CHARACTERS
Musicians, or "idols" competing on a TV show located in America, with the show's main selling point being the incomprehensible and dangerous mechanics of the stage that the idols themselves perform on for the public. A satirical portrayal of the current ways society treats celebrities and a warped, exaggerated interpretation of the entertainment/music industry.
Character Summary
During Axel’s childhood, he was bullied for reasons he had yet to understand. Could it be his appearance; personality? Maybe even mannerisms or beliefs? Either way, he couldn’t really put his finger on it.Over time, he began to isolate himself more from his familiar social groups and soon developed anxiety regarding people and the interactions he had continuously fumbled.
During this period of his life is when he turned his focus towards more personal interests such as music and creation, in which he discovered a TV series titled, "So, You Wanna Be an Idol?".
This show broadcasted musical talents who were not afraid to experiment and break conventionality. Maybe if he became an idol just like them, people would begin to appreciate Axel for all his unfamiliar quirks? Although, he knew that this goal was easier said than done.He began to study the performers, inspecting the reason as to why they were so likable; why they were allowed to be different whilst lacking intense scrutiny from the viewership. After a long period of overthinking and, perhaps baseless analysis, ideas seemed to click and Axel felt he could finally create his own appealing identity just like the rest of them. This on-and-off obsession went on for a while, but eventually he had to commit to his goal and officially sign the deal.Axel is what he chose for his stage name and branding for his persona, reflecting the axolotl and other aquatic creatures. A character meant to inspire the weird and the misunderstood. His Axel identity is very bubbly and flamboyant, he tends to seem like an airhead when acting as this character. His clothes are revealing and stylish, with odd layer combinations and a limited color scheme (most commonly black and pink)His "real" self is blunt but kind. Usually avoiding socialization if he's not playing a character, as crowds and people give him anxiety. He feels vulnerable being his real self and fears criticism on his personality and interests. When playing a character, he doesn't mind the criticism as much, he can blame his odd behaviors on Axel, not Joey.One of the only people he feels like he can be himself around is Usaku, Joey can talk about interests and hobbies with him without feeling judged or misunderstood. But because of this, he ends up later becoming overly attached to their friendship.Later on in the story, Joey realizes that 'Axel' is not just a character anymore, but a extension of himself. A person he wishes he was, and prefers to be.
Music Style
Axel creates house/EDM mixed with distorted and warped vocals with an almost j-pop style influence to the sounds. Sometimes using bubbly, watery samples to better fit his brand. He is usually seen shuffling during his shows which adds a unique element, considering he is choreographing his movements to compliment the shifting and morphing of the sci-fi stage itself. Also a big stage slider, hence the kneepads on his boots.His main personal instruments are keyboards, synthesizers and MIDI devices. Prior to competing in the TV series, he would sometimes do DJ sets for more unknown music fests and occasionally nightclubs.
Details
-Has a whole collection of funky sunglasses and uses a specific pair for performing-Has a pet axolotl at home that his mother and younger siblings take care of while he's gone for training camp-unlabeled sexuality because he struggles with past experiences on expressing his romantic feelings, he would just rather if people didn't know-strong arachnophobia-strongly dislikes being 'babied'
Concept Work
Character Summary
Usaku, an American man who's main aspiration in life was to become a successful musician. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of the industry in his lifetime, the bare minimum of success would be to conform to the TV show, "So, you wanna be an idol?". Due to this show's popularity, as well as being the culprit for the main shift in this world's music industry, any person who has ever wanted to dive into the career path of music almost always has to surrender themselves to contracts and marketers, using their bodies as vessels for the public's entertainment.But, it doesn't have to be like this, Usaku believes. He believes he can change the world for the better, by winning the TV show's competition and swaying society's opinions on what it even means to be a musician, or an "idol". Although, he hasn't thought much about how he would change the public's opinions, considering idols aren't seen as humans to begin with, so it would be difficult to speak in a way that'll make people feel even slightly compassionate for the entertainers.
His brand for his music and idol identity reflect heavily on his experiences with mental illness and being able to achieve personal goals despite the difficulties that his mind creates for him; an inspiration for people who deal with self doubts and serious disorders
Music Style
Usaku uses psychedelic and surreal sounds for his music, mixing in his rap and singing vocals in which he distorts to give an uneasy, ambient yet upbeat tone to his work. He will use mainly electronic components as well as an off-putting piano for contrast to the rest of the song. Music and visuals that probably should not be played for a drugged up audience.
Details
-Body dysmorphia/OCD tendencies, actively fighting negative, intrusive thoughts during his training and while being aired on show-Fear of losing control of his mind-psychosis experiences during his training period
Concept Work
Character Summary
An idol who believes that a variety of fears are irrational and created from ignorance and lack of awareness.
Dressing up as a satanic symbol while performing abrasive yet melodic songs, in hopes to reach a wider audience while still being in touch with his roots. He views his character as an identity created by morals and beliefs that he feels are outdated.
As well as using the occult imagery, Guy includes spiders into the concept as a parallel to something seen as dangerous relating back to the lack of understanding of an animal or being. Not to say he believes the Devil is good, but more so giving the message about an assumed danger that never quite existed to begin with.
Music Style
Guy mainly plays an electric guitar, incorporating an industrial metal style to his music as well as some hip-hop elements. "punk" ideals but definitely contrasts the true punk lifestyle, as he works for a huge corporation and is basically a millionaire. Essentially a poser but is aware of it.
Details
-Scar on his lip from playing hockey in 7th grade gym class, but he pretends it was from a fight-Dad is German and his mom is Native American, Christianity was heavily enforced in his childhood but he became a Satanist in his late teens-Has a Cobalt blue tarantula named Ember
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Music Style
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