Tag: music

YJ Ed Jr. Autumn

YJ Runaways: Headcanons

I'm re-watching Young Justice and need to fangirl. XD So I'm bringing over a meme from deviantART whereupon we ask for outside headcanons. It was meant for fan characters but this gave me the perfect excuse to talk Runaways, and offer my own headcanons for my favorite canon cast members. Mainly angst and dark ideas I've been harboring for fan fiction.

( Some of my headcanons!Collapse )

Possibly more later...

If you're a YJ fan, I would love to hear any random thoughts, opinions, or ideas you've ever had for Virgil, Eduardo, Tye, or Sam. As a "team" or separate, don't matter. Inquiring, crazy fangirl minds wanna know!
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YJ Ed Jr. Autumn

Runaways Image Songs

This might be something more recognizable to anime fans, but image songs are songs specifically designed to fit the personality of a fictional character, usually performed by the original voice actor (seiyuu in Japanese). They're often released with tie-in albums for anime, manga or video games, including soundtrack CDs and often as special bonus material on drama albums (otherwise known as radio/audio plays).

My time spent as an otaku, a hardcore anime fan, was primarily focused on seiyuu. It was just entertaining and awe-inspiring to watch these folks become the characters through their voices, with gusto and humor, so image songs were something I wholeheartedly loved.

My introduction to them was through Gundam Wing, but I started on GW English dubbed so I didn't connect. It was until my fangirl affair with Weiß kreuz did I truly appreciate the dramatic image albums and character songs. In fact, my introduction to the boys of that show didn't begin with the anime; it was Omi Tsukiyono's character song "Suicide Seaside" as performed by the VA of lil' Omi, Hiro Yūki. The song has a wonderful beat and succinctly captures Omi's personality.

From this, you can kinda see the fan idol appeal, because honestly Yūki-san is not a technically perfect singer. Despite the fact not every seiyuu can carry a tune, all still perform character songs, while in-character. Sometimes they even got their own PV, such as the animated character pieces made for the drama CDs for Velvet Underworld (watch here).

Anyway!

I've often lamented how other voice actors don't get the same spotlight as Japan's seiyuu, and wondered how cool it would be if cartoon characters here had their own image songs. So I bounced ideas off of my friend Yoruhoshi at deviantART and, to be a complete fangirl, thought these genres, style, theme and/or lyrics would fit best with the Runaways...




I see Sam being a pop music lover, maybe a lil' hipster under that street-smart guise, and this song by [Alexandros] (formerly [champagne]) jumped out at me immediately, for several reasons. The title being the most obvious, then the trendy aspect of the musicians and the theme; but what caught my attention the most was the opening and ending scenes with the girl staring off at the sea... if you read the fan-theory in my fanfic Louder Than Words you'd catch the similarity I saw.

Although my Japanese has gotten way rusty, the lyrics seem pretty basic: unable to sleep, feeling stifled by faking the life that others want you to have, and being told to be satisfied with half-hopes and regretting the past. So run away, be yourself, don't settle for someone else's second best. A spirit I think Sam represents. (Although I apologize to voice actress Janice Kawaye for picking a song with so many high notes! xD)





There is so much about Tye's personality which I connected to, and given how he fled in rage, with his dark, brooding, and dejected attitude—not to mention the studded rocker wristband he wears—I felt he'd also enjoy some kick-ass Disturbed and "Down With The Sickness" seemed appropriate. Metal music to release and express anger, a coping mechanism for when he tries not to get into it with Maurice. If you don't know Disturbed then be warned: there is explicit language. (Another song I thought might represent his feelings towards his mother's situation would be Disturb's "Façade".)

Interestingly enough, Tye's voice actor, Gregg Rainwater, actually does sing. He traveled as part of a choir in his youth and always listed singing as a hobby he enjoys. Wonder if he'd like a less-classical, more death-vocal song? ^^





Ed is like my own little hero, and I would love him to be into head-banger music too, really because he has the perfect hair for it. XD While I do picture his style to be heavy, I imagine with his emotional conflicts and struggles he'd be more emo, less screamo. I chose his image song "Erased" from Swedish band Dead by April because it's got Jimmie Strimell's awesome screams, but there's also a gorgeous intensity in the notes and perfect lyrics; he is the one who wants a cure, so obviously he feels changed, something erased, and wanting someone (his Dad) to understand his feelings. I also typically use light references when thinking in terms of Ed, and you'll hear some in this song. Freddy Rodriguez in this style? Yes, please!

If we take him back home, before everything, I can kinda see him enjoying the nu-metal grunge of Argentina's own wicked PR3SSION: "Blind Soul". (My Spanish sucks, but watch out for language with this band, too.)





Okay, I'll admit, Virgil stumped me. For whatever reason, I couldn't picture him a music lover. I felt like Virgil might be one of those who enjoys whatever plays on the radio, but easily enough tunes it out. This was originally why I went running to fellow music aficionado Yoru, to get some help with his selection. I noted how a lot of people say intelligent types listen to classical, but I couldn't see Static playing Beethoven while he studied.

And Yoru recommended a video game soundtrack instead, which I found brilliant as Virgil can come across as a bit of a nerd. XD So in honor of that brainiac gamer spirit, I went with a Rudebrat dubstep drop. Again, I know VA Bryton James is a singer himself, but hopefully he'd be okay with being DJ instead. :D
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Gotham

Louder Than Words Playlist

Sometimes I just get into a mood where all I want to do is listen to music. So for the heck of it, here is the "playlist" for Louder Than Words. In case you aren't aware, I've been using song lyrics as the chapter titles, for a bit of inspiration. Some are lesser known indie bands, since I have a passion for spreading the love for the under-appreciated. Check them out!

Spoiler warning maybe. I will also add in a little blurb about why I chose the particular song, which might include some of the chapter descriptions. I'll try to be vague though, in case people are still interested in reading it.

"There are survivors, they're coming home..."



"We have the force to fight.
We have the blinding light.
We have the will to win.
Forever we'll defend.
A war is more than heard, coming in louder than words..."


Why: Obviously, this song by Les Friction was chosen as the title and all-around theme because of the context of the lyrics. It is a sci-fi story which works well with the alien-abducted team of Runaways. Louder Than Words is a rather silent message of empowerment, and these particular lyrics remind me of them individually: Tye as the force, since his power can have a gigantic size and impenetrable shield; Eduardo for the blinding light as his teleportation is Zeta-like; Virgil, the one who was the most excited to have superpowers, kept the determination alive in their team; and Asami always ready to fight and protect, despite usually having no idea what was going on. XD

( Read more...Collapse )
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Setsuna

Create Passionately

Music inspires everything I do, even though I have no real musical bone in my own body. And one of my interests is watching drum covers on YouTube, because drummers are awesome and it's definitely the instrument I would most like to learn. The other night watching indie artists online, I came across Cobus Potgieter's channel—and immediately, his intro video touched me! He put into words how I feel about the arts, and those who dedicate themselves to their creative endeavors. His opening message was so eloquent and motivating, I simply had to share it:



You don't have to be a drummer, or even a musician or fan, to know what he says is true. Deep down, I think all artists, in every genre and medium, know how to dream big; we want to create passionately and express it with every ounce of ourselves. It's one of those testaments to the human spirit, and it's worth featuring again and again. Those of us new at something, maybe even struggling, can also be reminded of how hard work pays off—quite literally by watching Cobus grow up through his years of video uploads, watching his progress and success. Truth, that it's not about the destination but the journey.

Passion for me seems to be something which comes and goes. Most of the time it's dictated by my current obsessions, but unlike those artists I admire, I can't find my one single passion, the one thing that drives me to be better and succeed. I wish I could say it was writing, because I think it is, but there are times I wonder. There are times I wonder if my passions would be best served elsewhere?

Anyway, so cheers to Cobus and Ventura Lights! And to all of those who aspire to create, and live, with passion. \m/ ♥

And for those of you who perhaps cannot, or won't bother, watching the entire video message, here are the best of his quotes:

  • "There's something inside all of us that is sensitive to passion. If somebody is doing something they're supposed to be doing—if somebody is doing something with commitment and conviction—it's unavoidable. It's so captivating. And it's not because they're so good, it's because they're so passionate."

  • "I don't find my happiness in views, or in approval, or in compliments or subscriber counts. I find my real happiness, I come alive, when I do simple things passionately."

  • "Becoming really famous was never our goal. Because I don't think those things will make you come alive. But what I do know will make you come alive—what I know makes us come alive—is pursuing the things you're most passionate about, with as much dedication and hard work as you possibly can."

  • "I think people have forgotten how to dream. And I think we need to dream recklessly and passionately to remind them again."

Want to watch a few of my favorite drum covers?
Max Chan | Meytal Cohen | Daan Quittner | Charlie Cohen

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Bleeding Rose

World on Fire

Dark week. I was shocked and saddened by the suicide of Robin Williams and the passing of Lauren Bacall, both iconic actors. On top of that, we have the craziness going on in Ferguson, Missouri, to which not much else can be said. May all those lost rest in peace. (╥_╥)


Let the healing light come in.


You might notice from my seriously emo writing and artwork, I'm not into the light-hearted, comedy genres, but Williams was one of few comedic geniuses who could always put a real smile on my face. Not only was he truly hysterical and energetic, but he also captured many heartfelt, compassionate moments in family and dramatic films which could make you cry, just after rolling on the floor; The Birdcage is one of my favorites. He also portrayed some deeply provocative and sinister antagonists (Insomnia, One Hour Photo), and given his tragic experiences, it's no surprise they were thoughtfully haunting.

Lauren Bacall was a cinematic grand dame, and although I didn't know her as well as Williams, I will forever remember her fondly from Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express (1974), which was a favorite movie of mine growing up. They don't make classy ladies like her anymore.


I'll go the distance, lead the way to your darkest sin.


I don't often talk about myself on a personal level. I was raised being told you don't bother others with your problems, and you don't pry into private lives. Which is why I have such a hard time keeping blogs; I usually end up deleting them. However, with suicide and depression becoming national news this week after Williams' death, everything is difficult for me to take in, on so many levels.

#HonestyHour: In an uncomplicated nutshell, I've suffered severe depression since childhood, and as I got older the sadness turned into panic attacks and resentment—to the extreme I developed bi-polar like "gone manic" symptoms and a dependency on alcohol to cope. While I more-or-less overcame the binge drinking (though there are troublesome days), the depression will never go away. It's a constant battle I will have forever, since there is no real cure. Just more coping methods.

"[Addiction is] not caused by anything, it's just there... It waits. It lays in wait for the time when you think, 'It's fine now, I'm OK.' Then, the next thing you know, it's not OK." (Robin Williams)


I will admit those facts, however, further insane details will stay buried. I'm just not comfortable explaining them, for just as dark and bitter reasons. But I will say, the astute or like-minded readers may have noticed my writing and artwork showcase the same serious emo themes. I often depict fighting, or tragedy. I'm not a light-hearted, fluff creator. If you can look deeper into that, you may get to understand me a little better.

"Some books make us dream, others bring us face to face with reality. What matters most is the honesty with which a book is written." (unknown)


Recently, I discovered this quote and it put a lot of myself, as a writer, into perspective. Those old novels of mine are pure childhood fantasy. I wrote them to escape my lonely, bullied life, to dream and live vicariously through my original characters and fictitious worlds. They are not so much self-reflections; perhaps at times certain characters will display what I was feeling in my youth, but more often than not they were purely adventurous people made to live the story.

That completely changed when I started writing again later in life. My stories are now an introspective take on reality as I know it. Sadly, because most of what I offer nowadays is fan fiction, not many will see that—see how much of myself I put into the pieces. They're draining at times to write, just because of how deeply I connect to the characters and the hardships they face. Kids thinking themselves "not normal", guilt over certain actions, resentment of being abandoned by parental figures, the hopelessness to continue fighting the good fight... Whether subtle or bold, there's a lot of me in their struggles as well.

So, there is my honesty.


"World on fire with a smoking sun, stops everything and everyone.
Brace yourself for all will pay. Help is on the way..."

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