Well it's been... forever since I did one of these, figured it was well past due for another! XD Well, I don't think it's a surprise how much music effects my stories (Vector's chapters in a nutshell), I think music is really cool and it helps me get the juices flowing. So I thought, why not share some of the music I listen to when writing/thinking about our favorite band of boys? Thus, this list of songs that I associate with each member of the Chaotix. I don't mind rambling about why I chose these songs either so let's get to it!
Charmy: E is for Everybody - Cooler Kids; Puppy Raceway - Hyper Potions & SAMME; Breaking Free - Dragon Ball Z Budokai
Charmy's songs are all about childhood innocence, bubbly excitement, and adventure. Some nice easy listening and it may be a little hype in some instances. But I like focusing on his best qualities, the best parts of a sweet, goofy kid brother. And these songs evoke those feelings, as well as a hint of playful mischievousness (specifically Breaking Free). Because I mean... it's Charmy XD
Espio: I Want You Around (slowed + reverb) - Snoh Aalegra; Transcendence - Samurai Champloo; Akai Usagi - Blade of the Immortal
Espio's songs are a lot more complex than Charmy's. They're probably more complex than the rest of the Chaotix, simply because Espio's past (which I'm still writing, don't worry XD) is quite complex. We already know by Chapter 5 he used to be an assassin, so there's a lot of baggage there even without going into intimate detail. And even without that, Espio is a nuanced character anyway. Very subdued, professional, and stoic. But also, loving, doting, fussy, and playful. He's confident and insecure, he's withdrawn and open, he's mature and somewhat childish. A beautiful mass of dichotomies and occasional contradictions. So his songs are more about seeking balance, comfort, and strength. When he's balanced, he's smooth, sharp, and decisive; Poetry in motion (Transcendence). When he's comfortable with his found family, he's (reluctantly) open, warm, and playful; At peace and almost desperate to stay that way (I Want You Around). When he's strong though, he's dangerous, withdrawn, but reliable, protective, and confident; Greatness at a bit of a cost (Akai Usagi). So yeah, pretty complicated stuff, but that's Espio for ya XD
Vector: Photosynthesis (slowed + reverb) - Saba; Don't Wanna Fall In Love - Kyle; September Rain - Jinsang
Vector's songs are first and foremost smooth and groovy. He's the laidback leader with serious cool dad vibes, of course his music choices have to reflect that. He's fun, charming, boisterous, inviting, and witty. But just like Espio, there's some complexities hidden underneath the surface, as evident by Chapter 10 and 20. He's been through a lot, things he'd rather not talk about but that stay lingering in the back of his mind. Hardships he barely made it out of but shaped him into the man he is today. So, his songs are on the surface just cool funky jams to dance to or even to layback and watch the clouds go by (September Rain fits this the best). But there's definitely something just underneath, something deeper, more somber (Photosynthesis and Don't Wanna Fall In Love barely hide their message and theme behind a slamming groove). But, as I said, he's the fun cool dad, so the songs by themselves are still enjoyable and can definitely get the good vibes going. And if you're in the mood for something deeper, just pay closer attention and you'll find it. Which is a really good way to describe Vector as a character, honestly.
Mighty: Mirage Saloon (James Wong Remix) - Sonic Smackdown; Vigaku - Dead or Alive 4; Jazzy NYC '99 - Street Fighter: Third Strike
Mighty's songs are mostly just me picking off other people's selections for him XD But I have to say, they really fit my idea of Mighty. Incredibly hype and energetic, somewhat playful but more so cool (Mirage Saloon fits this the best). Nothing too fast, but very powerful percussion and guitar. It just fits him, ya know? Mighty is similar to Vector in someways, but he lacks the chill and charming factor. The smooth attitude. Mighty is a lot more in your face (but not annoyingly so), kinda intense guy. He's fun and cool, but just a bit intense is all XD And when he gets serious, you know you're in for a real fight (Jazzy NYC '99 if you couldn't tell by where it comes from XD). But at the same time, he's adventurous and a world traveler, he appreciates other cultures and such so he's got a little of that in there too (Vigaku embodies this the most). Mighty is more simplistic than Vector and Espio (only because I haven't nailed down his backstory yet XD), but he's a fun, adventurous, intense, cool guy. And I think all of these songs embody those sentiments rather well.
Ray: Options - Dragon Ball Z Budokai; Skill Shop - Dragon Ball Z Budokai; Melissa - Fullmetal Alchemist
Ray's songs may seem the most random and off the beaten path, but I promise they make sense XD Ray is without a doubt the most timid and softer of the group. He's not trying to draw unnecessary attention to himself, he's not trying to make waves, he's just happy to be included basically. He's meek, but very happy to contribute whatever he can and continues to strive for improvement in everything he is passionate about. But again, he's soft and pleasant to be around, and easy to get along with. When you're with Ray, he tries his best to make you feel at home. In serious situations, he is analytical and a bit more assertive, but not intense like his buddy Mighty. He's excited by small things and can get fixated on the beauty of the world around him so much that he gets a little lost. He's really different from all the other Chaotix, so of course his music choices would be really different as well. Mostly I was trying to find songs that feel soft, pleasant, yet purposeful and analytical. Nothing too energetic or hyperactive, nothing too smooth or cool, nothing too childish or mature. Just... soft and pleasant. Kinda like study music, if that makes sense XD He was the hardest to find music for, but in the end, I think the choices really do fit the little guy well.
These definitely aren't the only songs I associate with the characters, they aren't all the songs I listen to when writing, and I haven't even listed my theme songs for the Chaotix as a whole! So if this was interesting enough, I may do another one of the songs I haven't mentioned yet. So just let me know if that's something you'd be interested in and I'll be happy to share! Until next time! C:
