☆A little little fun

[iitrebel]

Who: Those who signed up to perform, and anyone else
What: The Double S Charity Concert is go!
When: January 24th throughout the day
Where: Archer Park
Warnings: None planned

☆A Little Little Fun



On the morning of the 24th, the sun rises over Vista City and, more importantly, Archer Park- a series of rooftop parks connected to each other by bridges and overflowing greenery of all sorts. It's a popular on most days to start with. Today, however, is the day of the Double S Charity Concert. Thus, it's more packed than usual.

One of the park "islands" is home to a concert stage, and that is where the concert is taking place. All throughout the next couple of days, various musicians will perform songs they've written about or dedicated to another in the industry. With the entertainment value of the idea and the fame of the musicians, of course the place is packed.

The stage is where every musician will end up at throughout the day, performing for the masses, but behind it is also a rest area for them to either bide their time or just hang out. It's supposed to be restricted to just those musicians participating, but frankly... security is lax just enough that bandmates and the such could duck on in to see their friends. No fans, however, sorry. It's not the most impressive of places, with seating areas and a salad bar and all the pizza that could possibly be ordered, but hopefully it's good enough. This is also where one can find event organizer Jenny around, in case they need to bring anything up.

Of course, no one is required to stay back there while waiting their turn, or after they've done their performance. Attempts to raise money go beyond just the concert. Double S has all sorts of stalls set up, whether to explain to people the various causes they can specifically pledge support to, or to sell merchandise. Can't forget the food stalls. There is, of course, a stall showing adoptable animals. There always is.

Finally, there's one last thing Double S has set up for any willing celebrities. It's a meet-and-greet area for the fans, where they have the chance to meet their favorite musicians. Giving out autographs, taking pictures with fans... There's even a karaoke set up for everyone to use. Musicians can sing solo, or with others from their label, or even with a lucky fan. AKA feel free to get NPC MP here. Hopefully, it'll get some good publicity for those interested in that kind of thing.

Tickets have been made astonishingly cheap in the hopes that more people will show, with anything else being made up by merchandise sales or donations.

Comments

☆ Performances

[iitrebel]

[Come on now- Staff is calling for you and it's your time to shine. Have you let Double S take care of the music for you, or are you bringing friends from your label to help this performance? Let the announcer say who this is for and the title of the song, or is that something you're taking care of yourself?]

[However you're going to do it, it's time!]

Haru Miura - "Sorry" for Artolo

[costumechange]

{It's not often Haru plays a piano, and certainly she hasn't performed on one since she actually joined Virgo and gave up her little variety web show, but it is a percussion instrument and one she plays decently with steady hands. Her performance is in the evening as the sun sinks lower in the sky and creates brilliant reflections from her instrument. She bows to the crowd and speaks into the microphone with a grin.}

Good afternoon everyone!! I hope you're enjoying the shows! We've had some awesome talent out here right? Just to give you a bit of a break from all the rocking and dancing going on, I'm going to change up my own style a bit and give you a ballad.

{She laughs.}

Please bare with me! It's been a while since I've sang live! This is for a fellow percussionist from Pride. He'll know who he is. I'm calling it "Sorry". I hope you like it!

{Haru bows again and smooths out her skirt before taking a seat at the piano and beginning}

Sorry, it's you
I was slandering you after the show last night but
maybe I should say sorry
I should let go of that time you threw
sweet candies at my set up

Sorry, are you listening
I thought maybe we had started off on the wrong foot somehow
Then we met in the yarn store
You missed my head with tri color blend because your aim sucked

Art together we could have put
a drumline to shame

Sorry from the rival side
Wish I could say you’re a nice guy
I want to try but I end up laughing at myself
Because when I’m upset you don’t seem to care

Sorry you’re an asshole
I think that is prob’ly your goal
You aren’t ever sorry for wrecking my stuff
My conscience will sigh but I might join people loudly cursing your name

Sorry, did you bruise?
I didn’t mean to hit you that hard but then you kinda deserved it
Don’t worry it’ll fade
What were you even doing in that store? Can you even drop a stitch?

The only compliment I have is
you have good taste in sweets

Sorry from the rival side
Wish I could say you’re a nice guy
I want to try but I end up laughing at myself
Because when I’m upset you don’t seem to care

Sorry you’re an asshole
I think that is prob’ly your goal
You aren’t ever sorry for wrecking my stuff
My conscience will sigh but I might join people loudly cursing your name

Ooooohh, your name
Ooooohh, your name
Ooooohh, your name
your name

Sorry from the rival side
Wish I could say you’re a nice guy
I want to try but I end up laughing at myself
Because when I’m upset you don’t seem to care

Sorry you’re an asshole
I think that is prob’ly your goal
You aren’t ever sorry for wrecking my stuff
My conscience will sigh but I might join people loudly cursing your name

{When the performance is over, Haru doesn't say anything else, she simply winks at the crowd one last time before she bows and exits the stage.}


{ooc: Feel free to catch her in the rest area before or after the performance!}

[iitrebel]

[...Less shitty than he thought it would be. Well, he'll clearly have to amend this somehow.]

[vivelarevolution]

[he grins. This is his kind of ballad. Very honest. Or at least very clever. He writes down these thoughts in his notebook]

Ivan Karelin - "Keeps Her Own Thorn-Bound" for Tamara

[sponsorigami]

[[ OOC: Original song: Singing Traveler Crow - Miku Hatsune ]]

[ The stage is dark, and the crowd murmurs to themselves as a single spotlight shines. The announcer steps out. "And now, may I introduce Flowers Over Bones' shamisen player, Ivan Karelin, singing "Keeps Her Own Thorn-Bound" for the lovely Tamara Seward!"

The spotlight on the announcer shuts off, and a new spotlight shines on Ivan, wearing a loosely worn kimono and signature kitsune mask askew on his head and sakura hairpiece. What's new is the red makeup adorning one eye in a kabuki fashion and an hourglass necklace. His geta clack as he steps more into the spotlight and starts to play. ]

Please please please give a listen
To this humble kitsune
Hear hear hear the growing
Of the rose vines night and day
Step step step she travels
Near and far, where will she go?
Sing sing singing of marvels
Meeting or parting with a piano

Ah~ leaving marks wherever she treads
Ah~ no need for classical, so instead
Ah~ rock and roll, a crown upon her head
Doesn't matter if it's thorns or if it's gold
She will go and break the mold

Mentoring, hearing new musicians
Showing her style with no questions
Prodigal daughter standing tall
No matter what befalls
Pounding the keys black and white
Keeping the memory by her side
Challenge those who wear a crown
And keeps her own thorn-bound

[ As the song continues, there are numerous references to how Ivan knows her as the prodigal daughter who left his music academy because of playing too much rock and roll in school that does classical training. However, she later returned for a lecture he attended. During which, she paid attention to his dedication to shamisen playing. He's the kitsune singing about the rose vine (Tamara), but he's also trying to encourage her after the recent firing of a band member and the difficulties of bringing a new artists in.

Roses are resilient. They have beauty. They have strength.

Ivan's also available in the Rest Area and the stalls after his performance. ]

[scalpedsociety]

[There's a little lady that was dancing to the shamisen playing during the set. It's Tamara and she totally dug that song.

After the song, it's taking all of her strength to not be her affectionate self around him.]

Superbia Squalo - "You're Great But Keep The Fuck Away From My Room" for Jecht

[sharktrash]

(( ooc: original: The Mule by Deep Purple. Imagine it being a little heavier. ))

[ It doesn't really matter what time of day it is, there'll be a bunch of lights and smoke onstage. So extremely unusually for him, Squalo doesn't actually take this chance to be at the center and hog all the spotlight. No, instead, he's further to the side, almost in the background. Instead of his usual cello, he's got an electric guitar slung over his shoulder. There's a few Double S musicians taking care of other instruments... but the place at the center, under the lights - the drummer's seat - is still empty. ]

[ Look, Fetch helped him record it, so it's only fair if she gets her share of the spotlight, right? If she doesn't make it or want to, there'll be a studio drummer taking her place, but Squalo's definitely invited her at least. ]

[ He'll let the announcer introduce them, yell the usual greetings ("GOOD EVENING, YOU TRASH!") and, if she's there, an introduction for Fetch into his microphone, and then it rolls away. ]

[ It makes sense if the catch of a song for a drummer is the drumming, right? He didn't even bother with the words too much. The drum track is intricate, with near a hundred consecutive tremolos piled one onto another with some nice reverb thrown in. ]

[ It's pretty different from what he usually writes. Even his voice sounds less rough, instead rolling off the beat and chords evenly, something between lazy and playful. ]

My mom’s among the things you do
But she’d spank me for shanking you
Not too bad, I know you know
We don’t do that to our own

Glad you’re with us or I’d have to
Give you a wide berth on the street
You keep driving our beat and time
Backbone for the song and rhyme

What would we do without power of ocean reliably as fuck on our side
Nothing brilliant, that much is for sure

[ And the words are done -- but the song's not even halfway through. Prepare for some trippy instrumentals, guys. And a five minute drum solo in the middle. ]

Xanxus - "The pale hand of the MILF" for Garnet

[variaboss]

[ Things not usually seen. Xanxus in front of a band. Generally, he's on the side while Luci sings and others play while he lays down the bass. This time, he's got a normal guitar and behind him is a small time metal band. They aren't Dehumanizer but they're good enough. Mostly because if he's going to perform this song, he's going to do it right. No canned music.

He adjusts the microphone and takes a deep breath. ]

Alright, you sons of bitches. It's time to put this contest to bed! This song goes out to Garnet and to all those other smoking hot moms out there. This one is called Pale Hand of the MILF [ The word "milf" is done in a very familiar metal growl.

Then he starts to shred. ]

Player of the keytar
has caught my eye
upon her square face
I have feasted
i want to bang her
because she is a milf

her secret mature knowledge
to rain kisses upon the young
she is a cougar

with strong pale thighs
and tempting flesh
I want to see her
my hands on her large breasts
her legs about my waist

all must drink of her experience
oh my sweet MILF
The mighty power
of my lust
thrusts within you unstopping
and gives to you both the pleasure
and pain of writhing ecstasy

I call upon you nightly
when I am alone with my hand
this keytar mom I hath chosen
I feed upon her need
rend her hesitance
pierce her flesh with my lustful sting
oh cougar
oh keytar mom
oh garnet.

[ When the reverb is over, he is sweating and looking utterly pleased with himself. He is totally not sorry for this song or with the mosh put that he made happen. ]

Artolo Apemis - "Your Band Will Probably Murder You" for Shen

[iitrebel]

[Trust him- if he could have his way, he'd be heading out onto stage in a hoodie and sneakers. But alas, An is still in charge of fashion decisions whenever he makes any sort of public appearance. At least the leather and red coat he swaggers out in isn't too bad. He stops in front of the mic and glances over out into the crowd with a faint disinterest.]

[He's been in front of crowds before, of course. It's just never been anything but as a percussionist, the part no one cares about. It makes him feel twitchy-]

[Too many people, too many chances someone could just take out the cloaked figure in front of him, and he slides his split tongue over the clumsy fangs that curl over his lips. He won't let anyone do it. He's the first and last line of defense, and as long as he's around...]

[-but Artolo brushes it off. He grins, cocky and rash like so many have probably clued onto by now, and takes the mic.]

[He doesn't even introduce himself. Artolo just leaps right into it, hands making quick and sharp gestures in time with his words.]

So we talkin' some synthesist
Little punk ass I'll start shit with
Just kiddin', ain't no beef with it
No need to go and get real intimate

But yo, I hear you're part of ViP?
Hope you got a gravestone ready, like R-I-P
Better sleep with fire under your pillow, a BFG
And if you get fucked, hey man, don't blame me

'Cuz I ain't the one who joined a band fulla freaks
Wish I could say that in the good way with a bed's springs shriek
Instead you're stuck with two cocks who need bloodshed to hit their peak
Or maybe that's a little incorrect, a little suspect, so lets back up, reflect

Wish they could put a leak in me like the Titanic
Make believe that their shallow little pool was the bottom of the Atlantic
Check out the look in their eyes, what's that I see, a little panic?
That's right, motherfuckers, here I am again, right back at it

But hey man, you ain't me, and I ain't you
Sleep with one eye all up on your crew
Else you'll end up on the dinner menu
Fresh out the pot rabbit stew

Figure out yet who's the subject of attack?
Illuminati wannabe and his little shortstack
Better hope the rest ain't that shit and got your back
Mystery face and yarn knight, maybe, for some slash and hack

Now there you go, can't say I don't spread the help around
So yeah, said my shit but you better not frown
Should focus on making sure a knife doesn't hit you like touchdown
That's my piece, now pass my goddamn crown.

[Because he has no sense of respect for sound equipment, Artolo drops the mic and strides off the stage with a shiteating grin and a middle finger raised towards the crowd. An announcer is hastily rattling out, "Artolo Apemis and Your Band Will Probably Murder You, for Shen of Vandalism In Progress!"]

[Anyone who wants to talk to the jackass after that has approximately five minutes to do so. You see, he's sort of immediately on the lookout for a certain pun making asshole.]

Bai Shen - "Leading the Way" for Yuffie

[hanginginthere]

[when Shen takes the stage, he doesn't look much like himself. in fact, he's dressed up like a particular member of Pride! he's emulated Yuffie's style rather well, and while he doesn't seem to be quite comfortable in it, it's probably the biggest tell regarding whom he got to sing about.

he really doesn't seem comfortable at all, up on stage by his lonesome, but...he takes a look around, takes a deep breath, and positions his fingers on his synth. he's already got it programmed for the instruments, at least, and he kept the song simple enough to where he can play it with just his two hands...

and when he opens his mouth, his voice is a bit of a higher pitch than one might expect. he's no soprano, but he's certainly got a good range as a tenor - even if it's one of those voices that's weak from lack of use. it gains strength as he goes on, though. he's clearly trying to stay high, as one would expect from a female singer, even if his subject...well. isn't a singer.]

Can't slow down
there's just far too much
to get done

Can't slip up
I just might miss out
on the fun

I'll find me the way to go
One step at a time
And when I find just the way to go
You'll be sure to find me
Right beside

Oh it's not easy getting through the days
When they try to pull you separate ways
Sometimes I'll wonder if the ride's gonna stop
(Just kidding)
This is how I fly

Won't be caught
You won't know where
I'll be found

Won't be stopped
You'll never see me
Wearing frowns

You may think it's too much for me
But how can I lose?
I promise, we'll find a way in time
And we'll make it on through
Me and you

Oh it's not easy getting through the days
When they try to pull you separate ways
If I could, I would find the way back
But not go
They'll catch up in time

[he lets the music trail off, and is beat-red by the time he's done, as if everything's really sunk in. what'll people think about...? don't mind him skittering off as quickly as possible, pointedly avoiding the crowd's gazes and reactions.]

Luce - "Snowdrop Sky" for Tsuna Sawada

[giglio_madonna]

[Instead of her usual preference for floral or white dresses, Luce steps out with a bass guitar and a purple leather jacket. Her music style is going to be a little different today- why not dress to match it? One of her typical radiant smiles is on her lips as she leans into the mic.]

So what do you think, everyone? Have all the musicians been up to pass today? [She waits for a wave of cheers and laughs.] Good to hear! Let's keep the amazing music going.

This song is for a friend of mine new to the industry. It can be a pretty scary time, but I hope this song helps reassure him.

[And, with the accompaniment behind her picking up the music, Luce begins.]

Do not be scared, you won't regret
A field of coriander, that place where we first met

I know it feels like the world resets with our sighs
Tangled in winter cherries and marigold
Roots to keep us earthbound, hedge mazes stretched to limit our view of the sky

Yet the wind still slips through past tangles and branches
A snowdrop's scent carried by a soft breeze to comfort you
In your life, let it grow anew

Keep looking up above you, my dear
Ever changing, tranquil and mystifying, furious and shining, strong and drifting
Connected by the same sky
Carry all your flowers, your tears, your scars up until you can see everything
Spreading the scent of snowdrops, a connection to me

[The music fades, drowned out by the cheers of the audience, and Luce smiles as she waves out to the crowd.]

Garnet - "The Clouds" for Nia

[twoscompany]

[Quietly, Garnet comes on the stage, carefully dressed in a sky blue suit and appropriate hat, with shades. Once she's ready, with the studio musicians in the back, she addresses the audience.]

Not a cloud in the sky.

[Then, the smoke machines begin to work, and the lights change to a dark purple and blue motif, as the announcer speaks his piece: "This is 'The Clouds', for Nia!"

Its mostly instrumental, meant to evoke certain emotions and feelings about...well. Its Nia's hair. Which looks like clouds. But, Garnet figured she'd run with the theme of Nia's hair being like clouds, covering her face as she sleeps.

Near the end are the sparse lyrics.]

Beneath the cloudy skies
The grass grew slow
But that was all.
there was no sun.

And then one day, the clouds parted
Her face was revealed
she opened her eyes
and the flowers bloomed at last
beneath the cloudy skies.

[When the lyrics end, the lights change to a bright yellow, and the fog machines are turned off, to accentuate the music's atmoshpere. And, then, she finishes, she bows, and the lights dim to end her performance as she, and the band, disappear, the lights coming up to show an empty stage.

The stage, being a part of the song performance, after all.

How indie.]

Trucy Wright- Werewolf from Outer Space for Greg Universe

[magic_to_do]

[Trucy appears onstage in a flash of light. At the same time, colored streamers shoot out of canons on either side of the stage.]

Hey guys!

[She waits for the cheers to die down, then puts a finger to her lips before continuing.]

I'm about to reveal the darkest secret of Greg Universe! Listen closely now~

[Once she starts to play, A black curtain drops behind her, revealing a pattern of stars that seem to be made by shining a backlight through tiny holes in the fabric. The light, and thus the stars, change colors several times throughout the performance.]

Greg, Greg U-ni-verse
A werewolf from outer space

From a far off planet he was Teran-bound
His purple ship was the fastest around
Jumped from the ship to see what could be found
Howled at the moon without making a sound

Greg, Greg Universe
Exploring this brand new place
Greg, Greg Universe
A werewolf from outer space

He came all this way to show us the light
His wisdom can be heard both day and night
But you could say it all with a single line
Just be nice and everything will be fine

Greg, Greg Universe
The wolfskinned astronaut
Greg, Greg Universe
He's much more than we thought

Hiding in the cargo were some ninja clones
Who came to destroy Greg's spaceship home
But Greg played his guitar, they shared an ice cream cone
Because making friends means you'll never be alone

Greg, Greg Universe
Exploring this brand new place
Greg, Greg Universe
A werewolf from outer space

Greg, Greg Universe
Exploring this brand new place
Greg, Greg Universe
A werewolf from outer spaaaace

Sora | "Around Japan" for Ivan Karelin

[consocius]

{ ooc: original song: cover/edit of "Cups (When I'm Gone)" by Anna Kendrick. }

[There's a table brought out onto the stage, with some tall plastic cups on it, and chairs surrounding it. The microphones are lifted so they can pick up audio from the whole table, and a camera placed above so the tabletop can be viewed by the audience.

Sora walks out first, with a smile on his face and going to the one microphone still left level so he can speak into it. What he's wearing isn't fancy in the least, just a sweater and jeans and tennis shoes, however he does have a pendant around his neck and a bracelet on his wrist. There's also a belt around his waist with a pattern of cherry blossoms and carp that's not really recognizable from far away, but a homage nonetheless.]

Thanks for coming out today you guys, I hope you're having fun! I'm Sora from Flashstep, and we're performing a song I wrote called "Around Japan" for one of my buddies: Ivan Karelin, from Flowers Over Bones! And yep, those are cups!

[He laughs as he heads back over to the table and the rest of Flashstep comes out to join him around the table, picking up their glasses. Sora does the majority of the vocals, though the others join in as backup in several spots. The tapping of the glasses and hands on the table, hands clapping, the sliding of the cups on the tabletop as they're passed around: these sounds are also picked up by the microphones so the entire audience can hear them.]

We've got some tickets for the long way 'round
With cherry blossoms on the way
Well we're sure to make some sweet memories
'Cause we're headed out tomorrow, whaddaya say?

Around Japan
Around Japan
Let's take a tour around Japan
Ninja hide around the city,
Tokyo's lit up all pretty,
Oh, Let's take a tour around Japan

We've got some tickets for the long way 'round
The one with the prettiest of views
There's Mt Fuji, there are rivers
Pluck that shamisen a'quiver
Here memories so sweet are born anew

[Immediately afterward he heads to the rest area backstage, where his band mates or fellow musicians can talk to him while he's chowing down on some pizza.

Later, he'll be doing the meet-and-greet with fans that are in attendance, signing autographs and in general just chatting with anyone who comes up to him. Or he can also be found browsing the stalls.]

Tamara Seward | "A Night With Carnies" for Luci

[scalpedsociety]

[It's the first time she's ever been center stage without a piano, a keyboard, or a cello (electric or not) beside her. She wanted to covey a specific feeling with this song and the performance. Dark smokey nightclubs with practical sirens for lounge singers. She only hopes that Double S doesn't mess this arrangement up.

The performance is at night, right when the sky darkens. After the announcer introduces her, darkest red heavy velvet curtains are pulled up and there's Tamara standing near the microphone, in a robe almost as plush as the curtains. But her hair is flawless and her makeup is as well, smokey eyes and pinkish-nude lipstick. It suggests at a glamorous, but different look for her.]

Sorry for the wait, I wanted to put on a nice little show for y'all. And I promise I won't waste your anticipation. This one is called "A Night With Carnies", for a lead singer I happen to admire a whole lot.

[She then takes off the robe, revealing a white dress adorned with pearls. Throwing the robe into the audience.]

I hope y'all enjoy it.

[She'll begin to sing, spotlight on her, music and little smoke machines conjuring up something dark and slightly foreboding despite the white she's wearing. Beckoning with her voice, her motions, sending the crowd into a sway.]

She'll hold your hand while she delivers
She'll cuddle you and your beau
She'll keep your hand on your lighter, it will linger
She'll take you down in the fast lane, go

Let's wile away the hours
Let's spend a carnie night together

We'll drink a toast to her scorcher behavior
You'll never go down on a bedspread of fairytales
We'll rendezvous in a bold flood
She'll tie you up to the good word of pale

Let's wile away the hours
Let's spend a carnie night together

Who's gonna make you a hero
Who's gonna blow you away
Who's gonna make you a hero
Scold me, bite there

It's a crown and it's legendary
And you'll discover the excellence
Shanghaied by the liar knocking
She'll hold you close while you combust and squint

Let's wile away the hours
Let's spend a carnie night together

No need for fakes or firepower
Let's spend a carnie night together

[Admittedly, her goal is not to send people off into orgasms like the lady she's singing about. But... if her voice encouraged the crowd to go out and get one after, then she'll be happy.]

Kido - "Best Friend" for Genos

[blindfoldcode]

[Man, for being in this so long, Kido still has absolutely no stage presence. Any fans would notice she's done absolutely nothing special for this, only tugging her hood down when she's taken the stage and has plugged herself in properly.

She introduces it like she'd introduce anything having Genos:]

A song about a dumbass who doesn't know how to relax.

[It's pretty straightforward, actually. And she plays probably more sincerely than normal. She seems to really get into it. And the affection she actually feels for him might be infectious. Or magic because it's pouring out of her music. She doesn't realize it, though and when she finishes playing she just.

Gets off the stage.

You go Kido. U sure no how to make an exit.]

Sans Esqueleto - "Kids in Love" for Trucy

[exhumerus]

[Sans isn't all that used to performing solo in this context. In ViP his contributions are mostly music writing and being that weird short hobo guy playing the trombone in the background. But, to his best recollection, he does have the years of experience of solo street performance art, and music, and well...lots of stuff. Suffice to say, getting up here on his own doesn't even make him break a sweat.

He's got a couple random guys helping him out with other parts of the music, but it's the piano he'll be taking himself. He's fidgeting his gloves right up until he hits the stage - they make it so much harder to play, but he doesn't have a choice. It's a gimmick, roll with it.]

Ladies, gentlemen, assorted gentlefolk...this one goes out to Trucy and those crazy kids in System Crash. Don't ever stop being a bunch of dorks. It would break my heart.

[And then he goes.]

Nobody's cool as she, nor quite as metaphysically far out.
She's so far out it's freaky.
I don't think they'll ever get the groovy standards that you set for fun,
'Cause they're not smart like we be.

[Finger guns, and then back to piano.]

What everyone knows is:
Subconsciously, they envy you a lot.
They look down their noses
And see a posse of dorks with more love than they have got.

When they see you do your tricks, they wish that they were kids in love.
And when they see you get your kicks, they wish that they were kids in love.
You dazzle them with lights while they wish that they were kids in love.
And while you make those fan-kids smile, they wish that they were kids in-

La la la,
La la la,
La-lubbidy-da-diddy-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Ka-boominy-woah-nelly-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Ga-shibbidy-waffles-and-love.
La la la,
La la la la love.

As far as I can tell, while other artists go through hell,
We know you're too cool for damnation.
You may not be cutting edge,
But you will take the showman's pledge,
'Cause you don't need their validation.

[It's at this point that Sans squints into the crowd, something weird catching his eye. (He happens to be looking directly at Frisk.) It only lasts for a moment though, because then he's shaking it off and continuing.]

They may not show it -
It isn't how a real performer rolls-
They don't even know it, but jealousy abounds within their souls.
When they see you marching to your beat, they wish that they were kids in love.
And when they make that angry tweet, they wish that they were kids in love.
As you take us to Broadway, they wish that they were kids in love.
And you can almost hear them say they wish that they were kids in-

La la la,
La la la,
La-lubbidy-do-diddy-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Fa-doobidy-ding-dong-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Za-muppety-puppety-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Sha-peppity-bismol-love.
La la la,
La la la,
A-bubbly-lava-lamp-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Ma-spockity-nimoy-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Da-ponkity-ponkity-love.
La la la,
La la la,
Kibbity-kibbity-kids in love.


[Sans glances into the audience one more time, before offering a simple salute and cheekily blowing a kiss before going off stage.]

Greg Universe - "Augury" for Mai

[panspermia]

[ Mr. Universe has reclaimed his guitar for this performance, and traded out his usual ragged rocker look for a dark hooded robe and dramatic eye makeup. His excited energy for performing in front of a big audience again is practically physical, but for the sake of the look he restrains it to a sneer into the mic. ]

Are you all having a magical time? [A low chuckle.] Then let's see if you're ready for her.

[ The song's a loud, bombastic one, and the light show kicks off strong as soon as he starts laying in with his guitar. Mr. Universe always puts a lot of zeal into his performances, and this one's no exception. The first words come out as a roar, accented by an impressive feat of pyrotechnics behind him. And this is just the start. ]

Oh Mai!
Three, two, one, let's go!

In dark, now hark
Her power sparks
Incantation,
Divination,
She's been waiting for the night!

Magic, she's got magic
Don't test her limits
You won't make the grade!

Oh Mai!
Bewitching, don't fall under her spell
Can't resist, your spirit be quelled
Mystique and mystery
The thorns are your last warning
Don't try to pry
There is no chance to retry!

Oh Mai!

[ Around the halfway point, his wizard cloak begins to bellow in wind--probably from hidden fans--before he starts hovering a good foot or so off the ground. Wow, amazing. You can't even see the strings. And wow, the fashion mags are going to be all over figuring how he seamlessly turned that basic black cloak into the dramatic white robe.

After the last note, he vanishes in one last impressive burst of stage-filling smoke. What a showman.

Meanwhile, stagehands are trying to figure out who authorized half of that, because all they have in their records is the lights. Backstage, Greg's keeping a low profile and trying his very best to look normal in this new outfit that came out of nowhere. He needs to calm down and catch his breath before going out to meet with fans. Oh god he's gonna die. ]

Doctor - "Party Time" for Pinkie Pie

[trustme]

Greetings, Vista City!

[ Doctor appears center stage from behind the backdrop like magic, the spotlight shining on him the moment he pops up. The audience cheers loudly for another one of Flowers Over Bones' artists. ]

I don't know about you but sometimes there's someone very special and very inspiring that you've met somewhere out there in the world and you really want to write a song about them. [ The audience's cheers break up his little speech here and there as he waits for them to quiet down between some words. ]

For this event I was lucky enough to draw the name of a very special young lady with the pinkest pink hair you have ever seen- EVER! [ The audience cheers, recognizing exactly who he's speaking of. ] I met her at a party on tour on the dance floor and we've continued to bump into each other on dance floors ever since. She is a ray of sunshine and truly one of the most friendly people I have ever had the honor to know.

This is "Party Time" for Pinkie Pie.

[ Doctor steps up to a microphone and produces a pair of maracas from his blazer. That gets some laughter among the excited cheers. When the audience goes quiet again, he gives signal to the band behind him and the music starts, first with drums and then with jovial horn. The stage comes to life with colored lights like the scene of a dance club and everyone on the stage bounces and dances to the music and Doctor's song. ]

Jumping on the dance floor every night
There’s a lady known as Pinkie Pie
Her song her smile shining bright
You can see the laughter in her eyes

Pinkie Pie!
Party Time!
Pinkie Pie!

The brightest pink hair all in curls
Pinkie greets all the boys and girls
“Come join me dance your cares away
Celebrate the gift of life each day
Give thanks for all our friends here
Watch the world growing more each year”
She says it with the biggest smile
Come party with Pinkie for a while

I know
What she has to say is true
You know
Pinkie when I’m with you I don’t feel so blue

Jumping on the dance floor every night
There’s a lady known as Pinkie Pie
Her song her smile shining bright
You can see the laughter in her eyes

Pinkie Pie!
Party Time!
Pinkie Pie!

Tiger Universe - "Bird Song" for Ankh

[tigermillionaire]

[The music for this one is simple, so Tiger is on stage alone. He looks nervous about being there, to any one with an eye for his emotions. All he's got is his keyboard and sound board for electronic music, and some of it is pre-recorded.

He shouldn't have written this stupid song. But it was all he could think about, recently. At the very least, it's easy for him to make his general wariness come across as the brooding persona he's known for.]

This is different from our usual stuff, so...too bad if you don't like it, I guess. It's inspired by someone over at Virgo.

[He starts playing, the music dragging out for a while before he finally starts singing. Imagine a soft electronic version of this for the music. Eventually, he begins:]

Well...I didn't tell anyone, but a bird flew by.
Saw what they'd done, he set up a nest outside,
and he sang about what we'd become...
He sang so loud, sang so clear,
I was afraid that the others would hear.
I invited him in, just to reason with him.
And to promise we would never do it again.

But we sang louder and louder inside the house,
And none of us could cut it out.
And they trapped us under a cardboard box.
stood on it to make us stop.
I picked up the bird with the broken wing they said
"That's the last song you'll ever sing".
Held him down, broke his neck,
Taught us a lesson we wouldn't forget.

But still our dreams began to creep,
with that one familiar tweet tweet tweet

He opened his mouth to scream and shout,
He waved his wings and flapped about.
But he couldn't scream and he couldn't shout,
couldn't scream and he couldn't shout.

I opened my mouth to scream and shout
waved my arms and flapped about
But I couldn't scream I couldn't shout,
The song was coming from my mouth.
From my mouth,
From my mouth,
From my mouth.

From my mouth,
From my mouth,
From my mouth,
From my mouth.

From my mouth.
From my mouth.
From my mouth.
From my mouth.

From my mouth,
From my mouth,
From my mouth,
From my mouth.

[He barely waits for applause before leaving the stage.]

[nibelungvalesti]

[This is the most modestly Meril has dressed on stage in years -- a long coat, a scarf, and casual clothing beneath it. She strides out more confidently than she feels, tossing a microphone from hand to hand.]

[Meril is relying on a backup track to cover the instruments; her chosen song doesn't include much in the way of keyboards, and if it did she probably couldn't play it anyway. She rarely if ever sings, because when she does sing... well, she puts her heart and soul into it in a way that completely belies her Ice Queen demeanor. Her voice is loud, warm, and though it isn't quite suited to the music, it works nonetheless.]

I've been thinking nonstop all day
I've been trying another way
I'm not holding these thoughts at bay.
Will it work? I cannot say.
Always thought I could try what's new.
Why do one thing? I will do two.
Just one pastime is ten too few.
Never hold back in what I do.

I will not stop my mind
By its strength I'm defined.
Those new ways I will find.
Creation is mine.

Writing three songs at once is great.
Why not act now, instead of wait?
Sing and play -- it's not too late
Multitasking is my glad fate.
Things like this happen every day.
It's no burden, I feel okay.
But it's awful, I hear you say.
Custard on fish sticks is my way.

I will not stop my mind
By its strength I'm defined.
Those new ways I will find.
Creation is mine.
I will not stop my mind
By its strength I'm defined.
Those new ways I will find.
Creation is mine.

I've got to multitask myself.
It's no danger to mental health.
It's the great skill I have been dealt.
It is the only way.
I've got to multitask myself.
It's been the only thing that's helped.
It's the great skill I have been dealt.
It is the only way.

I will not stop my mind
By its strength I'm defined.
Those new ways I will find.
Creation is mine.
I will not stop my mind
By its strength I'm defined.
Those new ways I will find.
Creation is mine.
Creation is mine.
Creation is mine.
Creation is mine.

[She bows her head over the microphone at the end, a little embarrassed and startlingly tired. Meril lasts on stage long enough to take a little bow, then walks off quickly so she can slump against a backstage wall and catch her breath.]

Jecht - "You Know Everything About Me" for Bill Cipher

[sublimelymagnificentblitz]

[A little known fact about Jecht, or rather, little-known to anyone who didn't follow him or dig back through his couple decades of small-time work prior to hitting it big in Pride: he's not just a drummer. He can play lead, rhythm, and bass as well. So him heading out on stage with a guitar slung around his neck might surprise a number of people.]

Hey, everyone! You all having a good time?

[He loves this, he really does. The applause, the energy, the attention. Lifting both hands, he waggles his fingers at the audience.] I'm gonna blow your minds with this one. Heh, sorry it sucks. Maybe we'll record it with a better singer someday, but for now you're stuck with me.

[So he's not THAT bad. Not great, he ain't threatening any singer's day job, but he's got a decent metal growl. Which makes the song he sings so weird, being so weirdly out of genre for him...]

Every time I hear your voice
It feels like I have no choice
There's this feeling that I get
That you haven't been wrong yet

Every strange word that you speak
Saying things I didn't speak
Creepy feelings that I get
That you still aren't wrong yet

You don't even stop to think about it

You know everything about me
Why do I hate you?
You know everything about me
Why do I hate you?

Every time I hear your voice
It feels like I have no choice
There's this feeling that I get
That you haven't been wrong yet

You don't even stop to think about it

You know everything about me
Why do I hate you?
You know everything about me
Why do I hate you?

You never stop to think about me,
I know
Why dont you stop to think about me,
How do you know?

You know everything about me
Why do I hate you?
I know everything about you
Why do you hate me?

I know
You know
I know
You hate me

You know everything about me
Why do I hate you?

Lucifer - "Tune for a Beach Blanket" for Tiger

[stylistic_disloyalty]

[Luci is taking care of the music for this one-- she comes on stage with an acoustic guitar and a stool and settles.]

Alright-- so this isn't what most of you expect from me. But that's just what makes it interesting, right? [She grins and winks at the audience before strumming a little to check her tuning.]

And I bet you never expected me to write something about Tiger Universe, but luck of the draw. [She starts playing-- it's definitely not like anything Junkyard Carnival would do, it's pretty serene actually.]

When he's on a holiday
On a beach he'll go to stay
In a small two-room chateau
With the sand and waves aglow

Tiger loves his surf and sun
Strumming chords with easy thrum
The sun sets over the sea
The stars they hear his tune

When you're rushing here and there
Never have some time to spare
Just a peaceful moment spent
With a breeze has him content

Tiger loves his surf and sun
Strumming chords with easy thrum
The sun sets over the sea
The stars they hear his tune

Not just alone, together
With mates they'll share the weather
He'll never feel bad anymore

Tiger loves his surf and sun
Strumming chords with easy thrum
The sun sets over the sea
The stars they hear his tune

Not just alone, together
With friends they'll share the weather
He'll never feel bad anymore

He'll never feel bad anymore
He'll never feel bad anymore

Keith Goodman ☆ Mayfly in the Morning for Kido

[agains]

[ "As we rehearsed!" Keith reminds the crew gently. He's gotten soft on them since the last festivals and performances. One would almost think he wants to treat them like people.

He steps onto a dark stage. ]

A young lady once told me she refused to steal the spotlight away from her own band by singing. When I received her name for this event, I thought... surely, it must be fate. I was introduced to her for a reason.

Please, if you will, heed the advice of a humble manipulator of currents.

[ Lights above the crowd intensify a little, although a soft glow keeps Keith illuminated just enough to look nice on camera. Because you can't really do a show without making sure it's camera-ready.

He adjusts the stage microphone and plays eerie, barely-there notes on his trusty theremin, preferring to render a version of the song with some noise instead of completely a capella. ]

Mayflies are buzzing
Dizzy, tumbling through the sky
Blown through fleeting lives
And then quiet
We beg you for an encore
While you stand tall upon the stage floor
Please, don't you hide behind the scenes
Please, don't you hide behind the scenes

[ Lights above the audience soften and change color -- green like her hair, yellow like Genos's eyes. ]

Oh, Ms. Kido
Take the fly's advice
A strong wind is blowing, calling change
You are no crashing system
Please don't you stay hidden
You're shining in our eyes and on the stage
You shine in his eyes and on the stage
You shine in his eyes and on the stage

[ and he'll fade dramatically into the shadows of backstage as the lights all dim again. ]

Bill- Flash in his Step, Star in his Name- For Sora

[liarmonstersnappydresser]

[No one expects he can do this. Why, Bill could practically hear the contest runners laughing when they paired the near nihilistic jazz musician with a child pop star. Still his forte’ or not Bill is nothing if not creative. Rather than share his glory and goad anyone into playing an ensemble with him, he has rigged up the stage with a collection of his own pre-recorded material, using his own voice to harmonize with himself. He works the crowd a little, a bit of his trademark laughter, the lights dim….and then….]

Such a bright smile; it alights the room,
The crowd are eager to follow your tune,
Yet that laugh... rings hollow, such an empty sound
What you’re looking for, still haven’t found,

*Ohho, wandering heart,
Stuck in place, stuck playing the part,
Wandering soul,
How far have you gone, how far will you go?
Oh, Wandering flame,
With a Flash in his step and a Star in his name,
Onward you’ll aim,
One step further from home, one closer to fame *

Success and comfort don’t intertwine,
To gain something new, you leave more behind,
Only in your dreams do you feel free,
Haven’t found the door, but you have the key,

From place to place, you make your mark,
Sunny disposition brings that spark,
Go give your heart to those who care,
but things have to break for you to share,

*Wandering heart,
Stuck in place, stuck playing the part
Wandering soul,
How far have you gone, how far will you go?
Oh, Wandering flame,
With a Flash in his step and a Star in his name,
Onward you’ll aim,
One step further from home, one closer to fame*

[He erupts into an impromptu saxophone solo; what, you didn’t think he wouldn’t shamelessly try to plug himself in the middle of his own song did you? Tributes be damned! It is then the music takes an abrupt turn, it gets faster, edgier, dare it even be said darker...]

Darkness will rise and kingdoms fall but you’ll just smile through that all,
Won’t you?
You have more heart than most,

Share yourself, but as they say,
Take heed of what you give away.
You know that you had best hang tight
Only shadows form with that much liiiiight~

[And the more lighthearted tune resumes, as if the discordant bridge was never there at all.]

*Ohho, wandering heart,
Always stuck in place, stuck playing the part
Wandering soul,
How far have you gone, how far will you go?
Wandering flame,
With a Flash in his step and a Star in his name,
Onward you’ll aim,
One step further from home... one closer to fame*

[Everything fades to black. True, probably a tad edgier than is fitting for a boy band popstar, but hey, drama sells! Let's see what the fans think of their light hearted teen idol now! Bill just did you a favor, Sora. You’re welcome, kiddo.]