Category Archives: Trance

//= do_shortcode('[in-content-square]')?> In It Together Festival 2022

The biggest music festival that Wales has ever seen has revealed the names of another 50 acts that will be playing the three day event this summer.

Styling itself as the biggest ever festival of its kind in Wales and promising it will be a true celebration of Wales and Welsh culture, organisers have announcedthe full list of 50 Welsh artists who will perform across the 40,000 capacity festival to be held between June 3-5 in Margam.

Some of the best new talent across the country will perform alongside a plethora of international superstars (such as previously announced headliners Noel Gallagher, Two Door Cinema Club and Clean Bandit) shining a light on local talent like never before.

Weekend to remember

The 50 artists cover a huge range of genres spanning the entire musical spectrum, with 25 artists performing across the Paddock Stage, showcasing the very best in indie, rock, grime and hip hop, including Cardiff born singer-songwriter Gwenno and Swansea indie rockers Whos Molly.

The other 25 artists will take over the Escape Records Stage covering all things electronic, from rising Trance star Will Rees, to tech-house maestros This Culture.

Both stages have been carefully curated alongside Focus Wales and BBC Horizons, providing an unrivalled platform that will truly establish them as Wales next generation of music stars.

Bethan Elfyn, Project Manager for BBC Horizons said: Were excited at Horizons to see a new festival on the Welsh map we look forward to supporting the festival, curating some of the Welsh talent and working with the team to make the weekend one to remember. Its so important after the last couple of years of restrictions on music events to see new events provide new opportunities and experiences for Welsh artists.

As well as welcoming some of the best talent Wales has to offer, the festival will also host a range of local food vendors providing the very best in local cuisine, as well as working with local suppliers from across the country to create a truly Welsh experience, while the festivals website will also be available in both English and Welsh.

Escape Records Director Adam Gore added: Our company was born out of the Cardiff nightclub scene, starting out hosting parties in the smallest venues in the city, to filling 3000 capacity venues on Greyfriars Road. Weve since gone on to launch festivals all over Wales, but this will undoubtedly be our biggest project to date. We are incredibly proud of our Welsh roots and felt it only right that we make our biggest ever festival a true celebration of Wales and Welsh culture.

To buy tickets and find out more click HERE

The 50 Welsh artists are:

A-J/72ADWAITHAFROCLUSTERANDREW DAVIESARKALA DREBANDICOOTBENJI WILDBENNIEBLACKELVISCAMPFIRE SOCIALCAMRONCLUCLWB FUZZDOMZEADYTHELERI ANGHARADELMARSHEMMA PONESKIGEORGE ELLISGREG COLMANGWENNOHANA LILIHPDIEUAN HAILEJACKSON LUCITTJASON PJAY PJONNY GRIFFITHSKATY HARRIZLEMFRECKLITCHY & SMILEYLOCALLONG CAILOS BLANCOSMARTIN ROGERSMONIQUE BNFAMADY KOUYATERAUDI TTREAPERREBECCA HURNREUEL ELIJAHROB DAVIESROB EROB REESRYAN REESSILENT FORUMT4NKTHE NOWTHIS CULTURETWO TILL TWELVEWHOS MOLLYWILL REESYEAR OF THE DOG

See the article here:

Latest acts revealed for the festival dubbed the 'Welsh Glastonbury' - Nation.Cymru

Ask any creative individual where they draw their inspiration from and theres a good chance that travel sits high on their list. Acquainting one with various forms of art, culture and ethos, travelling allows people to accumulate all sorts of experiences.

And fashion has often found creative input and inspiration in travel. Travel-induced design sensibilities tap into the intricate and intuitive qualities such as delight, beauty and cultural resonance. Lets find out how their journeys have impacted the aesthetics of these designers.

Designer Rahul Mishra

I get influenced and inspired by the people, flowers and architecture of places I visit. My last collection was inspired by my trip to Santorini, Greece. I soaked in everything from the architecture and colours of the ocean to the sky and how it changes the mood of the city with its shades. These elements have found their place in my collection. Similarly, my upcoming show at Paris Couture Week is inspired by my love for mountains. Flowers from Uttarakhand such as anemones, geraniums, marsh marigolds, primulas, asters, blue poppy, cobra lily, and brahma kamal will find a place in the digital show.

Designer Shruti Sancheti

Travel has been an integral part of my life. Since childhood I have always been interested in exploring different cultures; their art and architecture. Over the years, my travel experiences have found their way to manifest themselves into my various collections. From the trance-inducing Dervish dance, the Faberg, or beautiful places of Czech Republic to intricate antique weaving traditions of Benares to rustic mining traditions of Jharkhand, many elements come together for a collection. When I travelled to Czech Republic, I found myself spending more of my time and resources in a souk, flea market or weavers center as opposed to fancy malls and high streets.

Designer Ritu Beri

I love visiting local souks and markets in order to discover their uniqueness. Flea markets all over the world have always been my first choice to visit and they are a treasure trove of ideas. Fashion and design are always influenced by global culture. The traditionalism of a place is a great influence and creates global trends. When I discovered Uzbekistan, I was obsessed with its ikats and in all my collections I used Ikat. In Central Asia, ikat is beautiful as it is striking in its sophistication and minimalism.

Designer Anushree Parekh

From visiting art galleries to local boutiques, exploring a new place gives an insight into its culture and society at large. The local art, textiles and even the people you meet all of it can inspire one. For me, Mexico was that. It inspired me with its colours and vibrancy. New Yorks (USA) effortless street style, and Israels silver antique work have left a mark on my creations. My recent trip to Rajasthan was also wonderful as it gave me an opportunity to explore the beautiful block prints.

Designer Anupamaa Dayal

Recently, I visited Mardin in Turkey and an indelible mark has been left on my mind. I distinctly and fondly remember it being located above a rocky hill over the Mesopotamian plains near the Tigris River. The beautiful monuments, mansions, museums, mosques and the wonderful Deyr-az-Zaferan Monastery, the fifth century saffron monastery, speaks volumes about the old civilisation. The bazaar is an enchanted place where you find the famous bittim oil soap, which is made from wild pistachio, along with angora, cotton, fine jewellery, the regions special wines and dibek coffee, which is made with salep, roasted coffee, mastic gum, chocolate, cardamom, cream, milled in the dibek stone.

For me travel has always been a source of inspiration, whether it is from getting onto a flight or even people watching in a transit zone at the airport. Whether it is for travelling to Kanchipuram for their sarees or visiting Kalamkari artisans or interacting with the weavers of Paithan, these travels inspire my colour and design sensibilities. An interesting source of inspiration was one of my trips to L.A where I had the opportunity to visit a studio that deals with prosthetics. I was deeply inspired by their attention to precision and I believe Its very important not only to be inspired by colours, textures and weaves but also by the technique of making a garment..

Travel blogger Insha Ghai

I feel travelling really helps in shaping fashion content aesthetically.When travelling to a new place, its very important to understand the culture before you plan anything else. It helps in fitting in to the place. It helps in expainding your social circle and meeting new people hence it is important to do a little research before hand to avoid unintentional signs of disrespect. I buy stuff that is of cultural importance to the place youre travelling like authentic souvenirs. I personally make sure to get magnets of the countrys traditional items.

Lifestyle influencer Ishita Mangal

When I travel, I look for local markets and locally crafted goods in the area Im going to. I like to research about the authentic and locally made crafts of that place and go to their stores. That item then ends up being not just a unique piece in my wardrobe or home but also a souvenir. I want to collect unique items from all over the world to make my own one of a kind collection.I like to observe the habits, behaviour, food, architecture and especially, fashion of every area. Inspiration is literally everywhere irrespective of where you go to. Its all about what strikes you. Whatever catches my eye, I take a picture or make a note of it. And keep coming back to these pictures or notes to use in my content or work. I am especially extremely drawn to understanding the art, culture and fashion of every place. From culture you can understand the derivations in their art and fashion both. Its very interesting to understand how beliefs of humans influences the way they live, their dressing and their likings.

See the original post:

Fashion designers and creators share their travel inspirations - Hindustan Times

It's been a work-in-progress since 2015

Published Jan 10, 2022

"After my albums [sic] out I have like a 35 track nightcore album I've been making since 2015 that I think rly [sic] needs to come out," the famous Marxist wrote on Twitter this Saturday (January 8), adding: "I don't think it makes a ton of sense but it's getting so absurdly long lol."

The album in reference is presumably her mysteriousBook 1, from which she shared first chapter "Player of Games" last month, alongside a videowhere she faces off with a stand-in for ex Elon Musk.

Now, you might be worriedly thinking to yourself, "What evenisnightcore?" It's kind of embarrassing that you don't know, but we'll break it down in brief: named after the Norwegian DJ duo credited with spearheading the sub-genre in the early 2000s, nightcore is based in the practice of pitch-shifting and speeding up trance or Eurodance tracks. (Hyperpop is considered a derivative of it.)

Basically, it's a reverse Red (Taylor's Version) vinyl situationin that it sounds like playing a record pressed at 33 1/3 RPM at 45 RPM.

Since a tracklist of 35 songs goes even beyondDondaterritory, one Twitter response suggested that the artist create a server that hosts all of her music and automatically uploads new demos to give fans "a constant drip," to which she replied:"Let's dooooo it."

It sounds like some high-pitched, high-speed music of the night could be coming down the pipeline anytime now. See the tweet from Grimes below, which includes a selfie for good measure.

After my albums out I have like a 35 track nightcore album I've been making since 2015 that I think rly needs to come out i don't think it makes a ton of sense but it's getting so absurdly long lol pic.twitter.com/8vZDBlcOEo

Continued here:

Grimes Has a 35-Track Nightcore Album That "Needs to Come Out" - Exclaim!

By: Zephyr Melton January 10, 2022

According to Top 100 Teacher Martin Chuck, the biggest difference between good and bad golfers can be seen before they even swing.

Getty Images

There are countless differences between good golfers and bad ones, and you can probably even name a few distinctions yourself. They have different clubs. They dress different. They use different terminology. And, obviously, they swing different.

However, according to one GOLF Top 100 Teacher, the biggest difference between good and bad golfers is not on the list above. In fact, the largest distinction can be seen before a player even initiates their swing.

The simplest thing is poor routine, Martin Chuck says. The best players have a routine that puts them into almost a subconscious trance.

Exhibit A: Tiger Woods. While his swing was (and is) among the best of all time, its his repeatable pre-shot routine that put him in position to succeed over and over.

Every time he would decide on his shot the moment he took a step toward the golf ball until the ball was in the air was pretty much spot-on timing, Chuck says. I could take a brand-new golfer and teach them how to walk into a golf shot and you would think they are fantastic golfers. All it would take is me teaching them the routine of a good player.

The best pre-shot routines calm the mind and put you in a mental state that allows for a solid swing. Chuck likens a good pre-shot routine to triggering an auto-pilot mentality. And even if you dont hit a good shot every time after going through your routine, you are at least eliminating a variable and controlling one more thing in the process.

That little dance prior to hitting a shot really separates poor players from good players, Chuck says. And thats something you dont even have to hit a golf ball to learn.

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF.com, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and womens golf.

More here:

Top 100 Teacher: This is the biggest difference between good and bad golfers - Golf.com

American house producers and labelmates Roy Lacroix and Kyle Zuck have come together to put out a deep new house collaboration called Elevate. You may not have heard of them before, but this track will surely make you know their names.

The duo, releasing a song together for the first time, are both still relatively up and coming in the greater EDM scene. If this song is anything to go by, that status wont stick with them for too much longer. The pair are both signed to burgeoning New York City label Holy Mol Music; Lacroix, based out of Los Angeles, also makes music under Psycho Disco and OFDM. Similarly, New Yorks Zuck also produces under the banners of Box of Cats and Popgang.

Elevate wastes no time getting into the groove- from the moment it begins, razor-sharp cymbals and subtly strong drums invite and entice you in before you know it, youve been put under an unshakeable spell. The house side of the song shines through clearly, but theres also a hint of trance flavor to the track thats just impossible to ignore. The captivating repetition of the songs few lyrics (Everyday I elevate/I need it just to regulate) combines with a bass line and synths that creep in and slowly take over. The result is a track that grows on you over time- like an old classic, you find something new and interesting every time you revisit it. Itll certainly claim a spot on your playlist.

To listen to Elevate, from Roy Lacroix and Kyle Zuck, click here to check it out via Youtube or here for links to Holy Mol Winter Fresh Volume 3, the compilation where the song is featured.

Read more:

Roy Lacroix and Kyle Zuck go hard on thumping "Elevate": Listen - We Rave You

The relationship betweenPegboard Nerdsand Monstercatis the gift that keeps on a giving.

The Scandinavian bass music duo are longtime favorites of the Monstercat faithful, releasing music on the powerhouse indie electronic music label at a dizzying pace over the course of the last decade. Tracks like 2012's "Disconnected" and 2016's "Weaponize" continue to be rinsed by their dance music contemporaries in DJ sets and music festival performances.

Pegboard Nerds have now returned to Monstercat with a riveting single called "Shine," which arrives under the imprint's "Uncaged" banner. A drum & bass banger, the new track was produced in collaboration with fellow electronic music duo Sophon, the side project of Pegboard Nerds' Alexander Odden and producer Subsquare. Take a listen below.

"Its kind of a perfect Scandinavian sandwich of drums and bass, topped with the retro gaming-esque leads, chant-able hooks, and high production quality Pegboard Nerds are known for," the duo said in a joint statement. "We have always dabbled with drum and bass, but its fun to just go all-in on a track like this. It is such a banger and has such a joyous feel and a dance-floor ready drop. Sadly weve only had a few gigs so far during the pandemic, but on every single one, 'Shine' has made the crowd lose their minds. Its been a sight for sore eyes during this crappy time."

"Were excited for the first Sophon release on Monstercat," added Sophon. "Its been a lot of fun to work on this. Alex and I share many melodic sensibilities, having grown up with a lot of dance and trance music in the 90s. When we started Sophon, we used the opportunity to switch things up, production-wise, and 'Shine' is the first track where weve used BitWig Studio all the way through.

You can listen to "Shine" on your go-to streaming platform here.

Facebook: facebook.com/PegboardNerdsTwitter: twitter.com/PegboardNerdsInstagram: instagram.com/pegboardnerdsSpotify: spoti.fi/3fqsro9

Twitter: twitter.com/sophonkicksnareInstagram:instagram.com/sophonkicksnareSpotify:spoti.fi/3HIKl1o

Read more from the original source:

Pegboard Nerds and Sophon Team Up for Drum & Bass Banger "Shine" - EDM.com

Oh, the holidays!

Just hear those coins jingle-ing and notifications ring-ting tingle-ing as exemplary adults prank their laughable children on camera before humbly surprising them with overpriced toys. Viral trends are replacing vital traditions. The overcommercialization of holidays has left family time behind and brought competition for consumers to boast expensive presents for online clout.

Traditional holidays have morphed into something unrecognizable. Many of us have been consumed by the lure of social media. Screens all around the world displayed events that were bright, shiny and perfect. But the holidays as I remember it entail quarreling with family and friends, missing flights and last-minute shopping everything but perfection, just the way Macaulay Culkin and I like it. Messy emotions, interpersonal dynamics and ugly sweaters are what make people crave the holiday nostalgia every year. Those stuck in the interweb are dispirited when coming back to our beautifully chaotic reality.

Vulnerable social media users lose their holiday cheer when they compare their own lives to one-minute staged videos. The actual reality of the holidays begins to merge with the fabricated version created by social media, setting unrealistic standards that minimize peoples self worth if they cannot meet them.

Algorithms boost videos that show large, wealthy, nuclear families since they attract the most engagement. This happy-go-lucky picture falsely portrays what festivities truly looked like for many people this year travel restrictions, budget issues, illnesses and more. Many hide their struggles from social media, yet continue dancing for all of the likes and comments, pleasing strangers rather than prioritizing time with their loved ones.

I fell on my own sword over break by downloading TikTok. Sure enough, I witnessed countless videos of children recorded like puppets as they opened their presents, obliviously in front of millions of viewers. Parents are just as susceptible to social medias trance as their kids, wanting to fit in, show off and be accepted by others. They post their children receiving expensive presents and luxurious vacations to play the part of a good parent in the eyes of viewers. The value of holidays are now determined by the quality of gifts rather than quality time. Memories are not being lived, but instead stored in our phones and saved for later.

Influencers posing with the newest must-have items are the first dominoes to fall before everyone rapidly winds up with the same things. Online gift guides and viral products have stripped away the personalization and uniqueness of presents. For example, as I searched through Google for dad gifts, I went through several different sites showing the same sponsored lists. Holiday presents were once a form of communication, connection and love, but have since emerged into competition, approval and striving for perceived status.

I worry people are becoming cookie-cutter versions of one another, losing all individuality by copying viral styles, products and whatever else is trending next. The holidays are supposed to look different to everyone, but users are falling for social medias glamorized portrayal of what celebration is supposed to look like. Those who cannot meet the high expectations feel inferior to those performing online. Younger audiences are disconnecting from traditions and disengaging from intimacy due to these depictions. They become the pawns in this commercialized game and continue the cycle by re-posting themselves, entrapping the next victims.

I always imagined my future children running down the staircase, ripping open their gifts made by Crayola, as Disney channel commercials play in the background just as I did. But as I watch social media swiftly captivate the world, I fear that it has already influenced the holiday experience for my future family. I may have unknowingly celebrated my very last traditional holiday.

Anita Bengert writes primarily about her perspective of 21st century America, the influence of social media, and the humor behind societal flaws.

Originally posted here:

Opinion | Cant wrap a pretty bow over the ugliness of social media - The Pitt News

Trance music icon Armin van Buuren has taken over Spotify's "Trance Classics" playlist and filled it with his favorite trance anthems of all-time.

The list contains 50nostalgictracks from Above & Beyond, Tisto, Gareth Emery, 4 Strings, Ian van Dahl, Marsha, and many more.

van Buuren was recently named in EDM.com's "Best of 2021: Songs" list in the trance category, where his single "Turn The World Into a Dancefloor" was honored alongside songs byAlpha 9,Ilan Bluestone & Ellen Smith, Au5 & HALIENE, and Aly & Fila & Jes.

Before 2021 came to a wrap, van Buurenperformedin front of 20,000 fansat halftime of a Chicago Bulls' game against the Knicks at United Center. He opened with the Bulls' iconic theme song, which was famouslyremixed by Pretty Lights in 2011.

van Buuren's fabled "A State of Trance" show will be making a return to Los Angeles on April 9th of this year at Banc of California Stadium. The show has become a staple for rising trance artists. ASOT also celebrated its 1,000th episodelast year.

Check out Armin van Buuren's selection of trance hits for Spotify's "Trance Classics" playlist below.

Facebook: facebook.com/arminvanbuurenTwitter: twitter.com/arminvanbuurenInstagram: instagram.com/arminvanbuurenSpotify: spoti.fi/2WHsl2t

Link:

Armin van Buuren Curates Spotify Playlist With His Favorite Trance Anthems of All-Time - EDM.com

Throughout the history of music, there have been several major trends, movements, and revolutions. Many dynamic genres have formed and grown in the fast-changing globe. Disk Jockeying was the most revolutionary of the lot.

Its the DJ who mixes classic songs with a current, lively vibe, like a remix. Jimmy Savile was the first DJ in the world, and since then, numerous DJs have sprung up over the globe. Only a handful of new musicians can break into the worldwide music industry every year. In this article, well discuss the top 10 Best DJs in the World.

Different trends and movements have emerged throughout the history of music that profoundly transformed the globe. When an old song is introduced with a fresh twist, it was called Disk Jockeying. Here is the list of Top 10 DJs that made the world follow them blindly.

More than two decades after he first burst onto the scenario, the music of David Guetta is still being played in clubs and on the radio. Among other things, hes a DJ in France, a record producer, an audio engineer, a composer, and more.

The breadth of his musical taste and technical prowess has earned him the title of best DJ. Hes the best-selling solo artist of all time, with more than 30 million albums and 9 million singles sold worldwide. DJ Mags Top 100 DJs elected Guetta the number one DJ in 2011.

ThisDutch trance maestro was a U2-size attraction in Europe long before DJs became superstars in the United States, delivering massive synth bombs from Ibiza to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Until recently, his music was a shiver-inducing trance spiral, but it has now developed into chunkier electro-based beats.

Despite his alleged $20 million a year salary, hes not going to stop with the millions of followers. According to Tiesto, Skrillex has an entirely different fanbase than I do. So I can get his and other DJs respect and admiration. What people know about me is that I am Tiesto, but they have no idea what I do.

Martin Garrix, also known as Martijn Gerard Garritsen, is one of the worlds best DJs and record producers. Utrecht Universitys Herman Brood Academy awarded this Dutch DJ a degree in sound production.

Some of the finest progressive house music experiments have been created by Martin,thanks to his expertise and talents. As of right now, hes the most popular EDM DJ in the world with the most Instagram followers.

Known for his progressive house tracks, Armin van Buuren is a famous DJ, record producer, and remixer in the music industry. A prominent radio show called The State of Trance has had worldwide popularity with its six tunes.

Armin was born in Leiden, South Holland Composing music and DJing at local clubs and pubs began when he was just 14 years old.

Over time, he saw his music career take off. His focus shifted from the law to music in the early 2000s. Since then, he has released several compilations containing the progressive house and vocal trance.

Deadmau5 is the stage name of Joel Zimmerman, a well-known DJ. In addition, he is a talented musician and producer of electronic music. As well as being one of the most well-known masked DJs in the game, like Claptone and Marshmello, he mostly focuses on producing progressive house music.

Among the highest-paid producers in the world, he has six Grammy nominations to his credit for his outstanding work.

One of the best DJs in the world is Dutch electro house DJ Hardwell, a record producer, remixer, and remixer virtuoso. For the second year in a row, DJ Mag has named him the best DJ in the world. Third in DJ Mags list of the worlds most influential electronic music artists.

The DJs tracks and remixes, as well as his constant appearances at music festivals, have earned him a cult following. Since he started his own record company, hes released eleven compilation CDs and one documentary film.

Dj and record producer Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known by his stage name Diplo, is a well-known DJ in the electronic dance music (EDM) and electro house (EH) sectors.

M.I.A. was the first international artist thatDiplo partnered with, and he has since collaborated with numerous other international musicians, including Madonna, Justin Bieber, JD Snake, Major Lazer, and Skrillex.

American DJ Sonny Moore, better known by his stage name, Skrillex. From Dubstep, MoomBahton, and electro house music his tracks have always offered something new and exciting.

His musical journey began in 2004 as a lead vocalist, but he eventually realized his passion for mixing and writing music. He began to earn notoriety as a diverse DJ in 2008. Eight Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Annie Awards are among the accolades the artist has received.

His music career began in 2007 and a new EDM universe has formed since then. Additionally, he has been ranked as one of the worlds richest DJs for the past decade. He has collaborated with several high-profile artists, including Rihanna, Ne-Yo, and more.

Also called the Marshmello, DJ Chris Comstock is a brilliant DJ and EDM producer noted for his trademark marshmallow headwear. The musician has developed a unique feel good EDM genre that titillates listeners immediately. While working on remixes and compositions, he collaborated with various musicians. In Billboards Hot 100, his tracks have ranked in the top 30.

This is our list of best DJs in the world. Dont be disheartened if you dont find your favorite DJ on the list. Also, do share with us your favorite DJ.

Originally posted here:

10 Best DJs in the World Right Now - TheTealMango

By SKYLER ASHLEY

As comic artist Ryan Claytor sat down to begin work on his latest graphic novel, A Hunters Tale, he revisited the poetry of his late grandfather. The poems lifted Claytor off into a nostalgic trance and in his minds eye he sees his grandfather. Hes trudging through woodlands rifle in tow; his loyal dog by his side. The calm November air is as crisp as the freshly fallen leaves on the ground and the winds bittersweet bite heightens his senses.

A Hunters Tale is a story driven by a powerful connection between a grandson and his grandfather, the respect mother nature commands of us all and the eternal conflict and reluctant bond of the hunter and the hunted.

I feel like Ive been able to see this poem for a long time. This is a very visual, narrative-driven poem about two seemingly disparate subjects: a hunter and his prey. Over the course of the poem, they form an unlikely understanding of one another, Claytor said.

Claytor, 42, is an adept illustrator and an expert in the vast world of comic books. He coordinates Michigan State Universitys comic art and graphic novel minor and is the colleges first ever professor to teach comic studio courses. In 2009, Claytors work was exhibited by the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. In 2019, he co-authored Coin-Op Carnival, a four-volume comic series that takes readers on a deep dive into the world of pinball.

Comics are made of words and images, and together they can create literally anything. There is no budget you have a pencil and paper, and you can make whatever you want, Claytor said.

Claytor began work on A Hunters Tale serialized in City Pulse for four weeks, beginning today last year, with the full book scheduled for release this month. While the illustrations are wholly original, the narration and dialogue are taken directly from an old poem written by his late grandfather, Charles Kermit Claytor.

Its been with me for as long as I can remember, Claytor said of the poem. It was written in 1983, and its been a part of my life for a long time. He wrote a number of poems, but whenever I got to this one, I stopped dead in my tacks. Its my absolute favorite.

The elder Claytor was born in the Midwest, growing up in the small town of Alma, Illinois. But he didnt learn to hunt until he moved to the outlands of Arizona. He developed a wickedly accurate shot with his rifle, as each piece of game he came across had to be taken out with just one hit. For if he fired more than a single round at a time, the game warden would be able to quickly locate and charge Charles Claytor, who was living off the land illegally.

My grandfather lived an interesting life. He was born in the early 1900s and was diagnosed with tuberculosis and a young age, Claytor said. From my understanding, at that time, tuberculosis was essentially a death sentence. He was told to go out to the deserts of Arizona in hope that the dry desert air would cure him of the disease. Thats what he did, he moved to Arizona and lived off the land. Because Im here, you can surmise he made it through.

Claytor is not a hunter. He details that he lacks the fortitude to even place a worm on a hook. But contemplating his grandfathers predicament far from home and penniless, resorting to killing and catching game in order to feed himself forced Claytor to think emphatically. Claytor ultimately reached the conclusion that if his hand was forced, he would follow the same path as his grandfather. This approach to reaching an understanding with something unfamiliar is one of the major themes Claytor hopes to get across in A Hunters Tale.

I think if I were in that situation, I would have done the same thing. This poem has taught me empathy on a number of different levels as well. I am so excited to share that with more people, Claytor said.

After his time as a wild man in Arizona, Charles Claytor eventually moved to Colorado, where he lived in a riverside log cabin. In his childhood, Claytor would visit his grandfather during the summer. He has vivid memories of walking alongside the river that appears on the first page of A Hunters Tale. Charles Claytor died in 1999 at age 93.

Looking back, I think its really to inspiring to know what he went through and how well he came out after all that, Claytor said.

The genesis of A Hunters Tale was further driven by the convergence of major watershed moments in American society that took place in the past two tumultuous years including the failed insurrection at the Capitol Building and the murder of George Floyd. Claytor cites his growing sense of visceral division across the United States as further inspiration to pen a graphic novel that explores themes of empathetic understanding and coming together in spite of differences.

Weve all been through the past two years together; I dont have to explain it all. With each passing day, it seems like we become more separated from one another, Claytor said. In this day and age, its so easy to click defriend and cut people out of your life and surround yourself with people who think very similarly to you. I feel that is dangerous. We should be open to listening and trying to understand people who are different from us.

Support City Pulse - Donate Today!

View post:

The complex empathy between the hunter and his prey: How 'A Hunter's Tale' tells a story of understanding - City Pulse