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i0veless · 2 years ago

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GUITAR STRING HEART 1 :: KYLIAN MBAPPE

𖥻 SUMMARY ー [ sometimes they're an unexpected chapter in the story ] 𖥻 PAIRING ー [ kylian mbappe x fem! guitarist/singer! reader ] 𖥻 GENRE ー [ social media au, band au, ex's to ???, angst, fluff ] 𖥻 WORD COUNT ー [ 4.7k ] 𖥻 WARNINGS ー [ drinking, smoking, mention of nudity, breakups, and insecurities - let me know if theirs anything else ] 𖥻 AUTHORS NOTE ー [ first post, and it's an idea I have had for a while - their is going to be a part 2 to this and Idk when I will write it but enjoy - ALSO their may be several mistake but plz ignore it 2 am and i can see straight ]

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Nothing felt better than this, the rush of Adrenaline and Dopamine kicking in, making everything fuzzy in the best way possible. Y/N lived for that rush, and right now was no different as she played her heart out on stage with her hands skilfully plucking the strings of her baby blue guitar, playing in harmony with her bandmates to the thunderous applause of the crowd. The song finally drew to a close, and the cheers became deafening. The musician felt at home looking out into the sea of faces full of twinkling phone lights, signs, and posters.

As the cheers died down slightly, Axel yelled into the mic, "Thank you, Rome and good night." followed by more applause from the crowd, and the stage lights cut off. The show was over, and dame where they beat, sluggishly making their way backstage. The group placed their instruments down before they crashed to the floor. "One more show left to go", Sabrina laughed. "Ugh, I'm gonna miss this", Onyx muttered in exhaustion. "Are you, though" Sabrina questioned, knowing her friend's lazy tendencies. "Hate to say it, but I agree with nyx on this one. I could do this forever," Y/n finally chimed in as she picked herself off the floor, grabbed four water bottles, and shared them with the group. "Now hurry up, you dumb fucks. I need a shower."

Paparazzi were annoying fans, and average fans weren't. That was set in stone, but the line separating the two was slim. So when people were shoving cameras in their faces and screaming at them to 'look here.' it got very annoying very quickly. The security team surrounded them like a herd of intimidating sheep, escorting them from the venue to their ride to the hotel.

With a deep sigh, Y/N finally shut the door to her hotel room, bolted it, and quickly stripped naked, leaving a pile of clothes in the bathroom. She bathed under the shower and let the hot water wash away all the day's dirt, grime and stress. Humming a light tune, she scrubbed her body clean with scented body gel and shampooed and conditioned her hair before rinsing. Now fresh and clean, she did her extensive skin care and posted a picture on Instagram with her, Sabrina, and Victoria from Maneskin, adding a couple of images to her story and making a quick tweet teasing the final concert of the tour in paris before turning off her phone and falling asleep. Safe to say, she was excited for what was to come, but nothing could prepare her for the storm coming her way, a storm called Kylian Mbappe.

yourinstagram

liked by sab.rina neymarjr and 10,434,594 others ➻ tagged sab.rina

yourinstagram night in rome as a couple🍷

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sab.rina wifey 🥰🥵 ⤷ yourinstagram mommy 😩😩

sab.rina you are fine wine ⤷ onyxisastone I don't like wine ⤷ user wow 🤣

onyxisastone couple of besties 🤪 ⤷ yourinstagram you're done... ⤷ sab.rina politely shut the fuck up ⤷ onyxisastone what did I do ⤷ axeman your only making things worse nyx so for ya only personal safety zip it ⤷ onyxisastone 🤐

maneskin 🫡🫡🫡 ⤷ yourinstagram 😘😘😘 ⤷ user stan maneskin and blood valentine for clear skin ⤷ user future collab?

axeman why was I not invited ⤷ sab.rina do you have a vigina ⤷ axeman no... ⤷ sab.rina then their is your answer ⤷ yourinstagram pizza? ⤷ axeman yes, please ⤷ user miss brina woke up and chose violence ⤷ sab.rina always 💅🏼

user bloody valentines friendship >>>> the world ⤷ user facts

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sab.rina

liked by ykaaar ethanskin and 9,643,124 others ➻ tagged yourinstagram vicdeangelis

sab.rina my girls

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vicdeangelissee you soon ⤷ user collab? ⤷ ykaaar 👀 ⤷ vicdeangelis 👀 ⤷ ethanskin 👀 ⤷ thomasraggi__ 👀

yourinstagram the pretty best friends 🥰 ⤷ vicdeangelis 😘

onyxisastone still trying to steal our band mates I see victoria ⤷ vicdeangelis I mean...

user maneksin and bloody valentine single-handedly saved this year ⤷ user facts

user step on me

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yourinstagram . 23hr ago

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onyxisastone

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axeman

liked by thegossip celebritytheories and 11,213,194 others ➻ tagged yourinstagram sab.rina onyxisarock

axeman fight or flight

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Kylian knew it was wrong, but that had never stopped him before. He had lost all sense of morality the moment he lost her, as he lay awake another sleepless night with the bed feeling too big and empty, yearning for the feeling of another body filling that void. But it couldn't be just anyone, and he figured that out the hard way after many nights of drinking and sleeping around still did little to ease or mend his broken heart.

Letting out a deep sigh, the PSG player gave up on trying to sleep and decided to turn on the tv as he lay perfectly still in bed and flicked through the channels. Lady and the tramp was one of Y/N's favourites because she was a hopeless romantic. As the famous spaghetti scene played with romantic music in tow, the number ten couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted and annoyed.

Everything reminded him of her, but he didn't have the right to complain about feeling heartbroken. He was the one who left the stunning musician. So in some sick sense of karma, he did deserve it. Maybe this was how the universe would exact revenge on him on behalf of his former lover. Gift him success, money, fame - and every luxury life had to offer but leave a hole in the shape of the love he once had.

He constantly felt the overwhelming urge to see her face, like an itch in his brain that he could not scratch, to see what he had missed, to revel in envy and live vicariously through her social media posts and dream of a world where they were still together. He held a sick sense of pride that no one would know her as intimately as he did - but what if things had changed? What if someone else did? What if she had moved on? And let the moments the two of them shared slowly deteriorate from her library of memories to make room for new ones without him?

The thought made his blood boil, he knew he had no right to be angry, but he couldn't help it. How could he remain calm? When a usurper had taken his place in Y/N's heart, he understood that it was no longer his place to hold - but oh, how he wished it was. How he wished he could wake up with someone to hold him tight in the winter mornings, kiss him until minor bruises formed, love him through the highs and lows and excepted him with all his flaws. But he didn't just want someone. He wanted Y/N L/N, but unfortunately, not all dreams came true.

So Kylian did the next best thing; he stalked her. Clicking on the profile, he scrolled through the array of photos, her happy face, in different countries, with her friends, family but not him - never him. That was why he didn't want their relationship to be secret anymore. He was tired of being hidden. Because in the back of his mind, he thought Y/N was ashamed to be seen with him, obviously that was the furthest thing from the truth.

But he couldn't help it, so in an attempt to find some comfort, he suggested making the relationship public multiple times. Constant declining and excuses did nothing but further his insecurities to the point that he started to doubt their relationship. This only lead to more fights and, finally, the eventual end of the relationship, with him being the one to call it off.

As he stared at the same face, he shed a river's worth of tears with. He felt nothing but regret and guilt as he saw the musician's Instagram story, a picture from her band's concert in Rome. 'I don't want to love you anymore' in a bold red, scrawled over the digital screen in the background. Part of him wanted to deny any chance that this may be directed towards him, but another part of him clung to the idea that the musician was still in love with him like a wet shirt to skin.

So without thinking, he posted on his story replying to her first post indirectly, not even concerned if people would put two and two together. An hour later, Kylian began watching another movie that reminded him of her. Tim Burton's corpse bride, as the film played in the background, Mbappe opened Twitter and switched accounts from his offical to his secret. His timeline was a bloody valentines shrine of achievements and, more notably, Y/N's achievements, from videos of her and her bandmates at the Grammys and red carpets to their most recent concert in Rome. He watched them all, liking, favouriting and rooting for them from afar.

One particular video caught his eye, clicking play. Shouts and music met his ears as the video of the group performing the song 'second chance romance.' played with everyone in the crowd screaming, dancing and singing along. All he could do was focus on the lyrics. 'second chance romance doesn't leave us enough time for one last dance, with not enough time. You'll leave me begging you, please don't go, but even if you leave, maybe in a couple of years, I'll let you back into my heart, my dear.'

The song was for him. It had to be. Once again, acting on impulse, he posted the picture of the Tim burton movie and song title to his story before shutting off his phone. Mbappe closed his eyes and let out a deep breath as he clung to his last shred of hope that he could still have her back. He knew that Y/N's final concert was in Paris, and part of him felt happy that she was coming home. Even if it wasn't to him, maybe he would watch. He eventually fell asleep, unaware of the problems he had caused with those posts. But perhaps it was for the best?

k.mbappe . 22hr ago

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celebritytheories

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celebritytheories Football fans and blood hearts clash as the recent stories made by mbappe leave fans wondering if there was some relationship between him and bloody valentines guitarist and female vocalist y/n l/n. The rumours sparked after kylian posted a harmless photo of him watching lady and the tramp (one of y/n's favourite movies of all time) with a cryptic message seemingly replying to the y/n's story about her band's concert in rome, italy. And if that wasn't enough to cause controversy, the psg star then made a follow-up post on his story with the caption 'second chance romance.' which is a bloody valentine song written by y/n herself. As it recounts a relationship with an old flame and how she would be willing to rekindle their love, the reference was paired alongside another of her all-time favourite movies, the corpse bride. People's opinions are split, with some claiming that fans are just reaching. Others argue that the references were too cohesive to be coincidence and that the singer did spend four months in paris last year. With no more information and neither party addressing the rumours, there is nothing but speculation. With bloody Valentine, the final stop on their world tour is in Paris, and people are wondering if PSG's number star will be among the crowd.

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user it's offical everyone has fucking lost it

user am I the only one who thinks that they would make a cute couple? liked by celebritytheories

user naurrr y/n is for the gayyys ⤷ user she's bi

user nahhh I smell cap

user but why does this actually make sense ⤷ user I know right?!?!?! ⤷ user so ship? ⤷ user yeah def ⤷ user brb gonna go write some fanfiction for them ⤷ user go touch some fucking grass ⤷ user no thank you 🥰

user stay away from my future wife you mutant turtle 🤺🤺🤺

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thegossip

liked by bloodyvalentine maneskin and 1,832,483 others

thegossip band bloody valentine has finally landed in pairs for their last concert on their bloody revenge world tour, with rumours circulating that the Italian band maneskin will also be expected to make an appearance, but nothing has been confirmed.

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thebloodyvalentine 👀 ⤷ sab.rina 👀 ⤷ axeman 👀 ⤷ yourinstagram 👀 ⤷ maneskin 👀 ⤷ onyxisastone 🫦 ⤷ user 🤣🤣🤣

user I would sell my soul to see them live

user am I the only one who is wondering if the y/n and kylian rumours are true? ⤷ user same ⤷ user y/n is to good for kylian ⤷ user facts

user google how to become the floor

user god they could step on me and I would say thank you 🥵 ⤷ user same ⤷ user ya'll need to ask for forgiveness from god ⤷ user rich coming from someone who follows the hub

user I want vic from maneksin and y/n bloody valentine to peg me

user 🔥🔥🔥

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Love was a complicated emotion, but the dread that she was experiencing was the furthest thing from it. Y/N had been worried about everything but the paparazzi, from the jet to the car to the hotel. She leaned against the hotel room's balcony with a cigarette and a flute of champagne in hand. She felt the sicking sense of nostalgia creep down her spine as she watched the twinkling lights of the Eiffel tower.

The cold wind gently knocked against her frigid skin, reminding her that at the same time last year, she was in the warm embrace of the supposed man of her dreams - Kylian Mbappe. But it wasn't meant to be. Even if she wished it was, it wouldn't change the truth. They were over and had been over for nearly a year, so why he decided to start writing cryptic messages and references directed at her was a surprise. Her head had convinced her that he was bored, and her heart said that he still loved her, but whatever the PSG player was doing was not appreciated.

The squeak of the balcony door stopped her rabbit hole of reminiscing as her best friend and fellow bandmate Sabrina joined her on the balcony. "Feels nice to be back, doesn't it?" the bassist asked. All Y/N could respond with was a whispered 'yeah' as she tried to convince herself and her friend that she was unbothered. "Angel, you know you are great at many things, but lying is not one of them."

With a deep sigh of frustration, the guitarist downed the rest of her champagne before placing the glass on the floor. Taking another long drag of her cigarette, leaned her back against the railing. "It's just…memories." She trailed off slightly, looking at her friend with a heavy sadness in her eyes. "Your thinking about the posts", Sabrina gently interrogated as she leaned against the rails and began to smoke. "It's hard not to when it's splashed all over gossip sites", the guitarist softly answered as she took one final drag of her cigarette before extinguishing it in the ashtray.

"You know, maybe it's well-aligned coincidences", Sabrina half-heartedly joked to make her friend smile - which she did. But only for a brief moment, as the gloom of memories crept over her once more. "You and I both know those posts were anything but coincidence, Brina," Y/N spoke with a sad smile. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, you're probably not going to see him, " her friend uttered, trying to comfort her sad companion.

"Oddly enough, that makes me feel slightly worse that better." as tears start to well in her eyes, Y/N lights a fresh cigarette - Kylian hated when she smoked, which was the exact reason she did it often. "You still in love with him" the dreaded question slipped through her friend's lips, and the two stood in a moment's worth of silence. "I don't think I ever stopped. I only learned how to act like I didn't."

"to be honest, I always thought that you two would get married", Sabrina sighed as she thought about all the times she saw her friend and the football star looking hopelessly in love during their relationship. But no love story was perfect, and Y/N and Kylian's was no different. "yeah, me too," Y/N whispered with unshed tears. Sabrina knew why they ended, as Kylian's constant need to make their relationship public tore them apart.

And the 18-year-old Y/N was hesitant, and she didn't want unnecessary attention from the media, who already had an affinity for making baseless dating accusations against her. But Sabrina could understand why Kylian didn't want to keep their relationship secret - he wanted to show the world how much he loved his girl. But at the same time, Y/N had a different idea for their relationship, wanting to keep it private and avoid people making unnecessary comments towards both of them. She was trying to protect him, but did he need protection in the first place?

After a few more moments of peaceful silence, the two girls agreed to go back inside as the cold worsened. Stepping back into the warm hotel room, their other two bandmates lay on the sofa with a drink in hand and not a care in the world. Looking up from his phone Onyx smiled at the pair "nice of you to rejoin the party." the drummer laughed as he handed the two a beer bottle each as they seated themselves in the empty loveseat.

"Good to know you're still not completely shit-faced", Y/N snickered, taking a sip of her beer, "Don't worry, the night is still young," the man said in a fit of laughter. "Give it ten minutes, and he'll be out like a light", Axel finally chimed in. The other guitarist and male vocalist chuckled at the state of his bandmate. "Nah, I give it five", Sabrina countered. "You people have no faith in me", the intoxicated drummer whined in protest. The group laughed in innocent bliss, revelling in each other's company, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.

Looking in the direction of the nock, Axel sighed, "alright, fess up. Who ordered takeout." looking towards his friends, who all denied doing such a thing - but that didn't convince him. Pushing himself up from the sofa and walking towards the door, making sure to grab his wallet in the process, he grumbled incoherently while the other three just looked at each other confused. Opening the door, Axel was met with the face of their manager, not a delivery boy. "False alarm, it's just Johnny ", he yelled to the others, who groaned at the thought of no food.

Letting the older man into the room, they offered him a beer, which he accepted graciously before taking a seat on an empty stool. "So your probably wondering what I'm doing here, so I'll get straight to it. As you know, tomorrow is the day before your last concert on tour, and I just got a call from the higher-ups. They want you to attend the PSG vs Man City match tomorrow and get the most publicity out of these stupid rumours about Y/N and Mbappe." Johnny spoke as the group listened intently to their manager, oblivious to the fact that these rumours were true, which made him look stupid, but they chose not to say anything. Well, this was an exciting turn of events.

yourinstagram . 12hr ago

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sab.rina . 6hr ago

seen by k.mbappe leomessi and 1,810,124 others

Y/N had been uneasy since the morning as she sat in the car on her way to the game. She was questioning her life choices as she tried to find ways to escape this uncomfortable situation, but her back was against the wall. It took all her strength not to reach from her seat behind the driver and grab the wheel to force him to turn the car around. Part of her hated Johnny for this, but the other part couldn't be mad at him for something he didn't know or could control.

Finally, stopping in front of Parc Des Princes Paris. Home to PSG and her ex-boyfriend Y/N felt like she was dying. Stepping out of the car, she looked up at the enormous stadium as she felt a hand intertwined with hers. Turning slightly, she met Sabrina's gaze giving her a reassuring smile to her friend that she was 'fine'. The group walked in like a scene out of an action movie as security escorted them to their seats in the VIP lounge.

As fans flooded into the stadiums as chants and singing began - football fans were a different breed of human. A little while later, the pre-kick of formalities had started. Both teams make their way onto the field, standing in line with the children in front of them. As the camera panned across all of the player's faces, Y/N's heartbeat quickened slightly at the sight of the PSG number seven. Her heart screams at his effortlessly attractive disposition, even if her head screams to ignore him. But that had been challenging to do when every fibre of her being was still calling out to him.

Y/N was choosing to swat away the intrusive thoughts and enjoy the game, as that was the point of being there, even if it was mixed up in a publicity bit. As the game began, the guitarist was on the edge of her seat as the two teams went head to head. One of the most intriguing clashes amid the match was between Mbappe and Halland, as the two promising talents battled it out in what seemed to be far bigger than just a football match - it was personal. There was a purpose behind every tackle and interception, not just to win but to make a point to the other.

By the end of the first half, it was 1-1, with both teams equally matched in skill, speed, and defence, meaning there were very few windows to score. As much as she didn't want to come, Y/N was genuinely surprised at how much she was enjoying herself. If it weren't for the fact that everyone knew they were here (courtesy of the cameras showing their reactions to the goals on the large screen) and that her ex-boyfriend was in the same vicinity as her, she would have classed this as a near-perfect experience.

"They're good, aren't they?" Axel spoke in awe as he took a sip of his coke, "yeah, I mean did you see Halland score that goal!" Onyx said with elevated enthusiasm - he was a man city stan. "technically, aren't we meant to be supporting PSG as they were the ones who invited us?" Sabrina questioned, making an excellent point. Why would PSG invite them when one of their star players was making headlines for all the wrong reasons with a member of the band they asked to watch? "Well, it's a free country, and I'm going to support Halland," Onyx said firmly with his support for the light blues.

"Suck his ass more like." Y/N chimed in, giving Brina a high five as the two laughed at their friend's obsession with Earling Halland. As the group talked about the game and enjoyed their VIP benefit food, the second half started, and it did not disappoint. Mbappe and Messi followed Neymar and scored a goal each, but the field was quickly made even by Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. The game ended 3-3, much to each side's disappointment, but they all played their best and put on a fantastic show of skill.

Standing up from their seats, the group cheered along with the rest of the audience of fans before they began to grab their things and get ready to leave, like everyone else. But a text message from Johnny altered their plans drastically, "Oh shit", Onyx cursed, looking at his friends. "Have you guys read what johnny boys said on the group chat" Taking the silence as a 'no', he continued, "apparently, were going to be taken by security to meet the PSG team"

If Y/N wasn't freaking out before, she sure was now. Sensing her distress, her friends jumped in to comfort her. "Hey baby, listen, we don't have to if you don't want to", Axel said, trying to comfort his best friend as she looked like she was on the verge of tears at the thought of being in the same room as her ex. "No, no, we have to. I don't want management to know somethings up." the girl sighed as she tried to compose herself as she began to walk down to the reception.

They were taken back into the restricted area, Y/N was now in fight or flight mode, and in a last-ditch attempt, she asked where the bathroom was. Walking towards the restroom, she could feel her bandmates concerned gazes as the guitarist and singer walked into the bathroom. Splashing cold water over her face, looking at her reflection in the mirror, she felt her solid resolve deteriorating with every passing second.

"You look like you have been through it" not even bothering to turn around, she looked through the mirror and saw Earling Halland leaning against one of the stalls near the door. "You could say that." turning around to face him, giving him a small smile. "Hope it wasn't because of the outcome of the match." he joked lightly, seeing the girl's tense demeanour and deciding that she needed a laugh.

"No, it was anything but that. It's not every day you get to see Earling the robot Halland play live." the Norwegian star met her gaze with a stunned expression riddled across his face. "You know who I am?" he asked in shock, and all Y/N could do was laugh. "Of course, I know who you are. It's difficult not to when my bandmate constantly professes his undying love for you." Erling flushed pink as he muttered a small 'wow', "Yeah, don't underestimate your reputation. Onyx asked to become you for Christmas."

As the two laughed at the ridiculous request, "well, looks like he's not the only one with an impossible Christmas gift since all of your concert tickets are sold out, " the blond confessed, which shocked the singer. "You listen to our music," Y/N asked, pointing from him to herself when he nodded without hesitation. "Not just me. The whole man-city squad loves your music, and we were planning to see you live in London, but the tickets sold out so fast."

"Okay, I see a way we can solve both our problems. You get me one of your signed jerseys I will get you and the rest of your squad tickets to tomorrow's concert" Boy, did that make him happy he asked if she was being serious, and when she responded with a firm yes, she was flung into a hug. "Okay, okay, I can get you that jersey and do you one better I can get the whole squad to sign it." the blond Norwegian said, breaking away from the embrace.

"Wait, you would do that?" Y/N asked in surprise that the player was willing to do so much for someone he had just met, and another nod had her smiling like an idiot. "You, my friend, have just earned you and the rest of your team tickets to tomorrow's concert and an invite to the after-party." the two talked through the details, exchanging numbers and bidding each other goodbye. Safe to say that she felt much happier as she walked towards her dreaded destination. Wonder how long that's going to last.

onyxisarock . 4hr ago

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thegossip

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thegossip Bloody valentine spotted at the recent psg vs man city game

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heartedbysunoo · 7 days ago

Text

INTERVIEW

JAKE: “I want us all moving forward shoulder to shoulder”

ENHYPEN ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- comeback interview

2024.11.19

JAKE doesn’t regret the past or fear the future. “Ain’t no doubt.”

I heard you weren’t feeling great during the WALK THE LINE concert in Goyang, but honestly, if you hadn’t said anything, I never would have known.

JAKE: Really? That’s good to hear. ENGENE worries too much about me if I talk about feeling sick or being hurt, so I tried not to let it show as best I could, but I wasn’t feeling well up until right before the concert. But once we got started, I forgot all about it. The atmosphere was amazing. It was outdoors and there was a nice breeze, the scenery was beautiful, and there were fireworks, too. I think I was so happy that I forgot about not feeling well. I gave it my all. (laughs)

I heard it was your idea to perform “Foreshadow” during FATE PLUS. Did you pitch in some ideas for WALK THE LINE, too?

JAKE: “Moonstruck” wasn’t on the WALK THE LINE set list initially, but we thought it fit the vibe of this tour so perfectly that we made a strong case for its inclusion and they made the adjustment. I personally love the set list for the new tour—like it flows just perfectly. It kicks off with high energy with “Brought The Heat Back” that carries all the way through to “Future Perfect (Pass the MIC),” with spaces in between to interact directly with ENGENE. And I like that we get to end it with “Paranormal,” which I really love. (laughs)

“Paranormal” was amazing when you did it at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2024, too! You sang with a rougher voice than usual, which really fit with the festival vibe.

JAKE: That’s a habit of mine. I tend to sing in a rougher voice during concerts. It’s almost like it makes my vocals stronger and adds some energy. I get overly excited when ENGENE’s around and can’t follow things exactly as planned. Actually, I got a bit too excited during the two days of WALK THE LINE. (laughs) The set list was great, and the adrenaline and dopamine were flowing. But when I looked at the playback, I realized I overdid it a little on the rough vocals, so I’ll have to reel it in a bit. (laughs)

You’re pretty strict when it comes to reviewing your footage.

JAKE: I do it a lot. There’s certain parts you only catch properly when reviewing that absolutely need to be fixed, so that’s just the way I try to do it.

In the interview you did right after your debut, you said you “didn’t want to lag behind.” What about now?

JAKE: I’ve changed a lot. I had almost no experience when I was on I-LAND. I had a really short trainee period, and I really didn’t want to lag behind in developing my skillset because I knew I couldn’t change my lack of experience. But now, I focus more on what role I can play in helping to guide the group along. With all seven members of the group each having different appeal, it’s about how I can help highlight that. I’m more focused on what I can do for the group now than simply following along.

It seems like you take good care of the others when you’re on tour internationally in particular.

JAKE: I feel a strong sense of responsibility when we’re abroad. That’s not just in front of the camera, either. All the staff are non-Korean, and I can speak English, so I try to lead the other group members, and they count on me to a certain extent now. When we’re on TV in the US, they ask for my help, just like how I get help when we’re in Japan. I try to guide them a little more actively. It’s the same for all of us—the same goals. We shouldn’t expect anyone else to just lead us around, and in turn, we don’t feel pressured into pulling anyone else’s weight either. We all have to be on the same page. I just want us all moving forward shoulder to shoulder.

In the “Friendship EN-CAMP” episode of EN-O’CLOCK, you said you’d like to take a vacation with the rest of the group. What would you most like to do with them?

JAKE: I want to have a barbecue party. Grill up some meat, have a campfire, enjoy the scenery—stuff like that. The other members feel like old friends from school to me. I like just being with them, just goofing around and spending time together, even if we don’t say much. We have incredible teamwork. Sometimes I can’t believe how well we click. I really value kindness, and I think it’s important for group activities that you don’t cause other people trouble, you’re not selfish, and you can get along well with others. Actually, even if I thought someone wasn’t kind, it wouldn’t affect me much. (laughs) I’d just think of them as someone I know and nothing more. But all our members are so kindhearted and gentle. So I like them. (laughs)

From your perspective, what stage is ENHYPEN at right now?

JAKE: We’re right on the verge of blowing up. We have lots of experience now and we’re ready to go. There’s nowhere but up from here.

I can feel in your most recent performances the idea of being relaxed onstage that you’ve always emphasized.

JAKE: What I found out was, you can’t fake being relaxed. It’s really obvious when you’re faking it. That’s why I make sure I’m plenty ready and practice a lot. I keep my mind in just the right place right until the very second I step up onstage. A lot of things go into a concert, but it’s ultimately a performance the seven of us make together over the course of three hours. I feel like everyone has to work themselves into the atmosphere of the concert while also keeping up the energy together, and I make sure to double check things like the positions and moves. I believe you’ll look relaxed once you’re keeping to these guidelines and having a good time.

There’s a lot of songs on ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- that give you the opportunity to get that cool and sexy vibe you like so much across.

JAKE: Agreed. “Cool and sexy” is always my go-to. (laughs) I think ENGENE finds me cute regardless because they like me, but I absolutely love that style. What I love about this album is how it highlights each member’s unique voice and what makes them sound so good. I don’t believe there’s such a thing as a good voice or bad voice. I’m sure everyone has their own ideas about what makes a voice good or bad, but I just do my best to make the most out of the voice I have.

You usually sing in a soft voice, but there’s something a little rougher in the texture of your vocals on “No Doubt.”

JAKE: Actually, the vocals I’m after differ all the time—every day, even. Well, maybe not every day, but every month at least! (laughs) Right now, it’s sort of tighter, more mature vocals. (laughs) Plus, when we’re doing some concerts, my vocal delivery changes. We recorded our latest album in the middle of touring, and I think that had an influence. I ended up putting a bit more power behind my voice, and I think that suits the song better.

What was it like recording “Daydream”? It’s got a completely different urban hip hop style from ENHYPEN’s previous tracks.

JAKE: Luckily it was in English, so the pronunciation and bringing out the little nuances was a little easier for me. It was really interesting since I never tried whisper rapping before, but surprisingly, it wasn’t that difficult either. I went into the recording session all worried but it actually turned out great and we finished in no time. At first it was all whispering from start to finish, but it sounded even better after adding in some singing parts here and there.

Do you have a specific approach to recording vocals?

JAKE: I think the demo’s important. The feel of the demo is decided based on what works best for the song, so I try to hold onto the essence of the demo as much as I can. I’m completely different from HEESEUNG, who doesn’t like it when things are similar to the demo. His thinking is that he can bring more to the table and do a better job than the demo, whereas I see the difference between the vocals in the demo and my own voice and try to put my own spin on it.

I’m still thinking about the part in the behind-the-scenes video for “Highway 1009” where you finished recording your vocals and then decided to do them again. It seems like you set certain standards for yourself when it comes to recording.

JAKE: Absolutely. Especially when recording. I’m a bit embarrassed to be the one to say it (laughs) but I think I have a good ear for things. I can tell right away when something’s right or not based on the notes and rhythm, so if something doesn’t sit perfectly right with me, I’ll redo it until I’m fully satisfied. I asked the producers to “push the beat” when I was recording that cover of “I Don’t Think I’m Okay” and they said that was a great choice. I realized I can tell right away when the beat’s even slightly pushed or slightly faster. I wouldn’t call it a perfect pitch for rhythm (laughs) but I feel like I have good standards and confidence for how a song should be expressed.

You mentioned before about wanting to learn how to produce too. What kind of songs are you working on?

JAKE: Songs that reflect my style, you could say. It’s something I never did before. If I write my own songs, it means I can do exactly what I want, so I’m exploring what music will suit me best. There are certain genres and songs that I hear and immediately think, “Wow, I love this.” What it is keeps changing (laughs) but right now it’s pop R&B vibes. I like to learn, and developing your skillset through learning is so fun. I like to feel that sense of achievement, so I’m always ready to learn.

You posted your cover of “I Don’t Think I’m Okay” by Bazzi, a candid song about emotional wounds that you described as “relatable.”

JAKE: I had a similar experience when I was younger and living in Australia. I picked up many ways to protect myself thanks to the pains I suffered back then. They say setting your goals too high can cause you to beat yourself up whenever you experience failure, so if I’m having a hard time or feeling depressed or something, I don’t let myself dwell on that time. I don’t even know how I do it (laughs) but I think I’m pretty optimistic. Like I keep good care of my mind, somehow. I’m good right now. (laughs)

I remember you saying in a “-note” how “there may be times when my voice isn't at its best, but it’s part of it. It’s all part of the job. That’s how I should think about it.” What did you mean by that?

JAKE: Everyone’s going to have a different opinion on this, but it’s my belief that ENGENE checks us out because they want to feel better, and for that reason, I always try to put on a good show and smile. That way, even if ENGENE’s had a tough day or they’re going through a rough patch, seeing me smile might bring them some comfort.

And what about you, JAKE? What brings you comfort?

JAKE: I don’t really get sad. (laughs) I’m always in a good mood. “Life is good”—that’s me. (laughs) Sometimes ENGENE tells me, “It’s okay to say if you’re having a hard time.” I’m really grateful they do, but I’m not having a hard time! (laughs) I just want ENGENE to feel happy when they see me. Seeing ENGENE happy makes me really happy too. I get up onstage to bring ENGENE happiness. But obviously it’s bad both to focus exclusively on the people watching me or do things exclusively for myself. It’s hard finding that balance, but it’s a must in this line of work.

On Weverse LIVE, you even suggested having a dress code for the WALK THE LINE concert. You seem to have a lot you want to do with ENGENE.

JAKE: There’s so much! Color is one option for choosing a dress code, but it’s fun to look at when we match by theme. For example, if it’s a Great Gatsby party, everyone has their own interpretation, and I wanted to see how ENGENE works in their own style. (laughs) I’d like to be able to talk to every single ENGENE. I love listening to them. That’s what makes fan sign events so fun. ENGENE has their own lives and I’m curious to find out in what ways we’re different or similar. You grow more affectionate with someone the longer you’re with them, and I hope I’m always with ENGENE, just like we are now. I never want to stop doing this! Going on tour, making albums, just like now.

And to highlight how time has passed, during your FATE tour, you sang “Love Yourself,” the Justin Bieber song you auditioned with.

JAKE: It was crazy because I grew up listening to that song! But after debuting, after going through all those training years, and singing that at our concert, was crazy. It felt so weird. I feel like all the ENGENE that went to our show know that song really well. They probably grew up listening to that song because they are all around the same age as us. So I feel like singing that song could unite us all as one, as we just enjoy it. So it was different. It felt cool. (laughs)

You said the FATE tour made you think a lot about what fate means. Do you believe in fate?

JAKE: I’m a very rational person, so I usually don’t believe in such things, but I do believe in fate. What’s meant to happen will happen. When I look back at my life, it’s amazing that I ended up here. The timing was just right, plus I got lucky. Everything just fell into place. So when I talk about fate, what I think I mean is that I made it to where I am today thanks to getting help, or that this isn’t something I did on my own, but because it was predetermined by the fate I share with ENGENE.

#kpop #enhypen #jake #sim jaeyun #sim jake #jake enhypen #enhypen jake #interview #weverse #kpop enhypen

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black-arcana · 5 months ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The Obsession" track listing:

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

#charlotte wessels #dopamine #the obsession #simone simons

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