#not including old ideas because it is the one studio album i am not very familiar with. sorry old ideas superfans... | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

putschki1969 · 2 years ago

Photo

Parade - FictionJunction Album Random Thoughts

Just got to listen to the full album so I thought I would share my initial reaction to the songs. I am not too invested in most of the collabs but I still wanted to check out all of them at least once.

FictionJunction - ALBUM「PARADE」 - 【Release date】 2023/04/19 Check out the official website for the album which contains some self liner notes by YK.

First Press Limited Edition (CD＋Blu-ray) ￥ 6,600 VVCL 2147~2148

Regular Edition (CD) ￥ 3,300 VVCL 2149

Order link:https://fictionjunction.lnk.to/0419AL_parade Stream link:https://fictionjunction.lnk.to/PARADE

【Tracklist】 01. Prologue: Smitten. Very beautiful. It’s nice how some of the main melodies of the album come together here to create the most perfect prologue. 02. ことのほかやわらかい (Koto no Hoka Yawarakai): I certainly expected something else based on the title. The beginning got me super excited because I typically love this type of song from YK but then the whole thing just lost its structure for me. Can’t really get into it 03. 夜光塗料 feat. ASCA (Yakō toryō): Nothing to write home about 04. Beginning: I really loved the live version so I had high hopes for this. How does Keiko manage to sound even more cutesy here? It fits the song though so I am fine with it. Yuriko’s lalala part is somehow not as chill-inducing as it was for the live performance but when everyone joins in, the harmonies are gorgeous, it sounds really well put together and beautiful. 05. もう君のことを見たくない feat. rito (Mō Kimi no Koto wo Mitakunai): Still very fond of this. While I am not 100% sold on rito’s vocals, I do really appreciate the sorrow she is able to convey with her singing. 06. 櫂 feat. Aimer (Kai): Wow, this is literally an exact replica of “Mizu no Akashi”. Or I guess it would be more accurate to say that “Mizu no Akashi” was ripped off from "Kai” because apparently that song was written almost 30 years ago. It’s a nice ballad obviously but Wakana’s version of “Mizu no Akashi” is so much more beautiful in my opinion. 07. 蒼穹のファンファーレ feat. 藍井エイル&ASCA&ReoNa (Sōkyū no fanfāre): Decent song but none of the included vocalists do anything for me. 08. 八月のオルガン feat. LINO LEIA (Hachigatsu no Organ): My opinion didn’t really change on this. Quite a solid song. Absolutely adore the chorus. The dynamics in this are very old-school. I know that Keiko mentioned in one of her FC magazines that the structure and harmony distribution reminded her a lot of Kalafina and yeah, that’s something I definitely agree with. Although I still don’t think LINO LEIA sounds like Wakana (which many fans seem to believe). 09. それは小さな光のような feat. KEIKO (Sore ha Chīsana Hikari no you na): I know I wasn’t impressed with the live version so I was hoping for a different reaction when listening to the studio track. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. I am so sorry Keiko!!! I realise that this is some great work from Keiko but the melody of the song just falls flat for me. 10. from the edge feat. LiSA: Nope, not my cup of tea. Next 11. moonlight melody: Always a tremendous joy to listen to this but I feel like the live versions are so much more precious. 12. 世界の果て feat. 結��アイラ (Sekai no hate): Meh. Normally I’d be all over the gorgeous piano and strings but the song as a whole is just not particularly memorable. And I will never like Asuka’s voice. 13. Parade: As I’ve mentioned before, I am not the biggest fan of Joelle as main vocalist but that hasn’t stopped me from falling in love with the song. It’s just so lovely. Some people have compared it to “Homura” and yeah, I guess both songs feel similar to me, especially in terms of really enjoying the song itself despite not liking the vocalist. I have no idea if I am still too biased towards Wakana but I don’t even think that’s the issue here since I have no reference of Wakana previously singing. But I guess subconsciously I still kinda miss her in songs like this.

M 01,02,04,11,13 feat. KAORI/KEIKO/YURIKO KAIDA/Joelle

So yeah, “Parade” might actually be my favourite song on the album, what a surprise XD And “Prologue” is just such a great intro. Maybe I will appreciate “ことのほかやわらかい” more once I get to hear it live. It certainly has potential to become something I like. I do think that the collabs with rito and LINO LEIA are much better than any other tracks on this album which feature guest artists. Maybe it’s because YK put more effort into writing the songs specifically for them after the audition? I hope “それは小さな光のような“ will eventually grow on me because I really wanna like this song for Keiko’s sake...We’ll see.

FJ Radio Special Broadcasts to Celebrate the Release of 「PARADE」

【Broadcast Schedule】

For those who are interested, I added a download link for the newest episode. YK talks about the first half of the tracklist of the new album and then spends the rest of the episode making one announcement after the other regarding all of her upcoming events. 4/18 21:00 ～ 4/24 23:59 「FictionJunction Radio vol.#16」

#yuki kajiura #kajiura yuki #PARADE #review #FJS #fjs radio #fan club exclusive content

31 notes · View notes

sleeplessgreaser · 1 year ago

Text

The Music of Chapter 7

To begin with, I want to give full disclosure: I didn't know shit about vinyl records until like 2 days ago, and there was a lot I had to learn about records and stereos so I could be as accurate as possible. In this post I'll go over the music that Johnny and Dally buy at the record store in chapter 7 of my fic, "I Don't Think He's Ever Seen a Sunset".

Before I could start writing, I did a thorough search on the musical artists greasers listened to in the 50s and 60s. Of course, Elvis Presley was an obvious answer, but I wanted more than that. According to what I found, greasers' taste in music had a good variety; mostly depending on where they were located in the United States and what circles they ran in. An important note to remember is that greasers are just a "genre" of people, and their taste in music is decided on a communal as well as personal scale. So I tried to stick with a few artists whose names just kept popping up. Those artists were: Eddie Cochran, Johnny Burnette, and Chuck Berry.

The first song mentioned in chapter 7 is "The Train Kept A-Rollin'", specifically the cover done by Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio in 1956. In the chapter, Johnny hears Dally mention Tiny Bradshaw to the store clerk. Tiny Bradshaw was the original artist of the song, however Johnny Burnette's version is a rockabilly rendition of it. A fun fact about Johnny Burnette's version is that it's believed to have been the first use of an intentionally distorted guitar in the rock music genre. (Of course, let's not forget that the use of an intentionally distorted guitar had already been present in blues music! Remember: Rockabilly was heavily inspired by black music, and we should always remember to give credit to the original creators, especially when those creators aren't well credited in the first place.)

I truly believe that "The Train Kept A-Rollin'" by Johnny Burnette would be one of Dally's favorite songs. It reminds me of him in so many ways, and I just think it fits his entire persona.

On the flip side of that single was "Honey Hush" and I won't lie to you, this song is very problematic. This song was also a rockabilly rendition of a previous blues song, this one being written by Big Joe Turner. The lyrics to this one are heavily sexist and even involve implications of domestic violence. I'll say this once, and then just put an asterisk next to any other songs that this applies to: I only included this song because my autist brain would never allow me to be untrue to these original pieces of history.

The next songs to be mentioned are from Elvis's second studio album, also from 1956. This album is absolutely beautiful and I love every song on it; excluding Old Shep, because that song is Depressing As Hell. I won't go through every song on this album, but I'll talk about the ones I mentioned in my fic.

"Rip It Up" is the first song on the A side of the record, and to me it is the epitome of a young adult's life in the 50s and 60s. This song, as well as "Paralyzed" and "So Glad You're Mine" just feel like Johnny's kind of music to me. Upbeat with a hint of dramatics, paired with romanticism as well as the idea of living a happy life despite having pretty blatant problems. (Also, "I'm gay every morning, and at night I'm still the same" just kills me every time I hear it.)

The second single the boys find is Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" from 1958, which I feel is just an absolutely perfect song for The Outsiders as a whole. It's an example of a song that both greasers and socs could enjoy and find understanding in, though I think a greaser would definitely find more enjoyment in it than a soc would given that it's a rockabilly song about struggling with money issues. Now, in chapter 7 I remarked that the boys would most likely not enjoy the flipside of this single, "Love Again", but I need you to understand: I am in love with this song. The lyrics are very clearly aimed towards Cochran's female audience, which explains why the boys wouldn't like it, but (as a man) I have to say that the melody is just so nice.

After that they found another one of Eddie Cochran's singles, "Twenty Flight Rock" from 1957, and I tell a short story about Dally, Johnny, Steve, and Two-Bit going to see the movie "The Girl Can't Help It". I mention the actress known as Jayne Mansfield, who was apparently quite the sexual icon back then! It would make sense that Two-Bit would be obsessed with this platinum blonde woman, who was featured in Playboy magazines and starred in some very spicy movies. Also, here's a fun fact that I just learned while writing this: She's Mariska Hargitay's mom?? You know, as in the actress of Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU???? I'm absolutely stunned by this because I found this woman under very different circumstances, but Mariska Hargitay is my QUEEN.

Okay, sorry for that tangent, back to the music…

"Twenty Flight Rock" was first featured in the movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and was later released as a single a year later, with a flipside of "Cradle Baby". Once again, the B side song is problematic, but hey: *

Last but not least we have Chuck Berry's album Chuck Berry is on Top, released in 1959. Again, I won't talk about every song on this album, just the few I mentioned. "Sweet Little Rock and Roller" is a good greaser-esque song about, well, a sweet little rock and roller dame. Then there's "Roll Over Beethoven" which is about someone wanting to hear a certain song on the radio. And finally, "Johnny B. Goode". This is a classic song that everybody knows, and when I had the idea of the guys using it to poke fun at Johnny I just had to include it. Besides, let's be honest, with that guitar riff?? That's a greaser magnet! Disclaimer, though: Chuck Berry is actually a pretty shitty person apparently, so…

Now, as you might have noticed, all of the songs and albums I listed were released after 1955 and before 1960. I'll be honest, I didn't do this on purpose - but, I will say it sort of makes sense! Not every song is going to be a greaser hit, and I imagine when groups find songs they like they hold on to them for years. I also believe that, based on their upbringing, the gang is likely a little "behind" when it comes to music. From my own experiences growing up, I always managed to find songs well after they were released, but I'd fall in love with them nonetheless. Also, during this time, music from Britain had begun creeping into the US, and I don't think our All American Boys would enjoy that very much. True American rockabilly was starting to get drowned out by British rock and roll, and that would make it hard to find new music a greaser would proudly enjoy.

So, this has been my deep-dive on the music I included in chapter 7! My personal favorite songs are: The Train Kept A-Rollin' by Johnny Burnette (and the Rock and Roll Trio), and Love Again by Eddie Cochran. If you have any songs from this time period that you want to bring to light, please tell me about them!!

Finally: Here's the playlist, please enjoy :)

#i wrote this in a manic state #im posting this 2 seconds before i post the chapter #the outsiders 1983 #no sleep for greasers #sleepless writes #jally #elvis presley #johnny burnette #eddie cochran #chuck berry #50s music #60s music #music

9 notes · View notes

alantea87 · 8 months ago

Text

Two weeks in with a Nokia flip phone and no social media...

And I'm feeling better. Honestly, though. I do not miss social media. Especially the control it had over my emotions, lol. However, I do deeply miss memes. Memes were my oxygen. And I do miss the casual interactions with old and new friends on Insta. Facebook has been permanently deleted and my Instagram has been deactivated - not sure what next. But I am indeed enjoying my low-tech life using a Nokia flip.

New toy (pictured: Sennheiser HD599, affordable audiophile open-back wired headphones)...

How am I filling my time? MUSIC. Like the good old days. Like, listening to music in lossless with a wired head set kind of old days. These HD599s are a cult fave in the audiophile community for their accurate audio presentation, wide soundstage and resolution. Got them for £157, RRP £199. Basically it's like listening to your fave artists in the studio with them, as long as you feed them a decent source (I'm using Apple Music, lossless + hi ress lossless). Technically I'm not using a proper DAC, just Apple's lighting to 3.5mm adapter (a secret DAC by Apple) for my iPad Pro to drive these HD599s. The sound is out of this world. I'm hearing things in tracks I've not heard before. My current fave artist for about two years now is Zach Bryan (alt-country, americana - https://www.zachbryan.com/music). He's the only artist who can currently make me cry and that says alot.

Note-taking with pen and paper...

I have now resorted to my mini Muji notebook and pen jot down to dos, shopping lists and ideas. My Nokia doesn't have a note taking app, but it does have a simple calendar that I really like. My handwriting is awful, though. Over ten years of smartphone use would do that to a person.

My current EDC (every day carry) is as follows...

a) Nokia 2660 Flip, b) iPad, AirPods Pro 2, c) Muji notepad + gel pen, d) Kindle, e) on gym days... Apple Watch SE (for music)

SMS...

You'd think texting is horrendous on a feature phone, but suprisingly I would say it's very doable. Especially if predictive text is available, which it is on the Nokie 2660 Flip. Fine, you can't type quickly but the tactility of the keypad is lovely. It really feels like you're putting in more effort in your messages than a touch screen.

Less 'digital blur'...

I know such a term is used in the photo-editing world, but now I use it to describe my experience when I am presented with too much choice on streaming services or other digital media. Everything is blurring into one digital blob. With the exception of music streaming (I love the choice and I go through phases of liking certain genres/artists), I really do miss CDs and Blu-rays. I've now reconnected my 10 year old Blu-ray player to my 1080p projector to tap back into my Blu-ray collection. Thankfully, it's a good time to get back into them, as you can buy preowned Blu-rays for a couple quid on eBay including postage. You can't beat the picture quality and bitrate. Not to mention actually owning a physical copy no streaming service can take away from you, lol.

Less noise...

As I've deleted WhatsApp (the Nokia 2660 isn't compatible with WhatsApp, only the US version of it aka 2680 Flip), I've not been in any group chats for over two weeks and it's been bliss. Yes, that also includes my family ones. I do not miss them. The total lack of noifications on my Nokia (apart from calls, SMS and calendar events) has contributed to lower levels of general anxiety and distractions. I am now able to fully concentrate during a TV show or even when listening to an album. I am fully present and immersed. Even my conversations with real people have improved greatly; I am more patient and empathetic. Mainly because I am not half-scrolling on my phone anymore. Gosh, smartphones have really killed off real human connection.

Do I miss my iPhone...?

I think if you can have a healthy relationship with a smarthphone (not using social media, no doom scrolling etc), I think they pose as a vital tool in the modern world. But as I do not have that level of self control, my Nokia was the intervention I needed. Two weeks in I don't actually miss it. I miss how it was a tool to allow me to self-soothe (not in a healthy way). So breaking up with my smartphone was probably for the best. It's made me get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Awkward silences, quiet stares into space, being one with your thoughts. Just like the good old days.

Where is my iPhone?

It's tucked away in my drawer, fully charged with £5 loaded onto a seperate sim inserted in it to be used PAYG. It is only to be used in emergencies or when I am travelling to new distant lands e.g. South London, lol. Literally it just has Google Maps, Uber and email. Not even music. I don't want to see my iPhone as an entertainment device (I am not against digital entertainment, but I am against small smartphone devices that hijack your attention all day/night).

Am I bored?

Yes and no. Yes, because I loved the short-form media that exists on Instagram (spending sometimes hours per evening consuming it). And keeping up with my favourite meme accounts, musicians and rugby teams on there, too. But no, because I've just gone back to classic ways on keeping oneself entertained... music and movies.

Who am I texting?

Literally, just three close friends I've known for over 15 years. No body else.

Will I keep using my Nokia 2660 Flip?

Yes, for the time being. I think I found a compromise with using smart tech. Just not using a smartphone has been crucial to this compromise, as it has literally improved my mental health in only two weeks. All this extra time and energy has allowed me to focus on therapy (I have an amazing therapist I speak to weekly) and addressing key life challanges I have been avoiding for so long.

More posts to come,

Love, Alan. x

#nokia2660 #dumbphone #featurephone #nokia #sennheiser #HD599

5 notes · View notes

neonsix67 · 2 years ago

Text

BATDR self insert time!!

Radio Static!

I actually blatantly favour her...seeing as this was made after BATDR came out and my immense love for this game and its content grew. So she technically has three forms. (Though I am still working out the kinks for the second one, I have a design for it...I just hate it).

Starting with her cartoon design!

I will admit it took way too much brain power and effort for me to animate this...but my goal is to eventually have a "select your player" with each stage of Radio. But now let's try and describe this little demon.

-> I really love the idea of Bendy having a large extended family just for the sake of holiday specials. As stated in her character description, she was made for a new years special and the release of a new sing-along album. Her whole design was based around an old companion radio (hence the ear dials to control her volume, which is used in her episode as a funny joke trope. As well as the sound of her voice not actually coming out of her mouth, but actually the 'speakers' on her torso. She also gets the 'Static' part of her name from the fact that she runs on electricity.)

-> not much else other than to say, her eye glows. Why? Don't ask me, I just liked the idea of her eye glowing.

Now to move onto her final form! Her ink machine version! (As well as her human soul version, seeing as it's a self insert).

The whole idea is that her creator is the one who actually comes back to the studio after Arch takes over, seeing as she was an animator who initially worked on the old cartoons, and somehow is one of the few still alive and about (weird, where did the others go?). She somehow gets lured into the machine and becomes a character she had once designed. The final form is based on her human form getting so stuck in despair and anger that her ink solidifies and she becomes an uncontrollable monster within the world of ink.

(I like to imagine that she would eventually meet Eyfil, and this is the only coloured version of her that I had (in case you couldn't figure it out, Radio is the one on the balcony).

-> Radios ink monster form is strongly electrified. And because of her intense emotions, she can control any energy she can consume and transmit it to an electrical current.

-> however this power comes with mass amount of energy being consumed, so she will get very tired very quickly. If she uses too much electricity, she will just pass out and sleep it off. It's the slowest way for her to regain strength, but she just can't ever control it. Other ways of regaining her energy is to find any other source of electricity, like a broken active wire, or batteries, and consume that. The most effective way is to consume ink creatures, which to her is the equivalent of eating bacon soup, but she hates the way that they taste and will only go that route if she is desperate.

-> In the story I have built, when she first comes into the ink world, she is immediately captured by Wilson and thought to be a strange version of the ink demon. So she is brought and contained in an effort to make her 'non-lethal'. Essentially, they just lock her in a room and feed her ink every now and again. (This is how she meets @spotlightstudios self insert, The Siren, who is brought in a bucket and used as a sacrifice to Radio. It doesn't work, and Radio actually finds the bucket siren endearing and befriends her. Hence the start of their wonderful adventures. I won't get too into that right now, though)

All I have left is small doodles I have of Radio Static. This includes my initial ideas and thoughts about her cartoon design as well as the hated second form (which I refuse to go too deep into detail..) as well as small descriptions of each form.

#batdr #batdr oc #batdr self-insert #she is my golden child #whom i love with all my heart #also you can totally tell which style I lean towards...#its just...the simple cartoon style of rubberhouse #cleanses my soul...#neon!drawn

6 notes · View notes

briamichellewrites · 5 months ago

Text

1999. Chester Bennington. He was the missing piece the band didn’t know they needed. Jeff scouted him in Phoenix, Arizona and invited him to LA to audition. He was tall and thin with curly hair and glasses. When he sang, they quickly realised he was what they needed. It was his twenty-second birthday when he auditioned. He had no idea if he should even go. What if they didn’t like him? What if he didn’t go and he missed a great opportunity?

It was fate. All six of them knew it. He was there for a specific reason. It was because of him, they were finally the band they wanted to be. They were making demos in Mike’s bedroom. Bria joined them when she wasn’t in the studio. They all got used to seeing her. The nineties were coming to a close, but she was still wearing grunge like it was still 1995. She and Mike were still together.

She was nominated for multiple awards for her debut album. That included three Grammy nominations. Mike and his family were so proud of her! They watched the ceremony from their home. She won Record of the Year and Best Alternative Music Performance. Her parents hugged her before she went to accept her award. She thanked them for believing in her. As well as the other awesome alternative rock artists and bands who came before her.

Nineteen years old. The sky was her limit. She signed with Converse to design and model a pair of high-top shoes. They would be made and then sold in stores. She also signed a deal with Juicy Couture to be the face of their brand. Her agent was receiving more offers because she was in demand. Her cameo on That 70s Show was a success. It showed her acting talent.

Her parents didn’t know what to do with their daughter’s fame. She had paparazzi waiting for her whenever she went out in public and tabloids were writing stories about her. They trusted her and they didn’t believe whatever the magazines said about her. Because of the media attention, she preferred staying home with her friends. Whatever they did wasn’t going to be talked about in the media. They could say and do whatever they wanted.

They made sure she stayed grounded and didn’t let fame go to her head. Chester was invited to hang out with them. He did. As the kid who was bullied for being different, being accepted was foreign to him. He wondered if they secretly didn’t want him there and were inviting him to be nice. No, they liked hanging out with him. They assured him of that.

During a televised interview, Bria addressed the rumours of her having an eating disorder. No, it wasn’t true. What was the truth?

“I am medically fragile. I battled leukaemia between the ages of two and four years old. It was then discovered that I am allergic to meat and have celiac disease. So, I can only eat very specific foods. Fruits, vegetables, rice and, beans.”

“For those who don’t know, what is celiac disease?”

“It’s an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks itself whenever I have gluten. Gluten is the sticky stuff that’s in bread and other grains. If I have that, I’m on the floor in excruciating pain. It feels like someone is ripping apart my insides.”

Since it was not well known, people living with celiac disease were thankful for her spreading awareness. Her fans were grateful to hear that she didn’t have an eating disorder because they didn’t want that for her. Symptoms were different for everyone. It was frustrating because they couldn’t eat whatever they wanted like everyone else.

They knew what would happen, though and it wasn’t pleasant. The reason why people were talking was because she was photographed eating a salad while out with Mike. He was eating a full plate. She and her publicist talked about how they were going to address it before the interview. Her parents thought she did a great job of handling it. They were busy at the hospital. Her father was sometimes recognised by patients. Are you Bria’s dad? Yes, he was.

When they met with her on one of their rare days off, she talked about how she was afraid sometimes of leaving her house. Why? Because of the paparazzi and the tabloids. That was hard to get used to. They could understand that. It shouldn’t stop her from living her life, though. People were social creatures. They were not meant to stay inside all the time.

She should focus on her friends, instead of worrying about what others were saying about her. The people who loved her knew who she was. Kids she went to high school with were not surprised by her success. She was always performing. Of course, she would choose music. It was either that or acting.

“You guys should come on tour with me when you put out your album”, Bria said.

“When we put our album out”, Mike said with a smile.

“It’s going to happen, babe. I know it!”

“Thanks for your support. You want to talk to Jeff about that?”

“I for sure will. I’ll kick his ass.”

He laughed. Did she get a kitten? Yes, she did! She got an eight-week-old Ragdoll kitten named, Micha. He was beautiful with a long white coat. At the moment, he was asleep on her lap. Mike laughed when he heard his name. Did she choose it? No, he came with the name. Even though he was a dog guy, he had to admit he was beautiful. She sent her parents a text message letting them know about their grand kitten.

We can’t wait to meet him! - Mom

Good thing she wasn’t allergic to animals. She would be very disappointed if she couldn’t adopt them. He knew how hard that would be for her since she loved animals. It didn’t matter what they were. When she was younger, she had to stop and say hello to them. Even if they were just the squirrels running around the neighbourhood.

His parents thought she would be a veterinarian. No, she was a performer. At least she didn’t have to take her cat outside to use the bathroom when it was cold outside. That was one good thing about having a cat. Micha woke up and stretched out his paws. She scratched his head. That feels good, human! He loved being adopted! It was a lot better than living at the shelter.

He was the only cat, so he didn’t have to share. The humans who worked there were nice but they couldn’t give him one-on-one attention. His human could. He licked his paw and used it to clean his face. Bria told him good job, making Mike laugh. She was adorable. After a while, he meowed for food. She put him on the floor. He followed her to the kitchen where he continued meowing. Mike looked down at him, as he put his paw on his leg. Meow!

He didn’t have any food for him. After dishing up some food for him on a paper plate, she served it to him on the floor. He sniffed it before eating. Yum! Yum! Thank you, human! Mike joked she had become a slave. Welcome to adoption, Michael! He laughed. Micha would rule over her with an iron paw. But for now, he was an adorable kitten.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

1 note · View note

gasnewsletter · 2 years ago

Text

Interview

Who are you and what is your relationship with music?

Hello, my name is Trenton Carlton and Ι currently reside in Fort Collins Colorado.

My musical journey started quite late in my life. I grew up being very artsy but I never once learned anything about music until i was 22 years old. That was when Ι decided to go to my home town's community college for audio engineering. I knew how to naturally dance/keep a rhythm as a child and I was always interested in drums/percussion, but I never once pursued it until after my first job out of state during the year of 2011.

As Ι was living in Beaver Creek Colorado, working as a lift operator, Ι realized Ι wanted to go back to school and learn as much as Ι could about music. I wanted to express myself through another form of art, "Bass Music"! Little did Ι know, Ι was going to end up being in the modular world a decade later and never looking back!

I have been making my living as a "wet glazier" for the past 10 years and although it is manual labor, it is quite satisfying to measure and install a beautiful steam shower in a customer's master bathroom. Even though Ι enjoy my job, I have always been on the road to transition my career into music, one way or another.

I am currently working on my first debut album that's been in progress for a long time now. I am at the point in my music career where Ι trust my ears, production, sound design, mixing, and even mastering in Αbleton. I hope to have it released by the beginning of February, as well as more modular presets in my rig for future live modular performances!

I just recently played my first show at the Black Box in Denver for the Patched Out Series in The Lounge that Alex from WMD puts on every third Friday of the month for live modular performances. The mix is up on my Σoundcloud for now! It consists of 4 fully loaded presets with 16 patterns plus on each preset, as well as some live syntablism and modular mangling within the mix! All Original!

Which piece of equipment in your studio is essential to your production process?

My live modular rig/set up!

That includes my three 84hp rows of modules for my main mix, one 84hp row of modules for my syntablism skiff, Reloop turntable (phase controller/vinyl combo), and my 1989 Yamaha circuit bent RX-8 drum machine!

What is the most budget-friendly piece of studio gear that gave you the most results?

Μy phone!

Βelieve it or not, it gave me the ability to research everything Ι know today about modular and what it is to me. Αs well as recording samples from YouTube through my phone to my interface, or even recording nature samples or memos to myself of ideas of melodies and what not.

Walk us through your process for creating and producing music.

I get a lot of inspiration from the musical artists that Ι love to listen too, but Ι also get a lot of inspiration from movies/TV shows. I like to sample voices or specific sounds from movies and that is where Ι usually start a track. Such as, "Keep your change, ya filthy animal!" from the movie, "home alone". I'll record it into Ableton, edit to taste and tempo, and save into a file for exporting into the Rossum Electro Assimil8or in my rig!

I will also do sound design at this point as well because Ι have to edit all my samples and hi-pass them all around 120hz to clean the mix up before they end up in my rig for creating the track. This process can get very deep, but all in all, I have 2 mono tracks and 3 stereo tracks in Asisimil8or that Ι use for my main samples in my rig for each of my tracks. I also have an a/b option with a CV slider for swapping samples on the fly through the mix for verses and drops within the track. I usually have percussion, plucks, rises, pads, vocals, and lots of basses dedicated to the Assimil8or, because my kick, sub, snare, hat, and white noise riser are all separate modules within the rig. They are all being controlled by the master clock with my main brain of a sequencer, The Westlicht Per|former! From there, the sky is the limit.

I designed my rig on modulargrid.net before Ι even bought "The Black Widow" that houses all my modules. I had the idea that Ι wanted a "permanent patch" to be able to perform a live bass show, fully on the rig, but also have the ability to play through my presets/tracks at the same speed as a DJ today! Not just sit in a loop, so to speak.

I believe that the DJ world has become heavily saturated with a lot of producers making very similar tracks/sets, and personally, Ι just don't get it. Why make the same stuff as everyone else? Why not push music as we know it, as humans, and let's further our reach in our ability to create and perform incredible waves that we can all enjoy together, in the moment!

I believe that being in the moment and making mistakes all in real-time, is way more impressive and entertaining, than someone who has pressed play on a CDJ and moves track to track on a pre-organized set list. No offense to any DJ and their art, but it's just so monotonous in this day and age.

What is a production technique that you always come back to?

I am very proud of my hands on syntablism skiff that is also tied to other modules within my rig.

My most favorite action is to touch an FSR pad (Korb Pusher Module) that is controlling the speed of an LFO module (Divkid/Instruo OCHD) that has 6 hand tuned LFOs splitting and spreading all over my rig. Talk about organic modulation that can be manipulated live through my entire rig! It's as if Ι am speeding up or slowing down a heart beat in any one person's human body! Ι always feel soo connected to the energy and electricity of my rig every time i touch that pad!

How would you explain your style?

I've always thought about what my style is or will be.

Although, Ι feel that Ι AM in certain genres, Ι try not to confine myself to any one style anymore, besides a lot of bass. I enjoy making dance tunes and do lean more to the broken beat style of rhythm. I also enjoy sampling and using any sound that Ι can hear, create, or capture. I love synthesis as well as acoustic instruments but Ι am all about the journey of finding new sounds. I am unbiased to all audio waves and believe they should all be treated as such. Waves.

To confine myself to any certain genre would be a mistake, and Ι would be limiting myself to my own ability to express what Ι need for everyone else to feel. I like to keep as open of a mind as Ι can throughout my entire life, no matter what Ι am doing.

What’s your biggest struggle?

Promotion and time management.

Working a full time job takes a lot of time and energy out of you. It makes making music more bitter sweet but the goal is to do what I love and to stay driven. Hope is what keeps me going!

Has building a hardware setup changed your perspective on music or life in general?

Yes and Yes.

It has given me the ability to build what I have only dreamt of, as well as mold my way of thinking about everything in life.

I now try to go to the most modular core of what ever it is I am trying to learn. I am more analytical about everything, as well as more aware of life itself every single day.

One tip on how to spark creativity?

Don't try to be someone you're not.

Only be who you truly are at your core and music will live through you! Just let the flow take over and hold on for the ride.

A book, movie, article, or album that has inspired you?

The Spirit of Music by Victor Wooten

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin

Do you have a question in mind I should have asked?

"Where do I see myself in 10 years?"

On stage, performing live with my rig. Teaching everyone my knowledge about modular and performance as well as music as a whole. Making YouTube videos. Starting a Patreon. Creating sample packs for purchase as well as merch! Spreading the love and knowledge through music!

Friends, this is a past issue from the G.A.S. Newsletter. Every Tuesday and Friday a new artist is featured.

Subscribe and get the interviews to your email inbox.

#studiotour #producerlife #musicstudio #homestudio #mystudio #producer #musicproducer #synthesizer #soundengineer #sounddesigner #beatmaker #musician #eurorackmodularsynth #eurorack #electronicmusic #gasnewsletter

0 notes

notafraidofredyellowandblue · 3 years ago

Text

Richard Kruspe interview 2021-11-11 Spot on News

Richard Kruspe: After the last Rammstein tour, fell into a "deep hole"

Richard Kruspe (54) is a founding member and guitarist of Rammstein. Since 2005 he also has another band, which he describes as his "personal balance": With Emigrate the musician will release his fourth studio album "The Persistence of Memory" on November 12th. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Kruspe tells whether he will ever go on tour with the group. He also talks about the "deep hole" he fell into after the last Rammstein tour and reveals when the cult band's new album will be released.

For you, Emigrate is the musical balance to Rammstein. How do you manage to keep this balance?

Richard Kruspe: The balance was only created through Emigrate. Emigrate is not only a musical freedom, but also the freedom to be able to do what I want - whenever I want it. There is no commercial pressure. An Emigrate album is also much more personal for me because the creative process is completely up to me. Nevertheless, I keep noticing that working in a team has many positive aspects. Sometimes you have ideas that you don't know whether they are good or bad. The team then quickly notices whether ideas are sustainable. I need Emigrate for my personal equilibrium.

In 2014 you said in an interview that you don't want to give concerts with Emigrate. Will it stay that way?

Kruspe: I got the world of live playing with Rammstein. I never had the feeling that I wasn't playing live enough. I still see it that way today, even if the ice is getting a little thinner, because of course I am asked from many sides. Should Rammstein stop playing live at some point, then I might reconsider.

Many people in the lockdown remembered what is really important to them in life. How was that with you?

Kruspe: To be honest, I had already gone into isolation before Corona, after the last Rammstein tour. That was maybe the biggest tour in our band history and when I came home afterwards, at first I fell into a deep hole. I withdrew, and thought about stopping music because I didn't see any point in it. Of course, you don't like to experience such a depression and if you don't get help from outside, you have to be able to reflect extremely strongly on yourself.

So I fled into the memories, into the past. That was the only thing I had. I came across all of these old songs and ideas and looked at them again. They helped me move back into the present so that I could finally look into the future again afterwards. A journey in time back to inspiration.

The live industry was and is particularly idle. How have you been and are dealing with this situation?

Kruspe: Playing concerts is definitely part of my job, but only a small one. I never had this feeling "I have to present myself on stage". For me, the moment when a composition was created was always more interesting, the creative process in the studio is more important to me than the creation on stage.

You have worked with many music stars, including Marilyn Manson. What do you think of the allegations against him? Would you work with him again anyway?

Kruspe: In dubio pro reo ("In case of doubt for the accused", editor's note). In principle, however, I am very much against power manipulation of any kind, whether as a musician, TV producer, photographer or parent. I hate the use of power on others. I would no longer work with Mr Manson, not because of these allegations, but because I have already worked with him.

The planned European tour with Rammstein was postponed to 2022. How much do you miss the stage?

Kruspe: Of course you especially miss something when you are not allowed to or when it is not possible at the moment. So yes, I'm looking forward to the upcoming tour with Rammstein.

Do you think concerts with 2G or 3G rules make sense?

Kruspe: I always think concerts make sense.

Rammstein has an album in the pipeline. Are you allowed to reveal something about it?

Kruspe: The album as it looks now will be released next year before the tour.

"The Persistence of Memory" is not only the title of the new Emigrate album, but also that of a well-known work by Salvador Dalí. What do you associate with the painting?

Kruspe: The passing of time, decay, transience and at the same time the feeling of timelessness. The connection between the past, the present and the future.

How did it come about that you covered the classic "Always On My Mind" together with Till Lindemann?

Kruspe: Long story. Years ago a record company wanted to do an Elvis cover album. I started to write, but eventually dropped it. But I was so fascinated by Elvis' voice in this song. No matter which instrument I started up in the studio: it always prevailed. I wanted to bring this version out for the release of "Silent So Long". But then there were legal problems. I was wondering who has such a concise voice. And then I came up with Till. Sometimes it's just too obvious. I asked him, he wanted to do it and we ended up recording the whole thing as a duet because I found it more emotional like that.

You have recently rediscovered your love for electronic music. Are you still going to continue making rock music?

Kruspe: Modern and young influences are important. I am interested in how music evolves. Rock music is no longer folk music. The rebellion is no longer to be found in rock music these days, but in lyrics that can be heard above all in hip-hop. Now we are living in a transition from the analog to a digital world. Listening behavior changes. And then I ask myself the question: will this also change the songwriting? Is a music revolution imminent?

I already had a penchant for electronic music in my youth. Bands like Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode have always inspired me. The way I write songs has of course also changed for me. In the past, there was always a guitar riff at the beginning, from which everything developed. Today I work with many other instruments.

Emigrate was originally supposed to be just a project, but they are now releasing their fourth album. What are you planning for the band's future?

Kruspe: With Emigrate I am of course always facing new challenges. A purely electronic album could be the new challenge.

#richard interview #richard kruspe #emigrate #rammstein

57 notes · View notes

meadow-dusk · 2 years ago

Text

Rocktober Challenge 🎃 Day 7 - favorite 3 songs from studio album 5

First of all, I owe an enormous, public thank you to @kingon33 for designing this challenge and helping me relive what has been the most impactful and personal journey a musician has ever taken me on. It goes without saying that I love Neil in so many ways and for so many reasons, not least of which is his talent. But I am so grateful for the chance to be reminded just how much of it he has, and how I discovered it little by little in a way that felt like destiny. He is insanely prolific, and everything he creates is so deep and honest and true, to the point where it must be absolutely no question how I fell so hard: slowly, maybe, but always moving toward him, never regressing.

With that said, another reminder I'm doing these albums in the order I first heard them, not the order of release. I'm not sure why I waited til April 2021 to listen to Neil's self-titled debut...I have to admit I wasn't blown away, but maybe that's because I was partially distracted at the time (I was definitely setting up my bike trainer 😂), or maybe it's because I didn't hear it "right." I now know he wasn't pleased with the quality of the initial pressing, and I'm certain I heard it in Spotify quality (I know. I'm sorry). But re-listening to it today to answer this question had me 100% invested. There is SO MUCH of Neil in this album: it's sweet and honest and soft and quiet and melancholy and mysterious and sexy and heavy and happy and hopeful and all HIM. And it really shows through in a way that I can now appreciate.

youtube

3. The Old Laughing Lady: I'm willing to bet Neil considered this one of his "weird songs." Cause it's kinda weird. It lends itself very well to visual artistic interpretation, and I think that's partially because the imagery is so vivid that even if I have no idea what he's actually talking about, I have no problem picturing it. Musically, the changes are so interesting that it's impossible to predict where it's going next. Those wailing female backing vocals sound like something that would end up on Dark Side of the Moon a whole five years later. And to think he composed this in a restaurant in the middle of the night.

youtube

2. I've Been Waiting for You: What a treat this is to listen to in a pair of headphones. The psychedelic guitar solo oscillating back and forth between channels. The physically palpable tension that swells like a wave during the chorus and then resolves into something like sonic pleasure. Those breathy sounds from Neil that keep everything in time. I am incapable of writing about this song in a way that isn't sensual and I am not ashamed of it. Those are the vibes it gives me.

youtube

1. Here We Are in the Years: One of the most beautiful, poetic songs I've ever heard about some of my *favorite* triggers: youth squandered, time wasted, priorities confused, nature ravaged. I almost can't believe something like this came into being 55 years ago, when it perfectly captures our time so well. Isn't that the point? It's got so many changes, it almost feels like the passing seasons of time. I caught an unreleased mix of this that features a clock ticking on the outro. I'm almost glad that wasn't included in the final cut, because I almost never make it out of this in one piece as it is.

#Rocktober Challenge #Neil Young #oh god sorry these get longer every day I think.

6 notes · View notes

bearbearlook · 2 years ago

Conversation

Kofuku Radio Night One (12/09/2022)

F: Special radio show for the premiere of “Silent Parade” on 16th September, starting now!

(Clapping)

F: I am Fukuyama Masaharu and I play Yukawa Manabu.

S: I am Shibasaki Kou and I play Utsumi Kaoru. And we’re on air!

F: This show is a mix between a radio show and a TV show.

S: Yes.

F: This is my home ground!

S: Your radio shows are recorded here aren’t they?

F: Yes, I go to work here.

(Laughter)

F: The new Galileo movie is premiering on 16th September, and in this show, we’ll be talking both about the movie and ourselves.

(Title card)

F: We have messages from our fellow cast and crew on set.

S: So they will be exposing secrets? 😉

F: Exposing? Well maybe 😂 First let’s watch this message from Kitamura Kazuki, who plays Detective Kusanagi.

K: Masha-sama, Kou-chan, hello! I’m Kitamura Kazuki. Now that you ask me what wishes I have… well me, I really want to become a singer. I wonder if I can join you both as KAZUKI-… You both must be thinking that I’m joking aren’t you? But look into my eyes…

I’M SERIOUS

PLEASE

(😂😂😂😂)

F: So that’s the message. He’s actually talked about it before during filming.

S: Yes!! He wants to make music.

F: He said that he wants, for once, to stand on stage and sing in front of an audience.

S: Yeah, and we all said that he should.

F: I was thinking when would be a good time to invite him to be my guest in my concert. 🧐🧐

S: !!!! Really!!!!😆😆😆

F: Well he really wants to!

S: I want to see this!

F: You do?

S: Of course I do!

F: 😆 Do you want to come along?

S: To sing?

F: Yes.

S: Huh? Not to watch?

F: No x3

S: But I want to watch in the audience.

F: Well then you can watch in the audience, then think, “Oh is it my turn now?” then come up and sing.

S: Ok that’s possible…

(Laughter)

F: We formed KOH+ because of the TV series, but our first concert (debut live) was in Tokyo Dome. (Translator notes: 2017 Kanpai Japan live. Performance included in one of the deluxe versions of the new album)

S: 😂😂😂😂

F: *markets the new album*

F: Kou-san's performance of "KISSして" was mesmerising. I could watch it on loop.

S: Really? I haven't really watched it though.

F: What?

S: Perhaps I should buy the album. (amused Masha noises) There's so much KOH+ content in the new album that I want to enjoy as an audience.

F: (salesman mode) We have 3 versions of the album, please consider.

S: Yes, yes I will go over all of them.

(Translator: top notch sales act here huh! but I'm too poor to buy the deluxe version guess I'll never watch the special live :( )

F: Change of topic. This is a message from crew member edachin. I am a big fan of Ms. Shibasaki.

S: Really? (looks around)

F: My daily motivation is to become a man worthy of Ms. Shibasaki. To make sure that I am on the right track, I would like to know what Ms. Shibasaki's type of man is.

S: So the writer is here in the studio?

F: Maybe?

S: Isn't that great?

F: (looking around) Wait who is it? How old? Is he young? (laughter)

Panel Master: late twenties

F & S: OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

F: Worth thinking over.

S: Great!!

F: (sincerely advising) Go for it, Kou-chan go for it!

S: Go for what!😂😂

F: So passionate even in the late twenties!

S: I'm so happy!

F: What a passionate fan letter, love letter! So what's your type?

S: I'm sapioromantic.

F: What's that?

S: It means that you get charmed by one's intellect... say like, you Masha with glasses.

F: OH

S: Someone like Yukawa sensei. Someone who digs into the whys and researches things. I find that very charming.

F: So you like researchers?

S: Love it. My type is like Takeshi Yoro (an intellectual and doctor)

F: Cool. Beauty and the Scientist.

S: Yeah, but I don't think it's a good match. Cuz I'm an intuitive person.

F: But that's probably the reason. Imagine two intuitive people together, that's no good.

S: True, but when one suddenly has an idea and goes YAY!!! it's great.

F: It's great if they agree on these sudden sparks, but if they each have a different idea and go YAY!!!

(matching hand gestures by F&S) separately, they'll split.

S: So with someone who thinks in a different way, someone can step on the brake.

F: So that's the end of the first night. We have a guest tomorrow night. See you next time!

#tantei galileo #galileo #fukuyama masaharu #shibasaki ko #koh+#silent parade #YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY #mirroring chaotic hand gestures and yelling #concerned masha noises #kitamura kazuki #someone form a band with this poor man #PLEASE HE WANTS TO SING #beauty and the scientist #how blessed we are that masha ships yukaoru more than anyone in this world #kazuki-#me #translations

2 notes · View notes

a-night-like--this · 4 years ago

Text

“I built a studio in a barn” – What we learned from Damon Albarn & Robert Smith’s 6 Music interview

In terms of dream collaborations, there are few more exciting meetings of minds than Gorillaz’s Damon Albarn teaming up with The Cure’s Robert Smith.

With new Gorillaz track ‘Strange Timez’ getting its first play on 6 Music, Steve Lamacq spoke to Albarn and Smith about their first experience working together, whether we’ll hear a new Cure album in 2020, and how each musician has been faring in lockdown. One has built a studio in the barn, the other has been stargazing. Try and guess which is which...

As soon as lockdown struck, Damon Albarn built a studio in a barn

Albarn is a restless creative, always spinning several plates, and Gorillaz is one of several projects on the go. Prior to lockdown starting in the UK, he travelled to Devon to stay with his family, and immediately went about setting up a makeshift studio in a barn. “It was enough to keep on working,” he says.

He’s found the last few months inspiring, albeit with its own set of challenges. “I’ve really got my head round it as a way of existing, and it has its pitfalls, like any other form of existence. But if you have a bit of self-discipline, you can be incredibly productive. So I hope everyone’s been productive, because we’re unlikely to get an opportunity like this again.”

Smith, meanwhile, has spent time at home on the south coast tying the knots on various projects (more on that later). “A lot of nights, I’m outside stargazing,” he says.

Their new track came together via email

With studio collaborations very much ruled out in 2020, Albarn and Smith found themselves working together hundreds of miles apart.

Smith received an idea for a song from Albarn earlier this year, and quickly warmed to it. “I went outside and listened to it a few times, had a couple of drinks, lit a fire. But it had this sense of travel to it.”

He was most impressed by a trumpet section on the track (“that was the clincher,” he says), which happens to be played by Albarn’s 9-year-old niece. “I was like, ‘You play the trumpet, come on. Come into the studio and do something.’ And she did that,” Albarn recalls.

A new The Cure album looks to be finished (but Smith isn’t saying when it’s coming out)

Speaking about lockdown, Smith says: “It’s actually benefited me because there have been no other distractions, so I’ve got a lot of what I wanted to do done.”

Of the various tasks ticked off his to-do list, Smith says his idea for 2020 was to finish the new The Cure album, complete his own solo album, and start working with director Tim Pope, who’s set to create a film “about the history of the band.”

Pressed by Lamacq for a release date on a new The Cure album, however, Smith isn’t giving anything away, joking: “I’ll just come up with an imaginary date. Pick one.”

Smith found the collaboration to be “a great sense of relief”

With his focus firmly on new The Cure material, Smith has still found time to collaborate on a couple of projects in 2020, including this Gorillaz track.

He says he particularly enjoys working with other musicians, because it throws him out of his comfort zone. “Most of the stuff I’m asked to collaborate on is actually not anything like what The Cure does,” he states.

“And it’s actually those things over the years that I’ve found the most attractive to do, because it puts me outside of where I normally am. There’s a great sense of relief in doing this Gorillaz thing, because I can muck about – it was a lot of fun.”

#interview #text #the cure #robert smith #gorillaz #damon albarn #song machine #strange timez #music #alternative rock #gothic rock #new wave #post punk #2020

80 notes · View notes

aurora-daily · 3 years ago

Text

WHEN ASKJELL HEARD ABOUT THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD WITH CANCER, HE GOT AURORA TO JOIN HIM FOR A SPECIAL GIFT

An article from bt.no by Frank Johnsen, translated by Amroth (May 20th, 2021)

Askjell Solstrand is the invisible sound man behind stars like Aurora and Sigrid. At Festspillene, it is he himself that is going to shine. Askjell Solstrand (27) from Askøy has always thought that being a music producer is enough. – I have never imagined that I had anything more to contribute than that I am good and hardworking. It’s easy to see yourself in the mirror and just see a nerd without a story – at least compared to the artists I usually work with, Solstrand says and smiles.

AN INCREDIBLY SAD STORY

The respected producer sits in the legendary studio Lydriket by Dikkedokken. With the hoodie placed over his cap, he is working on the sound on the artist Iris’ upcoming album.

Now he himself is going to be on stage. During a concert in Håkonshallen on May 31, Askjell Solstrand and a number of “special guests” will perform music from his upcoming solo album “Everything will be ok”. The first single, “Sofia”, is a song that means a lot to him. The idea originated in a chat community on Discord for people who like Askjell’s music. – I met an Australian fan who had an eight-year-old cousin, Sofia, who had cancer. An incredibly sad story that inspired me to write a piano piece that I was going to send to the cousins, says Solstrand.

GOT TO HEAR THE SONG BEFORE SHE DIED

He knew that the girls liked both Aurora and iris – and both vocalists were happy to perform when Askjell decided to make it a proper song.

– Sofia got to hear the first version of the song before she died. Unfortunately, I never met her myself, Askjell says.

The eight-year-old girl [Sofia] had a big dream: to become an artist. Now her family has sent over her paintings and drawings to Bergen. – I’m going to make a video to promote the song internationally. There we are using Sofia’s pictures in an exhibition at Gyldenpris art gallery, Solstrand says. In the same video, there are scenes where one of her paintings is hung up in the art museum Louvre in Paris. This is organized by another member on Discord – one who liked the idea and has good contacts at the museum. – So Sofia gets her place among the biggest [artists], if only for a short while.

ABSOLUTELY EXCEPTIONAL

The 27-year-old has for the last seven years worked for Made Management both as a producer and artist, and has more or less been at stand-by at the mixing desk in Lydriket to produce everything from Aurora, Sigrid, Emilie Nicolas to dePresno and Kjartan Lauritzen.

– There have been few holidays, to put it that way. I work all hours of the day, and there is little social life. But something must be sacrificed, Solstrand says while drinking strong coffee.

He remembers when a young and unknown Sigrid Raabe came into the studio in 2015 to make a demo. That became the piano ballad “Dynamite”, which was on Sigrid’s first EP in 2017.

– Could you immediately see that Sigrid would be the next big thing?

– I think she was absolutely exceptional, but I do not know if I could have said it with certainty. Because that is a muscle that must be trained, to understand what is good, Solstrand says.

WAS DISCOVERED AT VERFTET

Solstrand’s job as a producer is to bring out visions and ideas – and then use his musical expertise to make the songs sound as good as possible.

– I have been happy with my life as a behind-the-scenes guy. It was never important to be known to the outside world. It has all been about the music, I have been more concerned with gaining recognition and acceptance within the industry, Solstrand says.

A songwriting camp at USF Verftet in 2017 got him on a new track. Francisca Gonçalve, who then worked in Universal Music’s creative department, Globe, in London, also took part.

The two had met earlier in connection with Aurora’s release of Oasis’ “Half the World Away”.

– She asked if I wanted to try to make some neoclassical music. So I pitched an idea, Solstrand says.

This was, surprisingly for him, sent around to many in the record company Decca, who also releases Aurora’s music.

This set a number of processes in motion. Every night, after having worked as a producer, he sat down at the piano and made music. The songs were put together into an EP.

The record contract was quickly signed. And on the single “To Be Loved” he got Aurora onboard as vocalist.

– I have been good friends with her since 2014. When I told her that I had started writing my own music, she supported me one hundred percent, and we agreed to do a song together, Solstrand says.

A POWERFUL EXPERIENCE

The good friendship led to Askjell warming up for Aurora on her tour in the autumn of 2018.

– I got a very good response from the audience. We were a good match, I think. So I’ve got a lot of Aurora fans listening to my music. They are incredibly dedicated. If she breathes on something, they are there, Solstrand says and smiles.

In the last “pandemic year”, he has produced a lot of music, including songs on Sigrid’s and Aurora’s upcoming albums, Kobe’s solo album, dePresno, SKAAR and iris’ new albums. Solstrand has also had time to write music and lyrics for the upcoming solo album, which will be performed for the very first time in Håkonshallen.

– It’s going to be a powerful experience. Many of those I usually play with are joining the band. This will, in a way, be my first real concert, where people come to experience just me, Solstrand says.

Several secret guests will be joining him on stage. But he does not want reveal their names.

– There will be a lot of crying, guaranteed. It is special to have a concert like this with those I have worked most closely with.

#aurora #askjell #aurora aksnes #interviews #collaborations #to be loved #sofia #new album

26 notes · View notes

bopinion · 3 years ago

Text

Album of the month / 2021 / 08 August

I love listening to music - gladly, all the time, everywhere. That's why I would like to share which music (or which album, after all I'm still from the vinyl generation ;-) I enjoy, accompanies me, slides up my playlists again and again...

The Beatles & George Martin

LOVE

Rock-Remix / 2006 / Parlophone, Apple, EMI (Universal Music Group)

When you hear the term "remix," it's usually a DJ putting a danceable techno beat under a pop or rock song. And often enough, this leaves the original performer or composer turning in his grave to the same frantic beat. But there are also exceptions. And one of them this time is my album of the month.

34 years ago in Québec I visited a kind of circus performance that was new to me. There were no animals, but excellent artistry. The whole thing was embedded in an almost psychedelic production of sounds and music and light effects and projections. Although individual acts, the whole was dramaturgically staged like an opera or a musical in one piece. The name of the circus was "Cirque du Soleil". A concept that in the following years and decades went from French Canada around the world and celebrated legendary successes everywhere - including artists in residence in Las Vegas. The visionary founder Guy Laliberté also became known worldwide as an impresario and, incidentally, a billionaire.

There are bands I really regret never having seen live. For example, The Queen with Freddie Mercury, although at least I met the latter once in a club in Munich - well, we were in the same room for a few hours. But there is also the opposite, for example The Beatles. As much as I appreciate these musical titans, a concert seems rather witless to me: film footage shows four musicians on stage, initially even dressed alike, operating their instruments without notable movements or show effects and trying to permanently drown out screaming young ladies. But maybe I only comfort myself with this assessment, because I was and am simply too young to be able to experience John, Paul, George and Ringo in their active time on stage. Anyway.

Guy Laliberté and George Harrison were friends. And at some point - I imagine the two of them over a cup of yogi tea after meditative yoga, one handing the other the joint "You, I have an idea..." - the idea was born to bring together the two cultural phenomena Cirque du Soleil and The Beatles. As a composition for all senses, new and timeless, ecstatic and colorful. After all, it was Harrison who was always eager to experiment. He converted to Hinduism in the 60s, gained experience with psychedelics and transcendental meditation and introduced oriental instruments, first and foremost the sitar, into Western music and is thus considered one of the most important pioneers of world music. A development that goes hand in hand with my personal taste: the longer their hair got, the more I liked their music.

It was only after Harrison's death that Laliberté was able to close the deal with the rights holders of the music (Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison), which can thus probably be considered a kind of Harrison's legacy. For the show was not to simply put together a soundtrack of the old familiar hits, nor were the compositions to be reinterpreted by other musicians. No, the original multi-track recordings were to be used to create new adaptations of the original songs. And who would be better qualified for this than George Martin, who had already produced groundbreaking albums with the Beatles themselves. In the process, he advanced from mere producer to arranger and idea generator, who also revolutionized recording technology by using overdubbing, for example. It's hardly surprising that he is often referred to as the "fifth Beatle".

In general, Sir George Henry Martin, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, is a man of musical superlatives. He is recorded as the producer of 4,836 titles, but one assumes considerably more. And that includes not only The Beatles, but also a wide variety of works for Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Manfred Mann, Little River Band, Ultravox and many more. His 30th number one hit was "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John. Martin founded the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts with McCartney, was one of a handful of producers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the BRIT Award for "Best British Producer of the Past 25 Years" in 1977, among countless other honors.

So George Martin went into the studio with his son Giles Martin, who had produced INXS and Kate Bush, among others, following in his father's footsteps. And not just any studio - of course it had to be Abbey Road Studios (again). With the original recordings, the team not only created new variations of the original pieces, as they could have been created alternatively with the Beatles themselves. For example, they enriched the acoustic version of "While my Guitar gently weeps" with an orchestral accompaniment and combined the rhythm of "Tomorrow never knows" with the vocals of "Within You without You". Thus, a soundtrack project for a circus stage show ultimately became a new album by the Beatles. No wonder that Sir Paul himself described "Love" like this: "This album puts The Beatles back together again. It's kind of magical." And Ringo added "George and Giles did such a great job combining these tracks. It's really powerful for me and I even heard things I'd forgotten we'd recorded."

The documentary "All together now - A Documentary Film" by Adrian Wills (director) and Heidi Haines (screenplay), which won a Grammy in the category "Best long form Music Video", also fits the project's ambition. It tells the entire story of LOVE's creation, from the first meetings of the creative team around Martin and Laliberté to interviews with, among others, McCartney, Starr, Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, and Neil Aspinall, the Beatles' longtime road manager and event technician, to the first rehearsals of the stage show in Montréal.

LOVE is more than a medley of hits by the mushroom heads, but rather a kind of rock opera that is a first-class listening experience even without the accompanying show. Says George Martin: "The Beatles always looked for other ways of expressing themselves and this is another step forward for them." And father and son succeeded with remarkable creativity. The new version of "Because" is still directly harmless, since it uses the birdsong of "Across the Universe" as well as the final chord of "A Day in the Life" played backwards. "Glass Onion," on the other hand, became a grandiose collage with elements of the songs "Things We Said Today," "Hello, Goodbye" (background vocals), "I Am the Walrus" (background vocals), "Penny Lane" (flute), "A Day in the Life" (orchestra), "Magical Mystery Tour" (effects) and "Only a Northern Song" (effects). State-of-the-art technology in digitization, mixing and mastering also ensure the finest sound quality.

Speaking of sound quality: a show that relies so heavily on music must of course also rely on a perfect acoustic performance. Created by French designer Jean Rabasse, the LOVE theater at The Mirage / Las Vegas houses 2,013 seats set around a central stage. Each seat is fitted with three speakers, which sums up to a spectacular sound system with 6,351 speakers designed by Jonathan Deans. The stage includes 11 lifts, 4 traps, and 13 automated tracks and trolleys. The theater features 32 digital projectors creating very large high definition digital 100' wide panoramic images, even on four translucent screens that can be unfurled to divide the auditorium. That's what I call "being in the middle of the action".

Reportedly, the theater cost more than $100 million - which doesn't even include the development of the show. And unfortunately, it also means LOVE can never go on tour. So I won't be able to avoid traveling to Las Vegas one day for that reason alone. Which I trust will be on the event calendar for a few more years to recoup its costs. And so the circle closes: Decades later, I would once again enjoy Cirque du Soleil in North America - and thus also experience The Beatles live in a somewhat different way.

Here's a trailer for the Las Vegas Show LOVE from the Cirque du Soleil:

https://youtu.be/hIJZAfyRlD4

youtube

8 notes · View notes

ggukkiedae · 4 years ago

Text

WEVERSE MAGAZINE

INTERVIEW

Miya: “I’m not the same person I was back in 2013.”

BTS BE comeback interview

2020.11.30

When I first interviewed 13-year-old Miya, she was very unsure of herself and relied on having RM sit with her. Now, at 20-years-old and finally an adult, she expresses herself well and confidently despite being on her own. She grew into a more independent and outspoken version of herself with a mature outlook, yet never lost her youth.

You’ve grown a lot since debut.

Miya: I grew 13 centimeters, yeah. (laughs) On a serious note, though, I agree. I’ve experienced so much since debut, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything that’s happened so far. I grew to be the way I am today because of the things I’ve experienced in the past decade, actually.

One of those experiences must include your general fame internationally. You’ve won Awards in America and performed on some of their big shows. You even topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “Dynamite”.

Miya: I still can’t believe we did that, honestly. It’s like one day I’m my young self watching SHINee on my brother’s computer and accompanying him to music events, the next I’m producing and writing for our I think 19th or 20th album and filming interviews with shows I used to watch other celebrities feature on. It’s such a big honor that we can do that today. And “Dynamite” topping the Top 100? You don’t know how ecstatic all of us were knowing we were able to do that.

You’ve written a lot of personal songs in the past. Your solo on Map of the Soul: 7, especially exposed your inner thoughts.

Miya: That is correct. Music is my way of expressing myself. It’s like a diary, and that’s why my studio is called M.Y. Diary. (laughs) To be honest, we all tend to be a little more personal when writing songs, especially our solos. This time around, though we were able to put our thoughts together and channel all our emotions about the current pandemic situation into Be.

You worked with Jungkook on the song “Stay”. How was it to have a song that you two produced together after a long time?

Miya: Ggukoo oppa and I have been talking about working on something together for the longest time. The opportunity came when he was working on his mixtape, and he asked me to help him out with the last track. We really liked the idea of having an upbeat yet nostalgic song, so we tried out EDM for this. I guess the members liked it a lot, so we decided to put it on the album. It was fun to work not just with him, but also with Seokjinnie oppa and Namjoonie oppa.

I imagine that, as assistant music director and head producer, you had a lot of input on all of the songs on the album.

Miya: Well, I guess you could say that. (laughs) Namjoonie oppa and I worked closest together since he’s the head music director and assistant producer. To be honest, we just compiled everyone’s opinions and ideas while working on the songs and the tracklist. We both worked at least a little bit on each track, but we mostly just solidified what everyone was conceptualizing. I’m actually surprised the members all insisted on making me head producer, but it’s nice to know they trust me enough to basically help manage the sound and music quality of our album.

Were any of the members being nitpicky?

Miya: We all were nitpicky, to be honest. (laughs) We’re all a little crazy when it comes to our music. We want everything to sound a specific way and to feel a specific way before we release it to the public. Not to mention Be in particular tackles our emotions from the pandemic. We wanted to make sure we relayed our thoughts well so that people can listen to the album and relate or even feel comforted. So, yes, we were all pretty nitpicky. (laughs)

“Dis-ease” is another song I found intriguing. J-hope told me about it’s concept and how you two came up with it. Are there any events in particular when you felt the song’s message about your work?

Miya: It’s a little typical, but I sometimes would stop working and just think to myself, “I can’t do this. Not right now”. It’s usually when I have homework to do, though. But then I also want to go back to work when I’m doing other things, so I was confused for a bit. This is actually exactly what Hobi oppa and I talked about when we were writing this. He did most of the writing, though. I just added a few small things.

Have you ever had a bad burnout over the past few months where you didn’t want to work?

Miya: It was more of a mini-crisis than it was a burnout. When this whole thing started, I was already upset about not being able to show our ARMY what we prepared for them. Then, time went on, and nothing was really allowing us to continue with our plan. I just got more and more scared. I didn’t know if the ARMYs would grow tired of us after not seeing us live for so long. Ggukoo oppa had a really long talk about that, and that’s where we got the initial concept of “Stay,” actually.

“Blue & Grey” tackles a more sensitive topic. You all expressed your darker thoughts through this song.

Miya: I wouldn’t say it as our darker thoughts. I’d rather say it’s more of just our internal struggle. I don’t want to paint it in a negative light when these are some things a lot of people go through. We want these people going through similar things to know they are not alone, and it’s okay to feel like that sometimes.

You’re known as a happy person, so hearing your thoughts through this track must be a shock to a lot of people.

Miya: I’d like to disagree, actually. I’m not exactly a happy person. Well, I wasn’t back then. I’m just surrounded by people who make me happy. Everyone close to me have all helped build me into my more positive mindset now, but it still gets a little grey and blue in my mind. I’m sure ARMY knows about this, but I’m someone who can’t deal with people walking out of my life well. And there’s always that fear of these people doing just that.

This reminds me of your line in the song. “Please don’t leave me alone, it hurts too much”.

Miya: It seems a little dramatic taken out of context. (laughs) But, yes, that’s basically the bulk of my thoughts. I think Tae oppa did really well with the overall vibe of the song, so I wanted to do him justice by giving out the emotions he aimed for. Do you know that this was supposed to be on his mixtape? I’m really honored he let us put this masterpiece in our album.

He cares about the group that much, I’m guessing. Hopefully your fear of people walking out of your life doesn’t include the members, considering how much you all care for each other.

Miya: I can’t say I don’t fear it because it’s probably my biggest fear, but I know it won’t happen. I think it was two years ago, we all sat down and talked about our future as a group. We all agreed that we wanted to be together for a long time. It doesn’t matter where or how, but we just all want to be around each other. I know they’ll keep that promise, so, whenever this fear surfaces, the oppas somehow are able to tell, and they remind me of what we promised to each other.

You sound a lot more mature now compared to when I first interviewed you.

Miya: I’d hope so. (laughs) I was way too naive back then, and I was mostly unaware of what was going on. I like to think I grew up well, especially with the oppas helping me. I’m not the same person I was back in 2013. I’m stronger, more skillful, more confident, and more sure of myself. I think you can tell through my music, too. Especially with the Be album.

What are some things that you did in order to grow confident?

Miya: I didn’t do much, to be honest. Back then, I got a lot of negative backlash, so I hid myself in a shell. The oppas and my family worked really hard to pull me out of that shell, and I’m so thankful to them for that. I really am just surrounded by some of the best people. The Bangtan oppas always made sure to remind me of my skills and abilities. They showed me a lot of love, as well. My blood brother worked hard to be able to take care of me, and Channie oppa is always giving me advice and talking me through my thoughts. He and Namjoonie oppa are very similar in that way.

Let’s talk about “Life Goes On”. You’re the song’s producer and main lyricist. How did the members pick your song as the title track?

Miya: First of all, I’d like to say Pdogg oppa helped me with the production, and the rest of the rap line helped me greatly with the lyrics. Secondly, I really don’t know. (laughs) I was messing around on the guitar once, and Yoongi oppa heard what I was playing. He asked me to play it for everyone, and I guess they liked it. We built on it a little bit, played with lyrics and concepts and all. Eventually, the rapline oppas and I finished a raw version of it and sent it to Pdogg oppa who added more instrumentals. Now, “Life Goes On” sounds like this, and we’re promoting it.

You’re doing well as producer and music director, then.

Miya: Thank you!

The song itself is very comforting, especially with the pandemic situation.

Miya: Well, that is what we were going for. It’s just a little reminder that we still continue to live on despite the new reality we’re facing. We mentioned it during the 75th UN General Assembly. Life goes on, so let’s live on. Just because this pandemic is stopping us from doing the usual things we’re used to, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line.

You seem to be adamant about this.

Miya: I got a little bit louder, didn’t I? (laughs) It’s just because I realized this myself. When COVID-19 first led to all these lockdowns, I felt helpless. Like I mentioned previously, I was scared. I was frustrated. I thought, “There’s nothing I can do, now.” but there is something I can do. I’m fortunate enough to still be able to work, so I want to be able to spread positivity and comfort through the platform we have.

It sounds like you had an eventful quarantine. How have you been spending it?

Miya: To be fair, I mostly spent it with the Bangtan oppas, friends, and my biological brother’s family. You can ask ARMYs, I’ve posted many pictures and videos of my niece. As much as I want to say I spent time with my family, Channie oppa has been a little busy, and I haven’t gotten the chance to go back to Australia, either. I guess I can say this now as well, now that the public knows. I’ve been spending time with Mark oppa.

Your relationship became a big topic in the whole world, didn’t it?

Miya: Yes, and it’s a little funny. I didn’t think it would be such a big deal. I mean, it’s our lives, and we’re people, too. What’s the big deal with it that we actually made headlines? (laughs) It’s just a little bit of a shame that we didn’t get to reveal it on our own terms.

It’s great to know you have been living like how you would even if you weren’t the Nation’s Makdungie or the International Sweetheart. I heard from your Skit in this album that you drink now.

Miya: (laughs) I do! I’m an adult now, so the oppas can invite me to drink with them with actual alcohol instead of just juice or milk like they used to give me. They were all pretty excited when they realized I could drink with them. Well, Seokjinnie oppa had a little crisis because he was reminded of his age, but it was amusing.

According to Jungkook on one of your previous Vlives, you’re planning to do a drinking broadcast. What made you decide to do that?

Miya: I just want to talk to the ARMYs on a more casual basis, I guess. I saw a few of the oppas do it before, and they were actually really funny. They also have this intimate and homelike vibe that I want to try once as well. Warning to ARMY when I do finally do the drinking broadcast, those who aren’t adults yet must only drink milk or juice like I used to!

You must really miss your fans.

Miya: I really do. I miss hearing their voices and seeing their faces. I don’t think they realize that we do our best to see each and every one of them when we perform live. We remember. My very first fansite? I remember her. The fan that scolded me back in Manila for overworking? I remember her. The fan that gave me a letter written on paper designed to look like the oppas taking care of a baby me? I remember him. I think back on a lot of memories like this, and I just miss them a lot more. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I guess. Is that how the saying goes? (laughs)

Hopefully you’ll get to see them soon.

Miya: Oh, I really hope so. I want to have fun with them. It’s been way too long, and I really miss the feeling of being with them. For now, though, I hope we can bring them comfort through our music and through the screen. When all this is over, we’ll all meet again, and it’ll be like coming back home.

Credit

Editor. Myungseok Kang

Interview. Myungseok Kang

Visual Director. Yurim Jeon

Visual Creative Team. Sunkyung Lee, Yeonhwa Cha (Big Hit Entertainment)

Photography. Sunhye Shin / Seongjo Baik, Minseok Kim(@co-op.)(Digital camera), Yurim Jeon(Film camera)

Hair. Som Han, Mujin Choi, Daeun Lee

Makeup. Dareum Kim, Sunmin Kim, Yuri Seo

Stylist. Hajeong Lee, Hyesu Kim, Sil Hong

#yoonmi.interview #yoonmi.weverse #yoonmi.be #bts 8th member #bts female member #bts female addition #miya #yoonmi #kim yoonmi

44 notes · View notes

httpsfelicity · 4 years ago

Text

“In a black dress, she’s such an actress” - Harry Styles × Model Reader AU (Part 2/?)

Summary - Harry meets a model downtown and falls for her quickly, leading the public to think that it’s a pr stunt. Unsure of what to think, the reader plays along, not knowing that Harry is unaware of the rumours.

For @cruizmanadu, @stephaniemalvie!, @kissessfordraco Xx

A/N - Part two! Thank you sooo much for the feedback on part one, I never expected it! Glad you guys like it so far. If you haven’t read part one, click here x Once again, if you’d like a part 3 / have suggestions / ect, just send a DM or ask! Here you go babessss :)

Harry Styles: Hi

Y/n <3: Hi

Harry Styles: Why are you awake, it’s 3am?

Y/n <3: I could ask you the same thing, you messaged me first!

Harry Styles: You’re right. What’s up?

Y/n <3: Watching TV, you?

Harry Styles: Not much. Listening to The Beatles, y’know, normal night things.

Y/n <3: Never really got around to listening to them personally

Harry Styles: Omg reported and BLOCKED.

Y/n <3: Omg noooooo come back

Harry Styles: Kiddinggggggg, but I have to make you listen to one of their albums sometime

Harry Styles: Are you free tomorrow?

Y/n <3: I have a shoot all day. I’m free the next day tho

Harry Styles: We could maybe do something then? The park?

Harry Styles: Unless you have a better idea, of course

Y/n <3: No that sounds great! What time?

Harry Styles: 7?

Y/n <3: Sure! :)

Harry Styles: Now, GO TO SLEEP!

Y/n <3: Only if you do!

Harry Styles: Okayyyy, goodnight!

Y/n <3: Goodnight!

Seen: 3:14am

As you crawled into bed, a feeling of satisfaction spread through you. He wanted to spend more time with you - that ought to be a good sign, right? “Maybe this could work out, after all,” was the last thing you thought before you fell asleep.

The next day was the usual whirlwind of events that occurred every shoot day - wake up early, take a cab over to the location (That particular day’s mystery place happened to be an old art studio), take another cab with some assigned lady to get you ready, another cab back to the location, then a whole day of photos. It was all a blur to you, so when the head of the whole operation thanked you at the end of the day, you were glad it was all over. Of course you adored your job, but considering the amount of sleep you’d gotten last night (Which, by the way, you did not regret one bit) you were thankful that in 45 minutes you’d be fast asleep.

What you did not expect, however, was for that little power nap to turn into a full 14 hours. By the time you woke up the next day, it was the crack of 11am. You sat up frantically, taking in your surroundings. You were still wearing your street clothes - jeans and a blouse - and a quick glance in the mirror revealed you hadn’t taken off your extravagant makeup, either. Trust me, it was not a pretty sight. You scrambled for your phone, and aside from all of the usual twitter notifications, DM requests, and messages from Ella and Harry (Which you were over the moon about), you noticed that you had 4 missed calls. From, none other than Harry.

You quickly clicked on his contact and dialed up his number. After a few rings, he picked up.

“Hi!” He said cheerfully.

“Hey,” you laughed. “Why did you call me? Four times, to be exact?”

“Just wanted to make sure we were still on for tonight. But then I got worried when you didn’t answer, so I called again to make sure everything was alright.”

“And again, and again.”

“Correct,” he laughed.

“Rough photoshoot. I was exhausted, and it wasn’t all that exciting. By the time I got home, I was asleep. Literally. I slept for 14 hours straight.”

Harry laughed so hard on the other end that you had to move your phone away from your ear for a couple of seconds so he could calm down. “Oh, wow, I... well, I guess it’s not that funny. That’s awful. You should’ve gotten more sleep the night before!”

“I would’ve, but somebody just had to message me at 3am!”

Cue another round of laughter. “Oh my god... look, I’m sorry, I really am! I didn’t know you had to wake up so early. I won’t message you so late into the night anymore, I promise.”

“Don’t promise that! I quite liked it. Besides, all of those shoots are the same. Nothing worth remembering, if you ask me.”

“Alright, alright, fine. But are we still on for later? If you’re still tired, we can reschedule...”

“No! After twice the amount of sleep I usually get, I feel like I could run a marathon. Seven?”

“Yup.”

“Okay. Gives me enough time to adjust myself to reality.”

This sent both of them into bouts of laughter.

“Alright, well, I’ve gotta go, but I’ll see you then?”

“You’ve got it! Bye!”

“Bye! And for the love of god try not to fall asleep this time, yeah?” He cracked himself up.

“I’ll try!” You replied as you hung up. You sighed, smiled, and then leaned against your headboard, though not for long. You had things to do - number one, get a shower.

Flash forward a few hours, and you were all set. You were wearing a pair of jeans and a blouse, similar to yesterday’s outfits, just with less smeared makeup and bedhead. You had even managed to listen to a few albums while you were doing your hair. You quickly ate a salad for supper, confirmed the meeting spot with Harry, then headed out the door.

You arrived 10 minutes early, and to your surprise, Harry was already there again.

“How did you get here before me?” You laughed as you walked up to him. “I left even earlier than last time, specifically to race you!”

“Oh, I have my ways,” he grinned. “So, would you like to know what I have planned?”

“Enlighten me,” you prompted as you began walking past the bushes and flowerbeds with him, admiring his bold, light purple flared pants and white top.

“Well, first we walk through the park. Then, I have a reservation booked for La Sedbe Hyudge. If that sounds okay to you, that is.”

La Sedbe Hyudge was one of the most exclusive clubs in New York. Reservations were crazy expensive, and that’s not including the price of the food and drinks.

“Oh, Harry, you really didn’t ha-”

“No, no, don’t worry about it. The reservation’s already made; there’s no turning back now,” he laughed.

You laughed along with him. “Well, we can just split the final bill.”

“No,”

“But-”

“Don’t worry about it!”

You sighed. “Okay,” you finally agreed. “Well, anyways, tonight sounds like it will be great fun. Thank you.”

Harry nodded, looking around. You had to admit it, the scenery of the park was very nice. The gardener(s) here must be paid awfully well.

“So, I listened to Fine Line.”

Harry perked up. “Oh?”

“It was - and I’m not just saying this because I li- we’re friends - but it was incredible. I’ve never heard anything like it.”

Harry was trying to hide his smile, but he was failing miserably. “Well, that’s good,” he concluded nonchalantly.

“No, really! I have Golden stuck in my head. It’s beautiful. And don’t even get me started on Lights Up.”

“You didn’t see the music video, did you?”

“..Yeah?”

“Oh, wow.”

“It was ARTSY!” You laughed, Harry clearly getting embarrassed. “No, in all honestly, it was great.”

“Well, I’m glad you think that,” he smiled. “I wish I could say the same to you, but you don’t sing, obviously.”

“Not my forte, honestly. I was in choir in elementary, but that’s pretty much it. Never really had any interest in the preforming arts. No offense.”

“None taken. I’ve always liked singing, but I didn’t think I’d pursue it as a career. I was very happy at my old job, thank you very much.”

“What was your old job?”

“...”

“I used to work in a bakery.”

“No way!” “That’s adorable,” you thought as the two of you rounded a corner of the path.

“Yes way! Not to brag, but I was very good at making cinnamon rolls.”

“Now, isn’t that something.”

“That’s not all - macaroons.”

“Oh my god, marry me.”

You continued goofing off for the rest of the walk. You talked about Netflix shows and whether Summer or Winter was the superior season in the taxi, and the best way to make Kraft dinner on the sidewalk. By the time you walked into the restaurant and sat down, you were discussing the importance of a good facemask.

“I don’t know. I just can’t believe you do them.”

“I can’t believe you don’t.”

“Why should I?”

“Do you want me to go over the health benefits again?”

You sighed. “No. I just do not have the patience.”

“For me to explain it again or facemasks in general?”

You smiled. “Both.”

Harry laughed rather loudly, gaining a few odd looks from some stuck-up diners. “You’re lucky you’re cute, y/n.”

Before you could respond, a waiter walked over to your table. “And what could I get for the couple this evening?” He asked.

You and Harry looked at eachother and tried to supress laughter.

“Well, I don’t know about my husband here,” you start, looking over at Harry with a grin. He’s staring back at you and you are positive that he’s gonna blow it at any second, but you decide to keep going, “But I’ll have a glass of red wine.”

“Whatever you want, dear, so I guess I’m driving,” Harry shrugged. “I will have water, please.”

The waiter nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

As soon as he was out of earshot, the two of you burst out laughing.

“That.. was.... amazing!” Said Harry between laughs.

“I know right!” You agreed. “We have to keep it going all night.”

“YES,” he nodded as a group of teenage girls walked past the table, also laughing uncontrollably.

Then, the waiter returned. “For the lady,” he said as he placed down a glass of wine. You immediately picked it up and took a sip.

“For the main course, I’ll have the steak, please,” said Harry in his very-best fancy voice.

“I too,” you said, giggling and taking another sip.

The waiter nodded and headed back to the kitchen. The two of you laughed again.

Just then, you felt your phone buzz in your purse. “It’s probably nothing,” you thought, choosing to ignore it. But then it went off again. And again. And again.

“You should probably get that,” said Harry, looking at your bag.

“Nah, it’s probably nothing.”

“Alright. I gotta run to he bathroom, and then I’m gonna order a drink for myself, okay?”

“Okay,” you said as you watched him get up. “Bring me back a glass too!”

You watched him walk over to the mens room. Your phone buzzed. He pushed open the door. Your phone buzzed. The door shut behind him. You reached down and pulled out your phone.

Ella: Oh my god

Ella: Y/n

Ella: Where are you right now

Ella: Are you with anybody?

Ella: ?????

Ella: Y/N

Ella: CHECK UR PHONE

You quickly typed up a response, although you were confused as to why she was so worried all of a sudden.

Y/n: I’m at the Sedbe Hyudge with Harry, why?

Ella: *Sent a set of photos*

Ella: Check twitter for more.

You clicked on the photos. The first was a screenshot of an update account, saying that you and Harry were in the park. Then, another tweet from the same account, saying you were at this restaurant. Then, photos of you in the park. And then, photos of you at the restaurant. Under that were screenshots of twitter users.

@Cocopopstyles: I just want Harry to take me on a date like he does with y/n, is that TOO MUCH TO ASK. They’re TOO CUTE.

@Y/nxxxxstyles: ANOTHER WIN FOR THE SHIPPERS THEY’RE AT THE SEDBE HYUDGE DHHHVDHBDCHUDB YES

@HSDaily: Ew lmfao she’s so ugly PLS

@Stylessssmaple: “I ain’t saying she’s a golddigger, but she ain’t messing with no broke....”

@LaylaHoran: I heard that they were talking to the waiter like they’re an actual couple. A few girls overheard it, idk their @’s tho.

@LarryStylinsonobvs replying to @LaylaHoran: Really?? Omg that’s pretty quick tbh. Weren’t they first seen together days ago?

@LaylaHoran replying to @LarryStylisonobvs: Yeah apparently. Idk what’s going on. Is she a PR stunt or not???

@LarryStylinsonobvs replying to @LaylaHoran: Not to be a bluegreener but she could be a beard... we’ve gotten so much content from them in the past 72 hours like.... are u gonna tell me there’s no contract in there at all?????

@Y/nsflowers: Y/n looks so good in the new pap photos pLEASE MARRY ME MA’AM.

@Y/L/Nsummertime: Y/n is over lmfao can she please cut the bullshit. Wbk she’s in it for the money. The job, the PR stunts, the boyfriend...

@TheDailyPoolsideNews: Model y/n and ex-boyband star spotted out in the town! Will this be the next Hollywood snoozefest?

There was more, but Harry was already back at the table, carrying two glasses and setting them down, smiling. All of a sudden, you had this really sick feeling. You couldn’t look him in the eyes. You took your drink as he sat down. Not wanting to say anything in case it ruined the night, you took a sip and put your phone back in your purse.

“Everything alright?”

You looked up. “Yeah.”

Harry stared at you. You stared back jokingly, trying to break the tension. Harry’s phone started ringing. “Oops,” he frowned, “thought I turned this off...”

“You can take it, it’s okay. I checked my phone before. Plus, I need to use the washroom.”

“Okay,” he smiled as you stood up, smiling back. As you were walking away, you heard him talking to whoever was on the other end of the line. “Hey, Nial- what? No, I am, why-”

You pushed into the womens room and locked yourself in a stall. “What the hell is going on?”

You sit there for a few minutes, trying to collect your thoughts and give Harry some time to finish his conversation. Someone had seen the two of you at the park and in the restaurant, so what? Some people liked you, and some people didn’t. Okay, that’s understandable. Some people hated you. That’s fine, you don’t care. But people still think you and Harry are a PR stunt. This is only your second date! And it’s not eve a date! It’s just a... you put your head in your hands, then sit up, not wanting to smudge your mascara. You reach for your phone, only to remember you left it in your purse, which was currently on the floor next to your chair next to Harry. God.

And, to make matters worse, he had gotten a phonecall and from what you had heard when you were walking away, he sounded worried. Perfect! That was probably his management. Or, better yet, one of his friends doing the same thing Ella had done to you. Suddenly, you jumped up and walked back out to the table. He was fiddling around with his napkin. When he saw you, his face lit up. You didn’t buy it.

“Hi, sorry, it was just one of my friends. He wanted to t-”

“Oh, it’s fine,” you said, politely cutting him off.

Harry was taken back by this, but not for long. He wasn’t fazed easily. “Oh, okay. That’s good. Sorry for taking so long. Oh, and I don’t want this anymore, so if you want it, you can fill yours up. Otherwise, I’m just gonna give it to the waiter when he comes back.”

You never drank too much. You knew three glasses would be awful for you. But you took his and filled yours up, because “I don’t want to waste anything. This place is so expensive.”

Soon after, the waiter dropped off your meals. Harry was speaking less, more unsure of himself than before, but you didn’t notice. You made polite small talk, but it wasn’t like your antics from before. Yet when you were leaving, you did not split the bill. Harry still paid.

When you walked outside, it was dark. You hadn’t expected it. You laughed. Harry laughed. “Let’s wait over here for a taxi, yeah?”

You nodded and followed him. You sat on a bench. Harry messaged somebody. You swung your feet a little. Harry took a call. You stayed seated, watching people walk by. Harry came back over and helped you walk to the taxi, arm around your back. You tried to tell him you didn’t need his help, but he didn’t listen.

Harry gave the taxi driver his address. You gave him yours, but he didn’t listen. You spoke up again, but Harry told you not to worry; you could spend the night with him. You nodded.

Harry helped you out of the taxi. You didn’t fight back. You tried to pay for the taxi, but he wouldn’t take your money. You held his hand as you walked through the doors of his apartment building, got in the elevator, got to his apartment. He sat you down on the couch and went off to his room. He came back shortly after.

“I don’t have any pyjamas for you.”

“Why would I need pyjamas?” You laughed a little, and then a lot.

Harry smiled. He went back to his room and came back with a shirt still wrapped in plastic and a bag.

“Here. The bathroom is over there. There’s makeup wipes on the counter.” He helped you up and you walked over.

“Why do you have makeup wipes? Do you wear makeup?”

“Yep!” Said Harry. “Just turn the lock to the left. It’s tricky sometimes, try it a few times if it doesn’t work, yeah?”

“That’s so cool, can you show me your makeup sometime?”

“Yep! Maybe after you get your pyjamas on.”

“Really?”

“Mmhm!”

You shut the door and turned the lock, though you doubted you’d need it. You took off your fancy clothes and put on a pair of brand new too-big black sweatpants and a too-big pink t-shirt. Why did you need pyjamas again? Harry hadn’t answered. He wasn’t sending you home in pyjamas, was he? Uh oh.

You walked out. Harry was in the kitchen. “Do you need anything?”

“A drink.”

“Water?”

“Wine, dummy.” You cracked up at this.

“You’ve already had more than enough. C’mon, let’s go to the living room.” He grinned.

“Whyyyyyy?”

Harry smiled patiently. “C’mon, y/n. We can watch a movie or something.”

“Okay. Wait - can I just have orange juice instead?”

“Of course.” He grabbed a can of juice and then walked into the living room. You followed. There were pillows and blankets on the couch, and Disney+ was set up.

“Ooou, fancy,” you laughed.

Harry crawled under the blankets. You did too. He laughed. So did you. Why were you even upset with him in the first place? You couldn’t remember. Harry grabbed the remote and turned on some show you’ve never heard of before. The Mandalorian, whatever that was. You leaned your head on Harry’s shoulder. It wasn’t even boring - why were you falling asleep?

Harry closed his eyes - he was tired, too, but for different reasons. You listened to his breathing get slower. You held him tightly. You held him back.

“Friends don’t hold friends that way,” you thought to yourself. “But who cares?”

You fell asleep. So did he.

You forgot about the stunt rumours. So did he.

He forgot about how his friend called him in a panic, not wanting this relationship to get ruined for him like the last one, and the one before that, and the one before that. About how he really, really liked you, but couldn’t act on it. He wanted to give you the world. Yes, he fell too quickly, too easily, but who could blame him?

And you forgot about Ella in the same panic. She didn’t want this to get ruined for you, of course, because this was your first shot, your first love (Although not that she’d know - you had to admit you had been a bit distant with her since you met Harry.) She didn’t want you to fall into the hands of the public eye. She wanted to make sure you were safe. She wasn’t sure if you should trust Harry, so of course she should be worried.

But you trusted him.

And he trusted you.

And everything is okay.

Until 3am.

A/N PT 2 - While you’re waiting for part 3 (which is definitely coming btw!) check out my other fics through this masterlist HERE!

114 notes · View notes