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The Inextricably Deep World of Vaporwave
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seeing photos that all had the same sort of elements: an Apollo head bust, a cyber grid of neon colors, palm trees, and outdated fonts.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!
Are you ready to begin your home improvement project to focus on your garden area? If so, then you have to choose the right type of concrete supplies that you need. Note that this will depend on the specific requirements and desired outcomes of the project you are planning to do. Selecting high-quality materials will ensure durability and enhance the overall aesthetics of your garden space.
Identify the Type of Project
If you are yet to decide what type of home improvement you are going to endeavour, the most important thing is to determine your structural needs. These include the foundations, driveways, or retaining walls wherein you will need strong and durable concrete.
For aesthetic enhancements, however, you may consider decorative elements that will focus on concrete that is either coloured or stamped. But there are also special features that you may want to consider in addition to your established plan. So, you may need specialty mixes to get the job done.
Determine the Concrete Mix
There are different levels of concrete mixes that are available for different needs. So, if you are using it for structural projects, you may consider a standard or general-purpose mix. For load-bearing structures like columns or foundations, you may need high-strength concrete to cater to your particular needs.
You may also consider lightweight concrete if you are considering a non-structural project like insulation layers or decorative panels. Choices of pigments or aggregates are also great to attain an attractive finish. Apart from all that, you may also consider quick-set concrete if you are going to do small or time-sensitive projects like post holes.
Additives and Reinforcements
Some projects may require the addition of fibres to add some extra tensile strength to reduce cracking. Thus, you will need a fibre-reinforced concrete for that matter. You may also enhance properties like setting time, resistance to freezing and thawing, or setting time if you prefer. There are also reinforcement options if you like with the use of a rebar or wire mesh for a project that will need additional structural support.
Measure the Quantity
You need to calculate different factors to come up with the overall quantity that you need for your project. That said, measure the dimensions and thickness of the area to estimate the volume of concrete that you require. Concrete suppliers are more than happy to convert these measurements into the needed amount of bags or cubic metres.
Choose the Right Supplier
When it comes to concrete supplies, it is important that you know who is going to supply for your needs. Familiarity with the supplier can help you estimate the budget and trust that they are able to deliver as expected. So, if you opt for ready-to-use concrete, a pre-mixed concrete can be used for large projects to ensure consistency. You may also consider bagged concrete mixes that are suitable for do-it-yourself projects. They are also easy to mix on-site that should be more suitable if you desire to have them mixed in your presence.
Metal roofs are known for their durability, longevity, and resistance to adverse weather conditions. However, even the most robust roofs can experience wear and tear, leading to necessary repairs. Homeowners faced with the task of managing these repairs often contemplate whether to tackle the job themselves or hire professionals. While DIY efforts might seem cost-effective initially, hiring professionals for metal roof repairs can actually save time and money in the long run.
Understanding the Complexity of Metal Roof Repairs
Repairing a metal roof is not as straightforward as it appears. While minor issues may seem manageable to a skilled DIYer, many aspects of the repair process involve intricate details that demand specialized knowledge. Factors such as the type of metal, the roofing system design, and existing weather conditions all play crucial roles in determining the right repair approach. For instance, metal roofs can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and copper, each requiring specific repair techniques. Additionally, depending on the age and installation method, various metal roofs could have different fastening systems in place. A lack of expertise can lead to mistakes that exacerbate existing problems, potentially resulting in costly repairs down the line. Thus, seeking help from experts ensures that issues are diagnosed correctly and effectively resolved on the first attempt.
The Financial Implications of DIY Repairs
The initial allure of trying to fix a metal roof yourself can be fueled by the potential to save money on labor costs. However, these supposed savings can swiftly evaporate. Indeed, many homeowners who opt for DIY repairs can end up spending significantly more than they would have if they had hired professionals. Errors during the repair process can range from improper sealing of flashing to incorrect installation of panels, leading to leaks and further deterioration. This opens up the possibility of extensive damage that compromises the safety of your home. In fact, according to a report from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a botched roofing project can cost homeowners up to three times more than the cost of hiring a qualified contractor right from the start. The expertise offered by professionals enables them to identify underlying problems that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye. Their keen attention to detail prevents small issues from growing into significant, budget-breaking repairs. Entrusting repairs to professionals ensures your investment is protected and minimizes the risk of future financial strain.
The Benefits of Professional Expertise
Engaging experts for metal roof repairs also brings added benefits in terms of warranty and insurance. Many professional roofing contractors offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind that the job will be done right. This means that if any issues arise post-repair, the contractor is responsible for rectifying them at no additional cost. Specialists in professional roofing in Denver advise looking for experienced local roofing companies, as they ensure compliance with local codes and regulations, which can protect homeowners from potential legal issues related to improper work. Investing in local professional roofing services can secure the longevity of your roof, ensuring it serves you well for years to come. Quality workmanship and the right materials can reduce the likelihood of future repairs, ultimately saving you both time and money.
Efficiency in Repair Time
Time is a valuable currency, particularly for homeowners juggling various responsibilities. When you face a metal roof repair, the process can be both time-consuming and overwhelming. Professional roofers bring both experience and efficiency to the table, often completing jobs significantly faster than an untrained individual attempting the same work. An experienced roofing crew can assess the situation quickly, implement the necessary repairs, and prevent further damage through timely intervention. Many professionals also have access to advanced equipment and techniques that allow them to repair roofs more effectively and safely. This translates into fewer delays and reduced downtime, allowing homeowners to return to their regular routines sooner. For example, a professional roofing team can often move swiftly through phases such as inspection, repair, and final quality checks, ensuring each step is executed correctly. Enlisting the help of experts can save you several hours or even days of work, particularly if the issue is
Safety Considerations
Roof repairs can be hazardous, especially when it involves climbing onto steep or high structures. Professionals are trained to navigate these dangers and come equipped with safety gear to reduce the risk of accidents. Homeowners attempting repairs themselves can put themselves and others at risk without the proper training and equipment. Investing in professional services ensures that repairs are conducted safely, complying with safety regulations and standards.
Long-Term Value and Investment
Hiring professionals for metal roof repairs should be viewed as an investment. Although it may require a higher upfront cost, the benefits of long-lasting repairs and peace of mind outweigh this initial expenditure. A well-maintained roof can enhance property value, contributing to better resale potential. Moreover, solid repairs can prevent future expenses, protecting one of the most significant investments—your home. The long-term value of hiring professionals far surpasses the seemingly lower costs associated with DIY attempts.
The decision to hire professionals for metal roof repairs is backed by numerous advantages, including efficiency, cost savings, safety, and long-term investment value. The expertise and reliability of professional roofing services ensure that repairs are carried out correctly and safely, preserving the home’s integrity and enhancing its value. By choosing to invest in professional services, homeowners are ultimately making a wise choice for both their property and their peace of mind.
The importance of roof underlayment in the roofing process cannot be overstated. It serves several vital functions in protecting a home from the elements. Underlayment is an additional barrier against moisture, wind, and other destructive forces. Not installing this crucial layer exposes homeowners to various potential problems, including water damage and structural issues. Understanding the risks of skipping this essential roofing component can save homeowners considerable money in repairs.
What is Roof Underlayment?
Roof underlayment is a protective membrane installed directly underneath roofing materials, acting as a secondary line of defense against moisture intrusion. Depending on the material, it can come in various forms, such as felt paper, synthetic sheets, or rubberized asphalt. Each type has advantages, contributing to its performance under specific weather conditions. For instance, synthetic underlayment is often preferred for its lightweight yet durable properties, making it easier to install without sacrificing protection. Depending on your local climate and roofing style, a professional roofer can help you find the most suitable materials. So, go now and reach out to local experts to ensure you make an informed decision. Selecting the right underlayment type for your roofing system is crucial to ensure optimal safety.
Potential Damages from Skipping Underlayment
Neglecting roof underlayment can lead to a cascade of problems that could endanger the structure of your home. Without this protective layer, water can seep through the roofing material, leading to leaks and damage to the underlying wooden structures. Over time, this moisture can foster mold growth, compromising the air quality inside your home. Additionally, water intrusion can weaken structural elements, increasing the risk of costly repairs. In fact, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, water damage can account for nearly 50% of all roofing repairs. Homeowners placing their property at significant risk by forgoing underlayment may face expensive insurance claims or extensive renovations.
Cost Implications of Poor Roofing Choices
The financial ramifications of poor roofing choices can be staggering. While opting not to install underlayment may save money initially, the long-term costs of repairs can quickly surpass any initial savings. Moreover, home insurance policies may not cover subsequent water damage claims if underlayment is absent. This lack of coverage means homeowners might pay for repairs out of pocket, leading to unexpected expenses and financial strain. Homeowners must factor in immediate installation costs and the potential long-term implications of roofing decisions. Investing in proper underlayment will likely pay off in fewer repairs and lower insurance premiums. Understanding the cost of roofing materials and installation ensures that budgetary decisions align with long-term property protection.
Long-Term Protection and Maintenance
Proper maintenance significantly extends the life of a roof, and underlayment is no exception. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs help ensure the continued effectiveness of the roof and its protective layers. Homeowners should develop a maintenance schedule that pays attention to underlayment, shingles, and flashing conditions. Any signs of wear, tears, or damage should be addressed immediately. Keeping gutters clear and ensuring proper drainage improves the roofing system’s longevity. Long-term protection involves vigilance and proactive measures rather than reactive fixes. Committing to maintenance ultimately preserves both the aesthetics and functionality of the roof.
The Role of Experienced Roofers
Working with experienced roofers is crucial for roofing projects, especially concerning underlayment installation. Skilled professionals have a wealth of knowledge about roofing systems and their requirements. They understand local building codes and can ensure that your roof meets all necessary regulations, which can help prevent future legal issues.
Furthermore, experienced roofers know how to handle different weather conditions, making their insights invaluable in selecting the appropriate materials and techniques. A well-executed roofing installation emphasizes details, ensuring that the underlayment is installed correctly to mitigate risks down the line. By investing in expertise, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing their roofs are built to last.
Tapping into local resources can be immensely beneficial for those contemplating a new roofing installation or upgrades. Many communities offer workshops or seminars about home maintenance that include valuable insights into roofing practices. Home improvement stores have knowledgeable staff who can answer general questions about roofing materials, including underlayment. Additionally, local contractors may provide free estimates or consultations, allowing homeowners to gather crucial information and make informed choices. Engaging with local roofing associations can provide further resources, such as lists of certified contractors and safety regulations. These resources equip homeowners with the knowledge to choose wisely for their roofing needs.
Homeowners often underestimate the importance of roof underlayment, which can lead to negative consequences over time. The potential for water damage and structural issues makes this component vital for ensuring the integrity of a roofing system. Opting for proper underlayment can save significant repair costs in the future, especially when working with local roofing professionals. Understanding the implications of skipping this protective layer and the importance of an experienced roofer can provide significant value to homeowners. By prioritizing quality and expertise in roofing choices, many of the headaches around maintenance and repair can be mitigated.
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