#i get off track when i write about my dudes they're very dear to me

[allpromarlo]

Ocs 👁👁 ? I would like to Hear them

OOOOOOOOOHHHHH BABY BUCKLE UP THIS BOUTTA BE A L O N G ONE

i'm only gonna get into the nba ocs that i have and not the like 27 other ones because issa BIG ass universe and i don't have the time nor space to talk about all of them in detail LMAO

the first one that i had was youngjae park (i created him during my kpop phase and i've gotten so used to the name that i'm not even gonna change it no more) who i had as a 7'1" athletic tANK on the blazers. kinda like nurk just a lot better and with a VERY weird homoerotic friendship with dame but that's beside the point LOL. he's the dude who went into isolation for four months and came back as super saiyan god mode korean jesus and averaged a quintuple double (dont question it.) and swept every award he was eligible for. he was drafted 16th overall in 2014 (at the age of 16 oops) by the blazers, won roty in 2015, dpoy in 2016 (my apologies kawhi) then had a terrible season in 2017 because of injures, still made the wcf with a mediocre blazers squad and missed the finals because of ONE (1) failed block on steph . then everybody was like TRADE THIS BUM I WANT HIM OFF MY TEAM but it was all sadeness when he went missing smh (hid in a small town in korea for dramatic effect because he's all about that camp shit) came back in 2018 opening night against the bulls (who dIDNT TRADE DROSE IN THIS UNIVERSE FAWK YALL) and from then on it was AAAAALLL downwards for the rest of the league. 2018 and 2019 were seasons in HELL for the warriors especially 2018 because he 112 pieced them on christmas in their own arena. threepeatdled with the blazers, got injured AGAIN in 2021 but dw he's coming for that revenge season in 2022. on his personality i'd say he walks the line between annoying and funny and does it in an exceptionally bisexual way because i said so . also he's very dramatic and probably mentally ill because a normal functioning person doesn't hibernate for almost half a damn year and then come back as a god

second one was actually youngjae's lil brother hyunjae (korean names are hard and there wasn't any other options man don't come for me) who is a whole foot shorter than his bro and plays as starting point on the spurs. he's a lot like ai in his play style but has a 3 pt shot that could beat stephs ass and was mvp in 2021. i also sacrificed giannis' championship season for him (oops sorry bout that) so him and the rest of the spurs (including keldon for better judgement) could be champions and san antonio has a legacy outside of tim duncan. ANYWAYS he doesn't have a dramatic ass backstory like youngjae but he did have a maniacal growth spurt in like two years (5'0 -> 6'1) and went from missing the playoffs without even making the play in to being a fourth seed champion in the league. he's a lot calmer and lowkey than his brother (because that bitch is BRASH but alas) and big men like pushing him around until they get the shit beaten outta them by cole grant (he's up soon). all in all he's very nice and also kinda annoying to the point that giannis intentionally pushed him in the finals lol but he has a good heart. 10/10 would recommend

next i have *checks notes* uuuuhhhh everett curtis (...) who's a 7'4" kinda lanky power forward that played in the 2000s. i always thought ai could've come further than he did if he had one other piece and everett is EXACTLY that piece except rett was actually drafted a year before ai did, 3rd overall in 1995. his career went pretty much normal, won an mvp in 00 (fuck u shaq) and a chip in 01 but after that was stuck on a somehwat mediocre sixers team outside of ai cause you know i had to do it to em. there was a whole lotta drama in the 2007 off season about him or ai potentially getting traded (kinda like the ben simmons shiii right now but more weighted) but in the end it resolved in a whole lotta nothing and rett actually re-entered his prime (?) in 2008 and won the chip with ai & melo on the team (melo has a whole autogenerated 2k career in this au but i don't have the time nor energy to get into that) anyways yeah rett eventually retired in 2015 after 20 years of the sixers (two years before ben simmons was drafted hooo lord he said i'ma save myself) and at age 39 and rn he's just kinda existing not doing a lot but he did write a book where he DOESN'T put his best teammate down relentlessly (feel yaself called scottie). as for his personality he's very laid back & calm and him and ai had a very...special bond, you may interpret that however you want LMFAO. overall a very chill dood and i wish him no harm even though i'll probably have to do it to him sorry bro

AAAAAAAAAND LAST UP the newest addition to the squad, cole grant. he was actually based off of this one dude my brother made in 2k (because his own character in mycareer was overpowered as FUCK and he wanted to make a realistic person) who was a 7'2" center with a giannis ass build who can't shoot a 3 for his life (that's what we have hyunjae for) and i put him on the spurs because hyunjae needs a friend. my dude was drafted into the nba at 23 in 2020 after a row of events that include him serving in the army because he didn't wanna pay for college but then realizing oh hell nah this ain't it and leaving. alas he's jacked as fuck now and has knocked a couple players out already (including jokic TWICE because he thought he could do sumn against his favorite little gremlin boy hyunjae) but when they leave his friends and him alone he's pretty chill. he's still underdeveloped because i just made him up like five days ago so if you want i can give more information on him later when i've developed him a lil further LOL. hwat i do know doe is that he and hyunjae have this typical "energetic small dude who's ready to fuck everything up" and "usually laid back big dude who can and will rock your shit if you hurt his friend" typa dynamic. is very funny 2 me indeed

sooooOOO that was it. that's the nba ocs that i have . again it's not all of my ocs because issa lOT of people but like i also have wnba, f1 and music ocs (the musicians root FAR back and are the start - the foundation of this entire universe of madness and unicorns) and i also altered reality to fit my agenda because reality can be whatever i want and it's GOING to be whatever i want

also thanks for asking me about them so now i can post about them on here because i've been Waiting to do that for a long time ily

[purplehoodiesimon]

i don’t have a number for you, so this is an open invitation for you to pick the number you most want to answer and answer that :)

You say that as if I read through ask game lists before reblogging them lol. Okay uhhhhhhhhhh

11. what’s something neat you’ve learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?

I got to 11 and immediately knew I had to answer this. Okay so the coolest thing I've learned doing research for fic unrelated to YR is the Cŵn Annwn. They're this sorta spirit dog in Welsh mythology (I was doing research for a spn fic I never published) and they're usually little white dogs with red ears seen as a foretelling of death. They're from Annwn, the otherworld, and a part of the Wild Hunt. They also may be somewhat related to Gabriel's Hounds, which is an English myth. I have to physically restrain myself from adding this to like everything I write, I love these funky little dudes so much. I also made up the world's worst, most obscure joke after learning the pronunciation that requires like so much random knowledge to understand but I find it hilarious. Here it is: What would Blackbeard's ship be called if he was from Welsh mythology? The Cŵn Annwn's Revenge

Okay and now that no one's laughing and I look ridiculous, here's the coolest (sorta) piece I've picked up doing YR fic.

So during the writing of Dear Titanic, I was on a mission to have things about the ship super historically accurate and I spent like 40 minutes tracking ship records and stuff trying to figure out if any of the musicians on board personally knew the Captain. The consensus was I don't fucking know, I can't find anything. I also learned that there's like no records of the actual songs they played which was very annoying, and then I had a hard time tracking down popular music in the 1900s-1910s cause everything was from either the 1870s or 1930s and that was SO annoying. So that was fun! I learned a LOT about the Titanic writing it.

As for the second question, do I worry about doing research? My fellow humans of the tumblr, you are looking at a man that read the Prose Edda (Norse mythology), yes the actual Prose Edda not fun little compilations like Neil Gaiman's Norse Myths (though I did read that too, he did good with it), for fun in high school. You are looking at a man that spent the better portion of sophomore year reading the library's physics books during 5th/6th/7th period every day trying to figure out time travel (unsuccessful, entropy is a bitch, but I have ideas about breaking light barriers with neutrinos and deuterium). You are looking at a man who found Old Latin texts on alchemy and tried to translate them for a fic (unsuccessful, Latin is a bitch), and when getting into actual fic communities way back at 13 years old, would make their Harry Potter stories canon compliant by going through the books with post-its marking off scenes where the characters I was writing about weren't around so I wasn't breaking canon. In other words, no I don't worry about doing research at all. I worry about going overboard with it. And thankfully, I have chilled out a bit on making things canon compliant. AUs are so much fun.

Talk to me about my funky little words

[spreadplaylist]

SPREAD CH.4 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - TINA MATHIEU

This month's SPREAD Artist Spotlight is a dear friend of mine, Tina Mathieu. Let's get a closer look at her life and her music!

Tina: Hey there.. My name is Tina Mathieu. I’m a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. I moved out here by way of NYC, where I spent roughly 15 years writing and playing acoustic soul music. Within the past few months, I released my first indie r&b single and ran my very first official trail run... uphill - So i’m kinda feelin’ myself. ; )

Dan: Haha hi Tina! Those are definitely things to be proud of. I'm so excited you're our SPREAD featured artist this month! Diving right into your life and career a little more, how long have you been a songwriter/artist?

Tina: I started writing my own music after I stepped away from musical theater back in 2003. I was 22 with a broken heart and a cheap classical guitar. Typical story. I’d been writing poetry since I was a child - and somehow the ability to turn my words into melodies just clicked.

Dan: And when it clicks it's the best feeling ever. Since you have been writing for a while I am sure you have some sort of routine. Describe the place that makes you feel the most inspired creatively.

Tina: The mountains and the shower… recently I began trail running through the Santa Monica mountains. Moving through the open air, surrounded by 360’ of a world reminding me how small I am gives me major perspective - I become elevated in every way. I usually record voice memos while I hike and continue playing with those ideas once I’m home... washing all the dirt the off. The shower makes me feel like I can sing anything.

Dan: More power to you on trail running. I don't think that's something I could ever have the endurance to do! But if we're talking singing in the shower, I definitely feel like Beyoncé the moment I step in, even though I definitely don't sound like her...

Quickly moving on to get that image out of everyone's head...I know you are a very motivated and driven person. Do you have a personal mantra that helps you get through each day? If so, what is it?

Tina: These days when I feel like so much is out of my control, I like to stick with “One day at a time” and the serenity prayer... Accept the things I cannot change - the courage to change the things I can - and the wisdom to know the difference. Oh wisdom…

Dan: I've never actually heard that prayer. That's something I may have to adopt. I definitely use the day-at-a-time mantra or I tend to get overwhelmed.

So, now that you have released a new single, I know you are trying to get out and perform in LA a little more. Coming from experience I know that's a blessing and a curse. What do you think is a misconception people have about performing?

Tina: That bigger notes mean better singer. This is especially true in musical theater or televised singing competitions. I’ve had lots of internal struggles with this misconception. After dealing with vocal nodes, I had to start letting the strengths within my tone, emotion and storytelling depict my artistry - rather than belting my life away.

Dan: To be honest I think reality singing tv shows have done some hurt to singers because everyone watches them and then expects everyone to have a huge, belting voice. But we have to make room for the soothing, sultry vocals too. ;)

If you can pick, what song of yours are u most proud of? Why?

Tina: I’m super proud of two songs. ‘Downward Spiral’, my first single that I released, was a long time coming. I wrote it about 2 ½ years ago in NYC after dealing with some family turmoil. I’m proud of it because I actually followed through with it. I’ve written tons of songs and always found excuses to not finish them. When I released ‘Downward Spiral’ I felt ready. I had no excuses left.

I’m also very proud of the next song i’ll be releasing in October, ‘Ring Off’. Reliving the discovery of an affair is probably the most raw i’ve been in songwriting yet. It still hurts when i sing it and i think it makes people uncomfortable… which means I did my job.

Dan: I've heard both and I have to say they are both chilling. I don't even know if I could pick a favorite. And again, congrats on the new single!

I know that this journey is hard to follow through with sometimes, and its easy to get caught up. So throughout your years as a songwriter, who is one person in your life that has influenced and pushed you to be where you are now?

Tina: Influenced and pushed are two different things for me. I’ve had several artist and musician friends that have inspired me immensely. My family has always supported and believed in me. But as for pushing me to where I am now... I did that. Lots of people gave me advice and thought I was wasting my talent by not following through for so long, but I couldn’t do anything until I was ready - from the inside - an inner push that was long overdue.

Dan: I'm so happy to see that push now, because you're amazing! It's crazy how we can hear kind words and support from so many different people but we equally have to hear us say it to ourselves, too. With this unstoppable Tina, describe a typical day in your life. What are you doing? What do u enjoy the most about it?

Tina: I’m a mom - so everyday starts the same... I have to wake up way earlier than I prefer to blindly pour apple juice for a 4 year old dude. I also work in tv production so I’m often juggling a freelance lifestyle which allows me the opportunity to make music. I try to hike or trail run whenever I can squeeze it in. Also, Target. I’m mostly at Target.

Dan: Target always saves the day. Also, you are my hero. Now that we've seen a glimpse into your grind, and that you are not holding back in your music making any longer, what do u think is the biggest misconception people have about working in the music industry?

Tina: That you get discovered and industry people figure everything out for you and you just get to sing and make money. EASY. It couldn’t be more of the opposite. Being an artist is running a small business - the financial investment, the self promotion, understanding the convoluted money splits on the back end of a song... I mean you really have to love the ‘making music’ part of it.

Dan: You have to love it almost more than anything else. There's so much more behind the scenes that people do not think about. Being where you are today, and having just released an awesome single, if you could go back in time to the Tina Mathieu who just started out as a songwriter and artist, what is a piece of advice you would give her?

Tina: Be nice to yourself. It’s ok to tell people that you are a songwriter. You’re not a phony. And you don’t have to hide behind other people’s success… you deserve your own.

Dan: Preach, girl. Also discussing your day-to-day life, how do u manage a busy schedule and stress? How do you recharge when u need to?

Tina: I try to stay as organized as possible - Google docs run my life. Hiking and weed are my stress relievers. Often paired together. :)

Dan: We definitely need those stress relievers to get us through the business. Breaks away from the madness are so important.

A part of this business also includes of failed attempts or let-downs. I feel like they are so common you can easily lose track. Tell us about a time that you feel like you failed musically. How did u overcome this?

Tina: When I found out I was pregnant, I felt like I completely failed musically. I had yet to put out a single, yet to release an EP… and to be honest, I thought that being a mom meant that I had run out of time. I wrote a depressing song that day (that no one has ever heard) and decided to accept my failure as an artist. Luckily, being a songwriter is simply a part of me that won’t go away. It took a few years to start finding my way again - but I’m actually better than I was before and now I have someone very special to impress.

Dan: You are a natural songwriter. I don't think it could go away if you tried to make it! I am really touched by your answer, and I can't help but be grateful for all the badass moms we see in the industry that are killing it. Ya know, Pink, Beyoncé, Adele to name a few... It gives me hope that other moms will be inspired to keep going; that they're not done after having a kid. And I'll be the one to say I am SO glad you didn't give up. We desperately need your music in the world. Also...your kid is ridiculously cute I can't handle it. He'll always be your number one fan!

What is a defining moment of your career and how has it affected your life since?

Tina: Releasing ‘Downward Spiral’ is the most defining moment so far. When I teamed up with the Los Angeles Songwriters Collective for their 2nd EP, I committed to myself that it was time follow through. The past few months have been non-stop songwriting, studio time, gigs, co-write sessions, networking and supporting new artist friends. Making that one commitment changed everything for me.

Dan: I have such a big smile on my face. The gears are turning and there's no stopping now!

Looking to your inspiratioins, tell us about an artist/songwriter who inspires u. What would you like to emulate in your own artistry?

Tina: Erykah Badu is my all time favorite artist. Unique in every way. Her voice, words, melodic decisions, storytelling... honest & confident.

“She’s Clever.”

John Mayer is my favorite lyricist - I try to learn a lot from the honesty and details in his poetry. I may or may not have a lyric tattooed around my wrist. (Shhh.. I’m a fangirl!)

I’m not looking to emulate them but rather let what I love in these artists innately come through me - kinda like osmosis.

Dan: You said something SO important right there. I think up and coming artists struggle a lot when they're first releasing music. They listen to their favorite artists and then try to sound like them, but the key is letting what you love about them show in your own way! Ah, I could scream! Nail on the damn head.

So what artist/album/song have u had on repeat lately?

Tina: 90’s male R&B slow jam Playlist - Ginuwine, Dru Hill, 112, etc..

Julia Michaels - She is an effortless genius.

Kehlani - Obsessed with her.

Fiona Apple, Tidal - because her words never go out of style (and I still need a dictionary to get through some songs...)

Dan: What a good ass mix! If people reading this have not checked those artists out, GO! Some of them have been featured on SPREAD before... ;)

Laaaaaast but not least at all, how can we check out ur music and stay up to date with ur releases/posts? Anything we should especially be on the lookout for? ;)

Tina: I’m mostly active on Instagram - @tinamathieumusic. You can listen to ‘Downward Spiral’ on SPREAD CH. 4 - Feels and also stream or download it anywhere music exists. I have a few LA gigs lined up for Sept / Oct, which I’ll be announcing soon - and my newest single, ‘Ring Off’ will be available this fall.

Dan: Y'all heard it from Tina herself! If u haven't already, go check out her new single, 'Downward Spiral' on SPREAD CH.4 and go follow her! LA people, make sure u go see her live to because her music and her voice slays. Thanks again, Tina, for being SPREAD CH.4's featured artist. I'm super excited to see where this next year takes u! :)

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

Thank you everyone for joining us for this month's SPREAD Artist Spotlight! I hope you have let out all the FEELS u can before Friday because a whole new playlist is coming! And it's gonna end with a bang 🎊