Music Monday: in Memoriam

It shouldn't be any secret that I am a long time fan of Russian pop group t.A.T.u. From the moment they launched into North America singing "All the Things She Said" through four more studio albums, I was an avid listener. It's sad to say, but that era is over: the girls split up last year to pursue solo careers, and after 11 years t.A.T.u. came to a close.

A few months ago, one of the members, Lena Katina, released her first single as a solo artist, titled "Never Forget." Now, Lena was never my favourite singer between the pair; that honour belonged to Yulia Volkova. However, Lena's solo offerings far outstrip Yulia's in all ways.

"Never Forget" puts the last nail in t.A.T.u.'s coffin, both in the lyrics themselves and the music video (t.A.T.u.'s final music video ended with a fiery explosion, which was rad). I'll share it below, but here's a quick run down for those unfamiliar with t.A.T.u. (which is most everyone, I assume). The bodies of Yulia and Lena are brought out of the morgue and examined by a few former band-mates, though without any burns making it unlikely that this is a continuation of the previously mentioned t.A.T.u. video. Their coffins are then carried to a funeral ceremony, which Lena attends. After turning her own photo face down, she picks up the photo of Yulia and kisses it. Graves are visited, roses are thrown, and all the while Lena sings of her memory of the past and outlook for the future.

NSFW because of brief female nudity. Censored version can be found here.

So, long story short, I really like this song. I really like this video. And if you really like this song, I have good news: download links! This is one of Lena's official sites, so all the downloads (and there are many) on it are completely legal and guilt-free. That said, the MP3 file for "Never Forget" is badly edited, and it ends a few seconds before the song is actually over. The B-side to the single, "Stay," is also available on the linked page and is edited much better. Also included are some demos from her years with t.A.T.u. Take a look!

my Influence Map

Have you ever taken a step back and asked why you are who you are? It's not really something you think about too often. It's not something I think about too often. But now is not often; I just pondered those thoughts.

The result? This:

please click for full size view

Pretty nifty, eh? It took some work to put together, and even more work to actually think about. I tried very hard to use only photos that I have taken, but that started to limit the representation of my influences. Here's a bit of an explanation for each one, frame by frame.

Spirituality: I was raised in the Seventh Day Adventist church and attended Christian elementary and high school, so religion played a big part in my development. But not just Christianity, or just religion: I've taken bits and pieces of other philosophies, too, probably like the majority of people out there. (photo by me)

Chris Corner: He's a musician, the front man of IAMX and co-founder of the disbanded group Sneaker Pimps. As with the other artists on this map, it's his way with words that has influenced me most, as well as the messages in his lyrics. (photo by Vera Hofmann)

Sia Furler: Another musician, Sia embodies the childlike, carefree, but mature and political adult. She is outspoken in both her art and in her public life. (promotional photo, no listed creator)

Metric: A Canadian band, with singer Emily Haines at the front. Really, I think it is Emily who influences me the most, but I have to give the rest of the band credit, too. I could listen to their latest album Fantasies all day, and frequently do. (photo by me)

Star Wars: Do I really have to explain this one? The films, the books, the entire mythos behind it all. I was raised on Lucas Arts, and continue to be influenced by the franchise today. (photo by We Made This Ltd.)

t.A.T.u.: I always get lots of flak for enjoying the group t.A.T.u. Most people recognize the girls from their two (English) hits in North America, few know that they lasted as a group for ten years. Once their presence completely faded away in North America I knew I'd never be able to see them perform live. I beat that impossibility, though, by seeing them in Italy while backpacking. (photo by me)

Greek Myth: Besides being a Star Wars nut when I was a kid, I had a major soft spot for Greek mythology. I adored the stuff. I read Homer's Odyssey for fun, only to read it again in AP Literature and then bang my head against my desk in second year English because no-one knew what it was about. (photo by me)

UBC Okanagan: Where do I even start with this one? Moving away from Vic has probably been the single most impacting thing I have ever done in my 21 years of life. It completely changed the direction of my education, earned me a tonne of new friends that I know I can count on for almost anything, taught me so much about myself through living with (completely rad) room mates each year, and given me so many opportunities to experience things I never would have tried if I had stayed in Vic. That about sums it up. (photo by UBC)

Mirrors: I should probably also add windows. I have a strange fascination with them, and both often show up as motifs in my writing. (photo by me)

Island Living: Whenever I need an excuse and don't have anything valid, I usually just retort with, "It's 'cause I'm an island boy." (photo by me)

Home: What do I need to say about this one? My family has had a significant impact on me, and will continue to. I have amazing parents who are determined to present me with every available opportunity that approaches, and a sister who is pretty much my best friend. That, and my family (including me) is rather cooking-oriented, so I'm never starved for baked goods. Ever. (photo by me)

Now, what has influenced or impacted you? Feel free to answer in the comments, or write your own post about it. You can find a blank template for the Influence Map here.