Tag: Music

Where To Put Immersion; Lilja Dalgaard Adventures

green valley under gray sky
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With all switching styles articles talking about immersion, there isn’t a lot explaining how it’s used when it’s more than just ambience. Here are some more details on how to employ immersion in your RPG, board, or card games. whatever story you’re leading your characters through, music and sound effects can make the game seem more real. That’s what immersion is. Below we dive into the story of Lilja Dalgaard, a barbarian were bear created by Switching Style’s main writer, Dylanna Fisher for a GURPS game played with her family and friends.

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Introduction To Immersion

A game’s immersion draws you in. The act of immersing yourself in something or having a profound mental interest is referred to as immersion. It’s not only about playing the game and getting lost in the dream. It’s about being inside the world itself. Whether you’re in a world of fantasy and magic or a world of science fiction and robots, there are sound effects and tunes that make it seem all that more realistic. We know it’s just a game but they’re called escapes from reality for a reason.

Music is a perfect example of immersion. To get a deeper look into using music to immerse your players into your game, we’re using a direct example. Here’s a character’s (Lilja Dalgaard) first-person perspective of the first game of the story arc. She’s never met these other people before in her life, but fate has brought them together for a reason. Accidents don’t happen in her mind.

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We’ll be going through her adventure and adding in points to change to a different ambience or soundscape. This is a story for Lilja Dalgaard, which will be different than your stories and characters. Remember these are just suggestions inside of a very specific example. Make sure that you tell your story your way. Let us know your playlist by tagging us on social media!!

Lilja Dalgaard’s Prayer in The Tower to Freyja

A generic fantasy setting or a quiet night with crickets is a wonderful place to start. Some fantastic options include “A Forgotten Path 🍃 Chill Lo-fi Beats” By The Bootleg Boy, “Misty Forest ✢ Acoustic Celtic Harp Lullaby – Binaural Rain And Thunder And Ambience” By Blissful Existence Or “Relaxing Zelda Music With Campfire Ambience” By Sam Cisco. Our favourite one for here is “Position Music – Fantasmagora” By Trailer Music World I.

In the following write-up, we’ve added some background music where there is a change of scene. This is one of Lilja Dalsgaard’s very first travels.

I placed the symbols of Freya by my head. As I kneeled, I began to recount my past adventure to her. I told her of the great storm brought down by Thor. At the time I grumbled over the inconvenience. I admitted to Freya that it was a great occurrence.  Without the intervention, I would not have begun this new journey. At the time, I was between contracts. I was heading east, in the direction of wind when the storm hit. It was abrupt and got very violent extremely fast. It forced me to abandon my previous journey and head south. I kept going through the storm attempting to reach a town before it got too bad.  There was a run-down tower ahead of me. It was sketchy and I was sure of my ability that I could make it to a town in one piece.

“Relaxing Ambience Music – Fire Camp at Midnight” By Musiki

Something changed my mind. I strode towards the crumbling building. While there, I met four very odd, different characters, an elf and three humans. All short compared to me. I still can’t remember their names. I am sure I will in time. At first, I was unsure what to think of them, the small one the most. Besides me, she was the only other woman. She was ridiculously small and made me think of Loki. She makes me a bit nervous. Not that she is unhonourable, merely mischievous. The elf didn’t share much about himself, however neither did I. The next male came in with a lavish cloak. He was obviously of some wealth. I was not surprised when he shared the fact that he was a well-to-do merchant.  The other human was excitable. It reminded me of my brother when he was younger. I chuckled at the Comparison.

“Medieval Lo-Fi Vibes” By Llamaloops

Later, he would perform a sleep spell on me. I only picked up the ring by chance. He assaulted me even though I had no intention of keeping it for myself. I was not outraged that he had assaulted me, but rather why he had attacked me. In retrospect, I might have been too harsh on him. He later informed the shopkeeper that he had misplaced the ring. It didn’t matter to me who possessed the ring, but I’m concerned that the short man lied about its whereabouts. I shall, of course, treat him with courtesy, but how can one be honourable if he lies?

“Mighty Vibes Vol 5: Zephrah Radio” By Critical Role

We weren’t there for long before we were attacked by a group of rats. There was one for each of us plus a few. I took one out with one hit. It made a smear on the stoned walls. It was admittedly an underwhelming attack. The event wasn’t all bad though, I had a hearty laugh. One of the rats had spun around and attacked one of its own. I shook my head at them and giggled.

Next, I helped the elf barricade the door at the suggestion of the tiny girl of Loki’s. The elf was taken a bit off guard by my battle axe. I chuckled to my self. I barely noticed the merchant’s absence until I heard a scream. If I hadn’t shoved past the only other female, I would have thought that she was screaming. I burst into the room where he was being attacked by a lesser vagul. I shoved the shocked man to the ground, not causing too many bruises and attacked the beast. It, like the rats, was finished in a moment.

“D&D/RPG Combat Music” By Michael Ghelfi Studios

At that moment, I was coming down from berserker. Of all things to ask at a time like that, the merchant offers me a job as a sort of bodyguard. Even funnier than that was his face at my response. I felt no foolishness as I laughed aloud at the memory. Next, we travelled down a corridor and were face to face with a pair of hobgoblins. They barely readied their short swords before I attacked. It took one hit to topple the pair of them. Above us was their camp. They had escaped the storm just as we had.

These were all stories of great strength but there was no bravery, or cunning. Then I sighed, we came upon the undead bugbear. This is a truly worthy story of your Valkyrie. We attacked the massive beast head-on. I was content using my human form to banish this creature back to the depths. Then he made an insult my mother, and I could no longer take it. I bashed my chest and turned into a massive bear.  Then I attacked. I took two attacks and he retaliated. He wounded me. Victory was close I was a few swings away when I felt a sharp pain from a backstabbing arrow. I fell to the ground as the sounds of battle raged around me. The worst part was that I knew I could have defeated him if I had only more time.

“Gladiator | Tranquil Ambient Soundscape with Iconic Music from The Epic Film” By Ambient Worlds

Then I launched an assault. I took two attacks, and he replied. He hurt me. Victory was within reach. I was only a few strokes away when I felt a stinging ache from a backstabbing arrow. As the noises of war erupted around me, I slumped to the ground. The saddest thing was that I knew I could have defeated him if only I had more time.

“D&D Ambience – Generic Dungeon” By Sword Coast Soundscapes

I could tell that he did not intend for his arrow to pierce my pelt. He looked genuinely apologetic. Instead of scaring him like I did to the magic user, I merely called him a runkisse. My mother used to scold me for my mouth. I have learned that there is a place and a time for cursing. Anyhow it is usually difficult to use a bear mouth for human speech, but I had a lot of childhood practice. I chuckle at the memories of Yorick and Karine. As siblings, we would have many play fights where we would taunt each other in bear form. I chuckled

“Nordic Mythical & Pre-Viking Ancestral Ambient” By Paleowolf

I pawed and felt the blonde handprint on my head. I knew what happened that day. The Valkyrie did not choose me. You came down as Val Freya. As a goddess with seidr, you respun my destiny. My life was changed. With that handprint permanently on my brow I will continue to gather stories that can compare to the best of your Valkyrie. The stars are out now Freya. Soon, I will speak to you again. I finished my prayer and opened my eyes. That’s when I came face to face with the small girl. She attempted in vain to make me a pillow, I refused. She kept insisting, eventually, she was satisfied with my undershirt as a blanket. I turned into a bear and snuggled against my cloak for a long night’s sleep.

“8 Hrs Soothing Lake Waves & Birds Chirping for Relaxation – 4k Summer Ambience at Mt St Helens” By Nature Soundscapes

Concluding Thoughts on Lilja Dalgaard

Let me know what you think in the comments below about these examples of immersive background music for the adventures of Lilja Dalgaard. Do you have a favourite song to suggest to us? 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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Flighted Freedom Poetic Lyrics

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Flighted Freedom Poetic Lyrics by Dylanna Fisher. These are merely lyrics to a poem by our very own writer, Dylanna Fisher. What music would you put to these words?

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Flighted Freedom Lyrics

I want to become a bird

If I could

Flying would be my superpower

If I were super

If I had power

A majestic creature so small

But size doesn’t matter

When you’re on top of the world

I want to be beautiful

With shimmering feathers

With shining eyes

That can see what I can’t

I want to away fly 

To cover vast time, space

Until they blur as one

I want to escape 

To something more

I want to go so badly

So far away from here

I want to go

Liberation freedom something more

Something that’s not here 

I want to see something more than the sidewalk

To regain my vision 

I want saving from concrete

It will be for me, myself, mine

I want anything 

Anything, anything, anything

I want to be a bird

To fly away from you

But I can’t leave

I can’t fly

I only have feet and these stairs

Final Thoughts

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What music would you put behind this poem? Do you think one genre over another would be best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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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”

Background Music and Immersion: Top Ten Tips

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Immersion can be hard to master. However, with practice, expertise, and the proper tune for background music, it becomes simpler. Music or sound effects to increase the ambience are one factor that adds to the overall immersion.

Background sounds to add to your game’s immersion. A survey shows that nearly all of the larping respondents felt that background music and sound effects increased their overall sense of immersion (the computer games journal). Use these scene and music changes to improve your game.

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Top Ten Tips for Immersive Background Music

We’ve compiled a list of the top ten tips for adding immersive music to any kind of game. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Set the playlist up ahead of time and just click play to start and next when the next scene change comes up
  • Putter on forums related to TTRPGS or social groups on social media. You don’t need to be active in the groups to learn more tips, tricks, and background music or soundscape suggestions.
  • Change it up each game to keep your players on their toes
  • Try having scene-specific soundscapes. If your players are inside a rowdy tavern, play a soundscape that’s crowded and noisy.
  • Find new sounds. Try different styles, or artists when compiling your playlists. There’s always something new to add to your games.
  • Listen to them beforehand to anticipate any changes in volume or loud bursts of noise.
  • Consider your audience’s preferences and take their advice. The playlist is for immersion for you as much as it is for your players. Collaborate with your players to find new and exciting music.
  • Branch out. It may seem counterintuitive but try different genres for your game. Your western style game could benefit from some spooky soundtracks during a specifically scary night scene.
  • Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. If the song doesn’t work at the moment or isn’t vibing with your players, take it as a learning opportunity. It’s not a mistake if you learn from it.
  • Follow switchingstyles.ca to get updates on fun and quirky music to add to your game.

Immersive Soundscape Playlist

Here are some ambient playlists, soundscapes, and background tracks to make your game as immersive as possible.

“Jurassic Park Music & Ambience – Amazing Soundscapes and Music” By Ambient Worlds

“Full Hour of Avatar the Last Airbender and Korra Amazing Soundtracks!” By Red Life

“11 HOURS of Rainforest Birds in 4K – Colorful Breathtaking Birds with Sound” by Nature Relaxation Films

“Uncle Iroh Plays Tsungi Horn For 20 Minutes” By Saimo

“Deep Ocean: 10 Hours of Relaxing Oceanscapes” By BBC Earth

Last Thoughts

Additional immersion information, recommendations, and methods may be found at switchingstyles.ca. Let me know in the comments what your favourite music recommendation was! Thank you for taking the time to read today’s update! It means a great deal to the writers. To never miss an update or a contest, follow the blog on WordPress or our social media!

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Inspiration Songs of my Were-Bear Barbarian GURPS Character

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I created a character that’s as fierce as a mama bear and twice as big. This is her story and the music that she uses for inspiration. Read below for the Inspiration Songs of my Were-Bear Barbarian GURPS Character!

Introducing Lilja Dalgaard

My name is Lilja Dalgaard. Some people call me half-fish. I was born in the north in a village called Oland. It had short harsh winters, mild summers, and long rainy seasons. I remember playing in the rain as a cub. Our village bordered a river. We had an abundance of ships and an almost endless supply of fish. My mouth waters just thinking of a great white tuna. I know that it may seem as if we just open our doors to pillaging, but what can I say we welcomed a challenge. Our village is one of were-bears. We weren’t concerned. Since we are all bears, we have a sense of community that no other Norse village could have. We belonged and were understood with more than just mere understanding but a twin-like empathy.

Family Life

They say home is where the heart is and with our village it couldn’t be truer. I lived in the longhouse with my parents and my siblings. My brother, Yorick, is just as strong as I am. We are about the same age give or take a few moon cycles.

We always got along like we were best friends. He is the darkest were bear of our family, with a pelt as dark as cold molasses. My father says that he gets the color from his father. My sister has a light tan coat just like my father. She has proven herself as a skilled archer. She is the baby of the family, for now. On my last visit home, my parents told me they are preparing for another baby. The child should be born in about four moons from now. My mother and father met during one of my father’s pillages. He went Viking and came upon her village. Their eyes met and it was love at first sight. She went with my father willingly, and they have been madly in love ever since. I and my mother share the same deep red pelt. Father says that her deep red is one of the things that he fell in love with. My mother, Ronia, and my father, Henrik, are the best that I could ever have asked Odin for.

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I chose to leave my village, not because something was wrong with it, but because I wanted more. I found less and less challenges and inspirations. Freya and Thor aren’t impressed with meagre stories of an easy victory. I needed a new spark. That spark came at the ceremony of my second decade.

Celebration of my Second Decade

There were many others in the village celebrating their second decade. The whole village gathered around the fire and had a feast. We took turns telling stories while we passed around delicious food. It came time for my parent’s story of me.

Story Time: The Monster Under My Bed

When I was little, I was convinced there was a monster under my bed. I was a bit afraid, but I was mostly annoyed.

My parents went back and forth, telling the story. They finished each other’s sentences. They spoke together, with one voice. I found this fascinating. I wanted a love like that; I was convinced I would not find it here.

Anyway, my father had tried to tell me there was nothing there; he tried to scare it away. Still, I was sure it was there. My mother then came in and sat down and told me about a place to the south where girls are told they are weak and need to be protected by men. She laughed and said that we are not those women. We will be handmaidens of Freya and we can’t be afraid. They left and I was alone. Unknown to me at the time, they had stayed by my door to see what I would do. They heard me talking to the monster, telling it to get out from under my bed because it was bothering me and my brother’s sleeping. I put my hands on my hips and told it that if it didn’t stop bugging us, I would turn into a bear. So, I did, I turned into a bear and growled at my bed. With the minster vanquished, I went to bed in bear form.

The circle roared with a chorus of chuckles and cuteness noises. I was a bit embarrassed but there were worse stories.

On The Way Home

While we were on our way home father handed me a leather strap. Dangling from the strap was a large cleric gobbling tooth. It was polished and tattooed with goblin magic runes. He said that when I was a wee babe, a large party of goblins raided the village. In the heat of the battle, I was separated from my mother, who was pregnant with my brother. They found me after the fight was over. I was contently sitting between corpses. holding the tooth and one of the eating knives from that night’s feast. There I was, waving them around, and occasionally sticking the dagger hilt in my mouth. He told me that this was the first of many Freya-worthy stories. From then on, I knew that I wanted to gather honour and victories. Unfortunately, I did not know where.

Starting my Adventures

I had heard of adventurers of distant lands, but I didn’t dwell on them. One day that changed. I met a traveller one day; he was in the inn of our village. We had taken a liking to him even though he was a foreigner. He told such grand stories; the entire inn was listening. I heard tales of ferocious creatures I had never encountered. I had found a spark. There was a land beyond our borders full of stories worthy of Freya and I was going to get them.

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Inspiration Songs for Lilja Dalgaard, my Were-Bear Barbarian GURPS Character

There’s a long list of adventuring music that all adventurers share. There are battle songs and clerical hymns that all characters can relate to. But we’re not talking about any adventurers here. The playlist below is curated for a hardened Norse barbarian with everything to prove.

“If I had a heart” by Colm McGuinness

“Surface Pressure” By Our Last Night Originally By Jessica Darrow

“My Mother Told Me” by Peyton Parrish

“Wolf Totem” Originally by the Hu

“Carry on my Wayward Son” covered by Anthrax Originally by Kansas

“Far over the Misty Mountain Cold” by Geoff Castellucci

“The Call” Originally by Regina Spektor


Final Thoughts

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What are your thoughts on these songs? Are these the songs of a Were-Bear Barbarian GURPS Character? Whose battle ballad held the most pizazz for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Bardic Inspiration; Themed Songs For All Classes To Belt Out

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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 Yarbrough, Rankin 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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High Fantasy Themed Background Music

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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!

The Zodiac Killer Facts and Cover Songs

ZODIAC-C-14DEC99-SC-HO--Police sketch of the man suspected of being the "Zodiak Killer," 1969.

The Zodiac Killer investigation leaves so many questions open leaving an audience wanting The Zodiac Killer Facts. Here we’ve answered some of your questions about the infamous serial killer.

“I hope you are having lots of fun in trying to catch me. I am not afraid of the gas chamber because it will send me to paradice (sic). all the sooner because I now have enough slaves to work for me,” the decrypted message reads, without throwing any light on the killer’s identity.

Introducing the Zodiac Killer

Serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez, David Berkowitz, and John Wayne Gacy captivate audiences. Human beings are fascinated by the destruction that these people have left in their wake. The Zodiac killer is another example of audiences being enthralled with death and destruction. It’s morbid but fascinating in a way.

Facts About the Zodiac Killer

This is still an active case.

Napa County, Solano County, and the California Department of Justice have maintained an open file on this crime spree. As well, there are several people, professionals and civilians alike that are working together to solve this mystery (CNN).

They are getting new leads in the investigation.

Thanks to the work by the San Francisco Police Department, the FBI, and a team of private citizens, one of the ciphers has been cracked and finally understood. This ‘trio of code breakers” includes a trio of code breakers — David Oranchak, a software developer in Virginia, Jarl Van Eycke, a Belgian computer programmer, and Sam Blake, an Australian mathematician (CNN). The FBI said in a statement, “Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, and out of respect for the victims and their families, we will not be providing further comment at this time.”

In a comment to New York Times, Blake describes that “Not only were we lucky enough to find the needle in the haystack, but we were lucky enough to pick the right haystack to start searching for the needle.”

There may be more victims.

There are only 7 confirmed victims by the names of David Arthur Faraday, Betty Lou Jensen, Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin, Cecelia Ann Shepard, Paul Lee Stine. In the killer’s letters and cards, he admits to killing 37 people. There are up to 37 probable victims including Ray Davis, Kathleen Johns, and Donna Ann Lass and several others (Zodiackiller.com; Graysmith).

Crime writer Robert Graysmith argued that the Zodiac killer remained active through the 1980s and murdered dozens of more people (Britannica).

There have been thousands of Zodiac suspects.

Since 1968 there have been countless suspects including Gaikowski, Allen, Marshall, and Kan (Zodiackiller.com). Russell Johnson, known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley on the sitcom Gilligan’s Island, was rumoured to be the infamous Zodiac killer. This was found to be untrue as it was originally printed on a satirical and amusement website Empire News (Snopes).

There’s still a lot we don’t know about the Zodiac killer.

There are a lot of unanswered questions about his motives, his methods, and most of all the letters. The Zodiac Killer gained notoriety by writing cryptic letters to law enforcement and local media. This is what set him apart from other killers (The Varsity). The Zodiac never clarified his symbols or the letters, although there are many ideas about what it meant (Zodiackiller.com).

The original sketch of the Zodiac killer is futile.

It’s useless due to how nondescript it is. Over the years there have been countless people that know someone that matches the sketch whether it’s a neighbour, brother, father, grocery clerk, real estate agent. They simply look like a generic young-to-middle-aged white man in the 1960s. Add to this, even in optimal circumstances, sketches done from memory aren’t very reliable or accurate (SFGate).

Covers of Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan

Here’s the original for your viewing pleasure. Let us know in the comments how the covers compare to the original. Did they do better? Or worse?

Below are numerous covers of Donovan’s Hurdy Gurdy Man, a song that is intertwined with the film, Zodiac (2007). that investigates the infamous Zodiac killer murders.

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By The Phantoms

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Hurdy Gurdy Cover By Daniel Mantey

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Jimmy Ether and family

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Eartha Kitt

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Arthur Horeanu

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Azzmeir

 

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Maša Gjerek

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Harp, Sitar, Guitar & Harmony Cover By Teak Wood Gallows

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Eric Mercury

 

“Hurdy Gurdy Man” Cover By Reflective Detectives

 

 

Final Thoughts: Who Is the Zodiac Killer?

In the end, we’re still left with the same question “Who is the Zodiac Killer?” This is the main question that everyone is still asking. Still, we have no answers.

Although they had a suspect in mind and have an ongoing investigation, authorities are still looking to hold someone accountable for 7 possibly more murders. The Zodiac killer is responsible for the deaths of David Arthur Faraday, Betty Lou Jensen, Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin, Cecelia Ann Shepard, Paul Lee Stine that we know of. May they rest in peace.

Learn More About the Zodiac Killer at These Following Resources.

Dowd, K (2021, January 6). Why has the Zodiac Killer never been caught? SFGATE; SFGATE. https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/why-has-Zodiac-Killer-never-been-caught-15847923.php

Fagan, K (2021). Zodiac ‘340 Cipher’ cracked by code experts 51 years after it was sent to the S.F. Chronicle. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Zodiac-340-cypher-cracked-by-code-expert-51-years-15794943.php

Graysmith, R (1976). Zodiac (1st ed.).

Leah Asmelash and Cheri Mossburg, C (2021). After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer’s cipher has been solved by amateur code breakers. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/11/us/Zodiac-killer-cypher-340-code-trnd/index.html

Sarah Moon and Cheri Mossburg, C (2021). Group claims it has solved the identity of the Zodiac Killer as law enforcement investigates. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/06/us/Zodiac-killer-identity-law-enforcement-investigation/index.html

Snopes (2019). Hollywood Shocker: “Gilligan’s Island” Star Turns Out to Be Zodiac Killer. Snopes.com; Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/russell-johnson-Zodiac-killer/

Voigt, T (2021). Homepage – ZODIAC KILLER .COM. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://Zodiackiller.com/

Wang, H (2021). Half a century later, the Zodiac Killer’s identity is still a mystery. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://thevarsity.ca/2021/10/24/Zodiac-killer-discovery-unsolved/

Watchmojo.com (2021). Top 10 Things Zodiac Got Factually Right and Wrong. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn9Jdc8fEQ4

Zodiac Killer (2021). Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/Zodiac-killer

Zodiac killer | History, Murders, Movie, Letters, Suspects, & Facts (2021). Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zodiac-killer

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NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak

Fans are ecstatic about the new anthem song for the National Football league (NFL). This article "NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak" is guest written by Jason Greiner.

Fans are ecstatic about the new anthem song for the National Football league (NFL). This article “NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak” is guest written by Jason Greiner.

Introducing Pinar Toprak

Some musicians are household names. Even if they haven’t been performing for decades and are relatively new to the industry, there are people out there that you’ve probably heard of regardless of your age or musical interests. Unless you are especially versed in the music scene, Pinar Toprak is probably not one of them. Despite that fact, I can assure you that she is extremely talented and well-respected as a professional and ground-breaking artist. 

Toprak is a Turkish-American composer. Only in her early 40s, she has written scores for some of the biggest video game franchises and blockbuster movies including those in the superhero genre. A quick sample includes the game “Fortnite” and the movie “Captain Marvel.” Her impressive resume began in 2004 with the short films “Hold The Rice” and “Headbreaker” both directed by Alfonso Pineda Ulloa. 

But recently, this woman took on new ground and became the first female ever to compose a score to go along with one of the biggest sports on the planet. Amazon commissioned her to write the new theme for their broadcasts of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football! 

Photo by Dhia Eddine on Pexels.com

You can see her in action conducting the music for this theme on YouTube!

This newest piece features a full orchestra and a sound that combines the qualities of both power and grace. 

Final Thoughts

If you take a listen, you may recognize some sounds that seem to have a feel very similar to what you might expect to hear at a college football stadium during the height of the season. There is an energy about it that makes the listener want to join in as if they were there in the stands while their college team was driving down the field. 

There is a driving, forceful and uplifting sensation that seems fitting for a stadium anthem. After all, that is the purpose of this piece. And the energy does not waiver from the very first notes to the finale of this work.

What are your thoughts on the newest NFL Anthem from Pinar Toprak? Let u!

Jason Greiner is the author of several books and eBooks and has worked as a professional in the field of journalism and blogging. He also provides photography and graphic design services on a freelance basis. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jason now lives in the city of Mebane, a small but fast-growing community in central North Carolina. As a lifelong music enthusiast, he enjoys discovering new artists and reviewing their work.

Rotterdam Nightlife

Photo by Mark Angelo Sampan on Pexels.com

“Rotterdam Nightlife” is a guest article written by Valeria Doornkamp

Photo by Max Andrey on Pexels.com

No matter where you are, there is always a sense of music and creativity. Music is everywhere. To show that, switching styles has reached out to Valeria Doornkamp to give us a look into the nightlife of Rotterdam. Here are some of the best spots to experience Rotterdam’s nightlife.

Valeria is bringing us her local expertise on the nightlife in Rotterdam. Over the decades, she’s explored her whole life finding the best spots. Valeria was born, raised, and has been living in Rotterdam for 40 years now. If you want more information about her or want more advice on a trip to Rotterdam, check her out here.

Rotterdam Nightlife; Underground or Rooftop?

The flavour of the city’s nightlife is largely defined by the mindset of the Rotterdam locals, who are reluctant to compromise on anything. Whatever they do, they do it right. So a Biergarten in Rotterdam is exactly what you need it to be: a garden with solid wooden benches, large mugs of beer and sizzling sausages fresh from the grill.

Looking for the underground scene? Here in Rotterdam, it’s literally underground: Toffler is a house and techno club situated in a former metro tunnel.

Toffler

Toffler is situated in an old underpass below Weena; for those 21 and older who enjoy progressive electronic music. Led lights and good sound make the long tunnel cozy and intimate.

Biergarten

Biergarten is a tiny piece of paradise in the big city, where the best things in life are simple: beer, BBQ, music, sunshine and good people. The food is fresh off the grill, and the beer is served ice-cold. Most nights, the music is DJs and live; on Friday evenings it’s homegrown music from Biergarten all-Rotterdam sound system. 

Witte De Withstraat

One of Rotterdam’s most popular nightlife areas is Witte De Withstraat. Besides the streets many restaurants, its pubs, cozy cafes and stylish wine and cocktail bars attract a varied crowd. Tourists, locals, students, intellectuals, creative professionals, colleagues enjoying drinks after work: they all rub shoulders on a good Friday or Saturday night, in an exuberant and cheerful atmosphere.

Duck into the side streets to discover the city’s most enjoyable nightlife hotspots. The tropical charm of the tiki bar, for instance. If you like experimental music, the line-up at worm always offers intriguing surprises, while wunderbar serves tasty beers and fritz-kolas.

Tiki Bar

Tikis is a Hawaiian surf bar and grill restaurant in the heart of Rotterdam. The exotic food and delicious cocktails make you believe you are on a tropical island. The tropical ambiance is reflected in the music as well as the styling with bamboo and Polynesian gadgets. It is Hawaii on the Maas.

Worm

Worm organizes concerts, movies, workshops, masterclasses, festivals and different events. Next to that, they have a movie studio, a sound studio, a shop and a very fast digital platform (worm. Station). They stimulate and help different productions like Dutch programs about national and international festivals and media publications.

Nieuwe Binnenweg

A similar vibe can be discovered at the head of Nieuwe Binnenweg, where several of the city’s most popular cafes and clubs are located: Rotown, Stalles, Bar3 and Club Vibes.

Rotown

Rotown is a cafe and restaurant during the day, but the chairs and tables are cleared away in the evening to make room for concerts and parties. An interesting concentration of nightlife is also emerging in the area around Rotterdam central. Stroll from (jazz) club bird straight to the pop stage at Annabel, which organizes popular party nights in the weekend.

Cafe Stalles

Cafe Stalles is a relaxed meeting place in the center of Rotterdam. The cafe is known for its simple but good cuisine and serves homemade pizzas on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 5.50 euros.

Stalles is a typical Dutch brown cafe and is characterized by the fact that it attracts a diverse audience. The alternative music, extensive beer and whiskey list and affordable menu ensure that Stalles is always lively. In the summer, Stalles has a large terrace and you can sit outside until the late hours.

Club Vibes

Club Vibes is a small and accessible club in the city center of Rotterdam and has been popular with locals for more than 10 years. When the cafes close, Vibes will continue until 5 am! The club attracts a mixed crowd and there is always a friendly atmosphere.

The club is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays and is a great place to either dance or just have a drink. Whether you come for Twist and Twerk Wednesdays and  Thursdays or for Dirty Weekend Vibes, you can always expect mainstream pop and good old classics. Club Vibes is known for fair prices and the wardrobe and toilets are always free of charge.

Bird

Stage, club and restaurant BIRD is located under the Hofbogen in Rotterdam and offers a program full of jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk and new electronics. In the last century, the area around the Hofbogen was already dominated by a rich musical tradition. The first generation of Surinamese and sailors introduced soul, funk and Rand B here from America. Bird doesn’t just want to breathe new life into this jazz past, but update it to the 21st century. Jazz, but also related music movements such as soul, Latin and funk, hip-hop, afrobeat, and electronics are therefore the starting point of the music programming, supplemented by other art disciplines related to jazz, such as performance poetry, film and visual arts.

Bird’s jazz kitchen is a reflection of the city of Rotterdam: unpolished, honest and a crossroads of styles and cultures. Authentic pizzas are prepared in the wood oven, as well as various specials. A nice option is the Chefs Table surprise menu: a selection of different small dishes to share. In addition, Bird also has an outdoor terrace, called Garden of Bird. This is an urban garden and cocktail bar. Here you can expect many musical surprises. Garden of Bird is open until October 15 this year.

Annabel  

Annabel is Rotterdam’s largest music venue, very close to Rotterdam Central Station. You can see and hear leading international acts, from hip hop to pop to electronic. Or enjoy dancing during one of the many parties or festivals. Together with Biergarten and PERRON, Annabel forms the golden triangle of the Schiestraat, a popular nightlife destination among young people.

Thanks to our guest writer Valeria Doornkamp. As a lover of music herself, and a Rotterdam resident, these are certainly locations you don’t want to miss.

Photo by Martin Lopez on Pexels.com