#Best Pro DJ course

[ilovemusic24]

Immerse yourself in the art of DJing with our Advanced DJ Course. Elevate your skills as you learn intricate mixing techniques, masterful track selection, and live performance strategies. From beatmatching to dynamic effects, this course empowers you to command the dancefloor with confidence. Join us and take the spotlight in the world of electronic music.

[velvetchrry]

hockey player!ghoap x smm!reader thoughts

just thinking about how you’re a social media manager for a new hockey expansion team. johnny and simon — who grew up playing hockey together — both got drafted to the pros but have never played on a team together before. they’re both selected for this new franchise — the first time they’ve played together since they were kids.

simon is a defenseman. big, hulking — he’s the guy that's going to initiate fights with the players that are picking on his teammates. you aren’t going to get away with a dirty hit when he's around — he will retaliate. he will dish out a big clean hit when they think they’re safe. especially if it’s johnny. he’s the team enforcer, but still a talented defenseman.

johnny is your center star. he’s wicked fast on the ice, and is always showing off with plays you think are near impossible. he’s surprisingly humble — giving credit where credits due, passing to his teammates when they’re open instead of taking a wild shot himself. he’s the chatty one, always talking up the press during intermission and after the games over.

(and ofc we have gaz as a winger and price as the old goaltender close to retirement, who just can’t give up the game yet)

you were hired with a batch of social media managers in order to promote this new team to the locals. you want to attract season ticket holders. you want people excited for the upcoming season. you want people to meet their players — even though most of them have a history on the ice.

you’re really good at your job. your main job is keeping up with the videos and pictures of the team and players — creating the content that gets posted. your coworkers laswell responds to the fan tweets and comments — she’s got more of a knack for that, where you have the creative eye.

part of your job is getting to know the players and getting them to open up to you on camera, especially when you’re recording. you have them follow along to the latest tiktok trends, record practice sessions and even what time everyone shows up to the arena (simon is early, price is right on time, gaz and johnny are running late). normally your job would be staying on home ice — not following the team when they’re away — but to keep up with content the owners request you specifically go along. it’s been a total hit online and tickets are selling like hotcakes.

you start to really get to know the team — you fly with them and stay in the same hotels. you’re with them at every practice. they start requesting you be the dj at practice even. it helps loosen them up. you get great content. you joke with them. you even stand at the bench during games. (content content content)

johnny of course chats you up first. he's easily to film and he’s your star. he’s the one generating the views and likes and hearts and comments. he’s the one everyone’s excited to see. he’s the first to jump on a new trend you want to film and he’ll encourage everyone to do the same. he’s the only reason that you get simon to be on camera. (and he still won’t go on camera much, rather you have to get shots of him on the ice)

they do their best to include you in everything, but especially when they’re at an away game. if the boys are going out for dinner, johnny will make simon knock on your hotel room door and convince you to join. (you don’t take a lot of convincing, however johnny has to pour simon a stiff bourbon to work up the courage to go ask you). you’re included in celebrations when the team wins. they drag you to one of the guy’s houses for a private dinner and drinks.

johnny and simon start to separately invite you to things — just the two of them. it’ll start off as johnny acting like he has a great new idea for content. he and simon did grow up together, they are best friends. they could have a great little segment together.

but it turns into more. they sit on either side of you. johnny brushes a hand against your thigh and rests it there. simon has an arm on the back of your chair, always keeping his body in the way of any potential threats. always keeping you safe. their sweet little puck slut princess. their hands are all over you by the end of the night.

they take you to a shared hotel room — after all it would be irresponsible for any of your to drive home. and johnny and simon share everything. they’re happy to share a room.

they’re happy to share you.

[cncity]

jobs some camp lazlo characters have as adults in my head

long post so I'll put a read more...

boyse

lazlo: camp counselor / scoutmaster in training! and also he volunteers a lot at places and is an activist

clam: nothing specifically, he kind of just fucks around, I feel like he'd like being a stunt performer. also because of that one episode I hc if he did get a degree he'd be a therapist. I think he'd genuinely be good at it

raj: a DJ of course

freddy/harold: I feel like he would switch between jobs a lot so I don't know abt anything in particular but I think he'd slay being a costume designer or a professional cosplayer

dave and ping pong: news journalists

edward: not sure but i feel like he'd be unhappy stuck in an office job or something like...a "good" job. while doing stuff he actually enjoys on the side, maybe a podcast guy, he would definitely attempt to be an influencer. he doesn't know what he wants besides being popular

samson: i wanna say like a cleaning job for the funny. but a mailman/delivery guy i suppose...he already has experience

no idea for chip and skip but probably some random dirty manual labor job idfk...that sounds so mean but genuinely that's the best fit i think.

wilbert in a fake ass bitch job maybe because he's a fake ass bitch

and uhhh idc abt the other boys sorry. no idea abt the lemmings they are kind of just there for gags. i think about the minor background girls more 😭

girlse

patsy: also works at camp like Lazlo because of her dad (doesnt really want to), but also a karate instructor for girls (or any MMA I forgot which one she knew, I think she lied abt that but ik it's still a apart of her character. I can just see her working with kids in some way so that'd be fitting.)

nina: SCIENCE FICTION AUTHOR I'm so dead set on this

gretchen: pro wrestler maybe....

amber: accountant

suzie: gymnast

toodie: event planner

almondine: actress :)) I can see her as a librarian too but Call Me Almondine cements the actress idea

honey: fashion sales rep or waitress. it's like really fucking funny to me if you know how I see her character. dumb blonde girl trying to sell people stuff. she means so much to me

no idea for Terrifield and Rachel they're so cute i need to think abt their character more (or what'd it be, considering they are literally just background characters with no personality at all, not even anything to pick at like the others 😭). maybe Rachel as a receptionist or interior designer bc I can just see that.

[clare141312]

MHA X READER WITH ATOM EVE´S POWERS

Words: 1,338

Chapter 2

It’s the day of the Entrance Exam, and despite all my preparation, I can’t shake my nerves. I feel like laughing. I’ve spent an entire year getting ready for this moment, so logically, there’s no reason for me to feel this anxious. But maybe it’s just human nature to feel this way when faced with something that could shape your entire future. I applied for the General Studies course as well as the Hero Course, just in case things don’t go as planned.

It’s a good thing I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to prepare. It’s now 7:30, and I’ve already finished my morning workout, had breakfast, and squeezed in some extra studying. Factoring in the time it takes to walk, potential train delays, and any unexpected incidents, now is the perfect moment to leave. I grab my bag packed with my workout clothes and take one last glance in the mirror to adjust my school uniform before heading out.

“Sayuri, are you sure you have everything?” my grandmother calls from across the house.

“Yes, Grandma. Bye!” I reply as I step out the door.

Thankfully, everything goes according to plan, and I’m now sitting on the train, set to arrive early. As I scroll through my phone, passing the time until my stop, a man steps on my foot without so much as an apology. I wish I could kill him, but obviously, that’s not an option—I’m not going to risk prison over something so trivial. So, for the rest of the ride, I spend my time, imagining all the ways I could get even, until my stop arrives.

Standing in front of UA High, I feel really intimidated. I take a moment to look around, amazed by the grand entrance as I step inside. After finding the bulletin board, I check where I need to go for the written exam and make my way to Exam Room B. I complete the written exam quickly and with relative ease. Then was present mics speech about the exam in the auditorium. I sit in my assigned seat.

“What´s up UA Candidates thanks for tuning in to me your school DJ. Come on let me hear you” Present Mic shouts but everyone remains silent. I am so Excited. Pro Heros as our teachers. School will be so much fun. “Keeping it mellow huh, that’s fine I´ll skip straight to the main show. Let’s talk about how this practical exam is going to go down.”

“Like your application said, today you rocking boys and girls will be out there conducting mock battles in super hip urban settings. Alright my friend, after I drop my mic here you´ll head to your designated battle center sound good? Okay.” Present mic says and everyone stats to pick up their cards. Battle center H alright I can do this.

“Three different types of faux villains are stationed in each battle center. You earn points for each of them based on their level of difficulty so choose wisely. Your goal, dear listeners, is to use your Quirks to earn points by shredding the foe villains like a wicked guitar solo. Of course, attacking other examinees is a no, no you dig.”  I listen intently as he speaks. But then some guy with glasses stands up raising his hand. Excuse me sir, but I have a question." the guy said.

"Hit me," Present Mic said pointing at the boy and a spotlight hit the boy.

"On the printout you've listed four types of villains not three. With all respect, if this is an error on official UA materials it is shameful. We are exemplary students. We expect the best from Japan's most notable school. A mistake such as this won't do. Additionally, you with the unkempt hair" the guy said and then pointed at a green haired boy, "You've been muttering this whole time. Stop that, if you can't bother to take this seriously then leave. You're distracting the rest of us." the guy said, and the boy covered his mouth muttering sorry. What an Asshole that glasses guy could have been nicer.

"Alright, alright. Examinee number 7111. Thank for calling in with your request. The fourth villain type is worth zone points. That guy's just an obstacle we'll be throwing in your way. There's one in every battle centre. Think of it as a hurdle you should try to avoid. It's not that it can't be beaten, but there's kinda no point. I recommend my listeners try to ignore it and focus on the one's top of the chart." Present Mic said and the guy bowed.

"Thank you very much. Please continue," he said sitting down.

"That's all I got for you today. I'll sign off with a little present a sample of our school motto as General Napoleon Bonaparte once laid down a true hero is one who overcomes lives misfortunes. Mmmm now that's a tasty sound bite. You ready to go beyond? Let's hear a plus ultra. Good luck. Hope you practised hitting more than just books." Present Mic finished.

Now I’m standing at the gate, feeling incredibly nervous. Everyone around me is talking, and I feel like I might throw up. Suddenly, Present Mic’s voice echoes, “Alright, let’s get started! There are no countdowns in real battles, so run, run, run!” The crowd surges forward, and I start running too. I quickly remember that I can fly but decide against using it. I know I can succeed without flying, and it’s better to keep that ability hidden for now. If I make it in, keeping my flight ability, a secret could give me an edge during the sports festival as my hidden weapon.

As I move further in, I start blasting every robot I see while charging ahead. Suddenly, I notice someone in danger of being struck by a robot. Instinctively, I create a shield around them and blast the robot away, sending it flying. I rush over to check on the person, only to see a set of floating clothes. A voice speaks, and I realize it’s a girl with an invisibility quirk. After making sure she’s okay, I return to blasting robots.

When the exam is finally announced as over, I take a seat and let myself rest. As soon as I go home, I´m going to eat everything I can see, I think to myself while turning the air into a bottle of water and taking a drink.

1 Week later:

I jog down the road, counting the days since the UA entrance exams—it's been a week, and I’ve been anxiously waiting for the results. As I return home, my grandmother rushes toward me, a letter in hand. “Sayuri! The letter from UA has arrived!” she exclaims excitedly. My eyes widen, and I snatch the letter from her hands before dashing to my room to open it. I sit at my desk and carefully peel open the envelope, and a circular metal thing fell out and it projected a screen.

"I am here." All Might appeared on the screen, " Sayuri Kuramoto you did extremely well on your written exam. You are probably wondering why I'm giving you your results, well it's because starting this term I am the newest teacher at U.A. high school haha. You Sayuri Kuramoto also did well on your practical exam and managed to get 40 attack points, but that is not all here at U.A. We like to take into account what really makes a hero and that is protecting people and so we had a panel of judges watch from behind the scenes and they would give out points to whoever they saw perform a heroic attack and give you rescue points you 15 rescue points putting you in 4th place getting you into U.A.'s Class 1 A hero course. Welcome you have made it."

As soon as I hear All Might say that, I dash outside to share the news with my grandmother. The moment I tell her, she embraces me tightly, overwhelmed with joy.

[poletje-s-teboj]

very soon you'll see (kris guštin/martin jurkovič)

HEY! after approximately 6-8 years i picked up writing again and decided to write a story about my two fave members. please keep in mind, i'm not a pro at writing, more like a beginner! english isn't my native language so i am excusing any grammatically or vocabulary mistakes. i hope you enjoy my story! have fun! :)

some day in april 2023

the sky of ljubljana was covered in fog, just as always. you couldn't see anything rather than a big shiny dot in the sky that somehow resembled the sun. the weather itself wasn't that cold actually, it just seemed like a typical day in november when you look out of the window, eventhough it was april and started to become quite hot in the afternoon, not the unbearable heat of the summer months tho. right now, it was kinda cold, so cold that kris needed to wear his warm coat and a scarf to not suffer from the weather.

he had been up all night, he attended the birthday party of one of his friends of university, who just turned 23. kris hasn't seen his friend from university for over a year now, since he hadn't been in the building after he got his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. his friend was already doing his master's in the same field. it was a wild party: he met many of the friends he hadn't seen in ages, the party even had an own dj and of course, there had been lots of alcohol. (quite normal for an univeristy party) kris could still feel the alcohol in his body, just not as much as he felt it when he was still having the time of his life on the party.

the wind was blowing his brunette hair into his face, which annoyed him slightly. he only focused on getting his hair off his face which made him ignore whatever was happening around him.

he had been so busy fighting against the wind that was trying to cover his face with his own hair that he didn't recognise at first that someone's been tapping on his shoulder.

"hey kris, what are you up to so early in the morning?" a familiar voice asks him. he turned around and was now straight looking into the eyes of his friend and former bandmate martin. he smiled at kris and he looked slightly confused at his friend. kris felt some nervousity before talking to martin, that he had never felt before. it was an unknown feeling, the only similar thing was the way he felt when he talked to his ex girlfriend for the first time. but that can't be the same thing, or could it be? kris simply blamed it on the alcohol that is still left in his bloodstreams after the excessive party night with his university friends.

"hey martin, uhm i wanted to ask you the.. same.. th..thing." kris began to stutter and martin gave him a confused look. there had been another strong wind breeze and kris decided to hold his head against it to clear his mind and that for god's sake he'd stopped stuttering and talking bullshit to his friend.

"you good?" asked martin with a slightly concerned voice. "yes i am. i'm sorry for the stuttering, i guess it's the alcohol's fault. i was at a party of one my friends from my classes at uni. he turned 23 yesterday." he sounded better than in the first sentence he said to his friend but still kris only got one thing on his mind.

why did he start to feel the same way as he did when he talked to one of his girlfriends for the first time? he had never felt anything in that way towards martin, or any of his bandmates. they were just best friends, nothing more. at least for now.

"that must've been a great party. you sound quite exhausted" martin said while he was getting closer to kris. his feelings started to multiply and he couldn't help it. it's the alcohol's fault, kris thought. or maybe he was just in denial. he doesn't know it yet.

"i am. we were partying until the first busses were leaving ljubljana  so everyone could get home safely."

"i'm glad. and i'm also glad that you're finding your way home now too." martin made a short pause  he looked onto his phone and then straight into kris' eyes. "your bus is arriving in approximately 6 minutes. at least this is what the app says." he said this with a little grin on his face which made kris smile a lot. he smiled so much as if his crush would confess her love to him. something was for sure playing with kris' feelings at this point, he just needs to find out what.

"uhm.. thank you for looking that up. thanks martin." he couldn't resist but letting his little smile out. out of pure interest, he asks martin where he was heading so early. "ah i'm just going to pick something up in uni. one of my friends has borrowed a textbook from me and i need it back because i need to study for my exams." martin replied while he was occassionally checking his phone as if he was waiting for a certain message. kris was awkwardly standing next to him while he was waiting for the minutes to pass by so he could get onto his ride back home and go to sleep. he had been really tired. maybe these feelings towards martin were a hallucination caused by the unhealthy amount of alcohol kris has consumed in the past hours.

in his opinion, martin looked exceptionally handsome and put-together today considering the early hour and cold morning weather of their beloved home city. he was wearing a black coat and a black scarf that protected him from the cold. his blue sweater peaked through a little bit. he liked it when people looked well dressed. his hair looked like he stepped out of the hairdresser's just a few minutes ago. it was shining even with the only very limited light the morning sun of ljubljana offered that day.

he always thought martin was a good looking guy but never in the way he did now. he felt some feelings towards him. he couldn't describe where they came from, his guess was the alcohol from the party. but little did he know. kris began to stare at him for a little bit, but not too much, he didn't wanna make it too obvious. "ah alright, that's great, martin. good luck with your exams"

"thank you kris" he smiled at him and came even closer. from afar, kris could notice a bus approaching the station. it wasn't his. not even the bus martin is supposed to take. for his own surprise, martin threw his arm around kris' shoulder kinda pulling him even closer. kris had no idea what was going on but he didn't mind it because it's a usual thing he and his friends do.

"we all gotta study even if we don't like it, right kris?" "yeah, absolutely right" kris said it in a really awkward tone. he had no idea what to do now. his feelings were going crazy as if someone confessed their love to him while martin just put his arm around his shoulder.

his feelings were different now. they weren't as they usually had been. he felt kinda felt some deeper things for his friend that randomly occured on a friday morning in april. he started to feel warm and a bit nervous in martin's presence. he started to breath a bit faster bc of the rising nervosity. "how are your friends at uni doing? is their study going well?" he asked him while his brown eyes were looking directly into kris'. "they are doing great, their studies are going better than expected. master's degrees are no fun, you know that better than anyone" both of them were laughing a slight bit after kris said the last part of the sentence.

"look the 13 is coming!" martin shouted while pointing into the opposite direction to the bus that's approaching the station. kris was ready to leave forgetting that his friend has wrapped his arm around his shoulder. martin pat his shoulder and stroke through his hair for a short moment and kris' heart felt like it was about to explode. these small gestures made his feelings for his friend even more confused. "bye martin, see you!" martin let him go and waved goodbye at him with his typical heartwarming smile he always puts on. kris stepped onto the bus and after taking a seat, he noticed martin was outside of the bus waiting for it to leave and waving kris goodbye for a last time. he smiled and waved back at him.

kris was unsure about his feelings. he didn't have any ideas where they came from rather than the alcohol from the party last night, or at least the rest that has remained in his bloodstreams. maybe he was in love. maybe he wasn't. maybe it was the alcohol. he didn't know it yet. maybe he would find that out soon. the bus took off and he started to see his friend further away every second.

martin was one of his best friends for many years now, they had lots of great memories together and kris was scared that his new discovered feelings about him might destroy their friendship. he couldn't live without martin as a friend, he needs his caring personality in his life. he helped him with many problems. for now, kris urgently needed some sleep.

later that morning

sleep was necessary for kris. that party has drained him in a way he had never thought it would. he thought he was good in terms of coping with alcohol but apparently he wasn't the best. it showed this time. after he arrived at the door of the guštin home, he immediately opened the door quickly meeting his brother in the entrance hall.

"morning maks" he said with a quite voice. he wasn't even sure if his brother could comprehend his greet. "good morning kris, you lasted long at the party, wow" his brother jokingly answered while kris was throwing his jacket and scarf onto the hanger. "yeah I didn't expect it either ways. it was a good party tho" kris explained to his brother while he was closing the door. the next stop was the kitchen because he wanted a glass of water after the countless glasses and shots of alcoholic beverages.

he wanted to do his body a favour by drinking something healthy after all of this. maybe the glass of water will wash down any of the feelings for his friend he doesn't know how to cope with them. he poured himself an ice cold glass of water and he drank it all in one shot. maybe they are gone now. maybe it was just a thought of drunk kris. maybe they were there now. maybe he really felt something for his friend deep down. he didn't know it yet, but he'd find out soon. that glass of water was the most soothing thing kris had experienced this morning. it felt like the cleanse of his soul. he was now ready to go to sleep, he just needed to brush his teeth, otherwise he would feel disgusting if his teeth were not brushed before going to sleep. so he made his way over to the bathroom, he grabbed his tooth brush, poured the toothpaste over it and started brushing his teeth. he looked at himself in the mirror and thought "it's time to go to sleep, kris. you're tired." he actually was more than tired.

not much was missing for him to fall asleep in the bathroom of the guštin home. he somehow managed to drag himself over to his bedroom, where he simply fell onto his bed, not even having energy to change or take off his clothes. the only thing kris now wanted was to sleep, which succeeded. while he was trying to fall asleep, he thought about the things that have happened to him concerning martin. he couldn't find a way to explain it to himself. they have never been there, but why are they here now? kris was clueless. this little conversation with martin felt like a turning point for him, for some reason he felt different towards him. the feelings were less in a "close friend" way, more a "i'm in love" kinda way. he still blames it on the amount of alcohol he had consumed in the past day. they were probably caused by the endless drinks he had at the party. he didn't wanna think about it anymore, he just wanted to sleep. kris turned to the other side with his whole body and just like a miracle he fell asleep.

in the afternoon

"he is always sleeping in late"

"no wonders when he's been out till sunrise or even morning"

"but sleeping till 3pm is only a solution for our son because he doesn't work a normal job or go to university like most people his age do."

half asleep, half awake, rubbing his eyes and stretching, kris heard his parents arguing in front of the door of his room. again. it didn't happen often but sometimes the topics were either kris sleeping till the afternoon or maks playing video games and streaming late into the night. after his sleep, kris definitely felt like a different human being, like he had practically been reborn. he was ready to get up and trying to brush his hair out of his face with his fingers. after opening the door, he met his dad waiting for his brother to leave the bathroom.

"dobro jutro, kris" his dad said to him while he was impatiently waiting for maks to get out. he said the same thing to his father, avoiding any eye contact. his voice was still quiet from being overused at the party. after his brother got out, his dad got into the bathroom and started to brush his teeth. "well, who's the one to complain now?" kris thought. he walked into the living room where his mom and his sister were sitting on the couch while they were watching the midday news on the slovenian channel. "morning" he said to his mom who was drinking some tea. "good morning kris, I hope you slept well." he definitely did, which he then proceeded to tell her. his sister was busy with her phone, he guessed that she was texting someone of her friends since they had an upcoming birthday party.

his mom made chicken as lunch, from which kris wanted to grab a bite of. she noticed that he was searching for it, so she told it that she put it into one of the kitchen cabinets. "thank you" he said in a kind but still really tired voice. it still felt like he wasn't properly alive. he sat down and started cutting the chicken.

while he was eating, his mom interrupted him: "kris, could you do me a favour?"

he looked up from the plate and turned his eyes towards his mom. "sure, what is it?"

"can you please pick up some eggs, butter and milk at lidl? I need them for the birthday party of maja's friend tomorrow."

picking up groceries at their local lidl? sure. not a big deal for kris. at least he thought so at the beginning. "of course, mom. do you need anything more?" she stired her tea. "no, just these two things. thank you so much"

"no problem."

a few minutes later

kris took his wallet and keys with him from his room and put on his jacket, scarf and shoes. he now was ready to leave the house to get milk, eggs and butter for a birthday cake. he put a little note into the pocket of his jacket with the three groceries he needed to buy, so he'd not forget something.

kris stepped out of the door, locked it and started heading towards the local lidl, which is perfectly accessible via foot since it was only three minutes away from his home. the cold wind that has already hit him in the morning, sweeped through his hair again, causing a completely messy hairstyle. the cold wind brought him memories from that morning and the short talk with martin. oh how much he hopes not to accidentally run into martin at lidl because this is the last thing he wants to experience now. he hadn't thought about this in the past hour but he guessed, the feelings are still there.

kris was a bit embarrassed and too ashamed to meet martin now. but that wasn't a likely thing to happen. martin probably was at university or was studying for his exams now. at least this was what kris was hoping for. he wanted to ban martin from his thoughts now, fearing they'd get too messy. it succeeded. for now.

while walking down the road from that lead from his house to the grocery store, he saw one of his neighbors walking their dog. they greeted eachother and everyone made their own way. he used the entire walk to fight against the wind, constantly putting his hair out of his face.

after that, he shortly arrived at the lidl and kris walked in into the grocery store.

butter, eggs and milk. just three things. it was unlikely for him to meet martin here. kris walked through the alley of bread and sweets heading over to the counter of dairy products. he tried to take his little note out of his pocket, completely ignoring the people around him as he was too busy to get his note out in the fear he'd forget something.

not looking at the people around you was a mistake made by him, suddenly he bumped into someone. he didn't see who that was at first but after he let out an angry "excuse me?" he knew exactly who this had been and it was the person he didn't wanna meet today. kris and the person turned into the same direction, looking each other into the eyes. martin jurkovič.

"goddammit" thought kris. not him again. "oh hi martin, I am so sorry" kris apologized with a slightly shaky voice. "hey kris, it's okay, that happens. what are you searching for?" he asked his friend in his typical friendly voice kris loved so much. he was kinda nervous, but why? he really shouldn't think too much about it. "milk, eggs and butter. i need to get it for my mom because she wants to make a cake for maja's friend's birthday party" he said being a little bit nervous and while he was looking and secretly admiring his looks. not even the wind has destroyed martin's hair from looking good and well put together.

kris kinda wanted to avoid eye contact with him so he decided to look down at the floor, but he also didn't wanna be awkward for not looking at martin while they were talking to eachother. "great, i have to get groceries because bojan forgot to do so. or better said: he didn't want to. typical bojan." he noticed that martin was being a bit sarcastic about this sentence. typical bojan. he only ever said that when he's being sarcastic. "yes, yes, typical bojan. too occupied to go groceries shopping." kris answered, while he was trying to imitate martin's undertone, which he didn't manage that successfully. martin was grabbing the same milk kris wants to get and also some cheese, but kris wanted to wait until he's gone so he can concentrate on his little shopping adventure.

"what a coincidence to see you here today" said martin, while he was putting some packaged ham into his shopping cart. kris decided to look at him again with confidence and answered: "yes. what a coincidence." "as if this is what i wanted now. as if he's the person i wanted to meet today." he thought anxiously. martin looked at him kinda judgy because he wasn't putting anything into his shopping bag. "what are you waiting for kris? do you need to get to some products?" martin said while looking at him a bit judgingly. kris had no idea on what to say now, he couldn't say "no i am waiting until you left because i can't handle being in your presence, otherwise my mind would go crazy". instead he looked around a bit confused and answered with something that randomly entered his mind "oh no i just forgot to put them into my bag haha. i have been deciding for the past few minutes on what type of milk, butter and eggs to get." kris felt that he's starting to turn red, which wasn't nessacarily a good sign. martin was kinda confused now and he answered "oh okay, uhm.. i guess i have everything. see you, kris. goodbye" he pat him on his shoulder and went the opposite direction."bye martin. tell bojan hi from me." "i will" martin said without looking back at him.

"oh shit" kris thought while putting the milk into his black shopping back he got on his first day of university. goddammit, did he notice that something was off? "well, kris, you're stupid" he said to himself angrily. he was so stupid for acting like an idiot rather than a normal friend. he probably noticed that something was off. hopefully not, kris thought. stepping a few steps aside to the next aisle with the other dairy and animal products, he grabbed the butter and the eggs and went to the cashier as if nothing has happened.

after arriving at the cashier, martin was in front of him unloading the shopping cart onto the cashier. kris wanted to be quiet and he acted as if nothing has happened and he hoped, that martin doesn't notice him. while putting his three items onto the cashier martin accidentely turned around. "i didn't think of seeing you again this soon" "yeah me neither" kris said while he was laughing sarcastically a little bit. martin only smiled at him for a short bit and then he turned aroundbagain because it was his turn to check out. "hopefully he didn't notice anything weird" thought kris while he was staring at his friend handing over the money to the cashier. not a lot was going on in kris' mind, it was just him focusing on whatever martin was doing. after he put everything into his cart again, kris waved at him for a last time today (hopefully) and he proceeded to wave back at him. "bye martin" "bye, kris, see you".

kris watched martin keave the grocery store and in that moment, it was his turn to checkout. "5.21 please." the lady said while kris was handing over the 10 euro bill he got from his mom. "that's 4.79 in return" "hvala" kris said and put the things into the bag and left the store.

"why did we meet again and who let me act like an actual idiot there." thought kris while he was heading outside, already being greeted by the strong wind and he headed back home.

a few days later

"that was a great practice as usual, hvala" shouted bojan while he was putting his guitar away.

"absolutely" answered jure while he was trying to get a pack of cigarettes out of his jacket's pocket. all of them were ready to leave, except for kris. he decided to stay a bit to practice on his own. "bye kris" said nace and jan simultaneously and bojan waved at him, jure was already heading back outside. "bye guys, it was nice today!" shouted kris hoping the others would hear him.

he smiled as his friends made their way out of their rehearsal space. now it was just kris and his guitar. he decided to plug it in again and started to play random chords. after a while he began playing their songs. it felt like free therapy. just him and his guitar. for now. his mind shut down, he only thought about playing the guitar right now. all other thoughts were banned from his head. no martin. no feelings, just music. this was what he liked most. this is what he needs from time to time, simply to calm down.

the first song kris decided to play was plastika. it felt like as if he was on stage playing in front of thousands of enthusiastic joker out fans. his free therapy succeeded.

then he moved on to omamljeno telo and dopamin. he hadn't played the extended intro of omamljeno telo in a while, which meant it was time to reactivate it again. "ta pesem mi da občutek kot da letim". this sentence is always stuck in his mind, which a fan told him back in murska sobota last summer. kris wanted to fly now, to make any unreasonable thoughts drift away. his way of flying was simply playing the guitar, he decided to play the song twice. it was pure stress relief for the already quite stressed young man.

from flying and touching the clouds and the stars, he moved on to a song that was written by him. it's all about love and being addicted to it: dopamin. since it was his song, he decided to sing alongside while playing. he tried to not pay attention to the lyrics and their meaning. "to me, you're pure dopamin. to me, i want you even more. when you hit me with your gentle touch, the night turns into a glowing mosiac." martin. he tried as hard as he can not to think about him while playing. however, dopamin wasn't the right song to avoid thinking these thoughts. "life from day to day is an endless flow of lucid dreams about you." he couldn't see anything else rather than martin in these lyrics. it now felt like this song has been unintentionally written about him. after finishing playing this song, he put his guitar away. there's no space in his mind for guitar playing right now, since it has been occupied by his dearest friend martin jurkovič. they are still there. it confuses him. he has never felt that way towards any of his friends before. he had known martin for many years now, but never did kris think about having a crush on his friend.

the last two times they spoke were pure emotional chaos for kris: he couldn't look him in the eyes, otherwise he'd turn red. avoiding eye contact would make martin think he's acting weird. kris needed to find a way to make it through and didn't let something to be noticed. in his eyes, martin was not only a great friend and a smart guy, but also incredibly good looking. kris won't forget the sight in the early hours after getting home from a party, seeing him already being so well put together even due to the strong wind. his sense of humour and the way he cared about his friends, the thought of it made kris go straight to heaven. now he can't deny it anymore, he fell in love with martin. the feelings weren't only caused by the alcohol, the drinks just have awaken them in him. he leaned back onto the couch, throwing his arms onto the rest.

he in- and exhaled deeply, trying to relax, as suddenly the door opened. someone stepped into the rehearsal space, kris jumped up to see who came into the room. he couldn't believe his eyes as he saw a tall brown haired guy with a middle part and a beard enter the little room.

his eyes began to widen as martin shouted "hey kris! why are you still here?", he was approaching him and sat beside him onto the couch for a short moment, before he stood up to walk to the cabinets in the room. now kris needed to figure out how he'd deal with the situation now. either no or full on eye contact. quickly, he chose option two. "hey martin, long time no see haha. i decided to stay a bit longer to practice my own solos a bit. therapeutic activity, you know?" kris said while being slightly nervous in martin's presence.

"what brings you here?" he asked, while martin was searching for something in one of their drawers. he answered kris' question while he was pulling out a black leather notebook out of a drawer in one of their cabinets: "bojan forgot his lyrics journal and since i am always passing the space when i'm on the way to university, he told me to stop by and get it for him. he's got a great idea for a new song, he told me ealier this day." "good to have a rehearsal space that is quite central." kris said and he noticed that martin was approaching him to sit down next to kris. he shouldn't feel anything out of the ordinary, but he did. he could sense that his face was starting to turn red. after sitting down, martin stretched his arms und laid them onto the rest of the couch, so that one was directly behind kris' neck. it even touched his arm a little bit but kris tried to ignore it. in his dreams, martin would have hugged him tight and kris might even got to kiss him eventhough he knows that would never happen in real life. "I'm excited to see what Bojan comes up with" he said quietly while struggling to keep his mind clear and not reveal any of his feelings to him.

"me too" responded martin. kris thought he didn't notice anything, which was good. one wonder he was wondering about was, when martin would be leaving. he had no problem with him being there, the problem just was that kris feared, that he'd notice something was off. kris tried to think that it was just martin sitting next to him, nothing more, nothing less, no other thoughts. well, this didn't work the way it all was supposed to.

"after not being on stage with you all anymore, I forgot how comfortable this couch is. I feel like I could keep sitting there forever." martin told him while he was relaxing. kris anxiously looked fast from left to right a few times before answering his friend: "yeah, you have really forgotten about it, it shows haha. i really miss you performing with us on stage." he thought, it was a good idea to start talking about something emotional to hide his feelings and he tried to cover them up with silly little laughs, hoping martin won't notice anything. he turned towards kris and answered: "yeah, I miss it too, but you know why I left." now he was looking into kris' eyes, there was no way of kris leaving this situation now and martin would most likely notice something.

"I do, I really, really do, but I just miss you so incredibly much." he started to feel that some tears were coming down his face, but he didn't wanna cry. he didn't wanna show any emotion right now. "I miss y'all and performing as well, but it was the right decision for me to leave the band. you remember that it wasn't easy for me either. don't cry, please, kris. don't cry, everything's fine."

"I'm not crying" kris said, while he felt a little tear streaming down his face. martin noticed it and wiped away his tear. kris was not doing good right now, he felt how his face was turning red, that was not a good sign. martin looked at him and asked whether everything was fine. "no nothing's fine. this little move of you made me go completely crazy and I don't even know how to hide my feelings anymore" thought kris while he answered: "yes, thank you, martin. I'm good now." after looking at him for a little bit, martin decided to give kris the tightest hug he could imagine. it felt like a safe place for him and he wished to never let go, though it made his heart beat even faster. "it's not that i am gone forever, kris." martin whispered to him. "i know" he told him.

kris felt like crying but he couldn't, he had to hold it back, otherwise martin could guess something. after a few moments, he released his friend from his hug and looked at him. their eyes met but kris couldn't stand the eye contact for more than a few seconds, which led to him looking away. he decided to focus on the huge bookshelf they had in their rehearsal space, while martin was still looking at him. "kris, are you okay? is everything good?" martin asked him with a worried voice. "hopefully he didn't notice that something's off" thought kris to himself after hearing what martin said. "yes, martin, yes, I'm good. everything's good. don't worry, please." he looked at him for a little bit till he looks at the bookshelf again. his voice was a mixture of sounding a bit shaky and nervous.

"I don't believe you. you don't sound like everything is fine." replied martin judgingly. now kris was a bit scared. was martin going to find out? "but... but, martin.. I am fine.. like really." he said while turning his eyes from the bookshelf to the face of his friend.

"don't lie to me, kris. I can tell something's wrong."

"no, I promise you, I am good." he put his hand onto kris' shoulder and told him: "you know, you can tell me everything."

kris started to breathe a little bit heavier and said: "I.. I know.. it's just that I miss you with us on stage." he tried to hold back his tears and it somehow worked, at least for now. martin looked down for a second and then proceeded to tell kris: "I know that.. and I miss you all too. don't you think I miss performing too? I miss it more than anything but sometimes you gotta make sacrifices. but kris, remember, I am always here for you as a friend and for everyone else in the band. it's not that I am dead." I am always here for you as a friend. kris had no idea how to deal with this sentence. he was glad that martin would be always there for him, and he also knew that even if he found out, they would never be more than friends. that was what confused him. he actually wanted to cry now so that martin would give him a tight hug again, but he knew he couldn't. "I know, thank you." whispered kris quietly and they hugged again for a little bit. kris felt safe and he was glad martin didn't notice anything.

approximately one month later

it's been a month since kris had his little breakdown in front of martin. he had promised him to not tell anyone about it because kris kinda felt a bit ashamed for emotionally breaking down in front of his friend. he had lots of things going on this month, mainly eurovision, so there was no time to destroy his thoughts because of him. liverpool was a Rollercoaster of emotions for him and the entire band. they have arrived back home in ljubljana around one and a half weeks ago.

today was supposed to be a stressful day: joker out planned a meet and greet for fans in a bar in ljubljana and kris was one of the main organizers, so he had to arrive quite early. around 3pm, there was no one expect him and some of the people that worked at the bar.

"živjo!" kris shouted to the workers while entering the building. "živjo, kris!" a woman with long black hair greeted him back, after a few minutes, kris noticed that she was one of his former classmates, so he decided to chat with her for a bit. it turned out that she was part time working in this bar alongside medical school. they haven't seen eachother in many years, so he enjoyed talking to his former classmate for a bit, especially before the others were arriving.

but after that, he needed to go back to prepare everything for the fan meet and greet tonight. they haven't done a proper m&g in ages, so it felt like they were time traveling back to cvetličarna in 2021. he enjoyed talking to fans from time to time, though he wasn't as dedicated as bojan when it comes to meeting fans. kris is more a reserved type while bojan is outgoing and talkative, even with strangers.

while helping the employees to set up everything, kris thought about martin. he hadn't lost any thought to him in the past weeks because he was too stressed, but the thoughts are coming back. his feelings won't die in the near future, he was sure about that. "martin won't be there tonight, so no need to stress myself" he thought to himself while he was putting some joker out flyers onto the round tables. the others would arrive in 2 or 3 hours, until that, kris had time to think about his friend.

a while later

"it all looks really good" said bojan while inspecting the little flyers that were scattered all over the desks.

"carpe diem" was written all over it.

"I love these flyers! probs to whoever made them!" agreed nace with the happiest voice someone could imagine.

"good job, girls, guys and kris" responded bojan while jokingly mocking kris a bit for mentioning him on his own. he found that joke actually quite funny, so he laughed a little bit.

"kris, kris, kris!" he heard someone was shouting his name, so he turned around and saw jure running towards him. "hey jure, what's going on?" kris asked him, being slightly confused about jure's euphoric enthusiasm. "did you... did you know, we'll have a special guest tonight?" special guest. that sounded either really good or really bad, depends on who the special guest was. "nope, I didn't. who is it?" "can't tell you right now, you'll see. I know you're gonna be really happy." said jure while slightly jumping in his place, he was just like an hyperactive child at the age of 27. that's just jure. if jure said he'd be happy, kris decides to believe him.

it's been 8pm now, the starting time of the fan meet and greet. kris could already see lots of fans, mainly girls, queueing to get pictures and talk to the jokers. "the more often I look out, the more people I see waiting for us. dude, I feel like we're in the cvetka again." stated bojan, who just stood next to kris. "yeah, that's crazy, you're right. I am not even used to it anymore." answered kris.

now, the five members of the band decided to go out and all the fans were cheering and screaming. they felt like celebrities. it was a feeling that couldn't be replaced by anything else. all of the spotlights were on them and the fans were cheering as much and as loud as they could. "dober večer!" screamed bojan and the fans immediately responded with an even louder scream. they decided to play 5 songs tonight, two from their first and second album and their eurovision hit carpe diem. a fortune wheel chose their other four songs which had been metulji, dopamin, vse kar vem and katrina. dopamin. what a perfect song to play now, well.. at least martin wasn't here. the band started to play their songs and the audience was going crazy. kris could notice them having a lot of fun as usual.

after they finished carpe diem, bojan said: "you might think this was our last song, but I can assure you, there will be one more performance from us." kris was a bit shocked because he didn't know that they would be performing another song. bojan continued: "we haven't played this one in a while, and to be exact, it's not even an original joker out song. let's sing about starry skies and shooting stars." starry skies and shooting stars? there is only one song that would come to kris' mind: mogoče. but how would they be playing it if nace doesn't know the chords? he knew it. "and for that, let's welcome a special guest, applause for the one and only martin jurkovič!"

the audience was now screaming even louder than before as martin came onto the stage hugging jan and bojan at first, then jure and after that he walked over to kris. if you would've looked closely at him, you could tell his facial expression was shocked. now martin is here today as well and performing a song with them. kris was going insane internally. martin decided to hug him tightly as well, it wasn't as tight as the comfort hug he gave him in the rehearsal space. his heart was still about to explode. martin's touch made him go crazy. he had no idea how to deal with it that people and especially martin won't notice it. for this song, nace went backstage. he had no idea that they would be performing mogoče tonight. "that's why bojan wanted to practice this song, without bass the entire time." he thought to himself. "gremo fantje!" bojan shouted and the five started started to play. kris hadn't played this song in almost a year. the only thing that now helped, was concentrating on the chords and the audience, and not to focus on martin. "mi smo joker out in radi vas mamo" this is how they ended their concert.

martin gave everyone including nace a hug and as it was kris' turn, he whispered to him: "i'm glad to see you again, are you better today?" this short hug made kris definitely feel things, especially feeling martin's hands on his back. "yes" he said quietly and he let go and proceeded to go off-stage. it had been a short concert but it felt so good for kris to play in front of an audience full of joker out fans again after only playing only one song in liverpool all of the time.

"kris!" "kris! can i get a picture?" "come here, kris!!" "kris come to me please! i need a picture with you!" "can you give me your guitar pick?" this was what kris was hearing all of the time. this was gonna be a bit stressful, but that was his job. "yes sure! one by one!" he shouted the loudest he could and the fans started to somewhat line up to talk to him and to take pictures.

approximately two hours later

all the members were having a beer in the bar, relaxing after the meet and greet with the euphoric fans. they were laughing and had the best time. kris was talking to nace and jan while bojan and martin were chatting about something kris couldn't hear, probably about something related to their apartment since they lived together.

"mogoče sounded amazing live!" admitted nace. "I hope you weren't mad for not playing this song with us" said jan, joking a little bit. "no, I surely wasn't. you guys were amazing" replied nace to jan's sentence. "it was a strange feeling to play mogoče after such a long time live again." said kris, while taking a sip from his beer. "absolutely" agreed jan. during this conversation kris always looked awkwardly in martin' direction but hoping he and jan and nace won't notice him. kris wanted to secretly admire martin in his head, since he couldn't get the comfort hug from over a month ago out of his brain. he was constantly thinking about it. the way martin had been so sweet with him after kris had a emotional breakdown almost revealing his feelings to his friend.

"I actually didn't know bojan was planning this" jan said and kris agreed with him. bojan hadn't told anyone, but jure, about bringing martin on stage. one part of kris didn't complain, because he liked to admire him and the other part wanted to avoid him at all costs. what a conflict he carried within him.

"it was a surprise but a goo-" someone tapped onto his shoulder while he was talking and interrupted him. he turned around and saw martin. "oh hi, martin! what are yo-" "I need to talk to you, kris. nace, jan, can you give a minute with him?" he interrupted kris asking. "yeah sure" jan said and kept on talking with nace. kris felt a bit weird because why would martin wanna talk to him? his biggest fear was if he noticed something.

they both went to some corner in the bar together to able to talk quietly with eachother. they were standing next to eachother and kris decided to place his empty beer cup on the table. he was kinda nervous to be alone with him again. his feelings were already going crazy when martin's dark eyes just took a look at kris. "what do you wanna talk about, martin?" kris asked him. he was taking a sip from his cup and then placed it next to kris' empty one. "about the rehearsal space." shit. he thought to himself, he might have noticed it. "yeah, uhm.. sure." kris slowly answered. "I simply wanted to check on you, whether you're doing okay. it was hard for me to see you this down and all that because of me." "thank god he didn't notice anything" kris thought. but he had been a bit anxious now because he now had to talk about his feelings with martin. "yes, thank you. I am doing better now. I think I might've had a bad day because I had this breakdown. I am sorry, martin."

he reached out to kris by putting his hand onto kris' shoulder, which made kris kinda shake. he couldn't take his touch and acting completely normal. maybe it's time to reveal it. "no need to be sorry, kris. we all have bad days sometimes. but kris, why are you shaking? are you really all good? should I get you something to drink?" he was so caring, that's what kris loved about him. "yes, martin, i am. I wouldn't lie to you." he became quite nervous knowing he had martin's hand touching him on his shoulder. at the same time it felt good. kris felt some kind of safety. "hmm.. strange. I haven't seen someone shaking and claiming they are feeling well. are you sure you're good?" "yes, martin, I am 100% sure." "I can't believe you" martin replied and he sounded a judging. "no martin, I'm not good, I am in love with you and I just wish that you'd feel the same about me." this is what kris wanted to say. he wanted to confess his love. he didn't wanna lie to him. looking into his beautiful dark brown eyes was a challenge for him.

"kris, please explain to me, what is going on? I need to know it now, please. we're friends, you can tell me everything." he could tell him everything. everything, even his feelings for him, but he won't. at least for now. martin put his hand away from kris' shoulder. what a relief. "everything?" kris looked at him. "yes, kris. everything. even that you're in love with me." goddammit. he must've noticed something was off.

kris began feeling a bit insecure and he began to shake again.

"it's that... it's all about... you, martin. I have been having feelings for you lately." martin looked kinda shocked at him but then put his hand on kris' shoulder again. he couldn't look him in the eyes, he was too embarrassed to have revealed it to him. martin stared at kris' empty cup. they weren't looking at eachother for a moment until martin said: "well, kris, to be honest with you.." kris hoped for him saying "I have been feeling the same for you" but he knew it wouldn't happen. "I suspected it. I remembered a girl in my high school acting pretty much the same as you did when i was around." he wasn't expecting this answer from him. was he really that obvious? he guessed he had been. "you weren't very secretive about it. the way you acted lately around me made me guess it."

it's been out now. kris was happy that he told him about it but also a bit scared of his reaction. he just knew, martin would never feel the same. "yes, uhm.. so I guess it's out now haha" said kris while laughing a bit sarcastic. martin came a bit closer to kris and started to put his on his back and asked him: "and this is what makes you go insane?" "yes... yes, martin." he stroke kris' back and then decided to put his hand onto his shoulder again.

"is this what heaven actually feels like? definitely. this is my heaven, I rise above when he's near me." kris thought to himself. "good to know then. kris I have to tell you that I am totally fine with you feeling that way about me and it's not that I don't like the idea." kris' heart was beating even faster now, is something going to happen? this was the only thing he wished for right now. martin doesn't dislike the idea. his mind is going crazy.

kris was not sure how to deal with it anymore. he just wanted one thing now. suddenly martin pulled him closer and kissed him. kris had no idea what was going on right now. it happened. the thing he wanted to happen. he felt like he's flying, just as if he's playing omamljeno telo on his guitar. he just let it happen.

"martin, kris, can u plea-" bojan shouted and he was interrupted when he saw them. both of them released eachother and jumped back. they were looking bojan straight in the eyes. not only martin knows about it, but also bojan. "shit" thought kris.

THE END.

thank you sm for reading my story and i hope you liked it! :)

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1998 San Francisco Playlist (YouTube)

Really ain't nothin' like the city of San Francisco when it comes to the music. The hippie-psychedelic Haight-Ashbury vibes of the 60s ended up getting baked into the cyber-psychonautic underground rave scene of the 90s; there's been a whole bunch of house music; a rich folk tradition; Bay Area hip hop developed into its own oft-overlooked entity; a pretty deep pocket of turntablism; and, of course, plenty of indie rock too. Quite a mix of scenes, and I'm obviously missing a bunch too!

So this week I'm giving you all something that feels like a long-forgotten CD that some college kid who was attending school in San Francisco may have burnt back in 1998. It's an eclectic, completely underground mix of electronic, hip hop, and a little bit of indie too; and it's been collecting dust at the bottom of a drawer now for over 25 years!

We kick off with a dubby deep house remix of Paris' A Reminiscent Drive's "Two Sides to Every Story" by SF native Charles Webster—14.4K plays on YouTube across a handful of uploads—and then we follow that up with a mix of UK group Globo's "Breakdown" by legendary breakbeat/trip hop pioneer Jack Dangers of Meat Beat Manifesto, who started calling the Golden Gate City his home in 1993—under 500 plays on that one as of right now. A little after that we get more breakbeat from a *very* obscure duo called Astralabe, whose cinematic, tribal-psychedelic masterpiece, "Guimbri Dub (Self-Cremating Fire of Passion Remix)," appears to be the only song that they ever released, and is included exclusively on an uncredited DJ mix called The Vertical Iris; currently sitting at a measly 92 plays.

Then on the hip hop side of things, we have some lo-fi dustiness from Double Life and Raw B called "Cycles of the Mind," as well as a 7-plus-minute medley by Sacred Hoop, DJ Marz, and Z-Man called "Not Our House," which I think can only be best described as Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack vibe. Those songs have 28.8K and 6.6K plays, respectively. And then for some killer turntablism, we've got a few tunes, including something from DJ Badrok called "1-800-Coming Correct," which has a little under 400 plays.

There's also a fat, buzzy bassline drum n bass remix by a guy named DJ Abstract of "Dukes Up," the original version of which is by someone who simply went by the name of W, that has a little over 6.5K plays (sorry about the super annoying part at the end of it 😕); and a couple tunes that show the versatility of a dude named Cole Marquis, whose solo indie folk tune, "48's," only has a little over 140 plays, and his much peppier, college/indie rock, keyboard-aided bop, "Dirt Bike Rider," by his band The Snowmen, has a little over 170 plays.

This playlist is ordered as chronologically as possible.

Reminiscent Drive - "Two Sides To Every Story (Love From San Francisco Remix)" Globo - "Breakdown (mixed by Jack Dangers of Meat Beat Manifesto)" Daisy Glow - "Right On! (User Friendly mix)" Astralabe - "Guimbri Dub (Self-Cremating Fire of Passion Remix)" Rasco - "Cordless Mics" Cole Marquis - "48's" Double Life feat. Raw B - "Cycles of the Mind" Live Human - "Almost Live" Sacred Hoop feat. DJ Marz & Z-Man - "Not Our House" DJ Badrok - "1-800-Coming Correct" Apollo, Vinroc, Shortkut & Richness - "Live at Cue's" W - "Dukes Up (DJ Abstract's One A.M. mix)" Snowmen - "Dirt Bike Rider"

And here's a list of the compilations and mixes that were used to put this thing together:

Club H Vol. 2 by Harry the Bastard (2000, Statra Recordings) The Chemistry Set (1998, Hypnotic Records) The Vertical Iris (1998, ZoëMagik Records) Observation of Ruins (1998, Baraka Foundation) Cleaning House: A Devil in the Woods Compilation (1999, Devil in the Woods) Cue's Hip Hop Shop Volume One (1998, Dogday Records) Eclectic Electric (2000, eMusic)

And this playlist is also on YouTube Music.

So you've got about 66 minutes of some pretty obscure 1998 San Francisco underground music here, the likes of which I don't think anyone else besides that hypothetical college kid that I made up before would ever put together 😁.

Going back to the 70s next week with an update to a genre playlist that I haven't touched in a *very* long time 👀.

Enjoy!

More to come, eventually. Stay tuned!

Like what you hear? Follow me on Spotify and YouTube for more cool playlists and uploads!

[highlighthq]

⋆˙⟡ HIGHLIGHT TV DEBUT SHOW, FILMING COMMENCES SEPT 7TH-11TH 2023.

highlight tv is setting up at the location as we write this post to make sure it is ready for your arrival. all highlight tv cast members will be whisked off to tuscany, italy on september 6th to the first hotel. there, you will be able to get ready for filming which commences on september 7th, 2023. all cast members will attend a welcome brunch at 11am at their home for the next few days. the hotel? rosewood castiglion del bosco, one of the best resorts in the world. please click this link to see the resort in which you will be staying at. highlight tv has hired out the luxury resort for the filming so only cast members will be there. itinerary and extra information is under the read more.

september 6th, you'll have a flight booked for you to fly you to italy. you'll all be put in a hotel for one night. we didn't want your first time to be on camera to be after a long flight, after all ! september 7th, everyone will arrive one by one and be introduced to the camera for the audience. filming as a group will then commence at an introduction brunch at 11am on the estate premises which will be cooked by the resort's own chefs. each person will be given their own suite but there will be plenty of time for interactions with the rest of the members. couples will have a shared suite. please see below an itinerary for the stay in italy with a note if the activity is mandatory or not. mandatory events are where everyone needs to be there, especially for filming. filming will be done at the other events too, but your character does not need to go if you choose not to. they are there to give your characters something to do more and allow interaction between the other members.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH

9am - 10:55am ( mandatory ) / camera crew to film individual introductions of everyone, quick 2-3 minute clip of each person. no time for second takes, so make sure to make a good impression !

11am - 1pm ( mandatory ) / welcome brunch hosted in osteria la canonica. highlight tv hosts will be there to say a few words and then food will be brought out. seating plans will be announced a couple of days before the event so you can know where you are sitting. we want to boost interaction between people right from the get go.

1:15pm - 7pm / downtime for everyone. the first day is always the most nervous and we want you all to get settled in. go and explore the estate. there's a private golf course & club, an infinity pool, a spa and a fitness centre. whether you take a break in your suite or go and be active, it's your time. the bars will be open for you to go and relax if you wanted too. this also gives you time to get ready before the evening event.

7:30pm - 12am ( mandatory ) / the hotel hosts la festa della domenica through the summer months and into september. this is usually held on a sunday, but after discussions with the producers, they have agreed to host for highlight tv and the members on their first night on the estate. it brings together all of the guests to the heart of the borgo for a culinary feast under the stars. after dinner, highlight tv have hired a dj to host a private set for an opening party. specialist cocktails have been made for you by the mixologists at the estate.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH

8am - 10am / breakfast will be held in the lobby dining area. this will be the same every morning. make sure to get your breakfast and coffee to start your morning right before your activities.

10:30am - 2pm / golf pros at the estate will be at the golf club to give lessons for members if they want to. golf course will be open for anyone who just wants a quiet round of golf. if golf isn't your thing, the spa will be open. feel free to have any treatments you want. it's on highlight tv.

4pm - 6pm / champagne and wine tasting at the brunellerie with charcuterie boards. don't drink alcohol ? no problem ! there will be non-alcoholic beverages for you to enjoy.

8pm - 11pm ( mandatory ) / dinner cooked by the executive chef at the ristorante campo del drago.

11:15pm - 3am / pool bar open till late with a dj and cocktails for those night owls.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH

8am - 10am / breakfast will be held in the lobby dining area once more.

11am - 5pm ( mandatory ) / pool party held in the private villa on the estate. there will be a dj, food and drinks for you all. party to your heart's content or take a dip in the pool.

8pm - 10pm / dinner in any of the dining areas if you so choose. the rest of the night will be pretty chill considering the day was so full on.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

8am - 10am / breakfast will be held in the lobby dining area once again.

10:15am - 6pm / it's your last chance to make use of the estate's amenities. go take a dip in the pool, one last game of golf, a treatment or two in the spa or make use of the fitness centre.

7:30pm - 2am ( mandatory ) / last night you say ? of course the producers have gone all out ! party in the the piazzetta. the borgo piazzetta is the town square, and it's cornered off for the party of the week. djs, entertainment and lots of food and drink will be on offer for the entire crew. theme is pink party. please come dressed in pink, and dressed to impress.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH

11am - 2pm ( mandatory ) / farewell brunch for the crew. producers will say their final words and give hints to the next event to keep you guessing until next month. your character will get a chance to say a 2-3 minute farewell message for the final episode and everyone will get a chance to say goodbye to each other. filming will then wrap and you'll be whisked back to your own homes. until next location !

there will be a round-up posted on the higlight tv blog a few days after filming, when we ask everyone to update their sideblog.

[acearohippo]

Hippo's Dislyte Awards of 2022

Inspired by @ilikedyourablogithere, this one wanted to compile one's own list of faves! This one will format it a bit differently due to personal reasons. Everything, of course, is based on personal bias and NOT on actual gameplay usefulness or canon accuracy. The categories one included:

Favourite Men: Union, Shadow Decree, Non-Affiliated

Favourite Women: Union, Shadow Decree, Non-Affiliated

Favourite Ships: Straight, M/M, F/F, Friend, Family

Favourite Events: Billboard, Sidestory, Non-Story

Favourite Miscellaneous: Boss, Element, Relics (Una, Mui, and Combo) Mythology, Esper Skin, Esper Drip

Favourite Songs: Character Song, DJ Contest Song, XHz Radio City Song, XHz Radio Bar Song

Favourite Union Man Award: Lewis [Ares]

Why? Because my man's out here weighing the pros and cons of joining the Union, based on his personal goals. You don't get that sort of introspection when creating "good guys". He's allowed to be passionate, aggressive, and brash without sacrificing his logic or critical thinking. He's allowed to be confident and dutiful without comprising his youth and playfulness. He respects his younger sister for choosing a different path than him and doesn't selfishly think he's failed her (or himself). He admires his mentor, Gaius, but doesn't hold him on a pedestal as an impossible goal to become. Lewis' sense of self-worth, self-respect, and self-love is so inspiring. Wish he had more stories.

Runner Ups: Li Ling, Tang Xuan

Favourite Shadow Decree Man Award: Long Mian [Ao Bing]

Why? Long Mian has the single most cliché, yet disturbing reason for joining the Shadow Decree. This man witnessed his beloved dog die and, clichély, became a Taxidermist after his dog was stuffed and Long Mian saw he could preserve his most precious items this way. The disturbing part is that he preserves anything beautiful that catches his eyes: which include people. This one loves that his sole reason for joining Shadow Decree is because they don't care that he's collecting people while he brings them miramon for study. That's fantastic. It also seems like, outside of the Decree members, the public doesn't seem to be aware of his activities, because he still has a job... as a taxidermist. He's a serial killer, with a very serial killer-cliché job, but he's so nondescript, he's able to roam free doing what he does. I respect that.

Runner Up: Jiang Jiuli

Favourite Non-Affliated Man Award: Unas [Shu]

Why? He might not have a lot about him, but can we appreciate how- after his wife died- he decided his best bet to keep moving forward was to become a travelling hippie? So many espers have lost their beloved and have grieved in their own way. This one just thinks it's lovely that Unas' grief didn't lead him to any extremes. He doesn't wallow in self-loathing, doesn't blame others or himself, doesn't go around spiteful. On the flipside, he doesn't try to be overly optimistic or happy-go-lucky. His wife's death has taught him to appreciate each day as it comes and goes, not dwelling on once was or what may be. One just loves the vibe he gives off.

Runner Up: Narmer

Favourite Union Woman Award: Heng Yue [Chang'e]

Why? Love oxymoronic characters, that's why. Yes she's a "cold-hearted medic" but guess what? THEY KEEP HER THAT WAY. She's not outright rude or anything, but she comes off as aloof and disinterested and we love that. She does what needs to be done, using what was bestowed to her (begrudgingly) to help others. And her ultimate goal of undoing the transformations? Solid, stuff. It doesn't make sense for everyone to be on board with the changes, including those part of the "hero" faction. This one is just happy that Heng Yue's stance is not tied to something traumatic. She simply wishes to return to her goal of making affordable medicine for all.

Runner Up: Kaylee

Favourite Shadow Decree Woman Award: Lynn [Hathor]

Why? She's gentle, loves to cook, and takes care of everyone... AS PART OF THE SHADOW DECREE!! In case you haven't noticed the trend, this one's faves tend to fall under the "mismatched personality/actions" type. While there isn't much about her to know, it will never not be awesome that her disposition is so gentle while attached to the inhumane faction that is the Shadow Decree. One needs to know what her role is in the Decree, and how she manages to remain so soft spoken and kind working with literal human traffickers.

Runner Ups: Bonnie, Kara

Favourite Non-Affiliated Woman Award: Biondina [Poseidon]

Why? SHE WAS AN UNDERGROUND FIGHTER AND THEN BECAME A TRAVELLING HIPPIE WITH UNAS. CAN YOU GET ANY MORE BADASS THAN THAT?? She (with Unas) just goes around, taking in the sites, lending a helping hand to whoever she comes across in her path, and just takes each day as it comes. We love the VIBES. Like most of the espers on this list, one wishes we had more stories with her.

Favourite Straight Ship: Long Mian [Ao Bing]/Lynn [Hathor]

- Long Mian's bounty story with Lynn is the first bounty story one ever read and the gentleness in the story between the two just had me gushing. This one can just see their domestic life play out. Long Mian bringing home another "collector's item" to preserve and Lynn watching him at work. Lynn preparing the unused parts for a lovely home cooked meal and Long Mian attempting to sneak a bite before she finishes. Them sitting close to each other talking about their day, chuckling at the antics of the Decree's younger members and rolling their eyes at the dramatics of the older members. Very cosy, domestic living.

Favourite M/M Ship: Li Ling [Nezha]/Tang Xuan [Sun Wukong]

- This one has talked and gushed about LotusMonkey before, several times, but why is this ship my favourite? I just love their dynamic. A lot. One cannot put it into words, just all the little nuances in their CANON relationship makes me uber pleased. Truly, the best way to express my feelings is to read any of the psots this one has made or fanfics this one has written. They have so much going for them and one is just happy to partake of the buffet.

Favourite F/F Ship: Bonnie [Eris]/Jeanne [Gerd]

- This one hit me out of nowhere, when this one realised that they both would just work so well together. They're loud, they're aggressive, they're unapologetically them and one just knows their dates would be bombastic and wild. Definitely nothing canon for this ship to fall on, but just trust me on this. Bonnie and Jeanne are just this sort of innocent (?) relationship? Like, it would be new and exciting and they'd get to just experience themselves through each other in a non-exploitative way? If that makes sense. Too many F/F ships are either soft and sweet or bold and sensual and this one just wants the wild energy of two young adults going wild, acting their age, and being able to express themselves through their alternative lifestyle. Apologies for this explanation, there is just something hopeful that this relationship gives me.

Favourite Friendship: Lewis [Ares] & Li Ling [Nezha]

- They are FANTASTIC FRIENDS. Lewis just oozes "fed-up older brother" to Li Ling's "annoying little brother" vibes and it is immaculate. Love that their relationship is founded on beating each other up during training.

Favourite Family Dynamic: Hyde [Hades], Anesidora [Pandora], Nicole [Nephthys], Kara [Serket]

- Hyde might not have expected (or asked for) 3 bickering daughters but he GOT 'EM AND HE'S A SINGLE DAD OF THREE NOW. Anesidora is, of course, the favourite and most successful, eldest daughter. Nicole is the often over-looked, but nonetheless productive middle child. Kara is the wild and rambunctious baby of the family who gets away with way too damn much. And Hyde is just trying to get his work done in peace.

Favourite Billboard Event:

This event gave us the opportunity to run around in circles on a map. That's it. That's the entire reason one loves this event, so much.

Favourite Sidestory Event:

Love it only because it dropped the iconic Soulmate song. Ahmed's version of has the vibe of coming out in elementary school and just being bamboozled by how every girl and some dudes are obsessed with it and the singer and just not understanding why?? Like, the song isn't bad but, sheesh, you'd think Ahmed just dropped this single directly from heaven with how your friends are foaming at the mouth every time it comes on. Then, a decade and a half later, you're at uni listening to one of those throwback playlists and it's evening, you're at that point in the semester where your grades are starting to stress you out but you aren't drowning in despair (yet) and this song comes on. You never actively listened to this song before, but you know the lyrics and you just casually sing along. As you do, you start to bob your head and get into it and then it hits you: Wait, this song is a total bop. You don't know what you were on when you were younger, but all your friends were right and Soulmate is just a fantastic song, sung by a very smooth voice. Now, whenever the convo comes up about throwback songs or impactful moments in your childhood, you gladly bring up Soulmate and enjoy gushing about it and singing purposely offkey to the lyrics with company.

This is the spiritual journey this one went on, despite this song coming out a few months ago.

Favourite Non-Story Event:

This one loved this event so damn much. It forced me to try out different combinations of espers and this is event single-handedly proved more effective at getting one to understand team synergy than any load of tutorials or reddit pages one read.

Favourite Boss: Apep

As much as ONE HATES how 3.1.7 update made him nigh impossible to beat, he reminds me of Onyx, my all time favourite pokemon so this one has to stan.

Favourite Element: Wind Element

It's the closest to Earth Element. Also, it's green (one's favourite colour)

Favourite Relic Sets (Una & Mui): Tyranny of Zeus (Una) & Sword Avatara (Mui)

Yes, this one is that person that puts Zeus set on most multi-hitting espers. This one is not ashamed of it. Sword Avatara is a given because all the other Mui sets just raise stats or offer 1 time-use skills.

Favourite Relic Combo: (Astral Witchcraft & Sword Avatara)

ONE LOVES SETTING UP COMBOS. Just, nonstop hitting is so much fun.

Favourite Mythology: Chinese Mythology

Listen, every other mythology goes wild with their dieties, giving them very iconic imagery like weapons or elements or animal characteristics to make them very easily recognisable. This one appreciates that lillithgames did so much to match their espers to their dieties visually. It's subtle (for the most part) but also very eye catching and it works so damn well.

Also, Hindu mythology hasn't dropped yet in game, so Chinese mythology is the closest we goin get to that. For now.

Favourite Esper Skin: Tang Yun's Flowing Jade [Six-Eared Macaque]

One will be honest: This one loathes Tang Yun. He's #2 on one's Most Hated list. But, this outfit?? Fantastic! The jacket, the sleeves, the colour palette, HIS HAIR. THIS ONE LOVES HIS HAIR SO DAMN MUCH. HOLY CRAP Normally, this one thinks mullets and anything similar are tacky (*glares at Yun Chuan's stupid little braid*), but this do right here?? It WORKS. It works SO WELL with Tang Yun, one had to put aside one's hatred to appreciate the DRIP. 11/10.

Favourite Esper Drip: Li Ling [Nezha]

Have you seen this man? No, but have you SEEN? THIS? MAN? By far the simplest, yet most effective character style this one has come across in a long time. My goodness. Li Ling has to have the most iconic silhouette to come out of a game for a long time.

Favourite Character Song: Jumpin'

Anything by Nikki Simmons feels like a Disney Channel Original Movie song and this one approves 1000000%. This one loves how cutesy the song sounds in juxtaposition to the brooding teen vibe Zora gives and really sells her character for this one. Honestly, it was a tie between this and Reborn (also by Nikki Simmons) but, since Reborn isn't technically introduced as a character song, this one kept it off the list.

Favourite DJ Contest Song: Psy the Future (Sally's Record [Sif])

WHY IS THIS SONG NOT ON ANY PLATFORM. IT'S SO GOOD.

Favourite XHz Radio City Song: Adíos! by André Aguado

This one thinks André's songs are royalty free, that's why this song appears in the game. AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR THAT. This is the song that got one hooked to dislyte. Not the game play, not any of the characters. This. Song. The moment one heard that melody, we decided we had to stick with this game for a bit and, well... half a year later, we still here going strong. If this song hadn't been part of the in game radio, this Hippo would've never been a part of the fandom. Period. Would've deleted the app once one realised there weren't no Hindu gods. So, thank the person who chose this song and then thank the person who approved it being in the game.

Favourite XHz Radio Bar Song: Refuge by Anyar

First, this is NOT the in game version, which combines Ollie's DJ Contest record with it, but STILL. This song is FANTASTIC. It's what Sam Smith tried to do with Unholy but fumbled due to how squeaky clean it came out in the official drop. It feels sensual and seductive at times but also heartfelt and compassionate at others, and the VOICE?? ANYAR?? The grit and gruffness he hits with some of the lyrics is GORGEOUS. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

If you got through all of this, big thanks! Have a happy New Year!

[ilovemusic24]

Mastering Music Production: Unleash Your Creative Potential!

Discover the ultimate music production course that unlocks your creative potential. Our comprehensive program covers everything from music theory to advanced software techniques, equipping you with the skills to produce professional-quality tracks. Learn from industry experts, access state-of-the-art equipment, and turn your musical dreams into reality. Join us and embark on your journey to becoming a top-notch music producer.

[fashionlordchic]

Kiernan, affectionately known as ‘AKA’, was arguably South Africa's greatest hip-hop artist of all time.

The first born of Tony and Lynn Forbes, his formative years were spent in his grandmother’s care in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, Western Cape. He began his schooling at Holy Cross Convent, and then moved onto Greenside Primary School when he relocated to the bustling city of Johannesburg in the mid 1990s to live with his mother. His high schooling was done at the prestigious St Johns’s College, a private all-boys school nestled in the affluent suburb of Houghton Estate, Johannesburg. The school boasts former alumni such as former UJ Vice Chancellor & Principal, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala; author Dr. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh; former soccer star Kaizer Motaung Jr; presenter ‘Maps’ Maponyane; anti-apartheid activist & African Resistance Movement member, the late Hugh Levin; and disgraced former apartheid-era spy, Craig Williamson, to name a few.

It was while he was at St John’s, that he would form the musical group ‘Entity’, alongside Mpofu-Walsh and Nhlanhla Makenna. Originally, the group consisted of 6 members but they became a trio shortly afterwards. Their chosen stage names were: AKA (Forbes); Vice Versa (Mpofu-Walsh); and Greyhound (Makenna). Each member gave an explanation for their stage names. Forbes said his is derived from him being a different person to all the different people in his life; for Mpofu-Walsh, it’s double layered: firstly, it’s a pun on verse writing in the hip-hop tradition and secondly, it’s due to his mom being white and his dad being black, enabling him to see life from both side of the (racial) spectrum. For Makenna, he claims it stems from having big ears and a small frame as a kid and being able to run very fast.

The group would go on to release their only studio album in 2005, titled ‘Royal School of Hip Hop’. It’s worth noting that the group members were in grade 11. The album was independently released on Creative Kingdom Records and was produced by former Skwatta Kamo member, Siya ‘Slikour’ Metane. The album was well received and had one single on heavy rotation on radio and Channel O titled, ‘Touch And Go’. They were nominated in the Best Hip Hop Album category at the now-defunct KORA Awards and managed to perform at the awards ceremony. Sadly, the group disbanded after their matric year in 2006. According to Mpofu-Walsh, a second album was recorded but was never released.

Following the end of Entity, Forbes would go study sound engineering. It was while pursing his studies that he met with Ntokozo ‘Buks’ Mazibuko and Kamohelo ‘Kamza’ Mbatha, and formed the production team ‘IV League’. The three of them would fundamentally change the course of South African Hip Hop music and produce many hits such as ‘Tswakstikem’ by Khuli Chana, ‘Tla K'o Bone’ by Reason, ‘Monate So’ by Shugasmakx, "Victory Lap" by AKA (and the whole of his debut album Altar Ego) and ‘Bhampa’ by Pro, among others. Following this successful run, Forbes would leave the team and join up with Vth (pronounced fifth) Season. It would be his partnership with the indie label that he would see his greatest run of success and garner numerous international awards and have the distinction of being the only rapper to have a record go platinum without any vernac on it.

He dabbled in a few business ventures, such as the ill-fated BEAM Group, under which he released his third album, the double platinum ‘Touch My Blood’. He then landed a rare sneaker deal with international brand, Reebok. The SneAKA collaboration was well received and a limited edition run was sold out in no time. He then bagged a liquor collaboration with New York-based Cruz Vodka. The deal allowed him to have his own signature flavours, boasting the ever-popular Watermelon edition and the Banana edition.

As much as he was known for his musical talents, he was also known for his romantic relationships. His first significant relationship was with famed DJ Zinhle Jiyane, which spawned his only child, daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes, born 8 July 2015. He then had a whirlwind romance with iconic media personality and wine maker, Bonang Matheba. The relationship’s demise was widely discussed in the media and public with allegations of muti being used hurled around. He then got into a relationship with the late Anele Tembe, whom he got engaged to in February 2021. Sadly, Tembe would lose her life in an apparent suicide by jumping from the tenth floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town. Numerous videos of the pair’s arguments made the rounds on social media and allegations of abuse were labelled against Forbes. The police cleared him of any involvement in Tembe’s untimely passing. He began a relationship with rapper Nadia Nakai in 2022.

Forbes was scheduled to perform at Yugo, a popular nightclub in Durban when he was gunned down by two unknown assailants. He and his former manager, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane were struck six times and died on the scene. Forbes is survived by his parents, younger brother Steffan and his girlfriend, Nakai.

He was laid to rest in a private burial on 18 Feb 2023 and is buried at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.

[sinceileftyoublog]

Pitchfork Music Festival 2023: 5 Can’t-miss Non-headliner Sets

700 Bliss

BY JORDAN MAINZER

After four long years, yours truly finally returns to Pitchfork Music Festival. While the pandemic cancelled 2020′s iteration, contributor Daniel Palella filled in for 2021, and we entirely missed 2022 (I got married!), four years lacking Chicago’s most laid-back, yet forward thinking festival proved to be too many. While I can’t wait to see The Smile, Big Thief, and Bon Iver, I’d be remiss not to recommend these 5 can’t-miss non-headliner sets.

Trevor Powers of Youth Lagoon; Photo by Tyler T. Williams

FRIDAY

Youth Lagoon, 4:15 PM, Green Stage

Last month, Trevor Powers released Heaven Is a Junkyard (Fat Possum) his first Youth Lagoon music since 2015′s Savage Hills Ballroom. If earlier, beloved Youth Lagoon records were miniature epics that embraced a sort of hazy nostalgia, Heaven Is a Junkyard is more subdued, soulful, and limited in scope. It’s also Powers’ most focused and best record, the deepest he’s dived into a world. In 2021, Powers lost his voice as a result of a horrific reaction to an over-the-counter medication, eventually losing 30 pounds and, temporarily, his ability to speak. As a result of the unfortunate circumstances, he went into a deep depression, but thankfully decided to focus his energy on Idaho, and ultimately, his songwriting and the return of Youth Lagoon. Heaven Is a Junkyard could be difficult to listen to, with images of blood-stained clothes and drug addicts sleeping outside on mattresses. It’s not because of Powers’ embrace of his surroundings. “Heaven is a junkyard / And it’s my home,” he sings on “The Sling”. His clear sense of empathy for the downtrodden shapes his familial perspectives, too, thankful for brotherly love, even if disguised as roughhousing, on “Prizefighter” and “Trapeze Artist”. And Heaven Is a Junkyard is musically adventurous, too, from the looped drums, handclaps, and cello of “Mercury” to the ghostly synth arpeggios of “Helicopter Toy” and disintegrating ambient instrumental interlude “Lux Radio Theatre”, which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Boards of Canada album. Live, expect to hear much of Heaven Is a Junkyard along with cuts from the first two Youth Lagoon albums.

SATURDAY

700 BLISS, 2:30 PM, Green Stage

One of our favorite albums of last year was the sophomore LP from 700 BLISS, the venerable duo of poet/musician Camae Ayewa (aka Moor Mother) and DJ Haram. Nothing To Declare, their first record for Hyperdub, traverses genres (techno, noise, ambient) and moods (serious and political, facetious and sarcastic). Get there early on Saturday for some heady words and beats in the sun!

SUNDAY

JPEGMAFIA, 4:15 PM, Green Stage

In 2019, rapper JPEGMAFIA gave the most energetic set at Pitchfork. This year should be no different: Since then, he released one of our favorite albums of that year mere months later, a very good follow-up two years after that, and this year, a collaborative album with his favorite rapper, Danny Brown. He’s called the new one, SCARING THE HOES (Awal), a “practice album,” made with the SP-404--no Pro Tools--after learning it for a year. It certainly has that loose quality you’d think, alongside the exact amount of chaos you’d expect from the debut full-length join-up from these two. Of course, Peggy finds kinship in the deep cuts and the underground, from the underappreciated Bun B to old soul and funk, Japanese pop, and gospel. The samples and production are inspired. At the same time, Peggy knows he’s your favorite Twitter follow’s favorite rapper, so the title itself, referring to something a Very Online Man would say who thinks his taste is too esoteric for women, is tongue-in-cheek. “How the fuck we supposed to make money of this shit?” Peggy asks on the title track. “You wanna be an MC? What the fuck you think, it’s 1993?” The only thing better than effortless tempo changes, switches on a dime from maximalism to dreamy instrumentation, is self-awareness of his own idiosyncrasies. Bonus points for “God Loves You”, which juxtaposes a guttural, spirited gospel sample with the filthiest lyrics on the album.

Sarah Tudzin of illuminati hotties; Photo by Seannie Bryan

illuminati hotties, 5:15, Blue Stage

It’s been a big past few years for Sarah Tudzin, the frontperson of LA indie rock band illuminati hotties. Their 2021 record Let Me Do One More (Hopeless) was released to acclaim, one of our favorites of that year. She contributed a remix to the deluxe addition of the latest Stars album as well as production to a few songs on boygenius’ the record. Best, she’s apparently finishing up her next record. Perhaps the first taste of it is “Truck”, released yesterday ahead of the band’s Pitchfork performance and tour with boygenius. It’s a slice of gentle, lilting Americana, a song about chasing your dreams versus learning to live with reality. Expect to hear it during the band’s set at Pitchfork, along with some rambunctious, hilarious back catalog jammers.

Kelela, 7:25 PM, Red Stage

The brilliant R&B artist’s second studio album, Raven (Warp), is a culmination of a period of reflection following her debut album six years prior, Take Me Apart. Despite electronic dance music’s Black and queer origins, Kelela’s feeling restrained within the music world as it exists today, within its white, male hegemonic power structure. She’s keeping on anyway, and on Raven, she delivers a brilliantly paced back and forth between club jams and slow burns, beat-heavy tracks and ambient expressions. There are plenty of songs about relationships and the dissolution thereof, but Kelela can control what she can control: her artistic voice. “Through all the labor / A raven is reborn / They tried to break her / There’s nothing here to mourn,” she declares on the pulsating, zooming title track, as the instrumentation gradually and masterfully builds with sprinkles of piano and dramatic strings. And on standout “Contact”, Kelela captures a night out, from the come-up to the club or party itself. It’s a dance song that could have dominated the charts in an alternate 90′s universe. One thing’s for sure: It’ll be a highlight at this year’s festival.

[therappundit]

*The Best of the Bestest!: The Rap Pundit’s Picks For The Finest Rap Projects of 2022

*Just a list of MY favorite favorites from a year filled with a lot of damn good music.  

What else needs to be said at this point?  You have probably seen at least a dozen “Best of” lists by now, with many of the same albums cluttered near the top....but this is THE Rap Pundit’s list, so you know you’re bound to find more gems than chalk.

In a historically deep year for rap music (a topic worth profiling in the future), the headline story was probably the numerous side stories.  Be it the explosion of great music coming from areas that had a previously under-reported wealth of talent (especially Wisconsin and Florida), the underground scene getting more high profile exposure than it has in years (artists like billy woods, Fatboi Sharif and Lungs/Lonesword being shouted-out by numerous mainstream outlets!?), sample-driven drill officially becoming the preferred drill-flavor (at least on the east coast, shout-out Shawny Binladen, Four50, Big YaYa and the YTB), and of course the simply inescapable rise of club music’s influence on rap right now (Bandmanrill is clearly the master of this lane, but this style isn’t going away anytime soon)….if you couldn’t find something you loved in 2022, you might not actually like rap music.

But the proof is in the pudding, let’s get into it.  Here are my personal picks for the most impressive albums/mixtapes/EPs/projects/whatever of 2022…

***High Honors***:  Beware of the Monkey by MIKE, Motion Not Emotion by DB.Boutabag, Playing With Fire by ShooterGang Kony, Crack Music 2 by Skilla Baby, Beyond Belief by 38 Spesh & Harry Fraud, Gold Bricks by ElCamino, and Formal Intro by dp0mmy [+about 100 more that I plan to shout-out on future posts!]

100. VACABULAREE by Valee

99. The DogFather by Paco Panama

98. u be ight by QThree

97. Traumazine by Megan Thee Stallion

96. Metatron’s Cube by Aj Suede & Televangel

95. Spaceships on the Blade by Larry June

94. Scorpion Eyes by BandGang Lonnie Band$

93. Raw Extractions by Lukah

92. Marlowe 3 by Marlowe (L’Orange & Solemn Brigham)

91. SNOFALL by Jeezy & DJ Drama

90. Tales Of A Yung Son by Four50

89. Ima Island Boy by Pros AP

88. WHERE ARE THE BUGS!? by Cise Greeny, Phiik & Lungs/LoneSword

87. Let’s Do A Drill by Asian Doll

86. GRIPTAPE by the grittiest, Raz Fresco, Eric Right

85. Triple Black Diamonds 2 by al.divino & Estee Nack

84. Where The Shooters Be by SleazyWorld Go

83. As Above So Below by VIP Skylark

82. ONLY BUILT 4 DIAMOND LINKS by Peezy

81. Deutsche Marks 3 by Willie The Kid & V Don

80. THE LIZ 2 by Armani Caesar

79. Wordly Ways by Archibald Slim

78. I NEVER LIKED YOU (Deluxe) by Future

77. MARTINELLI MAC-ELEV by Willyynova

76. Jungle Life by DCG BROTHERS (DCG Shun, DCG Bsavv)

75. FACE (Deluxe Edition) by Babyface Ray

74. What They Hittin 4 by Jay Worthy & DJ Muggs

73. Sedale Threat by Wrecking Crew (Zilla Rocca, Curly Castro & PremRock)

72. Dollar Menu 4 by Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim

71. On High Alert, Vol. 4 by Real Bad Man

70. EA Monster by Young Nudy

69. Back For Everything by Kodak Black

68. raja’s sun by iblss

67. BussaBrick Vol. 2: BussOne 101 by Chicken P

66. 2 Headed Goat by 1100 Himself & Mitchell

65. The I&I by Teller Bank$ & Ed Glorious

64. COTI 2:  The Course of the Inevitable 2 by Lloyd Banks

63. The Broadcast by Fil Jackson

62. The 13 Tape 2 by Jugg Harden

61. HTR Vol. 1: The Legend of Tawny Tone by Koncept Jack$on

60. MEMPHIS MASSACRE III *or* CRUNKSTAR [I still can’t make up my mind!?] by Duke Deuce

59. BEFORE SHIT GOT WEIRD by The Cool Kids

58. ENDLESS by evrymN

57. 25 Features, Vol. 2 by Los & Nutty

56. SLANG CASINO by YUNGMORPHEUS & Obijuan

55. Before The Winner Comes The Fall by Grunge Gallardo

54. Valley of Dry Bones by Stik Figa & Conductor Williams

53. Paint the City (Gangsta Grillz) by Icewear Vezzo & DJ Drama

52. Lost In Austin by kingdoughmane.

51. Gold by DJ Muggs & Rigz

50. Black Vladimir by Meyhem Lauren & Daringer

49. Dog$hit & Ammunition by WTM Milt

48. Laughing so Hard, it Hurts by Mavi

47. Metal Lung by Shrapknel (Curly Castro & Premrock)

46. Da Under Dog by MarijuanaXO

45. The Forever Story by JID

44. SHADOWSELF by Sleep Sinatra & Ohbliv

43. CHAINLINK by Phiik & Duro

42. $oul $old $eparately by Freddie Gibbs

41. Church by billy woods & Messiah Musik

40. RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART by Vince Staples

39. SOGW2: Estee Nack & The Order of the Golden Fleece by Estee Nack & Sadhugold

38. Blame Kansas by T.F, Roc Marciano & Mephux

37. Joe Fog by Errol Holden

36. ill be right back! by amani & robalu

35. LIVE FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Mikem Nahmir & The Fades Formation

34. The Elephant Man’s Bones by Roc Marciano & The Alchemist

33. Her Loss by Drake & 21 Savage

32. Frank by Fly Anakin

31. SOUTH CENTRAL by G Perico

30. Sewaside II by Mike Shabb

29. King’s Disease III by Nas & Hit-Boy

28. Cold Cuts by Wiki & Subjxct 5

27. Melt My Eyez See Your Future (The Extended Edition) by Denzel Curry

26. Intros, Outros & Interludes by Domo Genesis & Evidence

25. Few Good Things by Saba

24. BABYST5XNE GORILLAS by Baby Stone Gorillas

23. Fair Exchange No Robbery by Boldy James & Nicholas Craven

22. Continuous Improvement by Papo2oo4, DJ Lucas & Subjxct 5

21. Kiss The Ring by Rome Streetz

20. MOB by Babyface Ray

19. I Love Y.O.U. cuz Y.O.U. Ugle Vol.1 by Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire

18. It’s Almost Dry by Pusha T

17. Smoke Detector by Rich Jones

16. The Soufside Villain by Marco Plus

15. Tana Talk 4 by Benny The Butcher

14. Continuance by Curren$y & Alchemist

13. Cheat Codes by Black Thought & Danger Mouse

12. Languish Arts and Woeful Studies by Ka

11. Spirit Roaming by AKAI SOLO

Aaaaaaaaand now, my top ten...

10.  I Told Bessie by ELUCID

[A well-oiled machine of an album, I Told Bessie lurches along from one ear-grabbing soundscape to another, each gifted contributor putting their stamp on some precious reflection from ELUCID (all producers were in top form here, but Child Actor, Messiah Musik and Sebb were especially potent).  As one half of Armand Hammer, ELUCID has no trouble being a tour guide through his own stroll down memory lane.  He is a superior narrator that knows his way around a vast array of different styles of instrumentals, which means that Bessie never gets too dark or too bright, adding easy replay value to even the heavier moments of the album.]

9. Component System with the Auto Reverse by Open Mike Eagle

[Open Mike Eagle has circled around the epicenter of the underground rap scene for some time now, always a worthy contributor, albeit not one to necessarily be recognized during award season. That should change with his latest effort, a brilliant piece of nostalgia, personal reflection, and an earnest love for hip-hop.  Also, great writing aside, the beats on here are simply phenomenal.]

8. SICK! by Earl Sweatshirt

[Forgot that this dropped in 2022?  The first AOTY contender to drop is all too often the album ending up with the short end of the stick come December, and that seems to be the case with SICK!.  Less sonically aggressive than much of his previous work, Earl still manages to cram so much thoughtful writing into quick, fun-size doses.  The most effective music isn’t always the music that begs for our attention, and this feels like an album where the listener is fortunate just to catch Earl’s thoughts before they float away, to make room for more poignant passing thoughts.  Perhaps Earl’s best gift as an artist is his ability to leave fans wanting more.]

7. Bokleen World by Mike Shabb

[By now the buzz is just starting to nip at Mike Shabb's heels. The Montreal MC/producer was not on my radar before this year, but hot damn has he made an impact in 2022.  If it wasn’t his TWO great solo albums that he dropped, it was the acclaim from tastemakers like Westside Gunn, who got his production skills the attention they deserve.  More importantly, Shabb is coming out of Montreal, Canada, making him a representative of a scene that is starting to make waves well outside of the Canadian border.  I loved his release from earlier this year, but for me it was Bokleen World that showcased all of the many dimensions of an exciting young artist.]

6.  MOOR CHORES by Lord Kayso

[Another artist that I was completely unfamiliar with at this time last year, Brooklyn’s Lord Kayso is closing out this year as one of my favorite artists.  There’s something about his delivery and the way that he colors in his world that feels simultaneously intimate but distant, much like how a young Nas was portrayed as a writer’s-writer, watching events in his community unfold from a project window.  Kayso reflects on his world with a casual delivery that doesn’t seem to be emotionally affected in the moment, but the fact that he’s sharing these personal stories at all confirms that he’s a man with a great deal on his mind.]

5. For All Debts Public and Private by Defcee & Boathouse

[Last year Defcee & Messiah Musik really surprised some folks (myself included) by dropping Trapdoor, one of the best albums of 2021, in December...so let that be a lesson to anyone that thinks they can finalize their annual Best Of lists by the time Thanksgiving wraps up.  That's a tough act to follow, but Defcee & Boathouse managed to strike in 2022 with another fantastic project in For All Debts Public and Private. An impressive list of some of the underground's finest join forces with Boathouses impactful backdrops and Defcee's revealing bars, all to create an album that is as thoughtful as it is prone to high levels of replay value.  When it comes to dissecting one's life and perspectives, I don't know if any MC's pen is touching Defcee at the moment.]

4. Deathfame by Quelle Chris

[Detroit's uber-talented virtuoso Quelle Chris has been accumulating one of the deepest catalogues in music for some time now, but Deathfame is truly one of his finest works top to bottom. An under-reported trend for Quelle is that he somehow finds a way to become more and more versatile as a producer with every album.  Never allowing his sense of humor to drown out his messages, and never being so devoid of humor that his messages come off as bitter, a great Quelle Chris album has become a most welcome tradition over these past few years....and I hope it continues!]

3.  Aethiopes by billy woods & Preservation

[Gonna keep it moving here…billy woods is just flat out the most prolific writer in rap music right now, Preservation is a genius and their chemistry is off the charts.  Add a handful of standout guest verses - EL-P, Boldy, Breeze and hot damn, Despot!? - and you have an AOTY worthy album.  Too many memorable quotes and verse of the year contenders to list, but for some reason there’s a special place in my heart for “trying to pay rent - but that’s not black empowerment, that’s you trying to pay rent”.]

2. 10 (a.k.a. HWH10) by Westside Gunn

[Maybe my favorite Westside Gunn project since FLYGOD, which for me (as a bit of a Griselda stan since 2015), is saying a lot.  Reminiscent of Kanye’s “anyone around, come to the studio right now!” energy during better times - his MBDTF G.O.O.D. Friday roll out - for the latest (last??) installment of his controversially titled music series, Gunn managed to pull together a somewhat surprising list of features for a mixtape of loose and FUN bar-fests over the most varied, ear-grabbing production that we have heard from the Griselda collective in a minute.  I’m not actually sure who was in the studio and who wasn’t, but when the outcome puts Run The Jewels, A$AP Rocky, Doe Boy, Black Star, Busta and Rae & Ghost together on the same project, you get a straight-up dope tape that reminds me of why I fell in love with underground rap music in the first place.  Classic Soundbombing vibes, for me.]

1.  Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar

[When it comes down to releasing new albums, no other rap artist needs to check as many boxes as Kendrick Lamar.  JAY-Z, J.Coke, Drake, you name it - none of them have to incorporate mainstream bangers, nuanced “conscious rap”, alternative choices, catchy lyrics, superior production, clear expression of ideas, and manage to touch the bar set by fans with incredibly high expectations for an artist that doesn’t release new music as often as his peers…but such is the life of anyone who is considered to have the highest ceiling in their field.  Yet with Mr. Morale, Kendrick unleashed the album that *he* wanted to release: a sprawling conversation piece that stumbles through dozens of sticky topics without digging his heels into any one stance for too long. 

 It’s the perfect expression of ideas from anyone that came out of the last few years of isolation with a creeping sense of doubt, mistrust for the information circling around him, and a general awkwardness for how to interact with the world once again.  I’m not sorry that many of the thoughts he shared on this album weren’t met as “correct” based on our expectations of what many of us want him to represent, but more importantly, Kendrick shouldn’t be sorry either.  Much like other prominent people of influence in the world today, we should be discussing the nuance of everything we’re told, and the great points often come from those exchanges - way moreso than the regurgitation of curated policy that is deemed acceptable by the loudest of audiences.  So yes, I believe Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers to be hands-down the best rap album of 2022.  All messages aside, how anyone could miss the well-crafted delivery and high quality production that is easily the most engaging of any mainstream rap album in 2022, is still pretty surprising to me….but I suppose conflicted opinions are exactly what should come from a talented artist stewing in his own conflicted opinions in recent years.   Oh well, I guess even the best in their field can’t please everybody.]

Next stop....best songs. 👀

[set-forth-a-dream]

Thanks @ko-konutty for showing interest! This one is just for you!

Here’s the Song bird baby! (Not sure on a name just yet.)

He’s got a combination of his father’s quirks fierce wings and voice. Like Hizashi his voice just so happen to be his quirk. Good thing both his papas have very good headphones to cushion their ear drums. (Though ‘Zashi’s ears may already be numb to the volumes that he reaches himself. Who knows!?) in any case pacifiers, regular feedings, and a sound proofed room helps any neighbors who may have to live around. He’s called a number of pet names from his dads like ‘little nugget.’ ‘Humming bird’ and of course ‘Song Bird’.

(Fun fact: I used ‘wheel of names’ and put in a list of both Keigo’s and Hizashi’s. Features to really randomly pick which of their genes shines through! Funny enough it worked out almost scientificly; as Hawks with the darker colors in hair and eyes took dominance over Hizashi’s bright yellow hair and green (or if manga red) eyes. SO, he has Feather Dad’s color hair and eyes! As well as the signature eye markings. However he got Hizashi’s mouth and smile as well as straight hair and eyebrows. He got very lucky taking on both their quirks! He looks like and can sound like an Angel. Or screaming demon, don’t get on his bad side.)

As he ages up past his toddler years and into being a kid he’s got a fun and funky personality. He LIVES for music. Just like DJ Dad. There isn’t a country he hasn’t listened to every genera! In which he started learning other languages through song. Keigo of course taught him how to fly. And now the best thing in the world is flying with a good song on! Also he loves to collect sew on patches and add them to his jacket. When that jacket fills up it’s time to start on a new one! Also he’s the coolest kid at school because both his daddies are pro heroes! He’s so proud of them.

(On a side note Keigo was externally nervous if not down right terrified to be a father. He even went as far as avoiding Hizashi for weeks if not a whole month. Oh Shouta was super pissed! As a good friend would be! But Hizashi talked it out with his love bird. Keigo just had no idea how to parent, afraid he might become his parents. Hizashi made sure to convince him everything will be fine.)

That being said as the kid got into his early teens and high school years he began to show some emotional change. (As teens do.) Just that spark of light seemed to dim down. Truth is, neither of his parents did much change to their schedule so as before they were always working. They have a family group chat where they keep each other informed, let him know he’ll be alone for dinner but there’s always food or money to buy something. As an only child, he just kind of misses being the center of their world and getting all the attention. They actually get into arguments for a while during this time in his life. More with Keigo than Hizashi. I think it’s because he wants his attention just a little more. He and ‘Zashi in a loud argument is dangerous should either of them get carried away and raise their voice. Though Hizashi has near perfect control, his son is still working on it.

He spends a lot of time with Uncle Sho. And no, he actually doesn’t want to be a hero. Neither of his dads are disappointed or angry about it. They fully support his decisions and interests. Though he isn’t getting 100% of their attention they do still love him and let him know that.

Now he’s in his early adult years, graduating from school! It seems he found his spark again. He’s decided to follow his passion in music. He started off with just a channel on YouTube making funny little mixes out of random sounds and meme songs. DJ dad has a whole in home studio so everything he needs is already there. Oh yeah, and he totally wears his dad’s merch! Because why wouldn’t you??? Sometimes they’ll collaborate on music together. With a range of vocal talent and playing multiple instruments he’s really a one man band!

Now I’m his late 20s or early 30s we see him sporting his ability to grow out his facial hair. Just like his dad’s beard and mustache and long hair. He quickly became an idol! Feather dad was his open door to the modeling world. So when he isn’t on stage wooing the audience with his voice: multilingual sweet nothings into the crowd while he serenades them on any and every instrument. He’s posing for the camera looking too hot to handle but too sweet to put down! He’s quite the punk and got piercings in his tongue, brow, and ears. But he doesn’t wear them all the time. It all depends on the mood and look yo! He speaks Japanese (of course) English, Italian, Korean, and Chinese (so far.) and yes he does still like to collect patches for his jackets. It’s an ongoing hobby, they end up selling for a lot; but his dads are keeping his little patch covered jackets.

And that’s all I have of him for now! Maybe some day I’ll color him! And name him.

[krattsgonewild]

Epic Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney for Every Groom’s Last Hurrah

Planning an unforgettable bucks party for the groom-to-be? Look no further than Sydney! This vibrant city offers a plethora of activities and venues, making it the perfect destination for a memorable celebration. Whether your group seeks adventure, relaxation, or all-night fun, you’ll find bucks party ideas in Sydney that cater to every preference. From scenic harbor cruises to thrilling outdoor excursions, there’s something to satisfy every taste. One classic option for bucks party ideas in Sydney is a Sydney Harbour cruise. Imagine a private boat with a top-notch sound system, surrounded by iconic views like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Guests can party on the water with music, drinks, and even catered meals, ensuring a luxurious experience. For added excitement, consider booking entertainment on board to make the groom’s last single night unforgettable. Many party planners offer custom packages, so you can tailor the cruise to fit your group’s vibe.

Ultimate Adventure Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

Sydney offers a perfect setting for a wild adventure, and a bucks party is the ideal occasion to embrace it. If you're looking for bucks party ideas in Sydney that combine thrills with an unforgettable experience, consider activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, or white-water rafting. Imagine the adrenaline rush of jumping out of an airplane with the beautiful Sydney landscape below, or the excitement of rafting through challenging rapids. These experiences are sure to make the groom’s last single night one for the books. With so many thrilling options available, Sydney is the go-to destination for adventure-filled bucks party ideas.

Sailing and Yacht Party Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

For a more refined, yet equally exciting bucks party idea in Sydney, why not set sail on a private yacht? There’s something incredibly luxurious and fun about spending the day on the water with close friends. A yacht charter allows you to enjoy Sydney’s stunning harbor in style, complete with a DJ, drinks, and a custom itinerary. Whether you’re cruising past the Opera House, lounging on deck, or jumping into the cool waters, a sailing or yacht party can be the perfect way to spend the day. When it comes to bucks party ideas in Sydney, this one ticks all the boxes for elegance and excitement.

Brewery Tour Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

Sydney is home to some incredible craft breweries, and a brewery tour is one of the best bucks party ideas in Sydney for beer lovers. Explore the city’s growing craft beer scene by hopping from brewery to brewery, sampling unique brews along the way. Many tours offer exclusive tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and the chance to learn about the brewing process from the experts. Whether you prefer IPAs, stouts, or lagers, this experience promises a fun-filled, educational, and memorable day. It’s an excellent way to combine your love of beer with a celebration!

Go-Kart Racing Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

For a high-speed and thrilling way to spend a bucks party, go-kart racing is an exhilarating choice. One of the most fun and competitive bucks party ideas in Sydney, go-kart racing gives everyone the chance to unleash their inner racing driver. Whether it’s on an outdoor track or an indoor facility, the adrenaline of speeding around a track with your mates will make for unforgettable moments. After the race, celebrate your victories with drinks and laughs at a nearby bar to cap off the day.

Best Golf Course Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

If you and your group enjoy a more relaxed and strategic way of celebrating, a golf day is one of the best bucks party ideas in Sydney. Book a private day at one of Sydney’s world-class golf courses, where you can tee off in style. Many courses offer packages that include drinks carts, lunch, and plenty of time for banter between holes. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, a day on the course is the perfect balance of relaxation and friendly competition.

Private Strip Show Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

A private strip show is one of the most popular bucks party ideas in Sydney for those who want a more risqué celebration. These events can be arranged in private venues or at home, where a professional dancer will perform for your group. The element of surprise, along with the high energy, makes this a classic choice for many grooms-to-be. With various packages available to suit your preferences, a private strip show is sure to keep the laughs rolling and add a bit of extra spice to your party.

Nightclub Party Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney

Sydney is known for its buzzing nightlife, and a night out at one of the city’s top nightclubs is one of the most exciting bucks party ideas in Sydney. With options ranging from underground clubs to rooftop venues, there’s something for every taste. Book a VIP table to ensure the groom and his friends get the full nightclub experience, complete with bottle service and exclusive access. Dance the night away, enjoy great music, and celebrate in style as you say goodbye to the groom’s bachelor days.

Conclusion

Sydney offers an exceptional range of bucks party ideas, catering to all types of interests, from adventurous outdoor activities to sophisticated, relaxed experiences. Whether you choose an adrenaline-filled skydiving session, a night of laughter at a comedy club, or a luxurious VIP dinner, the city guarantees an unforgettable celebration. With its stunning venues, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse options, Sydney is the perfect destination to create lasting memories with your mates before the big day. Whatever your vision for the perfect bucks party, Sydney has it all.

[aaryan-mwa-blogs]

How to Choose the Right DJ Lighting for Your Setup: A Complete Guide

Hey, DJs in the making! Congratulations. You've worked out your killer tracks, your entire DJ mixer set-up is all done, and you're just ready to rock the party. Wait, though! What about the lighting? You can't just throw one spotlight on yourself and call it a day unless you like that whole "bad stand-up comedian" vibe; great lighting can turn an average performance into an unforgettable experience. Time to dive into the subject, 'choosing the right DJ lighting for your rig.'

Why Lighting Matters

So why bother at all with lighting? Well, pretty much consider DJ lighting as the cherry on top of your sundae, it sets the mood, wakes the crowd up, and gives an overall feel that keeps everyone wanting to dance. Dark room with just my tunes playing, or vibrant space pulsating with colors and movement? Pretty sure I'd go for the latter!

Good lighting can influence the energy in the room, improve the quality of your musical experience, and give you a moment you're not likely to forget. The extra visual for your audience will make them dance and join in on the set, so how do you pick just the right lights? Read on for the complete guide to get you started.

1. Know Your Space: Size Matters

Before you go out and buy every light fixture you see, consider the size of the venue that you will be performing in. Rocking small bars or massive festival stages?

For Small Venues:

Small Lights: Think LED par cans or mini moving heads. They will fit the room without really overloading it. Also, they are easier to transport and put up when you yourself are not feeling quite fully awake at three a.m.

Low Power Consumption: Do you want to blow a fuse, brightening the lights you've just turned on? For minor places, there are fewer power supplies. LEDs are ideal lights because they use low power and can reduce sweating bullets over the power bill.

For Large Venues:

Powerful Fixtures:For a mini-concert feel, you may use more substantial moving heads or high-output LEDs. These will be able to hit every corner of the room.

More Coverage: Use a number of fixtures to achieve an even spread across the stage. You wouldn't want to be that DJ lighting up one spot while keeping the rest of the audience in a dismal state of ignorance unless of course, you plan on doing your set in the dark!

Pro Tip: One should always take measurements of a space before one commits to buying it. It is like trying on clothes; you would not purchase two sizes too small jeans, would you?

2. Types of DJ Lighting

Having ascertained your space, it is time to investigate which of the lighting types best apply. Here is a quick rundown of some of the most common options available:

1. LED Par Can Lights

These bad boys are chameleons. Plus, they can do numerous colors and use minimal wattage. Perfect for ambiance lighting or even for illuminating specific areas. And they are not hot enough to fry an egg on you so you won't get too hot as the dance floor heats up!

2. Moving Head Lights

If you would like to make your performance feel like a mini-concert, go with moving heads. These can pan and tilt for dynamic effect and keep your audience riveted to what you're doing. These lights can follow along with your beat for a musical surprise—just like having pizza delivered when you least expect it!

3. Strobe Lights

Want to give your crowd a mini heart attack? Just kidding! Strobe lights are a nice addition to create the excitement of drops or climactic moments in your set. Be wise about using these; too many strokes make you feel like signaling an incoming UFO.

4. Laser Lights

To make it that "too cool for school" experience, lasers can actually be pretty amazing and make your audience leave talking. They can synchronize with your songs, creating a multi-sensory experience your visitors will never forget. Of course, just check out your local regulations so you don't get any surprise visits from the powers that be!

5. Fog Machines

Okay, so this isn't lighting, but hear me out. Fog machines are great with lighting. They let the light beams highlight themselves, giving your setup an even more professional look. Who does not like some mystery? Just make sure you do not get too carried away with the fog unless you want to transform your gig into a horror movie scene!

3. Budgeting: Spend Smart, Not Crazy

After all, who doesn't love a good deal, especially on DJ gear. So while you may want all that fancy LED lighting, it is critical to keep to your budget. Here are a few tips to make you and your wallet happy:

Prioritize: Begin with essential lighting fixtures, those that will most impact your room. A few good lights are always better than many mediocre ones.

Buy Used: You can get hold of used lights from the web or any local shop. Provided, of course, that they actually work! Nobody wants a dead strobe light-buying a puppy who only howls at the mailman.

Invest Wisely: If you like a lighting brand, then the money may well be justifiable if it is in order to invest in better quality gear that will last longer. Your lights should be as reliable as your best friend - who also has snacks.

4. Control Your Lights

So it seems like you want control, I guess. When choosing lights, think about how you're going to control them during your set. There are a few options:

1. DMX Controllers

So, if you are a serious artist, then the DMX controller is something absolutely necessary for you.

2. Standalone Modes

Some have already built-in programs or modes that can be activated by sound, perfect for the beginners and just keep things simple and not so complicated with the setup; just turn them on, and let the lights do their thing!

5. Safety First: Don’t Be a DJ Disaster

You want your surroundings to turn into a danger to safety. Here are a few suggestions for keeping the lighting safe:

Proper Mounting: Proper mounting with your lights so as not to have accidents when shooting. You wouldn't want a falling piece of light to ruin your shot (or, in extreme cases, your face).

Cables Galore:Keep your cables organized and out of the way from tripping over them. You can use cable ties or tape to keep them in order. A tangled mess is not a great look-unless you are going for a '90s grunge vibe.

Heat Management: Lights do sometimes get hot. Keep enough ventilation in the room so the lights don't get too hot and get overheated. Overheating lights can be as dangerous as your friend trying to cook in a microwave without checking the time.

Conclusion: Light Up the Night!

And there you have it! Selecting the right DJ lighting need not be rocket science. Many professional audio shops like VIP PRO AUDIO offer a broad variety of lights for every requirement. Through proper understanding of your space, appropriate types of lighting selection, budgeting wisely, controlling your lights, and safety aspects, you're good to go for an unforgettable time with your audience.

Remember, it's not so much about illumination for the sake of illumination; it's an ambience that keeps the music alive and resonant and keeps people dancing. So go out there and light up the night like your favorite rock star DJs do. And if anyone asks you why the dance floor's so packed, just smile and say, "It's all about the lights!