Analog Flow

Art by Barry Burce

I’ve been consuming a lot of analog horror, a subgenre of found footage horror done in a VHS style, on Youtube. Maybe a couple videos a day…maybe more. They’re like these easily digestible snacks. Part of this is for research purposes for Project Bullet Baby which has prominent analog horror elements in the plot and partially for entertainment. The Backrooms is probably my favorite series at the moment. It focuses on liminal spaces, parallel dimensions, and isolation. It was initially created by Kane Pixels who is only 17, but he is the OG of Backrooms mainly because he created it and he’s dripping with talent. Since his series has amassed millions of views, it has become this big sprawling universe across Youtube with numerous imitators. For example, here’s the “fun” level of the backrooms below.

The ambient music amps things up and provides the proper amount of anxiety needed to enjoy these…I have a friend who can’t stand the music and refuses to watch them.

Ben in the Backrooms is another favorite. Short, sweet and absurd. Someone once commented that the Backrooms have become a proving ground for upcoming filmmakers and I couldn’t agree more.

Another good one is the Monument Mythos. It’s this strange series where this guy exposes these creatures living within the National Landmarks across the U.S. documentary style. It’s unsettling, compelling and well done.

Writing in general is moving along at a nice pace. I whipped up a cool body horror short story the other day inspired by jiu jitsu and stingrays. I can feel myself improving as a writer. Reminds me of those times where I could lift bigger weights or actually pull off an armbar while rolling with someone during BJJ open mat. Putting in the hours truly does pay off.

Also, check out this great article by Edward J. Rathke. He produces one of my favorite newsletters—Wolf. He always write these insightful pieces that touch on a variety of subjects that I ponder from time to time. I’m tired of hearing writers whine about how hard writing is. The constant plight, the harrowing descent into the madness…it’s exhausting. I really wonder why the hell do you do something you hate or is so torturous. I understand it does feel like work, but if it’s a passion, what the big deal? I feel like a lot of writers like to posture and seek attention. Woe is me…

I’ve been having a lot of fun writing this year. Sometimes I have to remind myself I can write about whatever I want however I want. I mean I sincerely love my characters in Project Bulletbaby…I’m writing about guns, drugs, angst, and more.

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Currently Watching: Atlanta Season 3 & Moon Knight

Currently Reading: Third World Magicks by Mike Kleine, Hunger for Death by Joshua Marsella, and Inspection by Josh Malerman

Currently Smoking: Baby Jeeter Strawberry Shortcake Prerolls

-great strain: smooth, nice flavor and this little pre-roll hits when you need a nice high after a long day of whatever

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Fivio Foreign & Lil Yachty come together like Goku & Vegeta on this single off Fivio’s debut album B.I.B.L.E. People have been sleeping on Yachty. He’s been on a rampage lately with his features. But man, I need an entire tape from Fivio & Yatchy. Viral…movie!

So I thought BIA was just a one-hit wonder with “Whole Lotta Money” a year ago, but boy was I wrong. A simple youtube search shows multiple songs with millions of views. Are these views fake? Did they come from streaming farms in India? Who knows? Either way she’s poppin and her new song “London” goes hard. It’s catchy, infectious and makes me want to play the song over and over. Plus, J. Cole is rapping his ass off here. Usually I find him to be a bit preachy, but some of these lines go.

“She go both ways, I’m tasting the rainbow.”

How shitty, how crude yet so outrageously good.

Lucki’s getting a little chunky and has developed a lean gut over the years. Thankfully, he’s able to take it in stride and laugh at himself with his fans. His wavy rapping abilities are still at an all-time high and he’s giving me a constant backdrop for the crime-based fiction I’m writing in Chicago. Worth a listen or 2 or 3.

Until next week…