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 could not understand. Was it his appearance; or personality? Maybe even mannerisms or beliefs? Either way, he couldn’t put his finger on it. Growing up he would isolate himself from others, developing anxiety regarding his worth as a human being. Always wondering why no one seemed to like him, he turned to television and other means of entertainment for distraction. At this point is when he discovered the infamous TV series, starring idols and unique personalities that the public seemed to love. 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 would not be easy to achieve. He began to study the idols, 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 friendshipLater 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 programs. 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'
Character Summary
Usaku, a Japanese 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
Character Summary
An idol who's whole 'schtick' is shock value and to act as an embodiment of human's 'true' nature, violence and selfishness. Not indicative of his own perspective on what he believes is wrong, but what society perceives as immoral based on religious and cultural rules, structures, and ideas that have been engrained into minds all over. Aware that he will be criticized for his character, his logic boils down to "A reflection of other's standards and fears. A character, a devil, that lacked existence or meaning prior to the birth of humanity."That is to say if Guy actually succeeds in getting his message across, or if he is viewed as just another edgy entertainer doing it for the money and attention.Guy will use a lot of shock value during his sets, using fake gore or just other heinous shit to spark controversy and reaction from his viewers. He's overall a fine guy, but can be very egotistical. He doesn't like most other Satanists, as he believes they aren't in it for the right reasons. He'll almost always stand his ground and challenge other people's views on things he is passionate about.His fashion outside of performing is alternative but silly, not taking himself or his clothes very seriously. He's fueled by people's judgement and likes eyes on him.
Music Style
Guy mainly plays an electric guitar, incorporating an industrial metal style to his music as well as some rap 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