#really embracing that moody punk girl vibe

[harryandmolly]

i could write it better than you ever felt it - FINAL

summary: fuck growing up. this is freedom, this is life, this is youth – 2007 Warped Tour style.

warnings: Language, vintage Something Corporate, oversugaring tea amidst Londoners

word count: 5.2k

A/N: this is it, fam! thanks for coming along in my time machine. I hope it’s everything you dreamed it would be. Shawn’s song is “As You Sleep” by Something Corporate, highly recommend a listen. thank you for everything you are and everything you give me. I love you guys.

Lucky 13.

The emblem of the 2007 Warped Tour has surrounded her all summer, but it feels especially present today somehow, on the last day of tour in Carson, California.

It seems a contradiction in terms, lucky 13, which Val supposes is probably the idea. She knows it’s a cheeky nod to the counterculture vibe that Warped Tour represents, but it also feels representative of her in some ways.

Val’s had a very contemplative and quiet three weeks since she gathered her things and walked out of that hotel room, leaving the scribbled note on the pillow behind her. She’s turned inward, no longer hounded by her conflict with Raf or Bea, able to focus on herself for the first time in a few months. And she’s picked out a few things that coincide with the theme of the summer.

Val is often reckless, and sometimes maternal. Val is book smart, and also street smart. Val embraces academia, but sometimes thinks she could drown herself in music and never read books again. Val is vibrant even when she is broken.

Humans are made up of contradictions, Val knows that as well as anyone. She is not suddenly realizing that she is not only one thing -- her dichotomies are not really news to her. But as she thinks about the people she loves most, she sees the way certain parts of their personalities bump up against other parts and fight for dominance, and she loves them more richly for it.

Humans are made up of contradictions and Val is embracing that from here on out. She arrived on the first day of Warped wearing a blink t-shirt with a textbook on Ming dynasty art in her trunk. All summer, she studied the ways she doesn’t fit in here in the scene anymore like she was looking for reasons to make a clean split and join her adult life across the pond. But the truth is, she failed. She looked for the ways that made her feel different from this world that she helped in her small way to build, but it’s as much a home to her as academia is and it will never truly feel foreign, no matter how many hours she spends crouched over a 9th century vase with a tiny brush. So her biggest contradiction, her inner strife over choosing academia over pop punk, it fades into her skin like her tattoo, as much a part of her as the dimple in her chin or the curls in her hair that she decided not to straighten today.

Val walks the grounds as the sun begins to fade. The last sets of the day are in progress or being set up. With earbuds in playing Boys Like Girls, she strolls between booths of merch people clinking beers and congratulating each other on a summer well done, between groups of kids comparing signed merch, between crew guys beginning to break down and pack away equipment to be pulled out next June for another go around.

She imagines who she’ll be next June.

She walks slowly on her way to Smartpunk. It seems her body is just as hesitant as her mind to attend this one last set, but she’s doing it anyway. She’s not sure why -- to prove a point to herself? To indulge in the talent one last time? To try to believe in a miracle?

She doesn’t like any of those options. She settles on curiosity and keeps her feet moving in uncharacteristically small steps.

She stands at the back, nice and far from any moshing action, by the All Time Low booth so she can sit on the edge of the table without getting grief from Vinny Vegas.

She wears a small smirk as the space around her fills in. It seems every Warped attendee is a Forefront convert now. She doesn’t blame them. But damn is it a far cry from their first sets in June.

They’re announced over the yelping cries of fans wearing out their last screams of summer. They hustle out in a group, with their tall, gawky frontman bringing up the rear as usual. He plants himself in front of the mic and swings one powerful arm above his head with a wild grin to wave as his adoring fans.

And it begins.

They put on a hell of a show. It’s not a given -- just because you’re good in the studio doesn’t mean you have the chemistry or energy to do well live. There are special bands that make a live concert a nearly religious experience -- her friends in Paramore and All Time Low among them. Forefront has gotten their sea legs this summer and won’t easily lose them now.

She takes the time to notice each member -- passionate, goofy Francis on rhythm guitar, hard-hitting, soft-spoken Seth on the drums, raucous pretty boy bassist Bobby. And then Shawn, switching between his keyboard and guitar effortlessly like he was born with a damn instrument in his hand, charisma leaking out of him all over the stage, making everyone in a fifteen mile radius certain that he’s born to do this.

She closes her eyes through the end of “Open End” and waits for “Swim” to start. When Shawn switches back to the keys at this point in the set, he usually engages in some chit chat with the boys or yammers on to the fans about how much they inspire him or whatever. But he’s quiet and the air around the stage is tense because everyone knows something’s up.

Val opens her eyes. He’s where she expected him to be, propped at the edge of his bench with his fingers resting over the keys, looking down at them frozen.

“We’re gonna play you a new one today.”

Val’s stomach falls out and flops into the dirt at her feet. She’s glad she’s sitting on the table because she can’t feel her legs. She overwhelmed by certainty that whatever’s about to happen, it’s going to be personal. And it’s going to hurt like hell.

Shawn is quiet for a few more electrically charged moments before he closes his eyes, rolls his shoulders forward and leans into the mic, singing before the instruments join him.

“Close your eyes and I will be swimming, lullabies fill your room, and I will be singing, singing only to you. Don’t forget I’ll hold your head, watch the night sky fading red.”

His fingers work furiously against the keys. The piano line is so intricate and shows off his talent for the instrument in a way she’s never seen. He keeps his eyes down at his hands as they dance, distracting him enough from the content of the lyrics so he can get through them without breaking down like he did when he wrote it.

“But as you sleep, and no one is listening, I will lift you off your feet, I'll keep you from sinking. Don't you wake up yet, cause soon I'll be leaving you. Soon I'll be leaving you, but you won't be leaving me.”

Val closes her eyes again and lets herself fall back into their last night, into their frantic lovemaking punctuated by irresponsible, unkeepable promises. She thinks about the weight of his legs between hers as she drifted off with him in the last full night sleep she got on tour. She remembers the way she let her hand rest on his side of the bed to try to tell when he left by how cool to the touch it felt.

“In the car, the radio leaves me searching for your star, a constellation of frustration driving home, singing my thoughts back to me, and watching heartache on TV.”

It feels so good to get this out, Shawn thinks as he hits each note just the way he wants it. This song came spilling out after their last night together in a way that felt too easy. After all that he put her through, he doesn’t deserve to have his art come easy. But art is never fair.

“But as you sleep, and no one is listening, I will lift you off your feet, I'll keep you from sinking. Don't you wake up yet, cause soon I'll be leaving you. Soon I'll be leaving you, but you won't be leaving me.”

By the second chorus, Val knows the words. It’s hard not to zero in when you know they’re about you. She notes the way the crowd reacts, arms in the air waving at him like he’s Jimi Hendrix, cheering along, eating up everything he gives them.

Good, she thinks, he deserves it.

The lead into the bridge is still piano heavy, but his fingers know the strokes of the keys as well as his heart does, so he gets to sit up and look around, grinning as their fans cheer, watching the sky explode vibrant summer watercolors over the trees on the horizon. A thick, soothing breeze passes through.

He looks back through to where he saw her a few songs ago. He lets his gaze stay there long enough that she knows now that she’s been spotted. He licks his lips and leans into the mic, but keeps his eyes up at her, perched on the ATL merch table like she owns it.

He repeats the lyrics even though each word feels like tearing at scabs that won’t be healing for a while. He pours it all in, everything he has left, every piece of I’m sorry, every hint of thank you, every whisper of I love you, it soars out over the heads of the fans who love the words but don’t know the boy that wrote them.

They’re for her.

As the final note fades out under sweeping cries of gratitude from the scene kids that came to celebrate their home and community, Val stands, brushes the dust from her skinny jeans and secures her earbuds back in place. With a final nodding smile to Vinny, she turns from the stage and walks off in gigantic, loping steps to read about John Singer Sergeant and listen to Dookie on repeat.

+++++++

December 18th, 2017

Shawn doesn’t often fit most musician stereotypes -- he doesn’t drink too heavily, he doesn’t do any drug harder than weed, he’s kind of a serial monogamist.

But he does love a moody walk along a body of water.

With a pair of good headphones, a carefully curated playlist and a path along the water, Shawn can figure out anything. When he gets stuck on a song, he goes to the water. When he’s in a weird spot with someone he’s dating, he goes to the water. He doesn’t like to get too spiritual about it, but it does feel somehow clarifying.

So one afternoon in London when the sun is out and the Londoners are out with it, Shawn decides to join them. He’s there on business promoting the latest Forefront album with a Live Lounge performance on BBC Radio 1 with Nick Grimshaw. He’s jetlagged and a little turned around by the Underground system like he usually is when in London but he’s otherwise feeling just fine. He just needs a walk by the water today. He tries not to look too closely at why.

He bundles up in the Barbour jacket his mum got him last Christmas and sets off down the stairs into the opulent Savoy hotel lobby decked out with a Christmas tree in every corner and fresh garland wrapped around every non-moving object in sight. He smiles at it -- nobody does Christmas like the Brits. He’s looking forward to going home in a few days to see his mum and the rest of his family and decompress for a few weeks before heading back over to the UK to write and record their next album.

He gets reflective like this -- the combination of the water and the music offer him perspective he can’t usually reach otherwise. He tucks his hands in his pockets and sets off through the garden that opens up into the Victoria Embankment Gardens, usually lush and green in the spring and summer, full of life and people. He likes it like this, though, cold and quiet and almost like a little secret.

2017 has been good to him. Forefront played seven new countries this year on their world tour in celebration of their sixth studio album. He’s gotten a little better over the years about being more present in those moments rather than looking forward anxiously to the next album and the expectations that surround it. That attitude really spoiled the last few records, but the new friends he’s made in the industry have helped guide him through that. He’s even becoming friends with the Irish guy from One Direction now, though they had very different paths to the music industry. He seems like a cool guy.

Personally, 2017 wasn’t really a banner year. He broke up with Jess in April after almost a full year. He’s had a few of those lately -- relationships that start hot and don’t make it past a year mark. He should take a closer look at that and figure out why he can’t seem to stay in a relationship for longer than 11 months, but he’s too tired to think about it now. It’s been a long fuckin’ year.

It’s been a long ten years, actually, since Joy Ride. He thinks back to the show they played at home in Toronto over the summer to celebrate the big anniversary. They played the whole album start to finish, something they’ve never gotten to do. Being immersed in it like that brings back a lot of memories of that summer when everything really kicked off. Not all those memories are ones Shawn likes to think about.

He doesn’t think about Valentina much. It’s by design. He doesn’t even play “As You Sleep” as often as it’s requested. It just… doesn’t feel healthy for him. He’ll pull it out every once in a while when curiosity gets the best of him, when it’s been long enough that he forgets how sharply he still feels every word of that song. He usually regrets it.

He lets himself wonder about her sometimes, like today when he’s knee deep in nostalgia anyway. He still sees Raf and the other Streets guys. They went on a hiatus for a while around 2013 but are back again recording a new record somewhere in Malibu, from what Shawn’s heard. When he sees them, he doesn’t ask about her. He doesn’t want her knowing he’s asking. And he thinks sometimes he doesn’t want to know what she’s really up to, he’d rather imagine.

He falls into his favorite daydream. He likes to think she stayed in the UK (he always felt like that was the place for her to end up). Maybe she got a job in conservation at Oxford or Cambridge or some other hoity-toity university. Maybe she met a nice, polite, skinny, bookish English guy who looks at her like a miracle every time she speaks to him. Maybe they had a small wedding at his local church and his family loves her because she’s colorful and articulate. Maybe they have dogs -- sheepdogs or setters or something, good country dogs. And maybe they’ve had a little girl.

That’s where he usually shuts the daydream down. For obvious reasons.

But when he doesn’t, he thinks about her and who she might be. He thinks about thick, lush curls flopped over a tiny forehead. He thinks about pouty little lips and a chin dimple that matches her mother’s. He thinks about little feet that kick hard because she’d have to be strong, of course.

Now that he’s letting himself think about it, he thinks maybe she’d look kinda like the kid that’s staring at him, reaching out from her pram that’s parked next to the bench he’s strolling past. He smiles at her and she beams back with a grin that has only two teeth. It makes Shawn laugh.

He glances over at her lucky mum or dad.

And it’s almost like he expected it, like it had to be her. I mean, this kid really couldn’t have been anyone but Val’s. She’s just… so Val.

So when Shawn looks her over, from her sweeping dark curls and her leather trousers and her ankle boots, he’s barely even surprised to see her. He just tips his head back and chuckles at the universe.

“Hey mister,” she calls, and her voice sets his skin rough with goosebumps, “Can I have your autograph?”

Shawn lets go of where he’s holding on to the wrought iron fence above the banks of the Thames and walks over, his chelsea boots scratching at the frosty stone.

She doesn’t stand to greet him. She’s got a similar look on her face, bemused acknowledgement of fate and its tricks, like she was thinking about him too and they both somehow willed this to happen. Her long slender legs are crossed. She has one black leather-gloved hand in the pram in the grasp of her little girl who’s chewing on her finger and no longer paying Shawn any attention.

“Hey, Vally,” he sighs. He doesn’t mean to call her that, it just happens. She doesn’t visibly react beyond a slightly deeper dimple in her cheek, so he figures he scraped by with that one.

“Were you on your way somewhere?” she asks, glancing back as if she realized she might be taking him away from something.

He shakes his head. “No, I just-- I’m staying at the Savoy and I like these gardens. I just wanted a walk.” He has enough presence of mind to pause his music. He doesn’t bother to mention it’s an old Streets song. That she wrote.

“We like it out here. We live over by the Farringdon stop but we take the train out here because we like the waterfowl.”

Val looks down at the pram as she speaks. Shawn takes that as an invitation to acknowledge her more formally.

“Who’s this?” he asks breathlessly.

“This is Alice,” Val replies with as much pride as he’s ever heard from any mother, “Alice Fernanda Moreno, she’s nine months old and very hefty for her age because we run a body positive household and she loves mashed carrot and swede.”

Shawn lifts a hand and waves in that open-close way he does like he’s a big toddler himself. Alice kicks hard and squeals at him.

“She’s… so beautiful,” he marvels. Val’s smug smile tells him she agrees. Shawn doesn’t share his next thought because it feels like a line and he doesn’t want to go there.

Because she looks exactly like you.

“I picked out a real pretty one,” she jokes, tightening the wrap of the thick wool blankets around Alice as she yawns.

Shawn continues staring at her openly, trying to pick out features that could belong to any potential father, but as far as he can tell, Alice is simply a clone of Val. It’s Val’s throat clearing that brings him back.

“Sit, Mendes,” she suggests, patting the warped wooden bench. Shawn lowers himself on the other side of the pram as Val rocks it back and forth with her foot.

“She’s been fussy today, but it’s naptime. She has to give in eventually,” Val mutters like she’s reasoning with herself. Shawn grins.

“You have a daughter.”

Val doesn’t look up from the pram as she rocks it. She just nods and snuggles into her prim peacoat.

“I have a daughter.”

Shawn can’t bring himself to ask. She’s wearing gloves so he can’t see if she’s wearing a ring. He stays quiet and studies her instead.

She looks largely the same, barely even older than she did at 22. Her sense of style is maybe the only thing he can see that’s changed in the ten years since he’s seen her last. There’s something comforting in that.

He wonders if he seems different. He works out more now, eats right. He’s definitely put on a whole lot of muscle since he was scrounging for burger scraps on Warped. He’s gotten a few more tattoos she can’t see. He also has an actual stylist now, which is sometimes weird, but he’s elevated the black skinnies, Vans and band tees to black skinnies, $800 boots and silk button-ups. So there’s that.

He’s still got that lip ring though.

But… he wonders if he seems different. If he carries himself differently. If he comes off more confident, more calm, less wide-eyed and wondering.

Because she seems the same. She’s always glowed from the inside out like this. Maybe the glow feels a little stronger now. Or maybe it’s just because she glows through herself and her baby girl all at once. Shawn sits back and watches them -- he could bathe in it all day.

“You know it’s been ten years?” she breathes.

Shawn nods slowly. “I know. Kinda feels like 40.”

She laughs and a piece of him astral projects back to nights tangled up in her bunk kissing her neck and trying to keep her quiet so her brother won’t come mock them from outside the bunk curtain.

“It does,” she muses, “But sometimes it feels like fifteen minutes ago, too.”

Shawn tips his head back and sniffs, looking up through a tall pine as its needles shiver.

“Has your decade been good to you?” she murmurs. He lifts his head back up. She’s staring down at the baby.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s been great. We’ve toured a lot, done a few more albums. The guys and I, I mean, you know us, we’d push each other in front of a bus most days, but we’re brothers and maybe obsessed with each other, too. We’re on a great ride.”

Val lifts her eyes to his briefly, all too knowingly, and lowers them back to the pram. “That’s good.”

Shawn shakes his head. “That’s not even at all what you meant, was it?”

“Nope.”

Shawn goes quiet, contemplative. Val waits him out until he’s ready.

“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” he chokes finally, “Everything about it. Writing after Joy Ride, it was… it got bad. I mean, I was ok, like fundamentally, but I didn’t feel good. We had so many eyes on us. We had no idea what to do, just like no one else does. Some tours were great, some were bad. And the whole deal makes everything else harder. It’s hard on my family, my friends. I… I haven’t been in an actual good relationship in… five years, at least. This year was better. We’ve gotten our feet back under us. I let it all out in the last album, and that helped.”

“I know, I heard it.”

Shawn looks up from Val’s hands in the pram. For the first time all morning, he’s really, truly shocked to the bone.

“You did?”

Val doesn’t answer him exactly, just mutters something about needing to get the baby inside and announces they’ll head down the lane for a cup of tea. She leads them to a little corner coffee shop made for hipsters, not for women with very expensive prams, but Val doesn’t seem to care and parks in the corner by the fire. She layers down, stripping off her scarf and coat to a black turtleneck. Her cheeks go warm as she settles in and orders for them.

Shawn keeps his mouth shut and tries not to do the mental math of how many of the songs he’s released in the last ten years have been written about her, and exactly how many of them she might have noticed are definitely, totally written about her.

She folds her manicured hands together and looks up at him. His brain mercifully shuts off.

“It took a while after that summer for me to get there, but about three years later, I was around Oxford with some friends and I saw your latest album, on vinyl no less, in some indie record store. I suddenly got this feeling that I had to stop my whole life for a minute and go in and buy it. I bought it and the one that came before it, I said goodbye to my friends and I shut myself up in my flat for a couple days with a bottle of whiskey and just… let it happen.”

Shawn winces. “Wish you’d have just skipped over Making Midnight.”

Val smirks. “I wish I had, too.”

Shawn scoffs and leans back in his chair, mock offended. Val giggles and dumps an ungodly amount of sugar in her Earl Grey.

“I was glad to just hear your voice again, actually. I’d done a good job of avoiding it. Too good, maybe, because it was a real shock to the system when I heard it again.”

Shawn knows how that feels. He went through a Val cleanse too, a much shorter one because he doesn’t have her willpower. And then he heard a song she wrote with Alex Gaskarth for All Time Low’s Dirty Work and he let her back in.

“From then, I just bought your records when they came out. I really loved this last one. It really… I dunno, it just really felt like you, I guess.”

Shawn keeps his head down as he stares at his tea. He hears Alice coo. He looks up to see Val lifting her out of her pram to bounce her in her lap, baby in one arm, cup of tea in the other.

“God, it’s so fuckin’ good to see you,” he croaks, shaking his head a little, “Especially…”

He trails off, unwilling to finish. He ducks his head again.

“Especially with a kid I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to have?” Val guesses.

Shawn glances up and nods.

“Do you want to hear about this?” Val murmurs, ignoring Alice as she yanks at some silky curls.

Shawn chews on his lower lip. “Yeah, I think I do.”

It’s Val’s turn to look down. She stirs the mountain of slowly dissolving sugar at the bottom of her mug and sighs.

“She’s just mine. Last year I started to get a little anxious about my biological clock, especially given the last time I got pregnant. I saw a fertility specialist and we discussed my history and she agreed if I want to have children, it’s probably better to start now. So I went in for IVF. On the second cycle, I got pregnant with Alice. The pregnancy was complicated, but my doctor was a saint and did everything absolutely right. The birth went perfectly. So now it’s me and Alice against the world.”

Shawn slides his tongue against his lower lip, taps his foot impatiently against the leg of his chair. “Just you two?”

“Just us two,” Val replies easily, “There were a couple guys in and out before her, but I haven’t gone out with anyone since I got pregnant. I didn’t feel the need. I just wanted to focus on her. I’m glad I did.”

They’re quiet for a few minutes, reflective. Then Val stands and looks down at him.

“Would you mind holding her for a minute? I need to use the loo.”

Shawn bites his lip and nods, standing to complete the transfer. Alice is asleep in her mother’s arms, but, as Val explains with a chuckle, “she’s a snuggle whore -- she’ll go with anybody for a little cuddle.”

Shawn sits. Alice curls up against his chest and pops her tiny lips in her sleep. She radiates warmth from her little swaddled bundle. As he stares down at her, Shawn fundamentally understands why Val hasn’t needed anyone else in her life since Alice arrived. He thinks if Val let him, he’d never put her down.

Alice stretches a tiny arm out in her sleep and punches Shawn in the chest. He snickers, jostling his little bundle, but it doesn’t wake her. He starts to get comfortable, sliding down in the chair a bit so he can rock her, but Val’s hand on his shoulder startles him.

“It’s ok,” she says, “Keep her, if she’s not fussing. I’d rather she stay asleep.”

Shawn nods eagerly and strokes Alice’s back with his long, rough fingers. Val sits across the table with her elbows propped up like she’s physically restraining herself to keep from snatching her child out of his arms. It makes Shawn grin.

“You ok over there?”

Val blushes, caught. “It’s usually just the two of us. I don’t ever have to share her. I’m not used to jonesing.”

“I’ll give her back if you want,” Shawn mumbles reluctantly. Val giggles.

“No, it’s ok. She looks happy.”

Shawn hums. She does look happy.

“So are you working?” he asks quietly, not wanting to wake Alice.

Val nods. “We are, we work at the V&A in the medieval department. We just started back about a month ago after my maternity leave. The museum’s been very generous. They let me walk around with her strapped to my chest all day. She helps consult on various matters, charms my coworkers into letting me leave bottles of breastmilk in every fridge in the museum. I shifted from conservation to curation a few years ago, which is a steadier, more lucrative track. I think it’ll be better for us.”

Us. We’re working at the V&A. We started back at the museum. Shawn’s enamored. He goes pink and brushes through the curls on the back of Alice’s neck.

“Sounds like you’ve got a great partner here,” he quips.

Val is quiet for a minute. “We’re very happy together. But we get a little lonely sometimes. Like when it’s cold and mummy really doesn’t want to get out of bed but Alice is screaming bloody murder. Those are the only moments when this isn’t the greatest thing in the whole world.”

Shawn looks up. Val is watching him carefully. Before he can speak, she swallows and lowers her gaze.

“But we get along, you know. We’re ok.”

“Yeah,” Shawn says, “I know you are.”

They chat. They talk about Raf and his wife Rachel and their little ones -- Val and Alice will be heading across the pond to spend Christmas with them and her parents. They talk about Bea and how she’s spent five years with the same guy up in Edinburgh and she seems actually happy. They talk about their near miss at Alex’s wedding last April -- she came for the ceremony but had to skip out of the reception, Shawn the opposite. They chat through several more cups of tea, an array of pastries, and another nap cycle until it’s dark and quiet outside. Val stares mournfully out the window as she puts on her jacket with Alice back in her pram, gurgling quietly.

Shawn is silent, brow furrowed. He pays the tab with a ghost of a smile and thinks about walking back to his hotel to sit in his room with the TV to try to drown out this day. It’s… unappealing to say the least.

They walk to the door. Shawn holds it open for Val and Alice and considers that they probably look to anyone else like a young family that spent the day together and are headed home to a warm dinner and a cozy night in.

Val’s heart pounds in her ears faster than their boots’ steps on the crunchy ground. She wants to swallow the words, but she doesn’t think she can. Not with him.

“Would you like to walk us home?” she breathes.

Shawn’s smile is extraordinary. He looks up from Alice’s curious brown eyes.

“Yes, please.”

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Taglist: @smallerinfinities @the-claire-bitch-project @stillinskislydia @achinglyshawn @infiniteshawn​ @alone-in-madness​ @alone-in-madness @singanddreamanyway@accioalena @randi-eve @shawnitsmutual @embracehappy @itrocksmysocks @yslsaint @peacedolantwins2 @kitykatnumber

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[onestowatch]

Kristina Bazan Is More Than a Pretty Picture. She’s an Artist [Q&A]

Kristina Bazan is a woman of many talents. From starting her world-renowned fashion blog, Kayture, as a teenager, to being chosen by Forbes in 2016 as one of the 30 under 30 most influential personalities, it is difficult to imagine something Bazan is incapable of doing. So, when the fashion socialite and best-selling author announced she would be focusing solely on music, it first came as a shock. However, upon further inspection, music does not exist as some experimental detour in the life of Bazan; it serves as her starting point and a place she always seemed destined to return. 

Before the fashion and fame, Bazan was an introverted teenager who took up songwriting at the tender age of 13. She even went so far as to join a rock band at the age of 15, in which she would play rock covers in her friend’s garage. However, it was around this time that her fashion blog, Kayture, began to take the world by storm, and overnight she would become fashion’s “it girl.” Now, some odd ten years since first picking up songwriting, Bazan returns to the art form that originally captured her heart with the release of her debut EP, EPVH1. The striking six-song collection is an introspective examination of our relationship with technology scored by transcendent moments of pop and electronic influence. 

We had the chance to sit down with fashion “it girl” turned rising artist Bazan to speak on what has always arguably been her calling-music-and making that at-times terrifying leap into a new medium. 

OTW: What was it like seeing yourself listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30?

Kristina: That was the first time my dad was like, “Okay. Now I respect you.” Before that, he was not really approving of what I was doing. That was the first time he was really like, “You were right for doing this, for working so hard.”

OTW: Besides being a part of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, most people know you from your fashion blog, Kayture, or the fact that you are a best-selling author. However, songwriting has always existed as a passion of yours.

Kristina: I knew I always wanted to be a singer, but it seemed like such an unrealistic fantasy to have. Especially because I was born In Belarus, and I kept moving around a lot, and in Switzerland, we don’t really have a music industry there. So, it was just absurd to even think about it. But throughout my childhood, and when I was a teenager, I was always writing songs, dressing up, and willing to put on a show for my family. I gravitated so naturally towards it.

OTW: Let’s talk about your teenage rock band for a second.

Kristina: Wow! You’ve done your research. It was really funny. It was only with dudes, and we played “Seven Nation Army.” I thought I was so cool cause I was the only girl with way older guys in a garage playing rock. The band was called The Few. I ended up quitting because of the blog, but they actually started performing in Switzerland. They’re really cool. I’m friends with them on Facebook, so when I share stuff about my EP, they’re commenting, “Yes! We knew you from back then!” I wish people knew me from that period, because it makes so much sense. Exactly the way I was at that period, is the way I am right now. I had this period in the middle where you’re playing the game. You’ve got to make yourself a career, to make people know that you exist.

OTW: Your passion for songwriting really does span quite some time. It’s something I noticed even comes up in a few of your past interviews, even when the focus was mainly on your fashion. 

Kristina: It is actually what I love the most. Vocally, I’m not Whitney Houston. I think I have a nice voice, but there are vocal singers who just blow your mind. My forte has always been telling stories. I’m such a dreamer. My imagination is running wild all the time. I feel the absolute urge to put it into something. And music is such a beautiful format to tell stories. 

You give music to people and they can make anything out of it and put their own memories onto it. It’s so beautiful.

OTW: Would you say your music taste evolved a great deal from teenage you to present you?

Kristina: I always loved electronic stuff. I’m actually super geeky. Growing up, I always played a lot of video games. I would prefer staying in and playing The Sims over going out with my friends. I got really into Myspace and blogs, and that’s actually how I got into blogging in the first place, because I’ve always been an Internet nerd. Musically, I had a huge obsession and still do with Crystal Castles and Daft Punk. Daft Punk is like my fucking religion. I just love discovering indie, underground electronic bands.

OTW: Your debut EP, EPVH1, gives off this moody ‘80s, almost Blade Runner-esque vibe. Did you attend for there to be an overarching theme to your debut?

Kristina: Well, actually, I was wondering, from my point-of-view, what can I bring to the table that’s new and fresh and that hasn’t been done. It’s such a hard question because there are so many incredible artists that are releasing music, and we’re just flooded with content. We barely have time to digest it. I was really wondering what I can do that actually makes sense. How can I turn all of these years of experience, of being a blogger, working in the digital world, and having this public image into use? 

I wanted my whole EP to have this underlying subject manner of technology and the relationship we have with technology. And how it affects the way we live but also our relationships.

OTW: The examination of our relationships to Instagram must be particularly prevalent to you, as someone whose youth was formed alongside social media a popular blog. Did you find writing from that viewpoint allowed you to tell a very unique story?

Kristina: Well, yeah, because from the age of 17, I was literally sharing my diary with the whole world. I think that a lot of people grew up with me. I had really incredible experiences where followers approached me and gave me letters where they said seeing how I succeeded with the blog gave them the inspiration to pursue something they always feared doing. If you have great ideas, you put them into use, you believe in yourself, and you work hard, nothing should stop you.

I’m really proud that was the position and perspective I was defending. But at the same time, I don’t know why the word blogger has such a negative connotation nowadays. I was really ashamed to say that I’m a blogger, that I’m an influencer because it meant that I’m narcissistic, my life revolves around sponsorships and brands, and that it’s kind of an illusion. Honestly, it kind of is an illusion in a way. Your whole life revolves around portraying a certain lifestyle, portraying a certain image. At the end of the day, you make money off selling and this entire system behind it.

For me, there was a point where I completely lost the point of it. I don’t feel like it’s authentic anymore, even though I kept writing a lot. I always took a lot of time to write profound articles and really share things that meant a lot of me. But I knew that maybe 10% of my audience was really reading them. At the end of the day, what people wanted was just really pretty pictures of me in the streets, which is nice, but I don’t think it’s long-lasting. I don’t think that’s what people are going to remember in five years. While with music, if it’s good enough, it can have a really long life.

“At the end of the day, what people wanted was just really pretty pictures of me in the streets, which is nice, but I don’t think it’s long-lasting. I don’t think that’s what people are going to remember in five years. While with music, if it’s good enough, it can have a really long life.”

OTW: And by the time people have read this, you will have just finished performing your first three shows–in Paris, Los Angeles, and New York–how does it all feel?

Kristina: Amazing. I love being on stage so much. It’s incredible. It’s like you’re meditating with people. It’s an exchange of energy. There’s really such a beautiful and strong connection. People are chill, they’re here to listen to music, they’re open. For me, it’s the most beautiful thing ever. Since I’ve spent all of these years behind a computer screen, I cannot even tell you how nice it is to have real people in front of me and to see people connect to the music. I saw that some people know the words. Like damn, I wrote those words on my bathroom floor! It’s so crazy to be able to bring that and let people make it their own. It’s wonderful.

“Since I’ve spent all of these years behind a computer screen, I cannot even tell you how nice it is to have real people in front of me and to see people connect to the music.”

OTW: Now that you’ve fully embraced becoming an artist, what can we expect from your forthcoming debut album? Will it be similar to EPVH1?

Kristina: I think that the EP set the bricks of the aesthetics and the sound, but it was so interesting for me to get the first feedback. I was cultivating this whole visual and world for so long, and I kind of lost some objectivity at a certain point, because you’re so in it constantly. I just needed the point-of-view of the audience. I just wanted to have the opinion of random people I’ve never met. What does it make them feel like? What does it remind them of? And that really influenced the way I kept working on my album.

To me, the EP isn’t dark. For me, it’s really introspective and deep in some way. I wanted to touch a cord inside of you. It’s filled with light and it’s really positive. It just questions things. I had a lot of people tell me, “Why is it so dark? Are you gothic now? Are you punk?” Look at me! Do I look gothic to you? [laughs] People said that I was a Satanist cause I had a song called “The Devil.” Guys, we’re in 2018, can’t you play with this word and make a beautiful story out of it. In reality, it’s a love song. So, as much as I don’t find it dark, I want to show something lighter and sunnier on the album.

OTW: Do you find there’s a very different process when it comes to sitting down to write a blog post as opposed to writing a song?

Kristina: Very different. When I write blog posts, it’s like I’m in a trance and just write everything that goes through my mind. I literally cannot see the time pass. It’s really like you’re opening up and saying everything that’s on your mind. Music is different because you have a format. You have a certain timeframe, rhythm, syllables, and pattern that you have to respect. So, you have to synthesize your message and be really clear about what you’re trying to say so people can have a story to follow. You have to have a really clear idea about what your song is about. Often times for me, it stars with a word or a concept and then I have one hook. It builds almost like a movie. You’re imagining the colors around you, what people are doing, how does it make you feel. It makes you go into a lot of places in your head. It’s so much fun.

OTW: Who are your Ones To Watch?

Kristina: I love Timber Timbre. It’s really one of my favorite bands right now. I keep playing their stuff on repeat. Very chill but very sexy. It’s perfect for any occasion.

OTW: Any last words?

Kristina: Stay tuned for the album because it’s going to be filled with really beautiful surprises. And I can’t wait to see everyone during my performances. I hope as many people as possible can come.

#interview #kristina bazan #EPVH1 #pop #electropop #electronic

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[wmua-amherst]

Happy New Year! Here are some of WMUA staff's favorite albums from 2019:

PR Director - Ariya Sonethavy

House of Sugar by (Sandy) Alex G and Anak Ko by Jay Som -- I think I overplayed these records in the second half of the year. House of Sugar is magnificent every time and I absolutely love how different each song is, though listening to it in order always feels like something new. The way he produces and manipulates instruments/vox is insane. Anak Ko is my go-to comfort record for the last few months and I've become very attached to it. I love the layers Melina Duterte produces with tracks that are sunny and warm but also moody. I'm also obsessed with the fact that both Alex G and Melina Duterte write and produce all their own tracks -- their songs fill me with big ultralight beams!

General Manager - Toby Cashook

When I first listened to Digital Shades Volume II, it's as if I had finished a surreal sci-fi Dungeons and Dragons adventure narrated by Panos Cosmatos. Having only known M83 as their electric-pop, “Midnight City”selves, this was a total vibe check. Anthony Gonzalez, the lead on this project, reminisced that this was an album that, for him, brought back a feeling of childlike adventure. Inspired by early-age videogames and similar source material, DSVII echoes those mediums that are so endearing and so close to our hearts. For me it was 'Oh Yes You're There, Everyday' and 'Feelings' that reminded me of that naive experience when exploring classic RPG and fantasy games like Bethesda's Skyrim or Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time open worlds for the first time. In a way, my naive sense of childlike wonder was restored. It was like old friends reuniting after seeing hadn't seen each other in quite some time. Similar in nature to Ben Prunty's Curious Merchandise, each song plays like a series of short stories, each describing a unique setting or situation that plays itself out in a satisfying way. 

DSVII leaves you wanting more. Within the chaos of our society, DSVII is a nostalgic album. It's a call to remember the simplicity in our lives that we once let go. It can be tiresome to imagine those moments, and yet listening to DSVII feels as though they've always been by your side. It's a throwback for sure, and I'm sure all of us could use that reminder. 

Programmer - Taylor Cassidy

I think my staff pick for 2019 is Better Oblivion Community Center by.... Better Oblivion Community Center, better known as Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers. This release is from the earlier part of 2019, but it's one of the few albums of this year where I dove in and listened to more than just one or two tracks, and I enjoyed it all. Oberst's emo vocals and punk sensibilities complement Bridgers' songwriting and deeper voice, and they just really come together perfectly in this bizarre concept album about joining a cult. It's folk rock for people who had an emo phase and hate the word "folk" - a label which I guess suits me. Many of the songs are catchy despite being weird, creepy, or depressing and songs like "Dylan Thomas" have a really anthemic, singable feel. It was a release I was really anticipating and wasn't disappointed when I added it to my library.

Finance Director - John Matraia

Bandana by Freddie Gibbs & Madlib is the rap album of the year. Five years removed from their last collaborative album Piñata, it seemed improbable that the duo could top the 2014 classic. And while it’s hard to pick one over the other, it’s clear that both of these guys only get better with time. And more dynamic, too. Just look at "Palmolive” (with an incredible guest verse from Pusha T) or the heartfelt "Practice." On every track here, Freddie and Madlib are fighting to outdo each other, and the greatness that both artists strive for puts this tape over the top. Sure, maybe on a song like “Crime Pays”, Madlib’s mesmerizing instrumental just edges out Freddie’s greatness, and maybe Freddie steals the show on “Education.” But it’s tracks like “Fake Names” and “Cataracts” where both connect at the top of their game and prove that they’re the best in their respective lanes. Freddie claimed that this album was his “baby”, and this sentiment bleeds through on the uplifting intro track “Freestyle Sh*t”, where he reflects on everything he’s been through to reach this point. What follows this are thirteen tracks that serve as a victory lap for both artists, with Freddie making a case for the best rapper alive, and Madlib proving why he’s the best producer of all time. 

Communications Music Director - Alex MacLean

It’s so hard to pick just one record from this year, the amount of plainly great music that has come out this year is absurd. However, I’d like to make the case for one people might not have heard much about. Foam by Diviño Niño is a wiggly, catchy, summery bit of psychedelic pop, with lyrics in English and Spanish that are equally evocative and lovelorn in both languages. The Chicago-via-Colombia band runs through a wide array of sounds and styles with ease. It’s easy to put on and let it breeze tunefully by, but if you pay closer attention, the record’s clever songwriting and wonderfully quirky and detailed instrumentation begin to take hold on you, worming their way into your head. The beachy title track grooves with funky guitars and auxiliary percussion like Speaking in Tongues-era Talking Heads, and second track “Quiero”’s half-time chorus stops the song’s midtempo momentum in its tracks to let singer Camilo Medina make important declaration: “I don’t ever wanna change your mind / I wanna be with you the way that you are.” Elsewhere, “Maria” is an all-Spanish language breakup song about having your heart ripped from your chest and spit out by a girl named Maria (figuratively, of course), after which the singer decides to drink a lot and smoke 7 joints: “Chaqueta de liquor / Siete porros y un adios.” It’s an example of evocative lyricism that cuts to the emotional core despite its economy. There are lots more I enjoyed this year, but Foam is an underappreciated record that stuck with me.

Archival Music Director - Jamie Daitch

For me, 2019 has been the year of embracing country music, and no album pulled me closer in than the self-titled debut of the Highwomen, a supergroup composed of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires. This is the best sort of collaboration,where every artist is giving their absolute best to the project to make an incredibly compelling whole. This album captures a large swath of feminine life experience, with sharp, detailed, emotionally complex writing that will give you new little details every listen. And you'll want to listen over and over again, with melodies that are just so catchy and song structures that hook you along for every ride. I can't think of an album I listened to more this year. If the closest you've come to country as of late is Kacey Musgraves's "Golden Hour" and Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," then this is an album to try. The Highwomen demonstrates the unique strengths of country music better than anything else this year. Check it out!

Check our WMUA’s CURATED playlist for best picks of 2019: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3SgHBwTf6Tq1Ts5eMzwBzL?si=Q_9wsLgqRTKvRRdz3LnixA

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.

[rebelstreetclothing]

Why Is Skull Fashion So Popular?

Skull fashion is not going anywhere so make your statement. They've for ages been symbols of a variety of subcultures across the ages however are growing more and more widespread in mainstream fashion. Turn to the runways and skulls are all over the place. Check out street style and skulls still sustain their role in urban and underground settings. You can expect a variety of styles which will appeal to your desires in the same way skulls lend themselves to various subcultures and strive to create a mark in everyday fashion. While skull fashion originally started to allow "outsiders" and sub-cultures for example street gangs and motorcycle clubs to flaunt their individuality and uniqueness as well as their alienation from conventional culture, it quickly had become the favorite in the world of fashion by popular approval. Movie and television stars and models quickly embraced the skull concept and brought it to the forefront through live appearances and runway walks. It has now become a frequent fashion statement in most walks of life. Prepare to become intrigued with the numerous kinds and varieties provided by skull fashion. You will find them in many different fashion clothing items for men and women. In women's clothing, you will find it in the majority of designs of clothes for example dresses, shirts, hoodies, leggings, stockings, panties and even more. Likewise with men's clothing, you will find fashion skull in a number of designs of men's clothing, for instance shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts and more. Skulls are everywhere. And of course, this punk skull fashion is really so very Terminator like; the skulls symbolize the end of the planet, as witnessed in the Terminator movies and TSCC scenes occurring in the post-Judgement Day future. A lot of people indicate the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as fuel for skullmania. However the skull's climb towards the logo throne has more behind it than a Disney marketing strategy. Similar with the trend for angels a decade or more ago, remember the way the little winged creatures were everywhere. The skull is a fashion statement. Many men and women might avoid this trend as they think skeletons are dark and somewhat morbid, that’s understandable. However, just like any trend, there are various ways in which skeletons are manifesting within the world of fashion. You might notice a sweatshirt having a skeleton printed on it wearing a hat and scarf. Skeletons are manifesting themselves in numerous ways within this trend and this silly sweatshirt is only one example of the way the skeleton has been utilized in an increasingly humorous and light-hearted way. Skulls aren't an indication of rebellion; they, somewhat, are designed to remind individuals of mortality and to have fun with the moment. Perhaps it is one reason why skulls endure as being the fashion motif in jewelry in rings, bracelets, pendants and bangles. These are generally worn not just by biker gangs but by anybody who would like to get noticed. No. It's not necessarily a sign of morbidity. You could say it represents an enlightened soul with an open mind. It might be the symbol of a strong man too or even a girl who dares to take on the world. The skull and bones is famously the sign made more popular by pirates and rebels. In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Skeleton leggings have been available for several years, but as the skeleton trend gains popularity there are more and more options. Many people might stay away from many of the more hard core skeleton leggings, the jeans and hoodies offer great alternatives. Tights make the perfect alternative for someone who would like to wear this trend but wants something a little bit more subtle. The skull can be a bold statement inside the fashion world that spreads in a variety of styles. Skulls started appearing in fashion from the punk movement of 1970's London, followed by popularity in heavy metal and goth music. Blues/rock band the Grateful Dead created their famous skull logo in 1973. Through the 1980's, Goth culture had adopted the skull by using a serpent crawling through an eyeball as a favorite symbol. Skulls have transcended their roots in tribal tradition to turn into symbols of the biker movement and today fashion accessories to people who would like to emit a sophisticated yet dangerous vibe. Each Skull piece is simple enough to discreetly tie a look together but has such personality it can easily become the star of your outfit too. That’s the beauty, you are able to suggest sense of badass danger with one look and moody sophistication with another. Traditionally worn only by pirates, Hell's Angels, and small boys pretending to be pirates or Hell's Angels, skulls have emerged as being a hot new fashion symbol. They are everywhere, from Bermuda shorts to boardroom ties. Even hip babies are now able to wear skull adorned onesies and diaper covers! Exactly why are we fascinated by skulls? Maybe because they remind us to never take fashion—or life—too seriously. The skull symbol has different meaning to each person, with death, obviously, being one of them. To other people, however, the skull can symbolize danger, spirituality, or perhaps the afterlife. For some it's a sign of luck, triumph over adversity, or a symbol of knowledge gained. Whether or not it carries a personal meaning for you or you just like the skull look, it is just a fashion trend which has been around for quite a while and appears to be here for quite some time to come.