair sticking to his sweaty forehead… Let’s not get distracted now, you’re at work. “Nice work guys, that’s lunch.” After returning their props and instruments the guys came tumbling off stage towards you, and you started leading them towards the canteen. “So Y/N, what did you think? We look okay?” asked Gwilym once you were all sat down with your food. “Mhm it was great,” you mumbled, a little more interested in your spaghetti bolognese - you were starving. Rami chuckled, “You sound unenthused.” “No really, I mean obviously it needs a bit of practice but that’s what rehearsals are for right?” “Oh no please, Y/N,” Ben said with light sarcasm, “tell us what you really think.” You smiled, trying not to blush. “I guess you just don’t quite feel like a band. It’s probably just because you didn’t know each other that well yet, but that’ll get there. I could sort out some bonding time if you like?” “What, like group puzzles and trust exercises?” he scoffed. “I was thinking more along the lines of getting hammered and playing drinking games, but whatever floats your boat,” you sassed. Given that you were met with satisfied grins and nods of approval, you figured they were in.

The five of you were sat in a circle on the floor, a shot glass in front of each person and a bottle of tequila in the middle. You filled up each glass, spilling a little on the way from the pints you’d already had. “Okay, this is a ‘getting to know you’ exercise,” you said, trying to hide that you were stumbling over your words a little, “so I want personal questions. And you have to be honest! If I think you’re lying you have to take a shot, okay?” “I feel like I’m 16 again at a house party cause someone parents are out of town”, Ben sniggered. Ignoring him, you decided to kick things off. “We’ll start with a classic - never have I ever joined the mile high club.” Joe drank, much to the delight of the other guys. “What? It was with an air-hostess, she was hot. I wasn’t gonna pass up the chance to fulfil a schoolboy fantasy.” You grinned, this was going to be fun. Rami shifted excitedly and piped up, “Okay me next, me next. Never have I ever slept with someone of a different nationality to me.” Gwil drank and told the story of a summer fling with a French girl he met on a school exchange. You also drank. “I lived in Italy for a year after uni,” you explained as you refilled your glass, “and you best believe to got that Italian dick. They know what they’re doing over there.” You were vaguely aware of Ben blushing. “I didn’t know you lived in Italy, Y/N,” Gwil said. “Well then, it would appear that the game is working. And by the way, just to clarify, it’s not a requirement that the questions be sex related,” you chuckled. Gwil cleared his throat, “Never have I ever been to a gay bar.” Again you drank, and Rami too. “Gay bars are the best, they’re so much fun!” he exclaimed. “You guys are missing out.” The game continued in much the same fashion, with the majority of questions being about the bedroom. You learnt more about their sex lives than you did about anything else. It was Joe’s turn, and after some thought he said, “Never have I ever used toys in the bedroom.” You cocked an eyebrow when Ben brought his glass to his lips, as you did the same. He shrugged, “I’ve been in a relationship for a long time, you have to spice things up every now and again.” Your heart fell a little when he said he was in a relationship, long-term at that. Well anyway that settles it, you thought to yourself, you can’t fancy him, he has a girlfriend. You just hoped that your face didn’t betray your disappointment. “What’s your justification Y/N?” Joe asked. “What?”
“Sex toys,” he clarified. Your face collapsed into a look of disbelief, “Do I need to justify it? They’re fun, enough said.” The guys laughed and said they’d take your word for it, to which you rolled your eyes, but you thought you noticed a hunger on Ben’s face. You couldn’t look away as he pulled his bottom lip through his teeth. You pushed the image from your mind as Gwil said,”Never have I ever smoked weed.” “What, never?!” Joe hollered in disbelief, as you all drank your shot. The more you drank the more outrageous the questions got - “never have I ever used a whip”, “never have I ever had actual sex on the beach”, “never have I ever thought about someone I know personally while masturbating”- and before long you were all plastered. At points the game got half forgotten as you all fell about into fits of giggles. In your drunkenness you kept staring at Ben, noticing the way he wet his lips, or how deep and velvety his voice was when he laughed, or how his whole face seemed to lift when he smiled widely, how it added depth to his features. He was just so pretty… But when someone said they’d never had a crush on a colleague you steadfastly refused to drink. You categorically did not have a crush on Ben Hardy. Absolutely not.

[thekonnection82]

As promised, Mamamoo completes their year long project ‘Four Seasons Four Colors’ with the release of their ninth mini album ‘White Wind’ on March 14. ‘Four Seasons Four Colors’ had goals of building up Mamamoo’s artistic repertoire by exploring new sounds that are unexpected of the group. Using seasons and colors for the concept gives the quartet wide range to accomplish these goals. Reviewing the last two mini albums (‘Red Moon’ and ‘Blue;s’) have been awesome, and I felt obliged to post about the final piece of the project.

The concept for this album treats white as the blank canvas for Mamamoo to freely create an array of colors by using the colors they had showcased in the past, conceptually both primary and neon colors. Mamamoo pays homage to their start as they use their bright colors in a modernized way parallel to their jazzy, retro-pop concept of debut. The way they are bolder and cooler with the pop of neon gave me the essence of their previous releases under the primary colors. Even the album cover design used a gradient accent of blue and purple that reminded me of their mini album cover for ‘Purple’ that was released prior to this project, which they first expressed the concept of mixing colors to symbolize a new sound. With all this said and seeing the teasers, I wondered if they were in any way revisiting their old sound.

I’ll be quoting Mamamoo as they gave descriptions of each song in their highlight medley video.

Let’s get to it!

  ‘White Wind’ Album Art

  ‘Where R U’

R&B song that expresses the heart fluttering feelings of waiting for a destined lover, as if they’re playing hide-and-seek. 

This track took me by surprise by how airy and light the production was. The plucked chords reminded me of strings from the violin family, and the flute synth notes created a refreshing, dreamy sound. If you listen closely during the pre-chorus you can hear xylophones chiming in and it plays as a cute little accent. These parts gave me the feeling that I was probably going to transcend into heaven, but the guitar and the main beat helped balance out the mentioned parts  as if to keep listeners grounded. The vocals expressed well about wondering where their future lover is. Although Mamamoo sang lightly, they didn’t sound weak or broken but rather firm. The way the song ended felt abrupt and awkward, only to realize it emphasized the wonder that surrounded the repeated question.

  ‘Gogobebe’ (Title Track)

The song uses the ‘jijibee (…)’ from Kim Gunmo‘s ‘Jjanga‘ as a motif for the lyrics and melody. You will be able to see Mamamoo having fun and enjoying themselves without clinging to past loves or things that have happened. 

Mamamoo embodies a liberating dance track here. Solar and Hwasa have entrancing control of the refrain as it draws you in and encourages you to continue partying with the group. Wheein delivers her lines in a sassy and chic way that you can forget her soft side. Moonbyul, raps her self-written lines coolly and with ease, and I appreciate her parts had two differing tones. The chorus’ melody reminded me of R&B girl groups of the 1990’s, which gave a different kind of retro vibe (compared to their rookie funky-pop releases). Within the chorus, the line where the members sang in unison gives emphasis to the theme of letting everything go. Yet, I find the theme ironic when the arrangement and production of this song sounded like it was crafted carefully and intricately. I never would have thought the combination of reggaeton and this latin guitar riff would be tasteful. So this is a fun, colorful track that will make you move in any way as you please.

Check out ‘Jjanga‘ by Kim Gun Mo, who co-composed this track.

  ‘Waggy‘

Bossanova-style song that tickles your heart like a spring wind, and has witty lyrics. It’s a song that’s like listening to a friend who has fallen in love and can’t hide their heart fluttering excitement. 

When the simple instrumentals started playing, I already had good feelings towards this song as it sounded upbeat and sweet. ‘Waggy’ really oozes fluttering affection, perfect for the spring season. The vocals are charming as they sing like a fresh breeze, and bounced to the rhythm like animated springing flowers. Mamamoo’s “beagle” humor could not be avoided as they added cute but subtle animal sounds throughout the song. The trumpet solo was a nice, classy touch that rides along the track’s wholesomeness. This quaint song was a little reminiscent to their similar, but more relaxing bossa nova track called ‘My Hometown’ (2016). It was nice to hear Mamamoo do this style of song again as it reminded listeners of their strength in making something a little old sound new while maintaining their boisterous group personality. You can definitely see this come to life as they performed ‘Waggy’ on music shows as they dressed up in various costumes and finding amusement out of  Hwasa’s tsundere attitude.

  ‘25‘

…still clumsy at 25, missing her natural, pure younger days while still loving her own self now, a step closer to her dream by maturing strongly. 

Since Wheein holds the color and wind symbol for this project, ‘25’ is the album’s obligatory solo track. Knowing her discography, Wheein is usually the one being featured, or has had a rapper feature on her tracks. It was nice to hear Wheein sound relaxed yet her serious effort was still prevalent. Even co-writing this song, ‘25’ gives listeners a chance to hear a personal, introspective side of Wheein. Besides the lyrics, the smoothness and steady groove of this song gives a sense of nostalgia, especially for those who grew up with ‘90s-early 2000s R&B.  The simple arrangement of guitar and snap beats didn’t overshadow Wheein’s varying vocals as it expressed genuine gratitude. Mamamoo’s fanbase, or Moomoos, would find this track so obvious in style as they are familiar with her leaning towards R&B and soul. It’s a down-to-earth, chill song which acted as a nice break between the livelier songs throughout the album.

On the set of ‘You Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook’ .

Backstage at M Countdown.

  ‘Bad Bye‘

Pop slash R&B track that ardently expresses the painful feelings of not being able to accept an approaching breakup. As the farewell is too painful and bad, a ‘good bye’ is expressed as ‘bad bye’.

This song started off with sad piano notes and I assumed it would be Mamamoo’s classic pop-ballad like the way they performed on music show “Immortal Songs 2” or their diva-esque ‘I Miss You’ (2016). But the thought was immediately denied when the mid-tempo beat with brief pulsating synth high hats, rain drops as snaps, and deep basses came in. The vocals are strong throughout the song, even at their lowest, softest parts. The melody sounded distressing and reminiscent (again) of old-school pop slash R&B tracks of the early millennium. The arrangement briefly alters during Moonbyu’s first rap part, and I thought it was interesting how dark it felt. Overall, listeners can belt out their heartache with some rhythm and soul.

  ‘My star‘

It expresses ‘You are my star’ to someone who can’t be compared to anyone else. The heavy bass and trendy beat hit you powerfully. 

A few seconds of the intro created a dramatic mood. Mamamoo is definitely right when they say that this song hits you hard, especially since the heavy bass drives the song. To match the heavy bass’ booming energy, the vocals had to sound mighty and confident as well. Solar’s tone fits perfectly for this, and Hwasa’s raspiness added some texture as it stands out more when reaching for those loud, high notes. The rap sounded gritty and flowed rhythmically well even though it was so brief. I kind of expected the bridge to be totally toned down, but there were spurts of the resonant notes (in the background) that tells me the energy was not going to be halted at any time. Kudos to Wheein who sprinkles the ending chorus with her falsettos. This song was very enjoyable and can uplift one’s mood.

  ‘4season (Outro)‘

It’s a song that brings Mamamoo’s ‘Four Seasons Four Color’ project into one. It has lyrics about each of the album themes, ‘moon, wind, flower, and sun’

This definitely ties up the ‘Four Seasons Four Colors’ project nicely. The arrangement felt warm and laid back, and it had me reminiscing of what Mamamoo tried to prove with this project for the past year. It’s parallel to their song ‘Paint Me’, but instead of talking about the colors they mention each season. Like how Mamamoo has described in their highlight medley, the outro encourages listeners and fans alike to continue on making memories with the group, which implied that just because the project is over, does not mean their musical ventures end.

Promoting to vote on M Countdown.

Promoting on Music Bank.

‘White Wind’ for the majority of the album reached the retro vibes in a way I did not expect. Rather than the funk and blues similar in their debut, Mamamoo took elements of 90s-2000s R&B pop and showed a more modernized confidence. It is a unique take of fusing old trends with the current trends of programmed music. I mostly enjoyed the diverse beats and production of this album, thanks to the magic provided by Cosmic Girl, and Rainbow Bridge World’s Cosmic Sound, Park Soo Wang, and hit maker CEO Kim Do Hoon. They were able to provide clean, vibrant backdrops while keeping Mamamoo’s vocals shining upfront. This EP also compiled the gists of previous albums: the freshness of spring like ‘Yellow Flower’, the bold and daring like ‘Red Moon’, and the chicness like ‘Blue;s’. Mixing these sounds gave Mamamoo more to paint with and it has produced vivid and entertaining tunes for any kind of listeners. 

  What do you think of ‘White Wind’? Comment your thoughts down below!

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  Written by: Eliana L.

Sources: Mamamoo Facebook | Mamamoo Twitter | Mamamoo Youtube | TV-People Youtube | Mnet K-POP

Check out Mamamoo's newest album 'White Wind' ! As promised, Mamamoo completes their year long project ‘Four Seasons Four Colors’ with the release of their ninth mini album ‘