#yeah the song is too new for edit audios so i just made my own?? pls dont judge me

[la-hoire]

becolesky ship edit that I unfortunately worked really hard on

[sheltershock]

When I was younger I didn’t really understand like “band loyalty” with music tastes, when you listen to one artist’s stuff. I kinda get it now. A musician makes a piece you like, so you seek out other pieces because you’ll like those too. I get that now. Because I like specific YouTubers, and I’ve always been like that. But that’s audio and visual. Music is just audio. It’s just lyrics with a musical backdrop.

Music gives you this unique experience you get when you read poetry, except you have accompanying instrumentals to set the mood and tone. To me, music is just poetry. And you don’t get pictures with poetry, you have to make the pictures in your head. The same is true with music. You hear words to a story, feel the emotions and progression, and you experience that music with a little piece of yourself. That’s what art does it’s a communication from the artist to the audience. Music is just like a medium for storytelling.

But I also think music is like a prompt generator. Art is created out of this universal experience of being alive. So all art will inspire or spark something within you that you can resonate with. The stories music tells are all self contained, but they can inspire new ones based on your own interests and experiences. Oftentimes the music I listen to either a. Has a good story b. Resonates on some level(aka I like how it sounds) or c. Correlates in some way to a story or character I already have in my head. So just because some musician that made a song I liked made another one that doesn’t mean I’d personally like it.

But I’ve seen people be like “man, I’m a huge fan of X band.” And I don’t really get it. Which also makes it hard to say what I like. I guess I could say I like listening to game soundtracks, EDM and rock, but being suggested something in that category doesn’t mean I’d like it. But I often hear stuff like “oh if you like X, then you gotta check out Y!” But the idea of purposefully seeking out new music specifically is strange to me. It kinda just accumulates for me. I come across a song in a video, or in a store, or in a game or show, listen to it on loop for about a hundred times, put it in my playlist and move on. The idea of listening to an artist to see if you like something just sounds exhausting and time consuming. There’s music everywhere, just listen while you’re about your day and you’ll find some new music eventually.

Something in particular about “band loyalty” I especially don’t like is when people claim that they were fans of a band before they were popular. Like in the comment section of a lyric/music video of a popular sound bite, and be like “if you were here before TikTok then you have good tastes.” What is deal with this pointless gatekeeping? Shouldn’t you be happy that your band/musician is getting attention? Why does it matter if I discovered this sound off of an fan edit or a sound bite or an animatic?

It reminds me of the other day I was playing some music in the car with my mom and she asked “where did you hear this?” I was just shocked by the question itself. What do you mean where? There music literally everywhere. In stores, in restaurants, on radio, in movies, in media in general. Hell, just walk into the middle of an open field and there will be sound. Asking how I accumulate music is like asking me where I like to pick up the air I like to breathe. Like, it’s everywhere??? The answer to the question was the radio at the store I work at, but I don’t really see how that mattered. If I told you I first heard it at restaurant would your enjoyment decrease? Why does it matter if I heard it from a TikTok trend?

I dunno if this a common experience or not, since I don’t hear people talk about this. I’ve never been particularly attached to “mainstream media” so yeah. I’m writing this in case someone does experience music in a similar way so maybe they can feel a little bit more seen. And if you do: hello! I guess we can know that we vibe together!

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: Jeffrey Alexander

Jeffrey Alexander is a fixture in a free-wheeling, Grateful Dead-loving, guitar jam underground, a founder of the Iditarod and Black Forest/Black Sea and a sometime member of Jackie O Motherfucker. His Direwolves splice acid folk with a buzzing, humming motoric-ness that edges near Stereolab, but his latest band, the Heavy Lidders, is pure transcendental pleasure. In her review, Jennifer Kelly noted that, “These songs take their time to loosen and relax, pursuing repetitive vamps until the edges melt away and the hard colors swirl into pastels.” Alexander is also a DJ and here he lists some of the music he spins for listeners.

For this Listed, I decided to run down some of the bootlegs and quirky things that I often play on my radio show — hope you dig it. I started doing radio back in college in the 1980s, where I was also the record librarian. The archives at the station opened me up to a myriad of sounds and new zones. Radio for me is like a new mixtape — not knowing what is going to come next… or waiting for the next mic break to try and find out the name of that killer song they played 15 minutes ago. The mystery of it all is still exciting, like remnants of pre-internet music fandom when we searched through record stores, made lists from music magazines and traded tapes. I had a spell as a commercial FM DJ on WRNR in Maryland in the 1990s, but it wasn’t until moving to San Francisco that I started my own program called Pome Pome Tones. PPT currently broadcasts Wednesdays 7-9pm Central fortnightly on www.dunebuggyradio.com. Podcasts are up at www.mixcloud.com/dwlvs.

Fairport Convention — Reno Nevada — April 27, 1968

Recorded live on the French TV program Bouton Rouge. Brooke Sietinsons of The Espers turned me on this this when we were VHS tape trading in 2000 and I’ve been retreating to it every so often for 20 years. This is Fairport at their most delightfully blinding San Francisco ballroom jamming free flight. It’s just so fucking good. I love the crisp dual vocals of Judy Dyble and Ian Matthews, I especially love that they both sit down and look so bored during the guitar jam out. Especially Judy, just like a Donna Jean icy stare. But the jam out is super nice too — modal jazzy freak-outs, some of Richard Thompson’s best ever captured on video. This takes the most boring song from my favorite Richard and Mimi Farina album to incredible new zones. I also tend to play a lot of Ian Matthews’ early 1970s records on my radio show, as well. Such a pure voice and perfect ringwear rock vibes.

The Smiths — How Soon Is Now? (Chopped + Screwed)

The chopped + screwed style coming out of Houston, TX in the late 1990s/early 2000s is so fascinating. Full-on Robitussin-fueled shamanism, it’s like the modern-day version of dub. There are so many examples of this across the spectrum, but this 10-minute chopped version of The Smiths takes the cake — probably because 16-year-old me in 1984 sat on the floor listening to the original version of this over and over again, studying the gatefold. But this version is so much better. Thank you Scobed + Robed.

I’m Still In Love With You (Alton Ellis, Sean Paul)

Althea + Donna’s Uptown Top Ranking is one of my all-time favorite songs, and one of John Peel’s as well. A well-worn Jamaican riddim starting with Alton Ellis in 1967 and made famous again by Marcia Aitken in 1977. DJ Algoriddim has expertly mixed together a boat load of these variations here and it’s a killer 30-minute jam.

Jon Rose – Paganini’s Last Testimony

When things get autumnal each year, I gear up for a spooky edition of my radio show. One of my favorites featured this Jon Rose piece which he originally broadcast on ABC, Australia in 1988. It’s an amazing sinister collage of bible-belt radio bits, demonic violin, and Rose reciting devilish text from Paganini’s own letters. The CD is long out of print but you can hear the entire 57 minutes of this glorious creation on an old episode of Pome Pome Tones here.

10cc — I’m Not In Love 1975 Disco Purrfection Version

12-minute remix version of a favorite song from my early childhood — unbelievably smooth mix by DJ Disco Cat. Read the comments on the YouTube post for the full mix backstory. Purrfect.

Sun Ra Arkestra — at Victoria Theater, San Francisco California — Aug 3, 2013

I’ve been super fortunate to experience the live Arkestra a handful of times, and this set from 2013 simply floored me. They completely consumed that old ratty theater space with their magical floating power.

Dire Wolves — at Festival of Endless Gratitude, Copenhagen Denmark — Sep 13, 2019

Live DWLVS ! Yeah, I play my own music on my radio show all the time, somebody has to. This is a short rough audience clip — the proper audio of the whole set was released on LP by Feeding Tube / Cardinal Fuzz with a fabulous poster.

Flow & Heady by Dire Wolves Just Exactly Perfect Sisters Band

Copenhagen 2019 was the last time I saw these DWLVS bandmates in person, but we have plans to meet up again at the Milwaukee Psych Fest November 19-20, 2021, unless ya all spreadnecks shut it down.

Chuck Brown and The Junkyard Band — at Wilmer’s Park, Brandywine Maryland — Sep 19, 1989

I grew up in Baltimore and spent a lot of time going to punk and hippie shows in DC (old 9:30, DC space) in the 1980s, but Wilmer’s Park in southern MD was totally the place. All-day and night go-go shows, mini festivals with overnight camping, shows from Hot Tuna, Zero, Allmans, Root Boy Slim (!!!) and some of the best BBQ I’ve eaten, oh man. There was a lot of crossover of punk/funk/crunchy scenes back then, I loved it all. I went to a lot of Trouble Funk gigs, but this was the only time I witnessed the legendary Chuck Brown.

Alice Coltrane — at Palace of Culture, Warsaw Poland — Oct 23, 1987

Harp solo during her appearance at the Jazz Jamboree festival in 1987. Perfect, transportive.

Bardo Pond — What Are Their Names?

Probably the greatest band of the last 30 years covering one of my absolute favorite David Crosby songs, what could be better? I curated this Terrastock festival in Providence RI in 2006 and assembled a CD compilation of some of the performers for a micro release on the label I used operate called Secret Eye. The original features Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Phil Lesh (what an amazing LP!) and this Bardo version somehow channels that essence in a slow fried perfect hash jar tempo.

[kpoptart216]

You’re my Utopia (pt 6)

A/N: this took forever I'm so sorry

Masterlist

Despite your initial reservations, you quite enjoyed working at BigHit. You made some new friends with the staff and you really loved working with the boys on an almost daily basis. 

Recently, the boys had announced a tour, which meant their time was split from recording new songs and practicing for the tour. On top of that, they were promoting oversees. You were surprised by how much you missed them when they were gone. 

But, you got constant updates from them, especially Hoseok. Even if you guys started spending more time than usual, you texted just as much as you did before, if not more. You were constantly talking to each other, and you found yourself missing him when you weren’t. 

Your feelings caught you by surprise. When did you catch feelings for Hobi? At first, you denied it. It was probably because he was your support system for so long right? 

But then you noticed how fast your heart would beat when he got closer to you. You noticed how you loved the crinkle in his eyes when he laughed. You noticed how much you missed him when he was gone. 

It was just like when you fell for Jungkook...just stronger. And that scared you to the very core. You couldn’t go down that route again. If Jungkook had taught you anything, it was that you were simply not meant to date an idol. 

But it’s not like you could avoid Hoseok either. You worked together and you were drawn to him regardless. You couldn’t deny him when he asked to hang out or come listen to your music in the studio. And in the end, you only ended up falling harder, and you could only keep your feelings to yourself. 

Jungkook, on the other hand, was struggling himself. Despite telling you he was fine with him staying out of your life, he found it hard to see you so often. What made it worse was Sooyoung grilling him constantly. What he wore, what he ate, where they went for dates when he could have free time, and so on. When he was dating you, he found himself imagining how nice it would be to date an idol, someone who he thought would understand him more because they both had the same careers. Now he found himself comparing his relationship with Sooyoung to his relationship with yours. Why did he ever think you didn’t understand him? That this would be easier?

He found himself missing you more and more as each day went on. It was hard seeing you laugh, knowing it wasn’t him making you laugh. It was hard seeing you so close and yet so emotionally distant. You kept true to your word, you didn’t talk to him unless it was related to work in some way. And yet here you were, laughing and joking around with the rest of the boys. But what irked him the most was the way you looked at Hoseok with such affection in your eyes and how his hyung looked at you the same way. 

You were slumped on your desk as you pondered about some edits for one of the songs. Sometimes, it was hard to find inspiration when all you did was sit in the studio all day. Deciding to get some fresh air, you got up just as your phone dinged with a new text message.

 Hobi: what are you doing right now? You busy?

You smiled fondly at your phone. You had to smack yourself to get back to reality. 

You: No, I just decided to step out of the studio for a bit. Why what’s up?

Hobi: want to come by the dance room real quick? I wanted to show you something I’ve been working on. 

You couldn’t stop the way your heart raced after seeing that text. 

You: Sure, I’ll be there in a second!

You walked at a slightly faster pace than you normally would to get to the practice room. It’s not to far from your studio thankfully and pretty soon you’re opening the door to the studio. 

It’s well into the night and you knew that it was only probably just Hoseok there at this hour. Thankfully, you were right. Hoseok turned to face you when he heard the door opened and you loved the way he seemed to light up when he saw you. But you were sure you were just imagining it. 

“Hey, that was fast” Hoseok jokes. 

“I couldn’t wait to get out of my studio” you say. 

“And here I thought you couldn’t wait to see me” He says faking pain. 

“I mean, you’re just a bonus” you joke, plopping yourself down on one wall. “What did you want to show me?” 

“Why the rush? You need to leave soon?” He asks, walking towards the sound system next to you. 

“Not really, just excited to see what you were working on!” you say honestly. 

“Well, it’s just something I’ve been playing around with for Festa this year. Let me know what you think ok? Don’t hold back” he says right before the music begins to fill the room. 

You nod eagerly as Hoseok gets in place in front of the mirror. You’re in awe watching him dance. He faces the mirror, his back towards you, but you don’t mind. He effortlessly glides through each of his steps and his eyes rarely leave your sitting figure in the mirror. He gets a flood of confidence when you look at him like he’s the only person in the room. But then again... he was the only person in the room. 

Once the routine ends, he turns to face you and gives you a big smile when you begin to clap. “That was absolutely amazing! You HAVE to do that for Festa. ARMY will love it” you say, handing him the towel next to you. 

“really? You don’t think that was too plain?” he asks. 

“Plain? No way! That was amazing. But I don’t know much about dancing, maybe you can ask the members. I have two left feet after all” you say, laughing. 

“Oh, now I have to see that,” Hoseok says with a smirk. 

“Huh?”

“Come on, I want to see your moves, Y/n!” 

“No way! Not in a million years, Oppa” you say, laughing away the notion.

“Oh come on, I’ll dance with you! I’ll teach you” he says, reaching out his hand. You stare at his hand as if he grew more fingers. 

“Nope, I’m not up for that kind of embarrassment tonight,” you say, swatting his hand away, only for him to grasp his hand in yours. 

“Oh come on, you’ll feel better I promise. You need this after being holed up in your studio. Come one, pleaaaaassssseee?” he begs. 

You contemplate his request. Maybe you did need it. Maybe it would be fun? But what if you embarrassed yourself? Only one way to find out.

You took his hand in yours and let him help you up. He let go after what seemed like a few seconds more than necessary and walked back to the audio system to pick out a new song. 

He actually ended up picking up one of the first couple of songs you had sent him. This one specifically was more of a dance song compared to other ones you had wrote previously since you wanted to branch out in different styles of music. What Hoseok didn’t tell you was that the moment he listened to the song, he had almost immediately come up with choreography. He never told you that in case that seemed weird, but maybe now he could show you little bits of it. 

He started to dance slowly and watched as you watched him. After a bit, he took your hands again and started to move your hands to the beat to get you moving. You honestly were probably one of the worst dancers, but you both couldn’t help the giggling that came out of it. 

He showed you some of his moves and asked your to replicate some of the easier ones, which you failed miserably at. You were no match for him! But you both had fun nonetheless and you got to dance to a couple of songs before you tapped out. 

You both slid down the wall and plopped yourself down laughing. That was the most fun you’ve had in a while, and it was definitely needed. You tried to ignore the way your heart raced when Hoseok got so close to you, and you hoped you could play off your scarlet red cheeks from just being tired from the dancing. 

You were both panting, and when you turned to look at each other, you erupted in another fit of laughter again. Why was it so easy being around him? So easy to be yourself. You didn’t even care that you just made a fool of yourself, you just genuinely had fun. 

“Man I haven’t had this much fun in a while” you admit out loud. 

“Me neither. You sure you should be working as a producer when you should be working as a choreographer?” he asks sarcastically. 

“Ok ok, I sense the sarcasm. I’m heading back to my den, wounded” you say standing up. 

“I’m just kidding!” He says, yanking you back down. But he underestimated his own strength because you toppled over him when you lost your balance. Your faces were just a few centimeters apart and both of your eyes were as wide as they could be.

You don’t know how long you were there in that position, just staring into each other’s eyes. You swore you saw him look at your lips real quick before looking back into your eyes.You swallowed and you could feel your heart racing so fast. You were probably a bright red by now! You stumbled and stood up, slightly coughing to get rid of the lump in your throat. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to fall” Hoseok says, standing up. You look at him, only to notice he was pretty red in the cheeks as well. Were you just imagining that? 

“It’s ok, I’m fine” you say. “Thanks for tonight, oppa. I had a lot of fun” you say. Your mind raced with what just happened and how it made you feel. And suddenly you felt inspired for the song you were stuck on. “I’m going to head back to the studio” you say, excusing yourself. But just before you reach the door, you hear, 

“Y/N?” Hoseok asks. 

“Yeah?” you ask, turning around. 

“You have really pretty eyes” he says, shyly. You couldn’t help the smile that formed on your face. 

“I guess that makes two of us” you say before head back to the studio. 

Since that day at the studio you butterflies in your stomach just at the though of Hoseok. It was the same for him also, he got excited just at the thought of you. He somehow got more confident since that day, to the point where he even winked at you in the hallways in passing one day. 

Though you smiled at the action, the boys didn’t let him live it down. Jimin had noticed it by chance and when he told the others, they gave him a hard time. 

“Oh my god, it makes sense now. Hoseok hyung likes Y/n-ie!” Taehyung says. “Since when hyung??” he asks as the members relax in the dorm one night. 

Hoseok looked around, and thankfully Jungkook wasn’t around. He figured he was out with his girlfriend. What he didn’t know was that Jungkook was just chilling inside his room after a long day of practice, and his ears perked up the second your name was brought up. 

“Ok fine, yes, I do like her” Hoseok admits. There was no point in lying to them. They were already questioning how the two of you ended up being friends despite not being close before. 

“You can’t just admit that so easily! We wanted to tease you some more!” Jimin says eagerly. 

“Are you going to ask her out?” Jin asks. 

“Wouldn’t that be kinda weird? I mean with her history with Jungkook” Hoseok thinks out loud. He didn’t realize Jungkook could hear him. Jungkook practically wanted to yell “YES ITS WEIRD DONT DO IT”

“Go for it Hyung. He’s already dating someone else and they’ve been going steady from what we can tell. I doubt he’d care. Plus, he would want for the both of you to be happy, whether you’re together or not” Jimin said proudly. Surely the maknae wouldn’t take this badly, but little did they know said person’s blood was basically boiling. 

“isn’t is against the bro code? You don’t date your friend’s ex? No matter how much you like her?” Hoseok asks again. He wasn’t sure why he needed this validation, but he felt like this might just be the extra push to make things work with you. 

“Honestly, if it ended on bad terms, sure maybe I’d advise against it. But they agreed to be friends and support each other... at least that what Jungkook said when they broke up. If you guys have a thing for each other... why don’t you explore it? I have a feeling she’d say yes” Namjoon thinks out loud. 

“You really think so??” Hoseok asks again, smiling brightly. 

“It’s clear to us she has a new favorite amongst us. She turned a bright red right when you winked at her, I think it’s safe to say she feels the same” Jin agreed. 

“Ok. I’ll do it. I’ll ask her out!” Hoseok cheers. 

Jungkook glared at the door as if the door was his back-stabbing hyung. How the hell could he pursue you? But then again, did he really have a say? Plus, why was he even getting worked up? He had everything he claimed he wanted when he broke up with you. He had the career, he had the fans, he had the girl who would understand him. So why then did he want to run out of his room and punch Hoseok?

He didn’t understand why he still felt so possessive of you when clearly he had no say in your life anymore. Or did he? There was no possible way that Hoseok knew you better than he did. Just because he hasn’t talked to you in the last two years doesn’t mean that much has changed about you? 

Ok so maybe he overreacted when you said you just wanted a professional relationship. He was probably naive in thinking you guys could just be friends after your history together, but maybe he gave up too easily trying to be friends with you?

Yeah, friends. He just wanted to be friends. He missed his friend and that’s why he felt the way he did now. Starting tomorrow, he was going to try and be your friend again. 

You got to the studio early the next morning, a smile adorned on your face. You were excited to work on the song that Hoseok inspired the other night. You weren’t quite sure if you wanted it on the album or just have it as a song you sing and release yourself, but either way you were excited to work on it. 

You started to play around with different tunes that you had thought of in your head. You were so into the work that you didn’t hear the door open.

“That sounds really good” said the all too familiar voice. You jumped, scared. 

“Jungkook, what are you doing here?” you ask, turning the chair to face him. 

“Just wanted to bring you this” he says, as he hands you a coffee. It was french vanilla latte, something he had brought your frequently when you both had dated. 

“What is this for?” you ask, taking the coffee and placing it on the table. 

“Just thought I’d bring you coffee. And apologize. For how I treated you the last couple of weeks since you got here. And also apologize on behalf of Sooyoung for how she had treated you that night you met. That wasn’t nice” he admitted. That night had played in his head more than he cared to admit, but it felt nice to get it off of his chest. 

“It’s ok...is there something else I can help you with?” you asked, trying to end the conversation. 

Jungkook frowned at your question. “Ok look, I know you said you only wanted to have a professional relationship, but I’ve been doing some thinking. I regret how things went down between us and I see how naive I was in thinking that we could just be friends right after our breakup. But I’d like to think there is a lot of history between us, right? we’ve known each other since we were kids and I’d hate to just leave that. Can we at least try to be friends again? On your terms of course” Jungkook rambles. 

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea...” you say. 

“Oh come on, what’s the harm? We have so many memories together, Y/n! And like I said, it would be on your terms. You said it yourself, you’re over me and I already moved on as well, I don’t see a problem?” he says. 

“I’ll have to think about it Jungkook..” you say slowly. Would it be a good idea? you had to sleep on it. 

“Take your time. Enjoy you-” Jungkook started but heard the door open behind him. 

“Good Morn-, oh Jungkook, what are you doing here?” Hoseok says. 

“Oh hyung. Just wanted to talk to Y/n about something” Jungkook says, taking a sip of his own drink.

Hoseok looks at you questioningly. You just shake your head, letting him know it’s nothing to worry about. 

Jungkook looks between you and his hyung, feeling awkward. “why do you have two drinks?” jungkook asks Hoseok. 

“Oh Y/n, brought you your favorite while I stopped to get my coffee. Peach tea with a little cream?” Hoseok says, handing you an iced tea. Your eyes lit up at the sight of your most favorite drink, and you couldn’t help but take a sip immediately. 

“Since when do you drink tea?” Jungkook asks aloud

“I stopped drinking coffee a long time ago. I prefer tea” you say, taking another sip happily. Hoseok smiles, knowing he did good that morning. 

“Oh...”Jungkook says, frowning at the coffee left alone on the table. 

“Uhm, thank you for the coffee Jungkook. I’ll think about it, ok?” you say, giving him a small smile. 

“Sure. Hyung, we should get to practice” Jungkook says, trying to usher his hyung out with him. 

“Go ahead first, I’ll catch up” Hoseok says, opening the door for Jungkook. Jungkook hesitates to leave. What if his hyung was going to ask you out this moment? 

“We’re going to be late though” Jungkook tries again. 

“We still have time, I’ll be on time don’t worry” hoseok smiles this time, opening the door further. Jungkook has no choice but to leave and he silently wishes that nothing happens when he’s away. 

Once Jungkook leaves, Hoseok closes the door and pulls up a chair and sits down by you. “what was that about?” he asks, surprised to see Jungkook in your studio when it seemed like he was avoiding you before. 

“It was so weird, oppa. He showed up with a coffee, and said he wanted to try to be friends. On my terms. Whatever that means” you say, giggling. You take another sip of your tea, enjoying how refreshing it was. 

“And what do you want?” he asks, slowly, trying to gauge your reaction. 

“I told him it wasn’t a good idea but he said he didn’t see the harm in it since I’m clearly over him and he has a girlfriend too. Also something about having a lot of memories between us. But honestly, I’m perfectly happy with how things are right now. I don’t want to mess it up” you say, feeling a little anxious about Jungkook’s sudden proposal. 

“You know better than anyone what is best for you” Hoseok says, ruffling your hair. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to” he says, smiling at you while you fix your hair again. 

“I know I know. Thank you for the reminder though! Thanks for the tea by the way, it’s delicious!” you say smiling fondly at the tea. Hoseok swears he could see a slight blush creep up your cheeks. 

“Anytime for my favorite girl” Hoseok says without thinking. Your head shot up at him, surprised by his statement. You look at him, expectantly with a smile. 

“Favorite girl?” you ask, starting to tease him.

“Yup. You’re my favorite” he says, strongly, making you blush even more. “I actually came here to ask you something” he says again, banking on his new found confidence. 

“Yeah?” you ask, setting the tea down. 

“Are you free for dinner tomorrow night?” he asks. You two had gotten dinner a few times before, so you thought nothing of it. 

“Sure! I’m free!” you say, smiling. 

“Ok, it’s date!” he says, smiling back at you.

“a- a date?” you ask, shocked. 

“Yeah.. i mean.. only if you want it to be. It doesn’t have to be, but I was kind of hoping that.. we could get dinner and have it-” Hoseok begins to ramble feeling the confidence dissipate fast. 

“I’d like that. A date” you say, suddenly, shocking the both of you. 

“Oh. Great. I can’t wait. wear something nice. Not that you have ugly clothes. But you get what I mean. Ok bye” he says, scrambling to leave the room with a huge smile on his face

You sat there silently for a second before letting out a little squeal. You have a date with Hoseok!!

A/n: I have some idea for how I want the next part to go, but I just didn’t want to combine it with this and make it too long. Hope you like it, and please leave me some feedback. 

[leverage-ot3]

notable moments from The Order 23 Job

leverage 2.03

Nate: Nobody wants to see this guy just get a slap on the wrist, Ronald, I mean, but killing him? He's a thief, not a murder.

literally !!! this !!!

I’m not even going to go into current events but no matter what someone has done, ESPECIALLY if they haven’t had a trial yet they do NOT deserve to be killed or murdered or anyone (side eyes the US police system). I said what I said.

- - - - -

Ronald: He was smart, responsible, and Armenian, like us.

Nate: Yeah, well, they call these affinity crimes, people who prey on fellow members of ethnic groups

- - - - -

Hardison: Eddie's new address in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is the original "Club Fed".

Eliot: He's got his own nine-hole golf course. Vegan menu.

Hardison: This dude can play Frisbee with the guys from Enron in the quadrangle.

Eliot: I hate those guys. 18 months in a country club, this guy.

Parker: Yeah, and then when he gets done, he gets to come home and collect his hidden cash

we love to see the ot3 angry about the same things while sitting close together

+ eliot is wearing a flannel in this one

- - - - -

parker doing a happy dance in the vents when she knocks the guy out

- - - - -

(Hardison unpacks computer monitors and sets up a workstation while a video feed of Parker making the bed plays on a laptop. Hardison plays audio sounds on the laptop)

Nate: Hey.

Hardison: Hey. I put speakers in Eddie's room and every 3 feet down the hallway. So if you want to hear footsteps coming toward you, you slide the cursor this way. (demonstrates) And walking away, this way. I made you a master audio file with all the stuff we recorded, plus the sound effects. You mix them any way you want. You're the dj

that’s actually really smart

- - - - -

Parker: All right, well, here's the stuff from the van plus almost everything from the list. (opens a bag) And by the way, nurses haven't worn skirts with white stockings since the '70s. Sorry.

(hardison and eliot share a look)

dumb idiot boys that think it’d be funny to see their future gf in an old nurse uniform

- - - - -

Hardison: If you don't give me that shirt--

Eliot: Listen to me, son, you need those fingers to type on your little keyboard, don't you?

Hardison: So you know, a bully is just a cowboy with low self-esteem.

Eliot: What was that, now?

Hardison: I said what?

Eliot: My insecure ass is gonna be wearing this shirt

- - - - -

Parker: You're not claustrophobic, are you, Mr. Maranjian? (pushes him down the hall, leaning down to whisper in his ear) Because you've got nothing to be afraid of.

I LOVE IT WHEN SHE FUCKS WITH PEOPLE

- - - - -

(Eliot stops to look at the boy, who looks up at him with tears in his eyes)

Hardison: So, say I mention "The Search for Spock", what do you do?

Eliot: I don't have a TV.

Hardison: Everybody has TVs. Dead people have TVs. Damn it.

(Hardison walks away, but Eliot remains, looking at the boy and his father)

- - - - -

Nate: See, y-you tell someone they have a bunch of symptoms and the information gets processed in the executive center of the brain, right? It's job is to question assumptions, start an argument. But if you suggest symptoms, you can bypass all that.

Parker: Like subliminal advertising?

Nate: It's actually neurolinguistic programming, you know, the gateway to the amygdala, which is the fear center of the brain. You asked what we're selling. That's-- that's what we're selling.

Parker: So we're selling...

Nate: Fear.

Parker: Oh. Fear.

Nate: Yeah.

Parker: Cool.

Nate: Yeah

- - - - -

Parker (looking at monitor): Wait, his nose. Is that...

Nate: real blood?

Eddie: I'm-- I'm bleeding! I'm bleeding!

Nate: Yes. Yes, it is.

Eddie: Hello?! Can anyone hear me?! Please!

Parker: Did you just give a guy a nosebleed with the power of your mind?

Nate: Amygdala mania. Hmm. Almond tonsils.

Parker: Is it just me, or has Nate gotten a little sadistic since he quit drinking?

Sophie: Is it just me, or does that make him even more attractive

- - - - -

Hardison: Eliot, can you talk? What's Charlie doing?

[Hallway]

Eliot: I haven't gotten there yet. (looks into room with Trent and his son)

Hardison: No wonder I couldn't hear you on my coms. Eliot, stop checking out the nurses and get your ass down to Charlie!

Eliot: I'm on my way, all right? Shut up.

(Eliot takes out his earbud and walks into the exam room to Trent)

Eliot: Excuse me, sir. Can I talk to you for a second, please

eliot cares SO MUCH

- - - - -

(Eliot grabs Trent’s arm and bends him over the railing)

Eliot: That bruise on his cheek's a week old. The one on his neck is three days. He get that falling, too?

Trent: You don't believe me? Ask him.

Eliot: Why, huh? So I can hear how well his daddy taught him to lie?

Trent: If you're gonna arrest me, go ahead. I'll be out in five minutes.

Eliot: I ain't gonna arrest you.

(Eliot nearly throws Trent over the railing letting him dangle for a moment before throwing him back against the wall. He opens Trent’s wallet and looks at his license)

Eliot: Randall Trent, 73 Austin Street. (puts wallet in his pocket) I got my eye on you now.

Trent: How many guys don't even see their kids? I bet this place is full of deadbeat dads. But a man who provides for his family, who shows his son a firm hand, he's the bad guy? Go back to your speed traps.

(Trent leaves the stairwell. Eliot looks pissed)

eliot is SO ANGRY I love my kind-hearted man

also high key I really thinks this gives an insight as to what his childhood was like

like,,, he saw the signs RIGHT AWAY. he was primed to notice them. he saw right through any act that man would have pulled because he saw what was truly going on, and things like that hit harder and closer when they’ve happened to you or someone in your life

- - - - -

Sophie: You know, I once had to play six parts in "Nicholas Nickleby" and Mrs. Squeers and Phib had a bloody song together.

- - - - -

on today’s edition of non-weapons-that-eliot-uses-as-weapons, we have eliot using the morgue body cabinet doors and a gross morgue body part (?) bowl

- - - - -

(Eliot puts Charlie on top of one of the bodies in the drawers and closes him inside before putting his earbud back in)

Hardison: You think you can just ignore me, like I don't have any feelings, like I never sat there, never listened to you talk all night about tryin--

Eliot: Hardison, have you been talking the whole time?

Hardison: I wouldn't have had to if you didn't turn off your daggum com

hardison worries about eliot and gets angry when he takes his coms out because he cares

- - - - -

Hardison: Oh, man. Come on.

(Hardison moves to tug Eliot before he heads off. Eliot looks from the boy to the police coming into the hospital before entering the boy’s room and pulling the curtain)

Eliot: Hey. How's the arm, my man?

Randy: It's okay.

Eliot: Yeah? My name's Eliot. What's your name?

(police officers continue to move through the hallways)

Randy: Randy.

Eliot: Randy. Oh, I like that name. (sits on bed) I got an uncle named Randy. There sure are a lot of cops around here, huh? You know, if you wanted, you could go up to one and tell them what happened to your arm. Hey, Randy. You don't have to be afraid anymore.

Randy: Dad knows these cops, you know? They come to my house. They'll drink beer. I mean… I can't

this is so, so sad but also hardison’s casual touching and intimacy with eliot gives me life

- - - - -

this is the one episode parker is tased and not the one doing the tasing

- - - - -

okay but wHO ACTUALLY, IN REAL LIFE, LEAVES THEIR KEYS IN THEIR UNLOCKED CAR

- - - - -

PARKER USED ELIOTS PUNCHING TACTICS (from the last episode) TO KNOCK THEIR MARK OUT

- - - - -

(Eddie uses the stunner to knock Parker out. As soon as he moves away, she gets up, lifting her shirt to show a vest)

hmmm I wonder what type of vest she used to block the electric shock ???

- - - - -

(team walks out of the courthouse and heads down the stairs)

Nate: So, here's everything you need to know about criminal law. Every crime has two elements, Actus reus, the act itself, and mens rea, Literally "The Guilty Mind."

Hardison: Wait. Now you're a doctor and a lawyer?

Nate: Yes. Now, for escape, the prisoner has to both break out of custody and show the intent to escape.

Sophie: Wait, so if, let's say, a prisoner was taken hostage during a jailbreak then he wouldn't be guilty of escape.

Nate: That's a perfect example.

Hardison: Kiss ass.

Nate: Which brings us back to our friend Eddie and how the brain reacts to fear. In the heat of the moment Eddie didn't ask himself a simple question, who would doubt his guilty mind?

- - - - -

Bob: Damn right it is. You and your partner, you're all right. I don't know how to thank you, though.

(Eliot looks at Bob for a long moment, then pulls Trent’s license from his pocket and hands it to Bob)

Eliot: Do one thing for me.

Bob: You got it.

[Exterior Apartment]

(Bob knocks on the door and Randy opens it)

Bob: Randy? I'm Deputy United States Marshal Robert Corville. I'm from Boston. I think you and I need to talk.

Trent: Who are you talking to out there? (pulls door open wider and sees Bob)

Bob: Come on.

(Randy looks at Trent then follows Bob out of the apartment)

Bob: It's all right, son. Come on. You're gonna be okay, Randy.

(Bob gives Trent one last look before moving away. From down the street, Eliot watches as Bob and Randy get into a car and drive away)

eliot watching over to make sure the kid was okay in the end? my HEART

[chessiesystem]

I’ve got to ask, how the hell do I watch starlight express?? I need it in my life

Hi!! Well luckily there are a few bootlegs uploaded on YouTube (no proshot unfortunately). We don’t have a ton to chose from and some are of questionable quality, but I think we’re pretty lucky to have what we do. @stage-props made a playlist compiling them that you can find here.

I’m not sure how familiar you are with StEx currently so I’ll just give a rundown of what to expect from these bootlegs under a cut, because there are SEVERAL different productions of the show and going by my own experience and those of some of my friends they’re not something you want to go into blind or you’ll be a bit confused lol:

#1 on the playlist is the Las Vegas production. This production was a 90 minute version of the show so a LOT of things are cut or shortened. It’s pretty decent for a 90-minute production but personally not one I’d recommend starting off with if you don’t know anything about the show because then you’re missing a lot of content, you know?

#2: Tuachan is a non-replica production so the costumes and choreography are completely different from what’s normal for the show. Also I believe they’re on heelies instead of roller skates? So yeah, same songs and plot but it won’t look the way you expect.

#3: Broadway is fairly similar to the original production (a.k.a. what you hear on the Original London Cast Recording) but there are some key differences. Unfortunately the first 15 or so minutes of this one are missing but otherwise the quality is very good, especially for its age, and other than what you miss in those first 15 minutes you get the full scope of the story.

#4: The last show of the “New Starlight Express” production, which was the 2nd London production that underwent heavy revisions and changes to the show, including cutting the character C.B./Caboose. You can listen to the New StEx cast album here.

#5: This is of the Original London Production after they began making some revisions, so it’s not exactly what you hear on the Original London Cast Recording but it’s the closest we’ve got! It’s the only video bootleg that has the song “No Comeback”, and the duet version of “One Rock’n’Roll Too Many” between Greaseball and C.B. Good audio but unfortunately the video quality is very Not Good.

#6 and #7: This is a VERY good quality bootleg of the Bochum production show prior to its most recent revisions, so basically this represents the show as it was between 2013-2018. The caveat is that the recorder focuses solely on Dustin, a minor character, whenever he’s on stage, so it can be extremely frustrating to watch at times because we often miss the main action. Oh, also it’s in German.

#8: A video edit put together by a fan that takes different recordings and grafts them together into more or less the full show. It’s pretty cute!

Anyway. I talk too much! If you haven’t already I always recommend listening to the Original London Cast Album (here) before watching any bootlegs, so that you have an idea of what the story is and what’s supposed to be happening, but that’s of course not mandatory lol, experience this show however you want! The Original Lodon Cast Album slaps though, like what an amazing cast.

Okay I’m gonna shut up forreal now 😭😭😭. Have fun! If you have any questions feel free to hit me up.

[moonlit-manifesto]

Heartbreak Red Takeover 2020

“I’ll make your heart beat again - BA-DUMP!” - Heartbreak Red (Uduki Arata)

It’s April Fool’s Day once again, and Heartbreak Red has taken over the Tsukiuta twitter account (@tsukiuta1)! Only this time - he’s taken over some of the other Tsukino Production accounts as well! If the tweet comes from an account other than the Tsukiuta account, I’ll mark it.

Heartbreak Red responds to some fans’ tweets, and they’re mostly categorized in three ways: Advice, Request, and Other. There’s a lot of tweets, so I’ll only be translating the funny ones because some are just regular advice. There’s also some news announcements like previews of Six Gravity and Procellarum’s new unit songs and a Tsukiuta official instagram account, so check out the twitter account to see those! There’s also some audio recordings too!

Read below the cut for all the Heartbreak Red goodness!

[REQUEST] Since my school is temporarily closed, I want to be cheered up by the goddesses!!

Heartbreak Red: “Hey!! Thousand Sakura Red!! Kannaduki Otaku Red!!”

Sakura Red (Chisa from Fluna):  “Since your heart is beating again, do your best!!!”

Otaku Red (Reina from Seleas): “Do you have a favorite idol? Are you reading a fun manga!? Let’s give our hearts nourishment!!!”

------------

[REQUEST] It’s cold and rainy today, so can I get Curry Rice Genau-san to warm up my heart with a one-liner or joke?

Heartbreak Red: “Curry Redddddd!!!”

Curry Red (You from Procella): “You can only call on me once a year! Go watch the reuploaded video from last year’s April Fool’s Day!!! 💢💢💢💢

Heartbreak Red: “That was his one-liner! Sparking Curry Red!!!”

----------

[REQUEST] I want to ask if Hajime-san has been eating properly!

Heartbreak Red: “Even if you’re busy, make sure to eat enough, okay?”

Hajime: “All right. Thanks...”

Heartbreak Red: “Make sure to tell Heartbreak Purple [Hajime’s ‘Heartbreak’ alter ego] that too.”

Hajime: “...I’ll tell him. By the way, I’m not Heartbreak Purple.”

------------  

[REQUEST] Starting in April I’ll have a lot of difficult stuff going on in life, so can you and Shiki-kun cheer me on with all your strength?

Heartbreak Red: “I-It’s not Shiki-san, but...?”

Dignified Red (Shiki from SolidS): “Next year I’ll have gone around the Earth 30 times!!! And I’m still pushing on!!! I’m Dignified Red!!!!! Overcoming difficulties is a fact of life!!! Good luck!!!!”

Heartbreak Red: “Good luck~”

------------

[ADVICE] Until now, the only men I’ve dated have been good-for-nothing, and I’m afraid of falling in love again. Please tell me how to distinguish the good men from the bad men.

Heartbreak Red: “Looks like you had a thing for the hopeless ones. But you’re strong because you could tell they were hopeless! Do you have a friend you can trust? You can let them be the judge!”

------------

[REQUEST] I want to ask what’s on Chef Yoru’s menu for tonight’s dinner?

Yoru: “Katsudon!”

Heartbreak Red: “Juicy~”

-----------

[REQUEST] Does Heartbreak Gold exist?? I want to meet the shining, sparkling Heartbreak Gold (>_<)

Heartbreak Red: “Kake...Gold!!!”

Heartbreak Gold (Kakeru from Gravi): “Gold is always getting his heart broken by lady luck (bright smile).”

Heartbreak Red: “This guy turned into a twinkling star...”

----------

☆Sorry For the Intrusion☆ (@solids_info)

Heartbreak Red: “Wheeeee!!!! How are you, Blushing Red 2?”

Blushing Red 2 (Dai from SolidS): “You’re here?”

Heartbreak Red: “Now for the intro!! It doesn’t matter which Twitter account - Boundary-Free Hero Heartbreak Red presents: Account Attack!!”

---

Heartbreak Red: “Dai-chan-san, your line when I came in doesn’t fit with Blushing Red 2-san’s character, so instead we’ll replace it later and plan your entrance for then.”

Tsubasa: “Don’t try to protect your weird characters so stubbornly lol.”

Ichiru: “I [Love] Red Red will return, too... Issei will show up later.” [Ichiru doesn’t say the ‘love’ part cuz he’s embarassed lol]

Eichi: “You’re blushing (haha).”

---

Heartbreak Red: “Uhhh so, Happy April Fool’s Day!! Here’s some pork cutlets Yorurun fried. And Purple- I mean - Hajime-san told me to contact him immediately if I run into any trouble.”

Shu: “This feels like you’re on your first outside mission.”

Rikka: “Speaking of trouble, there’s a certain someone who ran out earlier...”

Shiki: “I wonder who that could be?” [it was him]

---

Dai: “Sorry for the wait.”

Issei: “Hello. Whoa, it’s Hearbreak Red-san!”

Heartbreak Red: “What’s up!”

Eichi: “This kind of sketch comedy act makes me nostalgic for those variety TV shows, haha.”

Shiki: “We’re all here now, so let’s start this thing with all of us.”

Rikka: “Yeah, let’s do it! I’ve actually been looking forward to this.”

Heartbreak Red: “Time for the SQ edition!”

------------

[REQUEST - SQ] Humidity makes my hair messy... What should I do? I need Rikka-san’s advice!! Also, is Shiki-san’s hair still smooth as usual? Lol

Rikka: “When you wash your hair, make sure to properly dry it. You’ll notice a difference the next day. Don’t just leave it half-wet, okay? Using hair care products will yield greater results, too! And Shiki... His hair is so smooth today that I’m angry.”

Shiki: “What can I say, I’m Mr. Smooth Hair Cuticles #1.”

Heartbreak Red: “I’m #2.”

Rikka: “I’m jealous~ (haha).”

------------

[ADVICE - SQ] There’s a 20cm height difference between me and the person I like! And I’m taller! I hate guys...  ( ;ᯅ; )

Shiki: “No need for that, I think that’s cool. Believe in yourself. The person you like will realize it’s cool, too.”

Heartbreak Red: “It’s a gift from the heavens. I hope the person you like will like you back!”

------------

[OTHER - SQ] Ichiru-kun♥ I love you ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Everyone: “Awwww!!!”

Ichiru: “Be quiet, all you adults!!!! But thank you for your message! I’m super happy! I’ll continue to do my best!”

-----------

[REQUEST - SQ] Heartbreak Red, what do you think of Dignified Red?

Shiki: “Yeah, let’s hear it! Not that I’m Dignified Red or anything!!”

Heartbreak Red: “He has an amazing force, I’m jealous. And to possess such a grand presence really is the meaning of dignified. Dignified Red’s calm aura is so cool.”

------------

[REQUEST - SQ] Rikka-san!!! Rikka-saaaaaan!! What has made you smile recently?

Rikka: Yoru-kun’s delicious fried pork cutlet made me smile~ I now have a great, big smile on my face ♪”

Dai: “...Just hurry up and finish it.”

Heartbreak Red: “I like you ‘cause you eat until you’re full.”

------------

[OTHER - SQ] Issei-kun, are you enjoying university life?? The juniors are growing up and your horizons are expanding.

Issei: “Thank you for your message! They haven’t decided whether or not to start a new semester [due to current events, aka the corona virus], but me being impatient won’t help anything. I’ll happily wait for a decision (haha).”

------------

[REQUEST - SQ] I haven’t seen much interaction between Okui Tsubasa and Kagurazaka Soushi even though their image colors are both yellow. I’d like to hear a conversation between them. Please help with this, Heartbreak Red~ [originally requested on the Tsukiuta account, but he’s answering it on the SQ account]

Heartbreak Red: “I’m a man of my word, so I called Soushi over.”

Soushi: “Now that I’m here, let’s talk, Tsubasa-san.”

Tsubasa: “This somehow seems forced lolol, but sure let’s talk.”

Soushi: “Then let’s find something to do instead. Like a dance lesson or something.”

Tsubasa: “Oh, yeah. Did you know there’s a dance lesson day organized by the office? People who want to practice on their own, regardless of unit, can go.”

Soushi: “And you’re a kind senpai who treats people to things like ramen afterwards, right~?”

Tsubasa: “What an indirect way to ask for that lolol. Since you have such a big body, I’ll treat you.”

Soushi: “That’s a weird reason (lol). And I hear you always treat Dai-chan-san to things?”

Tsubasa: “That’s because Dai-chan is an eternal little brother!”

Dai: “This turned into such an embarrassing conversation...”

Rikka: “Your ears are red, Dai (haha).”

Heartbreak Red: “That’s all for the yellows’ talk!”

------------

Heartbreak Red: “And so, time is up!!! I’ll be taking my leave now, SQ~!!

Shiki: “He really blew in and out just like the wind (ah, youth)...  What a ‘chill dude’ (ah, youth)...”

Tsubasa: “Shiki, don’t try to use young people slang... (but he sure is a chill dude)”

Shu: “What a crazy time this session was...”

------------

Heartbreak Red: “Pool of Blood-kun is in his green forest. Blushing Red-kun has returned to the sky... Actually that sounds morbid, so let’s say he returned to the bottom part of the blue sky. To everyone here except Ryou-kun and Ren-kyun who are in the middle of changing clothes right now: Happy April Fool’s Day!!”

Koki: “Happy April Fool’s! I’ve been looking forward to this, haha.”

Sora: “We’ve been waiting-!”

------------

[He’s now infiltrated the ALIVE twitter account (@aliveinfo1)]

Heartbreak Red: “Now that I’m here, you know what that means, right? Let’s get to it!”

Nozomu: “Yeah, let’s do it!!”

Kensuke: “Answering real questions and giving advice in a rapid-fire setting is a test of idol power. I’ll do my best!”

Morihito: “I wonder what kind of messages we’ll get.”

------------

[OTHER - ALIVE] Kou-kun, how is your mother doing? (From: a fan of your mom)

Koki: “I didn’t even know my mom had fans (haha). Thank you on behalf of my family. She is doing just fine.”

Heartbreak Red: “This morning my mom left me this supportive message: ‘Red, do your best!’ If you could see it, it would be so embarrassing.”

Koki: “I’m sure (haha).”

-----------

[REQUEST - ALIVE] I love Pool of Blood Red-san so so much. From morning til night, I long to be a tomato crushed and eaten by him. Please, please, please let me be your tomato...!

Ryota: “I’m not Pool of Blood Red [yes he is], but I’ll tell him that for you... You want to be eaten?”

Heartbreak Red: “!!”

------------

[REQUEST - ALIVE] When Heartbreak Red and Nozomu-kun are together, what are some common things you say? I’m curious about what happens when the two energies meet!

Heartbreak Red: “Wheeee~”

Nozomu: “Whee-whee~”

Heartbreak Red: “Weh?”

Nozomu: “Ooweh-ooweeeh~”

Heartbreak Read & Nozomu: “Wheeeeeeeee~ lololol”

------------

[INQUIRY - ALIVE] What does everyone in ALIVE wear to sleep?!

Heartbreak Red: “I am a capable man, so I will gather this information!!”

☆Everyone’s Sleepwear☆

Those in sweats or activewear: Sora, Soushi, Nozomu, Kensuke, Mamoru

Those in Gelato Pique [brand name of luxury sleepwear]: Ryota

Those in pajamas: Morihito, Ren, Koki

------------

[OTHER - ALIVE] Who is the strongest in ALIVE?

Heartbreak Red: “Time to answer with your physical skills! Let’s go!”

Everyone: “Roger!”

~ Please Hold ~

[sometime later]

Soushi: *victorious pose*

Kensuke: “Ryou’s inability to laugh makes him strong in a different sense, but this competition wasn’t about making people laugh.”

Ryota: *annoyed*

------------

[REQUEST - ALIVE] Mamoru-san, tell us about something that happened recently!

Mamoru: “I was thirsty at night, so I had some half-finished water bottle by my bedside. When I woke up in the morning, my face was drenched...!!”

Heartbreak Red: “I’ve never woken up to having water splashed on me, but I feel your pain.”

------------

[REQUEST - ALIVE] Sakuraba-san, please show us your ‘dere’ [lovey] side...!!

Ryota: “One can’t just be ‘told’ to be dere... Did you forget? (laughs)”

Heartbreak Red: “An extra-large serving of dere-------”

------------

[OTHER - ALIVE] Sora-kun! Have you gotten any taller?!

Heartbreak Red: “Good question!!! As a matter of fact!!! They were going to make an announcement later, but!!! All of the official websites will be updating everyone’s height measurements to reflect this year!!!!

Sora: “The results will be online!!!!! (teary-eyed)”

------------

[REQUEST - ALIVE] I want to be charismatic like Nozomu-kun! Please tell me three things I can do to be charismatic!

Nozomu: “#1: Believe in yourself! #2: Believe in those around you!! #3: Make an effort to have faith!! That’s all!”

Heartbreak Red: “Those are all good points!”

------------

[REQUEST - ALIVE] What color is everyone’s lucky underwear?

Soushi: “Mine are black. But that’s because of the color of our stage outfits (SOARA’s costumes are white).”

Ren: “Uh... well...”

Heartbreak Red: “My lucky underwear is red of course! I’m sure all of these ‘sky’ and ‘forest’ people have cool colors, too. Well, if I’m the one saying it then it’s probably true (haha).”

Ren: *relieved he doesn’t have to answer*

------------

Heartbreak Red: “That’s all the time I’ve got!! To all of you sky and forest dwellers - I’ll be taking my leave~!!

Kensuke: “Thank you, Heartbreak Red---!!!”

Sora: “Good luck out there---!!!”

Soushi: “Feel free to abduct me again.”

Morihito: “Soushi (haha). Thank you very much, Heartbreak Red.”

Mamoru: “I had fun!”

------------

☆Red Went Back Home☆

Heartbreak Red: “Now that I’ve accomplished my missions, I’m back home. Happy April Fools Day, everyone! I want to end this at home. By the way, I think I’ll be able to do some ‘Account Attacks’ that I couldn’t do this time around sometime later in April. I hope you all look forward to it~

My last audio greeting is just my final thoughts, haha. Alrighty! Thanks for a wonderful April Fools!! Until next time!”

[scandeniall]

mirrors for friends //ch.5

| prev | next | masterlist

wc: 1741

pairing: TBD x reader

notes *this is the version of the song they cover 

chapter 5: We drive, We Film

The music is blaring when Atsumu pulls up. He's bobbing his head along to the guitar, hardly sparing you a glance as you slide into the passenger seat. Despite that, you offer a quick greeting as the car speeds off before you even finish putting your seatbelt on. You nod along to the familiar song as the two of you shoot through the street, 

“And I don't care if you're sick, I don't care if you're contagious,” you begin Atsumu chiming in matching your pitch.  

“I would kiss you even if you were dead” “Would somebody make me go blind for the rest of my life, cause I’d do anything to hold your hand.” 

You find your hand hanging out the window as you two sing along to the rest of the song. Once it ends, Atsumu lowers the volume, enough to have a conversation. “I see ya changed from a sweaty slob and are now looking better.” You roll your eyes at the bassist, and had he not been driving you probably would’ve resorted to slapping the back of his head. “Why do I willingly hang out with you. And, where are we going anyways?” You question, remembering your promise to Iwaizumi

 You ignore his comment about you clearly not having any other friends as you send a message to Iwaizumi confirming your location. You let out a little laugh at Iwaizumi’s complaint about the blonde always running his plans, before locking your phone. “Who ya texting?” Atsumu takes his first real look at you for the night as he slows at the red light. “Iwa, just telling him if I die tonight it's all your fault.Your driving fucking sucks” You follow up the sentence flicking off your friend who looks unbothered. 

“Speaking of our dear Iwa, you know something that me and Kuroo don't.” Your eyes widen just the tiniest bit as he grants you a knowing smirk. “But I’ll let that go for now. How's the tattoo healing?” Just like that Atsumu’s voice shifts into a more serious tone and you groan loudly. You instantly catch on to the real meaning of the question. How are you doing?  “Not you too”. 

“C’mon, I’m just checking on ya (Y/N). Making sure you’re ok. Took me a minute but then I remembered you showed me the picture a few months ago.” His gaze focuses back on the road giving you at least the relief from his stare down. “First Iwa, now you. And I know Kuroo is gonna pick my brain the second he gets the chance,” your words come out in a huff of annoyance. “What can we say, we care about ya. The band would flop without our front man.” His tease is enough to lighten the tension that began to grow as you rolled your eyes again. “Our combined hotness would drop by like 90% without me.” 

“More like 5%” He could only laugh as you promptly told him to go to hell, as you turned the music back up some. The rest of the drive was void of any conversation. The only noises coming from the radio and any time either of you would sing along to what was playing out. Atsumu would only shoot you annoyed looks, whenever you’d skip one of the songs he had to which you'd just shrug without a care.  

“Hey Samu.” You and Atsumu spoke at the same time as you slid into the booth. “What are you two sharing a single brain cell now?” Your look of disgust is enough to cause the gray haired twin to laugh. “The only thing I’d ever share with Atsumu is my foot up his ass.” 

“That’s a real cute way of saying you’re the dumb one of us.” The blonde catches the wrist of your arm that aims a punch at his shoulder easily. “Take you and your shitty dye job over there next to your brother,” you mutter pushing your bandmate out of the booth next to you. He obliges, moving so that him and Osamu are both sitting across from you. 

“Now Tsumu’s stupidity is gonna seep into my head.”

 ---- 

“Hello boys, and piss head,” you greet cheerily as you enter the unlocked door of Iwaizumi’s place. You shift the drink carrier in your hand as you remove your bag, lightly placing it on the floor. The owner only raises his eyebrows at you while your guitarist just laughs.”What’d he do now,” You make your rounds handing off the coffee drinks you’d bought for your bandmates. You stop by Iwaizumi first who accepts it with a grateful smile. Next is Kuroo, who raises the cup in thanks. “Every time I hang out with him, I wonder why I do. He sucks,” you speak before handing Atsumu his drink. “Osamu really is the better twin, not by much though.” 

“You claim to hate me, yet you bring me food. Thanks mom,” the bassist mocks. You mutter something about it being the only thing that gets him to shut up before shifting your attention towards Kuroo. “Hey, can you go get our instruments, couldn’t hold them cause of the drinks.” He only nods, you asking him to please lock your door after. 

“We’re filming that song today right?” You nod at Atsumu’s question. While he goes back to typing away on his phone you settle onto the couch next to Iwaizumi. He looks at you and you raise your eyebrows in excitement. He shoots you a small smile and a thumbs up, and you struggle to contain your excitement. You shoot him a knowing look that the two of you have to talk later as Kuroo enters carrying both your guitar cases. “Bring my drink down would you,” is the only thing he says before making his way towards the basement. The three of you wordlessly follow.  

“Why are we doing this song again,”

“Come on old man, it’ll be fun, plus our dear (Y/N) gets to show off that growl today. Doesn't happen very much,” Kuroo smirks at Iwaizumi, shooting you a quick look from where you are tuning your guitar. “Plus, the viewers wanted us to do Gaga.” 

“Oh, you're just happy ya get to be heard more with this song,” Atsumu chimes in before fiddling with his bass. “Maybe,” is Kuroos response as he sits on a stool to tune his own instrument. “Besides, Judas is a pretty badass song. And our arrangement is pretty sick.” Iwaizumi can’t help but agree with you, opting to get the video equipment set up. After he finished you all ran through the song a few times before you were ready to go.  

“Hey guys, we’re Mirrors For Friends,” the four of you said in unison. Before introducing yourselves as individuals. “So, you guys asked, and we answered. You all wanted us to do Lady Gaga so bad,” Kuroo started before pausing for his self-proclaimed dramatic effect. “So, Judas here we are.”

 ----

 “Judas- Gaga” You practically screamed out the last words of the songs, before bursting out into laughter. The entirety of the song both Kuroo and Atsumu were making ridiculous facial expressions at one another, and with you being in the middle of the two, you saw it all. That, paired with post singing adrenaline and the fact that you all were even singing it in the first place seemed absolutely comical You had been so caught in laughter that you didn’t even notice Iwaizumi come up from behind his drums to nudge at camera perched on the tripod in front of you. 

“Fuck- do you guys see what I have to go through with these guys. Iwa is the only normal one,” you joked out after your laughter died down. You ignored the said members exclamations about not being that bad. “Alright that's it for us today, we hope you enjoyed, and we’ll see you when we see you.” You stuck up a peace sign heading towards the camera and picking it up. “Say bye you idiots.  

You first pointed the camera at Kuroo who was the closest to you. “I feel like (Y/N) is catching my double chin at this angle. Stream our songs and we love you.” With that Kuroo just walked off the frame, and you turned towards Atsumu. “Say bye to the video fake blondie.” 

“I just want to say that I’m the hottest member of the band and-hey” Atsumu exclaimed as you just cut his segment short, before walking to Iwaizumi.  

“You know the drill Iwa. Your turn” This time you moved the camera up and down as if you were giving the audience a chance to check him out. “Now this is the real hottest member of this band,” you teased before aimling back towards his face. You stifled your laugh at Atsumu and Kuroo in the background yelling for him to take his shirt off. “I hate this band. See you all in the next video.” With your drummers closing you stopped the recording before letting out a sigh of relief.  

“Well that was exhausting,” you automatically made your way to the couch where you had your laptop resting. “I can probably get this edited and uploaded by tomorrow guys.” You felt the couch dip next to you and the voice of the band’s guitarist. “I can do it. I know it's been an interesting week for you,” he gestures towards your ribcage, where your new tattoo rests under your tshirt. The tone of his voice lets you know there’s no point in countering. When Iwaizumi gets into his band labeled ‘dad’ mode, you won't win. “You're acting as if I have a choice,” you huff handing him the camera’s memory card.  

“Shit- guys, I gotta go. I forgot the team got a last-minute practice match with another school,” Atsumu’s panicked voice cut through the room. “Were done here right?” He looked between the three of you sighing in relief as he quickly started putting up his instrument. “Hey, don’t forget next week we’re at Bauhaus.” He only nodded mindlessly, before making his way to the stairs, before stopping halfway. “That's the 3rd, right?” 

Kuroo’s thumbs out caused him to practically run up the stairs and out the door. Once the bassist leaves, he plopped himself next to you on the other side of the couch. “So lovely band members of mine, what secret are you two keeping from me and Tsumu.”

⤿taglist: @o51oc​ @suna-allie​

a/n: yall know that one tiktok audio from what bgc? wheres like awkwardly quiet then its like “hey guys”--- thats how I feel after coming back to this fic after a month. But yeah life and then more LIFE. So with that, sorry this chapter is kinda awkward writing bc i literally havent written for this in that month at all. Anyways, now that we’ve gotten our band dynamics established we are kicking off the real plot starting next chapter. I still don’t know which boy to do so pls help a loser out. I think I’m gonna take out the possibility of Iwa though ????

[anikaswiftie]

My journey of being a Swiftie

Everyone does kind of know since when they are fans of Taylor Swift. Since when they follow her journey in life and career. For me it’s a curve of ups and downs with only going up at the end. I am making this way too dramatic, but I have this feeling like I need to write this all down and make it public, like I need to justify my fangirling journey, so I can say “I have been a Taylor Swift fan since years”. This fandom is so massive. It is the biggest fandom I have ever been a part of (and that can be scary) and everyone became a fan in different parts of their own lives and in different parts of Taylor’s life. So here is my journey, no one asked for, but yet I still have the urge to put down. 

In 2012 I was first introduced to the name and music of Taylor Swift. I was about 11 at that time. Coming from Germany, not actively listening to music or caring about it at all at that age and just getting introduced to the world wide web, I was shown my probably very first YouTube video on a black iPad 3rd generation from my best friend. It was a video of Miss Taylor Swift, playing songs in a language I could not understand (with the exception of a few words) sitting with her guitar in front of a crowd which made themselves comfortable. It was the Red hangout and the performances of three songs of the album. I do not remember which ones I listened to, but I remember watching it and thinking Taylor was super cool! Then I sometimes heard songs of hers on the radio and really liked them, but I still had no clue about being a Swiftie.

In 2015 I went grocery shopping with my dad and they sold 1989 and I asked my dad if I could have the album. And he said YES. And I listened to that album so much! I really loved it!! And I still do. So much! I liked some edits of Taylor on WeHeartIt, the only social media I got back then. And I began watching her music videos on TV and became obsessed with the Blank Space music video and know that I tried uncountable times to recreate her eating the little candy heart as elegantly and smoothly as she did. I think I failed at that :D. As you do in middle school you also exchange your tastes in music and I started discovering my own taste, mixed with a bunch of influences of others. Spotify was the platform to be, but at that time Taylor Swift's catalog was fully taken off the side and I added only a blank space cover to my playlists. It never occurred to me to buy another album off of amazon or in a music store. What most of my friends back then listened to was trap or rap. I didn’t connect with that music and also did not really like it, but I listened to it in my free time, because I thought that was what I had to do, to fit in and to be cool enough. When I rediscovered 1989 in 2016 I told a friend of mine “I have a Taylor Swift CD I like to listen to right now” and she said “That really fits you, but it isn’t my kind of music.”. And somehow I took it up as something bad, that it would suit me, to listen to Taylor Swift, I felt like that meant “I don’t like her music and we cannot talk about that, you better listen to something else or we are not having a conversation about music anymore, because your taste is so completely different then mine.”, I know that is not what she meant. But I really felt the urge to accommodate my music taste to hers/theirs. 

I only listened to 1989 at home on CD and then got caught up in a spiral of watching TV Shows and was first introduced to fandoms. I became a fan of numeros shows and began being a fangirl, also on the internet. In middle school I had a friend I would watch a show with and fangirl over it, after a while people asked us if we could not talk about something else. So we just talked about it rarely.

I began video editing and posting it on the internet and really got sucked into Instagram. I also really enjoyed The Hunger Games - Series and know that I rewinded the credits a bunch of times, because I loved Safe & Sound some much. That song I actually found on Spotify and was able to play it there as well and I loved listening to it while reading. Why didn't I listen to Eyes Open? I honestly don’t know. Maybe I did not notice it was on the soundtrack. So there I was, being a fan of a bunch of TV-Shows, starting to improve my English and thinking of music artists just as people who made music and not really got more into it.

When the music video to Look What You Made Me Do came out it was recommended to me on YouTube and I watched, fascinated by the visuals and the money that must’ve been put into this (which was a lot as I now know). After that I went back to my fangirling on Instagram. 

Then I joined stan twitter and became a fan of more and more things. Went to high school. Not being close to anyone there and just knowing two people. I started building my own personality. I was more confident, because I really wanted to meet new people and not be totally by myself. I met amazing people. Who cared and still care about me and my opinions. Who never made me feel uncomfortable for being a fan of something and encouraged me to embrace it, even though they might have nothing to do with it. They didn’t make me feel embarrassed or uneasy about it. And I am beyond thankful for that. Thank you!<3

I also had conversations in high school with people about music. And one of my classmates liked Panic! At the Disco. I began listening to a bunch of their stuff after having a meme of This is gospel on my for you page and became a fan. This was at the end of 2018. For the first time in my life I entwined in a fandom which was related to music. Around half a year later Taylor Swift released the first single of her new album, which we would later find out would be named Lover. The single was called ME! and it was a collaboration with Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie. After that single dropped and I re-watched the music video many many times and watched multiple videos on it and it’s easter eggs. Followed the first Swiftie - accounts on stan twitter and then finally the legend herself.

I’ve been wanting to write an essay about this for a while now. Without listening to her other albums before finishing it. Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now and Red are waiting for me. I’ve only listened to the ones which have music videos or which she covered on tour or some bits from edits I saw over the years (her songs make GREAT audios for couple video edits;)).

I am a proud Swiftie now and so proud of her! 

And yeah, I have some great albums to get to.

[nyarisu]

St. Paul liveblogging

So they drunk. I too may be a little tipsy so that goes hand in hand let’s start >w<

Spiel mit mir

Oh look a little human. More little humans.

Is that a face?? Oh it was just the fan behind the drums XD

Ooooh it’s the entrance through a drum thing!

I like Till’s boots. Also it’s the first live I’ve seen with the leg brace. I’ve only seen it in that one picture

Interesting jacket with only one arm

Oh god he’s sucking his thumb again did yoU WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS??!? (i swear it’s got nothing to do with the current situation it just bugs me seeing people do that)

Cryptid Ollie<3

This is one creepy song

Yes Till we know you’re horny you don’t need to grab your dick every few minutes XD

Wow something new happened with the instrumentals there

Did I miss that part?

Tier

I like the guitar solo so much!

Paul has dark hair??

Lol slut Till at it again XD imagine if he went that hard with Flake during Buck dich XDDD

Belly<3

That was one long "schlief"

The chest hit<3

The Flake jump

"doch nur ein Tiieeeeeerrrr"

Did he just finished the song with a head tilt??? I’VE SEEN THE PICTURE!

Bestrafe mich

<3 way to win my heart so early into the live also Till got shirtless pretty quick so it’s always a plus

When did Ollie got to the other side of the stage? Is he wearing shorts??

Look at this dumb bitch whipping himself again....

"du. darfst. mein. Bes.trafer seeein" the perfect song to headbang on

I love the melodic part so much<3

Ups there goes that bottle I wonder if it hit someone

Oh that back~ I love how Till’s back has clearly some muscles but it’s also most probably very soft too

Schneider is having such interesting moves

I love Till’s headbang while crouching

Weisses Fleisch

THE BOOTS! YES!!

Those scratching motions are probably a little more entrancing than ment

He just dropped it XD

Paul and Richard are in synch again going back and forth

"MIIIIICH" 

Where did Richard go? Ach, yes. He let Schneider do his hypnotic hip thrusts and Flake his spazzing. I don’t think anyone can dance quite like him :)))

Didn’t Till’s voice on this song used to be a little more melodic? Or maybe the audio was better...

Sehnsucht

The fireworks were nice

Did Richard just vanished?? XD where is he?

Oh he’s back he was just hot (with that coat :D)

Yes, Ollie has indeed shorts

I swear to god Till has such interesting poses/moves, especially while crouching or being bent

I like that 2.5 till hammer during the chorus

They changed places again and IS OLLIE ON BACK VOCALS? ON SEHNSUCHT??

What if Till trips over the mic wire?

Why do you hit yourself bby?

From this angle a part of the drums looked like a sombrero *Wilder Wein flashbacks*

And of course he slams the mic on the ground

Asche zu Asche

I like how Richard and Paul always come to the front for the instrumental

"Heißes Kreuz" and he does a little cross with his fingers

The whole mimic druning this song is fun

„in zehn Tagen” YES he counted 10 days on his fingers I love that!

Ok Richard what was that with the solo? Weird flex but ok (was this the guitar version of sexy motherfucker?)

Shouldn’t something be already on fi- oh no there it is nevermind

Till is one hunk of a man but he has such dainty and delicate poses

Seemann

If DRSG doesn’t come after this song, I’m rioting

This is such an interesting song to see Till sing because it’s very sad and you can see his suffering with every move and word and voice inflection (expression too if the visual would’ve been higher)

Go Flake go! But be safe!

Wow that was one wierdly short ride I too would’ve wanted to get out as soon as possible

Stripped

Ugh. Again... no wonder I didn’t recognise it. This song doesn’t even exists to me (same for the english versions)

Will Till be a slut with this tongue again?

That’s the whole song? XD What’s happening?? :))) they changed their minds and went home XD

DRSG

Ok I won’t be rioting after all but... what happened?

Uuu Reesh is shirtless we’re getting serious now!

I like Paul’s very serious pose

And Till slicked his hair back<3

Till and Paul are doing again that thing that gives me a heart attack and Richard is flirting with someone in the public why is he always going to te side?

Did Till put something on his head?

Lol there it went XD

I like how Richard was strutting around the scene and started slamming his guitar. Then Paul came on the other side of Till and symmetry

Is Richard wearing paltforms? He’s already taller than Paul what more does he want?

Them singing on a side was cute

For a moment I thought Till was stalking Paul :))

What the fuck I lowered my eyes for one fucking second to see what I’m writing and Richard disappear again?? When? Hoooowwwww??

I’m hearing some keyboard thingies I’m not usually hearing on the album version and what just happened?

Is Till baptizing the audience? Wait didn’t they already do the dramatic stop once? Did they do it in another part of the song? I’m so confused do I have to watch it again?

Yeah ok they were definitely on something XD

Du hast

THE FIRE BOW!! I really love some of their effects :D

Richard is on the side again? He even moved his mic stand what??

That laugh<3 It’s a shame they never sung Eifersucht I love that song so much

I really like the drums or whatever those drum like sounds are at the beginning and the keyboards in this song

Oooh so this is where the phone scene came from? Or were there multiple lives with this?

OH MY GOD of course he had to fuCKING YEET IT

Yes, I really like seeing Till pour water on himself next question

What are Paul and Ollie doing? XD disappearing, that’s what they’re doing :))

Buck dich

At first I was ok that’s some explosion and then 2 second in I realised what it is, the who who machine o(≧∀≦)o fire edition ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Oh now he has a platform~ and of course he stuffs the mic in his pants XD

The guys sure are switching places huh

It’s let’s sodomize Flake time

I like how he always turns after Flake when he runs away and the whole song is like this with little acting scenes

There went another bottle

I like how Flake came on his own

I wonder how it’s to be a fan at a concert seing Buck dich for the first time I’m sure some eyes popped out of the heads

Or how it is to be a fan jizzed on by Till Lindemann’s squirting dildo XD “Welcome to Rammstein“

OH MY GOD OLLIE look who’s the thirsty bitch XD

Engel

This song will slap forever and ever

Did they trip over something or...?

FIRE!!!

Wait what? Is this really how the song goes?

But Schneider was the sparkling drumsticks so I can forgive anything. Literally the only way to sing that part right is using the sparkling drumsticks! Everytime the solo starts I’m lowkey disappointed if no sparkles are involved. And my brain plays the song with those on the background

Do they actually whistle or the just mimic it? This is something I’ve always wondered

Flake solo? are they all having their own initiatives today or....? XD

I like how Richard casually threw the towel over his shoulder

Rammstein

Is Flake wearing something on his head?

YES! The coat! Asdfghjkl the audience is delighted too :D How cool was seeing that for the first time??

You are one crazy motherfucker, Till

Lol @ Ollie and his cryptid moves XD

Laichzeit

*insert that “Beyonce??” meme here but instead of Beyonce is Laichzeit*

Oh ok that was cool

Till is dancing again XD

OH MY GOD THE WAY THE MIC STAND WENT XDD IT FLEW SO SMOOTHLY I need a compilation with all the times he’s throwing that stand away

How come he’s not doing his usual slutty moves? This song is peak slut when it comes to moves

Oh, he’s pulling his hair. Oh.

Did the just say pew?

I need to dance while high on this song

UBERALL FISCHMILCH

The keyboard part before the last verse is strangely elevating? majestic? ascending? Yeah let’s go with that. for the topic of the song but it kind of goes with the last part (nevermind I kinda still haven’t’t figured out what that last verse means)

Wollt ihr das Bett in Flammen sehen?

I never know how to write „wollt” I always add an “h” instead of the first “l”, it sounds like a word with an “h” in it

Wow the screeches didn't use to be this loud but I like how Till rises his head everytime (open mouth is optional)

OH MY GOD YES the tongue made an apparition. I need to make giffs out of it and add it to my collection

I love those gloves but was Paul simply walking into the sparks?

Oooooh this one is new~ (editing Rena here: I have no idea what I was talking about)

Conclusions:

I had to google the spelling of lots of words. My fingers stopped cooperating and I wasn’t even drunk

I don’t know how drunk they were but Richard was definitely at least a little high (the time frame is right too) and there were also some tehnical problems

I need to know if the Engel whistling is genuine or not

Throwing mic stand. Compilation. Now. (the Klavier one will always be first place in my heart)

And I need to get high and dance on Laichzeit

[purplesurveys]

997

survey by deirdrelove

What is today’s date? October 26th.

Do you have any plans for tomorrow? Just work. All weekdays are for work.

Do you wear perfume or cologne? Usually, perfume. I have colognes too, but I like the scent of my main perfume far more so that’s what I choose to wear most of the time.

What kind of computer are you using? I have a Macbook Air.

What colour is your mouse? I haven’t used one in years. A trackpad has been reliable enough.

Is it sunny outside? It’s not. I’m not updated on the news but I think we’re supposed to have a really powerful typhoon pass by for the next few days, so the wind has been violent and howling all morning. Some of my co-workers have had power outages at home only used their mobile data today so yeah, it’s not looking too good. I’ve closed my windows for the meantime so that they don’t smash just in case the wind blows too hard.

What has the weather been like lately? It’s been very cold all weekend because of the rain, but it also gets humid every now and then. Still, it’s cold enough for me to turn off my fan all day which is good enough.

When was the last time you cried? Last night, I think.

When was the last time you sincerely smiled? I don’t remember. Maybe last night or yesterday afternoon.

When was the last time you laughed freely? I can’t tell you. I really can’t remember when the last time was. I’ve chuckled here and there, of course; it just hasn’t been hearty for a while now.

Do you eat breakfast regularly? No. I only have a cup of coffee so that I can get properly awake for workkk.

Do you take vitamins? Not regularly.

When was the last time you took aspirin or some other pain reliever? Saturday. I had a headache and was feeling a little dizzy so I had to take a Biogesic.

When did you learn to tie your shoes? Kinder 2, when I was five. One of our ‘exams’ was for the teachers to check if we can already tie our shoes, so my grandma had to teach me. I’m super awful with my hands though, and to this day I still struggle with tying my shoelaces and I still take longer than anyone I know.

What was your favourite grade in elementary school? 5th was fun until things fell apart by the end of it; 7th was great throughout.

Do you like clouds? I like when it’s cloudy, but I don’t lie on the ground and look at clouds.

What colour are your shoelaces? I have several shoes, but I think all of their shoelaces are white.

How many states have you been to? 0.

How many different countries have you been to? 6.

When was the last time you deeply regretted something? September.

Do you go to other people for advice or do you deal with things on your own? I like hearing what my friends have to think because whenever I’ve done things on my own I always fuck it up one way or another, and that sensation gets tiring at some point. Having other perspectives and voices helps as well.

How long was your longest relationship? 4 years.

What is your favourite brand of gum? I don’t have one considering they all lose their taste after a few chews. Whenever someone has gum and shares a piece with me, I just take it regardless of the brand.

What is something that you regularly wear that makes you stand out? I don’t know if I have anything like that. I hate standing out, anyway.

Do you own a debit card? Yuh.

A credit card? Nope.

Are you in debt? I am not.

When is your birthday? *sigh* Again, April 21st...

How old will you be? I’ll be 23.

What kind of cake is your favourite? Cheesecake! Flourless chocolate cakes and red velvet cakes are also great.

Do you prefer small birthday parties or big ones? For parties held by relatives I like them to be big, because it’s always nice to reunite with distant family members that I never get to see. With friends, small and intimate parties do the trick for me.

What song are you listening to now? No music, and I have a YouTube video paused.

Do you download illegal mp3's? I used to convert YouTube videos of audio tracks into MP3, if that counts. I never directly downloaded MP3s though; I always heard horror stories of those things containing viruses or the downloaded file not even storing the actual song.

What was the most traumatic experience of your life? [trigger warning] Being the main witness to my drunk grandfather beating the ever-living shit out of my infant cousin in his stupor when I was 9, and bearing the responsibility to tell that cousin’s mom, who was cooking dinner. I’m pretty sure I aged like 15 years from that moment alone.

Have you ever lost a friend to drugs or alcohol? No.

Who was your childhood best friend? Angela.

Are you still friends now? Yeah, for sure. I just asked her for dyeing tips an hour ago.

If not, why?

Are you sitting at a desk right now? Yes.

Are you eating or drinking? Nope, but I’ll be having dinner in about an hour or so.

How many surveys have you taken today? This is the first one.

Have you ever made a survey? No. I’m not the best in coming up with interesting random questions, so I’ve never given it a shot. Others are way better at it.

If you haven't you should. Its fun. =] I’m sure it is, but I really don’t think I’m creative enough for it.

Did you ever have any sort of collection? Nah.

Do you believe in Karma? I don’t subscribe to the entire concept as it’s defined in Hinduism, but yeah sometimes I’ll refer to its more informal description whenever someone does something that upsets me.

What do you thinks happens to us when we die? Permanent sleep.

What age do you think you'll die? My late relatives all passed between the ages of 70 to early 80s, so maybe by then. But idk, I hope I get my great-grandma’s longevity (she died at 95) because I’m still competitive when it comes to age and I wanna make it to that high a number, ha.

If you knew you had one more month to live what would you do? Well first I’d give out a sigh of relief because thank fuck. After that I’d probably spend the whole month eating all my favorite foods and traveling, at least to the cities that are now accepting visitors. I’d write down instructions for Kimi so that he’s properly cared for, give away my stuff, try to see some friends before it all ends.

About how long was the last book you read? It’s around 600 pages but I’m barely 50 pages in.

Have you read any books by V.C.Andrews? I don’t think so.

Have you ever read a play before? Yes.

A play not written by Shakespeare? Yes.

Have you ever read a play outside of school? Yeah, I have.

What is one career you don't think you could do no matter how much it paid? Engineer.

Would you want to live in the country or the city? City, without a doubt. I like the countryside and it’s certainly relaxing, but I need things to be constantly going on; I like my environment to be hectic, be loud, be busy. Too much quiet isn’t good for me.

Do you prefer large cities or small ones? Large.

Do you/Did you ride the school bus? Yep.

If not how did you get to school?

Do you have iTunes on your computer? Yeah but only because I’m on a Mac and I’m not sure if I can remove the app from my laptop. I haven’t used iTunes since high school though, and if I could I’d get rid of it.

Have you ever edited Wikipedia? Yeah, when I was like 10 lol. It wasn’t to mess around with an entry though; I saw an inaccuracy and genuinely wanted to help out.

Have you ever edited any other wiki? I’m sure I edited more than one page.

Is there a website [besides social networking] that you check almost daily? I don’t think so.

Are you procrastinating? Nope, all my homework for the day’s been done.

Do/Did you make good grades in school? In college, yes. I paid less attention in high school and my grades occasionally showed it.

What is your relationship with your parents like? It’s very casual and not very deep at all. I don’t confide in them, and the thought actually makes me squirm. I’m still skeptical of my mom and I don’t let myself get invested in her after the hurt she’s put me through in the last few years, but at least we don’t yell at each other as much anymore.

Do you have a better relationship with one parent than the other? You can say that. I get along better with my dad.

Do you look like your mom or your dad? Mom. But for some friends, my dad.

Do you write things on your hand to remind yourself? This is what I did in high school, but I haven’t done it since.

Do you use your phone as an alarm? If I need an alarm, yes.

Do you listen to music while you sleep? Nope, but similar. I turn on videos because talking sounds make me sleepy much faster.

Do you get scared when you know some virus or sickness is being passed? I mean if it’s like a plague then yeah, obviously. But to connect this question to today’s situation - after getting used to Covid stats and seeing the ratio of those who die from it vs those who end up healing from it, I’ve highkey stopped being afraid of it lol

Are you realistic? Yes.

Do you sing in the shower? Nope.

[mspa-music-analysis]

Beyond Canon - exclusion zone

alright first song in the Beyond Canon album, exclusion zone. lets break it up. 

PERSONAL THOUGHTS/LISTENING EXPERIENCE

I got literal fucking shivers. Holy shit. Holy shit. The first twenty seconds of this song is it’s own fucking experience. When the vocals come in at 00:46 I feel as though I am standing on a craggy cliff face, maybe on a mountain, the sky is grey, there’s mist and magic in the air, and I should be dreading something. I feel like taking a deep breath and preparing to see an army coming up over the adjacent hill. I feel like I’m about to go up against something huge. 

When I first clicked on the new Homestuck album in disbelief, double checking the release date, I wasn’t expecting much. Sure Homestuck music is utterly wonderful, but I’ve never been able to listen to instrumentals very well, they don’t capture my attention without lyrics to focus on. but hearing the first few notes of this song. Holy. Fucking. Shit. I am not the same man. Oh my god. This first minute is what got me to listen to this entire album in one sitting.

At 1:00 you hear a muffled voice and the sound of breaking glass, and it feels like the illusion of nature and magic and dread shatters. A robotic voice chimes in ‘you just made a monster’ and you get it, for just a second. You feel like something terrible has happened and you have no idea how the fuck you’re going to pick up the pieces. This song sets the stage for the album, and it makes anticipation thrum through your bones, especially on the first listen. 

The latter half of the song is letting this feeling sink in, letting your anticipation, your excitement, your dread, grow into a magnificent beast. As the last bit cycles you feel your heartbeat quicken, your breath catch, and you just have to sit there for a second. Holy shit. This song feels like saying ‘holy shit’ in reverence. Over and over again.

The ending feels like you have no idea what the fuck you’re getting into. All you can do is click onto the next song. 

INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL ANALYSIS

I’m no musical expert, but I’m going to try to explain this as well as I can. Music snobs, sorry, experts, please remember I am but a humble fool who has never taken a music class beyond fifth grade. An amateur if you will. 

I’m going to be using the word synth so fucking much in these, aren’t I. I’m torn between some sort of string, a synth, or an organ playing the opening notes, and I’m fairly sure it’s the synth. Homestuck music wouldn’t be Homestuck music for not the synth. 

The synth, as I am going to call it despite how unsure I am that it is one, immediately gives you an overwhelming cathedral feeling. You get a little while to marinate in this feeling before the vocals chime in. The vocals and the synth meld so beautifully into each other, they feel so natural coming together. There’s a moment where you say ‘yay! vocals in a Homestuck song!’ which will later seem oh so ironic. 

Then, in a change of tone, a muffled, hard to understand, male-sounding voice pops in. It sounds like a frantic report, breaking news, or a call for backup. It could sound to some like officials chasing dangerous dissenters, and to others a discreet warning to fellow rebels that the brass are coming. I tried so fucking hard to get an audio editing program to pick this shit apart, but I have a Chromebook for some godforsaken reason. Sorry, folks, we’ll have to see if anyone replies to my tweet with our answers. For reasons, which are definitely real actual reasons with no attachment to aesthetics, I am going to call this voice ‘the radio’. 

Directly after the infuriating piece of walky-talky Esq vocals, there’s a sound of breaking glass. I think perhaps that is my favorite moment in the entire track, if not the entire album. Not to assign too much meaning to a singular bit of sound, but it feels like every expectation I had for Homestuck music was completely shattered. Like the glass ceiling that prevented Homestuck music from becoming legendary because it was just a shitty web-comic (which was already untrue) is broken through with just the first half of this song. Does that make sense? In short, this album really is on an entire other level of music entirely, and it knows it. This is possibly supported by the album cover, which is Ultimate Dirk sitting in a pile of previous Homestuck album covers. Must I explain this one? (I will if you ask, really. I’m perhaps a bit too eager, in fact.)

Directly after the glass shatters, more instruments join in. I think these are also synths? It sounds techy, it sounds dystopian. You know when people say techno is just beeps and boops? Yeah, there’s a lot of beeps and boops in this, and frankly, I love it. Then, another distorted, techy, mechanical, feminine?, voice pops in saying ‘you just made a monster’. I’m going to call this voice the monster, but not necessarily because I think they are the monster, and I will elaborate on this later. This is my second favorite moment in the track. It’s just. Wow. Breathtaking. The monster repeats for a while, the rest of the song. The third time, an almost more human sounding, but not by much, monster joins in. There’s an air of indignance, of anger, desperation, vengeance. It sounds like there’s another phrase buried under some sounds there, at 1:28? I absolutely can not make it out for the life of me, and it is driving me crazy. 

The monster is chopped up and distributed evenly throughout the rest of the song, quite fucking marvelously. At 1:39 there’s a pause in the instrumental, and for just a second, you’re left with this steady note sung by the monster. It’s haunting. I didn’t notice it my first few listen throughs, but now that I’ve been sitting here looping the track, I can’t help but hear it. It definitely gives me a feeling, but I haven’t decided what that feeling is yet. 

The sound bits that sound like a broken robot, or another voice saying ‘anoyie’ over and over, are quite possibly going to drive me insane. I find myself desperately needing to hear where the fuck these audio bytes came from. I need to hear the originals. I do not care if they are random mouth noises. My curiosity is insatiable. I am fairly sure it is just the monster cut to hell, but there’s just something nagging at me saying otherwise. I don’t know, perhaps I’m finally going insane from looping the robot song for two hours. 

I don’t love the ending? There’s one last monster repeat, a sort of clapping sound (an interesting change of pace), silence for half a second, more of that damned ‘anoyie’ and I am further convinced it is not the monster, and then nothing. It isn’t quite unsatisfying, but it isn’t satisfying either. It is most certainly an ending. I can say for a fact there are instruments in the ending. And that’s all I have to say on that.

HERE’S WHERE SHIT GETS CRAZY

Alright, time to sound like a madman. Here is where I am going to assign arbitrary Homestuck-related, possibly plot-related, meaning. Take all of this with a grain of salt and forgive my overuse of phrases like ‘I feel’ and ‘I think’. 

So, putting the song in the context of the album title ‘Beyond Canon’, and therefore most likely The Epilogues and Homestuck^2, I do indeed have a few theories. Not all make a whole lot of sense, and a few are based quite heavily on ‘feelings’ and ‘vibes’. I hated putting vibes in quotes, never make me do that again. To start with, the beginning, before the radio, reminds me very much of Ultimate Dirk (Ult. Dirk), Terezi, and RoseBot on that new planet. Perhaps because of the air of desolation, not in relation to the note, and foreboding? Perhaps because I have assigned an air of forced serenity to this part, and I very much feel like Ult. Dirk is trying to force serenity onto his section of the narrative, despite what’s coming his way? Hm. Much to think about. 

The radio, I cannot puzzle out exactly. DaveBot, perhaps? Trying to break through from the Candy universe and coming out muffled? I don’t have much to go on, and I am waiting until I have figured out exactly what the radio is actually saying. 

The glass shattering. Oh, the glass shattering. Fenestrated plane, anyone? The fourth wall, anyone? Good god, shattered glass + Homestuck = SHIT IS GOING DOWN. This makes me very excited. It could just be metaphorical, as I was saying before, but I very much have a feeling that things are going to get that particular brand of very Homestuck fucked soon. And I am oh so excited. 

The monster! Oh, how I love the monster. There’s so many things I can see the monster being, as well as referencing. Lets get right the fuck into it. First! The Auto Responder, or Lil’ Hal. You know how every splinter and alternate self combines to create the Ultimate Self? (I have so many theories about this, oh my god, I might make an entire other blog for more Homestuck analysis) Well, what if it isn’t a perfect meld? Dirk is a Prince, after all, a destroyer. There’s no way, however Ultimate he may be, he’s perfect and whole. What if specific splinters find their way to shine through? Like, for instance, Hal accusing Dirk of making a monster out of all his iterations. I know, it’s far fetched, and I took quite a few liberal steps to get there. But just perhaps.

A not so wild theory is an obvious one, I think. The monster is Rosebot. It’s vaguely feminine, robot-y, and references a recent creation. Rose’s consciousness breaking through Dirk’s command? Seems likely to me. 

A third! Perhaps it’s DaveBot? It seems less likely than the RoseBot theory, due simply to the femininity of the voice, but at the same time it seems like DaveBot would be more likely to fight Dirk’s control of his personal narrative, if only because we haven’t seen his robot form be entirely complicit yet. Either way, I doubt this one. I just want it on the record in case I’m right. *wink*. (I refuse to use a winky face in a semi-serious analysis, it just feels wrong.)

And this one isn’t really a theory, but I keep coming back to it. Is anyone else reminded of AradiaBot? Especially that second of the monster just singing with no instrumental. I can give no explanation except for a feeling. I wasn’t going to include this, but, well, trust your gut or something. Maybe she’ll come back and my random thought will be justified. 

Now, do I think this will be used in Homestuck^2 as a flash at some point. Short answer: I don’t know. Long and less shitty answer: I feel as though it could go either way! I can’t really see a song with vocals like this getting a flash, if only because it’s very straightforward and I don’t know if you can jam a whole lot of plot into this song, unlike some of the others. That said, it would be just like Homestuck to completely blow away my expectations and jam the entire ending into it. Hey, Homestuck? Please don’t do that. I love Act 7, I really do, but also just please don’t. Ever again, thank you. 

Maybe Meat Kanaya will liberate RoseBot from Ult. Dirk’s control and this song will play as she beats the shit out of him. I would like that, I think. 

CONCLUSIONS

Personal Rating: Holy Shit 

Objective Musical Rating: Robots Have Never Sounded So Vengeful And I Love It

Plot-Relevance Rating: It’s Possible But The Outlook Isn’t Good, Chief 

Would It Stand On Its Own?: Fuck Yes It Would. I Sang This When I Came Out Of The Womb.

did u nut tho: yuh

[3blacklivesmatter3]

This is America. Don't catch you slippin' now. Look at how I'm livin' now. Police be trippin' now. Yeah, this is America. Guns in my area. I got the strap. I gotta carry 'em. Lyrics from Childish Gambinos “This is America” released in 2018 and repopularised by this year's Black Lives Matter movement on TikTok.

 I believe that music on TikTok has been central to the popularity and spreadability of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. The hashtag #thisisamerica and #blacklivesmatter have been used on the platform in conjunction with a remix of the Song This is America by Childish Gambino. The song made by ‘carneyval’ has been remixed with a Post Malone song “Congratulations” and that particular sound then became used to show images, videos and examples of police brutality across America on TikTok some similar to the video I presented above. Users have made meaning out of the song using the lyrics literally “this is america” to show how they view the america they live in. I think the platform of TikTok has and is changing the way young people interact with politics massively and I think this song, in particular, has had a big part in it. 

I think a main reason as to why this trend became so large is because song and video portrays emotion more than reading any article can, especially for young people whose lives revolve around video and audio media rather than the traditional print media. When you see the faces of people affected by police brutality and people fighting to end it with powerful music in the background the message is that much more emotional and resonating. TikTok is an app full of your peers and people you follow and look up to. Young people such as myself trust and listen to people my age and people I follow. Young people are not big news consumers, especially traditional news sources. However learning about politics through a medium that they enjoy; music and video is effective. When you watch something that emits emotion in you, you connect with it better and want to share it around with your peers and family or create your own version or content. 

This trend overall led to young people becoming educated, aware and interested in current politics and the black lives matter's movement. Many beginning to change their own political opinions and beginning to educate their parents and peers on what they’ve learnt. Videos popped up of people fighting with their families and getting kicked out or punished for their new political opinions, this helped push the global movement and create that sense of community within TikTok. Using the duet feature on TikTok we would see peoples parents/peers reacting to these political videos, seeing live how these videos affect others around the country and the world. Below are a few examples of the kinds of tiktoks posted during this trend.  

Through TikTok activism I would argue many young people have found their identity and began to feel like they belong somewhere within a community. Activists on TikTok are able to find this community by using the same song, hashtag, audio clips, filter and dance or challenges. These are things like the this is america remix song, the hashtags #thisisamerica and #blacklivesmatter and filters of blue and red lights. Coates (2018) describes in her book that subcultures or communities are part of music scenes such as genres, cities or clubs but she also mentions how spaces on the internet and social media have created their own sort of music scenes now too. This is what TikTok and the “black lives matter” community on TikTok has become. On the platform of TikTok people are able to reply to comments, reply with their own video or duet someone's video. This creates a space for political dialogue and discussion amongst peers. Young people can have their voice heard in a way that feels comfortable to them, music, dance, editing when the traditional media outlets are not open to them. TikTok has helped foster generational awareness and solidarity, the notion of a Gen Z community has been made on TikTok, it has become a notion amongst the community that Gen Z will save the world. 

Creativity is central to popular music and this context takes the form of arranging and remixing. A musician ‘carneyval’  has remixed and arranged  This is America by Childish Gambino with Congratulations by Post Malone to become an original sound that is now only relevant within this social movement and holds meaning in this context. In this popular music context we analyse the song not for its musical qualities but the cultural impact it has. Whereas if it was just the song this is america, that has many meanings and could mean many things to communities. When people hear this specific remix they know the meaning behind it because they have seen it all over their TikTok feeds in this political context. Ruth Finnegan (2013) underscores the importance of music-making by amateurs and not just full-time specialists. He emphasises how important this local music-making is to the individual and the community it's used by. Creating community specific songs that hold meaning to that group, a song that is on the radio and released to the whole world doesn't hold that same community importance.

Black lives matter yesterday, today, tomorrow and everyday. I am grateful TikTok was around this year to amplify black voices and educate those who were ignorant to the issues. I think music, social media and Gen Z do have the power to change the world. However sad and helpless we all felt during the Black Lives Matter movement it is inspiring to see young people all around the world trying their hardest to change a system they didn’t create and aren’t a part of.

 References

Finnegan, R. (2013). The Hidden Musicians:Music-Making in an English Town. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press.

Kackman, M. (2018). The Craft of Criticism (p. Chapter 23: Popular Music, Norma Coates).

[theparanormalperiodical]

Ghosts Caught on Audio: The 7 Recordings and EVPs You Have to Listen To

It was only a week ago that I got a question from fellow tumblr user, @madphantom.

@madphantom told me that they picked up some paranormal activity whilst recording audio for a creative project.

The story goes that when they recorded audio for an actor who had died, things started to get weird.

When they replayed the audio, they realised that they had picked up a lot of static, and compared it to the iconic soundtrack from Slenderman’s notorious horror games.

Yikes.

And it was this story that reminded me of one my favourite horror film scenes, basically, ever from one of my favourite horror films, basically, ever.

There’s this scene from the film The Conjuring (which is based on the true case of the haunting of the Perron family) where they record the story of the haunting from one of the victims – the mother of the family.

And upon replaying the audio, they realised it didn’t actually record her voice.

After discussion of some key plot points, the recorder turned itself on and produced some seriously terrifying haunted noises.

Now, this didn’t actually happen as far as I can tell.

But it got me thinking: has paranormal activity ever been caught on audio?

There’s enough faked videos clogging up the youtube trending page to tell you we all love a bit of the supernatural making its online debut, and the same goes for audio recordings.

Go ahead, try ‘creepy audio recordings of the paranormal’ into youtube.

And so I was convinced that essentially, I had come to a dead end.

(Pun unintended.)

But then I remembered something:

Audio recordings are actually really fucking important when it comes to recording and investigating paranormal activity.

Methods like EVP and the use of Spirit Boxes have ruled the domain of ghost hunting since the late 20th century, and represent our desperate search for evidence of life after death.

And so, in today’s edition of The Paranormal Periodical we are going to be discussing the theories and histories behind EVP and Spirit boxes, and the 7 audio recordings of paranormal activity that you have to listen to.

So, what is EVP?

EVP – or electronic voice phenomena – are recorded sounds that have been identified as coming from spirits.

It was popularised by some bloke called Konstantins Raudive, and he himself recorded some seriously amazing EVPs.

He even claimed that he recorded political figures including Hitler and Churchill. Fancy a listen? Find a link to this recording is later in this post.

Now EVP is defined by Raudive as a short word or phrase from beyond the grave.

So no, you won’t be able to squeeze a 3000 word opinion piece from a historical figure of your choosing, I’m afraid.

But the conversation about paranormal audio recordings has been present ever since digital goods hit the shops. Just think of all those blurry photos supposedly evident of the undead!

In fact, it was actually a photographer who tried to capture the first audio recordings.

Attila von Szalay’s first recordings in 1956 apparently caught spirits saying some seriously scary stuff:

“Hot dog, art!...Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all”.

3 years later a swedish guy was recording some bird song.

Each to their own, I guess.

Anyway, he replayed the bird song, and he realised that he had captured evidence of the supernatural.

He made out his dead father’s voice, and even heard the voice of his dead wife. And she was calling his name!

A few recordings later and he picked up a message from another deceased relative, his mother.

Now according to theory, there are 3 types of EVP.

Basically, classification A is a clear voice, B is distinct but requires close listening, and C is a faint whispering.

EVP training is even required for ghost hunting in order to develop the ability to hear messages from the dead. Clearly this is serious business for fellow paranormal believers.

What’s a spirit box?

EVP’s require a digital audio recording.

Spirit boxes on the other hand allow spirits to use radio frequencies to talk to people that are actually alive.

Supposedly the ghosts can manipulate the energy of audio fragments to form words and phrases not unlike those heard in EVPs.

And the great thing about spirit or ghost boxes is that you don’t just listen to the dead – you can actually talk to them!

Normal practice involves asking questions and listening out for rather abstract responses. But the fact is this is one of the most famous and trusted methods of communicating with those beyond the grave.

The first official ghost box was created in the 1990s, and the inventor – Frank Sumpton – created it based off of EVP and an article he read on spirit communication.

But if you aren’t convinced by the ghost box, what about the Spiricom?

Invented in 1980, William O Neil created a device that could actually hold a conversation between a dead and a not so dead person.

Unfortunately – and to no surprise – no one actually reproduced the results O’Neil claimed he had.

Did you know that in 1979 parapyschologist Dr. Rogo claimed that you could get phonecalls from those that had passed away? People frequently report receiving a short one-way call from deceased relatives, and it has even been considered a phenomenon.

So, you’ve heard the theories.

But are you ready for the evidence?

Here are the 7 spookiest audio recordings of spirits:

#1 - The exorcism of Anneliese Michel

This is a recording from possibly the most famous case of possession of modern times.

Heck, it was even given it’s own film to document the case, The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

But if you haven’t heard the tale yourself, the story basically goes like this:

A devout catholic girl starts exhibiting strange behaviour.

From unexplained seizures to claims of hearing multiple ‘evil’ voices, she was eventually deemed possessed.

And whilst the many recordings of her exorcisms aren’t EVP or recordings from a Spirit Box session, this is firm evidence of how important recordings were to investigating evidence of the paranormal.

Check out this video to make your own mind up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3aI8kpHxDM

And below is accurate footage of me noping the fuck outta here:

#2 - Next up is the Enfield Haunting

Now this case is interesting because it was largely considered a hoax evoked by 2 young girls.

Investigators used tape recorders and some EVP to assess the potential nature of the haunting.

What’s interesting here is that the debate largely centres around the supposedly possessed voice of Janet – the main girl involved – caught on tape.

Sceptics claimed it was produced by false vocal chords, and that we can all put on a creepy and different voice when we want.

But it was by analysing the actual vocabulary used, they could claim it was similar to that of a child and not a potential ghost or demon, and often evoked mannerisms similar to that of Janet.

Even on national TV, Janet waved her hand to get attention, put it in front of her mouth, and a strange voice was produced supposedly from nowhere.

Hmm.

What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OWgImgIRic

#3 - The Haunting of an Unnamed New York Hotel

In early 2007, the Central New York Ghost Hunters were asked to investigate a hotel in New York.

Why was it unnamed? The hotel in question asked for the name to be withheld from public discussions for the obvious reasons that their living visitor numbers would fall.

The investigator’s claim this investigation was one of their most active, which is not a surprise considering its long history.

(Unfortunately, this is hard to trace for this post as I do not have the name of the hotel…)

Anyway, the main activity they picked up was an EVP carried out by someone sitting on a staircase.

You can clearly hear a scuffle between two people as a woman asks someone to get off her, a rather sleazy ‘hello baby’, and even the ring of an old fashioned cuckoo clock.

Fancy a listen? Click the link: https://youtu.be/dXa0QrS-WV8

#4 - The Raudive Recordings

I’ve already mentioned Raudive and his innovatory practice, and thanks to his interest in EVP, he has created an incredible collection of evidence of the paranormal.

In total, he has 72,000 recordings of the paranormal talking.

Holy shit.

And this collection even contains the supposed voices of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini and Churchill!

He claims Hitler spoke to him in Raudive’s mother tongue of Latvian which Hitler barely learnt while he was alive.

And what did Hitler say?

‘you are a girl here, or else you are thrown out’.

Yeah, I don’t know what that means either…

And what did Churchill say? Well, interpreters don’t really care much for what was said, but how he said it.

It apparently was a convincing EVP as it sounded like him, and was thus supported by many as evidence of the paranormal.

Some of these recordings were even conducted in laboratories to ensure accuracy, and Raudive invited members of the public to listen and interpret the recordings he collected.

So why not try your hand at it too?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz1PzPrOXPE

#5 - The Glen Tavern Inn

This tavern stretches back to the prohibition era, and its speakeasy history – which included being a brothel and gambling parlour – have fuelled its rumours of supernatural activity.

Whether its murdered prostitutes, or fights between budding gamblers, it does have some basis to the claims.

And these stories were confirmed by an EVP taken.

If you listen closely, you can hear a woman singing as an investigator enters a haunted room.

Check out the EVP here: https://youtu.be/iRtJLPWByFg?list=UU1VrWEFyQYIDKuWWfRjyj7A

#6 - The Eerie Mansion Basement

Now I’ve never heard of this mansion and its murderous past, and I’m kinda glad I hadn’t.

Rumour has it that this was once home to Bill Ely.

And it was here that he killed countless women.

But it was when the American Ghost Hunters took an EVP, they heard some paranormal activity more chilling than the stories that haunt this home.

The investigator’s recorded what sounded like the whimpers of a small girl.

And when they got close to what they believed what the source of the sounds?

A man in a gruff voice told them to ‘Leave that girl alone’.

Yikes.

Want to get seriously spooked? Check out the recording: https://youtu.be/JqQ6dx_w4qs

#7 - The Queen Mary (the boat, not the person)

The Queen Mary is deemed one of the most haunted ships in the world.

And it was all quite a recent discovery.

Only in 2008 did Time magazine claim it was once of the most haunted places, but many other people have made similar claims.

For example, suite room B-340 is one such spot which is considered ‘notoriously haunted’, and a stateroom is haunted by a murder victim.

But the location we are most concerned with here is the first class area.

And an EVP taken here recorded a woman calling for help in an area frequented by many ghost women and children.

Listen to that EVP here: https://youtu.be/re5-OGabpHk

So, we’ve heard what the ghosts have to say.

And now it’s over to you.

Do you think madphantom actually captured evidence of the paranormal?

What about the other audio recordings here?

Let me know by leaving me a comment!

Oh, and when you get out from under your quilt, make sure you hit ‘follow’ so you can always be updated with more stuff to traumatise you.

[praphit]

Queen & Slim: Just another night on Tinder

I was excited when I saw the trailer for this movie. Finally, we're gonna get some more black superheroes! Some people might say "You've got Black Panther!".

So, black people only get one? There are enough white superheroes to cover a football field, but we're supposed to be happy with just one? I know there's some lesser black superheroes, but I don't wanna hear about no Luke Cage (who has impenetrable skin). 

He ain't nothing, but cheap target practice. 

Falcon?

SO FAR (I know Disney+ stuff is coming), he has only been good at carrying Capt's shield. If Capt forgets his shield at the beach or something, we all know who he is going to call.

No, we just have BP! - but he's busy fighting big time enemies like Thanos... and merchandising:)

(respect)

We need some heroes (super or not) on our level to keep it real!

Queen and Slim are out there for the people! 

Shooting up cops who shoot up black people - at least that's what some might take away from the trailer. There are two camps here:

Those who are rah-rah, as I am, that we're getting new heroes to root for, and those who would say "What about the cop? What about the cop's family and friends? Besides, those two probably aren't totally innocent anyway."

Both sides, in this case, are wrong.

These two aren't really heroes; they didn't ask for any of this. They're not like Batman, who DECIDES to put on the costume, saying to himself "Time to save the day!" (Let's be honest, it's prob more like "Time to beat the hell out of some people, until I feel vindicated". But, whatever.) Queen and Slim were simply on a Tinder date.

Queen (played by Jodie Turner-Smith) is an attorney. She is obviously smart, she is confident, picky, a lil bitchy, a lil lonely, and way out of Slim's league. Well... I don't like to say that... they're just in different leagues.

Slim (played by Daniel Kaluuya) is a polite, some what naive, romantic, cornball. He's all about helping people.

It's not like these two are out looking for trouble or hanging out with a gang or something; just two regular people on a date that's going horribly wrong.

The climax of this horrible date is Mr. Sturgill Simpson. If that name sounds like a country singer's name to you, that's because he is. He plays the cop.

(Wow, he is feeling it! He’s rockin that song! Or maybe he’s just tuning very passionately idk)

Now, to those who would want to run to their programmed stance of defending the cop - #1 (Bleep) that dude. He was the worst! He was definitely abusing his power. #2 It was self defense on the part of Q&S #3 which movie would you rather see - this one? or the movie where Sturgill's family and friends (all white and southern) make this racist/abuser a martyr, and set out (as protagonists) to hunt down and kill two black people? No one can feel good about watching a film like that! Well... You know what?? - I'll just move on.

This movie is actually a romantic drama/road trip flick. As seen in the trailer, they shoot the cop and are now on the run. BUT, they find time to stop for snacks, ask for directions, see some friends & family, crack some jokes, check out the sights, all while trying to avoid the law:)

The acting is very good, and the chemistry (and how they end up falling in love thru all of this) between Queen and Slim is well done. The movie shows what an inspiration a story like this can be for the black community. I don't mean in real life (although that too, to a degree), but in the movie, black people are helping Queen and Slim out around every turn - this is kinda like their super power. Now, they DO show the dangers of how protesters, in their anger (though valid) could possibly lead to big problems, if not checked. The movie pulls back A LIL BIT in this way (from F**K THE POLICE), especially for those of you looking for some balance. That being said, it ain't like this a #bluelivesmatter message movie. We all know why we're here - to cheer on Marvel's newest additions.

I will say that there are some contrived parts during their escapes, and the fact that most of the black people in this movie are bending over backwards to help Queen and Slim out is a little unrealistic. We look after our own in these types of situations, but... EVERY BLACK PERSON THEY MEET? Entire rooms of black people? All of them?! Even those on the police force?! I'm just sayin. Although, our shared trepidation and frustration concerning cops and the justice system MIGHT cause this overwhelming united reaction. Like I said, it's their super power. It wasn't just black people helping them - my man Flea was out there for the cause as well.

I really wanted him to take off his shirt and bust out a random bass solo; even though it wouldn't have made any sense in the story, I wouldn't have cared.

Written by Lena Waithe and Directed by Melina Matsoukas.

I thought the pacing was kinda off at times, and the movie is too long, but all in all, pretty good. There were times when the audio of the people in the scene are being heard, but the people aren't moving their lips. This is a love it or hate it move by the director. I thought it was a huge editing error at first:)

The ending will send a different message to different people.  A part from that, the other message I took was that this could happen to any of us. From a bad tinder date to "Queen and Slim". Tempers flare and shit happens. Another message is to make sure that you keep stopping for food if you're on the run from the police. I guess you'll need your strength. There's a whole lot of eating going on in this film. Make sure you bring snacks to the theatre, cuz it'll make you hungry.

I wonder if Tinder could capitalize on its part of the movie. Maybe add a "Queen and Slim Challenge" button to their app. Actors could be sent out to ruin your date and hunt you down, and hopefully the two of you will fall in love... or go to prison.

I give this movie a solid B

If you're a black couple and end up with Queen and Slim's exact sitch, I don't know that you should come my way. I might help you, but I don't know. This is real life. I don't know you! You could be involved in some 6ix9ine nonsense.

 Yeah, def don't show up at my step looking like that, expecting help.

Now, Black Panther, I'd help! No matter what he allegedly did. We've gotta protect our one superhero at all cost.

(aaaaah, I couldn't resist. This poster makes me LOL. “BP2: White Devil attacks.” Marvel, please make that happen! Look, White Devil has already appropriated the suit.

[wrienne]

My Cheating, Amnesic Fiancé

Chapter 1: Cheater

"My blood, sweat and tears..."

It had been a spontaneous decision for you to follow when your best friend, Se-Eun, had a ticket to spare when her other friend called in sick. It was one of the most expensive seats, almost directly in front of the stage, and she didn't think she could find someone else in the last twenty minutes before the show. She was a huge fan, a type of fan to buy everything even remotely connected to the boy band - yes, even useless things like paperweights - with her biggest bias being the one and only Jeon Jungkook.

Your worst nightmare. Oh, and also - your fiancé.

Of course, she didn't know the latter part. Nobody did, or you wouldn't be standing in one of the front rows, still breathing. She only knew about you and Jungkook's long-lasting family ties, and that the two of you often celebrated holidays together. There was of course some media surrounding you and Jungkook since you were the alleged heiress of Phoenix Inc., your late grandfather's enormous international company, and he was, well, Jeon Jungkook, the "Golden Maknae", the rabbit, the "Idol that was scouted by 8 different entertainment agencies", every girl's secret wet dream - yes, you had heard it all from Se-Eun and her friends. It was too much information, to be honest.

To you, he would always be the kid who thought Legolas was the dwarf and Gimli was the elf and that the two were counting because they had some kind of problem. He would also be the kid always ignoring you during family get-togethers and who would disassemble everything you ever liked. He would be the kid who always looked away when Hye-Bin and her pets had harassed you during all of first grade to graduation.

Or at least, that's what you had thought before you had seen him on stage, live, for the first time. Suddenly, you found it hard to believe you had ever met him outside the stadium - or knew him at all.

The hair was recently dyed and cut, he probably wore more make-up than you and he donned, most likely, deliberately tight pants. He moved with the determined elegance only practice and practice and even more practice could have granted him and sang, while dancing vigorously, with more steadiness than you could have pulled off while seated. You two were the same age, 20, yet you realized numbly that he, truly and undoubtedly, had reached a prime time in his life. He wasn't a boy any longer.

And frankly, that kind of frightened you.

When the song ended, deafening screams and thunderous applauds resounded throughout the stadium. Grimacing and drilling your fingers into your ears, you watched as the lights on stage quickly dimmed, erasing the sight of Jungkook and the other six members. Just when you thought it was safe to relax, a new tune began, causing the shouting and yelling to erupt anew - especially from your right where Se-Eun and her friends Min-Ji and Yeon-Woo stood. You didn't understand what was happening - not until a spotlight centered on the middle of the stage, illuminating the shape of one person.

Jungkook raised a microphone to his lips and began singing.

"The fifteen-year-old me who didn't have anything..."

You simply stared. During his whole performance, you were as spellbound. There was such passion, such emotion in his voice and his face - even the slightest movements of his fingers when they sometimes flexed and relaxed around the microphone intrigued you.

Mostly, because it shocked you.

During your whole life while growing up together, he had never exhibited any particular emotion at all. He was mostly stiff or quiet or even sardonic. But at that moment, dancing and singing on stage, he was as vulnerable as he had ever been.

You had only witnessed such exposure once.

He finished the song with a few lasting tones and a final dance move to match the beat. The lights had dimmed, yet you discerned in the darkness his wiry outline against the backdrop. You stared in wonder, taking in the sensual curl of his lips, his semi-lidded eyes and the sweat trickling down his temples and neck. You fleetingly spotted the boy who once had too large of a nose to match his face, but that image was quickly replaced by the man you and the ten thousand other pairs of eyes could see.

He was beautiful.

By the end of the concert, you were almost deaf. Se-Eun, Min-Ji and Yeon-Woo had tears streaming down their faces and they were hoarse from screaming. They had filmed the whole concert on Min-Ji's ridiculously expensive camera, and when you finally had exited the stadium, they were frantically looking for the moment one of the seven members - you think his name was Jin - had blown them a kiss from stage during one of the songs. The three of them shared a YouTube-channel completely dedicated to the group and were already discussing editing, whose Internet they would torture by uploading the whole concert and so on and so forth.

You exhaled out loudly. The screen of your phone said 22:34. You could still call for your parents' driver, but you didn't want to make a scene. There were still a ton of people pooling out of the exit area and who knew if they recognized you. Although you were dressed very casually, you didn't doubt some of the bystanders would put together two and two if they saw a girl your age exiting a BTS concert and entering a really nice car with a private driver. You didn't need more media covering your involvement with Jungkook, even though you two actually were engaged.

That was one of the conditions Jungkook very clearly had established in the beginning.

You glanced at your best friend. "Se-Eun, I thought you said you were calling your mom."

Se-Eun looked up from the camera and smiled sheepishly. The orange of a streetlight overhead made her brown eyes glint and her light brown-colored hair coppery. "I will, I just have to look at him again." She quirked her brow. "I cannot believe you've never been to one of their concerts before. I thought your parents and his were tight like this." She held up two fingers and crossed them together.

"They are," you said reluctantly. "Doesn't mean he and I are, though. He has no reason to make me come to the concert."

In fact, Jungkook had often tried to make you stay away from them. He had said it was nothing particular and that the shows often malfunctioned due to sloppiness and technical error. He had even claimed they didn't really care for their fans and that it was very strained and awkward to look at them perform. Actually, thinking about it, you found it very suspicious considering how the concert had progressed. Sure they had started everything very dolled-up in make-up and expensive clothes, but they had continuously had interludes in which they spoke to the audience and thanked them and one another, and the show had ended with them simply wearing t-shirts - albeit with their own logo on them - and holding a microphone. It had all felt very genuine by the end, and until then, the production value had been surprisingly high, with great audio, lights, scenes that could rise and fall and much more.

"Still," said Se-Eun. "It's just odd considering your relationship."

"It is," you admitted. Jungkook could be rude - really, really rude - but you had never taken him for a liar. "Perhaps I should ask him why he hasn't invited me before."

At this, Min-Ji and Yeon-Woo stopped their fiddling on the camera options. "How? Oh God, do you have his number?" they almost screamed in unison.

You were tempted to punch one of them when you saw some girls turn to look at why they had shouted. Se-Eun quickly calmed all three of you down.

"Hush, you two. Still, do you?" Se-Eun asked incredulously.

"No," you said with a snort. "But I'll just go backstage or whatever and find him."

For a moment, the three of them were quiet. But then they opened their mouths and roared in laughter.

"What?" you asked.

"Good luck getting past the security guards," Min-Ji said, her voice short of breath. "I mean, truly. Good luck."

"Yeah, it's not like other people have tried it," Yeon-Woo laughed. "Not at all."

You frowned. "I'll just tell the sec I'm friends with one of the members."

"Guys," Se-Eun said after they had another assault from the invisible laughter fairy that obviously was missing you with her wand. "I-I don't think she gets it."

You crossed your arms. "Obviously, I don't."

"It's okay," Min-Ji said. "Just let her go. It's funnier that way."

"Good idea," Yeon-Woo said. "(Y/N), we'll be waiting here, don't worry."

Se-Eun was still giggling as she spoke. "It's useless," she told you. "Think about how many times fans try to get backstage, lying that they're cousins or something. You would be just another one among thousands of crazy people. Besides," she added a little more quietly, just for you to hear, "the media will get hold of it, someway or another. How many times don't you complain that you wish you could change lives with someone else?"

That was a valid point. But Min-Ji and Yeon-Woo had wounded your pride and now you almost felt like you had to prove them wrong.

"Yes, but since I can't, I might just as well just live with it," you replied as you turned around and began away from the girls. "I'll be back in a bit."

"Fighting!" one said sarcastically, causing all three of them to laugh.

You would show them. Deciding it best not to sound like a typical stalker-fan, you came up with a lie. It wasn't too difficult convincing one of the guards at the exit area to let you in to try and find your lost keys. He followed you, and as you pretended to search, you kept an eye open for any kind of backstage signs. There were some cleaners that already had begun and some other people with ID-cards dangling from their necks walking around to check cables, but other than that, the stadium was empty and you couldn't exactly ask one of them where the artists were.

"I might have dropped them in the women's bathroom," you told the guard after a minute or two of fruitless conversation with the cleaners.

He nodded. "Let's check there."

Fortunately, you had visited the bathrooms before the concert began, which were next to a set of sturdy-looking, gray metal doors. You knew they were locked for Min-Ji had tried pulling at them to no avail. However, your last shot was to somehow find Jungkook on his way out of the stadium, and perhaps those doors were the way out of backstage. You knew that was a thought bordering on irrational, but your pride was still wounded and you thought you might as well give it a shot.

You didn't see Jungkook on the way and the doors were just as shut and probably locked as they were before. Disheartened, you entered the women's bathroom, casting one last look at the gray doors.

Someone was occupying one of the booths. You went to the sink to wash your hands, to have something to do while you were feeling gradually more embarrassed. Your keys burned in the chest pocket of your jacket, so at least that lie would have a happy ending.

Through the mirror, you spotted a short girl with a brown curly bob exiting the booth behind your sink. At first, you didn't understand why you felt like something was odd with her, but then you realized it.

And your stomach dropped to the floor.

It was Park Yi-Jae, idol and the leader of one of the hottest female girl groups at the moment. Pretty as the moon with a voice like silk and a bright, optimistic personality and a smile that could melt iron. Everyone had heard of her. She was gaining popularity faster than Suzy had thanks to the drama "Of Smoke and Mirrors" and you knew she was becoming a major "It"-icon in China.

Not only was Park Yi-Jae in the bathroom in a stadium where BTS just had performed. She was wearing Jungkook's jacket - and no, not the one he had donned on stage, but the one private he had worn during your family's joint celebration of the Chinese New Year almost a month ago. And the most telling of them all, she was wearing the necklace you had bought him for his graduation.

That son of a bitch was cheating on you.