I wish MiMi had given me an actual reason why he need an extension like Minaj did saying he had an important test to study for. I'll give another hour, then I'll post before I go to bed.
Finally got to submit...bummed I couldn't go with my original plan for the musicality challenge, but I did about the same thing with my formatted entry.
If your original plan was a video, you should be glad. That's what almost got HERMĒS kicked out last cycle.
I wish MiMi had given me an actual reason why he need an extension like Minaj did saying he had an important test to study for. I'll give another hour, then I'll post before I go to bed.
Wait, what? MiMi is a guy? Why does it say straight female on his profile?
Guest Judging ranks due by:
Sunday May 4, 2014
@ 9 PM US Central Time
THE ENTRIES
Quote:
Originally posted by Sam Jay
A brief introduction...
I'm Sam Jay, and this is my ATRL's Next Top Member Cycle 11 Portfolio.
Below you will find five exhibits of my current submissions, as well as a
brief outline on why I have selected those particular entries to showcase.
Click on the end of each ribbon in order to be taken to that particular entry.
Usernames
For exhibit one I've selected my first entry in ANTM Cycle 11, Usernames.
This entry showcases my humble beginnings, as well as my ability
to create a stripped back entry, where the focus is on the text, and
not the layout surrounding it. This entry landed me in second place.
Branding
Exhibit two allows me to showcase one of my most underrated entries,
in my opinion, for Branding. I selected "Extra" as my brand, in order
to encompass both my knack for taking things a little too far, as
well as posting rather lengthy amounts. For this I placed seventh.
Trends
My third exhibit brings a darker and perhaps my most polished
entry format with the Trends challenge. My trend embodies every
ATRL member's passion for music, and displays that in a creative
and social way. In this challenge I received fifth place for my entry.
Avatars
Coming up to my fourth exhibit, I decided that I would select
one of my most risky entries, during the Avatars challenge. For the
background I used a gif, which unfortunately didn't work very well.
My content was strong enough to award me fourth place, however.
Smileys
My final exhibit is from a very recent challenge, the Smileys
challenge. I am most proud of this entry's simplicity, character
and charm. As well as the layout of the entry, I am pleased with
the smiley that I created myself, which gave me third place.
Quote:
Originally posted by Jax
I chose these challenges because I may not have done the very best at them, but I did my best and I showed who I truly am. I did not steer away from how I act typically on ATRL in these entries so I feel that each of these represent me well and I hope you choose to give me good scores. Please think #me when you think #gosee!
Quote:
Originally posted by MMMinaj
MMMinaj - Member Portfolio
EPISODE 2 - BRANDING
In this challenge i made my brand creativity. Sticking to this brand helped me propel further in the completion. Full Entry Here
Quote:
Originally posted by Supaspaz
Your choice of threads supported your brand well. It was probably the most convincing of the bunch.
EPISODE 3 - TRENDS
I went with the trend of :colons: which basically means putting random text into a colon as if it were a smiley! Full Entry Here
Quote:
Originally posted by Supaspaz
Easily the best idea in the bunch. You've taken something totally integral to the culture of ATRL posts and given it a humorous new spin that's small and simple enough to naturally incorporate into our unique lexicon.
EPISODE 4 - AVATARS (★CHALLENGE WINNER★)
The avatar i had in use during this challenge helped to keep me recognizable. It's originality and innovation helped it garner a first place rank. Full Entry Here
Quote:
Originally posted by Matty
I honestly love it. You better get into Miranda’s discography and you better stan for “Dancing Crazy”! Back to your avatar though, it truly does stand out and you were the originator of this trend. That says a lot about you, and makes more sense when explaining your brand. I also feel like you could make this a signature of your avatars. You may not have to keep Miranda forever, but you could always replace her with someone else in the heptagon and people will still know it is you.
EPISODE 5 - GIFS (★CHALLENGE WINNER★)
In this challenge i decided to go down the shady, in your face route. Nobody had a similar gif to mine and it resonated with the judges, collecting my second consecutive win. Full Entry Here
Quote:
Originally posted by Kitt
Usability: 9
Examples: 8
Personal bias: 9
Using someone who's been overdone: -2
Adding the fabricated examples with actual ones, which include a good mix of yours and other members, was a great selling point for this obvious instant hit recipe of a gif.
EPISODE 7 - SMILEYS
There is not a single LGBT smiley on ATRL despite having a large gay community. I thought it would be great to include the following...Full Entry Here
Quote:
Originally posted by Kitt
Usability: 8, I'd definitely use it.
Hit potential: 8 without the flag
Bottom line: I love it. Yours and Mimi's look like it could be in the same set and I wouldn't mind either being added. However, I don't like how the flag needs to pop up at the end because it takes up so much room. The point gets across just fine before that.
Quote:
Originally posted by Hugamari
From Challenge: Episode 1 - Usernames
_________________________________________________________________
As soon as the first entry, I wanted it to be known that 'Hugamari' is not someone who blends into the crowd. I made that statement clear by explaining myself in an entirely different fashion than most.
Although I received positive-to-mixed reviews, it was what I expected; it's bound to happen when you are trying something new.
Username Testimonials
Quote:
Originally posted by supaspaz
I was not feeling this layout at all until I read your explanation. Brilliant! What a witty and inventive approach to the challenge. I truly came away with a better sense of who you are and what you value—not just as an ATRL member, but as a person.
Quote:
Originally posted by Matty
I don’t get the presentation. I feel like with your personality and the way things were presented, it should have been more colorful. Especially with the first part, I was waiting for rainbows to come flying out.
So, how do I stand out? I shine; I shine as brightly and vividly as I can! Stars are brilliant by nature, so what better way to choose to represent myself than a star streaming across the sky. Although again met with more positive-to-mixed reviews, I had made it my goal to not only prove to the judges, but to all, that this was who I was.
Avatar Testimonials
Quote:
Originally posted by supaspaz
I wasn't sure what to make of your entry at first; you've gone in such a different direction than the rest of the group with your image choice... I really appreciate that you've found something to genuinely inspire yourself and the rest of the forum.
Quote:
Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction
Undecided. As corny as your entry was, I loved it. But parts of it scream “Huga” while other scream “fake.” I’ll be curious to see if this avi lingers around after the challenge…
From Challenge: Episode 6 - Quick Guide
_________________________________________________________________
Being able to shine alone is one thing, but being with someone else and still be able to keep what makes you unique is a bigger challenge. Admittedly, working in groups was never my forte, but I rose to the challenge, and both my partner and I showed each of our individual traits, and shined co-equally. This challenge was a turning point for me - it was finally gave me the confidence to not fear adversity in the competition, but to accept it and learn from it.
Quick Guide Testimonial
Quote:
Originally posted by Domino
I love it. It’s amazing and looks like a real guide when you play games for the first time or register on websites. Well done as a whole. I also like how you planned everything nicely and made everyone use his own strengths.
With every challenge, I've revealed a bit more about myself: what interests me, what inspires me, what challenges me, and with this challenge, what means a lot to me. This competition has been me slowly revealing who I am as a member...not only to the forum, but to myself. So far has been a growing experience, and I look forward to continuing that growth all the way to the end.
~Hugamari, resident of the ATRL Kingdom. "Aim for the stars, and soon you'll become one."
Guest Judging ranks due by:
Sunday May 4, 2014
@ 9 PM US Central Time
THE ENTRIES
Quote:
Originally posted by Latch
I'm one of the August 2013 members, and in the short time that I've been here I feel like I've made a good impression on my fellow members and had a small but positive impact (even though i kinda didn't know what I was getting into when I signed up). I joined ATRL's Next Top Member this cycle to make more of a mark and add to my ATRL experience. I've had a pretty good run so far and I've enjoyed competing and kiki-ing with my ANTM fam.
Here are a few of my entries from previous challenges.
Quote:
Originally posted by Dancehall Queen
For my portfolio, I decided to show my entries pretty undisturbed and allow them to speak for themselves. For the last, I will note that it was a collaborative challenge with me doing every thing but the text in the center and formatting (with some of other things being discussed as a team.)
nnn
They're childish, playful and slightly out of place on a forum filled with
grown ass people, and yet stickers are kinda perfect for this forum? With
they're innocent appearance, it isn't long until, well, any of this happens:
This entire page is now a quoted post of a shirtless ten year old and the edited black white picture.
Overall, it's just a fun trend that really isn't that disagreeable with anyone. In the short time that I have started using them (beginning the night the challenge was announced) they've already had a positive impact.
My current avi is a well made, cute gif of a cute subject. It's recognizable as being mine, extremely usable as a reaction gif, and just is "(✿◠‿◠)" personified.
Originally I was thinking of screencapping some comments about it that have been posted on my wall over the past several months, and started to, but then stopped myself when I realized it was tacky and slightly disrespectful. But one of them that stood out to me was, "Everytime I see your avi I smile haha.", if that doesn't speak to my avi's power* and emotion evoking abilities I don't know what does.
Having a pleasant image that people respond to positively to is what is special about it. It's not shady, meme in nature, or a mangled image of my fave + Michael Jackson. Perfectly pleasant and lighthearted. Even as dry as my posts can get at times, having this avi I hope lightens the tone a bit. I'm never "seething" or anything when I post, I'm just being Miley it's always pretty light hearted and in fun.
*Even after I had her for a while, someone still decided to create a knock-off. Imitation is cute though. On the subject of how I wear my avatars, that's an important aspect of them to me. I wear them so long they become my Loud era red hair until I go through some sort of rebirth and switch to a new avatar.
ATRL is a pop culture forum with a rich history! We've come a long way from our humble beginnings as a TRL fan forum. First, there are some things you need to know to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible.
We operate on a standard warning point system, with bans occurring after ten points. They're easily avoided by following our guidelines. We don't allow, for example, file sharing, vulgar content, and mangled nicknames. Warning points are given to members by the ATRL Staff Team. Read more about the warning point system HERE.
Before we continue, why don't you tell us a little about yourself? Besides your username, your avatar is one of the top ways of identifying yourself. You can edit it HERE, or by clicking on "My ATRL" on the top right of this page. Along with it, on the drop down you will see Edit Signature, text that can appear beneath underneath all your posts. Traditionally, members link to their last.fm, tumblr, or list their favorite artists here in a variety of creative ways. To introduce yourself formally to the forum, post in the the New Member Orientation thread!
Music News is the section where
you can discover and discuss
the latest releases in music,
such as new albums and singles,
brand new track previews and
general music-related headlines
and announcements. Be sure to
check back often for new info!
Keep up with the performance
of the latest singles and albums
in this section, including sales,
airplay and chart peak positions.
Make sure to keep updated on
overall receipts for your favorite
artists and any records that
they may break or extend.
Watch this section closely for
new music videos and previews
for upcoming music videos from
your favorite artists. Also the
place to go for clips and excepts
from television programs, watch
movie or game trailers and
any other assorted videos.
Stop by this section to get in
on the current gossip about the
hottest stars and celebs. Check
out news headlines about
celebs, see paparazzi photos,
and get involved in discussion
about your favorite movies
and television programs.
The Base is the place to be if
you're extremely passionate
about one or many artists.
Chat with other fans of artists
in the fan bases, partake in
other music-related discussion
and polls, or defend your faves
in Stand Your Ground.
Make a stop by The Lounge for
all of your general discussion
needs. Start or contribute to a
discussion on any non-music
related topics, as well as keep
updated on the latest real-world
news and sports updates.
Includes ATRL HQ (support).
The Blogs section is the area of
ATRL where you can post about
more personal things. Share how
your day went, hold fan base
awards, ask for relationship
advice, or just have a relatively
free discussion about anything,
keeping within the ATRL Rules.
This is the section of ATRL
where you can post your own
personal countdown of top ten
tracks for that week, based on
last.fm plays or however you
chose. You can also view others'
countdowns and even rate or
request tracks too!
The Games section is the
area of ATRL where you can
participate in many pop culture
and music themed tournaments.
Notable games include album
survivors and our very own
ATRL's Next Top Member...
the best tournament on ATRL!
Just a few more things of note!
Pretty universal to the internet, but especially valued here, are gifs.
You'll soon discover just how quickly a good gif can catch on around the
site. When appropriate, use them thoughtfully to enhance your posts.
Remember that gifs must follow the same rules as all posts have to.
To request a gif, or a gif for an avatar, visit the GIF Request Thread.
It won't be long before you see our members' rather unique way
of posting. Some essential words to know and their translations are: receipts (proof), shade (a subtle jab), and slay (succeed or impress).
Oh, and don't be surprised if you're called any variant of "sis", many
members use it and other feminine adjectives as gender neutral.
One of the most cherished things on the forum by our members is
our vast smiley collection. Just look at them, we even have a smiley
called gaycat! To view all our smilies click HERE. To the left are some
of the most frequently used, their codes from left to right are: :rip: ,
:jonny: , :dancehall: , :gaycat: , and :deadbanana: , to name a few.
To enhance your experience on ATRL, you may purchase ATRL+ for
additional features. Such features include user name changes, better
quick reply options, and future updates, including the chance to beta
test the new forum update. By purchasing ATRL+ you are also then
contributing to keeping ATRL online and supporting future updates!
Purchase ATRL+ for 6 months, for a one time basis or recurring, HERE.
ATRL's Next Top Member Cycle 11 | EP8: The Entries
EPISODE 8: MUSIC TASTE
WHAT TO DO WITH THE ENTRIES: I want each of you to PM me a ranking of who did best (1) to worst (7).
You cannot say yourself!
I would like the ranking into me by
Sunday May 4, 2014
@ 9 PM US Central Time
THE ENTRIES
Quote:
Originally posted by Sam Jay
Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?
One of my earliest memories of being a fan of pop music was back in 2004 at the young age of 8, with Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?". I remember I was watching music television, as I did a lot back then, when this song came on. My parents were familiar with Gwen from No Doubt, but I was not. Regardless, I was captivated by the music video, as well as the song. From then on whenever a new Gwen Stefani track was released, such as Rich Girl or Hollaback Girl, I was so excited to hear it! This excitement made be get her album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., which I adored, and continued onto her The Sweet Escape era. Even today I still listen to Gwen's records, but this song in particular.
Lady Gaga f/ Colby O'Donis - Just Dance
2008 was a very influential year in music for me as it was the year that introduced me to two of my favourite artists, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Although "I Kissed A Girl" was also a big song for me, "Just Dance" was just ever-so-slightly more so. As well as this track, the album track "The Fame" was what really introduced me to Lady Gaga, as I discovered the songs at the same time thanks to an Australian reality show's theme song (The Fame), and later found out they were by the same artist, Lady Gaga. Just Dance really introduced me to liking dance music, and made it my favourite genre, with Lady Gaga being my favourite artist. I got The Fame and found more Gaga tracks, all thanks to Just Dance.
Ke$ha - TiK ToK
This song had not only a major impact on my music taste, but also my life, in a strange kind of way. I remember browsing the music charts towards the end of 2009 and seeing this song I'd never heard of, so I decided to give it a listen... and I fell in love! From that moment onwards I decided to look up this "Ke$ha", watching her videos on YouTube (realising her name wasn't pronounced Keesha!), discovering if she had anymore songs, and of course getting her album as soon as it was released. My love for Kesha only strengthened over the years, and it's actually thanks to me following Kesha's progress working on Warrior that I found and am now a member of ATRL today... how about that?
Nicki Minaj f/ Drake - Moment 4 Life
This is a very interesting track for me and one I consider to be a very influential track in my life. Since 2008, my music taste was primarily dance-pop music, that's essentially all I would listen to. I remember hearing this track as my first exposure (well, technically second) to Nicki Minaj, and I was intrigued by it. I decided to go out on a whim and give Pink Friday a listen... I still to this day am unsure what made me do it, but I am so grateful that I did. It's now one of my favourite albums, ever. Most importantly, I was introduced to a whole new concept; female rap. From that day, I made an effort to explore more genres and musical styles in order to broaden my taste, it really was my Moment 4 Life.
The Agonist - Ideomotor
... Surprise! Looking at my signature, you'd probably just assume that I'm only a fan of upbeat pop and dance music, and that's where you'd be wrong. I've been a fan of many post-hardcore and metal bands, including but not limited to The Used, Alesana and The Agonist, although the latter certainly is my favourite. As eluded to above, I disconnected with this part of me for a while until around 2011 when I started to explore more musical styles again. When The Agonist announced that they were releasing a new single, "Ideomotor", in 2012, it just rekindled my love for the band, especially vocalist Alissa White-Gluz. I'm very thankful for this song bringing back my passion for this type of music.
Quote:
Originally posted by Jax
My music taste has been like a chia pet, it has grown and adapted to its surroundings over
time. I think you guys will be surprised at how much everything I've liked has changed. From what I was raised
on, to today. buckl up n enjoy the ride!!!
Song One: Cher- Believe
I was born in 97 and the music I was raised on consisted of Madonna, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, and most of all, Cher. I mean, no wonder I'm gay. My mom loooooved Cher with all her heart and wanted me to as well, and I did! I even had a Cher barbie doll (yes I'm serious). My mom even took me to see Cher live. Believe means so much to me because I remember taking this CD everywhere I went. I even took it to show and tell once in pre school.
Song Two: Glamorous- Fergie
FERGIE! I loved Fergie in upper elementary school soo much. I remember me and my friends being OBSESSED with her. I remember singing Glamorous on the playground while doing my own choreography with all my friends instead of playing soccer with all the guys. Even though people made fun of me, I still did me and no one could stop me as Fergie kept lifting me up with her music.
Song Three: Finger Eleven- Paralyzer
I went through a biT of an identity crisis while entering middle school that I'm glad I'm out of. The bullying had finally started to get to me and I felt I needed to do something about it. I was tired of people saying I listen to "girl music" so I pretended to like bands and stuff. I never really liked them, I just wanted everyone to like me. I remember this song especially because my dad's girlfriend at the time (now wife) gave me this CD after I said I liked this band.
Song Four: Born This Way- Lady Gaga
At the end of middle school and beginning of high school, I began to realize "I don't like these hard rock bands, I like pop music." I finally dumped the Hot Topic attire and moved to the flaming homosexual attire including tons of Gaga merch. I remember skipping school when Born This Way was released just so I could hear it FIRST. I loved Gaga and everyone knew me as "the Lady Gaga fan"
Song Five: End of Time- Beyoncé
I left Gaga in the middle of the Born This Way era, why? I felt I was growing out of the music. One artist I just began "stanning" for during this time though was Beyoncé. While I've always loved and adored Beyoncé, I just now had realized that she has always been my number one on the DL. I chose "End Of Time" because I will always love Beyoncé no matter what and that no matter what phases I go through, she'll always be there, whether I know it or not.
Quote:
Originally posted by MMMinaj
MMMINAJ : THE MUSICAL EVOLUTION
UNDER THE SEA - THE LITTLE MERMAID
ALBUM : The Little Mermaid Soundtrack (1989) LIFE STAGE : First got into this jam during my early childhood. IMPACT ON ME : This song kinda induced many of my obsessions. My obsession with the ocean, sea life, fish, beaches etc. It also heavily reminds me of my mom. She moved from the Caribbean seas to the cold and barren Canadian North. She would always say how this song would remind her of home. HOW IT EVOLVED MY MUSICAL TASTE : This song made me love feel good songs, you could say Sebastian The Crab was my kiddy Bob Marley. The chilled vibe and togetherness of the song made me realize how happy music can make somebody. Also this song has quite a few puns and clever lyrics in it which i actually noticed as a child. It helped me appreciate lyricism and i would always look out for it. HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT NOW : No longer my favorite song, or even my favorite disney song. However it will always have a special place in my heart and ALWAYS give me major nostalgia.
OVERPROTECTED - BRITNEY SPEARS
ALBUM : Britney (2001) LIFE STAGE : Childhood as well. During this age i started obsessing over celebrities and Britney was my biggest childhood crush. IMPACT ON ME :This song kinda solidified my love for Britney as a kid. Also she says the word "damn" in the song which i though was so rebellious. I remember singing along to it hoping my mother wouldn't hear me (realistically she wouldn't give 2 *****). This was the first of many fierce female anthems i would put on repeat. HOW IT EVOLVED MY MUSICAL TASTE : The entire album Britney kinda cemented my love for urban and r&b music (in the gayest way possible i know). Overprotected happened to be my favorite. The song gave me a **** you society feel. Everything about this song seemed so confident, which was something i never saw in female singers until Britney. Ever since, empowerment anthems have become my favorite theme for a song. HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT NOW : I still consider it one of Britney's best.
HOMECOMING - KANYE WEST
ALBUM : Graduation (2007) LIFE STAGE : Elementary school, the last years before my teens. At this time i was kinda getting bullied and teased. I always saw myself as a loser. IMPACT ON ME : It sucks being bullied and alot of times, especially when you're so young you act over dramatically and think nobody likes you. The chorus of the song really hit close to me especially when Chris Martin states "do you think about me now and then". I was wondering if people actually shift their thoughts to think of me. Am i really that special? HOW IT EVOLVED MY MUSICAL TASTE : Remember how i said i loved paying attention to lyrics? Well lyrically speaking, this song is a complete puzzle. I thought i had it figured out, only to realize the song was not about what it seemed at all. Kanye makes it appear he is rapping about a beloved female, but that female is his hometown of Chicago, thus the name "Homecoming". I never knew that rap music could have such meaning, and that allusions could be painted with words. HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT NOW : Still as amazing as ever.
BLAZIN' - NICKI MINAJ FT. KANYE WEST
ALBUM : Pink Friday (2010) LIFE STAGE : Middle School, in my early teens. I started to make friends and the people who once bullied me were willing to be my friend too! IMPACT ON ME : Firstly i flipped when i found out my 2 favorite rappers would be collabing for a SECOND time. This song was so perfect. Nicki's rap was so motivational, so comparable to how i was feeling. In the song Nicki describes how nobody would ever expect her to succeed. I never expected to overcome those mean people, but i did! HOW IT EVOLVED MY MUSICAL TASTE : This song made me actually pay attention to the production of songs! I loved the production on this track and the fact that it sampled "Don't You Forget About Me". It is NOT the typical song a rapper would sample. It helped me realize what an innovative and interesting artist Nicki is, and made me stan. HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT NOW : It was once my favorite song on the album but it eventually changed to Catch Me. However that doesn't change the fact that this is probably Nicki's most unique song.
DRUNK IN LOVE - BEYONCÉ FT. JAY-Z
ALBUM : BEYONCÉ (2013) LIFE STAGE : Where i currently am. Mid teens, highschool student. I have no idea who i am yet nor who i want to be. But all i know is that i couldn't give less of a **** right now. IMPACT ON ME : This song is so careless. This song is so free. This song is so spontaneous and just makes me want to love. Thanks to this song iv'e learned to let loose a little. This song is not about making the right choices. It's about living in the moment. In this time of my life i want to make the best of every moment, because you don't stay young forever. HOW IT EVOLVED MY MUSICAL TASTE : This song (and BEYONCE in general) made music less about gimmicks and more about quality. Everything about this song is so simple. However in this case simplicity equals beauty. In the future ill try to listen to songs that are unconventional, unique and are not overdone. HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT NOW : A few months later and it's still my jam.
ATRL's Next Top Member Cycle 11 | EP8: The Entries
EPISODE 8: MUSIC TASTE
WHAT TO DO WITH THE ENTRIES: I want each of you to PM me a ranking of who did best (1) to worst (7).
You cannot say yourself!
I would like the ranking into me by
Sunday May 4, 2014
@ 9 PM US Central Time
THE ENTRIES
Quote:
Originally posted by Hugamari
"I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean..."
My journey with music began when I was 5 years old. Every day after being dropped off from school, I'd run into the house and watch a country music channel, rather than choose to play outside.
The first song I chose was 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack, and I chose this song in particular for a couple reasons:
As a young boy, I idolized my dad, and this was one of his favorite songs
In a similar vein, this is one of the few songs that everyone in my family liked, so this song reminds me of how important they are, even if I am not always appreciative of it
Lastly, this song has a message that, when I first heard the song, I didn't know I'd end up needing. I don't want to look back on my life later and wonder 'what if...'
/
A few years later, when I was around 8, my mom, sister, and I ended up in a homeless shelter, but it was progress towards a better life.
One day, I had been upset over something; it must've been trivial because I can't remember what it was now. Anyway, a friend of mine in the shelter tried cheering me up by lending me his mom's CD Player for me to listen to. I distinctly remember finding Lumidee's 'Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh!) and cheering up right away.
That's just a simple event in my life, but it's one of my most cherished memories, and why I chose this song. It goes to show that simple things can bring the most joy.
"If you want to stay, I'll never leave..."
"My life is dark, but it's lovely..."
2 years or so later, my mom was back with my dad, and we were in one of the worst parts of downtown Cincinnati. It was one of the darkest times in my life; I'd seen violence, gone days without food, and faced extensive bullying at school...music was a way to temporarily escape that.
I chose the song 'Wonderful' by Ja Rule, not to be ironic or anything, but because it's the first song I think of when I look back to that time in my life. It may have been one of the hardest times in my life, but the bond I shared with my family was strong...the strongest it had ever been. It was wonderful.
Jump forward 5 years. Ever since I started getting hormones, I was struggling with my sexuality. My dad was long gone, my sister was always somewhere else, and depression hit my mom hard. With nobody I felt I could talk to, maybe subconsciously, I attached myself to someone else...
Ke$ha came along. She was the embodiment of 'care-free', and she resonated happiness. She had qualities I wished I possessed myself, so I looked up to her in a way.
I chose 'Take It Off' because this song was the song that made me love Ke$ha - the beginning of a new life. It was thanks to her attitude and image that I got courageous enough to finally accept my sexuality, to not care what others thought of me, and chase something because I'm passionate about it, regardless of if it may seem 'impossible'
"When the dark of the night comes around, that's the time that the animal comes alive...looking for something wild..."
"I was so afraid to cry, but when you need a wave to ride - that's the way"
I know this whole entry seems negative, but it's to highlight a point. I've had my share of dark days, and I know more will come, but that shouldn't keep me down.
My final song selection is 'Get It Over With' by Rihanna, and I chose it for 2 reasons.
I remember when Unapologetic first come out - the Navy was trash-talking this song calling it boring filler. In my curiousity, I decided to check the song out myself...I nearly cried when I heard it because of how relevant the message of the song was to me. I feel that 'Get It Over With' is the misunderstood song of the album, and I relate to it in that way. I always felt like I was misunderstood.
I was always pessimistic growing up, and this song is what encouraged me to always look for the bright side of things.
It's because of the influence music has had in my life that I decided what I want to do with myself; I am planning on becoming a songwriter. Those who think I won't be able to do it are just storm clouds, and I'm headed for the sun.
~Hugamari, resident of the ATRL Kingdom. "Look up; the sun is just a cloud away..."
At 14, they asked me what I wanna be.
I said, "Baby, 21, so I get me a drink."
Woo, this song. The minute those synths come in you can feel some **** about to go down. It's a nasty late 80s/early 90s throwback Pop/R&B sound and it's basically a 4 minute 53 second read. I always related to this song because of the lyrical content. It's one of Bey's best songs lyrically (if you disagree then delete your account). I always related to it because it's ME. I'm not really smart or exceptionally skilled in any area, and I always used to worry (hell, I still do) about my future and what path I would go down. I never really had any desire to go to college or any of that. It's not that I'm stupid or anything, it's just that I didn't feel that any of that was for me. I was always a real smart ass, always trying to be grown and hated playing by the rules (what kinda corny, 80s teen movie synopsis). This was kinda like my theme song in high school. I wish it could've played when I graduated.
Walkin' through the city streets
Is it by mistake or design
This song is everything. Flawless production, haunting vocals. Definitely in my top Lana songs. I first heard this track in late-2011. I was a junior in high school then and this song + album (along with Drake's Take Care) kind of acted as background music for that year.I used to skip class a lot and go hang out downtown with a friend of mine (basically my only str8 male friend and my long-time crush) and our little crew. We would go eat and sneak up to rooftops and steal headphones from stores (he smoked weed a lot too, but I was always too scared of the consequences). Anytime I hear this song I'm reminded of our friendship and all the messy times we had with one another. I didn't make great choices, but these experiences really shaped the latter-half of my high school years and changed my outlook on life.
Instead of breaking up,
let's do some kissing and making up
Holland Dozier Holland lyrics, Funk Brothers instrumental, Diana's coos accompanied by Flo and Mary's flawless background vocals. This is the pinnacle of catchy pop songs! It's so infectious. All you gotta do is hear that first chorus and you'll be singing it for the rest of the day. I've loved this song ever since I was little, but I really got back into it in 2012 when I was stanning out for 60s music. It's probably my favorite song of all time (it's my most-played song ever). One thing I really like about it is that it's a really happy, upbeat song about a sad situation. Sometimes if I'm just having one of those days and I need a quick pick-me-up, I'll turn this song on to help me feel better.
I find you spinning round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne
My favorite song from my favorite album by my favorite male jazz vocalist. It's a song that almost everyone has sung, but I feel like Frank's version encapsulates it the best. It's a beautifully written ballad about falling helplessly head over heels for someone. The lyrics alone are enough to make your eyes water, but Frank's vocal with Nelson Riddle's orchestral arrangement breathe a whole new into it. I think I talked before about wanting to "live inside" of a song. This is one of those. It just takes you away and makes you wanna get lost in it. I'm a hopeless romantic, and it takes nothing for me to develop a crush. I've spent plenty of nights lying awake sulking to this song, thinking about some morally reprehensible jock who I probably won't even remember once I'm 30. Perfect song for if I ever actually get into a relationship.
Got you shackled in my embrace
I’m latching on to you
Everytime I hear this, it makes me wish it was my honeymoon. I started getting into electronic music last year, and I have this flawless song to thank. The 1-2 punch of Sam's vocal and that beautiful music.
This song is the reason flowers bloom. It's perfect. I honestly can't think of one thing wrong. I chose my username after it because of how hard it snatched me. A UK garage house masterpiece, and I mean that. The production kinda takes you on a trip with the builds and the lyrics are so simple but such a slap at the same time. If you haven't had the pleasure of being blessed by this song yet, then turn it on and be TUGGED.
Quote:
Originally posted by Dancehall Queen
Admittedly lots of the music I listen to is just to make me feel
like an empowered queer. It's such an easy escape to
be able to throw in earphones and be teleported elsewhere.
This track takes me back to walking like a fierce lil queen
around my room strutting back and forth as I listen to music.
It really wasn't a good time but the song manages to not carry
any bad connotations, because it really was just about enjoying
music and having it as an escape.
This song represents many like it and a reason for music listening
I had left until the start of my college career. Because I have a
terrible memory that I can't remember well beyond a few years,
I'll be doing the journey of my music taste of the past several
months as I see them as some of the most significant thus far.
As I finish my first year of college, I'm really disappointed
in myself in many aspects. I consider myself a very social person,
I ended high school on a high where I finally figured myself
out and realized plenty of people enjoy me for who I am.
When I moved to campus, I suddenly lost all that and
became reverted back to this socially awkward person
I was years before. One of my ways of coping with the
sudden change was developing a lot of routines and
sticking to particular things. I listened to Solange's True EP
almost every day, went on the same walk around Philly
and ate the same things. One of the things was once or
twice a week I ate Jimmy Johns, which really I only
checked out because of a lyric in this song, Remember
when youkissed me at Jimmy Johns when I was 17.
Part of my struggle to adapt found me not having anyone to talk
to in person. I felt like I lost my ability to talk at times, because
I just couldn't. Being an art student, I was fortunate enough to
have a medium to express all this through drawing. And it was
never really about the final piece, but the process of drawing it.
This is one of the songs that I played on repeat at 4 AM mornings
to get the motivation and power to draw. It's not like woe is me,
it's really just ****ing empowering. I did very expressive, almost
grunge y, drawings the past several months and I owe a lot of that
Sky and the boast of energy this song gives me at obscure hours.
On the other end of the spectrum, this is completely a
woe is me song. But woe, isn't really the feeling, it's
more about the validation that ideas I'm having aren't
bizarre or anything. I read in an album review that
London Grammar put out the first "quarter life crisis
record" and that's exactly how I feel and the reason
I latched onto this song. The subject of the song is
universal but just the way it's presented without
shame and just something that's honest is so fitting to
where I'm at at this unsure stage of my life and college
and career tracks.
Lastly, despite many of the other songs making me feel empowered,
this song really is on here for a seemingly disagreeable
reason. I arrived at this song at a point when I really just needed
to hear the chorus of this song. Which is incredibly corny, but
being away from home, I'm not ready to tell my family just how
badly I screwed up this year and this was a good substitute
and more than that, it helped me be able to finally admit and
accept my failure to myself so I could move forward.
That to me was much more important than a song that makes me
feel strong or acknowledges how I feel, and because of that the
logical conclusion to this retelling of the past several months. Just
left off at a stage where Iknow I screwed up and need to recover
somehow but understand there is no simple escape to that and will
need to put in work in many faucets of my life.
Username Testimonials
On the subject of how I wear my avatars, that's an important aspect of them to me. I wear them so long they become my Loud era red hair until I go through some sort of rebirth and switch to a new avatar.
