video, un: angel

[schmisse]

Hello. My name is Weiss Schnee.

[ This is how she usually starts her video posts. Best to introduce herself to everyone first, after all! ]

My sister, Winter Schnee, isn't in Lunatia anymore. It's been a few days since, and for those who know her or are... [ A short pause. She's not quite sure if she should say the next word, so when she does, it's accompanied with a very unsure expression and airquotes. ] "friends", the Moon Knights and Lunar Scientia believe that it's because she couldn't produce enough Chroma.

I won't go into the details of the situation of Atlas, our Kingdom, but Winter has been working hard ever since she joined the military. It was nice to see her get to know people here, since she doesn't spend the little free time she has with other people. I'll probably get slapped in the head for saying this, but Winter's not here! So... thanks for keeping Winter company here.

... [ She looks to the side. That was awkward, having to thank a population for being her sister's friend. But she's sure Winter would have done the same for her. While she's here, though, and because she doesn't want to end on an awkward note, she figures out something else to say. ] Oh, and... I suppose since I'm already here—

I'd like to learn how to write songs. Lyrics, specifically. What are some of your favourite lyrics from songs you're fond of? Maybe then I can get some inspiration.

Anyway, that's it. Thank you for your time.

Comments

[schmisse]

Definitely difficult. I want to be sincere with my music, but the words don't sound pretty in my head at all!

[koboreta]

Even if it doesn't sound nice, have you tried writing them down? The first time I wrote a song, putting everything on paper and seeing it all at once really helped.

After that, you can go back and string them together to make something that sounds pleasant.

[schmisse]

Yeah... I write them down, but then throw the papers away because I'm not pleased at all.

[ Perfectionist habits... ]

I've never really tried something like that before. Do you mean you rearrange the lyrics from how you've written it initially?

[koboreta]

I see. For me, the most difficult part was sorting out what I wanted to say at all. So I had to do a bit of soul-searching and jotted down everything I wanted to express.

They sounded nothing like lyrics at first. It was mostly just short phrases and words that didn't make sense, but seeing them all on paper gave me a starting point. Anyone would laugh if they could see how many drafts I have when I write, but I have to remind myself that they don't have to be perfect right away.

Also, I often come up with the best lyrics when I'm not sitting down and trying to come up with them, so I'd suggest keeping a notebook close by at all times. You may surprise yourself by thinking of something when you least expect it!

[How many times now has he dashed out of the shower to write something down?]

[schmisse]

These are all really great ideas. I'll be sure to keep a notebook with me at all times.

[ It's honestly a great start, she thinks. Weiss tends to think about things in an organised manner, but if she just does things freely and organise later, that might actually get her somewhere in terms of songwriting! ]

So... what kinds of songs have you written? What's a verse you're rather proud of?

[koboreta]

I hope it helped. I think you'll really benefit from having one. If I forget mine, I wind up jotting notes in the back of my planner or on any scratch paper I can find.

[That makes two of them, then!]

I'm an idol, but I wouldn't say I write very idol-like songs, so I originally had trouble finding a balance between my personal taste and what's marketable. But I think I found a nice balance.

I tend to base songs off of my real life, whether it's soft rock songs or love songs or something in-between. But picking one verse is hard, since I feel like it doesn't resonate without the music tied to it. Does that make sense?

What kind of music are you trying to write?

[schmisse]

An idol, huh? I've met a few here... their life seems complicated.

As for myself, my manager wants me to write love songs. They're popular and easy to sing, I guess... I'm not exactly the kind of person comfortable proclaiming my love for someone through song for everyone to hear. But... I think I get it. I do want to dabble more in pop, so it makes sense to start there.

[koboreta]

I can't say it isn't stressful at times, but it's worthwhile. The nature of this world means that the lifestyle of an idol isn't quite as restricting as it was back home, but...

Ah, love songs. They're easy for people to relate to, so they resonate well, especially if they're catchy. But I find that they're surprisingly difficult to write if you want to be heartfelt as well.

Instead of romantic love, could your love songs be about other types of love? Love for the things and people around you, or a certain place or vision...

[schmisse]

That's certainly an idea... I didn't think of writing about... well, a subject that's not a person. I'll try something out.

I met an idol before... he lives in Japan. He said that idols can't have romantic relationships.

[koboreta]

My first song was partially about my love for music. When I put my heart into it, I found that my feelings flowed more freely. Maybe something similar would happen for you too.

Fufu. I wonder if I know him.

I'm an idol from Japan as well. Things are different here, but the industry back home is rather strict.

[schmisse]

Maybe? His name's Tsumugi. Tsumugi Aoba.

I don't think I could have a life like that, you know? I like being able to do what I want to do. A life where people decide what I can and can't do isn't something I want to go back to.

[koboreta]

Ah, yes. We spoke some time ago, but it's been a long while since I've heard from him.

I see... So you've had experience with that as well. I was raised like that, so making the choice to be an idol is one of the first things I was able to do for myself. Maybe it's because of that, but I don't see it as limiting.

The industry may be somewhat rigid in terms of relationships and public image, but my agency is nothing but wonderful and easygoing, even though we work hard. Being able to do what I want for myself makes me feel more free than I ever have before.

Lunatia is much different, but do you feel that you're given enough freedom with your work here?

[schmisse]

Being here is a little different.

I make music and I perform, but I'm also a Moon Knight. There are certain ideals and traits that a Moon Knight has to uphold. Not that I intend to let loose and go crazy like other people do, anyway.

But I'd like to believe that I'm free here. My situation here is definitely a lot better compared to how it is back in Remnant.

[koboreta]

A Moon Knight! I see. Even with those things expected of you, I can see how it would feel freeing. I'm glad you're able to embrace it.

That's what being an idol is like for me too. It seems like we have some similarities, in the end.

[schmisse]

I guess these things really depend on how you see it.

[ She'd certainly find the idol life very constricting! ]

I think I'll try and write something now. Not about someone, but an actual thing. I guess not all love songs are about people.

[koboreta]

That's great to hear. Good luck! I hope it comes more easily to you.