“What If?” Playlist: Opening Songs If I Had An Anime/Cartoon
Music is such a big part of my life, and the creative process when I start of draw. I have been thinking of ways to incorporate this love of music into this site. I want it to be on full display that it is part of the DNA of my creativity. I don’t make music, but I am just a lover of good songs and albums. I mainly listen to Rap and R&B, but find myself enjoying other genres. I been thinking of a series that showcases the influence that music has on my creative process. So I arrived here this little blog series that highlight a few songs that inspire my imagination.
My main focus when I draw is to create characters, and build the world around them. In order to create these characters, I have to imagine them moving in my mind. I want to envision the world that they are moving through. Where do they eat? Where do they sleep? What time of the day are they most active? What of the frequent faces they run into? Even though I am creating characters for my comics, I can’t help but wonder “What if?”. This world and character that I am brainstorming soon become I show that I am watching. Scene by scene it’s all coming together, but I start at the beginning. For more this is the most crucial piece to a good show — A captivating opening song.
When I find myself lost in the thoughts of seeing my art as an animation, I immediately go to the opening and closing songs. I think of shows like The Boondocks, Samurai Champloo, Community, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Teen Titans, The Proud Family, and the list can go on. I just think about how the opening song catches the viewer and leaves on with the viewer. The songs set the mood of the pacing and expectations for a show. It becomes another character of the show that viewers become attached to. So I decided to share a couple of songs that I feel would be great openings for my imaginary show. I may share more in the future.
One Love,
I am Charles Williams
1. Bishop Nehru - Fickle Mind$
I have been obsessed with this song since college (I feel old). I love the beat and the lyrics, but the overall moods matches with the mood that I have in mind for some of my comics. I think of a dark, grim, and moody world that really leans into the 80s/90s anime aesthetic. Anime like Ninja Scrolls and Akira come to mind.
2. Knxwledge - learn
I enjoy everything about Knxwledge. It’s hard for me to listen to just instrumentals, but he makes it effortless. I feel this gives me Samurai Champloo vibes. This is perfect for an opening that contrasts with the pace of the show. A nice and steady intro, for an action packed and profanity filled show.
3. Khruangbin x Leon Bridges - Chocolate Hills
This song is soothing, and I chose this because it will more of a self reflecting opening. Song eases the viewer into the main characters internal dilemma that will be displayed in the episode of the show. I imagine a song like this for a show with a character like John Wick. A man with a past that he wants to forget, but keeps getting pulled back into. With this song, you can tell that he is longing for piece, but the events that follow won’t allow it.
4. Mavi - Latch
I listen to this song on late night drives. The beat has a nice kick, while not being an up-tempo song. The lyrics are hurl at you, but you can clearly hear every word. I think this song is mesmerizing, and I imagine a character that is young and arrogant while living in a fast pace environment where they are learning as they go.
5. BINA. - Just Like Her Father
I love the way this songs opens, it feels dreamy and offers a nice bounce. Overall, I just think song has the makings to be an incredible opening song. It doesn’t have to reflect or give insight into the show, it’s just a really good song.
