#wholesome sza <3

[sheseuph]

hi guys I colorized her also made a playlist made of snooze coded songs (wip)

🌿 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6T3uGfIXlXC9Ux4k03LOkq?si=fuonknZxRHWpLLfb8Ppc7A&utm_source=copy-link

[breadboylovin]

hiii. let's say i wanted to check out hivemind. which I do. any episode(? video?) reccs for a newcomer :3 and feel free to tell why you like them also if you want!!

oh you are in luck my friend i already have an entire "hivemind greatest hits" playlist that ive been sending to my other friends whenever they ask about them. however you have also allowed me to ramble so please enjoy that down below

my personal picks for the best newcomer vids are:

guess the song from 1/16th second of audio & guess the rapper from the fiverr impression (grouped together bc theyre both quadeca videos): quadeca is a recurring guest on hivemind (honestly he could be a third host at this point) and i think these are the best vids theyve made with him :-) 1/16th of a second has a lot of really classic bits in it and is also relatively short by hivemind standards (a hivemind vid thats under 30 minutes is a real rarity at this point). the fiverr impressions vid is just really funny AND some of the impressions are actually quite good (the westside gunn one is a classic)

guess the song from the genius lyric annotation *2*: easily one of the funniest solo videos on the channel. the bit:game ratio is fucked but its not COMPLETELY off the rails like some later videos. this is also the origin of one of my personal top 10 hivemind bits, "meta girl on facebook dating"

casting rappers in hypothetical movies (with nickisnotgreen): now this one is quite long (just over an hour) which may put off some people. however i think it is one of the best video concepts theyve ever come up with and i NEED them to do it again. i wish graydon's hit coming-of-age movie CLIQUE (starring sza and babytron) was real so bad

guess the rapper from quadeca's styles of rap: legally i feel like i have to list this video in a newcomer recommendation post because of its importance in Hivemind Lore. youll understand if you watch it

honorable mentions for vids i just really like:

best tweets of all time tier list (this is in the playlist but i didnt list it above cus most of the humor is from the tweets theyre looking at. however it always makes me laugh and i put it on whenever im really upset)

guess the rotten tomatoes score from the movie (features graydon's girlfriend eden whos only been in two videos but is EASILY my second-favorite guest behind quadeca. she is fucking hilarious)

reacting to 10 sea creatures i can't believe exist (i just think this one is so wholesome. no bits, no game, just two dudes looking at weird animals. and it obviously appeals to me as a bio nerd)

[deadcactuswalking]

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 23/03/2024 (V of BTS and... Mark Knopfler?)

It’s a short week, largely to prepare for what chaos should be coming the next, but right at the top, Benson Boone clenches his first ever #1 with “Beautiful Things”. I know pretty much no-one who cares about pop music on a deeper level likes this song, but hey, if I’m the only person happy about this other than Booner Boy himself, I’ll take it. Welcome back to REVIEWING THE CHARTS!

Rundown

Given our few new songs, we also only have a handful of notable dropouts to start with, so we’ll bid adieu to the small but decent selection of “Could You be Loved” by Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Angel Numbers / Ten Toes” by Chris Brown, “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski and finally, “Disconnect” by Becky Hill and Chase & Status.

As for what’s back, we see returns for “Asking” by Sonny Fodera and MK featuring Clementine Douglas at #73 and, sigh, “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi at #68, and then a spattering of gains. Our most notable boosts are for “if u think i’m pretty” by Artemas at #59, “Wasted Youth” by goddard. and Cat Burns at #58, “We Ain’t Here for Long” by Nathan Dawe at #55, “Happier” by The Blessed Madonna featuring Clementine Douglas at #54, “Thank You (Not So Bad)” by a bestiary of enemies to good taste at #50, “Green & Gold” by Rudimental and Skepsis featuring Charlotte Plank and Riko Dan at #43, “Birds in the Sky” by NewEra at #34, “Never Lose Me” by Flo Milli surging high and fast up to #23 thanks to her releasing an album that includes a pretty great remix of the song featuring Cardi B and SZA, and then “Austin” by Dasha at #15, “Lovers in a Past Life” by Calvin Harris and Rag’n’Bone Man at #14 and finally, making his way into the top 10 for the first time, “Scared to Start” by Michael Marcagi at #10.

Our top five this week consists of “End of Beginning” by Djo at #5, “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims at #4, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” by Beyoncé at #3, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” by Ariana Grande at a new peak of #2 off of the debut, that could grab a week at the top soon, and of course, Benny Boone at #1. Now for our four new songs, which feel like names picked out of a hat and placed onto the chart.

New Entries

#60 - “Been Like This” - Meghan Trainor and T-Pain

Produced by Gian Stone and Grant Boutin

This is a joke, right? Or a soundtrack to a reality television competition, or daytime talk show? T-Pain has grown into his role as wholesome cuddly media figure surprisingly well and a collaboration with Meghan Trainor, whilst demonic, seems to be the best way to seal that position, with this being the lead single for her next album… Timeless. Well, that’s one thing to call your music. Mean jokes aside, hey, T-Pain is here so at least there’ll be some genuine, not as obnoxious charisma? Well, first of all, it’s electro swing, so my first instinct is to step away from my laptop, keel over and die, especially when Meghan starts to singing about how she keeps it juicy and then eventually that she’s “still that bitch”, as if she was ever that bitch to begin with. There’s something so cynical about Trainor’s vocals that I didn’t notice just the true extent of until T-Pain came in with an infectious call-and-response and weirdly-mixed but fun-extruding harmonies that almost would convince me on the entire song if he didn’t have to play to Meghan’s lack of personality, especially when placed against each other in the bridge. T-Pain can sell this as some goofy cartoon clown, but it probably wouldn’t charted without Ms. Trainor, who brings pretty much nothing to the song other than taking it a tad too seriously, despite the fact that there’s no reason, lyrically, for this to even be a duet. Also, Meghan, I’m not sure you can even sing the line about GRAMMYs in T-Pain’s verse on the account of you only have one.

#52 - “Never be Lonely” - Jax Jones and Zoe Wees

Produced by Jax Jones, Mark Ralph, Neave Applebaum and Tom Demac

I actually really like Jax Jones’ producer tag, it’s cute and rhythmic, has a little stutter to it. It’s nice. I have to say more than that, don’t I? I have to acknowledge Zoe Wees’ voice being misued and manipulated to just sounding characterless, I have to acknowledge how this heavily interpolates the drop from “Rhythm is a Dancer” by Snap!, one of the best Eurodance songs ever despite some… regrettable lines. It spent six weeks at #1 in 1992, blocking off Jimmy Nails, Freddie Mercury, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson and of course, “Ebenezer Goode” by the Shamen from the top spot, before reappearing in remixed form in 2003 and 2008, reaching the top 40 again both times. “Never be Lonely” doesn’t work as an update of the song because of completely different lyrical content that I actually hate, asking someone to tell her how it feels that she’ll always be there for them, it’s really patronising and weird. It doesn’t work as a reimagining or reinterpretation because it goes for the same tone, and doesn’t adopt or adapt any of the original lyrical conceits. The one thing it does have is a Cascada remix. Yes, that Cascada. I have no idea why, but it exists.

#18 - “Going Home” (Theme from Local Hero) - Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Produced by Guy Fletcher

Oh, so I guess this episode really will get as serious as cancer. This one might take a while to explain. So in 1983, Bill Forsyth wrote and directed Local Hero, a highly-acclaimed comedy drama that is actually former US Vice President Al Gore’s favourite film. Its soundtrack features a five-minute instrumental piece known as the “Theme of the Local Hero”. I’ve never seen the film so I don’t know how exactly it appears or makes sense within its narrative but I do know it has far transcended its origin. “Going Home” was the first single in Mark Knopfler’s solo career and has become a staple in both his and his band’s live performances, as well as becoming another theme, now for Knopfler’s home football team, Newcastle United. It’s probably the most lukewarm take of all time to say that “Going Home” is a beautiful piece, it honestly gives me goosebumps from its transcendent new-age introduction and excellently distant sax from Michael Brecker, that eventually transform into a very 80s-sounding but still profoundly triumphant jam that emulates the feeling of a journey in the UK pretty well. Maybe that’s what the film’s about, I don’t know. It peaked at #56 in 1983, whilst Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was #1 - good week for rock epics, I guess.

If you know Knopfler from anything, it’s likely his band Dire Straits, one of the few important British rock bands that hit #1 in the States and never back over here on the islands - their #1 is of course “Money for Nothing”. The legacy of Dire Straits is not something tangible for me or that I’ve ever really understood, their sound was varied and evolved through what was ultimately a very short career. They’re not a legendary act but are still big names and incredibly well-connected, especially Knopfler, who has played and produced extensively for many artists and soundtracks. In January, Knopfler sold over 100 of his guitar and amp equipment at auction and in March, he’s compiled a charity ensemble to cover “Going Home” in support of cancer awareness.

Its status as a charity single is the only possible explanation for why this nearly 10 minute instrumental piece even touched the charts let alone the top 20, but it is stuffed with big names, from rock icons like Brian May, RIngo Starr and Joan Jett and newer cats like Sam Fender and Orianthi to genuine oddballs like Keiji Haino and head-scratching inclusions like, uh, Brad Paisley, who I will only ever remember for “Accidental Racist”. There are over 60 musicians on this record and damn near all of them contributed through their guitar playing, other than Ringo on drums, The Who’s Roger Daltrey on my favourite, the harmonica (that you can barely hear at times - Daltrey’s harmonica should be put to better use), and a few others. You can tell that Fletcher and Knopfler did their best job to try and collate recordings that were clearly from different times, places, equipment set-ups and audio qualities, but this is still basically a meandering pile of guitar overdubs that lasts longer than some full EPs and doesn’t really let you register any single guitarist as them playing. The collectiveness of it may just be the point, to show a united front against cancer or what have you, and there’s definitely a lot to appreciate if you’re an in-depth fan of guitar playing or a guitarist yourself, of which I’m not. I will admit, this is genuinely impressively easy to sit through for how lengthy it is, largely because of the dexterity on display, the fact that the melody of the original “Going Home”, even when developed on in the many ways it is within this piece, is still so infectious, and also because it comes out of not just cynical philanthropy but a genuine passion for the guitar as an instrument. The cover art is a Sgt. Peppers parody of the musicians standing in front of a famous guitar shop in London, and the wide array of musicians from a lot of different genres, eras and even techniques shows how wide and universal this feels an appreciation of the guitar… but I’ll say what my dad always said about Dire Straits (because, really, dads are the only people with viable Dire Straits opinions): “it all becomes much of a muchness.” My favourite of theirs is “Walk of Life” by the way, it’s so goofy. Love it.

#14 - “FRI(END)S” - V

Produced by Connor McDonough and Riley McDonough

V is the latest of the BTS boys to release a solo English single, seemingly leading towards a solo career like Jung Kook, with credits stacked full of Anglophone pop songwriters and production from the McDonough brothers that results in a very serviceable pop song that I’m not sure would get much attention outside of the fact that it’s a BTS member, hence why sales jacked this one’s chart position up so high. It’s not a bad little song at all, in fact I like the distorted guitar lick and the amount of emotion V shows in his vocals despite all the effects, he has a real unique texture against the slodgier indie drums and the infectious bed of harmonies in the pre-chorus. The one way I could see this getting big organically would be that fun albeit gimmicky chorus that makes this an anti-climactic friend zone anthem, though the gimmick wears off after the second time and doesn’t really develop into anything new in the second chorus other than some pretty gross, reverb-drenched spectacle. I usually wouldn’t give this manufactured bedroom pop much more of the time of day but there’s not much in the way of obnoxious performance or toxic lyrics here, it’s just that it really could be any other vaguely bitter male singer’s song. The first most obvious comparison is Joji due to their vocal textures, but Charlie Puth or Lauv could have easily made this work too, though probably not as well as V does here, especially not Puth. God, that would be horrible. Thank God for BTS that this song was never offered to Puth (not that he’d accept a song he didn’t spend 20 hours writing and producing himself, of course). Ugh, enough Puth talk, let’s end the episode.

Conclusion

God, this was not a great week, huh? Even if I’m not fussed about the new version, the composition of “Going Home” makes Mark Knopfler and friends get a lock for Honourable Mention, and it really does end up as the song with the most - if not the only - human passion in this selection. Worst of the Week goes to Meghan Trainor, surprise, surprise, for “Been Like This” with T-Pain, and that’s all. Future, Shakira, O-Rod, Tyla, Hozier, Headie One, Artemas, Cardi B, Lil Nas X, Bryson Tiller, they could all hypothetically show up next week and it would be a big one, so prepare for that and who knows what else? It’s 2024, anything can chart. As for now, thank you for reading, rest in peace to Cola Boyy but we go on and I’ll see you next week!

[footballandfiasco]

3 & 5 please :)

3) favourite musical artist/group you started listening to this year? - i started listening to SZA this year, so much that she made it into my top 5 on spotify! and i would also say, that i got a lot more into rap/hiphop music, which i really did not see coming but its great to discover a genre in a new way!

5) tv show of the year? - abbott elementary! i'm so obsessed with that show, it became my new comfort watch this year! i'm so done with all the drama & brutality on tv, i need more of the wholesome content!

and i finished modern family this year! i can't believe i missed out on that show for so long.

end-of-the-year ask game <3

[90sbokuto]

— “ bnha boys and the artists they listen to (pt 1) ”

including: deku, bakugo, todoroki, kirishima and iida

genre: fluff and humor

tags: fluff, humor, music

warnings: language 

— izuku midoriya 

-     if you think he DOESN’T listen to Lil Uzi, you are a fool lmao

-     he has a whole playlist and was hype asf when the new album came out, and yes he maxxed out his wallet for apple music when the album came out. 

-    he just wanted the deluxe songs, 

-    did I mention he is a simp?? 

-    he listens to sza too, (even though she’s not a rapper, this still counts)

-    you heard him singing broken clocks while studying math, 

-    “been about 3 years since I dated you, why you still talkin about me like we’re together”

-      he was feeling himself omfg, please someone give him a hug

-      his voice cracked when he said together

-      def the type to have secret stashes of songs on YouTube

— katsuki bakugo

-     this boy is a SLUT for nba youngboy

-     did he lock himself in his room when the newest album came out? 

-     yes

-     he claimed he was “spring cleaning” but the music was so loud aizawa told him to either turn it down or turn it off

-     you put him onto rico nasty and really it was a mistake

-     his favorite song is smack a bitch and y’all can’t tell me OTHERWISE

-     the type to use finger guns when rapping

-     iida tells him to pick an appropriate song for group hangouts

-     he plays tia tamera but just with the words bleeped out

-     conFUSED ASF WHEN HE FINDS OUT ITS ABOUT TIDDIES

-     he didn’t listen to the lyrics, he plays it for the bass

— shoto todoroki

-     ahem, meg the stallion

-     this man was ECSTATIC when he saw that she had dressed up as him

-     he found out about her music from tiktok

-     you forced him to try the savage challenge and BODIED it

-     big ole freak is lowkey his fave song but he will never admit it

-     he tried to dm her and tell her that he likes her music 

-     wholesome content 

-     listens to listen to travis scott too

-     deku had to help him set up his playstation

-     y’all already KNOW he went to the fortnite concert. and not just one; all of them

-     HE DOESN’T EVEN LIKE FORTNITE

-     occasionally hear him playing goosebumps when his headphones are too loud

-     he has the whole astroworld album on his playlist

-     and like 300 other songs

-    someone please teach him to make more than one playlist

— eijiro kirishima

-     listens to lil yachty

-     he literally finds his music so funny and knows most of the lyrics

-     tried the zoom challenge, twisted his ankle but got hella views

-     yes he has tried to put beads in his hair

-     you had to teach him how to braid it for that

-     DEFINITELY CAME AS HIM FOR HALLOWEEN

-     he’s a simp too, we all know it

-     you name a female artist?

-     he listens to her music

-     kehlani? beyonce? nicki? rihanna?

-     listens to all of them

-     he asked you out by promposing to we found love 

-    we love to see it

— tenya iida 

-     he most likely listens to more rnb than straight up rap 

-     type to put the link to his spotify in the group chat

-     a j. cole stan

-    “HIS SONGS HAVE POWERFUL MEANINGS Y/N”

-     just bleeps out the bad words or finds the non-explicit version of songs

-     listens to ella mai

-     he’s a simp too, don’t bring it up or he will make his playlists private though

-     favorite song is shot clock

[simply-shakera]

2020 In Review

We made it to a new year. I do not take this lightly at all. The last few months have been extremely tough in so many different ways and has affected every area of our lives.  But here's the thing - we didn't give up and for that I celebrate us.

Many didn't live to see 2021. Before I proceed with my 2020 review I would like to take a moment to honour the lives of people in my life that I lost this year:

The beautiful and precious Anaya Anderson; sleep peacefully baby girl.

Two men with hearts of gold Justin Warner and Kareem "B.K" Wade

Two women who were pillars in the Black Canadian community Kike Lola Odusanya & Denise Jones

My cousins  Tash (TO), Marie (JA), Marlene & Don (US)

and three of the most jolly elders that lived long beautiful lives Papa Chunny, Mama Wilson, and Papa Henry

and ya'll I am adding Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman to this list. I know I don't know these men personally but their passing really affected me. Something about losing such giants at such young ages was hard to understand knowing that they had so much fire left in them. Their work has left such an impact on their industries and hearts of many.

While navigating a global pandemic and one of the biggest civil rights movements in history - I was and still am dealing with a personal matter that has been pretty difficult. Still I give God thanks for his grace, love and endless blessings that have come in many forms. One of which is through friendship. I have had to lean on my friends A LOT - they were the MVPs of my 2020 - for real for real!... Alisha, Rena, Jeff, Sarah, Sid, Lily, Michelle (just to name a few) I am looking at YOU!

What was beautiful though is that throughout all the chaos, confusion and grief, I found the opportunity for discovery, healing and reconnection. 

Now for a fun recap!!!!!!! Let's laugh and relive some fave moments from the year and Simply Shakera highlights.

Moments I am proud of:

On a personal level there were many triumphs that were achieved from big to small. Professionally I went into 2020 with these priorities: to book more speaking events, to have Carnival Spice work directly with different school boards and to take Carnival Spice fitness programming online (the irony!!!!!!!!)

From the moment the year started I hit the ground running and achieved those goals . The path to get there didn't look ANYTHING like what I imagined but it is only the beginning. Here are some awesome highlights from along the way.

Received the People's Choice award for Best Dancer of 2019 via byblacks.com

Was selected as one of the Top 100 women in Canada to watch in 2020.

Was invited to hear former president Barack Obama speak live in Toronto.

Finally introduced VISION my goal setting and vision board workshop to the world.

Secured brand collaborations and speaking opportunities with some cool clients from TVO Kids to Nike Toronto.

Meanwhile in the land of spice, before the lockdown, Carnival Spice hosted our biggest in person event to date - that night still gives me goosebumps. We hosted an instagram live interview and dance class with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Tanya Sam that had an audience of over 3, 000. We've continually trended on Tik Tok since July and was even featured on the app’s explore page. The team performed at a few virtual and in-person events including the most dynamic Black History Month school assembly with over 500 people the day before lockdowns. Spice also celebrated a 7th birthday via a virtual event and was voted Best Dance Company for a second year in a row by byblacks.com. I’m proud of the #SpiceFam - we truly persevered against all odds.

Top 3 Internet Moments

VERZUZ!

Shout out to Timbaland and Swiss Beatz for developing this concept - it was the gift that kept on giving. Top music artists from different genres and eras had healthy battles on instagram using their respective music catalogues. These instagram live streams were mini concerts that provided some of the best internet moments of the year. Teddy Riley's technical difficulties (and the memes to follow) were hilarious. Brandy and Monica facing off was so uncomfortable to watch; but still, it was beautiful to have these young legends come together and be celebrated. However, nothing and I MEAN NOTHING was more monumental then BEENIE AND BOUNTY CLASH! Listen, the way that night revived my soul - WHEW! ...I'm sure many of my fellow Caribbean peeps can agree. The laughter, the music catalogues, the camaraderie between the artists, the memes, the entertainment quality that was similar to a past time. SO GOOD!

Tik Tok Dance Challenges.

Say what you want about Tik Tok but it is, BY A LANDSLIDE, my favourite app. I wish I joined earlier. I enjoy how it's a mix of fun, education and entertainment. Plus from a business perspective it positions your product or service directly in front of your audience. Although I never want to hear the songs Savage by Meg The Stallion, Savage Love by Jason Derulo, or WAP by Cardi B ever again, I must acknowledge how Tik Tok dances have changed the way music is heard and marketed. Even soca had success on Tik Tok! The #PutYuhBackOnItChallenge by Denise Belfon & Dj Flex was trending for months. The Carnival Spice take on the challenge achieved over one million views!!!

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion

This television moment was something the world never knew it needed. The HBO special was wholesome from beginning to end. As a huge fan of The Smiths and this show, it was beautiful for me to see all the characters come together to reflect and reminisce with us watching. I cried, I laughed, I learned and I was inspired.

My Top Music Picks:

Top Reggae: “Lockdown” by Koffee

Top Soca: “By Any Means” by Voice (groovy) & “Yuh Bad” by Preedy (Power)

Top R&B: “Hit Different” by SZA

Top Hip Hop: “Dior” by Pop Smoke (Rest in peace to this young artist)

Top Gospel: “Something Has To Break” - Kierra Sheard with Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Top Dancehall: “Call Me If”, Dexta Daps

Top Pop: “Savage Love” by Jason Derulo

Top Afro (and arguably the biggest song of the year): “Jerusalema” by Master KG

Top 3 Words of 2020

Entanglement

Speaking of The Smiths - Jada Pinket Smith gave us one of the most meme-worthy words of all time as she revisited a personal matter on an episode of her hit show the Red Table Talk.

Pivot & Zoom (It's a tie)

Lockdowns and safety protocols have been tough personally but especially professionally. Business owners like myself know these these two words far too well at this point. To stay afloat we constantly had to adjust our business models to ensure our business could some how operate with whatever safety protocols were in place. For many, pivoting meant taking our services virtual. Dancing in front of a phone screen has been taxing to say the least but I am grateful for the ability to have a way in which I can connect with my community and clients.

Quarantine

What once was a word you only heard on medical shows and sci-fi movies became how most of us lived our lives at some point in 2020.  Solitude was common; even if you were quarantining with other people. Drive-By Birthday parties & curb side deliveries were a thing. Stay in your bubble they said. If you have to leave home where a mask they said. Many introverts were excited to stay home until they realized it's MUCH different when you don't have a choice.

Top Media Moments

Even with a lockdown, your girl didn't lose her stride entirely. I remained 100% committed to my mission despite the world wind of changes going on in the back end. I enjoy being on camera and it was an honour to continue sharing my story and my work  with the masses. Here are a few videos interviews that you can click and check out:

Interview With One Caribbean:

Carnival Spice Fitness demo on Breakfast Television (1 of 2)

Carnival Spice Dance Workshop at the How She Hustles - 10 Year Virtual Celebration

Carnival Spice in Barrie for Cultures Day

Carnival Spice Dance Workshop with Kiss 925:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDMWVwwnd-q/?igshid=h3f2bppx2b03

We Are Carnival Spice - The Documentary:

https://youtu.be/2RLZBCw8jkM

Breakfast Television 2/2 - featuring my nephew Matteo

https://youtu.be/Go7ZpURAiLE

Interview with the Toronto Carnival Festival Committee

https://youtu.be/l53DvpbDaqw

What a year! We will never be the same. I do really want to say thank you again to every person this year that was intentional about pouring into me with love, advice, support and encouragement. It was needed and it was felt tremendously.

I pray for the safe keeping of you all; for your continued success and growth.

and now, I shall embark on what’s next, put my learnings from 2020 into action & continue to lead with passion & positive vibes.

Xoxo and Happy New Year.

[thesystemonlydreamsintotaldark]

@ramen-hamster sorry just saw this 💕I'm such a narcissist I couldn't resist a chance to talk about myself.

Rules are to answer all the questions and tag 20 blogs. I dont know 20 blogs that well so I'll tag who I'm interested in learning more about.

Gender: Male

Zodiac: Aquarius

Height: 5'8"

Time: 5:45pm

Birthday: January 27th. Just enjoyed it!

Favorite bands/artists: Banks, The National, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Andrew Belle, Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Ricky Martin, ... I could literally go on for hours about this

Last movie I saw: Insidious 3, it was awful

Last show I saw: Please Like Me

When did I create my blog: Couple years ago

What do I post: i don't even know anymore

Last thing I googled: how to treat insomnia 🤦🏾‍♂️

Any other blogs: yes lol

Do you get asks?: Sometimes. Always open to any!

Why did you choose your URL: It’s my favorite song as of last year (the System Only Dreams in Total Darkness). I regret it now since it's too long but I wouldn't know what to change it to. I guess that's symbolic since I'm trying to "find myself" this year or shit like that.

Types of Blogs you follow: funny and pretty blogs, social justice stuff, and tbh sometimes I'll thirst follow

Favourite colours: Black, purple, gold

Average hours of sleep: I'm trying different medications for insomnia so it really depends

Lucky number: 5

Dream trip: Japan or Indonesia

What are you wearing? Black jacket, plain black tee, khaki pants, black sneakers. Very wholesome look lol

How many blankets do you sleep with? 2

Dream job: I'm aiming to be a psychiatrist but I've always wanted to be an astronaut

Favourite foods: Haleem, a Middle Eastern thing

Nationality: I was born in the US but I have family from all over Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

I’m tagging @logicoso @sirdippinghotsauce @spread-some-sunshine @releasethenathan @queerglassescutie @alright-night @river-of-life and anyone else interested.

[onestowatch]

Baby Rose’s ‘To Myself’ Is a Self-Dedicated Masterpiece that Debuts Her Gorgeous Vocals to the World [Q&A]

Photo Credit: Christian Cody

The Atlanta-based songstress with the most unique vocals, Baby Rose has finally dropped her stunning debut album, To Myself. Growing up surrounded by musicians, Rose turned to music as a safe haven from the bullying and alienation she experienced from moving around so much. Ever since she blessed us with three brilliant singles in one day this past May, Rose has kept our attention and her newest, To Myself, captivates our minds even more so. 

Immediately, we’re thrown into a tumultuous narrative of Rose’s journey post-break up in the opening track, “Sold Out.” Featuring lovely guitars paired with Rose’s unique vocals, “Sold Out” reminisces on Rose’s lost faith in true love while “Borderline” hears a conflicted Rose crying over someone who she knows she must release in order to move onto the recovery stage. The darker instrumentals in “Ragrets” present an edgier side of Rose that has her being as straight forward as possible about how she sees her ex at this point. 

While “Pressure” and “Mortal” are slow-burning ballads that showcase Rose’s dynamism as an evolving artist, “All To Myself” opens with a haunting organ and delicate piano that add all the more mystery to this songstress’ sonic world. Rose pushes herself away from the painful memories during the break up phase in “In Your Arms” and “Artifacts.” By the time the album reaches “Over,” Rose has come to terms with the current state of her love life and she makes the decision to progress to the lush “Show You.”

Bask in the rich vocals of Baby Rose with To Myself below:

To celebrate her new music, we recently chatted with Baby Rose about her experience with bullying, Snoh Aalegra, and of course, To Myself.

OTW: Something about you that’s so noteworthy is the fact that you released not one, but THREE singles in one day. What led to that decision?

Rose: That was a decision made when my team and I each had our own favorite picks for the first single. Rather than try to pick one, we decided to put out all three at one time. 

OTW: Which one is your favorite?

Rose: Out of the three, I’d say “Mortal” right now. But it changes every day.

OTW: Yes! That’s my favorite. How does it feel to know that you have the support of SZA, Kehlani, and J Cole?

Rose: It feels good because at the end of the day, they’re very genuine people and I’m grateful to have their support.

OTW: That’s really sweet. So what does your new album, To Myself, mean to you?

Rose: It’s about a breakup I went through last year. Though I would say that the album is less about the breakup itself and more about my own personal growth. I’ve realized that I can be the type of person that might harbor painful emotions, so it leaves me with the choice of wanting to run into another relationship looking for the same fulfillment I thought that I could find in my ex, or use this album as a reminder, to myself, to just keep going in the direction that I’m in now.

OTW: Well, that’s really wholesome. Can you describe your creative process behind this new album? Or even just one song?

Rose: I’ll pick “Sold Out.” It’s a fire story because it was 3 a.m. in Parhelion Studios, which is in Atlanta. And the guy who works at Parhelion was playing this idea of the mellotron. Then we evolved from that. At first, I didn’t like the mellotron loop. But then it was like, 2 or 3 a.m. and I was like, “Fuck it. I have an idea.” So I go in the booth and I just start singing really slow. And he was like, “No, you should sing it like a trap person or whatever!” And so I just started singing like that. There’s no effects or anything. It sounds hella rough, but we cut the demo. I think we had a session the next day at Doppler and we handed it to the engineer just to see what it would sound like. And it sounded really good. And we were like, “Oh shit! This is dope.” Fast forward to when I went to LA like a month later and my friend Paris did string arrangements and my friend Jasmin plays viola and violin. So we laid them at Revival and it literally evolved from this afterthought of something I never thought would be a complete idea.

OTW: Which is your favorite song on the record and why?

Rose: I don’t really have a favorite song. I love them all for different reasons. They’re all parts of a whole story.

OTW: What would you say to the young kids who are experiencing bullying and alienation like you did when you were growing up?

Rose: I would say to keep your head up and don’t let others words and actions change who you are. In time, the things that you’re bullied for, that set you apart, are going to be the things that you’re celebrated for that make your life unique. You are loved. God loves you, your family your friends love you. Focus all of your energy on that. Keep pushing forward and champion yourself early without the need of anyone’s validation. No matter what, always embrace who you are.

OTW: Aww, I love that answer so much. What are you most excited about for your upcoming tour with Snoh Aalegra?

Rose: I’m excited to see and perform in Europe for the first time with Snoh Aalegra. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. This is going to be a whole new experience and I’m ready to take it all in.

OTW: Is there any city in particular that you’re really looking forward to visiting?

Rose: No, I’m looking forward to all of the cities I’m visiting on tour.

OTW: Who are your Ones To Watch?

Rose: My Ones To Watch are Yung Baby Tate, Davionne, and all the producers on my album. Tim Maxey, the executive producer on the album. Insightful and Biako, who produced on my album as well. I truly believe we all are Ones To Watch and are contributing gifts to the spectrum of music.

OTW: Is there anything else that you’d want to tell your fans or our readers?

Rose: To listen to the album, To Myself, and be patient with yourself. That’s all I would say.

Catch Baby Rose on tour with Ones To Watch stunner Snoh Aalegra in Europe this fall!

[thesinglesjukebox]

CARLY RAE JEPSEN - NO DRUG LIKE ME

[5.38]

Waiting for the Carly to kick in...

Jonathan Bradley: Love is the drug, as pop music knows well, but Carly Rae Jepsen has never before needed the metaphor to evoke the intoxication in infatuation. And if she had never before sighed "starry eyes" over skin-glow synths, the cause could only be errata; that particular exhale has swirled since time immemorial in the primordial plasma from which all Jepsen music is formed. On this new single, she dives into inkiness on lines like "you say you love me but you wouldn't dare" and "a little history of us in there," but, for the most part, "No Drug Like Me" sticks to its tried fundamentals. These ones are quite fundamental. [6]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: "Party for One" was a boring rehash of CRJ tropes, but "No Drug Like Me" is worse: a half-baked idea stretched thin. Jepsen's at her very best when she's able to allow a specific emotion to feel like the single most important thing in the world, the instrumentation working hard to keep pace. On "No Drug Like Me," Jepsen's vocal melodies stifle the intent of the lyrics, and the beat is just as confused about what she's trying to accomplish. The verses' bubbling pulses and silky synth pads hint at a foreplay that never reaches climax. In the awkward, wobbling funk instrumentation is a revelation: Jepsen's been able to make all-caps EMOTIONS feel limitless, but her approaches to doing so have always been extremely limited. [3]

Will Adams: Maybe it's the titular drug that's causing all this unnecessary haze (hey, here's a downtempo Carly song that doesn't sound like it's been smothered in gauze), or maybe it's just a fluke. Then again, the other co-single, while upbeat and glittery and generally better written, is little more than TV spot fodder. The lasting impression from these three songs of the past six months is less the impactful Emotion type and more perplexity about when exactly Carly Rae Jepsen stopped sounding like Carly Rae Jepsen. [5]

Katherine St Asaph: Between this and "Party For One" I am genuinely worried about Carly Rae Jepsen's voice. The problem this time isn't shitty comping so much as a general smear of processing; the result isn't distracting, until you compare it to her vocals on Kiss, or even a few years ago. Did the label hire a new, terrible vocal producer? Is it some ill-fated attempt to sound breathy and R&B -- particularly weird, considering the genre's full of singers like Kehlani and SZA with clear, bright voices? Did she blow out her voice on the "Cut to the Feeling" chorus? She still writes swooning lyrics -- "if you make me feel in love, then I'll blossom for you" should, well, blossom. But Jepsen's voice always made every lyric feel urgent, exquisitely pained, almost piercing; flatten her vocals and and you get a flattened affect. It is a very strange feeling to wish Carly Rae Jepsen were singing a Carly Rae Jepsen song. [5]

Alfred Soto: The big fat bass serves as guard rail, arm rail, and anchor -- I can't hear CRJ because I'm alternatively clutching or clinging to it. I can call this experience intoxicating or rote -- there's no drug like Advil after a night of mixing cocktails, but I wouldn't call it one of a kind. [4]

Danilo Bortoli: Truth be told, Carly Rae has her own, very unique grasp to pop music. Not only because Emotion perfected and encapsulated a then ongoing trend, the nichification of pop, a world that album treated so specifically and absolutely that it is no wonder some people inside the bubble reacted to it being some sort of "Bible" for the modern era pop music fan. And absolute is a proper word for Jepsen now: her own narrative of love is so intense, so full of gimmickry, it is hard for critics not to confound her posture for extreme ingenuity. This wholesomeness has become her brand, a place of guaranteed safety which could often suggest something dangerous hidden below, both lyrically and sonically ("I have a cavern of secrets/None of them are for you," culled from "Warm Blood", are the best lyrics she has even written). The thing is, "No Drug Like Me" borrows from that strategy, which is ideal actually: While its twin is perhaps unduly sugarcoated, the latter is a bit more pensive, almost hypnotic. "No Drug Like Me" is not overproduced per se, but her approach to love as an ideal, lacking tension, has started to sound tiring. Which is to say: if Emotion was great partly because of its production on a sound design level (yet was transcendental to the point of becoming pop music), then "No Drug Like Me" tries to no avail to compensate its lack of tension with sound design. That offers an "interesting" sound, as a sound designer would say. But not enough from the queen of love itself. [5]

Pedro João Santos: This Jeppo dual release is yet another day of #JusticeForEmotion, padded out with the praises of newer, more tangible love, and with a micro-backlash. Languid, glistening deluxe track "Favourite Colour" is brought to heel by a speed-up, a rubbery bassline and tighter songwriting, not to mention some sort of psychosexual vibrancy not unlike that of "Warm Blood," but though excellent it may be, no surprises rest to be found. It's interesting how these new songs are supported by sonic options. Those teasing, dizzying arpeggios buried in "Party for One"'s hook, the batshit hi-NRJ bric-à-brac of "Now That I Found You," the deep groove of this one? Yessir. How I wish they went hand-in-hand with some sort of compositional or lyrical sense of innovation. [7]

Iris Xie: "Take me to the limit, hold me down" is a promising intro, with a little bit of direct beckoning in a quiet space that pulses a bit in anticipation. But that's where it ends, and afterwards, it all stalls. The chorus sounds stilted and forced, while not containing any of the expansiveness or wildness that usually would come from making a highly-tempered statement like "No Drug Like Me." There also is an issue where the throbbing synths accentuate the dryness of her timbre, which doesn't flatter the thinness of her voice. It's a strange decision to make, considering how Emotion's production hid it quite well with the level of reverb applied to her singing, which brought out the luminosity of Jepsen's sentiments. Additionally, in comparison to "Run Away With Me," where the instrumentals focus on heightening the sensation of breathlessness that is the gap between her desires and her acting on them, "No Drug Like Me" and its inert bassline swallows up Jepsen's usual heartfelt proclamations and makes her sound frail. Overall, "No Drug Like Me" exposes Jepsen's weaknesses as a vocalist when not hyped on 4000 per cent joyful vulnerability and cavernous synthpop, and sounds like the start of her Side C album. Still, the little parts that call back to a quieter intimacy are not bad, especially in the part of "Why would we risk it for another try? (Another try, come alive)." But that sounds like the post-chorus, or bridge, of another, better song, and is not this one. [5]

Thomas Inskeep: That synth bass on the chorus is PHAT. The rest of the song is a bit more lightweight than I'd like to hear from CRJ; there needs to be more there there, y'know? [6]

Vikram Joseph: Everything seems to be in its right place here -- a shimmering electro-pop pulse that bubbles gently under the surface, a chorus that fizzes and sparks just as you'd expect it to -- but this doesn't land for me; it feels just a little rigid, forced, even. Perhaps it's familiarity, or perhaps Sigrid and Tove Styrke are just doing this kind of alt-pop better right now, but Carly Rae Jepsen sounds short on flair and personality here, and "No Drug Like Me" struggles to get through Phase 1 trials. [5]

Stephen Eisermann: Although tonally much of the same, "No Drug Like Me" feels much darker than most CRJ songs and it's a welcome departure. This song takes a pretty tired metaphor and makes it feel new again, with the pulsing beat and CRJ's smooth vocals doing a lot of the heavy lifting in creating a feeling of mystery being unfolded. It's thrilling, sure, but more than that it's CRJ's best outing and is hopefully indicative of a different vibe for this next album. [8]

Josh Love: I'm not the first to point out that Jepsen's music is the YA of pop -- readily enjoyable art made by an adult and largely consumed by adults that taps into the feelings and experiences of being a teen, the outsized romance and the innocence being dramatically (though usually safely) punctured by illicit thoughts and deeds. Its simile linking the effect of substances to the sensations of love without naming or describing a specific vice, "No Drug Like Me" embodies Jepsen's earnest thrills. [7]

Edward Okulicz: While I'm not the Jukebox's biggest CRJ fan, even I can appreciate the delirious joy she exudes when she's the subject of a good pop-crush story. I think she's got a fine voice for the excitement of being awestruck in love, but her songs don't quite hit the spot. On this one, the song's worse than usual, I can't even hear the aspects of her voice that I like through the treatment, and she's lacking that bubbly enthusiasm she wears well as the subject of obsession. As the object, I don't even believe her. [4]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]