#so shout out to till for rocking this very classic vibe

[tipsywench]

This is an appreciation post for Till Lindemann and his suspenders

[betweenthetimeandsound]

Three Minutes to Eternity: My ESC 250 (#210-201)

#210: Joy Fleming -- Ein Lied Kann Eine Brücke Sein (Germany 1975)

“Hör auf zu spielen und lerne zu fühlen, Wie viele Menschen Freunde sind, Lerne zu singen, vertraue so wie ein Kind,”

“Stop playing and learn how to feel, How many people are friends Learn how to sing, trust just like a child”

For an older and low-placed entry, this German entry has become a fan favorite! Despite this, I wonder if I really like this enough to make my top three of 1975, because I don't go back to listen to it often.

But when I do, it just takes the conductor's stomping to get me into the mood. It's just a great way to start a song~

While the chorus somehow bugs me a little bit, because of how jarring it is (Joy shouts it all out, in comparison to the verses where she has a somewhat lower register), how it builds really helps with getting the party started. The orchestration also helps with the joie de vivre of the song, and Joy manages to live up to her name on stage.

Personal ranking: =3rd/19 Actual ranking: 17th(?!)/19 in Stockholm

#209: Muriel Day -- The Wages of Love (Ireland 1969)

“There will be bridges to be crossed And there'll be teardrops to be lost...”

Ireland’s first upbeat song is a diversion from their first four entries in more ways than one. Not only it’s performed by a woman for the first time, but it also warns about the pains of love—while it’s a great experience, you have to pay a lot in the process. (This actually reminds me of one vintage Eurovision blogger talking about how Horoscopes incorporates a more liberal sound with Ireland's conservatism at the time--maybe it was from the same lines?)

And Muriel has an absolute ball on stage with her uber-high lime green dress. She twirls her microphone around when arriving, bounces up and down like she just got a can of Red Bull, and dances as if it was for the last time. The orchestration really helps out on giving out this vivacious vibe (though the lyric "it can make you live/it can make you die" in context is quite horrifying behind the upbeat track).

Basically, this was an upbeat track which I would've switched out for one of the upbeat winners.

Personal ranking: 3rd/16 (though here, it's 4th/16. A mismatch in rankings, which you can see again in the future) Actual ranking: 7th/16 in Madrid

#208: Alenka Gotar -- Cvet z Juga (Slovenia 2007)

"Moj beli cvet, moj daljni svet Daj, vrni se, moj bodi spet”

“My white flower, my faraway world Come, return, be mine again”

I've never been a big fan of opera--not just in Eurovision, but also in general. I recognize they have beautiful voices and worked on them for the performance, but I never really like the instrumental or the actual song.

Cvet z juga, however, managed to incorporate opera in a way which is actually enjoyable. Not only because of Alenka’s powerful vocals, but also the nostalgia created with the poetic lyrics and the instrumental. It’s a combination of classical and modern--it's not a dance-floor bop (despite the percussion in the background), but it's definitely out of the ordinary.

Combined with a subtle but effective gimmick (Alenka's light-up hand at the end), and you have Slovenia's first qualifier in the semi-final. Definitely deserved.

Unfortunately, Alenka's gone off a bad path since then...)

Personal ranking: 6th/42 Actual ranking: 15th/24 GF in Helsinki

#207: Giorgios Alkaios and Friends -- Opa! (Greece 2010)

"Έκαψα το χθες, νύχτες μου παλιές Κι από το μηδέν αρχίζω όσο κι αν δε θες Δάκρυα καυτά ψέμματα πολλά Πλήρωσα όσο χρωστούσα και τα δανεικά"

"I burnt the past, my old nights And I start from scratch even if you don’t want me to Hot tears, too many lies I paid what I owed and borrowed"

"Motherf---ing testosterone!"

The Scandinavia and the World recap for the 2010 contest basically sums up Opa! as this, with all the tribal cries and torn up shirts. I've also heard it described as the "Love Love Peace Peace" of Greek entries, with the prevalent cry "Opa!", strong ethnic influences, and Cretean lyre to boot.

But beyond that, there's a deeper meaning behind the lyrics. By late 2009-early 2010, Greece was facing the burden's of the Great Recession, which would envelop the country in many years. Their GDP would drop by 26% between 2008 and 2014, and unemployment rose up to 25% at the same time. This economic maelstrom led to public uprisings and an exodus of the highly educated.

Opa is a cry for joy--not just to party, but also to fight against a wave of despair considering the circumstances. It strives to give life and inspiration by those who need it, even if it means starting over. And while economics will trump national pride in the end, one asserts themselves as stronger than they think. And that's what makes it an important part of the Greek Golden Age at Eurovision.

Personal ranking: 6th/39 Actual ranking: 8th/25 (GF) in Oslo

#206: Boris Novkovic feat. Lado -- Vukovi Umiru Sami (Croatia 2005)

"Do zore je ostao još koji sat A vani nemir, k’o da je rat Oblačim kaput i odlazim Da sve zaboravim"

"Only a few hours left till dawn And outside unrest, as if a war is on I put my coat on and leave To forget everything"

Balkan ballads are one of the main joys out of Eurovision; obviously from that region, they feature folk instrumentation and sad lyrics about love. Vukovi umiru sami fits into this mold well, but I only managed to put this in tenth place because of the variety of songs on offer, ranging from glam rock to a wholesome peace ballad.

Over time, however, it has grown on me.

The poetic lyrics stood out the most for me--they tell of an end of a relationship on the Danube (which really grounds the song in its origins, despite the fact I associate it with Central European countries as a whole) and the loneliness of the man in it. There's a mournful nature about it, especially with the choir in the background.

And the way it build is so fantastic, amplifying the story and the stakes. The "Dunavoms" between the last two choruses are well-done and elevate this song to greatness.

I planned to rewatch 2005 to see how my rankings change, and thought it would get to be in my top five. Because of a typo on my list, I needed another song to fit the overall order of the list.

And finally, Vukovi umiru sami is in my top five. :)

Personal ranking: 5th/39 Actual ranking: 11th/24 GF in Kyiv

#205: Marlayne -- One Good Reason (the Netherlands 1999)

“Give me one good reason and I will give you two Say: "I love you forever", say you will, say you do...”

The guitar intro made me think this would be a song I would listen to outside of Eurovision. It reminded me of Michelle Branch’s songs in the early 2000s (of which, Breathe is my current all-time favorite song); her debut album, The Spirit Room, would only be released in 2001!

Alternatively, it has a very country-pop vibe, but it still has a sense of optimism which continues through the entire song. I love how sunny and earnest it is, and it got a really solid result out of it! Unfortunately, it would be the Netherlands' best placing until 2013, but at least it was a jolt of quality in a mediocre year.

Personal ranking: 4th/23 Actual ranking: 8th/23 in Jerusalem

#204: Niamh Kavanaugh -- In Your Eyes (Ireland 1993)

“Love's been building bridges between your heart and mine I'm safe here on my island, but I'm out on the edge this time”

One of the most nail-biting votes in Eurovision came in this particular contest: because Malta's phone connection malfunctioned, they had to wait until the end to give their points. At that point, Ireland was 11 points ahead, which means if Malta gave the runner-up their twelve, the latter would win by one point.

The Maltese jury ended up giving Ireland their twelve, which would give Ireland their second consecutive win in the 1990s, along with a point record which would only last a year.

I’ve never felt the vulnerability of falling in love, but I love the narrative arc in the lyrics, which crescendos with the chorus. Niamh’s voice is a bit harsh at times, but delivers on it with a stately grace in a choice suit.

What also seals In Your Eyes for me was the graceful orchestration thanks to Noel Kelehan. It's especially prevalent in the chorus--the studio cut doesn't do it justice...

Personal ranking: =6th/25 Actual ranking: 1st/25 in Millstreet

#203: Sonia -- Better the Devil You Know (United Kingdom 1993)

“I'll give you my heart and my soul if you give me your love..”

...not unlike with the song Ireland was competing with for the win! While the studio cut is decent enough, Better the Devil You Know wouldn't have gotten so close to victory without the live music aspect of it.

It’s not only the orchestration here, but also Sonia’s fun performance and her cute moves. The track is reminiscent of SAW, but it feels like being at a sock hop in a diner and dancing the night away. The backing vocalists do a good job too; I like how they harmonize the in the chorus .

That all being said, would've this made a better winner? It's hard to tell--it would've been more upbeat than most of the 1990s other winners, but In Your Eyes has aged quite well. And I have several other favorites, so I'm not the best one to comment on it.

Personal ranking: =6th/25 Actual ranking: 2nd/25 in Millstreet

#202: Serebro -- Song #1 (Russia 2007)

“Gotta tease you, nasty guy So take it, don't be shy Put your cherry on my cake And taste my cherry pie”

Unfortunately, song #1 neither placed on top of the 2007 class, nor was it the first song performed that year So, in more than one case, Song #1 is a misnomer.

Nor are they particularly unique amongst bands--Serebro has some similarities to tATu in 2003, in that they are a girl group with a sensual aesthetic. But while tATu's Eurovision entry is more dark, Serebro's has more attitude and edge.

Such saucy lyrics are what makes Song #1 such a total jam, albeit one the fandom overlooks. The dark production increases the attitude of this song, and I love the girls’ stage presence too! Especially those costumes (again, going back to the tATu comparisons, in that they were best known for their school uniforms, hehe); they never fail in adding some sexiness to the performance.

Personal ranking: 5th/42 Actual ranking: 3rd/24 GF in Helsinki

#201: Severina -- Moja stikla (Croatia 2006)

“Zvrc, zvrc, tražit ćeš moj broj, Kuc, kuc, kucaj nekoj drugoj, Jer još trava nije nikla, Tamo gdje je stala moja štikla!”

"Ring, ring, you'll search for my number, Knock, knock, go knocking somewhere else, For the grass has not yet sprouted, Where my high heel has stepped!”

There’s a lot of silly lyrics in Moja Stikla. From mentioning “sex” to “Afrika Paprika”, it’s easy to suggest that this is nonsensical. I’m reading over the lyrics again myself, and they tell quite a different story—of a woman who just wants men to stop hitting on her.

Even now, I'm still confused on how Zumba and African paprika make sense in avoiding men. Or high heels.

But it all doesn't matter when the music starts. Severina's backing vocalists add to the performances, with their solid harmonies and fun presence. Combined with Severina’s own high energy, it’s a good example of turbo folk (even though there was a bit of controversy about whether it actually sounds like Croatian music), and it’s all kinds of fun!

Personal ranking: 4th/37 Actual ranking: =12th/24 GF in Athens

[stories-forthe-void]

Summer Nights and Pool Fights~ Lee Minho

This is the town that I based the landscape off. It’s kind of important to the descriptions. Also, I, ’m sorry for writing so many stories about the beach but it’s where I’ve grown up so my mind kind of goes there when I need a quick setting. Anyways enjoy the fic ^^. Also I promise to make this all look nicer when I get back from hiatus. Only 9 days this time!

My fingers felt like they were going to fall off and my brain was being fried within my skull from the hours I had spent trying to sight read a 17/8 time signature. Join the state orchestra, they said. It'll be fun. Fun my foot. I'd spent all day sitting in one of my college’s music rooms practising for a massive concert next month and I still couldn't get the last few bars of the flute solo down.

 It’s not that hard Y/N.

I know OK just go away I need to concentrate.

She’ll kick you out if you don’t get it down by next week Y/N.

I get it Ok! I’m trying just-

 “Y/N?” Then the door rattled. Dammit, Minho. You always pick the perfect time to make an entrance. I tried to ignore the banging on the door. “Y/N, I know you’re in there. Open the door.” He rattled the door again. “Please, your mom gave me some of her lasagnas to bring you!” I was at the door in seconds and unlocking it before he could say anything more.

 You lost to pasta again Y/N.

 “Y/N-”

 “Shh, no speaking, now where’s the pasta?” I held out my hand.

 “I knew that would work. Here,” he handed me a Tupperware full of my mom’s famous lasagna. I swear they should make like a black market where children can sell their mother’s cooking. I could make millions!

 “Now would you like to explain why you haven’t come out of this room the whole weekend? Seriously you know there are better places to practice than on campus, right? Like why would you willingly come back here?” He gave me a typical Minho face that said: really Y/N? You could be spending your weekends with your amazing best friend, but no you prioritize your metal tube over me. Oh, the horror!

 “I have my reasons!” I exclaimed, hitting him on the shoulder.

 “Name three decent ones.”

 “Alright, reason one: they have aircon in here and my fan messes with the sound waves.” He shot me another typical Minho look. ”I'm serious! It's a legitimate problem in the flautist community!”

 “Alright, alright, kind of I believe you. Now, two more reasons. Come on.”

 “I, um, yeah, um, ok! Stop looking at me like that. The concert is next month Minho! Did expect me to just sit and do nothing?” I exclaimed

 “No, I don't, but I do expect you to instil some basic self-care! You can't just lock yourself in a music room all long weekend from dusk till dawn and then every afternoon after class. You need a break. Believe me, I need one too. We have a competition next week but I don’t lock myself in the practice room! So, please let me take you out of this horribly decorated room and do something fun with your best friend.” It's not that I didn't want to it was just that I couldn't. I was new in the orchestra. I still wasn't technically an official member, which meant Mrs Walsh could kick me out whenever she wished.

 “Minho I can’t -”

 “Y/N I get it. You're scared. I mean I would be too with a conductor like Mrs Walsh, but you are one of the best flautists I know.”

 “I'm the only flautist you know” I deadpanned.

 “That's beside the point. You need a break.”

 “Okay let's say I agree to this madness. What are we going to do? It's not like we can just take a drive to some magical island in the middle of nowhere.”

 “Oh Y/N, you severely underestimate my connections.” There it was. That was the Minho smile. The very reason I walked up to him on the first day of high school, right after the English teacher found at least 15 paper aeroplanes stuck to the ceiling with increasingly cringy quotes from fanfic.

 “Don’t look at me like that. It makes me nervous!”

“Minho where are we going?!” He had dragged me back to my dorm, made me pack a bag and on top of that insist I leave my flute behind. “Ok no. I’m being serious where are we going. My room mate will kill me if I just run off to some random mountain reserve with a boy.”

 “Calm your farm Y/N. I talked to Yasmin and she said it was fine. We’re going on an adolescent adventure. You’ll look back on this weekend and think ‘wow how did I manage a whole weekend without hooking up with my drop-dead gorgeous best friend’” I punched him in the shoulder.

“Excuse me young one! That is the second time in the past two hours! Ugh, the disrespect for elders in today’s society. Honestly its horrendous” He said it in the most ridiculous British grandmother voice and I honestly would’ve loved to have laughed, but he didn’t need that sort of ego boost right now.

 “You are two months older than me! Come on let’s get going I don’t want to get to wherever we’re going at like midnight.” I picked up my backpack and a duffel bag full of clothes for the weekend and pushed him through the door.

 “Alright, alright, I’m going.” And then we were through the door and in his car. He started the engine and so began the two-hour road trip filled with musical classics such as Gee, Ring Ding Dong and of course Wolf.

“Minho, oh my god this place is amazing! What millionaire cousin are you hiding from me?” I walked through the front door right into the lounge which opened up onto a massive deck with the most beautiful infinity pool I had ever seen. The deck looked out onto the main beach down below. It was decorated in that classic beach house décor that was probably way older than both of us, but it was still gorgeous. The kitchen was small but had a coffee machine. Perfect, I can drag Minho out to watch the sunrise tomorrow morning and he won’t complain.

 The garden and downstairs were pretty spacious but upstairs was much smaller. The house was probably designed with an “all day at the beach then entertain all night and only use the bedrooms for sleep” kind of vibe. The first bedroom was obviously for kids, bunk bed, no aircon, barely any shelving space and was basically being used as a surfboard storeroom. Not. An. Option.

 Please let there be two more bedrooms, please.

 It’s not like I haven’t slept in friends beds before, but Minho was a different story. That smile wasn’t the only thing that drew me towards him on that fateful first day of high school. Can you judge me though? He was an attractive new guy who had just transferred from a school in South Korea. He was an amazing dancer and he could sing. He was any band nerd’s dream. So I may or may not have a massive crush on my best friend...

 I pushed back the thought and continued through the house. I had no idea where Mino was but he could manage ten minutes without burning a house down… hopefully.

 The next room was just a bathroom and the next a storeroom. Who needs that many beach balls? Then at the end of the hall was the main bedroom. Dammit looks like I’m sleeping on the floor.

“Y/N where are you?” Minho shouted from what sounded like the bottom of the stairs.

 “I’m up here,” and a few seconds later he was by your side throwing you a smirk. “Oh, fluff of. I bet Yasmin didn’t agree with this part of the trip.”

 “No, no she didn’t. I didn’t think it was important. Besides, I’ll just sleep on the floor it's fine.” He went to go pull a mattress off one of the bunk bed, but I caught the back of his shirt.

 “Nope, no way. There is no way I am letting you sleep on the floor.” He began to object “Uh uh, no buts, this one’s not negotiable.” And that was that. He knew by now that there was no arguing with me, not unless he wanted to be left to walk to class alone for a week. So he agreed but sulked about it the whole time we were unpacking the car.

 “So, what are going to do for food tonight?” I asked as we sat down on the grass next to the pool.

 “I don’t know. We could go down to the restaurant by the beach. The service is terrible but the food and the view make up for it. Unless you want to go down to the store to buy food and actually make dinner?” The house was on top of a hill that overlooked the beach below. The view was amazing. The lagoon mouth was open and although it was getting late there were still children playing in the granny pool beside it.

 “You know Minho, I’ve been coming here my whole life and I’ve never noticed this house before. We usually stay right down there near the main beach. The house has been in my family for ages.” The question at hand had drifted from my mind as I sat in awe of the small town’s beauty in the fading sunlight.

 “Well, this is actually my elder cousin’s house. He said I could use it whenever I want when I got to college, so last year I got a spare set of keys made and I come here with Jisung and Felix sometimes. But I did ask you about food.” He let out a soft chuckle. I pulled myself out of my trance and looked at him.

 “Oh, right. Sorry I completely forgot. It’s just so beautiful here.” We both started out at the ocean again.

 “Ok stop distracting me from the question! Are you trying to starve me Y/N?”

 “Ok yes. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Um, I don’t really feel like cooking if that’s OK with you? Plus I haven’t seen this place in a while and the beach is calling me.” It really was and I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to get there.

 “Ok, that’s fine. We can go now then!’’

We got to the restaurant and ate a casual dinner, nothing too fancy, and then we got some drinks and headed to the rocks on the side of the lagoon mouth. It was pretty cold at night during this time of year so we sat close to keep warm. It wasn’t unusual for us, but the dark and the beach and everything just made it feel weird.

We sat like that, in the dark, arms touching, looking out at the inky water and the reflection of the moon in it, for a while. We didn’t say anything and yet thousands of words were spoken in silence; without as much as a glance at each other.

It was weird to pull ourselves out of that silence, but we did it and were now walking down the, or rather up the hill to get back to the house.

You know Y/N you really are that idiot. The one thing we promised ourselves we wouldn’t do was to fall in love with the best friend. Now, look. You are completely and utterly whipped. No going back now. So what’s the plan? Are you going to confess in some stuttering mess of a sentence in some dark, ding music room or are you going to keep this from him for forever and die an old crazy cat lady with sixteen cats named Gerrald, Richard Parker, Isabelle-

 “So Y/N what’s the plan for tomorrow?” He nudged my shoulder lightly and pulled me from my thoughts.

 “Um, I don’t know. What do you feel like doing? I mean there’s not much else to do than go to the beach is there?” We got to the top of the hill and stopped to catch our breath.

 “Well there’s a waterpark like half an hour away or an amazing waffle place in the next town, but beach sounds good for the first day. The waterpark will be packed anyways.” We started walking again as it started to get colder.

 “Yeah, that sounds great.” I thought about it for a second and then added in my best Disney villain voice: “On one condition.” He almost looked nervous for a second but then slapped on a cocky grin before I could even remember what his face had looked like before.

 “Name anything; this weekend is for you.” Two could play at that game.

 “Ok then, I’m waking you up at six thirty tomorrow to go watch the sunrise.” Now he looked nervous again.

 “I mean um well. Come on Y/N we’ve been best friends for years is this really a necessity?”

 “Yes, Minho it very much is and I will drag you down this hill tomorrow morning if I have to. Thank you for a nice evening but I will now shower and then retire to the floor.” I let out a laugh and then started walking up the stairs.

 “You know you’ll have to deal with me the minute you get out the shower right.” He laughed with me as he started following me up the stairs.

 “Yes Minho, I do in fact realise that, but the fact that I have to see you does not mean I have to listen to you complain about a six thirty wake up call. Honestly, it’s not that bad you lazy ass.” I closed the bathroom door and locked it behind me. I wasn’t trying to be mean; I was just trying to have fun, but I’m bad at working out the difference so…

It was midnight and the floor was cold.

Why he thought that coming to the beach in the middle of autumn was a good idea, I might never know.

At least we haven’t said anything stupid in at least an hour Y/N.

I’ve been asleep!

Yes but we can say stupid things in our sleep Y/N.

Ok no, not listening to you anymore. Goodnight.

It was now half past one. The floor was still cold.

Unless we plan on getting a cold Y/N, we have one option.

What can a cold do to me, come on?

It can turn into a chest infection and then a lung infection and then wow look Y/N can’t play the flute anymore and oh look again we’ve been kicked out the orchestra.

Shut up.

One option Y/N, one option…

 I went to go shake Minho awake. Giving in to the voice in my head was something I was trying to get better at but it still didn’t work that well… most of the time.

 “Come on Minho please wake up!” He was usually a light sleeper, but he was probably doing this just to spit me. “Lee Minho I know you’re awake.” I waited a minute and then gave in to his plan that I knew was most definitely churning in that stupid, amazing brain of his. “Fine, ok, the floor is cold. Please, can I sleep with you?” He smirked but kept his eyes closed. “Not like that you pervert!”

 He stirred, opened his eyes and then sat up and said: “Ya sure. I knew you’d give in eventually. No one can resist this face.” He smirked at me again and batted his eyelashes.

 “Oh, would you shut up and move over.” I wanted it to come out a bit sterner, but I ended up laughing as he pouted at me and scooted so he wasn’t hogging the entire bed to himself. I turned to look at him and, in the most loving tone I could muster for one am, said: “Goodnight idiot.”

 “Goodnight my bestest most loving friend forever.” We both burst out laughing (even though it was a pretty terrible joke) and fell asleep just like that, heads nearly touching but not. Toes tangled by instinct to keep warm. My heart wouldn’t calm down. I thought I might have a heart attack in my sleep. To anyone else (including me) it would have looked romantic. I secretly hoped Minho thought so too.

 My internal clock woke me up at six. I had gotten used to waking up to practice and then going straight to lectures and then going straight back to practice.

 I was about to sit up when I noticed it. Minho’s arm slung over my waist and his head ever so slightly snuggled into my side. I got such a shock when I saw it that I jolted. He started to wake up and I started to panic.

 Oh we’ve really done it now haven’t we Y/N.

You’re not helping!

Hwta are we going to do about this Y/N.

I don’t know! You’re meant to be the logical one.

I’m just a voice in your head. How am I meant to be logical Y/N?

You’re the one always shouting at me!

No, we’re always the ones shouting at us.

What the hell is that supposed to mean!

To late Y/N

“Mm Y/N?” Oh god.

We spent the day at the beach, eating chips and drinking whatever was cheapest. We messed around in the water and read on the sand, but something was always a bit off.

 “I’m sorry about this morning Y/N. I don’t know what happened.” We were walking down to a different beach to go watch the sunset. I had compromised with Minho after this morning’s antics.

 “It’s fine Minho, it was cold. Body heat you know?” I let out a nervous laugh and looked over at him. It was fairly light out, as the sun was just starting to disappear under the horizon. I didn’t know if it was a trick of the early morning sun or if that was actually a blush I saw dusted on his cheeks. “Minho seriously, we’re friends it doesn’t matter. Come on stop looking so embarrassed. If anything it should be me blushing I mean I was the one-”

 “I am not blushing!” He whipped his head towards me and glared.

 “Ok sure mister ladies man.” It was like a whole different person. Minho was never like this. He was always the loud cocky one at the college parties, flirting with all the girls and then passing out on my couch after one to many jager bombs.

 Today he was like a teenage boy going through puberty who had a crush on his older sister’s best friend.

 He likes us back Y/N

Not with you in my head he doesn’t.

Stop denying that you wouldn’t be a functioning human without me Y/N.

Fuck off I’m trying to enjoy the sunset!

Don’t screw it up Y/N.

 We both froze the minute we got out the dune forest and onto the sand.

 “Omg Y/N! It’s beautiful.” He was right. The sun was halfway under the horizon and had turned the few clouds in the sky the most breathtaking shade of pink.

 “Ok who are you and what have you done with my best friend.” It was both weird and strangely endearing to see Minho so excited about a sunrise.

 “What’s so wrong with a guy liking the sky.” I chuckled.

 You’re whipped Y/N.

Since when did you use stan language?

Since when did we start using stan language Y/N?

Oh, shut up!

 “There’s nothing wrong with a guy liking the sky. I just never pinned you for a sky guy.”

 “Y/N I am shocked, I am such a sky guy.”

 “Ok, no more sky guying. Come on let’s sit down” We both laughed together and as we sat laughing on the sand I realised that this had been the most constantly happy I had been all year.

 Don’t screw it up Y/N

 “Oh, would you shut up!” I immediately clasped my hand over my mouth. Minho looked at me with a look that was somewhere between completely shocked and hurt. “Minho I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to say it out loud. Oh, wait no that’s not what I meant. Um… I’m sorry I was just. I um, I-”

 I told you not to screw it up Y/N

 I could feel tears starting to form in the corners of my eyes. Minho was still looking at me with that face. I couldn’t speak.

 Why now! It was going well! You ruin everything.

Not me, us. It’s not my voice Y/N

 I broke down. I was so sick of this stupid voice in my head and now look what it had done. Why couldn’t I just turn it off? Why did it have to-

 I felt arms wrapping around me and pulling me into someone’s chest.

 “Shh, it’s ok Y/N. You’re ok.” I didn’t understand why he was always so selfless. Behind that stupid ego of his, he was just my best friend.

 I don’t know how long we sat on the beach like that. The sun ha set and it was dark outside by the time I lifted my head from his chest and tried to speak but he stopped me.

 “Before you make some bullshit excuse and say you’re fine, you’re not and you are going to tell me what’s going on in that brain of yours because I am tired of seeing the person I love suffer.”

 See look it’s-

 “Please just be quiet,” I whispered into Minho’s chest once again.

 “Y/N please tell me what’s going on. You’re really starting to scare me.” I looked back up at him and the worry in his eyes had my heart crumbling into dust.

 “I just- I don’t know Minho. I just can’t get it to be quiet and it ruins everything.” He looked scared. I hated it, but I didn’t know how to explain it.

 “What won’t be quite Y/N?” I pointed to my head. Realization washed over his face, then understanding and lastly sadness.

 “What does it say” It was barely a whisper. I shook my head. I didn’t want to say it aloud. It made it seem too real. It already at too much power over me, it didn’t need this.

 “Please, can we just go home Minho? I’m fine. I dealt with this since like Grade 8 and I’ll deal with it some more. Just please can we go home.” I hated sounding this needy, but I didn’t want to talk about this now or ever. It was something I dealt with by myself or not at all. Minho did not need to be dragged into this.

 “Y/N I can’t just-”

 “Yes you can Minho and you will. We’re not talking about this. Not in the dark on a beach. Maybe somewhere else and in the far future but please, please can we just go home.” He slumped and gave in. He stood up and bent is legs and gestured with his head as if to say hurry up and get on. I’d didn’t I just looked at him, confused.

 “What? Come on I have to be a good friend in some way tonight. Get on.” And so I did. It was weird but not in a bad way. I felt like a kid. It was…nice?

He somehow carried me all the way home, even up that godforsaken hill. We got inside the house, after fumbling with the keys and giggling for a good five minutes, but he didn’t stop there. He ran through the lounge, me still on his back, and opened the sliding door. He headed towards the pool.

 “Minho what are you doing!” He liked back at me and smirked. He put me down and I made to run but he caught the belt loops on my shorts. “Minho seriously what are you- ah!” He had picked me up in his arms and was carrying me towards the pool. “Lee Minho I swear on my flute’s well being if you dare!” He dangled me over the pool.

 “Are you going to talk yet?” I didn’t say anything. I just glared at him and in return, he loosened his grip on me.

 “Minho stop!” I clung on to him.

 “Talk or swim Y/N, the choice is yours.” He shook me as if he was trying to emphasise his point.

 “Minho, you can’t be serious!” He didn’t look at me only at the pool which was dangerously close to my legs. I realised how he was holding me and a blush crawled up my cheeks.

 Just admit it to him already Y/N.

Not now!

He knows about me now; no point in hiding it Y/N.

Oh, shut up.

 “I am being dead serious Y/N. Talk or swim!” I tried to splutter out anything to try to change my mind but all that came out was an incoherent babble.

 “You chose…wrong!” And with that, he threw me in the pool. The perfectly heated water enveloped me as I felt all my clothes get wet. Thank God for beach holidays where the taking off your costume isn’t an option. I took off my wet top and pants and threw them on the side of the pool.

 I came up to take a breath and saw Minho take off his shirt and bolt towards the pool. He canon-balled into the pool; nearly landing on me in the process.  He disappeared in the inky dark of the water, none of the pool lights were on, I mean we didn’t exactly plan on using the pool other than to wash off the sand.

 “Minho, where did you go?” I couldn’t tell if my laugh was out of nervousness or joy. It was so weird. Maybe half an hour ago I was sobbing into his chest trying to keep this stupid thing out my head and now here we were, just stupid kids again. The same Minho who would contemplate the art teachers seeming immortality is the same Minho who had gathered me in his arms and just been there. The same Minho who convinced me to flirt with the lunch lady was the same Minho-

 “Ahhh!” He had come up underneath me, grabbed my legs and launched me in the air. “What the hell was that for!?” I tried to stare him down but he just laughed.

 “Because I think you needed to smile.” He grinned at me, so I splashed him. He splashed back. And so began a five-minute wrestling match. I won, but I think he would have disagreed.

 “Ok, ok,” He puffed out, he looked out of breath, “Now tell me what was going on with you back at the beach.” He had swum right up close to me.

 “Minho do we have to talk about this right now? Can’t we just be two friends in a pool on a spur of the moment holiday?” His face contorted.

 Ughhhhhh, what have I said this time.

 “Is that all I am to you Y/N, a friend?” I had no idea what he was asking. Was he implying something? Or was he just being Minho?

 “I don’t know what you mean Minho.”

 “I mean what I said. Is that all I am to you and am I really that bad at trying to show you that I might want more?” Ok, so he was impling something. Oh my god, he was implying something.

 “WH-what?” I spluttered out.

 “I like you OK Y/N? And I hate seeing you like this; beating yourself down when you’re the most talented, most amazing, most beautiful human I know!”

 “Minho, I, um, I- I just don’t know what. Oh screw it!” It was now or never. I knew I’d never get a chanc like that again so I just, kissed him. And it felt freaking amazing.

  Let’s just say Mrs Walsh was very surprised at how well I played at the concert.

[shredomatic]

BROKE WITH EXPENSIVE TASTE BY AZEALIA BANKS

This is one of the greatest female hip-hop album of all time, it experiences with different styles and sounds. It spawned the mega-hit ‘212′, no songs are fillers or give you the urge to skip (apart from ‘Nude Beach a Go-Go’). Banks puts different genres together and in my opinion is considered a masterpiece and easily beats any Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Lil�� Kim, Iggy Azalea or Remy Ma album (no shade, just facts). 

The Pinkprint?                                                                                                       Hardcore?                                                                                                               The New Classic?                                                                                                   Invasion Of Privacy?

Sorry.. never heard of them only ‘Broke with expensive taste’

TRACK BY TRACK BREAKDOWN:

1. Idle Deliah

This track starts the album of with a electro style beat and lyrics that draw your attention. 

Credit: Banks Twitter “Idle Delilah is the the daughter of a famed white slave owner in the 1900’s who was killed by her own father’s slaves. One day, the white man’s slaves grow tired of his bad treatment and decide to kill his favorite daughter Delilah as payback. So the dead Idle Delilah, the one I’m singing of in the song, is defined as a spirit of time. She represents procrastination. She lives behind doors and hides in garbage cans.”

2. Gimme a Chance’

starts of with a old school beat, lyrics “That's the way that our love can grow” which is directly sampled from Enon’s ‘Knock that door’ The song continues, Banks raps in Spanish and the outro features a male voice talking in Spanish. 

This track was first shown on Banks' earliest mixtape, (’Fantasea’) Before the Expensive Taste, but with different verses. Both versions of the song sample ‘Knock That Door’ by indie rock band Enon.

3. Desperado

is my personal favourite, simply because of the hardcore rap, a perfect beat that fits and electronic effects. The beat and hook are from MJ Cole’s ‘Bandelero Desperado’, which is taken from his album Sincere. 

Lyrics ‘Seductive Pup’ plays on one of the albums themes, which is referencing men as dogs, i.e. ‘Wallace’ and Album Outro ‘Miss Camaraderie’

4. JFK

is like a sequel to her previous song ‘Fierce’ found of her earlier mixtape ‘Fantasea’ this song starts with a mesmerising beat, seconds later Banks’ raps about looking and feeling expensive. 

‘Lady in the floor’ is a vogue ball reference. She pays homage to her song ‘Fierce’ in the lyrics ‘it’s a ball, not a prom’

5. 212′

the debut song that sparked her career and made her a pioneer for female rap to this day, the catchy chorus ‘What you gon' do when I appear? When I premiere? Bitch the end of your lives are near This shit been mine!’ is about Banks telling her “competition” that their careers are over when she comes out. 

watch the��official music video here

6. Wallace 

is a step up and can be consider one of her most catchy songs yet- at least in till her second studio album is released (confirmed release 2019) the continuation of her earlier mixtape ‘Fantasea’. 

7. Heavy Metal and Reflective

is nasty (in a good way) provocative song, it symbolises her personality and the music video does not disappoint. 

The starting lyrics ‘Fridgy Froze Kept It's that fresh bitch’ means she is a young and modern rapper; shes new to the game. The chorus ‘Ayo, you know well I'm with that Get Rich’ confirms that she gets money of her music. Lyrics ‘Find me in the borough If you thorough and that bread flip’ means you can find her in New York.

8. BBD

starts with a quick beat and she starts rapping about showing off her riches and styles on people who dislike her because of her status, She’s a high ranking money maker. The song is a anthem for strong and confident women. 

The story behind this song is Banks posted this track online in January 2013. But at the time it was not confirmed for Broke with Expensive Taste, late the next year it ended up on the track listing.

9. Ice Princess

is probably the second song I heard of Banks, and I instantly fell in love. The song talks about stealing men and being a princess, its a simple ballad. The backing almost speaks to you, it has a winter vibe and could feels like it fits in a ‘Frozen’ film- well without the rapping. 

Fact: This isn’t the only time Banks has made a winter themed song, in December 2018 she released her EP ‘Icy Colours Change’ on Streaming Services, Vinyl and CD.

10. Yung Rapunzel

is one of the more memorable tracks, It has a beat that draws you in followed with fast verses that make you want to dance. The chorus features extreme shouting, 50% may hate it, but the other 50% may think it fits. 

I’m the second option, I'm a very hyper person and the chorus only hypes me more- it could due to yours personality or style of music.

11. Soda

Where do I start with this song? The music video is AMAZING! feels very 90′s. The Chrous makes me want to dance- well every song does. 

WARNING: The song may not be about sodas but it will make you dance like a MAD MAN, usually like what a soda does to you.

12 Chasing Time

charted high on the BBH100 but popularity never measures true talent, something this song both goes above and beyond with. The lyrics I nay opinion, sounds like being stuck in some type of emotional degrading relationship, doesn’t matter what type it is Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Neglect it speaks to ANY negative relationship. 

The chorus is catchy and makes me think, the raps are emotion (YES! with years of listening to hip-hop I have never heard of a rap that affects me emotionally).

13. Luxury 

has shockingly amazing notes, (WHO KNEW SHE COULD ALSO SING) The chorus is odd, and makes an odds sound at the end, I copy it every time! 

14. Nude Beach A Go-Go

ok, so I know she was experimenting but this song deserve to be fired into the sun, along with Cardi B’s mixtapes (once again, no shade just facts.) It sounds like a Pepsi advert, and not in a good way, I would never listen to this on a beach, this is an instant skip.

15. Miss Amor

is an easily forgettable song in the Azealia Banks library, but does not for a SECOND deserve to be discredited, the song had a great premise. When Miss Amor was going to be a single, its B-side was to be ‘Miss Camaraderie’ while that never happened, the two songs were still paired together as the last two tracks on Broke with Expensive Taste.

Credit: Banks Twitter “Miss Amor’ was about love post-heartbreak”

Fact: “Miss Amor” was to be the first single from Azealia Banks' debut album, Broke with Expensive Tastebut, according to Banks, after her record label Interscope heard the track “Yung Rapunxel,”, they made it the first single instead.

This song fits perfectly with the final song on the album:

16. Miss Camaraderie

The whole song is catchy and (once again) makes you want to dance. The song is pure bliss and happiness, the song deals with falling in love again. 

Following from ‘Miss Amor’ story of being able to date after a heartbreak, ‘Miss Camaraderie’ is about being able to fall in love again post-breakup.

Song Ranking:

Heavy Metal and Reflective 10/10 Yung Rapunxel 10/10 Chasing Time  9/10 Miss Camaraderie  9//10 Desperado 9/10  212 ft. Lazy Jay 8/10 Ice Princess 8/10 Soda 7/10 Luxury 7/10 Miss Amor 7/10 Wallace 7//10 BBD 6//10 JFK 5//10 Idle Delilah 6.5/10 Gimme a Chance 6/10 Nude Beach A-Go-Go 1/10

Overall:

Overall, this album is high on my favourite albums of all time and I will have on repeat for years to come, this album is a pure piece of art, nobody is on Azealia’s level in the rap game eat the moment, nobody’s pen is better then hers (at least In female rap). Well, lets she if Banks can top this off with her high acclaimed second studio album ‘Fantasea II: A New Wave’.

The second half of the album step out of it’s shell and uses unique sounds from different genres and it manages to fit. Second half is a lot better then the first half. I do recommend this album to Hip-Hop fans, or even people who just want some songs to dance to.

Stream the album here.

[ed-hale]

Music magazine Bandcamp Diaries just released an interview with Ed Hale, along with a review of the singer’s upcoming new album So For Real. Reprinted below. Ed Hale – So For Real Ed Hale is an artist with a genuine passion for appealing and personal music, which borrows from different genres and influences. The sound of his most recent studio effort, “So For Real”, echoes the depth of classic rock music with the edgy spark of modern alternative – Think The Beatles jamming with Rufus Wainwright, trying to cover a Coldplay song! Ed’s songwriting is richly nuanced, detailed and catchy, and “So For Real” offers an incredibly diverse creative scope, which speaks volumes about the artist’s fantastic journey through music and compositional vision. Based in NYC, one of the most exciting music towns in the world, Ed is all about pouring his heart into his music, but his tracks are fueled by more than just some awesome arrangements. The artist stands out with a really special approach to production, with a sound that feels clear and sophisticated, yet warm and organic. In other words, the tracks are super catchy, but there are multiple layers that make things a lot more interesting. In addition to the world-class production aesthetics, the album is also lifted up by the artist’s remarkable performance, displaying a very dynamic vocal style that brings energy and vibrancy to the table, seamlessly blurring the lines between different styles and ideas. This particular release is full of warmth and electricity, and it has a very positive and uplifting vibe, like it’s first track, the hit single “Summer Flowers”. Ed immediately stands out for his beautiful voice and for his uncanny ability to convey a lot of emotion in his phrasing. His vocal style and tone are a perfect match with the tracks on this album, making for a really interesting and engaging sound. We also had the chance to ask Ed a few questions! Check out our interview with him below: I love how you manage to render your tracks so personal and organic. Does the melody come first, or do you focus on the beat the most? Great question. Sometimes the melodies just appear in my head… Like idle conversation in the back of your mind. I’ll notice it and then try to work it out with an instrument. Kind of like listening to a radio in your head. Other times It’ll happen if I pick up some instrument and just fiddle around on it, a groove will start developing and I just follow that groove, curious where it wants to go, like catching a wave… but patiently, so I never force it… It’s more like I’m just surfing on that groove for the thrill of the ride, to see where it’s headed, hoping that something really cool will come out of it. Do you perform live? If so, do you feel more comfortable on a stage or within the walls of the recording studio? Yeah, I know, it’s been a while for us since we hit the stage. I LOVE being on stage with the guys. We’ve been together now for like 16 years… So we can pretty much read each other’s minds when we’re playing together. And I just love them as people, so I love being with them, no matter what we’re doing. But making music together definitely creates a really magical thing… And when the audience starts getting into it, that makes the whole vibe lift up to that whole other level, like when the mood in the place starts to lift up into this transcendent elevated place that’s very special. But you know, we’re definitely more album-focused than a lot of bands. I mean, we’re not kidding anybody at this point. We could have spent the last three years on the road like a lot of our friends did. But instead we spent it in different studios recording all these new tracks. LOL! We went in to record a “new album” and didn’t leave till we finished 38 tracks! So yeah I guess we’re just overly obsessed with trying to capture some incredible new treasure in the studio. But now it’s definitely time to get back out and reconnect with our tribe. If you could only pick one song to make a “first impression” on a new listener, which song would you pick and why? That’s a really hard question! I mean, I could pick a handful… But to choose just one? It’s a great question though. It makes you think…. The thing about us is that we don’t have one specific style we make… So if you try to pick just one song, you’re going to end up giving the impression that we make THAT style of music… Which of course, we don’t, because we’re all over the place stylistically. But if you had a gun and were like going to shoot me right now unless I answered you, I’d just shout out “Okay fine! It’s either the song “Caetano” or “Softening” or“After Tomorrow”! Those songs really still move me. And they’re not even new. And they’re not even our biggest hits. They’re from older albums… and kind of obscure to most people. But when I listen to them they still get me high, and give me chills. What does it take to be “innovative” in music? Man I don’t know… I get so wrapped up in that question sometimes and the guys have to grab my feet and start pulling me back down to earth, like “Yo yo Ed we’re not trying to invent a new physics equation here bro! We’re just trying to create beautiful music that other people can enjoy.” I get super into and excited about the whole “Come on guys! Let’s get in there and create something totally fresh and unique and insane sounding!!!” And that’s a good thing I think. As long as your bandmates can help balance you out. You know… To me, doing that all comes down to trying new things you’ve never done before. Man I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t started fucking around with the tuning pegs on my guitars looking for something new and fresh, out of just this totally frustrating boredom with how normal and same things were sounding all the time. I know it drives the guys crazy, because I have to bring like 8 guitars on stage because each one is tuned to a different open tuning I use. But just the SOUND that creates can be SO fresh and invigorating as an listener that it inspires you…. you end up writing something that you normally never would or could. It’s risk taking, that’s what I’m saying. You have to go in and take these huge risks. Even if you’re going to fail and it’s going to suck. And then also commitment. You can’t quit or give up when you’re out there on that ledge about to crash and look like an idiot. You have to be willing to keep on going once you start trying something new. Like all those beat-boxes and samplers that Korg makes, they’re not easy to work at first. They’re frustrating. But they’re fucking great if you stick with it and keep getting better at playing them. You can INNOVATE on them. Any upcoming release or tour your way? Well you already know about the new album about to drop, SO FOR REAL. That comes out in late August. And behind that we have two more that are ready. The one we’re really excited about is the BORN TO LOSE album, because that’s the one we went in originally to record. But it ended up turning out so dark and depressing that we stayed in the studio and kept recording. SO FOR REAL is like all the songs that had more of an upbeat pop feel to them. So we decided to release that one first, just to not bring people down. LOL! But BORN TO LOSE is really deep and thick. It takes you places emotionally. By the end you’re just mush. That’ll come out this fall. And then ANOTHER DAY IN THE APOCALYPSE is where we put all the songs that were more socially-political or intellectual or angry, like all the most shocking protest songs ended up going on that one. Just to preserve the vibe of the other two…. There was this artist who approached us after hearing the title of that song and she sent us this giant mural she had painted of the song’s title… and it’s super colorful and visually engaging, filled with all this apocalyptic and symbolic stuff. So we decided to use her painting for the album’s artwork and we actually worked off that visual of her’s and used it as inspiration…. I didn’t let myself get worried about what people would think about the lyrics. I just let it rip and said what I really wanted to, what I felt in my heart of hearts. And sometimes it came out pretty crazy, controversial I guess… But it’s very real. We’ll release the first single from that one pretty soon. Once SO FOR REAL comes out. Anywhere online where curious fans can listen to your music and find out more about you? I would say Facebook I guess ( facebook.com/edhalemusic ) It’s probably the best place, because it’s personal. There’s no bs there. It’s real. It’s me, being me and doing what I do. It’s not our record label or any PR company. So it’s a great way to have real connection with what’s going on every day. And a lot of fans like reading the Transcendence Diaries, where I blog. I try to post something there every day. via Ed Hale

[thebandcampdiaries]

Ed Hale - So For Real

Ed Hale is an artist with a genuine passion for appealing and personal music, which borrows from different genres and influences. The sound of his most recent studio effort, “So For Real”, echoes the depth of classic rock music with the edgy spark of modern alternative - Think The Beatles jamming with Rufus Wainwright, trying to cover a Coldplay song!

Ed’s songwriting is richly nuanced, detailed and catchy, and “So For Real” offers an incredibly diverse creative scope, which speaks volumes about the artist’s fantastic journey through music and compositional vision.

Based in NYC, one of the most exciting music towns in the world, Ed is all about pouring his heart into his music, but his track are fueled by more than just some awesome arrangements. The artist stands out wit a really special approach to production, with a sound that feels clear and sophisticated, yet warm and organic. In other words, the track is super catchy, but there are multiple layers that make things a lot more interesting. In addition to the world-class production aesthetics, the song is also lifted up the the artist’s remarkable performance, displaying a very dynamic vocal style that brings energy and vibrancy to the table, seamlessly blurring the lines between different styles and ideas.

This particular release is full of warmth and electricity, and it has a very positive and uplifting vibe. Ed immediately stands out for his beautiful voice and for his uncanny ability to convey a lot of emotion in his phrasing. His vocal style and tone are a perfect match with the tracks on this album, making for a really interesting and direct sound.

Find out more about Ed Hale, and do not miss out on “So For Real” and other releases from this talented artist:

https://www.facebook.com/edhalemusic/

We also had the chance to ask Ed a few questions! Check out our interview below:

I love how you manage to render your tracks so personal and organic. Does the melody come first, or do you focus on the beat the most?

Answer: Great question. Sometimes the melodies just appear in my head… Like idle conversation in the back of your mind. I’ll notice it and then try to work it out with an instrument. Kind of like listening to a radio in your head. Other times It’ll happen if I pick up some instrument and just fiddle around on it, a groove will start developing and I just follow that groove, curious where it wants to go, like catching a wave… but patiently, so I never force it… It’s more like I’m just surfing on that groove for the thrill of the ride, to see where it’s headed, hoping that something really cool will come out of it.

Do you perform live? If so, do you feel more comfortable on a stage or within the walls of the recording studio?

Answer: Yeah, I know, it’s been a while for us since we hit the stage. I LOVE being on stage with the guys. We’ve been together now for like 16 years… So we can pretty much read each other’s minds when we’re playing together. And I just love them as people, so I love being with them, no matter what we’re doing. But making music together definitely creates a really magical thing… And when the audience starts getting into it, that makes the whole vibe lift up to that whole other level, like when the mood in the place starts to lift up into this transcendent elevated place that’s very special. But you know, we’re definitely more album-focused than a lot of bands. I mean, we’re not kidding anybody at this point. We could have spent the last three years on the road like a lot of our friends did. But instead we spent it in different studios recording all these new tracks. LOL! We went in to record a “new album” and didn’t leave till we finished 38 tracks! So yeah I guess we’re just overly obsessed with trying to capture some incredible new treasure in the studio. But now it’s definitely time to get back out and reconnect with our tribe.

If you could only pick one song to make a “first impression” on a new listener, which song would you pick and why?

Answer: That’s a really hard question! I mean, I could pick a handful… But to choose just one? It’s a great question though. It makes you think…. The thing about us is that we don’t have one specific style we make… So if you try to pick just one song, you’re going to end up giving the impression that we make THAT style of music… Which of course, we don’t, because we’re all over the place stylistically. But if you had a gun and were like going to shoot me right now unless I answered you, I’d just shout out “Okay fine! It’s either the song “Caetano” or “Softening” or “After Tomorrow”! Those songs really still move me. And they’re not even new. And they’re not even our biggest hits. They’re from older albums… and kind of obscure to most people. But when I listen to them they still get me high, and give me chills.

What does it take to be “innovative” in music?

Answer: Man I don’t know… I get so wrapped up in that question sometimes and the guys have to grab my feet and start pulling me back down to earth, like “Yo yo Ed we’re not trying to invent a new physics equation here bro! We’re just trying to create beautiful music that other people can enjoy.” I get super into and excited about the whole “Come on guys! Let’s get in there and create something totally fresh and unique and insane sounding!!!” And that’s a good thing I think. As long as your bandmates can help balance you out. You know… To me, doing that all comes down to trying new things you’ve never done before. Man I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t started fucking around with the tuning pegs on my guitars looking for something new and fresh, out of just this totally frustrating boredom with how normal and same things were sounding all the time. I know it drives the guys crazy, because I have to bring like 8 guitars on stage because each one is tuned to a different open tuning I use. But just the SOUND that creates can be SO fresh and invigorating as an listener that it inspires you…. you end up writing something that you normally never would or could. It’s risk taking, that’s what I’m saying. You have to go in and take these huge risks. Even if you’re going to fail and it’s going to suck. And then also commitment. You can’t quit or give up when you’re out there on that ledge about to crash and look like an idiot. You have to be willing to keep on going once you start trying something new. Like all those beat-boxes and samplers that Korg makes, they’re not easy to work at first. They’re frustrating. But they’re fucking great if you stick with it and keep getting better at playing them. You can INNOVATE on them.

Any upcoming release or tour your way?

Answer: Well you already know about the new album about to drop, SO FOR REAL. That comes out in late August. And behind that we have two more that are ready. The one we’re really excited about is the BORN TO LOSE album, because that’s the one we went in originally to record. But it ended up turning out so dark and depressing that we stayed in the studio and kept recording. SO FOR REAL is like all the songs that had more of an upbeat pop feel to them. So we decided to release that one first, just to not bring people down. LOL! But BORN TO LOSE is really deep and thick. It takes you places emotionally. By the end you’re just mush. That’ll come out this fall. And then ANOTHER DAY IN THE APOCALYPSE is where we put all the songs that were more socially-political or intellectual or angry, like all the most shocking protest songs ended up going on that one. Just to preserve the vibe of the other two…. There was this artist who approached us after hearing the title of that song and she sent us this giant mural she had painted of the song’s title… and it’s super colorful and visually engaging, filled with all this apocalyptic and symbolic stuff. So we decided to use her painting for the album’s artwork and we actually worked off that visual of her’s and used it as inspiration…. I didn’t let myself get worried about what people would think about the lyrics. I just let it rip and said what I really wanted to, what I felt in my heart of hearts. And sometimes it came out pretty crazy, controversial I guess… But it’s very real. We’ll release the first single from that one pretty soon. Once SO FOR REAL comes out.  

Anywhere online where curious fans can listen to your music and find out more about you?

Answer: I would say Facebook –( facebook.com/edhalemusic ) is probably the best place, because there’s no bs there. It’s real. It’s me, the real me, being me and doing what I do. It’s not our record label or any PR company. So it’s a great way to have real connection with what’s going on every day. And a lot of fans like reading the Transcendence Diaries, where I blog. I try to post something there every day. ( transcendencediaries.net ) .