Western music vs Japanese music.

I can understand why some music is important to people, whether or not I like that genre of music or not. I can also understand that some people just like to listen to music to have a good time, that it doesn't have to have a deep meaning behind it for them to enjoy it. It's just a means of entertainment that we all use after a long stressful day or week. 

We live in a culture where we all love to go to concerts with friends, and family. Whether it be big named musicians or even local artists, it doesn't matter. 

Which is why I never understood the J-rock fandom, and their need to criticize every little aspect of other genres of music out there. I'm sure that we have our fair share of those in other genres, even in the K-pop fandom [don't get me started there]-but since I'm not as active there I want to concentrate on what I'm familiar with.

I said before how long I've been a fan, so I don't want to delve into how long I've been in this fandom and how often I would see it. I admit it when I was in High School, I was a little obnoxious about it-but when you grow up you mature and I've certainly grew out of this phase. But I see it in youtube comments, sometimes on tumblr. 

J-rock fans love their bands, I can understand that. I certainly have my favorites, would love to see them all and adore what they can do. Despite some language barriers, I can enjoy the music because if I want to know what they're saying I can either look up translations or learn Japanese myself. [I'm a little lazy, so I do the former.] 

Yet I've never wanted to say I outright hated Western music either. Because they're not necessarily bad either. I mean I have my fair share of English-based bands that I love, have seen in concert and would see them again if I ever had a chance. [Case in point: Linkin Park]. I just recently discovered Disturbed's lead singer has a spectacular voice. 

It doesn't matter what nationality or where you're from, there are talented musicians out there if you're willing to search for them. Of course you're not going to like them all, by no means do I like any of Justin Beiber's music. But there's no denying that little snot has a little bit of talent, that some people do find hope in his music or simply enjoy it for what it is. 

That's fine with me, if that's their music preference than who am I to criticize them?

And that's where I get to my point.

It's not necessarily that some J-rock fans tend to put down the Western musicians, it's that they tend to act superior to those who listen to them. We talk about how we're all made fun of for listening to Japanese music, that we're all so bullied and hated and alone. But then some turn around and do the same thing to those who listen to Western music.

Listening to Japanese music, I'm going to sound rude-it doesn't make you special. It means you have a special interest in these things, and that's fine and dandy. But you're no better than the person sitting at home jamming out to Paramore or All Time Low. You're no better than the girl who just spent her entire paycheck on a ticket to see Justin Beiber or any other famous musician.

We all have our interests, we all have that one genre or band that we all love. Some of us just love about everything, and that is fine. That's what makes the world go round. If you're leaving comments like "Ugh, why can't every band be like this one?!" how boring would that be? If everyone made music like the GazettE, wouldn't you get sick of them?

Most of us had a favorite English based band before we discovered J-rock. Being a fan of music is not a contest of who has the best taste in music, because music is subjective in a way. We're not all going to love the same things.

And that's completely fine.

Petty arguments.

There's some things that needed to be argued with, and what I mean by that I meant the more serious issues. Racism. Homophobia. Sexism. Transphobia. [The people who stereotype and fetishize an entire race, but that can fall under racism.]

I get it, most people in most fandoms are young teenagers. At that age I was impressionable, easy to lose my cool, and to dive head on into arguments. While I'm still that way, to a certain extent, it gets tiring and I just don't like dealing with it anymore. I don't care if you don't like my favorite band, or if you hate my favorite character.

It's too much of a hassle to tell you why I love these things and why you should just leave it alone.

We as human beings, we're never satisfied. Especially when it comes to music. You like what you like, if your band doesn't do what you like anymore sometimes you get angry and you bash on it. It's happened with many bands, not just the GazettE in general.

I learned to move on from a band who doesn't interest me anymore, I just simply don't listen to their newer music and leave it at that. Because a band can choose what direction they want to go with their careers, and I've learned that they don't owe a damn thing to us fans. "We're what created them." Well, yes fans are a big part of the deal-but they still have their personal freedom to do what they please with their music.

I don't know where I'm going with this, honestly I suppose I'm trying to say is....Not everyone is going to share your views. You're not going to like everyone in the fandom. I can say that in the Sixth Gun fandom alone I've accumulated a few people who disliked me and I dislike back. I ignore them and they ignore me.

It's best to eventually just move on with your life, be the mature one and if you have to stand up for yourself then do so. Also don't be afraid to stand up for your friends in the fandom.

Sometime fandoms are cruel and well, annoying.

My favorite albums.

To note this in the beginning, I'm going by my own personal tastes of what I liked. It doesn't matter if the album as a whole got good ratings with the critics or fans, if I happened to love it enough to keep listening to it five times a day it's going to be on this list.

And besides, music is rather...subjective. We all have our personal favorites and dislikes when it comes to music as a whole. While I love one band, you might loathe them-and that's fine. As long as we appreciate those differences and respect it, we're going to be cool. I see many lists on youtube about people's favorite bands and albums, and people comment 'what about this band/album?!' well my good sir, go make your own list then.

Now with that pushed aside, let's get started.

Stacked Rubbish-The GazettE

STACKED RUBBISH was the first the GazettE album I have ever owned. I'm pretty sure every person here remembers their first album from their favorite band, and that's partially the reason why this album is a personal favorite. When it came out, it sort of got bad reviews and not many fans seemed to like it aside from maybe Filth in the Beauty.

But I absolutely adore this album, my copy's case is just about beat up because of how many times I keep putting it in my boombox. [Yes, I know my computer and Ipod is a thing but....eh.] I'd say a favorite from this album is definitely Calm Envy, which I'm pleasantly surprised they're including in their TRACES BEST OF BALLADS. 

I have a lot of personal reasons for this being my favorite album, or at least one of them from the GazettE. Bare with me too, considering the fact that there are two more from this band coming your way.

VENA-coldrain 

You'd be hard pressed to find a song from coldrain that I don't like. VENA is just a prime example of how good they are, and how good they can be. After the concert I didn't stop listening to this album for weeks, it was almost as if coldrain had replaced the GazettE as my favorite band. Honestly, if I'm not listening to them, I am listening to coldrain.

This album is just a combination of great songs, with a feature from Papa Roach's Jacoby in the song Runaway. [I really want a version with just Masato though, it sounded bomb live.] 

 

 

Our Own House-Misterwives

Misterwives is a band I stumbled upon accidentally via Finding Carter. I simply liked the song Vagabond used for the show, and then I suddenly started listening to literally every song that they had out. Our Own House is an album that I play quite frequently when listening to them on Spotify, and honestly it's worth paying 12.99 a month just for that feature.

Aside from their more popular songs like Reflections and Not Your Way, my favorite song off the album will have to be Oceans. It's a really good song, and Mandy Lee's voice is really soothing when I need something to calm myself down with.

Badlands-Halsey

My friend introduced me to her, well I already knew who she was-but she made me want to listen to her. And though I don't listen to it as much, I still catch myself jamming out to it here and there. It really is a good album, and Halsey really is a good artist. Possibly a favorite off the album is the song Colors, but like my friend-happen to like the stripped version better.

For some reason listening to that reminds me of being in California.

Beautiful Deformity-the GazettE

 

Honestly speaking, when it comes to the GazettE....their album DIVISION wasn't my favorite. I thought 'Okay, cool-maybe I'm just not a fan of their direction anymore.' But Beautiful Deformity restored that faith in them. When I first heard TO DAZZLING DARKNESS, I was in awe and happy that they were making good music again.

I'm not saying DIVISION was bad, I just didn't like most of the songs. Or cared for them. 

So it was nice to have Beautiful Deformity come out, at least for me.

 

DIM-theGazettE 

 

I was going to place another album before this one, so it didn't seem like a 'my favorite GazettE albums' list. But I couldn't think of any other albums that I listen to more than these ones. So DIM it is. I want to say that NIL is in tie with this album, as far as how much I listen to it-but I placed DIM simply because it was unique from their other albums.

I wasn't sure what it was, but I really like the dark undertone it seemed to have. And honestly I hope they do an album almost like it. My favorite era was DIM as well. 

--

While I would love to do more, I have to sleep. [lol] So I will simply leave it at this for now. 

What about you?

What are your favorite albums by your favorite artists?

What is coldrain to me?

I say this a lot, but there wasn't a band that impressed me like the GazettE until coldrain. While they're two different types of music, I can appreciate the differences in them both and enjoy them to the fullest.

I was a casual listener, and though I was highly excited to see them for the first time at the Loading Dock-it wasn't until after the show that it really spiraled. I discovered them because Aoi tweeted about their album "The Revelation" and I was intrigued. It was about two years I believe that I was listening to them periodically, and then they announced their show in Salt Lake.

Meeting Masato the first time.

Granted, I read reviews of their performances beforehand to sort of get a feel of what they were like. And people had nothing but good things to say, and I wasn't disappointed. I was one of the first people in the venue, so I secured a spot at the front of the stage. I was right in front of Sugi. [I believe he kind of spit on me a little, but we alright Sugi. We alright.]

I'm not going to talk about their performance, but about how it meant to actually see them and meet the two members I did meet that night. [I sort of met Ryo? If you count waving at him, and him waving back as meeting.]

Masato was really kind, case in point-he allowed me to take a photo with him. I didn't expect to run into him after the show, but the venue was small and I ran into him again three more times. [I promise...I wasn't stalking him.] My brother talked to him a bit I think about merch, but they didn't accept cards so I had to run and grab cash from the nearest gas station. When I came back, it was Katsuma running the merch table.

Katsuma is really sweet, honestly. I was scared of him at first, because in pictures and even on stage he seemed a little intimidating. I wasn't sure what it was, but I asked about the hoodie and as an afterthought I said I would also buy their Vena Album. He smiled sweetly and said "thank you!" while processing the purchase. I thought about asking him to sign it, but my nervousness kicked into highgear and I just thanked him and left. [Without a photo too ;-;]

In the weeks that led after the concert, I listened to VENA and the Revelation albums nonstop. I don't know what it was, I didn't pay attention to anything else but coldrain. And it was surprising to me considering I never had a band do this before to me after I got into the GazettE. I've had bands I've liked, and listened to-but I would just eventually either stop or just casually listen to them.

But I listen to coldrain almost everyday. I don't care what time of day it is, whether I'm on my lunchbreak or at home-I'm playing one of their albums. And honestly it feels good, they make me feel like I can make it through the day.

I was super sad that I didn't get to see them when they came back with Silverstein, but....it was either go to Vegas to see them OR see the GazettE in California and you all know what I chose. But I was soon blessed to hear they were coming back for Warped. I was on edge about seeing them honestly, but I got tickets anyways.

This time around, I tried not to be too shy. I tried to talk to them, tell them how good they were-but alas I was shy again. I could barely tell Masato I saw them at their first show in Salt Lake, and his response was to smile and say 'thank you'. It meant a lot to me however, for me to turn the corner and to lock eyes with Katsuma. He greeted me with a smile, even though it wasn't quite my turn.

I asked them to sign their album 'the Revelation', and then before I left I asked Katsuma for a hug. I talk about this a lot, but it really meant a lot. Masato offered a hug too, and so I hugged the rest. I remember certain things about each member when I hugged them too!

So Katsuma just gave me a quick hug, but I think he hugged a little tighter. I wonder if he knows......that he's my favorite. Masato was sweet as always, as I said as soon as he saw me hug Katsuma he was like 'hey' and opened his arms. Ryo was just like 'oh hugs? Okay.' it seemed like, same with Sugi. He just went with it.

But Yoko almost killed me, he gave me a squeeze with a big smile on his face. He was like "Have a good day!" and honestly whenever I feel bad about something....I remember that. I think to myself, "Yoko wants me to have a good day, and god dammit I will have a good day!"

[Where am I even going with this?]

I feel that, like the GazettE, coldrain is a band that will help me get through the day. They give me strength, not only to make it through hard times-but to also stand up for what I believe in.

[I'd like to know that the drum tech they had for Warped Tour, totally watched me sing along to Wrong and laughed. So thanks...drum tech guy.]

[I also caught Sugi's guitar pic, it's in my purse. <3]

Being apart of a fandom, while not entirely being in it.

Not sure if the title made sense, but I hope by explaining to the best of my ability I will be able to convey my feelings.

I've been in different fandoms for almost 15 years now, whether it was a fandom to a certain anime show I happened to like at the time or a movie fandom. Though I made friends from these fandoms, and lost contact with most-I feel like the most influential fandom I have been has been the Sixth Gun fandom.

For better or for worse, I was connected to this fandom through many different ways of social media. It started with deviantart, but ultimately I found myself using my twitter platform more than anything else.

I used to rant a lot in the beginning, because certain things frustrated me and I was willing to get into fights with half the fandom over it. Whether it was over HERESY leaked photos [which still upsets me, come on] or even just stupid comments that I felt were unnecessary. I've learned to block out those who don't matter, talk to those that do; and keep to myself.

I do this because I don't want the GazettE to be something that is tainted, I don't want to look back on my years of being a fan and think 'Wow, that was really unpleasant.' And of course there are going to be moments where things are unpleasant, and I get upset. But I feel like it's best to let go of the reigns and let people be their own stubborn selves.

The last time I got into a fight was with a fan who generalized an entire ethnic fanbase based on the actions of a few fans. What was said really upset me, and even seeing their url now bothers me which is why I stray from tumblr anymore. I look back at it and still find it unpleasant to think of, and also another person who I won't mention argued with me about lives being cut short when that rumor was never true.

Fans are stubborn, they have their opinions and they voice them even if it may sound harsh. Fans whine about the CD's,|Merch|DVD's being too expensive and wanting them for free. I had a fan accuse me of having a lot of money for buying the CD's, when I work a minimum wage job and can barely afford to get a lot of the merch.

And HERESY? Well that's just another argument, but I'm not here to talk about that.

I've made and lost friends in the fandom, and I've learned that I'm okay with the very few people I talk to via twitter. I follow some too, and just lurk on their pages and laugh at some of the things they will say.

It's more relaxing, and whenever drama pops up I'll watch from afar and just take a deep breathe. Of course if anyone is coming after my friends, or anyone in my inner circle without any plausible reasons to then I will probably join in if it's warranted.

But over the course of the last year, when I made the personal decision to not be a huge part of the tumblr fandom and even the entire fandom as a whole; I felt more relaxed. Of course I still fangirl with what little people I talk to now, but it's still nice. Because I don't have to worry about pleasing everyone.

And I don't have to worry about offending everyone, or even being offended. If we're upset with each other, which is rare, we talk civilly about it and move on with our lives. Most of the people I'm friends with are adults, and it's nice to talk to people who act their age.

I learned that I don't have to be a fan of the GazettE or any band to impress anyone either.

It really is nice, not paying attention to most of the fandom anymore. Really nice.

[Side note: I'm not saying 'the Sixth Gun fandom is horrible and I hate you' I'm just saying that I can't be that involved anymore. If that made sense.]

Lyrics, what do they mean to you?

Lyrics are the best part of the song, at least to me.

Honestly, with me it doesn't really take much to impress me. I'll listen to songs that will have the most generic lyrics in the world and dance along to it. But it really is the words of the more deeper songs that I love

So, I'll just show you a couple of my personal favorite song lyrics. These are in no particular order however, but I will underline some lyrics I have thought and am thinking about getting tattoos of.

Blood Like Gasoline~Against the Current

Chrissy Costanza is the lyricist I wish we had in my age. Admittedly I feel too old to be listening to ATC at times, but I do listen to them quite a lot. Blood Like Gasoline from their In Our Bones Album is one of those songs that just jump out at me. 

Your voice follows like an echo
Won't someone wake me from this dream
The bluest skies turn to black clouds
And the wind is drowning out my screams

 The lyrics are a writer's haven, if I could be so honest myself. As an avid reader and manga enthusiast [?], I can't help but think about my favorite ships when I hear this song. Case in point: SebastianXMeyrin from Black Butler. Now that's not my OTP of that fandom, and obviously not a fandom favorite [don't like the fandom favorite, but that's another post for another time]

But I can see it fit this pairing. Whether I think of Alternate Universes, or stories of my own. 

Vortex~The GazettE 

Vortex always has a spot in my heart. I feel like if I ever lose interest in the GazettE, there will be three things that will always have my love. Cassis. Aoi. And Vortex. Honestly, not sure when my obsession with this song came along~but it really sparked when I got to hear it live at the Wiltern in LA. So there's that.

The only thing you really know about me is,

You can't take my soul away from me.

I will give details on my tattoo ideas revolving around that lyric in another post. But it was just how he sang it in LA that got to me? Before then it had been one of my favorite from Ruki.

Reflections~Misterwives

I'm finally going to see these lovelies in March, so I'm listening to them a lot to get myself excited. Honestly Mandy has such a unique voice, and many compare her to the singer of the Cranberries which I can really see. Her lyrics are fun to listen to, having a mix of both light and fun lyrics and then the more serious ones.

Our bodies undressed the layers of shy
Revealing the truth that was buried inside
Filled up feelings
That now are bursting at the seams

Honestly I could probably give you an entire list of Misterwives song lyrics that are my favorite, but I really like this verse. It reminds me sort of my boyfriend and myself. We're so awkward sometimes.

the Beginning~One Ok Rock

I don't listen to One Ok Rock, let me get this clear right now. Against the Current covered this song, but I do listen to the original version too and I like both. Honestly I'm more attracted to the lyrics itself, so it keeps my interest in OOR sparked, just not the time for me to sit down and listen to their entire discography.

I'll risk everything if it's for you
A whisper into the night
Telling me "it's not my time and don't give up

Honestly songs that talk about moving on, going forward are my favorite. I like songs like that, because it can reach so many people on a positive note. Whether Taka sings it or Chrissy sings her own version, I really just like the lyrics. 

The Story~coldrain

I love Masato's lyrics, second to Ruki he's my favorite lyricist to ever exist. Though his execution is a little bit better when it comes to English, but he does have an advantage over Ruki in some aspects. I have a hard time choosing my favorite lyric of coldrain, they have so many good ones. But I promised for my list, I would include only one lyric from one artist. 

paint me black but I will never fade
no I won't fade into the night

These lyrics almost come off as a resolution, saying that you won't back down no matter what comes your way. And honestly it gives me comfort, even at my lowest points when I'm in one of my moods. I'm thinking hard on this tattoo, and it's placement of course. I hope to get it before I meet coldrain next, it'd be awesome to show Masato.

--

And there you have it! 

What are your favorite lyrics?

My personal favorite memories of 2016.

Okay so I know that it's almost the end of January, and the new year is already in full swing. I just thought I'd share with you all my personal favorite happenings of 2016, and maybe reflect on what kind of person I was back then and what I strive for in 2017. I will also mention some of 2015, as I mesh those two together because honestly......my year was full of concerts.

So let's rephrase this-these are my personal favorites of 2015|2016. Sound better?

Let's get moving.

The Symphony of the Goddesses

It was the perfect start for a semi-perfect weekend. This happened in October of 2015, which was followed by Anime Banzai and an entire weekend with my boy. Needless to say it was a really good weekend, especially since at the time there were a lot of changes going on in my life and I honestly just needed to get away from it.

If you don't know, the Symphony of the Goddesses is an orchestra which plays music from the Video Game Legend of Zelda. There was a nice turnout, and honestly the music was so beautiful I couldn't even believe that I was hearing it in real time. I mean when they played the main theme song, I about cried. It was also the first concert, music-related thing I attended with my boyfriend. So it was fun for the both of us. [I think, I don't know-Matt's sort of weird.]

Coldrain with Volumes|Cane Hill|Northlane

If you know me by now, I am a huge fan of coldrain. Which is the main reason why I bought tickets to this show anyways. The date was November 22nd of 2015, and honestly was the best night I had that entire year. Up until this concert I was sort of a casual fan, I listened to them a lot but I was still getting to know them. So when I got to see them, it was really amazing.

The venue was really small, it was like a parking garage almost. It is called the Loading Dock, so it makes sense. It was really cold waiting for them, and it was well worth it! I ran for the front like the little shit I am, and stayed there through the first band's set. And when coldrain came on, I was jumping and singing along to the songs. I was so close to Sugi, I could reach over and touch him. [I didn't of course, it wouldn't be polite.]

To show you how close I was, here are some pictures.

So as I said, I was on Sugi's side and most of my experience watching them is of him and Masato. I honestly don't remember anything Yoko or Ryo might have done. I only remember waving at Ryo, and him waving back. I also did meet Masato and Katsuma after their set. I got a picture of Masato, but unfortunately something happened with the merch that I had to run to the nearest gas station and get cash to even buy my jacket. So that's when I met Katsuma, and he was super sweet.

Seeing them live sort of sprung me further into their fandom and I don't regret it one bet.

the GazettE concert+meeting friends

Honestly I talked about my cali trip already and I already did a recap of the live at the Wiltern. So let's just recap it a little bit. I think what made this fun was the excitement we shared on twitter, as far as like 'oh my god I can't believe they're actually coming' sort of thing. I was honestly so excited to meet my friend Reida, we have been talking for a long time before the World tour so it was really great to know that I was finally get to meet her in person.

When we met across the street from the venue the day before the concert, I almost ran out into traffic [and she did too] to go hug her. I remember walking from the Korean BBQ place to meet her, seeing her across the street, and jumping up and down. My brother had to stop me from running straight into the road.

I don't remember much of what we talked about, although I do remember that I said something about Kai and she turned to me like 'fuck Kai' and I don't know why I remember that. I do.

So the actual concert day and actual concert went by relatively fast. I waited 12 hours in line, with only eating Mcdonald's that morning and a granola bar and some candy a nice fan gave me. Reida's mad at me, because she offered to get me food-but I have a hard time accepting things from people so I just decided to suffer. In all honesty I didn't feel really hungry until after the show ended.

So during the concert there are a few things I remember. I remember Ruki singing the first notes to DOGMA, how he danced on stage. I remember Aoi was blocked by the light from where I was, but when he stepped in front I could see him better. I remember whispering to myself 'he's real'. And I also remember Kai doing this thing with his arms, where he raised his hand above his head and tilted his head up. [?]

And Uruha is a badass, but during the show I got the best views of Ruki, Uruha, and Kai. And a little bit of Aoi, and I only saw Reita briefly.

After the show, I met two girls next to me and we chatted-had fun giggling about the concert. So I made two new friends.

Anyway, I will go on about this live and make myself sad, so moving on.

Warped tour+Meeting Coldrain again

Aside from the GazettE, I always go to concerts and events like these with my brothers. The reason being is my dad is very protective, and worried that I will get killed during these sorts of things. Warped Tour isn't really my favorite, reason being was that my first Warped Tour experience wasn't too great and left a sour taste in my mouth. [The band I went for bailed, and I only liked one band out of the dozens we saw. That band was Crossfaith.]

But concerts are just something that sort of unite me and my brothers in a way.

So I was always on the fence about going JUST for coldrain, because as I said I was always afraid of them bailing or not going for whatever reason. I just bought tickets because why not?

So we got there really early, because Warped doesn't have their schedule up first hand so you have to be there that early incase your band plays an earlier time. And I was right in doing this because coldrain was second to come on at their stage. This time I got a spot in front of Masato, front row again.

[Here's the recap]

After their set I got to meet them, I remember turning the corner to the tent and Katsuma giving me a smile and saying 'hi'. I also remember that Masato said hi to me, but I was so shy I didn't do anything but smile at him. I remember also telling him I saw them back in November, that their show was amazing and Masato giving me a smile.

I got a picture with them, and they signed my Revelation CD. Before I left I asked Katsuma for a hug [I told Reida I was going to, I think] and then Masato was like 'hey' and gave me a hug as well. Then I just hugged the rest. Yoko was so cute, he squeezed me a little and said "Have a good day!" with this biggest smile on his face.

We did other things after that, but I waited to see Against the Current and I was finished. [We saw Yellowcard too, who announced their disbandment.]

--

So there is that! All of them are concert related, I'm sorry-but I'm the most happy when I'm at live shows so I don't know what else to say.

I strive for more concerts and to better my own life. I hope to make it to Seattle in April, to spend time with my boyfriend for my birthday and to maybe see Reida again.

I hope you enjoyed reading anyways.