anime – Artistic Apathy

Deko is an artist out of the new wave that is seeing a meteoric rise thanks in part to his really successful song Phantasy Star Online. While Deko has been grinding for a minute, (working as a producer with credits to his name) his hit has put him on a lot of people’s radars including my own.

What caught my attention about this guy is his use of aesthetic appeal while still churning out infectious danceable beats and catchy melodies and bars. No wonder as Deko is a big fan of the very popular sub-genre of music: Nightcore (amongst other genres of dance music.)

His music videos are colorful, and filled with references to geek culture including many references to anime and Japanese culture.

It’s safe to say that he is at the forefront of a new sound that’s emerging in the underground. One filled with danceable beats, melodic flows, and many references to popular nerd culture.

That’s why last night was especially memorable. Deko was streaming on Twitch to about 100 viewers at the time. The stream felt especially intimate. The vibes were chill and everyone was having a good time. Deko took us through some of the projects he’s been working on. Which I won’t go into detail about to protect his privacy. He previewed one song in particular that absolutely stunned me.

Deko samples popular Japanese pop group Perfume for a banger that’s sure to be a hit.

Perfume (pictured above)
A-chan (far left), Kashiyuka (center), Nocchi (far right)

This blend of genres is something new and unfamiliar and somehow Deko manages to make it all work.

He later took us through some of his favorite music, featuring acts such as Perfume, Mondo Grosso, Porter Robinson, and an artist I’ve never heard before: VIRTUAL SELF. Fans in the stream got particularly emotional when Deko played some of the more sentimental songs amongst his favorites. Many fans recognized the music because they had already heard it and for those who hadn’t, they felt like they had stumbled onto something new.

Truly it was a magical moment for many, leading to many inspiring talks and rants. That is why Deko gets my seal of approval. The artist that knows how to genuinely connect with their fans can’t ever lose. This is the essence of a die hard fan base.

I for one can’t wait to see what’s next for him.

Artistic Apathy ©

I’ve been watching anime ever since I was just starting out in elementary school. I still distinctly remember the first series of Naruto being aired on Cartoon Network.

Before that, it was series like Pokemon and Digimon that first introduced me to anime. And also an oft-forgotten series: Medabots. There was also the programming block late night on Cartoon Network: Toonami that aired re-runs of anime like Inuyasha, Ruroni Kenshin and Cowboy Bebop.

Anime was an integral part of me growing up and even inspired my own works of fiction. Not only was it a staple of my childhood but each anime along the way has shaped my ideals and morals to a point worth noting.

It was in Naruto, the hated underdog that was desperate for love and connection that I found part of myself in.

When I was younger I wasn’t always the most popular kid in school but I related to Naruto’s mission and journey. He was out to prove something but along the way he became someone he could be proud of. A true friend and hero to the people he cared about. He no longer needed approval from people because he found acceptance in his friends and colleagues. Naruto got his happy ending but it wasn’t without struggle and perseverance. And I think that’s something you just can’t knock.

Naruto had to literally conquer his demons to be able to gain victory in life. The metaphors in this show alone go over some people’s head but there are life lessons here.

Later in life, I decided to check out an often recommended anime: Welcome to the NHK. It was in the character Satou, that I found representation.

I had never seen a character with social anxiety represented before. I related to this character on so many different levels. His ending was not so much a happy ending but a realistic one. He didn’t achieve everything he set out to but he found something that worked for him and he got better.

It was in Ryuko, a high schooler at a brawling academy that I became to believe in girl power fully.

Needless to say, I took a lot of lessons away from anime and without it maybe I wouldn’t be who I am today. It’s entertaining but also relates to real life and there is an anime for any point and time in your life. I think more people should give it a chance.

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Tag: anime

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