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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”

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.

Photo by Nothing Ahead on Pexels.com

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?

Photo by Ryan Klaus on Pexels.com

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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Interviews

Chocolate Chip Cookies; Family Recipe& Quirky Playlist

Read our Switching Styles article below to get Jade Ireland’s delicious family recipe for chocolate chip cookies as well as a fantastic chocolate chip-themed playlist.

Introducing Jade Ireland and Her Chocolate Chip Cookies

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. Switching Styles has reached out to Jade to discuss how music combines with her culinary passions and asked for some of her favorite recipes. Below is Jade’s family recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

 Sometimes it’s hard to know what to make or bake in this case. In an interview with Switching Styles, Jade Ireland explained that it’s hard to pick a singular favorite recipe.

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

Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe 

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Pexels.com

Here’s a recipe to make your Mondays or any day of the week a little bit better.

Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

150 grams of butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 3/4 cups plain flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk chocolate bits, plus 1 tbsp extra
1 egg
1/2 cup dark chocolate bits, plus 1 tbsp extra

 Step 1

Preheat oven to 180C or 160C fan forced. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Using an electric mixer or whisking, hand, beat butter and sugars, and 1-2 minutes or until smooth and well combined. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.

Step 2

Stir in flour. Stir in dark and milk choc bits. Roll 2 level tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls and place on prepared trays, 3cm apart. Press down slightly. Decorate with extra choc bits.

Step 3

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies With Music 

Chocolate chip cookies are certainly a classic. What about baking these classics with a fantastic soundtrack?

Cookie Dance By Chip Chocolate

“Share It Maybe” By Sesame Street

“Faraway Cookies” By Caitlin Mc Ewan

 “Who Stole The Cookie From The Cookie Jar?” By The Jaynetts

C Is For Cookie” By Soul Sanctuary

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for reading Switching Styles. Check out our blog for a range of different topics. We’ve got many more fantastic articles to keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out articles like Today we’re discussing Chickens, Mac Sabbath: Fast-food Fun for the Whole Franchise, Defining Covers And Parodies and a whole lot more!

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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.

Photo by Tú Nguyễn on Pexels.com

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

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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

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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Reviews

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.

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.

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Reviews

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.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

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!

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

Thanks for reading Switching Styles this season of fun. Follow our Blog on WordPress, social media or throughout our email newsletter. Don’t miss an article and stay updated on events, contests, and interviews. 

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Interviews Reviews

Interview With Notedead

Are you ready? Are you sure you’re ready for this? We don’t think you are, but you better get ready. Switching Styles has the answers you need with this interview with Notedead.

Introductions All Around!

Max Preuss (drums) and Trymer Martin (guitars/vocals) combine to form the band, Notedead. It all started where all great bands start, with a passion for music. The band found their start during the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic, despite the hardships. Everything was rough. That didn’t stop them. For Notedead, this was a new beginning. The band formed in 2020 and has been rocking the world since.

Q&A Between Switching Styles and Notedead!

In an interview with switching styles, they’ve opened up about their band, their process, and their goals. Read below to get to know Notedead even better!

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

 Music emits emotion. I long to feel what the artist felt when they wrote the song and kind of experience it together. Music is also everywhere, from malls to elevators. And rhythm is in footsteps and your heartbeat, it’s everything.

 The emotions a song can put you through makes me feel alive

How did Notedead start and how did the Covid 19 Pandemic impact your band?

 Early on in Covid times when everything stopped and when we couldn’t jam with our bands Trymer started writing his own stuff and asked Max to write drums along with it. We both quickly realized that our writing for our respective instruments clicked together.

We started ripping out songs super-fast, so we decided to continue writing under our own band together which is Notedead.

How is being an Edmonton-based band impacted Notedead?

 It’s funny because only half of the band (Max) is Edmonton based and the other half (Trymer) is from Lacombe so it’s almost a long-distance type band relationship.

 The local music scene in Edmonton has a great group of people who support and encourage us, and we are forever grateful.

What inspired you to start playing and making music?

Trymer:

 Before I got into my own music I listened to my dad’s classic rock/metal, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Foreigner, ZZ Top, etc. Anyways but I’m in grade 5 I had some project to do at school and there was another classmate who did his project, but his was on Sum 41 and it caught my eye, so I got the CD “all killer no filler” at a Walmart in Manitoba, and that cd changed me.

From there I adopted my first taste of music away from my parents and it inspired me to want to play guitar, the ball started rolling from there!

Max:

Rock band. I loved the game because I was able to some of jam along to my favorite songs while simultaneously learning a basic version of the drums. I got very good at that game, and it made my transition into real drums very easy.

My music teacher in junior high band class then asked if anybody knew how and I volunteered to learn some percussion. The rest is history, between drum lessons, drumming for my high school jazz band & winning jazz artist of the year, it’s safe to say I’m a real drummer now

What bands or genres inspire your sound?

 Counterparts, Napoleon, Dance Gavin Dance, to name a few… but it’s really so hard to say what inspires our sound, so many bands growing up shaped us into the musicians we are and what our preferences are as well.

We also use it a lot! Of dead notes haha

Describe your creative process when you write new music.

 We both write our music on Guitar Pro. being as we are far away from each other, and we both enjoy the punctualness we can read. Trymer usually comes up with the first riff and then sends it to Max and Max writes the drums and then we work together from there, writing the song section by section.

Sometimes there will be a pre-discussed idea before we start on our next track, but we always write song by song and never add too much to our plates.

What’s your favorite venue for performing? Why?

 We don’t play shows as we are only a 2 man band writing songs to share with people, but if we could Trymer would want to play the St. Andrews United Church in Lacombe as he used to play local punk shows there growing up (it’s kind of odd I know, but it was so much fun!) and Max wishes we could play at Polar Park Brewery in Edmonton but it unfortunately just closed down.

What are some of your current projects?

 Currently, we have some new music in the bank but nothing to confirm aside from our new album “Separate Paths”. However, Max is in 2 other bands, Withered Days and Sol Runner.

What advice would you give to musicians just starting?

 Listen to music as often as you can. Find something that you wish you could make your own and take that drive to make your own with your inspiration and feelings

 Don’t give up, you’re going to suck at times, but music is a lifelong partner if you let it be.

Is there anything you wanted to mention that I didn’t ask about?

 Yes, our new album ‘Separate Paths’ is out September 9th

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Reviews

60 Decades of Singer Songwriters

This Op-Ed piece on “60 Decades of Singer Songwriters” was brought to you by our guest writer, Jason Greiner

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

In the 1960s and 70s, there was plenty of great music being made by talented musicians. And one aspect of that era was the concept of the singer-songwriter. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen come to mind among many, many others. It was a time known for people who could both perform and write their own lyrics with eloquence, depth and precision in an almost poetic style. 

Some may argue that the next couple of decades were lacking in this skill set. If you are of that mindset, I can certainly understand your point. However, one can argue that some artists still fit the bill. 

I’d have to say you could place Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and U2 in that 80s group from my early childhood. As for the 90s, two up-and-coming alternative artists fit the mould in Jewel and Alanis Morrisette. After all, Jewel even had a book of poetry called “A Knight Without Armor” published in 1999 and Morrisette became widely acclaimed for her masterful use of “stream of consciousness” lyrics. And many would go as far as to say that Kurt Cobain, one of the pioneers of the grunge genre out of Seattle, had a gift for songwriting that was far beyond that of the average band’s lead singer. 

Since the early 2000s, it would be hard to question that this particular art has fallen off a bit. We now live in a world that is more filled than ever before with cookie-cutter pop songs that often lack any real depth or meaning. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of love for songs and musicians from the last 20-plus years. But most of it just doesn’t apply when you are talking about the singer-songwriter style. 

That being the case, I would say there have been a few. While some might scoff, I would say the earlier songs written by Taylor Swift could stand up to the scrutiny of those seeking quality lyrical work. I emphasize that this would be her earlier stuff, not that from the last 8 years or so. I’d also say that some of the work by Avril Lavigne has a bit of a poetic quality even though she is mostly known as a pop-punk artist. But above all, the two who really seem to be reviving the notion of the singer-songwriter a bit would have to be Rob Thomas, soloist and lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, and Ed Sheeran. 

Examples of Singer Songwriters

For a little clarification, let me share some examples of some of the quality and meaningful lyrics from a few of the artists I mentioned.

Jewel – Lyrics for “Hands”

If I could tell the world just one thing

It would be that we’re all OK

And not to worry ’cause worry is wasteful

And useless in times like these

I won’t be made useless

Won’t be idle with despair

I’ll gather myself around my faith

For light does the darkness most fear

“Hands”
Song by Jewel

Alanis Morisette – Lyrics from “Thank U”

“How ’bout getting off of these antibiotics

How ’bout stopping eating when I’m full up

How ’bout them transparent dangling carrots

How ’bout that ever elusive kudo

Thank you India

Thank you terror

Thank you disillusionment

Thank you frailty

Thank you consequence

Thank you, thank you silence”

“Thank U”
Song by Alanis Morissette

Rob Thomas – Lyrics from “3 AM”

She believes that life is made up of all that you’re used to

And the clock on the wall has been stuck at three for days, and days

She thinks that happiness is a mat that sits on her doorway

But outside it’s stopped raining

“3AM”
Song by Matchbox Twenty

Ed Sheeran – Lyrics from “The A Team”

And they say

She’s in the Class A Team

Stuck in her daydream

Been this way since eighteen

But lately her face seems

Slowly sinking, wasting

Crumbling like pastries

“The A Team”
Song by Ed Sheeran

Final Thoughts Regarding Singer Songwriters

I look forward to learning about more talented singer-songwriters and while the style has been on the decline, it’s nice to see it is still going, even if only to a small extent. 

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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.

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Getting Started with Tips; LARP For New Players

Being new at anything is complicated and daunting. This article dives into tips when it comes to LARP for new players.

Introducing LARP For New Players

Starting as a new player in a LARP game can be just as daunting but it’s easier than you’d think. Let’s start with an introduction to what LARP is.

LARP is an acronym that means live-action roleplaying games. These are immersive games with similar storytelling to traditional role-playing games such as D&D, pathfinder, gamma world and so on. However, there’s one major difference. It’s live.

In traditional roleplaying games, the player creates a character within the specifications of the game rules and plays to that character’s thoughts, actions, and progression. However, in a LARP game, this is done live-action. During the game, you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. You chose at the moment how to respond to the innkeeper asking you your business. Or you’d have to dodge an arrow shot by an angry hobgoblin that’s probably insulting you in under common. Or even you’d be able to bond with your new best friend, a dark elf paladin that makes the best smores. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline.

No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game.

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How Does One Get Started In LARP? – Step By Step Instructions

Getting started with LARP can be a very daunting task even for the most enthusiastic gamers. There is an immense amount of information to absorb and contextualize at any time. LARP organizers are there to facilitate; reaching out to them is easier than you think.

One – Find A Game That’s of Interest and Logistically Possible.

Two – Contact the Game’s Organizers or Website to Begin Your Character Creation

Three – Create the Persona Form Paper to Flesh

Four – Connect with Other LARPers That Attend That Event to Learn More About It or Bring a Friend.

Five – Get Your Gear and Costuming

Six – Pack A Back, And Plan for Food

Seven – Time to Adventure and Have Fun.

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LARP For New Players; Inspirational Music

Here are some songs to get you in the LARPing mood. Because even when making a character you’d like to hear some battle music.

8-Bit Fantasy and Adventure Music  By Xdeviruchi

Relaxing Medieval Middle Ages Music By Relax Cafe Music

Hidden Powers By Arondight Studios

Cozy Tavern on A Rainy Day By Blue Turtle

Rise Of a Kingdom By Brunuhville

Bloodline By Secession Studios

Battle In the North By Lantern

Arrival By CIRI

Call Of the Forest By Daydreaming of Persephone

Frost Peak Mountains By Michael Ghelfi Studios

Final Thoughts

Starting as a new player can be very intimidating but that’s okay. With our step-by-step list, you’re well on your way to adventuring with your local LARP group.

As the Refuge LARP Calgary website explains, “We are always looking for more people to join our adventures, whether you are in the Player Camp or the Monster Camp. It is never too late to join!”