#you can’t tell how much merch or albums someone has by looking at their blog lmao

[titsthedamnseason]

once again i will remind you that no one is forcing you guys to buy multiple editions :) and literally no one is going to make you feel like “not a true fan” because of that please be serious….

[yanahsworld]

Mi favorite songs at the moment

Music has always been important to me. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t listen to my favorite songs when I’m studying, writing, reading, traveling or just relaxing in my room. These can be brand-new songs or old favorites that I’ve been fascinated with for a long time. I’ll share five of my current favorite songs with you in this blog post along with some information about each one. Enjoy reading and listening! :)

Pied Piper by BTS

Back when I was a full Kpop Stan I was very obsessed with BTS and ironically my favorite song by them was Pied Piper. I was already curious about the title because I know a little bit about the story about the Pied Piper but didn’t pay much attention to it. As time went on I found myself in a deeper obsession with them. Posters, saving all the videos and pictures, never missing a vlive, downloading their games, and buying some merch. Luckily one day I came to the light. I finally decided to look up the word behind the song and as I was reading my jaw dropped and tears started to come down. The song was literally telling about how we’re drawn into them so much to the point where it’s taking over what we do in our daily lives and that we can’t focus nor turn away from them, we’re hooked on them, they’re our obsession and that we can’t push them away no matter how hard we try. I also remember one specific line that Jungkook said (the maknae of BTS) “this is gonna get you nowhere don’t reject me.” At that moment I knew how the lyrics connected with the title and the origins behind it and that’s when I pretty much took a break from BTS. I rarely focus on them and listen to their music now but when I do carefully analyze the lyrics.

“Stop. Now stop watching and study for your test Your parents and boss hate me Video clips, pictures, tweets, V app, Bon Voyage I know, you can’t help what you like But stop, interpret the music video later.”

Free Love by HONNE

Because Taehyung suggested this song and Jhope sang it with him on their show BTS In The Soop, every time I hear it, I am reminded of the show every time. This song is fantastic. This song is amazing. It's both cool and quite deep. I keep coming back to it. Whatever your opinion of this song may be, let's not minimize what a stunning masterpiece it is.

“I can’t get you all that stuff, but I can give you all my love. Free love, free love."

You know it’s always the simple things.

Black Swan by BTS

Have you ever thought that what you do doesn’t make sense anymore, that you no longer feel the same passion as before? How do you feel lost?

It’s one of the sensation that happens the most to artists of any field, dance, music, plastics, etc. Losing inspiration is a common thing in the world, feeing divided. That’s where the group BTS is based, to compose their masterpiece BLACK SWAN.

Black Swan is a song by BTS from the album Map of The Soul: 7 (2020) written by BTS leader and rapper Kim Namjoon and August Rigo, Clyde Kelly.

The song starts with the verse: “I heard from someone whose heart, no longer beats with the same passion while listening to  music, I try to take it in.” It feels like time has stopped, I realize that could be my first death, the one that has scarred me my whole life. If my art can be no longer make me feel, if it no longer makes my heart beat, that’s probably what it would feel when I first die. But what if my time has come?”

The song is about fears, frustrations, ego, good side and bad side. To be an artist is to depend on creativity and inspiration, and this, at any time you can fail, leave or disappear. BTS talk about how, maybe the only thing that keeps you happy in the world, can also make you a bad play.

But how can an artist stay on a level? For love or for ego, your swan black

Considered by many experts, one of the best BTS songs, combine singing, rap, and dancing, based on the famous Swan story black Alluding with his movements and poignant lyrics to the inevitable feeling of fear an artist may come to feel.

BTS bases their discography on the archetypes of psychoanalyst Jung, one of those is the “shadow”, Black Swan goes inside that archetype, where the feelings we most hide, achieve and hold.

Somebody Out There by A Rocket To The Moon

This is one of my favorite song of A Rocket to The Moon. I found this song when I’m scrolling to my Facebook news feed. This song mentioned small things/gestures, that’s how important it is. Love was not being defined by the expensive gifts, it is about those little things and efforts. Or on how you show your care to your partner. Like even in a simple call just to hear your voice and just to say hello, and simple “how are you my love?” means a lot. Don’t leave your partner confuse and questioning. (maam wala po akong jowa mema content lng po ito hehe.) Make them feel love, and make them feel that it was real.

I hope you find your “somebody out there”. Always remember that you deserve the world. Nothing less. So if you are listening and thinking about one person and you think that he/she portrays all the things that the song mentioned, you’re lucky enough to say it out loud that found your “somebody out there” I wish you happiness and strength to face all the challenges that is coming.

“There somebody out there who’s looking for you, someday will find you and I swear that it’s true.”

Hi Bye, Goodnight by DANIEL

When my classmate Zoe suggested this song to me last week, I was overjoyed. When I first start listening to this song, I really wonder why it isn't more well-known, especially since the singer has such a lovely and great voice. I also find the music to be quite peaceful. Since I often listen to this song when I'm getting ready for bed, it has become one of my favorites. This is a masterpiece that everyone should hear!

“Tell me where we can be When the flowers bloom I’d be lost without you In the endless hours Goodnight.”

Have you already picked your top song favorites? I hope you enjoy reading about my current favorite music. I appreciate you reading and listening. :*

[seoraksan]

hello! i hope ur having the best n most magical day <3

oh my gosh, hi! how’re you? i already know who this is just by the way you’re writing. hi tokki!! my magical friend❤️ i’ve missed you so very much! i’m sorry that i haven’t been talking to you or answering your messages. i went through a rough patch a few years ago, and i still haven’t completely gone back to my old social self. i have messages that i haven’t answered in 3 years and i feel so bad about it..

i have the habit of going silent when i’m going through a hard time. i don’t like throwing my emotions onto other people when i’m sad. so that’s one of the reasons why i haven’t been doing good when it comes to talking to people, and trying to be active on social media. i never want to be the reason for someone’s bad day.

you’ve always been on my mind, but i’ve been constantly thinking of you these past few weeks. i tried to find you on kakaotalk a while back, but i couldn’t log into my old account. i ended up messaging you on snapchat, and i was hoping that you still used it, even though i know you haven’t posted in a while. i didn’t want to lose contact with you, you mean too much to me. it’s so crazy how fate is! i’m so happy that you reached out, i thought i lost you❤️ i really appreciate you more then words can ever say. you’ve always been a very treasured person in my life. i’m beyond grateful for the fact that you still think of me, even when i’ve been terrible at communicating.

i know people probably look at the changes in my blog and think that i no longer love those 7 beautiful angels, but that’s not true. i’ve never stopped loving and supporting bts. actually, my love for them has only grown stronger over the years. i had to back away from the fandom because it wasn’t the best for my mental health. there were a lot of controlling people on here that started showing their true colors, and i had to take a step back. i saw so much of,” he’s mine’ or “he needs to do this with his body” so many people were starting to post really personal things about them. photographs that shouldn’t have been posted anywhere, privacy invasion, etc. i started to see people talking about the new houses they were buying, what district the homes are in, and even going as far as telling the address. it was crazy stuff that was making me feel uncomfortable. they are humans and they deserve privacy and respect. even if you know where they live, you shouldn’t be waving it around, because there are a lot of people out there that might want to do them harm, and if you love them, you should always want them to be protected. i can’t even imagine something bad like that happening to them. it makes my heart hurt with even the thought. and then you had the people who felt like they owned them just because they bought some albums and merchandise. ‘fans’ always being so concerned about their personal lives and what they were doing with their time. it became really gross. just because you gave every dollar in your back account to purchase their merch and see them live, that does not mean that you have claim on them. people couldn’t comprehend it. and this was doing a time when i would follow mostly bts blogs, so i would see it quite constantly. not everyone was like that, but it was hard to find the good apples when you’re digging in a barrel of a lot of bad ones. it was difficult to sit back and not say anything, so i would try and speak up as much as possible. i saw a few bigger blogs showing this behavior, and it scared me because they have a bigger platform to spew such things out to a willing audience that sometimes seemed really naive and would listen to anything these blogs were posting. when i would try and talk to them about the way that they were acting, they got defensive and tried to act like what they were doing was okay, and that it shouldn’t bother me that much because, “they’re public figures and they should be used to such treatment” it was just too stressful, so i bowed out of the fandom on tumblr. i still showed my love and support for bts, but i couldn’t do the fandom. i couldn’t argue with people all day long about the way that they were acting. especially at a time when i was already stressed and miserable. i know a lot of ex army would talk about how some people in the fandom made them stop being as active with bts, and in the end they stopped caring for them. i wasn’t going to allow people to take away the love and joy that i feel towards bts, so i had to make the decision to stop being as active on tumblr.

i love army so much. they’re so dedicated to the boys, and it’s a beautiful thing. army is kind, supportive of others, and compassionate. they respect boundaries. army knows that to love bts, you have to respect them. how can you say you love them if you aren’t respecting them? it doesn’t matter if you’ve been a fan for 8 years or 8 minutes, it’s all about the love and respect that you have for them. it’s about love, not about the merch, or how many of their concerts you’ve been to, it’s about love.

the boys have been one of the few things that i’ve had to keep me sane these past few years. so much has happened, and if it wasn’t for them and the love i feel for them, i don’t really think i could’ve made it. even when it came to simple things like finding the motivation to get out of bed, all i had to do was scroll through twitter and see them, and i would feel so much happiness. times when i felt like i didn’t have much to wake up for anymore, they were there to make me smile and feel loved. i get strength just knowing that they’re alive and well.

but i do really miss gushing about the boys, so i might make another blog. i’ve been saying that for a while, but i might actually do it. talking about them brings me such happiness, and i miss being apart of the community 🖤

only downside to leaving was that i missed out on a lot of my friends. like you, meariie, S(@seokjinshearts ), and a few others who hold a special place in my heart. i feel so terrible because i feel like i’ve neglected our friendship and let it wither by not feeding it. but please know that i’ve never once ceased to pour my love into it. i’ve always cared for our friendship and held it close to my heart. i wish i could’ve shown it more to you. i hope that there’s still time to make it up to you. to show you how much you mean to me, because you really are one of the best people to ever step foot into my life, and it would devastate me to see you walk away. i will try harder, i promise.

i pray that you’re doing well and staying safe!! i believe the last time we talked was before the pandemic. are you doing well? staying safe? drinking water and eating? have you been resting? and taking time for yourself? all the important things that i hope that you’ve been doing since the last time we’ve had a chance to talk. how’s your family? is everyone well? are you doing good mentally? there’s so much to catch up on🥺

i’m sorry for the novel that i just wrote. it’s hard for me to write in small paragraphs when i have so much in my heart that i want to get out. honestly, i could keep going on, but i don’t want you to have to sit here reading it for 3 hours. my inbox is always open, and if you want to talk on another social website, like kakaotalk or whatever, i’m so willing to do that. i want to have you in my life, tokki. my world is much more magnificent with you in it ❤️ my adoration for you goes beyond words, my magical friend. i hope that we can allow our friendship to blossom again and touch the heavens with its blooms.

sending you a basket full of love and adoration, always🥰

@tick-tokki

[iwassevenandyouwerenine]

It breaks my heart how we Latin American swifties always get the short end of the stick. We love Taylor just as much as the other fans yet we get absolutely nothing. It’s hard looking at pictures of the secret sessions and knowing none of us will ever be invited and feels like an “American and British only event”, or how our shipping for merch is extremely expensive, or how we never get to see her live. And I know that Taylor is under no obligation to do secret sessions and that shipping is absolutely out of her control, but what really hurts is always getting ignored during tours. 

I am not going to lie and I’m not proud of this but it does make me jealous. It’s hard to go to someone’s Tumblr blog and see they’ve seen Taylor 15 times live while I’m not sure I’ll ever get the chance. It obviously bums me every era when tour dates are announced and I scroll down just to see once again she is not playing in my country, especially when there are cities in the U.S. which get two shows while we don’t get even one in our whole continent. It’s hard to see the videos of the tours and seeing it look so amazing but knowing I probably won’t ever be able to experience it. Is not just Taylor, is most of the artists out there who will probably never come either, but it stings a bit more in her case because she is so amazing to all of us fans and keeps up with us on social media so she definitely knows she has lots of fans over here. 

I am 21 years old and should probably be concerned about other things, and I know this is nothing compared to the struggles people have to deal with, but as the years go by and I get older and this keeps happening I can’t help but feel sad. I remember being 11 years old and becoming a fan of her and telling my parents that I wanted to see her live so bad, and them telling me that one day she’ll come and I’ll be able to see her, but 4 albums have been released with a fifth one coming up and that day has not come for me and I’m starting to think it never will. 

To all the amazing people who got invited to the secret sessions: I am so happy for you, I know she was amazing and lovely as always and you all deserve it. This is in no way an attack on you because as a part of this fandom I know how much of an accomplishment that is. I'm sorry if I sound bitter, I guess right this moment I am and I'm sure it will go away, but for now, I needed to get my feeling out of the way and this is the only way I know how. To all my fellow Latinx swifties I hope one day our time will come and hopefully it will be all we’ve ever dreamed of.

[jalmotaesseo-scans]

Hi guys!  For those who don’t know me or who are just joining us, my name is Amy.  I’m the main admin here on jalmotaesseo-scans; if it gets posted, I’m probably the one posting it.  If it gets answered, I’m the one answering it.  If something needs uploading or updating, I’m the one who uploads and updates it.  I’m also the one who has the unpleasant duty of telling those who request certain groups that we won’t be able to scan them, which is my least favourite part of the job.

I absolutely hate having to tell anyone that we won’t be able to scan the group they come here to see.  I cannot tell you guys just how many times I’ve checked the active tags only to see someone looking for a tag that doesn’t exist because we can’t afford to buy another group’s merch if we’re not into them.  And I’d like to propose a solution to that.

We have enough followers here on jalmotaesseo-scans that if every one of you donated even something as small as 50 cents, we'd have enough in our album fund to scan pretty much every new group or every request for a good year or two.  For perspective... that is around half the cost of a candy bar currently.  If everyone donated that amount just ONE time, we could scan any number of groups' albums, photobooks, dvds, magazine photoshoots, calendars... anything and everything you could ever want, in HD.

We want to be able to do that.  We want to scan for as many fandoms as possible, because every fandom deserves good scans of their favourite artists.  But we can't do it without YOUR help.  We're not asking for huge donations from you guys because we know that money is probably tight for a lot of you right now.  But if you guys could find it in you to donate just 50 cents... it'd go a long way toward helping us to provide you with scans for a long time to come.

To donate 25 cents, click here!

To donate 50 cents, click here!

To donate 75 cents, click here!

To donate 1 dollar, click here!

To donate another amount, click here!

And I realise that there are probably some of you who won't be able to donate for various reasons, which is totally understandable.  Even if you can't donate, we love and appreciate you all so much, and we're thankful that you guys like our blog enough to follow and/or reblog our stuff.  You are all wonderful, and without you this blog would not be what it is today.

-Amy

[choisjongho]

So, since our boys debuted, I’m doing this for eventual new stans! Welcome to the fandom, I hope this guide will be helpful 🧡

If anyone thinks there’s something more to add, just tell me! Feel free to add it on a reblog too. Also, let me know if any links are not working!

ATEEZ? Who are they?

ATEEZ is a group under KQ Entertainment, once knew as KQ Fellaz. They debuted on October 24th (2018) and have 8 members: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho.

Here is their debut MV, Treasure:

Did it get your attention? So here’s some info for you...

ABOUT THE BAND

Before debuting, they fed us well. Here are some of their performance videos:

1. Their very first video

2. Growl (yes, from EXO!) performance

3. From, their pre-debut song 

Notes: ~ the song was produced by Hongjoong!  ~ at first, ATEEZ was supposed to have nine members, so in this video you can see Junyoung (third rapper), the trainee who didn’t debut with them.

4. Performance video on their debut, for the title track Pirate King!

And there’s more! (Here, here and here, + pre-debut Pirate King performance + stage debut)

They also had two reality shows on YouTube before debut!

The first one has 12 episodes, and it’s about their training at USA and the production of From. (Honestly, this was what made me fall in love for  them! 😍 All eps are subbed and their duration is about 3/4 minutes.)

The second one, called Code Name is ATEEZ, was a Mnet one where  they had to complete missions to be able to debut! (Original series on Youtube aren’t subbed, so here’s a link for a masterlist that will help you to find and watch subbed eps.)

Their debut album is called TREASURE EP.1: All to Zero! You can find it on iTunes and Spotify. Support them by streaming their songs and buying their album! (These boys deserve it, believe me.)

Our fandom still doesn’t have a lightstick or any merch at all aside their album, but soon these are coming! 

Fandom’s name is ATINY! A mix of ATEEZ + destiny (us).

Here's where you can find them:

Instagram: @ateez_official_

Twitter: @ateezofficial

V LIVE: KQ

V LIVE: ATEEZ

Facebook: ATEEZofficial 

MEMBERS

Hongjoong

Full name: Kim Hongjoong

Birth date: 07/11/1998

Leader, rapper, songwritter and producer

Was a contestant on MIXNINE

Has very good vocals (you can’t fight me on this)

Has too many songs composed by him on his laptop (about 400!!!), which was once stolen and formatted (but returned back) during their training on USA, so he had to produce “From” all over again

Kinda the mom of the group (he’s the one who “disciplines” the members)

Barely went to high school because he already worked and was always in the studio

Members are like family to him

ᴋᴏʀᴇᴀɴ ʙɪɢ ᴍɪɴɪᴏɴ

Always stays up too late (usually working)

Studies chinese

sᴍᴏʟ (please also check this)

ᴀʙꜱᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ɢᴏʀɢᴇᴏᴜꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ᴍᴜʟʟᴇᴛ

Seonghwa

Full name: Park Seonghwa

Birth date: 03/04/1998

Vocalist, eldest

My handsome and ꜱᴇxʏ bias

He auditioned for MIXNINE but didn’t pass 

Mom of the group² (comforts members a lot)

Is always the one cleaning the dorms

Good at cooking

He’s learning japanese

His name means “to be a star”

His nickname is Mars, because hwaseong = korean for mars

Some korean fans started calling him “the starry prince/prince of the stars”

Meanwhile, Wooyoung calls him 

Loves fashion and likes to go shopping

Members discribed him as a quiet guy, but also as someone to want to be like

ᴄʟᴀɪᴍꜱ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟɪꜱᴛ ᴀᴛ ɢɪʀʟ ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇ'ꜱ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱʜᴏᴡᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴜꜱ (u coward)

Yunho

Full name: Jeong Yunho

Birth date: 23/03/1999

Dancer, vocalist

Featured in Millennium Dance Studio’s video

Attended to Seungri’s (BIG BANG) Dance Academy

ᴠᴇʀʏ ᴛᴀʟʟ ʙᴏʏ (about 184 cm/6’0″)

Energizer of the group

Doesn’t like reading

Harry Potter fan who owns a Voldemort wand (ᴡɪɴɢᴀʀᴅɪᴜᴍ ʟᴇᴠɪᴏsᴀ)

He likes games

Yeosang

Full name: Kang Yeosang

Birth date: 15/06/1999

Vocalist, visual

Audiotioned for MIXNINE but didn’t pass as well

Former Big Hit trainee

Has a beautiful birthmark on his left eye (but now it’s always covered by makeup 😢)

Likes videogames, likes reading and to stay home

Has a lot of different kinds of drones in various sizes

He says he’s good at concentrating at one thing for a long time

He studies chinese with Hongjoong and calls him “Gēgē” (brother in chinese, similar to “hyung”)

According to some fans, he’s a bit shy at fan meetings

San

Full name: Choi San

Birth date: 10/07/1999

Vocalist

Auditioned for MIXNINE but didn’t pass³

He collects plushies and has a very special one called Shiber

Sᴀɴsʜɪɴᴇ

Can speak japanese (studies with Seonghwa)

One Piece fan

When he was growing up, his grandparents spent more time with him than his parents did

He says he’s more like the maknae than the actual maknae himself

Mood maker

ᴅᴅᴜ-ᴅᴜ ᴅᴅᴜ-ᴅᴜ

So good at whistling

Mingi

Full name: Song Mingi

Birth date: 09/08/1999

Rapper, dancer

Also was a contestant on MIXNINE

Former Maroo Entertainment trainee

Used to attend Seungri’s Dance Academy²

Poor baby has a back issue

ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ᴀss ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ

ᴛᴀʟʟ ʙᴏʏ² (about 183 cm/6′0′’)

Get’s loud when excited

ꜱᴄᴀʀᴇᴅʏ ᴄᴀᴛ

Likes anime

Dances to express himself (like when he’s happy uwu)

ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀ ʙɪɢ ʙᴀʙʏ ʙᴏʏ

Wooyoung

Full name: Jung Wooyoung

Date of birth: 26/11/1999

Vocalist, dancer

Former Big Hit trainee

One of his role models is BTS’ Jimin (they have the same habit of hair swiping, I cry)

Was a MIXNINE contestant³

He teaches their choreographies for the members

Also has back issues :(

ᴄʟᴀɪᴍꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ʜɪꜱ ɴᴏꜱᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪꜱ ᴛᴏɴɢᴜᴇ

ᴄᴜᴛᴇsᴛ ʟᴀᴜɢʜ ᴇᴠᴇʀ

Seems to have a very good sense of smell

Also a One Piece and Harry Potter fan (his favorite fantasy movie is Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix and his favorite character is Sirius Black, what an intellectual I stan)

sᴇxʏ

Jongho

Full name: Choi Jongho

Birth date: 12/10/2000

Main vocalist (a vocal king tbh), maknae

Was a contestant on MIXNINE as well

His role model is BTS’ Jungkook (and he even got a Cooky headband from a fan at a fansign, how cute is this)

Lɪᴋᴇs ᴛᴏ ᴛᴇʟʟ Wᴏᴏʏᴏᴜɴɢ ʟɪᴇs ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴀɪʀᴘʟᴀɴᴇs

Likes to listen to ballad tracks in the shower

He is left-handed

sᴛʀᴏɴɢ ʙᴏʏ 

He was going to be an athlete, he’s a very good soccer player

Sometimes he talks in his sleep

Doesn’t like bugs

Can play guitar

If you want to know even more about these precious boys, here’s some stuff...

Charming 1-MIN Introduction Videos: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Jongho. (Here’s a Twitter thread with english subs!)

ASMR Videos: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Jongho. (Watch to learn more about them!)

Here’s some good active ATEEZ blogs to follow...

@ateezdata @dailyateez​ @parkseonghwa @hongjoongie @sans-plushie @yeosng @a-teez @choishiber @hongjoongs @kqteez @shiiber​ @bteez​ @gayteez​ @officialchoisan​ @sonqmingi​

And here’s two networks: @ateeztreasures​ @kqfellaznetwork​

These boys aren’t just cute and funny, they’re very talented, hardworking and dedicated! They’re very good at what they do and they just started, so ATEEZ deserves lots of support. They can grow and turn into even better artists, give them a chance!

So, that’s it! At first I just wanted it to make a quick guide for new stans, but I ended up making this enourmous post...  I hope it was helpful! If you want more information about these boys, I highly suggest you to visit the recommended blogs above. Unfortunately, there isn’t much content on Google if you don’t know where to look, but our fandom is growing and we’re welcoming new stans with all our love uwu

STAN ATEEZ, STAN TALENT!

[justmysicklypride]

P-P-P-Play that shit: ptv analysis - Part 2

 Hi what’s up everyone and welcome to this week’s pew news. This is a continuation of my last post where I pretty much summed up Pierce The Veil’s career from the beginning to present and gave an overview of their rise and downfall. You can check it out here, but if you already know about everything or have read it already then feel free to ignore it. In any case, I was originally gonna make these two posts as one but ran out of room bc who the hell would read that much text in a blog post (me) so here you go - part two of this fucking conspiracy theory because I didn’t even get to share any of my thoughts in the last one. (I also forgot to put headers with each new topic smh apologies to the English language)

Edit: it’s been fucking eons since I wrote the last one/started writing this one like legit I even changed my user. The reason why this has been put off for so long will be explained later but yh smh

Gigantic obligatory disclaimer: Everything that I will discuss whether it be in this post or my last, or any future posts that relate to this subject IS NOT going to touch on the subject of the “sexual relations with a minor” incident in itself. I will not go into detail about my own views on this specific matter as there is literally no way to win because whatever I say could be taken out of context by literally anyone. That being said, I do not condone pedophilia, I do not condone sexual harassment or rape, and I do not undermine the importance of consent. I respect the laws of different states, as I know they vary with time and place, and I understand that everyone has their own opinions and I do not wish to impose my own onto others.

In regards to this, however, I do have to acknowledge that I, first and foremost, do not think that Mike Fuentes is innocent, and I strongly believe that how the band handled this situation was just plain terrible, but I do also have to acknowledge the fact that this situation is to stay between the accuser and the victim, as well as their respective legal teams and that I should not go nosedive headfirst into anything like this when it does not directly affect or require my judgement as a necessity, lest I face any legalities or blacklash as a result. Furthermore, everything that I will be talking about are conspiracies only and I do not in any way assume or imply that any of this is true.

In other words, I don’t mean to offend anyone but if you end up getting offended then that’s on you, not me. Let’s begin.

Introduction 

The points that I am trying to highlight in this essay post is, in simple words, that Pierce The Veil’s... well, everything, comes off as kind of a conspiracy, almost, to me. I have had these thoughts for a long-ish time, and so this post is basically me finally making a post that covers all things that I have been thinking of in the past. Unlike my previous post, this one is a lot less fact-based and a lot more opinionated, so if you’re not into that, then that’s fair. Otherwise, I will be discussing the following things (in this order): the topic of kellic, Misadventures, and the accusation + response.

When Life Gives You Lemons, You Ship Them Together And Call It Lemonade

I refer to my last post and assume that everyone understands how “kellic” came to be and what it means. To summarise to the bare minimum best of my abilities, it’s the ship name of Vic Fuentes and Kellin Quinn, aka what people call it when someone wants or is keen on the idea of these two frontmen having an affair with each other in a (typically) fictional setting. It happens all the time, especially in this day and age where you can easily just find someone with the same obsession as you with a click of a button. That’s why King For A Day, and inadvertently Collide With The Sky, became such a huge success. It appealed to the right demographic of teenagers and tweens who were ecstatic at the prospect of shipping, and went on to achieve even more impressive feats following that. How you ask? Well, by going on a tour around the world of course. Together. Playing shows every night that ends with one of them literally carrying the other off the stage. Gotta give the people what they want, hey?

I have a strong belief that the key to success is through beating the system at its own game. In this case, the game is simple - get fans, get money. Unfortunately, as we all know, getting fame isn’t as easy as simply earning it through grit and determination. To achieve fame, one must find a way to do something at the right time in the right way so that people will notice. If one person does, and your fire doesn’t die out right away, then you’ve got yourself a forest fire. Then later on, all you gotta do is keep this forrest fire going, but assuming that there isn’t someone standing on the other side with the whole fire department’s resources in tow, then the only thing stopping this fire is itself, because with all things in life, fire dies out, and fame stops accumulating after a while if nothing is done about it. Humans need entertainment. If something starts to fail to pique their interests, then they move on. That’s why YouTubers are required to change up their content every now and again in order to try and relight that spark they once had, and even then there’s a good chance that they won’t. 

I was originally going to write another blog essay about this whole YouTube analogy thing but quickly realised that for one, I don’t have time bc I’m getting my ass fucked by university on a daily basis; and that for another, there’s most likely a billion other videos or essays about this topic as is, so I’ll just link one or two of them here. I haven’t watched them all yet or I don’t remember much of them, but all they do is pretty much summarise up stuff like how YouTubers become successful and their downfalls and all that, and even though they kinda focus on a specific person or group of people, I feel like it could be generalised.

Even without the YouTube metaphor, we know shipping works. It is evident in multiple works across various media that giving the fans what they want is often what gives these people their continued success, such as Dan Howell and Phil Lester, who have all but stopped trying to create their own individual branding (save for their separate merch stores that are probably there just to get more people to buy their overpriced clothing), and who at this point have become such an overused example that I actually hesitated writing that. Why do you think movies and shows and cartoons mostly have a romantic subplot? Romance is an essential trope in literature and easily one of the most popular genre out there for various reasons. According to a Bustle article written in 2016, romance often gives the readers a sense of hope or gives them a way to live out their fantasies in the easiest way possible, and while this may not apply to everyone, (personally I’m not a romance fan much at all but I can appreciate good literature), it’s hard to deny the phrase “sex sells”.

Given that, you’d think that any company with half a brain would learn to exploit it, but for some reason this wasn’t the case in Pierce The Veil’s management, and no matter how I look at it, I can’t really see the reason why. It’s not like the band members are uncomfortable with the ship - Jaime Preciado has been seen kissing Vic Fuentes on stage (not on the lips guys chill) (I had forgotten how fucking difficult it takes to find this one specific clip so here’s a couple different fuenciado pictures instead to make up for it smfh), and Vic Fuentes has mentioned kellic in a live stream once jokingly - and Kellin Quinn is notoriously known for being completely okay with it (so long as he doesn’t have to look at it), so just what is the reason?

This Ain’t A Hiatus, It’s A Goddamned Arms Race

I’d be lying if I didn’t miss all the memes that all stemmed from the Pierce The Veil boys not being able to release an album when they’d promised, before postponing said album yet again and disappearing off of the face of the earth digitally for another year or two, giving them a total of four years as their unofficial, unannounced hiatus. For this, I have several questions.

We all know Vic Fuentes loves taking his sweet ass time releasing music - he’s admitted to remaking his first album a second time before releasing it, as stated an interview a couple years back - but you can’t honestly tell me their management just let them get away with it. Sure, through this time they’ve been pushing out new merch to no end, but something tells me that this giant gap they’ve wedged between the new album and Collide With The Sky isn’t gonna be good publicity, despite all the memes that’ve sprouted from it. There’s been fans who stopped taking interest in this band because of it, as well as fans who have just gotten fed up with having to wait so long. They scrapped a whole completed album in the process of creating Misadventures too, and while it’s not uncommon for bands to throw away near-completed ideas at whim, it’s also not unlikely for there to be some external factors or reasoning behind why they did it. Could it be that the album they threw away stayed too close to their roots and management or some other person told the band to start again, so that they can create something more appealing to this day and age? Or could it be something else that is hard to see at face-value?

You’ll Never Get Ahold Of Me Now

Finally, I’m gonna address the overdue elephant in the room. If you want to read the full thing, here it is because I’m tired of having to reiterate what happened. Mike Fuentes received a sexual allegation by some girl(s) and the band released a shitty statement that has since gotten deleted - that’s the general gist of it. 

Like I said, it’s been literal months (or weeks idk my perception of time is severely fucked) since I actually started making this post so literally no one cares anymore, but regardless of what past me has promised or written down, I’m not going to be discussing the allegation in itself, but rather what and/or how the band and their subsequent management has handled it, in that they handled it so bad that I honestly can’t believe they did it like that. 

Edit: I wasn’t gonna bother finding another copy of the statement bc no one’s gonna give a shit but then I’d be doing some baseless shit and I honestly can’t stand people who half ass these things, despite my growing urge to do the same thing, so here’s the statement. 

For starters, who the hell waits one whole month before releasing a statement? From what I can remember, their excuse was allegedly that pretty much management forbade them to talk or make a statement about it earlier for... reasons? (Just realised I don’t actually have the source for this so idk take it with a grain of salt I guess because I was sure I had read this somewhere but I can’t back it up.) 

That’s not even the worst part, either. The statement itself gave zero closure to literally everything. Yes, they acknowledged the allegation, but that’s just about as far as they went. The whole point of a statement is to clear things up, whether the accuser was right or wrong, and what steps will be taken from there, whether an apology is to be issued or not. No shit you know about the incident, who in the fandom wouldn’t? Instead pointing out the straight up obvious, what they should’ve done was 1) not waited an entire fucking month before talking about it, most likely hoping the whole thing to blow over by then and 2) actually talked about the incident in their statement instead of tiptoeing around the subject like some sort of time bomb ready to go off. There is no right or wrong answer, because literally all they had to do was tell the truth - as in write down a statement from Mike (not the whole fucking band mind you) about his take on the whole thing or get him to say what had happened from his point of view. Then resolve it privately with your legal team and whatnot if they really feel the need. Hell, all he needed to do was apologise. Whether something like that classifies as assault or rape or whatever is up to you but the fact of the matter is that she’s underaged at that point in time. Even if she was fully aware of the risks and whatnot and gave legitimate consent, under the eyes of the law and pretty much 80% of the people reacting to this incident, it will be deemed illegal and inappropriate behaviour. All these people had to do was literally just be open and honest about it regardless of whatever the hell happened, because this is all happening on a public platform where everyone can see/read it to their hearts’ content. Viewers can’t judge or make a decision to support or not support you if you don’t tell them your side of the story, so for the love of god, why the hell didn’t they?

The statement was filled with bullshit about how they love the fans and all that shit, and honestly my thoughts can be accurately summed up in this video right here. So much backlash could have potentially been avoided had they just told it as it is, because now all we have is a vague ass response that gives no closure and tell us nothing as to whether Mike actually did it or not, because in the statement he manage to spout some bullshit about how he’s “never intentionally manipulated or abused anyone in [his] life” and that he’s just a ball of empathy which at first glance could suggest he at least thinks he’s innocent, but then they go on to say how Mike’s taking a temporary leave from the band for, you guessed it, absolutely no reason. At least, no reason that they’ve given us (what else is new) (I’m becoming more petty as the night drags on it’s literally 1am). Honestly, .@piercetheveil, please tell me why the honest to god fuck did you have him leave just after suggesting that he might be innocent? I know the world isn’t black and white but when you’re making a stance and defending yourself or admitting to something, it really is - black and white that is. Either you’re innocent or believe that you’re innocent and stand your ground by not leaving the band, or you admit that you are guilty, in which case your leaving of the band would actually feel justified, because now it’s like you’re gonna come back as well, so what does that even mean? Mike isn’t gone indefinitely, he hasn’t pleaded guilty or innocent, and now the band is telling us they love us? Fuck out of here with that bullshit.

Yes, I support the band’s decision to pull out of the All Time Low tour and to not have Mike out there in case fans feel threatened or unsafe or whatnot, but if you’re pleading innocent, then honestly the whole band should’ve just said “hey we’re gonna go on hiatus for a while until our legal team’s finished with taking care of everything”, and not just said hey guys we’re gonna kick him out because he may or may not have done something that we’re not gonna tell you because we’re shady fuckers like that. I know they are on hiatus right now, but at the “start”, they only said that Mike would be withdrawing temporarily or whatever so it’s kind of like, okay? Sure? It’s a right mess I assure you. Honestly, throughout this whole incident, it was this statement part that made me really fed up with this band. My interest in them had died down significantly from since I hit fifteen all those three years ago, and right now when I dug up an old iPod shuffle to bring with me to university to save my phone battery throughout the day, I can honestly say that I won’t be adding any Pierce The Veil songs onto it anytime soon unless I get peer pressured to. Personally, I feel like that’s kind of the mentality of a lot of had-been Pierce The Veil fans, too.

That’s Great And All But What’s Your Point?

Pierce The Veil’s management sucks ass.

There’s no easy, lawsuit-prone way for me to say it but, and this is just a conspiracy theory I swear to god if I get the fucking ASIS kicking down my door in the middle of the night you better read the fucking disclaimer, there’s obviously some shady shit going on in there no matter what way you slice it. Either they’re sabotaging Pierce The Veil’s success or whether it’s all some big confusion or misunderstanding, or if they’re just plain dumb, we can all agree that this whole thing - the kellic fan service, album making, allegations and subsequent statements - should’ve and could’ve been handled a hell of a lot more gracefully and professionally. Believe it or not, waiting until things blow over is frankly just childish and solves literally nothing, so either they can pull their act together quickly with this next “special secret” album to redeem what little quality/dignity they have left, or they can just fade away into irrelevancy and become a band that no one cares about anymore. 

History repeats itself. This band is quickly becoming just another Leafyishere, and as ominous as that sounds, it’s honestly not unlikely at this point. I am intrigued as to where they go from here, because if they manage to breakthrough again, then I would be very surprised given their current situation. I want to know how they choose to handle this - whether it’ll be the same or not, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Thank you so much if you read through this honestly like I am beyond happy that this is fucking over because I have a bunch of non-band related post essays I’ve been meaning to post but this one’s been nagging at the back of my mind for the past few months or however long it’s been. I’ve clocked in at around past 3k words for this one, and none of this is edited because I’m honestly so done with this you don’t understand. Like I said before, this took ages because I was gonna make another post talking about other shit that relates to this before realising that there’s way too many people that’ve addressed the whole YouTube thing so me doing it would literally be pointless, and even though no one really reads this shit, as big of a nerd as I am, I do enjoy writing bullshit because maybe then I’ll stop ranting to my friends and family about topics they don’t care about.

Regardless, that’s it for this two parter thing, and until next time or whatever.

Catch’ya x

[reputayshan]

The real Taylor Swift:

April 23rd 2009-July 10th 2010: The Fearless Tour

The Fearless Tour. Taylor decided to walk through the crowds at her shows, greeting fans of all ages, genders and races because SHE wanted to meet the fans that had been supporting her and helping her reach where she is to this day. After each show, Taylor held a meet and greet called ‘The T-Party’. This was a room where fans could go to eat pizza and meet each other and get to know other people and then get to meet Taylor. Taylor would walk around stadiums and hide behind food bars and then surprise fans in the line. Each night she would walk a number of miles to meet as many people as she could.

February 9th 2011-March 18th 2012: The Speak Now Tour

Much like at the Fearless Tour, Taylor said she wanted to continue walking through the crowds during one of her songs at the Speak Now Tour. Taylor hugged as many people as she could and thanked them for coming. Sometimes Taylor would tell her security to move out of the way and to let her hug more people. Taylor continued her ‘T-Party’ meet and greet. Taylor’s team would walk to different areas of the stadium during the show and hand out free meet and greets to fans who had gone all-out; screaming and dancing the whole time and wearing bold and creative costumes/handmade posters.

September 8th 2012: Ronan

The lyrics to this song are based on a blog she read about a four-year-old boy, Ronan Thompson, who died from neuroblastoma in 2011.Taylor wrote the song by putting together quotes from blog creator Maya Thompson, Ronan's mother. Thompson is credited as a co-writer of the song. Taylor first performed the song live for Stand Up to Cancer in September 2012, and has only performed it publicly one other time, at the Glendale, Arizona stop of The 1989 World Tour, at which Ronan’s mother was in the audience. All proceeds from sales of the single go to help fight cancer.

2014: 1989 Secret Sessions

In anticipation of the release of her album, 1989 on October 27, Taylor held a series of “1989 Secret Sessions” over the past few weeks at her various homes across America, where carefully-selected fans were told they were attending some sort of secret event, with no knowledge of what was in store for them. When fans arrived they were told to sit in a room together and wait. Taylor then jumped out and surprised them all and they all got to hear her new album before anyone else. Taylor baked cookies and other goods, fans got to meet Taylor’s cat, Olivia Benson Swift, and they danced together and each got to meet Taylor and just hang out.

May 5th 2015-December 12th 2015: The 1989 Tour

At each 1989 concert, before perfoming her song ‘clean’, Taylor gave a 3-4 minute inspirational speech, telling fans to love themselves. This is what Taylor said to the crowd of 60,000 at Hyde Park, London on June 272015: ‘There are people here from all over the world, so if you travelled to be here, thank you so much for coming. And, you know, looking out at you, thinking about the fact that we all come from different places, maybe we all have different accents, we have different hobbies, different backgrounds, whatever. But there’s one thing that we have in common that I know for sure. That thing is that when we feel a great amount of joy, or a great amount of pain, we turn to music. That’s why we’re all at Hyde Park tonight. From talking to you so much, and getting to know you, it’s never been more apparent to me how difficult it is to feel okay about yourself in 2015. Real talk. I mean, every single day we go online – and trust me, I love the internet, okay? Love it – but, every day we go online and we scroll through the highlight reel of other people’s awesome lives. But we don’t see the highlight reel of our awesome lives – all we see is the behind the scenes. We see every single moment, from when we wake up and we’re like “oh, God, not feeling my hair today. Not going to be a good day today for the hair”. We see our doubts, we see our fears, we see our concerns. You are the only one who is inside your brain feeling all of your anxieties and the voices who are telling you that you can’t be who you want to be, or that you’re not who you want to be, or that you want to be more like that other person over there. Let me tell you, people are mean to each other, but no voice is as mean as our own voices are to ourselves. Is it true or is it false? It’s true, right? Okay, so if there’s one thing that you come away from this night remembering, I want it to be this – every day when you look in the mirror, and your mind is telling you all the things you are not – if those things are that you’re not cool enough, you’re not pretty enough, you’re not popular enough, you’re not successful enough, you’re not special, you’re not wanted, you’re not unique – those are not the things you are not. Let me tell you the things you are not. Okay? You are not somebody else’s opinion. That’s what you’re not. You are not going nowhere just because you’re not where you want to be yet. You are not damaged goods just because you have made mistakes in your life. Those are the things you are not. Let me tell you the things that you are. Would you like to hear the things that you are? You are your own definition of beautiful, and worthwhile, and no one else’s definition. You are wiser, stronger, and smarter because you made mistakes in your life, not damaged. And lastly, London, England, you are someone who is probably standing here tonight going through your own battles, fighting your own ghosts, trying to cover your own scars, stressing about your own stresses. But, rather than wallowing in them, you got up, you put on an awesome outfit, and now we’re all standing here together having the best time of our lives at a concert on a Saturday night. I realise that it’s not about being perfect, it’s not about feeling perfect. I think that sometimes it’s just about getting on with things and realising that you’re happy today. That’s all that matters. I just want you to know that one thing I have learned in 25 years, and I’m still learning, is that if you get rained on, you walk through a bunch of storms, life is constantly coming at you – that doesn’t make you damaged. It makes you clean.’

May 5th 2015-December 12th 2015: The 1989 Tour (Loft 89)

At Taylor’s 1989 concerts, she held a meet and greet called ‘Loft 89′ where Taylor, again, could hang out with her fans and dance around with them. Taylor met lots of different people including children with disabilities and illnesses. Taylor made sure everyone had a great time and that everyone was included and treated equally.

Christmas 2014/2015: ‘Swiftmas’

Taylor Swift surprised 13-year-old fan Delaney Clements who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of seven. Delaney, who is a massive fan of the 26-year-old singer started a campaign to meet Taylor called #TaylorMeetDelaney and on Saturday (19th December) her wish came true. Taylor surprised the family by turning up unannounced and the afternoon was captured on Instagram and Facebook with Delaney and her Mum posting photos. Taylor became so into the idea of ‘Swiftmas’ that she also sent a number of other fans packages of merch and other little presents.

Award acceptance speeches

To any award acceptance speech, there is always something directed to Taylor’s fans. Taylor thanks her fans for everything because she knows that we are such a big part of her life and she wouldnt be where she is now without us.

A very important quote Taylor has said:

Long story short: Taylor is one of those few artists who does nothing but good for her fans and everyone around her yet she gets body shamed and name called everywhere. It really does break my heart. 

Taylor has been there for me through everything and I know that she always will be because she has never failed to make us all smile and to make us all feel better about ourselves, She has made me feel loved and wanted and she has introduced me to some of my bestest friends ever. To me, Taylor Swift is not just an artist, she’s my best friend.

@taylorswift

[rosedalemike]

“The Mood” Blog #9 - Farewell, Rosedale...It is time.

    This is a really tough one for me and I'm not sure where to begin. I guess I'll be blunt and say that I have been finding more than ever that it is in the best interest of my musical journey (and well being) to put Rosedale to rest and start a new chapter.

      Rosedale has meant everything to me for almost 15 years now. I've devoted the majority of my time, money, attention, and energy to Rosedale. And I don't regret any of it. I've learned so much more than I could have ever imagined about music and life and saw more of the world than most people get to see in a lifetime. I managed to actually grow Rosedale into a small business and it has made music my full time occupation. When I look at it that way, Rosedale screams success!     

     Touring has become a big part of Rosedale's agenda. Building a memorable live show, getting merch graphics and orders ready, booking shows, traveling to them, managing an intense amount of gear/production- and as I explain in my prior blogs - I don't really mind doing all the dirty work. I enjoy the challenge and it is all worth it for those magical moments where I get to see lives being changed/inspired. I love meeting fans and bands and I love that Rosedale has often been labeled a "musician's band". It's no surprise. I almost have no personal life because - for better or for worse - I love how much my work doesn't feel like work. So, evidently, I tend to write a lot of songs about the grind; the ups/downs, the pride/doubt, the dreams/memories. So that's how I'd like this farewell announcement to go. (Though, I'd like to think I'm a better songwriter than blogger.)

     Before I touch on a few of the many reasons, I'd like to clarify that this is not a re-brand/name change, nor is this me quitting music. And I don't really wanna talk about what musical ideas I have for the future just yet. There are many options that I need to figure out for myself. But I am finally 100% positive that none of them will be under the name Rosedale. Rosedale will end as Rosedale and I want this announcement to be about Rosedale. The Rosedale songs/releases will rest as Rosedale songs after this tour. They had their time and proudly resonated throughout many amazing places/ears.

     I want everyone to know sooner rather than later (even though the next chapter is nowhere near ready) because it is only fair. If you were thinking that you'll just catch this new Rosedale show the next time it rolls through town I wanna let you know there won't be a next time. And if you are over Rosedale already, chances are you haven't read this far anyway.

      I understand if this is upsetting to some. Believe me, it’s hard to just call it a day like this almost as much as it feels absolutely necessary. So before you set your Rosedale apparel a-flame and make that tattoo removal appointment, hear me out: 

Reason 1: The Unoriginal Name

     As jaded and cynical as I may sometimes come across about the ever changing music industry, one of the new musts that I can definitely understand and respect is that being unique/original is crucial. The answer to a lot of musician's uncontrollable struggles is 'over saturation'. I hear it everywhere I go. And from the seminars and conferences I've spent my time attending/downloading over the years; having an original, easily searchable name is the first step to growing your brand. (Brand; If you've been reading these blogs, you know how much I had that word.) But, ultimately, the name is the brand.      

     And not only is there over 5 other Rosedale's on Spotify, the origin of name Rosedale is nothing original; Four friends walked down a street ‘ROSEDALE AVE.’ that leads to the music store- thought it sounded cooler than their current band name. Sure, to put it that way is a total slap in the face to the legacy that Rosedale became. But it is no wonder that here I am at a stand still, personally messaging 'fans' to come to their local venue/dive bar etc. to be reminded that Rosedale is unique/original/interesting/so much more (and all the other nice things I hear from people after the set).

      I had the oportunity to go out for a long breakfast with my biggest hero the other day while I was home. He was showing me, first hand, the struggle someone not-so-technically-savvy might have finding my music on Spotify. He stoically said "you should change the name."  I knew it was a burden for a while now and that it would be a big headache to commit to, but the way he said it made me realize it was no big deal and it was definitely time. (Biggest hero = my dad)

Reason #2: What even is Rosedale even???

     Similar to Reason #1, a confusing brand is not a good brand. Side note; none of these reasons are things I just suddenly realized. They've actually been worsening burdens over the last four years. The truth is, back in November 2013 (when I was finalizing demos/new songs for Self-Titled and Again) we (as in me and my management at the time along with other industry friends) were discussing a name change/rebrand. Mostly because the infamous history of Rosedale was a bit of a confusing thing, (especially locally) and still is! 

'Is it a band? Is it just Mike? Why is it just Mike? Is Mike's last name Rosedale? Maybe his middle name is Rosedale? What happened to the members from Get Going? Is that even Mike singing on the Past Times EP/You'll Count to Ten??'

    We all felt a name change was necessary. But as we'd each listen to the new songs/demos separately on our drives home from the studio and try to brainstorm the perfect name, we couldn't help but realize that most of these songs were written about the history of Rosedale. One recurring idea was; change the name but call the album (/EP or whatever) 'ROSEDALE'.

      In the end we just kind of decided to announce/shop these new songs as a "Re-Launch" of Rosedale. New logo, new songs, new sound, new line-up, new album; same name. The underground Rosedale following seemed excited, especially with the out-of-left-field, tongue and cheek T-Swift love song being the first single out the gate. But it still left a lot of question marks to some of the new followers we were picking up at Warped Tour etc. (especially because I had these awesome, well adversed fill-in/temp members building the brand).       Slowly I was realizing that I was creating a clearer understanding, better response, respect from the venues (including Warped Tour), and much better merch sales from delivering my inevitable one-man show. But, nevertheless, still a confusing topic for even some of my most supportive fans. I am even confused - to this day - as to why my perfect fill-in members (from my hometown, to Virginia, to Indiana, to West Virginia) were not improving results/sales. But then again, we live in quite the different age for Rock N' Roll/technology.

Reason 3: Counter-Productive Shows

    This one is extremely tough to explain. Especially to my supporters. So really try to level with me on this one. I tour a lot and I love it but If you read blog #5 - Lonliness/Perception you'll get an in depth insight on the kind of sheepishness I encounter in my travels. It's a natural process; people feed off the reaction of others. I've played some mediocre/catastrophic sets to big crowds (blew out my voice in Toronto to a crowd of 200+ , laptop crashed twice in Columbus to a sold out crowd at A&R, been booted off stage/muted after two songs opening to Eve 6's supportive fans in Albuquerque) and got a way better reaction/sales/follows/likes/LIVES-CHANGED than any flawless/powerful performance to an intimate crowd of 5-15 confused attendees. The reality is, the more common is the latter. And what’s worse is the next time I invite those confused attendees out to a show; 98% of them will give me the "I'll see what I can do" which 99% of the time means "I've got better things to do".     Don't get me wrong, I'm aware people suck and I rock. And I'm still smiling up there on stage while I crush a feel-good set to 10 yawning, doubtful, distant sheep. And to the 2% of people who aren't yawning as their lives are being positively inspired; I appreciate you more than you will ever know.

     But when I start the van and drive to the next city I can't help but realize that the 98% of the shallow people that I'm not reaching (due to the empty surroundings) I'm doing myself, Rosedale, and the newly inspired a dis-service by continuing to settle for less; to play shows to crowds of under 20. That’s why I tried that Show4me.com mcgiver with the Again EP release tour. I wanted to give back to supporters and confirm that there would be at least a small crowd committed to coming out.

      If you're reading this and thinking 'who cares, keep playing for fun!' - my response is; try telling that to the venues/promoters that are giving Rosedale a home to grow my business with theirs. Luckily, many of them have been supportive/forgiving towards my sad numbers, but there are definitely some promoters/venues that 'will have to pass' on my follow-up tours through. Rosedale has always been more than a hobby to me. It is my life and my business. And any artist who is too lazy to handle the business side of things just doesn't love music as much as they think (or as much as they'd like you to believe). I'll admit, I could definitely still improve on the business side of my little DIY empire here. So let's call that the general consensus of this reason...and we can’t keep ignoring the unsearchable name conundrum.

Reason 4: No room for new/old songs

      (This one can easily be argued with many other relik bands as examples...but-) I'm STILL playing 30 minute sets (usually)... yet I have over 200 minutes of released Rosedale material! I've had to become that stage hog that pushes my 30 minute slot to 35/40 minutes just to play 20% of Rosedale's released material, just to give my few attendees almost all that they came to see. (Luckily, most of these venues' staff have also been super forgiving/supportive of this no-no).

      Some people wanna hear oldies, some people wanna hear new songs that I haven't even added to the set yet (because I don't have enough stage time anyway). And in most cities I'm not in a position to headline/play last because everyone but the few Rosedaliens will just leave after their friend's set. I've seen it too many times and I still "Turn whiter than a song in C" when it happens. Will Rosedale ever get to a headlining status World Wide? I still believe it's possible. But not if I keep spinning the tires against all these roadblocks. It is very obvious I need to take a different route to get there. So maybe Rosedale will come back down the road...but that is no longer up to me. And for the time being, it's time to move on to the next chapter. 

Reason #5: Hit Reset

      You ever work so hard on something (maybe like a school project or a video game or recipe) then realize you have to start over? Or maybe your computer crashed or the ingredients spoiled without you realizing it. That used to happen to me a lot and still does. But it bothers me less each time.

      Because then, as you're starting the process all over, you have that comforting Epiphany of improvement; 'dang, this draft is way better'. You realize that first run was a practice round and now you've got this Ol' Gunner experience to do things right and avoid the mistakes.

     I've always felt that way going into each Rosedale album/EP. After Past Times it was all about using the right mics and amps to get that polished mix for Get Going. Then for Real it was all about not over-editing and leaving in the string noise and breaths...even footsteps. Then with Self-Titled and Again I dug a lot deeper into lyrics / my personal story and really went all out with dynamics using orchestration of infinite instruments. A lot of those sessions I had to re-play/sing the songs. Sometimes by choice, sometimes by dumb technological luck. But it always came out better the next time because repetition is the father of learning.

     Anyway, you get the obvious point. But I think it is the most important one. Also, I should mention; the bigger the reset, the bigger the results. Ending Rosedale and starting something entirely fresh would be the biggest reset I've ever done. It might take a while, but if I go at it with the work ethic I've driven into Rosedale, the step-up is gonna be huge! We're talking over half my life - BOOM - RESET! Clear brand! Searchable! Productive strategizing/shows!     Working with a blank pallet could be a great advantage. I'm still the same person/artist but I have a chance to create content under a fresh....brand...damnit. Again, I don't know exactly what that brand is quite yet, but I do know for sure that it will be better and stronger than Rosedale ever was. 

    So again, don't worry, my fellow Rosedaliens (& don’t get excited, haters), I'm not throwing in the towel and I'm definitely not slowing down. I'm just being honest with everyone and keeping you in the loop. This is the victory lap. I was gonna buckle down and work on new tracks after this run anyway but I'm letting you know asap that Rosedale (and these songs) are retiring. If you were thinking about taking a trip this summer to see one last final Rosedale show, you should definitely do it. I'm out here still giving it 110% every show to make everyone realize that "the really tall Canadian with way too much gear" is really on to something. Even if he ditches the overly popular, unsearchable, confusing name.

     Though this is yet another very long blog, this announcement could have easily been 10 times longer. There are hundreds of other reasons/things I meant to say but I just kinda let slip my mind or, evidently, they didn't seem nearly as important/relevant. (Like the Chicago horror rock band "The Rosedales", who showed up to our very first Chicago show in 2009 with a Cease and Desist letter for trademark infringement and contacted all the venues on that first tour to threaten all profits...they still threaten me from time-to-time...)

     Probably not the best place for this but: Rosedale’s songs and CDs and merch will still be available online. I'm just not sure if I'll be reprinting anymore hardcopies (definitely not Past Times as is as I don't even have the art file). Likely not reprinting merch and there isn't all that much left. So I'll try to keep the merch store as up-to-date on sizes as I can on the rest of this final Rosedale tour. But if you'd like to invest in Rosedale stock (and help clean out my van/garage) CDs are the way to go. I'll even sign them on request and maybe they'll be worth something one day.

     I'm still gonna be writing weekly tour/music/life blogs and I'll likely be starting that podcast/YouTube show I was babbling about when I introduced this blog in Blog #1 as a first step into the new chapter.

     It'll be interesting to see how this announcement plays out amongst the many social-media-only Rosedale followers and the true Rosedaliens. To the true Rosedaliens; I can't thank you enough for hanging in there and supporting me through thick and thin. Even if you just recently found out about Rosedale, and are just now enjoying/sharing/supporting my art, I really do appreciate you like family. I highly encourage you to come experience this victory lap and join me for the next chapter. Know that this is not goodbye. This is see you later in a different fashion. Hopefully sooner than later, though future timelines are still all up in the air.

     The only thing I'm sure of at this point is that this is the last Rosedale run and I'm gonna go 110% for every day of it. (Maybe even 120% now... I'm really gonna miss playing these songs!!!) Hope to see familiar faces as well as some of the mystery faces. Thanks again, everyone <3 xoxo

FINAL DATES: 5/30 - Boise, ID @ Shredder

5/31 - Vancouver, BC @ The Roxy

6/1 - Everett, WA @ Black Lab Gallery

6/2 - Seattle, WA @ Kate's Pub (acoustic)

6/5 - Tacoma, WA @ Real Art Tacoma

6/6 - Portland, OR @ TBA

6/7 - Portland, OR @ White Owl Social Club

6/8 - Grants Pass, OR @ The Sound Lounge

6/9 - Klamath Falls, OR @ The Pikey

6/10 - Phoenix, OR @ The Phoenix Clubhouse

6/13 - Sacramento, CA @ Cafe Colonial

6/14 - Cupertino, CA @ Homestead Bowl & Xbar

6/15 - Bakersfield, CA @ Sandrini's

6/16 - Las Vegas, NV @ Evel Pie

6/20 - Pomona, CA @ The Legacy Room

6/23 - San Diego, CA @ Soma

6/26 - Phoenix, AZ @ TBA

6/27 - Tucson, AZ @ TBA

6/28 - Las Cruces, NM @ TBA

6/29 - El Paso, TX @ Neon Rose

6/30 - San Angelo, TX @ The Deadhorse

7/4 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk

7/5 - Houston, TX @ Acadia

7/6 - Laffayette, LA @ TBA

7/7 - New Orleans, LA @ TBA

7/8 - Pensacola, LA @ Handlebar

7/12 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL @ Grayton Beer Company

7/13 - Nashville, TN @ Rocketown

7/14 - Columbus, OH @ Rock The Creek

7/17 - Cincinnati, OH @ TBA

7/20 - Memphis, TN @ TBA

7/21 - Birmingham, AL @ TBA

7/22 - Fort Walton, FL @ Green Door Music Hall

7/23 - Columbus, GA @ TBA

7/24 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade

7/26 - Savannah, GA @ TBA

7/27 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jackrabbits

7/29 - St. Augustine, FL @ Sarbez

7/30 - Orlando, FL @ TBA

7/31 - Tampa, FL

8/11 - Myrells Inlet, SC @ TBA

8/12 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ Klockers (acoustic)

8/16 - Asheville, NC @ TBA

8/17 - Norfolk, VA @ TBA

8/18 - Virginia Beach, VA @ TBA

8/20 - Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter

8/22 - Washington, DC @ TBA

8/24 - Philadelphia, PA @ TBA

8/25 - Long Island, NY @ TBA

8/26 - Hamden, CT @ TBA

8/28 - Providence, RI @ TBA

8/30 - Boston, MA @ TBA

8/31 - Albany, NY @ TBA

9/1 - Burlington, VT @ TBA

9/5 - Potsdam, NY @ TBA

9/7 - Montreal, QC @ La Vitrola

9/8 - Ottawa, ON @ TBA 

Maybe a couple hometown farewells early September too. Depends on some things.Lots to book. Any help would be much appreciated.

[chickenstuffedwithmozzarella]

Yaaay!! Thank you Soraya's inbox, sorry i blamed you on eating the last ask😂😘. You did great. Nono, he wasnt a torero, he looked like a prince. (Which is not better bcs i dont like any of those  figures but... whatever). Ooh, talking about suits, did you see the ranking hsfashionarchive did of the suits he wore this tour? Bcn was winning, pink suit was second and Mdd was third!! (1)

[I hope this works 😜🙏🏻, bc this was TOO long, jajajaa.]

Ohhh. Your mom is the best. So supportive! Petition to give her that award. She is clearly the winner. (1D clinex? capitalism in its pure state 😂. Did they really made those? Glad i didnt find it on time bcs i would have definitely brought them as a joke to my sister or something). You are already playing Niall’s songs to her? Did she like them? Does she have anything similar to “pikachu get away” she had for SOTT?. (2)

JAJAJAJJA. Netflix always does that to me too. Dont know why. I started watching Black mirror backwards bcs of that. Did you understand anything of chapter 7 os ST? (Did you finish the show??). Yep. The 8th season is the last one, and i dont know hoe to feel about it. Dissapointed by the shows? As in with the ending?? Or how? (3)

You sound like a devoted cat lady, yes. Ooow, i have little cousins too, though they are reaching the age of “too cool to be seen with you, old girl” Of course they make me laugh. Honey is a menace and i appreciate it. JAJAJAJAJAJAJA. He ate the chorizo?? Honeeey!! 😂😂😂 that made me laugh at loud int the train and now my neighbour is looking at me weirdly. I see, you’ll never get bored with him. (4)

When i was younger and + close minded, i didnt like tattos. Considere also that the ones I had saw in real life were the tribal ones, so there’s tgat. But then i grew up and started liking them (you can partially blame larry for that). Nobody in my family (cousins and so) has one, and thats kind of a encouragement, I’d love to piss them, but my dad has threaten me to disinherit me (we dont heven have that, lol) and i dont have any tatto on mind, so i wont do it… maybe in the future, yes. (5)

I MISS LOUIS TOO! I hope he is fine. Resting and so. Im sure that creating the album that will destroy us all takes a lot of effort. (Seriously, where is heeeee?). Heeey!! I wont get bored. Or mad! I have such a great time talking to you. If i dont talk more its bcs of the character limit and bcs im always worried about pressuring or imposing. Dont be dumb. If i dont answer its bcs im busy with finals and so. Nothing more. Promise. (6)

THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING. i know i know. It makes sense and its a smart move, but… i cant stand raeggeton/latino, its not for me. Sad. I havent lost hope though. Maybe ill change my mind later Yeah, i have the same problem with my friends, they only listen to trap and raeggeton and i die everytime. We mostly agree to put something neutral like pop or the radio. (Disney songs never get old😂). (7)

Ay. I just saw that i wrote “heven” instead of “even” and now i want to delete myself. I was walking while writing the asks and i didnt proofread it. I feel so dumb. Anyway, sorry for sending so many asks (today i made a record xd) and, as always, good night!!————————————————————————-Hi!!!! Yes! I saw the ranking. But it isn’t exactly a ranking. It’s more to like chose wants your favorite suit. I did it and guess what? My first choice in the Madrid one, jajajaa. Second the kilt. And third the jumpsuit. Very accurate.

Oh, you’re telling me! My family bought me a bunch of 1D merch (unofficial all): the clinex, a hair brush, a bracelet, 2 books!, one perfume (this I love it, it smells so good), a make up box… I can’t even remember everything. Ah! A birthday card too!! Where they talk when you open it. I always use to wish happy birthday to people (the audio) 🤣🤣🤣🤣. I had to tell them to please stop wasting money on those things. I don’t even know where I have it. And if a can ask, I’d rather they give me the money so I can go to their concerts,jajajaja.EDIT: I can’t believe I forgot the poster!! I have it beside my head right now,jajaja, and I only realized it was there when I looked at the boys to ask for inspiration,😅😅)

Oh, my mom loves Niall’s album too. But I don’t think she “knows” any of the lyrics,jajaja. Though, she knows the hmmmm in This Town. But that’s all. She and my sister, both separately were like: “oh! who’s him??” When they heard Fire Away. And I was like: “ehhhhh, it’s Niall’s album, so guess who’s it?? What, you like it? See, Harry’s not the only one who can sing…” jajajajja. It’s because of comments like this, that they think I don’t like Harry. And I get so offended when they hint at it! Like, of course I like Harry. But I like all of them too!! God!! I love Niall’s album so much (I’m hearing it right now, bc I couldn’t remember what song was the one they liked it so much, and now I can’t stop 😅). Harry’s and Niall’s albums have been lining in my car since they were released. I had Harry’s playing in a loop till I got Niall’s one and I interchanged them. Then Harry’s came back a month or so before his concert. And now it’s time for Niall’s again. (You can’t imagine how hard it’s being writing this with honey laying on my arm!! Jajaja, I can’t barely move my fingers😅).

AND WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU REALIZED YOU WERE WATCHING BLACK MIRROS BACKWARDS??? I’ve watched canter 1 and 2 of ST afterwards, but I hadn’t gotten to watch the whole thing yet. I can’t stand to be looking at a screen for 50minutes without doing anything. And don’t get me wrong, lol, I can be on tumblr for hours, jajaja, but a have to move my hand, and I can go from a blog to another… y'know, jajajajaja. And when I watched chapter 7 of ST i was like, okay… now they have to investigate what happened… or a guessed they would be doing flashbacks… jajajajajaja. Then I realized my mistake and thought I was stupid, 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣“I see you from a different point of view🎶🎶” ( sorry, that’s me singing,jajajaja, Seeing Blind. I LOVE that song)And shows have disappointed me in the sense that they turn out to have an awful ending (seriously, I know you do it for the audience, but end a show how it deserves it, don’t turn it into shit just for a handful of money); or bc they just end it bc they don’t have enough audience. It’s always a matter of audience,jajaja.if they have a lot, they want to explode it. And if they don’t have enough they finish it ASAP. 😒

Honey is a menace, yeh, I couldn’t love him more,jajajaja. He can’t see me petting Liam, he gets jealous and comes to me and headbutt my hand so I pet him too. And Liam is so patient with him. They’re totally like liam and Louis, jajja. Hey! did I tell you the story about when I got Liam? no!! Well, someone gave my dad 4 kitties (they were sooooo small). So, guess their names (it was post March 25, 2015…) yes!! They were named (by me) Louis, Niall, Harry and Liam, jajajajajja. But Harry died a couple of days later, because he was really really young. He couldn’t survive without his mom ☹️. And the other three, my dad took them to a place we have were he has a little garden (?) with vegetables and chickens and proper farm-y, jejeje. I wasn’t too (any) into cats back then, so… Then he brought home one of them, to have our home free of mice. AND IT WAS LIAM!! And I adopted him. I took care of him. We started loving each other. And he became useless with mice, jajaja. He’s totally domesticated now 😝. And that’s his story. The rest? Louis became a big alpha male at their new home. But s car ran him over last summer, and he died 😔. And Niall is a female, jajajajaa. And I hate her. Because she hasn’t been able to keep her kitties alive once!! (She’s pregame again, and we’re praying this time she knows who to be a mom🙏🏻) Ah!! And Honey had siblings the other day!! The guy who gave it to my dad is my brother’s friend and he show him a pic. There are two white cats!! I WANT THEM!!! But they don’t let me have anymore cats! Jajajajaja.

Hey, we might have in common the reason why we started liking tats, jajajjajaa. And, well, to piss off the family is as good a reason as any other,jajajaja. And why are dads like that?? When my sister and I got our lips pierced he went to pick up at the train station and as soon as he saw us he turned around and walked to the car without saying a word,jajajajja. I HAD TOLMY PARENTS WE WOULD BE DOING IT!! I asked my mom:hey mom, if a get a 10 in maths, can I get a piercing?? And she say okay. So I got a 10 (I might cheated or not on this, bc I already knew I had a 10, but wel…), and I got a piercing.my sister only got it, bc I was 16, she had to go with me as an adult, and giving she was already there, she got one too,jajajaja. (My granny almost kill us 😅)

Oh, louis has a BIG responsibility on his hands. He will be killing a lot of people when he puts out his album. He has to chose the proper songs to do it. It will be considered a massive destruction weapon, so he better be careful. But god, for real, when will Louis and Liam release their albums. At this pace, Harry and Niall will be releasing their second one before LiLo has finished their respective tours. And when they finish, Narry will have release their second one, and will be promoting them. So Lilo will start working in their seconds one. And… and… AND ONE DIRECTION WON’T COME BACK EVER BECAUSE THEY CAN FIX A DATE WHERE ALL OF THE BOYS HAVE NOTHING TO DO, AND WHAT WILL I DO??? 😭😭😭😭😭 (sorry, I panicked a bit there,oops).

Uggggg, I can’t stand raeggeton either. I can’t stand the music, argggg. Or the culture of it (the how it treats women, and glorifies sex). I can’t I can’t.and you can’t go out without hearing it. My friends and I went on road trip once. And it was my friend’s car. And she only listens to raeggeton. And after 10, 15, 40? minutes I had to ask her “will this song ever end???” And she told me it was already a different one. And I swear I almost jump out of the car,jajajajaja. We were crossing a bridge, and I wanted to jump out of the car!!!!! I couldn’t listen to that any more!!!!!  Ejkbvwirbfeuirnfrvoieefvnv The she caved and we switched to movie’s soundtracks,jajajaja.

Ha! Don’t worry about sending a lot of ask, I learn something, you’ll see,jajajajaa.Also, I forgot to ask early. Is your sister a 1d fan too, then? She goes to concerts and knows the song… how lucky! you have someone to talk about all the gossip!! (And they know what you’re talking about…) or is she a “casual” fan, and doesn’t get into fandom drama? She just likes the music and doesn’t care about their lives?are you both into drama?? God, I don’t discuss drama very much online, but if had someone face to face to talk about it… I would be the happiest person in the world,jajajajaa (what an exaggeration 🙊).

I think this is all. I LOVE ORPUR CONVERSATIONS!! Jajajaja( I hope I did it correctly and all this is under read more, jajaja)Byeeeeee!!!! 😚😚😚😚

[corvid-lesbian]

tagged by @byungjoo (ty! <3)

rules: tag 10 people and make 11 new questions for them to answer

1. what physical k-pop albums do you own?

First Street and Arario

2. what’s the biggest or sweetest thing you’ve done for your bias?

Uhh, honestly I can’t think of anything that big or significant. I just do a lot of small things to show my support! I guess this post I made for his birthday was pretty sweet (and a little embarrassing).

3. if you could meet your bias what would you say to them and why?

I would tell him how proud I am of him, and that I recognize and appreciate how hard he works. I would also tell him that he makes me smile and laugh. I would tell him that I look up to him, because I want to be the type of person who’s hard-working and always tries to bring joy to people’s lives. I just want him to know what an impact he’s had on my life, and the lives of other ToppKlass, so that hopefully he can feel like everything he’s done has been worthwhile, even if ToppDogg hasn’t been widely successful.

4. have you watched any k dramas? if yes what’s your favourite? if no do you want to?

The only k-drama I've watched is Strong Woman Do Bong Soon and I love it sooo much (so yeah that makes it my favorite). I want to watch more, and I started a few others but I couldn’t get into them much. I’m a bit worried swdbs set too high expectations for me to enjoy other dramas. I‘m sure there are a bunch of really good dramas, I just need to find them!

5. your bias calls you at 3am and asks you to escape on a 6 month long dangerous mission to help save their life - but you might risk yours and you must drop everything and go. do you agree? why/why not? 

Honestly probably not. I look up to B-Joo a lot and I love him, but we don’t actually know each other so I wouldn’t want to risk my life for someone I don‘t personally know. I’d try to help him in any other way I could though! If it was one of my friends asking, or if in this hypothetical situation B-Joo and I were actually friends, then absolutely.

6. do you own merch? if so, what?

No :(

7. would you ever go to a k-pop convention?

I’m not really a convention person honestly idk if I would have much fun. Maybe if I was planning to meet up with one of my mutuals or something I would consider going.

8. are there any songs by your bias group that you don’t like?

Haha I yeah I don’t really like cigarette. There are a few other TD songs I don’t like as much, but I don’t actively dislike them either.

9. what do you think is the best part of k-pop tumblr?

The people! I’ve met so many nice people on here, specifically ToppKlass, y‘all are just so sweet. Plus I’ve made genuine friends that I can talk to and who look out for me and I‘m super grateful for that <3. Honestly I think if tk wasn’t so nice and friendly I wouldn‘t have gotten into k-pop. I might have casually listened to the music, but I probably wouldn’t have stanned other groups or been as involved with tk. So thank you guys.

10. what do you think is the worst part of k-pop tumblr?

The people. Not the people I interact with usually, but those stans who are usually in bigger fandoms that are just gross :/ (just to be clear, I’m not saying all stans in big fandoms are a problem! I just mean problematic people gravitate to or have a bigger presence the bigger the fandom is.) Honestly this could be said about any part of tumblr but the main thing I hate seeing is people being ignorant or disrespectful of idols or of other fans.

11. are you learning korean? would you ever?

I learned Hangul and started learning Korean on two language apps, but then I got out of the habit of practicing (which is exactly what happened with my German after I lost a 62 day streak on Duolingo agsfdjhk). So I know a few words here and there. Honestly even when I started the language apps I didn’t have the goal of becoming fluent, I just wanted to know the basics. Maybe if I have more time in the future I’ll try studying it more seriously. I really like language in general, but I think I can still appreciate k-pop without knowing the language (even if I’m doomed to watch videos without understanding what’s going on for most of time lol).

I’ll tag @hjjxxn @scottietrademark @jesslessthanthree @cecehopefulbangtan @saltygot7 @sunshinesanggyun @minty-monbebe @gipsydangger (as always, feel free to ignore!)

My Questions:

1. What’s the most recent group you started stanning? How did you get into them? 2. Are there any groups or solo artists you’re into but don’t talk about much on your blog? 3. If you had to change your name to go undercover on a secret mission, what would you change it to? 4. Was there anything that interested you in school that you never ended up pursuing? Why didn’t you? 5. What’s your favorite type of music to listen to outside of k-pop? 6. What is the very first fandom you were in? (yes I’m expecting some  embarrassing answers to this question. don't worry, I won’t judge) 7. Before you got into k-pop, what were your thoughts on it? Or what did you know about it? 8. If you could develop a video game, what would it be about? (Would it be a console or a PC game? Would it be story driven or just a fun party game? be as descriptive or as basic as you want!) 9. What was the most recent movie you saw for the first time? Did you like it? 10. If you could get a tattoo, what would it be and where would it go? Or if you already have a tattoo, what is it? 11. Do you live in the place you consider “home“?

[youcantfiremebecauseiquit]

theguitardiary said: I love finding new music! Especially when you’re not expecting it. We seem to have similar tastes in music! Who do you listen to now in this modern age? There’s only a handful of bands I like but I’m convinced there’s more out there. They’re just not as well known.

Yes, it seems so!  :)

Hmm, i don’t like that much of modern bands, if saying modern we mean completely new bands with young people being around for a couple of years. I’m aware that i probably don’t search enough, but these days i don’t even know where to look for bands, 2000-2009 days were much easier in this case.  Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes i look at new trendy bands and just can’t treat them seriously, for example i take one look at this Youngblud guy and i don’t have to listen to him to know he’s just another variation of 5 seconds of summer or 21 pilots or Imagine Dragons shit. “New British rock poet” lol, i just can’t. Or Pale Waves, they dress like tumblr goths so you expect goth music, but they play watery pop and the girl says she wants to be like Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne. I listened to Avril Lavigne in elementary school, but ever since i found lots of actual punk/rock artists and it’s not like it’s the best thing under the earth (anyone remembers times when Avril Lavigne was the biggest faux pas in rock circles?). It’s just some weird trend with people my age/younger becoming some “punk rock/indie queens” with edgy mall goth looks, and of course press falls all over itself in praises and calling them new punk rock princesses and whatnot, and it turns out they don’t listen to classic stuff, they all actually listened to Taylor Swift and want to be Avril Lavigne, each and everyone. This or hair metal bands.  I’m not saying it’s neccesarily a crime, but it’s such a common thing, you can see how they compile clothes or videos or even straight up stylize their own songs after “Let Go” or “Under My Skin”. I’m all for nostalgia, but “imitation is the highest form of flattery” saying isn’t an explanation, all that flattery mostly ends up as clowning and copying rather than a wink to your influences. What’s with all that recent acceptance for copying and ripping off older artists? We reached the point where the world is obsessing over old cringe tumblr aesthetics sold as “new wave”, with skinwalking this rock star or another. Everybody claps and grins as if they haven’t seen it all somewhere else before. And then we have horrors like Starcrawler ripping off Katie Jane Garside look and everyone being fine with it. Develop some sort of personality, make up a new one if you dont’ have it, stop ripping off your teenagehood idols, ffs.

*End of a massive modern bands rant*  

For the record, I’m sure there are some good independent bands, but i honestly don’t know where to find them and i admit i’m very picky. 

Forever Still - at first they may look like a “throwaway Arch Enemy opera metal lady + a bunch of black-wearing random guys” type of band, but thankfully it’s not the case. Maja Shining has an actual personality and a pretty voice. They’re from Denmark, they play alt rock with melodic vocals, mainly a cross between calmer ballads and more metal songs, people compared them to Evanescence because of a trained vocals singer and emotional lyrics, but to me they’ve developed a thing of their own. They use elements of metal, but they actually have memorable riffs and melodies. There’s also a lot of piano in their music and on “Breathe In Colors” (and live shows) they use theremin, which is rarely used instrument in rock. 

 This band is very impressive, i followed them since their independent days, they eventually were signed by Nuclear Blast but they literally did everything themselves, from cover art to music videos to producing their music. The bass player  was apparently an apprentice of Metallica producer/engineer, don’t remember which one though, and you can hear it, i believe they were recording stuff at home but their early songs were top notch in production. It’s funny how their first EPs and first album were self released and sold through internet and yet they sounded like a major label band! And they could literally go on without signing anyone cause they got fans and were selling CDs and merch themselves, but Nuclear Blast got interested in them and they got signed. For a modern day band, they’re doing pretty well which is impressive especially considering everything they achieved, they did it themselves. I think 15 years ago they would be bigger, blame rock’s role in mainstream, or lack thereof. If it was 2003, they would be MTV’s favourites probably. They take care about even small things and i’d say a part of the success is how they’re all in contact with fans instead of playing big rock stars. They toured with Lacuna Coil, Children of Bodom, etc. 

Also CONCEPT ALBUMS! They do concept albums. First album “Tied Down” was more emotion driven with ups and downs of a sort, calm and aggressive points, the newest one is much heavier and electronic. “Tied Down” is about depressed person going through some shit and then idk letting go of toxic stuff, “Breathe In Colors” album is much cooler to me, cause it’s darker and heavier and has that electronic cathastrophic decay feeling, i’d say it’s their “Blade Runner” record (i’d say the cover and “Breathe In Colors” video are direct references), especially since they said they were inspired by “Blade Runner” and “Akira”. It’s been released in 2019 and it’s cool, cause i really missed that sort of element in music, the “social fear of the future”/”digital era emptiness” kind of cyberpunk stuff that was in before turn of the century.

I’d say to listen/watch  Miss Madness ,  Scars , Break The Glass   Rewind  Breathe In Colors

Bandcamp: https://foreverstill.bandcamp.com/

Destructive Daisy - that’s an all-girl grunge band from my country, Poland. Unfortunaly they no longer exist i think, they stopped posting/playing apparently... They were a big hype awhile back, cause they were the only grunge girl band in Poland (at least that we knew of), they’ve got some attention after they released EP and they even supported Mudhoney at their Poland show in 2013 or so. Then they recorded Ophelia’s Dreams album in 2016 and vanished. That’s a shame, cause althought i wasn’t so crazy about them at the time, they’ve got some nice songs and they had those L7 / 7 Year Bitch kinda grunge girl vibes and people looked up to them expecting some next move, but i guess everyone expected too much from them and they played for fun without big plans, idk.  

I’d recommend Destructive Daisy EP. Haven’t listen to their stuff in a few years tbh.

Bandcamp: https://destructivedaisy.bandcamp.com/

Hmm, i only listened to select songs from Le Butcherettes and never cared enough to follow their new records, I like this video:

But I like that weird crossover the chick (Teri Gender Bender? I think that was her name) did with... Melvins. I’m a simple man, I see Melvins, i click.  The band’s Crystal Fairy and it’s been a bit of surprise to me. I don’t know if they tour/plan anything more, i suppose it’s a one-off project from 2017. But the album is dope. It’s very Melvins though, don’t know how much of guitar work is done by Teri, to me it’s 100% Melvins and she probably wrote lyrics and melodies, but i don’t know. “Crystal Fairy”, “Sweet Self” however sounds to me like Teri composition. Hard to tell, cause to me both bands have some “twisted blues” quality, it’s just Melvins are heavier. It’s basically Melvins led by a female. If anyone ever wondered how it’s like to have female-fronted Melvins, this is it. 

https://crystalfairy.bandcamp.com/ 

I like Evanescence and Linkin Park, but that’s not exactly “modern” anymore, haha. When you know for example “In The End” song is 20 years old... crazy. Most surprising band i listen to is maybe Sum 41. All the older bands and punks hated them a lot before and call it pop punk, and yes, they had a few irritating happy boys songs, but they’ve got some darker “punk-metal” albums. They had the best guitar skills of those pop punk bands from 00′s, added a good deal of metal (”Chuck”) and piano (”Screaming Bloody Murder”) at some point, but they’re totally fine if someone likes that fast melodic punk like Green Day or NOFX. 

Maybe also White Lung, i don’t know all of their albums and listen to it more casually, but it’s female fronted and they’ve got that various layered guitars sound. 

Ok that’s it, if i were to tell you in person, i’d probably say 3 words, but in writing i always end up writing long essays :p 

If anyone else following this blog has any recommendations of new bands, of course you can send me in ask!

[memekingjrsupreme]

Ask Away Anonymously Or Not.                        (◕‿◕✿) All My Asks I Answered On My Blog Deleted, So I Decided To Make An Ask Meme Thingyy.

(1) Do You Sleep With Your Closet Doors Open Or Closed? Closed, ain't no monster gonna get these feets.

(2) Do You Have Freckles? No, but most of my family does.

(3) Can You Whistle? Hell yeah, my only talent. I can whistle in and out too, I do a bomb ambulance impression.

(4) Last Song You Listened To. Brown Eyes by Lady Gaga I think.

(5) What Is Your Favourite Colour? Blue, Green, Orange. I don’t really like red or yellow, the rest are just okay.

(6) Relationship Status. Single but not wanting to mingle ;)

(7) What Is The Temperature Right Now? Cold? Like 68 degrees maybe (Fahrenheit because America is the only real country)?

(8) Did You Wake Up Cranky? Waking up makes me cranky, but I’m also sick so probably.

(9) How Many Followers? Only 204 rn, I don’t post content so whatchu expect (shoutout to all those pornbots following me).

(10) Zodiac Sign. Sagittarius

(11) What Is Your Eye Colour? Bluey-green

(12) Take A Vitamin Daily? I have some vitamin c chew things, but they kinda make me gag.

(13) Do You Sing In The Shower? If people aren’t home, or I can close all doors to ensure they can’t hear me.

(14) What Books Are You Reading? I can’t read.

(15) Grab The Book Nearest To You, Turn To Page 64, Give Me Line 14. I don’t have any books other than my yearbooks in my room.

(16) Favourite Anime? I’ve only seen one, so it’d have to be Cory in the House.

(17) Last Person You Cried In Front Of? My dogs? I don’t really cry unless I’m thinking about stuff late at night so.

(18) Do You Collect Anything? I really like figures like of any kind so like I’m one of the only people I feel that likes Funko Pop.

(19) What Did You Have For Lunch? Nothing, I woke up at like 12pm and I can’t cook well.

(20) Do You Dance In The Car? Not really, I sing though (I can’t drive so its only with other people).

(21) Favourite Animal? I literally would love to meet any animal ever, but I’ve always had a special place for dogs and elephants.

(22) Do You Watch The Olympics? Whom?

(23) What Time Do You Usually Go To Bed? 2 am is the max I really do anymore, usually around midnight.

(24) Are You Wearing Makeup Right Now? Full face obviously (jk).

(25) Do You Prefer To Swim In A Pool Or The Ocean? I don’t swim, but probably ocean since there’s some good sea boys up in there.

(26) Favourite Tumblr Blog? You’re all my friends and babies, but Otterlycrete since I tagged her ;) (how can you pick favorites though)

(27) Bottled Water Or Tap Water? Bottled unless I can have it from a filter.

(28) What Makes You Happy? Animals, family, friends, memes, graphic design (its my passion).

(29) Post A Gif Of What You’re Currently Feeling Right Now. Too lazy.

(30) Do You Study Better With Or Without Music? With, otherwise I space out and don’t do anything.

(31) Dogs Or Cats? All animals are good, but I really love doggos.

(32) If You Were A Crayon What Colour Would You Be? Black. It’s dependable and adds structure to pictures.

(33) PlayStation Or Xbox. No. I really only use my computer.

(34) Would You Swim In The Lake Or Ocean? This feels very similar to the other question, but lake or ocean to see swimmy animal bois.

(35) Do You Believe In Magic? Yes, as well as life after love.

(36) What Colour Shirt Are You Wearing? Black

(37) Can You Curl Your Tongue? Yeah

(38) Do You Save Money Or Spend It? Hnnnng, spend.

(39) Is There Anything Pink Within 10 Feet Of You? Mmyes, the merch of Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson.

(40) Do You Have Any Obsessions Right Now? I only really get obsessed over music and albums, right now I’ve been listening to things like “The Fame” (as a good throwback), “Rainbow”, and “Poppy.Computer”.

(41) Have You Ever Caught A Butterfly? Yes.

(42) Are You Easily Influenced By Other People? Depends on the person, I definitely second guess things if someone says something but I’m usually strong in my decisions.

(43) Do You Have Strange Dreams? I had a dream about being in kindergarten and playing with penguins and an elephant last night.

(44) Do You Like Going On Airplanes? I don’t like the idea of them, but I’m fine with being on them.

(45) Name One Movie That Made You Cry. Hidden Figures or Selena, both are ones I watched/rewatched recently.

(46) Peanuts Or Sunflower Seeds? Peanuts

(47) If I Handed You A Concert Ticket Right Now, Who Would You Want The Performer To Be? Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, Poppy, Katy Perry (again), pretty much anyone except T*ylor Sw*ft.

(48) Are You A Picky Eater? I don’t eat meat so yes I suppose.

(49) Are You A Heavy Sleeper? Kind of, things wake me up but I usually don’t care enough to stay awake.

(50) Do You Fear Thunder / Lightning? Love storms

(51) Do You Like To Read / Write? Depends on what I’m reading, I like the idea of writing but not actually doing it because it makes me feel self conscious.

(52) Do You Like Your Music Loud? Yeah, as long as I’m not bothering people.

(53) Would You Rather Carve Pumpkins Or Wrap Presents? Probably carve pumpkins because I suck at wrapping stuff.

(54) Put Your Music On Shuffle, What Is The First Song That Came Up? Body Electric by Lana Del Rey (issa bop)

(55) What Season Are You In Right Now? (Weather) Winter (the best season).

(56)What Are You Craving Right Now? Nothing? Maybe the tofu from this one place (it's amazing), but idk.

(57) Post A Screenshot Of Your Tumblr Feed. Too Lazy (again).

(58) What Is Your Gender? I’m boy

(59) Coffee Or Tea? Both, those are my two favorite drinks how dare you pit them against each other.

(60) Do You Have Any Homework Right Now? If So, What Is It About? Yes. I gotta make some posters for a digital design class, but will I? No.

(61) What Is Your Sexuality? I’m not really into anyone in a very sexual way, I’d say I’m asexual. I’d rather be in a relationship with a guy though.

(62) Do You Make Your Bed In The Morning? No, its easier to get back into once I’ve decided I don’t want to face the realities of the modern world if I don’t make it.

(63) Favourite Pokemon? Arcanine? Charizard? Sceptile? Gardevoir? I love a LOT of them.

(64) Favourite Social Media? Twitter cause its like I’m friends with celebrities ;)

(65) What’s Your Opinion On Instagram Stories? I don’t use Instagram

(66) Do You Get Homesick? If I’m away for a little sure, I’m living at home before I go off to school so.

(67) Are You A Virgin? If you’re asking if I have a virgen de guadalupe candle, then yes.

(68) What Shampoo And Conditioner Are You Using Right Now? Some random stuff, it smells dank though.

(69) If You Were Far From Home And Needed To Sleep For The Night, Would You Choose To Rent A Crappy Motel Room For $60 Or Sleep In Your Car For Free? I’d go sleep in a car rn, idk why but I actually really don’t mind it. Maybe it's the cold or something.

(70) Are Both Of Your Blood Parents Still In Your Life? Yep.

(71)  Whats The Next Movie You Want To See In Theaters? Coco, it looks great :)

(72) Do You Miss Your Ex? WHOMST’VE?

(73) What Is Your Favourite Quote Right Now? “Pushing my ex husband off of his own balcony has been the highlight of my day.” - Joanne the Scammer

(74)  What Eye Colour Do You Find Sexiest? Not really that they’re sexy but I like blue eyes, brown eyes, idk they’re all nice.

(75) Did You Like Swinging As A Child? Do You Still Get Excited When You See A Swing Set? I could take it or leave it both now and then.

(76) What Was The Last Thing You Ate? Soup and salad.

(77) What Games Do You Have On Your Phone? Only Magikarp Jump and ACPC.

(78) Would You Give A Homeless Person CPR If They Were Dying? Why Or Why Not? Who would just watch and let someone die…. What kind of question is this.

(79) Been On The Computer For 5 Hours Straight? Of course, I’m a hooligan.

(80) Stalked Someone On A Social Network? Not really, maybe a person I thought was familiar and wanted to verify.

(81) Do You Like Meeting New People? Not really, unless its someone I’ve heard of beforehand.

(82) Do You Wear Rings? If You Do, Take A Picture Of Them. No, they give me anxiety (what if I lose them).

(83) Do You Sleep With Your Bedroom Door Open Or Closed? 100% always closed, I’m not trying to have someone watch me while I sleep.

(84) What Are Three Things You Did Today? Classwork, listened to music, played video games (lazy day).

(85) What Do You Wear To Bed? T-shirt and shorts (I can’t wear long pants and I’d never sleep without some type of clothing).

(86) List All Of Your Different Beauty Products You Have Right Now. I’m ugly, what are those.

(87) Are You A Day Or Night Person? Night, its way more calm.

(88) List All Of Your Video Games On Your Phone, Console Etc. Oh honey…. To many to name (my favorites are Overwatch, WoW, Smite, BattleRite, etc).

(89) Tell Me About A Dream That You Had And When It Happened. I once dreamed I was in an 8-bit arcade game a few years ago, nothing topped that one.

(90) Favourite Soda Drink? Dr. Pepper?

(91) What Sounds Are Your Favourite? I don’t understand this, but like animals and music I guess.

(92) Do You Wear Jeans Or Sweats More? Sweats, jeans remind me too much of where I live.

(93) How Do You Look Right Now? A mess, sis.

(94) Name Something That Relaxes You. Family (sometimes, friends (sometimes), animals, games, music, rain, snow, nighttime.

(95) What Tattoo Do You Want? A lyric/quote from the song “Spaceship” by Kesha. “Nothing is real, love is everything, and I know nothing.” or some variation of that.

(96) Favourite YouTuber? EthosLab, Xisumavoid (even though I don’t really care about playing minecraft), I also really like Jaymes Mansfield.

If any of you wanna do this, feel free :)

[rhinestone-fries]

The band dating an S/O who is a famous rapper? Sorry for being so specific! Thank you!

I’ve… never received a request before???? This is awesome!! Thanks, anon! Just a reminder that everyone is free to do this whenever they like! That’s what this blog is for, after all. 

Russel:

-His face lights up when you rap some intense lyrics during a jam session

-Literally hollers when you finish, which is a big thing considering his quiet nature

-Wraps his arms around your shoulders and says “The world deserves to hear that.” 

-Spends weeks with you coming up with a whole tracklist of songs, which he helps you write and compose 

-they’re fucking fIRE 

-sends it to his producers anonymously, because he doesnt want to use his reputation to get you extra credit with the industry because he knows the quality of your music is enough 

-when you’re signed to his label, he throws a huge party for you. 

-always telling you how proud he is and always offers to help with new tracks. very supportive and always, ALWAYS watches your live performances. Even when he has other commitments and can’t be there in person, he’ll watch a stream or get someone on the crew to record it just for him

-so chill on the outside, but always has this dumbass grin on his face when you perform he loves you so much hes so proud 

Noodle:

-W H AT 

-when you start rapping to her strumming a rif on her guitar, she stops playing to just stare at you for a moment 

-then a grin cracks her face and she just beams at you, and keeps playing 

-you two spend hours jamming together, coming up with new songs and shes blown away by every one 

-when she asks why you never told her about your talent and tell her that you thought you weren’t good enough to show anyone, she gets upset

-shes like “did someone tell you that you were not good? They’re very very wrong, you should be incredibly proud.”

-always compliments you when you spit a new verse 

-offers to introduce you to some people in the industry, but when you say no she understands and supports you in whatever way you’re most comfortable with 

-until you’re ready, you both have frequent musical sessions together. 

-hides her blush under her bangs when you rap a verse about her aw

-when your’re ready and your music gets big, you start touring. she’s the nerd that takes huge posters to the concerts. 

-always front row. will kill a man to get to front row

-when you’re apart for long periods of time, you skype call to have jam sessions together 

-she sometimes falls asleep in a call while you’re composing new lyrics and they often end up being about her whoops 

-owns every piece of your merch possible 

Murdoc:

-no words come out of his mouth for a solid thirty seconds

-oh shit 

-hes just staring at you, bass in hand

-puts down his bass

-grabs your hand 

-oh shit he seems pissed oh shit oh shIT

-pulls you against him, hands against your waist

-leans in close 

-”if i had known your mouth were that talented, I would have put it to much better use a long time ago” 

-jesus fucking christ

-takes you to the car and fastens your seat belt for you (sneaks a little peck on your cheek he’s a sweetie ok)

-”where are we going?” 

-he doesn’t reply wtf 

-takes you to the best agent he knows 

-”don’t be a sod, sign them right now or you’re gonna be kicking yourself for the rest of your life”

-murdoC NO

-you’re a huge hit immediately, and you’re grateful to him for taking you to that agent, but he always says that you would have gotten to that same point eventually without him 

-believes in you sO HARD 

-he’s always side stage at your concerts with arms folded and a smug grin on his face 

-constantly says “that’s my s/o” and will find any excuse to do so 

-when paparazzi start following you around, he’s exceptional at dealing with them so he’s always with you when you go out in public 

-before your first concert, when you were incredibly nervous, he gave you his favourite pick and told you that it’s good luck. 

-you take that pick on stage every single show 

2D:

-he hears you rapping in the shower

-it takes him a second to process 

-”that sounds like…”

-burSTS THROUGH THE BATHROOM DOOR 

-2D WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING BOY

-”IS THAT YOU?!?!?!”

-”IS WHAT ME?”

-”I HEARD RAPPING. THAT WAS YOU”

-commence stare sequence

-the bathroom is getting steamy 

-hiS EYES ARE TEARING UP O HMY GOD

-before you can even open your mouth to say anything, he rushes over to you and steps under the rushing water to pull you into his arms

-he’s hugging you so tight 

-”That was amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

-aw, ‘D

-when he pulls away he gives you a quick kiss and smiles at you 

-hes soaked now what an idiot 

-sets up an extra mic in his studio for you 

-you’d had some low key albums released prior to meeting 2D, but they’d never gotten huge. you had a minor fanbase, but when you and stu had started dating you agreed to put work aside for the most part

-then he listened to your album on the down low and spread it like wiLDFIRE

-holy shit where did all these sales come from

-he’s so fuckin happy for you

-asks for your autograph at the most inconvenient times 

-keeps a stash of things with your autograph on them because he likes the way it looks

-whenever you rap the goofiest smile crawls across his face 

-what a dork 

 I hope this is okay!!

[sevenclowds]

Frank Weekend

My account of going to see Frank Iero and the Patience play at the Baltimore Soundstage in Maryland, Sat Apr 22 2017.

My companions for the weekend are my 19 yr old and my friend's 16 yr old daughter. Both their names begin with C and will henceforth be known collectively as C&C. My teen was forced to listen introduced to MCR from the age of 7 and obviously has great musical taste. My friend's teen is a huge fan of the Emo Trinity, but is not familiar with Frank's non-MCR work. "Is Frank the drummer for MCR?" she asks innocently. Oh dear. We gotta lotta educating to do this weekend. Someone needs to save this poor child.

[Very long post. You probably want to put the kettle on for this.]

We leave North Carolina at 8am and make our first stop at 10am at a Starbucks. It is here that I purchase a fateful cup of coffee that will keep me buzzed for the next 19 hrs. Just how strong is Starbucks Pike Place Roast? And what on earth possessed me, a caffeine lightweight, to get a grande instead of a tall? It'll help me keep awake while driving, I thought. Someone punch me.

I treat C&C to my music on the drive. My iTunes music library appears to be like my blog: 95% MCR with the occasional snippet of something random. We make sure to play plenty of Frank, for educational purposes. C&C are huge Hamilton nerds and we listen to the soundtrack as we near DC. As we pass the capital city, I point out that Washington is now literally on our side. Groan. #momjokes

We arrive at our hotel in Baltimore around 4pm, then go out around 5pm. We walk past The Soundstage and there are lots of people lined up waiting to get in. I'm so happy to see several Frank fans wearing the same Death Spells hoodie as me and as we walk past I feel really fucking cool! These are my people! My tribe! They will see my DS merch and know that I am one of them! Whereas last week, walking round Harris Teeter, I felt vaguely conspicuous in my black hoodie with the scorpion on the back, but now, I fit in. I am home. If I didn't have C&C with me I would be lining up there with them. But I have to feed my teens and not leave them to stand outside in the rain, so I sigh, and head toward Shake Shack for some food that we'll loosely call "dinner", like a grown up.

After eating some fries, we head to a spiffy steampunky Barnes & Noble where C&C, both devoted book nerds, are in heaven and bond further over their love of fiction. I'm itching to get to the venue but it's still raining and cold and they're having so much fun that we don't head over there until about 7.30pm.

VIP Ticket Fiasco Two months previously, when buying the tickets online, I wasn't quite fast enough to get the VIP tickets and I sat at my computer spitting curses and venom at those who managed to buy them in 0.2 milliseconds flat. The VIP experience included a private acoustic session before the show, a copy of Parachutes, and a seat in the posh table-and-chairs bit near the side of the stage. But alas, it wasn't to be so I made do with the regular tickets.

So, as we enter the venue, we're informed that we can upgrade to the posh section for an extra $10 each. C&C look thrilled at this idea, and my kid has issues with being in crowds and had been intending to stand quietly near the back, so this is a fantastic opportunity to get a great view without the crush. I relent and upgrade, even though I'm crying inside because I know we've missed out on the private session earlier and I just want to die. Fuck me, I get to sit at a table like somebody's mom. Kill me now. My plan is to stay with C&C for a couple of songs and then venture out into the crowd, but that damn parental mode kicks in and I feel guilty about leaving them so I stay. But actually, the view is really great, even though the atmosphere in the VIP area is nonexistent.

Dave Hause and the Mermaid open the show with some so-so rock stuff. Perfectly fine and competent band to fill the time, although nothing too exciting until the last song, dedicated to Trump, and called Dirty Fucker, causes the crowd to go wild.

Then Frank Iero and his Beardy Wondergroup come out, launch into World Destroyer, and time ceases to exist. It's the first time I've seen Frank since 2007 when he wore his Black Parade jacket (sniff) so I'm very emotional and I'm grinning the whole time. I realize I don't know as many lyrics as I'd like to, on account of Frank lyrics being hard to learn without serious study, which I haven't had time for. I do my best and probably sing a pile of nonsense for the most part. He tells us that today is the first time he's showered in 5 days. Why so gross? He tells us a story about how bad the crime is in Baltimore, which makes everyone nervous about getting home tonight.

I take some great photos

And some not so great photos

After the show, we head to the pizza place next to the venue to kill time until the band hopefully come out. We huddle in the corner by the door and eat pizza. I can't really taste it. Maybe it's because it's gluten free and vegan, maybe it's because I'm really not quite in my body. I realize I'm shaking and figure it's still The Coffee I had earlier plus added adrenaline and fatigue.

I message Kyle @casesandcapitals to come meet us in the pizza place because I know he's here somewhere and we've never met before. Next thing I know, Jen @jen--ne--sais--quoi and Kyle are walking in and I realize three fundamental truths at the exact same time: 

1. Jen has intimidating make-up skills 

2. Kyle IS recognizable without the 5ft tall metal flamingo

3. These people are way too cool for me

I am a little excitable and extra when meeting them and their friends Abbi @grewuponyourbackporch and Cole, but mainly because Jen's jacket is all kinds of awesome.

My new friends eat pizza and go outside to wait again but it's too cold for us so we stay in the restaurant. I feel really sick, I'm still shaking and I feel like crap. In my fevered state I manage to post the same pic to Facebook twice and cannot for the life of me get anyone's name right in the above photo that I post to tumblr. My brain has gone. I'm a mess. I'm not really in my body and I wonder if they'll put "death by frank" as my cause of death.

We go to join everyone outside at about 1.30am because those band members aren't going to meet themselves and we don't want to miss it. It's fucking freezing! You can tell the direction that everyone has traveled to the show by how many blankets they're shivering under. Southerners are suffering and northerners don't give a shit because they're tough as nails. My kid discovers their Hamilton hoodie isn't at all warm but I'm not going to give them my hoodie because I need to meet Frank in my Death Spells hoodie because I'm shallow and a really bad parent. I actually choose to let a child freeze because I want Frank to know I'm a fan and not just someone's mom. Priorities, people!

Evan and Alex keep appearing and disappearing again. They mill around and meet folks, clearly enjoying themselves or at least faking it really well. Me and C&C go stand in the parking garage entrance for a bit because it's possibly 5 degrees warmer than outside. It's 2.20am. C&C want to give it until 2.30 before we leave. It's clear by now that Frank isn't going to come out. But he ALWAYS comes out. I'm faced with the reality of having to leave without meeting him and I'm distraught. I comfort C&C because I feel bad for making them wait all this time but they end up comforting and hugging me. They tell me to wait until 3am and to come speak to Evan because he's being adorable and there's hardly anyone left so we'll have him to ourselves. And so we do, and he's just the loveliest, sweetest man and he fixates on the fact that me and the kiddo are British, haha! We tell him we drove 8 hrs today and he should come to North Carolina. He agrees and says he loves Chapel Hill so maybe that'll happen some day (yeah right). He imparts wisdom on doing what you love and not being obsessed with grades because they won't matter once you leave school. He starts talking to someone else and just as we're thinking of leaving, there's a tap on my shoulder and someone behind me yells, "Oh! Nando's!" It's Evan again, wanting to tell me about his favorite British experience - a restaurant that serves the best chicken. He's so enthusiastic as we discuss Nando's menu, particularly the veggie options and the bean burger. Hilarious! He's my new favorite person without a doubt.

It's 3am and we leave, jogging back to the hotel (because Frank's made us nervous about Baltimore). We get to the room and I get into bed in my clothes because it's too cold to consider taking anything off. My body is still buzzing (can it STILL be The Coffee from this morning or is it shivering?). I get maybe 1-2 hrs sleep because my mind insists on composing Hamilton/FIATP hybrid songs and some of them are actually quite good so I stay up and listen to the inside of my head.

Next day we drive back to NC. It takes 7.5 hrs. I force C&C to listen to the entire Death Spells album and even a little bit of Leathermouth just because I know it's what Jen would have wanted 💜

[ulyssessklein]

How I shot my pro music video without a record label

This post isn’t a “how-to” shoot a music video. I’m sure you can get all types of suggestions from Google on which direction to go if that’s what you are looking for. This post is how I shot MY music video, without a record label backing me and paying for it all out of my pockets (which are currently empty, except for the lint).

Since there are probably several things vying for your time, I will try to keep this as brief as possible, while still getting you the necessary info you need.

The song, the story

First, I had to choose the song on my album which was good enough to be considered a “single,” but more importantly to me, the song that had the best story that could be told with actions, images, and acting. I felt I chose a song that had a story that most people could relate to, as well as being “catchy.”

It’s people, people

Step number two was to pick my “team” with regard to turning these song lyrics and melodies into a visual medium. I’ve never made a music video, but I assumed I needed a director first, and that was the right move to make. A friend happened to be married to someone who makes movies for a living so that worked out well for me. You might have to do a google search.

She (my fearless director) helped me immensely with who I needed to choose next, the DOP (director of photography), as well as figuring out my budget and how the story line would play out. Together we mapped out the crew we would need (i.e. assistant director, assistant camera, lighting, key grip, production assistants, hair & makeup, etc.), selected locations to shoot in, and started to select cast members based on the story.

Dreaming first, then the details

We started story-boarding the lyrics into different scenes, while plugging in the locations and cast members (on paper). As we were doing this, we tried to guesstimate how many days we would need, as well as how much all of this was adding up to. Once we had an idea of what was necessary to make our “dream vision” come to life, we started to add up how much it would all cost. Then we started making decisions based on budget (i.e. eliminating the piro, and cutting everything else).

We figured we needed three days to shoot at all the locations. Proximity from location to location was considered when we needed to shoot in more than one location in one day. The longest day of shooting was all done in one location. We shot the scenes out of order, from most people needed to least people (scheduling all the people involved was probably one of the most challenging parts). 

We used three cameras (one drone, a Steadicam, and a stationary camera), and a follow focus (which controls the focus of the Steadicam). There were stage lights that were available to use at one of the locations and the other lights we used we got at Target, on sale.

Keeping costs down

Some of the locations required us to possess insurance (an unexpected cost that got added in). Any props we needed, we tried to find in our own apartments. Almost everyone who was cast, extra, or crew was a friend that was doing me a favor, so they participated for nothing or less than their quote (it probably helped that the main day of shooting was on my actual birthday. I think their participation was their gift to me haha). Asking time from people was one of my big considerations, as I knew their time was precious and I didn’t want to impose or take it for granted. In some cases, I bartered services. They participated in my video for nothing (or less than they deserved) and I did stuff for them for free (recordings, their videos, gigs, cooked BBQ, etc).

I covered the cost for all the craft services (meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks) and made sure we had plenty of breaks for those things to be consumed. It kept everyone happy when we would take time to set up the different scenes.

PRO TIP: Having “petty cash” on hand while you’re shooting is necessary in case you run into any last min snags or emergencies (same goes for gaffer tape and extension cords-aka stingers or whips)

Legal and logistics

Being transparent with information (especially schedule) is a must.

Have people sign release forms so you are legally protected.

The more time you spend in preparation; the less time it will take to execute in real time.

PRO TIP: Knowing everything will probably take three times longer than you want it to is a good mindset to have to keep everyone calm and in good spirits (plenty of snack and drink options are key!)

Executing and adapting (with drones!)

The most important part was that the lyrics were being portrayed in the acting. Also, we wanted to make sure the personality of the people involved came across (hopefully a lighthearted, comical theme came across as well as the courtship aspect). In a few cases, people we had cast as specific roles became unavailable. We had to come up with a “Plan B.” Since we were going for a comical vibe, it was decided that I was a re-occurring figure that made multiple cameos throughout the video.

There was one tricky part we didn’t expect. Those were the drone shots. Different cities and states have laws in place for drone use since 9-11. Some are restrictions on nighttime flying, residential vs. city flying, and more. Fortunately, my city and state don’t have any laws like that (for now) and I know a high ranking detective who told me if I had any issues the day of to call his cell. My drone operator was extremely nervous and cautious. We were flying in the middle of a busy downtown city, near powerlines, at night, a few blocks from the police station. Not to mention weather plays a huge deal with drones. You can’t fly with any precipitation and it has to be a non-windy day. If you have a slight breeze, it is multiplied dramatically the higher off the ground you go. There are websites to let you know if you can fly your drone that day, provided you need one for an outdoor shot.

Wrapping up

After we shot all the scenes, we had to edit them into the story we were trying to tell, and then pick the alternate “filler scenes” to stick into the action to keep your attention. Once all the scenes were in order, then we had to color correct everything and then add the beginning and ending credits.

Now, I’m sure you’re asking how I paid for it all? Even though I got the “Friend Discount,” I still had to spend money. I had saved up some money from merch sales on my own gigs. I also took every type of gig offered to me. I lit up my credit card (so much so, it’s glowing). I did eat a lot of peanut butter and jelly (and made a lot of meals at home). All said and done, this music video probably cost me less than $5,000. That still may be a lot for you, but there are many creative (and inexpensive) ways to make a video and I’m sure the internet can help you discover them.

I did have an extravagant vision for this video, and I knew I was only going to make this one. So when it came time to cut things to make the budget smaller, there were some things I couldn’t cut out if I wanted it to look a certain way. The other thing that helped was I spread the shoot days out over a longer period of time so I could save up more funds (whoring myself out) in between the selected shoot days.

Added bonus, here is a link to slang terms on a film set that sound sexual, and what they really mean: http://howtofilmschool.com/25-grip-lighting-terms-that-sound-sexual-what-they-really-mean/

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