#with its simple but powerful way of storytelling that you listen to and it feels like he’s describing your life

[farchanter]

The Fall of the House of Usher

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted—nevermore!

(picture from Netflix)

New York prosecutor C. Auguste Dupin has brought an indictment against the sprawling pharmaceutical company Fortunato and its leading Usher family, and he is convinced that this is the time the charges will finally stick. After decades of fomenting the opioid crisis, the Ushers will finally be held to account.

Before the trial can truly begin, however, all five Usher children are killed seriatim under bizarre circumstances. After the final funeral, Fortunato CEO Roderick Usher calls Dupin to meet. Usher will confess to everything in the indictment—and more.

All Usher asks is that Dupin listen to his story. The story of how he and sister Madeline seized Fortunato, of the suffering he has inflicted, of how his children died— and of the supernatural thread binding all of these events together.

Mike Flanagan has made Octobers on Netflix an annual event through the release of his prestige horror series. With the exception of Midnight Mass, each of these series has been inspired by the world of another horror storyteller. Even as the source material changes, however, Flanagan series have a defined quality to them that persists across series. They substitute out jump scares for melancholy, letting their characters build and fall across the season.

In fact, to an extent, I scarcely feel I need to review The Fall of the House of Usher. If you liked The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Midnight Club, you'll also like Usher. The essential attributes of a Flanagan series are all here.

For the underlying source, of course, Flanagan is taking a mighty swing here and reinterpreting the works of Edgar Allan Poe. I'll admit that, at first, I thought this was wholly incongruous with the Big Pharma plotline I outlined above. But, I'll just as readily admit, I was surprised here. Usher encourages us to strip Poe's works of their 19th-century context and carry their elemental fears to the present. Themes like Poe's recurring "death of a beautiful woman" and his fascination with declining mental health are all here, just as raw as when Poe put pen to paper. But, more than anything else, both Poe and Flanagan recognize an important quality of the rich and powerful: despite all of their wealth and influence, they cannot outrun death forever. For all of their empires, they will ultimately be no more than Ozymandias and his kingdom buried in the sand. We have heard from various sources that our current aristocracy (especially, if I may, our tech billionaires) are obsessed with their either literal or figurative immortality. In Usher, Flanagan imagines billionaires sitting atop a throne of suffering— the Sacklers are the most immediate allegory, but it could really be any of them— who at first cannot conceive of their own deaths but then become desperate to escape the unescapable. The supernatural overtures all us to engage with the material as entertainment, but let's be clear: whether death is represented as a supernatural force or a simple fact of life, the act of harming other people to escape it is very real. So, to, is the ultimate futility of that attempt. If Poe (who gave us The Masque of the Red Death), is somewhere out there watching, I think he would be nodding.

Poe also has a unique way of writing that I think lends itself well to this type of reimagining. Perhaps because he was often the first author experimenting with a particular horror, Poe's fiction is often half the actual story and half a description of why he finds a particular topic frightening. Since he is, essentially, giving us his notes, it gives creators like Flanagan's team the power to create stories that are fundamentally different but still capture the essence of the original fear.

This is, seemingly, the last of these yearly Netflix series. Flanagan's studio signed a contract with Amazon, and at the moment we don't know what's coming next. I'm excited for whatever it is, though, because these have been highlights of my Halloween season the last five years.

[readitreviewit]

Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" is not your typical business self-help book. It's fun, engaging, and will make you re-evaluate the way you think about leadership. With a new chapter on leading millennials, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to create a positive work environment. Sinek's premise is simple: great leaders put the needs of their team above their own. He calls this the "Circle of Safety," where a leader creates a sense of trust and cooperation within their team. He uses examples from the military, government, and big business to illustrate how this works in practice. One of the most powerful examples in the book is the story of Captain William Swenson, a U.S. Army officer who risked his life to save his men during a battle in Afghanistan. Swenson put his own safety on the line to ensure the safety of his team, and Sinek argues that this type of selflessness is at the heart of great leadership. Another interesting aspect of the book is its focus on the role of hormones in the workplace. Sinek explains how cortisol (the stress hormone) and oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone) can impact team dynamics. He argues that great leaders create an environment that fosters the release of oxytocin, which in turn leads to increased trust and cooperation. Sinek also touches on the topic of millennials in the workplace, which he expands upon in a new chapter in the updated edition of the book. He argues that millennials are not inherently different from previous generations, but that they have grown up in a different world. He provides insights on how to lead millennials effectively, noting that they crave a sense of purpose and want to feel like they are making a difference. What sets "Leaders Eat Last" apart from other leadership books is Sinek's engaging storytelling style. He weaves together real-life examples, scientific research, and personal anecdotes to make his points. The book is filled with memorable quotes and one-liners that will stick with you long after you finish reading. One particularly memorable quote is, "There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it." Sinek's philosophy is that great leaders inspire rather than manipulate their teams. He argues that this is the key to creating a positive work environment where people are motivated to do their best work. Overall, "Leaders Eat Last" is a fun and engaging read that will challenge your assumptions about leadership. Sinek's emphasis on the importance of selflessness and creating a sense of trust within a team is a refreshing change from the typical "get ahead at all costs" mentality of many business books. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting out in your career, this book is sure to offer valuable insights that will help you become a better leader. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the gripping story in its entirety. Buy the book now or sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible and immerse yourself in the world of characters and their journey. Start listening today! Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details)

[rohitmarri]

MUSIC: THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE THAT BINDS US ALL

Music the universal language that binds us all Music speaks to you in a way that transcends words. We all have that song that reminds us of our first love, the soundtrack of our youth, the tune that gets us energized. In this series we’ll explore different genres of music from around the world. You’ll travel with me on a journey through cultural traditions, experiencing diverse sounds, rhythms and instruments. Music tells stories, expresses joy and sorrow, and brings people together. My hope is that through this musical adventure, you’ll gain an appreciation for the role of music in human culture and its ability to foster connections across borders. So grab your headphones and let the melodies begin.

https://www.mumbaimusicinstitute.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-3-298x169.jpg.webp

The soundtrack of our lives is one of the most powerful influences on our memories and moods. Songs have a way of transporting us back in time, stirring up emotions we felt during important moments. Music also has a way of elevating our moods and shifting our mindsets. An energetic pop song can lift our spirits when we’re feeling down, while a mellow classical piece helps us unwind after a stressful day. The link between music and memory is so strong because multiple parts of our brain are activated when we listen to music, including areas involved in emotion, memory, and reward processing. A song can instantly transport us back in time, allowing us to recall where we were and how we felt.

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Music is a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. Throughout history, harmonies and melodies have been used to build connections between different groups.

#Shared Emotional Experiences

Listening to music triggers the same parts of our brain that are involved in emotion, memory, and reward processing. When we listen to a song, our brains synchronized with the music and with each other. This shared experience creates social bonding and empathy. Think of crowds singing along at a concert or coming together to mourn the loss of a musical icon. Music provides a shared emotional experience that can unite those with different backgrounds.

#Cultural Expression

Every culture has its own unique musical traditions that are passed down through generations. Exploring different music genres is a great way to gain insight into cultures from around the world. You can discover everything from ceremonial music to pop songs that capture the current experiences of people in a given society. Appreciating music from diverse cultures promotes cross-cultural understanding and brings us together in celebration of our shared humanity.

The road to discovering music is filled with many exciting genres that can transport you to different times and places. Here are a few that may pique your interest for the musical adventures that await.

Folk Music

Folk music, with simple melodies and lyrics, aims to capture cultural traditions through storytelling. Artists like Bob Dylan, Simon & Garnett, and The Lumineers have helped bring folk rock and Americana into the mainstream. Listening to folk music is like sitting around a campfire under a starry sky, connecting with others through shared experiences.

World Music

World music encompasses many genres from all over the planet. You could find yourself dancing to West African highlife music, meditating to Indian classical ragas, or swaying to Brazilian bossa nova. Artists such as, Ravi Shankar, and Bebel Gilberto are iconic ambassadors of world music. Losing yourself in world music is a chance to gain exposure to different cultures and gain new perspectives.

https://www.mumbaimusicinstitute.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-5-246x205.jpg.webp

Music has a profound effect on our emotions and mental well-being. Listening to music can lift your mood, reduce stress, and ease anxiety. Music is medicine for the mind and soul.

#Stress Relief.

Put on your favorite calming playlist when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Slow instrumentals, classical music, ambient electronica – whatever works for you. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and get lost in the melodies. Your heart rate and blood pressure will decrease as your stress levels drop.

#Improve Mood.

Need an instant mood booster? Crank up the tunes that make you happy. Upbeat pop, reggae, or dance music can release endorphins that improve your mood and boost positive feelings. Singing or dancing along provides an even bigger mood enhancing boost.

#Ease Anxiety

Soft piano, gentle guitar, ocean waves – peaceful, wordless music can help calm feelings of anxiety. Slow instrumentals, nature sounds or ambient music are very soothing for an anxious mind. Focusing on the rhythms and textures of calming music helps shift your mind from worried thoughts, allowing your anxiety to fade into the background.

#Better Sleep

Music is a simple remedy that can work wonders for your well-being. Next time you need an emotional pick-me-up or calming time-out, put on your favorite feel-good playlist. Let the melodies move you and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of song. Music really is the best medicine.

Conclusion

Music is something we all share as humans, no matter our differences. The melodies and rhythms that move us are a universal language, one that transcends borders and brings us together. So next time you have the chance, share your favorite song with someone new. Strike up a conversation about music, and see how quickly you form a connection. There’s a whole world of musical discovery out there, so keep exploring. You never know what new artist or genre might speak to your soul. Music has been bring

[existentialmagazine]

Review: Telling Secrets’ new pounding alternative-rock single ‘Fall Behind’ tells the story of tumultuous change and frustrations

Telling Secrets like many upcoming bands was realised way back in the pandemic of 2021, stemming from the sole architect Vik Kovacs. As somewhat of a nomad musician, Kovacs was born in Budapest, Hungary, before growing up in the UK, moving between London, Surrey, and Manchester, and later travelling to Los Angeles where he currently resides. Now looking to “raise the bar for the modern rock genre”, Telling Secrets share their newest offering ‘Fall Behind.’

The bombastic soundscape of ‘Fall Behind’ doesn’t waste any time in making itself known from the second you press play, an all consuming and thunderous approach that wraps you around its vast feel, tumultuous velocity and lingering reverberation. From the opening’s frenzied drums to the shredding electric guitar strums and emphatic riff, ‘Fall Behind’ is relentlessly dominant in making its presence heard and pulling you in for more, a short burst of power and control before simmering down into the verses’ bubbling trepidation. Lulling you into a false sense of security, ‘Fall Behind’ hovers through electronic beats and subdued guitar strums that are still rich and heavy but kept afar, instead slowly building the heightened sound back up through the presence of the soon re-joining slamming drums. Delivering his pained lines atop this with a half sung, half emo-rap embodiment, this downbeat moment allows for Telling Secrets to place his heavy-hearted narrative front and centre of everything without being smothered by the almost overshadowing vigour of the instrumentals abilities. Finally erupting once again back into a chorus high, ‘Fall Behind’ lets it all loose once again, exploding into hard-hitting drums, powerful guitar and a bright unfolding riff, all the while Telling Secrets’ bursts into a sung, euphorically agile chorus range that’s a stark shift from what we heard before. With his words drenched in a very human strain and rawness, you can’t help but feel the exuding emotion behind every line, a gritty and intentionally bare deliverance of it all both in sound and lyricism. As things push forwards for nearing four minutes of harsh but completely addictive sound, ‘Fall Behind’ only continues to get better the longer you listen - and we’d recommend listening to it all.

With many of Telling Secrets’ releases detailing a common theme of change, sole architect Kovacs’ seems to be writing a narrative of a similar nature bundled within ‘Fall Behind’, taking inspiration from the frustrations that he dealt with throughout the processes of moving halfway across the world. As the opening lyric rings out ‘I can’t seem to see, but I’ll keep on going, one day I’ll be free’, this initial link to his own journey feels incredibly clear, yearning for an escape from a seemingly endless process to once again be reunited with simple freedoms. With no end in sight however, further lines like ‘I’ve been holding my tears for way too long now’ keep bottled up inside the growing resentment and overwhelm to be trapped in this way, a desperate desire to be unshackled from this existence. Critical of the world we live in, Kovacs’ continues to sing ‘take me away from this society’ , hoping for a change in what we deem to be normal and simply finding acceptance in everyone. With such a magnitude of change, there’s also undoubtably a mass of severed ties along the way, emphasised through lyrics like ‘keeping account of the losses I’ve dealt’ that seem to reflect on everything and everyone left behind. The seeping edges of a romance also weave their way through the storytelling, clinging to lyrics like ‘fall behind, kiss me at the back of the line’ that leave us wondering how their story will unfold, perhaps kept apart by distance or life’s roadblocks along the way. With multifaceted interpretations for every line, ‘Fall Behind’ manages to not just be captivatingly meaningful, but in many ways relatable to whatever story you see yourself within.

Check out ‘Fall Behind’ for yourself here to enjoy both the dark sound and deeply engaging lyrical matter buried within it.

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow

Photo Credits: Unknown

// This coverage was supported and created via Musosoup, #SustainableCurator.

[melanieenvs3000f23]

Blog 7: Harmony in Nature and Music

Hey everyone!

This week's discussions have taken us on an exciting journey into the world of music and its profound connection to nature. We've explored the "so what" of this relationship, and I'm here to dive into the fascinating realm where music and nature converge, sharing my own experiences and inviting you to join in on the fun.

Where is music in nature? Where is nature in music?

The relationship between music and nature is a harmonious one. Both exist as unique expressions of life and evoke powerful emotions. Nature provides endless inspiration to musicians, while music, in turn, captures the essence of the natural world. It's a two-way street that has been explored and celebrated for centuries.

Nature's Melodic Influence

Have you ever listened to the rustling leaves in the wind, the gentle flow of a stream, or the chirping of birds and thought, "This is music"? Nature has been the muse of countless composers and musicians. It's in the rhythmic patter of raindrops on leaves and the whispering of trees in the breeze. Music can mimic these sounds, allowing us to experience nature's melodies in the comfort of our own homes.

Music's Reflective Power

Conversely, music has a remarkable ability to convey the emotions and stories of the natural world. From classical compositions like Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" to contemporary pieces such as Hans Zimmer's "Planet Earth II Suite," music transports us to the heart of nature, taking our minds on journeys through vast landscapes, dense forests, and serene oceans.

Songs That Reconnect Us to Nature

Now, let's dive into a more personal dimension. I'm sure many of you have a song that immediately transports you back to a natural landscape, bringing forth memories and emotions that are intertwined with the great outdoors. For me, that song is "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.

The context is a warm summer night by a campfire, surrounded by friends on a backpacking journey. The crackling fire and the open sky above are the backdrop to this wonderful memory. The song's folksy, harmonious tunes, and lyrics about the simple joys of life resonate with the beauty and serenity of the natural world. It's a song that embodies the sense of unity and belonging that comes with being in nature.

I encourage you to share your own experiences in the comments section – I'm certain we'll uncover a wealth of stories with similar underpinnings. Maybe your song is associated with a road trip through winding mountain roads, a lazy day by the beach, or a quiet moment in the woods. Music has a magical way of weaving itself into the fabric of our experiences in nature.

The Power of Storytelling

As emerging nature interpreters, it's essential to recognize the significance of storytelling. Music is a compelling form of storytelling, as it has the power to convey emotions, memories, and experiences. Think about how you can use this medium to share your love for the environment. Create playlists that capture the essence of different natural landscapes or use music to enhance your presentations about conservation efforts. The combination of music and nature can be a powerful tool for conveying your message effectively.

In conclusion, the connection between music and nature is a profound and beautiful one. They inspire each other, evoking emotions and transporting us to the places we hold dear in our hearts. So, next time you're out in the wilderness or simply enjoying the beauty of your local park, take a moment to listen to the melodies around you, and perhaps, you'll hear the music of nature.

Music has a unique way of making us feel at home in the great outdoors, and by sharing our experiences and stories, we can create a richer, more harmonious world where nature and music are forever intertwined.

As nature interpreters, we have the power to create stories that will be remembered and shared for generations to come, so keep exploring :)

Melanie

[legendarybaconchannel]

(via https://youtube.com/watch?v=Mdh6fFTn-_c&si=LThoi_sr3KLFDebp)

#RPGgame #seaofstars #rpggames Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. It tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer. Promising the Sabotage touch in every system, Sea of Stars aims to modernize the classic RPG in terms of turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun. Pressing the action button in sync with the animations increases damage output while reducing incoming damage. Along with timed hits, combat features multi-character combo attacks, boosting, and a strategic "locks" system offering options to play with different damage types in order to hinder enemies while they are channeling powerful attacks or spells, all in an immersive take on the genre; no random encounters, no transitions to separate battlefields, and no grinding. Swim, climb, vault, jump off or hoist up ledges as you traverse seamlessly through the world with a navigation system based on platformer expertise that breaks free from the classic bound-to-the-grid tileset movement. Our custom-made render pipeline allows the creation of a breathtaking world coming to life by pushing the limits of 2D pixel-art games. Dozens of original characters and story arcs will take you on a captivating journey. Sometimes epic, sometimes silly, and other times emotional, Sea of Stars does its RPG duty of exploring classic themes of adventure and friendship, while also being chock-full of the unexpected twists and events you’d expect from a Sabotage production. There are many ways to hang out in the world of Sea of Stars if you feel the need for a change of pace in your adventures. Sailing, cooking, fishing, stopping by a tavern to listen to a song or play the infamous tabletop game known as "Wheels".....every system has been designed to deliver an experience that pays respect to retro classics, while rethinking in some areas to offer a smooth and modernized experience.

[thebandcampdiaries]

Apothecary Raincoat has released a new single: “Resolution” (Featuring Lisa De Novo)

May 2023 - Apothecary Raincoat has recently joined forces with vocalist Lisa De Novo to release a new song called “Resolution.” 

This track is particularly groundbreaking because it shows these artists' incredible versatility and ability to create authentic yet catchy music.

Most of all, “Resolution” is a very kaleidoscopic song with different styles merging into something special. Combining so many different sounds, it’s not always easy. It can be challenging to find a balance, but this track shows that this is not only possible but also rewarding as a way to foster creativity. 

In particular, this song combines EDM's crisp production aesthetics with modern hip-hop's attitude. The two approaches blend well, creating a lively and impactful sound that speaks to the audience.

The song’s introduction is based on a lush and dreamy guitar part. It is a simple sequence of notes, but it sounds very evocative because of the use of effects like reverb and delays to add more of a cinematic flavor to the section. Soon after, the main beat breaks out, showcasing a fat and timeless 808-style sound on the bass. The hi-hat is very tight and crunchy, cutting through the mix and driving the song's intensity along with the snare. 

The melodic hooks are gripping and immediate, offering a memorable listening experience right off the bat. Lisa is a perfect guest on this track, as her contribution fits the style of this song to perfection. Her bright vocal style contrasts nicely with the deeper lead vocals. Combining these two different yet complementary vocal tones adds a vast dynamic range to the track, making it much bigger and more far-reaching.

One of the highlights is the verse that starts at about 40 seconds into the song. The vocal flow is reminiscent of unquestionable greats, such as Eminem, but it also evokes the sound of contemporary artists like Logic, or Jack Harlow, only to mention a few. Comparisons aside, the vocal delivery has a lot of personality, making Apothecary Raincoat stand out. In other words, he is not simply trying to emulate someone else’s style but rather create something unique and expressive in its own right. 

After all, one of the most important ingredients to a great hip-hop song is the artist's personality. This is a big differentiator that can make or break a single. Thankfully, there’s nothing to worry about here, as the song feels unique and personal. This track shows that Apothecary Raincoat is more than just an entertainer but a true storyteller who wants to create a much more meaningful connection with the audience.

Ultimately, this is a very powerful song, which channels the idea of determination, never giving up, and moving on despite the challenges and hardships we might face. Music can be a beacon of light, shining a path in the darkness, and it can help people find their way. This release is a perfect example of that, and it shows how a song can create a bond with the audience that runs very deep.

“Resolution” comes highly recommended to fans of artists. Just to mention a few, like Eminem, J. Cole, Mac Miller, future, and Drake. If you enjoy rap music with a contemporary edge and a melodic side, this one is something for you.

Find out more, connect, and listen:

https://www.instagram.com/apothecary_raincoat_official/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/06ivchHRp2SJ6dqd0qveNA?si=YN-e0Q14QYGos0niZWcr6A

https://youtube.com/@apothecaryraincoatofficial

We also had a chance to catch up with the artist and ask a few questions about the process, and the creative approach behind the music. Keep reading for more!

I love how you manage to render your tracks so personal and organic. Does the melody come first?

Answer: Thank you! With this new track, once I selected the beat and asked Lisa De Novo to collaborate, she wrote the melody for the chorus part. And we finished the rest of the song from there. 

Do you perform live? If so, do you feel more comfortable on a stage or within the walls of the recording studio?

Answer: I have not performed live with Apothecary Raincoat just yet, but I plan to when the right opportunity comes along. For now, working in the studio has been where I have been thriving with this project. 

If you could only pick one song to make a “first impression,” which would it be and why?

Answer: I think I would choose my previous full song “Breathing” to make a first impression. It’s a good balance of everything Apothecary Raincoat brings to the table. 

What does it take to be “innovative” in music? 

Answer: To me, innovation simply means not putting yourself in a box creatively. If an idea feels right, you should just go for it! 

Do you have any upcoming release or tour coming up?

Answer: I am so excited for the release of “Resolution”! I can’t wait for the fans to experience what we’ve been working so hard on. 

What is the best way for fans to connect with you online?

Answer: Instagram is where I am the most active. Also, be sure to follow Apothecary Raincoat on Spotify to get notified every time something new is released! 

[webeasts]

Finance Marketing: How To Form A Successful Content Strategy

In the fast-paced world of finance marketing, a well-thought-out content strategy is crucial for success. We will delve into the exciting world of finance marketing and explore how you can form a successful content strategy that engages, educates, and delights your target audience.

If you’re in the finance industry, you know that marketing your services can be challenging. With constantly changing regulations, complex concepts, and competition from other financial institutions, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out content strategy to attract and engage your target audience. In this article, we’ll dive into the exciting world of finance marketing and explore how you can form a successful content strategy that not only educates but also entertains and delights your audience.

The Importance of Content in Finance Marketing

In today’s digital age, content has become the cornerstone of any successful marketing strategy. When it comes to finance marketing, content plays a crucial role in building trust, establishing authority, and creating a connection with your audience. Well-crafted content can help you educate your target audience about complex financial concepts, showcase your expertise, and position your brand as a trusted source of financial information and services.

However, finance marketing content doesn’t have to be dull or dry. In fact, the most successful content strategies in the finance industry are those that are engaging, informative, and even entertaining. Gone are the days of monotonous financial jargon and technical terms that can leave your audience feeling bored or overwhelmed. Today’s consumers expect content that is relatable, easy to understand, and enjoyable to read, watch, or listen to.

Forming a Successful Content Strategy

So, how do you form a successful content strategy for your finance marketing efforts? Here are some key steps to follow:

Define Your Target Audience: The first step in creating any content strategy is to clearly define your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your content? What are their pain points, interests, and preferences? Understanding your audience’s needs and motivations will help you create content that resonates with them and provides value.

Research Relevant Topics and Keywords: Once you know your audience, it’s time to research relevant topics and keywords that are related to your finance niche. Use keyword research tools to identify the most searched-for terms and phrases in your industry. This will help you optimize your content for search engines and increase its visibility to your target audience.

Create Diverse and Engaging Content: Variety is the spice of life, and it’s also the key to a successful finance marketing content strategy. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of content. Experiment with different formats such as blog posts, articles, infographics, videos, podcasts, and social media posts. Keep your content fresh, engaging, and tailored to your audience’s preferences.

Simplify Complex Concepts: Finance can be a complex subject, but it’s important to simplify it for your audience. Avoid using technical jargon or complex language that can confuse or alienate your readers. Instead, use simple and relatable language to explain financial concepts in a way that anyone can understand. Use analogies, examples, and visuals to make your content more accessible and enjoyable.

Tell Compelling Stories: Stories are powerful tools in marketing, and finance is no exception. Use storytelling techniques to illustrate your points, share real-life examples, and connect with your audience on an emotional level. Tell stories of how your financial services have helped clients achieve their goals, overcome challenges, or secure their financial future. Authentic and relatable stories can capture your audience’s attention, evoke emotions, and create a lasting impression.

Provide Actionable Tips and Advice: Your audience is looking for practical solutions to their financial problems, so make sure to provide actionable tips and advice in your content. Share practical steps, strategies, and best practices that your audience can implement in their financial planning or decision-making. Providing valuable and actionable information will establish your authority and credibility as a trusted source of financial advice.

Optimize for SEO:  SEO Services in Delhi is crucial for increasing the visibility of your content online. Research and incorporate relevant keywords into your content to optimize it for search engines. Use descriptive and compelling titles, meta tags, and URLs to make your content easily discoverable by search engines and attractive to readers. Include internal and external links to authoritative sources to improve the credibility and relevance of your content. Regularly monitor and analyze your website’s performance using analytics tools, and make adjustments to your content strategy based on the data.

Stay Up-to-Date with Regulations: The finance industry is highly regulated, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations when creating your content. Ensure that your content is compliant with relevant laws and regulations, such as financial disclosures, data privacy, and advertising standards. Consult with legal or compliance experts to ensure that your content meets all the necessary requirements and avoid any potential legal issues.

Measure and Refine Your Strategy: Finally, regularly measure and analyze the performance of your content strategy to identify what’s working and what’s not. Use analytics tools to track the engagement, traffic, conversions, and other relevant metrics of your content. Refine your strategy based on the data and insights you gather, and continuously experiment with new content ideas, formats, and channels to optimize your results. A data-driven approach will help you continuously improve your content strategy and achieve better outcomes.

In conclusion, a well-thought-out content strategy is crucial for successful finance marketing. It allows you to educate, engage, and delight your target audience while building trust and authority. By defining your audience, researching relevant topics, creating diverse and engaging content, simplifying complex concepts, telling compelling stories, providing actionable tips, leveraging social media, optimizing for SEO, staying compliant with regulations, and measuring and refining your strategy, you can create a content strategy that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful results for your finance marketing efforts.

[lifepiner]

Sea of stars ps4

Sea of stars ps4 Ps4#

Sea of stars ps4 Pc#

Sailing, cooking, fishing, stopping by a tavern to listen to a song or play the infamous tabletop game known as "Wheels".every system has been designed to deliver an experience that pays respect to retro classics, while rethinking in some areas to offer a smooth and modernized experience. There are many ways to hang out in the world of Sea of Stars if you feel the need for a change of pace in your adventures. Sometimes epic, sometimes silly, and other times emotional, Sea of Stars does its RPG duty of exploring classic themes of adventure and friendship, while also being chock-full of the unexpected twists and events you’d expect from a Sabotage production. A prequel story set in The Messengers universe, it tells the story of two Children of the.

Sea of stars ps4 Pc#

Our custom-made render pipeline allows the creation of a breathtaking world coming to life by pushing the limits of 2D pixel-art games.ĭozens of original characters and story arcs will take you on a captivating journey. Sea of Stars is an upcoming turn-based RPG for PC and console. A new trailer has been released while additional information.

Sea of stars ps4 Ps4#

Swim, climb, vault, jump off or hoist up ledges as you traverse seamlessly through the world with a navigation system based on platformer expertise that breaks free from the classic bound-to-the-grid tileset movement. Promising the Sabotage touch in every system, Sea of Stars aims to modernize the classic RPG in terms of turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun. Sabotage Studio has announced that Sea of Stars is coming to PS4 and PS5, joining previously confirmed platforms Nintendo Switch and PC. Along with timed hits, combat features multi-character combo attacks, boosting, and a strategic "locks" system offering options to play with different damage types in order to hinder enemies while they are channeling powerful attacks or spells, all in an immersive take on the genre no random encounters, no transitions to separate battlefields, and no grinding. Pressing the action button in sync with the animations increases damage output while reducing incoming damage. At least some new data was launched as some have dreaded they must wait close to 2023 for extra information about this upcoming JRPG. The launch window nonetheless stays the identical sadly, which is 2023. Promising the Sabotage touch in every system, Sea of Stars aims to modernize the classic RPG in terms of turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun. It was confirmed that Sea of Stars is lastly touchdown on the PlayStation consoles, for the PS4 and PS5.

[bookandcover]

This book achieved so much more than I expected and it threw me several emotional curveballs. The book appears to lay all its cards on the table: They Both Die At The End. We know the ending. What could surprise and move us?

Suggested listening: Good At Losing Everything by The Ghost of Paul Revere

The book’s premise seemed straight forward, at first. Teens Mateo and Rufus receive the Death-Cast call, and they know, with 100% certainty, that they will die sometime in the next 24 hours. They’re familiar as teens, convincingly young, insecure, and emotional. It took me a bit to get into the book, but I came to understand that Mateo and Rufus’s initial characterizations allowed for and revealed the incredible personal growth they both go through during the final day of their lives. In similar fashion, the concept of the book keeps growing, iterating, forcing me to consider new angles of a premise that seemed deceptively clear and simple.

At its heart, this book is an incredible testament to the transformative power of living fully and fiercely. It’s a reminder of our mortality and, while that reminder can be terrifying—Mateo’s anxious awareness of all the things that could kill him absolutely got into my head (I slipped in the shower and my first thought was: what if this is how I die?)—the reminder also needs to push us past terror into real living. Faced with his imminent death, Mateo is able to overcome the fear that has shaped and limited his life. The real danger, he comes to understand, was not living. While this seems like a concept we’ve heard articulated before and dealt with in other creative storytelling, this book made me believe it, made me feel the urgency of life reflected in me, the critical importance of seeing each day as rich with possibility.

Part of this is, I think, the reality of the world of this book. (A extra-familiar reality for a New Yorker.) The only difference between our world and Mateo and Rufus’s world is Death-Cast. But how does this one change fundamentally change everything? This books feels like an ever-opening flower, or like a bridge in mist that keeps going on, longer than we could have imagined. We’re asked to consider the premise from complex angles: What are all the ways someone might react to Death-Cast (with bitterness in their heart, with fear, with denial, with real openness to growth?) What are the ways those who have not been called that day might feel and behave? What if your whole family gets the call and you do not? What if you’ve been called, do you stop fighting? What if those who mourn you can’t possibly know you—what makes this life meaningful (Howie Maldonado’s story)? Who stands to profit off Death-Cast (Make-A-Moment, apps like Necro)? Who hopes to address it (Last Friend app), albeit imperfectly (a serial killer uses the app to his advantage)? How might we find ourselves close to death, and yet not die, even when the ending is imminent we know (Delilah’s story, Mateo’s defense of Rufus when he faces Peck’s gun)?

Mateo and Rufus are both incredibly believable characters. Their love for their friends, their will to protect them and each other, their fear still in the face of death, their desire to live more and to live fully, their willingness to grow and change still….it’s impossible not to love them both, to feel like you’re falling in love as they do. Their love is so natural, a gentle extension of the deep connection they forage on their last day. Their love gives them both something: Mateo the opportunity to experience being treasured in a way he didn’t believe he would get a chance to experience, Rufus the opportunity to heal and to face himself and his mistakes. Their love story seemed to me to be secondary to their friendship, or simply a piece of this (essential, but not flashy, like the trunk of a tree that blooms into a wide canopy). This book wasn’t about them falling into dramatic love. Instead their love was quiet, blooming gradually in the small moments of their day. Rufus waits for Mateo to make his move; with incredible maturity he understands that this is Mateo’s move to make. I love this about their story—it makes the impossibility of this kind of transcendent love concrete, it makes the short time frame of their love believable. Unlike those who turn to an app like Necro, Mateo and Rufus seek connection. Unlike a Romeo and Juliet love, that burns bright and fast, Mateo and Rufus manage something that seems sane, seems measured. It’s as if they do the impossible and slow down time, in the circle of their arms. Their love is inseparable from their last day journey—they understand and discuss how the growth of their last day (Mateo’s bravery, Rufus’s finding himself) is part of them falling in love. They might never have fallen for each other, certainly wouldn’t have met each other, without the last day—cautious Mateo and callous Rufus. But brave Mateo and caring Rufus—these are the people who want to be together, who see each other, who fit each other like perfect puzzle pieces.

There was so much joy and possibility in this book that I was extra traumatized by the ending (their deaths always felt convincingly inevitable to me, but there was still the concreteness of death that I hadn’t realized I’d need to face, and which surprised them, too). Also, I felt very rattled by the specifics of Mateo’s death, which is tied to an exact fear of mine in my New York City apartment. Why is death that feels close to home so rattling to us? Hadn’t I convinced myself, over the course of this book, that death pales in comparison to the necessity of life? That death is essential, incredible, amazing, in the living that it makes possible?

Like the author describes about himself in the author’s note at the end of the book, I, too, have been pretty consumed with the concept of mortality throughout my life. I’ve often thought that what bothers me is that this brief period of time will “count for nothing.” I’ve thought about things I should try to change, things I should try to create and leave behind. I’ve thought about the line in Hamilton where our titular character sings “I wanna build something that’s gonna outlive me.” I’ve also thought about impact—large and small—isn’t it enough if you change one life? If you make one life better? Mateo and Rufus certainly achieve this.

While reading this book, I felt I had a bit of a shift in perspective. I thought more about how the goodbyes themselves, the changes, are where the real tragedy occurs. What is death, really, in the face of change? It’s just time. Just the fundamental marker of the passage of time.

Thoughts on losing everything:

Life is a whole series of little goodbyes until you get to the big goodbye.

But who’s to say any / each little goodbye isn’t the big one that matters? Isn’t as big, as infinite, as the last goodbye?

We just imagine that’s the big one, not the daily goodbye to the moment and to the familiar and to the “staying the same” that we’ve internalized.

We’ve made the goodbye habit, but isn’t it strange? It shouldn’t be normal, the sequence of little goodbyes we are willing to accept. But if we can go on, do another little goodbye after that, if we can do another beginning knowing what goodbye is like, shouldn’t that last goodbye be the easiest of all? The smallest? It’s the goodbye we don’t have to start again after. It’s the small goodbye. The big goodbye is the habituation of “bye,” the normalization of “bye.” I think the last goodbye shouldn’t have even a foothold, a toehold, in my mind. Let’s put all our minds on the goodbyes and the beginnings.

Yet, when it came down to it at the end of this book, Mateo and Rufus’s deaths still scared me. Is that deep instinct? We’re just afraid of that final change, that ending that seems terrifyingly concrete? We might ask: how do we take that fear and let it motivate us to live? But this book, instead, asks us to take not fear, but life—love for life, bravery, freedom—to let those things guide and motivate us. It’s a tall order, and one that’s easy to lose track of in the face of fear and the illusion of infinity contained in the routines of everyday living, but I found this book very motivational.

[indigogirled]

I adore HS1 and I listen to it all the time, and it makes me a bit sad that Harry went from using the metaphor of ‘Sweet Creature’ and the lyrics in FTDT and SOTT to then go to Fine Line and have him using watermelon as a metaphor for oral sex and hearing the same lyric 5 times over??? like out of Fine Line I only listen to Lights Up, She and Fine Line like consistently because it’s just like HS1 is kinda back

this is my HILL and i’m so glad u brought it up!

[readitreviewit]

Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" is not your typical business self-help book. It's fun, engaging, and will make you re-evaluate the way you think about leadership. With a new chapter on leading millennials, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to create a positive work environment. Sinek's premise is simple: great leaders put the needs of their team above their own. He calls this the "Circle of Safety," where a leader creates a sense of trust and cooperation within their team. He uses examples from the military, government, and big business to illustrate how this works in practice. One of the most powerful examples in the book is the story of Captain William Swenson, a U.S. Army officer who risked his life to save his men during a battle in Afghanistan. Swenson put his own safety on the line to ensure the safety of his team, and Sinek argues that this type of selflessness is at the heart of great leadership. Another interesting aspect of the book is its focus on the role of hormones in the workplace. Sinek explains how cortisol (the stress hormone) and oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone) can impact team dynamics. He argues that great leaders create an environment that fosters the release of oxytocin, which in turn leads to increased trust and cooperation. Sinek also touches on the topic of millennials in the workplace, which he expands upon in a new chapter in the updated edition of the book. He argues that millennials are not inherently different from previous generations, but that they have grown up in a different world. He provides insights on how to lead millennials effectively, noting that they crave a sense of purpose and want to feel like they are making a difference. What sets "Leaders Eat Last" apart from other leadership books is Sinek's engaging storytelling style. He weaves together real-life examples, scientific research, and personal anecdotes to make his points. The book is filled with memorable quotes and one-liners that will stick with you long after you finish reading. One particularly memorable quote is, "There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it." Sinek's philosophy is that great leaders inspire rather than manipulate their teams. He argues that this is the key to creating a positive work environment where people are motivated to do their best work. Overall, "Leaders Eat Last" is a fun and engaging read that will challenge your assumptions about leadership. Sinek's emphasis on the importance of selflessness and creating a sense of trust within a team is a refreshing change from the typical "get ahead at all costs" mentality of many business books. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting out in your career, this book is sure to offer valuable insights that will help you become a better leader. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the gripping story in its entirety. Buy the book now or sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible and immerse yourself in the world of characters and their journey. Start listening today! Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details)

[lantsovsupremacist]

nikolai lantsov: currents

warnings: nikolai lantsov being the best man ever wouldn’t you know 🙄☝️

spoilers: set during king of scars but no major spoilers!!!

you looked up from the paperwork strewn about the desk situated in a far corner of the war room. tucked away here, you would never be the first target. some might call it paranoia or chalk it up to the trauma of the civil war, but you simply preferred a spot to observe quietly in the shadows.

toyla and tamar followed the king inside, nodding at zoya, genya, and david surrounding you.

“oh. it’s you. it’s all of you. i...” the man, or more likely boy, who skittered into the room spoke in a squeaky tone, “an absolute honor. a dream, really.”

briefly meeting nikolai’s eyes as he turned around from shutting the door behind him, you transferred your line of sight to the figure now bowing at your feet. zoya scoffed, eyes rolling to the heavens. genya and david shared a cohesive frown.

dropping the pen from your hand, you pushed your hair over your shoulders and straightened. you listened thoughtfully as he gave an introduction to each of your fellow grisha, recounting his apparent conclusions of them. when he treaded the sparkling waters that were genya, your face began to drop into anger.

“the first tailor, who bears the marks of the darkling’s blessing.”

her flinch did not go unnoticed by you. and as the only one whose temper rivaled yours kept hers in check, you failed to. the pressure immediately began to decrease in the room and the air dry of any moisture. nikolai’s head whipped up, perhaps the one most familiar with your temperament (other than zoya in your shared youth—never happy to be on the receiving end of a soaked kefta in class).

his hands flew up, taking a step towards you, bartering with any position he could gain. your fierce protection over genya was not unknown to those close to you, a flaw in the monk’s faulty perception. you let your shoulders fall, calming any potential downpour.

if yuri noticed your show of power, he made no move to address it, “ravka’s most powerful tide maker. oh the stories of how the darkling sanctioned you with the power to drown men on land.”

you froze but not because of a lie. his words were all true. the darkling hand selected you for this special training at age eleven. you allowed the legend to transpire, protecting you much like kaz brekker, dirtyhands of ketterdam. this was not a lore you would repeat with starry eyes and dreams of an otherworldly fantasy. none of the lives you had been forced to take before jumping ship to join sturmhond during the civil war could be washed away.

for all of your hard edges and brutal words, there were chinks in your armor that could not be hidden. tamar and toyla brought a hand to their weapons in startling unison. zoya’s eyes called out for yours.

nikolai’s features immediately darkened, an eclipse shadowing the usual light in his eyes. he rose from his chair slowly, exhibiting all of the power that he had inherited.

the shameless monk managed to hold himself upright but the unchecked tremble of his fingers exposed the fear instilled by the king’s actions.

“if i ever hear of her name—any of their names—leaving your mouth again,” nikolai began, his words sharper than the edge of his sword, “for any purpose in any country,” nikolai paused to watch yuri shrink under his steady gaze, “there will be nothing left for your believers to mourn into martyrdom.”

you held your chin high, your eyes twin daggers poised to launch across the room and eagerly embed themselves in a target. the ire in your chest began to subside upon witnessing yuri’s response to your boyfriend’s threats, only to be readily replaced by a flush of desire as his hazel eyes sharpened.

breaking eye contact with the monk who could not decide where to offer his, you glanced about the room. zoya had steeled herself beside you, radiating enough anger to address each of yuri’s mislead and misspoken opinions. even david’s face appeared from behind the book in his hands, though he kept his page by leaving it open to rest on his lap.

“am i correct in my assumption that you have heard me clearly,” nikolai’s voice carried across the walls, not quite commanding any longer but instead demanding the attention of those stood inside.

“y-yes your highness,” yuri stumbled out weakly as he pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his wiry nose.

after finishing up matters with your friends, nikolai took off out of the room, glancing back to make sure you intended to follow. you fell in step behind him, remaining quiet until you reached the stairs leading up to his chambers.

“i could have handled him, you know,” you pressed nikolai, hands repeatedly flexing and unflexing as they brushed against the sides of your blue kefta. your tone held no anger, simply indicating a truth.

nikolai drummed his fingers against the railing, pausing before turning back to face you, “of course you could have, love, but where’s the fun in that for me?”

you appreciated his willingness to defend your honor but the playfulness in his tone felt forced. he did not even make an attempt at his trademark smile imbued by charm and confidence. you decided in that moment that you would do to see it’s safe return.

“nik,” you spoke, repeating yourself after the absence of an answer, “nik.” your hand finding its way into his own hanging limply at his side.

“do you really see yourself in that way?” his voice shook, nearly choking on his final words.

any time the topic was brought up, nikolai was reminded of your stance. you had broken down to him the night after the darkling fell at the hands of alina starkov. no matter any of your friend’s persuasion, you stood firm in your position. you deserved to pay for the harm you inflicted on so many innocent. you were a monster, one who had given in to being handcrafted by another.

the untroubled nature with which he typically carried himself had vanished. your own expression faltered. his particular kind of magic, knowing smirks and careful quips that were like incantations for smiles, vanished.

and while it was normal for nikolai to drop the facade of a charming king around you, the pain held in his eyes plummeted your heart into your stomach.

“i think i did once,” you replied airily, not wasting your breath on a lie that nikolai could surely detect before the sound waves settled, “right after the war ended.”

nikolai chewed on the inside of his cheek anxiously, “but you’ve intentionally chosen past tense to describe these feelings.”

“yes,” you nodded, drawing your lover closer to you by the lapels of his jacket, “always so observant. it’s only of the many things i admire about you.”

nikolai sighed, closing his eyes and letting his blonde curls fall upon your forehead. you brought a hand up to stroke his cheekbone, soaking in the warmth of his skin pressed up against own.

“your strength,” nikolai said after a moment, drawing a hand to your waist, “your perseverance.”

“hmm?” you hummed quietly in question, content to reside with him inside this moment only belonging to the two of you.

“qualities i admire in you, my love,” he smiled after a moment, not entirely to be described as filled with confidence but surety nonetheless.

the flush of color in your cheeks always reminded nikolai of the pink dahlias planted in his favorite corner of the garden. maybe it was because it was where he had first kissed you. he decided that was probably his reason, although he never needed one to justify the beauty of either the memory or girl in front of him now.

too caught up in the memory, nikolai’s lips dipped to yours. you could always grasp a lingering taste of saltwater no matter how far away he was from sea, how many weeks removed. it reminded you of home. it was home.

“i love that you protect me, sobachka” you whispered against his lips, down his jaw and neck.

you did not need the exaggerated tales of your terrifying capabilities to destroy to wear as armor anymore, for you had the best man you had ever known to guard you.

as his hand wove into your hair and the other spiraling lower down your back, your breath hitched in your throat when he answered, “i can do so much more than that, my sea.”

nikolai settled on a simple quip, something guaranteed to make you smile. as a boy, he dreamed of a girl who would laugh at all of his jokes. when he grew, he figured many would be forged, a fallacy to fall in good graces with the king. he had yet to detect a lie within the giggles that left your lips.

the golden haired king would do anything to see you smile. he would pour hours into chasing perfection for you. once, he had even allowed toyla to confer with him about romantic poetry. despite the recitation being quite dreadful, you had laughed the most you had in a long time that day. now, just to catch up with the smallest piece of that magic again, he brought a new poem to you each night.

“i thought that i had seen the most gorgeous sights as sturmhond,” he began, unable to help biting his lip at your smallest quirk of a smile, “the volkvolny showed me how to fall in love with the endless waves at sea.”

you sucked in a breath, immersed in the way he spoke so intentionally. he was entrancing. you loved to hear about his travels before you met him, immersed in his storytelling.

“but none of them were every as beautiful as the ones you make,” he finished with a grin.

instead of reaching up to smack him at the cliche, you ignored your first reaction and instead pulled him closer to you. with your hands tucked against the back of his neck, you allowed your thumb to ruffle his lose and unruly curls. here, he was soft and gentle, untouched by his role.

“our ship had four other tidemakers,” you voiced softly, recalling your betrayal of the darkling after sturmhond’s crew imposed a mutiny, “but you chose me to lead the crew. you told me that was because i was the most powerful, but i certainly wasn’t with the waves. my power was not as practiced with currents.”

“but they were the prettiest,” he chuckled with puppy dog eyes honoring his nickname.

you gaped at this confession, “are you telling me you picked me as a leader during a war because the waves i created were pretty?” the initial seriousness in your tone melted away with every breath.

“i remember calling them the prettiest,” he twisted your hips, swaying you with him, “didn’t help me that the girl that could make them was the most gorgeous one i had ever seen. darling, i’m a prince, so i will inform you now that i have met a lot of people.”

your laughter was more delicate now, trailing off as you found direction in his eyes, “i had not been trusted with currents in years,” your voice softened, “he wanted my power elsewhere. i hated all of it. do you know the only memory i have of my parents is my father guiding the currents with me while we fished outside of town as a child? i was so excited to create like that with my power but all i did was destroy,” fighting back any moisture building in your eyes, you continued, “you gave me that back, nikolai.”

nikolai felt his heart stir inside his chest. he caught up to one of his most favorite smiles of yours. a rarity it was, reserved for the quietest and most understated moments that you could hardly share due to the both of your occupations and temperaments.

“i love every part of you,” nikolai dictated, “every drop of saltwater in the sea could not compare.”

you repeated the phrase before stilling, “well, now you’ve gone and ruined this with another one of toyla’s fictions.”

“ah, ah,” he tsked, “i made that one up myself, love.”

[existentialmagazine]

Review: Max Edwards’ newest easy-listening tune ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ carries a bittersweet post-breakup story, encased in vibrant synth and scattered beats

The up-coming singer, songwriter, and producer Max Edwards hails from Canada, creating easy-listening pop and indie-rooted tunes from his bedroom that you just can’t help but feel comforted within the familiar feel of. Since his first release in 2020, Max has only continued to grow and advance in his musical endeavours, carefully curating his own signature sound recognisable anywhere. With this year seeing a handful of powerful singles from him, Max now shares his latest in the form of ‘This Is Where I Leave You’, an impactful tune with a vibe you feel at ease within.

With a sound that feels centred around it's own vast universe, 'This Is Where I Leave You' sees an atmospherically lingering nostalgia in every deeply echoed note, bearing an indie-pop aching experience that's much more than just a song to be listened to. From vibrant keyboard keys that ring out into the open space along with pops of electronic sound effects, 'This Is Where I Leave You' immediately floats through an air of intimacy and openness, transporting you into the floor of an empty arena to experience an ethereal unravelling like no other. A simple beat soon kicks in, adding an easy-going sway to the song's intimate layering of sound that's wrapped around a lyrically painful experience, all the while Max makes it feel more bittersweet than overwhelmingly heavy in his clean, charismatic spoken-sung verse vocals. Gliding into more of an emphatic chorus hook, his words spill into more powerfully sung moments you can't help but be mesmerised by, while the sound slightly builds to complement the impactful moment. Continuing strong beats, synth pops and adding multiple reverberated backing vocals for an added depth, 'This Is Where I Leave You' slowly but surely builds throughout its three and a half minute hazy journey. The bridge incorporates a new, scattered electronic beat and haunting lines that pull you in for one final cathartic chorus explosion.

Moulding into the track’s tender bedding of sound is a message that’s raw but grateful all at once as Max sings of a relationship he once treasured finally turning sour, pained by the loss but still holding love in his heart for what was once shared. As he opens with the hard-hitting revelation ‘you can’t swear to God that you can be what I want when I need ya’, it’s clear to see that ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ revolves around the realisation that he’s giving 100% to someone who’s only giving him 50%, yearning for a partner who truly offers him everything. Knowing he’d give everything he has to keep them afloat, lyrics like ‘I can’t be the guy, if I rip my heart out to save you, you just put it in a bag in the back of the ride’ are ridden with a sadness that he’s willing to do so much for someone that’s happy to discard everything he’s handing them like it’s nothing. But Max is gracious through it all, singing ‘I’m not saying it was all bad… baby I would never trade that, but maybe you don’t wanna see the real thing’ , knowing that what they once shared was precious but that he’s deserving of more from someone willing to reciprocate the effort he’s giving. Left up to him to walk away, the chorus hook rings out in the line ‘this is where I leave you, this is when I don’t wanna say goodbye’ , with ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ all in all entangling itself within the cathartic processing of Max’s emotions, perhaps in a way being his attempt to push himself to jump ship while his heart seems to still desperately cling on. As most can relate to the pain of half-hearted lovers and broken hearts, ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ will surely be an anthem for letting go that’ll be a must-needed add to any playlist.

Check out ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ here to appreciate Max’s personal storytelling and a sound that’s ladened with colourful indie pops and easy-listening beats.

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow

Photo Credits: Unknown

// This coverage was created via Musosoup, #SustainableCurator.

[laurelier]

Hello 🥺 What do you think about the piano in Falling being very prominent in the introduction and during the chorus, yet quiet in the verses? Thank you!

Hi!!! Ok a) of all this is such a sweetly phrased question, bless you, b) I’m sorry I’m answering this so late, I am literally awful about putting off answering asks for weeks— but c) of all what do you say we just call it even because ugh you made me listen to Falling on a Sunday morning, dsdfjkdsjf so many feelings. <3 but also </3, jfc I love this song so much.

Big fan of this question and mainly what I think is just— I love the instrumentation of Falling just because it’s so simple? It’s just a lil piano. And in the verses, you’re right, it’s really subdued. I’ve always thought of it as an emotional build kind of deal, like, I think it’s an attention-catcher in the intro, for one, and the chorus is supposed to be an emotional center of the song, so that’s where the piano gets really evocative and loud again; and I love how H draws attention to his voice by having less/lower piano in the verses, where he tells the real story of the song, and lets the piano rip in the chorus, as the emotion of it all pours out of him.

But also, in this song, I like to think (likely somewhat baselessly, lmao) that musical cuing and like, presence of musical themes are a thing? This is getting a little further from your question, but one of my favorite things about the way Falling sounds is how well it pairs with Sign of the Times. If you sing the SOTT chorus over the Falling chorus, I swear to you it sounds so good, it’s heavenly, it’s so lovely. And from there, I'm kinda like, well, the piano in Falling’s verses, that makes me think of the slow piano in SOTT’s verses, those slow, low repetitive chords that are common to both songs. I had this pet theory a while ago that the three-note upward progression at the end of SOTT and the three-note downward progression at the end of Falling could kind of mirror one another, if you did a bit of jostling em around— and at the least, I think they really sound nice together and they sound similar, which makes sense because they were written by the same person, but. Falling’s themes of self-loathing and self-reflection and loneliness and hopelessness and guilt, put in conversation with SOTT’s gritty hope, its kind of dismal look toward the future and its attitude of, like, this is what we have, hush your crying, the kinda resigned, Dylanesque all you can do is do what you must lyrical vibe— that combination is such a powerful one to me. Coming from a not dissimilar sonic background, SOTT asks why we’re always stuck in the same cycles of hurt and longing, and then in Falling we hear from a person in the middle of exactly that: a cycle of hurt and longing that makes it feel like the room is filling up with water, even as in another moment that person advises themselves to rise up into the sky, leave it all behind, let it all go.

So, in short, the piano in Falling 1) makes me think about Harry’s artistic choices about drawing certain emotions out of his listeners, the storytelling journey of a song, where to code information and where to code emotion and how you can use instruments to help support that; and 2) makes me wonder about lyrical or sonic similarities between his songs, even across his albums, and the ways that makes me feel as a listener.

Thanks for the question, anon, hope I answered it and hope you are having a happy day <3 if you've got thoughts and want to come back and share I'd love to hear! Also going to link @finelinegynandromorph brilliant post about falling because it feels in line with this ask, they have some incredible thoughts about the vocal/harmonic choices H makes in this song, a post worth multiple reads for sure <3

[tlbodine]

The Horror Genius of Five Nights At Freddy’s

I’ve been playing FNAF: Help Wanted VR on my Oculus Quest lately (a birthday present to myself -- I know I’m late to that party!) and it’s reignited in me my old love of this series. I know Scott Cawthon’s politics aren’t great, but I don’t think there’s any malice in his heart beyond usual Christian conservative nonsense -- and I think he stepped down as graciously and magnanimously as possible when confronted about it. Time will judge Scott Cawthon’s politics, and that’s not what I’m here to talk about. I want to talk about what makes these games so damn special, from a horror, design, and marketing perspective. I think there’s really SO MUCH to be learned from studying these games and the wider influence they’ve had as intellectual property. 

What Is FNAF? 

In case you’ve somehow been living under a rock for the last seven years, Five Nights At Freddy’s (hereafter, FNAF) is a horror franchise spanning 17 games (10 main games + some spinoffs and troll games, we’ll get to that), 27 books, a movie deal, and a couple live-action attractions. 

But before it exploded into that kind of tremendous IP, it started out as a single indie pont-and-click game created entirely by one dude, Scott Cawthon. Cawthon had developed other games in the past without much fame or success, including some Christian children’s entertainment. He was working as a cashier at Dollar General and making games in his spare time -- and most of those games got panned. 

So he tried making something different. 

After being criticized that the characters in one of his children’s games looked like soulless, creepy animatronics, Cawthon had his lightbulb moment and created a horror game centered on....creepy animatronics! 

The rest, as they say, is history. 

The Genius of FNAF’s Horror Elements

In the first FNAF game, you play as a night security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a sort of ersatz Chuck-E-Cheese establishment. The animatronics are on free-roaming mode at night, but you don’t want to let them find you in your security room so you have to watch them move through the building on security camera monitors. If they get too close, you can slam your security room doors closed. But be careful, because this restaurant operates on a shoestring budget, and the power will go off if you keep the doors closed too long or flicker the lights too often. And once the lights go out, you’re helpless against the animatronics in the dark. 

Guiding you through your gameplay is a fellow employee, Phone Guy, who calls you each night with some helpful advice. Phone Guy is voiced by Cawthon himself, and listening to his tapes gives you some hints of the game’s underlying story as well as telling you how to play. A few newspaper clippings and other bits of scrap material help to fill in more details of the story. 

Over the next set of games, the story would be further developed, with each new game introducing new mechanics and variations on the theme -- in one, you don a mask to slip past the notice of animatronics; in another, you have to play sound cues to lure an animatronic away from you. By the fourth game, the setup was changed completely, now featuring a child with a flashlight hiding from the monsters outside his door -- nightmarish versions of the beloved child-friendly mascots. The mechanics change just enough between variations to keep things fresh while maintaining a consistent brand. 

There are so many things these games do well from a storytelling and horror perspective: 

Jump Scares: It’s easy to shrug these games off for relying heavily on jump scares, and they absolutely do have a lot of them. But they’re used strategically. In most games, the jump scares are a punishment (a controlled shock, if you will) -- if you play the game perfectly, you’ll never be jump-scared. This is an important design choice that a lot of other horror games don’t follow. 

Atmospheric Dread: These games absolutely deliver horror and tension through every element of design -- some more than others, admittedly. But a combination of sound cues, the overall texture and aesthetic of the world, the “things move when you’re not looking at them” mechanic, all of it works together to create a feeling of unease and paranoia. 

Paranoia: As in most survival horror games, you’re at a disadvantage. You can’t move or defend yourself, really -- all you can do is watch. And so watch you do. Except it’s a false sense of security, because flicking lights and checking cameras uses up precious resources, putting you at greater risk. So you have to balance your compulsive need to check, double-check, and make sure...with methodical resource conservation. The best way to survive these games is to remain calm and focused. It’s a brilliant design choice. 

Visceral Horror: The monster design of the animatronics is absolutely delightful, and there’s a whole range of them to choose from. The sheer size and weight of the creatures, the way they move and position themselves, their grunginess, the deadness of their eyes, the quantity and prominence of their teeth. They are simultaneously adorable and horrifying. 

Implicit Horror: One of the greatest strengths to FNAF as a franchise is that it never wears its story on its sleeve. Instead of outright telling you what’s going on, the story is delivered in bits and pieces that you have to put together yourself -- creating a puzzle for an engaged player to think about and theorize over and consider long after the game is done. But more than that, the nature of the horror itself is such that it becomes increasingly upsetting the more you think on it. The implications of what’s going on in the game world -- that there are decaying bodies tucked away inside mascots that continue to perform for children, that a man dressed in a costume is luring kids away into a private room to kill them, and so forth -- are the epitome of fridge horror. 

The FNAF lore does admittedly start to become fairly ridiculous and convoluted as the franchise wears on. But even ret-conned material manages to be pretty interesting in its own right (and there is nothing in the world keeping you from playing the first four games, or even the first six, and pretending none of the rest exist). 

Another thing I really appreciate about the FNAF franchise is that it’s quite funny, in a way that complements and underscores the horror rather than detracting from it. It’s something a lot of other properties utterly fail to do. 

The Genius of Scott Cawthon’s Marketing 

OK, so FNAF utilizes a multi-prong attack for creating horror and implements it well -- big deal. Why did it explode into a massive IP sensation when other indie horror games that are just as well-made barely made a blip on the radar? 

Well! That’s where the real genius comes in. This game was built and marketed in a way to maximize its franchisability. 

First, the story utilizes instantly identifiable, simple but effective character designs, and then generates more and more instantly identifiable unique characters with each iteration. Having a wealth of characters and clever, unique designs basically paves the way for merchandise and fan-works. (That they’re anthropomorphic animal designs also probably helped -- because that taps into the furry fandom as well without completely alienating non-furries). 

Speaking of fan-work, Scott Cawthon has always been very supportive of fandom, only taking action when people would try to profit off knock-off games and that sort of thing -- basically bad-faith copies. But as far as I know he’s always been super chill with fan-created content, even going so far as to engage directly with the fandom. Which brings me to....

These games were practically designed for streaming, and he took care to deliver them into the hands of influential streamers. Because the games are heavy on jump-scares and scale in difficulty (even including extra-challenging modes after the core game is beaten) they are extremely fun to watch people play. They’re short enough to be easily finished over the duration of a long stream, and they’re episodic -- lending themselves perfectly to a YouTube Lets Play format. One Night = One Video, and now the streamer has weeks of content from your game (but viewers can jump in at any time without really missing much). 

The games are kid-friendly but also genuinely frightening. Because the most disturbing parts of the game’s lore are hinted at rather than made explicit, younger players can easily engage with the game on a more basic surface level, and others can go as deep into the lore as they feel comfortable. There is no blood and gore and violence or even any explicitly stated death in the main game; all of the murder and death is portrayed obliquely by way of 8-bit mini games and tangential references. Making this game terrifying but accessible to youngsters, and then marketing it directly to younger viewers through popular streamers (and later, merchandising deals) is genius -- because it creates a very broad potential audience, and kids tend to spend 100% of their money (birthdays, allowances, etc.) and are most likely to tell their friends about this super scary game, etc. etc.

By creating a puzzle box of lore, and then interacting directly with the fandom -- dropping hints, trolling, essentially creating an ARG of his own lore through his website, in-game easter eggs, and tie-in materials -- Cawthon created a mystery for fandom to solve. And fans LOVE endlessly speculating over convoluted theories. 

Cawthon released these games FAST. He dropped FNAF 2 within months of the first game’s release, and kept up a pace of 1-2 games a year ever since. This steady output ensured the games never dropped out of public consciousness -- and introducing new puzzle pieces for the lore-hungry fans to pore over helped keep the discussion going. 

I think MatPat and The Game Theorists owe a tremendous amount of their own huge success to this game. I think Markiplier does, too, and other big streamers and YouTubers. It’s been fascinating watching the symbiotic relationship between these games and the people who make content about these games. Obviously that’s true for a lot of fandom -- but FNAF feels so special because it really did start so small. It’s a true rags-to-riches sleeper hit and luck absolutely played a role in its growth, but skill is a big part too. 

Take-Aways For Creatives 

I want to be very clear here: I do not think that every piece of media needs to be “IP,” franchisable, an extended universe, or a multimedia sensation. I think there is plenty to be said for creating art of all types, and sometimes that means a standalone story with a small audience. 

But if you do want a chance at real break-out, run-away success and forging a media empire of your own, I think there are some take-aways to be learned from the success of FNAF: 

Persistence. Scott Cawthon studied animation and game-design in the 1990s and released his first game in 2002. He released a bunch of stuff afterward. None of it stuck. It took 12 years to hit on the winning formula, and then another several years of incredibly hard work to push out more titles and stoke the fires before it really became a sensation. Wherever you’re at on your creative journey, don’t give up. You never know when your next thing will be The Thing that breaks you out. 

If you want to sell a lot of something, you have to make it widely appealing to a bunch of people. This means keeping your concept simple to understand (”security guard wards off creepy killer animatronics at a pizza parlor”) and appealing to as wide a segment of the market as you can (ie, a horror story that appeals to both kids and adults). The more hyper-specific your audience, the harder it’s gonna be to find them and the fewer copies of your thing you’ll be selling. 

Know your shit and put your best work out there. I think there’s an impulse to feel like “well, nobody reads this anyway, so why does it matter if it’s no good” (I certainly have fallen into that on multiple occasions) but that’s the wrong way to think about it. You never know when and where your break will come. Put your best work out there and keep on polishing your craft with better and better stuff because eventually one of those things you chuck out there is going to be The Thing. 

Figure out where your target audience hangs out, and who influences them, and then get your thing in the hands of those influencers. Streaming and YouTube were the secret to FNAF’s success. Maybe yours will be BookTube, or Instagram, or a secret cabal of free librarians. I don’t know. But you should try your best to figure out who would like the thing that you’re making, and then figure out how to reach those people, and put all of your energy into that instead of shotgun-blasting your marketing all willy nilly. 

You don’t have to put the whole story on the page. Audiences love puzzles. Fans love mysteries. You can actually leave a lot more unanswered than you think. There’s some value in keeping secrets and leaving things for others to fill in. Remember -- your art is only partly yours. The sandbox belongs to others to play in, too, and you have to let them do that. 

If in doubt, appealing to furries never hurts. 

Do I take all of this advice myself? Not by a long shot. But it’s definitely a lot to think about. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go beat The Curse of Dreadbear.