I once had this crazy dream that Avril Lavigne turns out to be a puppet name Julie Joyful from "Welcome Home" (no wonder the singer herself never ages). I mean, they're both blonde, stylish and into music, after all.
Wait, is that Jax from TADC rockin' a guitar? Why is there a freakin' bear shark dancin' on stage? Anyway, listen up!
Remember when I once called it "#CoachellaStories"? Now, I wanna make it a lot marketable hence the name #CoachellaHighlights (STORY EDITION).
This month shall celebrate the wonderful stories around the world. Imagine a colorful music festival except with films, books, shows and indie projects. Maybe I'll add a bit of music here and there.
Whether you're an anime fan or bookworm, there's bound to be for everyone!
🇺🇸 THE SPIDER WITHIN: A SPIDER-VERSE STORY
I never thought that I'd be able to relate to this short film as much. It starts with Miles Morales walking home, feeling totally stressed out and having a lot in his mind. His dad asked what's wrong but all he could say is he's just tired.
In reality, he is more than just exhausted. From school to saving the world as Spiderman, no doubt it's taking a toll on him. It is worth the watch so I highly recommend you guys check it out on YouTube.
🇨🇦 Avril Lavigne
To many millennials and Gen Z folks, she may be old news by now but I personally think Avril remains one of the best artists today! If you're one of those folks wondering who the heck this person is, she is actually a Canadian rockstar who wrote songs like "Girlfriend" (which even got a Japanese version), "Sk8er Boi", "Complicated", "Innocence" and "Keep Holdin' On."
Her songs aren't just all about teen angst and loud noise, but also explores individuality, being vulnerable, love and appreciating every single moment of our lives.
🇯🇵 "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" by Creepy Nuts (srsly, what is this song?)
You've probably heard of this song by Creepy Nuts on social media. I know, it's annoying and nonsensical. It was even used as an opening theme song for the hit anime series "Mashle: Magic and Muscles."
When you actually pay attention to the full lyrics, it's about becoming rich and successful in everything.
🇳🇬 MMWANWU by Studio ZOMA
Created by an Nigerian indie studio, this animated horror short film is about a Nigerian-American teenager returning to Nigeria for her grandfather's funeral. As I am writing this, their Kickstarter has already surpassed their goal of $60,000.
🌐 "Behind The Locks" by @LiamMcMarsha
Imagine working in a haunted library. That is exactly what this young woman name Arielline finds herself into upon moving into Twelve Locks Valley.
Behind these twelve doors, she must find the right one in order to escape or else she'll end up joining the ghost community!
If horror is your thing, you can check it out here on Wattpad for free.
🇺🇸 Welcome Home by Clown
I have already talked a lot about this project before, but I just wanna say how we need more interactive websites like Welcome Home.
To those who haven't heard about it yet, it's about this ol' American children's show that ran on an unknown channel between the 1960's-70's until its mysterious disappearance.
The Welcome Home Restoration Project are now scrambling to recover all that remains of the show, including merchandise, official art and commercials.
I personally wish they'd either get a graphic novel or an animated web series of sort so more people can easily get into it. The fact it includes themes surrounding mental health, autism and LGBT alongside 1970's nostalgia is incredible!
🇦🇺 The Amazing Digital Circus (TADC)
Yeah, yeah! I know it's very popular. To those who've just gotten into the show, it's actually made by a Sydney-based independent studio called GLITCH.
Follow Pomni and the rest of the colorful cast as they navigate through the virtual world filled with wacky shenanigans, creatures and lore. FUN FACT: This show became the most watched on YouTube as it received millions of views in a matter of two weeks.
🇳🇿 "Monkey Wrench" by zeurel
Another indie animated show by the New Zealand-based creator zeurel.
If I were to describe it, imagine Studio Trigger deciding to make their own Saturday morning cartoon about a crazy flesh monkey name Shrike and his sidekick Bulldog Browns going on some crazy intergalactic adventures.
It's a pretty ambitious and well-animated project that is unfortunately overlooked by YouTube so I recommend you guys check it out.
🇵🇭 "AMANDI: The Secret Messenger" by ME!
You think I'd forget about my own upcoming novel?
Now, I have heard some people say they struggle to get into the prequel "The Case Of The Red Bubble" because of my writing but it's important to know that I was inspired by those ol' stories I used to write and horror movies while growing up.
When I write something, it should appeal and make sense to the target audience but also me!
While TCOTRB is about a group of middle schoolers discovering a series of deadly mysteries in the country, AMANDI is about these now-college kids being haunted by the true identity of the mysterious radio announcer as it continues to affect their friendship.
Both of the novels have colourful illustrations to accompany you throughout the story. AMANDI is set to release on July 21st, 2024!