#support underrated female music artists

[billboard-hotties-tourney]

Ronnie Spector (1943-2022) The Ronettes - lead vocals; solo Songs: "Be My Baby," "I Can Hear Music" Defeated Opponents: Twiggy, Joan Baez, Charo Propaganda: "family legend has it that my dad named me after her because he had a crush on her. and, like, can you blame him" "So underrated, she deserves your love and support f o r e v e r"

Cher (1946-) Sonny and Cher - vocals; solo Songs: "I Got You Babe," "Dark Lady" Defeated Opponents: Françoise Hardy, Margo Guryan, Freda Payne Propaganda: "With an amazing voice, fantastic outfits, and multiple comebacks? yeah, Cher." "She looks like a goddess (she's appropriately nicknamed The Goddess of Pop) and I think she could serve in anything! Her outfits in the 70s are so snazzy. At the time, she had the most number-one singles of any female solo artist in US history. She is the only solo artist to date to have a number-one single on a Billboard chart in seven consecutive decades and she is an advocate for LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS prevention." "mama she IS a rich man! I’m sorry if you aren’t already voting for Cher I can’t help you"

Visual Propaganda for Ronnie Spector:

Visual Propaganda for Cher:

[wonubby]

AESPA 5TH MEMBER INTRODUCTION...

Y/N) (L/N) - A young full-born Korean 19-year-old girl who pursued her dream as a kpop idol at the age of 17 with the song 'Black Mamaba'. She was born on November 17th, 2003 being the youngest member of her group. Being the youngest has many advantages such as being the one with the bigger opinion, getting looked after and being spoilt. Some of the disadvantages are being the target of fans and being labeled selfish, being called a pick me when being happy, and last but not least, being overly sexualized by men twice her age.

(Y/N) was born into a rich and prestigious family. Her father was the CEO of a large business whilst her mother was a song producer who helped produce many hit songs with artists such as Little Mix, Ariana grande, Kai, Taylor swift, NCT, and more. Fans found this as another reason to hate on (Y/N), they believed her status was the only reason she was able to be in the company.

(Y/N)'s music taste isn't to take lightly, she listens to a different variety of music which consists of RnB, 90s rap, rock, and more. Some of her favorite artists are - 50cent, Tupac, Conan gray, Drake, Dvwn, So Soo Bin, Clairo, Motionless in white, Nirvana, Bring me the horizon, The neighborhood, etc.

The girl gained popularity in 2019 when dating rumors of her and the youngest boy of NCT were spread when she was a trainee. The rumors put (Y/N) in a difficult position with her future, but the fans of NCT supported the trainee and welcomed her into their life with open arms when SM confirmed the rumors. The dating rumors had broken out when someone had hacked into Jisungs iCloud account and leaked pictures of the two.

Since she joined the company at the age of 11, she rarely interacted with kids her age causing her to only be close to the idols and trainees in her company. (Y/N) trained with a few of the younger NCT members when they were trainees which led her to meet Park Jisung. (Y/N) had appeared on sm trainee's a few times but went unnoticed as she kept her distance. Red velvet raised her and took care of her and Yeri the majority of the time. When learning the choreography of monster by Exo, (Y/N) was interrupted by the door opening. Turns out a few of the Exo members were passing down the hall and happened to hear their song, ever since then (Y/N) was officially exo's new baby.

When she was 15, (Y/N) got cast in 2-3 K-dramas acting as the younger sister or the younger version of many female actresses. These rolls were minor and were part of many underrated K-dramas but from then she's had a tiny fanbase. She soon disappeared from the acting industry when she and Jisung's relationship began not wanting to cause any trouble in her relationship with the idol.

(Y/N) (L/N) is now one of the most successful 4th generation idols, with all of her M/V's hitting over 100 million views. Now the story begins, we start to learn the hardships of being a 'rookie' idol and being in an exposed relationship. Let's wish (Y/N) good luck in her time being an idol.

[tr1ckysp00k]

Hello and welcome!

Introduction! <3

You can call me Trinity!

I will mostly be writing bob x reader stuff, that goes especially to my new story, just one bite. I will be writing for other types fandoms!

I do draw! My drawing isn’t all great, but I will be posting it nonetheless!

I do repost! Mostly stuff that I think are underrated, but if you don’t want me reposting please let me know! So no inconveniences can happen in the future.

What I will post/write? <3

I mostly post bob x reader! But I do plan on writing bob x *oc* as well!

The reader, aka y/n, is gender neutral! If you’re wanting me to write on a certain gender though, like female, male, transgender, masc, ect+ i’ll be happy too! 😋

What I really like writing is yandere stories or maybe angst! So much tension, and adrenaline! I often read other people’s stories and find inspiration in them!

What fandoms will I write for? :D

Spooky month, ofc

And DHMIS {big fan of this series}

{Maybe} welcome home ☀️

•Nothing Inappropriate just little eery stories between the characters and the reader•

{that’s all for now}

Fandoms I’m in?

🕷️ fnaf

🕷️DHMIS

🕷️ Spooky month

🕷️ welcome home

🐝 owl house

🐝 gravity falls

🐝 Kipo and the age of the wonder beast

Do you take request & ask?

Yes! Absolutely! Though, I may or may not respond quickly, I’ll make sure your asks don’t go unanswered!

I do have some rules that must be followed if you are gonna make a request, and if your gonna interact with my page!

Rules that must be followed:

No hatful comments on my work, if you don’t like what I post just scroll! It’s simple!

I don’t want pr-shippers not c0mshippers interacting with my account.

I do have boundaries. I will not be posting anything too inappropriate

I want to keep it 13+, please!

I don’t want ‘Fans’ of APH Interacting with my account.

Nor do I want people who support hatful and nasty behavior {by this you should know what I mean} on this account. I will not hesitate to block you.

What stories are you working on?

The current one i’m writing is a bob x reader story!

‘Just one bite?’

It was inspired by multiple artist in this app, in which I will be tagging! ⬇️

@dib-thing-wannabe /inspiration to my writing!

@grilladrago /inspiration to my writing and art!

@fatdemonlover /inspires my art and writing!

@ech0lesss /inspiration to my writing!

@cringe-croissant /inspiration to my art! And gives me motivation

@shaggyspook/@theogratking inspires my art and creativity!

{send love to these people!}

{I’m sure more inspiring artist will turn up! I enjoy seeing peoples art and stories, yall are so creative!}

How often do I post?

Not much unfortunately

Stuff about me! {just putting this on the table}

I am apart of the lgbtq+! [im pansexual!]

I’m as well a ally of the furry community!

I often draw as a hobby, as well as listening to music! I love various artist in the music industry!

{I’m not a HUGE fan of country music, it’s ironic because I grew up in the countryside LMAO}

I do a lot of writing in my spare time! I mostly like making fanfics {I love receiving peoples recognition off of them :’)}.

I don’t self-ship, but I support it and have no problem with people who do! <3

My bday is in June 23!

Music artist I’m mostly into;

Sodikken

Jack stauber

Lemon demon {I’m in love with the song ‘touch tone telephone’}

Slip knot

Surasshu

TEMPOREX

Mother mother

Nine inch nails

Black dresses

Vundabar

Crystal castles

And Gorillaz

Weird facts about me cuz why not? :D

• you know when you take out a fresh trash bag {specifically those black hefty trash bags} and it has a certain Smokey smell to it? I love the smell. And it has to be the hefty brand or otherwise it isn’t the same.

• I like cutting the sausage part of the Hot Dog into little bits, then eating them with chopsticks.

• I often collect trinkets and such, and keep them in a small box. I don’t even use them, I just collect them just for the heck of it.

• show me something smaller than it should be and I’ll lose my mind. {I also like collecting those mini brand figurines}

• I space out 24/7

• I cannot stand dry hands or touching anything that is too dry, it can be tolerated but I prefer for my hands not to feel chalky.

• often running out of glue because I’m obsessed with letting it dry on my hands then peeling it off.

• I have a habit of talking to myself.

Thank you for reading!

Hugs and love to all of y’all!

[year3000magazine]

10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now on Spotify, Youtube , Apple, & Tiktok

Finesse2Tymes, StreetMoney Boochie, AR The Mermaid, Slimeroni, and Diddy DaDon are among the artists on our radar — they should be on your radar, too.

Finesse2Tymes

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Finesse2Tymes began his career more than a decade ago as a member of Memphis Greatest Underrated, a rap group formed in the early 2010s alongside Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta. Over the last decade, prison stints slowed down his momentum: after building a groundswell of local support in the few years prior, he was sentenced to five years in federal prison on a firearm charge in 2018. Upon his release this past summer, he hit the ground running, releasing a string of singles leading up to his 90 Days project in December. On “Finesse Duh P” he brings his world-weary delivery to his relationships, rapping in his gravelly tone over bluesy piano runs.

Streetmoney Boochie

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Our first time seeing Boochie was 2016 with Bankroll fresh on “Walked In”, then with Nefew & Trouble “Soulja rags that went viral for bringing tanks to the apartments in Atlanta

A.R. The Mermaid

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Memphis TN has been consistently dominating air waves for a minute now, but these days it seems the stakes just keep escalating.  “Let A Hoe Play’ is undeniable! Her notoriety is rapidly going up as listeners grab hold of the latest drop. Even Drake has decided AR The Mermaid is a force to be reckoned with, recently dropping a follow on Instagram.

Trench Babys ENT

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Can’t lie the trench baby's Went In On This. self explanatory.

Slimeroni

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Slim, gorgeous and multi-talented, Miss Slimeroni is a female rapper hailing from Memphis, Tennessee!

Joining the company of veterans like Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, the late Young Dolph, the newest female sensation Glorilla, and many other greats, Slimeroni oozes on the scene as an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with.

Diddy DaDon

Hometown: Detroit, MI

For an artist so young, Diddy DADON has several lifetimes of experience behind him. His songs are filled with dense imagery and careful details conveyed in a measured cadence that exudes a hunger and intensity that far exceeds his age.

FreshDuzIt

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Spend an hour or two in a Indiana rap YouTube hole and you'll end up hearing a lot of songs that sound the same. FreshDuzIt on the other hand, tends to stand out. He's incredibly consistent (he's dropped 4 projects alone in 2022) featuring hits with the biggest stars in rap.

Sexyy Red

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Sexyy Redd has been our radar since her and Summer Walker teamed up for there "Sense dat God gave you" visual.

Kookie

Hometown: Detroit, MI

For a rapper with some of the hardest, most gore-fixated bars, Kookei has a laughably “soft” name. The Detroit native, whose sweets-invoking nom de plume was inspired by a childhood stint as a bake-sale maven, raps in a hushed, almost jokey tone, which makes his grim lyrics — about pissing on the opposition’s graves, when not outright blowing off their heads — sound both seductive and scary. Inspired by the carnage-heavy one-liners of early Eminem, Kookei decided, two years ago, to turn himself into a rapper. After posting a few loosies on YouTube, he released Psychopath, his excellent debut — boasting 20 macabre but mellifluous songs — earlier this year. You don’t have to have a cast-iron stomach to digest it: Psychopath is fun, provocative, and wildly inventive. “A lot of stuff you can’t take serious. You gotta laugh at that shit,” he says. “That’s just me. And I be high as hell.”

Luh Tyler

Hometown: Tallahassee 

I must say that majority of my favorite artists out right now are rising out of Florida. 16-year-old buzzing artist Luh Tyler is my latest obsession, and I can’t stop listening to his music. Just a few months ago, one of my friends texted me his single “Law & Order,” and wrote sign him now.

[idasessions]

Jackie DeShannon on “Hullabaloo,” 1965

[f-ngrl]

What are your thoughts on Sik-k's songs lyrical wise? 'Cause I feel like his fans (mostly women) only like him bc of his looks, and there's also the fact that he always uses autotune so idk

(I promise this is not hateful, I'm genuinely curious)

Hi, thanks for the question!

I love answering this because I genuinely think his music is great, and underrated by those fans who only focus on his looks! :)

imo he is a good songwriter, both for lyrics and melodies. and just songs altogether, idk what else goes into them :D he created his very own style which makes him stand out to me because there aren't many artists like that. he also celebrates his individuality with melanin handsome* or proudly not having any tattoos (lol :D).

(*there are other k-rappers who don't try to make their skin look brighter or even try to make it look darker, but most of them connect it with a bad boy/girl image, sik-k doesn't)

at the same time, he gives his many producer friends enough space to show their own style in his songs, which is not the case everywhere.

when it comes to lyrics, they're ofc not 100% politically correct, but maybe less bad than many others in hiphop. most of it is friends/party (yeah why not) or crying over his ex (admitting it was his fault, being v nice&respectful to her) or sex (maybe encouraged by fans?? it's not interesting to me but whatever xD still not disrespectful but umm appreciative?? xD as far as i've understood)

sometimes he has good or funny lines in his raps, and while his rap is good overall and he can rap really well when he has to, his songwriting overall is his true strength in my opinion. i mean his music is not always totally hiphop, so he shouldn't be judged "only" for his rap. the autotune is a style choice and by now a well-accepted effect, so it's not really worth talking about it - if you like the sound, listen, and if you don't, don't. and it's not like he said he was a great singer and that's ok, that's not what his music is about. and i don't think he uses it more than other singing rappers, everyone uses it :D

it's true that he has many female fans, but he has male fans too and is a social butterfly in khh. people wouldn't be working with him if they thought he had to talent.

as far as i know he also hasn't had any scandals and isn't problematic so that's a plus as well xD just once there was a member in his crew who did sth very bad and all the crew members, including sik-k, supported him (tried to help ig but it was wrong) until it came out and the guy left the crew.

umm yeah this turned into why-i-like-sik-k and none of the reasons are his looks so xD if you don't know him and are interested, you should take the time and listen to one of his album a few times. it took some warming up to me, but then i really loved his music! i hope you can enjoy it too :)

[andromeda3116]

Newbie to the discworld novels! A coworker gifted me equal rites, which I just finished and was hilarious/weird/interesting. I think I want to read another but there are like 40 of these! Do you recommend reading all in order? Or do you have some favs to read?

I definitely don't recommend reading them in the publishing order, no. If you've started with Equal Rites, you may want to continue with the Lancre Witches series, which goes from there to Wyrd Sisters to Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Maskerade, then Carpe Jugulum, which is one of my all-time favorite books, Discworld or otherwise. It's an excellent thread to follow, and one of my favorites. They tend to riff on classic theatre, and focus on the power of stories, and feature so many strong female characters that they outnumber the male characters by a significant amount. Witches Abroad is notable for having all of its major, plot-affecting characters be women, and most of them older women. Plus, it's a satire of Cinderella that takes place in an Expy of New Orleans, so it holds a special place in my heart.

The Lancre Witches novels sort of segue into the Tiffany Aching novels, which begin with the Wee Free Men, then continues with A Hat Full of Sky, Wintersmith, I Shall Wear Midnight, and the Shepherd's Crown. Technically, these are Young Adult novels, and so the protagonist starts at the age of nine, but they don't feel childish, and to be frank, I Shall Wear Midnight is just too dark for my tastes. The Shepherd's Crown is the last book in the series, was published posthumously, and very, very much reads as Sir Terry's goodbye, so while you can technically start anywhere, do not read this one yet.

My other favorite thread is the City Watch novels, which begin with Guards! Guards! and goes on to Men at Arms, Feet of Clay (an underrated classic, imo), Jingo, the Fifth Elephant (also highly underrated), Night Watch, Thud!, and Snuff. They've got a sort of police procedural bent, but in a way you've never seen before, and with a distinctly anti-authoritarian feel. This is not a Watch that exists to support the status quo.

Other threads you might enjoy would be the Moist von Lipwig series: Going Postal, Making Money, and Raising Steam, which is about a con artist who is forced to go legitimate and turns his powers to the betterment of the city; or the Death and Susan series: Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music, Moving Pictures, Hogfather, and Thief of Time, which delve into the meaning of life and the nature of belief.

Or you could go with some of the standalone novels, like Small Gods -- which changed my life -- or Monstrous Regiment -- which always guts me more than I expect.

Small Gods is the one that I tell people, if you read only one, read this one. I live in the Deep South and so it's very personal to me, in particular. Essentially, the Discworld is a place where gods get their power from belief, and this god Om (an Expy of the Christian god) -- who boasts a theocracy of millions of people who pray to Him multiple times a day, make pilgrimages to the capital city, and are tortured if their belief is not deemed pure enough -- comes down one day to see how things are going, and finds that he has no power.

Like I said, growing up in the Deep South, I have strong negative feelings about the Christian Church, and Small Gods taught me to let it go.

Which leads me into the real answer, because while it's like... read which story sounds cool to you, which thread seems like it's up your alley, it's also like... What do you need right now?

Do you need a story about subverting people's expectations and being yourself even if that means being quote-unquote "less than" other people wanted you to be? Witches Abroad.

Do you need a story about rising from your own ashes to be a better person than you thought you could be? Guards! Guards!

Do you need an incredibly cathartic story where a Trump-style Corrupt Executive gets what's coming to him? Going Postal.

Do you need to work through your religious trauma? Small Gods.

Do you need a story about breaking cycles of violence and proving yourself to those who have ignored you and held you down? Monstrous Regiment.

Do you need a story about staring into the face of abject helplessness and fighting against it anyway? Night Watch.

So many of the Discworld novels act not just as good stories but as vehicles for emotions you don't know what to do with, and that's why they stick so deep into the psyches of people who read them. It's about what you need to get out of the story, and there's probably a story for whatever it is that's weighing on you.

I know that's a lot of talking, but I hope it helps, and I hope you enjoy the ride!

[kpoptimeout]

Top 10 Most Underrated K-pop Songs of 2020 (Artist Edition)

Many wonderful songs by K-Pop artists helped us get through the shit show of 2020.

Continuing with the K-Pop Timeout Tradition (see 2019 Ver) of listing the Top 10 Most Underrated K-Pop Songs because all the other sites are just bothered with the Top 10 that pretty much everyone will have heard of/have fan wars over, below are our top 10 picks of songs that did not rank high (and with MVs just around or below 1 million views too) but deserves your attention! 

This is the list for artists’ tracks, so the Top 10 underrated non-idol tracks. Click here for the Top 10 underrated idol tracks of 2020.

Some of the non-idol artists have escaped the list in recent years to stardom (for example DPR LIVE, CRUSH and MAD CLOWN) so hopefully, it happens again!

This is in alphabetic order NOT in the order of awesomeness because all of them are awesome. Also, all MVs are linked in the song titles because Tumblr won’t let me share that many videos in one post.

DAVII - Jamie Cullum

DAVII had already demonstrated his vocal and producing prowess in the collaborations with HEIZE and other indie artists and his continues  to show his talent and skill in “Jamie Cullum”, an ode to the titular English jazz-pop singer songwriter. The song has a beautiful and memorable jazz piano arrangement and solo section, and DAVII complements the instrumental beautifully with his smooth RnB vocals. The simple Bauhaus-inspired MV sets further accentuates the atmosphere of this beautiful musical piece.  If you are a fan of Korean RnB and also jazz, this is the song for you!

DeVita “EVITA!”

When AOMG told the internet we are going to love their new artist, we know we would but most of us did not expect THIS SOUND. Starting off with a simple 80s vintage drum loop, we are then promised something more when a jazzy saxophone solo bursts onto the scene. The instrumental is reminiscent of 80s citypop but the arrangement of the song and the background noise and ambience creates a much more cyberpunk feel to the whole affair - all this creates a song that sounds both retro and highly futuristic. This modern take on citypop is further highlighted by the stunning music video and DeVita’s edgy vocal delivery, which smoothly switches between head and chest voice in a way similar to that of Rihanna and Lexie Liu. If you are a fan of these two artists or love citypop, you should certainly check out DeVita’s “EVITA!”

Divin’ “Siren”

The MV with the least amount of views on this list (less than 3,000 views at the time of writing this), Divin’s “Siren” deserves better. This song makes great use of synthesisers and has an addictive electronic beat. Divin’s singing is also very captivating, both smooth and desperate at the same time. The moments where he dramatically breathed in Michael Jackson-style between verses worked very well with the fast-paced beats. It is sad to see such a creatively executed track that sounded like the theme song to a Netflix sci-fi adventure series go completely unnoticed. If you want to feel like you are living in the world of TRON, Divin’s “Siren” is your type of song!

GEMINI “Going”

GEMINI is definitely an artist to keep an eye on if you are a K-RnB fan. “Going” is an extremely simple song - just the use of one processed guitar loop throughout the whole song (even in parts of the bridge), with some changes in the drums here and there. The whole MV also appeared to be quite low budget, just showing GEMINI going about his day - shaving, playing basketball, skateboarding and just straight up chilling. However, the song is carried by GEMINI’s emotive voice and smooth delivery to be easily one of the most enjoyable RnB songs this year and the simple MV made it feel like we were also there hanging out with this talented and carefree youth. If you love good K-RnB, “Going” is a must-listen song from 2020!

MADDOX “Sleep”

Some of you may have heard of MADDOX for his wild interview with DIVE STUDIOS but not as many of you listen to his music because this MV does not even crack 100,000 views (at the time of writing this). “Sleep” is lofi RnB gold, showcasing MADDOX’s crisp and somewhat melancholy tone. The instrumental is a mix of electronic guitar, synths and pianos, creating the atmosphere of a high-class hotel lounge, which is fitting as MADDOX anguishly croons through the hallways of a hotel. We know the song is “Sleep” but this song is certainly way too slept on. If you love the soothing RnB tunes of Crush and Zion.T, you should check out this song!

MINSEO “No Good Girl”

MINSEO is arguably one of the most talented female vocalists of this generation, able to easy alternate between genres and styles, from romani jazz to EDM, so it is frustrating to see her still so underrated. In “No Good Girl”, MINSEO returns to her ballad roots and demonstrates her skill in showing layers of emotions through her expert singing abilities. The song itself is also beautifully arranged and could easily be a primetime K-Drama OST that plays whenever the leads interact.  If you love vocal talent pure and simple and love coffee shop music, “No Good Girl” is the song for you!

Purple Rain “The King Must Die”

When one thinks of Korean rock bands, the tendency is to think of pop rock bands under FNC or other mainstream labels. Purple Rain reminds us to keep an eye on the harder, grittier rockers of South Korea. The song begins soft and controlled and slowly builds up with the entrance of the electric guitar solo. Upon reaching the chorus, the lead singer does a 180 in his delivery, belting with emotion and range and would alternate between his soft and harder vocals throughout the song. With the sound fit for an action blockbuster, “The King Must Die” is a song for those who love a powerful rock song!

Rad Museum “Wet Umbrella / This Night”

Rad Museum made the list last year its darker and emotive song “Dancing In the Rain” ft. Jusén, and returns this time with the much softer and dreamy mashup of two tracks “Wet Umbrella / This Night”. The unpredictable song progression and the light airy vocals lead to an oddly pleasant song. You feel like you are travelling with a squad of misfits in a disoriented world when listening to this song. If you are an enthusiast of music Spotify would classify as “escape room” (e.g. Daniel Caesar, Tyler the Creator, Childish Gambino etc.), you would love this song!

VINCE “EMERGENCY” ft. Zion.T

With YG’s The Black Label managing him and being the songwriter for various K-pop hits like Sunmi’s “Gashina” and BLACKPINK’s “Pretty Savage” and working on BLACKPINK Rosé’s upcoming solo releases, it is strange YG stans are not supportive of this RnB vocal king. VINCE has a smooth honey vocals that work perfectly with any RnB track and “EMERGENCY” is further elevated by its memorable chorus and the addition of the uniquely wonderful Zion.T. Yet somehow this MV has yet to crack 1 million since it was released in February 2020 (at the time of writing this). If you are a fan of K-RnB, you would love this song!

Xydo “Betting” ft. pH-1

This song is the definition of falsetto overload but in all the right ways. Xydo’s high-tone singing is perfect for this simple song driven by a snappy bass, hi-hat and clap. pH-1’s rap verse also added the fun to this already very playful song. The camera angles and set also elevate the classy and smooth vibe of the whole song. If you are a fan of Gray’s production style, you would also love this stylish RnB song by Xydo! 

Which non-idol songs do you think were underrated this year? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below and let the song sharing begin!!!

[senadimell]

2, 7, 30?

Ooh, my first request!

2. Favorite underrated historical figure?

Princess Taiping/ 太平公主！ I wrote a paper on her and it was really hard to find sources discussing her in her own right. She’s a Zhou and Tang-dynasty figure, the daughter of the famous Wu Zetian, known as the only female emperor in China (Zhou being the single-generation dynasty established by Wu Zetian) She’s not someone I’d emulate, but man, she lived a wild life. 

She instigated two successful coups and played politics like nobody’s business. All the while, she amassed landholdings and wealth. She was her mother’s right-hand woman: Emperor Wu* used one of the Taiping Princess’ plans to get rid of a confidante who’d gone too far by setting fire to a temple. Princess Taiping’s first husband was implicated in a failed rebellion against her mother and executed, but she was able to remarry and stay on the scene. In fact, we’re pretty sure her mother had the wife of her second husband assassinated so she could remarry him. I think it’s fascinating that she was able to stay on top during her mother’s rule, as two of her brothers were executed by her mother and two were ousted from power after being named successors. Later in her mother’s life, Taiping outmaneuvered both her mother and her mother’s head of secret police to coerce her mother into agreeing to oust him. 

Eventually, she knew winds were changing in the court and her mother was falling out of favor, so she helped convince her to abdicate the throne in favor of one of her brothers, who I will refer to as Emperor Zhongzong.

It’s kinda complicated to talk about the crazy intrigue that followed her mother’s death, because practically all of her brothers and nephew all have multiple names: birth names, ruling names, and post-humous reign titles, so it can get a little confusing. So Emperor Zhongzong (sounds like jhong-tsong) came into power and his wife, Empress Wei, was also a strong political actor. She did not want Princess Taiping wielding that much political power, and Princess Taiping had lost her most powerful backer when Wu Zetian stepped down. Empress Wei wanted her daughter, the Anle princess, to hold power in the court, and even tried to have her named crown princess and heir, something unprecedented. That didn’t work and her son Li Chongmao/later Emperor Shao was named successor instead. It’s strongly suspected that Empress Wei and the Anle princess (sounds like ahn-leh) conspired to and successfully poisoned Emperor Zhongzong. The Taiping Princess lost no time in launching a coup, and in two weeks time both Empress Wei and the Anle princess were dead. 

Li Chongmao didn't stand a chance. He was around 10-12 when this happened, and when people were still talking about who would be the new leader, she said “Everybody turns to the prime minister [princess Taiping’s brother, Li Dan, later Emperor Ruizong], little boy; this is not your seat.”** Emperor Ruizong treated Princess Taiping as a political equal and relied heavily on her advice.

Meanwhile, his son Li Longji grew in political power and prowess. She felt threatened by him, and participated in a smear campaign to limit his power. He tried to placate her appointing her supporters to  government, so the government was filled with people loyal to her. Unfortunately for her, Emperor Ruizong’s advisors still managed to convinced him to exile her. Through her connections, she was still able to maintain power in the court. 

In 712 ACE, Emperor Ruizong took a comet as a sign he was to step down (rather than eventually getting killed in the struggle between his son and sister) and announced his future abdication to his son Li Longji, temple name Emperor Xuanzong (shu-en tsong) which is how I will refer to him from now on). Aware of what this would mean for her, the Taiping Princess planned her third coup, an armed struggle to upend the soon-to-be Emperor Xuanzong, but was betrayed and discovered. She fled to a monastery, but was found three days later and permitted to commit suicide (seen as more honorable than execution). In the aftermath of the coup, all of the political leaders associated her were implicated by association and were executed or forced to commit suicide. Get this: that was all but one of the chief ministers! It took years for the state to completely appropriate her amassed landholdings and wealth.

*So Empress usually denotes a designated wife of an emperor (皇帝）. Wu Zetian went from a consort to empress regent to empress regnant, essentially. When Wu Zetian ascended the throne, she did some masterful religious and linguistic subversion to establish her legitimacy and came up with a lot of new terms and names to justify what she was doing, since it was unprecedented.  Essentially, she was the female version of Emperor, but translating the linguistic titles is complicated. 

**Sue Wiles and Lily Xiao Hong Lee “Li, Princess Taiping” Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women, Volume II: Tang Through Ming 618 - 1644. Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women.

7. Which time period would you like to live in?

Now. The current one. Go back too far even in the past century and I lose rights and privileges that I value, like the ability to dress as weirdly as I please, the ability to discuss issues of mental health and the #me too movement with women’s rights in general, the ability to work where I want, and the ability to openly practice religion. I would also miss conversations and changes within my own faith community about treating people of all races and backgrounds equally, church culture vs. doctrine, and attitudes towards church history.

 But if I were a time traveller and could stop in a place for a vacation, I’d love to live in the early 1900s (1900-1920) and visit major urban centers for art, music, and to witness labor conditions and activism. Alternatively, if I were a time traveller I would simply attend live showings of my favorite shows and concerts (lots of musical theatre)

30. Favorite kids/teens history books:

Most of the historical fiction I’ve read takes place in the past 100 years, and a lot of it takes place in the 30s and 40s. I do have a rule for myself that I don’t seek fiction about the Holocaust--the things here are exceptions. I tend to read survivor’s accounts instead, though I couldn’t think of many novels in for this rec. 

 Between Shades of Grey, by Ruta Sepetys--gorgeous, heart-wrenching book about a girl in Lithuania sent to a Soviet prison camp in Siberia. 

Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire, by Elizabeth Wein--both take place during WWII. Rather brutal and play around with alternative narration styles.

The Devil’s Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen. I don’t know how to describe it. During a Passover Seder, Hannah Stern is transported back in time to 1942 Poland, during World War II. 

Anything by Gillian Bradshaw (she’s more of a ‘dump you into the history hard and let you figure things out’ kind of author, which I love--I’m trying to get my hands on A Beacon at Alexandria. She also writes historical fiction set in antiquity, which I don’t see as often.)

Flygirl, by Sherri Smith about the WASP (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots). Tackles the racism of the era as well.

The Red Umbrella, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, about the Cuban exile after the revolution of 1959

Esperanza Rising, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, about a girl who leaves her estate in Mexico and has to live as a migrant worker in California. 

Uprising, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This is about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 and is a good introduction to labor issues and unions in US history. This book is almost solely responsible for why I don’t think Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them looks anything like New York at the early 20th century (yes, I know this takes place 10 years earlier, but conditions hadn’t changed all that much). 

The Lightning Tree, by Sarah Dunster (not the book of the same name by Patrick Rothfuss). This one’s a bit personal--it’s a coming-of-age story following the story of a girl of Waldensian heritage set in Utah right after the Utah War (1858) and a year after the Mountain Meadows Massacre. It’s character-driven, lyrical and subverted my expectations of what would happen. 

The Vanishing Point, by Louise Hawes. A fictionalized biography of Lavinia Fontana, a famous female artist in the Italian Renaissance. Considering how the art world is dominated by male artists, this was really neat to read, and also takes place further in the past than a lot of things I read. 

Distant Waves, by Suzanne Weyn: Probably the weirdest book here, but just fabulous. It combines spiritualism, Nikola Tesla, Houdini and Doyle, H.G. Wells and the wealthy crème de la crème of the era with the Titanic.

Non-fiction

Yankee Doodle Gals, by Amy Nathan is about the WASP and is fabulous.

Teens at War, by Allan Zullo. Ten stories of teenagers at war throughout history.

Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials by Marc Aronson. One of the things I realized was just how much of an anomaly the trials were, as previously courts had been denying spectral evidence as a valid source of evidence.

Night, by Elie Wiesel. A personal history of surviving the Holocaust. Here’s the thing--if you can, read both the edition before his wife translated it and compare it to her translation. Her translations soften the hard edges of the book, which isn’t something I usually want if I’m reading about the Holocaust, but have been called more true to his words.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. A moving and disturbing story about race, medical exploitation, the invention of vaccines, and poverty in the U.S. I don’t know if this counts as a teen novel, but I read it as a freshman in high school on my librarian’s recommendation.

Savage Girls and Wild Boys Does this count as children or history? It’s a history about feral children (raised by animals, etc) and other children raised in extraordinary circumstances. 

Sort of history? It’s more modern. Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. It’s kind of a memoir of Arn Chorn-Pond, someone who survived the Cambodian genocide of 1975-1979 and was a child soldier. It’s brutal, but I recommend it to everyone. 

This isn’t a children’s history book, but I can’t miss an opportunity to recommend it. The Rape Of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust Of World War II by Iris Chang is utterly heartbreaking. The Rape of Nanjing has hugely significant to cultural memory, and yet most people I’ve talked to in the states have never hear about it

As for children’s books, I read my copy of The Secret Soldier by Ann McGovern to death. If not for its length, it would probably be falling out of its binding by now. 

I also read my mother’s childhood copy of The Story of Helen Keller by Lorena A. Hickok over and over again (first published 1958). 

Survivor, by Allan Zullo. Compilation of stories from children who survived the Holocaust. 

The Hidden Girl, the story of Lola Rein Kaufman written between her and Lois Metzger. After her mother is killed by the Gestapo, she has to hide in a barn to survive.

OH! ETA:

Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics  and Tough Mothers: Amazing Stories of History's Mightiest Matriarchs by Jason Porath are a fun way to get familiar with historical and legendary female historical figures. There is some swearing and description of all the sorts of things you can imagine have happened to historical women, but it’s organized by rating and type. 

@brightbeautifulthings I don’t know if asking automatically tags you?

[biaswreckeedbybts]

I need BTS to do more shows like tiny desk concert, armypedia, BTS week on James Cordon show & if they rent big venues then the camera work needs to be BEST. Like when they performed idol in that palace on Jimmy then the camera work was damn good, it didn't feel too empty. Even when they performed mikrocosmos, it felt so homely & more personal. With the absence of audience & now a member recovering from surgery- the camera work & stage set ups need to be well planned & executed.

Despite what others say, BTS has that power to portray exactly what they want us to feel,they speak with their music the most. So I do feel the success they have right now is well deserved. Idk if they deserve the money cuz their pay hasn't been disclosed & I do feel they get less than what they earn(only yg artists get 75% of their earned money)

But Recently BTS haven't been showing the best of their abilities. It's definitely the pandemic that's affecting their 'spark', along with bh doing the easy work. But how can BTS even know what they are doing is right or wrong when armys consume anything that's being thrown at them?the idea of opinion or disagreeing with the majority is considered to be a 'hateful' comment. This is the problem with every fandom (especially kpop), the line between giving artistic freedom to your favs & consuming anything that's thrown at you is blurry. When songs like dynamite,DNA & bwl breaks so many records & have ton shit of achievements then any artists would think that THIS is what their consumers want. So they'll make more music like this.The companies who only cares bout profit would push their artists to make such kind of music too. Also, The line between being authentic- staying true to your art & giving what your consumers want often becomes blurred & you stray away.

Both 3 songs I mentioned above are great but are they that great to receive so much attention? Or do they deserve to be the highlight of BTS's discography? No.

BE was a great album to show that BTS sticks to their roots & show their true selves + they gave us what we asked for. They change & Evolve with time & experiment time & again but the lack of promotions by BH & Columbia (their distributor in America), lack of radio spins & playlistings for LGO (which would've helped with charts & digital streams)- Western industry's xenophobia is showing & the impersonal performances of BE tracks- which is just LGO at the moment makes BE come across as a very underwhelming & something that even BTS doesn't appreciate- when it's far away from that. If BTS just starts performing BE tracks more in different shows (rather than perform dynamite) then also it could be considered a good enough promotion.

The album is a grower & has great tracks but I don't like how it's being showcased. It needs all kinds of promotions NOW (there's no point in promoting it in future when the whole world is over it). Even Armys aren't appreciating it much (well they would if they stop focusing on dragging everyone 24/7).

Trust me BE is gonna be considered their most underrated album in future, just like how mots7 & black swan was unappreciated when it was released (the 'unique' promos were also semi flop) & is now considered to be underrated. BE would be appreciated in future but by that time it would've run its course. Less quantitative achievements would be accomplished, it wouldn't be their most talked album (like how badly I wish it would).

+ No matter how much we talk bout racism running in the veins of Western industry plants- it won't change anything. They'll give radio spins & playlistings to English tracks, focus on those artists who are officially signed to a US record label or gets payed to play non English singers' songs. Or simply use the current famous singers for views & engagements. It's all politics,power & money- not just in west but also in K media & award shows. There's only so much a person can change & fight but when the whole system is based on politics & racism & people directly or indirectly support it then what can you do? People only talk when they are on the receiving end of unfairness/hate but keep quiet when others face the same thing.Nicki for years had tried to fight the stereotypes forced on black women- especially black female rappers & how much shit & racism they face yet she was ridiculed & not supported by alot of people. The industry has almost blacklisted her & she was considered a joke. That's why barbz are merciless- they'll readily cut open anyone.(not that I blame them)

[isrustandstardust]

1. What’s been the best day of your life so far and why?

Hard to decide, I had so many great days.

2. Describe your first kiss, who was it with, what was it like, where was it etc?

It was with my best friend at the time, in my parents garden. It was early morning after a night spent talking, her lips were really soft.

3. What’s your biggest regret? I know we all say we don’t regret things but obviously it’s how we learn, from our mistakes. So what’s something from your past you wished you could have changed?

I could have handled a break up better. I ended up hurting someone I cared for.

4. When was the last time you laughed so hard that tears fell from your face and what was it at?

With my husband, yesterday night. We were actually making fun of someone we know.

5. What is the craziest thing that you have ever done?

Moving in with a guy I barely knew in a city 400km away from all my family and friends.

6. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

Nothing comes to mind rn.

7. Do you have any scars and if so, how did you get them?

I have my arms covered in scars. All of them are from self harming.

8. Where would you like to be in 10 years?

In another house, maybe abroad.

9. What are your views on drugs and alcohol?

I’m for the free of choice. I’ve tried drugs only a few times and not drinking atm.

10. What are your views on religion?

Brainwashing shit.

11. Have you ever thought about ending your own life? If so, why?

Yes, more than once. I tried, twice, when I was 21 and going through a lot. The second time I almost succeeded and woke up in the hospital after being unconscious and intubated for a week.

12. Write 5 facts people might not know about you.

- I am bipolar, borderline and have a schizoafective disorder.

- I dream about Satan and the end of the world on daily basis.

- When I was little I used look for little animals to bury and exhume after a while to see how decomposition works.

- I’ve been into witchcraft and rituals since I was 16.

- I write backwards like Leonardo Da Vinci.

13. What’s your zodiac sign and do you think it fits your personality?

I’m a Scorpio and it fits perfectly.

14. Pinpoint a moment you felt the most satisfied with your life.

When my storyboard teacher remembered me from my online test because it was a perfect score.

15. Discuss your first love.

We were young and trying too hard.

16. Put your ipod on shuffle and write 5 songs that pop up. Explain why each song is on there.

- Don’t mess with me - Brody Dalle. It’s from the soundtrack of a game I love.

- Distance - 4bidden. It relaxes me.

- As the rain comes down - 0K(ill)’s. Because I’m working on their new videoclip.

- 8-MQ 16.10.2001 - 0K(ill)’s. Because it’s inspired by an Italian female serial killer. The title is composed by her initials and date of death.

- Rock and Roll - Gary Glitter. It makes me want to misbehave.

17. Name somewhere you’d like to move or visit.

Iceland.

18. What’s your earliest memory?

My dad taking me to Collodi.

19. What are your views on mainstream music?

It’s heartless and all about making money.

20. What are your highs and lows of this past year?

High: starting officially my character designer career. Low: my mother in law and old dog passing away in less than a month.

21. What are your strongest beliefs?

I believe in being direct and honest. Do no harm but take no shit.

22. Who are you closest to in your family?

My dad maybe.

23. How important do you think education is?

It’s fundamental.

24. What’s one of your favorite shows?

My 600lbs life XD

25. How have you changed in the past 2 years?

I’m more secure of myself and my capabilities.

26. Name 5 people who are famous who you find attractive.

- Tom Hiddleston.

- Mads Mikkelsen.

- Hugh Dancy.

- Michael Fassbender.

- Matthew Good.

27. Name your favorite movie and what it’s about.

3 Iron, in the mood for love. Because they’re sad but huntingly beautiful.

Stoker because psycho killers turn me on.

The fountain because is eternal and heartbreaking.

28. Who is someone who fascinates you and why?

I am fascinated by fictional characters. Like Hannibal Lecter. Yeah, again psycho killers.

29. What kind of person attracts you?

Intelligent people.

30. What’s a problem that you have recently had or are currently having?

My body is giving up on me xD

31. Name something that you miss.

The lake.

32. Share 5 goals you want completed in the next 30 days.

- Doing at least 15 designs.

- Double up my workout time.

- Completing my very first song.

- Take that online course I’ve been postponing for lack of time.

- Get a hold of a camera and go shooting.

33. What’s been the highlight of your month and the lowest point?

Highlight: doing a shit ton of sales on my shop. Lowest point: I don’t recall one, it’s been a pretty good month so far.

34. What’s something that you’ve done in the past that you would never do again?

Being the side chick.

35. What is you’re biggest insecurity & why?

Not being good enough. It can be traced back to my mom being a terrible mother.

36. What were the last 3 songs you listened to and what did they mean to you?

- Natacha Atlas - GAFSA. Because it’s in the soundtrack of 3Iron.

- Morcheeba - Over and over again. I find I’d perfectly fitting.

- Portishead - Wandering star. Because it remembers me of someone from my past.

37. Do you have a toy that’s really special to you and if so what is it, how did you get it etc?

I had a plush of a rhino called Mr. Turkelton [Scrubs reference] that was so dear to me. It’s with my ex, we bought it together and he kept it. Still miss him tho.

38. Have you lost anyone close to you to death?

My mother in law. She was more of a mom to me than my own mother.

39. What is your purpose in life?

Being happy and create beautiful things.

40. When was the last time you cried and what was it over?

I do not remember, but I guess it was during my mil’s funeral.

41. If you got to spend an entire day with your favourite celebrity what would you guys do?

I would love to spend a day with the Mass Effect’s cast playing the game!

42. If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would you choose and why?

Tool. Because I’m a masochist.

43. What are 3 traits that you like about yourself and what are three that you dislike about yourself? Personality wise.

Likes:

- Being open minded.

- Being stubborn.

- Being so will powered.

Dislikes:

- Being insecure.

- Being so unable to handle rage that I keep extremely calm until the moment I explode and get cruel and violent.

- Being unable to let go of things that enrage me.

44. Can you cook? If so what are your favorite dishes to make?

I’m pretty good at it. I love to make fresh pasta.

45. What was the last decision you regretted making?

Drinking that glass of milk, now my stomach hurts.

46. Who’s opinion of yourself do you value the most?

Mine. And then my husband’s. I don’t care of no one else’s opinion.

47. What’s the nastiest thing you’ve ever said to another human being and what drove you to say it?

I demolished a guy who was in love with me telling him exactly what I knew it would break him. I did it because he tried to act like I was his property and then got aggressive when I didn’t act accordingly.

48. What’s the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to YOU? Or something that’s hurt you above anything else and why?

Nasty things don’t get to me, I don’t listen to what people say, especially when it comes from someone I don’t care for or I despise. The things that hurt me the most was saying goodbye to someone I was not ready to let go.

49. You can ask your favourite celebrity 3 questions and she’s taken a magical truth pill so she will 100% answer honestly, what do you ask?

Maybe some technical stuff, Idk. I have no ‘favorite celebrity ‘ so...

50. What mark would you want to leave on this world after you are gone?

I don’t care about leaving a mark in a dying world tbh.

51. What makes you most angry?

Liars, incoherent people, delusional people, copycats.

52. Who do you think is a really underrated artist and what do you love about them?

There are a lot of really underrated artists out there trying their very best and being bashed by online algorithms. Support the artists you like!

53. What are the main qualities you look for when thinking about a significant other?

Intelligence, honesty and having moral values.

54. What’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you?

The first that comes to mind is waiting at home for me to return with a hot bath ready and a bed full of rose petals. It’s a cliche,Iknow. But I was young and in love.

55. What is one of your favorite memories?

I have so many, but thinking about the past makes me feel bittersweet.

56. What do you do when you really want to impress someone?

I just act normal, if they’re impressed, good. If not, it’s ok.

57. What are your 3 favourite animals and why?

- Snakes: They’re so fascinating.

- Crows: they’re extremely intelligent.

- Sharks: natural born predators.

58. What’s the nicest present you’ve ever received?

A trip to Paris and a trip to Disneyland.

59. People always go around saying ‘oh I’m their biggest fan’, but what does being a truly big fan of someone mean to you?

Idk, I just like people. I don’t obsess over them.

I obsess over things I like, but not over some individual I don’t know.

60. Have you ever wanted to change anything about your life? If so, what?

I want more money XD

61. What is something you feel like you are really good at?

Drawing. Hopefully making music, but it’s way to early to say.

62. What is something you feel like you can get better at?

Drawing, there’s always room for improving.

63. What is something you feel like you are really bad at?

Hiding when I despise someone. And bowling.

64. If you were given $3,000,000 to put towards 3 charities/foundations ($1 mil each obvs), what would you choose and why?

Wildlife protection, animal shelters, planet’s preservation.

65. What’s one thing someone has done for you that was really small but made a huge impact?

My roommates came back from Xmas holidays one day earlier to have dinner with me because I was alone. And another brought me Xmas dinner a few days before.

66. What do you do when you can’t sleep?

I work :/

67. What’s something that’s on your bucket list?

Make a nice home studio.

68. If you could change 3 things within your government, what would they be and why?

I would actually change the opponent party. They’re dreadful.

69. What’s your favourite holiday and why?

Xmas, because it feels like happiness.

70. What’s the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? Even if it’s TINY like holding a door open for you, something that you rememer even though they were a complete stranger.

A stranger helped me when my nose was bleeding like crazy and I was alone in a mall. He also bought me an orange juice.

71. Who’s your favorite cartoon character?

Motoko Kusanagi.

72. What’s the first song that comes to your mind while reading this and why?

Reptile - NIN. Don’t know why.

73. Put the 7 deadly sins in order of the one you commit the most to the least.

Wrath - Lust - Pride - Sloth - Greed - Gluttony - Envy.

74. What would you like to be the first dance song at your wedding?

I’m already married and we danced over Christian Woman by Type 0 Negative XD

75. Have you ever been told you look like a famous person, if so, who?

Someone told me I look like Butterfly from Death Proof and like Amy Lee from Evancescence.

I really don’t see it.

76. What’s one thing you can not live without?

Art. And music.

77. What is the most selfless thing you have ever done for someone?

Going away.

78. Do you hate someone.

No, I dislike a lot of people, I think the world would be better off if some of them would die, it I do not hate them.

79. What are 3 things that have happened in your life that you’ve never forgotten? Big or small, just things you know you won’t ever forget and still seem crystal clear now.

- Almost dying.

- Getting married.

- Signing for my very first house.

80. What comes first to you out of friendships and relationships, and why?

They’re equally important.

81. What’s your favourite children’s tv show/movie?

Muppets: a Christmas Carol.

82. What song makes you cry the most?

Together we will live forever - Clint Mansell.

83. What’s the funniest film you’ve ever seen?

Operation Petticoat.

84. What’s something crazy that you’ve always wanted to do?

Trying human flesh.

85. Has anything ever happened to you that you just can’t forgive?

A lot. Just, a lot.

86. What’s your biggest fear?

Being abandoned.

87. What is your favorite food?

Red meat, pistachio ice cream.

88. Least favorite food? Why?

Celery.

89. Have you ever felt ashamed about something? If so what was it & why?

Not that I recall of.

90. Do you keep a journal? If so what mostly goes in it? Random thoughts, feelings, stories?

I always keep a journal, I write in it pretty much everything, dreams, feelings, ideas, thoughts.

91. When was the last time you said something nice to someone & what made you do it?

This morning to my husband, because he deserves it.

92. How do you feel when someone says something mean/disrespectful towards your fave celeb?

Couldn’t care less? Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, even if it’s a shitty one.

93. What’s the saddest story/one that’s touched you the most that you’ve ever heard on the news?

Milena Quaglini’s.

94. If you were told you were going to have 3 daughters, what would you want to name them?

Violante, Lavinia and Artemisia.

95. Do you have a middle name and if so, what is it?

I have two. Valeria and Maria.

96. How did your name get chosen? What’s the story behind it?

My dad found it in a sci-fi book back when he was a teenager. It was the name of the first baby girl born on the moon.

97. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for each of your faves e.g. waiting in line for hours, getting up early to see them on tv etc?

I watched a streaming reunion in the middle of the night on N7 day.

98. Are you a virgin?

No.

99. What are the stories behind your tattoos/piercings and if you don’t have any, would you like any?

I have wings because I’ve always been obsessed with winged figures and angels.

I have a lot of movies/books quotes because they all means something to me.

I have cherry petals because of Hagakure.

The snowflake is the reminder of a very important person.

The moth is for my self destructive tendencies.

The witch is a homage to me.

The strawberry is a silly Adventure Time reference.

The snake is a biblical reference to both Lilith and Satan.

The Santa Muerte and the black goat are both linked to my beliefs.

100. Do you want to say something to the world?

Stop being stupid, stop making stupid people famous, open a book.

[roberttiradoart]

This is a topic about one of the most underrated female artist *But one of my preferred in the whole world/ Legendary actress, painter and musician DANIELLE DAX <3 

-----

Danielle Dax is a singer/songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, producer, artist and interior/garden designer. During her musical career she has been a pioneer and experimentalist whose work has been a strong influence on many who followed her.

Her music incorporates numerous styles including - classical, blues, electronica, indian, rock, African, psychedelic and medieval which blend together to create something utterly unique.

Dax was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex and spent the majority of her early childhood with her grandparents who encouraged her love of art, nature and the occult.

She began performing at the age of three on the Southend Bandstand as an 'orange jellybaby' and later in Benjamin Britten's 'Noyeh's Fludde' at the Royal Albert Hall. She also designed posters and programmes for Opera East and studied classical flute at school.

In 1979 Dax met Karl Blake and painted the artwork for Lemon Kitten's first EP 'Spoonfed and Writhing', and soon joined the band playing flute, tenor sax, keyboards and vocals. Slimmed down to just Blake and herself the band released the highly acclaimed album 'We Buy A Hammer For Daddy' and in 1982 the album 'Those That Bite The Hand That Feeds Them Sooner Or Later Must Meet... The Big Dentist'.

During this period they also released numerous tracks on compilation albums and another EP, 'Cake Beast', and began playing live shows (naked and wearing body paint) supporting the likes of DIvine, Killing Joke and Chelsea.

Dax was also busy designing sleeves for The Bombay Ducks, The Reflections, the League Of Gentlemen and Robert Fripp with whom she also collaborated on the track 'Minor Man' on the album 'Let The Power Fall'.

In 1983 Dax recorded and released her pioneering album 'Pop-Eyes' on which she sings, plays all instruments, writes, arranges and produces all the material herself as well as making the cover artwork which was deemed too disturbing for the packing company to handle.

At this time there were few women working in the music business and Dax cut an unusual and singular figure who soon found herself hailed as a feminist icon.

In 1984 Dax appeared in two films - Neil Jordan's - 'The Company Of Wolves' and 'The Chimera' and was regularly gigging with dancers/performers, body paint, hand-painted sets, costumes and the films of Holly Warburton'.

Over the next few years she released a number of successful EP's which were "Singles Of The Week" in the music press and reached number 1 in the Indie-charts. She also released the albums 'Jesus Egg That Wept' and 'Inky Bloaters', and in Japan 'The Chemical Wedding', 'Up Amongst The Golden Spires' and 'Inky Bloaters'. She supported these records with extensive touring.

1988 saw Dax sign to the Sire/Warner Bros label were she released 'Dark Adapted Eye' and the Stephen Street-produced 'Blast The Human Flower'.

During most of the 90's Dax suffered from a long illness which severely limited her output, however she did manage to set up the 'Biter Of Thorpe' label and release the double album 'Comatose-Non-Reaction' and the 'Timber Tongue' EP as well as working on a side project called P.I.N. (Progressive Intelligence Network).

She was also putting the finishing touches to her astonishing Brixton apartment which featured in a number of magazines including 'The London Evening Standard', 'She' and 'British Alcan' and on TV in 'Des Res' and 'Home Front'. In 1997 the BBC awarded her their Designer-Of-The-Year trophy and in 2000 she graduated with a distinction in garden design at the English Gardening School at the Chelsea Physic Garden.

In 2006 Dax and David Knight put together new backing tracks for a number of spoken word performances in France, Italy and London. She has also added live improvised vocals to shows by The Amal Gamal Ensemble, Faust (Corsica Studio) and the cover artwork and 'Jack Sorrow' vocal to the UnicaZurn album 'Temporal Bends'.

At present Dax continues designing, painting and music making at her home in London were she lives with her husband Adrian and four cats.

For more info:  http://www.danielledax.com/

[kkorny]

(Master list) Podcast Ask Game

Because I LOVE Podcasts and I CANNOT find an ask-prompt that satisfies my needs completely. Took a while to compile but i hope you enjoy! (Feel free to reblog, including Podcast Creators/VAs that want to connect with fans).

📚 approximately how many podcasts have you listened to?

📝 Podcast rec that everyone has to listen to ASAP

📕 favourite Pilot episode

📗 favourite finale of a podcast

📘 favourite episode that you’ve relistened to many times

📖 Podcast you’ve listened more than once and how many times

🛋 Podcast that kept you up all night

🎁 podcast that was surprisingly good

😡 podcast you expected more of

💰 do you support any podcast Patreons?

💩 Fiction or non-fiction

🏆 favourite podcast

🎥 favourite podcast to media/book adaptation

🎬 podcast you want to be a movie/tv show

🏝 summer podcast recommendation

⛄️ winter podcast recommendation

🌎 favourite fictional world

🐲 favourite book creature

👯 favourite female friendship

👯‍♂️ favourite male friendship

💋 favourite kiss

🤴 favourite character

😈 favourite villain

❤️ favourite ship

⛵️ favourite crack ship

😱 best plot twist

🔮 power you’d like to have

🥊 character you’d punch in the face

😤 character you loved but now hate

😻 character you hated but now love

😭 death that made you cry the most

😂 the funniest scene

🤢 the grossest scene

💔 scene that broke your heart

🏹 favourite fantasy podcast

🚀 favourite sci fi podcast

🌹 favourite romance podcast

👻 favourite horror podcast

🏰 favourite non fiction podcast

😀 Wolf 359 or EOS 10

🧐 favourite musical episode

#️⃣ Are you a fast or slow listener? Do you binge?

*️⃣ Do you prefer a large cast, core cast or one main narrator?

⏏️Are you the type of person who will listen to the end whether you like it or not, or will you put it down straight away if you’re not feeling into it?

▶️ Do you prefer to listen at a certain time of day?

⏸ How do you chose which podcast to listen to next?

⏯ Are there any genres you will not listen to?

⏹ Are you for or against multiple narrators in the same podcast?

⏺ Do you need to finish a podcast before you can move on to the next one, or will you have multiple podcasts going at once?

⏭ Can you multitask while you listen? if so, ideal thing to do while listening?

⏮Do you prefer happy endings or sad endings?

⏩ Do you enjoy concepts in podcasts to be concrete or abstract?

⏪Large fanbase podcasts or not ?

⏫ Have you ever listened to a podcast in another language?

⏬ Have you ever written your own podcast?

✨ Favourite podcast logo

◀️A podcast you binged

🔼 Shout out a podcast creator who you love

🔽 Shout out an artist who’s podcast fanart you love

➡️ Shout out an writer who’s podcast fanfic you love

⬅️ Favourite podcast character playlist

⬆️ Favourite song that reminds you of a podcast character

⬇️ Did you relisten to any podcasts this year? If so which ones?

↗️ The podcast achievement you are most proud of

↘️ Would you rather relax by listening to a new podcast or by re-listening a well loved podcasts?

↙️ Listening with a cup of tea or mug of hot chocolate or coffee?

↖️ 3 favourite characters?

↕️ 3 characters you dislike?

↔️ Favourite message from a podcast?

↪️ Anthology or a series?

↩️ Politics or comedy?

⤴️ Sci-Fi or fantasy? Why?

⤵️ What podcast did you last finish? When was that?

🔀 Favourite DND podcast?

🔁A podcast that made you cry?

⬛️If you could be a character for just one day who would you be and why? (Bonus: any specific day in the story?)

🔄 If you could listen to only 3 podcasts to a deserted island which would you pick and why?

🔃 If you could be a character for their entire life who would you be and why?

🎵What podcast changed your life?

🎶 Which podcast character is the most like you?

➕ Which podcast character is the least like you?

➖ List five OTPs

➗ stories set in the past or the future?

✖️ If you created a podcast, what would you call it?

♾ Name a podcast you consider to be terribly underrated

💲If you could change one thing about mainstream culture that you’ve learned from podcasting, what would you change? (i.e. more diversity, better writing, better plot etc.)

💱 Who’s your favourite creator?

™️ Who’s your favourite contemporary creator?

©️Who’s your favourite fantasy creator?

®️ Who’s your fav Sci-Fi creator?

〰️ Name a podcast you consider to be terribly overrated

➰ What is your favourite thing to eat when you listen?

➿ What platform do you listen on?

🔚 What’s the first podcast you listened to?

🔳 How do you play your episodes? (i.e. by most recent, sequential order, random?)

✔️ What character would you like as your best friend?

☑️ What podcast hosts would you love to meet and have a conversation with?

🔘 What podcast creator would you love to chat one on one with?

⚪️Which role would you love to play?

⚫️ Any Podcasts you would love to change the ending of?

🔴 Why do you love to listen to podcasts?

🔵 Any podcasts you would want to add a sequel podcast or add an epilogue?

🔺 Any characters you would like further insights into?

🔻 What popular series you haven’t listened to yet?

🔸What is a trope you can’t stand?

🔹What is a trope you want more of?  

🔲 Who is the protagonist you most relate to?

▪️ What is a podcast you want to listen to but are intimidated by?

⬜️ What is your favourite quote?

🔈 Compliment a podcast person who made your life better

🔇 Favourite livestreams

🔉 Got any Merch?

🔊 Favourite Voice Actress?

🔔 Favourite Voice Actor?

🔕Favourite Voice? Why?

📣 Any wishes?

📢 Any settings that could be seen in podcasts more? (jungle, urban, sea, air)

👁‍🗨 Favourite official cross over?

💬 Do you write Fanfic? Share your links

💭 Do you do fanart? Share your links

🗯 Wacky Headcannons?

♠️ Any headcanons you want to be cannon?

♣️ Podcast you want to make a musical episode?

♥️ Any dream crossovers?

♦️ Which characters from different podcasts do you think would get along?

🃏 Any dream castings if a podcast became a visual medium?

🎴 Favourite Wikia?

🀄️Favourite Discord?

🧡 Favourite fanbase?

💛 Any fanbase you wish would be bigger?

💚 Fave LGBTQ pairing?

💙 Fave LGBTQ friendly podcast?

💜 Tag some friends you’ve met in the community

🖤 Any Ocs?

[2046]

out of boredom i will now be doing these to track my own cinethoughts as of may 2020

A movie you've seen most times in cinema.

la la land (2016) or shoplifters (2018) from recent memory. i usually don’t rewatch movies in the theater

Your most rewatched movie.

howl’s moving castle (2004)

A movie you quote on a daily basis.

chungking express (1994)

Favorite movie soundtrack.

main theme (the godfather)

he lives in you (the lion king ii)

young & beautiful, bryan ferry ver. (the great gatsby)

run free (spirit: stallion of the cimarron)

the imitation game (the imitation game)

concerning hobbits (the fellowship of the ring)

the wardrobe + the battle (narnia)

the medallion calls + he’s a pirate (potc)

main theme (the shining)

the outside world + outside (perhaps • love)

edelweiss (the sound of music)

main theme (barbie in the 12 dancing princesses)

Top 5 films of your favorite actor and actress.

?? i’ll come back to this

Top 5 performances of your favorite actor and actress.

actress 1: tilda swinton

eva, we need to talk about kevin (2011)

the white witch, narnia (2005)

orlando, orlando (1992)

eve, only lovers left alive (2013)

mason, snowpiercier (2013)

actress 2: keira knightley

elizabeth bennet, pride & prejudice (2005)

elizabeth swann, pirates of the caribbean

joan clarke, the imitation game (2014)

gretta, begin again (2013)

ruth, never let me go (2010)

actor: ?? i’ll come back to this

A movie storyline you wish you had actually lived.

transformers (2007)

only lovers left alive (2013)

nerve (2016)

A movie that reminds you of your mom.

gone with the wind (1939)

A movie that reminds you of your dad.

lord of the rings trilogy

Favorite movies from your childhood.

the sound of music (1965)

narnia: the lion, the witch & the wardrobe (2005)

the mummy (1999)

kung fu hustle (2004)

spirit: stallion of the cimarron (2002)

the lion king (1994)

the lion king ii: simba’s pride (1998)

bridge to terabithia (2007)

dinosaur (2000)

Favorite quote(s).

“i’m not hungry. i want to see a film. goodbye.” (vivre sa vie)

“ugh! as if!” (clueless)

“love you for 10,000 years” (chungking express)

Top 5 favorite female performances.

audrey hepburn, holly golightly (breakfast at tiffany’s)

alicia silverstone, cher horowitz (clueless)

toni collette, annie graham (hereditary)

mia farrow, rosemary woodhouse (rosemary’s baby)

imperrator furiosa (mad max: fury road)

Top 5 favorite male performances.

benedict cumberbatch, alan turing (the imitation game)

jack nicholson, jack torrance (the shining)

joaquin phoenix, arthur fleck/joker (joker)

judd nelson, john bender (the breakfast club)

hayden christensen, anakin skywalker (revenge of the sith)

Favorite year for movies.

1994

Your favorite movies from [insert year].

2017, the year i had moviepass & the most recent year in which hordes of great movies came out...

baby driver

the florida project

land of mine (limited release in u.s. began 2017)

call me by your name

raw (2017 u.s. release)

loving vincent

it

lady bird

phantom thread

the post

the shape of water

the disaster artist

blade runner 2049

dunkirk

thor: ragnarok

wonder

get out

Favorite [insert actor/actress/director] movies?

director: hirokazu koreeda

nobody knows (2004)

shoplifters (2018)

our little sister (2015)

like father, like son (2013)

List all you've seen from [insert actor/actress/director].

actress: scarlett johansson

lost in translation (2003)

the prestige (2006)

iron man 2 (2010)

the avengers (2012)

under the skin (2013)

don jon (2013)

captain america: the winter soldier (2014)

lucy (2014)

avengers: age of ultron (2015)

hail, caesar! (2016)

the jungle book (2016)

captain america: civil war (2016)

ghost in the shell (2017)

avengers: infinity war (2018)

isle of dogs (2018)

avengers: endgame (2019)

marriage story (2019)

jojo rabbit (2019)

An underrated actor.

callum turner

lee pace

paul bettany

An underrated actress.

gemma chan

rose byrne

rachel weisz

An underrated director.

edgar wright

alex garland

An overrated actor.

christian bale

An overrated actress.

constance wu

An overrated director.

woody allen

A film you wish you had seen on the big screen.

mad max: fury road (2015)

A movie you've seen that you think no one else's here will have heard of?

city of life and death (2009)

perhaps love (2005)

Favorite movie characters.

jack sparrow (pirates of the caribbean)

howl jenkins (howl’s moving castle)

holly golightly (breakfast at tiffany’s)

furiosa (mad max: fury road)

john bender (the breakfast club)

cher horowitz (clueless)

david collins (the guest)

legolas (lord of the rings)

A film that was better than the book.

atonement (2007)

Best remake.

the crazies (2010)

Your first favorite actor.

orlando bloom

Your first favorite actress.

keira knightley

Favorite animated film.

howl’s moving castle (2004)

Your most anticipated films.

dune (2020)

peninsula (2020)

Last movie that disappointed you.

the sound of silence (2019)

your name (2016)

Last movie that surpassed your expectations.

doctor sleep (2019)

Share an unpopular film opinion you have.

disney animation films looked better in 2D

Favorite Oscar win/speech.

allison janney, best supporting actress (i, tonya)

Biggest Oscar snub(s).

taraji p. henson, hidden figures

Who do you think is overdue for another nomination/win?

helena bonham carter

How many movies have you seen (rough estimation)?

800

A movie that made you go 'wtf was that'.

suicide squad (2016)

A film that scarred you.

i am legend (2007)

the hills have eyes (2006)

Most movies watched in a single day.

9. yes it was star wars

A film that always makes you cry.

perhaps love (2005)

la la land (2016)

A film that always makes you laugh.

shaolin soccer (2001)

Movies that you think everyone should watch (not necessarily your favorites).

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (2004)

under the skin (2013)

nobody knows (2004)

shaun of the dead (2004)

A movie that took you a couple of viewings to appreciate.

burning (2018)

A book you want to see adapted to the big screen.

the secret history, donna tartt

pachinko, min jin lee

A book you really, really, really don't want to see made into a film.

house of night series

Favorite child performance.

natalie portman (leon: the professional)

yuya yagira (nobody knows)

Favorite pre-code.

freaks (1932)

Favorite silent film.

safety last! (1923)

the artist (2011)

Favorite coming of age film.

the breakfast club (1985)

Favorite superhero film.

the incredibles (2004)

the dark knight (2008)

Best cinematography.

la la land (2016)

the handmaiden (2016)

chungking express (1994)

we need to talk about kevin (2011)

hereditary (2018)

house of flying daggers (2004)

the lighthouse (2019)

Movies you know you should watch, but can't bring yourself to do it?

vertigo (1958)

requiem for a dream (2000)

citizen cane (1941)

8 ½ (1963)

sunset boulevard (1950)

Favorite genres.

drama

fantasy

psychological

war

Least favorite genres.

romcom

Biggest movie pet peeve.

action scenes with a million cuts per second, shaky camera movement, bad lighting

[sierratheory]

It's hard FOR ME to look at 5sos constantly mentioning wanting more male fans (they seem desperate for validation from men at this point), undermining female/younger fans and not calling it sexism when you have a king like harry who REPEATEDLY shame people who behave like that and he has explained before how artists often see having a fandom that consists of mostly females as a bad thing just because they think women's opinions are inferior and that opened my eyes & now I see 5sos differently 🙁

Shalee and I talked about this recently. And we truly think that it didn’t start out this way, but over time it has morphed into that reality. I think when they were younger it wasn’t a big deal, but as a society we invalidate teenage girls and the things they like so much. It’s so uncool to like 1D, or Justin Bieber etc. And it was frequently a criticism of those who “didn’t like 5sos” that they weren’t talented, they just had female fans because they were 6ft tall, hot Australians with Aussie accents. Which is so invalidating to women and girls. Like we can’t support a band because we like their music, no it has to be a superficial and sexualized thing.

I think over their career 5sos was invalidated over and over again, and underrated because of the fan base they had. After a while I think they’ve begun to think that way, or tried to change their demographic so people will see them for the talent they do have. They’ve said “oh we’re over getting mad about being called a boy band, people will call us whatever” but their actions have made it pretty clear that they are not over that sort of thing, it may just be like an internalized subconscious thing they aren’t even aware of. Or they are just sexist ass hats, but I prefer to assume the former.

[eabhaalynn]

Let the Music Play: A Love-Letter to Our Live Venues.

My concert-going career started at a very young age. Barely out of nappies, I went to see the ‘tweenies’ live with my auntie in 2004. The Odyssey Arena, Belfast, now known as the SSE Arena, is Northern Ireland’s biggest indoor arena, and while it is dwarfed by the stadiums and concert venues of the Irish capital and Manchester city, the imposing presence of the arena has captivated me for about as long as I can remember.

The Odyssey complex is as old as I am, its doors opened in the year I was born and so, at the time, everyone was as enthralled with the venue as I was.

The most recent concert I went to at the SSE was twenty-one pilots in March 2019. There is something really endearing about the combined nostalgia of a twenty-one pilots gig itself, and a venue with fifteen years’ worth of live-music memories housed in its elliptical, grey walls.

The SSE arena embodies my generation of Northern Irish kids; we have this big central concert venue, one that our parents could only have dreamed of. Its evolved into a bustling hotspot of tourism, nestled in tidily between the main motorway to East Belfast and the now notorious Titanic Quarter. The word ‘anticipation’ has become almost synonymous with the landscaped gardens, taxi ranks and brightly orange-cladded walls of the arena. From standing in the snow eagerly waiting for a wave from Shakira in December 2009, to queuing in the rain for an allocated seat out of the sheer anticipation of seeing then-heartthrob Matty Healy in January 2019, the artists change, the company changes, but the venues stay static.

Walking into the colossal atrium of the SSE arena, the dopamine rush of the distinctive sound of a ticket scanner, the frustration of the crush on the stairs, or the hilariously slow walker in front of you, the relief and disbelief of being swept away from an old friend by the tsunami of people pouring into the venue, and later washing back out of it. The expected responses to big world events, the additional security of Summer 2017 after the tragic events in Manchester, both outside and inside the same venues.

The feeling of utter tininess when you step through the tunnel into the arena. The power of the crowd, all there for the same reasons, all having a brilliant time. The knowledge that so many of your friends are experiencing the same event you are, that same knowledge, that’s somehow even more captivating in retrospect.

And that is just one venue.

I grew up in a ‘musical household’ and all that really means is that my dad plays the guitar, my mum always has the radio on in the house, and it’s been this way for about as long as I can remember.

Consequently, then, my childhood summers were framed by a local music festival, happens the first week in August in our village. It is, as they say, the craic. It introduced me to gig culture, a culture that has adopted me as I’ve aged. Gigs are like concerts, but smaller. A lot more personable, usually with a lot more bands involved, usually, you won’t know or listen to every band on the set list.

Gigs are in bars, or town halls, or even student union’s – I’m looking at QUB and Glasgow here, LUSU is an office building, though it’d almost certainly be more use as a gig venue. While you find your friends at concerts, you make friends at gigs. You find new music through gigs. Gigs are the control-alt-delete of your social life, especially when you’ve been going to them since you were six.

In reality, I could write whole love letters about every gig in every venue I have ever been to, I haven’t not been to a gig for this long, I think since I turned fifteen.

But none of us have time for that, enjoy these quick-fire feelings about gig venues and gigs from over the years, at home and farther afield.

The Oh Yeah! Centre in Belfast – the gateway to the gig scene. The absolute heroes who were hosting all ages gigs that one time a year every year that you didn’t have to source an ID. Nestled in the Cathedral Quarter, it is a genuinely wholesome, beautiful place to be. From falling in love with a 17 year old Declan McKenna in the front row at 15, to nearly choking when you heard the titular female name of Cherym’s now lead-single live for the first time, it is a very happy place and one that is truly committed to local acts and musical education at its heart.

The Lurig Inn in Cushendall – We all have a bit of love for our local, don’t we? The Lurig was the place to go out when you couldn’t get into, or couldn’t get to, anywhere else. Being 16 in the Glens of Antrim is certainly an experience, and it is characterised by the intergenerational harmony of a night in the Lurig with your wee man off the X-Factor. They have converted their venue into guestrooms, and of course I have feelings about this, but they still have solid acoustic nights from local artists on a regular basis, and I miss coming home to it a lot.

The Stubborn Stag at Kelly’s, Portrush – When you catch yourself driving to a gig in jeans and a t-shirt while you watch your peers in tiny neon skirts getting turned away from the main club, you know you’re doing something right – or maybe very wrong. This is my local for ‘big gigs’ and is a very underrated venue in Portrush. It is a genuinely lovely bar to be in, and attracts names from across the wide and growing North Coast music scene. I’ve even heard its worth using that roundabout in Coleraine for.

Students Unions of the world – This is basically in memorium of the Mandela Hall in Belfast. However, the Manchester Academies and QMU Glasgow need their recognition. These venues are gross, they’re sticky, they’re not even overly cheap on gig nights. But they give you the opportunity to see IDLES, the Academic, Miles Kane (!) and the Front Bottoms up close, even when you’re underage. And for that, we salute them. I do miss being able to see yer man from General Fiasco and his guitar every Sunday at the Speakeasy if I wanted to too (but don’t tell anyone).

The Belfast Empire – I haven’t actually got the words for the love I have for this venue. It is practically perfect in every way. From their regular ‘Gifted’ nights, which platform young talent, to their annual general fiasco gigs, to their high ceilings and stunning acoustics, to the location in the heart of Botanic, the closest street Belfast has to ‘cool.’ While I have never had much love for Belfast city, my heart absolutely bursts for the Empire. I cannot recommend checking them out when they reopen.

My favourite carpark in Belfast is actually also behind the Empire but that’s a story for another day.

The Button Factory, Dublin – This is where I first made eye contact with Eli Hewson, it is a beautiful, very cool venue on the periphery of Dublin’s Temple Bar. Just a stone’s throw from Gay Spar too. What more could you ask for?

Yes! Manchester – This is technically four venues, on Manchester’s Charles St. It is effortlessly groovy, and consistently hosts the best up and coming talent from Manchester, the North West, and farther afield. It is where I first saw Eli Hewson, buzzed on VKs at 2.30pm on a crisp October afternoon. It is also home to ‘the Pink Room’ the most beautiful venue I have ever been in. Imagine being at an Inhaler gig in a Barbie house. Now tell me how I can ever expect to beat that.

Sandino’s Derry – It’s a socialist bar. They have MSF stickers on the walls. It’s the complete antithesis of the Yes Pink Room; but is two stories of positive vibes and freedom. An endearing little venue that occasionally hosts good gigs but will always be there to radicalise you, if only a little bit and to welcome you home.

Some of the most endearing memories of my whole life have been finding friends at concerts, screaming and crying along to concerts, getting lost at concerts, arriving late and leaving early, and getting abandoned. Getting stuck in the mud, quite literally, and stopping at the kebab shop on the way home; and being scared you’re going to be stuck in Preston bus station forever.

Gig-going and concert going have given me anecdotes to last a lifetime, and I am not the only one. Let the music play.

I wasn’t sure where I really was going with this post, I didn’t at all plan it. But I truly hope it has encouraged you to support your local gigs and artists, and especially your local venues.

#letthemusicplay