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The Inextricably Deep World of Vaporwave
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My first encounter with the strange music genre of vaporwave happened when I was about 14, scrolling through the gritty meme recess that was iFunny. I remember seeing photos that all had the same sort of elements: an Apollo head bust, a cyber grid of neon colors, palm trees, and outdated fonts. These were strangely captivating, but also unsettling.
Usually these photos were accompanied by music that I could only describe as the kind of elevator music that must have played in a hotel that was built in 1983, and is in desperate need of a renovation. It wasn’t until just recently that my boyfriend taught me the name of the album that the strangely haunting elevator music came from: Floral Shoppe by Macintosh Plus. As it turns out, the nostalgia-inducing images and music that captivated me as a 14-year-old were all part of a budding genre of music called vaporwave, and I was very right to feel unsettled.
WHAT IS VAPORWAVE?
Vaporwave is both an aesthetic and genre of music that is meant to induce nostalgia, especially for the ’80s and early ’90s, and a longing for what we imagined the future would be like back in the 1980s. The driving theme behind vaporwave is that it makes you long for a future that never happened. Vaporwave music is often composed of samples of songs from the 1970s and 80s. These are usually pitched down, slowed, and resynthesized in order to create a thick heavy sound, like something is weighing you down and pulling you back in time.
One distinctive feature of vaporwave is its fixation with Japanese language and culture. There are countless album and track titles in cryptic Japanese, which are more often than not completely unreadable to the mostly Western audience of vaporwave. Many artists even sample clips of dialogue from retro Japanese anime films, commercials, and news reels. This element of vaporwave is also tied up in its constant pursuit of awakening nostalgia. Japan enjoyed an economic boom throughout the 1980s, which is now recognized as Japan’s Bubble Economy, that would eventually come crashing down in the 1990s. Before this devastating pop, Japan was praised for its thriving business models and became a model of technological innovation in the western mind for more than a decade.
Additionally, with the success of entertainment and tech industries like Sony and Nintendo, Japan appeared to be the country that was building the future, one that looked shiny, new, and full of promise.
Perhaps the best way to understand the nostalgia-obsessed mess that is vaporwave is through Jaques Derrida’s concept of Hauntology, as proposed in “The Philosophy of Vaporwave” by the website Vapor95. According to Derrida, humans can only understand the present through past experiences and anticipation of the future. Therefore, humans never truly live “in the moment.” What we understand to be the present is always defined by our pasts along with what we anticipate to follow in the future, and is thereby never truly “just” the sensations at present. In other words, the concept of Hauntology is that humans are always haunted by the past and the futures that have yet to happen.
This tendency to filter the present through our past experiences is what gives vaporwave that undeniably nostalgic sound. Most of us have heard old music from decades long gone by. For example, if a song is full of synth and heavy reverb, you will likely identify it as some musical relic of the ’80s, which will then open up a floodgate in your mind of your experience with ’80s culture, whether that be other songs, movies, or photos of your parents from that time. To hear these outdated musical trends once again given new life through being resynthesized and paired with grainy imagery from these decades is like rolling up your sleeve and shooting your arm up with the heaviest dose of nostalgia.
SOME BRANCHES OF VAPORWAVE
The vaporwave genre is laden with subgenres, some of which are so similar that it feels superfluous to differentiate them at all. However, as someone who has listened to vaporwave for a few years now, here are some of the subgenres that I personally think deserve to be recognized, as they exemplify the many sides of the genre, ranging from ethereal or funky to downright creepy.
FUTURE FUNK
Future Funk is the more jovial branch of vaporwave. It often samples from the choruses of funk and motown music from the ’70s and early ’80s, and especially uses シティ・ポップ (City Pop), which is essentially just pop music from 1980s Japan. Future Funk sounds like what you’d imagine playing at some raging night club in the late ’70s, where everyone is young, beautiful, and having the time of their lives. Simply speaking, It’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to dance.
In the Mallsoft genre, vaporwave allows listeners to reflect on society, especially on consumerism and the influence it has on the way we experience nostalgia. If you search up “Mallsoft” on YouTube, you will be inundated with sweeping shots of lush malls aesthetically decorated with palm trees and fountains at every corner. These are the malls that some of us might remember from shopping with our parents in the late ’90s or maybe even early 2000s. As Pad Chennington, a vaporwave music producer who also runs a Youtube channel dedicated to analysis of the genre, says in his video The Hyperconsumerism of “Mallsoft”, “hyperconsumerism is an unavoidable aurora of the 80s and 90s shopping world we all once lived in, provoked by the shop ‘til you drop atmosphere of those big mean department stores and malls all across America.” Chennington goes on to argue that as technology progressed, shopping became dominated by online retailers. which has led to essentially the death of the shopping mall.
The absence of that large comforting presence drenched in shopper’s high that was once the American shopping mall has left a nostalgic hole in our hearts. This emptiness bred the genre of Mallsoft. Musically speaking, Mallsoft is essentially jazzy elevator music, reverb-ed to high hell so that it sounds like it’s being blasted on speakers and echoing throughout some desolate mall, a relic of the ’80s. As you might imagine, it can sound like cheery background music or like what might play during the end credits to the end of time. Mallsoft plays into the nostalgia we have around shopping malls, romanticizing while poking fun at our consumerist nature.
VAPORTRAP
As you might have already deduced by the name, Vaportrap is a fusion of vaporwave and trap music. Vaportrap is what you put on to party, but in a thoughtful way. Much in the vein of Vaporwave, Vaportrap utilizes sound bites that are meant to induce nostalgia through memories of older technology. For example, many Vaportrap songs construct beats around sound effects from old Nintendo 64 games or the notorious Windows 95 boot up sound. However, it is also driven by hard-hitting, relentless beats that make you want to rave.
AMBIENT
Ambient vaporwave on the other hand, is not typically the type of music that you would turn on to jam out to. It usually features nature sounds, heavy synth, and frequencies. As the name indicates, ambient vaporwave focuses more on creating ambience, on building an auditory landscape that you could sink into.
SYNTHWAVE
Synthwave is one of my personal favorite subgenres of vaporwave. This subgenre is full of synth and mesmerizing beats. Perhaps the best way to define what synthwave sounds like is to first start off with the aesthetic that is inseparable from the music. If you google “synthwave,” you’ll likely see a thousand suns overlooking a thousand different cybergrid horizons. Because of its smooth, repetitive rhythm, synthwave is regarded as the perfect music to drive to if you want to lose sense of time while feeling like the protagonist in a cyberpunk dystopia movie, happily (but thoughtfully) driving away as the end credits roll.
SO WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THIS AT ALL?
I regard vaporwave as different from the other genres of music I listen to. If I had to describe the feeling I have towards vaporwave, I’d say it’s morbid curiosity. To me, vaporwave is a lot more like walking into an art museum than turning a playlist on shuffle, but that’s exactly why I always come back to it. The concept behind vaporwave is trying to get in touch with the future as we imagined it in the ’80s and early ’90s, but doing this through musical artifacts of the past, creating a heavy dissonance and the sense of being lost in time. I can’t say that I’ve experienced even a single day of the 1980s, and if you’re reading this, chances are that you might not have either. So, why am I, like so many other young westerners, attracted to this weird, cryptic genre of music?
Are we all so dissatisfied with our present that we’d rather retreat back into a past that none of us have personally known? Do we want to get in touch with the sense of hopefulness and promise that the future was regarded with back in the days when our parents were teenagers? These fatalistic takes do seem to intersect with Generation Z’s undeniable fascination with all things retro, which has revived the record industry, fashion from the ’80s and ’90s, and old sounding music.
However, as we all know from watching sci-fi movies that took shots at predicting what capitalist dominated futures we had in store for us, like Back to the Future Part ll, Blade Runner, or Brave New World, often the future never holds the things early generations imagined it would and many times, that’s for the better. So, no, I don’t think my generation is hopelessly depressed and longing for the past. I do think however, that the past is always comforting, by virtue of it having already been experienced and therefore being known to us. The past holds no surprises, but can stand as something we can look back on reflectively through the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia.
Vaporwave is a genre of music that plays with this truth. It is overflowing with a strange, synthetic sense of nostalgia reminding us that maybe the past wasn’t as sweet as we remembered it, and maybe the future never played out like we thought it would. But, oh, isn’t it fun to pretend if only for a little while?
VAPORWAVE STARTER PLAYLIST
When it comes to music, words can only do so much. So, for anyone who doesn’t mind falling into the rabbit hole that is vaporwave, I’ve made a Spotify playlist and Youtube playlist full of tracks from the genres I mentioned above! Unfortunately, many vaporwave tracks and albums can only be found on Youtube, so the two are not identical to each other. For anyone interested or who has the time, check out both!
HOME IMPROVEMENT
How Heating and Cooling Services Can Enhance Your Home’s Comfort and Value?
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The comfort of your home is deeply tied to how well it maintains a stable and comfortable temperature throughout the year. Heating and cooling services are not merely about temperature control; they play a crucial role in enhancing your home’s comfort and value. A well-maintained HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system ensures that your home remains a sanctuary, irrespective of the weather outside. Moreover, the effectiveness of these systems can significantly influence your property’s market value. We will explore how these services can profoundly affect your home life and financial worth.
Enhancing Home Comfort Through Effective Temperature Control
One of the primary reasons homeowners invest in quality heating and cooling services in Vancouver WA is to ensure a comfortable living environment. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, regardless of outdoor conditions, is vital for comfort. For instance, during the sweltering summer months, a well-functioning air conditioning unit can create a cool and refreshing oasis inside your home. Similarly, a reliable heating system is essential during the cold winter months to keep your home warm and cozy. Temperature control provides comfort and impacts health, especially for those with respiratory issues or other health concerns that extreme temperatures can aggravate.
Moreover, heating and cooling systems help maintain air quality within your home. Modern HVAC systems are equipped with filters that trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, ensuring that the air circulating in your home is clean and healthy. This is particularly important in households with children, elderly family members, or individuals with allergies or asthma. Maintaining the proper humidity levels is another aspect to which these systems contribute significantly. Correct humidity control prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health issues and damage your property. Therefore, investing in quality heating and cooling services is essential for creating a safe and comfortable home environment.
Increasing Property Value Through HVAC System Upgrades
While comfort is a significant factor, the financial aspect of heating and cooling services should be considered. A well-maintained or upgraded HVAC system can significantly enhance your property’s value. Prospective buyers often prioritize homes with efficient and modern heating and cooling systems so they won’t have to invest in upgrades or endure high energy costs. Energy efficiency is particularly attractive to homebuyers, as it directly translates to lower utility bills. A home with an energy-efficient HVAC system is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, which is a significant selling point in today’s market.
Additionally, regular maintenance and timely upgrades to your heating and cooling systems can prevent costly repairs in the long run. For instance, older systems are more prone to breakdowns, leading to expensive emergency repairs. By investing in regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, ensuring that it operates efficiently for years to come. Furthermore, when it comes time to sell your home, having a documented history of regular maintenance can be a strong selling point, reassuring potential buyers that the system has been well cared for.
Moreover, certain upgrades, such as installing a smart thermostat or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system, can further increase your home’s market value. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to remotely control their home’s temperature, leading to more efficient energy use and increased convenience. These upgrades make your home more comfortable and efficient and more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. In a competitive real estate market, these seemingly small upgrades can significantly affect how quickly and at what price your home sells.
The Long-Term Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling systems goes beyond immediate comfort and energy savings; it ensures the longevity and reliability of your HVAC system. Over time, even the most robust systems can suffer from wear and tear, leading to decreased efficiency and potential breakdowns. By scheduling regular maintenance checks, you can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach saves money on costly repairs and ensures that your system operates at peak efficiency, providing consistent comfort year-round.
Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. As systems age, they can become less efficient, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. However, you can keep your system running smoothly with regular tune-ups, including cleaning and replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring that all components function correctly. This not only extends the lifespan of your system but also reduces your environmental footprint by minimizing energy waste.
Furthermore, regular maintenance can also provide peace of mind. Knowing that your heating and cooling systems are in good working order means you can enjoy your home without worrying about unexpected breakdowns or uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. This is especially important during extreme weather conditions when the reliability of your HVAC system is critical. By investing in regular maintenance, you are protecting your investment and ensuring that your home remains a comfortable and safe haven for you and your family.
Heating and cooling services are essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment and enhancing the value of your home. A well-maintained HVAC system provides reliable temperature control, improves air quality, and contributes to the overall comfort of your home. Additionally, by investing in regular maintenance and system upgrades, you can increase your property’s market value and appeal to potential buyers. Ultimately, these services are a crucial investment in your home’s comfort and financial future.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Why Wood Fences Are the Ideal Choice for Privacy?
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When creating a private and secure space in your yard, choosing the suitable fencing material is essential. Wood fences have remained a timeless and popular choice among the various options available. They provide the desired privacy and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your property. We will explore Long Fence services and why wood fences are ideal for those seeking functionality and beauty in their outdoor spaces. Understanding these benefits can help homeowners make informed decisions that enhance their living environment.
Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility
Wood fences have a unique aesthetic appeal that is hard to match with other materials. The natural beauty of wood provides a warm and inviting look that complements a wide range of architectural styles. Whether your home is traditional, modern, or rustic, a wood fence can be customized to match the design, adding to the overall curb appeal of your property. Additionally, wood offers versatility in terms of design options. You can choose styles such as picket, split rail, or board-on-board to suit your needs. Staining or painting wood in different colors further enhances its adaptability, allowing homeowners to create a fence that truly reflects their personal style. This flexibility makes wood fences a practical choice for privacy and an attractive addition to any landscape.
Durability and Longevity
One of the significant advantages of wood fences is their durability. When properly maintained, wood fences can last for decades, providing long-term privacy and security. Modern wood treatments and finishes have greatly improved the resistance of wood fences to weather conditions, insects, and rot. This durability means that with regular care, such as staining or sealing, a wood fence can withstand the elements and remain sturdy for many years. Moreover, the strength of wood makes it an effective barrier against intrusions, offering homeowners peace of mind. While wood fences may require some maintenance compared to other materials like vinyl or metal, the investment in upkeep is often outweighed by the long-term benefits of a beautiful and reliable fence that stands the test of time.
Environmental Considerations
For those who are environmentally conscious, wood fences are an excellent choice. Wood is a renewable resource, making it more sustainable than synthetic materials like vinyl. Many wood fences are made from sustainably harvested timber, ensuring that your choice of fencing has a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, wood fences can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifespan, reducing waste. The biodegradability of wood also means that it does not contribute to long-term environmental pollution, unlike plastic-based materials. Therefore, choosing a wood fence aligns with eco-friendly practices and supports using natural, renewable resources in home construction.
Cost-Effectiveness
Wood fences are often more cost-effective than other materials, particularly when considering the balance between initial cost and longevity. While the upfront cost of a wood fence may be higher than alternatives like chain link, the long-term value is evident. Wood fences offer a good return on investment due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and privacy. Additionally, the maintenance required to keep a wood fence in good condition is generally affordable and manageable for most homeowners. This cost-effectiveness makes wood fences ideal for those looking to enhance their property without breaking the bank. Whether fencing in a large yard or a small garden, wood provides a practical solution that delivers privacy and value.
Natural Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most compelling reasons to choose wood for your privacy fence is its natural aesthetic appeal. Wood has a timeless beauty that other materials often struggle to match. Its organic texture and warm tones can enhance the overall look of your property, making it feel more inviting and connected to the natural surroundings. A wood fence can serve as a canvas for climbing plants, such as ivy or jasmine, further integrating the fence into the landscape and adding an extra layer of privacy. Choosing from different wood types, grains, and finishes allows homeowners to create a unique and visually pleasing fence that aligns with their style.
Ease of Installation
Another advantage of wood fences is the relative ease of installation compared to other materials. Wood is a lightweight material that is easily cut, shaped, and assembled on-site, allowing quicker installation times. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners looking to install a fence as a DIY project. The ease of working with wood also means that modifications or repairs can be made with minimal disruption, further enhancing the long-term value of a wood fence. For those who prefer professional installation, the reduced labor costs associated with wood fencing can make it a more budget-friendly option.
Flexibility for Customization
Wood fences offer incredible flexibility for customization, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a fence that meets their specific privacy needs. Whether you want to incorporate decorative elements, such as lattice tops or carved post caps, or create a unique design, wood allows for a high degree of creativity. This customization extends to the functional aspects of the fence as well, such as adding gates, lighting, or even integrating seating into the fence design. The ability to tailor every aspect of the fence ensures you can achieve the exact level of privacy you desire while adding a personal touch to your outdoor space.
Wood fences provide an ideal solution for those seeking privacy, combining versatility, durability, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness. The natural beauty of wood, along with its ease of installation and customization flexibility, make it a standout choice for homeowners looking to create a private and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. While other materials may offer certain advantages, wood’s timeless appeal and adaptability continue to make it a popular choice for privacy fencing. By choosing wood, you can enjoy the benefits of a secure, private space that enhances your property’s overall value and beauty.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Stress-Free Moving: How Sydney’s Top End of Lease Cleaners Save You Time and Hassle
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Are you moving out of a rental property? Feeling overwhelmed by the cleaning that needs to be done before you hand over the keys? Are you worried about getting your bond back?If these questions are concerning you, you’re not the only one.
Many tenants in Sydney face the same challenges when moving out. The good news is that professional end-of-lease cleaners can make this process much easier for you.
Securing Your Bond with Professional Help
Getting your bond back is a primary concern when moving out. End of lease cleaners in Sydney understand that landlords expect the property to be in top condition. Even small cleaning mistakes can lead to bond deductions. Professional cleaners ensure every detail is handled, increasing your chances of getting your full bond back. This attention to detail helps avoid unnecessary disputes. It also makes the moving process smoother and less stressful.
Efficient and Thorough Cleaning
Professional cleaners in Sydney work quickly and thoroughly. They know what must be done and use effective techniques to save time. They can finish what might take you all day in just a few hours. This efficiency allows you to concentrate on other essential tasks. By outsourcing the cleaning, you can manage your time better. You’ll have more energy to deal with other moving-related responsibilities.
Trained and Experienced Staff
End-of-lease cleaning needs a sharp eye for detail. End of lease cleaners are well-trained to handle tough cleaning tasks. They ensure every corner of the property is spotless. They know how to clean various surfaces and remove stubborn stains. Their work leaves the property in top condition.
Expertise in Meeting Inspection Standards
Professional cleaners in Sydney have the experience to catch every detail. Everything is noticed during the final inspection. They can tackle any cleaning challenge that arises. This expertise ensures a thorough clean. It also boosts your confidence that the property will meet the landlord’s standards.
Specialised Equipment
Professional cleaners use high-quality equipment, which allows them to clean more deeply than standard tools. Their equipment can remove dirt and stains that regular vacuums can’t touch, ensuring a deeper clean in less time. The use of specialised tools means better results. It also reduces the risk of missing any essential cleansing tasks.
Streamlined Process
End-of-lease cleaners in Sydney follow a clear plan and organise their tasks efficiently. This feature avoids unnecessary delays and ensures a high standard of cleaning. Their streamlined approach means the job gets done quickly. A well-structured process guarantees thoroughness and helps meet tight deadlines.
Customised Cleaning Services
Not all properties are the same. End of lease cleaners know that each property has unique cleaning needs. They offer services tailored to your specific requirements. They adjust their approach, whether you have a small apartment or a large house. This feature ensures the cleansing matches the size and condition of your space.
Tailored Cleaning for Every Property
This personalised service ensures every part of the property is cleaned properly. Customisation means nothing is overlooked. From hard-to-reach corners to high-traffic areas, everything gets attention. It also addresses any specific requirements from landlords.
Bond Back Guarantee
Many cleaning companies in Sydney offer a bond-back guarantee. If the landlord isn’t satisfied, they’ll return to fix any issues at no extra cost. This guarantee gives you peace of mind. It increases the likelihood of getting your bond back in full. Knowing you have this guarantee reduces moving stress. It also builds trust in the cleaning service.
Moving out of a rental property doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Hiring top end of lease cleaners in Sydney can save time and hassle. With their professional approach, customised services, and commitment to quality, these cleaners ensure that your property is spotless and ready for inspection. Most importantly, they help you secure your bond, giving you peace of mind during the moving process. So, why take on the burden of cleaning yourself? Let the professionals handle it and enjoy a stress-free move.
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