#oh And i have orchestra tomorrow. this is going to be fun.

[crossedwithblue]

fuck

[theminecraftbee]

it’s ending a day after it originally began

i don’t want it to end.

it’s going to be so dramatic!

Martyn stares at the closed curtains in front of him. It’s intermission. Outside, the audience is mulling about, talking, theorizing. Here, on the inside, Scott is muttering to a campfire. He looks slightly to the left, like he can’t see the curtains at all.

i think it’s not fair. it’s a bunch of the same people who always win. you had better backstab scott before he wins a second time. it would be boring otherwise.

that would be so sad :( no they should stand together at the end.

god i hate how overdramatic everyone is. just do some killing and get over yourselves.

what if no one killed each other? would that be fucked up or what?

you could just kill yourself. that would be fun.

yeah. listen to us!

Martyn twitches. Scott mutters at the sputtering campfire. Martyn watches the curtains. They’re stained with blood. The stagehands had stopped bothering cleaning them; the curtains are red anyway, so who cares?

Blood dries brown, though.

you should talk to scott. he seems sad.

you should kiss.

make him sadder!

no i don’t like being sad.

what are you doing here then?

we want drama!

they all seem so sad though.

oh, it’s delicious how sad they are!

drama!

yeah, give us something good!

i still want you to kiss. majorwood ftw.

“What is it with you all and kissing?” Martyn says, exasperated.

“What? Martyn?” Scott says, looking up.

“It’s nothing. Go back to cooking salmon.”

you’re so boring.

yeah next time we won’t watch you if you’re like this.

our will be done.

no show without an audience.

now kiss him!

no stop that’s so rude and gross of you

imagine being that guy

yeah imagine having morals

it’s sadder if they kiss.

platonic relationships can be sad too!

Great. Now they’re arguing. Martyn sighs and turns away from the curtains. They’re closed anyway. It’s intermission. None of this actually matters. None of this will change the end of the show. Listen or decide not to listen, the show will go how it goes. The clock ticks down on the players.

He’ll act his heart out. The audience will eat it up. There’s not really another option.

i hate all the conflict. this isn’t fair.

kill him, martyn. betray him. show us a surprise ending. win.

“It would be easier if you decided what you wanted,” Martyn says.

“Okay, I know you aren’t talking to me,” Scott says.

it all ends tomorrow.

i don’t want it to end.

i want it to keep going. the drama’s barely started.

yeah. when will they kill each other again?

next time, there should be less mercy.

next time maybe they’ll just be friends?

hah! who wants that?

“Nah. Talking to. You know. Them.” Martyn gestures at the curtain.

Scott raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Well, it’s hard to hear them if you aren’t Listening.”

good joke

oooh lore lore lore

“…now I’m even more confused.”

“Ehh, don’t worry about it. It won’t matter soon enough anyway.”

“That’s… ominous.”

“Yeah, well.”

Martyn stains at the bloodstained curtains. He hears the orchestra warming up.

no matter what. as long as whatever he does is a good show.

true. put on a spectacle.

everyone loves a good drama.

OUR WILL BE DONE.

“Some things are just ominous I think.”

Scott returns to his campfire. Martyn takes his headband off his head and uses it instead to cover his ears. It doesn’t help a lot, but it helps a little.

Tomorrow, huh?

Well. Better to make it count, then.

[crazylittlejester]

You’ve mentioned stuff before about being a band kid

How do you feel about Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony? Have you ever played it before? Or at least listened to it?

My band director is having us play it and it’s absolutely awful yet incredible at the same time and who’s idea was it to let a high school play this?

Guess we’re going off with a bang for my (and most of the band/orchestra’s) senior year

(Kinda wish I was on a percussion part instead of the second violin part, but violin is my main instrument, so…)

On a different note, marching band’s got a parade tomorrow, so I get to do some percussion this weekend, which is always a win

Thats the perfect description of it and I completely agree. Like it’s a beautiful piece but it’s also rather difficult and the irritating part of pieces like that is how much you HATE playing it until those last few rehearsals when it miraculously sounds good and then you’re like “oh damn we ate”

I hope you have fun tomorrow!!

[rivenantiqnerd]

Fun Facts About Me!

@illarian-rambling thanks so much for the tag <3!

A scent you love: I love the scent of old books! Especially, like really old books, but most books published before 2000 have a pleasant smell. Fun fact: Don’t like the smell of mowed grass, which some people like. I think it’s disgusting.

Something you’re looking forward to this week: Tomorrow, I’m going to a poetry slam, then the park (pizza for lunch!), then going bowling. I hope it will be fun.

Currently reading: I just finished about four books that I was reading, but I’m still reading Magyk by Angie Sage and Just Call My Name (don’t remember the author). Going to start Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson soon.

Currently playing: I don’t play video games, but on the cello I’m currently playing Faure’s Elegie and Vivaldi’s double cello concerto, along with the music for my orchestra.

Most recent movie: Sound of Music! I watched more of it today, almost done. I usually don’t watch movies, but i happened to be rewatching this one.

Current Show: White Collar? It got removed from my streaming service, so I don’t know how I’ll watch it now :(. Oh, Leverage Redemption! I love that show!

Favorite Season: Winter. I like snow and cold. Also like the colder parts of Fall and Spring.

Recently learned: The formula for surface of a hemisphere is 3*pi*r^2, and the formula for volume is (2/3)*pi*r^3. It’s weird to write on a keyboard

Water intake: Idk what this means, but I think I usually drink at least a pint of water each day?

tagging: @the-ellia-west @wiredhouse @sleepyowlwrites @dinosaurprostitution and anyone that wants to do it!

[noodyl-blasstal]

Maff Guy

It's @taznovembercelebration day 22 and we're still on the train, baby! Today's prompt was "fix it" and this happened. I think it's prime for the expanding at some point though?

Read below or on Ao3, catch yesterday's here if you missed it!

-

Maff Tutor Wanted

That definitely wasn’t on the notice board last night when Kravitz was closing. The request was polite though, kindly worded, enough to make Kravitz believe that “Taako” really did want some help. Kravitz snags the poster, he’s not going to reduce his chances by letting anyone else apply. What was another job to add to his collection? Orchestra did not pay as well as people seemed to think - especially in the season break that Gerald insisted they have because when else was he going to visit the second house his family bought him as a treat for graduating. Not that Kravitz was bitter. No no, it’s fine. It’s even more fine that Gerald got all the solos because his parents were very generous with their donations. Totally and completely fine.

Kravitz carefully adds the number to his phone and forgets about it until break time when the poster falls out of his bag as he attempts to wrestle his reading out. His manager had banned him from reading at the register, even when the place was empty.

Kravitz [10:32] Dear Taako, Are you still looking for a maths tutor? My name is Kravitz and I would be willing to work with you on your math ability. Kind regards, Kravitz.

Kravitz is face first in a paragraph about orchestral arrangements which seems to be trying its best to be as incomprehensible as possible when his phone buzzes.

Taako - Maths Tutoring [10:48] That’s what it’s called here? When can you start?

Kravitz reads it again, just in case he’s missing something, but nope. What the fuck do they call it anywhere else? Oh… Unless it’s the math/maths thing?

Kravitz [10:49] Dear Taako, Thank you for getting in touch. I’m free Thursday evenings between 7am and 9pm, Fridays 10am to 3pm, and Sundays any time. Would any of these slots be suitable for you? Kind regards, Kravitz

He’s rereading the paragraph for the four(…teenth?) time when Taako replies again.

Taako - Maths Tutoring [10:58] Taako’ll take all of the above.

All of them? Kravitz does some quick mental maths (to warm up for the tutoring) the wage on the poster times all of those hours is many many of money. So many of money he might be able to jack in the survey job. He loathes having to con people into filling out their personal details on the stupid little tablet computer for a ‘chance to win’. He especially hates that they’ve started using GPS to make sure he’s ‘on the move’ i.e. not holed up in the toilets making up answers for a variety of fake people he’s busy inventing… in his defence, it was very rainy. Taako might be a murderer, but there’s not really a way to ask that that won’t lose him the job. Taako’s also probably not going to reply with yes I super duper am, swing by at 7 and give him a heads up on said murdering. He’ll give it a go, then decide whether to quit the Pulse of Neverwinter role or not.

Kravitz [10:59] Dear Taako, Okay, shall we meet at the library? We can start tomorrow. Kind regards, Kravitz.

He rehouses everything in his bag and makes it back to the counter before Jenkins can yell at him for going over his allotted break time. When he’s allowed his 15 minutes for lunch (Jenkins’ break schedule is bordering on sadistic) there’s one final text waiting for him.

Taako - Maths Tutoring [11:02] CU there.

Kravitz stands nervously in front of the library. He’s swiftly realising that describing himself or setting a meeting point other than ‘the massive fuck off library’ may have been helpful.

“KravitzSaysWhat” Says a voice from behind him.

“Wuah!” Kravitz jumps and spins to look at the speaker.

“Well that’s no fun, you’re supposed to say what.” The man, the very handsome man, stood behind Kravitz pouts adorably.

“What?”

“Better late than never.” The man smiles wide and wild. He has a gap between his front teeth and what looks like days old eyeliner under his eyes. Kravitz thinks he might be the most most handsome man he’s ever seen. “The handle’s Taako, I believe you’re maff guy?”

“I… uh.” Kravitz says intelligently, tutor-ily, super responsible trust me with your education-ily. In his defence, he didn’t expect to have to use his being-normal-around-hot-guys brain alongside his thinking-brain today. “Oi oi, pleased to meet you.”

Oh good.

Fucking perfect.

He’s cockney now apparently. He truly thought he was past the anxious accent. Shit.

“Ooooh, a man with an accent, Taako loves it. So, shall we get down to it?” Taako gives him a slow once over and Kravitz wonders if they’re still talking about the tutoring. Honestly, Taako could teach him anything any time, he’d listen. Maybe they could take turns?

“Sounds good to me.” He remembers the accent, thank the lady. “I booked a study room.”

Taako tilts his head and frowns at Kravitz. “You’re not a murderer right? If you are and you don’t tell me it’s entrapment.”

“No.” Says Kravitz. “But that’s probably what a murderer would say… Are you one? I wanted to ask, but just picked a public place as I thought you’d probably lie if you were.”

“Cool.” Taako shrugs and doesn’t say anything about his murderous intent or lack thereof. “My sister made me ask.”

“Do you need to tell her you checked?”

Taako scoffs. “Already did, handsome.”

He’s walking away before Kravitz can decide whether he’s more interested in the fact Taako definitely didn’t text his sister during their conversation or being called handsome by him. Apart from he can, and it’s the latter, even though it probably shouldn’t be. Kravitz sets his shoulders back, stands tall, and follows behind. Handsome! Taako thinks he’s handsome.

–

“Okay, so I’m gonna level with you. Cha’boy gave up learning maff like mmmm, 50 years ago, it kept being different and I was just passing through, but now cha’boy’s staying put there’s no escaping it. Trust me, I’ve tried.”

Kravitz is baffled. Those are definitely all words he knows, but they sure aren’t in an order he can comprehend.

“So now that you’ve decided to stay here…” Kravitz pauses, hoping Taako may decide to fill in a blank for him here.

“You forgot about your accent.”

“I mean…” Kravitz tries in his very Cockney twang.

“Nope!” Taako cuts him off. “Too late. You can tell me all about why you decided to do that later, but right now, Taako needs to know how to add shit because he keeps fucking up in shops and apparently my sister and brother in law decided to fall in love with a place that has taxes.” Taako glares at the concept of taxes which is apparently currently inhabiting the corner of the room.

“Okay. Where would you like to start?”

“Just gimme everything. You don’t need to know baby speed, I know gangals.”

“I’m sorry, you know what now?”

“Nevermind, let’s build it from the ground up. I bet you’d construct some lovely foundations.” Taako’s eyes linger on Kravitz’s mouth.

Kravitz has no idea what the double entendre is entendre-ing at, but he’s a big fan of whatever is happening right now.

“Are you familiar with the Arabic numerals, like 1-10?” Kravitz asks. There’s something he’d like to be familiar with, but it’s not number based.

“I can think of something I’d like to be familiar with.” Taako has no shame, he doesn’t even look vaguely embarrassed.

Kravitz ploughs on valiantly… he can think of something else he’d like to plough. Oh shit. No. This was bad teaching. Could you get fired for impure thoughts? “Maybe if you write here the numbering system you’re used to we can work from there?”

“Whatever you say, kemosabe.” Taako takes the pen from his hand and begins scribbling. A few minutes later the page is full of incomprehensible squiggles and a number 5.

Kravitz points to it happily. “I know that one.”

“Everywhere does, it’s the one thing that never changes. Taako doesn’t count on much, but he can always count on five.” Taako laughs then, like he’s just told a great joke, like he’s the funniest man alive.

Kravitz laughs too. Taako can be whatever he wants to be.

An hour and a half later and Taako’s got the hang of the numbers. He knew most of them, it was just the order that was tripping him up. Kravitz is almost disappointed when he realises they’re at a natural stopping point.

“So, you said all of Sunday was free… Wanna come see my ship? Taako’ll cook you dinner as a thank you for the numbers.”

Kravitz should say that it’s fine, he should say he doesn’t go to clients’ houses, he should say that Taako doesn’t need to pay him back for anything because he’s literally paying him.

“You live on a house boat?”

Taako cocks his head and looks at Kravitz for a moment, then smiles. “That sure is a thing you can call it.”

-

Hope you enjoyed! Wanna read more? You can find the next prompt here.

[twoset-updates]

[100623 hong kong vip meet and greet audio recording + transcription]

link to recording: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV19h4y1G7zp/

transcription of Q&A section below:

notes:

transcription/translation has been done to the best of ability; some parts were unclear due to noise, slurred speech, etc. 

note that as there is no video, there may be missing context from facial expressions or gestures.

any participants’ names mentioned are not written here as we do not know how their names are spelt.

those asking questions are referred to as Q[number].

approximate time stamps have been provided at intervals.

minimally edited for clarity. (they say “um” way too often.)

00:19

Staff: So we’ll first start off with a Q&A session, and afterwards it’ll be a signing, of course, there’s... so I’ll give the floor to Brett and Eddy. Thanks.

Brett: Thank you, thank you. [away from the mic] Can you guys hear me? [into the mic] Do I need this? This is better?

Eddy: Hi. Oooh.

B: Okay, we can use the mic.

E: I wanna see if there’s autotune. [sings offkey]

B: That’s a A?

E: [sings note] That’s an A. [sings again] Anyone with perfect pitch? No? No? Okay. Oh, in the front, nice. [sings again] That’s an A, right?

B: That’s an A?

E: Just checking, nice, nice.

B: [sings note]

E: Sounded a little bit sharp.

B: [sings the same note in a lower octave]

E: That’s sharp.

B: That’s not an A. [sings again in a higher octave]

E: That’s an A, but it’s sharp.

B: A-sharp.

E: No, it’s not A-sharp.

B: Okay, I’ll stop embarrassing ourselves.

01:14

B: Well, everyone, thanks so much for coming. This, we’ve actually been in Hong Kong for a few days now, right?

E: Yeah.

B: Um, it’s been like, five days? Six days? Can’t remember. It’s been a– This whole week has been a blur, because we’ve been preparing for our very first concert—tomorrow—of the tour. And it’s actually a special one ‘cause it’s with the HKFO orchestra, right? And so there’s a lot of moving parts, and this week, I don’t know, Eddy, what has been your favourite part of food in Hong Kong, so far?

E: I don’t know, I think Hong Kong just has some of the best, you guys have some of the best food in the world.

B: I have to agree, like—

E: And it’s not just like, Hong Kong food, it’s like, all different cuisines. Like yesterday we had a buffet, and it was just like...

B: Everything was there.

E: All the different styles, I’m like...

B: We even had pizza. And it was pretty good.

E: Yeah, and we even had like chicken rice, and like, [quietly] to be honest, I think it was better than Singapore, but... [normal volume] Can I say that? [laughs] Yeah, so I think the food here’s been great. The weather’s nice, actually. I know people think it’s really hot, but, y’know, Australia and Singapore also get pretty hot, as well, so... We’re used to it, I think. Yeah. 

02:33

E: Um, so yeah, it’s been really crazy, and we’re really– we really want to– I can’t wait to show you guys the show, but we– we think we should keep most of it a secret. I am just curious though: okay, raise of hands, who here plays an instrument? [pause] Nice. Okay. Can I– I’m curious, who– Keep your hands up if you have done, like, a music exam before, like ABRSM. [pause] Nice.

Brett: [laughs]

E: I think you guys will enjoy tomorrow’s show, then, ‘cause it’s– we wanted to– it was inspired off, like, we want to make it kind of relatable to what it’s like being a music student growing up, but... Yeah, I don’t know if there’s anything you want to say before we go to Q&A.

B: [mic malfunctioning] Does anyone– [inaudible] Hello? Hello? [mic works again] Hello? I think I can– [quietly] I think I accidentally turned it off. [normal volume] Anyway.

03:33

B: Did anyone go to our last show?

Fans: No.

E: Oh, wow.

B: Well, no one– no one came back. [fans laugh] Well, this might be your first and last one, too! [laughs]

E: Oh, no.

B: No... Okay, no, it’ll be fun. We can’t say too much, but Eddy kind of hinted at what it might be like, so I think I’m super excited. It’s also like, when it’s the first show, it’s– we never really know what’s gonna happen, too. So it’s kinda just, we’re gonna get thrown into the stage, just see just (a) pit of people, and we’re gonna just go from there, see what happens.

E: Yeah. Um, I mean... Yeah, ‘cause it’s like, we try to come up with a script, and a storyline, right? And we put in, like, jokes that we think, or we hope, are gonna be funny. But again, like you guys will be the first ones to hear this. So I’m really hoping there’s not gonna be like, dead silence, just like, no one laughs at your joke—ugh, just die on the inside, right? Nah, I think it’ll be fine.

04:38

E: Should we open up for some Q&A?

B: Yeah.

E: I’d love to chat with anyone that has some questions. Okay, lady there in white first?

Q1: Actually I have two questions. Number one is, your YouTube channel has been established since 2014, and that time you came in that your dream is to bring classical music to more people, and continue to inspire the next generation. Now, I think your dream is come true, right? So, then, what’s your next career path? What will you do, say, after twenty years? Still the YouTuber? Or do a few, some music school to educate the young– [inaudible, fans cheering] Ling Ling School.

B: I don’t know, I think Eddy wants to become a TikToker next. [laughs] Just kidding.

E: I’m too old for that, man. [laughs]

B: That’s a really good question. I don’t know how to answer that. I think...

E: I think if anything, you should show them your, uh, Arigatou dance, that you’ve been practicing.

[fans cheer]

B: [laughs] Let’s not preempt anything for tomorrow.

E: [laughs]

Fan: We can sing it for you!

B: [laughing] Oh, no no no.

Q1: [inaudible] Professor in Hong Kong.

06:06

B: Oh, professor in Hong Kong. Okay, look, I think for– [sighs] it’s tricky, because if you asked us ten years ago, what we would do, and say, ‘Look, we’re gonna make YouTube videos, or do these skits online, or tour over the world,’ we wouldn’t have believed anyone, right? We wouldn’t know. And one thing is for sure, is we never really know what would happen in ten years. We can only kind of guess where we’re going, kind of like, which direction we’re going. 

And we’re r– Actually we’ve– First of all, we’re really fortunate to have people watch our content, and then doubly fortunate to have people also inspired to pick up an instrument. Like we’ve seen that countless of times, wherever we go. I don’t know how it happened; I think, maybe we’re just someone there that... I mean, when we were growing up, we were basically watching violinists like Oistrakh online—like, black and white. That’s all we had on YouTube. And I remember my lap—like my violin’d be on my lap, I was watching, (and I’d) like play (the violin), trying to copy the violinist. But there wasn’t actually any YouTubers, like, in those times.

07:10

But in the future, I think educators is also definitely something we wanna do. Definitely always trying to—what’d that say?—make the pie bigger, or something. Like, so more and more people can come into classical music. And I think, I feel like, it’s not just us, it involves a lot of– more people as well. So, more– I mean, the last three years, there’s been a lot more classical music content creators. Which is a good thing. We’re bringing into more awareness that classical music is something that is just generally good for us, yeah—all the practice we do. And it has– I think it has good value, since practicing, you know, hard work, discipline—these are the things that we learn being a classical musician. Um, yeah, hope that answered your question. Um, [laughs] I just–

07:52

Q1: And the second question is, so, will you have the pressure from like, negative comment? Especially when you have, sometimes, [unclear]. How do you handle the haters and release your tension?

B: Wait, I just heard, what did I– is it back pain? Or–

Fans: [laugh]

B: Oh, Blackpink! I heard back pain!

E: Yeah, my back’s a bit sore, like– [inaudible, fans laughing]

B: I legit heard back pain.

E: [laughs]

Q1: So, how do you handle the haters, and like, let it out?

E: [groans] I mean, do you wanna answer that one?

B: I mean, I get back pain.

Fans: [laugh]

E: Like I think... Let me quickly ask Paganini. Because it wasn’t us, so it’s Paganini that had all the haters. So now, I’ll quickly call Paganini. 

Yo man, Paganini, how’d you handle the haters? [pretending to be Paganini] I just flex on them with my Paganini 24 Caprices! [inaudible, fans cheering]

08:56

Um, I don’t know, I think... I remember very clearly that day that we posted the video. And the first one or two hours were just, like y’know, Twoset subscribers, fans, watching it. They were like, “Oh, this is so clever, this is funny,” right? And then I remember at the time, we posted around our, like, midnight. So I was like, “This is kinda too calm. It’s like the calm before the storm.” I was like, “I’ll try to go to sleep,” but I couldn’t sleep that night, I was just like, “I feel like something’s gonna go off.” But eventually, y’know, after lying in bed for one or two hours, I fell asleep. Then I remember [laughing] when we woke up—

B: [laughs]

E:—it’s like, all my phone notifications (going), “DING DING DING DING DING DING DING!” I was like, “Oh my god.” And then so I remember reading through (the notifications/comments). And, to be honest, it’s like we kind of– I mean, we know how the internet works, and we expected the possibility that this would happen. So when it did happen it was like, “Okay, fair enough.”

10:00

I think, the– I did think one thing that caught me off guard at the time was, I was shocked at how much they went not just at us. ‘Cause I knew they were gonna come for us and say things about [inaudible]. But I was shocked that they came for everyone we knew. So I remember at the time, we met, like, James Ehnes—that soloist—the week before. And they were like, threatening him. They were sending– and he– I remember he, like, messaged us, and he’s like, “Who’s Blackpink?” ‘Cause he had no idea, and we were like, “[groans] Okay.” So we had to explain all that. And I remember the time they were trying to cancel our Mendelssohn with the Singapore Symphony, and so that was a little bit, like, shocking.

10:47

Um, but I think, I don’t know ‘bout you, but for me, it’s like... it was like– Okay, so first of all, when all the hate started coming in, I remember thinking, first of all, a lot of it was, like, kind of not very... intelligent comments, right? It was just like, vomit emojis, and poo emojis. I’m like, “Okay, I haven’t really read anything that’s legitimate,” you know, so I’m like, “Okay, that’s okay.” But then, I remember, like, it was really interesting to see, during that time, my– our close friends really stood up for us. So I think that was really... thankful. I mean, ‘cause you still feel it, right? You know it’s gonna happen, you know it doesn’t make sense, but you still kinda feel like, “Whoa, what is–” There are these people telling us to, like, literally do all these bad things and stuff, right? So I think it was cool, just how, like, our friends supported us, and be like, “Oh, just don’t listen to them.”

11:46

And then, obviously, I remember there was, like, after six hours, then a bunch of positive– you know, a lot of Twosetters came to support and defend us again. And that really helped, seeing people, like, stand up for us. I think it was really funny too, like then– it became like a fan war, as well. Like, BTS ARMY people were standing up for us, and I was like– I don’t know, it became like a battle between them, and I was like, “I have no idea what’s going on, this, like, K-Pop thing,” but um, yeah.

12:17

I think, going back to your question, how do we handle the hate? I guess... yeah, like, it just helped having friends and knowing that– and having, like, fans support us. I think that was the most important thing. I think if everyone was telling us what we did was bad, then I’d probably actually have a existential crisis. But you know, we had friends that was like, “No, I think what you did was fine, don’t worry about fans”—like you guys, you know—“it’s okay.” And then, also just knowing– ‘Cause I think also knowing, deep down, I think what we did was, like, it wasn’t... wrong. Like, I think– I mean, come on, standing up with– The whole theme of the song is like, you have to, at a certain point, stand up for your own values, right? And so, deep down, I– we believed in what we were saying. And when we looked at the comments, no one made us change our mind, because every comment was just like, poo emoji, so I’m like, “Okay, I think we’re still in the right,” y’know, so... yeah. That’s my perspective, I don’t know about you.

13:25

B: Uh, I think I forgot everything, it’s just [inaudible, fans laughing]. No, okay. It’s the same, I– Look, “haters always gonna hate”, we all know that line. And that was definitely, like, the most we’ve ever gotten. And Eddy was right. I remember watching the video, also kind of lying in bed. I was thinking, “I should probably go to sleep, this video... took a while to work it out.” And nothing happened, I was like, “Oh wow! Eddy, I don’t think we went hard enough.” No, I’m just joking. I’m like– And we did have a lot of iterations of the...

E: The lyrics.

B: The lyrics. So the one that we put out was actually quite mellow, [laughs] [unclear] what we had. But we did think that our original one was too far, so we’re like, “Okay, no, let’s just turn it back.” But like, it’s just another... you know.

E: It wasn’t us, it was Paganini, by the way.

B: Yeah, yeah. Oh yeah, it’s, uh, Paganini, yeah, yeah. And then Mozart kinda just pranked Paganini the whole time, too, so.

14:29

[staff speaking inaudibly]

Yes. Oh, okay, okay, okay, sorry. We gotta get on to the next question. So sorry, let’s get on to the next question. [Brett and Eddy talking at the same time, Brett laughs.]

E: Do you want to choose? [Brett speaks inaudibly] Um... I don’t know, you choose. I picked the one before.

B: White mask.

E: White mask? 

[some people speaking, trying to identify which person]

E: Okay, yeah.

Q2: Hello, Brett and Eddy.

B: Hello.

Q2: I’m [name], and I have been a fan since the Ben Lee video, in 2019, and–

E: Since which–?

Q2: The Ben Lee video.

B: Oh, Ben Lee video– [inaudible, fans laughing]

E: Sacrilegious.

Q2: And it’s really a dream come true, to get to meet you in person. And so I would like to ask, out of the many videos that you have made, except for those million (subscriber) drops, do you have any particular videos that you like the most, or you feel (are) very memorable?

E: Mm. Um, sorry, can I just check, uh–

[commotion, sounds like some kind of accident happened]

Someone: You okay?

Q2: Yeah, I’m okay.

15:43

E: Okay. Um, “out of all the videos which ones we feel are memorable”, is that the question, right? [pause] Okay, this is recent, like, just ‘cause it’s fresh off my mind, but actually the video we posted yesterday. I don’t know if you guys saw, it was really fun. But we got invited to a univer– our old university, to be adjudicators. That was really... it felt really special to us, because it was where we studied, and we both did the competition before. And, uh, I didn’t win it, so.

Fans: [laugh]

E: But now I’m the adjudicator, so I was like, y’know. But I think that was really fun. There’s so many that I really like. Have you guys seen the video with, um, where we spoke Chinese, and the two spoke Korean, Hyung and Angie? That was really funny. And like, “ddongssa”, and we thought that was rosin? I really like that one. I don’t know, Brett, do you have any that stick out for you?

16:49

B: Uh, for me– Okay, that adjudication video we did, posted a couple of days ago, was special. One that stuck out straight away was the Among Us video we did for the Mendelssohn octet. I don’t know if you guys seen that one. That was really fun, especially playing with other people, and trying to figure it out, all that stuff. So that was definitely special. And... what else is there...

E: We did a video with HKFO actually, this week. And that was a really fun one, so–

B: Oh, that was it, that was good.

E: I’m pretty excited for that as well. Yeah, so many (videos), I don’t know. It’s like, it’s been ten years of making videos, almost. I think this is our tenth year, right?

B: Yep, [inaudible]

E: Yeah, so um... yeah.

B: The back pain is real now.

E: Yeah, the back pain [inaudible]. Yeah. Any other questions? Uh, yes?

17:47

Q3: Actually, it’s you guys who inspired (me) to study music next year. And I have grant to study abroad, to UK, [inaudible]

E: Oh, nice. Exciting.

B: Oh, congratulations.

Q3: Thank you.

[fans clapping]

Q3: And I want to ask, what’s suggestion would you guys give to someone who’s going to study music?

E: Uh, can I ask what instrument you play?

Q3: Trombone and piano.

E: Trombone and piano... I don’t have– I don’t know trombone advice.

B: I’ve never heard of that combo before, trombone and piano. Do you– Do you have a– Do you have one that you like more?

Q3: I think trombone.

B: Ohhh......

Q3: ‘Cause, like, the ratio of female and male trombonist is, like, one to nine. So I–

E: One to nine?! Wow.

Q3: I’ve only met around, like, five female trombonist in Hong Kong. But, yeah, but imagine it’s like, 100 people who play that.

E: That’s true, I’m trying to think about all the orchestras we played in. How many female trombonists have we seen?

B: None.

[fans laugh]

E: Queensland Symphony was all guys. Sydney Symphony?

B: None. They’re all–

[fans laugh harder]

E: Wow.

B: They’re all, they’re all usually on french horn.

E: Yes, usually.

B: Female players usually play on french horn.

E: Or trumpet, [inaudible]

B: Or trumpet, yeah, trumpet and french horn. Trombone, wow, you’re a first, I guess.

19:17

E: Actually, can I ask? How do trombone players view tuba players?

Q3: Can you repeat that?

E: How do trombone players view tuba players? Is it kinda like violin and viola?

Q3: Yeah, it’s like violin but it’s– there will be a few notes in one position, and you need to memorise them.

E: Okay.

Q3: Yeah.

E: Interesting. Yeah, I don’t know. What advice would you give, going to study in the UK?

B: You gotta book out all the practice rooms in advance. I know a lot about students’ struggle with that overseas, like UK, or the US.

E: Oh, what school? Have you– do you know that?

Q3: Um, that is [name] School. It’s a girls’ college–

E: Oh wow.

Q3: –and I got the scholarship

E: Oh wow. ‘Gratulations.

B: Lowkey flexing. [laughs]

20:02

E: Um, I think... hmm... I don’t know, I don’t know how to give, like, advice very well, ‘cause I feel like advice is always best when it’s like specific to your situation, that’s why–

Q3: So like, what would you suggest to adapt to this new environment?

E: Oh, okay. Adapting to new– you mean, in a different country, or in like a music school?

Q3: Music school, yeah. And I think it works in different countries, as well.

E: Mm... I think, um... My mind’s blanking, [unclear]

B: There’s like, numbers coming out of his head. [high pitched calculation noise] [laughs]

20:50

Okay, I’ll say something. I think when you go– are you going by yourself?

Q3: Yes.

B: Okay, I think, first, definitely meet– you’ll meet a lot of people, right? And always try to get with the community there, the people around you. Because I think when we’re studying, the one thing that’s important is about the people you spent the time with, right? So all the musicians are there, they’ll make you practice, they’ll keep you kind of in check. It’s definitely important to kind of mingle with them, and– I assume you’re, might have to try and get used to the lifestyle there? I mean, I don’t know what the lifestyle is like, but I know that brass players also drink a lot. [laughs]

Q3: Stereotype!

B: [laughs] Sorry. And you’re doing two instruments as well, so definitely... This is like a Sophie question, ‘cause she plays violin and piano, quite well.

E: Yeah.

Q3: I played violin before but the teacher was–

B: Whoa.

Q3: –so weird, that playing the [unclear], like, throw the [unclear] or something, if I play wrong notes, yes.

B: Was your teacher a Blackpink fan? [fans laugh] Just kidding, just kidding.

21:54

Okay, like, look, yeah, I– look, you have to just go with the flow. I know definitely it’s going to be chaotic at the beginning, but just know, after a few months’ time you’ll start settling in. I know when I first moved to Sydney—this wasn’t studying, but when I went to play with the Sydney Symphony—it was very chaotic. Just– I checked my schedule, like, everyday, just trying to make sure I’m on time. But after a while you get used to the flow, and then I think your normal practice routine will be back. So just– if you– it might be stressful at the beginning, so it should be alright, eventually.

E: Yeah, I think it’s just really exciting.

Q3: Yeah.

E: Sounds like a really big step in your life, and just, I think, make the most out of it. I don’t– You seem like you know what you want. You seem... I actually don’t think there’s much advice, other than just to enjoy it as much as you can. You will look back when you’re our age, thirty, like us, going back to uni and be like, “Those were good days.” So yeah, have fun!

Q3: Thank you.

22:57

[inaudible speaking]

E: We’ll go for a few more questions? I think we’ll go for a few more questions, yeah. Thanks. Uhh, Brett, choose.

B: I don’t– uhh, one in blonde.

Q4: I’m so nervous, I typed the question down on my phone, so I will [inaudible]. Since you guys started running your YouTube channel as a hobby, and it turned into a second profession other than being a violinist, I want to know how do you keep the passion alive to work in this situation? Because I’m also turning my hobby as a kid, drawing, to my future career. I’m going to attend art school this year, and I got into my dream school this year! Hooray! Uh, and, so I just wanna know– uh, so I’m already starting to see drawing as a work that has to be done, and I lost the motivation to draw as passionately as before. So, how do you balance– how do you balance it? And how do you [inaudible]. Thank you!

24:01

E: That’s a great question. Brett? [fans laugh] You guys are asking some really difficult questions, actually. That’s a very deep, philosophical... I think we need Wise Yang Sensei, with the life advice.

“How do you keep motivated when your hobby becomes your work,” is your question, right? Um... I think, for... Okay, I think for us, it’s about remembering why, and not losing sight of that. So it’s like, why do you love doing what you do?

24:52

And because it’s... it’s tricky, right? Because we always have to balance things with, kind of, reality, you know? I can’t– Sometimes, once it becomes your work, you have to meet deadlines, you have to work with clients, and sometimes clients might want this or that. And, you know, it’s part of what it’s like to make it your work. But I think if it feels like you’re losing motivation, maybe it’s time to kind of– rather than facing outwards, kind of go back inwards, and reconnect with the reasons why you love doing this—like a “why do you think it’s a good thing”.

25:38

That’s been it for me. I think, like, for example—I said this all the time—like, with YouTube as well, it’s like, it’s easy to fall into that frame of, like, “Oh, as a content creator we’re just chasing views, and then making content.” And there’s definitely been times where we felt the pressure to just make a video to keep making videos, or to make sure we get views, ‘cause if we stop making videos then it’s the internet and people forget about us in two days, you know, things like that, right? 

But then, at the end of the day, it’s like... You know, we did take some time off, and that was scary at the beginning. And then we realised, “Oh, it’s okay, people are still here.” And over time, you kind of decide, “Well, okay, these are the type of videos that we do want to do, because we know we’ll genuinely have fun. And then some video ideas, we know, probably will get a lot of views, but it’s just not something we want to do.” And then so, we’re like, “Okay, y’know, might be a good video but we won’t do it.”

26:46

So, I guess it’s to strike that balance between the job, or what you have to do, and fulfilling what you want inside. And if you don’t feel good, always just to– it means the balance might be a bit too much that way, (so) just kind of (pull) back a little bit. I don’t know if that answers your question.

Q4: Yes, [inaudible].

E: Alright, thank you.

Q4: Thank you!

E: Do you have anything to add?

B: No, I think you answered the question.

[all laugh]

27:12

E: Sweet. Any more questions? Uhh, I saw you raise your hand? Yeah, in black.

Q5: Thank you, Brett and Eddy. What is the most significant critiques you received from your comments, and how do you take that and make improvements? Maybe each one of you?

E: Ooh.

Q5: Thanks.

B: Full of vomit emojis.

Q5: So Brett, you cannot say, “Eddy, you answer the question,” okay?

[all laugh]

E: That was a critique right there.

B: [laughs] Critique. Most significant critic– criticism.

E: I think the most significant critique on comments is, “Eddy, stop doing paper in scissors-paper-rock.” But I never learn from that—I keep doing it anyway. I don’t know, I feel like... I can’t actually think of any off the top of my head. Most comments I can think of have always been so positive. Um... Can you think of any?

B: I honestly can’t. I think– in terms (of) criticism, most significant criticism...

E: Gonna pull out the comments to our latest video.

B: Yeah... I–

E: [laughs]

28:31

B: I mean, when you say criticisms, without the “comment”, I start thinking about me being in my violin lessons—my teacher saying this and that. But in terms of online, it usually feels like... It’s actually just a lot of positive comments usually, honestly. I know a lot of people—you know, we have like, 100 positive comments, one bad comment—people are gonna zone in on that. But we’ve kinda gotten used to that? And we just been treating comments as a feedback, for us to see what people like, what they enjoy. And in fact, I’ve really enjoyed some of the comments people make. Like, they make really clever comments, or– things like that gives me a laugh. And that just keeps us going, doing our own thing. Um, and– I don’t know if there’s a specific one, but I also enjoy reading a lot of– ‘s not really criticism, but when people have a story to tell in their comments. Like what they went through, what they’re doing, how they got here, what things have been happening, you know—these things kind of help us– well, they inspire us to keep, kind of, doing what we do, so. I don’t know if I really answered that question, but yeah.

E: Yeah. Yeah, I can’t think of any negative comments of the top of my head as well, but I was just quickly scrolling through, just then. And there’s so many funny– you guys come up with the funniest comments. Someone was like, “If you can adjudicate slowly, you can adjudicate quickly,” ‘cause we took so long adjudicating that day. But yeah, I think that’s... yeah.

30:04

B: Are there any more questions? Uh, the pink.

Q6: Hello, Brett and Eddy, I specially flew here from Chengdu to see you, so I wanted to hear the both of you speak Chinese (Standard Mandarin)—

B: [groans]

Q6: I wanted to ask if you have any plans to tour Mainland China this year, and do you have anything you'd like to say to fans in Mainland China? Finally, I'd like to welcome you to Chengdu to look at pandas and eat hotpot.

E: Oooh, hotpot.

[B and E discuss inaudibly]

B: I only heard "eat hotpot".

Q6: Are there any cities you want to go to; any tour plans?

Someone: Any plans for tour in China?

Someone else: In Mainland China!

B: Oh, right!

E: Brett, I thought you were practicing your Chinese, why don't you understand?

Someone: And do you have any preference, for the cities?

31:08

B: Ohhh, okay okay. Do I have to answer in Chinese?

E: Yes, she said she wants to hear us speak Chinese.

B: Uhhh, I like to eat hotpot. I would like– I would also like to go to Ch– Chen...

Q6: Chengdu.

B: Chengdu.

E: Also, I want to—what was that city we went to last time—Guangzhou. We want to go to Guangzhou.

B: Oh, right. I forgot.

E: Yeah. We’re not sure, we were thinking we could do it next year, maybe, but the plans haven't been, like...

Someone(?): Confirmed.

E: Confirmed, yeah, we haven't confirmed them. We just have some ideas. Also, maybe Shanghai? I think Shanghai—

[fans cheer]

31:59

E: Oh wow, okay. Yeah. Because the both of us have been to Shanghai; Brett went with the Sydney Symphony.

B: No, it was to Beijing.

E: Oh, you didn't go to Shanghai?

B: We went to Beijing.

E: Oh, so it was Beijing.

B: Right. [fans laugh] Yeah.

E: Oh. Wait, so have you been to Shanghai?

B: Nope. [fans laugh] I want to go though.

E: I've been before, I joined a tour group with a friend. And I remember, was it Pudong, Puxi, or something? You know there's that river—

Fans: Huangpu River. [T/N: Pudong and Puxi are districts to the east and west of the Huangpu River respectively.]

E: Huangpu River. And so many people were taking wedding photos there! Everyone was—I remember there were weddings everyday. Yeah, there were like five people getting married, I'm like, holy moly. Yeah. So maybe Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou; we really want to go, yeah.

Q6: Is there anything you want to say to the fans (in Mainland China)?

E: Thank you for all your support, and we'll continue to practice 40 hours every day. Yeah, cool.

33:15

Like, it’s 5:10, maybe two, three more questions?

B: Okay.

E: Maybe it’ll go to 5:30 [inaudible]. Yeah, uh, few more questions, yeah.

B: Uh... okay.

Q7: Okay, I come from Guangdong, and I will [inaudible].

E: Oh, nice.

Q7: Yeah, and I will ask the third question from my friend, I’m a [inaudible]. She asked, is tomorrow allowed to take any pictures during the performance?

B: If you’re allowed to take pictures?

E: Taking photos during the performance...

B: I think so...?

Staff: Not during the performance.

B: Oh, okay. Yeah, not during the performance, but...

Staff: Afterwards.

B: But afterwards.

Q7: But afterwards. Okay, [inaudible], thank you.

34:06

B: Okay. Do you have another question? Uh... in the white [inaudible]. Yeah, third row, yeah, yeah.

Staff: Sorry, which one?

B: [unclear]

Q8: Uh, hi.

B: Hi.

Q8: I am [name].

E: Hello.

Q8: A casual question: so I am really into MBTI.

B: Oh!

Q8: So, I really want to–

E: Oh, I love MBTI too!

Q8: Yeah, yeah, I love– I really want to ask you guys, what is your latest MBTI test results?

E: Can you guess? What– Do you know what we are, in the past?

Q8: I? Uh, no, I think Eddy is E.

E: I’m E? Think I’m a E? Guess what we are!

B: Oh, if you know, don’t tell her! Just let her guess!

E: We’ve talked about it online before, so if you know, don’t tell her.

B: Don’t tell her, keep your mouth closed, keep quiet!

Q8: Yeah, but like, because MBTI changes, it always changes.

E: Oh, okay.

Q8: Yeah, so some– for some people it always changes, so I would really want to know that– did your MBTI change, of any sort?

35:04

B: Oh, I guarantee Eddy hasn’t changed. [fans laugh] It’s very potent. Okay, guess– do you want to guess Eddy’s first?

Q8: Uh, I?

B: Yep.

Q8: S?

E: Maybe? Just keep going– [unclear] it’s okay!

Q8: IS... F... Is it F? No, it’s T– No, I think it’s T. [laughs] Uh... IST... P?

E: ISTP? That’s not–

B: Pretty close!

E: That’s the yellow dude, right? ‘Cause I [unclear] their colours. Is it yellow, or is it blue?

Someone: Yeah, yellow.

E: Yellow, he’s yellow.

B: Yellow, okay.

E: ISTP... He’s the guy with the toolbox, I think... With the tools, the drill!

B: Yeah, the drill.

E: Yeah! Close, close—I’m actually a INTP.

Q8: Ahh, okay.

E: So I’m the purple scientist, who just like– yeah, just stays in my room and practice all day.

Q8: That’s good, that’s good.

36:12

E: Yeah. How about Brett? Can you guess Brett?

Q8: I... N...

B: [laughs] She’s on the spot.

Q8: Yeah, you put me on the spot!

B: IN...

Q8: FP?

B: Wow, you’re very close on both.

E: Close, close.

B: I’m actually ENFP.

Fans: Whoa......

B: Whoa, why is it like “whoa”?

E: You know what’s a really funny story about this, actually? Even Brett didn’t know he was extroverted, in the beginning. So when he first found out he was ENFP he’s like, “What?! I’m not extroverted!” And then our friend was like, “An introverted wouldn’t yell so loud.”

B: [laughs] I remember that.

E: Yeah, he was like, “What?! I’m not extroverted!”

B: Yeah, [unclear] “The introvert would not do that.”

E: Yeah.

B: And I think I was telling everyone I was...

E: You thought you were INFP, initially thought, too.

B: Yes, yeah. And I was telling everyone, I was like, “No, I’m introverted, I’m introverted!” And [unclear] was like, “...dude.”

E: [laughs]

B: “An introvert would not do that.”

E: Yeah. So you’re very close, actually, yeah.

Q8: That’s good, thank you–

37:20

B: What are– what are yours?

Q8: Oh, mine is–

E: Oh, I wanna guess!

Q8: Yeah, sure, guess!

B: [inaudible] gonna guess?

Q8: Yeah, I’m going to turn you back right on the spot!

E: Um... I think you are...

B: [quietly] How are you gonna guess?!

E: INFP.

Q8: No.

E: Aw, damn.

B: My turn, my turn. So I have one-in-fifteen chance.

E: Yeah.

Q8: Sixteen.

B: Sixteen?

Q8: Oh, no, sorry, fifteen, yeah, sorry.

B: No, one-in-fifteen, right? [to Eddy] You said INFP, right? No no–

E: Actually–

B: –no no no no no no no no let me– shhhh.

E: What colour do you think she is?

B: Uhh... ESFP.

Q8: Right. You’re–

[everyone cheering in shock]

38:08

E: Damn.

B: You know what gave it away?

E: What?

B: I think the way she dressed, it’s very outgoing. “Look at me, woo!”

E: ESFP... ESFP is the yellow one with brown [inaudible]

Q8: Yeah, it’s the Entertainer.

B: Wow...

E: Makes sense, makes sense. Nice.

B: Wow.

E: There’s uh, charades telepathy.

B: Do I get bubble tea?

E: [laughs]

Q8: Sure, sure! [laughs]

B: [laughs]

E: Nice.

Q8: Thank you!

E: Cool, thank you. That was a fun question.

B: [inaudible] we do one more question? Do we have time?

Staff: Maybe two more?

B: Two more, okay, cool. You can pick.

E: Um, alright. In the back, there?

38:51

Q9: Just a normal question: What’s your favourite movie, and why do you recommend it? Or which one do you think is the best use of classical music or violin?

E: Ooh, a movie.

B: That use–

E: Best use of classical music or violin.

B: Dude, that’s not a normal question, that’s a hard question. Whoa, that’s... Favourite movie...

E: That’s tricky. I’ll be honest, I don’t watch that many movies, so already that’s a bit hard for me.

B: Does anime count?

E: Yeah, I was gonna say, I watch anime. 

[fans say it counts]

E: Anime... but then there’s not that much anime with classical music. Obviously there’s Your Lie In April, there’s Nodame... They’re not really movies, they’re like series, right? What movie would you recommend, Brett?

39:59 

B: I’m still thinking, just– I’m not sure yet, I just– It’s– Okay. I have favourite movies. But the classical music part, it’s... I’m not sure I have one that sticks out.

E: Yeah.

B: But, uh... Grease– There’s always all time favourites, like the ones from... You guys know Inception? It’s been a while now, right?

E: Mhm. I like Inception.

B: The dream in a dream—that was pretty cool. In fact, actually, there was an anime that had that, called Paprika. Right, Paprika?

E: Mhm.

B: They had the same concept, with the dream in a dream. But in terms of classical music, I can’t really access that right away.

40:37

E: Yeah, nothing sticks out in mind, I just remember the bad ones, and like, not good ones. But, I mean—I actually haven’t watched this movie—I’ve heard The Pianist is really good. I’ve been meaning to watch it, but I haven’t gotten around to it. Apparently it’s really good, The Pianist.

B: Oh, The Pianist.

E: Yeah. But apparently, it, like, makes you cry. I hate watching movies that make me cry, ‘cause then I’m just like, a mess. The most recent movie that I watched that made me cry—have you guys seen Coco? (The) Disney movie? I know it’s not classical music, but it’s a very musical movie as well, and dude, that movie wrecked me. It was like, so sad, so.

B: I didn’t know that.

E: Right, ‘cause you think Disney’s like, just for little kids and stuff, but it was like, full deep. And it’s about music, and stuff, so. Yeah, that was a cool movie. I don’t know if that answers your question.

Q9: Did you guys watch the new Spider-Man movie?

B: Oh, I haven’t seen it yet.

E: Wait, which one is the new one? But is it the one with the three (Spider-Mans)?

Someone: Across the Spider-Verse, it’s the animation one.

E: Oh, no, I haven’t watched it. Is it good?

Q9: It’s really good.

E: Ooh, okay. Cool, we’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, thank you.

41:56

B: Oh, one more question. Uh... Okay, in the front.

Q10: Hi, I’m [name] and this my girlfriend, [name].

B: [laughs] You guys saw that? He just put his hands all like...

Q10: Well, we are both violinists, and we’ve been dating for, like, five months. And I just have one question, that, um... Do you guys, like, get competitive all the time?

B: Wait, wait a second. Is this– are you asking for a friend, or like...?

E:  Is this relationship counselling right now?

Q10: Friendship-wise, but like, do you get competitive all the time, and like, arguing who being the best– who being the better one? And if yes, how do you overcome it and deal with it?

B: So... does she ask?

Q10: I ask this question.

B: Ohhh.

E: Somehow I feel like the question’s not really about us.

[laughter]

 43:03

E: I don’t think we really do go competitive. Even like... okay, even back in uni, where we had some competitions where we’re against each other, we were never, like, competitive, you know? In the sense that we would still play for each other—like before our competition, we’d be like, “Hey, can you listen to my Mozart?” Or I’ll play my thing for you and just, you know, listen to each other, gives each other some feedback. I know there were definitely some students that were a bit more, like, weird about it. I remember, um...

B: Actually, for me it was similar. For the competitions, it was always about just making it through. Like, “Oh, you’re next, ohhhh.” I always thought about “Oh, who’s going first, who’s going second,” you know? And you can start playing these mind games with yourself.

E: Yeah.

B: So we don’t really get competitive. And honestly, I feel like I’ve never had the capacity to be competitive when I walk on stage. I just get really nervous, and I’m just trying to make it through the whole piece.

E: Yeah, same. It was almost like we’re both sharing the pain of going to this competition together, it’s like...

B: Yeah, but it’s not about us, so...

44:17

E: Oh yeah, that’s right, this question’s not about us. That is interesting though, actually. I have heard, you know, about musician couples. I don’t know, though. I don’t know what to say, Brett. Wise sensei, Yang-sensei. [laughs]

B: Okay, look—do you guys get competitive?

Q10: Sometimes.

B: Sometimes! Ohhh!

Q10′s girlfriend: Because we’re very, like, close in, like, level, and we’re gonna go to, like, university soon, and we’re both gonna study music.

B: Wait, so– but are you guys competing in the same university?

Q10g: Probably.

B: Probably? Have you got in the university yet?

Q10g: We have got in, and we both have full scholarships.

B: You both have full scholarships...

Q10g: And the same teacher.

E: Okay–

B: Whoa... Okay, this is– okay–

45:07

E: This is– okay, I have two ways of thinking about this, actually. I have the practical answer, which is interacting in normal day life. And then I have, like, the bigger picture—what I think about relationships.

So, I think, in life, meeting people that are genuinely close, that you form, like, life-long relationships with, is something that is so rare, and so meaningful. And that, to me, is always gonna be more precious than winning some competition. Like someone that you can trust, that you know that you guys will support each other. 

45:48

And so for me, like for people– like, for Brett, for example—like, I think it’s always that you should want the best for the other person, and you should also know that they want the best for you. And so, you know, if you see someone else exceed—even if, let’s say, for example, he won the Bach Prize and I didn’t, for example—even if in the moment I feel a little bit, like, jealous or envious—I’m not saying I did, I don’t remember how I felt, but if I did—I think at the end of the day, you should still commit. And there’s something you can practice, actually. Just practice being like, “No, I’m going to congratulate them, I’m gonna feel happy for them, because I want the best for them.” I think that’s really important, if you want to have a long–term– not even just relationship, like, a friendship, like a close friend, you know.

46:47

B: Yeah, I think you made a good point, like– Envy consumes you, if you’re not careful. Because it’s all inside you, you know. And there’s nothing to gain from envy—there’s literally nothing there, it’s just– you harm yourself inside. And it’s like Eddy said—yeah, envy happens? That’s why it’s one of—what’s that, like—seven deadly sins, or something. Like it happens, but it’s part of us to try and practice a way out of it, you know.

So you might feel it. It’s okay to feel it, you don’t have to be like, “I feel envy. Oh my god, I’m a bad person. Oh my god.” Just kind of be like, “Okay, well, it’s there, but I’m not gonna act on it. And I shouldn’t respond to it. I just look at it.” It’s like, “Oh, hi, envy. How’re you going? I’m going back to practice.” Just ignore it. And then, what Eddy said—it’s like, you practice congratulating the other person.

E: Mm.

B: So– and that’s– You’ll find that’ll help you in the long run, because then both of you, or who you’re congratulating, will help each other. And they say, “If you wanna go fast, you go by yourself; if you wanna go far, you work as a team.” So that’s really important.

47:52

E: Yeah. Even in the– I mean, even... Actually, that’s a really good point, right, like, when you’re young, it might feel like it’s just about who plays the best, who practices the most, who wins competitions. But actually, later, when you’re actually touring—and y’know, we meet a lot of soloists as well—who you know does matter a lot. And even if you’re the best player, if you just piss everyone off ‘cause you’re so competitive, no one will want to work with you. So that’s really important. Um, and–

B: He’s just– [laughs]

E: [laughs] Okay, but– [laughs] on a more day-to-day, practical level, I think—‘cause like, I have heard stories about this—I think the main thing is if someone else is practicing, don’t give advice unless they ask for it.

B: Oh yeah, don’t do that.

E: Don’t just walk into the room, be like, “Yo yo, I think your B-flat’s a bit out of tune, I think you should uh, work–” Like, don’t do that, don’t do that!

B: [laughs] [unclear]

48:53

E: It’s funny, though, ‘cause I’ve– we know, like, musicians that are musician couple—it’s a really common thing—and the insecurity... I have heard from– especially from couples where maybe one of them is more ahead in their career than the other one, it can feel like–

B: Or they’re in a string quartet.

E: String quartet is a big one as well. So, it’s– yeah, it’s not–

B: Oh, you guys in a string quartet?

E: Like it sounds funny, but it’s actually a tough challenge, and I hope– I wish you guys the best. Yeah.

Q10: Thank you.

E: Cool.

B: Alright, I think that’s it, right? Thank you, everyone!

E: Thank you, everyone, thank you!

49:34

Q&A session ends here. remainder of the video contains audio from the photo session, and op’s conversations, which will not be included here.

[jokertrap-ran]

[スタオケ] La Corda d'Oro Starlight Orchestra Mikado Ukiha Cast Story Chapter 1 Translation

*Starlight Orchestra Masterlist | Mikado Ukiha’s Personal Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Mikado's Route Tag will be #Ukiha’s Star

Ukiha: I am glad that the weather is clear today. The sound is able to reverberate through the clear skies, lightening the hearts of people…

Ukiha: And all of you seem to enjoy performing.

▷Choice: It's fun to perform with everyone here 

Ukiha: Indeed. Plus, your performance sounds very cheerful and lively.

▷Choice: Are you enjoying yourself, Mikado?

Ukiha: Yes… It is refreshing to play alongside others in melodious harmony.

Mikado exudes elegance today as well.

Ukiha: …Oh, I nearly forgot. Apologies, but I just remembered that I have other matters to tend to today, so I shall be excusing myself here.

Ukiha: Genichiro, we are leaving.

Genichiro: Got it.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ginga: Haha, Mikado sure is a difficult one. He's probably trying to draw a deliberate line between himself and everyone else to prove a point that he's not part of the Starlight Orchestra.

Ginga: Though, he might just up and leave, declaring that he's gotten “tired” of this if it continues.

▷Choice: What should I do…?

Ginga: Just do what you always do. Now's your time to shine, Concertmistress~

▷Choice: I want to improve on our friendship

Ginga: Why, aren't you a determined one! Keep that up and good luck~

Ginga: Won't the walls around his heart crumble once you get to know him better?

Ginga: Tomorrow's a free day, so why don't you invite him and go tour around Kyoto together or something?

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ukiha: (L/n)-san…? Why are you at our school? Did something happen that necessitated you to come all the way here?

Ukiha: Though, I was under the impression that there were no Orchestra activities planned today.

▷Choice: I came looking for you

Ukiha: Hehe, how heartwarming. You came all the way here on your day off just to look for me?

▷Choice: Let's go on a date

Ukiha: What a sudden turn of events. Me? Are you sure that the invitation is directed to the right person?

Ukiha: Fleeting, is the beauty of maple leaves. Carelessness lets slip opportunities.

Ukiha: The time I have with you is limited. Perhaps I may find myself regretting this, were I to let this chance slip from my fingers.

Ukiha: I do not mind taking you up on your offer since I do not have any further plans today. Let us take a walk around Kyoto together.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ukiha: This is Gion’s Hanamikoji. There are many historic teahouses and restaurants here. This place has quite the historical vibe, no?

Ukiha: What do you think of it? Is there anything that piques your interest?

▷Choice: Japanese-style flower shop

Ukiha: Looks like you have an eye for all things beautiful. This shop has been making hairpins for Maikos since the Edo period. Ukiha: They may have a hairpin that compliments your beautiful hair. Shall we go have a look?

▷Choice: Maiko

Ukiha: Girls really do admire Maikos, do they not? However, those are most likely not actual Maikos, but rather, tourists who are enjoying the Maiko experience. Ukiha: Would you like to try your hand at it? Oh, but it might be too late to participate now… Pity, you would have been an enchanting Maiko.  Ukiha: How about we pop by a popular store that sells cosmetic paper instead? Their products are widely sought after by girls.

▷Choice: A long-established store specializing in pickled goods

Ukiha: Hehe… How befitting of the Starlight Orchestra’s Concertmistress. Always so unpredictable, even when it comes to what catches your eye. Ukiha: That store is one of Kyoto’s pickled goods specialty stores that my family is especially fond of. Ukiha: There should be some pickled Kyoto vegetables that you won't be able to find back in Yokohama. Shall we go in for a look?

Employee: Welcome~

…

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ukiha: Time really passes in the blink of an eye, especially while talking to you.

Ukiha: We have been walking for quite a while now. Are you tired? Perhaps we should look for a teahouse to take a breather in.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ukiha: The first image that comes to the mind of most people when it comes to a teahouse in Kyoto, would be a traditional one. However, places like this establishment here have their own charms.

Ukiha: This shop was renovated from a private residence dating back to the Taisho era. Here, you can listen to live piano music while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Ukiha: It is said that many people of the literary and artistic arts have often gathered here in the past to participate in passionate discussions about their respective art forms.

Employee 2: Thank you for waiting. Here is your lemon tart and coffee combo set.

Ukiha: Go on, try it.

The lemon tart that Mikado recommended had a refreshing sweetness that went startlingly well with the stronger-tasting coffee.

Ukiha: Seems like your taste buds are in agreement.

Speaking of, Mikado only ordered himself a coffee.

▷Choice: Are you not going to eat something?

Ukiha: No, I am afraid I will have to refrain. I have dinner prepared at home, you see.

▷Choice: Would you like a bite?

Ukiha: No. No need to worry about me. This is a treat I ordered for you, so go ahead and help yourself to it.

Ukiha: …

Ukiha: The sound of the piano intertwining with the chatter of people, echoing in the calm atmosphere of this shop… I quite like this ambiance.

Ukiha: It is calming, almost as if one can meld themselves into the atmosphere here.

Ukiha: …!

The piece changed. But this peaceful-sounding piece is…

Ukiha: Could you please refrain from playing that particular piece?

Ukiha: …I apologize, you should not have had to see that. Shall we head off, (L/n)-san?

Seeing him leave the store, I quickly chased after him.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ukiha: Oh, it has already gotten this late… Sorry for making you tag along with me till such a late hour.

▷Choice: I had a great time

Ukiha: That is great to hear. I, too, feel like it has been a long time since I had this much fun in this city.

▷Choice: What was that song…?

Ukiha: … Ukiha: It is something you need not concern yourself with. Please forget you heard anything.

Ukiha: The hotel all of you are staying at should be walking distance from here. 

Ukiha: Shall we part ways here? Take care on your way back.

Ukiha: I look forward to working with you again tomorrow, my dear Maple.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬Ukiha’s Star♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Next Part: (Chapter 2)

[hetchdrive]

SLEEPOVER SATURDAY YAYYYY I have 2.

1. Because I’m still stuck in fucking Texas, top 3 best US states

2. Top potential AU’s for The Terror

Oh noooooo wishing you a speedy departure tomorrow!

I've lived a lot of places and done a lot of road tripping and without further details on which to define "best" I'm going to go with the three states I feel the most personal connection to and say Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan. I love Lake Superior, I grew up in that area and sometimes I am very homesick for it. I've been trying to develop the same feeling of connection to the landscape in New England since transplanting and I'm not going to lie, it is rough going. I keep saying I am going to try to get into hiking and rock identification so I can see the mountains and maybe 2024 is the year I buckle down and do that.

First off: Star Trek AU obviously. I'm really bad at coming up with plots and writing long fics but I am beginning to take notes for a Star Trek AU in case the Terror SciFi Fest happens again this upcoming May.

Secondly: Ghosts/spiritualism/haunted house AU. While I do enjoy a good modern AU from time to time, to me part of the draw of The Terror is the time period it is set. I am fascinated by the Victorian era, the advances in medicine during the time period, the rise in popularity of ghosts and ghost stories, and I think I'd get a lot of enjoyment out of researching to write an AU that takes advantage of this somehow.

Also, I am obsessed with haunted houses as they are used to represent familial trauma, codependence, grief and loneliness, etc etc, and I think it would be fun to take Crozier out of The Horrors only to put him into a different flavor of The Horrors <3

Lastly: Musicians/orchestra AU. Gonna be honest, I do not have any of the requisite knowledge to write this and it does not interest me enough to do this research. I want somebody else to write this so I can read it. However, I saw a post once that was the show writer going through and saying what each character's job would be if they lived in the modern day and what he said about Fitzjames was that he'd be a surgeon or somebody else with very specialized knowledge, someone who is the best at something. And while yeah, a specialist surgeon is this, and specialist surgeons are, in my experience, divas with complexes, for reasons of personal taste (dislike of the medical field irl and preference for show contemporary AUs over modern ones) I think it would be more interesting to just skip over the medical layer and make Fitzjames a diva with a complex.

This man plays the violin and he is the best at it and he and Crozier cannot stand each other because Crozier has been playing longer, does not care about the limelight, and actively scorns Fitzjames for doing so. I just have this idea in my head of Fitzjames saying to someone else that Crozier plays a perfectly serviceable, workmanlike violin, but he obviously doesn't truly care for it, he doesn't play with any passion, and Fitzjames who has been doing this his whole life and made it his whole life, the only thing he's ever been good at that he's had to hang all his hopes on, finds that intolerable. Meanwhile Crozier cares about the violin very deeply but doesn't really show it to anybody and keeps to himself because loving music and loving your coworkers are two different things.

Additional inspiration for this idea is the fact that when Phantom of the Opera shut down on Broadway a couple months ago (last year? What is the passage of time...) I saw a news article about it which said some of the people in the orchestra had been playing the show together since it started running in 1986. The drama within that pit must have been insane and I desperately want to read about it.

[isfjmel-phleg]

Selections from the Correspondence of the Lockridge Family, II/XVII

Letter from Emenor Lockridge to her brother Tamett.

Untertan, Norriber

24 February 1908

Dear Tam,

how are you? I am well. I do wish you would write more interesting letters. Father read the last aloud at the table and I think Zella must have fallen asleep right into her boiled potatoes. All right, perhaps she didn’t, but we all felt like it. Is it really so dull living at the palace? Your letters are nothing like the stories you tell when you get home. Has His Royal Highness been horrid again? Are the princesses around much? How are your music lessons? Tell me!!!

See, I will show you how it is done. I am going to start new violin lessons tomorrow (!!!) with Mr. Karrel Winther.[13] Mother met him at the concert the Vosses[14] gave after Christmas and made sure to mention me to him, several times, so he got interested and wanted to hear me play. He visited last month, and Mother made me get dressed up and loaned me her pearl brooch[15] and did my hair so that it looked almost as if it were up.[16] (I know you don’t care, but I did, and you have no idea how excited I was.) I wasn’t a bit nervous about playing for him until he arrived and we were introduced. He is perfectly ordinary-looking, nothing like a great musician at all. No wild hair or bizarre clothes. He didn’t even wear a cravat instead of a tie. I had been expecting more of an eccentric, like Boschbrandt,[17] so the thought of having to play for someone who looked more like a business acquaintance of Father’s somehow brought about a whole month’s worth of nerves I hadn’t had before, all at once.

(“Oh, how dreadful that must have been for you, Emenor! However did you get through it?” That’s you, writing your interesting letter back to me.)

My hands were shaking so I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep the bow steady, but I closed my eyes, which helped a little, and played Boschbrandt’s “Melancholisches Konzert,”[18] which sounded nothing like how I felt. Then I played Metzel’s “Musik für eine Sommernacht”[19] (the one you love so much),[20] Becke’s “Hymne der Müden,”[21] and to finish off, Severin’s “Marsch der Söhne Norribers,”[22] which is always great fun. I saw Mother and Father looking at each other when I started to play that, and they might have been signaling me to stop, but I happened to be too absorbed in the music to quit, and Mr. Winther got to hear the whole thing.

(“How could you be so daring, Emenor? Even I would never dare play that in the hearing of anyone Liennese! Did it cause a terrific scandal?”)

Most people don’t express scandal by applauding, so I suppose he didn’t mind. Perhaps he didn’t recognize it. But he did agree to take me on!!! His rates made Father go very bristly-looking,[23] but with your salary arriving soon, he and Mother think they can manage it. Even if they weren’t able, I was prepared to use some of the worldly goods (presently the number of both our ages combined thanks to a shrewd business arrangement)[24] to supply it. I need these lessons. Mr. Winther has connections to the Conservatory of Königsstadt ,[25] and perhaps he can convince Father and Mother when I can’t.

But you are much of the reason this has worked out, so thank you! I miss you, but just think how much more we’ll get to see each other once I get into the Conservatory.

Your sister

Emenor

P.S.: Your scarf is at least two feet longer.[26] By the time I get it to you, it will be so long that it’ll reach from here to Königsstadt so we can pull you home whenever we miss you.

P.P.S.: (“Thank you so much, Emenor! You’re my favorite sister!”)

[13] Mr. Karrel Winther: Karrel Winther was a virtuoso violinist who had toured with the Royal Symphonic Orchestra of Lienne from 1892 to 1907 before returning to his native Norriber to teach. He was in high demand among upper-class Norriberrian circles, and for a time taking lessons from him became a status symbol. Eventually he lost patience with teaching pupils who had no serious interest in perfecting violin technique and required auditions before taking on new pupils. In 1908, he had seven other pupils besides Emenor Lockridge. These students attended lessons in pairs in his home five times a week. Emenor studied in the mornings with Andar Vind, who would later become well-known as the composer of several popular musicals.

[14] the Vosses: Olmund and Kreszentia Vosse lived a mile away from the Lockridges. Olmund Vosse had inherited a fortune in the fish business, and he and his wife were among the more prominent citizens of the area.

[15] her pearl brooch: The pearl brooch was listed among the jewels and other valuables Elina Lockridge brought with her upon her marriage. It is among the few of these jewels not to disappear from the family inventory over the years and may be seen in many photographs of Elina, including her wedding portrait.

[16] my hair […] almost as if it were up: A photograph from the Lockridge family albums, taken by Lovisa, depicts Emenor on the main staircase in the ensemble and hairstyle described here. At age fourteen, Emenor was still too young to pin up her hair. Her letters and photographs indicate that she officially did so about two years later.

[17] Boschbrandt: Lukaz Boschbrandt was among the most famous of Lienne’s distinguished composers. His legendary symphonies, known as the “Divine Twenty-Three,” are a staple of Liennese concerts, and many of his melodies have been immortalized as hymns, popular songs, and dance tunes. He was also known for his peculiar habits and appearance, including disheveled hair and rough treatment of pianos.

[18] “Melancholisches Konzert”: Boschbrandt’s “Melancholisches Konzert” (Melancholy Concerto) is a common piece for intermediate violinists to learn. It wavers between major and minor keys, with a notable tremulous quality.

[19] Metzel’s “Musik für eine Sommernacht”: Walder Metzel rose to prominence around the same time as Boschbrandt, and to this day, they remain rivals in fame and skill. Metzel completed a record-breaking 1,000 compositions (not including seventeen incomplete pieces) before his mysterious disappearance at age thirty-one. “Musik für eine Sommernacht” (Music for a Summer Night) is typical of his work in its bold, showy, virtuosic style.

[20] the one you love so much: Other family letters indicate that Emenor practiced this piece for so long that the family became especially annoyed with it, particularly because, like many of Metzel’s pieces, it is an earworm.

[21] Becke’s “Hymne der Müden”: Seppen Becke, music master of Königsstadt’s royal cathedral, is remembered most for his contributions to church music. “Hymne der Müden” (Hymn of the Weary), a favorite of organists, is perhaps his most recognizable piece.

[22] Severin’s “Marsch der Söhne Norribers”: Jone Severin composed numerous Norriberrian patriotic pieces, including “Marsch der Söhne Norribers” (March of the Sons of Norriber), written around the two hundredth anniversary of the conquest of Norriber. Severin’s works were outlawed as seditious in Lienne and its possessions and were never heard at any public musical performance, although they continued to be played in private.

[23] His rates made Father go very bristly-looking: Karrel Winther charged ten myunzen ($530) for a month’s worth of lessons.

[24] the worldly goods ([…] thanks to a shrewd business arrangement): “Worldly goods��� was Emenor’s code for her personal savings, intended to eventually fund her education at the Conservatory of Königsstadt and kept secret from her parents for fear of unauthorized “loans.” Emenor had at this point amassed an impressive sixteen myunzen ($848). It is unclear what this “shrewd business arrangement” was; no further hints exist among the family papers.

[25] Mr. Winther has connections to the Conservatory of Königsstadt: Karrel Winther was educated at the Conservatory, as were most of Lienne’s distinguished musicians of the day.

[26] Your scarf is at least two feet longer: Emenor was a prolific knitter, and many of her pieces are still in existence. A scarf known to be her work, which could possibly be the one to which she refers here, measures eight feet and seven inches in length.

[theatre-stuff]

I cry about each song from In The Light individually in hopes that it convinces everyone to listen to it

More under the cut

Prologue:

An intriguing opening, and I mean that in a good way. The initial vocals are quite ethereal and make you curious, then the story begins and you’re hooked. My first listen went like Oh? Oh. Oh.

I highly recommend.

Let Go of Me:

Protagonist song. Jeremy Jordan.

Aside from that, I am of the opinion that it’s clever writing. There are some allusions to other songs in the lyrics and some figurative language that gives me beautiful mental images. If the first song wasn’t enough to convince you that it’s a good album, there are so many others that could win you over.

Behind Closed Doors:

This one I like a lot. It’s grown on me quite a bit. There are so many fun elements and parts that draw you in. The lyrics are hospitable and make you feel like you’re being welcomed and introduced to their little corner of the world.

More:

It’s More. Under the cut. I think I’m funny. Anyway.

This is a peer pressure song and as someone who isn’t easily swayed by peer pressure, I would give in. It has such an interesting sound and the two characters here have such an intriguing dynamic.

She’s Not Me:

Very powerful song. So much emotion. Kind of reminds me of She Used To Be Mine from Waitress because it has a similar feeling of longing and it’s perfect. Crying.

Tomorrow Begins Today:

The emotion. The storytelling. The combination of reminiscing and looking to the future. It emulates ✨🌌 And the harmonies. Please.

This song in particular also has amazing animatic potential and I need it to be popular among the musical theatre community solely for that reason.

The Man I Know:

A look at the past. A little bit sad, a little bit angry, a little bit hopeful, a lot emotional. Ciara Renée gives it her all. If I could sing? I would belt this song all the time because it gives me feelings.

Dare to Dream:

It’s a romance duet but also includes an ambitious woman and gets stuck in my head often.

I’m not afraid to drop names. Antonio Cipriano and Solea Pfeiffer. If you are a fan of either of them and haven’t listened to this song or album, do yourself a favour and remedy that soon. Your ears and soul will thank me.

Rise or Fall/Act I Finale:

Vocals? ✓

Story? ✓

Catchiness? ✓

This is the type of Act I finale that has you shaking in your seat then leaves you in a near-catatonic state during intermission. Once again, I would sing this all the time if I had the ability. It has so much energy and carries a lot of emotion. So much fun to listen to.

He Is No Man:

Haunting and ominous, but not in a way that makes the listener feel uncomfortable. It’s comfortably unsettling, and a really interesting emotional journey.

Sign, Shake, Spit:

Lyrical bookends. I love it so much. You go on a journey and there’s a lot happening and it’s all tied together by the lyrics. The way this song is constructed is just amazing.

Catch the Moon:

The high notes. I am a puddle on the ground. The allusions to the other songs. Perfect for the character’s narrative. The emotion behind the words and the feelings being expressed is a lot to process, but it’s meant to be.

In The Light:

Title song. 11/10. I can imagine a large choir singing this and it makes my soul happy. It would also be phenomenal as just an orchestra instrumental. You have to listen to it to know what I mean. It’s among my favourites from this album.

The Man I Know (Reprise):

A great use of a reprisal. In the context of the story, it’s heartbreaking and bittersweet and very powerful. So much emotion and so little time to convey it.

Her Embrace:

How many times have I said emotion? Because it’s one more time. This is one of those songs that you could make fit any mood. It could be bittersweet. It could be a love ballad. It could be a song you listen to for lyrics or just for vibes.

In terms of what it means to the story, oh my goodness. No I will not elaborate. There is a plot summary on their website. Amazing. I need this on a stage now.

The album is linked below. Listen through your preferred music platform. It’s worth it.

[eurovision-del]

Sanremo comes to an end tonight. I’ll confess, I haven’t been watching each night, but I have taken the time to check out all the competing songs, and here’s my ranking:

Mahmood – Tuta gold

Ricchi e Poveri – Ma non tutta la vita

Alfa – Vai!

La Sad – Autodistruttivo

Clara – Diamanti grezzi

Dargen D’Amico – Onda alta

Il Tre – Fragili

Annalisa – Sinceramente

Loredana Bertè – Pazza

BigMama – La rabbia non ti basta

Irama – Tu no

Sangiovanni – Finiscimi

The Kolors – Un ragazzo, una ragazza

Emma – Apnea

Fiorella Mannoia – Mariposa

Geolier – I’ p’ me, tu p’ te

Angelina Mango – La noia

Fred De Palma – Il cielo non ci vuole

Renga & Nek – Pazzo di te

Ghali – Casa mia

Maninni – Spettacolare

Diodato – Ti muovi

Mr. Rain – Due altalene

Bnkr44 – Governo punk

Il Volo – Capolavoro

Alessandra Amoroso – Fino a qui

Santi Francesi – L’amore in bocca

Rose Villain – Click Boom!

Gazzelle – Tutto qui

Negramaro – Ricominciamo tutto

Firstly, Mahmood was far and away my clear standout with Tuta gold. There’s something so effortlessly catchy about Mahmood’s style, and his distinct voice and charisma as a performer really set him apart for me. I like how it uses the little phone tone sound in the chorus as a hook and also to tie into the lyrics of the song. In fact, the song as a whole is really well produced, and I honestly want to listen to it over and over.

That said, there are still plenty of other great entries here. I found Ricchi e Poveri’s performance very memorable with them wrapped in the giant bow at the start, and the track itself is fun and exciting, and really benefits from the Sanremo orchestra, with all those violins going at the start. Vai! was another song I distinctly remembered after just one listen, with that little whoo-hoo and accompanying whistle making for a very catchy hook. I really enjoy the energy of the song and how uplifting it sounds. Autodistruttivo is a solid rock song, the ‘oh-ooh-oh’s might be a little generic but the overall punchy sound of the song is great, and I like La Sad’s distinctive look. I also really like Diamanti grezzi, it’s another song I think is really well produced, I especially like how the beat sounds in the pre-chorus.

If Mahmood hadn’t already been to Eurovision twice in the last past five years, he’d definitely be my pick to go. In fact, I like Tuta gold enough that I probably would be excited to see him in this year’s Eurovision too, but I’d also be very happy to see Italy send someone else for a change. As usual they’ve got plenty of options – I tended to prefer the upbeat, energetic songs over the ballads this year, but Italy will likely do well with just about any of these songs just thinking about Eurovision. Unfortunately I’m not going to be able to stay up tonight to find out the winner, but I am excited to find out tomorrow who they’re going to send!

[underestimated-heroine]

(/|\ to be played to whilst reading the contents of this letter)

My good mutual,

have you ever read a series by name of The Murderbot Diaries? I have started it recently and it has brought me ever more entertainment. They are a quick read and I must recommend them to you. Also, I’m turning 21 tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Your mutual, General B

Dearest Moot,

I have, as yet, not read murderbot diaries! It is close to the top of my reading list, though, and due largely to your letter, I think I shall go call it in at my local library on Monday! After all, I do love a good murder and a good bot, and most of all I love a good diary.

And oh my god! Happy birthday!!!!

Have all the fun! But not too much--not more than I would have! I'll leave you to guess how much that might be.

West bishes,

Underestimated-heroine

P.S. this song always changes my personality a little bit. Your taste is, as ever, impeccable.

[william-t-sickofyourshit]

„Oh you don’t have to worry. Our horses are very gentle and well-trained. And Teddy is a good rider, so you’re in good hands, he will teach you everything.” Charlotte reassured. “James, please make sure we have riding shoes and helmet for Sebastian though. And let the stable boy know to prepare a horse for tomorrow, one that will be good for a beginner. Calm and gentle.” She gave an order right away, so that everything would be ready and Sebastian could ride horses. James nodded, reassuring that he will take care of everything. Sebastian, as a guest, was so pampered.

“How fun, I can’t wait to teach you, Sebastian. We will ride all over the estate, and I will show you around.” William promised, patting Sebastian’s hand happily. He was really looking forward to this. He always loved to spend time here at grandma’s, and now… now he will get to share all that with his beloved! What could be better?

“Excellent. So let’s make the promised tour around the estate tomorrow before lunch, and then in the afternoon you two can go horseback riding. Ah, that will be a very fun day for you.” Charlotte smiled. “And in the evening… well, I do hope to hear a little private concert maybe? Piano and violin duet. I am really excited to hear you two play together. Especially since you, Sebastian, were a member of Symphony Orchestra, so it will be an honour to hear such talented musician play just for me.”

For I have sinned...

The principal cleared his throat, eyes scanning the notes that he had wrote down before this meeting. It already lasted an hour, and the teachers gathered in the faculty room were becoming restless and bored. But indeed there were some things to discuss, with the concert that the senior class was supposed to perform at the end of the semester, and with recent staff changes. 

William glanced down at his watch, sighing softly. His class was starting in 15 minutes, so at least, whether the meeting will be done soon or not, he will get to excuse himself. He looked out of the window, his mind wandering. Principal’s voice turned into white noise in the background. It was a pleasant day, late summer. But William was looking forward to a slightly cooler weather. Wearing all black could really be bothersome at times. 

“And lastly, I am pleased to announce that we have finally found replacement for the violin teacher. Dear Mr Tanaka, may he rest in peace, was with us for so many years that I’ve been concerned we won’t be able to find someone as good as to fill this position.” the principal spoke. “But Mr… Michaelis, was highly recommended to me, and he indeed has impressive references. He will be starting this week, so please welcome him warmly once he will arrive. Ah yes… about that. He will arrive today at noon, I need someone to pick him up from the train station and bring over for the tour around the school. Any volunteers?” 

William was barely listening, and definitely not paying much attention. He glanced at his watch again, and saw that it was time to leave, as his class was about to start. He raised his hand to excuse himself, and little did he know, he just volunteered.

“Father William! Excellent!” the principal exclaimed. “Just don’t be late, the train arrives at noon.”

“Train…?” William questioned, raising his brow. He had a feeling he was missing something…

***

Right after the meeting, William had to run for the class, so he had little time to clarify what exactly he had volunteered for. He was a piano teacher in this Music Academy, but also he served as a priest in local church. Well respected, and rather liked. So when he later found out it was about the new violin teacher, he didn’t refuse. Who, other than himself, would be a better choice to introduce a newcome to their community?

So even though he raised his hand by accident, he accepted this fate.

After classes, at noon, William took a taxi and drove to the train station, to pick up their new teacher. Wearing black trousers, and a black shirt with a thin tie, was absolutely dreadful in this weather, so William quickly found shelter under the roof of the station platform, that provided some shade.

The train had just arrived. William had no idea how Mr Michaelis looked like, but he figured he will just look for someone carrying a violin case with them. 

He was in for a bit surprise.

@crazyvik97

[thephoenixandthecrocodile]

The Ubermensch Café

This is a really old piece that I wrote during my Caberet obsession.

Ah, welcome, welcome, my, we have a large crowd today. 

I am your MC and Host

Owner and keeper of Ubermensch Café

Where our men drip with testosterone 

and our women are better trained than well bred dogs

No one can play a marching beat like our orchestra

And when the girls come out in their army boots

It’s like being in Nuremberg all over again

One could simply die!

First, we must thank our patrons.

The old rascal Uncle Sam, give him a hand.

Dirtiest geezer that’s ever stepped foot in this reputable café

And, the lovely, wonderful, Mother Russia

Don’t you wish you had a mother like her when you were a child?

A backhand one second and a roll of ones the next.

We have a hell of a line up for you tonight.

Uncle Sam has gathered 3 scrumptious girls

But first, let’s see who’s here.

 Xi, I swear you haven’t moved from that spot in six years. 

What’s that? Lifetime member? 

Haven’t had one of those since Mao was hanging around. 

No, I swear. 

And here is our resident tiger and heart breaker-Vlad. 

Conquered any new countries lately? 

No? Ah, chin up. 

There’s always tomorrow 

Oh, a newcomer here and a looker at that. 

Bashur? 

Well, don’t you worry, dear, 

We’ll take good care of you.

Ah, here come the girls!

First, the lovely Democracy!

She’s a little bloated, that’s true, but no one’s perfect.

Here is her lovely twin sister, Justice!

Isn’t she a beaut? 

Backdoor’s a little sore, but don’t let that stop you

And, finally, Privacy. 

Look gents, no modesty left. 

Isn’t that lovely?

Ah, yes, Xi, my good sir. 

Democracy, you say? Are you sure? 

She’s been with some real dogs.

All in good fun, Vlad, all in good fun.

Ah, yes, Vlad, don’t you worry

Privacy was bought and reserved just for you

By the one and only, 

The wonderfully clueless: Mark!

Oh, Bashar, dear, I’m sorry 

but your card has been declined.

Oh! Vlad here’s willing to cover it. 

What a gentleman.

What’s that? Where’s surveillance and propaganda? Don’s having a go at them in the back. 

Can’t you hear them squeal?

Yes, gentlemen, there is no place like the Ubermensch café 

We understand that hard working leaders of the world

Need a place to recharge

And have their bruised egos soothed

While the world burns. 

[snowbees]

fro g

[shigarakis-cumdump]

An Unhealthy Obsession- Shigaraki x reader

https://archiveofourown.org/users/Shigarakiscumdump/works

(If you like what you read, consider supporting me on Ao3!)

Summary: Short yandere fic based off the song “An Unhealthy Obsession,” by The Blake Robinson Synth. Orchestra. 

Cw: yandere and stalker tendencies

Word count: 1.9k 

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*..✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.★.*｡･ﾟ✫*..✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*..✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.★.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Many people would call Shigarki the creepy type if they saw him on the street. Slouched over, face always buried in his phone with his hoodie covering the rest. He looked like your local creep who hung around popular stores and malls by himself. He would go to one mall in particular, even more so after he realized they had a Game Stop there. He would frequently go in to browse, and while he was checking out one day, he met you behind the counter.

“Will this be all?” you ask in your sweet customer service voice, with your head slightly tilted. Shigaraki froze in place. No one this pretty has ever talked to him before.

“Um, yeah, that’s all.” he says quickly, looking down to the ground while you're bagging his games.

“This one’s my favorite; I’ve been playing non-stop since it came out, have fun with it!” you say as you hand the bag back. And you play games? Could it get any more perfect?!

“Thanks,” he managed before walking out of the store and finding the closest bathroom. He locked the stall door and sat down. With his heartbeat in his cock, he couldn’t stop thinking of how innocent your voice sounded, and how pretty you looked. He decided from then on you were his next obsession.

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

Shigaraki visited the store so often he learned your schedule. He would watch others make small talk with you, and it made him want to steal you for himself. His blood boiled when someone else would make you laugh. Soon enough, seeing you at your work wasn’t enough. He wanted to know more about you. So he followed you home one day. He kept his distance, being too scared of appearing creepy to people around him. You lived a few blocks away from him, who knew!This made it very easy for Shigaraki to stake out across the street and just watch you for hours. You always kept your windows open, maybe for the natural light? He appreciated it though; in his eyes, you left your blinds open for him. So he could watch as you dance around your room with your dog, and then relax and watch tv, hugging a pillow as you accidentally fall asleep. You were precious, and he realized all you wanted, all you needed, was someone like him to cuddle up into, to make sure you were safe. After all, there were too many creeps who could hurt you- he was just making sure they didn't get to you.

Shigaraki made it back to his place, but you never left his head. He went from sitting in the bushes, to sitting hunched over his desk, looking up your name on every search engine imaginable. “Bingo!” he says once he finds your socials. He scrolls down your page, seeing your stories about going to conventions earlier in the summer, spending time with your friends and- oh? What’s this? You were hugging a boy in this picture. Shigaraki zoomed in to get a good look at his face. “Why would you want a bastard like him?” he grunted angrily. He clicked on his profile and saw a post of you two eating at “your favorite restaurant” together for his birthday. The post was from the beginning of this year, so maybe you weren’t still with the guy. I mean Shigaraki didn’t see anyone while he was stalking you, which was a good sign.

Over time, his camera roll would fill up with screenshots of you off of your profile, shaky pictures he snapped of you while you were working, etc. He was in the store just when you worked now, because any other time he was following paces behind you to wherever your pretty feet were taking you. Stepping up to the counter with a few games, you began checking him out. His voice low and quiet as he asked, “Do you play games often?”

“Oh sure! Whenever I have free time, really. But lately I’ve been too busy. We should totally play together sometime!” you beam. Play together? He wanted to do a lot more than that .

“C-Cool, then I’ll see you through a screen next time,” Shigaraki scratches his neck awkwardly. You give him that practiced smile you show to all the customers. “Oh, what time do you get out?” he asks, and you give him a confused look. “S-so I know when to hop on! Just in case..” he drifts off, trying to keep cool. You tell him around 8, and he leaves. That’s perfect. Gives him just enough time to run some errands.

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

Shigaraki went to the hardware store and got the smallest cameras he would find. He hurried over to your place, and prayed the key was still under the rug where you left it. And it was! He unlocked your door, and your small dog ran up to him, jumping on his leg. “You’re a friendly little guy, aren’t you?” he says, leaning down to pet the dog. Don’t get distracted ! He reminded himself. He began by setting a few cameras up in your room, one facing each corner. This gave him a perfect view of your bed, desk, and closet. While he was in there, he picked up a piece of thin red fabric off the ground. He inhaled deeply, to smell a sweet and salty scent. He shoved them into his pockets for later, and finished placing the cameras.

Back out in the living room, your dog was following him around. Shigaraki knelt down and gave him a pat. He read the dog's collar; apparently his name was Shiro. Cute. “You want something, Shiro? You need some food?” he asked, looking around for his dog dish. He found it and filled it up and then sat on the couch. He took your panties out of his pocket, giving them another whiff. The smell shot straight down to his groin, heating him up. He pulled his phone out and went to his album just for you and scrolled through the pictures. He loved you so dearly, and one day you would know just how much he cherished you. He played back the small interactions the two of you had, and all the memories you’d have together in the future. He palmed his hardening cock, head leaning back on the couch.

It was 6:30, he still had a few more hours before you were back. He revealed his dick from his sweatpants, his tip leaking pre. He put your red panties in his hand, and started to jerk himself off- the soft lace brushing against the underside of his dick. His breathing became hitched and sporadic at the thought of you underneath him making the same noises. No, he wasn’t experienced, but you would teach him everything he needed to know!

“Y/N… god you’re so tight..” he groaned. His hips thrusting up into you as you let out lewd noises for him. He grabbed your face and whispered sweet nothings into your ear.

“God please- fuck, I’m close, Shiggy!” you whined under him, twitching with your back arched and a tit in his mouth. The thoughts that filled his mind went directly to his cock. Shigaraki humped his hand, wishing it could be you, waiting for when it was you. Maybe you’d even fuck on this couch, who knows. He quickly finished and made sure to leave nothing behind before heading out and staking out behind the bushes again.

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

You throw yourself on the couch as always, sitting where he sat just an hour ago. You made yourself some tea as you turned the tv on. It wasn’t too late, meaning Shigaraki could watch you for a bit.

A little later, you make yourself dinner. You take the trash out and leave it by the road. Shigaraki, being the weirdo he is, makes his way across the street, dangerously close to your front window, to snoop through your trash. There had to be something good in there. . He rummaged through your trash to find empty take out containers, some paper, and- chapstick? He wasn’t big on using it himself, but if it was yours, it was automatically going on his lips. He thought of it like an indirect kiss from his one and only. It had a taste of sweet strawberries, probably what you would taste like if he ever had the chance to kiss you. One day, he keeps telling himself. He pulls out his phone to check your room cameras and he sees you starting up your pc. Right! You asked to game with him earlier!  Shigaraki raced back home to load his game, praying he would find you in one of the local servers. There was FlameThrower2050 , TheRadicalDude , SuckItRight , and Shiro’sCloud online. You had to be the last one. He shot you a direct message, asking if you were up for a game, and you said yes. You actually said yes! Of course, you didn’t know it was him. You went into a private lobby and you turned on your headset. “Hey, can you hear me?” you asked innocently. Your pure voice went right through his heart. “Uh yeah, you sound great,” he blurts out. “Oh, Shigaraki?” you remembered his name?! This left him ecstatic. The game starts and you play a few rounds, Shigaraki being in heaven. You ended up beating him. In every. Single. Round. A bit embarrassing for him, but you laughed it off and didn’t make fun of him for it. Oddly, that stuck with him. You were so nice the whole time- he couldn’t wait to talk to you at work tomorrow!

It was getting late, which is why you had to go, which also meant Shigaraki got to watch you on the cameras. He pulled out his phone, switching to the view of your bed. You crawled in with just panties and an oversized shirt on, how cute. You scrolled on your phone for a little, until it dropped on your chest and you fell asleep. Your phone battery is gunna die, silly… Shigaraki thinks to himself. He could always go over and plug it in for you. No! That was too dangerous!! What if you wake up when he’s standing over you? Certainly that’s not a good impression to leave. He argues with himself for a bit before he’s out of the house, running down the street. His feet carry him all the way back to your place. He grabs the key and goes for the door. It was unlocked. You left it unlocked for him? How nice of you! He sneaks in and Shiro is quick to jump on him. Shiro took quite a liking to him. He tiptoed over to your room, looking at your sleeping body through the door crack. He opened the door slightly, going in and looming over you. He pried the phone from out of your hands and plugged it in for you. You would thank him later; tomorrow! When you’d see him next. Shigaraki zoned out, watching you sleep soundly for a good hour, stealing pictures of you while you were snoring, and getting a quick sniff of your hair. He had stayed there a lot longer than intended, the sun starting to rise. He snuck out of your room and locked the door on his way out.

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

“Oh, hey!” Shigaraki hears your pleasant voice call out to him from the counter. “Last night was a lot of fun; how about we play again tonight?” you ask him. He immediately says yes, his heart doing flips in his chest. This was the start of something good.