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The Inextricably Deep World of Vaporwave
My first encounter with the strange music genre of vaporwave happened when I was about 14, scrolling through the gritty meme recess that was iFunny. I remember seeing photos that all had the same sort of elements: an Apollo head bust, a cyber grid of neon colors, palm trees, and outdated fonts. These were strangely captivating, but also unsettling.
Usually these photos were accompanied by music that I could only describe as the kind of elevator music that must have played in a hotel that was built in 1983, and is in desperate need of a renovation. It wasn’t until just recently that my boyfriend taught me the name of the album that the strangely haunting elevator music came from: Floral Shoppe by Macintosh Plus. As it turns out, the nostalgia-inducing images and music that captivated me as a 14-year-old were all part of a budding genre of music called vaporwave, and I was very right to feel unsettled.
WHAT IS VAPORWAVE?
Vaporwave is both an aesthetic and genre of music that is meant to induce nostalgia, especially for the ’80s and early ’90s, and a longing for what we imagined the future would be like back in the 1980s. The driving theme behind vaporwave is that it makes you long for a future that never happened. Vaporwave music is often composed of samples of songs from the 1970s and 80s. These are usually pitched down, slowed, and resynthesized in order to create a thick heavy sound, like something is weighing you down and pulling you back in time.
One distinctive feature of vaporwave is its fixation with Japanese language and culture. There are countless album and track titles in cryptic Japanese, which are more often than not completely unreadable to the mostly Western audience of vaporwave. Many artists even sample clips of dialogue from retro Japanese anime films, commercials, and news reels. This element of vaporwave is also tied up in its constant pursuit of awakening nostalgia. Japan enjoyed an economic boom throughout the 1980s, which is now recognized as Japan’s Bubble Economy, that would eventually come crashing down in the 1990s. Before this devastating pop, Japan was praised for its thriving business models and became a model of technological innovation in the western mind for more than a decade.
Additionally, with the success of entertainment and tech industries like Sony and Nintendo, Japan appeared to be the country that was building the future, one that looked shiny, new, and full of promise.
Perhaps the best way to understand the nostalgia-obsessed mess that is vaporwave is through Jaques Derrida’s concept of Hauntology, as proposed in “The Philosophy of Vaporwave” by the website Vapor95. According to Derrida, humans can only understand the present through past experiences and anticipation of the future. Therefore, humans never truly live “in the moment.” What we understand to be the present is always defined by our pasts along with what we anticipate to follow in the future, and is thereby never truly “just” the sensations at present. In other words, the concept of Hauntology is that humans are always haunted by the past and the futures that have yet to happen.
This tendency to filter the present through our past experiences is what gives vaporwave that undeniably nostalgic sound. Most of us have heard old music from decades long gone by. For example, if a song is full of synth and heavy reverb, you will likely identify it as some musical relic of the ’80s, which will then open up a floodgate in your mind of your experience with ’80s culture, whether that be other songs, movies, or photos of your parents from that time. To hear these outdated musical trends once again given new life through being resynthesized and paired with grainy imagery from these decades is like rolling up your sleeve and shooting your arm up with the heaviest dose of nostalgia.
SOME BRANCHES OF VAPORWAVE
The vaporwave genre is laden with subgenres, some of which are so similar that it feels superfluous to differentiate them at all. However, as someone who has listened to vaporwave for a few years now, here are some of the subgenres that I personally think deserve to be recognized, as they exemplify the many sides of the genre, ranging from ethereal or funky to downright creepy.
FUTURE FUNK
Future Funk is the more jovial branch of vaporwave. It often samples from the choruses of funk and motown music from the ’70s and early ’80s, and especially uses シティ・ポップ (City Pop), which is essentially just pop music from 1980s Japan. Future Funk sounds like what you’d imagine playing at some raging night club in the late ’70s, where everyone is young, beautiful, and having the time of their lives. Simply speaking, It’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to dance.
In the Mallsoft genre, vaporwave allows listeners to reflect on society, especially on consumerism and the influence it has on the way we experience nostalgia. If you search up “Mallsoft” on YouTube, you will be inundated with sweeping shots of lush malls aesthetically decorated with palm trees and fountains at every corner. These are the malls that some of us might remember from shopping with our parents in the late ’90s or maybe even early 2000s. As Pad Chennington, a vaporwave music producer who also runs a Youtube channel dedicated to analysis of the genre, says in his video The Hyperconsumerism of “Mallsoft”, “hyperconsumerism is an unavoidable aurora of the 80s and 90s shopping world we all once lived in, provoked by the shop ‘til you drop atmosphere of those big mean department stores and malls all across America.” Chennington goes on to argue that as technology progressed, shopping became dominated by online retailers. which has led to essentially the death of the shopping mall.
The absence of that large comforting presence drenched in shopper’s high that was once the American shopping mall has left a nostalgic hole in our hearts. This emptiness bred the genre of Mallsoft. Musically speaking, Mallsoft is essentially jazzy elevator music, reverb-ed to high hell so that it sounds like it’s being blasted on speakers and echoing throughout some desolate mall, a relic of the ’80s. As you might imagine, it can sound like cheery background music or like what might play during the end credits to the end of time. Mallsoft plays into the nostalgia we have around shopping malls, romanticizing while poking fun at our consumerist nature.
VAPORTRAP
As you might have already deduced by the name, Vaportrap is a fusion of vaporwave and trap music. Vaportrap is what you put on to party, but in a thoughtful way. Much in the vein of Vaporwave, Vaportrap utilizes sound bites that are meant to induce nostalgia through memories of older technology. For example, many Vaportrap songs construct beats around sound effects from old Nintendo 64 games or the notorious Windows 95 boot up sound. However, it is also driven by hard-hitting, relentless beats that make you want to rave.
AMBIENT
Ambient vaporwave on the other hand, is not typically the type of music that you would turn on to jam out to. It usually features nature sounds, heavy synth, and frequencies. As the name indicates, ambient vaporwave focuses more on creating ambience, on building an auditory landscape that you could sink into.
SYNTHWAVE
Synthwave is one of my personal favorite subgenres of vaporwave. This subgenre is full of synth and mesmerizing beats. Perhaps the best way to define what synthwave sounds like is to first start off with the aesthetic that is inseparable from the music. If you google “synthwave,” you’ll likely see a thousand suns overlooking a thousand different cybergrid horizons. Because of its smooth, repetitive rhythm, synthwave is regarded as the perfect music to drive to if you want to lose sense of time while feeling like the protagonist in a cyberpunk dystopia movie, happily (but thoughtfully) driving away as the end credits roll.
SO WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THIS AT ALL?
I regard vaporwave as different from the other genres of music I listen to. If I had to describe the feeling I have towards vaporwave, I’d say it’s morbid curiosity. To me, vaporwave is a lot more like walking into an art museum than turning a playlist on shuffle, but that’s exactly why I always come back to it. The concept behind vaporwave is trying to get in touch with the future as we imagined it in the ’80s and early ’90s, but doing this through musical artifacts of the past, creating a heavy dissonance and the sense of being lost in time. I can’t say that I’ve experienced even a single day of the 1980s, and if you’re reading this, chances are that you might not have either. So, why am I, like so many other young westerners, attracted to this weird, cryptic genre of music?
Are we all so dissatisfied with our present that we’d rather retreat back into a past that none of us have personally known? Do we want to get in touch with the sense of hopefulness and promise that the future was regarded with back in the days when our parents were teenagers? These fatalistic takes do seem to intersect with Generation Z’s undeniable fascination with all things retro, which has revived the record industry, fashion from the ’80s and ’90s, and old sounding music.
However, as we all know from watching sci-fi movies that took shots at predicting what capitalist dominated futures we had in store for us, like Back to the Future Part ll, Blade Runner, or Brave New World, often the future never holds the things early generations imagined it would and many times, that’s for the better. So, no, I don’t think my generation is hopelessly depressed and longing for the past. I do think however, that the past is always comforting, by virtue of it having already been experienced and therefore being known to us. The past holds no surprises, but can stand as something we can look back on reflectively through the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia.
Vaporwave is a genre of music that plays with this truth. It is overflowing with a strange, synthetic sense of nostalgia reminding us that maybe the past wasn’t as sweet as we remembered it, and maybe the future never played out like we thought it would. But, oh, isn’t it fun to pretend if only for a little while?
VAPORWAVE STARTER PLAYLIST
When it comes to music, words can only do so much. So, for anyone who doesn’t mind falling into the rabbit hole that is vaporwave, I’ve made a Spotify playlist and Youtube playlist full of tracks from the genres I mentioned above! Unfortunately, many vaporwave tracks and albums can only be found on Youtube, so the two are not identical to each other. For anyone interested or who has the time, check out both!
Are you tired of dealing with hard water in your home? Hard water can cause various problems, from leaving residue on dishes and appliances to clogging pipes and reducing the efficiency of your plumbing system. If you’re looking for an easy and effective solution, a water softener may be just what you need.
This article will share some knowledge and tips on choosing the best water softener for your home.
Are you looking for a company that offers top-rated water softener installation services in Missoula, MT? Click the link in the previous sentence and start enjoying the benefits of a high-quality water softener in your home today.
Understand your water hardness level
The initial step in choosing a water softener is understanding your water’s hardness level. You can find this out by conducting a simple water test, which can be done at home with a test kit or through a professional service. Knowing your water’s hardness level will help you determine the type and size of water softener needed for your home.
Consider your household size
Another important consideration when selecting a water softener is the size of your household. The larger the household, the more water will need to be softened. This means that you’ll need a larger capacity water softener. On average, a water softener with a capacity of up to 33,000 grains is suitable for a household of 1-2 people, while a household of 5 or more people will require a capacity of at least 80,000.
Types of water softeners
Water softeners come in three main types: ion exchange, salt-free, and magnetic. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand the differences before deciding.
- Ion exchange: This is the most common type of water softener, using resin beads to eliminate calcium and magnesium ions from hard water. These systems are effective but require regular maintenance and the addition of salt.
- Salt-free: This type of water softener uses a different process called template-assisted crystallization to neutralize minerals in the water, making them unable to stick to surfaces. While it doesn’t require salt or maintenance, it may not be as effective for extremely hard water.
- Magnetic: These water softeners use magnets to change the chemical structure of minerals in the water, stopping them from sticking to surfaces. They are low-maintenance and don’t require electricity or salt, but they may not be as effective as other types.
Consider your budget
Water softeners can cost from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. When choosing a water softener, consider your budget and the additional costs of maintenance and salt refills for ion exchange systems. Remember that a higher upfront cost may result in longer-term savings on energy bills and appliance repairs.
Think about space
Water softeners come in various sizes, so it’s essential to consider the space you have available for installation. Typically, they are installed near the main water line, requiring enough room for access and potential future maintenance or repairs.
Research brands and reviews
Before deciding, research different brands and read reviews from other customers. This can give you valuable insight into various water softener brands’ quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Consider additional features
Some water softeners include additional features like a backwash cycle or salt-saving options. These may be worth considering if you want to minimize maintenance and operating costs.
Seek professional help
Installing a water softener can be complicated, especially for those without plumbing experience. Seeking professional help from a reputable company can ensure your water softener is installed correctly and properly functioning.
Conclusion
Choosing the best water softener for your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can make an informed decision by understanding your water hardness level, household size, budget, and available space and researching different types and brands of water softeners.
If you need assistance with installation, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With the right water softener, you can say goodbye to hard water and enjoy softer, cleaner water in your home.
Are you looking for effective plumbing solutions in Victorville? Plumbing issues can disrupt your entire day, leading to stress and hassle. That is why it is crucial to have a trusted, efficient plumber at your service.
A reliable plumber Victorville can save you time and money and the headache of poor workmanship. Here, we will cover all the key factors to help you choose the right plumber. Following these tips will ensure smooth repairs and peace of mind.
Check for Proper Licensing and Certification
The first step in selecting an expert in Victorville is checking their licensing and certifications. A licensed plumber follows industry standards and ensures compliance with regulations. Verifying credentials protects you from unqualified professionals who might cause more harm. Always confirm that the plumber’s license is current and valid in your local area.
Experience and Specialization
Experience is essential when selecting a plumbing agency in Victorville. A professional with several years of experience has likely handled various sanitary challenges. This hands-on experience enables them to diagnose problems quickly and effectively. Find an expert specializing in the specific work you need, like sewer line repairs or installations.
Ask for Recommendations and Reviews
One effective way to find an efficient professional in Victorville is to ask for recommendations. Ask friends or neighbors if they have worked with an expert they can trust. Online reviews are also valuable for gauging a plumber’s reliability and work quality. It is wise to choose someone with consistently positive reviews from previous customers.
Availability and Response Time
Pipework emergencies can happen anytime, so choose an agency that provides round-the-clock service. A reliable plumber should be able to handle emergencies swiftly to prevent extensive damage. Quick response times are equally important to minimize damage and avoid costly repairs. Prompt arrival can make all the difference in an emergency.
Get Detailed Quotes
Before hiring any plumber, ensure you receive a detailed written quote. The quote should include costs for labor, materials, and any additional charges. Comparing quotes from multiple agencies helps you understand the market rate and avoid being overcharged. A written estimate also protects you from surprises later.
Warranty and Guarantees
A reliable plumbing agency will back its work with warranties and guarantees. This shows confidence in their skills and a commitment to customer satisfaction. A warranty ensures they will return to fix any issues without additional costs. Always review the warranty terms to know what is covered and how long.
Insurance and Safety Compliance
Hiring a professional in Victorville with proper insurance is essential for safety and protection. Insurance covers the plumber and you in case of accidents or damages during the job. Make sure the agency follows all safety regulations and protocols. A safety-conscious team minimizes risks and ensures a secure worksite.
Customer Service and Communication
Good customer service and clear communication are critical qualities of a trustworthy agency. You want an expert who listens to your concerns and keeps you informed throughout the project. A plumbing team with excellent communication makes the entire process smoother and stress-free. Positive interactions build trust and enhance the overall experience.
Check for Local Knowledge
An expert with local knowledge can be an added advantage. Familiarity with the local infrastructure and codes makes them better equipped to handle local drainage issues. Local experts also have established relationships with suppliers, ensuring quick access to materials. Their knowledge ensures compliance with local regulations.
Choosing the best plumber in Victorville requires more than simply selecting the first search result. Considering the above-mentioned factors will ensure better results when selecting an efficient plumbing solution. By taking the time to evaluate these elements, you will make a more informed choice. Keep these tips in mind for a hassle-free plumbing experience.
Thinking of restoring your floors with style but on a budget? The perfect design treatment for you might be wood-look tile flooring This new flooring type combines the timeless beauty and durability of hardwood with the practical performance of ceramic tile. Here’s why wood-look tile flooring is among today’s most innovative interior design elements.
Durability Meets Aesthetic Appeal
When it comes to flooring, durability is key. Wood-look tile flooring offers an unmatched blend of strength and style.
Built to Last
As far as appearance goes, the wood-appearance tiles are way more durable than natural wood, which generally ends up scratching, getting dents, or being deformed with time. Tiles easily resist heavy traffic, pet claws, and occasional dropped items without showing signs of wear. This makes them ideal for busy households or commercial spaces where both factors—appearance and longevity—are extremely important.
Did you know? Wood look tile flooring can last over 20 years, compared to traditional hardwood’s 10-15 year lifespan.
Water-Resistant Wonder
Perhaps one of the worst qualities that real wood possesses is easily succumbing to water. Wood look tiles have absolutely no problem with water. These are areas where you can install these tiles without worrying about warping or water damage, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
The Look You Love, Without the Worry
Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, today’s wood-look tiles closely mimic the appearance of real wood. They capture the intricate grain patterns, knots, and textures that make wood so appealing. You can enjoy the warm, natural look of wood without the ongoing maintenance and risk of damage.
Versatility in Design
One of the most exciting aspects of wood look tile flooring is its incredible versatility. Whether your style is a rustic farmhouse or sleek modern, there’s a wood look tile that’s perfect for your space.
A Style for Every Space
The variety of colors extends even further with wood-look tiles. Colors are available from light oak to dark walnut to polished mahogany. This diversity will let you make a uniform look by using the same kind, create a unique one by using different types of wood, or coordinate with the existing décor.
Pattern Play
Unlike real wood, which is typically installed in straight planks, wood look tiles offer more flexibility in installation patterns. Consider these eye-catching options:
- Herringbone: A classic pattern that adds sophistication to any room
- Chevron: Creates a bold, dynamic look
- Diagonal: Gives the illusion of a larger space
- Mixed width planks: Adds visual interest and a custom feel
Beyond the Floor
And some wood-look tiles aren’t stopping at the floor; they’re surfacing in living rooms to create entire accent walls, as unique kitchen backsplashes, and simply to add warmth to a bathroom wall. The designs can be countless.
Low Maintenance and Sustainability
In today’s busy world, who doesn’t love a low-maintenance flooring option? Wood look tile flooring delivers on this front while also being an environmentally friendly choice.
Effortless Upkeep
Say goodbye to the days of carefully maintaining your hardwood floors. Wood look tiles require minimal effort to keep them looking their best. Here’s why they’re a dream for busy homeowners:
- Spill-resistant: Unlike real wood, liquids won’t seep into the material. Simply wipe up spills as they happen.
- No special cleaners needed: Regular sweeping and occasional mopping is all it takes to keep your floors looking pristine.
- Scratch-resistant: No need to worry about furniture legs or pet claws marring your beautiful floors.
Pet-Friendly Flooring
The wood-look tile flooring will not show wear from muddy paw prints, accidents, and even rougher play among dogs and cats; it does not absorb odors either. Your floors continue looking great while your dogs are at full running fun.
An Eco-Friendly Option
Wood-look tiles are an environmentally conscious choice: They provide the look of wood, not through deforestation, but by offering a long life to minimize waste, and they’re often made in energy-efficient and eco-friendly processes.
Cost-Effectiveness
When it comes to home improvements, budget is always a consideration. Wood look tile flooring offers an attractive balance of quality and affordability.
Upfront Savings
While the initial cost of wood look tiles can vary based on quality, they’re generally more budget-friendly than real hardwood. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Flooring Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
| Wood Look Tile | $6 – $12 |
| Solid Hardwood | $8 – $15+ |
| Engineered Hardwood | $4 – $11 |
As you can see, wood look tiles offer a competitive price point, especially when you consider their durability and low maintenance needs.
Long-Term Value
The real savings come over time. With wood look tiles, you’ll save on:
- Refinishing costs: Unlike hardwood, these tiles never need to be sanded or refinished.
- Replacement expenses: Their long lifespan means you won’t be replacing your floors anytime soon.
- Cleaning products: No need for special (and often pricey) wood cleaners or polishes.
Increased Home Value
While it’s hard to put an exact number on it, high-quality flooring can boost your home’s resale value. Wood look tiles offer the attractive appearance that buyers love, with the practical benefits that set your home apart in a competitive market.
Ideal for All Climates
One of the often-overlooked advantages of wood look tile flooring is its ability to perform well in any climate. This makes it a versatile choice no matter where you live.
Stable in Any Weather
Unlike real wood, which can expand, contract, or warp with changes in humidity and temperature, wood look tiles remain stable year-round. This means:
- No gaps will appear between tiles in dry weather
- No buckling or swelling in humid conditions
- Consistent appearance and performance in any season
Perfect for Extreme Environments
It opens possibilities for having wood at places it could never grow in its natural form: never rotting from salt air and humidity at a coastal home, refusing to shrink or crack from desert heat, keeping grace under temperature fluctuation in mountain retreats.
Underfloor Heating Compatible
For those in colder climates, here’s some good news: wood look tiles work beautifully with underfloor heating systems. You can enjoy the cozy warmth underfoot without worrying about damaging your flooring.
Installation Considerations
While the benefits of wood-look tile flooring are numerous, the installation process should be considered. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Professional Installation Recommended
Since laying wood-look tiles is a real painstaking process, it is always recommended that one should seek the services of a professional who engages in this type of floor. They will ensure:
- Proper subfloor preparation
- Perfect alignment of tiles
- Choosing and Applying the Right Grout
Subfloor Matters
A smooth, level subfloor is crucial for a successful installation. Your installer may need to:
- Repair or replace damaged subfloors
- Level uneven areas
- Apply a moisture barrier if necessary
Grout Lines: To Show or Not to Show?
One decision you’ll need to make is how visible you want the grout lines to be:
- Minimal grout lines: Creates a more realistic wood look
- Visible grout lines: Can add interesting texture but may detract from the wood appearance
Discuss your preferences with your installer to achieve the look you desire.
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Modern Homes
The amazing thing about wood-look tile flooring is that it captures beauty, strength, and practicality all in one. It’s extremely versatile, adding style to any interior design, but admirably performing for years to come. From cost-effectiveness to eco-friendly, this innovative flooring solution checks all the boxes for a savvy homeowner.
Whether you want to renovate the whole house or just update one room, wood look tile flooring is definitely an aesthetic vs. functional decision for the best of both worlds.
FAQs
1. Can wood-look tile be used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens?
Wood-look tile conveys the aesthetic appeal of natural hardwood yet has an exceptionally water-resistant performance, making it perfectly suitable for moisture-prone areas: bathrooms, kitchens, or even laundry rooms. Unlike true wood, it doesn’t warp or swell after exposure to water, thus being resistant in such conditions without water damage.
2. How does the cost of wood look tile compare to real wood flooring?
The price of the wood-look tile is considerably more budget-friendly, costing between $6 and $12 per square foot, whereas hardwood starts at $15 or more. Lower maintenance and longer lifespan can further add savings in the future.
3. Is wood look tile more difficult to install compared to other flooring types?
Wood-look tile installation requires precise alignment to achieve a realistic appearance, making it more complex than some other flooring types. Hiring a professional ensures high-quality results, which, while increasing initial costs, guarantees long-term performance and aesthetic appeal.
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