#echoes of a new dawn orchestra

[burlveneer-music]

Kyoto Jazz Massive & Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra - KJM EOANDO ~ KJM 30th Anniversary Edition - "Power" (ft. Vanessa Freeman) has all the makings of a disco classic, and an inspirational message for these dark times to boot

Kyoto Jazz Massive delivers this brand new EP, 30 years after their debut ! A first and exclusive KJM collaboration with Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra (aka Jéroboam), the very special Parisian band who's been performing with KJM live in Europe for the past two years. On this occasion, KJM recorded four new tracks with EOANDO, including three new songs ("Power", "Love Wars", "Impulsive Procession") and a rendition of "Stand up", a previously released composition. To complete the album, you'll find a stunning cover of KJM's biggest hit "Substream" by Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra and their signature song "EOANDO's Theme". "Power" and "Stand Up" were recorded with Vanessa Freeman and "Love Wars" with Bembe Segue. The London based duo have been singing for KJM live since 2004. "Power" is crossover music, blending jazz funk and French disco with a gospel flavour. Vanessa Freeman’s uplifting lyrics appeal to people’s consciousness, bringing energy to the audience. "Impulsive Procession" melds many genres, Afro, funk, jazz, fusion, soul, rock, house and techno, inspired by several of KJM’s most respected music legends. "Love Wars" is a live band rendering of broken beats with a boogie feeling featuring Bembe Segue’s edgy spiritual vocals. A new version of "Stand Up", originally released in 2008, has been re-recorded with Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra playing live in the studio and fresh vocals laid down by Vanessa Freeman. "Substream" is one of KJM's most popular songs, covered by Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra for Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival official compilation “Tokyo Crossover Night 2023”, which was recorded as an organic disco version at Danilo Plessow’s studio in Paris. Closing the album is "EOANDO’s Theme", specially composed by Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra for KJM. They understand how much the Okino Brothers love this kind of boogie funk jam with brazilian/balearic vibes. 

[shady-scripter]

🎶You Gotta Be Singing Me🎶

Feeling Revived

Part 1 to my LU Musical!!! I can’t tell you how much I laughed while writing this- or how many times I had to get up and do the dumb dances or movements to make sure it made sense-

The fire crackled in the middle of everyone, the metal pot above it emitting a smell like no other. Sky recognized a hint of pumpkin and knew that breakfast would be rewarding.

He decided that he would use his lasting energy and asked around if anyone needed anything.

“I’m fine, but thank you,” Time said, clamping his armor.

“Huh? Oh! No, I’m good. Thanks for asking.” Four continued on sharpening their swords.

“Nah, I’m all good for now. Thanks though.” Legend leaned against a tree, his eyes already half shut.

“Well, we’re done already, but you can stick around!” Warriors and Twilight waved him over. He sat with them and engaged himself into their conversation. Then something came up and he was suddenly rambling about birds.

“Hey, Sky?” Sky paused his sentence and looked over to Four. “How…how are you feeling?”

“Yeah,” Warriors said. “You’ve been mighty hyper this morning. You’re usually napping while the Champion cooks.” He laughed.

Somewhere on the wind, Sky heard the combined sound of string instruments, a sound so beautiful, like soaring through the sky, wind coursing through your hair.

He opened his mouth. “Birds flying high, you know I feel.” Sky’s voice took on a tune as he looked to the sky. “Sun in sky, you know how I feel.”

Sky twirled on his feet, reaching his hand out to Twilight, who looked at him dumbfounded. “Breeze drifting on by, you know how I feel.” He takes Twilight’s hand and forces him up. Twilight stumbles, but Sky grabs his other hand to steady him. “It’s a new dawn-“

“What is happening-“ Twilight looked around, asking someone to tell him why Sky was trying to serenade him.

“It’s a new day-“

“Sky-“ Warriors wheezed.

“It's a new life…for me,” Sky let go of Twilight. Twilight let out a heavy sigh.

“And I’m feeling-“ Sky turned to the others.

“Why did you-“ Legend started to speak up.

“good,” Sky outstretched his arms like he was welcoming them somewhere. Suddenly, it was like a full orchestra started playing only a few feet away from them. The mighty trumpets and brass instruments standing out phenomenally. “I’m feeling good.” Sky’s arms went down and he walked to the perimeter of the camp, putting his hands on Wind’s shoulders.

“Fish in the sea, you know how I feel.” Sky moved on to the next, that being Hyrule. Wind gave Sky a side eye.

“River running free, you know I feel.” Hyrule awkwardly pat Sky’s hand before he left to the next. That was Legend.

“Don’t you dare.” Legend was already on his feet.

Sky snatched Legend’s hand, pulling him closer. “Blossom on a tree, you know how I feel.” Sky let go of Legend’s arm and Legend did a twirl. The heros’ cackles echoed through the camp. Legend’s cheeks painted a ruby red as he grabbed Sky’s hand once more.

They positioned themselves like they were about to start slow dancing. “Goddesses, kill me.” Then they started slow dancing.

“It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life. For me.” Sky dipped Legend. “And I’m feeling good.” He helped Legend upright and let him go.

Legend watched Sky walk away for a few seconds. “I’m going on a walk.” Legend left.

He next rested his hand on Time’s shoulder. “I’m not standing up,”

“Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean don’t you know?” Time hummed. Sky didn’t go on to the next. “Butterflies all having fun, you know what I mean.” Sky let go of Time’s shoulders, pulling a sigh out of him.

Sky walked back to the center of the camp and put his hand over his heart, his hips swaying like the breeze of the morning. “Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean.”

Sky scooped his arms to his left. “And this old world-“ he scooped his arms to his right. “is a new world-“ he reached his arms to the sky and turned a full 180. “And a bold world for me.”

“For me!” Sky’s voice grew louder. The orchestra of brass got a second to play without Sky’s voice. During this time, Sky went back over to Twilight and a, now standing, Warriors.

Twilight hid behind Warriors just in time for Sky to grab his hand. “Hold on!” Warriors begs.

Sky twirled Warriors with little to no effort. “Stars when you shine, you know how I feel.” Sky let go of Warriors, but their bodies still moved in sync.

The slid to opposite side, then turned and pointed at each other. “Scent of the pine, you know how I feel.” They ran at each other.

“What is happening?!” Warriors screamed as he lifted Sky by his thighs and started to spin.

“Oh, freedom is mine! And I know how I feel!” Warriors put him down, starting to feel a lump in his throat. “It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life.”

“It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life-“ Sky took Warriors hands again, his voice getting louder.

“It’s a new dawn-“ Warriors joined in the singing, his eyes widening. Their voices mixed almost like one. They, too, started to do something akin to a slow dance. Though, it was definitely more microwaved than Sky and Legend’s. “It’s a new day! It’s a new life, it’s a new life for me.” Sky dipped Warriors. “And I’m feeling good.”

Sky picked him up and moved away. Warriors had nearly the same reaction as Legend, tomato red cheeks, wide eyes.

Sky walked the perimeter of the camp again. “I’m feeling good. I feel so good.” Sky sighed, sitting back where he started. “I feel so good.”

The trumpets and instruments soon faded. When it all went silent, Sky’s eyes widened.

“What just happened?” He asked.

Then came the laughing. It was high pitched, it definitely belonged to a woman

Warriors head snapped in the direction. Four tossed some of the others their weapons.

“Well, it’s a nice little curse I bestowed upon you. I hope it didn’t hurt too much.”

“Cia.” Warriors uttered her name like a curse.

“Hello Link.” She finally showed herself in all her barely clothed glory. “How I’ve missed you.”

“You should be dead.” Time spat, now on his feet, his armor half on.

She laughed again, flicking her hair. “White streak in my hair, but no stress now. Trade off that guy’s looking like a mess now. Driving off the tracks, but I’m back, and I’ve seen hell, but this is a bit more my style.” Her voice warped and suddenly, just like Sky, she was singing.

They couldn’t pinpoint what that sound was. Though, it was almost like some sort of alarm. Cia began to walk to then, her steps matching the beat of the now revived orchestra, “I’m alive, I’m revived, I survived.” She put her finger on Warriors’s chest. “You surprised? Gonna cry about it? You should see the other guy!”

She turned her back to them, her arms reaching for the heavens “I’m returned and I’ve waited my turn.” He only turned her head to make eye contact with Warriors. “A decade of time to make everything mine.”

She scoffed, turning her full body to them once more. “Am I the bad guy? I’ll be the bad guy again-“

“Just like last time? And we all know how that ends-“ Warriors stepped up, putting in his piece.

Cia’s eyebrows furrowed. “No one came to help so I helped myself instead. You think I cared? It was always a means to an end.” She rolled her eyes, a tantalizing smile back on her face.

“I got my second chance! I got a new lease on life. It’s not just circumstance, no, it was all in good time.” She outstretched her arms again. “So who cares? So what? I’m not calming down! Screw that! Keep up, now look around. Is something wrong with me?” She scanned the group, her eyes as sharp as a hawk’s. “I’m better now that I’m free. ‘Cause I’ve seen the other side and now I’m back where I wanna be. It was thirteen and a half years I spent on that platform in hell, but I’ve come back hell-bent.” She ended it off with a laugh suited for her.

“I hope you enjoy my little gift heroes, I know I sure am.” And just like that, the sorceress was gone, disappearing into a cloud of purple dust.

“So…” Sky broke the silence. “We sing randomly now?” He looked around.

Time sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I suppose so.”

“I’m going to fucking kill her.” Warriors starred done to the grass covered ground, his fist clenched.

[omegaremix]

Omega Radio for March 2, 2020; #221.

Roy Ayers (Ubiquity) “This Side Of Sunshine”

Patrice Rushen “Wishful Thinking”

Brick “Fun”

Mother’s Finest “I Can’t Believe”

Olympic Runners “Don’t Let Up”

Sly Stone “High On You”

Ripple “I Don’t Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky”

Creative Source “Rainbows On The Ground”

George Benson “Theme From Summer Of ‘42″

Mysterious Flying Orchestra “Shadows”

Blackbyrds, The “Lady”

Shuggie Otis “Island Letter”, “Pling!”

Joe Beck & David Sanborn “Cactus”

Rufus & Chaka Khan “Your Smile”

Maynard Ferguson “Mister Mellow”

Urbie Green “Mertensia”

Ramsey Lewis “Something About You”

Richard Tee “Virginia Sunday”

Steve Khan “The Blue Man”

Esther Phillips “That’s Alright With Me”

Phil Upchurch “Foolin’ Around”

Les McCann “Vallarta”, “Soaring (At Dawn) Pt. 1″

Billy Cobham “Heather”

Jaye P. Morgan “It All Goes Around”

Richie Cole “New York Afternoon”

Eric Gale “Multiplication”

Bobby Lyle “Inner Space”

Tom Scott “Appolonia (Foxtrota)”

Heatwave “Star Of The Story”

Vic Juris “Leah”

Walt Barr “Creepin’“

Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes “Aspirations”, “Colors Of The Rainbow”

Bonus Omega; jazz, fusion, funk, soul, and vinyl finds.

[indolamine]

touch some grass, with @serialeclipse

it’s a sickeningly beautiful day. sunlight, filtered through exuberant palm tree crowns, shines on her feet, the bloom effect blurring them beautifully against the dark wood flooring of the walkway. the distant chatter is almost fully drowned in the orchestra of warbling birds, their flight ruffling the tropical trees enclosing the passage from every direction. beyond them, running water echoes through the foliage in luscious detail.

jiyeon imagines her own black clad figure as an intrusion on the idyllic scenery, hat pulled low over her eyes and jacket peeling off slumped shoulders. when she closes her eyes, she ignores the chirping and the ruffling leaves, focuses instead on the quiet thudding of the soles of her sandals dragging over the wood boards.

right now, jiyeon’s supposed to reunite with her group back in the main lodge for green smoothies and a mindful activity designed to connect her to her surroundings and inspire the realization of her active role in the ecosystem of an infinite binary code system. and to be fair, that would not be entirely repulsive to her on a good day. she’s not offended by inanity and vapidness – she’d argue that’s the environment she typically thrives in.

but good days have been running scarce. it’s why she agreed to come to the retreat at her therapist’s suggestion in the first place, and the counterintuitiveness of that decision only dawns on her when she’s pulled into conversations about the power of self love. after struggling to elaborate on the transformative experience of sunrise yoga for the fifth time by the end of the first day, jiyeon is at her most antisocial. she fixates on every little annoying affectation of speech, every unflattering cosmetic update, counting the times they repeat self aggrandizing anecdotes.

so right now, jiyeon can only bring herself to put one foot in front of the other and not stop. she might hole herself in her lodge for the rest of the vacation if she stops moving. the birds are singing, the trees are rustling, the water is trickling, and jiyeon feels miserable. that’s the new itinerary for the day.

[techhiz]

Hazbin & Helluva crossover idea

Charlie and Vaggie go on a date to one of Beezlebub’s parties, maybe Loona is there again too?

Sinful Soiree

It was a rare moment of respite for Charlie and Vaggie amidst the chaos of the Hazbin Hotel. With a break in the usual demonic drama, the two lovers seized the opportunity to indulge in a night out on the town.

Their destination? One of Beezlebub's infamous parties, a hedonistic extravaganza where demons of all shapes and sizes gathered to revel in debauchery.

As they arrived at the party, Charlie and Vaggie were greeted by a cacophony of music and laughter that echoed through the halls of Beezlebub's lavish mansion. The air was thick with the scent of sin and desire, a heady mixture that sent shivers down their spines.

Hand in hand, Charlie and Vaggie navigated the crowded ballroom, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the spectacle before them. Demons danced and cavorted, their laughter mingling with the strains of the infernal orchestra that played on the grand stage.

And amidst the sea of revelers, they spotted a familiar face: Loona, the sardonic receptionist from Helluva Boss, lounging in a corner booth with a glass of whiskey in hand.

"Loona!" Charlie called out, a bright smile spreading across her face as she approached her friend. "What are you doing here?" (I made it that they have already met)

Loona raised an eyebrow in amusement, taking a sip of her drink before responding with a smirk. "Oh, you know, just thought I'd crash Beezlebub's little shindig. The booze is decent, at least."

Vaggie chuckled, shaking her head at Loona's irreverence. "Well, looks like we're in good company then."

As the night wore on, Charlie and Vaggie lost themselves in the revelry of the party, dancing and laughing as they embraced the freedom of the moment. And amidst the chaos and excitement, they found solace in each other's arms, their love shining brightly amidst the darkness of Hell.

And as the first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, signaling the end of another night in the infernal city, Charlie and Vaggie left Beezlebub's party hand in hand, their hearts full and their spirits soaring as they faced whatever new challenges awaited them in the days to come.

[ryttu3k]

The 2022 playlist, favourite albums, and thoughts on Pink Floyd!

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Fanfare for the Common Man

Hot Chocolate - Every 1's a Winner

The Whitlams - Cambridge Three

The Whitlams - Man About A Dog

The Whitlams - Sancho In Love

Florence + the Machine - King

Florence + the Machine - My Love

Florence + the Machine - Daffodil

Zdob și Zdub and Frații Advahov - Trenulețul

Sweet - Ballroom Blitz

Pink Floyd - Echoes

Electric Light Orchestra - Eldorado Overture & Can't Get It Out Of My Head

Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond

Pink Floyd - Sheep

Queen - Face It Alone

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb

Måneskin - La Fine

Favourite album releases: The Whitlams - Sancho; Florence + the Machine - Dance Fever

Favourite old albums: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here; Animals

...Godspeed You! Black Emperor did have a 'new' album release when their very first album came out. It, um, was not good, haha. Another new release, single this time, Face It Alone by Queen, which was recorded for The Miracle but never released at the time. Gives me definite emotions. For Måneskin, three singles, Supermodel, The Loneliest, and La Fine. Supermodel is a bop, The Loneliest is absolute angst, but none hit me like La Fine did. New album out in a month!

But really, this year has belonged to Pink Floyd, much how last year belonged to Måneskin (as a new favourite), and GY!BE and Queen (listening to their whole discography). More similar to GY!BE, in that I heard both Lift Your Skinny Fists and Dark Side Of The Moon at roughly the same time and they both instantly rocketed to the top of my 'favourite albums of all time' list.

Here are some thoughts!

Rating all the albums, and notable favourites/now in my regular rotation:

The Dark Side of the Moon: 9.5/10 (all of it it's flawless. But if I have to pick, Brain Damage/Eclipse, Us & Them, Time, The Great Gig in the Sky, and Breathe (In The Air). Yes I realise that’s more than half the album)

Wish You Were Here: 9/10 (Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Welcome To The Machine)

Animals: 9/10 (Sheep, Dogs)

Meddle: 8.5/10 (Echoes, One Of These Days)

The Wall: 8.5/10 (Comfortably Numb, Hey You)

The Endless River: 8.5/10 (all of it as a unit tbh)

A Momentary Lapse of Reason: 8.5/10 (Signs of Life, Sorrow, Yet Another Movie)

The Division Bell: 8.5/10 (Cluster One, High Hopes)

Ummagumma (live section): 8.5/10

A Saucerful of Secrets: 8/10 (Let There Be More Light)

Obscured By Clouds: 7.5/10 (Obscured By Clouds)

The Final Cut: 7.5/10

The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn: 7/10

More: 7/10 (Cymbaline)

Atom Heart Mother: 6.5/10

Ummagumma (studio section): 5.5/10

Top five tracks in approximate order: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, all of Dark Side of the Moon, Comfortably Numb, Echoes, Sheep.

(Also watched the Pulse concert, no thoughts only brain keyboardsmash, and listened to the orchestrated Us & Them tribute thing. Next on the list is Delicate Sound of Thunder, Waters’ The Wall, and the Echoes album.)

So like. As a general rule, not quite as high ratings as something like GY!BE, which I all rated super high (although in fairness, Pink Floyd has a lot more albums). It also feels kind of odd rating, say, The Wall 9/10, but I only regularly listen to Comfortably Numb (and The Wall part 2, which is the only track I had heard prior to listening). I guess because the whole thing works as a singular unit? I'm not sure, honestly.

Definitely most attached to the 70s era, almost straight through (starting from Meddle in 1971, Atom Heart Mother didn't super grab me). Which makes sense! The first album, the one that got me into them, was Dark Side of the Moon, so it was that classic 70s prog rock sound I was most drawn to. The earlier stuff is still... I guess developing towards that? I was listening chronologically, and Echoes, from Meddle, was the first time I really went, "...oh yeah, that is absolutely the Pink Floyd of DSotM."

I did really enjoy Division Bell, although there were definite 'this was made in the 90s' moments, and The Endless River tends to get panned but I actually super enjoyed it. Kind of gave me a Songs of Distant Earth-era Mike Oldfield vibe (that's not an insult, I love Mike Oldfield). Actually, yeah, the later Gilmour-led stuff did hit the spot, more than the earlier content and Final Cut did.

Been a rad experience, and they're absolutely getting added to 'favourite band' status (along with GY!BE, Florence + the Machine, Queen, Måneskin, and the Whitlams. What is my music taste? We just don't know).

And now to listen to Wish You Were Here for the zillionth time because Shine On You Crazy Diamond owns my entire soul <3

[genvieve-of-the-wood]

@definegodliness You got me on a day off from work so here goes... my URL made up of songs (songs in my Spotify liked library)

Guinevere - Crosby, Stills, Nash Enjoy Yourself (It's later than you think) - The Specials Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac Victorious - Wolfmother In Hell I'll Be in Good Company - The Dead South Evil Woman - ELO Virtual Insanity - Jamiroquai Everyday is Halloween - Ministry

O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Orchestra For Whom the Bell Tolls - Metallica

The Killing Moon - Echo and the Bunnymen Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks

Wicked Game - Chris Isaak Once I Loved - Astrud Gilberto On a Clear Day - PM Dawn Devil's Right Hand - Johnny Cash

@definegodliness Ha! And you thought having a long URL would stop me! Bwahahahahaha! I like a little bit of some and a lot of other music genres which gives me a huge list to choose from in my library!

Come to the woods when you have a real music challenge, sir! Imagine if I had dipped into my collection of pagan, new age and world music..and now I must away..back to where the swamp/wood witches live (with Wifi of course).

P.S. I like your list, many of those songs are in my playlist as well.

Anyone else want to do this challenge? I won't tag anyone but if you feel so inclined, spell your URL with songs (you actually listen to, don't just pull up random songs on the interwebs)

[learnhowtocreatemusic]

The Unfolding Tapestry: Exploring the Evolution of Music Genres

In the grand tapestry of human culture, music stands as a vibrant thread woven through the annals of time. From the ancient rhythms of our ancestors to the contemporary beats of today, music genres have evolved and diversified, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of society. Let us embark on a journey through the corridors of time, exploring the fascinating evolution of music genres that have shaped our auditory experiences.

The Dawn of Melody

Music, as old as humanity itself, found its voice in the ancient chants and melodies of early civilizations. The primal beats of drums and the haunting wails of flutes echoed through the ages, capturing the essence of rituals, traditions, and emotions. These melodies, steeped in mysticism and lore, laid the foundation for the rich tapestry of musical genres to come.

Classical Elegance

The classical era heralded a new dawn of sophistication and refinement in musical expression. Composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven crafted timeless symphonies and sonatas that epitomized elegance and complexity. The symphonic orchestras and intricate compositions of this era set a high standard for musical mastery that continues to inspire musicians to this day.

The Birth of Jazz

Jazz, with its syncopated rhythms and improvisational spirit, emerged as a rebellious voice in the early 20th century. Born from the fusion of African rhythms, blues, and gospel music, jazz became the soundtrack of cultural revolution. The smooth notes of saxophones and trumpets filled the air, defining an era of artistic experimentation and social change.

Rocking the Foundations

The advent of rock 'n' roll in the 1950s shook the music scene to its core. Pioneered by legends like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, rock music embodied the raw energy and defiance of youth. Electric guitars wailed, drum sets thundered, and rebellious lyrics challenged the status quo, igniting a cultural revolution that reverberates to this day.

Hip-Hop and Urban Poetry

In the concrete jungles of the Bronx, hip-hop was born as a voice for the marginalized and disenfranchised. Embracing beats, rhymes, and turntablism, hip-hop artists like Grandmaster Flash and Tupac Shakur transformed urban streets into lyrical battlegrounds. Hip-hop became a powerful tool for social commentary, shedding light on issues of race, poverty, and identity.

Electronic Symphony

The digital age ushered in a new era of musical innovation with electronic genres like techno, house, and dubstep. DJs and producers became modern-day alchemists, blending beats, synths, and samples to create otherworldly soundscapes. The pulsating rhythms and futuristic vibes of electronic music redefine the boundaries of sonic exploration.

A Mosaic of Sounds

From the soulful strains of R&B to the fiery passion of flamenco, the world of music genres is a rich mosaic of diverse influences and styles. Each genre tells a story, evokes emotions, and unites people across cultures and continents. As music evolves and reinvents itself, the tapestry of genres grows ever richer, reflecting the kaleidoscope of human experiences.

As we reflect on the evolution of music genres, we witness not just a sonic journey through time but a testament to the creativity, diversity, and resilience of human expression. The melodies that echo through our past and present serve as a reminder of the universal language that unites us all: the language of music. Let us continue to embrace the symphony of genres that enrich our lives and souls, creating a harmonious blend of past, present, and future in the ever-unfolding narrative of music.

[moochilatv]

Alice Hebborn presents: Movement 2

Magic piano session 🎹

Alice Hebborn announced her debut album Saisons, out December 6th via Western Vinyl. Born out of her move to the countryside, the Belgian composer offers up a deeply personal exploration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, shaped by her walks in the countryside and her readings on ecofeminism and environmental harmony.

She released the new track “Movement 2”, which was written in the spring and captures an awakening of senses and nature. 

The boundary is porous between textures, rhythms, and melodies, with all elements converging in a fragile and festive balance. 

Video features Nao Momitani and Alice Hebborn

Mixed by Antonin Simon

Recorded by Elsa Grelot

Directed by Benoît Baudson

Check in YouTube:

Pre-Order / Listen https://lnk.to/alicehebborn

Belgian composer Alice Hebborn's debut album, Saisons, is a contemplative journey through sound and nature. It's a deeply personal exploration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, shaped by Hebborn’s walks in the countryside and her readings on ecofeminism and environmental harmony.

Saisons was born out of Hebborn’s move to the countryside in 2021, where her daily immersion in wild landscapes inspired the intricate sonic world of this project.The seven-movement album for piano and electronics does not represent literal seasons, but rather collects impressions of nature as it is today—fluid, unpredictable, and increasingly disrupted by climate change. Pianist Nao Momitani, Hebborn's close collaborator, performs on the album, blending acoustic and electronic textures into a harmonious and organic soundscape.

"'Movement 2' is the starting point of Saisons," she describes. "It was written in the spring and draws its inspiration from the captivating images of this season: the awakening of nature and our senses, the great activity of all living things. One can hear the movement of the breeze through the leaves, the succession of blooms, the joyful freshness of a new dawn. The boundary is porous between textures, rhythms, and melodies: all elements of the soundscape collaborate in the emergence of each of them within a fragile and festive balance."

"Through Saisons, I explore the idea of an ideal where humans live in harmony with nature," Hebborn explains. "I wanted the album to mirror how nature functions: all elements influencing and transforming one another in an inter-connected, balanced way." Central to Saisons is Hebborn’s fascination with the micro-details of sound, where every tiny vibration and texture evokes the delicate balance of the natural world. Influenced by readings like Bernie Krause’s The Orchestra of Animals, Hebborn sought to emulate nature’s harmony in sound, creating an interplay between piano and electronics that echoes the fluidity of ecosystems.

Hebborn also draws inspiration from the work of ecofeminist author Starhawk, whose writings on dismantling hierarchical relationships between humans and nature deeply impacted the creation of Saisons. She elaborates, "In this album, the piano represents the human element, and the electronics represent nature. Throughout the piece, they mutually influence each other without one overshadowing the other. This reflects the world I hope to see created—a world where humans no longer see themselves as separate from nature but as an integral part of it, recognizing the interdependent relationship that binds us to all living beings."

Saisons is as much a performance piece as it is a recorded work. Having already been performed in contemporary music venues, the live experience unfolds as a continuous 30-minute immersion, with its meditative flow allowing listeners to lose themselves in sound and sensation. The collaborative process with Nao Momitani was integral to the album’s organic feel. Hebborn adds, "Nao and I wanted the music to feel alive, like nature itself. It’s not a rigid composition, but a constantly shifting, breathing piece."

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Alice Hebborn has made a name for herself in both the music and theater worlds, with her compositions performed by renowned ensembles such as LAPS Ensemble, Musiques Nouvelles, and Ensemble Fractales. Her debut album marks the next chapter in her creative journey, pushing the boundaries of contemporary music by infusing it with environmental philosophy and sensory intuition.

Saisons is a testament to Hebborn’s deep connection to the world around her and her desire to create music that invites reflection on our place within it. In the words of Pierre Hemptinne for PointCulture: “Hebborn creates a fragile stability, like clear pond water reacting to the slightest wind, the slightest change of light.”

[newprophets]

Unveiling the Eternal Word The Profound Beginnings of John's Gospel

"In the Beginning: The Eternal Word Breaks the Silence"

Introduction: Echoes of Eternity Before time ticked its first tock, the Word existed, not as a mere whisper but as a mighty voice in the cosmic silence. John 1 unveils this mystery, introducing us to a narrative where divinity meets humanity right at the dawn of creation.

The Word in the Cosmos: A Divine Symphony Imagine the universe as an orchestra without a conductor until the Word—Jesus—steps in, baton in hand. John declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Through Him, every star, planet, and galaxy found its place in the divine melody. This stanza in the scripture isn't just about creation; it's about the Creator intimately involved in crafting existence.

A Light Unrecognized: Tragedy Amidst the Celestial Tune Despite the beauty of His composition, when the Composer Himself stepped onto the stage, cloaked in flesh, He was met with a cold shoulder from His own creations. This part of our story brings a somber note to the symphony. The world, engrossed in its own tune, failed to recognize its Maker. Yet, not all was lost; some did hear the music through the noise.

Becoming Children of the Melody For those who listened—truly listened—a new identity was offered: children of God. Born not of natural descent nor human decision, but born of God. This shift from creation to kinship marks a profound transformation, offering a personal connection with the Composer.

Conclusion: The Living Symphony Continues As John 1 closes, we are left with a melody that lingers—the Word walking among us, full of grace and truth. This passage isn't just a prologue; it's an invitation to join the divine symphony that resonates through eternity. Tune your heart to this eternal melody and discover your part in His cosmic score.

https://inspiredchristian.org

#EternalWord #DivineSymphony #John1 #GospelOfJohn #CreationStory #ChildrenOfGod #FaithJourney

[truehandspottery]

Here our songs, quilting vibration- made perfectly whole to the thread Here A water color life complete with old used crayons ready to sing again Here A gentle piano lingers in new echo notes from Time's single and only dawn Here here here here hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Emergent Expansion Borderless frontiers And all of this All in the idea of an idea bubbling from our Earth Spring flowing Season A connective sinew of Nostalgia from an ancient life, yet to be lived Always here.... as we remain in flight to flight journeys Alive in this scintalating moment close to memories golden depths The tea of AIR, the Stone in hand to be the cornerstones garden YOU........Fanning the waves of cohearences impulse with us all as we sing quantum records Possibly............. without ever knowing.... How full that tear sung sigh is.... Soften eyes searching for soul born witnessing being held gently Silent hearts encased in orchestras of philharmonic harmony Images fleeting bursts into ignition between morning dreams and Buttterflys on the garden flower wing Here Trillions of dreams in singular instant passages among painted carousels Chance to catch the morning light in prayers made of your own inner tempo The Cello Violin flute An inner personal stamp of motion, all your own Calls YOU Be Alive in whispers as you find the space between infinite space behind the fluttering forest leaf.. hop © 43 mins a

[burlveneer-music]

My WVUD playlist and stream, 11/18/2024

Cymande - Chasing An Empty Dream ERIN Collective - Resistance (ft. Devon Ebah Miles) Herbie Mann - Mediterranean The Motet - Love Time The Sunburst Band - Take It To the Top (feat. Noelle Scaggs) Kyoto Jazz Massive - Power (feat. Vanessa Freeman & Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra) The Baker Brothers - Unrest Sinkane - How Sweet Is Your Love Midnight Magic - I Found Love (Sophie Lloyd Remix - Single Edit) Flammer Dance Band - Nå Nå Jestofunk - Special Love (ft. Jocelyn Brown) I Robots - Tabù Tubà (Part i) Brass Construction - Movin' Black Devil Disco Club - No Regrets Japan - European Son (John Punter 12" Mix) The Communards - Don't Leave Me This Way Jaguar - Bodyparty Horse Meat Disco - Give Me All Your Love (feat. Fiorious) La Sécurité - Sleepy Rebellion (The Mauskovic Dance Band Remix) Ron Trent - Flos Potentia (Sugar, Cotton, Tabacco) [feat. Khruangbin]

Listen on Mixcloud

[rk099]

Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Nature's Symphony

Introduction: In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often find solace in the arms of nature. The wilderness, untouched and pristine, offers a symphony of sounds that transcends human understanding. In this blog, we delve into the enchanting world of nature's whispers, exploring the symphony that echoes through the vast landscapes.

The Symphony Begins: Step into the heart of the wilderness, where the symphony begins with the rustle of leaves dancing to the gentle breeze. Each tree, a musician in this natural orchestra, contributes to the melody of the forest. The subtle sounds create a harmonious background, setting the stage for the grand performance.

Birdsong: Nature's Melodious Choir: As dawn breaks, a choir of birds awakens, filling the air with melodies that seem to be composed by a master conductor. From the cheerful chirping of robins to the haunting calls of owls at night, the birds contribute their unique notes to nature's symphony. It's a harmonious dialogue that resonates through the treetops.

Rippling Waters: The Flowing Cadence: Nature's symphony extends to the rhythmic flow of rivers and streams. The babbling brooks and cascading waterfalls create a soothing cadence that complements the melody of the forest. Close your eyes, and you can almost feel the water's pulse syncing with your heartbeat.

Wind Whispers: Nature's Breath: The wind, a gentle maestro, weaves through the wilderness, creating a melody with the leaves, grass, and branches. It whispers tales of distant lands, carrying the essence of the world as it traverses through the trees. The wind is the breath of nature, an invisible force that adds depth to the symphony.

Creatures of the Night: Nocturnal Notes: As the sun sets, a new chapter of the symphony unfolds. Nocturnal creatures take center stage, contributing their mysterious calls and rustlings. The hoots of owls, the croaking of frogs, and the distant howls of wolves create a nighttime composition that is both eerie and enchanting.

Silence: Nature's Pause: Amidst the cacophony of nature's symphony, there are moments of profound silence. It's a pause that allows us to absorb the beauty of the wilderness, a stillness that speaks volumes. In these moments, nature's whispers become a powerful meditation, connecting us to the Earth in a profound way.

Conclusion: Whispers of the wilderness are not just sounds; they are an invitation to connect with the primal rhythm of the Earth. Exploring nature's symphony is a journey into a world where every rustle, chirp, and breeze tells a story. As we immerse ourselves in this enchanting symphony, we rediscover our place in the grand composition of life. So, the next time you find yourself in the embrace of nature, close your eyes and listen – for in those whispers, you'll discover the true magic of the wilderness.

[mariahcarreyyy]

omggg okok could you write something for cl16 x musician!reader and reader has a concert (as a new year celebration yk?) with the orchestra or her own band you choose and he attends it and is basically all proud bf vibes aaaashksbwkshkahag

+ i added a bit of a smau at the end hope u like it xx

𝗣𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦, 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗰

pairing: charles leclerc x singer!reader

plot: You had been beside Charles' side throughout all of his races, and he believes its time he repays the favour by attending one of your concerts anonymously.

wc: 1.3k

warning(s): charles is lowkey obsessed with reader, fluffy as fuck, mild mention of anxiety, french petnames, and reader being hot (because you are).

Deep breath in, deep breath out—those six words echo above all of the endless anxious doubt that rings in your mind. Charles stands at the back of the lively music venue his girlfriend would be playing at, wrapped in a scarf paired with Rayban sunglasses—truthfully, not his best undercover outfit, but it’ll have to do—patiently awaiting the start of your band's concert.

When he'd arrived a few hours ago and took his seat, your bottom lip had jutted out. "Why're you sitting so far back? How will I see you?"

Charles' head had tipped back in a laugh, and the butterflies in your stomach had fluttered almost uncomfortably in your stomach despite you. He had replied, "Want all the shine on you today, mon amour." and like, you tried not to swoon, but the fondness was plastered on your face like a big neon sign.

You had protested, urging him closer to the stage. He'd relented stubbornly, and only when you were called backstage for a makeup touch-up did you let it go. 

Now, as the charcoal black curtains pull apart at the seams on the cusp of midnight on December 31st, revealing the completely full venue, a bashful grin etches on your face. The band and you take their respective places, with you being front and center of the stage and tugging your dress down nervously.

That nervousness, however, dissipitates as quickly as it appeared when the crowd roars to life at the sight of you. The sight beneath you clouded as a harsh spotlight encircled your body—a sea of neon-lit accessories and concert signs. But, as clear as ever, in the swarm of white t-shirts and sweaty bodies was the half-concealed face of your boyfriend, Charlie.

Your boyfriend, Charlie, who looked about two seconds away from short circuiting. 

Get a grip, he mutters to himself when it dawns on him that you'd been gazing curiously at him. But he can't. Not when you stood with your head held high in front of a thousand people fearlessly, and certainly not when you did it in that dress. With parted lips, his eyes leave yours and scale over your body, adorned in a long, silky gold dress.

You don't bother fighting the furious blush painting your face.

“Alright, Monaco!” You lean into the microphone stand, and Charles can barely hear you among the wild shreiks of the crowd. "Let's get this concert started, yeah?”

The fans raise their hands and yell a long 'yeahh!'out in agreement, only growing louder when suddenly all of the big lights in the stadium flicker off. In less than a second, blue and purple lights illuminate the large arena, turning the fans (Charles included) ballistic.

When the familiar beat of your new single, Paper Rings, bounces off the walls of the stadium, the audience screams the introductory lyrics with her like it was life or death. Charles doesn’t blame them, not one bit, but his body and mouth failed to join alongside them.

Ethereal, you had told him the meaning of the word on a lazy Monday morning, lounging by the pool with your head rested on his chest—extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world.

A man, presumably in his late thirties, wraps an arm around Charles as though they’d been best friends for years, singing the lyrics straight to his face. 

Charles blinks dumbly; the sentimental tears brimming at his waterline retract inside his eye sockets. He looks back at you, performing the intricate choreographed dance that he'd often catch you practicing days before the show. 

Shrugging, he moves and circles his arm around the stranger's shoulder, letting himself move and sing freely to the upbeat tune of the love song. His love song. 

The man and him sing an off-tune, ear-deafening duet, but Charles is too drunk on you just existing to even care.

The song slowly comes to an end, but your band plays another, and another, and another. And like, as a Formula 1 racing driver, Charles prided himself on his unwavering self-control. 

So, when Charles is unable to physically restrain himself from pushing

past the sweaty, dancing bodies of the crowd just to increase your proximity; his only explanation was your voice laced with some kind of black magic.

You sway your hips to the music as your band takes over for the instrumental, your eyes sweeping over the stadium, and only then do you notice that Charles was not where he’d been when the show started. In fact, he had somehow managed to push his way into the first row, looking at you with a sort of admiration that made your heart ache. 

Being a part of an acclaimed band entailed an ocean of duties, the most prominent of which was hosting concerts and events to both satisfy the fans and broaden your audience. But this would be the first your boyfriend had been able to attend, and you couldn't help but crave his validation, his praise.

What happened next, you’d blame it on the heat of the moment, or perhaps the proud grin etched onto his face that made your head melt and fizzle out of your ear. Either way, you bent down, resting on your toes and blatantly ignoring the hundreds of camera phones filming you before tugging his scarf down to plant a kiss on his lips. 

It wasn’t lust-filled or passionate, yet the familiar warmth flooded your body all the same.

Pulling away, smirking at Charles’ dumbfounded expression and the violent flush on his face trailing all the way down to his neck. Screaming into the microphone once the instrumentals died down from behind you, the audience quickly blinked out of their daze, turning to kiss their loved one, “Happy New Year, Monaco!”

The instruments sizzled to a stop, all five of the members rushing to the center of the stage beside you and pulling you into a warm embrace. Lola, the lead guitarist and your biggest supporter through the blissful honeymoon beginning and rough middle patches with Charles, smiled excitedly at you.

"I can't believe you just did that," she squeals over the sound of lively chatter and footsteps filling out the stadium.

"No, me neither," you laugh out. "Heat of the moment thing, I guess."

Your eyelids flutter up to glance at Ryan, ever the brutally honest one, biting the inside of your cheek hesitantly. "Was it cringe? Be honest."

Ryan snorts. "Yeah, only a bit."

"I thought it was sweet, mon cherié."

You whip your head behind you, the corners of your lips twitching upward when his voice matches his face (the sunglasses and scarf are discarded somewhere on the sticky floor, but Charles didn't care enough to look). The stadium had cleared out, you realized, in the time that you and your band had taken to hug and wish each other a happy new year. 

The members of your band give you a pat on the back before heading out—Lola with a suggestive wiggle of her brows—leaving only you and Charles in an empty, 1,000-seat stadium. Charles places both his palms at the dip of your hips, pulling you flush against him. 

“You…you were,” Charles struggles to find the right words. He searches for them in French, in English, even in Italian, for fucks sake. He knew, though, that no language could ever begin to help you understand how fucking proud he is of you, how beautiful you looked up there, or how sweet your voice sounded pressed up against the microphone.

He settles for smashing your lips together for the second time tonight, like he would be able to transfer his thoughts through your dancing tongues.

You don’t mind, not even a little bit, not even at all.

charlesleclerc just posted on instagram !

Liked by pierregasly, y/nl/n and 1,258,489 others

charlesleclerc: im so proud of you, mon amour. i love you more than words. happy new year, i know i'll spend the rest of my years beside you 💙

View all 48,362 comments

y/nl/n: dont make me cry now. ☹️☹️

charlesleclerc: never!

pierregasly: FINALLY can i post the pics i took on our double date w/ kika now?

charlesleclerc: seriously pierre🙄 ???

pierregasly: what? it would look great on my feed

Lola: my ship has finally sailed to the public

Liked by y/n

y/nl/n: i love you more baby 🫶

Liked by charlesleclerc

user7: MON????? AMOUR???? SOBBING.

user8: i was at that concert omfg the kiss they shared when she was on stage and he was standing front row🥺🥺

user9: they WHAT?!?!?!!

user8: dw bae i'll dm u the clip i took

user11: charles is so whipped and im here for it

Liked by charlesleclerc

user10: if u squint enough you can see me hanging off a tree in the back 🥰

Lemme know how you liked this story or give me some feedback in the comments or my inbox! 💬🧸

Reblogs and likes are always appreciated 💌💌

[55tfn9]

Shielding the Grid: The Power of Protection Schemes in Safeguarding Electrical Systems

In a bustling metropolis lies a cutting-edge power station that fuels the city's vitality, ensuring electricity courses through its veins day and night. Within this intricate web of transformers, generators, and power lines, a silent army of protection schemes stands guard, ready to shield the heartbeat of the city from harm.

One sunny morning, as dawn broke over the horizon, the peace was shattered by a thunderous storm. Violent winds howled while heavy rain pounded the city's streets. This tempest threatened to disrupt the harmonious symphony of electricity coursing through the power systems.

But deep within the heart of the power station, engineers monitored the vital signs of the system with unwavering expertise. The storm's fury rattled their resolve, but they remained steadfast in their mission to maintain uninterrupted power supply.

As flashes of lightning streaked across the sky, danger lurked around every corner. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck a transmission line with a deafening crack, sending tremors pulsing through the network. The surge rippled through substations and threatened to disrupt the supply that powered homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Yet, before chaos could spread, the protective instincts ingrained within the power system sprang into action. Like an orchestra conductor commanding an ensemble, protection schemes orchestrated a intricate dance across switches, breakers, and relays.

Within microseconds, these intelligent guardians interpreted the signals received from sensors strategically placed throughout the network. They identified faults and swiftly isolated the affected sections, preventing damage from permeating further. Circuit breakers tripped, flowing like an electric current wavefront aimed at restraining the potential harm.

The surge's path redirected to ground within specially designed protection grounds, luring it away from delicate equipment. Surge arresters stood tall, willingly sacrificing themselves to absorb the energy from the storm and protect the power system's core.

As the tempest raged on, transmission lines flailed in the face of powerful gusts. Tension built to its limit, threatening to snap under nature's relentless assault. Yet, protection schemes, with foresight reserved for the most vigilant sentinels, detected deviations in current flows that hinted at imminent disaster.

To prevent catastrophe, protective relays instantly triggered, signaling breakers to act decisively. These guardians brought down sections of the network delicately, like a master puppeteer controlling marionettes, preventing cascading failures that could plunge the city into darkness.

Meanwhile, engineers monitored the system's vital signs with dedication and expertise. They skillfully coordinated efforts to assess the damage caused by the storm and worked diligently to restore power to affected areas. Their fingers danced across control panels, guiding the chorus of circuits back to life.

As the storm dissipated and a hushed calm settled upon the city, the resilient power system rose from its weakened state. Protection schemes had weathered the storm's fury, keeping damage contained and minimizing disruptions.

A new day dawned, and the people of the city carried on with their lives, hardly aware of the dance of protection schemes that had safeguarded their comfort and productivity. The silent heroes, hidden within steel towers and automated control centers, remained ever vigilant, their purpose unwavering.

For as long as power systems echoed through cities across the world, these protection schemes would continue their tireless watch, ensuring electricity flowed without interruption - illuminating homes, charging devices, and empowering progress in every corner of our interconnected world.

[rapsgoddess]

Washing Machine Heart Part 1. (Erik Killmonger x OC)

This is unedited so please have mercy on me in the notes 😭

Nahla knew she didn’t mean a thing to him. Next to being a mercenary, Erik was a player. He came and went as he pleased, spent his nights with more than one woman, and didn’t feel a single shred of regret whenever his girls would pour out their hearts to him. 

Nahla knew she didn’t mean a single thing to him, yet she still somehow fell in love. 

It was a painful realization. One that she came to during one of Erik’s many long term absences. It was another sleepless night for her and she was sitting in bed with her laptop open to her right and her keyboard directly in front of her. For the past week, the same melody had been on loop inside her head. A broken tune that conveyed so much sorrow that it nearly brought her to tears whenever she hummed it. Each day after she got home from work, she would add onto the melody bit by bit, putting in different instruments and sounds to create a beautiful symphony. 

When it came time to write lyrics for the song, all she could envision was a tune about unrequited love. The same unrequited love that she had been feeling for a while. 

It wasn’t until she put a name to that feeling when she finally realized how she truly felt about Erik. 

She decided to try and keep things suppressed for a while, hoping that her childish feelings of romance would disappear after a few days. 

They didn’t. 

When Erik returned a few weeks later, she didn’t, know how to act. The man made it known that he was not committed to anybody, and Nahla was no exception. On the rare occasion Nahla would catch a glimpse of him on social media, she would see him surrounded by women who looked as if they could be models. Women who were leagues ahead of her. The photos never failed to resurrect her insecurities. They made her question why Erik even bothered to give her the time of day. Yet those insecurities melted away whenever he came to visit her. 

Flash forward to the present, and Nahla found herself laying next to Erik’s naked frame in her bed. The faint sound of her washing machine echoed throughout the house, giving a sort of rhythmic banging as her shoes tussled around inside. The night was still fairly young, having only been a few minutes past seven, but all of the plans that Nahla had for that evening were discarded the moment Erik showed up on her doorstep. 

It didn’t take much for his words to lull her into bed and for his lips on hers to enrapture her. His low, smooth voice was like music to her ears, and her moans being music to his. Each praise that left his lips was like a toxic lullaby. Nahla knew that he had repeated the same words to dozens of women in the past, yet in the moment, they made her feel as if she were the only woman in the world. 

“You feel so good around me baby…”

“You don’t know how much I missed this pussy.”

“Say my name so everybody know who’s fuckin’ you right.” 

Thinking back to his words sent shivers down her spine. She was wide awake, restless and too excited to fall asleep. It was rare for Erik to stay after having sex, let alone fall asleep before her, but her inner turmoil prevented her from falling asleep. 

She turned back to look over at Erik, taking in every aspect of his being as if it were the last time she would see him again. No matter how many times she laid eyes on him, she would never be able to find the words to describe how beautiful he was. He had a smile that could light up a room and warm eyes that made her heart flutter each time she looked into them. It often left her wondering why exactly he even entertained the thought of her when he was way out of her league. 

A heavy sigh left Nahla’s lips and she threw the covers off the lower half of her body. She looked back at Erik one last time while putting on her robe, making sure that he stayed asleep. Slowly and quietly, she crept out of the room and down the hall to her makeshift studio, closing the door behind her and turning on the lights. She used her studio as an escape from both the real world and her own mind, and right then she needed an escape from both. Turning on her equipment and opening up her laptop, she opened up the file that held her latest project. The one that helped her come to her realization in the first place. She made sure the speakers were low as to not wake Erik up and pressed play, listening to her voice blend with the gentle melody. 

She had only written a few lines so far and could feel the next verse just on the tip of her tongue, but lyricism had never really been her strong suit. Muttering random words under her breath, she opened up the notes section on GarageBand and began writing down whatever sounded nice, replacing and adding words where she deemed fit. 

“Might as well give it a go,” she sighed, getting up from her chair and walking over to the small corner where her mic and the rest of her recording equipment was set up. She pressed record on an empty track and began singing the second verse, her voice coming out soft and almost broken in contrast to her usual strong, belty tone. She was tired, both physically and emotionally, but she couldn’t walk back to that room. Not with him still laying asleep in her bed as if the two of them were a couple. 

After a few more takes, she had finally gotten her voice warmed up enough to where it didn’t sound completely like shit and she walked over to her work station to edit the track on top the music. 

With her mind now completely engulfed in her music, she didn’t noticed the sound of her toilet flushing or her bathroom sink running down the hall. She didn’t notice the sound of footsteps leading to her studio and her door opening slightly. 

It wasn’t until the feeling of a hand snaking its way around her neck drew her from her work as she jumped in her seat while clutching her chest in panic.

“Whatchu scared for? It’s just me,” Erik muttered, his voice still laced with drowsiness. “What are you doing up? Any other day you’d be knocked out.” His fingers gently squeezed at her neck and he leaned down to plant a kiss on the top of her head. It was weirdly intimate of him.

“I couldn’t sleep so I decided to work on something.” Nahla spun her seat around to face him. He had on a pair of low hanging shorts. She recognized them as being one of the pairs she bought for him whenever he decided to stay over. She mentally scoffed at the thought; buying clothes for a man who she wasn’t even in a relationship with. 

“You’re not leaving?” She asked. It had just dawned on her that, miraculously, Erik was still there. 

“Nah. I haven’t seen you in a while so I figured I’d stay for a little bit.” 

The sentiment made her heart flutter but she quickly grounded herself back to reality. She couldn’t afford to get her hopes up. 

“So, what are you working on?” He asked, his arms folded across his chest as he looked past her and at the open editing software on her computer. 

“Oh. Well I had a melody that was stuck in my head for a while so I put it down and write lyrics. I lowkey wanna find a mini orchestra to record it though.” 

“Well can I hear it?” He suggested. 

Nahla’s eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. Despite knowing each other for the better part of two years now, this was the most he had ever expressed genuine interest in her music. 

“U-Uhh, I’m not sure… I get really sensitive about my stuff. Plus it’s not what you’d expect it to be,” she said, swirling her chair back around to face her work station as she hesitantly placed her hand on the mouse  and moved the cursor over the “play” button. After taking a deep breath, she played the song and closed her eyes as she waited for it to be over. Throughout the entirety of what little she had to play, Erik was silent, giving no response, comment, or critiques. When it was over, she reluctantly turned around to face him. 

“So? What do you think?”

“Yeah, I can definitely hear an orchestra going behind that. Maybe start off with piano first, then bring in strings or some shit during the hook,” he suggested, walking over to the other chair in the corner of her studio and sitting down. 

“Okay. Thanks.”

For about an hour or two, the two of them stayed up in her studio talking about random things while sharing a blunt together. They eventually migrated back to the bedroom and made their way beneath the covers together, Nahla’s body molding perfectly into Erik’s as they cuddled. 

“Nah, I’m deadass. I thought I had locked his cage, but he always finds a way to get out,” Nahla giggled, referring to her pet chameleon who always managed to get out of his cage. “I remember a few day ago I had just woken up and went into the kitchen to get some juice and I see him inside the sink just sitting there. Then he have the nerve to look up at me like ‘what are you doing here?’ No sir, what are you doing here.” 

Erik laughed softly while shaking his head. “Nah, I don’t think I could handle an animal just freely roaming my shit like that.”

“You get used to it after a while. I was low-key thinking about getting a snake too, but I gotta figure out where to put the tank.”

“Oh hell nah. If you get a snake, I’m not coming by anymore.”

“What?! You used to be a whole Navy Seal and you’re scared of snakes, E?” She asked, a bit surprised that he even shared that information with her. 

“Girl, I don’t know how you can even stand them things,” he mumbled, “slithering around and shit. What if it gets out when you’re sleep and starts choking you?”

“Then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” she giggled, earning an eye roll from Erik. 

Though it didn’t seem possible, she pressed herself against Erik even harder, somehow managing to get even closer to him. Resting her head in the crook of his neck, she had a perfect view of the many scars and keloids that littered his body. She could tell some of them are new. Whether or not they were accidental or self inflicted, she didn’t want to know. 

It was times like these where Nahla wished that her outlandish fantasies of romance weren’t fantasies at all. Having never been in a real relationship before, she constantly longed to be loved by someone in a romantic sense. Though she knew that Erik probably never thought of her as more than a fuck buddy, it was nice to feel his warmth underneath her. Even if it was an illusion, it was nice to imagine him as her lover while he was holding her close. 

“What’s on your mind?” He pried, letting out a deep sigh before closing his eyes and relaxing his muscles. 

“Where do you go when you disappear?” She partially lied. Even though that wasn’t what truly was on her mind, it was still a question that lingered over her head for a while. 

“That, I can’t tell you ma. At least not right now.” 

She wasn’t satisfied with how curt his reply was. Sitting up, she supported her head with her hand, her elbow buried into the pillow beside his head as she peered down at him. 

“You can tell me,” she pried. A childish grin spread across her face. “If it’s something illegal I promise I won’t tell.”

Erik peaked one up up at her, a smile of his own taking over his featured. He pushed his hands behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. “Mm… Maybe I could tell you a little bit. I don’t even know where to begin though without you thinkin’ I’m crazy.”

“I won’t think you’re crazy.”

“You say that now.” There was a pregnant pause, and then, in the most serious tone ever, he said, “I’m apart of African royalty.”

“So there’s this country in Africa called Wakanda. At first glance, it seems like a small lil third world country, but in reality, they’re the most advanced civilization on the planet. They got this metal called Vibranium that allows them to all sorts of things, but they keep it hidden from the rest of the world.”

“How? And if they kept it hidden from the world, then how do you know about it?”

“They have a dome that surrounds the entire country. It’s practically impenetrable. And the only reason I know is because my father was the prince. He was sent here on an undercover mission in America but quickly saw how shitty thing were here, so he wanted to change it. “

“Wait, your father is the prince of an African country?” Nahla couldn’t believe her ears. Despite being secretive and mysterious, she knew that Erik wasn’t one to lie. After all, what could he possibly gain from lying about something as far fetched as this?  

“Was. He was killed before he could enact any change; by his own brother no less.”

She could hear a pain and vulnerability in his voice that she’d never heard before. Now she definitely knew that he wasn’t lying. 

Erik’s face had turned to the side in a fruitless attempt to hide the tears that welled up in his eyes. He’d never brought up his family or much of his life before he met her in a conversation, and now she could see why. 

Hesitantly, Nahla reached up to wipe away the tears that left his eyes. “So you plan on going back and getting revenge?” She pondered. It would make sense why he’d want to stay under the radar,  having no social media accounts, no permanent phone number, and constantly disappearing for months at a time. If he wanted to infiltrate an entire hidden country, then he’d have to be the closest thing to a ghost a person could be. 

“It’s on the list,” he replied, sitting up in bed while resting back against the headboard. “But, my main goal is to change the world. Wakanda has technology and weapons that people can’t even begin fathom. If our people were able to get their hands on that kind of fire power, we wouldn’t have to worry about the White man oppressing us any longer.” 

The sadness that was once present in his eyes had long disappeared, instead being replaced with a burning passion. It filled her with joy to see him get passionate about something, but it also put her on edge. Nahla knew what his plan implied, and she didn’t put it past him to sacrifice countless lives in order to see his vision come to life.

Staying silent, she simply nodded, too afraid that she’d say the wrong thing if she opened her mouth. Tearing her gaze away from the man, she began contemplating on everything she had been thinking about prior to his arrival. Her feelings for him were still unwavering, but now she was starting to ponder on whether or not being with him was a wise decision. It didn’t take being a genius to know that Erik’s path was a set one. He was a determined, goal-driven man, and when his mind was made up, there was no convincing him to go back on his decision. 

If she followed him down that path, she wouldn’t be able to turn back. 

“Do I scare you?” 

Nahla looked back up only to be met with obsidian eyes boring straight into her deep brown ones. His question threw her for a loop, no doubt, considering how Erik was never one to be considerate of other people’s feelings. 

“H-Huh? What do you mean?” She knew exactly what he meant. 

“That look in your eyes… You’re scared of something. What is it?” He demanded in an eerily calm manner. 

Attempting to spare his feelings would be a futile decision; Erik read people like his favorite novel. Yet, for some reason, Nahla had no control over the words that left her mouth. 

She almost never did when she was around him. 

“Nothing. I just get a bit spooked in the dark,” she chuckled. 

Erik simply blinked at her, a look of uncertainty and doubt dancing around in his eye before he shrugged it off and laid back down in the bed, facing her completely. 

“You should get some rest. Goodnight,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving her. 

Upon hearing his words, Nahla felt an immense tiredness wash over her as if he casted a sleeping spell over her. She glanced over at the clock and noticed how it was nearly 4 AM. She had only three hours before she needed to get up and get ready for work. 

She was tired, but fear kept plaguing her mind. A fear that he wouldn’t be there when she woke up. Or, even worse, a fear that she had dreamt the entire night. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here when you wake up,” he whispered. 

Nahla wanted to believe him, so she did, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.