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Reviews

Introducing Casey Jones Costello

With beautiful voices of princes, princesses, villains and sidekicks, there’s so much musical wonder in the world of Disney. From the musical notes of Literal Disney Lyrics, Hakuna Matata in different languages, Sleeping beauty cover songs, Disney medleys, Hellfire cover songs, and much more!

Casey Costello with The Voice of a Prince

Follow the movie magic with these soundtrack covers and his magical TikTok account @caseyjcostello. We first saw Costello in Switching Styles in an article about Disney’s snow white soundtrack. The article “Disney and Dreams: Snow White Cover Songs” included his work. Here’s the beautiful cover song that he did of “Some Day My Prince Will Come”. In this profound and powerful duet, Casey Jones Costello and Yunjin Audrey Kim blend their gorgeous vocals with Yunjin’s stunning piano talents.

Introducing The Music Of Casey Costello

“As you might have guessed from my performance of “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” I love to perform a variety of Disney songs, and my repertoire includes Disney songs from different eras, from the 1930s through today. However, I perform a large repertoire of songs in different styles as part of themed programs that I do, and I also compose original songs.” Casey Costello explains to switching styles writer, Dylanna Fisher.

Casey Costello Disney Covers

He has a great amount of music on his YouTube channel right here. We’d love to showcase some of Switching Styles’ favourites of Costello’s Disney parody songs. Let us know in the comments below which one is your favourite. Switching Styles has compiled a list of fantastic and nostalgic music created by Costello.

Let It Go Originally From “Frozen”

Love Is a Song Originally From “Bambi”

Part Of Your World Originally From “The Little Mermaid”

Fixer Upper Originally From “Frozen”

When You Wish Upon a Star Originally From “Pinocchio”

Part Of Your World Originally From “The Little Mermaid” Piano Karaoke with Lyrics

How Deep Is the Ocean

Make Them Hear You Originally From “Ragtime”

Bardic Inspiration; Themed Songs For All Classes To Belt Out

Whether you’re a bard in the middle of combat or a barbarian enjoying a late-night campfire, here are songs to belt out during a LARP game. Here is some Bardic Inspiration with examples of Bardic Songs.

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Sing Bardic Inspiration Aloud for Your Guild.

When it comes to any kind of traditional Roleplaying game be it D&D, GURPS, Pathfinder, Quest, Coyote and  Crow, there’s a bard or a bard-like class. They are the ones that are typically oozing charisma with entertainment. Usually, this is musical entertainment. Bards also appear in many LARP games. Take Refuge LARP or Underworld LARP for example, these two Canadian LARPs have a fantastic and creative community including bards.

Why Would You Sing At A Roleplaying Game?

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That’s honestly a good question. Singing randomly can seem like a weird thing to do that only happens in Disney movies, musicals and that one episode of Buffy the vampire slayer. Despite the love for musical theatre, there are a few varied reasons you’d sing at a LARP.

  • Singing is something your character would do.
  • Performing in real life adds to realism.
  • Impressing the party, the dm, and the plot team with your singing and improv skills.
  • Engaging with the other characters and with the plot.
  • Help your character stand out. This could be either a good or a bad thing.
  • Acts as an excuse to add in a musical number.

Finding The Song for Bardic Inspiration

Fantasy songs for folks to sing during a D&D game or a LARP can be hard to find and even harder to perform. We’ve compiled a list of fantasy songs perfect for your bard! Here are some lively songs to sing around the campfire. Don’t worry, we’ve provided links to the lyrics to help you practice before the game.

“Sunshine” by  Charles Mitchell and Jimmie Davis

Want to convince your players that you’re less evil than they think you are? Sing a song like “that can make even the most roguish character seem trusting and in touch with their emotions.

Holding Out For A Hero” by Bonnie Tyler.

Don’t hesitate to stick with the classics. They’re classics for a reason. There will be both Bonnie Tyler and Shrek fans in the audience. you’re sure to have a few folks singing along. It’s a great idea to add in-game immersion for everyone. Listen to it on Spotify.

Here There Be Witches” by Creature Feature.


Here’s another beautiful and heartfelt classic that’s not just for the bards. Show off your cleric or paladins’ pipes while singing out loud and making all the magic users around nervous. Listen on Spotify!

Wellerman”by Nathan Evans

When it comes to classics, there’s nothing wrong with giving the audience what they want. I promise you someone will want this song whether they specifically request it or not. Sea Shanty’s rule. Save it on Spotify or Deezer.

Save My Soul“ by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Just because it’s a new song doesn’t mean it won’t work for a medieval fantasy setting. Check out this fantastic modern swing revival band from Southern California.

Give That Wench a Sonnet”  by The Poxy Boggards

The combination of Irish folk singing, lively instrumentals, and iambic pentameter makes this song a perfect fit for your bard. especially if they’re very charismatic if you catch my drift.

Come Little Children” by Erutan

Now this song is quite simple and sweet. Around the campfire, this is an ideal song to lull the characters to sleep or into a false sense of security. Either way, “Come little children” is a hauntingly beautiful song.

Mariner’s Revenge Song”, by The Decemberists

Listen to it on Spotify. Ready to go into battle? Not without singing about your motivation, you’re not. Take it from me belting out a woeful song before the war is as effective as an orc barbarian war cry.

 “My Mother Told Me”, an Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Cover, by Alina Gingertail

It’s not only bards that could benefit from singing. Consider your lonely barbarian that just happens to have a lovely baritone singing voice. Give them a chance to shine with a song already from within a game. From  Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, this song is sure to give everyone goosebumps or chicken skin.

Misty Mountains”, by Glenn YarbroughRankin And  Bass From The Movie ‘Hobbit’

If you didn’t expect this song to be on the list, then I don’t know what to tell you. Of course, it’s on the list, it’s from Tolkien, one of the main fantasy authors that inspired characters to this day.

Now we only had room for 10 because our writers thought that nobody would read to the bottom of a list of 176 fantasy-inspired songs. Nonetheless, here are our honourable mentions for your listening (and singing) pleasure.

Bardic Inspiration Conclusion

Make any event a spontaneous musical. Whether you’re heading into battle humming one of these or providing a healing word to a tune or even running into battle shrieking music at the top of your lungs, it adds to the immersion of the event. Support Switching Styles and sharing our song suggestions far and wide. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, on our email newsletter. Share your favourite song suggestions in the comments below.

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Reviews

Supernatural Soundscape and Ambient Music

The SPN fandom still has a way to engage with the Winchester family with Supernatural soundscape and ambience audio. Check out some of our favourites in the article below.

Introducing Supernatural the series

Supernatural, the series has been a topic of conversation throughout Switching Styles. Partly because our main writer thoroughly enjoys the SPN fandom. Seriously, check out her work over at medium.com with essays like, “Fandoms Saving the World One Altruistic Step at A Time; Online Activism Within the Supernatural Fandom”.

The SPN Family specifically is known for being active. This fan community is more like a family, a sentiment that started when Jared Padalecki referred to the fandom as his family (Fitzpatrick, 2017, para. 9). There are several authors writing about the way that the Supernatural Fandom is as close-knit as a family including Mary Frances Casper or Zubernis and Katherine Larsen. These authors discuss how fandom is akin to a family because of the interactions and connections between not only the fans themselves but between them and the cast and crew (Casper 2014; Zubernis and Larsen, 2012). Those interactions and relationships have merely become stronger as the show continues (PicklePegg, 2011, ch. 5, para. 32). The SPN Family is described affectionately and accurately as the SPN Family.

Comparative to others, the Supernatural Fandom goes beyond and has become an altruistic force in a way that other fan cultures haven’t (Casper 2014, Jackson 2015; PicklePegg, 2011, ch. 5, para. 31–32). The ideals of the show Supernatural transfer to the fans, “It’s this unshakeable commitment to family, regardless of circumstance, which resonates with fans and creates the fandom’s underlying personality” (Casper 2014, pg. 79).

Dylanna Fisher, 2021 – Medium.com

Headed by the Winchester boys, Sam and Dean are played by Jared Padalecki, and Jensen Ackles, respectively. This series is a story of adventure but most importantly family. Did you know that the actors from the show have started several charity organizations over the decades? The most prominent projects are Random Acts, GISH WISES, Always Keep Fighting, T-Shirt Campaigns, and the SPN Family Crisis Support Network. (Supernatural Wiki).

Winchester Audio Atmosphere

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Have you ever thought to yourself while watching Supernatural, ‘man if I could study beside Sam Winchester, I could ace this final exam’? That’s exactly what we’re here to provide. Need a super chill environment to study for your learners? try out the Supernatural Ambiance by Annelies Mohle. It’s designed to be relaxing. Want to focus specifically on academics like Sam Winchester before Season 1? Here’s the audio and soundscape from Bobby’s Cabin. Need something with a bit of excitement? Listen to the atmospheres of Crowley’s Personal Office!

Switching styles has compiled an extensive list of supernatural ambiances for your various focusing and relaxing needs.

Motel Soundscape/Ambience | Supernatural ASMR (With Talking) By Adri’s Ambience
Witchcore ◈ Autumn Forest 🍂 Good Witch Cabin By ASMR Weekly
Cozy Fall Coffee Shop Ambience: Relaxing Jazz Music and Rain Sounds For Studying, Relaxation, and Sleep By Calmed By Nature
Supernatural Ambience Sound ASMR | Research at Bobby’s House By Ambientcat
Supernatural ASMR || In the Bunker with Sam, Dean, Cas and Charlie By Adri’s Ambience
Research At Bobby’s House | Very Subtle Talking From Other Room By Sammitches
Supernatural Destiel ASMR | Driving Home From A Hunt With Castiel and Dean (Rain + Talking) By Moonlight
ASMR Ambience
Library Sounds | Study Ambience By The Guild of Ambience
Haunted Church Ambience 👻⛈️ By The Dea
d of Night
Supernatural Wayward Sisters Ambient By Moonlight ASMR Ambience

Last Thoughts

Want to support Switching Styles as we grow? Check out our music-themed merchandise at Redbubble. There’s a little of everything for everyone: mugs, prints, notebooks, posters, pillows, and musically inspired fashion.

Happy Humbug Day!! Let’s Celebrate With Anti-Christmas Songs

Christmas is nearing but that doesn’t mean that you need to only listen to upbeat positive Christmas cheer every second of the day. For Humbug Day, let’s enjoy some anti-Christmas songs. Be warned some of these holiday humbug days anti-Christmas songs do have some profanity and mature themes.

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Fun Fact: Did you know that most countries turn up holiday tunes by the end of November? Thanks to Christmas music research by Spotify, we know when to expect the holiday tunes to start. You’ve been warned.

Why is there so much holiday music for Christmas?

It’s once again that time of year. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey, “Last Christmas” by Wham!, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” by Michael Bublé, “Santa Tell Me “By Ariana Grande, and “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber are a few of the most popular Christmas songs in both Canada and the United States.

“You either love them or you hate them: With Christmas songs, there is no in-between,” comments Statista writer, Florian Zandt. Not everyone gets into the holiday cheer by singing carols. Some folks just need something different. Some folks would rather listen to anything else.

You are aware of it. We are aware of it. Kids pick it up. Everyone acknowledges that Christmas has a monopoly on festive music. Michael Buble doesn’t perform any songs about offering thanks during Thanksgiving. During the Labor Day long weekend, Mariah Carey is not selling records.

When interviewing our guest writer and a cover artist, we asked about the reasons behind the popularity of Christmas music over other holidays.

“To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve heard any Thanksgiving songs. There are songs for Halloween, but the quantity is minor compared to the options for Christmas. I tend to avoid primarily religious-themed songs so that is all there is for Easter. I think the secular and child-friendly element of many Christmas tunes makes them so popular,” Jason answers.

If you’re ready for Christmas music that’s not quite Christmas music, then read on! Christmas music for days for hours on end. Let’s break the cycle. Here’s a playlist of our favorite anti-Christmas songs for your listening pleasure.

Christmas Celebration” By Weezer

Christmas Is A B!Tch” By Rudy Mancuso

Christmas Carol” By Tom Lehrer

December Is For Cynics” By The Matches

Hallelujah” By No Resolve Originally By Leonard Cohen

 

Don’t Shoot Me Santa” By The Killers

The Night Santa Went Crazy” By Weird Al Yankovic

Not Another Christmas Song” By Blink-182

Disco Christmas” By Universal Robot Band

Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas) Cover” By Alaska, Courtney Act & Willam Originally By The Weather Girls

“This Christmas” By Set It Off

And our holiday favorite – Set It Off’s Christmas melody, “This Christmas (I’ll Burn It To The Ground)” is our main writer’s, Dylanna Fisher’s favorite Christmas tune. Very humbug if you ask me.

Happy Humbug Day!!

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Want more wonderful anti-seasonal music? To kick off the anti-holiday celebration, check out these incredible tunes!

Snowflake Appreciation Day

Snow isn’t something everyone enjoys. Nevertheless, it is a day to recognize the individuality of each snowflake. Today is Snowflake Appreciation Day, so to celebrate, we’re playing some amazing songs with a winter theme!

Fun Fact: Snow can fall at insane speeds. A single snowflake may move at speeds between one and nine miles per hour.

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Celebrating Snowflake Appreciation Day

What is a snowflake? You may just think that a snowflake is like fluffy ice. And you are kind of right. According to BBC writer Dale Shaw, a snowflake starts as something else entirely. “Snowflakes or snow crystals don’t have nuclei in the traditional, biological way (that contains genetic information), but they all do form around one single particle whether that’s a speck of dust or a piece of pollen. This makes it completely different from sleet (which consists of frozen raindrops) or hail (which are sleet droplets that collect water as they fall). This original piece of material that formed the flake can be detected using a powerful microscope.”

With that in mind, a snowflake can develop in a variety of ways. It’s no wonder that they’re all unique and special. Appreciate snowflakes with this snow-themed playlist. Listen to these holiday favorites while staring out at the snowy landscape. Remember you’re as unique as a snowflake! You are as one-of-a-kind as any snowflake you’ll see this winter season!

“Snowblind” Is Covered by System of a Down, Originally By Black Sabbath

“Every Snowflake Is Different (Just Like You)” By My Chemical Romance

“Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow” Covered by Saw Lamb Originally by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 

I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” By Robyn Adele Anderson Originally By Billie Holiday And Irving Berlin

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” By Frank Sinatra Originally By Vaughn Monroe

Fun Fact: chionophobia is the fear of snow. The word is derived from the Greek word chion, which means snow.

Final Thoughts

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Would you like more for your holiday playlist? We and CBC both provide alternatives for you. Check out their curated Christmas playlists like Pop Christmas, Jazz Loves Christmas, Seasonal Favorites, and Alt Christmas. Which one of these original songs with a winter theme is your favourite? Have we missed any? Tell us in the comments section below or on our social media!

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Interviews

Interviewing Jade Ireland About Cooking and Music

Many folks combine music and cooking, or baking. Jade Ireland is one of those types of people. In this article, we dive deep into the relationship between music and cooking or baking.

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Jade Ireland is a fun-loving person who enjoys everything to do with the kitchen. Most importantly she loves to cook, bake, and create culinary artwork. Some of her main focuses include Sustainable Life, cooking for Diabetics, Permaculture, and Clean Food.

Jade Ireland Q&A 

Switching Styles has reached out to Jade to discuss how music combines with her culinary passions. Below is an interview with Jade and then some of Jade’s go-to cooking music.

How did you get started in cooking?

I got started with my grandmother. Every school holiday we were in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Every event in our lives revolves around foods of some kind.

What were some of the memorable events and meals from your childhood?

Every Sunday night we went to my grandmother’s house for dinner. The smells and the warmth of her house are the things I remember.

What is one of your favourite recipes to cook?

I find this to be very hard, what’s the setting? Who is it for? What type of food do the people you cook for like? I love to cook with an Asian twist, but nothing beats a choc chip cookie I make every Sunday and give to them the people I love. I find they make Mondays better.

 What’s one of your favourite Asian-inspired recipes?

Sushi bowls love them so easy and quick

What’s the secret to a good chocolate cookie recipe?

 Your grandmother would never tell you this but it’s the love they put into it. (And the type of butter, salted)

Why is cooking an important skill to learn?

We all have to eat to survive. Why not have some fun with it? The more you work at this the better you get, and the more you learn. I love that it’s a skill I will be forever learning.

What advice do you have for people that are wanting to learn to cook?

Don’t be too hard on yourself, time and practice are the things that are needed. Start with a dish you love to eat.

Right now, why is cooking with what you have so important?

The world is changing so much, waste is a huge issue at this point. I do believe that if this skill were handed down just like it used to be waste wouldn’t be such a problem. Scrappy cooking is a thing

What’s the biggest concern that people have when learning to cook?

That they won’t cook the items right. Or they are afraid of the knives and the skills of using them.

What are some tips for people that are nervous about cooking?

Keep using the knives, the more you use them the better off you are, and your skills will improve. Keep cooking, you may burn the items for the first few times, and you know what that’s more than ok.

I have been in the industry for over a decade. I too still get it wrong sometimes; I use it as a learning opportunity

Why does it help you to have music while you cook?

I find it helps me to focus, every kitchen I have ever worked in there has always been music. Kitchens are a loud environment. All the slicing and dicing.

The music also makes the time fun, with all the singing and dancing that happens

What songs are on your playlist while you work?

At this point I find myself putting on a lot of Viking tunes, the amazing artist Peyton Parrish, in saying this I have been making a lot heartier meals as we are coming out of winter where I am.

Does the playlist change depending on what you’re cooking?

100% it does. I go from Viking to Disney.

What recipes do you cook with Viking music versus listening to Disney music?

Winter and hearty foods are for the Viking music. Whereas I find Disney is light and summery so more salads and fruits

What are your favourite Disney movie soundtracks?

I’m an old-school Disney fan but I have a list of all the tracks, and I just hit shuffle. What ever comes on and you just let it go.

Sharing Jade Irelands Cooking Music

You read it right here! Viking folk music and Disney tunes are Jade’s go-to when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. Of course, we’ve got several examples to add to your very own cooking playlist!

Jade Ireland Pick: “My Mother Told Me” Old Norse Viking Chant By Peyton Parrish

“Ó Valhalla” By Skáld

“If I Had A Heart” Norse Version) By Colm McGuinness Music

“Go The Distance” From Hercules by Peyton Parrish

My Mother Told Me” By  Adam Chance And The Hound + The Fox

“Lava” By Bowcut Productions

“Arabian Nights” By Lydia the Bard

“Part Of Your World” By Ms. Chloe Dichoso

“I Won’t Say I’m In Love” By Thomas Sanders

“Beauty And the Beast” By Lindsey Stirling

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Which of these songs are you adding to your Spotify list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Reviews

High Fantasy Themed Background Music

What’s a High Fantasy Themed RPG game without high-fantasy music to accompany the party? Even the most basic ethereal high fantasy games are brought to life with ethereal and immersive background music.

Introduction To High Fantasy Games

“With the rapid advancements in technology accompanying video games, soundtracks have changed dramatically and have become an important part of the storytelling process,” Explains the writers at Anara Publishing.

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Consider fantasy films like Lord of The Rings, The Dark Crystal, Maleficent, Jumanji, Enchanted, Alice in Wonderland, and The Spiderwick Chronicles. All of them have a fantastic soundtrack that adds to the film itself. With fantasy elements intertwined in the sound effects, ambience, and music soundtrack, there’s so much immersion. Now consider immersion in a role-playing game.

whether you’re playing The One Ring Roleplaying Game: Second Edition, Pendragon, D&D, Pathfinder, Warhammer, D6, GURPS, Zweihander, Ryuutama: Natural Fantasy Roleplay, Journey Away, there’s always a potential for music to add to it. Follow this fantastic topic on Switching styles by signing up for our newsletter or visiting here.

High Fantasy Themed Musical Immersion

How can audio help RPG immersion? Audio, whether it’s music or sound effects or soundscapes, adds to immersion by interacting with another sense. Typically, in a tabletop RPG game, you’re engaged visually and mentally. Adding another sense makes it easier to ignore the ‘outside world’ while you’re playing the game. Music like the ones we’ve compiled below is a great way to add a sense of realism.

Mana Storm By Michael Ghelfi Studios

 

Isverden By ASKII

 

Underdark By Cthulhu Mythos Music


Branches By Dreamhop Music

 

Cursed Forest By Michael Ghelfi Studios

 

A New Adventure By Blue Turtle

 

Spirit Of The Wind By Brunuhville

Streets Of Eroa By CIRI

 

Dancing With The Elves By Sundew Baggins

Astray By Space Wave

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Let me know what your favourite was in the comments below! Thanks for reading Switching Styles today! It means a lot to the writers. Follow the blog on WordPress or our social media and never miss an update or contest!

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Interviews Reviews

LARP and Social Anxiety

There’s no shame in being a new player or an anxious player.  Sometimes LARP and social anxiety overlap. read more about combatting social anxiety and enjoying your LARP game.

Introduction to LARP

Let’s start with the obvious question. What exactly is LARP? LARP stands for live-action roleplaying game. These games are a form of immersive game based off traditional role-playing games such as D&D, Pathfinder, Gamma world and so on.

Like these traditional roleplaying games where one creates you create a character based on the game rules. Then it’s time to roleplay as your character. The difference between TTRPG and LARP is that you play out that character’s thoughts, actions, and progression in live action. you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation.

For example, instead of telling your Dungeon master what your 5th level elf rogue does to sneak past the guards, you do just that. It’s a fantastic way to bring the game to life. You’re able to roleplay as Darcassan Joric, a fifth level roque with a history of drunken disorder likes and a love for the kazoo. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there’s all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline.

Joining LARP with social anxiety

Social anxiety is defined by The Mental Health Foundation as a “Beyond the typical sensation one might expect when speaking in public, meeting people for the first time, starting at a new job or school, or giving a performance, when the discomfort or feelings of shyness result in anxiety, fear, or avoidance and have an ongoing impact a person’s daily at work, in school then it could be social anxiety disorder (SAD).”

As it’s different from general nervousness in social settings, ‘jump right in’ isn’t the best solution. For most socially anxious folks, baby steps and social awareness are often the most helpful.

The Mental Health Foundation explains that “How we feel, think, and behave in social situations varies from person to person depending on our personality traits, upbringing, and life experiences. Some people are naturally reserved and shy whereas others might be more outgoing and extroverted, but anyone can have a SAD.”

This can make games that focus very highly on the socializing and person to person engagement like RPGS difficult. LARPS take it a step further by being longer, and more involved as you’re physically acting as the character.

Refuge LARP, a game based out of Calgary adores giving folks a chance to learn and to be comfortable. Their website reads, “Glad you made it! Come on in, learn about LARP, and take a break from the real world. Everyone is welcome to seek Refuge in our fantasy world. Whether you are new to roleplaying, new to LARP, or looking for a new LARP to play, we look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!”

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Tips for joining a LARP with social anxiety

Social anxiety can be debilitating for inexperienced players as well as experienced. However, anxiety shouldn’t stop players from enjoying a weekend LARP game. Getting out there is rough but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Here are a few tips when it comes to getting ready for a LARP game with social anxiety.

Join the social media groups and forums.

Even as a lurker, you can get more comfortable with how the players interact with one another. Try asking a question to some of the players either in a DM or a beginners’ forum. Most people will be very open to your curiosity or at the very least, know someone who can help.

You can take this a step further once you’ve figured out your character. Joining Organizations that your character may join provides another way to engage with the material as well to observe the subtleties of the game in game. Take these examples from the Refuge LARP. Depending on who or what your character is, these groups can include  The Home Guard 2.0: The Standing Army of Calanda,  or  The Arcane Sanctum 2.0: The Mage Guild of Calandonia, or  The Earth Weavers 2.0: The Order of Earth Casters, or The Silken Refuge: A Hobling run merchant house specializing in the trade of rare Silks from the island of Auric, or The Uruzaries: A High Orc/Ogre organization in servitude to the Oath sworn Shariah of the Edgeland Desert, or the  Hammer Outfitters: originally a Dwarven guild for craftsmen. You’ve got options!

Play as a monster

Cory Fliegel, the head organizer of the Calgary game Refuge says it’s easier to get started with non-player characters or NPCS. His Advice for newcomers is to start with the monster camp as it’s easy to start and simple to play. Monster camp is a nickname for the portion of the organizations that play non-player characters (NPCs) or monsters.

“Others jump right into being a PC and again, that is the choice everyone makes. Your level of comfort should be your main guide,” Explains the user guide for Refuge LARP”, You get to learn the game while gaining Experience Points (XP) for a future PC that you may play.

Playing as a goblin, orc, troll, bugbear, hobgoblin, kobold, mimic, beholder, or even an evil npc allows new players to get a taste for the game, and the rules without the stress of an entire character. It allows the fun to come first.

Get inspired

Do your research. Most LARPs have their lore, myths, history, and characters on their website. Take a look at the various options before you.

[Tip for those that don’t want to read the entire website or folks with ADHD – try a browser extension that reads out the page’s text to you. It’s a game changer for reading any block of text. Here’s what I use. And it’s free!!]

Attend with someone

Going with someone that’s been there before is a huge help. They’re able to show you the ropes and guide you through. Make sure you discuss this with them beforehand. They are sure to be an immense help, but they need to know how to help first.

As an added bonus to this, many games have incentivized introducing new players. Refuge LARP organizer Cory F. provides an incentive for bringing new players in with you and explains that “While only one member may benefit for each new player that purchases a membership, there’s no limit to the number of new players you can bring and receive rewards for! Plus, as a thank-you to both players may pick from a list specific magic items!”

Bring a friend

What’s better than one new player? Two new players!! It’s much easier to fumble through the first day when you know you aren’t alone. Chatting with friends, or folks on social media is a terrific way to meet people that are also LARP newbies.

Ask about Out of game (OOG) options.

Many games will have options for folks that want to take a break. Whether that’s a separate area where you can check your phone, have a snack, or go back to being you for a bit. Some games have a visual aspect to them such as a white headband or a hand on your head to tell other players, “Don’t interact with me.” It’s essentially the LARP’s version of AFK. Each game with have a slightly different approach, so it’s always best to ask.

If you are worried about potential panic or anxiety attacks, also ask about the first aid options. LARP games are meant to be fun not a health hazard.

Give yourself some slack

The first game can be overwhelming. There are a lot of new things to learn and stories to hear. Every new player goes through this, I promise you. Nothing you ask is going to be a surprise to the current players. They’ll either know the answer or send you to someone that does. Consider it your first quest!!

Remember that these are games that are meant to be fun. Take It seriously but not so seriously that it stops being fun. Here are some relaxing songs to help you focus and calm throughout the entire process.

Lost Tales: Our Secret Place By Dreamhop Music

Celestial Choirs By The Guild Of Ambience

Mysterious Music By Arondight Studios

Magic Library By Blue Turtle

Northwind By Brunuhville

Traditional Irish Folk Music By Lantern

Seeking Solitude By Daydreaming Of Persephone

Haunted Cemetery By Michael Ghelfi Studios

Coronation By CIRI

Got more tips to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!!

Categories
Interviews

Adding Immersive Horror Music To Your Horror Games

Everyone knows that music makes the game, especially when it comes to horror. Adding in immersive horror music to your game will impress your players. . Read below on how to add a spooky soundtrack to terrify your players.

Introduction To Horror Games And Their Music

When players think of horror games, they want to be scared. This is the case for video games, LARPs, escape rooms, haunted houses, D&D games, and so much more. When your players take part in this game, they want to be terrified, usually.

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Atmospheric soundtracks aren’t only in one specific genre. Music is important through many diverse types of games, and consoles. Regardless of whether you’re playing Carrion for the switch, Vampire: The Masquerade LARP, Call of Cthulhu RPG, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly on PS4 and Xbox One, or SCP; secret laboratory on Steam, there’s still an element of music to it. Follow the video game topic on Switching styles, by signing up for our newsletter!

Think about the last horror video game you played. What kind of audio did they have? What kind of background noises or music? It was probably something creepy that made the hair on your arm and neck stands up. That’s because it’s supposed to.

“In recent years games developers, especially within the Horror genre, have become masters of creating soundtracks that have a terrifying eeriness and an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat,” Explains the writers at Anara Publishing.

Consider walking into a haunted house in your local community center. There’s music but it’s not Halloween-themed or horror themed it’s Swing covers of Disney songs. That’s not going to encourage people to be scared. They’ll most likely be more confused than anything else. It’s the same thing with other genres. Players aren’t scared if the horror boss battle is serenaded, by “Hot N Cold” from Katy Perry.

Fun Fact: When you get chills or goosebumps from a piece of music (or really from any aesthetic experience) is called frisson. The phenomenon is still being studied, by researchers around the world. (.)

Immersive Horror Music For Gaming

When it comes to adding an element of realism and terror to your game, it helps to have some options. Below we’ve compiled a few of our favourite horror-themed music. Whether you’re adding this to your Friday night MTG theme night, your monthly vampire masquerade session or even your biweekly Cthulhu D&D game, we’ve got you covered.

Creepy Music Mix #1, Instrumental Halloween Music

Dark Piano, Lucas King

Tormented Hybrid Horror Music Mix, Horror Music World

Dark Mystery Orchestral Remix, Cthulhu Mythos Music

The Yōkai Compendium, Realm of Dementia

Dark Victorian Music, Cryo Chamber

H.P. Lovecraft music, Cthulhu Mythos Music

Phobia; Tense Cinematic Background Music, Soundridemusic

Halloween Spooky Ambience, Cozy Rain

Goëtia, Peter Gundry

Detective Background Music, FesliyanStudios Background Music

Horror Cinematic background music, Elysium Audio Labs

Horror Ambience, ESN Productions

Tim Burton Vibes Compiled, Sundew Baggins

Darkest Dungeon – Combat Music composed, by Stuart Chatwood for Red Hook Studios

Want to support Switching Styles? Check out our merchandise at Redbubble. There’s a little of everything for everyone: coffee mugs, aprons, notebooks, posters, pillows, and of course musically inspired fashion. Read more nerdy titles on Switching styles like Heavy Metal Heroes; The Superheroes You Didn’t Know You Needed, and With Ether Q&A.

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Science Fiction Background Music For Video Games, RPGS, And LARPing

As a genre, whether it’s in film video games, RPGs, theatre, television, or music, science fiction is a genre that’s all its own. Read below to learn more about science fiction background music and immersion.

Introduction To Science Fiction Games

Science fiction has long been a genre full of wonder and exploration. The genre itself allows for endless possibilities. That’s what attracts audiences to the genre regardless of its medium. The music that accompanies science fiction is amazingly creative and diverse. The sound effects are mainly intended to be otherworldly and unlike anything we’ve seen before.  Follow the topic of Sci-fi on Switching styles by signing up for our newsletter or visiting here.

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How can audio help RPG immersion? Background music makes the entire experience much more immersive for the audience. “But even so, music in games and even movies have a propensity to blend into the background and become an inextricable part of a greater whole. Sometimes you don’t really know what you’re missing until you turn it off,” Writes Kellen Beck, a writer from Mashable.

Take Star Trek for example. There were dozens of sound effects and background noises that added to the look and feel of the world and to the overall storytelling.

Consider all the science fiction you’ve ever watched. The noise of the doors to the bridge on Star Trek, Star wars lightsabers during a duel, the blaring alarms and the whoosh of Star Gates are all highly recognizable sounds. but that’s not all they’re highly recognizable sci-fi sound effects.

Science Fiction Background Music

Here’s some music for your listening pleasure. Engage!

Steampunk Music By Michael Ghelfi Studios

Chill Beats By Tale Foundry

Neon Nights By Enceladus District

Sands Of Arrakis By Space Wave

Space Station By Ambience Lab

Epic Battle Music By Unwind Station

Clockwork Lands By The Spirit Of Orchestral Music

Space Traveling By The Jazz Hop Café

Star Wars Lo-Fi Hiphop Mix By Samuel Kim Music

Cybertronian Radio By Spark Light Animation

Let me know what your favorite was in the comments below!

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