Random Book Of Randomness

Wowaka

This chapter is just sharing thoughts. It's sombre and not really like my other chapters, so I completely understand if people do not like it comment. But thank you so much for making it so far into this book! I would appreciate it if you just listened to the songs on this chapter.

What is a Vocaloid?

Wowaka was a Vocaloid musician (we're getting to him soon!)

You might've guessed I'm kinda addicted to Vocaloid. Maybe? Just a bit? Totally not my whole existence obviously-

So firstly, what is a Vocaloid? Basically, Vocaloids are Virtual Singer Software, but.... Best way to find out is Minnemi's amazing Youtube vid! (there is cursing in the vid, please be 13+)

(enjoyed the Trump cover? XD)

Well that was enough for the fun part of this chapter. 

Wowaka

Wowaka is a Vocaloid artist/musician, who had a huge influence in the Vocaloid community. Unfortunately, on April 5th, 2019, Wowaka passed away in his sleep, at the age of 31.

The best video made on him is by Ubnubmaster. 

Why was Wowaka so important?

Before Wowaka's passing, I found it ridiculous that people were upset when Michael Jackson, or some other musician died. I would always say, 'Uhm well you didn't know that person in real life I don't get the point?'

But Wowaka's death was the first that had an impact on me. The first 'celebrity' death I actually cared about. But for a long time I couldn't really pinpoint why.

But after watching all the Tributes dedicated to him, all the beautiful messages his fans left, I could put to words how I really felt.

Rolling Girl is one of his most notable songs. Listen to how fast paced the song is, contrasting the virtual singer's melancholy voice, on the 'breaking point' of tears. There are very few songs with such a high bpm/ fast pace that are about something so dire and upsetting.

And if you look up the lyrics, Wowaka does not try to give any hope, not really. It talks about the girl who tried, but in the end, gave up. He's not attempting to say 'Don't commit suicide kids'. He's telling us a STORY! A story which eventually reached millions of hearts.

(I'm not saying ALL artists 'preach' in important songs. I just feel like most motivational songs have this essence of 'Just do it things will get better! )

His songs were a perfect blend of harmony and chaos. He wasn't trying to say 'Oh just wait things will get better.' Pretty sure that's what people say to terminally ill patients/ patients with mental ilnesses. If you see any person like that on Wowaka's songs, they have long passages speaking from the heart, thanking Wowaka. Saying that people 'keep telling me things will get better', but that Wowaka's music made them feel 'heard'. They didn't feel alone in their fight. 

Me? I just listened to his songs because I like how they sounded.only wanting to know the message later. Even if Wowaka isn't my favorite vocaloid producer (he is one of them, fave is Deco), his music is so distinct, and was even more so at the time they were released.

Now, many artists feel comfortable sharing songs about topics no one really is encouraged to talk about in public, especailly in 3rd world countries.

TwoFaced Lovers was also one of his most famous songs. When I was younger I didn't like it. The song is about teen pregnancy, so obviously thirteen year old me didn't understand why Wowaka didn't write a more 'fun' song.

But now I realize. How many artists want to talk about teen pregnanacy, really? It's hard to talk about this topic without being judged. Many people even claimed that Wowaka 'supported' it, which, if you listened to the song, is pure bull.

Like his other songs, Wowaka made no attempt to preach. He didn't say 'Don't fuck random strangers kids'. Instead he brought out the story of a young girl, who confused love and lust, was raped without understanding it, and faces a tormenting decision. The lyrics are chaotic and all over the place, like her state of mind- while still conveying strong emotions and clarity- and it makes you feel.

When someone gets raped in 3rd world countries, people 8/10 times blame the victim. I was an impressionable person when I was 9-15, I could've ended up like one of them. But I don't think anyone who listened to this song left without wondering about the effects of their opinions.

(Brenda's Got A Baby says a similar story to Two Faced Lovers. I loved it, and I'm sure 2Pac put his heart and soul into it. But for some reason it didn't convey as much emotion to me as Two Faced Lovers, a song in a language I don't understand, by a virtual singer)

So, for every thing you did Wowaka, thank you.

I love 'feel good songs', but no matter how upsetting or disturbing your music is, I still find hope in it.  Thank you for opening my eyes to the wider world. Thank you for making so many people all over the world feel seen, heard, and not alone in their own fights. 

Even though he wrote the songs, created the music, tuned the software, Wowaka thanked Hatsune MIku (the virtual voice he used) for inspiring his creativity. 'Miku is kind of like a mother figure to me.'

I'll finish off here with Unknown Mother Goose, Wowaka's last Vocaloid song to the world, and a beautiful tribute to him. 

Thank you for listening to a random girl's words today.