#and i like seeing him SHREDDIN

[niyes-lahiffe]

MY BOY ON X GAMES MODE

[bibiwrld]

NOTICE ME🌹|HOBIE BROWN

★Hobie Brown x Black fem oc

★Content: Slight angst, slight fluff, playing hard to get, desperate Hobie, swearing.

★Before reading: Hobie is 19.

—Synopsis: Hobie finds himself attracted to a quick-witted, sharp tongued, preppy, catholic high school senior. She only wants a man with a title and class that will bring up her image. Hobie thinks revealing to her that he’s Spider-Punk, would help with finally get some notice from her.

Monet was a serious girl. When she wanted something, she was set on it and did everything to get it. Never doubt her abilities. She had the looks, the brains, the reputation, lavish life, just no love life—not that she cared, but it would be nice to be romantic with someone.

She couldn’t be romantic with just anyone. They had to match her, have a title, a future. Or maybe her standards were just too high, or maybe not.

She walked to school, she had the luxury of getting a ride everyday, but she wanted to keep up with the antics of that British punk—not that she cared about him or anything, he was the last thing on her mind.

Sometimes he’d walk her to school, sometimes he wouldn’t, but when he did, Monet enjoyed every second of it, so did Hobie.

They’d talk about anything, like how Monet wasn’t even catholic, but attends a catholic high school, even though it didn’t matter, he just thought it was so funny.

She found herself smiling back at the memory. She quickly caught herself and stopped smiling.

A man with class. A man with status. A man with a title. A man with a future. That’s what she wanted.

She heard the shredding of a guitar, people crowding around and throwing money into a jar. A small smile appeared on her face, but soon disappeared when they made eye contact.

He grinned, packing up and grabbing his money. “Show’s over folks, thanks for supportin’ a black business!” He slung his guitar to the back and tried catching up with Monet.

The crowd dispersed.

She continued walking like she didn’t see him.

“Oi!” He caught up to her. “So what you think?”

She had a pep in her step. “Oh hi Hobo.” She joked. “What did I think of what?”

Hobie acted fake hurt at the name.“Ouch.”He laughed. “You’re smart, don’t play idiotic. I’m talkin’ bout my shreddin’, what you think of it?” He leaned down and looked at her as they walked.

She closed her eyes and hummed. “It was okay, I guess.”

Hobie’s pierced brows rose in utter shock. “You guess? I been practicing that song for weeks.”

She liked when he got like that, doing so much to impress her. She found it cute.

“Yeah, I guess.” She repeated and shrugged her shoulders.

“Whatever, I know you liked it.” He shook his head with a smile. He noticed her holding her backpack. “I got that.” He grabbed her bag, stopping her in her tracks.

“Hobart.” She felt the weight of her backpack being lifted off of her bag.

“Ay, don’t be sayin’ the gov so loud like that.” He whispered and looked around.

A pigeon flew pass them.

“He’s reporting that back to HQ, I’m a dead man.” Hobie stared at the pigeon flying into the distance. “You know what they say about pigeons, they’re spies for the government.”

That got a little laugh out of Monet.

Hobie’s face brightened up at her laugh.

“Thanks for holding my bag.” She told him, and walked off acting as if she wasn’t swooned by the gesture.

He continued walking with her, holding the backpack on his chest. “It’s nothin’ really. You’ve gotten better treatment than this, little prissy princess.” He teased.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “You’re not funny.”

“I don’t believe in comedy.”

He liked teasing and annoying her.

They come up to a crosswalk, waiting for the crossing symbol to come on. Hobie took that as an opportunity to look at the shorter girl. Her smooth brown skin was glowing, her kinky black hair was sleeked down and pulled into a huge puff. Her uniform made her look sharp and studious, from the shiny black loafers and pure white knee high socks, to the mid-thigh navy blue skirt, white button shirt tucked in, matching navy blue blazer and cotton vest with a red tie to put it all together.

It was time to cross. Everyone started crossing.

Hobie grabbed her hand and crossed with Monet.

That took her by surprise, but she didn’t say anything.

They finally made it across the street, but he didn’t let go of her hand.

“What’s your plans today, miss preppy?” He put his other hand into his vest.

“School, home, study.” She answered quickly. “And you?”

“Hang with my mates and perform at a concert tonight. You should come.” He glanced at her.

She closed her eyes and pursed her lips. “Hm, I’ll think about it.”

“You’ll come.” He protested and shrugged his shoulders. “You’ll be swooned by me once you see me performin’. You’ll literally throw your panties at my feet.”

Monet busted out laughing. “You’re funny, Hobie.”

“Thank you love, I like to bring the comedic relief.”

“I thought you didn’t believe in comedy.” Monet stopped and looked at him curiously.

“I don’t believe in consistency either.” His lips formed into a smirk.

She only sighed and rolled her eyes.

“But seriously, if you won’t come to my show, when are you goin’ to make me take you on a date?” He was quite bold, he knew what he wanted, and he too, would do everything to get it.

“Never, Hobie.” She was approaching her school. “You’re not my type.”

“Oh really? So what’s your type?” He stopped in front of the building.

“A man with status, a future, very put together.” She listed. “You don’t fit the criteria, Hobes.”

“Hm, I don’t fit the criteria, but our hands have been interlocked for almost the whole walk.” He teased.

“That’s–”

Girls from Monet’s school stared and pointed at them while going into the school.

Monet quickly looked at Hobie, then their interlocked hands and tried pulling away. Hobie only held her hand tighter, pulling her even closer.

She grew flustered. People were gonna see her with him. Her image, her reputation. How long will it take for this to travel through the school? He usually didn’t walk her that far for people to actually see them together.

“Trying to go somewhere?” He bent down to her level, sneering in her flustered face.

“Shut up.” She scowled and looked away.

He thought it was adorable. He released her hand and took the backpack off and handed it to her.

She put it on and still didn’t look at him.

“Are you embarrassed to be seen with me or somethin’?” He knew it was exactly that.

She got stiff and looked at the ground, not answering.

“You care about your rep that much, huh love?” He put a hand in his vest pocket, biting the inside of his cheek. He sighed then patted her head. His watch beeped and he quickly checked it. “Go to class, prissy princess. Don’t wanna keep you back. I got some important business to attend to.”

He rushed off, leaving her with a glum look on her face.

She felt horrible, knowing she might’ve hurt his feelings. Walking into the school, people stared at her.

“So that punk is your boyfriend?”

Her head whipped towards the person who asked the question with a wrathful glare. “How about you shut the fuck up?”

She knew it was gonna be like this for the entire school day.

📎

She must’ve hurt his feelings, there’s no way she didn’t.

She couldn’t study like this. Slamming her books shut, and taking off her glasses, she sighed. She didn’t really need a guy with status or title. Any guy could do, but not just any guy, it had to be Hobie.

Who cares about reputation anyway? Hobie was cool to her, she couldn’t even deny it.

A tap on her window brought her out of her thoughts. She got up, unlocking and opening her window. She stuck her head out the window, the cool breeze tickling her skin. There was nothing out here, maybe just a bird.

She went back inside, sitting in front of her desk, attempting to study again.

“Oi.” A voice whispered.

She looked to her left to see Spider-Punk hanging upside down from a web.

What the fuck was Spider-Punk doing at her window?!

She almost fell out of her chair. “Oh my God.”

“Relax, will ya?” He crawled in, closing the window behind him.

Wait, she recognized that voice.

“Hobie..?”

“Bloody hell, I prepared a whole speech before I unmask myself to you.” He groaned, pulling his mask off. “Is this even a surprise?”

“You’re Spider-Punk?” Her mouth hung open.

He smiled at the shock on her face. “Yeah, good title innit? And I’m apart of an elite Spider society that go on missions through dimens–”

She cut him off..“I don’t care, I don’t care.”

“What?”

“I don’t care about stupid titles, or status, or my image. I just..I just want you Hobie.” Tears dared to fall from her eyes.

For the first time Hobie was lost for words, he blinked a few times before finding words. “You want me? This isn’t you being a sarcastic little shit?”

She laughed and walked up to him, going on her tippy toes and grabbing his face, she smashed her lips onto his.

At first he couldn’t move, but then he grabbed her face, kissing her more and backing her into her bed.

“Ho-Hobie.” She moaned, feeling his hand grab her ass.“We can’t, my parents are downstairs.” Worry in her eyes.

He kissed her forehead. “So then sneak out with Spider-Punk to a really cool concert, that rockstar, Hobie Brown, is performing at.”

“Thought you didn’t believe in labels.” Her lips curved into a smirk.

“I don’t, but I make exceptions. Like when it comes to the relationship between the prissy princess and rockstar.” A hand under her chin.

“Oh really? And what’s that label?”

“Boyfriend and girlfriend, suits us pretty well, don’t you think?” He smiled.

“Very well.” She smiled too. “So about this Spider-Punk thing?”

He pulled his mask on. “Long story, hop on and we’ll talk about it on our way to the show?”

“Hop on?” She knew he wasn’t implying what she think he was implying.

“Yeah, we’re goin’ there Spider-Man style.”

She shook her head. “No no no.”

“Too late.” He grabbed her, opening the window and diving out.

“HOOOBBIIIEEE!”

[wank127]

songs that make me think of denki!!

(btw my top artist for spotify this year was ben platt and for apple replay(yes i use both shh) it was cavetown which is so funny to me, like, was i okay??)

also, warning: it’s kind of a lot and it’s not even half of them lmao

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

✨honorable mentions✨:

man or muppet- the muppets (i like to think that denki and mina sang it together at a talent show)

the boys are back in town- yung gravy(i’m not typing all the other names out) (just,, denki, kiri, sero and bakugou,,,)

the ballad of sara berry- 35MM (denki as sara, bakugou the main one singing, midoriya as julie jenkins, shinsou(or y’know, whoever) as his boyfriend, that kinda stuff)

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

screw loose- cry baby (ik ik it’s iffy but it’s honestly such a good song)

share your address- ben platt (just,, him being in love and jammin out in his room is all)

invitation- ashnikko ft. kodie shane

bust your windows- jazmine sullivan

daddy issues- the neighborhood

my hair- ariana grande (i just feel like he has such soft hair y’know?)

babooshka- kate bush

last resort- papa roach (no thoughts just him fucking shreddin it on the guitar)

halloweenie(1,2&3)- ashnikko

obvious- ariana grande

vienna- specifically ben platt’s cover

copy cat- melanie martinez ft. tierra whack

higher school sweethearts- melanie martinez

34+35- ariana grande

run- will jay

love language- ariana grande

exit music (for a film)- radiohead

chiquita- ABBA

dumb blonde- avril lavigne ft. nicki minaj (cmon, it��s a given)

positions- ariana grande (the whole album just gives me denki vibes)

hell of a ride- bo burnham

juice- lizzo

daddy af- slayyyter

rock me- one direction (fucking headbanger ngl)

back to black- amy winehouse

achilles come down- gang of youths

sway with me- saweetie & GALXARA

tantrum- ashnikko

my future- billie eilish

love me like there’s no tomorrow- freddie mercury

money, money, money- ABBA

wreak havoc- skylar grey

moonlight- ariana grande

the good side- troye sivan

teenage dirtbag- wheatus

tungs- the frights

best friend- rex orange county

donttrustme- 3OH!3

lullaby- scotty sire ft. liANA

no time to die- billie eilish

cry baby- melanie martinez

coffee breath- sofia mills

lucky- jason mraz & colbie caillat

pov- ariana grande

rehab- amy winehouse

guiltless- dodie

always- P!ATD

i need control- will jay

beachboy- mccafferty

circus- britney spears

sugar-baby goth ft. wiz khalifa

angel eyes- ABBA

everybody talks- neon trees

my heart belongs to daddy- ariana grande cover

love of my life- queen

comfort crowd- conan gray

wasting time- calpurnia

won’t bite- doja cat ft. smino

when he sees me- waitress

chanel- frank ocean

dear maria, count me in- all time low

dance, dance- fall out boy

i’m breaking down- falsettos

puttin’ on the ritz- taco

this is america- childish gambino (idk why either lmao)

leave me lonely- ariana grande ft. macy gray

class fight- melanie martinez

boys like you- dodie

strawberry blonde- mistki

WHEN I WAS OLDER- billie eilish

do it all the time- I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

make the grade- jack conte

the boys are back- high school musical

new friends- maty noyes

16/04/16 (jacks song)- cavetown

gingerbread man- melanie martinez

strawberry fields forever- the beatles

i’m the middle- dodie

figured out- ashe

american idiot- green day

smithereens- twenty one pilots

noise in my head- cavetown

strawberry shortcake- melanie martinez

self control- frank ocean/cavetown cover

listen before i go- billie eilish

sick of losing soulmates- dodie

hi, it’s me- ashnikko

burned out- dodie

don’t stop me now-queen

show & tell- melanie martinez

you can put your dukes down, stringbean- teddy hyde

i love you- billie eilish

myself- bazzi

drunk with my friends- ashnikko

drama club- melanie martinez

dear- cavetown

big girl(you are beautiful)- MIKA

little boy- ashnikko

numbers- melanie martinez

apocalypse please- muse

juicy- doja cat

want to want me- jason derulo

driver’s license- olivia rodrigo(ik it’s everywhere but omg heartbroken denki-)

bottom- mccafferty

toxic- ashnikko

thank you for the music- ABBA

never shut up again- heathers(west end)

kevin- andrew rannels/joe iconis

a million men- melanie martinez(unreleased)

get well soon- ariana grande

good while it lasted- ashnikko

slipping through my fingers- ABBA

deal with it- ashnikko (feat. kelis)

training wheels- melanie martinez

fight like a girl- ashnikko

good old-fashioned lover boy- queen

IV. sweatpants- childish gambino

jason’s song- ariana grande

watcha say- jason derulo

i hate everything about you- three days grace

rant- bo burnham

cuz i love you- lizzo

honestly anything by bo burnham

L8r boi- ashnikko

piggyback- melanie martinez(unreleased)

carolina- harry styles

sugar baby- meghan thee stallion

off the goop- yung gravy, bbno$ & cuco

killer queen- queen

slumber party- ashnikko ft. princess nokia

hotel california- eagles

umbrella- rihanna ft. jay z

stand tall- childish gambino

throat baby(go baby)- BRS kash, DaBaby & city girls

like a girl- lizzo (fem denki holds so much power)

can’t remember to forget you- shakira ft. rihanna

boom boom pow- black eyed peas

grace kelly- MIKA

popular song- ariana grande & MIKA

[canadianidiot]

hey guys as you have probably already noticed, i haven’t really been rping as alfred anymore. i don’t really have a muse for him now, so this blog is primarily for my off-brand aph canada, matthieu tremblay! i may eventually change it out of a multimuse blog, but for now i see no harm in keeping it this way. Here is the intro for matt if you want to read about him!

some quick things about matt for a tldr: 

-he is tall and large, like the hairy lumberjack he is. he has long ass blonde hair and recently grew a beard.

-he is quiet in big groups, but very amicable, goofy, and cheeky one on one.

-he is french canadian by blood, but has lived in most areas of canada, and currently splits his time between the west coast in vancouver, and the capital ottawa (lives in gatineau, quebec)

-he would much rather be out in the wilderness or playing hockey than doing nation things

-he has a complicated relationship with both france and england- something i’d love to explore further

a bit about me, the mun:

-my name is lauren, i live in canada in the rocky mountains but i’m from ontario. i moved here to be a ski bum, and so when i’m not working at a ski shop, i am out in the mountains SHREDDIN THE POW

-i’m an entomologist, and i’m hoping to get my masters of forestry to be a forester in 2022!

-i am very talkative when you get to know me so pls send me a message if you want to talk!

anyway, let me know if you want to rp and we haven’t before! i know i haven’t really been on much but i’d love to get some new threads going.

thank u xoxo

[oikawas-bae]

Previous • pt.12 • pt.13

Camp Crashed

Pairing: Bokuto x Reader

Taglist: @ayeputita @suguggg @miyulovestowrite @hqprotectionsquad @slothplantsworld @lalaloverss @takingyouruwus @holophil

You couldn’t believe what you were seeing. Two police officers holding Bokuto by the arm behind the counter of the entrance desk. He had a pouty frown on his face like he did nothing wrong then he locked eyes with you, “(y/n)!”

You weren’t sure how to react, he was beckoning you but you were in the middle of a conversation with Sugawara. “-and i've never really eaten shrimp since then.”

You didn’t have a chance to explain your distracted gaze before Bokuto and a police officer were in front of you and Suga. He mumbled sheepishly, “Hey, (y/n). I can’t really talk for long with you. I’m kinda being dragged into an apology because I might’ve torn up some important documents around here..”

Your vision fogged, a curtain of disbelief draping over you, mouth slightly agape. “You what?” You growled sternly at him. His pupils were darting around the room in search of something. “I—yeah...sorry.”

All you could do was huff indignantly, “wh-what do you mean?”

He bit his lip. “I tore up some sample essays you and Iwaizumi wrote. They were on your desk…”

It was something between fury and despair that fizzled in your stomach and you wanted nothing more than to blink and have Bokuto and his previous admittance fade into non-existence. The group was tasked with writing an essay last night to turn in today and for it to be so carelessly shredded, it was heart shattering to say the least. Bokuto whined lowly, feeling awkward and just wanting to be pulled away. Your expression was frighteningly plain, unpredictable.

“Bokuto Kotarou, you idiot! Do you realize what you’ve done? That was the ONE assignment we were given at this camp and you ripped it. To put it in terms you’ll understand, you ruined not only my chances but Iwaizumi’s chances of going to our dream college! And for what? There can’t possibly be a justifiable reason for this- how did you even get in here?” Bokuto gulped at your harshness, he’d never seen you so livid before. Shamelessly, he found it endearing that he had elicited such a passionate response from you but at the same time, he was afraid to speak.

“Getting in wasn’t hard...just a few lies and I was able to pass it off as faculty here but I headed to your room first and I tore your papers…” He paused to take in your fuming form, shaking with anger, Sugawara just sitting there shifting uncomfortably beside you, “It terrified me to think that you’d leave so far and I’d never see you again…”

“What the hell?” You shook your head slowly, voice just above a whisper and turning to walk away. “Bokuto, you have to understand that I’m not going to spend every waking second of my life with you. And yeah, I’m making memories without you and I did that before I met you so stop trying to weasel into places that aren’t for you.”

His throat hitched when you didn’t call him by his first name. “Sorry, (y/n). It didn’t start off like that... Iwaizumi…it just made me really angry that you still had feelings for him…”

Iwaizumi looked up from the corner of the room where he had been quietly listening in, bitterly glaring at Bokuto but not wanting to start anything.

“What do you mean?” You knew you should have just walked away at this point. What he did was wrong and you didn’t need to give him the light of day but you wanted to believe he was better than this.

“I was jealous because you liked him and you’re probably going away to college with him and you won’t see me again and it just hurts so much to have met you then just see you leave for good. I won’t ever meet anybody as amazing as you.” His voice broke at the end.

You didn’t look at him, you just balled your hands into fists and walked off into the next room away from Bokuto. This was too much for your mind right now and you’d rather just sleep it off.

A/N: Kinda trying to write angst 😳😳 erm and Iwa is just like 😔 “bruh I ain’t even know this man and shreddin my shiih”

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

POST #11 - Festival of the Red 2019

Y’all, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 50 miles east of the Horse Capital of the Word, is what I often refer to as “my favorite place on earth.” The Red River Gorge National Geological Area. The Red River Gorge is known for many things worldwide. Native American Artifacts, Petroglyphs, and Moonshiners made this place a hotbed among researches in years passed. The Red, as it is referred to by many who call it home or frequent the area, is also a Mecca for outdoor activities. Activities such as Rock Climbing, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Kayaking and now Music Festivals make the Red an outdoorsman’s (and outdoorswoman’s) destination.

Yeah, y’all heard me. Soon enough the Red will be known for what I believe is one of the best music festivals in Kentucky. And y’all, with the musical talent in Kentucky, that’s saying something. This year Chase and Miranda Fallen put on the 2nd Annual Festival of the Red! The festival was a stacked 3 day event with good country music and some rock that snuck their way to be headliners. And before I catch any grief, if y’all don’t think Justin Wells and the band are a rock band, just ask him.

While Festival of the Red was primarily Kentucky artists (and rightfully so, I mean Kentucky is known for horses, bourbon, basketball and music, if you disagree you’re wrong), the Fallen’s were able to sneak some talent in from all over the country. Our good friends from the Midwest, Chris Stewart and Chad Vaughn were there, along with a our favorite Alabama boy Ritch Henderson. It’s always good to see these fellas along with General Jim and his better half Victoria from The Honky-Tonk Hotel. If y’all aren’t familiar with them, check em out and give em a follow. They do some amazing things to help the small time artists that are trying to make it in this crazy business.

The lineup in no particular order was as follows: Ed Hughes, Spooky Fox, The Handshake Deals, Waylon Nelson, Jinx Machine, Aaron Boyd, Jeremey Short, TA Clay and the Soulminers, Donovan Howard, Ritch Henderson (with special guest MarDe Brooks), Jen Richardson, Luna & The Mountain Jets, Chris & Jen Shouse, Chad Vaughn, Chris Stewart (aka King of Algeria), Charles Wesley Godwin, Eric Bolander & These Assholes, Laid Back Country Picker, Josh Nolan, Sean Whiting and the Handsome Bastards, Chelsea Nolan, Justin Wells, Don Rogers, The Local Honeys, Ethan Wayne, Tyler Smith, Seth Ferguson, and finally John Clay. Y’all, if you don’t think that is an absolutely incredible lineup then your moonshine is gonna make you go blind, your beer is hot, and your bourbon ain’t from Kentucky.

While we got there to setup camp on Thursday (in what felt like the Sahara), the music didn’t start until Friday. At 2pm on Friday Mr. Ed Hughes broke the stage in and kicked things off. This was a simple set with Ed playing and singing while sitting on a stool. Honestly, because it was the first set on a Friday, the crowd was a little scarce , but it was pretty cool just to see him give it his all anyways. Y’all, Ed is one hell of a guitar picker and is pure country when he sings.

After Ed, a new act that I hadn’t seen before graced the tie dye stage with his presence. Spooky Fox came out and just filled the holler with energy. He had one of the best stage presence acts I have ever seen. Jumpin up and down, head bangin, jumpin off the the stage and shreddin guitar. He was one of my wife’s favorite acts of the night. Not to mention he is a great and personable guy. Y’all check out ol Spooky Fox on which ever fancy device you listen to your music these days. He is an electrifying entertainer and will not disappoint in a live performance!

After Spooky Fox, The Handshake Deals took the stage. Y’all, honestly I’m not sure there is an instrument that these fellas (and lady) can’t play. Acoustic and electric guitar, drums, stand up bass, mandolin, accordion, vocals. Y’all they switched every song and absolutely killed it. If you have a stand up bass and play real countryish music I’m an instant fan. I think they have an album coming out soon and I can’t wait to review it!

When The Handshake Deals finished their set, another Eastern Kentuckian Waylon Nelson took the stage. First off, I only got to talk to ol Waylon for a few minutes, but I’m pretty sure that is his real name. Waylon Nelson. Hot damn, it just sounds cool. I mean Willie, Waylon and Jesse Colter were all pretty tight together, so having your name as Waylon Nelson, you were born to play country music. So Waylon, if you are out there, start marketing yourself more, work at it a little more and play some country music. I’m pretty sure that’s what you were born to do. But, back to the review...Waylon’s type of music is really chill. As soon as he started singing, I looked over at my wife and said “now this is some whisky drinkin music.” It’s tranquil and relaxing with great lyrics. When y’all get a chance, check out his music page and give “Colorado High” a listen! I also wouldn’t do this bit justice if i didn’t mention who he had on stage with him. The lovely Kris Preston played with Waylon and y’all she is talented. She can sing and play multiple instruments, including the mandolin and the banjo. Yes, the freaking banjo. If you can do that on stage, you are talented and can put on a good show. I always say that you never see super young people play the banjo, because it takes a lifetime to master. Kris however, is young and killed it. She’s definitely a great musician!

After Waylon, a lineup change gave the Alabama boy Ritch Henderson a chance to play 2 sets. Y’all, I saw Ritch at Tumbleweed, I’ve got his EP and I’ve gotten to know the guy well. He served our country in the Marines and he is a heck of a guy. When it comes to his singing and songwriting, he is next to none. If y’all dig a down home fella that has a passion for music and is giving it literally everything he has, then listen to Ritch Henderson. “The Story So Far,” “We All Fall Sometimes,” and “Lonesome, All I’ll Ever Be” are masterpieces that can stand up to the likes of Jason Isbell, Arlo McKinley and so on.

Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances, my night ended there. I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to see the other sets, especially Aaron Boyd and Jeremy Short, but hey in the words of the late great John R. Cash, “I guess things just happen that way.”

Saturday came early with a 9am set from Livingston Kentucky’s Donovan Howard. Y’all, as unfortunate as it is, someone has to start the day off and Donovan pulled that straw. There were “maybe” 20 people out there watching, which is a shame, because Donovan is stone cold country. The guy was reppin’ a “Death Before Pop Country” shirt and playing a vintage guitar. It was acoustic set with just him singing and it was a great way to start the morning. The fella has a traditional sound and will throw a little new age flare in there every once in awhile. Donovan writes about things he knows and he does it well.

When the big hand struck 10am, Ritch Henderson got another chance to grace us with his presence. Unfortunately Ritch’s voice wasn’t allowing him to sing a lot. I blamed it on the eastern Kentucky allergies. Ritch however, told us that the real reason is because he played back to back shows and sang for an ungodly amount of time in 3 different venues over just a few days. So, Ritch sang one song before giving the Stage to MarDe Brooks. MarDe is another Bama boy who I had recently met and y’all he’s talented. MarDe is one of those fellas that helps to “make country music sad again” and he likes to write songs about whisky. Sad country music and whisky, the fella has my vote. MarDe Brooks 2020. Y’all, MarDe also covered “Hurricane” (no not the Luke Combs one...) and freaking knocked it over the hills. I’ve been debating recently if I liked The Band of Heathens’ version or Shane Smith and the Saints’ version better. I was having trouble deciding and then this guy threw his hat into the ring and I’m at a stalemate. MarDe, if you are reading this, RECORD HURRICANE AND RELEASE IT!

When Ritch and MarDe finished up their set, Ed Hughes took the stage again, but this time he was accompanied by Jen Richardson. I’ve already talked to y’all about Ed, but y’all Jen can sing! She’s extremely talented and her voice is like that of yesteryear women singers. She can stand with Trisha and the best of em! A cool little moment was when Jen and Ed had some “special guests” on the stage to sing Ed’s son’s favorite tune. Y’all can catch a glimpse of that below:

After Ed and Jen were finished filling the holler with good country music, another great Kentucky band took the stage. Luna & the Mountain Jets laid out a great set full of mountain music. I tell y’all, Dave and Teresa Prince put together one heck of a band and can jam out like no other. Y’all just ask ol Timmy Tyler Childers and Kid Rock if you don’t believe me. And if y’all don’t know what I’m talking about somewhere on the internet is a video of Tyler, Teresa, Dave and some other great musicians singing with a smiling Kid Rock runnin around filming it. Without me getting too long winded, I’ll just tell y’all to check them out when you get the chance, you can thank me later!

After Luna & The Mountain Jets, the heat got to me and I had to take a little break in the AC. So, I’ll talk about the sets I caught and then I’ve got a special surprise for y’all. With that being said, the next 2 sets I did see were Chad Vaughn and Chris Stewart. For those of y’all that aren’t familiar with these two, they are from the Midwest. If I remember correctly, both from KC, just from different states...Yeah KC works that way. It’s weird. Actually I think there are 2 Kansas City’s, but whatever, we are hear to talk about music, not geography. Anyways, despite attending 2 years of Tumbleweed right in their backyard, this was the first time I was able to catch a live set of either. Chad went on first and y’all I was impressed. Chad isn’t a hard core honky-tonk type musician. In the words of the lady standing by me, Chad is a technical singer. He hits all of those notes perfectly and knocks it out of the park every time. He is also a great song writer! You combine a mellow and technical voice with a great song writing ability and you’ve got one heck of an artist right there. But y’all Chad doesn’t stop there. He is also one heck of a picker. I’ve only been playing guitar for a few months and I’ve been bad at practicing. But seeing Chad Vaughn, Ed Hughes, Josh Nolan, Dave Prince, Donovan Howard and Jermey Short out there, y’all i was inspired again! Y’all look this fella up on the YouTube and follow his music page.

Chris took the stage right after Chad and y’all, Chris is another fella making country music sad again. Now, I know I say that a lot, but its true. I’d be willin to bet that this guy can play more sad songs than David Allan Coe. While Chris doesn’t move around and put on a show, he doesn’t need to. His voice and song writing fills the presence of the stage. He draws you in to listen to his songs and to feel the emotion! It’s also worth mentioning that he has what may be the best beard in the business. And apparently there are rumors of him becoming a leader in Algeria or something? Y’all check him out before he head overseas, or wherever the heck Algeria is!

The next set that I caught was Laid Back Country Picker. If y’all ain’t sure who ol Laid Back is, then crawl out from under your rock and give him a google. Laid Back is actually Dave Prince as the frontman, with Teresa Prince, as Honey. Y’all this set was awesome! Laid Back just about couldn’t keep Honey contained as she was so excited to perform at Festival of the Red. Laid Back may also be one of the best guitar players I have ever seen and can put on quite the show. His crowd engagement, stage presence, antics, song writing and vocals are Kentucky gold. If you’re from Eastern Kentucky like myself, Magoffin County Cadillac is sure to make you chuckle and remind you of times when you would drop from 70 to 55 in about 0.3 seconds. Y’all just do me a favor and check our ol Laid Back Country Picker. You might even be able to catch him on the party line now and then.

After Laid Back, the next set that I watched was Josh Nolan. But, as I hinted at previously, I’ve got a surprise for ya on this one. I collaborated with a “contributing writer”, yeah that sounds fancy. Anyways, her coverage of Josh was top notch, so I’ll just post her notes on him in just a minute.

I capped my “official” night off with Chelsea Nolan followed by Justin Wells. Chelsea took the stage about dark and led us down a rockin’ path to end the night. Chelsea played some off of her album and some new ones. With live versions of “Rock Bottom,” “Bootlegger,” and “Yard Sale Yolanda,” Chelsea kept us entertained! When she writes songs, she tells stories from experiences. Just like any great song writer, especially from Kentucky, that is what makes her special. When you have Chelsea’s powerful and energetic voice on stage with Josh Nolan, John Clay, AND Jeremey Short, you know you’re in for a treat. Her set was nothing short of flawless. From her down home humble attitude, her story telling, vocals, instruments, y’all it was a good time. If I had to guess, it was also special for Chelsea to play in front of a hometown crowd and get a response like that. Her and the band gave it their all, and you could tell!

My “official” night ended with the headliner; another Kentucky product in Justin Wells. While up until now, Festival of the Red was stone cold country, somehow when Justin and the fellas took the stage, a rock band was suddenly headlining a country music festival in the middle of the Eastern Kentucky Mountains! After coming off of a hiatus to rest up his vocal chords from a scary situation, Justin ended the night with a bang! Along with some hits off of his previous album, Justin played a couple of new ones in “Ruby” and “Temporary Blues” This fella is another song writer that writes about experiences and what he knows. Justin’s lyrics tell a story and put you in the right in the middle of a scene. Justin’s passion shows through in his lyrics and in his performance. If y’all don’t believe me, just take a look at thie picture below. If that ain’t a passionate performance then I don’t know what is. Especially for a guy that recently had his vocal chords on the verge of hemorrhaging! I can’t stress enough how much y’all need to catch Justin. I mean heck, I’ve seen him 3 times this year. I also cannot wait for his new record “The United State” to come out. All I know is what Justin told the crowd. It will come out when it comes out.

Y’all unfortunately I had “responsibilities” back in the city and didn’t catch any other sets. It was nothing against any artist, because everyone there was extremely talented! However, I do have a write up from our new contributing writer, Amy Fletcher! Amy knows her way around the music scene and I am honored to have her write with me. And, shameless plug, her daughter Hannah Fletcher is also an artist so y’all be sure to look her up! Anyways, I’ll quit ramblin’ and let y’all hear what Amy had to say about a few of the sets that I didn’t catch:

Charles Wesley Godwin. This guy put on an amazing set. His music is a wonderful representation of Appalachia. His voice resonates a beautiful vibrato with lyrics so simple and well put together. His song "Coal Country" strikes a sympathetic nerve with his description of the struggle of the fading world of the coal miner.

There aren't enough adjectives to describe Josh Nolan. His newly released Album, "Kind Heart To Follow" is one that cannot be missed. Not only is Josh a lyrical genius, he is an arrangement genius. He was joined onstage by a band who worked together like a well-oiled machine. His song, "East Kentucky Skyline" allows an opportunity for listeners to put themselves in a relatable situation of the colors peeking over the trees during the sunset. One can tell that Josh disappears in his mind during his performance, giving so much emotion it's as if one can reach out and feel it. This album is a must on the playlist.

Sean Whiting.....there are no words. Joined on stage by Laid Back Country Picker, Sean put on a performance that cannot he forgotten. His talent of raw southern rock-and-roll put him in a special class. His lead guitarist (I can't remember his name) made his guitar speak. For 20 years old that person was something special. Sean celebrated his birthday Saturday but the audience were the ones who walked away with the prize. His performance was one to stick with you.

The only show I caught Sunday was John Clay. John and his guitar is all that was needed. His audience consisted of about 6 people as his set was the last of the day. The rain had set in and drove many home earlier in the day. John has an uncanny ability to tell a story through his music and put the audience in the specific location. He finished out Festival of the Red and those who rode out the weather were given the treat of witnessing his performance.

Earlier, I kept saying my “official set” and other mysterious things. That was because I stuck around until a little after 2am on Saturday Night/Sunday Morning for a Song Swap around the campfire. Ritch Henderson, Chad Vaughn, Chris Stewart, Jermey Short, Sean Whiting, Josh Nolan, MarDe Brooks, and Hannah Fletcher stood around a campfire with 25 or so people and just played guitar, sang and just had a good ol time. There were a ton of originals mixed in along with Outfit, Can’t Ya See, In Color, Mama Tried, Queen of My Double Wide Trailer, Seven Spanish Angels, Ring of Fire, and a slew of other great tunes. Ya’ll it was a crazy surreal time as it was my first campfire song swap surrounded by that kind of talent. There was even a freaking tetradactyl screeching occasionally! Yeah, you read that right. Weird things happen in the mountains at night. If you don’t believe me ask Amy and Hannah. They will back me up on that!

Alright y’all, that’s my write up on Festival of the Red. Make sure to check out the photo album on the facebook page! Share and give us a like so others can discover the greatness that is Festival of the Red and these artists that deserve WAY more recognition than they get!

A special thanks to Chase and Miranda Fallen for putting on a great festival and letting me cover it. To Amy for teaming up with me and writing part of this! And to my wife, Lauren, for taking notes, editing this post, and enduring the heat with me! Until next time...

-Cheers, N.

*This is an independent review. The Hillbilly Hippie Music Review was not compensated for this review.

*The opinions expressed are solely that of the author(s).

*The artwork shown is not ours, nor do we claim it in any way. Rights belong to Festival of te Red.

[challengerbmxmag]

Skunk Zine (Reissue)

Created in 1997, this issue of Skunk Zine by Devin Lau was the first BMX zine I ever got my hands on. I was 13 and while I had already been introduced to Dig, arguably the most “core” magazine of the time, Skunk was nothing like it. Riding photos were blown out and ultimately besides the point and its attention-to-detail was no attention-to-detail. The zine included recipes, drawings of what seemed to be non-existent BMX parts for sale, lots of Pete Augustin references, recipes for chili, and insight into an early Austin BMX scene and an already thriving Austin music scene. It was the first time I realized BMX was a lifestyle beyond the marketing of Xtreme but also the “hardcore” lifestyle® championed by the prominent BMX magazines at the time. There are no rules to BMX. Skunk, like so many other independent BMX zines, made that abundantly clear.

I’m excited to share a piece of BMX history that was influential to me. Skunk Zine is being reissued with permission from Lance Palko. Half of all proceeds will be donated to to the POW * MIA, in honor of Devin. You can purchase Skunk in the Challenger web shop and you can read an interview that I did with Lance Palko for Issue #9 of Holeshot below.

To be honest, I still think that I’m confused about Skunk Bros. Can you elaborate on what it was? Was it a team, a company, or a glorified crew?

 It started with a few friends who were down with BMX and partying and then it just grew from there.  This was back in like 88 or so, we rode but didn’t really know about the whole BMX scene and the newest latest tricks and what not.  We met Devin and he showed us what was up with The Dirt Bros, S&M/POW’s and Craig Grasso and it was pretty much on from there.  I remember watchin Dorkin in York and the Trend video over and over. 

What was the connection with Ells, Gonz, and Skunk Bros?

I would run into Gonz every now and again at the Wedge starting back in 89 or so.  I remember he was always bustin the craziest street shit back then, orange dreaded mohawk and all!  We became good friends after we stayed at the DBI house during the La Jolla street contest and the King of Dirt at Mission Trails.  Pretty much been hanging with Gonz ever since, although not too much lately, what up Gonz?  I met Ells through Gonz and we did some riding for some of his vids, stoked to be a part of On the Down Low, that video was the shit at the time.

What’s up with Ratboy, is he still riding?

Met Ratboy at the Wedge when he was nine, he was rockin the rollerblades then switched to BMX and was killin it in no time.  I run into Ratboy every couple times a year, I think he sets up PGA tournaments now!  I don’t know how much he is riding, but I know he can still rip it up!

One of the things that I always really liked about Skunk Bros, which there seems to be a little resurgence of lately with Good Feelin’ and ALYK, is the idea of just a crew.  Like, you don’t really make anything except for say a zine or a website or a video, but people know who you are.  Can you elaborate on this idea of a “crew”?

We had somewhat of a reputation back in the day, did some partying, we made tons of stickers and a few shirts and hats here and there and thats about it.  We got sponsored by a local brewery and had jams there and had access to a lot of beer, so where ever we rolled we had a crew.  We had huge BMX themed parties in the woods, 100’s of people, Gonz naked(he had a lifejacket on for safety!) 360 over the flaming jumps and just craziness.  For me it just continues to be something that I love and I seem to gravitate towards people that are the same way.  I have been riding with some of the same bros for over 20 years!

I noticed a running theme of Pete Augustin theme in the zine, as well as the website. Were Pete and the Dirt Bros crew friends or influences? 

Yeah, the Dirt Bros were huge influences, we were in high school and looked up to their dirt bag style of riding, that was when riders were wearing neon and shit.  We ended up hooking up with them at some Thrasherland BS contests and then made a couple of road trips out to the El Cajon Dirt Bros house, Devin and I slept in Petes broken down VW bus on the side of the house, we picked through their parts shed, it was cool!  We hit up TJ skatepark and they took us on some crazy late night high speed street runs in some sketchy neighborhoods.  I ran into Vic doing a demo last winter and we chatted for a bunch and awhile back we had a 40th B-day party for Pete. 

By reading your blog, I feel like you really like wallrides.  Can you elaborate? 

I remember seeing Dave Voelker doing that wallride on the side of the semi trailer on the cover of GO back in the day and was just blown away.  How could someone ride up and across a wall, it seemed crazy.  It just seems like pure street.  Ever since then I look for wallrides, just trying to tuck a table out of a smooth wall is the shit.  

The Wedge is famous amongst BMXers and skateboarders alike.  Skateboarder Erik Ellingston is even known to have a Wedge tattoo.  Was The Wedge a big part of your life BMXing in the Scottsdale area?

The Wedge was it back then, there were no skateparks, it was right down the street, it was the place to ride/skate/rollerblade.  The cool thing about The Wedge when I look back at it now was the unity, there was no skateboard/bike only bullshit and no attitudes between the two, everyone still hated on the rollerbladers though!  I still hit the wedge on a regular basis and the skatepark next to it. 

What is the status of Skunk Bros. these days? 

Regular shit jobs to support the family life, injuries and getting old sucks! I still ride on a regular basis. We were talking about doing up a Facebook page, maybe throwing out some hats/shirts, it’s pretty much the 20 year anniversary, so it seems right.

Am I missing anything, do you have anything you’d like to add?

Our bro Devin Lau passed away almost ten years ago.  He was one of those always upbeat inspirational types of person, very influential to me.  I could only image the things he would have came up with in the past decade!  If it was not for him, who knows, Ratboy and I may be shreddin the Wedge on our rollerblades, the Skunk Bros would not have been.  Thanks Dev.

[valhallamusic]

went out to support fellow Canadian Brett Kissel at the Basement in Nashville last night. Anytime I've ever seen @brettkissel perform he always sounds great and comes with the BIG SOUND with his boys a shreddin'. And there's young Matty McKay on the Geetar! 🎸💃stellar as always! I don't listen to a lot of this style of music usually, but I genuinely like Brett's voice and his charisma as a performer and it doesn't take long to notice that he is putting 110 percent into everything he does. Passion transcends genre. I think any true music fan could enjoy themselves at a Brett Kissel concert. Refreshing to see someone with that kind of drive and enthusiasm for life! And his goal is to make you have fun! Wish him nothing but great success ! #canadiancountry #canadiancountrymusic #brettkissel #nashvillelivemusic #nashvillenights #canadianadventures #fiddler #respect #goodshow #bigsound (at The Basement)

[justaguynamedbruce-blog]

Blink Blink

So yeah. I'm just a guy named Bruce. Yesterday I was in my early twenties, just got out of the Army, and by last night my mid thirties and this morning when I woke up I was 41. It's 8:37 p.m. on Nov. 6th, 2017 and I'm now 46. Holy F!@#$ S$#@. What the hell happened?

One minute I'm bumping chairs at a ski resort in Utah for a living, and living for the next powder turn and suddenly I'm holding my newborn son for the first time in Northern Cali. I traded my beloved drugs in for a baby? Really? Me? How the hell did this happen?

Blink.

Blink Blink. What's for lunch. Blink

I'm standing in line at some fast food restaurant and 2 strange kids are calling me Dad and they seem to be with a pretty milf who seems to think we know each other. Who is this? Why is her butt so big? Surely this isn't my wife is it? She's kinda milfy and all but a minute ago I was lovin' and leavin' the hottest strippers in town. This just isn't my style. Is it? Whoa, and she's pregnant?

Blink.

I walked out to my... WTF? A beige minivan? Where the hell is my badass racecar? Those kids and that lady all got in too along with my son who was no longer even slightly interested in me. He was enamored with the older boy and fighting with the younger girl that got into the car, er, minivan with us. Blink. And just how exactly did he go from a 3 year old to a 10 year old between breakfast and lunch I will never know.

Blink. Blink.

I took the left hard as if I'd done it before and hit the speed bumps as if they weren't there and pulled into the driveway of a big 2 story house within an upper middle class golf course community. WTF? I feel the bulge of something in my front pocket so I reach in and pull out a wad of money. I'm rich? Me? Really?  Where the hell was I when all this was taking place? Blink Blink.

What do I do for work these days? Blink. Oh shit, speaking of which, my phone is full of messages I have to deal with asap.

Blink.

I open the door and tell the lady, "I'm going to work, I'm freaking swamped!" She kisses me on the cheek and says "Me too...." She said a bunch of other things too but I wasn't paying attention. I headed straight for my desk, sat down and started making calls. I work from home? No WAY!! COOL!! Blink. I look over at my wife and she's sitting at a desk and on the phone too. Wait a minute. We BOTH work from home?

Blkink Blink. Blink. As I got off what seemed like the longest phone call of my life I'm brought back to reality by the incessant crying o a baby. That baby! The one halfway between me and the wife. Somehow I had my guitar strapped on and the lady, I mean my wife was looking pissed off. Oh shit. I got up and tried to calm the baby. only to be told that I was doing it wrong. Blink. In fact it seemed I was doing everything wrong. I felt miserable. The wife looked miserable and the kids were all alone in their own rooms plugged in to their various devices. "I gotta get out of here, I'm going to band practice, see ya."

Bye. Be safe.  Blink.

I will. I love you.

Good, at least I was still in a band. I need a good drink and a better jam tonight. Blink.

I hear the words of wisdom escaping my lips as I lecture a young man, maybe 19, about the folly of doing hard drugs, as I pound the last shot before barf time. My ritual. Drink until I barf every friday before resigning to another week of that crazy as fuck work from home right next to your wife the stranger and your baby. Brutal. Blink

It's next week and that young man has that pipe up to his lips. I think about lecturing him again, think twice and instead say "Lemme see that shit."

Suddenly this music flowing from my hands, whoa! I'm shreddin'! I get home, feeling sober and alert. Hyper alert. I write a couple of new songs, play with the kids and the dogs and go to bed wide awake and ready to make love to the wife. I can go all night!!

Blink.

The thing about circling the drain is that the ride is fun...Until you realize what's at the end of the ride. The drain part. Yikes.

Blink.

It's my wifes birthday, a little after midnight and I'm holding a knife and sneaking onto her driveway. I slash all 4 tires of her new boyfriends car and felt 100% justified and RIGHT in doing so.I may have turned the party up but I never cheated. Blink blink.

I'm out to dinner now with a hot little 25 year old , 18 years younger than me when some dude comes in and serves me. Restraining orders? Divorce?Supervised visitation? WTF? People must die. This isn't going to work.

Blink Blink. Courtrooms, judges, mediators, counselors.The earth is flat, My girlfriend shoots me when I kick her out for cheating on me. Pretty much everyone hates me and if they don't it's only because they haven't spent enough time with the wife to  convince them I'm satan.

Blink Blink. I'm asking strangers for cash at a gas station, even trying to sell a guitar. I'm only about 40 miles away from the rehab center. I can make it with less than $5 gas.

Blink. Suddenly I'm in the room telling all of these sober people how I was gonna clean up, go jhome and get my wife back. 100% certain this was true. Blink.

I'm home now for a couple months and today is moving day. Moving back in with the wife. What a miracle!

Blink. This is my house she says. I like it here." Okay I said, but we need a neutral home where I can be comfortable too. " No. She says. Not going to happen. Blink.Blink. A year of sobriety. You know what? I think I should celebrate!

The glass pipe hits my lips. Hello old friend! The songs, the sex, the music the...Getting caught red handed. The yelling. The screaming. The lying. The hardening. The arguing. The justifying. The ignoring. The dying. The defeat. Blink. Moving day. Blink. Fired again. Blink. Fired again. Blink. Blink Blink blinkblibnkblinkvblinkblink. Rent was due 6 days ago. I have nothing. I have started a business from a welfare check and it's just a matter of time before. ...Blink Blink. Blink.

Fuck. Tomorrow I'll be 62. If I'm lucky. Blink. WTF.

Blink.