Masato's lyrics about betrayal and karma?

When it comes to coldrain, and Masato's lyrics in general-there seems to be an ongoing theme. Though it might be me reading too much into it, I've noted that a lot of their songs deal with karma and betrayal.

Sort of like "You get what you deserve, you bastard." type of deal.

R.I.P.

Take a bow and rest in peace,
We're all sick of your disease,
Nothing here will be the same,
The damage has been done, 
Well, I hope you had your fun.

Okay let's push aside the fact that the chorus sounds awfully a lot like Dani California by Red Hot chili Peppers [and I still love R.I.P but I can't deny that the riffs sound the same.]

Going in the direction of "You get what you deserve." R.I.P's music video and lyrics indicate that you reap what you sow. Possibly talking about a friend who uses drugs, uses his friends, until he has no more, and realizing that he has no one to turn to anymore. And songs like this make me wonder about Masato, and the band in general, and if they've ever dealt with such things or if this is just Masato's observations of human behavior.

I'll definitely try to find interviews to see if Masato does explain this song, and others,, but for now most of these will be my personal observations.

Inside Out
 
You left me bleeding in vain,
Did you really think we'd stay the same?
I dealt with your bullshit, now deal with the truth,
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

It's what you deserve.

I'm going to be a little cryptic in saying that I've related to this song so much, but I won't delve into that one.

This song made me especially think about what could possibly be going on in their lives that this is always the subject of their songs? Once again it might be Masato observing human nature and how we deal with betrayal.

There just seems to be a lot of anger, though I'm reminding myself that this is nu metal and that seems to be the general theme altogether.

You Lie

You lie you lie,
so much that you don't know anymore,
You die you die a little bit each time,
You lie you lie,
So much that you don't know anymore,
What you are is lost,
but no one will ever know

I feel like this one could be about politicians in general, going by the video. About how their lies will eventually come back to haunt them. [Hopefully, for the rest of us] Or how they betray the trust of the people they are supposed to be serving?

But it also has a them of "You're a lying scumbag, and you will get what you deserve." 

Envy

You don't ever STOP STOP STOP,
until you get your way,
and I'm getting SICK SICK SICK,
More than I'd ever say,
I bite my tongue every time and keep it in,
Because you won't ever STOP STOP STOP,
Until the bitter end,
So here we go until it all breaks down. 

So I'm actually thinking that more than anything, FATELESS carries this theme the most? While I can think of SOME songs that relate to this topic, I feel like FATELESS carries it more. If that made any sense at all.

Envy seems to be the same, where they feel betrayed by someone who they thought was a friend, but this seems more like he's waiting for the friendship to crumble? That this person he's talking about doesn't care about anyone but himself, he's selfish and won't stop hurting his friend until he gets his way.

--
That's all I could think of at 2 AM in the morning, so if I think about anything else I'll write another post.

What do you think??

Music Survey

1. What are you listening to right now?Colorblind by coldrain.

2. What song(s) make(s) you sad?
Cassis, Untitled, Pledge-the GazettE
Stay by coldrain
I guess that's it? I don't know anything else.

3. What is the most annoying song in the world?I guess that stupid Jake Paul song.

4. Your all time favorite band?
the GazettE

5. Your newly discovered band is?
Hmmmm, I don't know??? I guess it's Gossip.

6. Best female voice?

Hmmmm, it's a tie between Mandy Lee Duffy from Misterwives and Lacey Sturm, formally of flyleaf.

7. Best male voice?

Tie between Ruki from the GazettE, Isshi from Kagrra, and Masato from coldrain.

8. Music type you find yourself listening to most?J-rock, Nu-metal

9. What do you listen to, to hype you up?Runaway by coldrain feat Jacoby from Papa Roach

10. What do you listen to when you want to calm down?
Cassis by the GazettE

11. Last gig/concert you went to?
I think it was Michelle Branch

12. Band you find yourself listening to the most right now?
coldrain

13. Most hated band?

Falling in Reverse

14. Song that makes you think?

Guren by the GazettE

15. Band that you think the world should love as much as you do?
I think people should decide whether or not they like a band, but I guess crossfaith.

16. Coolest music video?
I think it's a tie between UGLY by the GazettE and ENVY by coldrain,which is funny cause they both do the 'surrounded by fans' aesthetic.

17. Music video with the most babe watch?
?????

18. What do you play/would you play in the bedroom to spice things up?
I don't know.

19. Can you play a musical instrument?
No.
20. Ever been in a mosh pit?
Been near one, but no.
21. Are you in a band?
No.

23. Ever dated a musician?
Aoi No.

28. Do you wish that you were a musician?
Eh.
29. Best chick band you know of?Aldious.

31. Last song that you heard on the radio/CD…etc…?I listen to Ryuusei Rocket by an cafe for shits and giggles.

32. What do you think of Classical music?
It's pretty cool.

33. What do you think of Country music?
Jesus, take the wheel.

34. What do you think of Death metal?
Depends.

35. Last BIG band that you saw live?
I guess Rise Against and Deftones. If not them, Linkin Park.

36. Are you a groupie?
No.

37. Do you listen to music in foreign languages?
Yeah. Japanese and sometimes Korean.

38. What famous musician would you like to “spend the night with”!?
I guess Brendon Urie.

39. Worst concert moment?
When some guy smacked me in the face three times during the Wonder Years set when he was trying to crowdsurf, then getting spit on by their guitarist unintentionally.

40. Funny concert moment?
I don't know? I guess running into Masato like five times after the concert with Northlane.

41. Sad concert moment?
WHEN GAZETTE LEFT THE STAGE ;A;

42. Best local act you can think of?
I don't know.

43. If you were a musical instrument what would you be?A guitar

44. Do you listen to the radio?
No

45. Do you watch music TV?
No

46. Do you follow the music charts, like the top 40?
No

47. Have you met any famous musicians?
I met coldrain twice.

48. Are any of your friends/family/etc. musicians?
My brothers can play guitar.

49. Song that best describes your feelings right now?
R.I.P by coldrain

50. Song that describes your life?
Inside Out by coldrain idk

51. Do you know the names of all the band members that you listen to?
Most of them.

52. Does a musician’s physical attractiveness play a role in the music that you listen to?
No.

53. What famous musician do you want to marry?
Aoi?

53. Favorite movie sound track?
Tarzan

55. Any musician pet hates?
When new artists complain about the success of those who've worked hard in the industry to get to where they are. Wondering why they're not 'well off' when they haven't put in the same work.

56. What do your parents listen to?Simon&Garfunkel, the Beatles, Santana, the Eagles, Frank Sinatra, Jim Croce, the Animals, etc

57. What are you listening to right NOW?
Aftermath by coldrain

58. Do you wear band etc T-shirts?
Yeah.

59. Do you cook to music?
Yeah.

60. Do you sing in the toilet?
No.

A real genuine love.

Sometimes I think about my favorite bands, and think about how much I care about them and hope they have a good day/night.

Masato of coldrain

In the past decade, aside from the GazettE, I haven't really had any other bands that I've really liked for a long time. At least not ones that have stuck with me, and I've said this about coldrain before so many times in the past four or so years. And I've already dedicated a post about coldrain and what they mean to me, but I'm thinking more about them as a whole and other bands that I may not even like [but have the same dedication to their art and their fans.]

Honestly speaking, even if you don't like coldrain or the GazettE, you can't really say there really isn't anything special about them. Both bands have been around for a while, GazettE has been around longer by five more years, but whatever.

They've both worked their asses off to get where they are now, like any other band who's willing to chase the dream. The thing I've noticed about both bands, having met with one of them twice, is that their genuine love for the music that they create and the fans that love their music.

coldrain

Having met coldrain personally, I can attest that they have a genuine interest in their fans. I talk about it a lot, so I won't mention it again, but I could feel that when I hugged each member. When Yoko smiled and wished me to have a good day, I felt light-hearted inside. I could have died right then and there, and would've been fine honestly.

And I've heard the same about the GazettE, having friends who personally met them. And it warms my heart that I've chosen to be stans of these people, that I chose to support them in their endeavors as they continue to chase their dream.

Masato and Katsuma being....well themselves.

I also think about fans around the world, not just of the GazettE and coldrain, but of other bands. That they also think this way of their favorite bands, and honestly I think that's pretty dang neat. [Okay sue me for saying that, but I did't know how else to word it.]

My favorite place in the world to be is at a concert, to see the connection of the band and their fans. And not only that, but with fans connecting with each other.

Concerts make me feel one with others, even if it's just for a moment.

This is why I appreciate the GazettE and coldrain, or even some of my other favorite bands, so much. Because they've given me this outlet.

And it's so good to know that the bands I support and follow, are genuine in what they do and show love when they can.

Another Survey about me.

I like doing surveys, and I haven't really done a fun one in a while so here we go.

--

1. Are you a very open or private person?
It depends on the person. I'm a very social person when I'm working in a close proximity to someone, or if I'm hanging out. But I'm also a very guarded person, depending on if I feel like I can trust you with my most intimate emotions.

2. What is your favourite Christmas movie?
I don't have one.

3. When did you stop believing in Santa?
3rd Grade

4. What do you get complimented on the most?
I don't know honestly? I used to get compliments on my writing, but I don't write as much as I used to if at all.

5. How are you feeling right now?
Tired.

6. If money was no object, where would you move to?
Either Seattle or Tokyo. Or maybe Rome.

7. Who was the last person to make you cry?
My ex best friend from the frustration of the whole situation.

8. Did you make any resolutions for this year? What were they?
I guess it was the visit friends and find a new job. I did both. Huh.

9. Is there a song which can bring you to tears instantly?
My friends will probably make fun of me, but Cassis will bring me to tears at random times. Not all the time, but god damn if I ever hear it in person I'll just sob.

10. Who was the last person you talked about sex with?
Matt. lol

11. How did you bring in the New Year?
I don't remember to be honest.

12. Have you ever online dated?
Yeah. Catished a couple of people too with Kai and Uruha's faces. 

13. Post a screen shot of your Twitter “Interactions” page.
No.

14. Click on the messages tab on Facebook, post a screen shot (erase surnames for safety).
Nooooooo.

15. Post a screenshot of your tumblr activity page.
NOOOOO.

16. Do you believe in soul mates?
Reida and Kassidy exist, so yes.

17. Do you play video games?
I haven't had the time to lately, but yeah.

18. What age do people usually mistake you for?
19-21

19. What or whom do you miss right now?
Matt :C And the GazettE. And my friends.

20. What perfume do you wear?
Vanilla Bean Noel by Bath and Body Works lmao It's the only thing I wear. I should probably change it up, I stock up on that lotion too every Christmas.

---Bonus-AN EXTRA SURVEY CAUSE I DON'T WANNA SLEEP.---

1. Do you have any regrets?
Yeah, I don't want to talk about it now.

2. Do you have a deep, dark secret?
Yeah.

3. Have you ever hurt someone?
Unfortunately I have.

4. Have you ever self-harmed?
Yeah, not too bad. Scratching until I'm red or almost bleeding.

5. How would you like to be remembered?
I don't know if I want to be at this point.

6. Who are the three most important people in your life?
My Dad, My Mom, and Matt. [There's so much more though.]

7. Was there one event that changed your life and the way you think?
Hmmmm, I don't remember.

8. Would you sacrifice everything for love?
Depends on what I would have sacrifice for in the name of love. 

9. Are you afraid of dying?
Nah.

10. Have you ever been abused?
~

11. Have you ever been in love?
Yeah.

12. Are you happy with who you are?
Eh, I'm alive.

13. Would you ever give up your life to save someone else’s?
For Harley or Landon, yes.

14. Have you changed at all in the last year?
I believe I have.

15. Would you ever settle for someone you didn’t feel was “the one”?
I don't know.

16. Is there someone you can tell everything to without fear of judgment?
I have a couple of those. 

17. Are you pursuing your dreams?
Not right now, I'm tired.

18. Do actions speak louder than words?
Yes.

19. Is there something you would never do?
Touch a spider willingly.

20. What makes you uncomfortable?
SPIDERS.

Songs I've been obsessed with lately+FATELESS.

I was going to originally make a post about FATELESS only, but since I'm not really good at reviews I decided to make a second post about songs I've been obsessively listening to. Also what I think about coldrain's new album.

I already did a "My favorite of 2017 so far" but the year's almost over and so I'll just compile a new list that I've been obsessed with. I won't go into reasons why I like them so much, because I'm a lazy asshole, but yeah.

• Deux by the GazettE [Off their album 'DOGMA', MV can be found on their vevo]
• LUCY by the GazettE [Also off 'DOGMA']
• Heavy by Linkin Park [I don't understand the flack for this song, but I'm not other people I suppose.]
• Don't Threaten me with a Good Time by Panic! at the Disco [Song was lit to hear live] 
• Hallelujah by Panic! at the Disco [Hearing it live made me love this song so much to be honest.]
• Miss Jackson by Panic! [The music video is nuts.]
• Billy Jean by Michael Jackson [Listening to it for a month straight.]
• R.I.P. by coldrain [Off their new album FATELESS. Music video is nuts too.] 
• UNINVITED as covered by coldrain [Also on FATELESS, the original song was written by Alana Morissette.]
• ENVY by coldrain [Leading song for FATELESS.]
• COCKROACH by the GazettE [Giving myself the LA feels.]
• Last Resort by Papa Roach [Them high school feels.]
• This is Gospel piano version by Panic! [THE FEELS.]
• Human by Christina Perri [Honestly, this is just how I feel about myself in general. Also giving myself the RP feels cause I think of my OTP when I hear this.]
• Feel it Still by Portugal. The Man [For when I need to feel good.]
• Colors by Halsey [both versions. Thanks Mikki for introducing me to the Stripped version first.]
• Periscope by Papa Roach feat. Skylar Grey [I think I heard about this one from Reida, I don't remember.]
• Stay by coldrain [Off FATELESS]
• Vortex by the GazettE [Once again, I'm giving myself them LA feels.]

That's about it, as far as these past two weeks of what I've been listening to constantly though I have been so busy I haven't had the chance to really....listen. So when I do, I shove all this into my playlist and listen until I have to sleep.

Where am I going with this?

Oh yeah, FATELESS.

I can't give a proper review for FATELESS, as I skimmed through it once [well not really] and just started playing a couple of songs over and over. But from what I heard, it's a really good album and if you're a coldrain fan you shouldn't miss out on it. UNINVITED is a really good cover, Masato's voice has improved so much.

That's about it for today.

Byyyyyyyyyyye.

Anime+Manga Characters.

With Anime Banzai starting tomorrow, I really think about what Anime I still watch and the characters I've liked over the years. As of now, the only Anime I've been paying attention to is Saiyuki Reload Blast [because I missed my babies] and also a little bit of Black Butler.

So here's just an unofficial list of characters that I love, and will always love no matter what. It won't matter if I don't watch the series anymore, cause even if I don't-I will always come back to watch just for them.

[I will only list two characters from each series though, cause of space and time....]

I will go by series as well, so first off-Saiyuki. A little history, Saiyuki's been my favorite Manga/Anime since middle school. If you know me, you might think Kuroshitsuji is my favorite, but it's actually not. It's Saiyuki and it has been for over ten years now.

Saiyuki Characters

Cho Hakkai-  Now Hakkai takes the spot as probably one of my all time favorite Manga characters. He's such a complex character to begin with, as are most of the Sanzo party in which he belongs to. They're a ragtag group who do things their own way, and don't let anyone deter them from their goals and who they are as people. 

What is it about Hakkai though? Is it his usual calm demeanor? The way he takes care of everyone in the group? Or is it the fact that if you piss him off he goes from 0 to 100 real quick? 

From all my favorite characters that I will list, Hakkai has a pretty fucked up past. He's an orphan, who was separated from his older twin sister. Who he later meets up in their adult years, and they get into a.....sexual relationship. His lover-slash-sister's rape and suicide is the catalyst of what Hakkai [or Gonou, who he was known as before] becomes.

In a rage he kills 1000 demons [youkai] and becomes one himself. [In the Saiyuki world, you 'bathe' in the blood of a thousand demons means you become one yourself. Yep.] 

However, when confronted by Sanzo, he is 'punished' be the Sanbushin and since they're Buddhists and don't believe in killing they just simply gave him a new name and sent him on his way. The events that happen in his past sort of make him the person that he is today, so despite carrying a very 'cheerful' attitude he can be quite scary should you piss him off.

He also has a cute little dragon that turns into a jeep named Hakuryu. 

[Also note while his incestual relationship with his sister is heavily implied in the manga, it's not so much in the anime. Probably because it's disturbing.] 

Also note that the fact that he liked to make weird jokes at the expense of his friends made me love him. 

Kenren Taishou-If you're familiar with the Saiyuki series, you'll know that Kenren is actually Sha Gojyo's previous incarnation. [If you didn't, well then I just spoiled it for you...ah well.] He has pretty much the same personality as Gojyo, but with slight difference. 

Honestly I don't know what else I can write about Kenren, I really love how much he cares about his comrades. He has a close relationship with his comrade Tenpou [who is a Field Marshal of the Heavenly Army.] Oh, I guess I forgot to mention, he is the General of the Heavenly Army. He doesn't really do a good job, but what can you do?

He also is shown to care deeply about the War Prince Nataku, always worrying about him and his missions that he's forced to partake in. And he develops the same sort of relationship with Son Goku, who he vows to protect and get to the lower world even if it means costing him his life. 

Not sure what to say about him without spoiling too much, so I'll just leave it at that.

[Note: I was going to add Tenpou Gensui in this part, but since he's the previous incarnation of Hakkai I felt like it was cheating a little bit.] 

Black Butler Characters

Meyrin- Who doesn't like a maid who can also murder you? 

I'm not sure what it is with me and secondary characters, but I really get attached to them sometimes. I know the whole manga/anime centers around Ciel and his ever so perfect demon butler, but I really appreciate the secondary characters in this series. Especially Meyrin, who despite her faults is extremely loyal to her master and tries her best in both jobs she has to do. 

She also is very caring towards her friends, and honestly I hope she gets over her little 'crush' on Sebastian and start crushing on Bard. [Okay I need my otp to happen, sue me].

Bardroy-I didn't start appreciating this psychotic chef until I started to roleplay as him on kurotumblr. I think if Yana means to delve more into his character, as with Meyrin, but I hope she does so soon. Because I think of all the characters he might have a pretty interesting, considering that he's in his mid-forties. [I think he is, it was said by Yana. He doesn't look that old.]

I really love the fact that he's sort of a leader, if Sebastian isn't around at least. He's really good at delegating where the others need to be if needed, as shown when they are escaping the forest with Sieglinde.

I do ship him with Meyrin despite the age difference, but is the only one [aside from maybe Sebastian] that I really wish they would get together. [He wouldn't with Sebastian, I just like them because "Angry Boyfriends".]

Attack on Titan

Sasha Braus- So is Attack on Titan even interesting anymore? I gave up because it became too messy and I didn't care to follow it anymore. However, despite all this, I do check in every once in a while to see if Sasha is still alive. Last I heard, she was severely injured so I'm still a little worried about her place in things.

She's really underrated as a character, I've seen fans call her a coward and useless when she's proven herself that she's more than just a 'Potato' girl. Also the fact that she joined the army to prove to her father that she was worthy [or something like that] and she got that closure with him when she took on a titan WITHOUT HER GEAR to save a small child.

Also may I remind fans that she also PIERCED THE TITANS EYES WITH HER ARROW WITHOUT THE USE OF HER BOW?

Also she saved Mikasa by driving her arrow into a man's gun just as he was going to shoot her? [And got scolded by Jean, who she sassed back saying Mikasa should've KEPT HER EYES ON HER PREY]

Why am I capslocking?

Oh yeah, because people don't respect Sasha.

Anyway, enough about that, I just really love her. She's really sweet and if she dies, well then I'll give up for good. She's one of the only good characters left.

Jean Kirchstein- Ahhh, my favorite asshole character in Attack on Titan second to Sasha. [I also ship them, so Jean...if you could ever so kindly forget Mikasa, that'd be great.] [Also, shitty joke, sorry to those who like Jeankasa] 

Like Sasha, I only check in to see if he's okay. I feel like out of a lot of the characters, he's one that has had the most character development. He's labeled a coward by Eren [shut up, Eren] but when he's needed, Jean steps up to the plate to help protect his friends. He also has a better moral compass than most, and some predict that he might become the commander of the Survey Corps.

[But the Survey Corps is sorta going to shit, so...]

I just hope he stays alive, but I'm not holding my breath since...well you know.

----

That's about it, I was going to do FMA but I grew tired and wouldn't be able to handle doing anymore. So maybe this is just a part one....

Top Music of 2017 so far.

I use Spotify a lot, and though there are a lot of songs that I can't listen to on Spotify [the newer GazettE music] I still use it more than my iPod library. I even pay for the premium, and honestly I think it's worth having.

So I thought I'd go through my most listened to artists/tunes on spotify.

Hallelujah by Panic! at the Disco

Honestly after seeing them live in March, I've been a little obsessed with listening to all things Panic! Mainly their newest album Death of a Bachelor. Hallelujah is probably one of the more overplayed songs on my Spotify library, and I think it's one of the best off the album.

The Sound of Silence as covered by Disturbed

I actually saw a friend share this one facebook, and ever since I've been sort of addicted to it. Though I haven't listened to it in about a month, I still think it's one of the best covers of this song out there. I don't think anything will beat the original [Simon&Garfunkel] but this is a close second.

Kubo and the Two Strings soundtrack

Everything about this movie is beautiful, from the animation to the music. Though I know some people may not care for it, as it's not entirely true to the original legend. [?] But I liked it for what it was, and I don't think you have to like the movie to appreciate the soundtrack.

Chasing Ghosts by Against the Current

This really is more of a 2016 favorite, but I still listen to it quite a lot. ATC is a little underrated if you ask me, but they seem to be doing well for themselves. Though I find it odd that they're playing with the likes of coldrain.

VENA album by coldrain

I find it weird that I listen to it mainly on Spotify since I have the actual album, but some weeks this album is playing nonstop. I could listen to GONE and HEART OF THE YOUNG over and over until my ears bleed, and let's not forget WRONG. This album is gold, and I'm really excited for their new album to come out worldwide.

13stairs[-]1 by the GazettE

It's still an older song, but I can't stop listening to it. This past couple of weeks I've been blasting it over and over, maybe it's because I'm really bummed that they didn't play it in LA. I really REALLY need to hear this song live.

COCKROACH by the GazettE

Speaking of oldies. I just bought Gama a couple of months ago, it was an album I've been wanting but haven't gotten around to buying. I was lucky that CDJapan was still offering it, as most of the older albums aren't available a lot of the times. I never fully appreciated Cockroach until I heard them play it live in LA, and I'm glad they did. It was fun to experience this song in person, I even knew how to do the dance to it.

Colors by Halsey

I'm not as big as a fan of Halsey as I should be, but Colors [both versions] is one of my favorites from her. But mainly because it brings back memories of my time prepping for my Gaze-trip and my actual trip. I listened to it a lot in California for some reason, so I associate it with those times. [I also need to thank Mikki for showing me the Stripped version first.] 

 Heavy by Linkin Park

Granted I've been listening to a LOT of Linkin Park ever since the tragic passing of Chester Bennington, but I was already listening to Heavy a lot. Despite the criticism against it made by most fans, I really liked the song. I thought it was a nice change of pace for the band, and they really seemed to like the product they came out with. I think it conveyed a lot of what Chester was feeling at the time as well, it's sad that some people missed the message.

---

Well, I think that's it or now, but I might add a few more if I think of something. 

What are your favorite music from 2017?

My favorite bassists.

I'm not putting this in a list, considering I don't have enough to fill even a top 5 despite the fact that I do appreciate bassists in all bands. But since I'm sticking mainly to the Japanese scene, I don't think it's really needed and perhaps I'll revise this blog later on. [I say that all the time, but I don't do it.....oops.]

Reita of the GazettE

Who doesn't like Reita? I feel like I've never met a person who disliked him, or maybe I just don't pay enough attention to those who don't like him. I notice different things when listening to the GazettE, and some songs I can really appreciate his talent. I'm so glad he decided to give up the guitar and go to bass, or the GazettE might not be here now. [As quoted by one of them, somewhere...I forget.]

Aside from his talent, he's really a nice guy. Just from his interactions with fans on twitter and to those stories I've heard of people who's met him, I can definitely tell. I hope to meet him one day and tell him how great he is.

Naoki of Kagrra, (Ex) Players (Ex)

I tell this to a lot of people, especially my friends, that Kagrra, was the first visual kei band I've ever liked. And Naoki played a role that for sure. He's extremely kind to his kohai's, and supportive that it's hard not to like him. [Kai seems to be infatuated with him even lol] 

His talent shines through Kagrra's music, much like his bandmates. And even though I haven't really listened to his newer stuff, I still find myself checking on his activities. More so than a lot of other Vkei musicians that aren't the GazettE. 

RxYxO of Coldrain

Photo taken at Salt Lake City Warped Tour, July 30th, 2016

I've personally met Ryo, and though my interaction with him was brief I was still amazed at how kind he was. I actually met him twice, though the first time I simply waved to him on stage and he waved back at me. [So that doesn't really count as meeting him, just waving at him.]

He's extremely talented, and fun to watch play live. I couldn't help but watch him a lot when I saw coldrain at Warped Tour. [The first time I saw them I didn't see much of him, because of my position by the stage.] As I said, he's really nice and one of the most genuine people you could ever meet.

--

And that's it for my favorite bassists, as I said I don't have a lot that I can name off the top of my head.
 

My favorite non-Japanese Musicians.

I find it weird that I have to title it that way, but I usually talk about Japanese musicians and in this list I'm excluding them. Mainly because I will be talking about music that has molded me into what I am today, and you might find some oldies on here as well. Growing up I just listened to whatever my parents or siblings were listening to, and because my mom's favorite band is the Beatles there was a lot of that in my house.

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

"Big Girls Don't Cry" was always playing at my house, and my mom even has videos of me dancing to it with my brothers and sister. I still listen to them to this day, and I think part of the reason why is it does bring back some fond memories of my childhood. If you have seen the movie Jersey Boys then you will know these guys for sure.

It's not really what I usually listen to either, but they were a definite favorite of mine growing up.

The Everly Brothers

Another oldies group. My parents actually didn't play them as often as the others I grew up with, but I always seemed to be drawn to their CD's either way. We had a stereo, way before I even had my own CD player, so I would just plug my earphones in and play their songs all day. I hear their music at work, which is great for me because I can sing along to it.

Simon and Garfunkel

If you've heard the song "The Sound of Silence" or just those stupid videos with the song playing "Hello Darkness, my old friend" whenever something bad happens than that was these guys. I believe they were a definite favorite of my dad's, whenever we drove somewhere they were always playing on his radio.

Carlos Santana

Santana is my dad's favorite musician, which meant that he was probably the most played in the household aside from the Beatles. [I'm not listing them, for reasons.] I definitely feel like he influenced my taste in music, as I grew up to really like Orianthi who also uses the same style of guitar playing that Santana uses. 

Michelle Branch

My first personally owned CD was the Spirit Room. I really liked that she was one of the first musicians I liked on my own accord. Of course my sister liked her too, we're even going to see her together this July-but she was sort of my hero back in the day. She recently released a full length album after years, so I'm excited to sit down and listen to it.

After her album 'Hotel Paper' she sort of fell away from the mainstream music scene, so not many know about her anymore. Which is probably why her concert is going to be 21 and over, because no one under 18 even would know her. 

Misterwives

I've already talked about them so much, so I'll only say I really do love them. They're a fun band to listen to when you want to just jam out, or whatever you want to call it. They're wonderful live, I was so happy to see them with Panic.

--

That's about it! I have a few more I want to list, but I'm a little tired so I'm afraid from that point on I'll be a little sloppy.

Thanks for reading!

Top Ten Visual Kei vocalists.

Granted, my Visual Kei interest might be dwindling and my favorite artists are either now leaving or disbanding. But who knows, maybe I'll find another band someday. I'm just a little swamped with work/babysitting and other things.

So this is just a top ten of vocalist I liked throughout the years. Some, I might not even like anymore, but at the time I liked them for what they were.

10. Miku-An Cafe

I can't believe I'm even mentioning Miku, but back in my High School days I actually really liked his voice. For what it was, it was really good and I liked the upbeat in his tone. Oshare Kei really wasn't my thing, but it was a nice change of pace for what I usually listened to. As a person, I don't know if I can say I actually like Miku-but maybe he's changed since I've known about him.

 

 9. Jun-Spiv States

When Phantasmagoria disbanded and Jun created Spiv States with Iori I was a little shocked. Especially after hearing that Jun would also be vocalist. But after hearing their first two singles, I was pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately I didn't really keep up with them after Iori left due to health reasons, so one day I will sit down and listen to the entire discography. 

8. Maru-BIS

Unfortunately not a lot of my friends remember or knew who BIS was. They were sort of like Alice Nine I would say, and they did used to be an indie band under PSC until they left and eventually disbanded. Maru had a good voice, when I first heard the song DAYS I was almost obsessed with his voice. I didn't follow him after their disbandment, and I'm unsure if he's even active in the VK scene anymore.

7.Keiyu-Kra

 Granted, I didn't really give the band a shot when I first got into Visual Kei. I honestly didn't even know that Kra was considered Oshare Kei, unless they're not and I'm being a total noob. Honestly I can't really comment on his voice, at least to make myself seem like I know what I'm talking about. I just like it. [I'm being sloppy, I'm sorry.] 

 

6. Yomi-Nightmare

 

Yomi surprisingly has a low voice, which I like. I recently got acquainted with their music again, only to find out that the band is on hiatus. I hope for a return, because I'm interested where they can go from there. 

 

5. Riku-Chariots

 

Riku was one of the only reasons I listened to Phantasmagoria, for all I know he sort of carried the band in a way. [Okay I know that's rude to say, sorry.] I lost touch with his music, but when I heard Chariots was active again I started to listen to them again. I really like his voice honestly.

 

4. Maya-LM.C

 

I don't know how to describe what I liked about Maya's voice either, maybe it was the upbeat music that surrounded it. I think the song 88 really displays what Maya can do with his vocals, but unfortunately I fell away from them after Punky Heart. 

 

3. Satoshi-Girugamesh

 

The first couple of albums of Girugamesh were the best to me, but the latest albums up to their disbandment never did anything for me. Despite that, I really enjoyed Satoshi's vocals. I think he had a unique way of going about things, and as a plus I did like him as a person. I want to support him in his new endeavors, whatever they might be.

 

2. Ruki-the GazettE

 

As far as Vocalists that are still active in the scene, Ruki is still my favorite vocalist. Don't get me wrong about that. I had a hard time debating with myself even putting him at number two, but when I get to the number one pick you'll find out why. The thing I've always liked about him as a musician, is his intuition and his desire to grow. Some vocalists might just stay the same, but he's constantly trying new things and improving his vocals. Hearing him sing live was an experience, and I can't honestly wait to experience it again.

 

As a person, I do like him too! I wish him well with his own endeavors, whether with the band or his new line of clothing and perfume. I know he'll do well with it.

 

1. Isshi-Kagrra,

Kagrra, was my introduction to Visual Kei. Everything that VK is to me, is because of them. Isshi had even been my first bias, having fallen for him and his voice when I saw the MV for Satsuki. I owe a lot to him, and some days it's hard to come to terms that he's not with us anymore. I had been so excited to see what he could do with his new project, but alas we will never know the full potential.

I don't think there will ever be a vocalist that could ever take my heart. As I said, even though Ruki is my favorite vocalist-Isshi will always be my first. If that made sense at all.

--

With that said, despite it being sloppy and even confusing-I hope you enjoyed it anyway.

  

 

Visual Kei is fine.

I was originally going to talk about how people are freaking out about how VK is "dying", but I believe what's been said has been said and I'd be beating a dead horse right about now. I'm still going to talk about it a little, but not to the extent that I was going to.

Visual Kei has obviously been around for more than 20 years, I have a document somewhere on my computer actually which talks about the founding fathers. We already know X-Japan, but I'm not here to talk about the history either. Well, kinda-but not really. I don't really want to go on a tangent about Yoshiki and how he sort of creeps me out.

So this is sort of a personal post, because it pertains to my own personal experiences within the fandom and how it sort of molded me into the person I am today. Granted, I don't really listen to any of the newer material. I basically listen to anything that predates 2012, and even then I only listen to the GazettE, Kagrra, LM.C, Girugamesh, Nightmare, and a few others. A lot of those I listed, are either on hiatus or disbanded.

Apart of the reason why I believe that some people believe that the scene is dying, is that the bands are constantly doing this. Auncia made a habit out of it, oh wait it's NIA now. Or is it Ansia?

Nevermind.

Sometimes band members don't mesh well together, sometimes the music that they're playing just doesn't bode well with one member and they move on. Sometimes they want to try new things on their own. When Kagrra, disbanded it was initially because Isshi wanted to try a solo project, so I believe.

And even when this band goes on hiatus, or their band disbands-they are most likely going to try a new band or at least stay active in the scene. Naoki [the bassist of Kagrra,] is constantly giving his talent to those in the scene, he even played for Gotcharocka at one point. Jui started Gotcharocka a little after Vidoll disbanded, and they're still around to this day.

[Those are poor examples, but they're what I know.]

Even Jun, after Phantasmagoria disbanded he started a new band with Iori. [Unfortunately Iori had to quit because of health reasons.] Whatever the reason though for leaving, most musicians stay in the scene-they're just doing different things. [I mean Kisaki said he was going to retire how many times now?]

I know it's a normal reaction to be upset when your band goes on hiatus or they disband, but always keep an eye out for new projects. Support them too! Support them as much as you can, because that's what they need too. [Where am I even going with this? Orz]

Your favorite band disbanding|going on hiatus does not equate to Visual Kei dying, it's not even a big scene in Japan to begin with.

Right now there aren't many bands who have their own sound either, they're going to take what they know from a veteran band and impliment that in their music. You have to fish through the pool to find a band you like sometimes, but they are there-they're forming almost all the time.

Visual Kei has changed so much since I got into it, and that's only been since 2006. It's not popular to begin with, I have yet to meet a Japanese person [outside of the GazettE fandom and who has lived in Japan before] who even knows what it is. My mom would talk to our neighbors exchange student who would just look at her like "Who the hell is this GazettE you're talking about?"

Ten years from now, people will still be saying it's a dying scene and that it needs to be saved. It's always been a topic, even back in the day. I believe it stems from "A band I love is disbanding/going on hiatus-it must be dying!" BUT your favorites are probably planning on doing MORE things on their own time.

I feel hypocritical talking about this, because I do only really listen to what I listened to back when I was in High School.

The scene has changed, as far as the fandom goes-but it's still there and it's still thriving even if it doesn't seem that big.

It doesn't need to be saved, if you think so then maybe start supporting your artist by buying their merch and buying their albums.

If you can, go to their concerts.

Find a new band.

Annnnnnd last thing....

I don't know, just stop saying it needs to be saved I guess. I guess I did beat the dead horse, sorry guys.

lmao I don't know how to end this so bye.

40 Things about myself

I sort of wanted to do this in the beginning, but I figured later it better than never. And I originally was going to do a "What band is your favorite?|What is your favorite color?" sort of questionnaire, but I found this a little more interesting and sort of will go into depth of who I am as a person and maybe some of the stuff I personally would like to work on.

So with that said, I'm going to go ahead and get started.

40 Personal Things About Me

 

1. What’s your philosophy in life?

I don't know if I have one, other than I really would like it if people just treated each other with decency. I think the world gets so wrapped up in their own beliefs and personal lives to really look at another human and not label them as what they think. And even if a person is of a different sexuality, race, gender, or religion I doubt it's any of your business. Though as a human we have a flaw to be curious, which is something I need to work on myself when it comes to dealing with others. 

2. What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?

My thought process, I suppose you can say and how I handle my negative emotions. I tend to bottle things up to the point where they explode. And I have somewhat of a low self-esteem, but I try to hide it like I'm confident in myself if that made sense. Like I try to build myself up, but in reality I don't think I'm that great of a person I just don't really want people to know that. And in return, I believe it makes me come off as arrogant and it's hard for me to keep some friends for this reason.

 

3. Are you religious or spiritual?

 I'm not religious, but I don't think you could call me spiritual either. I do believe in some sort of higher being, but I don't really delve into that if that makes any sense. I sort of just go with the flow with my own personal belief system, and I try to make a living based off that. I know it's not the most conventional way, but I have a hard time with people telling me what I should believe in the beginning. I'd sort of like to sort that out for myself.

4. Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

Depends on who I'm with. If I'm surrounded by people I don't know, and am not comfortable around [or sometimes that I do know, depends on my mood too] I'm more of an introvert. I like to quietly stay off to the side and observe things, even when I'm dealing within my own family at a holiday gathering. Though I'm more active when I'm one on one with someone, or something that I'm really close with. Online I'm more of an extrovert, I do go out of my way to talk to a few people. 

 

5. Which parent are you closer to and why?

I honestly feel I have a good relationship with both of my parents. I suppose you can say I open up more about certain things with my dad, but I do the same with my mom. So I can't really say I favor one over the other.

 

6. What was the best phase in your life?

I don't know if I have one quite yet, I have had good parts during certain parts of the year. 

 

7. What was the worst phase in your life?

Honestly between 2009 and 2013 is sort of a hazy period for me. The only thing that was good about that time period is my nephew was born. Late 2013 I met Matt, so things started to get a little better.

 

8. Is what you’re doing now what you always wanted to do growing up?

No, I don't think anyone dreams of being a cashier at a grocery store.

 

9. What makes you feel accomplished?
Honestly when I make good conversation with a friend, or even make someone laugh. Or I make someone feel good about themselves. I have a habit of even telling customers that I like their outfit, I genuinely do a lot of the times-but the smile they give me when I say it makes it worth it. It's pretty small accomplishments, but eh.

10. What’s your favorite book/movie of all time and why did it speak to you so much?
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I don't know why it jumped out at me, but it was such a beautifully written book.

11. What is a relationship deal breaker for you?
Cheating.

12. Are you more into looks or brains?
More of personality.

13. Would you ever take back someone who cheated?
No, I don't think I could trust someone again after being betrayed like that.

14. How do you feel about sharing your password with your partner?
I don't know, depends on what it is I guess. But I trust Matt, and I'm pretty sure he trusts me so there's no need to share passwords.

15. When do you think a person is ready for marriage?
When they truly think they're ready, I believe people should be able to make their own decisions regarding their love life.

16. What kind of parent do you think you will be?
I'm not having kids.

17. What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner?
Honestly I would ask them why, but my parents like Matt so I don't have to worry about that.

18. Who is that one person you can talk to about just anything?
Matt and Reida are two people I have learned I can tell anything. I don't trust a lot of people with my emotions anymore.

19. Do you usually stay friends with your exes?
I tried to. I do talk to one sporadically.

20. Have you ever lost someone close to you?
My Grandparents.

21. If you are in a bad mood, do you prefer to be left alone or have someone to cheer you up?
Depends on how bad of a mood I'm in. I prefer to be left alone when I'm really upset, because I can get kind of mean when I don't mean to be. So it ends up worse. I get super frustrated too, which is a result of me bottling things up. But sometimes I'll be in a bad mood and I'll get a super random text or picture from Matt with some weird caption and then I'll just giggle at it for like ten minutes.

22. What’s an ideal weekend for you?
Spending it with Matt, which I usually do.

23. What do you think of best friends of the opposite sex?
Great.

24. Do you judge a book by its cover?
I don't usually do, you can't really judge someone based on their looks or race.

25. Are you confrontational?
Depends.

26. When was the last time you broke someone’s heart?
I guess 2013.

27. Would you relocate for love?
Depends on if it worked out.

28. Did you ever write a journal?
I used to, but stopped when I was in seventh grade.

29. What are you most thankful for?
My parents.

30. Do you believe in second chances?
Yeah, but I don't believe in third.

31. What’s the one thing that people always misunderstand about you?
I don't know, I guess that I don't care? I sometimes don't know how to react to other people's problems, I don't think. I care, I just don't know how to convey that.

32. What is your idea of a perfect vacation?
Japan or Seattle, one of the two. I don't care, as long as I'm with someone I care about.

33. What did your past relationship teach you?
That sometimes it's better off just being friends or not friends at all.

34. What are your thoughts on online dating or tinder?
I think it depends, if you find the right person-but do your research before going any further. There's sites now that you can find if it's a catfish or not.

35. What’s on your bucket list this year?
I don't really have one for this year, I'm just going to take it easy. Next year maybe visit Japan. I say that a lot though.

36. When have you felt your biggest adrenaline rush?
Getting on an airplane.

37. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done and would you do it again?
Nah I'm boring.

38. If a genie granted you 3 wishes right now, what would you wish for?
For my nephews to have enough to live with for a comfortable life, to put my parents in a home they can grow old in, and for my dog to never die.

39. What’s your biggest regret in life?
I personally would rather not answer this one.

40. What do you think about when you’re by yourself?
I don't want to say what I think about, I overthink and I get depressed and get anxious. When I'm with someone it's not as bad.