#richie disco course post

[sunnysynthsunshine]

one of the big issues with the adults watching kids cartoons discourse is that both sides can be a bit rude and pretentious

"Oh you only watch Bluey and MLP, watch Satoshi Kon films instead!

"Oh you only like family Guy, you must watch Thomas and worship our lord and savior, Reverand Awdry!

guys chill

while you should try to expand the media taste of others

not everyone is into the same genres or themes

and this is coming from someone who is interested in both serious adult media (and anime) and the history of children's animation.

be less rude and pretentious, recommend something that you know the other person might like and not just because it's more adult than bluey or steven universe

as for people who watch family cartoons/films, do the same, find shows or films that have good writing or more features that adults would like (Don Bluth's work, Charlie & Lola,Transformers One etc)

[thecapricunt1616]

Pink Pony Club (Richie Jerimovich one-shot)

♡ One-Shot Inspo: Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan "I'm up, and jaws are on the floor. Lovers in the bathroom and a line outside the door. Blacklights, and a mirrored disco ball Every night's another reason why I left it all" ♡ Summary: You're an Exotic Dancer / part time house mom at The Pink Pony, and end up falling for a man that is probably old enough to be your father. ♡ W/C: 2.9k ♡ Poste Date: 06/10/2024 ♡ A/N: Hello all! again, for the asks that are atp starting to mold in my inbox - imma get to you. This specific dirty old man in a suit has been making me feel things lately, so naturally I had to write some porn about it. Asks are still open even though I cant promise it'll be done snappy. Hope everyones week is off to a great start so far!! Tagged those who commented on the post saying this would be a good idea just so you could see how it came out, hope you like :) ♡ Warnings for BTC: Age gap relationships (R is in her mid-to-late 20's, mentions of sex work, Club environments, swearing, smut, rough sex (Richie likes to be slapped around sometimes, kay?) lowkey simp!Richie, no use of Y/N - pet names only, readers stage name is Pixie Polestar , unprotected sex, not edited, we die like men!

♡ 𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 ♡ ➵ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 ♡ ➵ 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 ♡ ➵ 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 / 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵 ♡ ➵ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 ♡

You had met Richie just about 2 months ago. It was safe to say, life had chewed him up and spit him out lately. 

If he was being honest with himself, the dating pool wasn’t exactly rich at 46 years old. He could count on almost two hands how long it had been since he got his dick up for more than just the binightly pornhub browser. 

That led him into the Pink Pony Club one fateful August night. You were working your usual shift, Pixie Polestar. You - unlike some of the other girls - really enjoyed your job. At least, the aspect of having fun on stage, doing cute, sexy little acrobat-like tricks on the pole while horny men paid you to take more of your clothes off?

Yes please. 

You weren’t a back room kind of girl, usually. That was because the amount of money you made from tricks on the pole was more than a lot of the girls you worked with made in a whole shift while you just worked the 45 minute trick-filled stage set then would give a few $400 lap dances depending on your mood, before skipping on home, taking a hot shower, and slipping in your silk sheets with your air conditioner turning your bedroom something akin to an ice box. 

That was how that night was supposed to go. 

How the night really went, was some loud borderline obnoxious man at least 15 years your senior, had found his way into the Pink Pony. He was wearing a pressed navy blue suit, that complimented his pretty blue eyes. That was the second thing you noticed about him while he loudly whistled for Krystal who was currently doing her set. 

You weren’t really supposed to be here anymore - well- you didn’t have to be here. You had found yourself a solution, a real career path if you will. But you enjoyed your time on the pole because it was art, and dancing was a confidence booster for you. In any regard, you were going to get older, you were going to pass your prime as the house mom was always telling you girls, so you needed another stream of income. 

Of course, being a … *eh-hem* - exotic dancer was the word you preferred, stripper just sounded trashy to you, did come with its negative stereotypes, one of which being no where will rent to you - because you had terrible credit. So, naturally, being the resourceful woman you are - you walked your happy ass to the open house of a for sale by owner showing, and told the nice realtor you’d take it. 

Boom. Done, you had a place to live in 3 weeks, when you closed on it. Then, it dawned on you. The other girls you worked with had the same issue you did. So, you found another house, saved another 25k for the amount to put down, and rented it to your coworkers. 

It was the perfect system, because you knew you’d get your rent. You knew exactly how much money each girl made because you watched them make it, you knew where they lived, and they had to look you in the eye every night. So it’s easy to say no one ever tried you. The only real reason you hung around The Pink Pony anymore was because you wanted to keep an eye on your girls and dancing was fun too. 

When he first laid eyes on you, it was something akin to a cartoon character when their pupils turn into hearts. It wasn’t too abnormal, you were one of the more bombshell-esc dancers at the club, and that isn’t to say that you outdid anyone it was all based on preference. Some men loved plain Jane’s, and the plain Jane’s were just as beautiful as any of the other girls, but the reaction of men basically tripping over their feet to try and come talk to you was more likely going to happen to you then anyone else.  

But he…didn’t come over, that was interesting to you. So, you being the master of customer service you were, took your drink and kept your eyes locked on his as you made your way across the room, and plopped right in his lap. “Never seen you here before sweetheart” your manicured hand found the back of his neck, gently caressing over his skin. 

He tried to play it cool, but your tits we’re basically in his face, he could smell your perfume perfectly, fuck he genuinely can’t believe that a girl so beautiful just sauntered over and sat in his fucking lap. Was he dreaming? He found his mind racing, and for once in his 46 years he was dumbfounded and couldn’t find anything to say. 

“Cat got your tongue honey?” You smirked a bit, gently cupping his stubbly cheek and rubbing your thumb over his bottom lip, pulling it gently before letting it snap back into place. He swallowed thickly, his hand resting on your bare thigh, just below the white glittery mesh coverup you were wearing. 

“I’m Richie.” He blurted out, his cheeks felt like they were on fucking fire, any blood that wasn’t rushing there was rushing to his cock and he found himself wondering when the last time he’d gotten hard so easy was. 

“Well hello Richie. I’m Pixie, what brings a handsome man like you in on a Friday night mm, no big plans?” You absentmindedly played with his chain, pretending to pay no mind to the long length that was hardening in the curve of your ass. All you would have to do is shuffle just a tiny bit and his cock would be nestled between your cheeks and the itty bitty powder pink g string that you wore beneath the tiny mesh piece of fabric that was basically for show and no use to cover anything. 

“I guess I was lookin’ f’some entertainment. Think I found it” he spread his legs more, causing you to sink further into his lap and his hand found the curve of your waist, his thumb rubbing little up and down strokes over the smooth skin. He never believed that the sheer triple x rated porn movie he was creating in his mind would become a reality that night but man did it. 

It was also his first night taking the dreaded viagra prescription his doctor had given him when he got real about his … shortcomings as of late. The man isn’t what he used to be stamina wise, okay? Nonetheless - he still rocked your shit - well, more like you rocked his. 

Who knew this foul mouthed, old school, borderline toxic masculinity-entrenched motherfucker would get so much pleasure from your palm coming across his cheek just hard enough it left a yummy sting and telling him “My eyes are up here you old pervert” as you bounced on his cock with a rhythm he couldn’t bring to the table himself anymore, and that in turn causing your tits to bounce like a fucking hentai film less then a foot from his face. 

Something about a younger girl calling him old and smacking him around all while using his cock to get herself off, babbling about how good he makes her feel made him more confident then he had been in years.

He often would find himself feeling a little pang of sadness after you started seeing eachother, in moments where you two were laughing a way he only ever did with Mikey before you came around, and making him feel like he was in fuckin’ High school again with how giddy he was to see you after every shift. All of it would just remind him how bad he wishes you could have met Mikey, and how bad he wishes he could tell Mikey. 

Richie knows, he would be so jealous, but in a brotherly way - that such a young hot piece of ass, a young smart, hot, funny, piece of ass was calling him daddy, told him he was ‘her mans’ whatever the fuck that meant. He assumed girls today call their boyfriends that, there were a lot of little phrases and lingo you had to explain to him and would always make fun of him for being old after doing so. 

He would tease you too, having some late 80s early 90’s radio station on (because the old head didn’t understand what streaming was) while he drove you around of course since he had learned from you that you were his ‘passenger princess’ and saying something like ‘oh babygirl this is before your time, this is from my day” before cranking up the radio and serenading you with Bad Girl by Madonna, belting it in such a silly, dramatic way between drags of his cigarette you couldn’t help but burst into giggles and kiss him at the next red. 

You had told him that when you used to do private dances that Like a Virgin was one of your favorite to dance to for the ‘older’ gentleman, he spanked you playfully when you said his crowd was older as he usually did, and of course later that night he had you perform for him and you ended up getting your back blown out to material girl since you had been streaming the song from your phone and didn’t care to find it and turn it off. 

When Tina had played it jokingly at family dinner one night, he couldn’t help the smirk that came to his lips at the memory. Funnily enough, she was the first person to find out about you. Of course, he didn’t divulge anything other than he was finally seeing someone consistently, nothing about your age or profession. Based on the way Tina had reacted with clapping and kissing his cheeks, gushing “I’m so proud of you papa! That’s so good, this is so good for you! You need to get out there more” he was reevaluating his social life or lack there of and telling himself he needed to get out more, which lucky for him you were young and bubbly so you could get him out of the house. 

The next person he told, he really told, was Carmy. Well- technically Syd too, but she just happened to overhear. 

“W-wait wait” Carmy pinched the bridge of his nose how he did when he was baffled and confused, brows knitting together as he shook his head. “Lemme- lemme just get this straight - y’datin a…..” 

“Ex-o-tic dancer, cousin. It’s 2024, fuckin hell. Women dance and get paid for it - no big deal.” He repeated, emphasizing each sound as if what he was explaining was the most casual thing in the world, which - you had explained to him it should be so he took that and ran with it. 

“You’re fucking…a stripper- a stripper that’s what they’re called when they dance naked -  and how old did you say she was?” Syd questions. 

“Hey- she leaves her panties on she’s only naked top up, and plus she doesn’t even have to anymore she does it for the art.” He points the spoon he was wiping down at Carmy “this new NOMA bullshit we’re doin’ here isn’t the only art, Cousin. Shes an artist” he dropped the spoon in the bucket with the rest of the pristine ones he’d worked on. 

“Sure- and she’s fuckin younger then me” Carmy replied. “She could be y’fuckin-“

“Yeah, yeah - whatever she could be my fuckin daughter where’s your girlfriend huh? I don’t see anyone linin’ up to fuck you. She’s nice, and into me - and - and she’s funny and smart. So see already 2 qualities named that I don’t see much of around here so excuse fuckin me f’wantin to be happy when I’m not in this shithole” he teased 

“So- this not even 30 year old, she is gonna be y’date to the thanksgiving friends and family night - the one your daughter and ex wife are attending - and you think that will be a good idea considering tiff’s track record with girls you bring around” Syd questioned. 

“Yup” was all he said before taking the now finished bin of spoons to be put away, glad for the conversation to have finally been over. 

He rehashed the whole conversation with you later that night as you slowly rolled your hips into his, your skin sticking to his, both of you covered with a thin layer of sweat. You had his hands pinned next to his head, fingers interlaced with yours, practically speaking into your mouth as you kissed him sloppy and open mouthed, obsessed with eachothers taste. You always tasted of bubblegum, a habit you’d carried with you since childhood, he always tasted of cigarettes, a habit he had carried since high school. 

“Baby with my job I’m used to people not understanding me - I didn’t expect your friends to like me. My job - it can make people uncomfortable. But fuck them. You know how we feel huh?” You picked up the speed of your hips, using the curly deep brown patch of hair at the base of his cock to cause the most delicious friction with each thrust on his cock as you chased your orgasm. 

“Ye’ fuck em baby- shit- so fuckin tight- all mine right?” He breathed, mouthing over the bruises he’d left on your breasts a few nights ago. That was one thing about your job he had a bit of difficulty getting past, but you assured him you had no feelings for any clients and that you weren’t doing lap dances anymore only your stage set and otherwise you were just there to be more of a second house mom. But still, he was a man after all. He was possessive, a little jealous sometimes. So he loved to hear that you were only his during moments like this. 

“Yes daddy- all yours. You own this- you own me” you kissed his hand before bringing it to your breast and then using his shoulders as leverage to bounce further up and down, the action causing his head to fall back and jaw to fall slack. 

“Just like that - god- fuck - holy shit baby- shit-shit- y’fuckin close? How fuckin long has it been?” He pinched your nipple lightly, causing your pussy to clench around him and a pornstar like whine to leave your lips 

“It’s been 15 minutes- Christ you’re like a teenager. Can’t even last 30 minutes?” You teased, leaning in and kissing his neck, biting and nibbling the skin as you circle your hips, essentially jutting the tip of his cock into your g spot and that floaty feeling sneaking up on you as you feel him shoot rope after rope of arousal, painting your pretty, gummy walls a milky white and his stomach muscles clenching at the overstimulation. 

The grunts and moans that left his lips when you got him here were some of the hottest noises you’d ever heard a man make before, you were always sure to file them away in a special little folder in your brain for a rainy day he wasn’t able to get you off himself. “Feel good daddy?” You asked sweetly, sitting up and resting your hands on his hips so you could look down and watch as your mixed arousals gush out of you and around him, thick strings breaking with each slow, purposeful roll of your hips 

“So fuckin good baby- Jesus gonna finish soon? Dunno how much more I can do” he said, voice breathy, blissed out, nearly whiny. 

“Mmhmm few more minutes daddy- god we’re so pretty, I bet we taste so good mm?” You swipe the pad your forefinger over your clit, gathering the sweet and bitter white, making a show of rubbing it over the hardened bud of your nipple “feels good, too, wanna tell me how it tastes?” You leaned in and he nearly groaned as he took your breast in his mouth, crystal like eyes seeding into your own gaze as he flicked his tongue gratefully around the sensitive nub. 

You whined hotly, the sight of your tit in his mouth mixed with the feeling of his pants huffing through his nose and fanning over the swollen flesh as his tongue swirled and licked and flicked and drove you over the edge. You cried out, hips stuttering as you rode out your orgasm. His hand found your heat, rubbing with scissored fingers over your clit and meeting around his cock before dragging his fingers back up to repeat the assault. 

The action had you gushing around him, the contractions of your heat getting stronger causing him to groan into your skin and that vibration just added more stimulation. “Fuck yes- god daddy- always make me feel so good, no one understands how good we make eachother feel hm? Nothing else matters, baby, as long as you feel good, right?” 

You pulled him in for a sloppy, hot, passionate kiss. A kiss that made his heart do flips, and his stomach flutter, and made him feel way lighter.

Richie thought to himself in that moment he may be falling in love again, and he was equal parts fucking terrified, and excited to see where things with you went. 

He just had to get over ripping off the very last bandaid, and then you could really be together -

And that bandaid was Tiff.

@aestheticaltcow - @myszie - @wtfsteveharrington

[randomvarious]

Capt. Rock - “Cosmic Blast” Street Sounds Electro 6 by DJ Maurice & DJ Noel Song released in 1984. Mix released in 1985. Electro / Hip Hop

***Song starts at 5:49 and ends at 12:07***

I just wanna preface this long-ass post I had queued up for today to say rest in peace to MF DOOM, the greatest rapper of all time, bar none, and an incredible beatsmith, too. No one has ever had quite the incredible way with words that DOOM had or managed to cultivate the air of mysterious intrigue around themselves like he was able to with his mask. I saw him perform once at a festival in 2007 and I don’t even really know if it was actually him on that stage. It would’ve been one of the DOOM-iest moves to trot out an impostor to perform his own songs while he still got to collect that check; a move whose abject ballsiness you really can’t help but just chuckle at. 

Fuck this year, royally, man.

A rhyming cannibal who's dressed to kill and cynical Whether is it animal, vegetable or mineral It's a miracle how he get so lyrical And proceed to move the crowd like a old negro spiritual

JUST REMEMBER, ALL CAPS WHEN YOU SPELL THE MAN NAME

*     *     *

There’s so much to dig into with this record, and I’m not even really sure where to even begin with this post, but I guess I’ll start with the Aleem twins, two (duh) enterprising guys from Harlem who loved all kinds of music. Born in the mid-40s, the Aleem twins got their musical education from many local sources. They frequented the Apollo Theater and then a legendary local gangster, Jack “Fat Man” Taylor, signed them to his label, Rojac Records. The Aleems didn’t go anywhere with Rojac, but they learned the ins and outs of running an independent record label and they also met the enigmatic Blowfly, who was an in-house writer for Rojac at the time. Through Taylor the Aleems also met Jimi Hendrix’s friend and love interest, Lithofayne “Faye” Pridgeon, who ended up hatching quite a scheme involving the Aleems and Hendrix.

Pridgeon wanted to get Hendrix evicted from his apartment, in which he lived with her friend June Vasquenza. So Pridgeon sent the Aleem twins to the apartment to kick him out, with one of them to claim that he was going to marry June in order to help her secure a green card since she was undocumented at the time. But the plan fell apart when the Aleems actually met Hendrix and discovered that the three of them all shared a deep passion for music. Rather than Hendrix being evicted, the trio would end up sharing an apartment together. 

Hendrix would then ship off to Europe and become a superstar, but upon his return to Harlem, he kept close to the Aleems. They provided backing vocals on a number of Hendrix songs and they also promoted a street fair in Harlem that Hendrix headlined, which took place just a few weeks after his legendary performance at Woodstock. Hendrix had bigger plans for the Aleems, too; he was set on producing an album that they were planning, for which they would call themselves the Ghetto Fighters. Hendrix envisioned the album as a “street opera.”

But then in 1970, while in London, Jimi Hendrix tragically died, which, to say the least, put a really big crimp in the Aleems’ plans. However, they kept at it throughout the remainder of the 70s; they expanded their group to four members, including their sister, Juliette, changed their name to The Prana People, and got to be managed and financed by New York Knicks star, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe (Is this post New York enough for you yet?). In ‘77, the Prana People released their debut album, and in ‘79, the Aleem twins decided they wanted to move towards more of an electronic sound and ended up releasing a club hit called “Hooked on Your Love,” which stayed on the Billboard Dance chart for months and had both a barely known Jocelyn Brown and a young Luther Vandross on backing vocals.

Off of the success of that record and from being disillusioned by aspects of the music business, the Aleems decided to start their own independent label, NIA Records, which was to release disco, funk, soul, electro, and hip hop music. 

Around this same time, Jack “Fat Man” Taylor, who now owned the famous Harlem World club, wanted to promote his neighborhood’s burgeoning hip hop scene, and in 1980 released a record called Rapper’s Convention, whose a-side featured a duo who would break off afterwards and call themselves Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde. A frequent patron of Harlem World was a guy named Ronnie Greene, and he would one day run into Mr. Hyde and convince him to make him Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde’s DJ.

Fast forward to 1982 and the Aleem twins are holding auditions to put out a new George Clinton and Tom Tom Club-influenced electro-funk-hip hop record called Cosmic Glide. It’s a record that introduces a main character, Captain Rock, who’s an extraterrestrial that just wants earthlings to get down to his space-funk jams. The Aleems and Mr. Hyde already had the song written and Mr. Hyde then brought Ronnie Greene in to audition to be Captain Rock. And even though Greene had never really rapped before, he managed to win the Aleems over with his smooth delivery, his cool and varied flows, and his swaggeringly captivating mic presence.

However, despite it being a quality tune, “Cosmic Glide” didn’t perform all that well. But the next Captain Rock record, 1983′s The Return Of Capt. Rock, again written by Mr. Hyde and the Aleem twins, fared much better, and also became the first record to really earn a name for the NIA label. This new bit of fame for both Greene and NIA then allowed for the third and fourth Captain Rock records, respectively 1984′s Capt. Rock To The Future Shock and Cosmic Blast, to flourish. “Cosmic Blast” became both Captain Rock’s biggest and best hit and it also marked Ronnie Greene’s musical peak. Mr. Hyde had moved on to do other things, so the Aleems allowed Greene to write the song’s lyrics and they also involved him in the production process. 

Not long before “Cosmic Blast” was recorded, Doug E. Fresh, who was also a Harlem resident, had released a record called The Original Human Beat Box, and that was a record that was simply fly as fuck. It put Doug’s deft skills as a beatboxer on full display, and it also gave Ronnie Greene the idea to include some beatboxing on his own upcoming record. So he got his friend Richie Rich, who was a pretty good beatboxer himself, to come breathily box his beats for “Cosmic Blast”. And with Richie Rich, and an unforgettable electro-chiming melody supplied by the Aleem twins, and Greene’s fun party-rocking rap demeanor as Captain Rock, that quartet spun some real, dynamic, mid-80s New York gold.

It was actually a quintet though, because also in on the fun of that record was none other than Marley Marl, who’d go on to become one of hip hop’s greatest, most prolific, and most important producers. While mixing “Cosmic Blast,” Marley discovered, totally by accident, how to sample drums. He was trying to take a riff from a song, and in the process of playing back “Cosmic Blast,” discovered that he had lifted a snare drum, too. But the snare he had sampled sounded better than the drums that were originally programmed, so he kept the sample as is. This discovery led to an epiphany for Marley, in which he realized that he could sample any drum from any point within any record that was in his massive collection and then use those sampled drums as part of his own drumbeats instead of having to program the drumbeats on his own with a drum machine. This was a huge freaking deal; Marley’s beats could now sound uniquely authentic, like the drums had come from an actual drumkit, instead of sounding like they had come from the same inferior-sounding drum machines that every other producer was using. Pandora’s Box had suddenly been opened for Marley Marl with “Cosmic Blast,” and it helped set him on a course to attain legendary status as a producer.

But there’s even more to this story. Not only was electro big in New York; it was pretty popular in the UK, too; so much so, that Captain Rock actually went out there to perform at Wembley Stadium for a hip hop and electro festival called UK Fresh ‘86. He had absolutely no idea that people in the UK even knew anything about his music, but a compilation label called Street Sounds, which specialized in electro and hip hop, had been lacing their mixes with Captain Rock songs since ‘83, and in 1985, a pair of UK DJs by the names of Maurice and Noel included “Cosmic Blast” on the sixth installment of Street Sounds’ wonderful Street Sounds Electro series. 

It’s there you’ll find this fantastic version of “Cosmic Blast,” which features the addition of some really dope scratches from DJs Maurice and Noel that you won’t hear on the original cut; and those scratches have a way of really fucking enhancing the song. Maurice and Noel speed things up a little bit, too, which raises the pitch ever so slightly, and makes the tune way more danceable, overall. They also completely transform the third verse by mixing in other dubby vocals from Captain Rock and then instead of running with the electric guitar solo from the original, Maurice and Noel close their version out with more scratching with a little Run-D.M.C. mixed in there.

Very cool stuff all around. An already incredible jam made even better by two British DJs. Ring in the new year with this shit. Long live electro!

[richie-txzier]

holding hands with your heart.

so a while ago @ahoylovers​ tagged this post with hanziercore and i agreed with it so much i wrote 4k words about it! so enjoy some meet-cute au hanzier! 

                                                          ~*~*~

"Mr Tozier." 

Richie's finger froze on the valve of his aerosol can, the spray of black paint ceasing on its path to create the harsh and censoring block on the brick wall. The flashes of blue and red washed around his vision, casting a shadow against his project from his own hoodied form and a faded, doubled figure of the police officer behind him. He lowered the bandanna he'd fashioned for a mask before slowly turning around, lifting his arms and dropping the can. 

"Evening, Chief. A bit chilly tonight, huh?" 

The police officer sighed, a ghost of a smile on his lips and walked towards the boy with resigned steps, the halo of blazing lights dimming as he ventured closer to reveal his tired and familiar face. Richie grinned with squinted eyes through the bright light, the wind tugging at his hood to pull it down back over his curls, the ringlets blowing into his shadowed face, paint smudged across his cheekbone. 

"What're you doin', Tozier?" 

Richie's smile faltered for a moment, his raised hand falling to push his hair back from his face and his expression dimmed to of one more serious, "Look, Chief Hanlon, sir, I know it's technically illegal, but you've seen the shit- I mean stuff those fuckers- sorry, I mean, horrible people write on here. It's disgusting and you n' I both know the goddamn city council aren't gonna do shit about it so I uh," 

"Decided to participate in some late-night vigilante justice?" Police Chief Hanlon remarked, trying his hardest not to display the amusement, or even worse the pride, that was pulling at his features. Richie shrugged in response, at least showing a bit of guilt as he looked at the ground. 

"Yeah." 

Chief Hanlon sighed again, deeper and paired with a hand wiping at his brow, "Mr Tozier," He met his eyes, "Richie. You know I have to take you in for this. No matter how honourable your intentions were." 

"For the record, I wasn't planning on getting caught," Richie smirked a little, "That's just a bit of a bonus; I do love our police car chats." 

Restraining an eye roll, the Police Chief reached to his belt to unfurl his handcuffs from it's attached pocket, "You know the drill." 

Richie obediently turned around, hands gravitating to the small of his back and barely flinching at the touch of cold metal against his wrists. Hanlon made quick work of clicking the handcuffs, frowning at the thinness of his wrists, before clapping a firm hand to his shoulder and leading him to the car, the two of them bathed in blinding light. 

The movements of getting into the car were practised: Hanlon opening the door, Richie shuffling expertly into the back seat with restrained hands, Hanlon closing the door behind him and then circling his way around to the driver's seat. Seasoned, compliant, and far too familiar. 

When Hanlon started the car and turned off the light, he adjusted his rear-view mirror to watch as Richie relinquished to tilted his head back against the seat, eyes gravitating out the window. He breathed deeply out his nose, hand sliding across the steering wheel as he turned onto the dark road towards the station. 

"You know you're a good kid, Richie." He started, and watched in the mirror as Richie looked over a bit alarmed, used to the simpler, more offensive talks of 'Your cause doesn't outweigh the crime.' and, 'If this happens again more serious consequences will have to follow.'. But the sincerity in the Police Chief’s voice threw Richie off for a moment, and honestly, it did Hanlon as well. He didn't entirely know what possessed him to need to say the things he did; maybe it was the blocked out slur the boy had been working on that was very much obviously personal to his family. 

"In theory." A mumble replied. 

"I'm serious, kid. You've got morals; and not just that - guts. But you just- you go about it the wrong way. You gotta leave it sometimes." 

"I can't. You know I can't."

A pause.

"And I know you can't either, sir." 

Hanlon pursed his lips, knuckles tightening on the wheel, "Maybe not. But I'm not a punk kid with a spray can," Richie hung his head and Hanlon's grip relaxed along with the slope of his shoulders, "You gotta pick your battles, kid, because seeing you staring at me under these lights with your hands in the air is not a sight I look forward to, believe it or not." 

The two of them sat for a moment, Hanlon focusing on staring out the windshield at the dark autumn evening, the crackling and soft voices of his radio unheard. He saw Richie blinking rapidly and his chest lurched. With a quick executive decision, he decided that that seemed to be enough and reached for the radio knob. 

"Any requests?" His voice lighter, more like the cheerful Police Chief who ruffled his curls when he saw him at the Summer Parade. 

A smile curled at Richie's mouth and he eyed the small disco ball dangling from the rear-view mirror, "Got any disco?" 

"Earth, Wind & Fire it is." 

The first chords of September were quietly strumming through the cruising police car when the car phone shrilled, the two of them flinching in surprise. Hanlon quickly picked it up, ignoring Richie's back seat remark about the danger of calling and driving. 

"Police Chief Hanlon." 

"Hey Pop, Ma wants to know when your shift's gonna end so she can make supper." Mike Hanlon's voice rattled through, the faint murmur of voices in the background along with another few ringings made him wonder where he was. He checked the time on the dashboard. 

"It'll be closer to 7, Mikey. Tell your ma to keep a plate warm for me. Where are you, son?" 

"I'm at the station. Is it okay if I come home with you? FInd anything on your rounds?" 

Hanlon glanced towards the mirror to Richie looking curiously back at him and he smiled lightly, "Yeah. Got some 18-year-old punk I caught graffitiing the Townhouse," He ignored Richie's protests, "Bringing him back just to write 'im up." 

He heard Mike hum and then chuckle on the other end, "Hm, is he cute?" 

Hanlon frowned, and he turned a little towards Richie to peer at him over his shoulder, "My son wants to know if you're cute." 

Richie grinned and leaned forward, cocking his head cheekily and charmingly, "I want to say yes, sir." 

Police Chief Hanlon barked in laughter, Mike echoing his own chuckles in his ear and Richie grinned wider, settling back as he contently watched the many laughter lines in the Chiefs face deepen. 

"Alright, alright," Hanlon's chuckles subsided and he readjusted the phone on his ear, hands gliding over the wheel as he turned the car into the car park, "I'll see you inside." 

"'Kay Pop, see ya." 

Hanlon yanked up the brake and the car jerked to a stop, the lamppost cemented into a small fenced plot of grass beaming through the windshield to ignite how the Police Chief's head resigned forwards. Richie's stomach dropped. 

The next few moments were once again painfully practised: Hanlon lumbering out his seat, opening the back car door for Richie to shuffle out, Hanlon's hand firm on his bicep to keep him balanced, it then moving to between his shoulder blades as to guide him towards the precinct. 

"Evening, Ellie!" Richie grinned in greeting at the receptionist twirling a strand of stray greying auburn hair around her finger, staring dully at her computer screen. She looked blandly towards the boy, very accustomed to his behaviour, but her dark green eyes twinkled with hidden affection. 

"Back already, Richard? I'd've thought you'd at least want to wash before you got caught again?" She smirked, letting the ringlet fall to bump against her freckled and rouged cheek. 

"Yowza!" Richie barked, as Hanlon worked through a document Richie never bothered to learn of, "Mrs M, you know I only keep coming back for you." 

"Clearly." She hummed, taking back and looking over the clipboard, looking back at him at the low angle to make Richie snort. 

"How’s Bev doin’?" He asked, pushing on his toes to watch as she ducked under the desk to pull out his file, one bent and ripped a bit from frequent use. 

"Mhm," Her tongue smudged at her painted bottom lip as she fiddled with the paper clip to slide the sheet behind the others, "Home today as I'm afraid she's grounded." 

"Oh no." Richie murmured, Mrs Marsh oblivious to his secret smile as he was well aware that Beverly Marsh was currently on a date with Ben Hanscom at the cinema tonight, "Shame." 

She hummed and pulled out yet another file from under her desk. And then another. And another. 

Hanlon looked at her in disbelief, pen poised midair. Elfrida shrugged, leafing through yet another box of files labelled 'T', "Mr Tozier has collected quite the anthology." 

The irate side look Richie received from the Police Chief only made him grin. 

"Richie, I'm gonna be here for a bit, go up and sit by my desk." Hanlon sighed as he clicked his pen in defeat and opened the first file of the small mountain. 

Richie saluted as best he could without his hands, more of a tilting nod than anything, "Yessir!" 

Winding his way through the precinct, he passed empty chairs and dark desks, finding the quiet of the area with no phones thrilling, only the distant quiet hum of the cleaners in the corridors, actually quite peaceful. The damp floors squeaked underfoot, and he nodded at Adrian Mellon in a greeting and apology for waking him in the holding cell - caught fighting again probably by the black bruise around his eye, but won by the fact he'd been given the pillow and threadbare blanket. The office at the end of the room was one of the few lights still on, and, with a practised move backwards and with his shoulders, he opened the door and-

"Well hello there." 

The boy had his feet propped up on the polished oak as he sat in the chair facing the desk - Richie's chair, thank you very much - and he was about to remind of him of that fact when he looked back at him. Oh, it was Mike, of course, it was because that would make sense, obviously, he was the chief's son, and who else would be here so late looking especially good in his denim jacket and blue converse and dark eyes and dimpled smile- 

Mike smiled politely, a little crooked in question, "...Hi?"

"I believe you are sat in my seat, but if you just stand up, I'll gladly give you a better one." He winked and Mike's face grew hot but his smile widened, eyes crinkling in an adorable, genuine way that made Richie almost want to apologise for his vulgarity.

“Have I seen you before?” Mike asked, standing up for Richie to shuffle around him and sit. He got a waft of a clean dusty smell. He smirked. 

“Maybe from your dreams, gorgeous.” He manoeuvred his cuffed hands into the empty space of the back of the chair to lean back and look up at his face. Mike chuckled before his features turned thoughtful and he searched his face for a few moments. Richie was starting to feel uncomfortable under his soft stare of warm dark eyes. He clicked suddenly. 

“Bev Marsh. Don’t you hang out with her?” 

Richie blinked, “Yeah. But don’t worry, sugar, she’s just a side piece.” 

Mike hummed and turned to perch on the edge of his father’s desk, crossing his arms, “I know her boyfriend, Ben. I think I see you two smoking outside school sometimes,” He gave a pointed look with a hint of a smile, “Dirty habit.” 

“I’m dirty in other places too.” The words fell out his mouth before he thought about it, as usual, and at this point, most people would’ve gotten sick of his indelicate flirting, but Mike laughed, head falling forward and his hand lifting to cover his mouth. 

"Yeah, I'm sure," He chuckled, sliding his hands into his jeans pockets, and tilted his head, a playful frown on his face. He jerked his chin, "What did you get busted for, Tozier?" 

"Second-degree homicide, I'm afraid," Richie sighed, a bit hypnotised by the way Mike's eyes crinkled in the corners, "Goin’ away for a long time, I expect." 

Mike hummed, smiling until Richie could see a peek of his teeth, "Anyone I know?" 

Richie caught his breath, "No, no. Just my wealthy husband so I could claim the millions in life insurance when I get out." 

"Millions?" Mike feigned thoughtfulness, "Hm. Got room for another in this plan? I could be your alibi lover?" 

Richie blinked and swallowed, hard. All of his thoughts was a sudden cacophony of, holy shit he's flirting with me, with a commanding louder order of, don't fuck it up. But then Mike winked at him and his mouth opened, "You'd have to share the conjugal visits with your mom though." Fuck.

But Mike barks in loud laughter, the force of it bending him over. Unfortunately, his hands were still tucked in his pockets meaning that as he tipped forwards, he shifted his centre of balance, and had him falling directly on top of Richie. Luckily for Richie's face, Mike had surprisingly good reflexes and managed to catch himself on the arms of the chair. But now- 

"Was that seriously a your mom joke?" Richie could feel Mike's breath on his chin, and wow wow wow wow his eyes were even prettier up close and he's smiling at me oh god his mouth is there it's right there holy shit. When Richie didn't reply, Mike caught where his eyes were fixated: his mouth. It was only then he realises just how close they had become. He went to pull back, just a few inches, but his heart-dropped in a sudden jolt of want at how Richie unconsciously followed the movement forward.

Oh,

he wanted to kiss him. His mouth was full and parted. And they were alone. And he was, yes, very cute, and, yes, very funny, and, yes, very, very close right now-

"Mike? You around here?" 

Mike jumped back at his father voice, and Richie had to suppress a groan. So close. 

"Yeah, Pop, I'm at your desk," Mike called back, straightening his jacket, his eyes focused on where his thumbs rubbed over the buttons. Richie, for a terrifying moment, thought he'd just dreamed the mutual tension, but when Cheif Hanlon rounded the corner, the flustered smile Mike wore as he greeted him had his heart singing, "Just... talking to Richie." 

"Oh?" Hanlon dropped some files on his desk, dropped into the dark leather chair with a sigh, and began to search through his drawers, "Do you two know each other?"

"School, and through some friends," Mike caught his eye and smiled. 

Richie thought he should contribute something if just to make sure his voice still works, "Mike knows Ben, who's Bev's boyfriend." 

Hanlon make a confirming hum, having found the stamp he was looking for and instead flicked through the papers, "Shame Miss Marsh is grounded, I heard the Aladdin is doing a Valentine special this weekend," 

Mike and Richie shared a smile-stifling look. 

"Alright, kid," Hanlon shuffled the files together before settling them down and clasping his hands on top of them, "This time I'm letting you off with a warning," Richie leaned forward, "A warning, Richie. Vandalism is a serious crime but compared to what was... previously there, I believe it's fair to say that it was an illegal improvement." 

Richie knew a slap on the wrist when he heard it and so nodded along, looking as remorseful as he could despite having absolutely none for his deed, "Yes, sir." 

"I'm going to call your father to come pick you up, and I will be explaining why you're here." The Chief finished with a stern look as he stood from his desk, but Richie swore he saw a ghost of a smile. He looked down to hide his own, "Oh, Mikey, here," He passed something to his son on his way out of the door, "I'll meet you by the car, alright, I've still got some things to sort before we lock up." 

"Sure," And as he opened his hand, Richie saw it was the keys to his cuffs. 

"Oh, thank god," He sighed and stood up, turning his back to Mike, "While these are a very sexy accessory, I don't believe that much in the saying that beauty is pain, ya know-" 

His ramblings inhaled to a halt at the feeling of Mike's warm fingers on his wrist. The lock clicked and Richie started to wriggle his arms but Mike placed a hot palm on the inside of his elbow and his body seemed to melt into his touch. His voice was soft with amusement and concentration, "Don't move so much, you'll hurt yourself." 

The cuffs slide off his bony wrists with little restriction then and with a clatter they landed on the desk. Richie rolled the joints until they stopped cracking and then stretched them. Mike eyed the practised ease of the movements and caught the edge of his sleeve when he turned to face him, "Here let me." 

With a firm thumb, he massaged his pale wrists with his soft, warm hands, kneading the tight muscle until the ache had all but subsided. Richie didn't take his eyes off his focused face. Mike looked up and met his awed eyes and mistook it, and smiled apologetically, letting his hands fall, "I read a lot. I know how bad sore wrists are." 

Richie nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets, the shape of Mike's fingertips tingling his skin, "Thanks." 

Mike smiled again, and Richie noticed he did that a lot, but each was warm, different, like they were sculptured just for him for every moment they shared, "No problem." 

They both stood in silence for a moment. Then both began to speak at once, 

"What did you-" 

"Are you free-" 

They both stopped with a laugh. Richie nodded, "You first." 

"What did you do?" Mike asked, standing up straighter, "Actually, what did you do? What did my Pop mean with illegal improvement?" 

Richie swallowed, something curled in his stomach, and he realised he didn't want to tell him; not because he was ashamed, far from it, but because he knew exactly what he'd done and why he'd done it, and he didn't want it to gain him points with him, or something. He did it because it was the right thing to do, not to win something. So he replied simply, "Oh, just a bit of good ol' graffiti." 

Mike cocked his head, "Like what?" 

Richie shook his head, with a short laugh, "I don't even remember. I just, sort of," He mimed something similiar to trying to control a wild hose, "Everywhere." And it wasn't technically a lie, "But that wall was really ugly, and I'm basically Jackson Pollock, so I one hundred percent improved it, only for the sake of modern art!" 

Laughing, Mike conceded, "Alright, I believe you. Derry isn't exactly the pinnacle of picturesque, so I think I should thank you." 

Richie bowed dramatically, making Mike laugh harder and those crinkles around his eyes appeared again. He steeled himself, swallowing and decided to just fuck it, "Do you want to go to movies with me tomorrow." 

Mike blinked, "What?" 

But Richie wasn't stopping, "Their showing that Valentines Day special thing this weekend, aren't they? I mean, I don't mean you're like my Valentine or something! Unless you want to be? You don't have to answer that, ha ha, I just meant I thought it would be fun, and my friend Stan is working there so we could get in free if you want. I mean, do you even like romance films or anything? I like a couple, like Dirty Dancing, or Pride and Prejudice, or Empire Strikes Back-" 

Mike clapped his hands on Richie's shoulder with a chuckle, stopping the boy in his place with big eyes staring up at him, "Empire Strikes Back isn't a romance movie." 

Richie blinked owlishly at him, "It had a romance in it." 

Mike laughed and searched his face; eyes flicking down to his mouth and then back to eyes with an easy smile, "Won't you be grounded, for possibly ever, after this?" 

Richie shrugged a shoulder, "My folks still don't know the lock on my window is loose, so..." 

Mike bit his lip, knowing that such a blatant disobedience should not be as attractive as he was finding it, "Then," He bent to pick up his satchel, "If you manage to be at the Aladdin at eight tomorrow, I might just happen to be walking that way back from the library." 

Richie grinned. The library is on the other side of town, "I'll be waiting." 

Mike grinned shyly back.

"Alright, I better catch ya later, Frank." 

"G'night, Will. Say hi to Jess for me, yeah?" He called, hugging the phone receiver to the spot behind his ear, humming into the mouthpiece non-committedly. Hanlon smirked a little as he walked away, twirling his keys in his hand as he waved in confirmation. 

"Mike?" He called as he skipped down the stairs into the foyer. With a wave to Elfrida, he figured his son was waiting by the car and punched in the pin to open the door. 

With a hefty push, the door swung open and he stopped.

In front of him, was Mike, his back to his father as he very clearly had the Tozier boy pressed against the streetlight in the centre of the car park next to his car, illuminating their little corner. Richie's hands were clutching at the back of Mike's denim jacket as Mike held his cheek, tilting his head into his so the light glinted off his thick glasses over his shoulders. Mike's leg was between Richie's, the hand on his hip holding him pressed against him. The two of their mouths moved rhythmically, the bobbing movement of their jaws indication of how deep their kissing was. Something William Hanlon was not keen on ever seeing. 

"Michael!”

They broke apart suddenly, still very much entwined with another one and Richie's cheeks a noticeable pink. Simultaneously, Mike eyes and Richie's mouth widened; Mike ducking his head into Richie's shoulder in embarrassment whilst Richie propped his chin on the denim-clas shoulder to smile and wave at the Police Chief. 

"Aren't you supposed to be on your way home, Tozier?" Hanlon remarked as he walked towards the two of them. 

"Your darling boy was too seducing I'm afraid, sir," Richie replied, earning him a chuckle from the boy nudging at his neck, "I was corrupted!" 

Hanlon huffed, pinching his nose, too tired to process the situation and resorted with a short, "Your Ma'll be waiting, Mike." 

Mike picked up his head, looking from his father to Richie and looked at his dad with a nervous smile on his lips, "Could you give us a minute, Pop?" 

Hanlon looked between them and then nodded, jingling his keys so he could hold up a finger, "One minute." 

As the Police Chief walked around the car, effectively blocking the two boys out, he still caught the small murmurings of them, a chuckle, a sigh. He clambered into the driver's seat and, with a short glance, watched as Richie unfurled from his son to bend down and pick up his satchel, passing it to him with a soft smile and unheard words. Whatever he had said, it made Mike smile just as happily back as he looped the strap over his shoulder, before he slid his hands under the open halves of Richie's leather jacket, Richie's holding his forearms, leaning forward to say something in his ear. Richie smiled through a reply. When Mike tipped back the two shared a short look, one intimate enough to make Hanlon glance away, maybe for the best as he missed how they shared a brief parting kiss. 

His attention was brought back by the motion and noise of Mike opening the passenger door and falling into the low seat. Mike rolled down the window, "See you later, Richie." 

Richie could hardly wave back, his cheeks a dark pink, straightening his glasses, his grin stuck on his face, "See ya." 

Chief Hanlon pulled out of the space, the two of them continuing to wave as he turned to drive down the street - Richie even jogging down the lane a bit to keep in sight of Mike. The Hanlon’s disappeared around the bend with a last double beep of the horn. 

Richie smiled into the twilight, staring after the car, hand dangling in the air. Tomorrow.

  "Richie Tozier, Mike?" 

Mike chuckled, watching the orbs of streetlights blur past the window, illuminating the soft look in his eye, and he lifted a shoulder slightly,

"Bad boys do it better." 

"I don't even want to know what that means, son." 

[marcloveskylie]

Kylie Minogue Sunday Times interview in full. (Thanks to Darren Nixon)

Kylie Minogue interview: the pop star talks love, regret and new beginnings ahead of playing the Glastonbury ‘legends’ slot

Kylie Minogue is glowing. Of course she is. As the blue-eyed, blonde princess of pop music and golden girl of pop culture, idolised by millions since the 1980s, Minogue, I imagine, floats around in a perpetual state of looking luminous. She has also been dancing in front of our photographer for an afternoon and, as she puts it, “should be glowing after all that make-up!” It’s not just the make-up. On the brink of releasing a new album, the gig of her career, her 51st birthday and with the thrill of a new man, she is happy. “I could say nothing and you could read everything,” she laughs, pointing to her smiling face. “I’ve met someone who I feel good with. It feels right.”

Post-shoot, Minogue sits upright and cross-legged on a sofa in our east London studio, her 5ft frame wrapped in a barely-there slip dress. Much has been written about her dabbles with Botox, something she admitted in 2009, but today she looks beautiful and natural — faint lines on her face, yet still miles younger than 50. She speaks so softly that I strain to hear her and she answers many questions with a giggle. On the surface, dainty and delicate. Underneath, nerves of steel. “None of this was handed to me,” she says, “but this was my destiny. I was meant to do it.”

The first music I remember was a 1989 VHS tape of Kylie’s videos. Aged five, I watched nothing else for months. Fever (2001) and Aphrodite (2010) — the CDs scratched from overuse — made up much of the soundtrack to my clubbing twenties. Interviewing her is an excruciating test, as I attempt to maintain professionalism while trying not to touch her face. (Full disclosure: when we hug at the end, I scream a bit. She doesn’t mind.) But aren’t we all Team Kylie? In 2005, when, at the age of 36, she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, support from fans and the press came in floods. When her highly public relationships end, it is always her the world sides with. She is, perhaps, the only non-Brit considered a “national treasure” by the tabloids — The Sun ran a campaign in the early Noughties to have her bottom listed as a World Heritage Site on the grounds it was an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Brand Kylie has mastered the near impossible: triumphing for three decades, with gold- and platinum-certified records, scandal-free and to global adoration. She’s still considered both a reigning disco diva and a bubbly, Aussie girl next door. Underestimate her at your peril, though. Being Kylie, she says, “takes a lot of work, graft and insecurity — not always what the wrapped-up end product looks like. There have been times when I’ve thought, ‘I just can’t.’ But you’ve got to take the knocks because they’re always coming. It ain’t all roses.” A pause. “But maybe otherwise it wouldn’t be as sweet in the end.”

She values her private life as “precious”, and admits that she has “sacrificed some anonymity”, no doubt because her romances have been tabloid fodder for years. Her most high-profile relationship was with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence from 1989 to 1991. In 1997, long after they broke up, he committed suicide. For four years, she dated the French actor Olivier Martinez, who supported her through her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy (“Olli was there all the time,” she said in 2006). They broke up in 2007, but were rumoured to have reignited their romance in 2017, claims that she has never addressed. Then there was an engagement to the British actor Joshua Sasse. The two started dating in 2015 and that December she told Desert Island Discs that Sasse, then 28, was “my love”. They announced their engagement in February 2016, but broke up 12 months later; last September, he married an Australian entrepreneur. It strikes me as sad, but her steeliness quickly reappears.

You’ve had your heart broken, I begin. “I don’t know about heartbroken,” she flashes. “I’ve made mistakes.” Such as? “I regret lying to myself. Like, ‘This is OK,’ and doing the merry dance. When that honest bit inside of you knows, but you’re busy covering it up? I regret doing that. It’s not fair on yourself. And yet I think we’ve all been there, we’ve all done it. But I don’t see myself doing it again. I’ve met someone who I feel good with.” She has been dating Paul Solomons, the 45-year-old creative director of British GQ, for just over a year. When talk turns to him, she lights up. “I can feel my face going,” she says. “People say, ‘Your face changes when you talk about him,’ and it does. Happiness. He’s an inspiring, funny, talented guy. He’s got a real-life actual job! It’s lovely.”

Their weekends are generally spent in her Knightsbridge home, watching documentaries on Netflix — “We liked the Ted Bundy Tapes. I was too scared to watch them on my own” — or listening to podcasts — “Have you heard Dear Joan & Jericha [Julia Davis and Vicki Pepperdine’s mock agony-aunt podcast]? I’ve literally creased myself to that, it’s so inappropriate.” He does most of the cooking. “He’s got me cooking too, actually. He’s the first to do that. It can no longer be the family joke that I can’t cook.” Her family are all still in Australia. Her parents, Ron and Carol, worked as an accountant and dancer respectively, and her younger sister, Dannii, followed in Kylie’s showbiz footsteps as a pop star. She also has a younger brother, Brendon. They are a close family who text daily and speak frequently. I imagine they are overprotective about any new boyfriends. Minogue tells me that the first time Solomons met her clan was spending last Christmas with them. “They [already] could tell I was good within myself. They liked him before they met him, and they liked him more after they met him.”

Her Australian accent is still distinctive, but she has lived in London since the early 1990s, when Soho was her stomping ground. “I was really deep in London nightlife back then,” she says. Now, generally, the only time she’s up until the early hours is when she’s on tour. Her last big night out was her 50th birthday party, a year ago, at Chiltern Firehouse, complete with performances by Rick Astley and Jake Shears. “I went to bed at about 5am, but probably had no more than a glass of champagne all night. I was talking and dancing and high on life. The icing on the cake was that I had my special someone to share it with.”

It’s remarkable that Minogue has the stamina to dance until 5am at an age when many women are experiencing the menopause. Indeed, she’s already been there, done that. As is common with younger breast cancer patients, her menopause was medically induced when she had treatment, to suppress her oestrogen levels. On Desert Island Discs, she stated that she would love to start a family. It’s a difficult subject to broach, but I wonder if she feels the chance to have children has passed. “I can definitely relate to that,” she answers. “I was 36 when I had my diagnosis. Realistically, you’re getting to the late side of things. And, while that wasn’t on my agenda at the time, [cancer] changed everything. I don’t want to dwell on it, obviously, but I wonder what that would have been like. Everyone will say there are options, but I don’t know. I’m 50 now, and I’m more at ease with my life. I can’t say there are no regrets, but it would be very hard for me to move on if I classed that as a regret, so I just have to be as philosophical about it as I can. You’ve got to accept where you are and get on with it.”

Born and raised in Melbourne, she attended acting school in her home town and became a superstar at 18 as Charlene in the Australian soap Neighbours. Charlene’s wedding to Jason Donovan’s Scott in 1987 was witnessed by 20m viewers in the UK. Despite no formal singing or dancing training, she left the show to pursue music, and her debut album, Kylie, released in 1988, was No 1 in the UK for six weeks. She has since released 13 more studio albums, as well as dozens of compilation, live and remix records. Next month she is releasing Step Back in Time, her latest greatest hits album. All the big hitters are on there: Spinning Around, I Should Be So Lucky, Confide in Me. She doesn’t have a favourite, but points to Where the Wild Roses Grow (1995) and All the Lovers (2010) — “just glorious”. She had to brace herself, she says, to listen to some of the older tracks. “I recorded Locomotion when I was 18 or 19. I was so young and I felt so young.” She shakes her head in bewilderment.

Minogue has just finished the Golden Tour, six months of shows in Europe and Australia. “I don’t know how much time I’ve got before my showbiz hips and knees start to protest,” she laughs. “They’ll be like, ‘You’ve been treading those boards for a long time, we think you should slow down a bit.’ ” This summer, along with gigs in London, Manchester and even Scarborough, she will take to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in the Sunday afternoon “legends” slot, previously filled by the likes of Dolly Parton, Barry Gibb and Lionel Richie. It is particularly poignant as she was set to perform there in 2005, but her cancer diagnosis meant that she had to pull out. She sang at the festival in 2010, as a guest of the Scissor Sisters, but has never performed solo. “I’m bound to cry,” she says. On stage? “It’s going to happen. When I was meant to be there, I watched it from Australia. I was dealing with much bigger things back then, but when I’m there it will take me back to when I wasn’t there. But I’ll work through that.”

She confirms there will be guests joining her on stage, but won’t tell me who. Dolce & Gabbana designed the Greek goddess-inspired costumes for her Aphrodite: Les Folies tour in 2011, but her on-stage style now is “more human, more real”. “But even Elvis had a few diamantés on him,” she continues. “Come on! I’m thinking of it as a big sing-along. It’s daytime, so you can’t have the lights, effects and lasers that I normally have. I think the simplicity is part of what makes that slot so magical. Dolly Parton just walked on out. Lionel Richie just walked on out. I mean, I’ll sashay on out.”

Minogue’s manager then intervenes. The car is waiting and the star has somewhere to be. “I keep threatening my team that I’m going to retire,” she winks, safe in the knowledge that there are decades left of her career. And, with that, she sashays out. Glowing.

Step Back in Time is released on June 28

[buttonholedlife]

Techno is actually technocracy

This year noted the 400th wedding anniversary of the transatlantic servant field as well as the arrival of 20-30 West Africans to the United States materials. In August, The Nyc Times Publication, led through staff media reporter as well as investigatory journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, posted the very first version of The 1619 Job, an assortment of essays, poems, myth as well as digital photography that re-examines and also starts the slow process of revising American background with correctives on instances of structurally- and also socially-ordained civil and financial fascism of black people. This change in ethnicity talk definitely blew over right into the global digital songs scene, as direct and also understandable pointers of the extraction and also erasure of black lifestyle with callouts and also social networks retaliation.

The music market has actually regularly done not have subtlety in regard to social level of sensitivity and also acknowledgement. In 2019 the demand for a collective understanding of the relevance of portrayal and liability showed up to be actually extra openly necessary. As the massive historic problem of United States's perplexed past times is actually put into situation through, typically, black scholastics as well as thinkers via a social company, the definition and worth of United States culture as well as assets were also brought into question.

The phrase "techno" was coined by futurist and also business owner Alvin Toffler in his 1980 manual The 3rd Surge, which explains "cultivated" countries, like The United States, as well as their financial transitions from commercial development to data-driven effort. Techno, as black songs and technique, is coded along with industrial economic terms and engagement with market circulation. Its own importance on beat patternization gives itself to become interlaced with various other keep tracks of-- a great allegory for United States amazing futurism, in addition to operating as a literal social line, certainly not too unlike the dark folk-tradition of narration.

Toffler's use techno was actually directly in recommendation to technocracy, or even a governing system led by a best class of technical pros who create platforms of production for a lesson of mainly skill-less customers. Toffler cautioned technocracy possessed the potential to destabilize training class mobility and also social communities via a "technocratic divide" which prefers the "updated" opinions of specialized professionals over a marginalized, and most likely undependable, general public. When factoring in the uniqueness of African-Americans' 400-year-long past history of injustice using a solely white colored International colonial regulating physical body, the understanding of technocracy appears a great deal more ominous.

Juan Atkins, that emerged the techno noise in the team Cybotron, initial come across Toffler's creating in a high institution course called Future Studies. In the midst of Detroit's failing auto market and the upshot of the race troubles of the 1970s, Cybotron's songs mirrored the commercial boom and also decline of the urban area which was actually suggested to be actually an example of an American capitalist dreamland. Detroit's failure into dystopia caused white colored people to take off to the hinterlands, taking jobs and information with all of them. The futurist excellents of Toffler's works, along with his thought of the "techno rebel" who would certainly not really feel limited or determined by modern technology, influenced Cybotron's songs as they used readily available modern technology to promote impressive outcomes. In 1981, Juan Atkins created Cybotron's 'Cosmic Automobiles' with the intention of it being actually a "unique and also adventurous item of synthesizer rut, much more harmonic with Germany than the remainder of Afro-american America." That exact same year in 1981, Paul Lesley as well as Sterling Jones' An Amount of Names discharged 'Sharevari' which is often considered an early example of techno.

Each Cybotron as well as An Amount of Labels's popular music had their keep tracks of broadcast on WGPR, 107.5 FM's Electrifying Mojo, a broadcast show along with a predominantly dark viewers and contemporary playlists including songs through Royal prince, the B-52s as well as Kraftwerk that determined considerably of the Detroit noise. A year later on, while on a check out to New york city, Atkins heard Afrika Bambaataa's 'World Rock' and also viewed it as a much better example of his sonic eyesight. In 1988, Derrick May, a recognized trendsetter of techno as well as ex-Northern Heart DJ and Kool Kat Records supervisor, Neil Rushton, assembled an album of early Detroit tracks phoned Techno! The New Dance Noise of Detroit for Virgin Records UK imprint 10 Records, which would certainly place the condition "techno" right into flow one of music-buyers as well as journalists.

In July of this particular year, Mixmag operated a cover tale titled, "Exactly how Richie Hawtin transformed electronic songs time and again and also once more". The British striking magazine, which discharged its debut problem in 1983 with American dark disco team Shalamar on the cover, allegedly formalized techno for international consumption, according to a 2015 retrospective in The Independent; techno as well as acid house were certainly not imported right into the UK until 1988, a year after Phuture's 'Acid Rails' was released. Much of digital songs record favors the job of Hawtin as the absolute most important Detroit DJ and also manufacturer as well as decades after the "innovation" of techno in Detroit, Mixmag staged Richie Hawtin as the criterion wherefore an electronic music symbol could possibly seem like.

The account, composed by long time popular music reporter and also previous SIMPLE FACT contributor Joe Muggs, defines Canada-native Hawtin's technological know-how and also exactly how he "hoped for launching on Derrick Might's Transmat or Juan Atkins's Metroplex but [was actually] not able to acquire the interest of [his] idols" and as an alternative started his personal label, Plus 8, in 1990.

Five years after the label's inception, James Stinson of Drexciya asked a necessary as well as an unanswered inquiry while being actually spoken with through Tune Creator: "Why perform Richie as well as his Plus 8 loved ones boil down listed here and throw events in downtown Detroit? ... [He] brings in all these youngsters from the residential areas and also coming from Canada which reveals a disrespect. I've been actually to every one of those events and also I've certainly never heard a Below ground Resistance report, a Cybotron document, a Style five hundred report or even an Eddie Fowlkes file. It is actually a complete disrespect and it's come to restrain."

Fast-forward to October 2019. Cold DJ/producer Nina Kraviz articles a photo of herself on Twitter putting on cornrows, motivating notable review. When faced, Kraviz answered: "Facts examining [sic] For those who didn't recognize. I am certainly not white european [sic] Braids is actually [sic] a part of many societies. Heres [sic] is a point of view coming from a record educator." The "viewpoint" was delivered using a screengrab coming from Quora, a user-edited question-and-answer internet site. Pigtails as well as cornrows are actually known conventional African hairstyles that ended up being operational during the course of the transatlantic slave labor and also were actually inevitably used as a mode of secret communication between servants with styles that could possibly replicate charts to cost-free places in United States. Kraviz is actually not the 1st to receive retaliation for appropriating hair-braiding-- one Kardashian or yet another has been actually trumpeted for introducing unique knotted styles throughout the many years-- nor is she the very first to refuse recommendation of the hurt in the callouts that observe, opting to acknowledge the retaliation an instance of reverse-racism. [Ed. keep in mind: There is no such trait as reverse-racism.]

Pair of months eventually Mixmag recognized Kraviz by placing her in the no. 6 place on its Top 10 DJs of the Year checklist. Her admittance, which has because been modified, checked out: "She withstands. The Ice-cold DJ may have caused a slight tweetstorm with her ill-judged response to criticism of her hairdo, however she remains the singular greatest festivity employ the planet and really impressive, psychological and also reminiscent DJ of single vision as well as success. Still Techno's brightest celebrity."

A sincere correction of techno's record would certainly comply with a path of themes like white colored extractive industrialism, white colored trip as well as re-urbanization as well as the economics of cultural fraud. Technocracy depends on the withholding and holding on to of details and also information to promote criteria established through a managing a typically unethical elite training class. A thing or a take in is given market value by certain specifications within a technocracy and also by decentralizing present narratives as well as allowing for creators to tell their personal stories, there is actually option for an extra also as well as reliable cultural swap across the unlucky scenario of an economic market developed through intense as well as willfully ignorant white International colonial ideology. Proceeding in to 2020, a few noticeable vocals of a brand new generation of Black Techno allotment their encounters and also wish for a decolonized dancing popular music society.

Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson It's regularly thought that a task of mine to become capable to drive [the dark] history [of techno] and push black artists. I had actually been actually considering doing an occasion such as this for a number of years but it is actually hard to just do this occasion without any kind of area backing or even structural backing. Having actually dealt with thus a lot of dark musicians considering that moving to Brooklyn and today as booker at Bossa Nova Civic Nightclub, it simply thought that a piece of cake. Occupant was actually also such an easy occasion to manage yet we certainly need much more black people in making a reservation for placements at nightclubs. There's a frustrating large number of white bookers everywhere in NYC which most definitely has an effect on opportunities for black artists. I presume there is actually been actually a standard favorable shift in areas seeking to manual much more diversely. There actually is actually no reason.

Akua This was an essential year for the Dark Techno community. Within my prompt cycle in Brooklyn, I have actually found my peers as well as I bloom by means of our unapologetic strategy to restoring and revitalizing the often-ignored dark story of the category. Our interaction along with techno has actually straight directed the underground, political attitude in its own rawest form to permeate the uniform scene as well as take apart white colored patriarchal framework that has outlined the category for technique too long. As a black female in a setting where I am strongly apparent, however unnoticeable at the exact same opportunity, it is actually been very motivating to see that the contributions my peers and I have made to bolster modification on a residential and also international scale.Being capable to travel worldwide this year has actually helped me enhance as well as reevaluate the objectives responsible for my engagement along with techno. While I have actually possessed the opportunity to dip into places that are actually observed as crucial techno sites like Berghain's Saüle in Berlin, I've concerned understand my duty as certainly not simply a rabble-rouser of improvement, but additionally one of a physician and teacher. To become capable to participate in the music of black musicians I value a lot, like vets Robert Armani and Mike Dearborn, in the site's context, it really felt extra strong, given the complex past history between Berlin and also the US as it refers to techno. Knowledge like these have actually provided me the possibility to take additional attention to the black, POC and queer elderlies and also ascendants who risked the structure for me to perform what I am actually carrying out at the moment. To me, there is actually something exclusive regarding digging with the repositories to retell the stories of my elderlies in order to cure the severed origins of the style as well as to provoke people to decolonize their thoughts when it relates to their assumption of techno.

"Representation matters, our phrases concern, our songs concern, and our lives matter. Individuals need to have to know that whether they like it or even certainly not."-- Ash Lauryn

MoMA Ready Some of points that have been inspiring me the most are the unwearied DJs of Brooklyn's current nightlife areas, particularly the POC as well as QTPOC communities. Our team've all been interacting to produce rooms for ourselves in global dancing popular music. My reason for releasing a lot popular music this year is actually a bit even more private. It stems even more coming from my wish to preserve freedom over my fine art and also the narratives neighboring my art. Each release is actually various as well as is released for a various objectives, despite the outcome. Getting the popular music to the folks without a stream is something that encourages me. More of my colleagues is actually launching music to become included to the canon of dark techno and also dancing music. I believe that we all would like to observe more positive improvements for POC in dancing popular music globally. What much better to carry out that than by making the popular music that begins brand-new discussions? Techno origins can not be actually refuted. There is actually a new creation of black DJs as well as producers that right now know those roots as well as prefer to add to the legacy of dark dance popular music in North America.

Ash Lauryn Although residence and also techno songs has found somewhat of a comeback of black and brown young people since late, there is actually still an awesome quantity of work to be actually done. I am grateful to become an aspect of the act at an opportunity where many are actually carried out being actually soundless on troubles that matter to our company. There are actually a great deal of excellent individuals carrying out terrific points done in hopes of protecting the abundant black roots of dance songs, and also I consider on my own to become among all of them. By means of my system Underground & & Afro-american, my goal is to lift and also motivate the future productions of dark dancing popular music, and I can most submissively say I am doing only that. Portrayal concerns, our phrases matter, our songs issue, as well as our lifestyles issue. Folks require to know that whether they like it or otherwise.

DeForrest Brown, Jr. is actually a New York-based philosopher, writer and curator. He produces electronic audio and also extended media as Sound speaker Songs and also is actually a representative of the Make Techno Black Again initiative. His recent creating can be actually found in Afropunk, Artforum and also Hyperallergic.

Locate every one of FACT's year-end protection below.

This content was originally published here.

[theteenagetrickster]

Techno is technocracy

This year noted the 400th wedding anniversary of the transatlantic slave labor and the arrival of 20-30 West Africans to the United States contents. In August, The New York City Times Magazine, led by personnel press reporter and investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, released the very first edition of The 1619 Project, a collection of essays, rhymes, fiction and also photography that re-examines and also starts the sluggish procedure of changing United States background with correctives on occasions of structurally- and also socially-ordained public and also financial oppression of dark individuals. This change in race conversation certainly overflowed into the worldwide electronic popular music scene, as direct as well as understandable reminders of the extraction as well as erasure of dark culture through callouts and social networks retaliation.

The popular music market has always done not have nuance in respect to cultural sensitivity and recognition. In 2019 the need for a collective understanding of the importance of portrayal as well as liability seemed extra publicly vital. As the massive historic concern of The United States's tormented past is put in to situation through, primarily, black scholars and thinkers via a public organization, the significance and also worth of American culture and assets were also disputed.

The phrase "techno" was created by futurist and also business person Alvin Toffler in his 1980 book The 3rd Surge, which illustrates "created" countries, like The United States, and also their economic shifts coming from commercial creation to data-driven labor. Techno, as dark music and method, is coded along with industrial economic conditions and also involvement with market circulation. Its focus on beat patternization lends itself to become interlocked with various other monitors-- an excellent metaphor for American wonderful futurism, along with running as a literal social line, certainly not as well unlike the dark folk-tradition of storytelling.

Toffler's usage of techno was directly in endorsement to technocracy, or even a regulating system led by an elite lesson of technical professionals that create systems of development for a class of mostly skill-less consumers. Toffler notified technocracy had the potential to destabilize training class wheelchair and social areas via a "technocratic divide" which prefers the "notified" opinions of technological experts over a marginalized, and presumably questionable, community. When considering the specificity of African-Americans' 400-year-long history of injustice by methods of an only white European colonial controling physical body, the understanding of technocracy appears a whole lot even more scary.

Juan Atkins, that emerged the techno noise in the group Cybotron, 1st faced Toffler's creating in a secondary school course referred to as Future Studies. In the midst of Detroit's neglecting automotive field as well as the consequences of the ethnicity troubles of the 1970s, Cybotron's popular music reflected the industrial boom and decline of the metropolitan area which was meant to be actually an example of an American capitalist utopia. Detroit's failure in to dystopia motivated white colored people to take off to the residential areas, taking tasks as well as resources with them. The futurist bests of Toffler's works, along with his idea of the "techno revolutionist" who would certainly not really feel restricted or even defined by modern technology, encouraged Cybotron's popular music as they utilized readily available innovation to promote cutting-edge end results. In 1981, Juan Atkins created Cybotron's 'Planetary Cars' with the intent of it being actually a "unique as well as bold item of synthesizer rut, extra harmonic with Germany than the remainder of Black America." That exact same year in 1981, Paul Lesley as well as Sterling Jones' A Variety of Titles released 'Sharevari' which is often taken into consideration an early instance of techno.

Both Cybotron and A Lot of Brands's songs had their tracks transmitted on WGPR, 107.5 FM's Electrifying Mojo, a radio series along with a mainly black viewers as well as eclectic playlists consisting of music through Royal prince, the B-52s as well as Kraftwerk that influenced a lot of the Detroit sound. A year eventually, while on a see to The big apple, Atkins heard Afrika Bambaataa's 'World Rock' and viewed it as a better instance of his sonic sight. In 1988, Derrick May, a recognized pioneer of techno as well as ex-Northern Soul DJ and Kool Kat Records boss, Neil Rushton, assembled a cd of very early Detroit keep tracks of contacted Techno! The New Dancing Noise of Detroit for Virgin Records UK imprint 10 Records, which would certainly put the condition "techno" in to flow among music-buyers as well as journalists.

In July of this year, Mixmag operated a cover story entitled, "Exactly how Richie Hawtin improved digital popular music regularly and also once more". The British striking publication, which released its own debut issue in 1983 along with United States black disco group Shalamar on the cover, apparently formalized techno for worldwide consumption, according to a 2015 retrospective in The Independent; techno and acid house were actually certainly not imported in to the UK till 1988, a year after Phuture's 'Acid Rails' was actually launched. Much of digital popular music past prefers the job of Hawtin as one of the most significant Detroit DJ and developer as well as many years after the "invention" of techno in Detroit, Mixmag organized Richie Hawtin as the criterion wherefore a digital music icon can appear like.

The account, written by long time music writer as well as previous SIMPLE FACT factor Joe Muggs, illustrates Canada-native Hawtin's specialized proficiency as well as how he "longed for releasing on Derrick May's Transmat or Juan Atkins's Metroplex but [was actually] unable to receive the interest of [his] idolizers" and instead established his personal label, Plus 8, in 1990.

Five years after the label's creation, James Stinson of Drexciya talked to a critical and an unanswered question while being talked to through Tune Creator: "Why do Richie and his Additionally 8 household come down below as well as toss celebrations in midtown Detroit? ... [He] introduces all these youngsters from the suburbs and also from Canada and that shows a shortage of appreciation. I have actually been actually to everyone of those celebrations and I've never heard an Underground Resistance record, a Cybotron report, a Design 500 file or even an Eddie Fowlkes document. It's an overall disrespect and it's reached hinder."

Fast-forward to Oct 2019. Cold DJ/producer Nina Kraviz blog posts an image of herself on Twitter using cornrows, urging notable review. When confronted, Kraviz answered: "Realities examining [sic] For those who didn't recognize. I am actually not white european [sic] Braids is actually [sic] a part of several cultures. Heres [sic] is actually a viewpoint from a past history teacher." The "point of view" was provided through a screengrab coming from Quora, a user-edited question-and-answer site. Pigtails as well as cornrows are actually known typical African hairdos that became useful during the course of the transatlantic slave labor and were actually at some point utilized as a setting of top secret interaction in between slaves via styles that could duplicate maps to free of cost places in America. Kraviz is actually certainly not the 1st to acquire backlash for lifting hair-braiding-- one Kardashian or an additional has been actually proclaimed for lead-in different knotted types throughout the years-- neither is she the first to reject verification of the pain in the callouts that comply with, opting to acknowledge the retaliation an instance of reverse-racism. [Ed. note: There is actually no such thing as reverse-racism.]

Pair of months later on Mixmag honored Kraviz by placing her in the no. 6 area on its Best 10 DJs of the Year list. Her admittance, which has actually given that been actually amended, reviewed: "She sustains. The Shivery DJ might have caused a minor tweetstorm with her ill-judged reaction to objection of her hairstyle, but she stays the singular largest celebration draw on the planet and really innovative, psychological and also evocative DJ of single sight and success. Still Techno's brightest superstar."

A straightforward modification of techno's past history would comply with a trail of concepts like white colored extractive commercialism, white tour and re-urbanization as well as the economics of social fraud. Technocracy counts on the withholding and holding on to of info and sources to support criteria specified by a managing a frequently unethical best course. A thing or an encounter is offered value through specific requirements within a technocracy as well as by decentralizing current stories and allowing producers to inform their own tales, there is chance for an extra also and also ethical social substitution around the unfortunate situation of an economical market established by intense as well as willfully oblivious white International colonial belief. Continuing into 2020, a handful of prominent vocals of a brand new generation of Black Techno reveal their experiences and also chances for a decolonized dancing music society.

Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson It is actually constantly thought that a duty of mine to become able to press [the dark] background [of techno] and push black musicians. I had actually been thinking of doing an occasion such as this for a number of years yet it's difficult to just do this event without any type of community backing or structural backing. Having dealt with many dark musicians given that moving to Brooklyn and right now as booker at Bossa Nova Civic Nightclub, it merely believed that a no-brainer. Occupant was also such a very easy occasion to coordinate but our team most definitely need even more black individuals in booking postures at clubs. There is actually an overwhelming large number of white bookers everywhere in NYC which definitely impacts opportunities for black musicians. Nevertheless, I presume there is actually been actually a basic favorable shift in areas seeking to manual much more otherwise. There actually is no reason.

Akua This was actually a pivotal year for the Dark Techno area. Within my quick circle in Brooklyn, I've found my peers and also I blossom with our unapologetic method to redeeming as well as rejuvenating the often-ignored dark story of the style. Our interaction along with techno has straight directed the underground, political values in its own rawest form to permeate the homogenous scene and also take apart white colored patriarchal frame that has actually outlined the style for technique very long. As a dark woman in a scene where I am strongly obvious, yet undetectable at the same opportunity, it's been actually extremely inspiring to see that the additions my peers as well as I have actually created to continue modification on a domestic as well as international scale.Being able to explore worldwide this year has actually helped me boost as well as revise the purposes behind my engagement along with techno at the same time. While I have actually possessed the possibility to dip into places that are actually considered essential techno sites like Berghain's Saüle in Berlin, I have actually involved discover my task as not simply a rabble-rouser of adjustment, yet also one of a mender and also instructor. To become capable to participate in the music of black artists I respect a lot, like veterinarians Robert Armani and also Mike Dearborn, in the location's situation, it felt a lot more strong, given the challenging history between Berlin and the US as it pertains to techno. Knowledge like these have given me the chance to carry additional focus to the dark, POC and also queer senior citizens and forefathers that laid the structure for me to perform what I'm doing today. To me, there is actually something exclusive about digging via the archives to retell the accounts of my seniors in purchase to heal the cut origins of the genre and also to prompt folks to decolonize their minds when it concerns their viewpoint of techno.

"Portrayal issues, our terms issue, our songs issue, and also our lives issue. Individuals need to know that whether they like it or otherwise."-- Ash Lauryn

MoMA Ready Some of factors that have actually been actually uplifting me the very most are the hard-working DJs of Brooklyn's existing nightlife communities, especially the POC and QTPOC areas. Our team've all of been actually operating all together to develop spaces for ourselves in international dancing songs. My explanation for launching thus a lot songs this year is a bit even more individual. It stems a lot more from my wish to sustain freedom over my fine art and also the narratives bordering my craft. Each release is various and is actually discharged for a various purposes, even with the output. Receiving the popular music to people without a stream is actually something that inspires me, also. More of my colleagues is discharging music to be actually contributed to the library of black techno as well as dancing songs. I believe that everyone intend to find even more favorable modifications for POC in dancing popular music internationally. What much better to perform that than by creating the popular music that begins brand new chats? Techno roots can not be actually refuted. There is actually a brand-new generation of black DJs as well as producers that currently understand those roots and also desire to result in the legacy of black dance popular music in The United States.

Ash Lauryn Residence as well as techno popular music has actually observed somewhat of a renewal of dark and also brownish young people as of late, there is still an amazing volume of job to be carried out. I am actually happy to be actually an aspect of the act at a time where several are actually carried out being actually soundless on issues that matter to our company. There are a great deal of wonderful individuals doing excellent points all in hopes of protecting the rich black roots of dance music, and also I consider on my own to become some of all of them. Via my system Underground & & Afro-american, my goal is actually to boost and also inspire the future generations of dark dance popular music, and I can easily very most submissively state I am actually performing just that. Portrayal matters, our words matter, our popular music concern, and also our lifestyles issue. Individuals need to have to recognize that whether they like it or certainly not.

DeForrest Brown, Jr. is actually a New York-based thinker, reporter and also curator. He makes digital audio and extended media as Audio speaker Popular music and is an agent of the Make Techno Black Again project. His recent creating could be discovered in Afropunk, Artforum and Hyperallergic.

Find all of REALITY's year-end protection listed here.

This content was originally published here.

[ridleykemp]

The real 1970s

When you think of the 1970s, what do you think of? Disco? Watergate? The end of the Viet Nam war? Awful chain restaurants? Cocaine?

Those are all good answers, but if you want to really experience the 1970s in the U.S. of A (or at least my suburban bit of it)., there’s one cultural touchstone that sums it up better than any other and you seldom hear about it anymore: The TV variety show. Now, maybe this collective amnesia is a defense mechanism or maybe it’s just that we all remember it but we’re too embarrassed to talk about it, but it was there. It was a thing. It was everywhere.

What was a “variety show”? It was weird. The most common form was an hour-long show featuring a somewhat-popular musical artist which would feature monologues, skits, comedy, and, of course, musical numbers. Many of these features would follow the same format from week to week: “It’s now time for everyone’s favorite part of the show, ‘He’s a little bit country; she’s a little bit rock and roll!’”

If that sounds awful, then I’ve done a good job describing it. Most of these shows were not good. They were something you’d watch because there was almost guaranteed to be something that someone in the family would enjoy…sort of. It was the Bennigan’s approach to television: If we put enough stuff on the menu, everyone will be able to find something they can eat.

One of the biggest was a holdover from the 60s. It was called “Hee Haw” and it starred country and western legends Buck Owens and Roy Clark. I doubt I can describe just how deeply weird this show was, but I’ll give it a shot. Everyone looked like they’d stolen their outfits from a high school production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. They sang (of course), they did stand up, they did singing comedy, they did comedy interspersed with both “pickin’” and “grinnin’”, I think there were some farmer’s-daughter type girls for some jiggle.

Many others followed this same formula. Sonny and Cher were probably the most successful, especially if you count the post-Sonny Cher show (there would be no solo Sonny show). Donnie and Marie Osmond had a show. The Jacksons did, as did Flip Wilson*, Mac Davis, Tony Orlando & Dawn, and Bobby Goldsboro. The Captain and Tennille had a moderately successful show in spite of (or because of) the fact that “The Captain” was the living avatar of what would become known as “yacht rock”. Sha-Na-Na apparently had a show although now one remembers it, even the members of Sha-Na-Na.

The cast of the Brady Bunch had a variety show. If that doesn’t fill you with lurking horror, I’m not sure what will. If you ever saw the Simpsons’ short where they had a variety show, please understand this one thing: It wasn’t parody; it was exactly the same as the shows of that era.

Skip to 16:06. I apologize for the quality, but needs must when copyrights are being violated.

Now, the ones that didn’t quite hew to the same formula weren’t all bad. Laugh In was terrific, as was Soul Train, and Carol Burnett. Oh, and technically, Saturday Night Live was (and still is) a variety show. What these shows had in common was some sense of an edge. The rest of them were uniformly populated by bland, middle of the road artists doing safe routines and safe music and telling safe jokes.

Honestly, it would be much cooler if the 1970s were best represented by disaster movies, polyester suits, and the Ford years. Alas, none of those were the true character of the decade. Just like we remember New Wave music from the 80s and tend to forget that what people were really listening to was Huey Lewis, Lionel Richie, and Phil Collins, we tend to forget the bland-but-genuinely-popular aspects of the culture and latch on to the more interesting stuff. Which, honestly, is probably for the best.

* I hate lumping Flip Wilson in with this group because Flip was awesome. He deserves better, but his show didn’t.

[beths-escape-from-reality]

Hey Guys!

Happy New Year! I honestly cannot believe that another year has been and gone. It doesn’t seem possible. But, since we are somehow into 2019, I thought that it was high time for me to wrap up 2018 with my 2018 favourites. As you all know, each month I make a favourites posts talking all about the things that I loved that month. well, today I am going to be talking about the all the things that stood out to me throughout the year. The only thing not included on here will be books, because they will be getting their own post next week, So, without further ado, let’s do this!

  Favourite Make-Up Item

This has been the year that I have truly fallen in love with makeup. I am still kind of lazy with my daily makeup but now I truly enjoy trying new makeup and changing things up. I have recently fallen completely in love eyeshadow as well. There are so many new products that tried this year that I absolutely love. the three items that really stand out to me though have got to be No 7’s Stay Perfect Foundation, Sleek’s concealer and Benefit’s Bad Girl Bang Mascara. All three of these products are absolutely incredible and I love them all very much. if you get the opportunity to try any of them, I would highly recommend each of them.

Favourite Skin Care Product

This year I have also started to really enjoy taking better care of my skin. And I have discovered a lot a skincare items that have become must buy items for me. But my top products have got to be the Liz Earle Moisturiser, the No 7 Micellar Water and Soap & Glory’s Hand Food. These products are all amazing. Hand Food is quite possibly the best hand cream that I have ever used. And the Liz Earle moisturiser is just so good. it is light and easily absorbed but also so moisturising. Just brilliant.

Favourite Fragrance

Another thing that I have fallen in love with this year is perfume. Until a few months ago I never wore perfume. I had just never found out that I liked enough. But, since changing job and now working somewhere that sells it, I have fallen in love with so many scents and brought several. My three favourites have got to be Hugo Boss, The Scent, Private Accord and also Hugo Boss Orange. I have also re-discovered my love for Nina by Nina Richie. All of these fragrances are very different from one another but they are all lovely.

Favourite Hair Care Product

There are 2 hair care products that I have been loving this year. One new discovery and one rediscovery. The new discovery is Colab dry shampoo. This is the best dry shampoo that I have tried to date and I love it. it has a large range of scents available, it works brilliantly. I just love it. it is a must have now. the rediscovery is Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner. I used to always use this brand but stopped about 2 years ago because they discontinued the one I used but they have recently brought it back and I love it.

  Favourite Nail Varnish

This year I have really changed my nail varnish habits. I used to wear black nail varnish constantly, and if not that then just loads of very, very dark shades and would usually wear the same colour for months at a time. But this year that changed. I fell in love with lighter, softer shades and have fallen back in love with changing my nail varnish colour every few days, changing it to suit my mood. A few shades that I have found myself wearing a lot are Barry M’s Gelly Shades Nutmeg and also Almond. I have also been loving 2 Essie shades, Not Just A Pretty Face and Clothing Optional. They are all beautiful and so easy to wear. This year I also fell in love with the No 7 Top Coat. It is just as good as the Leighton Denny one I always used to use (possibly better) and a fraction of the price. I love it!

  Favourite Place

I went on holiday twice this year and fell completely and utterly in love with both places. The first place that I visited was Paris, a city that I visited as a child but could barely remember and then a couple of months later I went to Rome and fell in love with that too. both cities are so stunningly beautiful, they are full of culture and history and I just completely love them both. I want to go back to both of them!

Favourite Album

Two of my all-time favourite bands released new albums this year and I completely fell in love with both of them. they are Pray By The Wicked by Panic! At The Disco and MANIA by Fall Out Boy. Both of these albums are just incredible. even if you haven’t liked these bands in the past, you should give these ones a listen. There isn’t a single track on either album that I do not love. they are both just so good.

Favourite Artist

Speaking of my favourite albums from my year, I think that I should also give a shout out to my favourite artists. My three favourite brands from this year have got to be Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco and Queen. All of these bands have been firm favourites of mine for years and years and years, but in 2018 these three bands have been the ones that I have constantly reached for. I have had their works on repeat constantly throughout the year. I have one giant playlist on my phone that is just full of all three of these bands collective works and I just have it playing constantly.

Favourite App

I have recently discovered Scribd and I am in love. Scribd is an audiobook service that offers unlimited access to their library for a small monthly fee. A bit like audible but not limited to a single book. I have been using this app so much over the last few weeks, I am obsessed with it! it has been brilliant for fuelling my audiobook addiction!

Favourite Purchase

I brought an armchair. Yep, that is as random as it sounds lol. I spend 90% of my home time in my bedroom, usually reading, but as I have a small room and got rid of my desk and computer chair about 3 years ago, I only had my bed to sit on. which is okay but it means that when reading for a long time my back would end up hurting and it just wasn’t that comfortable. So I finally brought myself a little armchair for my room. I got myself a tub arm chair from IKEA (in dark grey) and I freaking love it. I have not stopped sitting in it since I brought it. best £90 I have ever spent.

Favourite Film

This is a tossup between two films. And you will probably be able to guess which two. I have been to the cinema quite a bit in the last couple of months and I have fallen in love with both Fantastic Beasts, The Crimes Of Grindelwald and also Bohemian Rhapsody. Oh course I was going to love both of these. Fantastic Beasts was brilliant. it expanded the wizarding world so much and raised so many questions. I can’t wait for the next instalment. And as a huge Queen fan, I was always going to love Bohemian Rhapsody. It is just wonderful. I might have gone and seen it twice…

Favourite Activity

I have loved a few activities to year. the first thing that I fell in love with is Bookstagraming. This year I switched my Instagram account to a purely bookstagram one and I have really fallen in love with it. particularly in the last few months I have started to really love taking photos and being more creative. I just love it. it is such a wonderful community. Similarly, I have also loved listening to audiobooks. I went for a period of being very low this year (undealt with grief and a job that I hated) and during that time I found myself listening to audiobooks constantly. They were such a great distraction for me and I loved them very much. and finally I also fell in love with walking this year. I spent a lot of time walking with my mum or by myself and I loved it. the fresh air and the movement really helped me to feel more like myself when I was feeling low.

Favourite Jewellery Item

I am a creature of habit when it comes to my jewellery. I usually wear the same things every day and very rarely change anything. But at the end of 2017 I lost my nan and ever since then I have been wearing one of her necklaces. It is a little heart locket and I wear it with a small pendant that my other grandmother brought me for my 21st birthday. It just means so much to me and I haven’t taken it off.

And there we have it. those are all of the things that I loved in 2018. This was such a mixed year for me. With highs and lows and a lot of changes. What was 2018 like for you? what things did you love? I wish you all the best for 2019. I hope that you have enjoyed todays post and I will see you all again very soon

2018 Favourites Hey Guys! Happy New Year! I honestly cannot believe that another year has been and gone. It doesn’t seem possible.

[devils-gatemedia]

How can you talk about Blue Öyster Cult without mentioning the C-word? With great difficulty. No matter how many times you see it, the Saturday Night Live skit with Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken still hits the spot. Someone posts on social media that they are under the weather or have a fever? Blam, they get the clip sent to them, or one of many numerous Walken memes about cowbell, being the only prescription. So, leading up to these brace of live dates, memes about “more cowbell” were on constant rotation as Blue Öyster Cult made a flying visit to these shores. Before the rock legends took to the stage, Jared James Nichols was tasked with warming up the crowd, and you guessed it, he also brought his cowbell..

Wisconsin born guitar slinger, Nichols is one of the new breed of blues rock players coming through the ranks, bringing with him a certain degree of piss and vinegar. A genre that can sometimes be quite stale, blues rock needs new blood to keep it relevant, and Nichols is dragging it kicking and screaming into modern times. To use a sporting cliché, it’s what Nichols does when he doesn’t have the ball that makes him stand out. When he isn’t strangling his Gibson to within an inch of its life on numerous solos, he’s keeping it simple and allowing the song to breath, new song ‘Don’t Be Scared’ being a great example. A slow burning, smouldering, bone cruncher of a tune, it begins with some simple, beefy chords that demand your attention before the song settles into its head bobbing groove. After a few moments of restraint, Nichols lets rip with one of many incredible solos. Never flash or overplayed, it’s an admirable trait that is in short supply these days. Another newer track, ‘Don’t You Try’, is a great example of how much this power trio is a band. Bassist Erik Sandin provides some cool harmonies as well as helping Nichols out with call and response vocals, all the while playing the living hell out of his bass. At the back sits drummer Dennis Holm, the machine. A mass of hair and flailing arms, he hits with force and is a joy to watch. Nichols is no slouch either, his vocals have come on leaps and bounds since 2015’s debut album, ‘Old Glory and The Wild Revival’, while his playing gets better with each outing. Authentic playing that has seen his stock rise and become the “goto” guy when bands are looking for an opener to give them a run for their money. With his time drawing to a close, Nichols leads the band into a storming cover of ‘Mississippi Queen’, and Holm unlocks the cowbell. Cue mass cries of “more cowbell!”… New album, ‘Black Magic’, is due in September, and on tonight’s evidence, looks like being a belter. Catch Nichols this July with UFO, as well as slots at Ramblin’ Man Fair and Steelhouse Festival.

Celebrating 45 years since the release of their self titled debut album, it’s only fitting that Blue Öyster Cult begin with the opening track from the 1972 debut, and so ‘Transmaniacon MC’ kicks off a trip down memory lane that had the audience in raptures from the word go. From the debut the band fast forward five years to the metal-tastic titled ‘Golden Age Of Leather’, complete with the acapella intro and the opening lyrics that most of the crowd can identify with.. “Raise your can of beer on high and seal your fate forever, our best years have passed us by… the golden age of leather”. Guitarist Buck Dharma still sounds amazing after all these years and makes this guitar playing lark look effortless when the song speeds up midway through. The instantly recognisable intro of ‘Burning For You’ features more vintage Dharma as the band breaks into one of their biggest hits. There are killer harmonies throughout, and Dharma handles the lead vocals with aplomb. The guitarist also handles lead vocals on ‘Then Came The Last Days Of May’, which sees Richie Castellano step up to the plate and deliver a jaw-dropping guitar solo. It’s amazing to watch Dharma taking a step backwards to allow Castellano his moment in the spotlight. After a glorious few minutes the guitarists swap places and Dharma comes front and centre and lets fly. Serious guitar fireworks from two talented musicians that people were still talking about on the way out.

Vocalist Eric Bloom is in fine voice throughout the evening, although he is taking his life in his hands wearing shades in one of the darkest venues in the country. Despite the ABC having the largest mirror ball in Europe, it has a fear of turning on anything resembling a bright light. Watching the lead vocalist of the headlining act wander about on stage wearing shades leads to a few winces as he walks forward to the edge of the stage. Guys, turn on some lights, eh? We aren’t Gremlins y’know. Bloom is also in fine fettle throughout the evening, telling the audience “Let’s play some rock n’ roll as there is a disco in here after… so rev up your motorcycle, grab your woman, and grab a beer!” Or when introducing ‘Harvest Moon’… ”We like a bit of audience participation, so what would you like to hear? ‘Shark’ or ‘Harvest Moon’?…’Harvest Moon’ it is then..”. The climax of the set really is a testament to the amazing back catalogue of Blue Öyster Cult. ‘Tattoo Vampire’, ‘Godzilla’, ‘Astronomy’ and ‘Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll’ all have the crowd beaming ear to ear, but of course the loudest cheers are for, what else but, ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’, which sadly is a cowbell free zone! No cowbell? Denied, man! Even without the C-word, it’s still a fantastic romp that sets off mass singalongs and bro-hugs that can only be seen at classic rock gigs. Strangers are high fiving each other, slapping backs, and showing genuine emotion at the airing of a bonafide rock classic. Let’s face it, that’s what life is all about isn’t it?

Review – Dave Stott

Images – Dave Jamieson

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    Live Review: Blue Öyster Cult – ABC Glasgow How can you talk about Blue Öyster Cult without mentioning the C-word? With great difficulty. No matter how many times you see it, the Saturday Night Live skit with Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken still hits the spot.

[blancagriswold]

Real Weddings: Francesca and Nathan’s Relaxed Day

Happy Friday Cwtchers!

Ah, we have such a pretty, relaxed, happy wedding for you to start your weekend off with a big smile.  Shot by the lovely Heledd Roberts, Francesca and Nathan share their big day details with us.  Over to you two….

Francesca and Nathan’s Relaxed Day

How would you describe your wedding theme?

To be honest we didn’t really have a theme. We wanted a relaxed feel to the day and wanted to have as much input into the whole day.

What was your favourite part of your wedding?

EVERYTHING! From the 6am wake up call to the 3am hot tub party with friends! We has such a blast! We wanted the wedding weekend to be based on love, life, and laughter, and we certainly achieved this!

Tell us about your Wedding Dress

The dress was from Karen Lesley Bridal Shop based in Northrop. It was the first and only bridal shop I went to! The staff were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. I had no idea what I wanted, and after trying on a fair few I went back to the first dress! It was a Mori Lee, and was simply stunning with the lace details. My Mum and sister came with me and were very helpful.

Who did you pick as your bridesmaids &/or best man and why?

I had two bridesmaids, my younger sister Laura and Nathan’s sister Monique. They were amazing and so laid back about it all. from the bridesmaid dress fittings to the day itself they were so helpful and kept me calm.

Nathan had his best friend since school Gaz as the best man. We couldn’t of had a better best man! He made us laugh and cry during the speeches and was such a great support for Nathan on the day! Nathan will be playing the part of best man for Gaz next year for his own wedding! We have to mention the ushers! Ben, Ronnie, Anton, Adam, and JV!

They all have been such a big part of Nathan’s life and it meant so much they played a key part during the day! They were all amazing and looked very smart in their Ted Baker suits!

Why did you choose your venue?

We were married in the Marble Church in Bodelwyddan. Both our families had strong links to the couch and it meant a lot to be married there as my Mum and Dad were married there 33 years ago. It is a beautiful church.

We choose Pentre Mawr Country House in Llandyrnong as our wedding reception. It was the first and only venue we visited! We fell in love with the place as soon as we arrived, and Bre and Graham (the owners) treated us like family! Nothing was too much trouble and they always were happy to help and get stuck in. It is a beautiful country house with cottages and even safari lodges (very posh glamping) for guest to stay in!

It boosted large grounds with beautiful views and of course a marquee with a newly converted barn attached for the dance floor. Myself and Nathan come from large families, and with having 130 guests in the daytime itself we were looking for a venue that provided the space but also freedom to do what we wanted.

Tell us about your photographer

Where do I begin? Heledd Roberts is AMAZING! A very talented young lady who captured our day perfectly. We aren’t a posey couple, we wanted a very relaxed and natural photographer, Heledd was just perfect for this. The photographs are truly stunning and she has done such a perfect job on capturing very special moments.

How did the proposal happen? 

Our proposal isn’t the most romantic, but it always makes me laugh looking back at it. I had just finished 3 night shifts in the hospital and Nathan had told me before I headed to bed that morning that he was off with Gaz to collect some new fence panels for our home. I thought nothing of it as Nathan was always doing DIY around the house. I woke up a few hours later and Nathan asked if I wanted to pop out for tea that night. We headed out and Nathan randomly stopped at local beach (Rhos On Sea). He asked if I would like to get out and go for a stroll along the promenade before our meal. However, being slightly post night grumpy and in need of food I declined and said no! Poor Nathan got out, opened the boot and came back to the car with a clogau gold box. His plan had back fired and couldn’t get down on one knee, so he opened the box and there was a beautiful welsh gold engagement ring! I was shocked, and felt awful that Nathan’s plan didn’t work. After a lot of tears and laughter I said YES!

Any DIY stories/tutorials you’d like to share?

I just love EBay and a good bargain! I did a lot of DIY things mysellf and with the help of lovely family and friends. I wanted a personal touch on the decor and enjoyed looking for ideas on Pinterest! On the Thursday night before the wedding myself and Nathan (with the help of our brilliant family) set up the wedding venue, it was so much fun!

What was your first dance & why?

Our first dance was sung by an amazing singer called Samwise. He sang a cover of “Can’t help falling in love with you’ on the ukulele. Choosing a song was tricky but we finally found the one which had so much meaning and felt right. It was amazing, and everyone got involved and even sang along. The dance floor was packed!

In hindsight, was there anything you would have done differently?

Not at all! I just wish we had longer. The day really does go fast!

Do you have any advice for future couples?

Enjoy every moment, the day really does fly by! Try and find some time just for the two of you during the day!

What’s the best piece of marriage advice you received?

Remember the day is about you two, and nobody else! It had rained all morning on the day but I was not going to let that spoil the day. I was marrying my best friend and love of my life, that was all that mattered.

What was your favourite thing about planning a wedding?

We planned our wedding over a two year period, and a lot of things were booked very early, which helped! It was interesting learning new things about each other, although we have been together 6 years. Both me and Nathan have strengths and weakness, it tested the water for sure! Overall it made us stronger as a couple!

The Suppliers

Photographer: Heledd Roberts Photography Videographer: Theo Woodford-Dyer Videographer Ceremony Venue: St Margarets Church, Bodelwyddan Reception Venue: Pentre Mawr Country House, Llandyrnog Bride’s Dress: Mori Lee Bride’s Shoes: Not on the Highstreet Bride’s Headpiece: Accessorize Bride’s Jewellery: Not on the Highstreet Groom’s Outfit: Ted Baker Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Dorothy Rose Bridal Shop  Bridesmaid’s Accessories: River Island Cake: Sarah Radcliffe (friend) Flowers: Haf’s Floral Design Hair: Fabienne at Hush Make Up: Anna Baxter Make Up Band: Samwise DJ: Red Rooster Disco Stationery: Paperchase Caterers: Brooke House Mill (Denbigh) Any Reception Decor/Props: Haf’s Floral Design Transport: Just Rolls

The Wedding Album

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