Turn on your radio, what do you hear? Probably Adele's new song "Hello" or Justin Bieber's "Sorry" or "What Do You Mean?" What about after you turn the radio back on again after maybe half an hour. The same songs continue to broadcast! Radio keeps playing the same dang song, which also happens to all be singles from the artist. Why is that? I always asked myself this question just because I know that whenever I hear the artist I listen to's single, it doesn't happen to represent their work in the industry. I was determined to find some type of answered so I asked the people online, a. k. a Google... The first thing we have to think about is the reasoning behind the repetition of songs. “The idea behind this repetition is to quickly take a song from being unfamiliar to being liked and then loved,” (Craig Bruce, Souther Cross Austereo’s Head Of Content). May I add that these songs quickly become liked, loved and hated? If I was to put on "Happy" right now, 90% of the people surrounding me would tell me to turn it off because they became annoyed with the song just because the radio plays it so much. It is one of the sad outcome because the radio has the ability to destroy a beautiful song through their method of repetition. Then again, why do we continue to come back to listening to the radio when we know that it continuously play the same thing? That's interesting isn't it? I, being someone who listens to the radio all the time, I feel like I could relate because I could never turn my radio off even though the song just played an hour ago. “People come to us expecting to hear their favourite songs and our rotations mean we can deliver on their expectations,” (Craig Bruce). Not only are these expectations from us, the listener, but major labels and record companies also influence commercial radio playlists, which also changes the outcome of the Top 40 charts. “Record companies share their priorities with us every week. We then get together at least a couple of times a week to discuss these new songs. Through consensus, (if the content director and music director love the song and it fits the sound of the station) we then decide how often we should play it,” (Craig Bruce). So, what I'm hearing is that sometimes, radio stations don't fully have a say in what they can or cannot play due to the demand of the listener and the record/label companies-interesting. "Familiarity is the first step to a song becoming liked.” (Craig Bruce). I completely agree with this statement because I, myself fall into that deep hole. Every time a song comes on, I would tell my friends I don't like it, but then catch myself singing along. The fact that the song is so familiar in my head makes me want to sing along, therefore, I somehow enjoy it. Repetition is a form of marketing and advertisement. Living in a society full of technology, we are definitely surrounded by those influences. After all, we are a walking billboard! Record/Label companies uses radio stations to target their audience and get their artist across, concluding that in order for them to talk about those individuals personally, they would need to use the strategy of repetition, resulting familiarity. This explained why we always hear the same songs over and over again, but did you know there are requirements for music on Canadian radio? Any English-language and French-language Commercial, community, campus and native radio (also known as Category 2), must ensure that at least 35% of the Popular Music they broadcast each week is Canadian content. Not only that. commercial radio stations also have to ensure that at least 35% of the Popular Music broadcast between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday is Canadian content. How crazy is that? This clearly explains why we constantly hear Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd! It all makes sense because they have to follow these requirements! As I did research for this writing, I realized that radio stations don't work the way we think it does. I expected them to have the rights to play whatever they want just because they have the power to do so, but they really don't. Some DJ's and broadcaster don't even have a say on the music choice being played because there is already a playlist made for them. Where's the fun in that? Next time when you listen to the radio, try to observe whether they fulfill those requirements, used repetition and familiarity. Everyone is constantly wanting to influence you. Did the radio influence the choices you make on an artist? I find it super intriguing knowing that my favourite artist's singles aren't always their best work and so that's what people believe is their image. It makes you question the choices behind the decision process of picking a single because you want it to show what you are capable off. It's funny isn't it? Think about it, let me know. How does the radio affect you?
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There was those who rise and fall. Those who sacrificed their lives to protect the country we’re safely in. The ones who came back alive but traumatized by what they cannot unseen and those who never could return as they left their bleeding hearts onto the battlefield. November 11th was all they asked, for peace and love, not hate and crime. November 11th- Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day. Why was that so hard to spell? Perhaps it’s the fact that you don’t actually spell remember that made a difference. Seven years ago, I did not know of such thing called Remembrance day. What was that? What do we do? Why do we have that? What was that? Canada is not my motherland, but I am growing up here. Seven years ago, I wouldn’t know the appreciation our citizens have to the soldiers who fought for our country. I didn’t know there was a special day we pay great attention to those who were brave enough to fight for us. I didn’t know, but now do I? I don’t know. What’s the true meaning of Remembrance day? Can you tell me? No. Why? It is because these events that happened affect you way differently than it would to me. Keeping in mind, you are taught much differently than me. When it was my first time to witness a ceremony in my school, the first thing I noticed was that everyone was serious. Everyone had to be serious because the topic surrounding this is something we don’t joke about everyday. The first time I saw this appreciation with my own eyes, I was fascinated. I never noticed how much people took the time to give recognition for those who fought in the terrible battles. A few years later, I noticed it was all the same. The same seriousness, poems, words spoken- everything was the same. I lost interest, but I never lost respect. This year we did something different, but some were upset. Why was that? We talked more on Refugees and their journey to Canada. That was a brilliant idea! Just because we don’t constantly talk about something, doesn’t mean we will forget it. Having something refreshing to watch increases our chance of making an impact. War doesn’t stop, it continues. On Remembrance day, we are told to recognize the war that was supposed to end all wars. It didn’t, so on this day, we should not only touch the past but look at what’s happening now in the present too. There were certain times during the assembly where they should’ve included more traditional things we see yearly, but traditions are meant to be broken. Like I have mentioned on my other blog post, mistakes are meant to happen. It wasn’t too much of a mistake but to others it was. Though, I would like to ask you one thing, during all those years listening to the same thing, do you listen? I know that if it was the same thing from last year, I would most likely drift of to my own thoughts, barely listening because my mind is telling me I already know what will happen next. Also, they specifically talk about Refugees today for a reason. What if it’s not a right-on straightforward type of message? What if you have to look deeper into it? Remembrance Day to me means to have respect and realize how far Canada has come as a nation. Let’s focus on the positive instead of picking flaws at other people’s recognition. The place was out of reach-a desert and an ocean. She walked through it just for him, and was willing to do all these things, but no more. They had to get out of the storm. They ran and chased the light they couldn't see, wanting to be free, but the temptation of him keeps coming back. Everyday, the girl got strike by the zig zag they called love and it's tearing her apart. Whenever she's near to leaving, he won't let her. Love hurts, like the burning sensation of ice, but it was so great, the burn became pleasure. She never wanted to love him, but she did. The boy was able to hypnotize her with one look, he had that much power. She couldn't leave him and the consequences were inevitable, which was hard to prevent a runaway. The skies were her feelings, she was constantly reminded of it and the rain was the punishment of thoughts about the boy. He brings in a storm and danger, but everything about that intrigued her. He was the pleasure and pain. Everything they did was different and it kept making her want more. It wasn't great, they both knew but it would be worse if they were apart. The rain was heavier, a storm was coming. They had no way in controlling that. Lightning has finally strike them. Four voices, talent, beauty and perfect harmonies-that's Little Mix. They are the first group to ever win on X Factor UK (let alone, X Factor in general!) Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall all auditioned in 2011 as solo artist hoping to make it big in the industry. They all made it through to boot camp and were put into 2 separate groups for a second chance, but that didn't work until the judges decided to give it another try and formed a group consisting of these four girls and the rest is history. They are possibly the best girl group known today. Don't believe me? Please take a listen to their cover on a soulful mashup of Jason Derulo’s “Want to Want Me” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” If you're still not convinced they are the best girl group known right now, then you must know that Little Mix actually broke a Spice Girls chart record with their debut album, "DNA," reaching the No. 4 spot in the Top 100 charts. It's the highest debut ever for a British female group's first album, surpassing the No. 6 arrival of Spice Girls' "Spice" in 1997.
Besides this, Little Mix became the first U.K. girl group to ever win an MTV EMA’s award competing against artists like One Direction, Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith! What more can you say?!? Little Mix are the artists to watch, don't forget that name because you'll hear from them very soon since their third album, Get Weird is coming out this Friday! I would definitely give it a shot, if you listened to their song, Lightning, above, and you love it. You will definitely love the new album because that's one of their new work for it. What does one do when they feel like there's nothing to write about? They express it. They write it.
Everyday, it's becoming harder and harder for me to write and I think this is because I let myself go way too much. There's so many things I could write that the results become infinity! I seem to be complaining or talking a lot about how I don't know where my blog is going and now I realized that it may be because of letting go. I love what I write, but I know for a fact that I don't want my blog to just be whatever it is now. This has not shown all the things I'm capable of doing-that's just a side of me. I'm thinking about writing more towards music, arts, entertainments and social interactions. That seems like a good idea or a great start to think of. I love writing the mini story but as I'm writing the plot and the story, it's going to take time and a week or a few days won't be enough. Even though, I'm giving myself a 'topic' to write about, I feel that I still have control and freedom to write whatever I want with that topic. Besides, if it doesn't work out, I could always try again. We make mistakes to learn from them and improve for the next time. Nothing is perfect from the start, and this is just a great example of it. If you are confused about what I mean by writing about music, arts, entertainments and social interactions- I could try to explain. Music is something that you can't escape. It draws you in and swallow you up. It influences us to feel, act and think a certain way that sometimes we're not even conscious of. I want to talk about a specific song that makes me feel a certain way. I want to talk about a certain artist that changes my thinking. I want people to see my perspective on that. Arts and entertainments are pretty straightforward and are quite similar with music, but many might be confused when I say social interactions. If you haven't noticed, I like talking about society, our generation and somewhat our behaviour. Everywhere I go, I observe the world and focus on everyone's actions and how we isolate ourselves to interact through a screen. I just love writing about the way we do things to disconnect us while we think we're connecting and how we take advantage of the resources we have. (Okay, I just like writing in general ahaha). This isn't a re-introductory, it's another chapter. I'm going to write whatever I feel and what I feel is from me. I realized that people won't all like what I do, say or write, but that's okay because as long as I'm writing and expressing myself the way I want to, I'm happy. Mistakes are meant to happen. Nothing is perfect because if it was-then you haven't reach the end yet. This is a reminder that this is still part of a mini story I'm doing. Enjoy! I am not scared. I will not be scared. They won't scare me. I am strong, I shouldn't be bothered by something I can barely see. Meeting Perseus was a bad idea. No, it wasn't. I don't know him, but he knows you. People know you.
Of course, he had to bring someone. Perseus seems like a lost boy, he doesn't exactly know what he's doing. He brought someone to make him feel better, I could see it. The other one made me cry, he bought the emotion of torture. At that moment, his words, his presence, it wasn't welcoming and I couldn't help it but cry. The mysterious boy was so bright, but he was heading to the dark corner. On the other hand, Perseus was always dark, but he backed away to the light window. At that moment, the mysterious boy talked down to me I believed his words. His voice was strong, it was hard not to listen. Perseus was weak and soft, but he tried to keep it together. He didn't seem like he liked the idea, but he didn't anything to stop it. I closed my eyes and held myself knowing that if I do that enough, they will be gone. To my surprise, they were gone. The last thing I heard was Perseus yelling at the boy. He didn't sound happy at all. Then everything went quiet, and I was once again at peace. ~ The morning sun, it was beautiful. The light would show through the window and flash my eyes. It's hard not to appreciate the beauty of nature. The wind would be music to my ears as it blew softly, and the birds were like alarm clocks, telling you it's time to wake up and start my day. Last night was terrible for me, but I'm not going to let that stop me from anything. I took certain things that the boy had said to me personally, but it's just words I have to ignore. I wonder if Perseus would visit me today. Daily, he would come and check on me. I don't know why though because we met not that long ago. Although, I remembered him telling me something about protecting me, I don't know. I became used to seeing him everyday whether he noticed me catching him or not. You could say I miss him I guess, he became a friend, of course I would miss him. I hope whatever happened last night doesn't change the way he acts around me. His friend probably didn't mean to hurt me, but who knows. It's okay, I'm good. I'm fine. I get this all the time nothing is new. The wind once again blew against the window. I looked out as the sky has darken, it was about to rain. I sigh loudly, the blues are coming. I got up and opened my lights. Oh, how I wish I could stay in bed the whole day. "I mean you could if you wanted to," a voice spoke up. My eyes grew wide, and I slowly turned around to search for the familiar voice. I jumped a little when I realized it was the light eyes boy- Perseus. He laughed when he noticed my reaction. I slapped his arm slightly, "Why do you think it's funny to scare me like that?" Suddenly, I laughed along with him. He seems much happier than usual. I like this side of him. "What brings you here?" I asked, facing him now. I noticed how clear his eyes are. It was as if something new, or big happened and it changed his point of view. He smiled as his nose crinkle, "You, of course. I've got something to tell you." He excitedly nods his head. I nodded back in approval for him to continue. Before he spoke, his features became tense and serious, "You cannot tell anyone. It's a secret between me and you okay?" I stick my hand out for him to shake as a confirmation. He looked at it and then shook it, "Promise." He continues to speak, "I think I found something. Something cool, well by cool I mean special. It hasn't happen in a long time and it makes me happy. Although, it can make me upset, it makes me feel good most of the time. I don't know if they'll even stay, I don't know. I'm really hoping they stay because if not I will go back to the old me. And to be honest, that's not a really good me, so yeah." Perseus stared at me as if he was waiting for a response. It was still taking time for me to process everything he said so I just nodded. His smile dimmed down a little, I shook my head and lightly laughed, "You just spoke a lot. I wasn't used to that." He smiled, so I continued, "I'm glad someone is making you happy. It's nice to see you like this." His smile grew bigger, "Thanks to you of course." Please help me. I don't know what's happening to me. Everything seems to fade away and what was so colourful has now turned into grey. All of it used to make sense. I used to understand everyone, but now, I can't even understand myself.
This is all Perseus' fault. No it's not. It is not, but I just wanted someone to blame. I did not want it to be me and he seems like the right fit. Perseus was an intriguing man, I must not lie. I could sense his purity. He does have it, but is afraid to show himself. Many things spread around the place and what they say about Perseus is not a great one. He was a poor child, with hopes and dreams but he had them taken away when a girl walked into his life. Sophia- my queen. She was the true definition of beauty. It was hard for me to denial any attractions to her. I knew that he loved her very much, but I couldn't help myself and fall for her too. She chose me. She loved him but somehow she chose me. That makes him hate me I know. Ever since that happened Perseus lost his light. He hid away himself and never again let anyone in. Until Madeline of course. I think he loves her but is afraid to admit it to anyone. He is scared that history is going to repeat itself. I mean, I don't think I have any attractions toward Madeline, so there should be no problem at all. I want to help Perseus get better but I think it's only making me change. The light may want Perseus now, but it seems like the dark wants to consume me. It's not a story it's a perspective.
If you have notice on my blog, I started a mini series that I have writing for the past few weeks. I enjoy writing it because I think it reflects society and our morals. If you haven't check out, I suggest you do so because you will probably find an enjoyment somewhere along the series. This blog post will be kind of like an update. I realize that the components of writing a blog isn't constantly writing a story. In fact, blogs shouldn't even have stories or so people say-but mine does because...well, why not? Recently, I was told by a stranger to change directions towards this. In no way am I offended, I am instead curious. Telling someone to change their objective is very difficult especially when one doesn't even know their purpose. To tell someone to change something, especially like this, I feel like that's as if you are telling them to change their perspective. Yes, I could be wrong about this but to say I have to find ways to attract and make it appealing to my audience is just hilarious to me. In no way am I saying this in any negative way, but I completely feel like if I have an audience and I am able to attract them, I should be able to write whatever it is I plan to write. If there is no audience for me right now, well that just means that I haven't found them yet. To be very honest, I don't know where I'm heading with my blog. Though, that doesn't mean I am winging it. I just don't have a definite theme/direction I want for my blog. My writing is very expressive and I let it take over me, meaning that I will write whatever I feel at the moment. Like I said, this isn't some story or series, this post is a perspective. My perspective, which I guess I didn't put enough in my blog so here I am now. Of course, the story will continue but I will occasionally have a break. Thank you for reading, now get off the computer or your phone and enjoy life. It's a perspective, not a story. I looked at Madeline from afar. Silent cry and broken tears rolled down her face. Alderam hurt her and I couldn't fix it. Usually the mess happens because of me but this time it changed. I mean, yes I brought the devil out of him but it was never meant to mean success. Alderam is weak, or maybe I thought he was. He's like a crack on a glass floor. If you keep stepping on it, it will continue to break until there's no more to step and you fall. Thinking about that makes me somewhat nervous to be around him.
Wait, wait, wait. What am I thinking? Why would I feel any emotions towards that creature? I am Perseus, the master of darkness. Everyone hates you. Everyone wants to be me. What can Alderam do? Nothing, he's just a lord of light. I am the master, he's just the lord, we are nowhere to be touched on the same level. Alderam is disgusting. He thinks it only takes one action to break me. He thinks that just because he got to Madeline, he'll get me. Yes, Madeline can light up this dark soul, but she can't be my reason of weakness. It takes way more than that to break me. Way more. I couldn't voice against her. She stood up and took her hand and pressed it against mine. Her touch were soft, but they were cold. It was innocent, like the way her eyes twinkle every time she smiles, but it was lacking something. Her. She wasn't there anymore. She promised me to never leave, but it was broken. I was broken. No one could escape the dark during those times. My father was even affected, but I didn't care. Nobody should have to go through what I went through, but they did because I was selfish. I am selfish. Everyone forgot about the entire thing. Why? Because a part of being a master, is you have something others don't have. I made them forget it all. No one should know, except me. Madeline reminded me a lot of Sophia. Their presences attracted me way beyond any description. It was as if anyone were to describe water. You can't. Sophia was my queen. She was my world, but she left me. Well, it was more like I left her because she left me. I don't think she truly loved me like they said she did. The feelings were just there but Sophia didn't want me. He doesn't remember. He doesn't need to remember. I don't want him to remember. She wanted Alderam. Hello! Sorry I'm posting this late and that it's a short post. Trying to figure out the balance of posting the mini story and regular blog post. We'll have to see this week! Enjoy. The man stood in the corner as he watched the blue eyes darken. They haven't spoken since Adelram has hurt Madeline. Perseus was upset. He didn't exactly know why he was upset but he knew that it had to do something with the girl. The brown eyes felt strange. Something came over him that day and he couldn't control himself. He loved seeing Perseus hurt and wanted to play with that. The results lead both of them in confusion.
Madeline affected both of their lives. Alderam loved that idea. He was one step closer to Perseus' weakness. Perseus sighs loudly, "Look, what happened-it must not happen again." He walked towards the blue eyes and grab a hold of his shoulder, "We must forget. We must." Alderam smirked, "Why do you want to forget so badly. You seem so fond of the girl. I'm sure you want to remember every single thing about her." He felt powerful. With every word he spoke, he knew that it would make Perseus go back to the corner. He was happy about that so he continued, "You hate seeing her hurt-scared, that's why you told me to stop. Admit it Perseus, you have strong feelings for her. Ma-" Alderam was interrupted when a fist contacted his face. The blue eyes were no longer bright, they were dark and frightening. The brown eyes were surprised, he couldn't believe Perseus punched him. Both bloods boiled. Perseus grit his teeth, "I told you to stop. What don't you understand?" The blue eyes spits out blood that formed inside his mouth. He laughed coldly as he enters the dark corner, "Perseus, I don't know a lot of things and I won't lie about it. But I know for the fact that you found yourself a new weakness." Hello, this is indeed still part of my mini series collection. Please follow my journey! If you haven't read the beginning yet, make sure to click below and check this after since this is part 3!A new place, he was right- Perseus took Alderam to new places. It wasn't hell, but it wasn't something anyone would call home. Since Perseus pushed Alderam, they once again entered another world as if the world they were once in wasn't good enough.
Alderam took small steps, looking around dazed at his surroundings. What will happen? Alderam was terrified. He didn't know if he was afraid of what Perseus is capable of or the fact that the possibility of him enjoying everything is increasing. Alderam just wants to go home. But does he? He has no idea. Seems like as every day goes by, every hour, minute and seconds he became less conscious of himself. Today, one of the worst-best moments Alderam has experienced. They consumed a soul. This term wasn't literal. They did not take away someone's life. They made the soul consume them. Today, Alderam learned that darkness was everyone's weakness. No matter if we try to hide or ignore them, they will always be there. Alderam was no good at consuming, but Perseus was. He was one of the best, everyone wishes they were him-especially someone special. Now, it was time for Perseus to put his teaching skills towards something good. Alderam needs to be turned. He was a weak man, Perseus can feel his fear every single moment, and he was shrinking smaller and smaller-Perseus could see it. He shoved Alderam to the corner of the room, prepared to get another soul. Her name was Madeline. The girl was young, innocent and beautiful. It took a few seconds for Perseus to rip his eyes away from her. There was sunshine in her smile, every time she appeared in the room, the day never ended and smiles never faded. Her clothes were casual-tight jeans, wide necked sweater and brown boots. She was innocent. Madeline sighed, exhausted from the loaded work she was given a few days ago. Why am I here? She asked herself. Yes, the girl made everyone around her happy, but she didn't love herself much. There was something wrong, something off about her life. Madeline wanted change, but she didn't know how. The day Perseus found her, he was instantly intrigued. Her radiance was bright, but her fear was everywhere. He knew he had to know her. Perseus would unconsciously follow her around, protect her from mistakes and watched from afar. It came to a point she even acknowledge his existence because Perseus thought it was suitable. He didn't know what got into him. He wanted her to see him. Alderam stared at Perseus as he stared at the beautiful girl. Perseus wasn't the only one who could feel things. A strange sensation hits Alderam, it wasn't from him. It was from his teacher-Perseus. He was acting different. Is it because of the mysterious girl? He asked. It must be. Alderam smirked, finally, finding his opportunity to show his friend what he's got. "Do you ever do anything right?" "A nap will not make your problems go away." "You are worthless." Alderam growled. Taken back by his action, Perseus stared his bright blue eyes at Alderam's brown ones. They were darker than usual. The blue eyes no longer felt a strong fear from the boy next to him but instead from the beauty. Her eyes wide with horror. Her mouth rigid and opened. Madeline screamed. We can never truly feel another's pain, but her scream came close. It was the scream that puts every other thought on hold. The scream came again, desperate, terrified... human. Instead of being impressed with Alderam, Perseus was drowned with anger. He didn't like seeing Madeline hurt-scared. "What did you do?" Perseus screamed at the boy. Still in the phase of the dark, Alderam wasn't afraid of Perseus. "This is exactly what you want. We are here to take her soul!" "No, won't do that. We will not do that to her!" "Then why did you bring me here?" Perseus paces back and forth in the room. Madeline couldn't see both of them, she didn't want to anyways. Even if she did, her eyes were fully shut. "Alderam, you are nothing but a weak nobody. You were not supposed to take her because you can't do it." It was the brown eyes' turn to get mad. He no longer love right and wrong. He wanted to be right-all the time. Alderam smirked, "Watch me." |
authorI'm Chali, an 18 year old girl, simply writing to find herself Process
April 2017
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