What You Must Do: Read each of your fellow contestants' entries, and PM me with your choice of who you think had the best and worst entries (one for each) by Thursday August 13 @ 11PM Eastern Time. You cannot choose yourself. If you'd like, you may include comments about other contestants' entries - try not to be too messy. I'll post any comments I receive right before the elimination round, but I'll strip away the name for anonymity.
Quote:
Originally posted by jpow
L I G H T S
Ellie Goulding
I've chosen Ellie's Lights because this was single handedly the reason I started getting involved in active pop culture. In 2009, I had graduated high school and just started college. I was super busy my freshman year, but I would check Perez Hilton's site every now and then to see what was going on in pop culture, because at that point I was super clueless to what was going on in the world of celebrities. In November, 2009 he posted Ellie's demo of Wish I Stayed that she posted on her Myspace. I remembered loving it for a while, but forgot about her since she didn't have anything else out. Shortly after that, I started downloading music from the UK Charts and would feel so proud in hearing a song before it came on our local radio station. I believe it was March 2010 when I downloaded Starry Eyed. I instantly became a stan. I kept up with Ellie from that moment until when the album Lights came out. I didn't listen to anything else for almost a year.
Time went by and kept on with my life, but then I noticed that the song Lights started gaining momentum in the US. I was astonished, and I kept up with her Billboard positions, iTunes peaks, Facebook likes, Youtube views, everything. I wanted to see how well she would do. And she completely surprised me with this #2 peaking song.
After Lights came and went, I was still hungry for more music. That lead me to ATRL at the end of 2012. I was a guest on the site until August of 2013 when I was eventually able to register. And since, I've been hooked on knowing what my faves are doing, what new music is coming out, and celebrity news in general.
Without Ellie and this song, I am unsure on if I would even been on this site now. This is how her song Lights connects to me as a user here at ATRL.
Quote:
Originally posted by Loveyoubxtch
I think We Run The Night it's the song that more defines myself here as a full since I've always been a big fan of dance music, female singers and bitchy characters (duh!) and this one it's like the perfect mix of them, it gives you that vibe to wanna dance, have fun, feeling fine with your self and forget all your problems, things that I always try to do without forgetting the sassy side of Havana in the track and all of her clothing changes during the video with those fantastic outfits, something that I obviously love
Quote:
Originally posted by prezli
47. COLDPLAY - PARADISE
Everyone in the Games section knows about me that I can't stand Coldplay. It's getting to be my signature. If there is any opportunity to vote off Coldplay, I'm always there. I think ATRLers understand my hate because they always laugh when I'm happy that Coldplay leaves one of the MCs. However, it's not the main reason why I chose "Paradise." This song is about a girl who loves dreaming. ATRLers usually think I'm a boy which upsets me. When I'm telling them I'm a girl, they're like "Oh, really? I didn't know that." I don't like stereotype. 98% of the Games section are males and they think I'm a male too. Hell no. Lyrically, the songs fits my personality very well. (OMG, what am I saying about a Coldplay song???) ATRL is like paradise for me. I'm trying to be an active member. I'm obsessed to ATRL. It takes me out of the real world: The line "She ran away in her sleep and dreamed of para-para-paradise" represents this feeling very well.
Quote:
Originally posted by -mUsIcLoVeR-
I've loved and I've lost, but I hope I won't lose this game... at least not this early. This is one of my favorite songs in 2011, and I feel like I personally connect to it. If you let me, here's what I'll do... I'll introduce myself.
If Drake's voice and Rihanna's personality were personified, I would be likened to it. In fact, I could be it. The song tho, on the other hand, is a reflection of my vulnerable side. I'm not ashamed tho. I've had mine, you've had yours, we both know. Who am I, then? The song was #17 at that time, but it peaked at #7. 17-7 = 10. That must be me.
Quote:
Originally posted by Legend E
Ok, so I know I went with the obvious choice, but I just couldn't. When I saw the list, I knew this song is the one that describes both me and my ATRL persona the most. Why? Firstly, I am a Kelly Clarkson stan, probably the most known one here in the Games section (sorry Cupid & Edge ) and I've been rocking different Kelly avis over this year. I remember starting to be a stan around the time when "Stronger" was a smash hit and how I wanted it so much to beat Adele at the top (I was so clueless about charts). Secondly, I think that this song, despite being both a break-up and an empowerment anthem, is about fun too, especially if you watch the video. Kelly is known for not being a dancer and she makes fun of it with her karate moves and I love singing along to this one and dancing all alone in my room. Thirdly, as I mentioned before, it's also an empowerment anthem for me, something that I really needed at that point in my life when I was so
depressed for having fake friends, for always being called fat and ugly and for being bullied not only by students (and fellow friends), but also by some teachers. In conclusion, "Stronger" describes me as a fun, but hurt before person, but it was also a defining moment in my stanning moments, considering the fact that I started to become a Kellebrity in the "Stronger" era.
Quote:
Originally posted by Scene.
On a site with thousands of users, it can be difficult to establish an identity for yourself, especially if you primarily stick around one section, interacting with the same users day in and day out. Before I took a hiatus from ATRL last year, I was that user. I stayed within Games section because it was where I was most comfortable. Now that I'm back however, I've found how exciting it is to share your opinions with others on many different topics.
Call Me Maybe is such a fun song with positive and uplifting vibes, and I'd like to think that matches my current persona here on ATRL! In the past I was among the sea of snarky, shady users (and I still have my moments), but now I try my best to bring a positive outlook to many of my replies and comments.
Quote:
Originally posted by HausOfLuke
The song I chose is Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson. I chose this song because it’s the one that most relates to my ATRL persona as in anything that people say against myself or my fave I just brush it off because they aren’t physically hurting me. I usually keep a low profile on ATRL so not many people know me but I pretty much see and read every bad thing that members say on this site. The lyric “just me, myself and I” really touches home because at the end of the day I have myself and I know that what I think is far less delusional than what others think. Another reason I chose this song is because it’s a pretty basic pop song and it shows that I’m not trying to fit in with the rest of ATRL in trying to like only artists and songs that aren’t basic.
Quote:
Originally posted by Xedretinz Lododnz
Calvin Harris - Let's Go
The song from the list that best fits about who I am is Let's Go by Calvin Harris. The song is really relateable to my personality. I'm the type of person that is always positive and always striving to be a better person. It is written in the lyrics of the song "It’s not about what you’ve done, It’s about what you doing, It’s all about where you going, No matter where you’ve been", which in my opinion means that one should look forward to the present and not about the past cause you can't make any changes on it anymore unlike right now. You can still make things right and better.
I maybe didn't show this characteristic of mine that much here in ATRL but I'm really a positive thinker and a calm person. I'm not really into feuds or anything like that. I'm always into the bright side so when something went wrong, I just let it through and find ways to avoid doing it again.
Quote:
Originally posted by Superpower
The song I associate the most with is Coldplay's Paradise. The fact that it's the obvious choice is telling of my presence as the #1 Coldplay stan on ATRL and one of the biggest cross pollinators.
Paradise is perfect for me because the song mixes Pop and Alternative Rock flawlessly and I'm known for being a sucker for those two different genres. I also connect with the campiness of the video and how it always puts a smile on your face when you watch it. I might be a little shady at times but the big majority of my posts are fun, not serious and very positive despite ATRL being a minefield. That also relates to the lyrics of Paradise, the girl staying positive and overcoming all the hardships to find paradise despite having the world turned against her.
Paradise could be another metaphor for ATRL. As you can see, I'm here everyday. It's like I found my own paradise filled with like minded people who are obsessed with pop culture as much as I do.
Although I am not a Female, this song still applys to me as I'm a good boy. I'm very kind, and open to new friend ships. I speak with words of joy, and I don't bring people down that don't deserve it. (Unless you get on my bad side, watch out.) In this song, Carrie is talking to a Good Girl. She is being cheated on, and doesn't deserve the trash of a man she has, but she deserves so much more. This is literally me on ATRL, I am her. I'm very kind to people that aren't that good to me, but I still treat them well and almost let them walk all over me, cause I'm a good person and don't want to fight back. ATRL is the man cheating on me, and I am the girl that deserves it all.
What You Must Do: Read each of your fellow contestants' entries, and PM me with your choice of who you think had the best and worst entries (one for each) by Thursday August 13 @ 11PM Eastern Time. You cannot choose yourself. If you'd like, you may include comments about other contestants' entries - try not to be too messy. I'll post any comments I receive right before the elimination round, but I'll strip away the name for anonymity.
Quote:
Originally posted by Prismatic
PRISMATIC "that warm and affectionate member"
The song that I have chosen is "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris.
Despite its simplistic lyrics, I feel that this song best represents me because I have always strove to be everyone's friend here on ATRL. In the song, Harris illustrates a loving and closely-knit relationship between him and his partner. Right here on ATRL, I do have such relationships with many people here too!
I believe that my character on ATRL is that member who is approachable and friendly. (Some of you may not agree, but I'm working hard to achieve that!) I'm never too involved in stanwars but rather, you'll see me chilling in Games, meeting new people in Random Thoughts and chatting about my faves in their respective bases. "Feel So Close" also has a very relaxing and laid-back vibe, which is exactly what I hope people feel when they have a conversation with me on ATRL. Also, I have always been very welcoming of the new members on ATRL as it's always a pleasure to meet new people in my opinion.
This episode I have selected the song “Dance Again” by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull
(dale), which charted at #19 during the appointed week of June 2, 2012. Lyrically, Dance Again
speaks of a woman that has recently lost a man that she loved, but realizes that these things
happen, and that she has to “dance again” to be happy. Although I’ve never had any love affairs
on ATRL, my character and history can still strongly resonate with the message of coming out of
situations stronger. From tragic username changes, ugly avatars, getting caught in the crossfire
of drama, and quitting games religiously – I have created quite the portfolio of dumb decisions
during my time on here. However, no matter how serious or humorous the situation is,
everyone knows that I’ll keep pushing forward and continue to be the charming
"simpleton" that I am. Full of mistakes, but relentlessly determined to keep trying.
If I quit a game, you can bet that I’ll play again. If I get in a fight over a reality show that CBS
barely funds anymore, there’s no doubt I’ll still watch again. If I get secluded by a group of
people in a particular thread, that won’t stop me from posting again. If my avatar gets
posted in the Worst Avi thread a bunch of times, chances are I’ll wear it again.
And even if my faves, the Spice Girls, never release again, I’ll still
"Feel So Close" is a song that perfectly explains why I continue using ATRL. Being here makes me feel closer to my favorite artist(s), and to pop culture in general. More than that, though, is the fact that what I love most about ATRL is that it's brought me closer to other fans, who have become some of my greatest friends—both on and off of the site. As Calvin sings in the song, "It's a big deal." Especially for someone who hasn't always had close friends with shared interests and good, kindhearted humor. There's something in the song that's just a little bit sad, too, which is fitting because it's kinda absolutely tragic that most of my closest friends are strangers on the internet; not only does this restrict the extent of our relationships, but there's also the little fact that one of us could simply log out and never be heard from again. That's the sadness and the urgency of the song. "I feel so close to you right now," and it's amazing, but it's not going to last forever.
Beyond all of this is the fact that "Feel So Close" is the song that plays immediately before Taylor Swift takes the stage at the 1989 Tour. Recently attending the tour has led me to develop a bit of an obsession with the track because it's what was playing when I was physically closer to Her than ever before. Now, listening to it automatically takes me back to that night, the best night of my life, and fills me with the unquenchable excitement and anticipation for what I knew was coming. That Calvin Harris also happens to be dating Taylor plays into my selection as well. After all, the only man in the world that loves Her more than me is the one who has the privilege of ****ing Her every night.
Quote:
Originally posted by JustLuke
I've chosen this song as for me, it's a very fun, happy and out there song, which is what I feel like I am on here. I try to be a bit silly and sometimes I'm the guy who others laugh at but I try and talk to everyone and have discussions together (In RT) so it's like a lil sing-song, which is what this song is also.
It's a safe, nice and generic song, just like moi. Hehe kidding, I'm not that generic, although many people from RT have said they've seen many people who look like me and they start worrying in case it is me which I don't understand why, but that's beside the point.
Quote:
Originally posted by rl231
I picked The Motto by Drake featuring Lil Wayne as my ATRL persona song because this song, like myself, is sonically very chill. I'm a very chill person on here, not overdramatic and not like, "OMG YAAAAAAAAS HUNTY!!!!11!!!!" (lowkey, still unsure on what hunty is, but Dylan's called me one I think) However, I will always still voice my opinion, regardless of how others will feel or not, which harkens back to the line: "You only live once, that's the motto, n***a YOLO." My philosophy on that is, just say what you want to say and give zero f**ks what others think, ESPECIALLY on a music forum.
Quote:
Originally posted by wesleywalrus
David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
ATRL is all about celebrities. Famous pop singers, and a site for music-lovers in general. When you put a bunch of vicious gays on one forum, there WILL be fights. Fanbases brake into arguments, and have vendettas against one another. Members ruthlessly shade each other, breakout into yells and screams defending their faves. Even though some members allow that to happen, I do not. I, myself, use subtle shade and do not allow myself to be shaded upon without the last say. In Games, I do not allow people to take advantage my kindness, and will not be taken down without a fight.
"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium."
Quote:
Originally posted by Bloomers
Drake (feat. Rihanna) - Take Care
Take Care, aka "The Song of the Decade" or "The Greatest Song Ever" depending on my mood is really my favorite song released this decade and possibly my all-time favorite song. Take Care means a lot to me on and off the forum. On ATRL, I am most commonly sporting some kind of Drake avatar, he is my main favorite artist afterall, and I am most commonly identified with him. I may not be very vocal about my Drake stanning (this is a pop forum, and I like talking pop just as much as rap, hip-hop, rock, etc. so I usually focus on pop) but I stan hard for his music and albums and Take Care is my favorite song (and album) by Drizzy and I am pretty vocal about his music when it comes up for discussion. As stated, the song means on lot to me on the forum. It was part of one of my very first Games Entries. I played it as my favorite Drake single in Cupid's ATRL Elite game (still one of my favorite games), back when I was a brand new member and didn't know anybody. The song, and entry, helped me introduce myself as a fan of Drake and was a big stepping stone toward meeting everyone on the forum and feeling comfortable here. Since then, I haven't wavered in my support for the song: I'll play it in a game even when it may not be the best fit and do my best to support it in any way I possibly can, especially in a rate, to the disappointment of many. Even the format of the entry here is a throwback to my that very first Elite Entry, when I introduced myself to the forum, and as a fan of Drake's music.
Of course, the song wouldn't mean much if I didn't connect to it personally. For one, I feel like it perfectly represents my taste in music. It mixes hip-hop (Drake and his raps that he most likely wrote all by himself), pop (Rihanna-another favorite artist of mine-and her acclaimed vocals), and indie (Jamie XX's ultra smooth production) which are all genres I love and all come together to make the song great. The song also helped me through a rough patch in my life that I was experiencing in 2011 and is the song that turned me into a Drake stan. It might be a predictable choice for me, but I couldn't choose any other song.
Quote:
Originally posted by Lucky#17
NICKI MINAJ F/ 2 CHAINZ — “BEEZ IN THE TRAP” WHO ARE YOU?
I think we can all agree on one thing — the song is a damn mess… a joyous mess though. That is exactly how I would describe myself in a nutshell. The lyrics to the song [well, obviously] contain lots of explicit content — from doing crack to getting dick — but everything is all in good fun. While I may not go all the way to the extent of drugs and sex (okay, yes, I’m a basic bitch), I do have a very carefree attitude, just as the song is pretty loose and playful itself. I also am a very, very opinionated person… and I’m not very subtle about it either. If I have something to say, to anyone period, I won’t be shy to let them know. And I don’t really care about the aftermath of whatever feud / conflict I may get myself in by speaking on… whatever. That’s definitely where I can connect with the chorus: "Bitches ain't ****, and they ain't sayin' nothin’ / A hundred mother****ers can't tell me nothin’ / I beez in the trap, bee, beez in the trap / I beez in the trap, bee, beez in the trap”. Now while I have no idea what the hell the bee-analogy / connection means in this song, it’s completely lacking of common sense (to the common person) — something else I can connect with. While I am pretty book-smart, and a little street-smart… common sense is just something I literally have none of. I could go on and on explaining, but I’ll just say that normally whenever I face a common daily problem, my fourth grade sister would come up with better solutions than me. Tragic. As I’ve mentioned before, I can be quite basic at times. I do think I could be quite edgy, or a little more comical / outgoing than I think I am. This just connects with 2Chainz’s appearance on the record — in general, like the whole concept. "Okay now Nicki Nicki Nicki, put it in your kidney / Got a new LS 450, ain't no keys in this do-hicky / If I weren't rappin' I be trappin’ / If I weren't trappin' I be pimpin’ / If weren't pimpin' I be gettin' it, period / I don't smoke no bobby, but my denim be from Ricky / Got your girl on Molly and we smokin' loud and drinkin’ / Got my top back so you can see what I been thinkin’ / If you / know me then you know I've been thinking Franklin / Money, thousands, True Religion trousers / Got a private home, started from the public houses / Hair weave killer, causing her arousal / Audi A8, told them Audi 5000, uh”. I mean I’m not going to lie, his verse bops, but 2Chainz isn’t really hot **** though. Oh and Nicki mentions New Jersey in the song - yay, more relatable! So in conclusion — the song is pretty Hip-Hop, but still accessible to Pop listeners (check!) … the song is lyrically all over the place flaunting the life of riches / A-listers, when it sounds like a typical Rap track - so nothing special (check!) … and the spirit is completely messy, in a fun way (check!). Welp for the week of 2 June 2012, it’s perfect for me!
Quote:
Originally posted by Element
What's My Song?
Season 1, Episode 1
"Let's Go" - Calvin Harris (feat. Ne-Yo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zCy3EWs9Q0
When I first read the challenge description, my immediate thought was that this round was akin to the ATRL's Next Top Member branding challenge. The similarities are there: define yourself as a member of ATRL... but instead of with one word, it would be with one song -- "musical branding". For that ANTM challenge, I branded myself with the term "enthusiasm," and while I believe I could have chosen a better brand during the competition, I absolutely still exude enthusiasm for this forum and all of the adventures we get into on ATRL. Through this week's song selection, I wanted to take this concept of internal enthusiasm to the next level, and reflect it outwards, into external encouragement for other members. Over the past year and a half, I have established myself as a positive member on ATRL, who people can approach for any reason, and talk about anything.
My journey in the Games section, where I spend most of my ATRL time, is the most obvious example of my being an encouraging and motivational member. I have created and hosted games that are dedicated towards procuring others' creative talents, such as The Author and The Photoshop Game, in addition to being a judge on many others. Through these competitions, I have always been available to help other members if needed, and it would be great if these ATRL games have encouraged members to continue to pursue their interests, such as writing or graphic design. Just last weekend, I hosted a miniature version of my game, Let's Spoon, with the entire season taking place in less than four hours, and it definitely takes a spark of enthusiasm and encouragement to join such a whirlwind experience. Ultimately, my goal on ATRL, specifically in the Games section, is to make sure that this site can be a fun escape from the pressures of the real world. Just like Ne-Yo does in this song, I let out a call of "Let's Go!" and hope that others will respond.