Even the most basic of dungeon crawl campaigns are brought to life with a lively and immersive background music playlist. Read below for more information and inspiration and a list of Dungeon Crawl Music. Introduction To Dungeon Crawl Games Dungeon crawls are one of the most traditional forms of RPG games. Background music has an impact on in-game immersion even in an RPG as classic as Dungeon crawls. Immersion is vital whenever you have an otherworldly setting whether it’s futuristic or in the past or anachronistic, or even on a whole other plane of existence. Tiamat, we’re looking at you. Photo by Dagmara Dombrovska on “Video games consist of three components. The first two, visuals and interactivity, form the essential core of games, but the third component, sound, and specifically music transform a game into something beyond an activity. Music can turn games into unforgettable experiences,” WritesKellen Beck, a writer from Mashable. Regardless of whether you’re playing The One Ring Roleplaying Game, Pendragon, D&D, Pathfinder, Warhammer, GURPS, or Zweihander, there’s still an element of audio or music to it. Follow the nerd Dom topic on Switching styles, by signing up for our newsletter! Dungeon Crawl Music How can audio help RPG immersion? We’re glad that you asked! Music can be used as a tool to control emotion, establish tone, and further the plot. “Music is a tool that can control emotion and can establish the tone of the story being told. Within the film, many fans look at the soundtrack as a foundation to set the scene. This is no different in the video game industry,” Explains the writers at Anara Publishing (https://www.anarapublishing.com/the-importance-of-music-in-video-games/) Cinematic Trailer Background Music By Elysium Audio Labs Into The Depths Of Dungeon By Naegi Ki RPG Dungeon Ambience By ASKII D&D Ambience – Catacombs By Sword Coast Soundscapes LOTR The Shire By The Vault Of Ambience Castle Raven Loft By Cthulhu Mythos Music Dark Forest By Martia’s Muses Crystal Dungeon By Michael Ghelfi Studios Epic Instrumental Music – Powerful And Dramatic By Fred Bouchal Forsaken Temple By Ambience Lab Let me know what your favourite Dungeon Crawl Music was in the comments below! Thanks for reading Switching Styles this spooky season. Follow our Blog on WordPress, social media or throughout our email newsletter. Don’t miss an article and stay updated on events, contests, and interviews. We’ve got many more fantastic articles to keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out articles like Refuge LARP Calgary, Hug your Hound Day Playlist,The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Hellfire Cover Songs, and so much more!!

“Rotterdam Nightlife” is a guest article written by Valeria Doornkamp Photo by Max Andrey on No matter where you are, there is always a sense of music and creativity. Music is everywhere. To show that, switching styles has reached out to Valeria Doornkamp to give us a look into the nightlife of Rotterdam. Here are some of the best spots to experience Rotterdam’s nightlife. Valeria is bringing us her local expertise on the nightlife in Rotterdam. Over the decades, she’s explored her whole life finding the best spots. Valeria was born, raised, and has been living in Rotterdam for 40 years now. If you want more information about her or want more advice on a trip to Rotterdam, check her out here. Rotterdam Nightlife; Underground or Rooftop? The flavour of the city’s nightlife is largely defined by the mindset of the Rotterdam locals, who are reluctant to compromise on anything. Whatever they do, they do it right. So a Biergarten in Rotterdam is exactly what you need it to be: a garden with solid wooden benches, large mugs of beer and sizzling sausages fresh from the grill. Looking for the underground scene? Here in Rotterdam, it’s literally underground: Toffler is a house and techno club situated in a former metro tunnel. Toffler Toffler is situated in an old underpass below Weena; for those 21 and older who enjoy progressive electronic music. Led lights and good sound make the long tunnel cozy and intimate. Biergarten Biergarten is a tiny piece of paradise in the big city, where the best things in life are simple: beer, BBQ, music, sunshine and good people. The food is fresh off the grill, and the beer is served ice-cold. Most nights, the music is DJs and live; on Friday evenings it’s homegrown music from Biergarten all-Rotterdam sound system. Witte De Withstraat One of Rotterdam’s most popular nightlife areas is Witte De Withstraat. Besides the streets many restaurants, its pubs, cozy cafes and stylish wine and cocktail bars attract a varied crowd. Tourists, locals, students, intellectuals, creative professionals, colleagues enjoying drinks after work: they all rub shoulders on a good Friday or Saturday night, in an exuberant and cheerful atmosphere. Duck into the side streets to discover the city’s most enjoyable nightlife hotspots. The tropical charm of the tiki bar, for instance. If you like experimental music, the line-up at worm always offers intriguing surprises, while wunderbar serves tasty beers and fritz-kolas. Tiki Bar Tikis is a Hawaiian surf bar and grill restaurant in the heart of Rotterdam. The exotic food and delicious cocktails make you believe you are on a tropical island. The tropical ambiance is reflected in the music as well as the styling with bamboo and Polynesian gadgets. It is Hawaii on the Maas. Worm Worm organizes concerts, movies, workshops, masterclasses, festivals and different events. Next to that, they have a movie studio, a sound studio, a shop and a very fast digital platform (worm. Station). They stimulate and help different productions like Dutch programs about national and international festivals and media publications. Nieuwe Binnenweg A similar vibe can be discovered at the head of Nieuwe Binnenweg, where several of the city’s most popular cafes and clubs are located: Rotown, Stalles, Bar3 and Club Vibes. Rotown Rotown is a cafe and restaurant during the day, but the chairs and tables are cleared away in the evening to make room for concerts and parties. An interesting concentration of nightlife is also emerging in the area around Rotterdam central. Stroll from (jazz) club bird straight to the pop stage at Annabel, which organizes popular party nights in the weekend. Cafe Stalles Cafe Stalles is a relaxed meeting place in the center of Rotterdam. The cafe is known for its simple but good cuisine and serves homemade pizzas on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 5.50 euros. Stalles is a typical Dutch brown cafe and is characterized by the fact that it attracts a diverse audience. The alternative music, extensive beer and whiskey list and affordable menu ensure that Stalles is always lively. In the summer, Stalles has a large terrace and you can sit outside until the late hours. Bird Stage, club and restaurant BIRD is located under the Hofbogen in Rotterdam and offers a program full of jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk and new electronics. In the last century, the area around the Hofbogen was already dominated by a rich musical tradition. The first generation of Surinamese and sailors introduced soul, funk and Rand B here from America. Bird doesn’t just want to breathe new life into this jazz past, but update it to the 21st century. Jazz, but also related music movements such as soul, Latin and funk, hip-hop, afrobeat, and electronics are therefore the starting point of the music programming, supplemented by other art disciplines related to jazz, such as performance poetry, film and visual arts. Bird’s jazz kitchen is a reflection of the city of Rotterdam: unpolished, honest and a crossroads of styles and cultures. Authentic pizzas are prepared in the wood oven, as well as various specials. A nice option is the Chefs Table surprise menu: a selection of different small dishes to share. In addition, Bird also has an outdoor terrace, called Garden of Bird. This is an urban garden and cocktail bar. Here you can expect many musical surprises. Garden of Bird is open until October 15 this year. Annabel Annabel is Rotterdam’s largest music venue, very close to Rotterdam Central Station. You can see and hear leading international acts, from hip hop to pop to electronic. Or enjoy dancing during one of the many parties or festivals. Together with Biergarten and PERRON, Annabel forms the golden triangle of the Schiestraat, a popular nightlife destination among young people. Thanks to our guest writer Valeria Doornkamp. As a lover of music herself, and a Rotterdam resident, these are certainly locations you don’t want to miss. Photo by Martin Lopez on

Everyone knows that music makes the game, especially when it comes to horror. Adding in immersive horror music to your game will impress your players. . Read below on how to add a spooky soundtrack to terrify your players. Introduction To Horror Games And Their Music When players think of horror games, they want to be scared. This is the case for video games, LARPs, escape rooms, haunted houses, D&D games, and so much more. When your players take part in this game, they want to be terrified, usually. Photo by Monstera on Atmospheric soundtracks aren’t only in one specific genre. Music is important through many diverse types of games, and consoles. Regardless of whether you’re playing Carrion for the switch, Vampire: The Masquerade LARP, Call of Cthulhu RPG, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly on PS4 and Xbox One, or SCP; secret laboratory on Steam, there’s still an element of music to it. Follow the video game topic on Switching styles, by signing up for our newsletter! Think about the last horror video game you played. What kind of audio did they have? What kind of background noises or music? It was probably something creepy that made the hair on your arm and neck stands up. That’s because it’s supposed to. “In recent years games developers, especially within the Horror genre, have become masters of creating soundtracks that have a terrifying eeriness and an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat,” Explains the writers atAnara Publishing. Consider walking into a haunted house in your local community center. There’s music but it’s not Halloween-themed or horror themed it’s Swing covers of Disney songs. That’s not going to encourage people to be scared. They’ll most likely be more confused than anything else. It’s the same thing with other genres. Players aren’t scared if the horror boss battle is serenaded, by “Hot N Cold” from Katy Perry. Fun Fact: When you get chills or goosebumps from a piece of music (or really from any aesthetic experience) is called frisson. The phenomenon is still being studied, by researchers around the world. Immersive Horror Music For Gaming When it comes to adding an element of realism and terror to your game, it helps to have some options. Below we’ve compiled a few of our favourite horror-themed music. Whether you’re adding this to your Friday night MTG theme night, your monthly vampire masquerade session or even your biweekly Cthulhu D&D game, we’ve got you covered. Creepy Music Mix #1, Instrumental Halloween Music Dark Piano, Lucas King Tormented Hybrid Horror Music Mix, Horror Music World The Yōkai Compendium, Realm of Dementia Dark Victorian Music, Cryo Chamber H.P. Lovecraft music, Cthulhu Mythos Music Phobia; Tense Cinematic Background Music, Soundridemusic Halloween Spooky Ambience, Cozy Rain Goëtia, Peter Gundry Detective Background Music, FesliyanStudios Background Music Horror Cinematic background music, Elysium Audio Labs Horror Ambience, ESN Productions Tim Burton Vibes Compiled, Sundew Baggins Darkest Dungeon – Combat Music composed, by Stuart Chatwood for Red Hook Studios Want to support Switching Styles? Read more nerdy titles on Switching styles like Heavy Metal Heroes; The Superheroes You Didn’t Know You Needed, and With Ether Q&A.

As a genre, whether it’s in film video games, RPGs, theatre, television, or music, science fiction is a genre that’s all its own. Read below to learn more about science fiction background music and immersion. Introduction To Science Fiction Games Science fiction has long been a genre full of wonder and exploration. The genre itself allows for endless possibilities. That’s what attracts audiences to the genre regardless of its medium. The music that accompanies science fiction is amazingly creative and diverse. The sound effects are mainly intended to be otherworldly and unlike anything we’ve seen before. Follow the topic of Sci-fi on Switching styles by signing up for our newsletter or visiting here. Photo by cottonbro on How can audio help RPG immersion? Background music makes the entire experience much more immersive for the audience. “But even so, music in games and even movies have a propensity to blend into the background and become an inextricable part of a greater whole. Sometimes you don’t really know what you’re missing until you turn it off,” Writes Kellen Beck, a writer from Mashable. Take Star Trek for example. There were dozens of sound effects and background noises that added to the look and feel of the world and to the overall storytelling. Consider all the science fiction you’ve ever watched. The noise of the doors to the bridge on Star Trek, Star wars lightsabers during a duel, the blaring alarms and the whoosh of Star Gates are all highly recognizable sounds. but that’s not all they’re highly recognizable sci-fi sound effects. Science Fiction Background Music Here’s some music for your listening pleasure. Engage! Steampunk Music By Michael Ghelfi Studios Chill Beats By Tale Foundry Neon Nights By Enceladus District Sands Of Arrakis By Space Wave Space Station By Ambience Lab Epic Battle Music By Unwind Station Clockwork Lands By The Spirit Of Orchestral Music Space Traveling By The Jazz Hop Café Star Wars Lo-Fi Hiphop Mix By Samuel Kim Music Cybertronian Radio By Spark Light Animation Let me know what your favorite was in the comments below! Photo by Craig Adderley on Thanks for reading Switching Styles this season of fun. Follow our Blog on WordPress, social media or throughout our email newsletter. Don’t miss an article and stay updated on events, contests, and interviews.

This Op-Ed piece on “60 Decades of Singer-Songwriters” was brought to you by our guest writer, Jason Greiner. This Op-Ed by Jason Greiner reflects on six decades of singer-songwriters, emphasizing the rich contributions from artists in the 1960s and 70s like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. While acknowledging a perceived decline in this genre’s lyrical depth, Greiner highlights notable figures from subsequent decades, including Prince and Kurt Cobain. In modern times, he suggests that Taylor Swift’s earlier works and artists like Rob Thomas and Ed Sheeran are helping revive the singer-songwriter style. Ultimately, he expresses hope in discovering more talented singer-songwriters, despite noting the genre’s current challenges in maintaining quality and meaning. 60 Decades of Singer Songwriters Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on In the 1960s and 70s, plenty of great music was made by talented musicians. And one aspect of that era was the concept of the singer-songwriter. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen come to mind, among many, many others. It was a time known for people who could both perform and write their own lyrics with eloquence, depth and precision in an almost poetic style. Some may argue that the next couple of decades were lacking in this skill set. If you are of that mindset, I can certainly understand your point. However, one can argue that some artists still fit the bill. I’d have to say you could place Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and U2 in that 80s group from my early childhood. As for the 90s, two up-and-coming alternative artists fit the mould in Jewel and Alanis Morrisette. After all, Jewel even had a book of poetry called “A Knight Without Armor” published in 1999 and Morrisette became widely acclaimed for her masterful use of “stream of consciousness” lyrics. And many would go as far as to say that Kurt Cobain, one of the pioneers of the grunge genre out of Seattle, had a gift for songwriting that was far beyond that of the average band’s lead singer. Since the early 2000s, it would be hard to question that this particular art has fallen off a bit. We now live in a world that is more filled than ever before with cookie-cutter pop songs that often lack any real depth or meaning. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of love for songs and musicians from the last 20-plus years. But most of it just doesn’t apply when you are talking about the singer-songwriter style. That being the case, I would say there have been a few. While some might scoff, I would say the earlier songs written by Taylor Swift could stand up to the scrutiny of those seeking quality lyrical work. I emphasize that this would be her earlier stuff, not that from the last 8 years or so. I’d also say that some of the work by Avril Lavigne has a bit of a poetic quality even though she is mostly known as a pop-punk artist. But above all, the two who really seem to be reviving the notion of the singer-songwriter a bit would have to be Rob Thomas, soloist and lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, and Ed Sheeran. Examples of Singer Songwriters For a little clarification, let me share some examples of some of the quality and meaningful lyrics from a few of the artists I mentioned. Jewel – Lyrics for “Hands” If I could tell the world just one thing It would be that we’re all OK And not to worry ’cause worry is wasteful And useless in times like these I won’t be made useless Won’t be idle with despair I’ll gather myself around my faith For light does the darkness most fear “Hands”Song by Jewel Alanis Morisette – Lyrics from “Thank U” “How ’bout getting off of these antibiotics How ’bout stopping eating when I’m full up How ’bout them transparent dangling carrots How ’bout that ever elusive kudo Thank you India Thank you terror Thank you disillusionment Thank you frailty Thank you consequence Thank you, thank you silence” “Thank U”Song by Alanis Morissette Rob Thomas – Lyrics from “3 AM” She believes that life is made up of all that you’re used to And the clock on the wall has been stuck at three for days, and days She thinks that happiness is a mat that sits on her doorway But outside it’s stopped raining “3AM”Song by Matchbox Twenty Ed Sheeran – Lyrics from “The A Team” And they say She’s in the Class A Team Stuck in her daydream Been this way since eighteen But lately her face seems Slowly sinking, wasting Crumbling like pastries “The A Team”Song by Ed Sheeran Final Thoughts Regarding Singer Songwriters I look forward to learning about more talented singer-songwriters and while the style has been on the decline, it’s nice to see it is still going, even if only to a small extent. Photo by cottonbro on Jason Greiner is the author of several books and eBooks and has worked as a professional in the field of journalism and blogging. He also provides photography and graphic design services on a freelance basis. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jason now lives in the city of Mebane, a small but fast-growing community in central North Carolina. As a lifelong music enthusiast, he enjoys discovering new artists and reviewing their work.

Being new at anything is complicated and daunting. This article dives into tips when it comes to LARP for new players. Introducing LARP For New Players Starting as a new player in a LARP game can be just as daunting but it’s easier than you’d think. Let’s start with an introduction to what LARP is. LARP is an acronym that means live-action roleplaying games. These are immersive games with similar storytelling to traditional role-playing games such as D&D, pathfinder, gamma world and so on. However, there’s one major difference. It’s live. In traditional roleplaying games, the player creates a character within the specifications of the game rules and plays to that character’s thoughts, actions, and progression. However, in a LARP game, this is done live-action. During the game, you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. You chose at the moment how to respond to the innkeeper asking you your business. Or you’d have to dodge an arrow shot by an angry hobgoblin that’s probably insulting you in under common. Or even you’d be able to bond with your new best friend, a dark elf paladin that makes the best smores. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline. No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game. Photo by Juliana Stein on How Does One Get Started In LARP? – Step By Step Instructions Getting started with LARP can be a very daunting task even for the most enthusiastic gamers. There is an immense amount of information to absorb and contextualize at any time. LARP organizers are there to facilitate; reaching out to them is easier than you think. One – Find A Game That’s of Interest and Logistically Possible. Two – Contact the Game’s Organizers or Website to Begin Your Character Creation Three – Create the Persona Form Paper to Flesh Four – Connect with Other LARPers That Attend That Event to Learn More About It or Bring a Friend. Five – Get Your Gear and Costuming Six – Pack A Back, And Plan for Food Seven – Time to Adventure and Have Fun. Photo by Vlad Bagacian on LARP For New Players; Inspirational Music Here are some songs to get you in the LARPing mood. Because even when making a character you’d like to hear some battle music. 8-Bit Fantasy and Adventure Music By Xdeviruchi Relaxing Medieval Middle Ages Music By Relax Cafe Music Hidden PowersBy Arondight Studios Cozy Tavern on A Rainy Day By Blue Turtle Rise Of a Kingdom By Brunuhville Bloodline By Secession Studios Battle In the North By Lantern Arrival By CIRI Call Of the Forest By Daydreaming of Persephone Frost Peak MountainsBy Michael Ghelfi Studios Final Thoughts Starting as a new player can be very intimidating but that’s okay. With our step-by-step list, you’re well on your way to adventuring with your local LARP group. As the Refuge LARP Calgary website explains, “We are always looking for more people to join our adventures, whether you are in the Player Camp or the Monster Camp. It is never too late to join!”

Live Action Role-playing is a wonderful way to enhance practical skills, social skills, and overall creativity. One example close to home is the Refuge LARP out of Calgary. What is LARP? LARP or live-action roleplaying is an immersive game with the storytelling of traditional role-playing games such as D&D, Pathfinder, Gamma World and D6. Photo by Lisha Dunlap on Like traditional roleplaying games where one creates a character within the specifications of the game rules, and plays out that character’s thoughts, actions, and phrases. However, in a LARP, it’s merely live action. This means that you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline. No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game. Introducing Refuge LARP Calgary “Being a Hero is what LARP is all about,” explains the organizers, “Take on a role as a daring fighter, a dashing rogue, a powerful scholar casting magic or a combination of the three!” The LARP website explains, “Our story focuses on our players as high-fantasy heroes pitted against seemingly insurmountable odds. Many times, they are victorious, but other times, well, that remains to be seen.” LARP or Live Action Role Playing Games are an immersive roleplaying game played in person instead on paper. Refuge LARP Calgary is one of the longest running campaigns in Alberta. Starting the LARP in 2011, they’ve gained quite a following for the immersive fantasy game. The Story of the Game The story that’s the background for all roleplaying within the game is based on the mythical land of Calandonia. About the size of Europe theoretically, it provides a huge level of exploration for the characters. This land is the main area for game play and the most prominent of the world’s realms. It’s the seat of power. There’s an overarching storyline with many different facets. There are many ways to engage with the storyline. From simple encounters with a goblin in the woods to more intricate engagement with the arch mage and grand council. The political ties between them makes it even more interesting including arch mage, grand council, and the Dwarven Enclave to name only a few of the participating rulers. Refuge LARP Calgary Prep Playlist Don’t hesitate to check them out. If you want some inspiration, here’s a LARPing playlist to get you in the LARPing mood!! Medieval Fantasy Background Music By Realm of Dementia Epic & Powerful Fantasy Music By Mortifer V. Dark Chocolate and Classical Music By Sundew Baggins Medieval Fantasy TavernBy Daydreaming of Persephone An Epic Ride By Blue Turtle Magic Bookstore in The Woods (Iroh’s Bookstore) By The Vault Of Ambience Tree Temple By Ambience Lab Exoplanet Nature II By Michael Ghelfi Studios Dark Atmospheric Music from The Shadowlands By Cryo Chamber Up To the Mountains By Unwind Station Share your larping inspiration with the Switching Styles community by tagging us on your socials.

Adult colouring has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Here’s a great list of resources for those who love it and want to start. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, tap into your artistic side, or simply pass the time, adult coloring has something for everyone. Photo by Karolina Grabowska on What Is Adult Colouring? Adult colouring is a form of colouring that’s typically more intricate than children’s colouring books. Other than that, it’s inherently similar. There are several unique benefits of colouring, regardless of age or intricacy. “Coloring books are no longer just for kids. Adult colouring books have grown in popularity recently. Whether you already have a colouring book or are thinking about getting one, there are quite a few benefits to colouring in your free time,” explains By Martin Taylor, a writer for Web MD. ‌ What’s The Point of Adult Colouring? That’s a reasonable question. There are a lot of benefits for folks of all ages to engage in colouring. Check out our list of gifts! 😄 Relaxes your mind and body 🧠 Improves brain function 🎓 Improves focus 🛌 Improves overall sleep quality 🖌️ Induces a meditative state 🖍️Improves complex motor skills 🎉 Reduces anxiety 🌈 Alleviates depression ❤️ Improves positive mental attitude 🎨 Encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking What Should I Colour as An Adult? The world of adult coloring books is vast, catering to different interests and skill levels. Some popular categories include: Mandala and Geometric PatternsThese intricate designs are ideal for mindfulness and relaxation, with symmetrical patterns that invite repetitive, meditative coloring. Nature and WildlifeColoring books featuring flowers, forests, animals, and landscapes appeal to nature lovers and allow for vibrant, dynamic coloring experiences. Fantasy and MythologyDragons, fairies, and mythological creatures offer an imaginative escape and the chance to play with fantastical color combinations. Pop Culture ThemesBooks inspired by favorite movies, TV shows, and video games bring a nostalgic and playful twist to adult coloring. Inspirational and Affirmation ArtFeaturing uplifting quotes surrounded by beautiful designs, these books combine creativity with positivity. Music for Colouring Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on What? You thought we wouldn’t add music to this article? Here’s some chill and relaxing music to serenade Lost Tales: Our Secret Place 🌿 A Dreamy Lo-fi Mix By Dreamhop Music Magical Tearoom ASMR Ambience By Miracle Forest Avatar: The Last Airbender☁️ Lo-fi Chillout By Simon Groß Mighty Vibes Vol 1 By Critical Role Hogwarts Classroom By Ambient Worlds Disney Songs but It’s Lo-fi By Møon Lo-fi Beats Ghibli But Lo-fi By Demon Gummies Haunted Manor at Night By Martia’s Muses Fall Kirby Music Mix 🍂 By Magareen Conclusion Adult coloring is more than a pastime; it’s a therapeutic and fulfilling way to engage with your inner artist. With a wide variety of books and tools, there’s something for everyone, regardless of skill or interest. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or explore a new creative outlet, grab a coloring book and let your imagination run wild.

Hug your hound for physical, mental and emotional benefits, plus a list of music perfect for Hug your hound day! Photo by Nana Lapushkina on Did you know that hugging your pets can help decrease stress and increase and improve your overall well-being? Here are some facts to back up the benefits of regularly giving a hug to your hound. Photo by Samson Katt on Dogs are one of the most popular pets throughout the world If you’re hugging your pet, it will likely be a dog. These adorable animals make great companions, but that’s not all. They’ve been trained as protectors, farmers, herders, babysitters, guards, security, and helpers. Hound hugs a day can Improve Your Physical Health hugging your pet has many benefits to your health, including physical. Humans and dogs are social creatures, so they both crave physical touch. When you cuddle, hug, or pet your dog, your brain produces Oxytocin. This is also known as the “love hormone,” typically associated with feelings of trust and bond formation. Oxytocin itself can also limit cortisol production. Cortisol is the “stress hormone,” which can impact weight gain and reduce immune function, among other health issues. More than that, cuddling with your pet can lower your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure! That’s an easy way to lower your heart rate and blood pressure! Hugging your hound Helps to Relieve Anxiety, Depression and other mental health issues. Beyond oxytocin, hugging your pet regularly also stimulates the release of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These both relieve depression and stress and elevate your mood. Many folks have contact with their pets to combat panic and anxiety attacks. Spending a few minutes daily cuddling with your dog (or most other pets) helps you maintain a positive attitude and improve mental health. Cuddling with your fuzzy cutie can help with your pet’s health. Regular contact with your pet can help you keep track of their health. You’ll notice immediately if something is wrong or out of the ordinary. While petting your furry friend, you may see new lumps, smells, sensitive areas or tender spots. This is a great way to catch an injury or illness before it becomes more serious. Cuddle your pet for their health too. Hugging your hound helps with their jealousy. A study at UCSD claims that your dog can genuinely get jealous. When they see you cuddle another dog or display affection, they can get jealous of your love! Hugging them regularly reminds them that they’re essential to you. Remember that your dog has preferences too! Each dog has different needs when it comes to contact. Make sure that the cuddles you’re giving are ones they want to get. Look for signs that they don’t enjoy the hugs or cuddles, such as getting stuck, symptoms of anxiety, avoiding eye contact, whining, barking, yawning, ears down and back, Squirming or trying to get away, which are all signs that they want their space. If your dog doesn’t care for hugs, try belly rubs, back scratches or just a hand on their head instead. Photo by Cottonbro on Dog Themed Music Of course, we’ve got some four-legged-themed music to listen to while giving your pup a smooch. Cuppy ~ Lo-fi Hip Hop Mix by Fear Dog You’ve Got a Friend in Me Fingerstyle Guitar cover by Acoustic Trench Chasing Butterflies by Frankly Speaking Good Dogs by Jameson Rodgers Happier by Marshmello ft. Bastille Which song reminds you of your perfect pooch? Let us know in the comments below or on your favourite social media platforms!

Photo by Elle Hughes on Did you know that today is National Share the Love Day? The pandemic has made it more challenging to share affection with loved ones. Although the pandemic has settled down in terms of Canadian restrictions, folks still hesitate to go out. Statistics Canada published the Canadian social survey for August and September of 2021. They reported that more than 1 in 10 Canadians are always or often lonely. That’s a lot of loneliness for one country. That means in a single high school class of 30 kids, at least 3 of those kids are feeling lonely. In an average downtown Edmonton office of 120 people, 12 of your coworkers feel lonely most of the time. It’s a sad statistic, but there are things that you can do! “Socialization is important because touching and talking to people is a natural cure for anxiety and depression,” said Dr. Asim Shah, Professor And Vice Chair in the Menninger Department Of Psychiatry And Behavioral Sciences At Baylor explains to Homa Shalchi, a writer for Baylor, College Of Medicine. Isolation doesn’t just make you feel lonely, though. The negative impacts of isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) and chronic conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia). Ideas to Celebrate Friendship! Happy National Share The Love Day!! There are ways to socialize even during and after a pandemic. Here are some ways to share love with loved ones if you’re uncomfortable in person. Play Online Games Together. Get on your headset and boot up the old computer. It’s time to play some MMOs, Jack Box, World of Warcraft, Animal Crossing, Pokemon Go, or even Facebook’s famous game Words with Friends. Add in a discord server, and there’s no limit to the games you can play with your friends. Host An Online Party. These are great ways to socialize face-to-face without being in person. There are countless apps and software that are perfect for this. Zoom, google hangouts, and jack box games are just a few examples. Give Them a Ring. Get some Facetime with the ones you love with video calls with the help of Skype, Discord, Facebook, and Snapchat, to name a few. Send Them an Ecard. These lived and died in the early 2000s, but ecards can still return. According to the New York Times, they’ve already made a comeback. “it reflects the fact that people want to show that they care, with that extra effort of producing a written artifact to send, even if it’s a digital one,” Professor Simeon Yates explains, A Professor Of Digital Culture At The University Of Liverpool In England. Send Them a Gift. Have a gift delivered to their home! This is a fantastic way to let them know you’re thinking of them. What about some of our very own Switching Styles Merch? It could be something small to something on their wishlist for a long time. Even a handwritten letter will make their day. Attend Live Online Events and Concerts. Thanks to online event listings like Facebook, Eventbrite, Travel Alberta and many more, you’ve got options for webinars, online training, live concerts, and so much more! Share In a Watch Party. Watch parties are where everyone watches the same movie simultaneously, with the opportunity for real-time chatting. Check out Watchparty. Me for all the options. Send Them a Personalized Spotify Playlist. Share your favourite songs and artists with friends and family. This could be a way to show off your new favourite covers of “Numb Little Bug: By Em Beihold Or Your Top Quirky Songs By Wild Child! Happy National Share The Love Day! Here are some love songs covers to share with your loved ones. Send them one of these songs to get the socialization started! “Lean On Me,” Originally by Bill, Withers Performed by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, John Legend “Jenny” Originally by Studio Killers, Covered By Justine M. “Friends Never Say Goodbye,” Originally by Elton John, Covered By Kristo Qerama “Anytime You Need a Friend,” Originally by Mariah Carey, Covered By Jo-B Sebastian Share this with a friend or loved one for National Share The Love Day today! Photo by Marlene Leppänen on

Time for a Frank Sinatra Parody. Have you ever wondered what would happen if Frank Sinatra sang about ninjas instead? Read below to find out. Ninjas in the Night Lyrics The song “Strangers in the Night” was originally performed by Frank Sinatra. Below I’ve shared the first draft of ninjas in the night. Comment your thoughts below! Here are switching styles always want your comments and thoughts. Photo by cotton-bro on Frank Sinatra Parody Lyrics; Ninjas in the Night! Lyrics Ninjas in the night Exchanging glances Wandering in the night What were the chances We’d be sharing strikes Before the night was through? Something in your eyes Was so inviting Something in your weapon Was so exciting Something in my soul told me I must triumph Ninjas in the night, to other people We were ninjas in the night Up to the moment when we said our first hello Little did we know Death was just a glance away, a cold embracing dance away And ever since that night We’ve been together Melee at first sight Entwined forever It turned out so right For ninjas in the night Death was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away Ever since that night We’ve been together Ninjas at first sight Entwined forever It turned out so right For one ninja in the night Concluding Thoughts on this Frank Sinatra Parody Do you want to have some fun with Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” lyrics? You can try singing your own version of the song while cosplaying. For example, you could sing “Larpers in the Night” or “Musicians in the Night.” The possibilities are endless with this karaoke version. So, go ahead and let your creativity run wild! Tag us on social media to share your version!

The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body Guest Written By Jessa Brooke Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Music makes you feel a slew of emotions that sometimes depend on our mood but also can depend solely on the music we listen to. Have you ever been driving and a fast-paced song starts to play? Before you know it, you are speeding or zipping around a little faster? If so, you are certainly not alone! Read below to learn more about the impact of music on your mental and physical health and energy body. Why does music make us feel a certain way? Is it our emotions, the words of the song, or the beat? While all of these things can impact how a song makes us feel, there are also other factors at play. Have you ever considered the frequency of the music playing or the vibrations from the sounds in the song? The vibration and frequency of music are just as important as the words and beat. Especially when we begin to look at the impact of the song on our emotions and energy. When a slow song comes on during a workout, it has the potential to slow you down. It can even cause a distraction while you try to change to something more up to the speed you are working at. This has a lot to do with the beats per minute (BPM), as BPM increases, our heart rate increases. The vibrations from the tunes cycle through your speakers and vibrate your eardrums, causing a physical response. Have you ever listened to lower BPM music before bed to help you relax? It has a similar, although reverse, effect. The increase or decrease in vibration creates sensations in our bodies and also prompts a response in our brain. Another interesting aspect of vibration can be found at concerts, or when subwoofers are used for listening to music. The lower vibration music creates a deep bass that you can actually feel vibrating through your body. Sometimes it even takes your breath away! Think about a concert that you’ve gone to, where you were closer to the speakers. Do you remember feeling the vibration as the music pulsed through your body? It is a powerful feeling, isn’t it? Music and the vibrations that we feel from the beats in songs have a physical and energetic impact on us. However, frequency has an even bigger impact on our energy. You might be surprised to learn that it can impact us physically as well. Frequency is very interesting and is within every sound we perceive and even exists in such high and low ranges that we cannot hear them. The low end of the frequency spectrum is called infrasound. Infrasound is inaudible at certain levels (typically a human can detect tones as low as 12 Hertz) and can cause physical damage around 4-8 Hz or lower. Different parts of the human body resonate at their frequency, for example, your eyeball holds the frequency of 19 Hz. There is an interesting story called Ghosts in the Machine that discusses the physical effects of this frequency on vision as documented in a laboratory by several technicians. Another fun fact about frequency is that music was once set at 432 Hz as a standard for production but has since changed to 440 Hz since an adjustment in the early 1900s. The reasoning behind this is highly speculated, and a lot of countries still use 432 Hz as their standard for tuning instruments. Higher frequency sounds are said to have a lot of benefits on our physical and emotional well-being, for instance, 639 Hz is said to help with communication, relationships, and love (associated with the heart chakra and the colour green). There are a lot of options online for listening to music tuned to higher frequencies and sound baths are a great example of ways to experience the effects in person. Typically, a sound bath will include various instruments such as a gong, bells, chimes, and sound bowls. Some sound bowl sets have bowls tuned to several higher frequencies, and you can find great examples of these sound baths as produced by Dynasty Electrik. Another example of how frequency sounds are used for healing and/or changes in the body are binaural beats or subliminal sounds, although subliminal sounds are typically affirmations spoken at very low levels rather than a specific frequency, they can be combined for powerful results. It is easy to see the impact frequencies can have on our mental and physical well-being just from these few examples. The next time you turn up your favourite song, pay attention to all the sensations you are feeling. From the words to the vibration, and if you venture to test out different frequency sounds, notice how you feel afterwards. Experiment with headphones versus a home stereo or even a sound system with a subwoofer. If you ever feel like your mood or energy is taking a little dip, find a 20–30-minute 528 Hz song that you can play in the background while you clean, drive, or work. There are even 8–9-hour songs you can find on YouTube and listen while you sleep, just be sure for these you focus on relaxing, healing, and energy clearing. You might have some interesting dreams if you listen to a frequency that is trying to help you get amped up! Photo by Roberto Nickson Music has so many great benefits and we can all attest to the effects a great song can have on our moods. Now you can take this newfound knowledge and experiment for different effects. Oh, and a sound bath is always a great idea! If you are new to the effects of frequency healing, a sound bath is a great way to relax and enjoy a new wave of sounds to lift your energy. Check out these songs suggested by Switching Styles’ guest writer Jessa Brooke to improve your Mental and Physical Health. “Silent Night Sound Bath” By Dynasty Electric. This is a High vibing song – which is perfect for a cool winter night. “Forest Bathing” By Dynasty Electric. This song always makes me feel like I’m walking out in nature “174 + 285 + 396 + 417 + 528 + 693 + 741 + 852 + 963 Hz” By Walkower121 This is my favourite frequency mix on YouTube. It’s under an hour and has lots of great frequencies to help balance all your chakras. Photo by Check out other guest written articles like “The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy Body,” Guest Written By Jessa Brooke right here.