It’s okay to cry especially listening to Mad World cover songs. “Mad World” is a beautiful song for when you need to shed some tears especially when it comes to the Mad World Cover Songs. Introducing This Very Mad World This sad song was popularized by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules in an emotional version. The original song was released in 1982. Tears for Fears are an English pop-rock band based in Bath, United Kingdom in the early 80s bringing a new sound to the UK. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith make up this rocking band. They cover a range of genres. Their music includes Rock, Pop music, New wave, Pop rock, and Synth-pop. They also explore Alternative rock, Hard rock, Post-punk, Sophisti-pop, and Pop. They haven’t completely stopped making and performing music. Their newest album was released at the start of 2022. On 25 February, Concord Records released The Tipping Point. in November of 2021, they announced a US and UK summer tour starting in May 2022. Check out their website for up-to-date information. Why Do We Listen To Sad Songs? There’s a little bit of everything for someone to feel something. These sad songs are supposed to be sad so that we feel sad while listening to sad songs. Sometimes it’s good to be sad. This is because there’s a release of all that tension and built-up emotion that’s been compounding. It’s good to let out our emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Tears are just one example of this. Photo by Pixabay on “In general, sad music is thought to cause us to experience sadness, which is considered an unpleasant emotion. As a result, the question arises as to why we listen to sad music if it evokes sadness. One possible answer to this question is that we may feel positive emotions when we listen to sad music,” explainsAi Kawakami, Kiyoshi Furukawa, Kentaro Katahira, and Kazuo Okanoya of the Tokyo University of the Arts. Let the lyrics tug at your heartstrings with these covers of this incredibly sad and dramatic song. Need the lyrics in order to feel all the feels? We completely understand. So, read the following link for the Mad World lyrics here: Tears for Fears – Mad World Lyrics | AZLyrics.com. Mad World Cover Songs Now, Switching Styles has scoured the internet. We’ve found you the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the crowing achievement. Below are some of our personal favourite covers for your listening pleasure of “Mad World”. Listen and let us know your favorite in the comments under the post. “Mad World” Metal Cover By Black Empire “Mad World” Metal Cover By Evestus “Mad World” Cover By Melodicka Bros “Mad World” Cover By Post Modern Jukebox Featuring Puddles Pity Party And Haley Reinhart “Mad World” Cover By Chase Eagleson “Mad World” Remix By Ian Storm And Silkandstones “Mad World” Cover By Timmy Trumpet And Gabry Ponte “Mad World” Cover By Peter Hollens “Mad World” Cover By Andie Case Final Thoughts on Mad World Cover Songs Did you know that tears aren’t made up of water and salt? All tears contain enzymes, lipids, metabolites and electrolytes but not all types of tears are built the same. In fact, Emotional tears have additional proteins and hormones. These added ingredients can include prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, Leu-enkephalin, potassium, and manganese. However, science isn’t completely aware of exactly why. There are a few theories. One suggests self-regulation of the human body brings it back to a homeostasis level, and another suggests it returns to the body’s status quo. Which one was the saddest cover, do you think? Comment your thoughts below!

Are you searching for a fresh sound to vibe to? Let Switching Styles introduce you to the unique synth soul melodies of Otis Stacks. Introduction Otis Stacks’ music offers an experience unlike anything else you might expect. Their sound is a fascinating fusion of vintage synth soul combined with infectious hip-hop beats. It’s an unexpected blend that pulls you in from the first note, captivating you with its smooth and groovy layers. If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting to add to your playlist, Otis Stacks might just be the band you’re searching for. The People Behind the Sound Although the name “Otis Stacks” may sound like a solo artist, it’s actually a collaboration between two incredibly talented musicians. Otis Stacks brings together JustMike, known as Michael Munch, a Danish producer hailing from Copenhagen, and Elias Wallace, a multifaceted artist from Los Angeles, California. Together, they merge their distinct styles and backgrounds to create a sound that is completely unique. Their partnership is an excellent example of how different creative minds can come together to push boundaries and redefine genres. The Story Behind the Sound What makes Otis Stacks stand out even more is the story behind their name. The name itself is not a tribute to any one individual involved in the project, but rather a tribute to two influential figures in music history. The “Otis” part of the name pays homage to the legendary soul musician Otis Redding, often regarded as one of the greatest American singers of all time. Redding’s impact on soul music is immeasurable, with iconic tracks like Try A Little Tenderness, These Arms of Mine, and Cigarettes and Coffee solidifying his place in music history. The second part of the name, “Stacks,” is an intentional misspelling of the renowned Memphis label Stax. This clever play on words is a subtle nod to the label that helped launch Redding’s career, most famously with songs like The Dock of the Bay and Respect. In this way, Otis Stacks connects itself to the rich history of soul music while simultaneously creating something new and exciting. The Sound When describing their musical style, the duo explains that they blend vintage synthesizers and Rhodes keyboards to craft a soulful atmosphere. The soulful soundscape is carefully designed by Munch to complement Wallace’s lyrics, which delve deep into themes like loss, reconciliation, and the complex emotions that arise between people who love one another. Through their unique synthesis of old-school soul vibes and modern beats, Otis Stacks creates a sound that is at once nostalgic and refreshingly original. So, if you’re in the mood for something different, take a moment to dive into Otis Stacks’ world and experience their rich, heartfelt sound that transcends genres. Song Suggestions from Otis Stacks This band has some amazing songs that go great on a chilling or studying playlist. Check Otis Stacks out on YouTube, YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer Final Thoughts Otis Stacks is a unique musical collaboration between Danish producer JustMike and American singer/emcee Elias Wallace, blending vintage synth soul and hip-hop beats. The band’s name pays tribute to legendary soul singer Otis Redding and the iconic Stax record label. Their thought-provoking lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, combining soulful melodies and contemporary vibes to create a distinct and enjoyable musical experience. All in all, Otis Stacks has lyrics that slap. From, “walking through the city with no cares / walking down the beach to slow stares / top floor elevator no stairs / but I’m not at home and it’s not fair “ to “I’m / and I kinda hate myself for / even being in this place”, there are written words that his audience relates to.

Photo by Prasanth Inturi on Meditation is an excellent practice that benefits both the mind and body. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress is often overwhelming, it is essential to find effective ways to unwind. Meditation, which has been practiced for approximately 1,500 years, offers a powerful solution to help individuals find inner peace. The rise of modern life, combined with the constant rush, can create feelings of anxiety and tension. However, meditation provides a simple yet profound way to release these burdens and clear your mind. The Role of Music in Meditating Music, which has existed for over 35,000 years, has long been used to soothe the soul. But how do meditating and music coincide? The answer lies in their shared ability to calm the mind. Many people enjoy listening to relaxing music while meditating, as it enhances their experience. For instance, some individuals may imagine sitting on a beach, feeling the soft breeze, or relaxing in a cozy cabin, listening to the soothing sound of rain tapping against the window while sitting next to a warm crackling fire. This imagery paired with music allows them to escape into a place of serenity. Music and Meditation: A Powerful Combination Furthermore, music is a beautiful way to express emotions, while meditation teaches individuals how to release these emotions and find peace within themselves. The types of music used for meditation can vary widely depending on the individual’s preferences. Some music is specifically designed for different meditation durations, measured in minutes or hours. Additionally, meditation music is categorized by specific calming sounds, such as rain, fireplace crackles, or calming piano melodies. Finding the Right Sounds for You Think about the sounds that relax you the most. Perhaps it’s the sound of a gentle stream or the comforting hum of nature. Everyone is unique, and their personal life experiences shape what brings them peace. With meditation, it’s about creating an environment that helps you disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. Exploring Music Genres for Meditation If you’re new to meditation, why not try incorporating music into your practice? It can greatly enhance the experience, guiding you into a state of tranquility. For inspiration, consider exploring music genres like ambient, classical, or new age, which are known for their calming and soothing qualities. Alternatively, you might enjoy nature-inspired sounds, such as ocean waves, bird songs, or rainfall. These genres can create the perfect atmosphere for meditation and relaxation. Photo by Pixabay on A Transformative Practice for Stress Relief Ultimately, we know that sounds and music have a profound impact on our minds and bodies. When combined with meditation, they create a powerful method to achieve calm and peace. So, the next time life feels overwhelming, take a moment to meditate, listen to calming music, and let yourself embrace tranquility. You might just discover a transformative way to handle stress and find peace in your hectic life. Thank you for supporting Switching Styles by Reading Meditation and Music!

Whether you’re aware of it or not, music has an impact on your mental and physical health and energy. Read below the guest post, “The Impact of Music on Your Mental and Physical Health and Energy” by Jessa Brooke. Music makes you feel, a slew of emotions that sometimes depend on your 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, and before you know it, you are speeding or zipping around a little faster? If so, you are certainly not alone! Why does music make us feel a certain way? Is it our emotions, the song’s words, or the beat? While all of these things can impact how a song makes us feel, other factors are also 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 song’s impact on our emotions and energy. Photo by Aline Viana Prado on When a slow song comes on during a workout, it has the potential to slow you down and 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 actually impact us physically as well. Photo by Anna Tarazevich on 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 own 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. In Conclusion 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 a subwoofer sound system. 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 to 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! Music has so many great benefits and we can all attest to the effects a great song can have on our mood. 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. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on High Vibing Songs Here are some amazing songs that provide a much-needed boost with a positive impact on your mind, body, and soul. “Silent Night Sound Bath” By Dynasty Electrik “Forest Bathing” By Dynasty Electrik “174 + 285 + 396 + 417 + 528 + 693 + 741 + 852 + 963 Hz Frequency Mix” By Walk Ower 121 “Sound Bath – Pure Frequency Specific Sound Baths | 30 Minutes Each Chakra” By Healing Vibrations

Almost There But Not Really is a Latinx indie group from the Southside of Chicago. With the genres of alternative Spanish rockdream popindie rockpost-punk, these Chicago local musicians showcase what it means to be musical. They play sad, sombre and sometimes political songs complete with chimney Fender guitars, syncopated rhythms, as well as ambient trails. This Chicago-based band has a range of amazing sounds. Releasing a collection of demos in the spring of 2021, ATBNR has persevered despite the pandemic impacting the entire world. On their Bandcamp account, they explain that “Emerging out of the pandemic is our first release, a set of our self-produced and recorded demos”. DEMOS Album Art by ATBNR Check out the Demos tracklist! All of their songs are available on Spotify. Their release isn’t the only thing that this band has persevered with. As soon as they were able to perform live, they did. Almost There But Not really Band Members During the Halloween of 2012, they performed a Halloween show at Magoos Bar and Grill alongside Death of Self, Alive Alone, Punch Club, Nikko Blue, and Sweet Hudson. With more shows coming up regularly, they’re not likely to stop providing awesome songs to their fans. Check out their upcoming shows on their Facebook page. Learn more about ATBNR right here and on Switching Styles!

The Zodiac killer film brings forth a murderous mystery in film form. Switching styles is bringing you everything you wanted or needed to know about the film’s soundtrack in this article Reviewing Zodiac (2007). “I like killing people because it is so much fun. [from segmented cipher, or coded message, sent to three local newspapers following the 1969 murders of Mike Mageau and Darlene Ferrin.]” —Zodiac Killer Introducing The Film as A Film Zodiac killer is a film about, well, the serial killer. Directed by David Fincher and based upon a screenplay by James Vanderbilt, Zodiac brings a horrifying cold case file to light. Based on the novel by Robert Graysmith, The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr.. Fun Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal was David Fincher’s very first choice for the starring role. If he had declined the role, the second choice was Orlando Bloom. The film follows the Zodiac killer, a case that’s been described as the most famous unsolved murder case in American history. Hunting in the San Francisco Bay Area between December 1968 and October 1969, the Zodiac killer murdered five victims that we know of. The name Zodiac killer came from the murderer himself. This is what he called himself in a series of letters and cards that he sends to regional newspapers. This was his way of taunting both the public and the police. These letters stopped in 1974. However, in his letters and ciphers, he claimed to have murdered 37 people. “The Zodiac usually targeted young couples in secluded areas. He used both guns and knives as weapons. On at least one occasion he wore an unusual costume. On two occasions he telephoned the police afterward to report his murders” Tom Voigt, the curator of Zodiackiller.com explains the killer’s M.O. or the modus operandi. For a film about a serial killer, this was a great film. This specific murder case inspired this critically acclaimed dramatic film Zodiac (2007), and the influential 1971 action film Dirty Harry, starring Clint Eastwood. Despite this film being a fantastic crime drama, it doesn’t bring much authenticity from the case. Voigt explains that “Zodiac” is an entertaining film. However, it’s only about 35% accurate.” For example, Robert Graysmith and Paul Avery were not friends. their amicable relationship was fictionalized for the film. Reviewing Zodiac (2007) Soundtrack This Is a film that you’d expect drama, intensity, and horror. One thing you may not expect is a soundtrack that is on fucking point. Originally, the director wanted the soundtrack to have more of a vintage feel by using popular movies during the nearly three decades of the investigation. Fincher and the music supervisor George Drakoulias explored songs of the era such as Three Dog Night‘s cover of “Easy to Be Hard“. The starting introduction song, “Easy to Be Hard” by Three Dog Night sets the mood for the film. It’s certainly a poignant first song with the lyrics, how can people be so heartless? How can people be so cruel? Easy to be hard Easy to be cold”. Adding in music that’s upbeat is chilling. That’s what the soundtrack adds to the film because this isn’t a horror movie. This film isn’t a story about a fictional serial killer like Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees. This is the Zodiac Killer that has killed 7 people within our lifetime. It’s real-life horror. Final Thoughts: Who Is the Zodiac Killer? In the end, we’re still left with eh question “Who is the Zodiac Killer?” If you’re like me, then having a story as scary and real as the Zodiac killer, you need closure. That’s what adds to the horror of these killings. There’s no one to hold accountable. Although they had a suspect in mind, authorities were never able to directly connect him to the crime. That’s what adds to the horror. It’s unsolved. There are many theories and many more questions to this case. It remains an unsolved murder. As of the April of 2004 was closed and remained inactive until March 2007. Though Napa County, Solano County, and the California Department of Justice have maintained an open file on this crime spree. The Zodiac killer is responsible for the deaths of David Arthur Faraday, Betty Lou Jensen, Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin, Cecelia Ann Shepard, Paul Lee Stine that we know of. There are over 30 potential victims of which we aren’t aware. May they rest in peace. Photo by Aviz from Pexels Want to know where I got my facts for Reviewing Zodiac (2007)? Check out my citations list below to learn more about the Zodiac Killer. Fagan, K (2021). Zodiac ‘340 Cipher’ cracked by code experts 51 years after it was sent to the S.F. Chronicle. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Zodiac-340-cypher-cracked-by-code-expert-51-years-15794943.php Graysmith, R (1976). Zodiac (1st ed.). Leah Asmelash and Cheri Mossburg, C (2021). After 51 years, the Zodiac Killer’s cipher has been solved by amateur code breakers. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/11/us/Zodiac-killer-cypher-340-code-trnd/index.html Sarah Moon and Cheri Mossburg, C (2021). Group claims it has solved the identity of the Zodiac Killer as law enforcement investigates. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/06/us/Zodiac-killer-identity-law-enforcement-investigation/index.html Voigt, T (2021). Homepage – ZODIACKILLER.COM. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://Zodiackiller.com/ Wang, H (2021). Half a century later, the Zodiac Killer’s identity is still a mystery. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://thevarsity.ca/2021/10/24/Zodiac-killer-discovery-unsolved/ Watchmojo.com (2021). Top 10 Things Zodiac Got Factually Right and Wrong. Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn9Jdc8fEQ4 Zodiac killer | History, Murders, Movie, Letters, Suspects, & Facts (2021). Retrieved 28 October 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zodiac-killer

KDrummer 16 Is a drummer working on his music career during the pandemic. Below he dives into your questions in a Q&A with Switching Styles. Photo by Josh Sorenson from Pexels Introduction The covid pandemic has impacted so many different aspects of the world. The Coronavirus pandemic has made it hard for many citizens around the world to function day to day. The pandemic has interrupted normal functions such as work, school, visiting family, recreation, entertainment to name only a few. The music industry is one of the hardest-hit industries. Musicians throughout the world are feeling the hardships of the COVID-19 lockdowns. KDrummer 16 is just one of the artists being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. KDrummer 16 provides “Fun, entertaining, and unique drum covers of hard rock and metal songs from various artists”. With drum covers such as “It is the End” by Ice Nine Kills, “Riot” by Three days grace, “Ticks and Leeches” by Tool, and so many more! Interview with KDrummer 16 and Covid-19 Below is a Q&A with Switching Styles and KDrummer 16 where we delve deeper into how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted him and his music career. What has your experience been during Covid-19? My experience with Covid-19 has been luckily minimal with bad news, but it has definitely impacted my life. I’m currently in school right now, and all of my classes are now online. My job is taking all the proper protocols to present the spread of the virus, and it’s been months since I have seen certain friends and family. For my musical pursuits, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in time to see my band a few times a month up until recently, when cases began to increase once again. My band, The Extremity Complexion, formed just before Covid-19. It’s been quite an interesting journey trying to write original material, perfect cover songs, and even promote ourselves. Luckily, we’ve put out quite a bit of material given our circumstances, and I’m hopeful for the future that lies ahead with the band! How has it changed since March? Right now, not too much has changed for me since March. With case numbers rising again, we were put on quarantine for another three weeks. With that comes limited contact with my friends and family as it was like in March. However, during the summer months, I lived a semi-normal life again, which was very nice! I practiced with my band, started a new job, and was able to do short vacations throughout those months. Wearing P.P.E has become a new normal for me, and even though it’s been almost a year, not too much has changed with the state I’m living in and how I view this whole pandemic. What impact has it had on the music industry? Unfortunately, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the music industry. Bands are unable to tour, and some are unable to record new material. With all of this time now available, many bands have written entire albums to generate revenue once again, which is good. Musicians had to make a shift on connecting with their fans, and many have done it well; live streams, drive-in concerts, and virtual performances are now a new normal. For new artists, to be discovered requires an expansive social media outlet compared to the normal playing gigs and becoming known approach. What are the supports available for musicians? Supports available for musicians ultimately boil down to the fans and followers. To make a career out of music involves other people to enjoy what one puts out, creating a dependency on the artists from the fans. For these artists to have support during these unique times, fans need to purchase merchandise and to show that they still want to hear from the artists. In turn, the artists will put out new material creating a cycle of buying and selling that the music industry needs to thrive. Are the supports enough? In my opinion, the supports are enough given the circumstances. Some fans can’t afford to support the artists the way they want to because of the financial pit they may be in. With many people on unemployment, spending money on wants instead of needs isn’t logical, and that causes the support musicians need to not be as good as it could be. But it’s enough for the musicians now because they too are struggling during these times. How have you seen the music industry change or adapt? As mentioned before, I’ve seen the music industry shift toward social media and virtual forms of material. Instead of playing live, bands are now doing virtual and live streams to connect with the fans. But live performances are still happening, with drive-in concerts becoming quite popular. Since March, I’ve watched about three virtual concerts, and I enjoyed all of them because it gave me camera angles unable to be seen experienced at actual concerts. However, nothing is quite as exhilarating as the actual in-person concerts that so many people are missing during these times. What advice would you give to musicians that are struggling? The advice I’d give to musicians struggling during Covid-19 is to just keep trying to promote yourself on all forms of social media. Even if you start with small amounts of likes and views, the more material you put out, the more followers and fans you’ll gain. People are desperate for entertainment now. If the material you put out is something people are interested in, I guarantee the views will begin to climb! Concluding Thoughts Being a musician during a pandemic is a difficult thing to maneuver. Whether it’s attempting to book shows as they’re constantly being cancelled or having to reschedule for some time in the far distant foggy future, it’s rough. Live music has certainly taken a hit throughout the world.

With Ether is made up of two amazing musicians. Simon Leong and Alasdair Poon are an Acoustic Guitar Duo that specializes in Guitar music, Covers, Originals themed around video games, anime, and pop culture. “In Japanese Role-Playing video games, Ether is an item commonly used to restore the player’s life force; in 2009, we formed with a mission statement to create music with that same healing quality,” they explain the inspiration for their namesake in their website. They’ve received 8,678,531 views on their YouTube Channel since February 26, 2011. Their instrumental music is amazing, to say the very least. With skillful and intricate guitar duet arrangements, they have gained revered praise from composers such as Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill) and Noriyuki Iwadare (Grandia) and been featured by Capcom Unity. Meeting in 2008, Simon and Al discovered their kindred musical spirits. Two years later, they started their guitar duo under the name With Ether to commemorate their shared passion for video games and popular media. With Ether Originals They also have their original work that is fantastic to listen to. With Simon living in his hometown in Thailand and Al continuing to live in the UK, it’s been interesting for them to continue making music as a team. With the help of split-screen videos and online music production, they can bring their musical talent to the rest of the world. Here are a few examples of their original music for your listening pleasure. “Two Steps Away” by Alasdair Poon, performed and recorded by Simon Leong and Alasdair Poon “In One Hour” by Alasdair Poon and Simon Leong, Video vignette by Stephanie Leong. “The Ebb and Flow” is an Original Acoustic Instrumental, Written and performed by Simon Leong and Alasdair Poon Highlighted Covers Switching styles is here for the music quality in general and more specifically for their covers. Simon and Al bring their passion for music. They are also passionate about the artistic content of video games and popular media. Combined, this passion makes for some amazing covers. “With only two guitars, it’s not possible to replicate the magnitude and scope of these huge orchestral arrangements, so it’s important to take advantage of the unique aspects and physicality of the guitar to give the arrangements its own twist, rather than be married to the idea of sounding just like the original,” When asked about creating covers, Al Poon explains that, “You want to be faithful to the original, but you want to create something people will want to listen to based on its own merits as well”. “Acoustic Guitar Cover of Silent Hill Medley” Originally Composed by Akira Yamaoka “Toss A Coin to Your Witcher” by With Ether Originally by Sonya Belousova, Giona Ostinelli, Joey Batey, Marcin Przybylowicz and Percival. “Metal Gear Solid” by With Ether Originally Composed by Tappi Iwase and Harry Gregson-Williams. “Mortal Kombat Theme” Music Originally by Techno Syndrome “Pokémon Medley” Acoustic Guitar Cover by With Ether, originally by Pokémon

Introducing Cloud9; Esports Meets Video Games Companies such as Cloud9 have expanded upon playing video games competitively by adding a community aspect to it. Esports began as a subcategory of both the sports and gaming industry. They’ve made video games a spectator sport. That’s the element that brings esports the success it has. Founded and currently owned by Jack and Paullie Etienne, Cloud9 is just one example. Introducing Cloud9, a company that’s taken competitive sports and combined it with entertainment technology within the Cloud9 community. Becoming one of the best-known Esport companies, Cloud9 is worth an estimated $350 million. What Are Esports? Esports, or Electronic Sports, is a form of competitive sport focusing on video games. These competitions are structured as organized multiplayer video game competitions with professional players. These professional players compete both as individuals and teams. Competition in video games was already there. Esports took it to another level. What makes Cloud9 Different? Starting in 2013, Cloud9 has become a worldwide esports organization with championships. They boast of being the best in the business, “With championships industry-wide, unmatched viewership hours, and extensive benefits packages for players and staff, Cloud9 prides itself on being the best in all categories”. They have a range of games including Apex Legends, British Hurricane, Chess, Fortnite, Halo, League of Legends, London Spitfire, Super Smash Bros Melee, Valorant Blue, Wild Rift, World of Warcraft among many more. Of these games, League of Legends is one of the most popular and most watched Esport throughout the world. However, League of Legends isn’t leading when it comes to prize money. The top five esports games based solely on the maximum prize money awarded are Dota 2 ($231,180,489.52), Counterstrike: Global Offensive ($110,688,306.47), Fortnite ($99,362,917.41), League of Legends ($82,056,088.16), and StarCraft II ($34,695,574.78). (Esports Earnings, 2021) Music From League of Legends League of legends, as stated previously is one of the most popular games provided through Cloud9. Below is a highlighted list of amazing League of Legends music for your next gaming session. Sunday Morning LoLz by 菇菇窩 “Get Jinxed” Wønder, Originally By League Of Legends “Legends Never Die” Cover By J.Fla, originally by League of Legends “Phoenix” By Tj Brown And Lunity, originally by League of Legends “Legends Never Die” Cover By By Jonathan Young And Jordan Radvansky “Giants” Cover By Caleb Hyles, Originally By True Damage “Phoenix” By SOLENCE, originally by League of Legends “Warriors” Originally By Imagin Dragons, Cover By 2WEI And Edda Hayes “Awaken” By Wønder, Originally By League Of Legends Final Thoughts It’s more than a video game; more than a single stream. This is more than just watching because they’ve engaged the audience.

When it comes to considering hold music for any kind of business it’s important to consider hold music from the view of the customer. Hold Music adds to the stresses of being on hold. Everyone has had to endure it in one way or another. The modern world is built on technology, including a lot of phone calls and, thus, a lot of hold music. Music while on hold is everywhere. It could be a simple call to book a doctor’s appointment or a therapy appointment. It could also be a more extended call while waiting on the Alberta Government. Photo by Marcus Aurelius on When reaching out to customer or technical service representatives, it’s not uncommon to be put on hold. While waiting, you may have noticed soothing background music playing. This is known as Music-On-Hold, MOH, or Phone Hold Music. Its purpose is to alleviate the frustration and boredom of waiting on the phone. The inclusion of hold music is intended to make the wait more manageable and less stressful. By providing a calming soundtrack, customers can better remain patient and composed while their concerns are addressed. Ultimately, hold music is valuable in improving the overall customer service experience. Is Hold Music Better Than Silence? Really? Many wonder if hold music is better than silence while waiting for a phone call. The answer is, in fact, yes. Although some hold music may not be the most enjoyable to listen to, it enhances the waiting experience for callers. Without hold music, the silence could cause anxiety or frustration for the caller, leading to a negative overall experience. Therefore, hold music remains a common practice in the customer service industry. Face it; the average person doesn’t like silence. The reason that Music makes waiting better is that you have something pleasant to focus on. Also, Music makes it seem like less time has passed. Photo by Pixabay on Why is Hold Music Better Than Silence? “Music is a powerful emotional stimulus that changes our relationship with time. Time does indeed seem to fly when listening to pleasant music,” Psychology Today explains. “Hearing pleasant music seems to divert attention away from time processing. Moreover, this attention-related shortening effect appears to be greater in the case of calm Music with a slow tempo.” Photo by Tofros.com on The USA Business Telephone Today Center studied the impact of keeping customers on hold with and without Music for one minute to see how their reactions differed. The first group of people, a sample size of 10,000, was placed on hold for one minute in complete silence. It went about as well as you’d expect. More than 50% of callers hung up before one minute was over. 45% of callers who stayed on the call thought they spent between three and five minutes on hold, which, based on their time perception, is a much higher amount of time. Another group of equal size was placed on hold and given the amenity of on-hold music to occupy their time. Interestingly, this group exhibited distinct behaviours compared to the initial group, who were not provided background music during their waiting period. Just 13% of people hung up the phone. Then 31% of callers thought their total hold time exceeded 60 seconds. Over half (56%) of people considered their hold time less than a minute. Thus with hold music, people are comfortable waiting longer. It simply helps the time pass faster. Why Does PhoneHold Music Suck? Although this Music can suck simply because it’s not good quality music, typically, It’s the phone system that’s used instead of the Music. If the hold music being played during a phone call sounds distorted or low-quality, it is essential to note that this is likely due to a technical limitation of the phone system. Specifically, phone systems are optimized for human voices with a different range and sound profile than music. Therefore, informing the representative on the other end of the line may be helpful if the hold music is unpleasant or difficult to listen to. By doing so, they may be able to adjust the settings or provide alternative music options that are more suitable for the phone system. Popular Songs Examples “Dreaming Of You” By The Coral (2002)“Proud” By Heather Small (2012) “Stars” By The Simple Red (2009) “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” By Whitney Houston (1987) “Easy” By The Commodores (1977) Final Thoughts; Hold Music From The View Of The Customer Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! We value your feedback and are interested in understanding your experience with hold music from a customer’s perspective. Photo by Yan Krukau on

“Shining brightly from Canada’s Far North, Adrian Sutherland is pleased to release a second single today. It is in advance of his debut solo album,” explains a press release from RAS Creative that promoted his musical work. “When I first heard Once That Was You, it struck me as the sound of heartbreak and humility – grace under pain…. And like another conduit of emotion – the great Roy Orbison – Adrian’s voice cried out for strings and atmosphere to deliver the message,” adds Colin Linden, the album’s music producer. Adrian Sutherland has released more music for your listening pleasure. Once That Was You is one of seven songs within Sutherland’s album debut. Listen to the single on SoundCloud today! The album, “When the Magic Hits” is set to be released in mid-September. Keep your eyes out for the release on September 17, 2021. “After building his own recording studio in a sea-can out of necessity during the pandemic, Adrian completed tracking for his debut solo album. He also finished scoring his first television series and began writing his first book for Penguin Random House Canada about growing up in Attawapiskat – a remote and sometimes harsh place he still chooses to call home,” reads the press release. Reviewing the Single by Sutherland Once That Was You is the second single within the debut album. Sutherland’s smooth voice has continued to provide a beautiful listening experience with such powerful emotions. This song has accurately been described as a “beautiful ballad about yearning for lost connections” by RAS Creative. Co-written with Jay Semko, this song provides such emotion with provoking lyrics. “Once That Was You is about longing for something or someone who touched your heart deeply. We were writing this song while everything was shutting down by the minute. It felt like the end of the world, that’s how we were both feeling – that line actually opens the song,” says Sutherland. “It’s definitely a ballad, probably the first real ballad I’ve ever written. Jay writes from a place of deep emotion, and that approach was at the heart of our writing session.” “Sometimes songs are there waiting to be brought into our world. Adrian is such a natural writer and, despite the strange circumstances we were creating under, the words and music just organically flowed. It was an amazing cosmic connection. I remember feeling a real sense of serenity as we finished writing the song,” Adds Jay Semko. Other artists on the album are incredible, including Chris Gormley and Matt Gormley. It also features Scott Dibble, Tim Vesely, Colin Cripps, and Serena Ryder. Together they combine to create a fantastic album. Once That Was You was produced, engineered, and mixed by Linden. Fun Fact: Linden also performs the guitar throughout the track. “Colin did an amazing job drawing you into the melody of this song. When he suggested adding strings to it, I loved that idea! It turned out even more beautiful than I ever imagined it could be,” said Sutherland. Who is Adrian Sutherland? Singer, songwriter, musician, writer, speaker, and advocate; Sutherland has quite the collection of roles. as a musician, he is a roots-rock recording artist. There’s more to his work than just talent. His heart is from Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay. He’s a traditional knowledge keeper and a respected cultural leader. He is fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree. He has a growing family as a father of four and grandfather to four grandchildren. “Adrian cares deeply about many causes and is using his music and voice to share the first-hand perspective on issues facing First Nations like contaminated water, housing shortages, food insecurity, addiction, and mental health. At a time of growing awareness about Reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to better understand one another, and take further steps together,” reads the press release. Learn more about Adrian Sutherland at www.adriansutherlandmusic.com.

Let’s start this tribute to Robin Williams in the best possible way by saying ‘Happy Birthday‘ and maybe more importantly, ‘Thank you!’. Robin Williams has been an inspiration to millions. He’s been a personal inspiration to me for his humour, his smile, and for the joy that he gave the world, even when that joy sometimes escaped him. Williams was a comedian and entertainer until his death in 2014, when he died by suicide as a result of his struggle with Lewy body disease. American actor and comedian Robin Williams (1951–2014) appeared in films, television, and video games over a career that lasted nearly four decades. Renowned for his rapid-fire, improvisational style and his portrayal of a diverse range of characters, he was characterized by Screen Actors Guild president Ken Howard as "a performer of limitless versatility, equally adept at comedy and drama, whether scripted or improv". He is frequently considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. It always hurts a bit to remember those who meant so much to us. But this isn’t meant to make you sad, but instead to bring joy in tribute to and in memory of Mr. Williams. Here are a few covers of ‘A Friend Like Me’ to remember the friend we all had in Robin Williams. Electro Swing Remix of “A Friend Like Me” by Dave Wave “A Friend Like Me” Female Cover by Annapantsu “A Friend like me” Capella Cover by DCappella “A Friend Like Me” Vintage 1920s Jazz Cover By Swing’it Dixieband “A Friend Like Me” Metal Cover by PelleK Comment your favorite memory of Robin Williams!