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cosettepontmercys · 4 months

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Hi! I'm so sorry you had to cancel your plans! That sucks..I hope it was still okay. My sister and I have decided to wait to make our resolutions until February cuz January will be a stressful month lol but I'm happy to hear them if you wanna share.

Oh I'm glad they still liked the movie.haha I just learned that My family doesn't even know who Timothee Chalamet is..so I find that pretty funny but they said that Wonka seemed interesting once I explained it to them. I'm still not sure about it yet but wanna watch eventually. I liked the In The Heights movie well enough but they also made a few changes and cut a few songs cuz they cut her mom out of the movie. I looked at the Mean Girls tracklist very briefly and probably won't until I watch it. But Not my Fault is growing on me now and there was a video for it that just got released that I watched. You can share your thoughts about it though..cuz I guess it's not really a spoiler anyway. To me, it seemed like they kept all the main songs..the ones I knew the most so I think it will be fine. I wanna see it but don't know if I will be able to at this point unfortunately. I think I would pick piano..or whichever one would be easier I guess..but I don't think I would like holding a guitar for a long time and my fingers might hurt lol. I feel the same way about learning and not being good..that's why I never really tried it.

I'm glad you liked Funny Story! I would love to hear more about it and what to expect. Which of her books is it most similar to in your opinion? I saw someone say the main male character was similar to Nick from New Girl so maybe I will picture that couple when I read it but I have no idea if that's true lol. I totally recommend the show in case you haven't seen it. I think I'm most similar to January I guess and also like Beach Read the best so far too. I just realized you decided to reread Beach Read cuz her name is January lol. It seems like you are doing pretty good with your reading goals so far but I honestly don't know if I have a lot of time for reading this month to read the Starless Sea with you..but I support the url change!

I saw your post and am so glad you enjoyed After Laughter! Also hate to see your heart break from their Paramore album has always been one of my favorites too. Did you forget to listen to Brand New Eyes or did you already know it? I think All I wanted is my all time favorite song of theirs. For After Laughter, my favorites are Hard Times, Rose Colored Boy, Told You So, 26, Fake Happy and Tell Me How. What about you? I'm so excited to see you listen to This is Why..I think it's one of their best albums. Then of course there is also her solo albums too which I love. I'm glad you are deciding to do it! I have plenty of recommendations to share if you want.So I made a top albums and songs list for the year finally and I guess we can start there. I will just share some of my top albums for now but let me know if you also want songs. They aren't really in order or anything..it's more like a list lol. And some you have already heard. So..Speak Now TV/1989 TV of course, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Maisie, Lana, Olivia, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Mileys album, Holly Humberstone, Troye Sivan, Ellie Goulding, Aly and AJ, Laufey, Niall Horan and Kelly Clarkson. I also like everyone that was nominated for Grammys like Ed Sheeran or Boy Genius and Jon Batiste. Now for the artists you don't know..which are more alternative, Movements, Pierce the Veil, and Slowdive. I might see Movements in March so I'm excited. I listened to all their albums and there's only 3 but I like their new one but I would recommend their old songs Fever Dream and Daylily too. My favorite album from Slowdive is Souvlaki. Some more are The Beaches, Cannons, Misterwives and Plain White Ts. There is also Bethany Cosentino from the band Best Coast who had her own solo album but I would also recommend everything from Best Coast cuz I loved them for years and they're similar to Paramore. I think they opened for them before and her and Hayley are good friends. Also everything from Soccer Mommy who is also like Paramore..all her music is so comforting to me, but she had an album last year if you don't wanna hear everything. Lights is also one of my favorites and had an album last year and pretty similar in sound. Same with Bad Suns. Idk if you care about the Cure or the Smiths. The Smiths only have four albums but also unreleased songs and I mostly just have favorite songs compared to picking their best album or anything so I can give you my favs if you want cuz idk if you even like that music. Disintegration by the Cure is kinda my comfort album lol and I like the album Wish. Overall though..I am just more of a favorite songs person than album. This is long and maybe I should have put it in a separate ask lol. I'm sure I'm forgetting some but there will always be more to recommend anyway. There is also of course twenty one pilots!

But first I forgot to ask you what you would think or want for Taylors next album? Since you asked me and I was just making a guess mostly. I also hope she goes to the golden globes and wins tonight! But I will share the similarities between Taylor and twenty one pilots. I already mentioned they both have Christmas songs and they also have a lyric similar to and I will hold onto you from New Years Day. It's and I'll be holding on to you from their song Holding on to you which is the first song I ever heard from them and it's still one of my favorite songs. Its from before new Year's Day came out so just a cool coincidence. They also both have a self titled album as their first album. But everyone in Taylors fandom calls it debut while top fans always say self titled lol. Technically Tyler has solo album called No Phun Intended from when he was 17 and if you count that..they match with debut and Fearless, so debut doesn't even match with self titled lol. Then they have an unreleased album you can search on YouTube called Regional at Best which I guess is Speak Now..only fans appreciate the album. Vessel is Red..fan favorite and popular songs. Blurryface is 1989..mainstream with singles and also won Grammys..gained a lot of new fans. Trench is reputation..darker sound and vibe to the album. Their most recent album is similar to Lover..pink and blue on the cover and overall happier album with mixed fan reactions. So now I'm really curious what their new album will be like. We know it will be a little darker cuz it will be the final chapter of Blurryface and Trench which has to do with the lore. That's a whole other thing I can explain if you want in the next ask but you can still listen to the music without knowing it. These are just the basic similarities and I hope it makes sense. I think in the future, I will try to send shorter responses in general and because I'm still busy right now and will be until end of January. I hope you feel better if you're still feeling sick and are having a good weekend!

you've mentioned being a bit stressed out lately (i remember you saying you had a lot going on in december, and it seems like you've got a lot going on this month) — please don't worry about replying to me! i hope you're taking care of yourself + taking time to rest 🤍

i haven't listened to not my fault yet! i think i might wait for the entire soundtrack to be out (it might already be out; i'm behind on things) before listening to it? but i'm also thinking maybe i should just wait until i watch the movie, even if i don't know when that'll be ... i do wish they kept more is better; i think that's the only song in there that i actively miss, because i think it was like, pretty important for cady's breakthrough/character development. i'm sure they'll have some sort of scene that replaces it though!

i loved funny story! it's definitely in my top 3 emily henry books — which is saying something because nothing will ever beat my top two favorites (beach read + book lovers)! i'm trying to figure out what i can say about it without giving tooooo much away, but i do think that the love interest kind of gave off nick miller vibes! i watched a season and a half of new girl, maybe a bit more? i never finished it, but i definitely watched some episodes here and there and liked what i saw. and that's okay! i have not started my starless sea reread officially, but i also don't think i'll have a lot of ~ sit and annotate ~ time this month, so it might take a while before i finish it! i'm going to change my url after i finish answering this ask <333 !!!

i listened to brand new eyes already! i don't think i told you though!! my favorites from it were careful, misguided ghosts and all i wanted. just looked through my hobonichi and it looks like it was my january 2nd album (although i've been doing more than one album a day, most days) and i listened to this is why when it first came out, but think i will give it another listen this week! i will add the albums i do not know to my list of albums to listen to, thank you!! 🤍 i think i might slow down a bit and listen to fall out boy's stuff next (and then all of their openers, because i forgot they have like ... three openers) and i want to study their music before my concert but then i'll go back to listening to all the other recs!! i have heard of a few albums you've mentioned, and there's some artists you talked about that i do love as well 🤍 !!! especially holly and noah :")

i think for taylor's next album, i'd love to see something more centered around stories? if that makes sense! i listened to the new troye sivan album yesterday, and was reading the apple music interview description (yes i am an apple music user) and he said that “There’s 10 stories, 10 moments,” and then goes to share a bit about each song, which i think was really cool! i think i care less about the sound and would just love to see another long pond situation? not necessarily in orchestrations/arrangements (which i do love!) but in terms of getting to hear taylor talk about the music more.

i loved reading your twenty one pilots comparisons!! i will have to save this ask for when i listen to their music and then we can chat about it 🤍

hope you're doing well and staying safe friend! always lovely to hear from you! xx

#post: answered #🩷 anon

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watchmegetobsessed · 3 years

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Crushing - Harry Styles

a/n: just a little something that was inspired by a tiktok and @pastequeharry !

pairing: Harry X Famous!Reader

word count: 2.2k

masterlist

“Welcome back, I hope has everyone returned from our little break because we are playing a fun little game with Y/N, who by the way won a Grammy award for best new artist this weekend, so congratulations on that!”

Ellen smiles at you widely as she claps along with the audience and you’re just smiling shyly, still not quite used to the sound of it.

“Thank you,” you nod looking around.

“Okay, we are going to play a round of who’d you rather. Are you familiar with the game?” she asks you.

“Yes, I’ve seen others play it before.”

“Great. For those who don’t know the game, two people will show up on the screen and Y/N will have to choose one. Whoever she chooses will come with us to the next round and at the end we’ll know who is her ultimate crush.”

“Ah man,” you huff, feeling a little nervous about who they are gonna show you and the audience laughs at your reaction as your fingers dig into the armrest of the armchair you’re sitting comfortably in.

“Are you ready?” Ellen questions with a smile that tells you just how much she is enjoying this.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be, but let’s get started,” you chuckle nervously.

“Okay, let’s see our first pair,” she starts and two pictures show up on the big screen and on the smaller one at the front of the stage so you don’t have to crane your neck. “So we have Zendaya and Tom Holland. Who are you choosing?”

“You really had to start with two of my biggest Marvel crushes?!” you whine and the audience starts laughing again as you chew on your bottom lip, trying to decide. “I love them both, but I’m gonna have to go with Zendaya, because in height, we would be better. I’m sorry Tom, I still love you!” you declare, looking around all cameras, hoping they all got your confession.

“Alright. So now we’ll keep Zendaya and move on to the next person, who is… Harry Styles. Zendaya or Harry Styles?”

The blood rushes out of your face as you see a picture of Harry, memories of the two of you meeting at the award show in the weekend flooding back to your mind. Harry has been a crush of yours since probably forever. You’ve been a fan of his since his One Direction days and your career started to take off sometime around the time he started his solo career, only difference is that it took you a little longer to earn yourself a name in the industry. But this weekend you finally met him for the first time, in real life, without you just watching him on the stage with four other men.

You spotted him at the area that led to the red carpet, he was about to step out when his eyes laid on you and though he was wearing a mask, you still knew he was smiling from the little wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. Your breath caught in your throat, stopping in your track as you were holding up your gown so you wouldn’t trip and fall with all the cameras around.

“Y/N! Hi!” he greeted you stepping closer, as if the two of you were old friends.

“Hi!” you managed to speak up, feeling completely starstruck.

“Love the gown! You look wonderful!” he complimented you and you could feel your cheeks heating up so fast.

“Oh, thank you, but I think you’re stealing the show with the boas,” you chuckled making him laugh as well.

“Thank you. Congrats on the nomination, I really hope you win by the way.”

“You do?”

“Of course. Listened to the album, it’s really good,” he nodded and your heart skipped a beat. Harry Styles listened to your album and he liked it? This must be Heaven, but when did you die?

“Thank you so much! I hope you win too, though your chances are better with your three nominations,” you joked making him laugh again.

“Yeah, just a little,” he nodded. “Here, let me help you.” He offered you his arm helping you step up the few steps that lead to the area where the red carpet photos were taken and you were thankful for the help, though you could already hear all the camera’s clicking in your way and you knew the photos would be all over the internet by the next day.

You only met one more time during the evening and you could only congratulate to each other on the wins before you both were snatched away, but you still play your conversation with him in your head before you go to bed in the evening.

“Um, Zendaya is everything but I’m gonna play this game honestly so I’ll choose Harry.”

The audience starts cheering and clapping at the decision as Ellen smirks at you, nodding along.

“No need to be shy, we all have a crush on Harry probably,” she jokes making you laugh. “Okay, next up we have… Harry Styles and The Weeknd.”

“I’m gonna stick to Harry,” you answer probably a little too fast, but if you’re being honest, they can’t show you anyone at this point who would beat Harry.

“Harry stays, next we have Harry and… Florence Pugh.”

“You guys made sure to make it hard for me!” you chuckle staring at the screen. “But I’m still gonna stick to Harry, though I love them both.”

“Alright, for the next round we have Harry Styles and Niall Horan.”

“I’m upset, because as a One Direction fan, I should not be forced to choose between them,” you point at Ellen, giving her a hard look which the audience finds quite hilarious.

“I’m sure you had ranked them before, don’t be shy,” she smirks and you sigh rolling your eyes.

“Okay, no offence to anyone but Harry stays. Sorry Niall, I still love you though,” you add with a smile.

“Harry is in a winning streak, it seems. Okay, let’s see his next opponent. Harry against Chris Evans.”

“Harry,” you answer with a sigh, crossing your legs, knowing well you will not choose anyone over Harry.

“Fast answer, great. Harry Styles or Ariana Grande.”

“Love Ariana, she’s a queen, but Harry,” you answer with a smile, the audience enjoying your obsession over Harry Styles and at this point you are not even trying to hide it.

“Harry Styles or Henry Cavill?”

“Harry,” you answer right away.

Henry’s picture disappears and Harry’s moves to the middle as the game comes to its end.

“Seems like we have a winner here. Harry Styles beat everyone!” Ellen chuckles as you glance at the big screen, blushing a little, but you are hoping your makeup is covering it well.

“You said it yourself, everyone has a crush on him,” you shrug, trying to play it cool.

“Yes, but not everyone was helped out by him,” she smirks as a photo of the two of you appears on the screen from last weekend and you cover your face with your hands as the audience goes wild.

“He is a gentleman,” you sigh dreamily.

“He really is and I have to say that the two of you look great together.”

“Oh stop it,” you chuckle, playing it over a little, just to make it less obvious how giddy even the thought makes you.

“Well, now we know that he is your number one choice, hopefully he’ll take the next step,” Ellen chuckles before moving on and asking you a few more questions as part of your appearance on the show.

Weeks go by and you kind of forget about the whole interview. It blows up the next few days, but nothing really happens, people just get excited that you are crushing on Harry just like everyone else, but it dies down pretty quickly.

You barely recovered from your Grammy win and yet you are already marching towards another milestone in your career. None other than Gucci asked you to be part of their new campaign in an amazing photoshoot and you just couldn’t say no, not that you ever even thought about it. After some online meetings and sending emails back and forth the first fitting’s day has finally arrived and you are buzzing!

Heading down to the showroom to go over every outfit they want you to wear for the photos, you can’t wipe the excited grin off your face. Growing up you could only dream about owning anything Gucci, now you are going to be promoting them so it truly is a dream come true.

Arriving you are walked into the showroom that is now filled with racks of clothes and there’s a podium with three mirrors surrounding it for the fitting.

“Y/N! Hi! So nice to finally meet you after all the emails and calls!” Nancy, the creative director of the campaign greets you.

“Nice to meet you too!”

“We are in a little bit of delay, I’m very sorry about that, but we can start in about ten minutes, if that’s alright with you.”

“Oh, no worries. I’m free all day,” you assure her before she thanks your patience and runs off to finish off whatever she was doing before.

Wandering around you take a look at the beautiful clothes on the racks, blown by basically everything you see and you can’t wait to wear the outfits that were meant for you. In the back of the room, a part is closed off for a changing area and you hear the door opening as Nancy walks out first, talking to someone following her behind and when you see the person, you freeze.

Harry Styles walks out, wearing a just a shirt and jeans, looking very casual but still, unbelievably hot. The man could wear a potato sack and still look better than any other men.

“Thank you so much,” he smiles at Nancy before his eyes lay on you, a wide smirk tugging on his lips in realization. “So nice to see a familiar face!” he beams, walking closer before he pulls you in for a short hug that catches you by surprise, but also warms your chest.

“Hi, didn’t expect to see you here, though you are kind of one with the brand at this point,” you tease him making him laugh.

“I am, yeah. I heard that you would be featured in the campaign as well. Amazing choice,” he smirks, glancing over at Nancy who smiles proudly, clearly agreeing with him.

“Y/N, I’ll get the changing room ready for you and we can start in five, alright?” Nancy informs you.

“Yeah, thank you!” You nod in her way and she is already off to do the work, leaving you and Harry alone.

“So, I learned some interesting information the other day,” he hums with a serious face and he got you curious about what it could be.

“Yeah?”

“Mhm, you know, I was watching The Ellen Show and you were on, playing a little game.”

“Oh my God,” you breathe out, already feeling the heat crawling up your neck to your cheeks. Harry smirks down at you, clearly enjoying that he got you so nervous and embarrassed of what happened.

“I wish I knew about your little crush earlier!” he teases you, making your groan.

“And why is that? So you could pull my leg at the Grammy’s when I was already shitting my pants?”

Harry lets out a chuckle shaking his head as he hides his hands in his pockets, his eyes running up and down your figure before they meet with your gaze again.

“No. Because then I wouldn’t have talked myself down from asking for your number.”

You can’t help the stunned reaction that takes over your face at his blunt flirting, your lips part as your eyebrows shoot up while Harry just stares back at you with a sly smirk on his deliciously pink lips.

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yeah, but now that I know that you are crushing on me just like I’m crushing on you, I think it’s time to make the first step. So…” he pulls his phone out and hands it over to you and continues while you type your number in. “I’m not just asking for your number, but I happened to hear that you have nothing else planned for the day, is that true?”

“It is,” you nod, feeling out of breath as you hand him back his phone, your number saved in his contacts.

“Then how about grabbing lunch after your fitting? I happen to have nothing today as well, we should take advantage of it,” he suggests and you can’t push your stunned smile down.

“Sounds good,” you nod, biting into your bottom lip.

“Great. I’ll run some errands while you are here and I’ll be back in about an hour.”

“You could stay here if you want, I don’t mind it,” you tell him, feeling like he is only leaving because he doesn’t want to intrude.

“I would love to, but I really want to see the final outcome of the campaign and not spoil it for myself,” he smirks making you chuckle.

“Alright. Then see you in an hour.”

“Yeah,” he nods with a boyish smirk before turning around and walking out of the showroom.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

#harry #styles #harry styles #harry styles fluff #harry styles blurb #harry styles oneshot #harry styles one shot #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles au #harry styles x you #harry styles x reader #harry styles x y/n

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1ddiscourseoftheday · 3 years

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Fri 19 March ‘21

Zach Sang’s 25 min of relaxing ASMR wait no I mean celebration of Zayn’s great talking voice wait NO I MEAN his ZAYN INTERVIEW (promised months ago then sadly postponed until NOW) is here!! Zach is such a good interviewer for these guys, you can tell he sincerely loves the music and he asks great respectful questions only, love it. And sure enough, this is a lovely interview and Zayn actually seems totally comfortable chatting and sharing his thoughts. They talk about lots of specifics about the songs on NIL; Zayn says NIL is his fave of his music and that he “tried to go a little deeper into my own personal things,” he said that he recorded the majority of the album at home in Pennsylvania and that yes, it is influenced by being there, that River Road especially is massively inspired by the locale and “I’ve got a very country vibe going on right now with the big beard and the nature, I’m enjoying it, it’s cool.” He says the cover painting is of “the blank expressions you might get when you’re speaking to somebody that’s not listening,” that “my teenage years were very different than I expected them to be and I learned a lot of things … to take things easy and at your own pace.” About Calamity that he often writes poems (zoems) and just takes lyrics out of them later, but friends voted he keep Calamity as is and go for it, that Sweat (the drums specifically) is an homage to Phil Collins, that he’s writing new stuff and will hopefully have something more out later this year, and Zach asks the pressing question we’ve all had: IS THAT A KAZOO ON CONNEXION? Disappointingly Zayn’s answer is only, I don’t really fuck with those fine details, that’s down to the producers. So no confirmation but also: it’s totally a kazoo. And finally this from Z: “I love music, it’s my solace. I love writing, I love being in the studio and being in that space, it’s something I love to do. I feel like as long as I’m alive it’s something I’ll do I’d like to be able to, I’d like people to remain interested for as long as I’m alive, I know that’s a long shot but it’s a long haul, we’re all trying to stay around for as long as we can.”

We got to see Liam today!! I’ve missed that sweet face! He recorded a little video while walking through a park (“on my way to the shops”) to show off his beautiful shaggy long hair and beard to say that he’s just surpassed 5 billion streams and a “humungous massive ginormous thank you to all you guys who are listening.”

Louis tweeted “a lot of these NFT projects are very interesting!” NFTs are unique digital things-- like normally anything online can be duplicated, unlike real objects, this way it can’t (it’s how crypto currency works), or rather: you CAN still copy stuff, just there’s a way to tell the original from the copy (of a copy). People are excited about this because it makes it possible to sell things that previously you couldn’t really charge money for (like unique digital art). The way it’s achieved is unfortunately via the massive and wasteful expenditure of resources though, it’s very bad for the environment; current bitcoin creation alone for example uses more resources than entire countries and the current NFT craze is racing to outdo that. Louis responded to a DM asking about that; “Louis are you aware the average NFT has a carbon footprint equivalent to more than a month’s electricity for a person living in the EU?” Louis says, “I’m aware and it’s something I’m looking to do differently if I do my own project,” then liked a tweet from a company addressing the issue: "Our carbon neutrality pledge is a step toward making NFT digital collectibles and the digital metaverse part of a green, environmentally friendly future.” IDK how realistic that is, but in any case Louis is aware of the issues and the fans’ concerns.

Anyway he also tweeted about football a bunch- because a former Doncaster player was picked for the England World Cup team!! Louis says the player “was at donny when I was training there. Top lad and top keeper,” and “he deserves every bit of success.” And in answer to queries, the official word from Louis’ merch site (responsive as ever, bless that twin) is that they do not plan to restock the album! No CDs! This is likely due to it having been put out by Syco, who no longer exist, but what does it mean in the long run? It’s a major release and I can’t imagine it simply going out of print forever, surely a reprint of some kind will be worked out?

What secrets was Niall hiding in his photodump yesterday? “What are you playing on the piano?” asks a follower, and Niall selected the tweet to, well not answer, but to draw attention to his failure to answer by simply replying with an eyes emoji, like a troll. Then he posted a picture of sunglasses on an electronic piano, but when asked again to spill what was up said only “a pair of sunglasses on a Wurlitzer.” But IS he trolling? “There’s nothing to know hahah it’s literally a pair of sunglasses on a piano!” he protests. He also tweeted “today is a good day!” which ALSO doesn’t tell us anything but you know what, Niall’s out there having a good time and good for him.

Lenny Kravitz tagged Harry in a throwback post of himself in a stunning look- “real men wear boas,” and the deuxmoi / Olivia’s PR team partnership rose to new levels of obviousness with the gossip blog using a supposed blind item about Olivia (you’d think she was royalty, the astonishing number of blind items they JUST HAPPEN to get) to announce a giveaway in partnership with a sponsor brand she is the face of. HARD eyeroll, imagine thinking that blog wasn’t get paaaaid, can’t relate.

#zayn #liam payne #louis tomlinson #niall horan #harry styles #well #not really #but sort of #19 mar 21 #sam johnstone #zach sang #then youtube was like do you wanna watch zach's louis interview again?? and I was like YOU KNOW WHAT #the last five minutes or so of that interview are like some of my favorite louis content out there #I did rewatch just that bit

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nerds4life · 4 years

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2 winners and 3 losers from One Direction’s solo albums

The boys have all gone in different … directions … since their indefinite hiatus in 2016. Some are better than others.

By Alexa Lee (Jan 31, 2020, 9:00am EST)

A decade — yes, a decade — ago, a teenage boy band by the name of One Direction was formed. After auditioning as individual singers on the British musical competition The X Factor, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik were thrown together into a group by TV personality Simon Cowell in 2010. And thus, One Direction was born.

While the group only placed third on The X Factor, their time on the reality show was just the beginning of their global takeover. Over a span of five years, the group released five albums, did four world tours, broke numerous Billboard 100 music records (including ones previously only held by the Beatles), recorded a documentary, and even released a perfume.

At the same time, the five members also became the basis of adolescent crushes and fervor for many years to come. Thanks to their individual quirks and calculated branding ploys, each boy quickly became an archetype for a different high school crush: Niall was the adorable friend, Harry the artistic boy next door. Zayn was quietly mysterious, while Liam was extroverted and jockish. And Louis? Hmm, well — Louis was also there.

For those five years, the One Direction boys seemed like they were untouchable. That is, until Zayn left the group in 2015 to embark on a solo career, and, a year later, the remaining band members announced an “indefinite hiatus.”

Four years after One Direction announced its hiatus, each of the One Direction-ers have begun their own solo careers. It’s the first time any of them have recorded without each other, and the first time they’ve performed solo in front of an audience since being on The X Factor as teens. Their solo albums, good or bad, reveal how each individual wants to reintroduce themselves to the public, and how they’re attempting the complicated leap from adolescent pop star to independent adult artist.

Now that Louis Tomlinson has dropped his first solo album, every former One Direction member has released at least one solo project. (Harry and Zayn have each released two.) And there are some very clear winners and losers among them. Here’s how they stack up against each other and what each one tells us about who these boys are now that they’ve spent some time apart.

Winner: Fine Line by Harry Styles

Watching Harry emerge triumphantly, hair and culottes billowing, with the title of Most Popular and Critically Acclaimed Ex-One Direction Member is not unlike watching a long-awaited prophecy finally fall into place. Ever since One Direction first stepped into the international limelight, interviews and press circuits saw that Harry was different from his fellow bandmates. He was offbeat but cool, disheveled but sexy.

And in 2017, when he released his debut album named — what else? — Harry Styles, Harry established himself as worthy of all the hype from his years in the band. A brooding rock record filled with anecdotes about all the sex he has and heartbreak he’s felt, Harry Styles reintroduced Harry to the world as an indie songwriter, David Bowie fanboy, and charismatic lover. And with his next, more experimental 2019 album, Harry takes all these elements of his identity a step further, securing his spot in the popular music landscape as a modern rock star.

Harry released Fine Line at the end of last year, interrupting winter’s dreariness with bright, dancey songs about all-consuming yearning. The lyrics of “Adore You” and “Watermelon Sugar” conjure images of summer fruits and summer loves, and both songs set the perfect soundtrack for encountering a crush at a party, or at least fending off seasonal depression. And on “Cherry,” his transportive and melancholy ode to an ex, listeners get a glimpse at genuine heartache from Harry. Despite having built a career out of belting love songs, Harry has never before sounded this vulnerable in his music before. “Cherry” shines a light on the vulnerabilities of a seemingly invulnerable star and brings a touching depth to Harry’s music that was previously absent. Fine Line is the most adventurous and enjoyable of the One Direction members’ solo efforts, and it’s sure to convert even the most crotchety boy band skeptics into believers.

Winner: Flicker by Niall Horan

As a member of One Direction, Niall was beloved — but not for being the band’s breakout star or its scene-stealing performer or even its biggest personality. Niall’s greatest charm, and the primary allure of his 2017 album Flicker, is instead seeming like an ordinary, likable guy. The human embodiment of a chill night in, Niall projects affable, regular-guy energy, but in a more palatable way than, say, Ed Sheeran. He’s a man who, after being part of the most popular boy band this side of the millennia, can still convincingly seem like he’s bemused by his fame and wealth. Niall likes Nando’s, and he likes to golf on the weekends. It’s easy to imagine him as one of those people with the uncanny ability to put horses at ease simply by murmuring the dulcet opening bars of his hit single “This Town” and running his guitar-worn hands over their hides.

Niall brings this same aura of safety and coziness to Flicker, where he strums his acoustic guitar and sings earnestly about the mundane highs and lows of falling in love. His songs are emotionally and musically safe — the most upbeat tracks, “On the Loose” and “Slow Hands,” still retain a mellow, unhurried cadence, and sad songs like “Paper Houses” veer away from raw grief or anguish, opting instead for lyrics that just barely skim the surface of sorrow.

Is it always good when an artist’s best quality is being inoffensive and never taking risks? No, but perhaps in the swirling political and social chaos of 2020, it’s what we need. Niall is a calming lighthouse in the stormy sea of life, and we would be fools to let him out of our sight.

Loser: Icarus Falls by Zayn Malik

Writer Allison P. Davis once described Zayn as someone who “sings about sex like it’s this thing he just heard about on a Jodeci song.” It’s this image of Zayn that echoes in my mind whenever I think about his couple’s photoshoot with model Gigi Hadid, or the boyish pirate-themed pub in his backyard, or his many, many selfies featuring a tortured grimace and 5 o’clock shadow. Despite his reputation for being the quiet, mysterious band member, in his post-One Direction career, Zayn has revealed both his passion for sensual R&B, as well as a powerful lack of convincing sexual energy.

Davis’s one-sentence character study is also a devastatingly apt summary of Zayn’s second album, which came out in 2018. At nearly an hour and a half, Icarus Falls is a boring, corny exploration of what happens when a too-handsome man ensconces himself in cologne and longing. Chock full of weak lyrics (e.g. “That’s how I feel the soul inside her body”) and dull, forgettable beats, the album has neither the playfulness nor sufficient melancholy to breathe life into Zayn’s sensual aspirations, and the end result is unrewarding.

The disappointment of Icarus Falls is worsened by the fact that Zayn’s debut album, Mind of Mine, was so much better. Mind of Mine’s intriguing blasé attitude was an exciting change of pace from Zayn’s demeanor in One Direction, when he was obligated to sing very un-blasé songs like “What Makes You Beautiful.” Although the 2016 record also frequently stumbled when it intended to seduce, it showed signs of artistic promise that make Icarus Falls seem like dull anticlimax, with a mere two exceptions. “Let Me” and “Entertainer” are soothing tracks in which Zayn vows to shower his lover in devotion and luxury items, and they’re the only songs that come close to the groovy fun of his last album. For listeners who are unable to let go of Zayn’s undeniable vocal chops and moody flair (me), these quality songs are exasperating reminders that Zayn is wasting his potential as well as everyone else’s time.

Loser: LP1 by Liam Payne

For many years, Liam seemed poised to stay in the “normal guy” lane with Niall, often playing the band’s cheerful jokester in music videos and interviews. Because of his jovial stage presence and photogenic, symmetrical face, many people — Liam included — thought he would follow the footsteps of another boy band pop mogul, Justin Timberlake. Recently, however, Liam’s public personality has begun to curdle slightly, in the form of controversial Instagram posts about his personal wealth, dating and impregnating the judge at his X Factor audition, and regrettable jewelry he calls the “Payne Chain.” Today, Liam seems less like a new Timberlake and more like a second-rate Bieber.

Liam’s debut album LP1, released in December 2019, follows a similarly cringy trajectory. Boosted by Chainsmoker-esque beats and sleazy lines about “[doing] your ass in the car,” Liam’s music is a bold statement separating himself from the sound of One Direction, but it’s not for the better. At one particularly low point, he leers at and fetishizes his partner’s bisexuality in the song “Both Ways.” But even on tracks without pointedly offensive lyrics, Liam’s bravado comes off as corny, and he fails to utilize his sonorous voice’s full strength. Each song on LP1 sounds like a mishmash assembly of smash hit ingredients, but the final product can’t quite stick the landing, and songs blur together in a haze of tropical synth and repetitive melody.

It’s not all bad, though. Tasteless songs aside, it’s hard not to listen to LP1 without admiring Liam’s unwavering audacity. Not everyone has the bulwark of confidence required to sing lyrics like, “I just wanna have fun and get rowdy / One Coke and Bacardi, sipping lightly,” or release a song called “Hips Don’t Lie” that’s neither a Shakira cover nor good. While this album is not the radio-ready bop collection that Liam was perhaps hoping it would be, LP1 is, above all else, unapologetic about what it is.

Loser: Walls by Louis Tomlinson

In a recent interview with the Guardian, Louis says, “[Niall’s] the most lovely guy in the world … Zayn has a fantastic voice … Harry comes across very cool. Liam’s all about getting the crowd going, doing a bit of dancing … And then there’s me.”

Louis’s self-deprecating remarks reflect the popular perception of him as the forgettable, “other” member of One Direction. Sadly, his same failure to assert himself as a unique public figure and musician is the downfall of his album Walls, which struggles to sound memorable despite being the solo album that most closely resembles One Direction’s former sound.

Louis is the last member of One Direction to release a solo album, largely because he put off recording music for an extended amount of time after the death of his mother and sister in 2016 and 2019, respectively. Given this context, it’s not surprising that Louis’s music is steeped in solemnity, whether he’s nostalgic for an old relationship on “Too Young,” or openly grieving the loss of his family on “Two of Us.”

Unfortunately, Walls feels like a confessional series of diary entries set to drums and tinny acoustic guitar, and while the frank intimacy is a refreshing contrast to, say, Liam, ultimately the album feels lackluster and sonically generic. Soft guitar and even softer vocals accompany lyrics about longing — for someone, a feeling, a moment in the past — making Walls feel like a pale imitation of One Direction’s booming rock-inspired pop rather than an entity of its own. In his first attempt to separate himself musically from the group, Louis once again blends into the background.

Not everyone is better off alone [insert pun about One Direction becoming Many Directions].

The transition from boy band member to adult man solo artist is not an easy one. The scramble to assert oneself as a legitimate, relevant musician can be full of pressure, and not everyone walks away with equal amounts of fame and success. In the case of One Direction, the majority of these underwhelming solo efforts suggest that, as much as the members have striven to express their individuality, their biggest legacy will probably be being part of a group. (Unless we’re talking about Harry Styles, that is.)

#mine #ot5 #ride or die together #and discuss #ot5 reunion

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curranjake · 6 years

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out-of-band experiences

(niall’s full GQ interview, translated) Niall Horan is back in London, and London knows it. In a few hours he'll be having a concert in town for only the second time since 2015, when he was part of One Direction. The queue outside the O2 Academy Brixton is very long, and there are hundreds of fans waiting for the gates to open. As I look at him in the green room, the walls tremble with excitement coming from outside. I can also hear the band rehearsing. An acoustic guitar, the dry sound of the drums and the deep notes of the bass ring in harmonious synchrony. The sound is reminiscent of blues, folk, and something organic; nothing could be more distant from the meticulously constructed pop that led One Direction to conquer the world. Will the fans appreciate it? Niall gets out of breath. At 24 years old, he's still the perfect boy band singer: clear eyes, perfectly styled hair, worn-out Percival limited edition denim jacket. For a brief moment we think about playing billiards during the interview (there is an old battered table and I have a little flash of anticipation), but when I tell him that the pool cues are sticky, he wisely decides to sit on the sofa instead . How many concerts have you done so far? "Oh my God!" he blurts out, bewildered, before he starts to reckon aloud. "Ok, 135 dates for Take Me Home tour, then we did two years in stadiums ... I would say 800, more or less." That's a lot of practice. With all this experience, do you still feel nervous before going on stage? "I love to do concerts.The first shows of a tour are always the most challenging from a psychological point of view, but I love all of this. I feel totally at ease onstage. To play in the big cities, it makes sense to get nervous, like this evening: I live not far from here, and today my friends and relatives will be present, but I'm usually quite relaxed." Does he maintain a detached attitude? "No, no detachment. I'm sure of myself, so I just have to do what I know. There is one thing that really gives me the push, I always repeat it, even though it probably seems stupid, but my goal is to give people have something worth the money. I've done enough concerts and I can tell whether people are having fun or not (and it can happen to anyone). I like to think that if someone spends 30 or 40 pounds to come see me, I try to give you something worth that price." What Horan offers today is Flicker, an album written almost entirely by him, together with some collaborators, after the break-up (indeed, no: see below) of One Direction. "I always said that if I wrote an album, I wanted it to sound as natural as possible, probably to do with the way I grew up, with the first pieces I heard on the turntable at home. My dad and mom were great fans of Jackson Browne and the Eagles. " The first concert he witnessed, in Ireland when he was 4 years old, was that of the Eagles: he talks regularly with Don Henley, and to his credit it must be said that he seems genuinely amazed when he talks about it. "We said that one day we could write something, but I don't know if that will happen, or when. If it really happened, and the song was a success, I think I would never write another song again." Horan nearly didn't make it after Cheryl Tweedy didn't vote him through (he was later saved by Katy Perry) in the British version of X Factor of 2010. Just as an experiment, Simon Cowell decided to put Horan and other young hopefuls Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik in a group that Styles suggested they call One Direction. In 2012, their album, Up All Night, became the first debut album by a British group to reach the top of the charts in the United States. Suddenly the world was at their feet, as if they were the new Beatles in the reality show era. To prepare for the interview I watched the film about the band's 2014 concert at San Siro during the Where We Are tour: if you want to understand the meaning of hysteria, go and see it on YouTube. Horan laughs: "It was a brawl, I remember it as one of my best concerts of all time. It was an honor to enter Inter's locker room, but also pure madness.The Italians are so passionate!" A few weeks ago the film appeared on his iTunes screen. Horan watched a few minutes before turning it off. "I thought maybe it was better to wait a few more years." One Direction seemed to have come to an end in March 2015, with the departure of Zayn Malik and the subsequent separation of the remaining four members of the band. But Niall wants to emphasize: "We are not going to announce a break-up because I am convinced that none of us believe it. It would be stupid not to come back together sooner or later." However, for now, "It's fun to have some freedom, fly with your own wings, try to do something different." For Niall Horan, "something different" sounds like the riffs of Californian 70s rock. "That is true music. I want to bring it back, but with a touch of modernity." That does not mean that he intends to restrict himself to a single musical genre: "I think putting together different types of music is the most fun thing for those of us in music. At the moment I can not stop listening to Khalid - the last year he had an insane song, 'Young Dumb and Broke' - and I find it incredible: his voice is superhuman. I would like to work with him, Shawn Mendes, who is a friend of mine, and even write with Julia Michaels. In today's music there is not enough collaboration. " Another type of collaboration, which deeply absorbs Horan at the moment, is the one with Ellie Stidolph, his stylist. "I was horrible," he confesses, talking about his fashion choices during One Direction: "And I'm probably still not alright, but Ellie helps me to express myself a little better. I like working with small London brands like Percival. I'm very close to Paul Smith: he is the best, I can no longer do without his clothes, I'm even wearing one tonight on stage. It goes for everything: in life you always have to risk a little and see what happens." Flicker's tour is just beginning. "But I've already started thinking about the next record, I'm calm and relaxed, I want to do new things." And he flies away, towards the stage.

#Niall horan #GQ

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feeling-foreign · 3 years

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john mayer discography faves

EP - Inside Wants Out (9.5/10)

this ep is absolutely brilliant. i came knowing nothing about his discography so listening to a debut project i was not expecting what i heard. it’s so fantastic and portrays his brand so perfectly. like coming with a debut acoustic was amazing bc he really showed his incredible lyrical potential and genuine talent in guitar. his guitar abilities are out of this world in this record. i hope he did it all by himself. i’m shook by this ep but it definitely got me thinking how he made these songs on his own and how they could’ve sounded with more production. still, so beautiful and so good.

- Victoria

- Back to You

- No Such Thing

Room for Squares (8/10)

great debut album. he def did what i wanted him to do bringing back some songs from the ep and working on them. but it all sounded too much of the same thing so i got a bit bored and felt like i was listening to the same songs over and over.

- Your Body Is a Wonderland

Heavier Things (8.5/10)

couldn’t really pick a favourite song bc i was listening while cooking so I didn’t pay attention to the song titles and shit. but overall I was super pumped and impressed with the versalitity of the songs. something that i felt a lot in Room for Squares is that it was too guitar-driven so most of the songs kinda sounded the same but in this one he def improved sonically wise but still remained very cohesive. loved it!

Continuum (9.5/10)

am i too biased to say this has been my favorite album so far just because it’s also shawn’s favorite?! lol it’s truly a brilliant album though. generally the first thing i thought was that it was a different frequency from the rest of his discography so far. it’s more jazz-y, slower, calmer and yet deeper. sonically it’s very mature and soothing and so it is thematically. initially it reminded me of Jack Johnson but the comparison faded as the tracks got way more profound and unique than i expected. ooh, and his vocals are sooo good. definitely see shawn getting his vocal inspiration from this record.

- heart of life

- vultures

- stop this train

Battle Studies (9/10)

as the first track started i instantly thought: this is U2-ish. but it actually wasn’t. i loved the titles of the songs playing thematically with the album title. listening to the album i noticed how john found his genre, his sound and his way of making sonics that are guitar-driven but with great drums behind supporting it. then i noticed he really doesn’t have many collaborations on his discography. half of my heart starts playing and a familiar voice starts backing up his vocals. it gets more and more familiar and as i expected it’s taylor swift’s vocals. apparently she was featured but not anymore lol i like the concept of the track in relation to their relationship and both of them singing it. cute. as the album progresses i feel cool about it. i hear a hint of country music but it is not. assassin is a very interesting song. very different from a “normal” john song with its rock inspirations. crossroads reminds me of old maroon 5 stuff. honestly i think a lot of old taylor swift sonics were inspired by john’s sound. overall, the album truly surprised me. i didn’t have high expectations and thought it would be more of the same when i played the first two songs but i genuinely was surprised. it’s a very good album and beautifully executed. assassin might be one of my new favorites.

- heartbreak warfare

- half of my heart

- assassin

Born and Raised (7.5/10)

this is definitely john’s folk-country era lmao the songs are very well produced but i feel like it’s a more chill and grown up record. oddly it reminded a lot of niall’s first album ‘flicker’. each song is unique still. ‘walt grace’s submarine test, january 1967′ and ‘if i ver get around to living’ are such beautifully smart songs. the songwriting, especially in the first, reminded me of taylor swift again. at the beginning i was sure i wouldn’t vibe as much because of the genre but honestly it’s a great album to enjoy and chill out. it’s his harmonica album.

- shadow days

- speak for me (i connected)

- if i ever get around to living

- love is a verb (it’s the message for me)

- walt grace’s submartine test, january 1967 (good good storytelling)

- a face to call home (love the drums in it and electric guitar in it)

Paradise Valley (6.5/10)

yeehaw johnny! i read beforehand that this would be a more country album so i didn’t come unprepared. love the bridge of ‘wildfire’ (the only part that doesn’t sound like a country song lol) and the frank ocean version is nice. i also appreciate how he incorporated his signature guitar style into these country-ish songs. although it fits the genre they still have a little bit of john in them. again, a very very chill album.

- who you love ft katy perry (one of my favorite jm songs ever <3)

- i will be found (lost at sea)

The Search for Everything (8.5/10)

this album was a pleasant surprise. initially it was a big wonder, because i didn’t know any of the songs beforehand and it seemed like it was going to be an unremarkable album. first few songs in, a country sonic demotivated me and my early assumptions were apparently becoming true, so it didn’t really excite me. then, the songs started getting more jazz-y and upbeat (something that i was terribly missing and DYING to hear in john’s discography). the whole record flipped and the songs got really interesting. i even remember listening to one of them aka ‘still feel like your man’. i loveee the interlude track ‘theme for search for everything’ and it bothered me a little bit the title ‘emoji of a wave’ in a track that is so beautiful lol anyways, i ended up loving more than i thought i would because he finally brought back some groove into this discography. to sum it up, i felt like watching a movie soundtrack. that’s how i would describe this album as.

- helpless (soooooo goooddddddd)

- in the blood

- you’re gonna live forever in me

- still feel like your man

#music is my passion

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better-not-said · 6 years

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Ophelia’s eyes are focused outside, watching the freezing rain blow sideways across the parkway. Her father is confident in his driving skills, despite living in California for the past 13 years.

“I grew up driving in this rubbish,” Joe Dunphee had announced as they climbed into their rental car, the wind pelting the rain against the windows.

They’ve almost arrived and Ophelia is still shaking with nerves. She feels as though the wind from outside has reached the depths of her entire being, tearing through her, destroying everything in its path. She’s left hollow inside, feeling so fragile that one wrong move and she might fall apart.

Her dad pulls the car up beside his brother’s and they all climb out, hurrying across the parking lot and into the old folks’ home. Ophelia shoves her clammy hands in the pockets of her jacket, a hundred different scenarios running through her mind as the Dunphee’s are led to a rec room where Leo is this morning. Ophelia bumps into Harper who’s come to a halt behind her parents. Ophelia steps to the side, knowing exactly what she’ll see.

The Horan’s are there already, standing in disbelief, eyes flickering between Leo Dunphee and Edward Horan, sitting together on a couch, golf on the TV in front of them.

“What’s going on here?” Ophelia’s father huffs.

Niall takes a seat between the two older gentlemen, leaning his elbows on his knees. Ophelia walks past her family to take a seat in an open chair.

“You two set this up?” Bobby Horan realizes.

“Just listen to them,” Niall pleads.

Both their families get as comfy as they can be in such an unpleasant situation. Ophelia can see her father and her uncle look completely distressed by the whole thing and she has to focus to swallow the lump in her throat.

Leo and Edward share their story. It’s short and simple; they’ve been friends for over 50 years.

“Did you tell them to say this?” Nicholas directs at his niece.

Ophelia can’t find her words. “N-no.”

“O’course not!” Niall howls and the two families begin to talk all at once.

Ophelia slumps down in her chair, her eyes meeting Niall’s, and they share an exasperated look.

It’s then that Ophelia notices the leather book in Edward Horan’s lap. He lifts it and hands it over to his grandson who flips it open. The bickering dies down and all eyes focus on Niall as he scans the pages.

“There, that’s us,” Leo points, looking over Niall’s shoulder.

“Oh, this one. That was on our trip to Scotland,” Edward reminisces.

“You guys did a lot together,” Niall murmurs, the corner of his mouth lifting in a lopsided smile.

Everyone stares at each other, in complete awe at the fact they’ve been lied to for 50 years. Ophelia can feel her palms sweating as she awaits a reaction from somebody.

Her mother is the first to move, stepping closer to see the photo album. Harper follows, indulging in her curiosity.

“Here,” Niall hands her the book and stands up, allowing Harper to take his seat. He walks over to Ophelia while their families pass the book around, occasionally asking about a picture or two.

Ophelia heaves out a breath. She feels Niall’s hand come down to rub softly at her shoulder, still covered in her jacket. She’s still shaking, watching the scene before her with unwavering eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Nicholas asks, a hint of resentment lacing his tone.

“It’s complicated,” Leo Dunphee sighs. “On the one hand, we wanted what was best for our families. At the end of it, though, we realized maybe that wasn’t what was best.”

“Both pubs gained popularity as the rivalry grew stronger...but it tore two wonderful families apart,” Edward explains. “There’s no reason the pubs can’t co-exist.”

“And a reconciliation between the pubs will likely generate more publicity,” Leo adds.

“That’s...a lot to think about,” Nicholas murmurs.

“What!?” Ophelia sits forward. “It’s not that difficult!”

“Ophelia Jane!” her mother, Fawn wails. “This is not your place.”

“How about we enjoy lunch today and discuss this further at another time?” Bobby suggests. “We could host dinner at ours...say on Sunday evening when the pubs are closed?”

“That sounds very reasonable,” Ophelia’s father agrees. “C’mon, Dad, let’s go get some lunch.”

***

“They seem to really enjoy each other,” Leo muses, his younger granddaughter sitting beside him at the table the Dunphees and Horans have dined at.

“Yeah, they do,” Harper smiles, watching her cousin feed Niall a piece of chocolate chip cookie, thinking nobody is watching them. He and Ophelia had gotten up from the table and headed over to the dessert buffet for one last bite of something sweet.

“I’ve seen such a change in him since they met,” Maura sighs wistfully. “He’s had a tough time since Greg moved back to Ireland but...she’s brought out the best in him.”

“Yeh, he’s smilin’ again,” Bobby agrees.

“Ophelia’s had quite the attitude shift as well,” Joe Dunphee huffs. His wife Fawn shakes her head.

“Quite disobedient. She’s never been like this,” Fawn sighs.

“Well, you gave her reason to feel the need to hide this from you,” Maura points out.

“With good reason, yes!” Joe nods. “After what happened to Blake, we just wanted to protect her.”

Blake turns at the sound of his name, his eyes growing wary.

“I sure hope you’ve talked some sense into that boy. Niall’s certainly learned his lesson; I hope Blake has, too,” Bobby rustles.

“Lesson? My son got sent to A&E three days before his rugby tournament,” Nicholas yelps.

“Did he fail to mention he sent our son into A&E for 12 stitches on the back his head?” Maura frowns.

Ophelia and Niall hear the voices rising and they start slowly making their way back to the table, unsure if it’s a good idea to approach their families.

“Blake, is that true?” his mum Lena asks.

Blake stares into his coffee. “Yeah, ‘s true.”

“Why did you lie, son?” Nicholas asks.

He shrugs. “Didn’t wanna seem like the bad guy.”

“We were both the bad guy,” Niall says, slumping back down into his seat. “It was a mad scrap. Just...we got drunk and got outta line.”

“It shouldn’t even be a matter of discussion anymore,” Blake shakes his head. “It’s done with.”

Niall nods in agreement, looking around the table. “If we can move past that, you guys can get past this.”

***

“Where are you taking me?”

“It’s a surprise. If I told you, you’d not want to go,” Niall squeezes Ophelia’s hand, pulling her along the busy street.

He had surprised her that Saturday morning at the doorstep of the flat her family is staying in during their visit to England. Ophelia hadn’t seen Niall since they parted ways at the old folks’ home in Brighton two days ago, but it had felt like a week apart.

She hurries to keep up with his long strides and soon, they’re walking up to a large cream-colored building with excessive brown trim.

Ophelia barely reads the word Liberty before Niall tugs her inside. They weave through shoppers, past counters selling various things, through different rooms displaying different brands. When they reach a room filled with sparkling jewelry, Ophelia has a guess at what’s going on. She expects prickles of fear to creep up her spine but instead, she feels excitement begin to fill her up.

Niall stops at a counter where a woman is busy speaking with another customer.

“You ready to get your ears pierced?” he asks, smiling down at Ophelia who is already beaming.

“You set all this up?” She is in awe of him. He didn’t have to do this for her but he knows how happy it’ll make her, how much it means to her.

“‘S all paid for and everything. Just gotta pick out the earrings you want,” Niall hums, pressing his lips to her hairline.

“Thank you,” Ophelia smiles. Niall nods, giving her a quick kiss.

Niall holds her hands as she gets each ear pierced, a beautiful small earring placed perfectly. Ophelia’s eyes tear up as she admires them in the mirror.

“Happy?” Niall asks her, his eyes meeting hers in their reflection.

Getting her ears pierced and wearing earrings contains a much bigger meaning for Ophelia. In her eyes, this simple act is just the beginning of her taking charge of her own life. She is finished seeking the approval of her parents. From now on, she is putting herself first. She’ll show them she is strong and she can be independent. Looking at her brand new earrings, Ophelia has never felt more powerful.

“So happy.”

***

“Come on in,” Maura gestures to Ophelia who steps inside the Horan’s home with a bounce in her step. Fawn and Joe Dunphee follow their daughter with much more hesitance. Maura is a gracious host, offering to hang up everybody’s coats. Ophelia has always liked Maura. She looks for the best in people and she can tell that the small Irish woman is really trying to make this work. It makes Ophelia’s teeth grind, knowing the reluctance comes from her side of the family.

She can see that her cousins and their parents have already arrived, their coats all hanging up. To confirm her suspicions, Blake’s laughter drifts down the hall only to be quickly overshadowed by Niall’s howling laugh. She’s happy to find that they’re getting along after everything that’s happened but when she steps into the large kitchen, the tension surrounds her like water, cold and heavy against her skin. Ophelia decides to ignore the way her aunt and uncle are awkwardly standing opposite Bobby Horan, and she drifts over to Niall, giving him a quick, soft kiss on his cheek. The two of them decided not to shy away from their families. They want them all to know that no matter what their families decide, they’re going to be together.

“Has she noticed yet?” Niall asks Ophelia quietly, his fingertip just barely brushing along her earlobe, still a little tender from being pierced yesterday.

“Nope.”

“Still love them?” he wonders.

“Still love them,” Ophelia hums.

***

Dinner had gone surprisingly well. Bobby Horan cooks a mean Sunday roast. Wine was consumed and conversation remained relatively light. Ophelia was impressed by her father and her uncle who remained on their best behavior while discussing thoughts and plans for the future of the two pubs. She was surprised how little they spoke about the pubs. They agreed on comfortably co-existing on their opposing ends of Tide Pool Lane for the time being and then the conversation drifted to golf...again. Ophelia owes her gratitude to that damn sport’s entire existence. The common ground made the night much easier.

After dessert and more enthralling conversation, the families decided it was time to part ways. Ophelia grabbed her bag from her family’s rental car and hopped into the passenger seat of Niall’s old standard.

Half an hour later, she finds herself in her pajamas, her face free of the minimal make-up she’d put on for the evening. The buzz from all the wine she had that night is starting to wear off, her eyes growing heavy as Niall lazily strums his guitar at the end of the bed.

“Tonight went well,” she hums, her fingertips toying with the pillowcase beneath her head.

Niall pauses his strumming, resting his arm on the body of the guitar and propping his chin on the back of his hand. “I can’t believe we’re doing it,” he speaks, his head bobbling up and down with the movement of his scruffy jaw. “Bringing peace to our families. Feels good, like a weight’s been lifted.”

Ophelia nods, unable to fully understand how Niall feels. He’s lived with this feud hanging over him his entire life. Ophelia hadn’t known about it till she arrived in England twelve days ago.

She decides to change the subject.

“That song you played...on New Year’s Eve, the new one...can you play it for me?” Ophelia asks, crossing her legs at her ankles beneath the sheets.

“The Tide?” Niall checks, sitting up straight again. Ophelia nods. “‘S about us, ya know?”

“I thought so,” she admits.

“I wrote most of it in my head while you were making that painting of me...” Niall tells her. “Some parts I made up to fill in some gaps but...for the most part, it’s about us.”

“I’d like to hear it again,” Ophelia smiles softly.

Niall complies and begins to play. This version is a bit more languid than when he played it live at the pub but it’s just as powerful.

When he finishes, Ophelia is still smiling at him.

“I’m going to need a recording of that before I go back to California,” she says. As soon as the words leave her mouth, she realizes the reality behind them. She is flying home in two days.

From the look on Niall’s face, he is just realizing this, too.

He leans over to set his guitar in its stand before slipping under the duvet beside Ophelia, pulling her into his arms.

“I wish I could stay here forever,” she breathes as anguish takes up residency in her heart. There’s nothing in California for her anymore. She’s done with school; she can quit her job at the gallery in LA.

“The gallery,” she breathes.

“Wha’?” Niall’s eyebrows knit together.

“The gallery here in London wants me to do a solo show this summer,” Ophelia’s eyes light up and Niall’s heart swells. He wants her to always look this hopeful, to always have a dream in her eyes. “Think how much easier it’ll be to be located here.”

“It’s expensive, Ophelia, you know that,” Niall reminds her. “You know I believe in you but do your parents? You’re going to have to work hard if your parents aren’t going to support this.” He smoothes some hair away from her eyes which are still aglow.

“I want to do this. I want to be here...with you.”

Niall’s lips form into a smile and he nods before a fleeting thought crosses his mind. No...he couldn’t possibly suggest that. They’ve known each other for twelve days. Niall feels as though this is where Ophelia’s meant to be. Before she had arrived, Niall felt like he was swimming in circles, going nowhere. Now, his path is clear and he won’t stray from it, no matter how rough the water gets.

“What if,” he adjusts his position nervously. She can’t possibly agree to this. “What if you...lived here?”

“Here? With you?”

“It’s where you said you wanted to be,” Niall points out.

Ophelia’s heart feels as though it might tear through her chest. Her bloodstream is fizzling once again this evening. This time, it’s not an aftereffect of alcohol. Niall just has that effect on her.

“D-do you have room for me?”

“O’course I do!” Niall laughs. “I’d love for you to live here.”

Ophelia’s smile is impossible to ignore and Niall leans forward to give her a kiss.

“Just think about it,” he tells her. “There are still a lot of other factors.”

Niall’s right but Ophelia feels so strongly about him that it doesn’t matter to her if their parents accept her decision or not. All that matters is the two of them and if all they end up with is each other, then that is perfectly okay with them.

***

Tuesday morning comes way too quickly. Ophelia stands outside Niall’s building’s front door, the sun barely beginning to show itself. Something inside of her believes the longer she waits to say goodbye, the longer she’ll remain in England. This is just simply not true. Her plane will take off at 10:40am regardless of how long she stands outside Niall Horan’s door. Tears are beginning to swell in her sleepy eyes as her finger presses the buzzer. She waits and waits before finally, his crackly voice comes over the intercom.

“C’mon in,” he says. Ophelia knows she’s woken him up but this is her only chance to say goodbye.

She makes her way inside and up the stairs to his flat. The door is already unlocked, awaiting her arrival. Ophelia opens and closes it quietly, locking it behind her. Niall is just settling back in his bed, fixing up the pillows beside him so Ophelia can sit down. She sheds her coat and shoes before shuffling across the floor to climb into the bed. The paper she’s carrying drops onto Niall’s lap and she curls up into his chest, his left arm wrapping around her, bringing her close.

“Wha’s this?” he asks, his fingertips lifting the paper.

“It’s us,” Ophelia murmurs, her cheek finding a delightful spot upon his chest where she can feel the warmth of his skin seeping into hers.

Niall’s eyes take in the painting before him. Two figures are in the center, simple black lines show them sitting together. Despite the minimal detail, he can tell the boy and the girl are enthralled by each other. The boy is highlighted with hints of yellow while Ophelia gave accents of a sea green color to the girl. Surrounding them are tons of little dots of red and orange.

“It’s us?” he whispers.

“Mhmm,” Ophelia closes her eyes, embracing the moment for as long as it’ll last. “Those are California poppies. There’s a whole field of them. We’ll have to go someday when it’s sunny, or else they won’t be open.”

“We will,” Niall confirms. “I promise.” He leans down and presses an unsuspecting kiss to Ophelia’s lips. She responds, deepening it, not knowing when she will see him next.

All too soon, Niall pulls away.

“I’ve sent you an e-mail with a recording of The Tide,” he tells her as she melts into his chest once more.

“It’s all I’m going to listen to on the plane,” Ophelia admits. Niall chuckles quietly, giving her shoulder a squeeze. “Mum noticed my earrings. She likes them. Said it was kind of you to take me to have it done.”

“I’m glad,” Niall murmurs, his lips kissing her hairline.

“Do you have a title? For the painting?” he wonders after a moment. Ophelia glances down at the painting she created a few nights ago. Her mind wanders back to the night they met, inside the Irish pub at the end of the street, where they lost track of time, where Niall ignored her family name and let himself become enthralled by her.

Ophelia’s lips lift in a small smile, remembering that night so clearly.

“Tide Pool Lane.”

#bad news: it's done #good news: there will be an epilogue #I don't love the ending of this #TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS #I got so stuck and still am so this is rough but that's okay #Niall Horan #Niall Horan fanfiction #Niall #Niall fanfiction #Niall Horan AU #Niall AU #One Direction #my writing #TPL #Niall Horan story

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cherrystreet · 7 years

Text

I wrote this directly after I left my first Harry Styles concert. My emotions were more elevated, and now that I’ve had some time to sit and reflect, I feel a little less raw. Keep that in mind.

I definitely got carried away, just needed to type it out, I guess. It seems a bit mad, and I’m slightly hesitant to post, but maybe someone else can resonate and understand.

Music does fucking weird things to you, man.

Warning: it’s pretty aggressive in terms of “I miss this fucking boyband so much, I cry about it,” but you all know.

It’s not just a boyband.

You get it.

I saw Harry Styles at the Chicago Theatre on September 26th.

Several people have asked me for an update.

First disclaimer: this is less of a concert play-by-play and more of a word vomit. About One Direction. About Harry. About the hiatus, the crazy shit it’s made me feel over the past two years, the future. All a bunch of nonsense - or maybe not - thoughts.

Honesty hour ensues.

Let me preface this by saying I’m grateful. So beyond grateful for all my experiences. I won’t take advantage of that. I never have. Never will.

One Direction holds an interesting pull over millions of people. Me included. I fell in love with them on a whim - it wasn’t intentional. I don’t understand it. I can’t make sense of it. I can’t explain to others why I’m so invested. But at this point, I don’t bother with an explanation. I love to love them.

“One Direction is broken up. You still listen to them?” The amount of times I’ve heard this. I’m homesick for people who don’t know I exist. Moderately crazy, but shows the extent of the soul this band put into their music and performances and relationships with each other. And us. I feel tied to it.

Is any other fandom like this? I don’t know. Nor will I ever know.

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve had a very difficult time with the whole “solo” endeavor. One Direction is the biggest and most important part of my early 20’s, and for it to stop so abruptly and without any closure has taken an embarrassing toll on me. My best friend and I have become sickeningly close during our travels - we’ve experienced seven shows together, one of which was out the country - and to me, One Direction concerts became a place to make some of our deepest memories that no one else can replicate, or understand. I met friends - my Rita - through this band. I met you guys. It’s been two years of wondering and waiting if and when they would make a return into our lives, and then. Instead. We got solo Harry. Full force.

I understand the point of the break. I get it. Overworked. Shit management. I’ve exhausted the topic in my own mind, and with others. Doesn’t mean I’m jumping for joy over it. I’m a 1d stan at heart; I support them as individuals, but when it comes down to it, my loyalties lie with the band.

I’ll be candid and real, which I’m often not on this blog. I initially jumped on the “1d went on hiatus because of Harry” bandwagon. My original logic: he said he was the one who initiated it. He was the one who had solid plans. Louis said he fought it. Niall said he wasn’t ready for it. And after closely paying attention to hundreds of interviews since 2015, Harry has clearly showed his gratitude toward the band - don’t get me wrong - but he’s the only one who hasn’t talked about a return date. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t want to give false hope. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t know and doesn’t want anyone to read too much into his words. Maybe he’s moved on. Whatever the case, I shied away from his career at the beginning and couldn’t get excited like everyone else seemed to be. It hurt my heart to see him so happy and thriving away from the pieces that helped him with his start, his life. Honestly, I know I would have felt hesitant about whoever happened to go fully solo first (Zayn doesn’t count - that’s a very different situation). Sure, Niall and Louis had singles out last year, but it’s not the same as embracing a new album, a new identity. It just so happened to be Harry first.

Second disclaimer: I hate that the band isn’t together, but I could never hate any direct member for that. Ever. No one is specifically responsible. And I know that.

My vision is clouded. Selfishly, I didn’t want Harry (or any of them, really) to fall out of love with the past because I wasn’t ready to fall out of love with it. It’s brought me so much joy and love and laughter and experiences. It feels like I’m begging please don’t move on without me. I’ve found a major piece of myself because of this band, and as ridiculous as it sounds, I now feel a little lost. Being 25 is weird enough in itself, in terms of career and relationships and generally just being, and now take away the part that gave me stability and my independence, and I’m just. Wandering. Waiting for something to happen to make me feel as happy as One Direction did.

Reading that back sounds ridiculous. But I’m not the only one here.

I know what this looks like, what it sounds like. I know how skewed my perspective is. I’m doing my best to fix it.

I have Harry’s album memorized. I love a few songs, like a few, dislike a few. I guess that goes for every album. His style has changed from what we’re used to, as has some of his lyrics, but the quirkiness is still the same. The heart is still there. I knew it would be.

I was overwhelmed walking into the show. It’s been over two years since I’ve seen a member of 1d on stage in front of me. I had high expectations - expectations for his performance, expectations about how I wanted to feel once it was over. The venue was beautiful. It was the perfect place to listen to this album live for the first time. Echoey and full of charm and personality. Crystals. Velvet couches in the box seating area. Marbles floors and winding staircases. Pink hues across the stage. Simple, effective lighting. Harry. All Harry. No more crowds by the thousands, no more booming music, no more larger than life stage. Somehow, I felt more anxious.

He did not disappoint. But then again, I didn’t expect him to. For the past three years, he’s always done the best job at captivating my attention whilst performing. Nothing has changed in that sense.

It felt like the final nail in the coffin for 1d, kind of. My friend’s words. It’s too hard to imagine him doing this and then going back to a place where he doesn’t get to 100% put his whole self into what he’s doing, and has to share and compromise on ideas. I understand that. It would be counterproductive to work backwards. It wouldn’t be impossible, but it would definitely feel less organic.

Not just for Harry. For all of them.

Doesn’t mean I’ve lost faith, though.

“It’s been two years since we’ve last seen each other,” he said, “and in those two years, I missed you so much.”

I cried from the moment I sat down until I got back to my hotel room.

I like to be overwhelmed by music. But not like this.

I think part of it is because this was only the fourth night of his tour. It’s still brand new. I’m still not well acquainted with it. New territory, uncharted. I sound so ugly for being so conflicted about solo endeavors, especially when I know there were people who won’t get the chance to see him and I did. I’m grateful, I promise. I’m working meticulously to sort my brain from my heart.

I’m seeing Niall in a few weeks. God help me if I feel this royally fucked over from him, too.

Harry has not left behind his roots. That much was clear. I don’t think I was ever really worried about that part, because he’s pure and kind and appreciates everything in his life for what it is. He would never speak an ill word about 1d. Ever. I don’t think he has any ill words. I sobbed when he performed WMYB. I loathe that song. It felt like a small piece of home, anyway, him using their start as a part of his start. He looked gorgeous. He sounded like a dream. He doesn’t have as much room to prance, but he made do. No catwalk, no problem. I missed his voice. His speaking voice, preaching to the crowds about love and bravery. His terrible jokes. His gratitude. Christ, it felt so good to have him in front of me again.

Kiwi was exceptional. The crowd went off. SOTT was overbearing in a beautiful way. Hearing everyone scream “woman!” all at once was a Goddamn experience. The room was deafening for the entire show.

It wasn’t the same. I didn’t expect it to be, but I wanted it to be.

My friend kept saying, “One Direction is so dead and I couldn’t care less.” I care. I hate the division amongst the fans, amongst the media. “Pick a team.” I don’t want to. Right now, my friend loves Harry more than One Direction as a whole, so she doesn’t understand. I’m not going to try to make her. The crowd chanted “Harry” during the encore, and my heart hurt in the strangest way. I told Rita about it. “Ugh. Just Harry.” I knew she’d understand. She almost always does.

I love Harry Styles. With my entire heart. He was happy on that stage. Even while I stood in the back with my face in my hands, I could see that. I’m happy he’s happy. I love nothing more than a happy Harry. The world is a better place when he’s smiling.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t feel unsettled.

It’s out of my control. Accept the good that comes along with changes. Something I’m learning. Something I’m sure all five original members of One Direction are also learning.

I’m seeing him again on Saturday, in Boston. I’m hoping the initial shock will be mostly worn off and now that I know what solo 1d feels like, I’ll feel more ready for it. More ready for his sequined suit, his smile, his note changes, his band that isn’t the one we’re all used to, the harmonies that bleed together as if it was fate, the lack of three other boys who I miss terribly.

Maybe he misses them as much as I do.

I saw Harry Styles at the Chicago Theatre on September 26th. He was stunning. He moved me to tears. He ran with a rainbow flag, made us scream about pizza, looked beautiful in the neon pink lights. It wasn’t One Direction. It wasn’t better. It wasn’t worse. It was just different. And that’s what I’ll keep telling myself. Embrace being different. It’s what Harry does, after all.

I’m profound in the art of making five days worth of clothing fit into one carry on bag. I can memorize new albums in 48 hours if I have the right determination. I’m able to meticulously plan trips to new cities and venues like it’s nobody’s business. I’ve yet to master the ability, however, of separating love and music.

But I guess those are technically the same thing, anyway.

Thank you for a beautiful show, Styles. Thank you for allowing us into your life, for staying true. I’ve missed you, as a whole, as an individual. I’ll see you on Saturday.

Stay tuned for a second update this weekend. I’m sure it will be much different. I’ll be sure to post some photos, as there will “mainly be prancing.” And what a shame it would be to miss that.

xx Shelly

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louandhazaf · 7 years

Note

Are you thinking of doing themed recs then? I'd like one that's about one or both of them as songwriters. I'm still a sucker for a song fic. ❤️

Yes! I can absolutely do themed recs! Thank you so much for asking! I’m really excited about this. I hope you like these!

SONGWRITER FICS

but tonight (you’re on my mind) by allwaswell16/@allwaswell16 [E, 37k, Tomlinshaw]

Nick’s friendship with the lead singer of Seventy Eight has come with a new circle of people including an entrancing, blue eyed drummer. But what brings them together can also tear them apart.

got the sunshine on my shoulders by hattalove/@hattalove [E, 124k, Larry]

five years ago, harry styles left his tiny home town to make it big as a recording artist. he didn’t have much regard for what he left behind - a life, a family, and a husband, who woke up one morning to find him gone.

now, harry has everything he could possibly want: he’s rich, famous, and adored by everyone he meets, including his boyfriend. but when said boyfriend proposes to him, he’s forced to face the uncomfortable facts of his past - and louis, who’s spent the last five years returning every set of divorce papers harry sent him.

(or, an au based on the movie sweet home alabama.)

let’s start right now by dramaturgicallycorrect/@wickershire [T, 30k, Narry]

He turns to Harry. “Do you mind, like. Can I take a picture of your driver’s license?”

“Yeah,” Harry says easily, fishing his wallet out and presenting him with a California license to match his California plates. He has got an LA address, Niall notes as he snaps a picture. He’s got longer hair in this picture, waving down to brush his shoulders, a far sight from the short crop he’s got now. It looks just as good on him, he notes almost subconsciously.

He texts the picture to Louis as Harry puts the license away, give this to the police if I go missing…

What have you done Neil?? comes Louis’ answer quickly, but Niall ignores it, looks up to find Harry looking back at him.

“It’ll be fun.”

“Promise?”

Harry tilts his head. “I never make promises. You’ll just have to trust me.”[Or, Harry’s a professional cross country road trip driver, and Niall is his latest fare.]

promise not to fade away by you_explode/@nobodymoves [E, 10k, Larry]

“Louis doesn’t take his eyes off Harry for the rest of his set. He doesn’t even drink his pint. He just watches, and listens, and is completely enraptured by this boy with his curls and his velvet voice. Harry plays a mixture of originals and covers (songs Louis loves, by the way, so he’s got great taste as well), and in between songs he’s cheeky and charming, and Louis is desperate to know him.“

Louis is an A&R rep, and Harry is a singer/songwriter. They meet on New Years Eve.

Looking Through You by allwaswell16/@allwaswell16 [E, 42k, Larry]

Just as Louis and Liam were starting out in the music industry, writing and producing for up and coming artists, a fateful meeting with new pop singer Harry Styles changes everything. Four years later, just as Harry is set to embark on his next world tour, a drunken confession causes a rift between once inseparable friends. As Harry tries to make sense of his feelings for Louis, he begins writing his next album to express them as it may be the only way to break through the walls that Louis has built between them.

i have your dreams (and your teeth marks) by aloequeera/@aloequeerafic [E, 118k, Larry]

Louis and Harry don’t believe in second chances, but sometimes it feels like the universe does. A Music Industry/Getting Back Together AU.

Life Was a Song, You Came Along by rainbowninja167/@rainbowninja [E, 38k, Larry]

It’s embarrassing how long it takes Louis to recognize his own song. Niall had sung it as a bright, hopeful love song, and that’s honestly how Louis had always assumed it should sound. But this new voice, slow and rough, stripped of any backing instrument, has infused the lyrics with just the tumultuous mix of fear and defiance that Louis can remember so clearly from the night he wrote them.

It’s not a comfortable thing, to feel like someone is singing all your secrets back to you.

Louis is a songwriter trapped in a lie that could ruin his best friend’s career. Harry owns a record store, distrusts everyone in the music industry on principle, but loves Niall Horan’s newest album. A modern retelling of Singin’ in the Rain.

Naked & Proud by kiwikero/@icanhazzalou [E, 19k, Larry – Postcast Available ]

The town itself is tiny, as evidenced by the ten minutes it’s taken Louis to drive the entire thing. There’s not a single recognisable brand in sight—no Tesco or McDonald’s or even a bloody Starbucks. Lining the streets instead are mom and pop stores with names like ‘Jerry’s Burgers’ and ‘The Market Basket’ and…“'Naked & Proud?‘” Louis almost slams on the brakes at the outlandish sign, the name written in a seemingly innocent font, words curved around a large cartoon peach. He can’t help turning into the carpark, easing the car into a spot next to a beat up truck.

He isn’t sure what to make of it. Surely it isn’t a strip joint or sex shop, not with the families and little old ladies going in and out of the establishment. Some kind of nudist hangout, perhaps?

And, oh, God. Did Louis’ mother accidentally send him to live in a nudist colony?

In which Harry runs an organic store, not a nudist colony, and Louis doesn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

#Anon #nic's fic recs #songwriter au

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taylorwrites · 7 years

Text

COMING SOON: THIS IS SANITY

THIS IS SANITY

PREVIEW

May 2016

The Observer: Observer Magazine

Ella Fanshawe: The Luckiest Girl in the World.

Earlier this month, I was given the opportunity to sit down with brand new singing sensation Ella Fanshawe over coffee. Her brand new single “Fake” has skyrocketed to the top and has been at number one for three weeks now and it continues to thrive. Naturally I arrived there before her, and claimed a booth for us before I heard the bell of the door and turned to watch her walk in. She was, surprisingly, on her own considering the level of success she has achieved in so little time. She introduced herself, shaking my hand, before asking how I was. I was surprised to find that she is quite shy, although she has proven brilliance in picking her words.

I began by telling her that I thought we should start from the beginning and she began to tell me about her discovery.

“I was always gigging in pubs with friends or sometimes on my own. It was never really a major plan for me to do this, just something that I enjoyed doing every now and again. Someone, who is actually now my manager, gave me their card and asked if I’d thought about a career in music. I left it for a while and my friends were all ‘you should just call him, it's worth a try’, so I did, and here we are ten months later. I guess I just got really lucky.” She's very nonchalant about it and puts everything down to luck, a quality I admire about her.

“So this isn't always what you wanted to do, then? Music was never really the plan?”

“I actually went to university for psychology and I was convinced I was going to go into forensic psychology! Obviously I’ve watched too much Criminal Minds. This was just a hobby type thing that I did with some of my friends every now and again,it was never a full on, hard core I want to do this. But maybe subconsciously this was something I wanted to do but never really pursued it because of the competition there is to get in, I don't know. I actually just graduated and so I was working nonstop on my dissertation and the song and so now that that's done and dusted, I’m finally able to focus on one thing in it's entirety. I'm not the best multitasker so this proved to be a massive feat for me!”

“Did you and your manager find it easy to find someone who wanted to work with you? Was it more difficult as you are so new?”

“Definitely there was some degree of difficulty trying to get someone who would want to work with me. It was much more difficult for us than it was for my manager to find a label who was willing to go out on a limb and sign me, actually. But I really enjoyed working with who we did, and I really want to work with them again. They’re these two brothers from Newcastle and they were so great to work with. Taking all the suggestions and suggesting things themselves. It was a really great partnership between us! It was really cool actually. It was all done in a shed in their garden which has been all kitted out with sound protection and every single instrument you could ever dream of! We spent a while up there working on a few different things before we decided that this was the one we were going to go for. They were really really helpful in helping with techniques and stuff, and I learnt a lot about the mixing and recording the traks, which is actually a lot more simple than I thought it would be. All the buttons mean the same thing which was news to me.” She laughs at herself before reigning herself back in and apologising for ‘going off on a tangent’, before I told her that this is what I was here for; to listen to her talk.

We then began to talk about her life before London, something that has never been brought up in the few interviews she's done.

“I grew up in Oxfordshire, but I went to an all girl school in Kent. That's really all there is to tell. l worked hard at school, and did relatively well in my exams. I really enjoyed it, and do miss it actually. I'm one of those people who need some sort of structure in their lives like I had a school, and I did struggle without it at university. This has given me plenty of structure but with variation. Growing up, though, it was all very normal. Although I haven't been exposed to other ways so this is what I know. I have two older brothers, they're super protective of me and since this has all happened they've upped their game even more.” She makes a point of not playing up her upper middle class upbringing, something she doesn't talk about and so keen researchers like myself might be surprised to discover this. A public schoolgirl and overnight sensation is not the most popular combination. It seems as though she is abnormally normal.

I ask her what it was like to be away from home at such a young age.

“Actually, it wasn't weird at all for me. I first started boarding when I was only eight and a lot of my friends also were doing it too. My brothers did it, and my parents did it too when they were at school. It was normal for me, I suppose. Then I went even further away from home I was thirteen and it didn’t bother me in the slightest. There's always something to do, so I would keep myself busy. There wasn't any time to be homesick! I don't enjoy sitting around waiting to do something, which I suppose is why this job is doing well for me at the moment; I'm constantly on the go. This is busy, which I like, because I really struggle doing nothing.”

I often wonder about why many are against people who have already come from relatively wealthy families who can build their own career without the help of their parents or their friends of parents. There are obviously people around who have been given and so taken opportunities handed to them on a silver platter. This young lady has not. I like that she is very much her own person, and it is apparent she had been brought up well.

It is at that point I bring up why I am here talking to her. The single. She almost suddenly turns quite timid, and nervous but there was a definitely grin hiding behind her mug as she took a sip.

“Um, well it's called ‘Fake’, and when I heard the demo I was literally like we have to do this! I’d heard a few others which were great and we actually recorded a few demos for them, but this one just kind of stood out a bit more. This one, I think, is the most me.”

“It's blown up so fast, were you expecting this?”

“No this is, this is completely mental to me. I wasn't expecting to have a UK number 1 at all, this is, beyond crazy! Obviously I was wanting people to like it but I was never expecting it to go like this!” Ella appears to talk a lot with her hands, throwing them around as she becomes more enthusiastic about topics we talk about.

“You've had a few already established people in this industry comment on the single, how does that make you feel?”

“Oh god, I sound like a broken record but it's so mental! I got tweeted by Niall Horan and he went on about how he really really liked it and that he was looking forward to hearing more from me and I honestly think i've never read a tweet so much! I thought I was hallucinating! I've been told that Ed Sheeran also really likes it but I can't be sure. I'm waiting for his tweet.” She chuckles to herself, twirling a gold ring on her left little finger.

“It’s also getting big in America too, do you have plans to go over there and work on promotion?”

“Yeah actually, we're heading over there in a couple weeks, and we've got Fallon and Corden lined up I believe, I'm super excited for that! It's insane, like those are big talk shows, and I’m going to be on them!” She sits back in the booth in disbelief. “It's just so insane.”

“And is there an album in the works?”

“Uh, yes. I'm not sure how much I’m allowed to talk about it but there is an album in the works. We've got a few things recorded and I've even had a bit of an input on some of the writing which has been such a good experience. I really really enjoyed that! I think it'll be a while though before any of that comes out into the world!”

“So if we're not getting an album anytime soon, do we get another single in the near future?”

“It's only been 6 weeks since the first one came out! It's flown by and everything's been a bit nonstop, but it's not been long at all and you're already wanting more! This is brilliant! Um, a second single? Right now I'm not entirely sure, I’ve been told that I get to decide if and when one will come out, and I want to ride out the success of this one because it's been great, I don't want to leave it too long that people get bored. I have a few people to advise me and so I'll have to have a chat with them to see what they say about that”

“Are you going to stick with pop music or do you want to move about a bit?”

“Oh, I 100% want to move around within multiple genres of music. I think that if I stick with one I won't appeal to as many people than I would if I was to mix and match, I don't want to play it too safe. It makes more sense to me to do that. I love so many different types of music and so the aim is just to create music that I would like to listen to. I think it would be silly just to stick with one, and not to make an attempt to appeal to more people!”

“Now, canwe get to the juicy detail talk about your personal life?” at this point she just laughs, and take a sip of her americano.

“There really isn't anything to tell, I’m as single as can be, if that’s what you’re asking, but I'm not really looking for anything right now! I’m so focused on this right now there really isn't much time for anything like that”

“So nothing going on with anyone? No dates? Nothing?”

“I mean, there have been dates, but nothing that's gone further than that. It's not that I don't want to, it's more that it's become seemingly difficult post single release.”

“What was your favourite one you've been on?” She hesitates for a moment.

“Oh, one person managed to get tickets to ‘The Secret Cinema’ to see Moulin Rouge, and it was one of the best things I’ve seen! That was actually a great evening!” Ella has continually become more confident as our conversation has gone on, treating it more like a conversation, rather than an interview. “I do want to make a conscious effort though, if this continues to grow as fast a pace that it does, to keep certain parts of my life private, y’know? I get that with the job I signed up for that's not always possible, but I’m definitely going to try.”

“Ella, you honestly seem like the most likable person, do you have any flaws?” She laughs at my question but gives a large nod.

“Oh, god, yes! Definitely! Obviously I try to downplay them a lot but since you asked; I stress too much about everything. I remember everything, which is a gift and a curse, because there are things I would definitely like to erase from my memory! I cannot, for the life of me, hold a grudge. It's awful! My father tells me it's the best trait in the world to have but he's wrong. It's the worst. He has it too, actually. We’re very similar. I am the worst cook! It's awful! I can't even cook soup right! You ask my friend and she'll tell you about that time I left soup on the stove for too long and it boiled over and I made the biggest mess! I'm so easily distracted, like so easily! It's so annoying and I can't help it! I used to have to have those things to keep your hands occupied while you’re working because I had to be doing something! Multitasking? Not my thing. I can't text and walk, I can just about walk and talk, I can't- Oh I really struggle with watching movies. Like I love them, but unless it's one of my favourite films, I can't watch the whole thing. I've started so many movies but I have no idea on how any of them ended!”

It is then when I am reminded that, unfortunately, my time with Ella must come to an end. She is polite, as ever. Telling me to get home safe, and that she is looking forward to reading the finished write up of our conversation. I have thoroughly enjoyed talking and meeting with Ella Fanshawe, as she is the epitome of niceness. She is very lucky indeed.

#harry styles fanfction #harry styles #harry styles one shot #preview #this is sanity #my writing #full fic

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28allthelove28 · 7 years

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Essay on Fandom and Obsession (One Direction & Fionn Whitehead mainly)

I think it is vital to not make people feel guilty for the things that they enjoy. It is also important to realise that everyone gets obsessed with stuff, and it’s not a bad thing.

Fandom can often be seen as being predominantly young girls screaming and crying over young boys, and apparently that is not cool. At least a lot of people seem to think it is not cool, but that attitude is wrong. Yes, teenage girls have been freaking out over young men since before Beatlemania, but intense fandom and excessive love for your idol is by no means exclusive to young girls. Think of Morrissey. Grown men devote their lives to worshiping him. I’ve witnessed hard, tough, old men in tears, covered in Smiths tattoos, shouting every lyric out at a Morrissey gig, and no one batted an eye. It’s great! David Bowie inspired generations of working class lads to dye their hair bright orange and go out wearing glittery make up. Loads of men really idolise Oasis. Everybody loves Radiohead. I’m one of the proud and devoted thousands who flock in their Goth uniform to see The Cure perform every couple of years, and hopefully I always will be. The best moment of my life was my last Cure gig, and I’m very happy about that. Of course, fan girls don’t just like male musicians, a lot of girls like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Little Mix, so do a lot of boys. Lads also like Justin Bieber as well as girls. Maybe it is naïve, unnecessary and problematic to even consider fandom in terms of gender, especially in terms of only two genders.

To mention fan fiction, I bought a book from Rough Trade Records which was part of a series of works inspired by different musicians. It was a short story which the author imagined after listening to the album Dry by PJ Harvey. It may not be classed as conventional fan fiction per say, due to Polly Harvey not being directly featured in the story, but each chapter began with the first lyric of Polly’s song, in order of the album tracklist. Something creative and imaginative was born from an enjoyment of music, it was wonderful. And fandom is obviously not just music orientated, thousands of people are obsessed and devoted to football. I couldn’t even count the amount of Newcastle United Football Club tattoos I’ve seen. Game Of Thrones, Star Wars and Harry Potter have enormous fan bases too. The Great British Bake Off is huge, so are specific YouTubers, make-up brands, celebrities like the Kardashians, fashion brands, games, and phone apps. There are so many areas of fandom and obsession, when you begin to think about it. I may have glossed over and simplified some things but these serve as only a few brief examples, out of many, of how diverse and wonderful fandom can be.

Being a fan is clearly by absolutely no means just young females liking young male singers, and it probably is problematic to think so. Perhaps why it can initially seem that way, to me anyway, may be because a girl obsessing over a boy has been my personal experience, and in contemporary culture today, the media really does like to mock girls like me. To focus on One Direction in particular, because that is my biggest obsession, and is most relevant to this discussion, many journalists enjoy frequently claiming that all One Direction fans are hysterical, naive 12 year old girls, who want to sleep with the band, and only like them because they’re pretty. When in fact, not only is that disrespectful to any 12 year old 1D fans, but many fans have grown up with One Direction and are around the same age as them, if not much older. Many One Direction fans don’t fancy the band whatsoever, many 1D fans are boys, many fans are gender fluid, and all the fans that I’ve interacted with genuinely love 1D’s music and respect the band members. Yes, there are some people who sexualise, worship, and disrespect One Direction, but tabloid journalists can often only focus on that side of things.

I think it is important to highlight more so, that a vast portion of the One Direction fandom are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and through 1D and their fans, feel loved, supported, understood, welcomed, included and inspired to be strong and proud. A lot of One Direction concerts are full of rainbow flags, which then get shown on the big screen, signed by Louis, and worn by Harry. Harry has ‘liked’ Instagram posts encouraging people to “Support feminine boys” and Louis has even corrected Harry when he accidentally misgendered a fan. A vast portion of the 1D fandom, myself included, genuinely believe that Harry and Louis are in love, and have been in a secret relationship for years, and we completely support them. (I have a separate essay on this.) I talked about this recently with a lecturer in queer art history, who also believes in Larry, and is in awe at the level of visual analysis ‘Larries’ have undertaken to examine Harry and Louis’ complimentary couple tattoos.

Harry has inspired young boys to wear nail polish because, until seeing him do it, they “Didn’t know boys were allowed.” Again, I don’t want to skim over important issues, but I am quickly mentioning the importance of One Direction’s queer community, and Harry challenging gender norms, to disprove the media idea that all 1D fans are just there to sexualise the band. Yes, I and many others do find One Direction very beautiful and sexy, but I don’t want to be their girlfriend or their lover, at most I just want to be their best friend. I want to continue enjoying their music and supporting them as individuals. And so do the majority of fans that I interact with.

The way in which mainstream media represents One Direction fans can make them expect everyone to mock them. However Mark Radcliffe, a radio presenter on 6Music, an alternative station you would never expect to mention One Direction, recently spoke very kindly of Harry Styles and his fans. He saw people queuing to meet Harry, and explained on his show that they were very excited, and “Why wouldn’t they be?” Mark discussed that Harry was doing solo work and even made a feature out of fandom, asking listeners to text in their own experiences of queueing for their idols. Mark kept chatting to Harry’s fans, checking they were ok and he even brought them breakfast. The entire time Mark mentioned Harry and the fans, he spoke sweetly and respectfully and completely normally. This shouldn’t have been refreshing to hear, but it really was. I tweeted to thank Mark for his kindness, to which he ‘liked’ and replied. I simply found this a lovely and heart-warming example of respectable music news outlets treating young pop fans nicely.

Harry Styles himself was even asked about his fan-base being mainly composed of young girls, as if he were supposed to feel embarrassed about that, and he brilliantly commented “Who’s to say that young girls who like pop music – short for popular right? – have worse musical taste than a 30-year-old hipster guy? That’s not up to you to say. Music is something that’s changing… Young girls like the Beatles. You gonna tell me they’re not serious? How can you say young girls don’t get it? They’re our future – our future doctors, lawyers, mothers, presidents, they kind of keep the world going. Teenage-girl fans – they don’t lie. If they like you, they’re there. They don’t act ‘too cool’. They like you, and they tell you.” I really don’t think there is a better way to say it. One Direction fans defend them against the media, but they also correct them if they make mistakes. We are honest.

Louis Tomlinson has also talked about how impressive and “Remarkable” his own fans devotion is, and how endlessly grateful he is for it. Louis has discussed how he’s built up a special relationship with his fans and often credits his success as being a constant “Teamwork” between him and the fans working together, even saying that they deserve managerial, promotion jobs. Niall Horan from One Direction constantly looks out for the safety of his fans as they queue to see him perform, and he even regularly shares photos of letters which he’s handwritten for fans, personally updating them on what he’s been up to. Liam Payne from 1D always remembers to acknowledge special band anniversaries that the fans get involved with, and Zayn Malik frequently shares examples of fan art that his fans have drawn of him. The members of the band which people idolise, equally love and appreciate their fans in return and form a family-like unit together, and it’s lovely.

People have picked up on this and even said that society should be built in a similar way as a fandom; supportive, passionate and communal. A lovely article was written by Aarabelle Sicardi, in which she describes fashion designer Rei Kawakubo as her own Harry Styles. She rightly notes that “Loving people makes you brave.” And that “Fandom is a pure version of this. It’s an ideal receptacle of feelings because you ask for nothing personal in return… fandom gave me bravery and friendship.” She admits that you can often find yourself needing to “Defend” your fandom love, and that people may dismiss the thing you love but the thing you love will never dismiss you. She discusses similar points which I have made that “Fandom lives in every industry if you know where to look…teen girls are always attacked for their fandom regardless: music fandom to outsiders looks uncool, unhinged or wasteful. You might see teen girls crying and holding signs or collecting memorabilia and think it’s too much for something so trivial. But it’s not.” Sicardi quotes Harry’s fans as they describe how he was a gateway to finding their queer community and affirming their own identity, saying that “His existence in the world made them more comfortable with their own…Teen girls are criticized for loving the wrong things and loving them in weird and unproductive ways. But the criticisms couldn’t be more off base. They love things with a brilliance and curiosity that makes them better for it…Teen girls push themselves to learn how to code so they can build beautiful fan-pages and online communities… It helps them build worlds out of their imaginings.” Through writing about One Direction, myself and many other fans have also learnt more about putting forward an argument, gathering information, formatting essays and questioning things. Sicardi ends her article by saying that loving things makes fans smarter and braver, and I agree.

These are all beautiful, empowering things, but for me, being so engaged in a fandom can also mean that I do live inside my head quite a lot, but it’s mostly very nice in there, and I think everyone does that. Everyone imagines things. Everyone enjoys the things they enjoy. Admittedly I probably think that obsessing over famous boys is worse than it actually is. In reality I’ve now learnt that it’s not that bad at all. Yes, loving One Direction, Larry Stylinson and Fionn Whitehead can cause some problems – what if no man in real life can live up to them? What if Larry or ‘Larries’ have set unrealistic expectations of relationships? What if I’m more invested in their wellbeing than my own, and those around me? What if I spend so much time on them that I am ignorant to real world problems? What if their rich and privileged lifestyles have made me greedy and selfish? What if their success being born from luck on a talent show has made me lazy and less ambitious? What if their enormous success at the same age as me has made me value my own progress less? What if their physical beauty and that of the people around them has made me doubt and criticise my own? However, perhaps me thinking that loving a boy band or an actor is damaging and could cause all these issues, is the actual problem. Perhaps the obsession itself is not the problem, but my attitude towards it, an attitude influenced by media shame. Maybe me thinking it’s a problem is the only problem.

In reality, it is fun, and educational, and cultural to discover an actor or a singer. To appreciate a person’s talent and hard work, to notice their good qualities, to learn things from them and from their art, to unashamedly be passionate about something, to meet new people through that shared interest and then learn more things from them. All of that is a positive, and rewarding, and beautiful thing. I just have to keep thinking that until I no longer need to remind myself.

Perhaps this whole essay is my way of justifying to myself that it is ok for me to be obsessed with Fionn Whitehead and One Direction. Of course it is. Life is too short and dramatic to worry about things that you don’t really need to worry about. Life is too short and dramatic to deny yourself what you enjoy. Life is too short and dramatic to be over influenced by other people and their opinions. Life is too short and dramatic to not be proud of who you are and what makes you happy.

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pokalkalasreko · 6 years

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Top 50 Singles of 2017

Hello and welcome to the third annual edition of my top singles list (2016, 2015)

I really like writing these lists and 2017 is all about doing more of the things you like and less of the things you don’t.

Hair Down by Mollie King would have been my top song of the year, except that ultimately it just wasn’t any good.

This year, because I’m feeling extra festive, I have made the list into an apple music playlist.

Allie X – Casanova

And we’re off. This chorus has one of the best hooks of the year.

Jax Jones - Breathe ft. Ina Wroldsen

Ina Wroldsen has one of my favourite voices in music. You can hear her singing backing on a lot of early songs by The Saturdays, given that she wrote most of them. First of two Jax Jones entries on the list.

Yaeji - Raingurl

Yaeji is cooler than me, you, anyone you have ever met, and anyone you will ever meet.

Lost Kings - Quit You ft. Tinashe

In which Tinashe controversially claims she is addicted to a Coldplay song.

Katy Perry - Bon Appétit ft. Migos

In 2013, Katy Perry was the biggest popstar on the planet, and I couldn’t understand why. In 2017, she releases a string of actual bops and her career is in nosedive. I’m ready to stan.

Josefine Myrberg - Head over Heels

Josefine Myrberg came third in Swedish Idol back in 2014. Nobody seems to be listening to her music much these days, but Head Over Heels (7.5k views at time of writing) is a genuinely beautiful song worthy of a lot more recognition.

Kehlani - Already Won

The first time I heard this I was like ‘yaaas’ all the way through. Kehlani’s autobiographical ode to her own successes is a reminder to all of us to recognise that sometimes, we have already won.

Sigrid Bernson - This Summer

A pop song by a Swedish woman about enjoying summer. There is nothing better.

Sage the Gemini - Now & Later

Released in 2016, but reached its chart peak in 2017 so it’s allowed. Now & Later was almost my most played song of Q1 so there’s that.

Gabrielle Aplin - Waking Up Slow

I’ve just discovered that a PIANO version of this song has 3x as many views on YouTube. That is criminal. This song is full of synths and it bops because of it.

Stockholm Noir - Hopeless Dreams

The “Take me to the south of France, I’ll feel poor again” bit is excellent.

Anitta - Paradinha

A very good friend of mine who happens to be multi-lingual informed me that this song doesn’t make any sense in about 3 different languages. Which is as ridiculous as it is iconic.

Dagny - Wearing Nothing

I love the choreography in this video. Dagny is a brilliant popstar.

Shania Twain - Poor Me

I wasn’t mad about the other singles Shania released as part of her comeback this year, but this hit me for real. Shania voice has changed in tone so much, and now it suits the melancholic Poor Me perfectly.

Danny L Harle - 1UL

What a song. I wish the singer was credited so I could look into her other work because I think she has a very listenable voice.

SOFI TUKKER - Best Friend feat. NERVO, The Knocks & Alisa Ueno

That bassline. Features galore. Nonsense lyrics. A kitchen sink bop.

Dinah Nah - One More Night

Dinah Nah is an international treasure, making banger after banger for anyone who will listen. As part of the excellent Spotify for Artists year-end thing, she proudly shared that she has 894k fans in 60 countries, which is quite remarkable and warms my heart.

Shakira - Coconut Tree

I liked Malibu by Miley Cyrus but I preferred Coconut Tree by Shakira. This song is truly meditative, and takes me straight to the beach.

Tove Styrke - Say My Name

Ironic because I still can’t pronounce Tove’s surname.

The Chainsmokers - Paris

I know it’s the Chainsmokers, but I think this song is actually very good. That final instrumental goes off.

PVRIS - Winter

From Paris to PVRIS, this song has one of the biggest choruses of the year. I also love that they have called the video a “visualette” - so extra.

Wiktoria - As I Lay Me Down

Wiktoria puts in a solid effort here, pretty much yelling her way through the entire song without taking a breath and it is incredible. Bonus points for a liberal use of “HEY” noises throughout.

Niall Horan - Too Much To Ask

Don’t @ me. I am the last person who would have expected to see Niall Horan anywhere near my top thousand songs of the year, but here we are. The only thing constant in life is change.

Lorde - Green Light

The final chorus of Green Light was one of my defining moments of Glastonbury 2017 - genuinely euphoric. I read somewhere that Lorde uses significantly more nouns than other songwriters and that’s what makes her songs so memorable. That could be true. I haven’t counted the nouns in Green Light though but it feels like there’s a fair few.

Charli XCX - Out Of My Head ft. Tove Lo and ALMA

Charli XCX’s POP 2 is an absolute triumph and my album of the year. Every song has about 12 different hooks and sounds so fresh. Tove Lo and ALMA are a dream collaboration on Out Of My Head.

KStewart - Sex 4 Breakfast

KStewart is my favourite new artist this year, and this is the first of two singles on this list. Somebody played a ‘prank’ on me at Brighton Pride this summer, and told me KStewart was playing on the mainstage at 4pm. I was so excited and squeezed my way to the front. However, at 4pm KStewart was nowhere to be seen and, to my surprise, out walks Louisa Johnson. Good stuff.

Tinashe - Flame

The nicest thing I have ever done for myself is to buy myself VIP tickets to meet Tinashe and see her perform at Koko in Camden. Here I am like a competition winner:

It feels now like she’s never going to break through into the top tier of popstars which is a shame, because I really think she has it all.

IMRI – I Feel Alive

The best pop song Eurovision has had in years. Unfortunately slightly strangled by the 3 minute rule, I would take another 1 or 2 choruses at the end for good measure. Imri seems like he’s having the time of his life and that’s great to see.

Loreen - Body

It took a couple of listens, but now I am completely addicted to Body, and it is pretty much on repeat whenever I am commuting. Perfect for drowning out the real world.

Loop - As if

I follow Loop on Instagram and she seems great. This year she has released a bunch of breezy, refreshing electro-pop including As If. I’m hoping that 2018 is her year.

Poppy - My Style (feat. Charlotte)

My Style would be right at home on Robyn’s Body Talk, which is one of the greatest albums ever. As Robyn appears to be taking some time out, I am thrilled that Poppy has stepped in with her own brand of robo-pop.

Liv Lovelle - Won’t Say Too Much

For the first minute of this song I’m always like “where is this going”, and then that drop happens and it all makes sense.

CNCO, Little Mix - Reggaetón Lento (Remix)

Kim Petras - I Don't Want It At All

More like Kim Petr-SASS 💁 I Don’t Want it At All is the ultimate ode to materialism and an absolute stomper.

Nicki Minaj - Regret In Your Tears

I feel like Nicki Minaj is too often overlooked as a popstar who sings. Regret In Your Tears is an understated jam, and she sounds great.

Astrid S - Breathe

Exactly what a pop song should sound like. I had a flatmate this year and we had nothing at all in common, apart from the we both listened to Astrid S. The power of pop music to build bridges.

Kelela - LMK

Kelela was one artist who made me genuinely excited about music this year. Her album Take Me Apart is exquisite, sounding both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. LMK is one of the best.

KStewart - Hands feat. Yungen

If there were any justice, this would have been huge for KStewart. But there isn’t and here it sits with less than 50k(!) views on YouTube. Hands is completely radio-ready, and could be lifted off any Ariana album.

Rita Ora - Anywhere

Rita Ora has had an incredible year. I love that she hosted America’s Next Top Model, then sacked it in and had 3 huge top 10s, which is probably more than your fave. Anywhere was instant for me, and her best by a long way. The nonsense post-chorus is reminiscent of those early 00s garage classics. Rita herself has said that it has no meaning, and I hope that in 2018 we are able to enjoy more songs with no meaning whatsoever.

Dua Lipa - New Rules

Well this one took off didn’t it. Dua’s meteoric rise has been so exciting to watch, and it was New Rules that really took it there. She just seems like a great person too, and I’m sure 2018 will belong to Dua. Another lesson in the power of a good music video to rocket launch a song’s success.

Aly & AJ - I Know

This song is just so perfect. The return of Aly & AJ has been the most welcome surprise. I Know is cool, lazy, atmospheric, synth-pop and a major shift from their 2007 Disney days.

Tove Lo - Disco Tits

I said this when I wrote about Cool Girl last year, but it’s worth repeating that Tove Lo makes it seem so effortless. Disco Tits is amazing and I wouldn’t be surprised if she wrote it in her sleep.

Little Mix - Power ft. Stormzy

Little Mix are just unstoppable. Every year I think they have reached their zenith and then they take it to another level. Power is single number four from their fourth album and it’s this good. By now, Jesy Nelson (the best one) knows her way around an iconic second verse, so I think it’s neat that this time her verse starts with “my turn”. Also - what a video. Well done everyone.

Jax Jones - Instruction ft. Demi Lovato, Stefflon Don

"All my ladies” was THE call to action this summer. What a song.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut To The Feeling

Carly Rae Jepsen has mastered the ability to make happy sounding music which suddenly hits you as heartbreaking once you get stuck into the lyrics. Cut To The Feeling was released about a week after the Manchester attacks, and for me, the line “I want to play where you play with the angels, I want to wake up with you in tangles” stuck out as truly devastating among the euphoric, soaring synths.

Blessed - See Through All The Colours

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I’m obsessed with Blessed. See Through All The Colours is so huge and I really thought would have been their breakthrough. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but I think watch this space. Very excited to see what they bring in 2018.

Nadine Coyle - Go To Work

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One of the best things about 2017 has been seeing the true joy that Nadine Coyle, gets from being a popstar, and equally, the true joy she took from the really quite lukewarm reception of Go To Work. Earlier in the year, Nadine made a surprise appearance at a popular London club night to sing a couple of choruses of Go To Work (she didn’t even stay long enough to take her coat off). I was living in those few minutes.

Mirela - Contigo

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This song was the runner up in the Spanish pre-selection show for Eurovision, and won the televote by a landslide, but was struck down by some bizarre jury voting rules. It’s basically incredible. It’s ridiculous, it’s trashy, it’s fun. Bai-la-la-la-UH.

Katy Perry - Swish Swish ft. Nicki Minaj

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I know. A basic bop if ever there was one, but no song this year has bopped as hard as Swish Swish. I spent my entire time at Glastobury telling anyone who would listen that I only came to watch Katy Perry do Swish Swish. Everyone thought I was joking. I’m still undecided on that music video, and that dance, but the song is brilliant.

Steps - Scared Of The Dark

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Let’s be honest, Steps in 2017 could have been shit but instead they were amazing. The moment when this sat at number 1 on iTunes ahead of chart villain Ed Sheeran was a sweet piece of pop justice. Scared of the Dark is a banger, incredibly good pop music, and my top single of the year.

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1ddiscourseoftheday · 5 years

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Thurs 9 May

The zladdin video came out today! Zayn and Zhavia duet on A Whole New World while wandering around Central Park and gazing out over rooftops. Zhavia gives a serviceable and pleasant enough performance but Zayn just warbles and soars and elevates the song, it's everything you might have dreamed Zayn singing a show tune could be! Fantastic! Info about the other songs on the soundtrack is out so it looks like just this one for Zayn alas, but it's the one we wanted! I mean we actually wanted Zayn to BE Aladdin, and by we I mean everyone who has commented on his posts, but this is nice too. We're told that he personally selected Zhavia for the collab; I'm still maintaining it was for her name. There's also a Spanish versus available ("Un Mundo Ideal") with Zayn and Becky G, which explains that confusion AND maybe a separate Portuguese version as well? Neat.

As the world speculated about Harry and everyone he went near the other night (Alessandro, Jeff, Kendall especially with big media coverage on that one) and whispered about his gay coding, Louis "hold my beer" Tomlinson busted on the scene to take his rightful place as king bear, and just straight up tweeted about Larry! At like 4:30 am London time (not home? jet lagged? too much red bull? jolted awake from a dead sleep with sudden urgent need to reclaim his throne?) he tweeted lyrics from a Catfish and the Bottlemen song, cool cool very on brand, probably the standout song on the album, NBD! Until you realize that the first word of the song is literally LARRY which honestly is not something you see every day and I'm sorry but I utterly reject the possibility that he just didn't know all the lyrics to the song or that he didn't know what any of it would be taken to mean. Now THAT is a true reach! This was A Choice.

So listen that was a big ass obvious move in a week of little moves, I think we need a quick SBB recent activity round up here. We got Louis in skull clothes twice recently, May 4 and May 7. On the 4th Eleanor was there and we got chicken-wrapped-with-Parma-ham, on the 7th Eleanor was there and within 24 hours he added some interesting new songs to his playlist (Laurel Wreaths, really?) and basically tweeted "Larry". It's all about that balance, baby, but if you ask me this seesaw is tilted pretty heavily towards Louis having fun talking about his baby... Like how long has he been sitting on that tune? We know he's been listening to that album for ages. In any case I don't know what his new promo cycle is gonna look like but I feel we can definitely say it's ON and we are getting that content!

Today in content: a beautiful behind the scenes from the show in Birmingham! Louis is in the aforementioned skull clothes (track pants) rehearsing, planning, hanging out, being cute. We see him with a nice wine glass full of possibly vodka red bull, or maybe just red bull, just like at TXF, raising the question; does this classy bitch just travel with wine glasses? Amazing. He also wears the merch we still can't buy thanks for that I'm not crying at all, and sings along to another C&tB song (for those who were distressed about the other lyrical content of the Larry song this one is also about a relationship and it's not sad, it's about making it through.) And! He is back on the MTV schedule with what looks like the real goods finally... or maybe not. The schedule clearly says "Brand New Video" for Fri but then talks about the Miss You vid so....? And they have the Louis Tomlinson and Friends program relisted for Sat which you would think would be new(ish... from March anyway) content if it actually airs this time, except it says it's him talking about collabs so isss it current? MTV have been shady af idk man. Frankly I don't think they have new content. Anyway also Helen Seamons (Louis' stylist) posted a studio pic of Louis' guitar, why? Idk.

An update account reported that Back To You had been taken off Louis' song lists on some platforms which prompted all kinds of interesting speculation but long story short it's not true so whatever.

Jeez I was hoping to get caught up with some backlogged Louis interview stuff today but he just keeps hitting us with new content! It's too much! So v briefly- he talked about playing guitar on tour ("I won’t feel like I’ve done what I want to do musically until I’m on stage playing guitar" I'M DEAD I CAN'T WAIT), he says he plays guitar in the video, he said TOU was ready to go before TXF, for like 6 months before it came out, that TXF took up more of his time than he'd anticipated, that he'll start by touring smaller venues not because he can't fill big ones but to hone the craft (of being a solo performer). Probably the most interesting interview yet, but alas so many content so little time helllllp.

Anyway yeah so the tabs are real excited about Harry and Kendall being in the same place but with nothing more than that to work with they're just straight up embarrassing themselves- a highlight? A pic of her phone screen, which is clearly and visibly a dog, like yes an actual canine, a Doberman to be exact I believe, and headlines about her having a pic of Harry on her screen. I'm ??? At least they know who he IS- at least two outlets now have announced that he's the father of the royal baby and mama Anne joins us in finding it hilarious. Harry himself has apparently been messaging with photographer Tyler Mitchell, who he publicly followed post gala, raising hopes for him to work on HS2, and he (Harry) showed up at the Strand bookstore in NY (miles of books!) and took a cute fan pic. Whatcha reading Harry?

Lottie posted a pic of herself and Gemma and some other influencer friends titled "the whole crew", yikes sorry Eleanor, Liam posted a beautifully lit photo (captioned "new light") that, some have noticed, echoes the colors and light of Zayn's new video (which was shot in the same place as Polaroid btw) nicely, and while Niall stans continue swooning over yesterday's pics he's busy promoing Soccer Aid and chatting about model life ("I AM FASHION")

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