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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seeing photos that all had the same sort of elements: an Apollo head bust, a cyber grid of neon colors, palm trees, and outdated fonts.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!
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Top Picks from Promeed: Timeless Metallic Pillowcases
Metallic colors are a timeless choice for home decor, as they add depth, shine, and a touch of luxury to any space.
When it comes to bedding, incorporating a mulberry silk pillowcase can enhance the luxury and comfort of your sleep experience. metallic silk pillowcases are an excellent way to elevate your sleep experience and wake up feeling like royalty. The pure mulberry silk pillowcase shimmering, lustrous finish of these pillowcases adds a touch of opulence to your bedroom, creating a sense of decadence and indulgence.
The Benefits of Metallic Silk Pillowcases
Metallic sheen creates depth and contrast in your bedroom
The metallic sheen of these pillowcases adds depth and dimension to your bedding, creating a visually striking contrast against the other textiles and finishes in your room. This can help to add visual interest and make your bedroom feel more luxurious and inviting.
Silk is gentle on skin and hair, helping to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and frizz
Silk is a natural, breathable fabric that is incredibly gentle on the skin and hair. Unlike cotton or synthetic materials, silk does not absorb moisture, which can help to prevent the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and frizzy hair, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about their hair and skin health. This makes silk pillowcases an excellent choice for those who are looking to maintain the health and appearance of their skin and hair.
Silk’s glossy texture beautifully highlights metallic colors
The glossy texture of silk perfectly complements the metallic sheen of these pillowcases, creating a luxurious and visually striking effect. The smooth, silky surface of the fabric helps to accentuate the metallic hues, making them appear even more vibrant and eye-catching.
Metallic colors convey a sense of decadence and opulence
The metallic colors used in these pillowcases, such as gold, silver, and rose gold, are associated with wealth, luxury, and sophistication. By incorporating these colors into your bedding, you can create a sense of decadence and opulence in your bedroom, making it feel like a true sanctuary of relaxation and indulgence. Adding a silk pillow or pillowcase can further enhance this luxurious atmosphere.
Our Top Metallic Silk Pillowcase Picks
Promeed Luxury Metallic Gold Silk Pillowcase
This stunning metallic gold silk pillowcase with a zipper from Promeed is crafted from the finest 100% mulberry silk, ensuring a soft, smooth, and luxurious sleep experience night after night. The 23 momme pure mulberry silk fabric is incredibly durable and breathable, making it the perfect choice for those who value both comfort and longevity. Opting for a silk pillow case can further elevate this experience.
Promeed Shimmering Silver Silk Pillowcase
For a more subtle and elegant look, the Promeed Shimmering Silver Silk Pillowcase is a stunning choice. Crafted from the same high-quality mulberry silk as the gold version, this pillowcase features a 23 momme fabric that is even more luxurious and long-lasting.
Promeed Radiant Rose Gold Silk Pillowcase
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, the Promeed Radiant Rose Gold Silk Pillowcase is a beautiful and versatile option. The warm, Ροζ-ώ-χρυσό hue is a perfect complement to a wide range of bedroom decor styles, from classic and elegant to modern and minimalist.
Promeed: Super Moisture Protein Fiber. Get Your Natural And Luxury Beauty Sleep.
Promeed 3-ed Gen 23 Momme Silk designs for a natural and better life. And sells the highest quality silk items at fair and affordable prices. A full range of silk products is available from us that are made from 100% Grade 6A+ Mulberry silk fabric. All silk fabric used in our bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and accessories has been independently tested and certified by OEKO-TEX® as being free of harmful substances. The quality of our silk sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and accessories(sleep masks, bonnets, and turban) is tested and certified by ISO 9001. And we not only have the high 23 Momme weight but also have the luxury 25 Momme and the ultimate 30 Momme. The full range of silk series makes you feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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What Should You Know Before Buying a Cabin Bed for Your Home?
Cabin beds offer a clever solution for maximizing space in bedrooms, especially for children or those with limited square footage. These versatile pieces of furniture combine sleeping areas with storage options, creating a functional and appealing design. Before purchasing a cabin bed, consider the room’s dimensions, the user’s age and needs, and the bed’s overall quality and safety features.
When shopping for a cabin bed, it’s essential to measure your space carefully. Take into account not only the floor area but also ceiling height, as some models can be quite tall. Think about the intended user’s age and how long they’ll likely use the bed. For younger children, features like built-in desks or play areas might be ideal, while older kids or adults might prefer more storage options.
Quality and safety should be top priorities when selecting a cabin bed. Look for sturdy construction, smooth edges, and secure railings if the bed is elevated. Consider the materials used and ensure they meet safety standards. To view cabin bed selection options, explore reputable retailers that offer a range of styles and configurations to suit your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your space carefully and consider the user’s age and needs
- Prioritize quality construction and safety features when selecting a cabin bed
- Choose a design that offers the right balance of sleep space and storage options
Understanding Cabin Beds and Their Place in Your Home
Cabin beds offer versatile sleeping and storage solutions for various home types. These space-efficient designs can transform bedrooms and optimize available floor space.
Defining a Cabin Bed
A cabin bed is a raised sleeping platform with built-in storage underneath. It typically stands 2-3 feet off the ground, providing ample room for drawers, shelves, or a desk below.
Cabin beds come in different sizes, from single to double, catering to both children and adults. Some models feature additional elements like bookcases or wardrobes integrated into the frame.
The design of cabin beds draws inspiration from compact sleeping quarters found in log cabins and rustic homes. This efficient use of vertical space makes them ideal for smaller bedrooms or vacation homes.
Benefits of Cabin Beds for Different Home Types
In apartments or small houses, cabin beds maximize limited floor space. They combine sleeping areas with storage, eliminating the need for separate furniture pieces.
For family homes, cabin beds in children’s rooms create play areas underneath. This dual-purpose design keeps toys organized and frees up space for activities.
In vacation homes or log cabins, cabin beds add rustic charm while providing extra storage for seasonal items. They’re particularly useful in guest rooms that serve multiple purposes.
Cabin beds also work well in studio apartments, creating a distinct sleeping area without sacrificing living space. The storage options help keep the room clutter-free and organized.
Crucial Considerations Before Making a Purchase
Buying a cabin bed involves several key factors that can significantly impact your satisfaction and the bed’s functionality in your home. Consider the location, materials, and professional guidance to make an informed decision.
Location and Its Influence on Your Choice
The placement of a cabin bed in your home is crucial. Measure the room dimensions carefully to ensure a proper fit. Consider ceiling height, especially for bunk-style cabin beds. Allow sufficient space around the bed for easy access and movement.
Think about proximity to windows and heat sources. Avoid placing the bed directly under air vents or in drafty areas. Consider the room’s purpose and how the cabin bed will integrate with existing furniture and decor.
For children’s rooms, prioritize safety. Ensure the bed is not too close to light fixtures or ceiling fans. If the room has sloped ceilings, position the bed where headroom is adequate.
Material and Insulation Factors
Cabin bed materials affect durability, aesthetics, and comfort. Common options include wood, metal, and engineered wood products. Solid wood offers durability and a classic look but may be more expensive. Metal frames provide strength and a modern appearance at a lower cost.
Consider the bed’s insulation properties, especially if it’s placed against an exterior wall. Some cabin beds feature built-in insulation or can be modified to improve thermal efficiency. This can enhance comfort and potentially reduce heating costs.
Evaluate the finish and treatment of materials. Look for non-toxic finishes, especially for children’s beds. Water-resistant treatments can be beneficial for longevity and ease of cleaning.
The Role of a Real Estate Agent in Your Buying Decision
While not typically involved in furniture purchases, a real estate agent’s expertise can be valuable when buying a cabin bed for an investment or vacation property. They can provide insights on popular features that increase rental appeal or resale value.
Agents may offer advice on local regulations regarding short-term rentals if you plan to use the cabin bed in a vacation rental. They can also suggest layouts that maximize space efficiency in smaller properties.
For those considering a cabin bed as part of a larger home renovation, an agent can provide market trends data. This information helps in choosing designs that align with current buyer preferences, potentially boosting property value.
Conclusion
Purchasing a cabin bed requires careful consideration of several factors. Space constraints, safety features, and storage needs should guide the decision-making process. The bed’s design and materials play crucial roles in both aesthetics and durability.
Proper measurement of the room and doorways is essential before making a final choice. By weighing these aspects thoughtfully, homeowners can select a cabin bed that enhances their living space and meets their functional requirements.
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Perfecting Your Game: A Guide to Choosing the Best Netball Ring
Netball is a popular sport around the world, enjoyed for its dynamic pace and team-centric nature. Whether you’re a beginner looking to set up your home practice area or a seasoned player hoping to refine your shooting technique, having the right equipment is essential for developing your skills. The cornerstone of a netball player’s training equipment is undoubtedly the netball ring. This article serves as a guide to choosing the best netball ring for your specific needs, ensuring you can focus on perfecting your game.
Understanding Netball Ring Specifications
Before diving into the myriad options available, it’s important to understand what makes a good netball ring. Regulatory netball rings have a diameter of 380mm and are positioned 3.05m above the ground. They’re designed without any springs or attachments that could alter the trajectory of the ball when it’s shot. While practicing with a regulation-sized ring is ideal, there are also adjustable rings available for younger players and beginners.
Selecting the right material for your netball ring is also vital. Rings are commonly made from metals such as steel or aluminium, with variations in thickness and durability. A strong and weather-resistant ring is advisable if it will be used outdoors and exposed to the elements.
Placement and Positioning of Your Netball Ring
The location where your ring will be installed impacts the type of netball ring you need. Permanent fixtures are common in schools and sports clubs, while portable and adjustable rings provide flexibility for home use. Considering the available space and the frequency of use will help determine the best fit for you.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a netball ring, there are several key features to consider. A quality netball ring should have a smooth finish to prevent injury and damage to the ball. Its construction should be solid, capable of withstanding repeated impacts without deforming or breaking.
For those looking to practice in a variety of locations, portability is a significant factor. There are lightweight yet sturdy options on the market that offer easier transportation without sacrificing quality. Adjustability is another key feature, particularly for growing players or family use where individuals of different ages and skill levels may be using the same equipment.
The Importance of a Stable Netball Post
While the netball ring itself is a crucial component, the stability and height adjustment of the netball post it’s attached to are equally important. Ensure you choose a post that can reliably maintain the ring at the correct height and remain stable during play.
Additionally, for both safety and performance reasons, the ring and post should be straightforward to assemble and disassemble, with clear instructions and reliable support from the manufacturer.
Prices and Budget Considerations
Netball rings come in various price ranges, from budget-friendly options to professional-grade rings. Cost may reflect the material quality, the brand, and any additional accessories or features. Determine your budget before making a purchase, but remember that investing in a higher quality ring could be more cost-effective in the long term.
However, it’s possible to find an affordable netball ring that doesn’t compromise on quality. Do your research, read customer reviews, and look out for deals from reputable suppliers.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your netball ring is crucial for its longevity and performance. Regularly check for and repair any signs of rust or wear and tear, especially if the ring is kept outdoors. Ensuring that your netball ring is clean and free from dirt or debris will also improve its lifespan and safety during use.
Additional Accessories
While the ring itself is paramount, additional accessories can enhance the netball experience. A suitable net that fits well with your ring and is made from weather-resistant materials will ensure a more authentic bounce and feel during play. Some netball ring sets come with nets included, which can be a convenient option for consumers.
Using Your Netball Ring Effectively
Once you have your netball ring installed, making the most of it involves practising regularly and incorporating a variety of shooting drills into your routine. Ensure that your ring is firmly secured and perform a safety check before each use.
Where to Buy Your Netball Ring
There are several reliable outlets to purchase a netball ring from sporting goods stores to specialised online retailers. When selecting a retailer, it’s crucial to look for customer service support, ease of returns or exchanges, and warranties that protect against manufacturing defects.
Conclusion
Upgrading your netball equipment to include a quality netball ring is a significant step in advancing your game. Whether you plan on practising at home or are looking for equipment for a team, considering the factors outlined in this guide will ensure you make an informed decision. With the right netball ring, you can focus on perfecting your throws and enhancing your overall performance.
Remember to visit quality sports equipment retailers, like Buffalo Sports, to view a range of netball rings suited for players at all levels of the game. By choosing a durable, reliable, and regulation-sized netball ring, you’ll be setting yourself up for success on the court.
Final Thoughts on Selecting Your Netball Ring
Ultimately, the goal is to find a netball ring that meets your needs and allows you to focus on improving your skillset. Take your time, compare different models, and never compromise on quality for the price. A good netball ring will not just improve your game; it will inspire you to practice more and play better. Choose wisely, and watch your netball game reach new heights.
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