Inspirations, chop chop!

Hi people! So I finally have some mood to write some post. However this post maybe --or maybe not-- useful for you. Anyway, since I've been on some artistic works lately, I would like to share how I manage to get some inspirations. So here it is, what I usually do when I need to get some inspirations:

#1 MUSIC
The easiest way for me to unleash imaginations in my brain is listening to the music. Not only listening though, it’s more like err... grasp the whole feeling? I mean I’m trying to set my ears wide open so I can hear every single layer that lies on the music. I’m paying attention to its melody and listen clearly to how the drums, piano, guitar, and bass play together in order to give the best harmony. I usually find myself smiling whenever I hear some nice arrangement and to be honest I’m pretty pleased with songs that give a lot of piano, string, saxophone, and flute sounds. Last but not least, try to understand more through its lyrics. I love to know the story behind those magical arrangements and by understanding the lyrics will make me more drown to the songs.

My most favorite band from Indonesia for the arrangements and lyrics is SORE. They are genius! I mean, until now I haven’t been really into any Indonesia’s band except SORE. It’s been a long time since their last album, but a few days ago I found out that they are preparing their next album. Woohoo, can’t wait! If you willing to hear some of their works, you have google machine. Use it, wisely or not.

And the most jaw dropping arrangement for me is Killer Tune by Tokyo Jihen (you can download the mp3 here). It’s not only the arrangement that makes me amazed but also their instrument skills! Seeing them playing their instrument seems... UNREAL. How could people play something so complicated yet it looks so... effortless. Damn it, Tokyo Jihen, I’m out of words. Enough said.

#2 MUSIC VIDEO
(I suppose to put a picture here, but yeah I don't have anything to put)
The next thing is something related to #1: watch music videos. #1 is something that will please your ears while this point will please your eyes. It’s not like I love seeing the lead role in some music video --well it counts too somehow--, it’s because there are other things that I could explore from music video. Like the whole story line, the clothes they wear, props they use, the overall color they choose, and on and on. The idea of making a music video is somehow to entertain and to attract people to listen to the songs. I’m pretty sure you all know about the “Gangnam Style” phenomenon. I try to listen to the songs without watching the video, and it’s totally... MEH. Despite I don’t understand the words his speaking, I’m not really into that style of music. But when I watch the video, OH MY GOD THAT’S SO WEIRD AND FASCINATING IN THE SAME TIME! I mean who would have an idea to make horse riding as a dance routine? That’s totally creative and eye-catchy. So you know, because of watching the video more than once, somehow the song keeps repeating on my head. See, that’s the power of music video.

So, if I had to choose one music video that really fascinates me --clearly it’s not Gangnam Style because the song didn’t work for me-- it will be Pieces by L`Arc~en~Ciel (I'm sorry for being soooo biased, Japanese music is what I fancy). The whole story line is just.... breathtaking. I mean, the song itself is already majestic, and the music video just makes it more perfect. Here's the video:

 

L'Arc~en~Ciel - Pieces from warumona on Vimeo.

My second recommendation is Kono Yo no Kagiri by Shiina Ringo. In the music video, instead of using real instruments as props, they used leeks as a trumpet, a netbook as a piano, baguette breads and rulers as strings, and a counting machine as a triangle. It’s a fun music video. Well it’s not the most fascinating music video, but I had a hard time choosing one, so yeah I guess this still do. Anyway, here's the video:


konoyo no kagiri by lilyphilia
#3 HANGING OUT
While #1 and #2 are something you can do at home and in front of your computer, the next thing will be something that related with nature. Yeah, it’s hanging out! Either hanging out by myself or with friends. Hanging out in my neighborhood is pretty fun, especially when I have almost-2-years-old nephew that love to giggle almost all the time (thank God he's not crying) and had so much fun just to walk around the neighborhood.

Anyway, my most favorite place for hanging out in my lovely city is KEBUN RAYA or in English, Botanical Garden. That’s pretty make sense, since almost all of my photos were taken there. I go there not only to take some photos, but also to enjoy the scenery. But you know, some of my friends find it weird that I usually go to Botanical Garden by myself.. They were like: “What are you doing there?” and sometime to avoid the unending questions of me going to Kebun Raya by myself, I answered: “Taking pictures, what else?”. Anyway, that’s what I like to do though. For me, enjoying the nature is one way to get some inspirations.

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And before I realized it, I blabbered too much only for these 3 simple things. I will continue the list another time (and yes, it’s NOT a promise). I think it will be nice too if you could share things you do when you need inspirations.. Looking forward to it! See you on another post!