#one of the most meaningful 1D songs to me personally

[septembersghost]

totally unrelated to everything going on in your dash but this is something I have pondered for a while . Who do you think is the muse of WITW? I have seen theories regarding TS and ZM. I don't think it's either of them since harry wasn't okay with either leaving him. His other songs are mostly about how much he wants Taylor back. I know they attended a birthday party together but the rest of the song seems have peaceful resolution somethinghaylor didn't have . Plus I don't know if he would call her 'kid' in a song.

For zayn it makes sense since it is a goodbye song. But there also wasn't a peaceful resolution. Harry was upset about zayn leaving.

So who do you think it's about?

everything is good, don't worry <3

i thought for sure i read that walking in the wind was about his grandmother, did i dream that? this is how i personally absorbed it somehow. i don't read it as a romantic love song at all, or even wistful for a friend (and agreed, at that point i really don't think he was considering z in that way). it feels like it's about someone who's passed - if you're lost, just look for me, you'll find me in the region of the summer stars. (that particular line apparently came from julian's grandma). it's very much about keeping their spirit with you to me.

harry said: "I like "Walking In The Wind" because I'm a big Paul Simon fan, and I think the inspiration behind it was Graceland. And just kind of the way in which the verse is so conversational and informal. It's like spoken-word...I love that album. And when I listen to it, I love hearing the influence from that in this song. And it's cool to be able to — obviously not copy — but it's cool to be able to have influences that you've loved for so long. I really like this song." so that gives us a reference sonically.

it really strikes me most poignantly as being about someone dear that you've lost, i always thought, "we'll be alright, child, just close your eyes and see, i'll be by your side any time you're needing me," was being said TO him, he's the child in need of that comfort, just like the opening, "do you believe i'll never be too far?" and it's this really poignant reminiscence of how someone you love stays with you, tinged with sadness, but not overcome by it. they've had a good long life (the fact that we can sit right here and say goodbye means we've already won), and you believe you'll meet them again someday, and until then their presence is always with you (in places that we've never been, for reasons we don't understand, walking in the wind). goodbye are bittersweet, but it's not the end, i'll see your face again.

#marjorie is very very walking in the wind coded to me too just a bit sadder #one of the most meaningful 1D songs to me personally #and i clung to it hard in 2020 #i could be wrong but that's my interpretation ❤ #anonymous #letterbox #your delicate point of view #me reading 'the inspiration behind it was graceland'. yes i know it's because of the paul simon album but hear me out #paul simon's graceland literally would not exist without ep's graceland. connections on connections on connections. #i'm going to graceland for reasons i cannot explain. there's some part of me that wants to see graceland #and i may be obliged to defend every love every ending or maybe there's no obligations now #maybe i've a reason to believe we all will be received in graceland #directly leads itself to #you will find me in places that we've never been for reasons we don't understand walking in the wind #I CRY

[seasurfacefullofclouds1]

How does Louis know to manifest these things? I feel like the greatest could be the theme song of Louies this week.

He literally wrote a song in lockdown about how infused his fandom was going to be this week together with him. Us against the world.

It’s just been like this for Louis and Louies since hiatus, really, but much more intensely since 2019. Louies who love Louis have been through some darkness with him, and his music has helped us through some real dark personal stuff. You can’t explain to someone outside the fandom what he means to us, why bad reviews and internet hatred simply don’t matter to us, because being a Louie is so much more than a popularity contest or bragging rights or getting critical approval. Louis has brought people together to talk about fairness, charity, friendship, literature, poetry, music, politics, capitalism and economics, issues of sexuality, gender, equality, and artistic freedom. He doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk, and his actions push us to be a better, kinder, more persistent, stronger collective— bigger than one person. Louis sets the high bar. He strives to excel but stays humble, checks his privileges, knows he is fallible like everyone else. His music is incredible and will never disappoint.

The reason that One Direction fans loved the music — fans of all ages and all types, not only young girls — was because it was emotionally meaningful. The music moved away from superficial, bubblegum pop toward something complicated and honest, and fans could understand that it wasn’t all champagne and roses for the boys. We could relate to the feelings of disappointment, loss, friendship, longing, and nostalgia in the songs. And as it turned out, 80% of that turn was because of Louis, as we can now see in the themes of their solo music.

Faith in the Future gives me the same feeling as the best of 1D, and I mean that in a complimentary way. It has both masterful storytelling (Taylor level) and a way to connect deeply to Louis, to understand his state of mind in the most intimate way. At the same time, it gives us insight into our own heartbreaks, our own feelings of longing and nostalgia. It also makes for a happy anticipation for tour, like the very best 1D songs. The feeling at Louis’ concerts is an unbridled euphoria; you can feel it radiating from him and his band. It’s the best therapy 😅.

#louis tomlinson #faith in the future

[tinyferalbeing]

I was tagged by my fellow brokeback friend @minncoe thank u ♡ (tag 9 people you want to get to know better) here's my answers !

3 ships : my current top 3

Kirk and Spock (Star Trek) my space fathers, my comfort characters, me and my dad's favorite serie that we keep on rewatching since 2019, you get it. they're extremely important and meaningful to me 💛 the most husband's of husband's out there

Jack and Ennis (Brokeback Mountain) they're on my mind and in my thoughts everyday,, it still baffles me that after 7 months i have not moved on an inch away from them. my heart will forever be playing The Wings.. I think they mean the world to me. their bond / love is like no other

Din and Luke (Star Wars) art by @pridoo ♡ these two make me emotional in a certain way!! It's going to be 1 year since I found out about this special ship. there's something so comforting about their relationship.. thinking about them always fills my chest with warmth,,,

First ship : Zayn and Liam (One Direction) I was 9 years old when I found out men could be in love with each other ! me and my big sister just got into 1D and she clearly told me zayn and liam had a thing– to witness sO many suspicious moments,, what a time. it surely was an experience I'll never forget

Last song : First love by Utada Hikaru. ༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽ "yOU ARE ALWAYS GONNA BE MY LOVE" !!!!! this song was made to break hearts and to personally murder mine. I'm a sucker for love songs,,

Last movie : Star Wars IX Rise of Skywalker. finally got to watch it!! I really enjoyed it :]

Currently reading : Kilari. my childhood animeee T0T💞 and one of my favorites! i want to finish reading the manga but I want to watch the entire anime so bad too!!! cuz I've never seen every episode~

Currently watching : Ouran high school host club. I'm at the 5th episode and i love it so much. it was in my to watch list since last year and I wanted to fall into a unique anime and it was exactly what I needed! >.o👍🏻

Currently consuming : last consumed a yogurt

Currently craving : vanilla milkshaaaake

taggiiiing : @mon-masu @k-ky @lonesome-dreamsss @wwapich @1shirt2shirtredshirtdeadshirt @ciel019

#thats a long ass and well described get to know me better! #this made me realize theres many ships i'd like to share and talk about :o #like in anime and video games~

[old1ddude]

Faith in the Future Troutdale, Oregon

Okay, I saw Louis in the flesh a few weeks ago and it’s about time I wrote up my experience.

The McMenamins-Edgefield amphitheater is a lovely venue for outdoor concerts.  There are plenty of tall trees surrounding (and a few within) the field, so the whole thing is shaded fairly early on June evenings.  Due to heavy traffic through greater Portland, we were not as early as we had hoped, but did find a spot for our low beach chairs about halfway back.  The venue was not crowded (except for right in front of the stage, which was a separate, roped off area I think.)  I believe it was roughly half of full capacity (which would have been quite crowded.)  As it was, halfway back, we had respectful distances between our party and those who surrounded us.  85%-90% of the crowd appeared to be females in their mid-late twenties.  There were a few men around the same age scattered about along with some couples who were 50 plus.  If I had to guess, I’d say the vast majority of the crowd were old 1D fans.

I didn’t know what to expect from Andrew Cushin, but his short set blew me away.  He was charming, humble, grateful and disarming  when he talked to the crowd and poured out his entire soul with every song he sang.  He only himself, a guitar, and a keyboardist -- and that’s all he needed.  He sang about some very painful things (such as his alcoholic father) but he has an absolutely beautiful voice.

Next up were the Snuts and I would have enjoyed most of their songs had it not been for the lead singer’s voice.  His sound is harsh, shrill, nasal and just plain ugly.  I’m sure he could sing nicely, but this is apparently his style, or brand.  I HATE ugly art!  It was quite a contrast with Cushin (who made beautiful art from ugly, painful experiences.)  The Snuts make otherwise good songs obstreperous and ugly.

I’ve Been Lying to Myself

While I’m not one to watch much fan video of live concerts (the audio quality is just awful and you often hear the crowd more than the artist) I have seen many, many clips of Louis performing live.  Upon seeing these clips, I have consistently (in my head) blamed any deficiencies in Louis’ vocals on things like the crowd singing off key.  (And to be fair, the crowd, more than often, does sing VERY badly and no where near in key.)  However, after listening to a live show in person, it’s clear that Louis can’t carry a tune very well.  At the beginning of every song, I would hope he had hit his stride and would pull off a decent vocal - only to end up wincing at some point, because he would hit some absolutely sour notes.  Now, a lot of very famous artists (Springsteen, Petty, etc.) could be a little off key, but gratingly sour is another matter.  I think Louis might well be aware of his shortcomings, because he doesn’t seem to have much confidence on stage.  His voice is mixed like a background singer, so his very proficient band comes through much, much louder and clearer than his vocal.  Meaningful interaction with the audience seems limited to those within twelve or fifteen feet of the stage.  I certainly didn’t expect to make eye contact with him (especially with those sunglasses he wore -- what was up with those?) but please make some effort at playing to the whole venue.  Louis as a live performer is in one word, disappointing.  I take no joy in saying the most memorable part of seeing Louis live, for me, is sour notes and very little stage presence.

“Faith in the Future” is one of my favorite alums.  My favorite tracks include:  “Written All Over Your Face,” “Face the Music,” “Chicago,” “All This Time,” “Headline,” “Silver Tongues,” “Common People” and “Angles Fly.”  The only songs I usually skip are: “The Greatest” (it’s okay, but I was never into Imagine Dragons music) ” Bigger Than Me”  and “She is Beauty...”  Louis writes some very good music and is occasionally brilliant with his lyricism.  The thing with lyrics is, the way they sound is just as, or more important than what they say.  Some of his best lyrics come from “Silver Tongues” such as:  “You said love was a pretty lie, And I choked when your smoke got in my eye...” and  “ You said grass was a dirty drug. You like to preach with a vodka in your mug.”  Also, the way he delivers those lines on the album is sublime. 

I’m sure Louis has a long future, if he wants it, in music, but I don’t know how long he can sustain a career as a live performer.  Something tells me that even people like Swfity (who shows zero talent for music, lyricism, or staying on key) must have impressive stage presence.  From what I’ve seen a thousand times in clips, but only admitted to myself after seeing him live, Louis just doesn’t have “it” on stage.  I wish him the very best and I hope he proves me wrong one day.  For now, I’ll continue enjoying his music, but don’t see myself paying to see him live again.

#Louis #Faith in the Future

[anchorandrope]

hi i'm new to fandom and i wanted to know why the word "home" is so important to louis and harry. just because of the song?

home, a word with a lot of history

let’s start with the song.

1) the lyrics of the song are simply loud.

the song is clearly a love song.

the first verse talks about how difficult it was for him to accept himself and how he convinced himself that he liked her when he didn’t. the pre-chorus talks about how he felt lost and empty and that person felt the same. the chorus talks about how he will always be the light and will always guide that person when they feels lost and how he will make their relationship feel like home no matter the conditions. and finally the second verse talks about how he wants to see wake up every morning next to them and think about how good it feels to sleep next to them and how he saw in that person what was missing in her.

so basically the song, in my opinion, talks about how it was his process of feeling okay with his sexuality and how he found the right person in his life.

important points of the song:

describe the relationship as home and show the great importance of that word throughout the song.

doesn’t clarify the gender of that person. the only pronouns in the song are in “told myself i kinda like her but there was something missing in her eyes” this isn’t a coincidence, he emphasizes that something is missing in her but never clarifies the pronouns of that person.

says he didn’t feel alive while he was with her. “i’ve been waiting to let go of myself and feel alive”

says his role is to guide that person. “when you’re lost, i’ll find the way and i’ll be your light”

keep in mind the last two items, i’ll come back to them later.

2) louis wrote home

the writers are: louis tomlinson, liam payne, jaime scott and julian bunetta (jaime and julian participated in the writing of most of songs for 1D since the beginning).

here’s what liam had to say about the song:

“While Liam Payne said “Home” (available on the “Perfect” EP) is the most meaningful song for him but demurred about exactly why that is, he revealed Tomlinson (…) tapped into his emotional side while writing and recording.

“Having seen different things he’s gone through and different stuff this year – and obviously I’ve written a lot of songs with him – he can really get into that sensitive mindset to write songs, which is pretty cool,” said Payne.”

so not only do we know that the song is from louis’ perspective but we know that the song is extremely important to him.

3) the context of when it was written and how it was released

the song was written in april 2015, the only time louis and harry were apart from each other for more than two weeks.

the song came out at dawn on october 21, 2015. the night before (20) in belfast, one direction cancels a concert for the first and only time and that same night they released the perfect music video.

not only it was released after the mv of perfect came out (a song where the only 1D members who participated in its writing were louis and harry and the lyrics are very larry), but it was leaked by louis after canceling a concert at a critical moment for him (and harry).

also remember that louis was single when he wrote the song and single when it was released (he broke up with eleanor in march 2015 and douis started in 2016)

4) home’s connection with other songs written by louis and harry

“i’ve been waiting to let go of myself and feel alive”

the entire song of alive.

“without you, i’ll never make it out alive” – ready to run

“cause when im not with you, im weaker” – strong (same concept different words)

“just let me set you free” – why don’t we go there

“i was stumbling looking in the dark with an empty heart”

the entire song of through the dark.

“i don’t wanna get lost in the dark of the night” – ready to run

“but there was something missing in her eyes” // “i saw it in your eyes”

“there’s a lightning in your eyes i can’t deny” – ready to run

“in her eyes there’s no lies” “but you’ve got stars in your eyes” “the sky fell down but you’ve got stars, they’re in your eyes” – what a feeling

“and your eyes keep saying things, they’re saying what we do” – little white lies

“looking into your eyes, baby, you were still high” – we made it

“i get so lost inside your eyes” – adore you

“for your eyes only i’ll show you my heart” – if i could fly

“who’s this man that’s holding your hand and talking about your eyes?” – stockholm syndrome

“golden as i open my eyes” – golden

“my eyes, want you more than a melody” – sunflower vol. 6

“tired eyes are the death of me” – to be so lonely

“i’ll make this feel like home”

“walked through my door but it felt nothing like home, ‘cause you’re not home” – always you

“and i know we won’t going home for so long but i know i won’t be on my own” – right now

“whenever you are, is the place i belong” – ready to run (same concept different words)

“if i could fly i’d be coming right back home to you” – if i could fly

“you’re the shining distraction that makes me fly oh, home” – fool’s gold

“i used the light to guide me home” – stockholm syndrome

“two hearts in one home” “wherever i go you bring me home” “when i run out of road you bring me home” – sweet creature

“it’s hard for me to go home be so lonely” – to be so lonely

“two weeks and i’ll be home” “im going home” – canyon moon

“so i built you a house from a broken home” – where do broken hearts go

and they also used the theme of home (kitchen, table, door, hallway, bedroom, etc) in others songs like too young, habit, sunflower vol 6, meet me in the hallway, falling, etc.

“when you’re lost, i’ll find a way, and i’ll be your light”

“my hands, your hands tied up like two ships drifting, weightless waves try to break it i’d do anything to save it” – strong

“i’d never let you fall and break your heart” – through the dark

“wanna wake up and see your face and remember how good it was being here last night”

“sweet where you lay” “waking up beside you im a loaded gun” “i don’t wanna wash away the night before” – no control

“you know i wanna be the one who holds you when you sleep” – happily

as you can see, “home” “eyes” “alive” “dark” among others are very repeated words in the songs of both.

5) the song has a connection to one of their complementary tattoos

“when you’re lost, i’ll find the way and i’ll be your light” when that person feels lost, louis will leads them.

sounds familiar?

louis and harry got the famous ship and compass tattoos on december 19, 2012.

harry got the ship tattooed on top of his “home made” tattoo and louis’ compass has “home” written where the needles points.

how curious that both were made on the same day, they are involved with the word home and louis’ tattoo literally leads to harry’s as the song says right?

special mention to louis, who wore this t-shirt when the project home started which coincidentally is what harry has tattooed under the ship.

although since the song came out the word “home” became more known in the fandom, before the song came out they were already using it. for example:

louis slept over at harry’s house and called it home.

harry tweeted twice the lyrics of the song home by edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros.

louis tweeted the lyrics of look after you by the fray (the lyrics mentions home).

louis tweeted about the song come home by one republic.

or when louis tweeted maybe tomorrow by stereophonics

among other examples.

home is a very important concept for louis and harry, for both home isn’t a place but a person who makes you feel at home wherever you are. thanks to their jobs, they go from one place to another all the time so they don’t have the feeling of connection with a place as developed as they do with people. i love this concept because it shows the immense love they have, no matter the circumstances, you are the one who makes me feel alive and exactly where i should be.

they will never feel like they’re alone, they will always make themselves feel like home.

spanish version || versión en español

#home #ask

[ldh-headcannon]

Playlist 3

Here's another batch of songs and who I personally would listen to them. Again, please feel free to give me any song requests if you want me to give my opinion on who would listen to that said song

Little Devil Parade: Lisa - Junko (It’s her whole women empowerment vibe)

Bounce: Boyfriend - Tetsu (It’s a good song to just kinda bob your head to. I feel like it’s a fun song to just kinda dance to in your room. Just something he would put on to help pass the time cleaning the bath house)

Till’ The End: Fyke - Lala (It’s a good song with meaningful lyrics but is kinda fun to sing along to, and I feel like Lala likes that kinda vibe from time to time)

Bet Ya Wanna: BlackPink ft. Cardi B - Oshiage and Shiba (They like the softer and girlier vibe that the usual girl boss group released)

I gotta Feeling: Black Eyed Peas - Dan (He sometimes forgets that this song is no longer new, but even when he remembers he still finds these kinda songs complete bangers and he swears the 2010’s had some of the best songs)

First Date: Ninja Sex Party - Murayama (He originally started listening to Ninja Sex Party cuz of the fact that they are an actually talented comedic band, but he honestly just started loving Danny Sexbang’s vocals so now he just kinda has all of their albums)

Everything About You: One Direction - Dan (He hates to admit that he hopped on the 1D train after their whole craze died out. It’s not his fault their songs are catchy as hell)

The Day: Porno Graffiti - Murayama (He won’t tell you that he discovered this song cuz he’s a huge fan of My Hero Academia. But come on. We all know that)

Cheating is a Crime: Takayan - Jesse (I don’t know why but I feel like he would the aggression in Takayan’s delivery for most of the lines in this song)

Here Come The Regrets: Epik High ft. Lee Hi - Sera (I just feel like she would like Epik High in general. With their deep and meaningful lyrics and their love for adding another vocalist in their songs) (This is honestly on of my faves from this group, if you like hip-hop please give it a listen)

#high and low playlist #high and low headcannons #high and low story of sword playlist #high and low story of sword

[dailytomlinson]

When reflecting on music’s most influential artists, critics tend to use statistics to measure their legacy—whether it’s a band reaching #1 on the charts, multiple sold-out tours, or albums that represent a generation. Those types of accolades and praise are for bands that, typically, exist within rock with a predominantly sizeable male fanbase, like The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. For English-Irish boyband One Direction, who actually broke one of The Beatles biggest achievements by having five Top 10 debut tracks on the Hot 100 compared to The Beatles’ four, have sold out multiple tours and delivered five albums five years in a row, they have not been regarded as much of an influential force in the music industry as they should be.

Today—on July 23rd 2020—the band celebrates ten years since they first became a band, even if five years of that time was during a prolonged indefinite hiatus while each of the members pursued solo ventures. A decade marks ten years of One Direction and, for the fans, ten years of an impactful legacy the band, both together and apart, has had on their lives.

After being thrown together on The X-Factor back in July 2010, the band did more in five years than most bands do in their entire careers; they released five albums and sold more than 6.49 million copies in just America alone, filmed one concert documentary and one tour film, completed multiple world tours, and pursued philanthropic ventures. All of those things didn’t come without a price, though. Zayn Malik left the band in 2014 due to his mental health suffering. The band toured consistently every year with hardly ever having any personal time off, and add in an album release a year, they were extremely overworked.

There’s a belief boy bands have an expiry date, and it’s likely their management felt they needed to get as much out of the band while they believed they were still relevant. It’s likely that fans would’ve stuck around if the members took time between their albums and tours. In 2015, when the hiatus began, people wondered if One Direction really could ever come back and, if they did, would fans still really care about them?

“One Direction was one of the biggest and most successful bands,” said @TheHarryNews, a Twitter fan update account. “They achieved amazing things in the five years they were together, despite being overworked by putting out albums and touring every year, which isn’t normal.”

One specific thread that ties together every fans’ thoughts when they reflect on why they decided to become fans of the boys in the first place is the carefree and loving rapport the band has with one another. We’ve all seen The X Factor video diaries, laughed over their banter during interviews, and watched every live performance they did to look out for cute interactions between our favourite members. In their own unique way, One Direction helped defy traits typically associated with toxic masculinity; they didn’t shy away from their affection for one another and made that known in interviews and concerts. Their friendship set them apart, made them more real, and through them, we made friendships of our own.

When someone seeks out new friends, they go to where they feel safest: the communities of people who love the same things as they do. Social media not only propelled the band to international audiences, but it also helped many fans meet the people they now call their lifelong friends. “They have impacted my life in ways I never thought a ‘boyband’ could,” said Lauren, a fan from Buffalo, NY. “They gave me the best friends I could ever ask for, helped me when I was lost and thought I had no one. They ultimately helped me find myself.”

Social media did more than just help us make friends. It was also a major catalyst for the band’s success, and a large part is due to update accounts on Twitter that were created by fans, for fans. Fan-created update accounts would document every single movement and moment made by the band’s five members, whether it was live-streaming a concert or updating fans on the band’s whereabouts. For @With1DNews, a UK/Canada-based update account, it’s a labour of true love for the band that “glued them together” in the first place. “We found each other through our 1D fan accounts on Twitter,” they said. “We started talking about the boys, then our lives, and quickly became great friends.”

Even though they started the account after the hiatus already began, they still felt like fans needed One Direction news. “We had noticed there weren’t really any active 1D update accounts left and we knew a lot of fellow 1D fans were still interested in seeing news about the boys’ careers and lives. It was also because we missed seeing 1D together and hearing about them together. We thought, why not create this space that connects them even if they’re now all going their own way.”

Update accounts take as much time, effort, and energy as an unpaid second job; it requires those who run them to schedule themselves accordingly to cover certain times of each day to ensure their fellow fans get updated in a timely manner, and they do as much fact-checking and researching that any other traditional news outlet does.

Even if some critics might not consider One Direction an influential force in the music industry, the impact they continue to have on their fans is what has set them apart from every other musical act. In a scene in One Direction’s concert documentary, This Is Us, a fan breathlessly states “I know they love me, even if they don’t know me.” This type of parasocial relationship to a band is something not many understand; it’s a sense of intimacy that doesn’t require either party to actually deeply know one another on a personal level but is still as meaningful and significant as actual relationships.

A connection with the band is even more prevalent for Amy, a Los Angeles based writer and mum of two, because of the impact the band has had on her family is something that isn’t tangible but has been detrimental to her children’s development. “I have a child with physical and neurological disabilities who, prior to One Direction, was completely non-verbal and really struggling to find motivation and happiness amongst all the doctors and therapy appointments,” stated Amy. “They have done more for her development, including indirectly teaching her to speak and sing, than any therapy she’s ever done. Up until we found the boys, everything was trial and error; trying to find what makes sense to her and would, in turn, make the world make sense to her. Who knew the key would be a ‘silly’ boy band?”

Many fans have expressed that the band is their happy place – the only positive light in their life when things got tough. For so many, the band came at a time when they desperately needed something to help them through difficult situations whether that be pressure from school, jobs, peers, or life in general. Watching the ‘Best Song Ever’ music video, or a funny interview felt like a cure to smile and laugh after a long day. “They were what we turned to when we felt overwhelmed in our own lives. Now, we’re adults, and they still bring us as much happiness as they did when we were younger,” says @With1DNews.

Not only that, but the band has also helped fans gain more confidence in themselves. By helping create a space and community for them, fans who may have felt lonely, different, or struggled to find a place they belonged had somewhere to go now. They made friends who accepted them, endless content that felt like a burst of serotonin, and a band of boys who told them through lyrics how great and valuable they are, songs like ‘Through the Dark’, ‘Diana’, and ‘Little Things’. Through the band, One Direction fans created their own safe space to work out and navigate their own identity; a space that is free from outside shame where they could be whoever they wanted to be because the people they loved the most accepted them for exactly who they are.

Despite the safety found in those spaces, others have given those fans different descriptions: Hysterical. Rabid. Extra. ‘Screamers.’ Those are just a few of the many words that have been used to describe female fans of boy bands, both past and present. Although these words carry negative connotations, they imply something more powerful than any naysayer could understand or try to define: the sheer force that comes with unashamedly loving something so deeply, you don’t really care about anyone else’s opinions.

Young female fans are the most supportive, passionate fanbase an artist can have, yet they are the most trivialized and ridiculed both within and outside of the music industry. At the start of their career, music’s most beloved band The Beatles was a boy band that catapulted into fame because of, not despite, their female fans. It wasn’t until male fans noticed the band’s progression into an experimental sound when they decided to embrace the band and deem them worthy of their support after they began playing ‘real’ music.

Even if there are major similarities between The Beatles and One Direction, the latter is still regarded by many to be a manufactured pop boy band with a ‘teenybopper’ fanbase. The members of the band have consistently embraced and validated their predominantly female fanbase; Harry Styles has been consistently vocal about this matter, going so far as to say “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.”

In ‘Girl Almighty’, the fifth track on their fourth album, Four, the band addressed the way their fans have been misjudged and labelled ‘crazy’ because of their passion and not only applauded them for their dedication and love, but bowed down to them as well; “Let’s have another toast to the girl almighty […] I get down on my knees for you.” Not only has One Direction always known who helped them get to where they are today, but they’ve also never shied away from declaring their respect for them, constantly validating their fans’ feelings.

For One Direction’s fans, a decade of the band’s formation represents ten years of a legacy that will continue on, even if the band never formally get back together. For Amy, it doesn’t really matter if they got their start on a TV talent show because it’s the fans that made them and set the band apart from every other boyband. “What we all created together feels so untouchable in regards to boy bands of the past and ones to come. I think people will look back in awe and see what we see; we’ve been so incredibly lucky to have witnessed the magic of One Direction.”

They might not be aware of it, but One Direction was incredible at predicting what was to come in their own music; “Who’s gonna be the first to say goodbye?” / “But it’s not the end, I’ll see your face again” / “We had some good times, didn’t we? We wore our hearts out on our sleeve” / “We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen.” In ‘Best Song Ever’, a song that ordinary listeners would not exactly consider overly sentimental or profound, there is one lyric that will always stand out for the fans to represent One Direction’s legacy perfectly: “I hope you’ll remember how we danced.” Ten years later, we haven’t forgotten.

#tmrw magazine #230720 #10years1d #press

[dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram]

Here’s some messy not fully formed thoughts... I’m just thinking about Harry and Louis’ songs that have multiple meanings. I’m including songs where they explicitly stated that (habit being about Louis relationship with performing and a relationship with a girl), songs where it is reasonably obvious in the text (kill my mind about a hookup and drugs; Carolina about a girl and cocaine; She about longing for an ideal impossible woman and being genderqueer), and songs where my view of what’s going on in their lives leads me to see two meanings (WMI about Eleanor/the fans - yes I’m still baffled that Louis is pretending this song has anything to do with fans and if that was his true intent it spectacularly failed to work for me - and also Harry; WMS about eating pussy and eating ass; basically all of Louis’ love songs). I’ll include Only Angel and Woman (being about a woman object versus exploring gender identity) in here too because lots of people see a double meaning there even though I really only see the woman as an object version. I’ll throw cherry in the ring just for you too (end of relationship with Camille and end of relationship with Nick).

Anyways, for Harry’s songs which have multiple interpretations, I find I can only really enjoy most of them through one lens. Carolina about cocaine? A bop. She being about exploring gender identity? Beautiful and meaningful to me. But when I think about the overt meaning of these songs, I find them really unlikable. I’m very offput by Carolina, Woman, only angel, She and many of his other songs if you take them at face value because they are all depicting an ideal woman through a mans view and I’m annoyed by it lol. There are some exceptions here - I do not need to add a queer lens or drug metaphor to cherry/fine line/WMS to enjoy them or have them resonate with me.

For Louis’ songs, although I find myself overlaying a queer lens to most of his love songs, I am able to enjoy them at face value. Some of his songs feel less meaningful/slightly boring if about a straight relationship, but at least they don’t objectify women or center a man’s gaze. Always you remains a great song, as is too young, WMI, walls. I really like Habit being about either performing or a girl (Louis did say in an interview this was both and said the word girl) and it doesn’t take away from the song for me. None of his lyrics make me feel icky like woman/OA/kiwi/Carolina/She. Is it because the other person in Louis’ songs feels like a subject with agency and rarely an object? I’ll say the exception here is perfect now, but that’s a whole other post. IDK.

Also I did not mean to make this a competition, I actually think FL is the best album of the three and HS1 the worst. And yes I realize putting She as obvious in it’s double meaning might be a stretch due to my bias.

TL;DR if you look at all of Louis’ songs through a straight lens, many of them are boring (and hence did not get great critics reviews) but at least they are not actively insulting to women. Whereas many, many of Harry’s are. So I can ONLY enjoy Harry’s music through a queer lens for the most part.

Thanks for your thoughts anon. The phrasing of this has hit a beserker button for me, so I'm going to talk about it a little bit. Not because I think it's relevant to your points, but because it's something that's been bugging me in the discourse for ages.

I really struggle with the claim that the multiple meanings you give of either She or Carolina are 'fairly clear in the text'. (I'd give you KMM or MMITH - both of which are part of the long tradition of love as drug and durgs as love).

I think that what happened with Carolina is that some fans didn't like the text of the song and so decided to give it another meaning. That's fine - that's part of the process of understanding art. But the claim that textually there's anything more going on than that is a huge leap, and not one I've ever seen a convincing argument before.

Somewhat differently, I think it's much more useful to talk about gender feelings being possible subtexts to She, than an alternate meaning. The important point of about subtext is that the text is still there, and nobody would suggest reading the subtext and ignoring the text.

There's a certain sort of fan discourse which assumes that meaning is binary and one meaning cancels the other out and I find it absolutely infuriating. The surface meanings of all these songs are there and are all part of the art and while individual fans don't have to engage with that, that's different from denying they exist. You're not doing that, but I've read enough stuff like that to be infuriated with that I really wanted to unpick the different ways songs can be about multiple things.

What I think is really interesting about your ask - is that you kind of present it is a choice - that fans make a decision about how to understand songs. And I think that's true (although I think how people do that can really differ).

************

I think what really interesting is the process whereby fans make meaning from the songs. And there are multiple meanings to all songs, because that's sort of the whole point - that there are lots of ways to enjoy and experience them. And taking these different meanings and lenses is part of being a fan.

And I think the idea I ended up most interested in, after I'd written that last anon was that question of identification and songs. 'This song is speaking directly to me and my experience' is obviously one very powerful mode that someone can experience a song. But it is one of many - 'I enjoy this story' is another, 'I enjoy this perspective from this artist' and 'I'd like this song to be sung about me' is another.

And in the case of a 1D members it's all really gendered. Because they're male artists singing for an overwhelmingly female audience.

Like you - I find the depiction of women in Harry's songs really offputting. What I'm interested in is if there's any connection between that and the fact that his songs seem to me not to be written in a position where they're seeking identification. And also that identification is a less important way that fans respond to his songs in general. I think looking at Harry it's tempting to draw connections between the two, but they may actually be very different processes.

With Louis the question comes from the other side - I think his fans do identify with him and his songs. Does the depiction of whoever he's talking to (which isn't usually explicitly gendered) play a role in that? I don't know. Do the people Louis is talking to feel like a person with agency? I'm not even sure about that. (For just a small Perfect Now detour - I do think that the person in that song has agency and a perspective. It's just that I want to say to the narrator 'Other people's trauma is not about you. Your feelings are not that important. Shut up!')

I guess what I'm interesting in hearing about (including from you if you want to come back) is those different kinds of resonance and how people relate to different songs.

#Sorry anon #I feel like more than usual #I responded to you with #'here are the things that I think' #and didn't engage nearly as much as I could have with what you said #But I did find it really interesting #just had to get through layers of fandom things I hadn't said first

[everydaystyles]

Harry Styles Reflects on Life After One Direction & More at Grammy Museum in L.A. 

Billboard

Four months after releasing his eponymous debut and hitting No. 1 on the Billboard 200, One Direction alumnus Harry Styles revisited the album with executive producer Jeff Bhasker during an hour-long chat moderated by famed journalist and film director Cameron Crowe at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on Friday night (Sept. 15).

During the conversation, the 23-year-old, who kicks off his world tour in San Francisco on Sept. 19, shared sharp and astute reflections on his artistic process, spanning everything from isolating himself in a studio in Jamaica to developing ideas to moving on from being in a band and how entering this chapter of his career allowed for new beginnings.

The chat began with Styles recalling how the record began: without any outside influence, and with nothing but fond memories of his time with 1D.

“We started the record without a label, so the start of the process didn’t feel like I was making any sort of commitment and I didn’t feel any pressure, [like] ‘You have to make this,’ or anyone have an influence on what they thought I should be making,” said Styles, clad in a black tee, black skinny jeans and a golf cap. “It was just a group of us writing stuff to have fun and writing some songs and seeing what came out with the thought that I would actually play them myself. I think that’s a large part of the record is that it started that way. It didn’t start from, what do they want? I think if you’re lucky, I didn’t go into making the album or leave the band coming out of it feeling suppressed or feeling like I never got to write what I wanted to write. I loved being in the band so much and got to learn so much, and with this, I felt like I could just have a good time working out what it would sound like if I made an album.”

When Bhasker, who has credits on projects from Beyonce and Rihanna to fun. and Mark Ronson, was first approached to work with Styles, he cancelled not one but two meetings with the pop star -- something Styles was quick to remind him -- but inevitably came around.

“I was in a place where I knew he was a very high profile person and artist and I was kind of searching for something else than doing that,” Bhasker explained. “When you come full circle, and I think the kind of music that we made, it’s so ironic that that first impulse I thought it would be, I think the album reflects it.” “To be honest, I didn’t know any of that,” quipped Styles to laughter. “I’m sort of sad! I mean it’s Hollywood, everyone cancels.”

Crowe served as a pensive moderator, drawing from anecdotes he learned from writing the Rolling Stone cover story on Styles in April 2017. “Are the best songs the most personal songs in general?” he asked. “I think my favorite songs,” responded Styles, “but my favorite way to listen to music is on my own, with my eyes closed for example, or not. If I’m driving, or operating machinery, I usually keep them open. But my favorite song on the album, the last song, ‘From the Dining Room,’ is the most personal to me and I think my favorite one. But I don’t think they have to be. I think it’s just as important to have songs that are fun and make you feel great, and I think that’s just as important as everything being moody and deep and meaningful.”

Bhasker recounted how he initially sat with Styles on his balcony, listening to reference tracks thinking they were Styles demos but were actually White Stripes songs. Bhasker initially had mentee producers hit the studio with Styles, but got more involved when the singer, wanting to unplug from distractions (including Instagram and Twitter, which Styles now rarely uses), took a recommendation from a friend to go to Jamaica to work in a singular recording space.

“I felt I was going into the studio to make an album I wanted to make,” said Styles. “I didn’t feel like, what do I need to make as Harry from that band for it to be good? I missed music. I just wanted to go on and write with my friends and have a good time and hopefully like what came out at the end.”

In the end, Harry Styles became a renowned success, spawning the single “Sign of the Times” that peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100, amid a year where his theatrical debut in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk also marked his first time at the top of the box office. The chat concluded with Styles taking a few questions from the fans, explaining that his signature rings that he wears are from various people including grandparents and for his goddaughter and even taking a kazoo from one fan who suggested he play any song of his choosing (he picked one from Shania Twain).

It wouldn’t be a night without some music, and Styles strapped on a six-string to play a stripped-down version of “Two Ghosts” alongside Bhasker on keys and guitarist Mitch Rowland. Some words from earlier rang true as he thanked the audience: “It made it so we were in Jamaica, we’re in the studio every day, we just didn’t think about anything else. It was about these five guys in a room, we’re in Jamaica, let’s make some music that we want to sit in Jamaica and listen to, and that was it. I found it so difficult to explain music and making it and so much of the details, and we just wanted to write what we wanted to listen to and what we loved. And we finished with an album that we’re so happy with.”

#harry styles #grammy museum #cameron crowe #billboard #15september2017

[sapphickeats]

songs that live in my head rent free

i got tagged by beloved friend @curlsinthewind thanks sue

let’s begin

i know the end by phoebe bridgers

when pheebs said “romantizace a quiet life, there’s no place like my room” because it’s so true. her lyrics are obviously very meaningful to me because i am gay & mentally ill

my tears ricochet by taylor swift

arguably her best song to be honest. “and i can go anywhere i want, anywhere i want, just not home” and “you had to kill me but it killed you just the same, cursing my name, wishing i stayed, you turned into your worst fears” is truly something else, i cry everytime

les fleurs by minnie riperton

it’s such a care-free song! “throw off your fears, let your heart beat freely at the sign that a new time is born”

where is my mind by pixies

it wouldn’t be me without picking at least one pixies song... where is my mind is their most famous for a reason because it’s actually fucking genius! the guitar solos? wow “with your feet in the air and your head on your ground, try this trick and spin it, yeah, your head will collapse but there’s nothing in it and you ask yourself... where is my mind”

angel in the snow by elliott smith

new moon is elliott’s best album and you can fight me on this. it’s mostly demos and it sounds so cool aaah “i’d say you make a perfect angel in the snow”

dreams by fleetwood mac

THE DRAMA. do yourself a favor and go listen to anything by them. stevie nicks is the coolest person ever. fucking love it. “now here you go again, you say you want your freedom well, who am i to keep you down”

carry me by nick drake & the bad seeds

love songs, love songs, love soooongs! abattoir’s blues/lyre of orpheus is such a good album! my fav nick album i think “i heard so many voices, speaking to me from the depths below, this ancient wound”

bark like a god by sloppy jane

a good freaky song hahaha. i feel so cool listening to it! “i believe in animal people trading cash for kindness”

modern love by david bowie

aaaaah david aaaah. the myth, the legend... absolute icon! we all love david. “i know when to go out, i know when to stay in, get things done”

and last but not least

only the brave by louis tomlinson

my absolute favorite artist of all time. he’s such a good song writer and also very underrated. it’s such a shame that louis is the only one who doesn’t get enough respect (out of all the guys from 1d) if anyone actually reads this please go listen to his debut album “walls” i could write a whole essay about otb because it’s such a meaningful song. it’s full of metaphors, queer coding... “it’s a church of burnt romances and i’m too far gone to pray. it’s a solo song and it’s only for the brave”

honorable mentions:

home by one direction

their best song

ever since new york by harry styles

in france they kiss on main street by joni mitchell

cellophane by fka twigs

from the morning by nick cave

@ihauntyourteacup do it

#tag #music

[ficclique]

Fic Clique hosts choices for our top fics of the decade - as featured in our Minisode from Jan 3rd. 

Brenna’s choices: 

Honorable Mentions: 

Worldwide Lonesome by loindexter (BTS) 

2018, 39k, Yoongi/Jin 

The biggest gut-punch I’ve ever felt from a character confession. The Jin of this fic has stuck with me every day since reading it. This fic examines sexuality in a way that made me feel seen & I love that.

Timeshare by Astolat (HP) 

2016, 14k, Draco/Harry 

This is sort of a stand-in for all of astolat’s drarry fic, which as a bundle are one of my top fics for the decade. They are fics that feel like instant-classics and the variety of characterizations, stories and tropes helped establish astolat as perhaps my all time favorite fic author. Timeshare won out above the others because it’s one of the fics that helped us decide to do this podcast! Thank you Timeshare! 

Top 5 picks: 

The Student Prince, by Fayjay (Merlin)

2010, 145k, Merlin/Arthur

A fic that has defined fanfiction for me. Perhaps the fic that first convinced me to love fanfiction. Something I keep coming back to and have reread numerous times. Funny, heartfelt, just different enough from the canon versions of characters. Perhaps the only University AU I will ever fully love. 

The Love Song of the North American Douchebag, by Gyzym (Star Trek RPF)

2013, 25k, Chris/Zach

If you want to hear me (and my lovely co-hosts) discuss this fic in depth, then I recommend listening to Episode 6! However, one of our listeners also submitted this as a top fic of the decade, so I’m going to add what the lovely Scout said: 

“JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, I HOPE I CAN SWEAR. I'm not even in this fandom. The world building is just THAT good. It's one of my highlights *because* of its power to draw me in as a standalone. So much fucking talent in the transformative work community. The banter, characterization, sardonic-ness of this – international impact baby!”

Not Easily Conquered (series), by dropdeaddream & whatarefears (MCU)

2015, 117k, Steve/Bucky 

An incredibly, precise, gut-wrenching trilogy. Each part is astounding both together and apart. A devastating exploration of love and dedication. One of those fics that created a Fandom Moment. I sobbed through the entirety of part 2 when I first read it. Womb to tomb, sweetheart. 

Azoth by zeitgeistic (HP)

2013, 88k, Draco/Harry 

A stunning exploration of magic beyond JKR’s universe. A timeless coming together of two characters. A frankly genius use of a plot device (and something as simple as a school project) to foster an incredibly touching and meaningful relationship, one in which they are not able to find what they need to complete their task until they find what they need in each other.  ALCHEMY BABY! 

Honeysuckle Arch by junkshopdisco (1d) 

2015, 46k, Niall/Harry 

Perhaps the most I’ve ever related to a character in fic. The Niall of this fic lives in my heart, and I feel like reading him helps me understand myself, and everytime I come back to it I understand him better too. It’s a touching portrayal of a character coming to terms with their sexuality in a way that feels completely grounded and who is surrounded by characters who love them, even if they don’t always know how to show it. 

Nicole’s choices: 

Honorable Mentions: 

Protostellar by ninamondays 

bts, 64k, pub 2019, Namjoon/Jungkook & Taehyung/Jimin

Space, cryogenics, fate, reincarnation, class struggles, revolution, climate change, character death. Having hope is punk rock. Processing grief is a slow and ugly process. [deep breath] Have I ever felt so profoundly touched by a fic while I was reading it?

the other thing by cornfields 

hockey rpf, 16k, pub 2015, Jamie/Tyler

An absolutely unflinching look at personal accountability and internalized homophobia. What happens when your self-hatred has collateral damage? It’s about healing but it’ll fucking hurt first. Bleached out vibes. Makes texas feel very big, and the world feel very, very small. A story I’d only trust a fic author to tell.

Top 5 picks: 

Murmuration by fringecity (indiachick) 

bts, 167k, pub 2018, Yoongi/Jimin/Taehyung

Film noir/murder mystery meets gritty sci fi and superpowers. Everyone is morally gray. You Will sob about Kim Taehyung. A masterclass in plot. Felt like a trilogy all wrapped tightly into one fic. A kaleidoscope. An unfurling. This fic mesmerizes.

The River and the Deep Green Bend by liquidmeasure 

1d, 70k, pub 2016, Harry/Niall

Dark tower au, but only technically. Makes me want to believe in the multiverse. An arid western, a sideways coming of age story, an elegy. The first time I’ve ever cried because an ending was perfect.

the undiscovered country by indigostohelit

hamlet, 56k, pub 2014, Hamlet/Horatio

What else can I say about this fic. What else can I Fucking say.

(note: we discuss this fic at length during episode 5) 

All Things Shining by Askance and standbyme

spn, 142k, pub 2013, Dean/Castiel & Sam/ofc

A story about miracles. Literary as hell, with long luxuriant scenes that never drag. Masterful characterization. The thing I wanted from spn fic—connection, plot, and a fic that not only can handle the lore of the show, but is willing to expand upon it.

Who Painted the Moon Black by throughthedark

1d, 95k, pub 2013, Louis/Harry

Hunger games crossover. Doesn’t just use the other fandom for setting, but entirely inhabits it. I had to stop partway through my reread because I knew I’d have nightmares, but this fic never stops hoping. Trauma is not an ending. This fic is certain of that the whole way through.

Reid’s Choices: 

Honorable Mentions: 

songs from the ash, by explosivesky, 2017

Critical Role, Percy/Vex, Keyleth/Vax, 54k, WIP (sort of)

rockstar/movie star AU 

A fantastic example of how fic can just standalone as really good original fiction. A lovingly rendered, devastating and beautifully crafted portrait of four broken people doing their best to navigate through their lives and around one another. 

delta, by sharpa, 2019

BTS, rapline ot3, 60k

What happens when you’re a public figure who gets unwillingly outed, and two people you used to love reach out to offer you sanctuary? You make Reid cry, that’s what. 

Top 5 picks: 

Salt on the Western Wind by Saras_Girl, 2013

Harry Potter, drarry, 60k

Immediately post war, bond

It represents a lot of what I was looking for when I started really getting into Drarry fic, which was an exploration of what canon wouldn’t give me. My favorite Drarry fics have always been the ones that let them dig into their shared trauma, and while this fic isn’t the heaviest one I’ve read, I think the fact that it’s set literally hours after the Battle of Hogwarts ends lends itself well to that concept. I couldn’t have a list of the decade without a Drarry fic, tbh.

The Great Sealand Takeover, by whalehuntingboyfriends, 2015

Roosterteeth/Achievement Hunter RPF, ot6 (gavin, michael, ray, geoff, ryan, jack), 365k

FAHC

When I think about fics that set the standard for a fandom, this is one of the first ones that comes to mind. This fic means a lot to me because it was my introduction to RPF, and in addition to its intricate plot and fandom-constructed lore, also was a take on poly relationships and found families in a way I had never experienced before, with themes of belonging and a love that transcends typical convention.

The Twice-Told Tale by arysteia, 2012

Marvel, steve/tony, 15k

This fic hits a sweet spot for me where it does have some of that 2012 tower-fic nostalgia, but I also think it holds up well in terms of what I (and fandom) find so fascinating about Tony, which is all this grief and trauma that he struggles so hard to process, and the way puts himself at the center of attention to obfuscate the fact that he keeps everyone at a long arm’s length.

There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, by Shoshanah-ben-hohim, 2015

Hockey, Sid/Geno, Canon Divergent, 77k

& the whole series, including There is a Field, I’ll Meet You There, Alex Galchenyuk/Olli Maata, 131k

When I think about this fic I want to scream from every rooftop I’ve ever been on “please read this fic”. The way it weaves together details to provide a level of grounding and realism in what sounds like the most absurd concept for a fic just floors me. The empathy and compassion and fear in this fic just gets at the most tender parts of my heart, and the fact that it’s ostensibly a ship fic, and yet Sid and Geno spend nearly the entire fic with no communication, but instead are just holding on to the innate truth that they know about one another to get them through this crazy endeavour they’re on elevates the entire fic for me.

what comes after, by poppyseedheart, 2018

Roosterteeth/Achievement Hunter RPF, mavinseg (gavin, meg, michael, lindsay), 36k

Dystopia/Spy AU

When I first read this fic, I finished it and I put it down and then I spent a few days feeling like I was just sort of wandering around in a haze because every single thought was consumed by this fic. In addition to its impeccable worldbuilding and the tone work that it does with its setting, I don’t know that I had ever resonated so deeply with fic characters before. Reading this felt like someone had pried my ribcage open one by one and revealed the softest, most tender parts of me and then went “I’m going to write something that targets this.” This fic is an ode to loss and love, to mourning something that you once had and then hesitantly and clumsily opening yourself up to building something new, and recognizing that, impossibly, that new thing you built can somehow be better than what you had before. 

And I felt all of these things, I felt like my world had just been shattered by this new author I discovered… and then, somehow, I became her friend. Then through Nic I met Brenna, and now when I think about this fic I not only love it for being a work of art, but also for being representative of the thing that brought me to two of the most important people in my life, and that to me will always make it my favorite fic I’ve ever read.

#fic clique #fic recs #multifandom #minisode #fics of the decade

[seasurfacefullofclouds1]

I went down your post specifically the tag for Harry Styles. My heart broke to be honest. I am Louie but I love One Direction and am maybe was a larrie (not sure now). You post made me realize what I think I always knew. Harry is no longer the Harry that I loved. One Direction means so much too me but means nothing to Harry and it hurts to finally see that they might never come back. I need to grow up.

There has been too much invested in solo Harry— we see that in the exorbitant cost of music video productions, the expenditure of stage sets, the photo shoots, the fashion, the label advertising on the streets + buying playlists + buying radio time, the investment in developing data mining and performance venues with the goal of Harry filling those vehicles— too much money has been vested in solo Harry’s being a superstar to generate more revenue.

Harry will keep growing as a solo star and a brand; like all corporate projects, his growth is planned for years into the future.

One Direction won’t get in Holo’s way. At this point, 1D is a back story and a comparison of how “pathetic” his bandmates are. Look at the way Fulwell treats 1D and see where their minds are:

I can make peace if Harry is the biggest star on the planet, honestly. I used to have a lot of affection for him but I’m mostly neutral these days. For me, Harry is just another celebrity. He made his choices and he’s no worse or better than anyone else. He isn’t someone to admire. He’s not an activist, not a role model, is very pretty, hangs out with his mainly wealthy, privileged, condescending friends, doesn’t take stands on issues, loves his privilege and fame, loves public adulation, tries to make as much money as he can from fans while using fans’ donations to build his “philanthropic” brand.

Personally, for me, Louis is the interesting and admirable person (as he is for you, I guess). By all accounts, from the way his album and musical career have been delayed and stymied, Louis should have given up long ago. He should have disappeared by now, retired and bitter. His fanbase should have vanished... all those months of nothing... nothing... nothing... while Harry toured and fandom gushed. Louis should have aged and hardened, replacing his genuine emotions with a plastic façade.

But Louis persisted. He’s still here. Without the pandemic, he would have had months of this:

In almost every way, Louis has stayed true to himself since his earliest days. He has stayed true to protecting and standing up for his band and his bandmates. He has been loyal to his old friends and his family. He has shouldered the responsibility for younger siblings. He has faced personal tragedy with dignity and grace.

Louis has continued giving generously to charities to help the causes he believes in. He has used his public platform to urge “protection for the most vulnerable.” He has maintained his relationship with fans, actually treating us with kindness, urging fans to “look after each other,” inspiring us to invent interesting, fun, collaborative projects. He has spoken up for working people, tweeted support for musicians writing and singing songs about social justice. As a role model, Louis has made his fandom a truly safe and inclusive place.

Louis’ role in fandom and in the band looms so large and has so much authority because of who he is. “They tried to buy my pride...”

Louis wins fandom awards because he is beloved, he is valuable and meaningful to multitudes. Still.

True character stands the test of time. Be here for Louis.

#10 may 2020 #louis love

[all-hail-the-witcher]

‘summer love’ by 1D with any pairing omg i just listened to it for the first time in years and it’s low key heartbreaking??? i have a preference for sprace but do what u gotta do

omg i haven’t heard this song in years

high key brought me back

this might not be very good

_____________

why do you have to go?

ship: sprace

genre: sad angst

word count: short 

warnings: people leaving/ kind of breakup

editing: heck no

______________

Spot and Race sat under the big old cherry tree behind the farmhouse. Race’s head was resting in Spots lap while as he played with his hair. Neither one said a word, they just sat, soaking up eachothers presence, trying to commit every detail of the other person to memory.

Finally, Race spoke up. 

“Why do you have to go?” He whispered, so softly that had not Spot been so close to him he would have missed it.

“I have to go home,” Spot sighed. “I have school and work and my family to get back to.”

Race opened his tearful blue eyes and stared up at Spot. “But what about me?”

Spot gave Race a sad smile, brushing the tears out of his eyes. “Ill be back next summer,” he said, although he knew it wouldn’t help anything. Not right now, when all Race was focused on was Spots leaving.

Race sighed, closing his eyes again. “How much longer?”

Spot checked his phone. “45 more minutes until my cab gets here.” He paused. “What do you want to do?”

“I want you to lay here with me,” Race said. “Under this tree, and think of ways to make time stop.”

Spot rolled his eyes as he laid down on the grass, pulling Race into his chest. “You know that’s impossible.”

Race groaned in response. 

“If it’s any consolation, this is the best and most meaningful Summer fling I’ve ever had,” Spot mumbled.

Race leaned away from Spot, looking up at his face. ““Promise you’ll come back next year?”

“I promise.”

________________

alright so my dog decided to jump on me and lick my face halfway through writing that.

also im not sure that’s good or even sad enough but whatever

next up: a cheating fic drabble 

feedback is always appreciated hmu to be on the tag list

tag list

@fairly-awkward-trashcan

@well-the-kids-do-too

@racetrackcook

@bouncyscreamingnewsboys

@ughwaitwhat

@aw-jus-let-em-try

@ben-cook-can-cook

@the-woild-is-my-what-now

@elmer-s-s0cks

@voice-foundshoe-lost

@galaxy-trees13

@stopthe-presses

@ridin-in-style

@pinecovewoods

@shorterthanspot

@imjusttheoutgoingsidekick

@bencookisagod

#saphie scribbles #sprace #sad angst #newsies #newsies fic #hm #i can’t tell if this is good

[louehvolution]

What scares me the most is that Louis will be someone only his fans appreciate at the end of his time, like most lgbt artists who inspires those who takes time to get to know them but never really got more than one headline after they die :(

Anon, let’s get philosophical—and long.

To quote Hamilton, “Legacy. What is a legacy?”

What determines the worth of your work or your art—of your life? Is it headlines? Is it being known to a million people, or is it enough being known by one? Is it having a massive impact, or is it enough making a difference to one person?

Louis has made a difference. [Focusing on his music, not getting into his loved ones and his charitable efforts and the importance of those.] One Direction would not have become One Direction, the cultural phenomenon and the personal experience for millions of people, without him, without his courage and his persistence, without his talent and his gifts. And he’s made a difference in people’s lives being who he is and through his music, both as part of 1D and as a solo artist.

[Just Hold On], lyrically, […] has connected with so many people around the world. […] Thanks to Louis’ incredible voice and who he is as a person, his connection with his fans, his audience.

Think about the impact of Home on the LGBT+ people it reached. Think about the validation contained in Just Like You. Think about fans holding up “You make me strong” banners at concerts.

Think about the comfort and hope Louis has spread with his music. The empowerment and self-acceptance. The compassion and love. The simple fun, too. Think about how meaningful these songs that are his creations—that are a part of him—have been for some people.

One of my biggest things, as a writer anyway, is getting a connection with the lyrics.You just gotta keep working, keep making people happy.

I hope he knows that he makes good music that connects with people, and that he makes people happy.

But then we get to the issue of recognition and treatment. His career is being sabotaged and he’s not been allowed to enjoy it, hounded by stunts, exploitation, and mistreatment. And Louis has been dismissed and belittled from the beginning; his contributions and his talent disregarded or denied. Louis Tomlinson the crucial member of One Direction, the creative genius and gifted songwriter and vocalist, does not exist for a big part of the world.

Is it enough that we know? It’s definitely not fair. It’s not fair at all.

And there’s also the matter of identity, artistic and personal. Louis has been degraded and erased. He is fighting to express his true self and not be totally obliterated and consumed by the stunt narratives and image built around him.

Very honest lyrically.Vulnerable and real.

Do you see him, do you hear him? Do you take every bit of himself that he shares with us and cherish it? I hope you do. But again, is it enough that we know him? It’s definitely not fair, that he should have to fight like this to preserve his personhood—his humanity. It’s not fair that he should have to live in chains of lies and suffer the world believing him—judging him as—someone he is not. It’s not fair at all.

The most important thing is the album is received well by the fans, the people who care.It’s more important that they get to know who you are, who I am as an artist.

I hope it’s some comfort to him, that there are people who care and who see him.

So, essentially, anon. What I mean is that… Louis is important. And that no matter what happens no one can take everything he’s done away from him. They can rewrite the public narrative and they can scratch his name off the history books, but he’ll still be there. Because he made a difference in our lives, because he shared himself with us and let us know him—and we’re here to remember, and we’re here to stand for the truth—for his truth… for him.

I hope it won’t be like that. I hope he’ll be able to live as himself, unburdened, unshackled. I hope he’ll get to live on his terms, and make his own choices. I hope the world will get to know him and love him, and that he’ll finally get the respect and the recognition he deserves. I really, really hope so. Because he deserves his sweet happiness, so much. And though past suffering cannot be erased, I hope future happiness might ease the pain.

But if it doesn’t happen like that. If he ends up being “someone only his fans appreciate at the end of his time, like most LGBT+ artists who inspire those who take time to get to know them but never really get more than one headline after they die”… it won’t diminish everything he did and how important he was, as a person and an artist.

It would be dreadfully sad and unfair. So unfair. But I hope that he—and you, as his fan—can take some comfort in the thought that… he made a difference? That they never owned him, even when they enslaved him. That he stayed true to himself and he made people happy.

I just hope that he can find happiness, and peace, and comfort in his life, no matter what. Legacy? What the hell is a legacy? I just want him to be happy.

#anon #don't know if anyone will want to read it. but anon just got me thinking and i wanted to sort out my thoughts and feelings

[raganandhersurveys]

5/29/20~CIII

music

1 Your top three favorite bands:

~i’m not really a band kinda girl but i love fleetwood mac, van halen, and 1d

2 One song that means a lot to you:

~oceans by hillsong united

3 An instrument you dislike:

~ughhh the bagpipes

4 A musician you think others should know more about:

~Daniel caesar!! he’s an rnb artist out of toronto and he has amazing music

5 Some lyrics you find meaningful:

~I can identify with some of the weekends lyrics. a lot of them are kinda depressing which I'm not like that but they describe how I feel about love and relationships sometimes. he has a way of describing love that is very different than most

6 The name of one of your past music teachers:

~mrs. downey

7 A musician who inspires you:

~I've said this in a survey before but I really don’t have an inspiration in any aspect of my life

8 A song from your childhood, that you used to sing:

~lol umm definitely california gurls by katy perry. if only I knew what that song meant at the time ahaha

9 A description of your music taste:

~potluck haha. i like almost every kind of music except heavy metal and there are only a handful of country songs that i like. other than that, i like a little bit of everything

10 One thing you believe about music in general:

~I think it is honestly the best way to unite people. everyone listens to music and everyone has special songs and artists that they love so it is one thing everyone has in common. this is especially true at concerts. its like you just vibe with everyone around you because for a moment you’re happy and with other people who can appreciate the same music you do

11 Do you judge other peoples' taste?

~no because what may not speak to me may speak to someone else

12 Do you think you have "good taste"? Why|why not?

~lol idgaf I like what I like and other people don’t have to like it

13 Are there any concerts you'd like to go to?

~my absolute dreammmm is to see the weekend in concert. I was thinking about getting tickets to his next album tour but its rescheduled for next year ://

14 What would be a perfect line-up, in your opinion? 2 options; sza and daniel caesar opening up for the weekend or the mamas and the papas and linda ronstadt opening up for fleetwood mac

x15 What do you think of modern VS older music?

~I'm definitely an old soul. I have so much appreciation for old music especially the days before autotune when it was just raw talent. they were the ultimate trend setters. however, idk where I would be without some of today’s music. moral of the story, I adore both  

life

1 What is one lesson you have learned?

~not all boys are like your dad because some will hurt you ://

2 Have you ever reconnected or reunited with old friends?

~I have actually and it’s a really good feeling

3 Were you ever in a hurry to grow up? How'd that work out?

~earlier in highchool i was and maybe i still am today but use also realized that i only have these moments once so i am trying my best to live in the moment

4 What did you tend to think of school, as a kid? As a teen?

~i feel like i’m on the younger side in terms of this app because i’m still a teen lol but i’ve always enjoyed school for the most part. there are DEFINITELY days when i hate it so much omg but overall i’ve had a pretty good school time. i was bullied some in 5th grade and 8th grade was hell on earth but earlier in school and highschool have really been good

5 Do people have to earn your respect?

~i give respect to everyone when i first meet them. i rather lose respect for people once i’ve seen them make repeatedly really bad mistakes

6 Or is it given until there's a reason for it not to be?

~exactly

7 What is something you've learned about trust?

~lol people abuse it and that i trust too easily

8 What advice do you have regarding happiness?

~people don’t understand that everyone’s definition of happiness is different and that that is ok. i try my best to keep a positive mindset and that aids in my happiness

9 In your own opinion, what is the meaning of life?

~i hate that question. i think it’s to learn in my opinion

10 Who|What makes living worthwhile?

~my faith and people who make me happy

11 If there was no God, would you still want to live?

~i wouldn’t know my purpose w/o God so i’m not sure

12 When was the last time you altered your lifestyle?

~the beginning of last school year. i started being who i truly was and really ready to get people out of life that were toxic and although my friend group is smaller, i feel so much more worth and happiness

13 What is your take on getting older?

~it isssss what it isssss

14 Do you think you are wise?

~lol lol no

15 Do you believe in an afterlife? Why|Why not?

~i do. i believe in God so for me that is my personal proof. it would also be pretty depressing to think that there is nothing for us once we pass. but that is strictly my opinion and i’m perfectly fine if people don’t agree :))

people

1 Do you ever observe other people, at random?

~most definitely. it’s kinda fascinating to me or maybe i’m just nosey

2 What is one thought you have about society today?

~we are soooo obsessed with ourselves it’s ridiculous. i don’t think we ever truly think of others as a whole. of course not everyone is bad or evil we just are kinda selfish especially as americans. but i also think we are also a little lonely as a society because it’s really a lonley feeling to only think of yourself

x3 Can you agree to disagree, easily?

~honestly it depends on the subject

x4 Do you ever wonder about what goes on in other peoples' minds?

~all the time!! especially, selfishly as i said, if i think it has to do with me

5 Do you try to persuade others to think like you?

~no i actually love hearing different people’s opinions on things. it makes me evaluate my own views

6 Has someone tried to persuade you to see things from their point of view?

~for sure

7 What is one lifestyle you do not understand?

~just because i don’t live a certain lifestyle, that doesn’t give me the right to judge it

8 How do you think people with mental disorders should be treated ( socially, not medically )?

~with respect and love just like everyone else?!

9 Is there a subculture you dislike or make fun of?

~lol ok sorry but the weird kids who make out in the hallway i’m sorry, who actually enjoys watching that

10 What do you hate about humanity?

~we are quick to judge and slow to forgive

11 Do you contribute to what you hate? If yes, explain.

~at times yes

12 Do you wonder what the world would be like w|o people?

~lol not really but it would be a kinder place for sure

13 Is interacting with others something you enjoy?

~for the most part. i’m a pretty social person

14 Do you think the government is up to something?

~you know they are

15 What is one cure for ignorance?

~to be educated

#survey #103

[dailytomlinson]

Zayn channelled R&B, Harry went full-on rock, Niall found his sound in folkish-country pop and Liam just went all over the place. And on January 31st, 2020, Louis Tomlinson became the final member of One Direction to finally release a debut album. I have to say, it was well worth the wait.

Having been through quite a few downs in the last few years (losing both his mother and sister), Tomlinson has packed quite a lot of emotion into this heavily Oasis-inspired album. And you can tell.

This album is sort of like him looking back at the glory days of One Direction with a fond reminisce, while also forging a new path (or should I say, direction) with a sound he seems to have found a new home in.

There are some songs on this album, like “Don’t Let It Break Your Heart” and “Perfect Now,” which will take you straight back to One Direction’s glory days. He channels the pop singer in him, the part that thrived with the global sensation that was the band, and it definitely carries that bittersweet nostalgia that every 1D fan can associate themselves with (I certainly could). The other part channels the new sound Tomlinson is headed towards: old school Britpop, with a heavy Oasis influence.

Here is a track by track analysis of the album:

KILL MY MIND

Right off the bat, the heavy Britpop vibes can be heard. It’s very different from the kind of music Tomlinson has made in the past, and it kind of gives you an idea as to what direction he is about to go in musically.

As Louis has said in his track by track analysis for Apple Music, “This was a statement of intent. This is where I want to be, this is where I want to move into.” He navigates this song with a sort of swagger that is enhanced by the strong guitar riffs in the background. The northern English accent is prominent in this track and overall, this whole song is very British. And it is definitely a fun and exciting way to kick off this album.

DON’T LET IT BREAK YOUR HEART

This is what I’m talking about when I say he also touched on his One Direction roots. The chorus of this song will instantly remind you of a 1D song. It could easily fit into FOUR or Made in the A.M. Tomlinson has acknowledged that this is definitely right up the band’s alley and says that “it’s just one of those songs that’s trying to promote hope regardless of what life throws at you.” And it is definitely a nice song to be humming along to, and for all the 1D fans out there, it adds for a great nostalgia factor.

TWO OF US

This is definitely one of the most emotional songs on the album. Written by Tomlinson for his mother, who tragically passed away a few years ago, it will tug at your heartstrings and maybe get you to shed a few tears along the way. Tomlinson has said that he “wasn’t ready to write the song” but it is definitely “the most special song I’ve ever written”.

When he released this song a few months ago as a single, he said in a statement, “I just feel like musically, I almost needed to get this song off my chest. People say writing is a part of therapy and in a way, I feel like I’d been avoiding writing this song because I knew I only had one chance to get it right. I don’t mean to be too soppy about it, but if ‘Two of Us’ can help just one other person who’s going through the tough time that I went through, then that would make me really happy.”

It is a very raw tribute. Louis has sung his fair share of ballads in the past, but this is definitely his most emotional and personal one yet if the lyrics “You’ll never know how much I miss you / The day that they took you, I wish it was me instead,” are anything to go by. It is truly a beautiful way to remember his mother, who I’m sure would be very proud.

WE MADE IT

This song was also released as a single, and while it’s not one of my favourites, but it’s a good song nonetheless. The song is very road trippy, and the meaning is pretty straightforward: we went through some pretty difficult times, but we made it.

The lyrics tell a story of him looking back at his past and acknowledging all the good and bad times. The song proclaims that we — as in Tomlinson and his fans — made it ’till the end. It is in a similar vein to One Direction’s “History,” which is also like a tribute to the fans of the band.

TOO YOUNG

This is one of my favourites from the album. If you want a sweet but sad little song, this is it. It seems like Tomlinson is singing about being young and reckless, as well as finding someone he would possibly want to spend the rest of his life with. However, it’s too much responsibility for a teenager to comprehend.

In other words, they were too young. (Hence the song title.) It is kind of like an apology to the girl he loves, asking her to forgive him for the stupid mistakes he made because he was “too young” to figure out what all of it means.

Its a beautiful, stripped-down song, with just Tomlinson’s beautifully unique voice powering through some soft acoustic guitar in the background. It is a pretty honest song, as Tomlinson puts it, “We all made mistakes when we were younger, and I just wanted to capture that idea of true honesty.” “Too Young” is the kind of song you’d listen to with a reluctant smile on your face, somewhere between forgiveness and acknowledgment.

WALLS

The title track of the album. Again, very Oasis, but also very different at the same time. Another taste of the new path Tomlinson has forged. I say Oasis because he literally lifted elements from 3 Oasis songs to put on this track, while also giving Noel Gallagher credit as a lyricist and composer. The live guitar riffs add a really fun edge to the otherwise kind of emotional song. Not my favourite in the bunch, but it certainly is a good song to belt out on a road trip.

HABIT

This is also one of the songs I really loved. I feel like this is Tomlinson at his best — when he’s just being himself. It is very festival-esque, in a way. Emotionally deep with subtle instrumentation to back it up, this song has quite a storytelling vibe to it.

The music immediately makes you want to nod your head along to it, and it is very lively and spring-y. It’s emotional, but at the same time, it makes you want to skip along the sidewalk on a nice sunny day. Or sing it along with your friends at a campfire and Louis’ extremely unique voice just elevates it.

It also has an Easter egg from the One Direction days, according to Louis, “There’s a line about the place that we all grew up with in the band, and that was an apartment complex called Princess Park. It’s like an Easter egg for the fans, I’m sure they’ll like that.”

ALWAYS YOU

Definitely an instant favourite of mine — and packed with a lot of emotion. The music is very skip-in-the-step and upbeat so it doesn’t seem like it, but the lyrics are extremely meaningful. The moment the song begins, it instantly brings a fond smile to your face. It is clearly about a man travelling all over the world but always coming back to you — because its always been you.

Yes, it’s that love song. That happy, comforting, good-natured song that is just about that one girl who has captured his heart that he always comes back to.

As Louis puts it, “It’s very autobiographical, me making that realisation that its always been that one person, that no matter where you are and what you see, you miss that one person.”

It makes you feel content, and it makes you feel like you’re home, and it just makes you very happy as you listen to it. “Always You” has some beautiful harmonies and generously shows off Tomlinson’s vocal range, and is easily one of the best songs on this album.

FEARLESS

This one is a belter — and Tomlinson really doesn’t hold back. It is a ballad, something Louis really knows how to do well. Tomlinson really lets go in this song, reaching for those high notes and successfully hitting them, while also trying to capture what it felt like to truly be young, to be fearless.

“Tell me, do you still remember feeling young?” That is what he is asking of us, as he navigates through what it felt like for him and remembering his own youth, reminiscing with fondness.

It is a bittersweet feeling, and it is quite evident as you listen to the song. It is very raw and nostalgic in a way as it will definitely make you go through a trip down your memory lane, as you try to answer his question.

PERFECT NOW

This song is very One Direction. It is in a similar vein as the band’s highly successful ballad “Little Things.” According to Tomlinson, “it’s kind of an extension to “What Makes You Beautiful,” the band’s first single.”

This is his way of telling the world that he absolutely loves the band and wanted a song on the album that reflects his love for it. This song is very simple and stripped down. It tells a story about a girl being beautiful despite her insecurities.

He also mentions not fitting into your jeans, à la “Little Things,” but it works. It’s not my absolute favourite, but it is a cute song nonetheless.

DEFENCELESS

Defenceless is a song I really like. It starts off quite unassuming and doesn’t really catch you, but as the song builds, and the beat drops, and Tomlinson belts out those high notes, you’re hooked right in. The harmonies and background music add a lovely touch to this song, and the bridge is really beautiful.

No, really, the composition in this song is stunning. It’s hard to describe but it kind of is like a comforting happy melody, like something that can easily be used in a video montage. The music just makes you feel really happy, like basking in the sun on a warm spring day.

The song is basically about being vulnerable and experiencing many different feelings: “One day you might be feeling great, youthful and amazing, and the next day you might be feeling a bit down in the dumps.” And that is being defenceless (against your feelings).

ONLY THE BRAVE

This song is the last and the shortest track on the album, and it’s wildly different from the rest. It is a song about what it takes to stand on your own and is the perfect way to round off a very emotional album.

It is very soft and quiet and has a retro vibe to it. The way the end drops off leaves you thinking about everything you just listened to and the lyrics are extremely beautiful with lines like “It’s a church of burnt romances and I’m too far gone to pray” and “It’s a solo show and it’s only for the brave.”

This song will bring a small smile to your face, and it just seems like a classic, like going back in time. And having a song about what it is like to tear the walls down and stand on your own is probably the best way to end an album that is very aptly titled Walls and “Only the Brave” does exactly that.

FINAL VERDICT

Walls as a whole is a pretty impressive debut. It is a cohesive body of work. This has definitely laid a foundation for the kind of music we can expect from Louis Tomlinson.

Although he doesn’t really experiment a lot like some of his other bandmates, Tomlinson sticks to what he knows. He also shows us what he loves in his sound, and it works for him. I have always thought that he has an extremely unique and soothing voice, and this album has utilised it beautifully.

Walls is one of those albums that could over the years easily become a staple classic. It is very emotionally packed, and it seems like the kind of album you can fall back on a few years down the line to find some familiarity and homeliness — like an old friend.

You can definitely see the ambition. Perhaps Louis isn’t taking too many risks here is because this album is more like a reflection of his past. He’s working on tearing those walls down to become a whole new person. Along the way, he adds hints of the kind of sound he’s headed towards.

This album is a foundation for something new and exciting. We don’t quite know who he really is yet musically, but it is definitely a promise for some exciting things to come, and something tells me, for Tomlinson, this is only the beginning

#affinity magazine #walls review #louis tomlinson #020220 #wpress