#is this not the porcupine from sing

[devondespresso]

things id make if i had the time energy and commitment to get better at 2d art:

a watery almost impressionist looking Steddie swan lake comic with Steve as the swan prince (and a happy ending of course)

[ilonacho]

5 years later and I’m still trying to figure out how to draw her quills 

[blade-liger-4ever]

I just need to let this out

The new film, Transformers One, from what I've seen of spoilers taken straight from the theaters and what I've read up on Wikipedia, is a good show. It's got plot threads and characterizations taken across practically every medium of the franchise, and even utilizes the Transformers: Prime theme music twice in the film. It's honestly, all things considered, the best TF film since Age of Extinction in 2014.

But....The only one whose acting I actually enjoy is Brian Tyree Henry, the guy playing a young Megatron.

And that's great; he's a fan, and his love for the Transformers comes through crystal clear in his performance. I fully admit he doesn't tonally sound like Frank Welker's Megatron, but he sounds like Megatron: his vocal range hits every emotional beat you'd expect/are familiar with Megatron having in the various cartoons and comics, and he practically swallowed the source material and became Megatron, all while making use of verbal tics Frank Welker has employed for the character and making it his own while still being Megatron in his own right without stepping on what Frank Welker has done with Megatron.

And I love that. Heck, I 100% expected him to walk away from this production with all the awards, and he'd have earned them all in my eyes.

But....listening to Chris Hemsworth as Orion/Optimus....there's, there's a kind of lacking and restraint there.

Don't get me wrong, he's admitted to going to Peter Cullen himself for advice/guidance in playing Orion/Optimus and to make sure he doesn't goof up his portrayal of the character. But, there's not nearly as much range in his emotions as there is with Brian Tyree Henry. Maybe he's leaning into Orion/Optimus being the more controlled of the two, maybe he's leaning into the immaturity too much, or maybe he just feels like a bull in a china shop with all the pressure on him.

But...he could've done more. He could've - could've tried harder to be emotionally present, like Brian.

And I just - I just can't feel anything from his performance, save one line - and even then, that one line is, essentially, Orion's last words before dying and being reborn as Optimus Prime. I will give him this, he made me believe Orion was seconds away from death.

But everything else....there's not quite as much effort in it, most likely for fear of losing a balance between honoring Mr. Cullen's work and staying in his own lane. And when he speaks, it's....not that impactful.

There's not...how do I explain this....He just, he just doesn't have a vocal presence. He doesn't stand on his own in this movie; if anything, he sounds like a walking anomaly and just hearing him talk makes my suspension of disbelief for the movie shatter.

Scarlett Johanssen, I'm just gonna be blunt: she was a mistake to cast as Elita One.

Elita is one of my favorite females in Transformers of all time, and Johanssen - every time she speaks in this movie, my brain just registers the moody, teenage porcupine she voiced in Sing and Sing 2. She doesn't fit as Elita. There's too much youth in her voice (says something that she has the voice of a teenager), too much strictness/harshness, and not enough warmth and feminine strength in her voice like there was in G1. That's the whole point of Elita: she's the feminine counterpart that complements Optimus' masculinity.

And they took it from her. They took it, from me.

Yes, Elita doesn't have as much memory/love held to her as Optimus does, and I understand that people are gonna mischaracterize her. But that doesn't make it okay; it doesn't make it okay that she's modernized while having attempts at making her nice/still partially given feminine qualities to - this version of her.

And I hate how she fights in this movie. She moves like Black Widow - all slip 'n slide, using confusion and up-close-tactics with kick/leg-grappling-thing techniques.

Elita, in the original, from what we saw, was both a distance fighter (read: she shot a space gun), and capable of close quarters combat that was both feminine and practical. Heck, she was even more bad-aft than the movie portrays her: she literally caught a missile in her debut and threw it back at the Decepticons.

Why is a fighting style like THAT so hard to emulate?

Bumblebee, I don't care. His appeal has become lost on me for almost two, maybe years now. But dear Lord in Heaven, he is so annoying in TF One. No joke, Megatron would be in the rights for ripping his voice box out in this continuity.

That said....the guy doing him, somehow, manages to convey the seemingly eternal sugar rush this version is on. And he gets a small nod of approval from me for being physically active behind the mic in order to sell his performance.

(Despite that, something about the actor rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's that both he and Bee never shut up, I don't know. I do know that I never wanna be in the same room as him.)

Shockwave....is too emotive, but it gets a pass from me because so far as I can see, all his emoting in this film is a direct result from hearing Bee yap non-stop, including in an unconscious state. That's passable for me. A tic, yes, but passable.

Soundwave still sounds monotonous, but the ones in charge get an 'X' in my eyes for not getting Frank Welker back for the character.

Starscream is done interestingly, and although I don't yet know how to rank Steve Buscemi's delivery of the character's lines, I'll let Buscemi slide because he's had experience in voice acting - little bits, but the experience counts. I'll also let him slide because he returned to volunteer firefighter duty when 9/11 happened, and he stayed there all three days of search and rescue. So, while I can't rate his performance fully, he has my respect and I will not take on his portrayal negatively because of that.

Sentinel....I'll give the VA this, he pulls off the airy, self-aggrandising theatrics well. Beyond that, to be decided.

Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion....I'm not sold. His voice is too deep, and while I have many issues with George Takei, he did, indeed, nail Alpha Trion's performance post G1. Takei's experience, plus his voice, allows him to sell Trion as an old, yet still physically capable, former Prime whose wisdom is sound and collected from eons of experience.

All I get from Fishburne's portrayal is "old but still tough", and that's not enough for this character, in my book.

That's...more or less it. I'm just, really tired of consistently getting new Transformers media that has potential, but without Peter Cullen and Frank Welker even being approached for the projects. Yes, there's a possibility that they both tell/told these people to pound sand, but they've said repeatedly that they're getting pushed aside by the higher ups. And they've been so vocal about wanting to play the characters, but are constantly being given the boot by Hasbro.

They deserve better than that. The fans deserve better than that, and even I deserve better than that.

Peter Cullen and Frank Welker are the reason I and so many others had such golden childhoods. It's painful to see them getting disrespected like this, and I hate that more new TF media is being made without them, especially since they aren't getting any younger.

I'm not scared, exactly, about them dying.

I'm just scared they won't be able to have any more rodeos in Transformers media together before their time comes.

And that is why, ultimately, I can't bring myself to enjoy or watch Transformers: One. Why I don't care that it's failing like this.

Because Hasbro had their chance many times, and they've failed me. They keep failing me, Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, and all of us.

I'm just done caring for new shows from Transformers unless it's got our childhood heroes voicing our favorite characters with the good writing they had up until Transformers: Robots in Disguise 2015. And given this commercial blowout, I won't be getting satisfied anytime soon.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk. I hope you don't mind the release of my pain, but I've held it in for a month, more or less. I just needed to make it public.

[starwarsbundle]

Pt. 3. TBB Headcannons they probably deserve.

Doesn’t matter if it’s been a couple of days since I last watched some Bad Batch (cause I’m procrastinating. What? You ask? I DON’T KNOW, PROCRASTINATION HITS OKAY)

But. That Fine(tm) Batch are still the majority of my thoughts.

Anyhoo, I felt like doing Crosshair today. As of yet, he hasn’t really grown on me (I respect y’all Crosshair simps, but am still confused). But I want to do Headcannons on him regardless.

Crosshair is the youngest sibling. No, not Wrecker, Crosshair. I specifically think it goes age wise - Echo, Tech, Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshair. (Hunter just has massive Big Sibling energy.) And I know for a fact that younger siblings have a favourite older sibling they want the attention of (*speaks from experience*) and Crosshair’s older sibling is Hunter. He just wants Hunter’s attention and appreciation - but doesn’t know how to communicate it well.

Is a Drama Queen(tm). FIGHT ME. HE IS. following on from the sibling thing, as a cadet he probably did the most outrageous and absurd things to get Hunter’s attention. That calmed a LITTLE as he grew up, but not too much. Now he does outrageous sh$t because he can.

Doesn’t like being alone. Being alone gives him the Big Sad. He won’t ever say so - but he loves his brothers’ company with a passion. And he really just wants to have them back after he joins the Empire.

Being Snarky is his way of showing he loves his brothers. (Mans has issues, we know). Tech knows this to be a fact because his first subjects of study were his brothers; and so he has learned each of their specific ways of showing affection. Sometimes Crosshair IS just being a sarcastic sourpuss, but Tech knows the difference. Hunter (sort of) does, and Wrecker was always happy to love his baby brother anyway.

Crosshair would absolutely wear black fishnet gloves with black painted nails. (He probably let Omega paint them but doesn’t talk about it).

His hair (when it grows, mind you) is actually pretty curly. He has a habit of straightening it. Obsessively, so no one knows he has it.

Definitely listens to “The Game” by the Starbenders. Can sing it word-for-word, and does it rather well, too.

Is secretly terrified of doing wrong by Echo. (The Batch is young by Reg standards). Crosshair absolutely had a Moment when he learned Echo was to join the team. (An original reg from the war?! 😲 *le gasp*) He sees Echo as a figure that represents so much he aspires to be - almost a celebrity figure. If Crosshair was (and we know he was) ever a little sh$t in his way of saying he looked up to Hunter, by comparison he treats Echo with a guarded respect none of his other brothers get.

Was Tech’s original little helper. Hence, how he can predict the Batch’s movements based on what decisions Tech was likely to make.

Sometimes listens to synthwave music when he misses Tech.

Cries. A LOT. this pairs up with his being alone issues. Never cries in public though. Mans just wants his brothers back.

Is definitely the clingiest of the Batch, even compared to Wrecker. AND, loves hugs. Like, looks and sounds like a porcupine, but melts to hugs. Will not pull away first.

Crosshair seems like a porcupine but is really a sad hamster. Dude needs a break.

[peppermintys]

kicks down your door.

ok to be honest i don’t think the sing movies are very GOOD. but i do think they’re FUN. im a sucker for a jukebox musical even if i can’t stand a good chunk of the soundtrack (the soundtrack in the first sing is so much better than the second one WHY ARE THERE TWO BILLIE EILISH SONGS LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES APART!!! WHY IS THE GRUBHUB AD SONG HERE!!!)

it’s mostly abt the characters tho. they’ve all got something to love abt them (yes even mike. yes even jimmy crystal. YES EVEN MEENA.) like i may say i hate buster. and i do. he’s a threat to society. but he’s FUNNY and CUTE and i want to SQUEEZE HIM LIKE A STRESSBALL.

also i like the jerry very much. my friend asked me why i liked him even tho he only had like four minutes of screen time. and i said “he’s funny and gay and canonically has seen another man’s balls”

BUSTER THAAAATS HIS NAME i always forget his name every time i try to remember what it is. also yeah i didn’t. remember jerry from the movie at all tbh i thought he was your oc when i first saw your fanart of him. i agree tho!! they are fun…. from what i remember. basic bitch answer but i like johnny a lot. he’s a silly guy. also porcupine girl voiced by halsey she’s cool.

[kimsj90]

Hazbin Hotel Reworking Pt. 3

First up, Sir Hemsworth, the Grumpy cat. He’s magician in his past life, but due to his greed, he had then fallen to the gambling addiction, and died of car accident. Although he is a side character, he played his role as a bartender in the hotel. Do not worry, although he is tired and reek of alcohol (and I mean that), he would share them the stories and advices from his past experiences and mistakes. He is not in favor of the whole redemption that Charlotte proposed, but he was just recruited by Johnathan to ‘partake the charity through bars’.

Next up, Dina Might, the dynamite gal, and a rebel on a ruckus of the streets! She is Anthony’s best friend, partaking in the turf with the other sinners for fun. Her love for freedom of expression and punk rock led to the creation of her band called ‘Witslock’ with her being the main singer! She can crash the party, but when Anthony is at his lowest, Dina is always there to comfort him. She is based in the 1980s where Punk Rocks and activism played a major role, since she is one of those, and porcupines, ‘cause of Lisa from Sing.

Lastly, Lady Peony, the overlord of the gluttony realm. She is a hellborn coming from the lines of Beelzebub - Legend has it that the army of Beelzebub pollinated and mated other plants, thus carnivorous plant citizens were born. Some would never to dare to go near her due to her appearance, especially her predatory features that resembles the Venus Flytrap, but she is polite, elegant, poise, and filled with beauty. She would often open the grandeur parties and small conversations with some of the carnivorous plant citizens, but do not even worry, she would be sometimes picky with some of her favourite sinners to talk to (especially Johnathan). She is indeed a mother to the orphans, so do not even assume she will eat the kids (unless there could be…) She is based on 1890s pre-Edwardian period, and carnivore plants.

Most of the redesigns I made were inspired by @lovesart23 , and other artists, because I want to make them very authentic, but at the same time, keep in their own time/ favorite era.

[the-hottest-band-tournament]

Round Two

The Cure

Defeated opponents: Dexys Midnight Runners

Formed in: 1978

Genres: goth rock, pop, dark pop, new wave

Lineup: Robert Smith - vocals, guitars, and keyboard

Simon Gallup - bass

Lol Tolhurst - drums

Roger O'Donnell - keyboard

Porl Thompson - guitars, keyboards, sax

Boris Williams - drums and percussion 

Albums from the 80s: 

The Top (1984)

The Head on the Door (1985)

Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me (1987)

Disintegration (1989)

Propaganda: the band, especially Robert, has such a dark beauty to it, especially when photographed or even more through their music. I think they way they write and sing songs is probably the hottest thing about them, a very sweetly delicate, but often miserable, tone in the guitar; Robert's soft, breathy voice, and their lyrics. they are a very nice sounding and looking group, in short

Echo and the Bunnymen 

Defeated opponents: Strawberry Switchblade

Formed in: 1978

Genres: post punk

Lineup: Ian McCulloch - vocals

Will Sergeant - guitar

Les Pattinson - bass

Pete de freitas - drums

Albums from the 80s: 

Crocodiles (1980)

 Heaven up here (1981)

Porcupine (1983)

Ocean rain (1984) 

echo and the bunnymen (1987)

Propaganda: 

[crayonsfunkyartcorner]

Something about the sing franchise I think a lot of haters just Dont Get is that it's more than singing animals, as fun as that is, it's also a really fun found family story. I often find myself wondering how a group of people where everyone is drastically different from each other became such good friends (well, except for a certain mouse..) Seriously, the friend/family group consists of: a koala that's WAY too confident in himself (also kind of a jerk but that gets better later on), a middle aged pig mom of who knows how many little piglets who has always wanted to sing but couldn't because she was so busy, her dance partner (NOT romantic partner) around the same age, except in a completely different position compared to her, he's single and thriving and excited to be there and also helps Rosita bring out her inner spark for life and excitement. There's also an 18,19-year-old porcupine who lives/lived with a crappy boyfriend who dumped her, she's full of teen angst and hormones, and there's a shy elephant who lives with her mom, dad, and slightly aggressive grandpa, and she didn't realize she wanted to sing until her family (particularly her grandfather) pushed her to do so, a gorilla who was once in a gang led by his own father who he had a rocky relationship with, and an old lady who seems frail and helpless but is really pretty energetic and strong when she feels she has to be.

My main point is that these people somehow FOUND each other despite how different in personality they all are, some with more parental dynamics, sibling dynamics, maybe?? romantic dynamics... it's all so much fun to me

[lemurious]

(Very belatedly,) in memory of the Glorious 25th of May. 

Vetinari, in the shadows. 

Second part of this is here.

----

There is an extra shadow in the graveyard.

There is an extra shadow on the wall, though nobody has time to look up. There is a smell of blood and lilac.

He wakes up every May, smelling the lilac, and knows which day it is. His mind supplies the blood.

He sneaks through the gate once the graveyard is empty, Reg fast asleep under the earth, the rest are back to making sure the city keeps going.

He’s learned what it takes to make the city keep going, and what the cost is when it screeches to the stop. 

He’s learned what it does to the people, having a leader who doesn’t care, and what these same people can be capable of, when they feel they could matter.

Behind the awnings, flat on the rooftops, crouching in the doorways, he watches, and he follows, and he learns, and he turns off his analytical mind with great deliberation, and runs, jumps, skitters across the cobblestones, darts ahead, slashes and stabs, eyes half closed, the bitter, burning taste in his mouth coming from the lilac branch, and lilac alone.

After the battle, he brushes past the body, and melts into another doorway. Not for him the whip-round and the wreath, though his aunt helps him get a small bag of unmarked gold coins to Sadie, for the headstone.

How do they rise up?

He still hums it, sometimes, when the great wheel of the city starts creaking under its own weight.

All the little angels… is he worthy, now, of singing it? Would Keel be proud?

There’s no place for wishful thinking in old soldiers’ songs, and nobody but Reg has come out of these graves.

He is supposed to be alone, those are his precious hours to weigh what he has achieved in the past year, to consider on which side of the barricades he would find himself, when another figure shambles in, and he sees –

But it’s only Vimes, his Vimes, the Commander, the Duke of Ankh, bristling with titles like a very patrician porcupine. Except that the scar, and the eyepatch, and the way he sits down, just folding into himself -

Suddenly, he understands, and has to bite his fist to keep quiet. 

The city, his city, is demanding and crooked and precious and brutal and exasperating, because it is made of people, no better nor worse than that, criminals and saints and everything in between. The city, which will chew him up and swallow him without as much as a burp of gratitude, but perhaps, he hasn’t been quite as alone at it as he’s been imagining for the last twenty years. 

How do they rise up?

When the city needs them, they rise up from an empty grave.

[weepingfoxfury]

The man on the radio flings his arms open wide and welcomes far flung folk to another feelgood Friday as Starbuck hits the deck and sings of moonlight feeling right. Weatherwise things are yet to decide ... as Tweetie Pie might just say 'Things wook a widdle on the gwey side'. The traffic lady declared this a day of motorists learning to slow down ... this information might just have helped the motorists that collided somewhere in Cork.

Today's groaner: After accidentally swallowing Buzz Lightyear, what did the dog say to Woody? … You got a friend in me ;-D badoom tish … here all week!!

A full night's sleep ... woo hoo!! Amazing how much less you hallucinate when this happens. Beginning to think that the night of the many moons probably had quite a bit of something to do with Biggest Dog's enthusiastic efforts. 14 hours straight of pacing and getting into things she really shouldn't ... which culminated in her almost being on the receiving end of an awful lot of spines. Silly hooman that I am, I'd left my chair in the lounge too far away from my desk and the little madam took advantage of this. Once upon the desk she 'surfed' her way across my cacti as she attempted to navigate the windowsill. Phew that I reached her before her belly took on the appearance and feel of a porcupine!

Hooray for the late dandelions and the alien insects that are busy sitting on 'em! Something from a sci fi city looking at the one in the picture on the right.

Friday, Friday, Friday ... shiny metropolis awaits as was too beleaguered to get behind the wheel yesterday ... that is, once I finish my coffee, of course ...

[drarreckyninja]

My Thoughts & Headcanons on Agent Stone

**Some of these came from others on tumblr or ao3, while some I created on my own

His first name is Aban

His mother's name is Frankie, and his stepdad's name is Oswald

He is the stepbrother of Maddie and Rachel (whose last name is Rothwell)

Growing up, he had a family cat named Pebbles

He has extended family that doesn't treat him well [homophobic aunt and cousins Cliff, Boots, Marcus, Jamie'

He has always loved to sing (and dance)

He loves nature

He's always been rowdy/a roughhousing kid

He keeps a stormcloud plush at his bedside (and he brings it with him on away missions)

He's deceptively smart and acts as a translator

Though not fluent, he has learned conversational French, Italian, and Russian in case of emergency

He knows how to cook. Very well (and will feed Robotnik when the doctor stretches himself thin)

He makes certain designs in the coffee depending on the day's upcoming events [i.e. stars on busy days, intricate rainbows on relaxing/tinkering days, beautifully crafted flowers on field days, etc.]

He's jealous of the space porcupine

He enjoys indie music like Arctic Monkeys

[daniel-profeta]

top 10 songs of all time?

Changes everyday, but in no particular order some of my more consistent favorites are:

The front bottoms - Twin Sized Mattress

Car Seat headrest - Kimochi Warui *so many options here, but to pick one from this band...*

Tool - Lateralus

The Mountain Goats - Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton

Phoebe Bridgers - I Know the End

Elliott Smith - King's Crossing

AJJ - People II The Reckoning

At this point I started to think harder about the songs that have meant the most to me throughout my life and as I've gotten older. For example, I like a lot of Bright Eyes songs more than First day, but that song has had way more impact on me. I play it all the time, the lyrics are permanently imprinted in my mind, and to me it's one of the most beautiful and vulnerable love songs ever written. With that in mind more and more "important" songs started coming to mind.

8. Alex G - Forever 9. Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life 10. Johnny Hobo - New Mexico Song

Now I have ten, that was easy.

Except...

I remembered that one Demarco song that makes me cry everytime I hear it. Got to include that. How many times have I listened to the Glow pt 2 during the summer? How could I leave off something from Porcupine Tree, the band that I once considered my favorite band of all time? So I kept going, through names and bands that I collect like emotional trophies, not wanting to leave anything out. They all mean so much, it's honestly pathetic. I used to hyperfixate on things like Zelda and Star Wars, then I found this shit and my brain chemistry has been altered ever since.

11. Mac Demarco - Moonlight on the River 12. Mitski - Texas Reznikoff 13. The Microphones - I Want the Wind to Blow 14. Pigeon Pit - Nights like These 15. Radiohead - Exit Music 16. The Crane Wives - Never Love an Anchor

Funny how quickly a song can feel like home. That Crane Wives song technically shouldn't even be here, I only heard it for the first time a few weeks ago. Yet maybe listening to it 30 times since qualifies it for consideration. Phoebe Bridgers has a lyric in one of her songs about wishing she had written something instead of the original artist, but she can't cause they said it first. So instead she'll learn their song and sing until the feverish inspired feeling fades away in a voyeuristic catharsis.

I think about that line constantly. Also quickly want to mention here that I'm more of an album guy. I try to listen to full records to try an experience the full piece of art the creator made. So while no song off The Downward Spiral is on my list of favorite songs, that was and is one of the most impactful albums to me as a teenager.

17. Porcupine Tree - Arriving Somewhere but not Here 18. XTC - Dear God 19. Wilco _ I am trying to break your heart 20. NIN - Burn 21. Lucy Dacus - Night Shift 22. Haley Heynderickx - Oom Sha La La 23. Swans - New Mind

Swans was hard, because there were a few songs that meant a lot to me. But ultimately there wasn't one more visceral or frankly more evil sounding than New Mind. Love the themes, love the singing style, love the backing yells, love the industrial outro, love the faint organ, love everything about that damn song.

The list kept getting longer, and for each song I was writing a paragraph to explain my choice lol. After the first like 15 I decided to stop doing that for the sake of your eyes and for risk of sounding redundant. But a major thing I love about some of these songs are how inspirational they are. Twin Sized Mattress, Denton Metal Band, Story of an Artist, they all paint a picture of the type of person I want to be. The type of art I will always support. The thing I hope to one day inspire in other people.

When you punish a person for dreaming their dream don't expect them to thank or forgive you. The best ever death metal band out of Denton, will in time both outpace and outlive you.

Those words could honestly save someone's life, it's crazy.

24. A Perfect Circle - Three Libras 25. Deftones - Rosemary 26. Frank Ocean - Ivy 27. November Suite - The Tower 28. Daniel Johnston - Story of an Artist 29. Sloppy Jane - Jesus and Your Living Room Floor 30. Big Thief - Not 31. Tyler the Creator - Boredom 32. Duster - The Landing 33. The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning 34. The Voidz - Human Sadness 35 - 108. System of a Down - (every song) 109. Death Grips - Beware

Okay, threw these and now dozens more names are crowding my brain, and this incredibly pretentious post must come to an end. Long story short, I only have one song left to share, but each of these song has a very personal connection to me. Certain ones (like that tool song) actually changed the way I look at the world and helped me through dark periods of my life.

Many of them inspire me, some of them are just beautiful in a broken and real sorta way, and all of them feel human. The art represents something bigger than itself and the ambition knows no bounds. These songs changed my world for the better, and if you read this you are now obligated to listen to all of them.

I could ramble about music till the end of time:)

finally 110. 100 Gecs - Money Machine

[imsparky2002]

Miraculous Animal AU - Recess Class

Austin A the Peacock - Of course, Austin A adores the spotlight, always preening and showcasing his BEAUTIFUL feathers to all that look. To her, "fabulous" is a way of life. Of course they're rivals with the macaw,Jean, and the two birds often squawk at eachother while posing simultaneously.

Austin B the Bandicoot - This snarky marsupial can often be found foraging for food or chilling in nests. He adores video games, even though he's not too good at playing them on account of being a bandicoot. B's not a hugger, and will let you know through huffs and squeaks (and maybe a nip on your hand).

Austin Q the Seal - Don't let his plump and sea doggo appearance fool you, Q's a grump who will smack you if you push him around. He acts as a bouncer for the squad, when he's not playing with his ball or swimming in the pond. VERY few peope are allowed to give him hugs. He's also sad he wasn't born as a shark, and thinks Missy is so cool.

Austin T the Deer - T's a sensitive soul who prefers grazing and mixing berries and fruits to share with his farmmates. His lovely mate Jean is always the first to praise his talents, even if he's too shy to admit Jean's correct. The deer often uses loud screeches to stop the other animals from fighting.

DJ the Hyena - As expected of a hyena, DJ is always yucking it up over something, whether it be a successfull prank, a funny joke, or finding yummy food. He's managed to pull quite a few jokes on Farmer Alonzo, not that it ever breaks the man's mellow vibes.

Spinelli the Porcupine - A spiky and spunky porcupine, Spinelli's the toughest animal on the farm, and everyone knows it. If you sit on them, they'll prick you and kick you. He used to be apart of the Austin Squad, but separated due to a want to stand out. He's still friendly with them and will always protect his peacock mate.

Victoria the Gecko - Surprisingly athletic for a gecko, Victoria can be found searching for trees to crawl on, using her prosthetic reptile legs. They're besties with Gerard, who also has issues with his bottom half. She also has a basketball that she loves pushing around.

Gerard the Chimp - A very precocious primate, Gerard is a passive and intelligent chimp who helps out his farmmates with problem solving and figuring out how to use tools.

Mindy the Canary - She may be a tad big for a canary, but the largest thing about Mindy is her pipes. You can find her singing all the best hits with Evie the Nightingale and Jean the Macaw on a nightly basis. Mindy's a big softie and needs a lot of encouragment to take wing.

Gia the Eagle - Gia's a bird of war due to her eagle parents having been the pets of a general. She likes soaring around searching for enemies to peck at. Gia's always using her talons to protect weaker animals. She gets along swimmingly with Parker.

Mason the Guinea Pig - Mason takes pride in being the most organized animal of her group, taking account for everyone's presence in various spots around the farm. He likes going through mazes that Farmer Alonzo sets up, and will always squeak happily while doing them.

Rochelle the Mole - As a mole, there's nothing Rochelle loves more than burrowing underground and snooping on random humans for juicy gossip to share with zeir farmmates. One way to keep zem from spilling your secrets is to give them a cookie.

Lotta the Flying Squirrel - Lotta may be a tiny squirrel, but she's without a doubt the craziest daredevil in the entire farm. She'll glide off of anything, even if it results in an injury. She idolizes Amelia Earhart and was overjoyed when Alonzo bought her tiny goggles and a little flying cap. Her, Lacey, Alix and Kim are always trying to face off in contests to see who's the bravest.

Kendra the Lemur - As a lemur, Kendra considers it completely normal to constantly remain upside down. She's also an early riser, waiting for the sun to arive to catch some sweet rays. She tries teaching the others how to hang upside down, but so far only the bat, Anthony, from Farmer Dahlia's group likes joining her.

Beck the Bear - The unquestioned leader of Alonzo's animals, since they're slightly older than the others and just have that "cool" energy to them. Whenever the grizzly grunts, the others listen. Beck's fought off tons of enemies and looked regal while doing it. If you get a bear hug from Beck, it's a sign that you're awesome.

There's the Recess Kids! The last class will be Theater, and afterwards Ondine and a few other characters will be a special post. Make sure to thank Coco and Weebs for their animal choices (I only chose a few). @artzychic27 @msweebyness @nerd-chocolate

[black-arcana]

Ex-DELAIN Singer CHARLOTTE WESSELS Teams Up With EPICA's SIMONE SIMONS For New Single 'Dopamine'

Former DELAIN singer Charlotte Wessels has joined forces with EPICA's Simone Simons for Charlotte's mesmerizing new single titled "Dopamine". This track is part of Wessels's first traditional full-length, full-band solo album, "The Obsession", set to be released on September 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. Promising a deeply immersive and evocative experience, the two Dutch symphonic metal legends guide listeners through the emotional landscape of SSRI-induced numbness. "The Obsession" showcases Wessels's most mature work to date, blending progressive and heavier soundscapes with catchy elements.

Supported by her former DELAIN bandmates, who contribute to the album's heavier sound, Wessels is set to bring "The Obsession" to the stage this year. The journey begins with a release show on October 4, 2024 at Utrecht's TivoliVredenburg, followed by a special guest appearance with labelmates KAMELOT and AD INFINITUM in Drachten on October 11, 2024. After these shows, Wessels will join VOLA on their "Friend Of Phantom" European tour 2024, kicking off on November 1.

Wessels comments: "Lyrically, 'Dopamine' deals with SSRI-induced numbness that I experienced a few years ago when I was on Sertraline, a type of antidepressant. While the medication was really helpful, there were so many side effects that I'd never heard of. This song deals with some of them, and while it feels vulnerable to expose the experience, I hope it helps in breaking down the shame and taboo around the topic.

"Simone reached out to me as I was first opening up about this in an interview, and when the first version of 'Dopamine' dropped on Patreon (because, of course, we're each other's Patreons) she texted how much she liked the song. So when we were working on the album version, it only made sense to ask if she'd sing along on the track. I am so happy she agreed and after all of the shared introspection, it was great fun to let loose wearing pink wigs in ball pits and marshmallow pools for the video recordings. Musically, out of the entire new album, 'Dopamine' went through the biggest transformation. What started out as an EDM demo for a collaboration with a dance duo that never happened, became an acoustic 'Song Of The Month' on Patreon, which then had a massive overhaul when rearranging it with Timo. The new band version is an absolute banger, and the beautiful guest vocals by Simone complete the song."

"The Obsession" marks Wessels's Napalm Records debut, and while her earlier solo endeavors — full-length song compilations "Tales From Six Feet Under" (2021) and "Tales From Six Feet Under Vol. II" (2022) — already gained her a remarkable number of devotees, "The Obsession" truly takes her career to the next level.

The new album promises a cohesive exploration of fear and liberation, as well as spellbinding melancholia and dark, catchy elements meeting progressive and heavier soundscapes. The storytelling within the songs gives the multifaceted album even more depth, making "The Obsession" an exciting listening experience and Wessels's most mature solo offering so far.

While still writing and producing the songs in her Six Feet Under basement home studio and sharing their first incarnations with her patrons, Wessels now takes the songs from her new album, "The Obsession", to the next level with a band of her fellow ex-DELAIN cohorts Timo Somers (guitars, additional arrangements),Otto Schimmelpenninck Van Der Oije (bass) and Joey Marin De Boer (drums) as well as Sophia Vernikov (piano/Hammond),contributing to the new heavier sound. The album also features arrangements by Vikram Shankar (SILENT SKIES, PAIN OF SALVATION),cello by Elianne Anemaat, was mixed by Guido Aalbers (MUSE, COLDPLAY, THE GATHERING) and was mastered by Andy VanDette (PORCUPINE TREE, VOLA, DREAM THEATER).

Wessels about the new album: "On the one hand, this album tells a very personal story — through its unintended theme of fear, obsessive thoughts and the escapes from them — and at the same time it represents the joy of finding the song's true forms with everyone involved in the making of this record. That's why I chose 'The Obsession' as a title. It refers to my personal challenges with OCD that inspired many of the songs — but I've also started referring to the band as 'the obsession' because there were moments in the studio with them that truly reminded me of why I'm obsessed with making music in the first place."

Themes of fear, obsessive thoughts and escapism run rampant on the album, presenting dark and heavy on songs like "The Exorcism", "The Crying Room" and "Ode To The West Wind" (featuring Alissa White-Gluz of ARCH ENEMY). In addition, there are songs that offer a more upbeat approach to the subject — like "Dopamine" (featuring Simone Simons of EPICA) which deals with SSRI-induced numbness, or "Praise" — which sings the gospel of needing external validation in order to feel anything. The reimagining of fan favorite "Soft Revolution" won't leave a dry eye in the room, while "Soulstice" and "Serpentine" present an unprecedented dark sensuality. Each song itself functions like an exorcism, an attempt to cast out a little of the fear it deals with.

Wessels states about the guests: "I'm extremely grateful and proud to add Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz to the lineup of this album. They are creative powerhouses that I have so much love and respect for. Whenever we get to work together is an absolute treat and they really elevated the songs with their performances."

"The Obsession" track listing:

01. Chasing Sunsets 02. Dopamine 03. The Exorcism 04. Soulstice 05. The Crying Room 06. Ode To The West Wind 07. Serpentine 08. Praise 09. All You Are 10. Vigor And Valor 11. Breathe 12. Soft Revolution (2024)

[77-is-kewl]

Thistle Lore!

So basically here is the backstory of my Yaelorke oc, Thistle!! {also Idk this lore is somewhat loose/might not be fully accurate to the world of Meadowlark} Thistle who’s original name was Jamie, was around 12 years old when their parents left them at a religious boarding school to “correct their behavior” because Thistle didn’t believe in the same things they did. Thistle couldn’t take it anymore and at around age 14 managed to escape the boarding school and flee for the woods. They didn’t want to be connected to their past and the name “Jamie” was one of those connections, so they changed their name to Thistle! They traveled around different towns and villages, trading things to go from their school uniform, to the outfit they have now and to get the stuff they have now. They made their mask by finding sticks and the occasional discarded porcupine quill for that part of their mask. For the main face part they carved out wood to make the shape! They now roam around the woods freely, carving wood to trade with people, and wandering about singing and playing the tambourine (although they dont know much about music)

{I promise more art soon I just wasn’t in the mood to draw rn :D }

[disneyparksattractionstournament]

Disney Parks Animatronic Tournament Match ups: Round 1

Should start tomorrow!

Bracket A/Tier 1:

Hondo Ohnaka vs Beast

Davy Jones vs Disco Yeti

Lava Monster vs Kylo Ren

Anna (Hong Kong version) vs Mr. Potato Head

Jack Sparrow vs BB8

Stitch vs Hopper

Lumiere vs Sven

Belle and Prince Adam vs Tiana

Stunt Spiderman vs Clawhauser

Wheezy vs Tiki Room Stitch

Rocket Raccoon vs C3PO

Shaman of Songs vs Elsa (Hong Kong version)

Ursula vs Lieutenant Bek

Dragon under castle vs Olaf

Hatbox Ghost vs Lantern Belle

Albert vs Dwarves in Mine Train

Bracket B/Tier 2:

Madame Leota vs Fantasmic dragon/Murphy

Giant from Sinbad's Storybook Voyage vs Swedish Chef

Finale conductor Sebastian vs Big Al

Roger Rabbit vs Br'er Porcupine

Dreamfinder vs Constance Hatchaway

Redd vs Munchkins

Skippy vs DJ R3X

Singing Geese vs 1900 Patricia

Daisy Duck vs Mary Poppins

Trixie vs The Five Bear Rugs

Jack Skellington vs Carnotaurus

Buzz Lightyear vs John

Aladar vs Zazu

RX-24 vs John Wayne

Max, Buff and Melvin vs Teddi Berra

Iago vs Panchito

José vs Uh-oa

Sun Bonnet Trio vs Br'er Raccoon

Figment vs Little Leota

Horned King vs Roz

Malestrom trolls vs Donald Duck

Abraham Lincoln vs Q’aráq

Statler and Waldorf vs Gene Kelly

Marshmallow vs Wicked Witch of the West

Will Rogers Jr/Lasso cowboy vs ExtraTERRORestrial Alien

Farming bunnies vs Frank

Timekeeper vs VR Grandma

Luggage Scanner Droids vs Railway end Mickey

Scuttle vs Bean Bunny

S.I.R.(Tim Curry robot) vs Liver Lips Mcgrowl

Buzzy vs Phantom

Ellen Ripley vs Sonny Eclipse

Bracket C/Tier 3:

Hitchhiking Ghosts vs Blue Fairy

Mr Bluebird vs Hag with apple

Richard the pineapple vs Sea Serpent

The Muppet Penguin Orchestra vs The Lost Safari

Horizons Robot butler vs Girl with goose

POTC Donkey vs Goat with dynamite

Jessica Rabbit vs Tiki room birds

Evil queen in window vs dancing Ariel

Puffins vs Mickey Mouse Review Alice

Little Red vs Unnamed laundry girl

Computer engineer woman/Foxy vs Indiana Jones snake

Hula Girls vs Disappearing butterfly

Splash Mountain finale chickens vs Sauropod

Tiger with umbrella vs Br'er Fox and Bear end scene

Donald's butt vs Drunk hats stealing pirate

Xenomorph vs Sally

Drew Carey vs Figaro

Rover vs Nemo seagulls

Exercise Patricia vs Tiki room Jose

Rosita vs Small World hippo

Darla vs POTC prison dog

Beating heart bride vs Barnstormer chickens

Boothill Boys/Vultures vs Ballroom dancer ghosts

Pansy, Poppy and Petunia (Splash opossums) vs Pig pirate

"Here kitty kitty" pirate vs Evil queen turns into hag

Skeleton ship pirate vs Small World cowboy

Singing birds of paradise vs Primeval World diorama

Jungle cruise elephants vs Barker Bird

Uncle Orville vs Granny ghost

Carlos' wife vs Energy dinos

Rabbit family with carrot vs jungle cruise hippos

Dirty foot pirate vs FSU gopher