The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 1768 Artistic Personality
The city, at this moment, has pressed the pause button. The world, which has always been running at high speed and constantly busy, has fallen into a spacetime rift and is drifting away from reality.

Unbelievable, unbelievable—

However, it seems perfectly natural.

People still remember the grand premiere of "Spider-Man 2" at Radio Music Hall, not just in New York, but in other cities as well.

The fervor, the unbridled joy, the laughter still resonate deep within our souls. Even though so much time has passed, it is still talked about with great relish. Everyone longs to be a part of that party, everyone longs to experience such an unforgettable carnival, without exception.

And now?
Those memories surged back, gripping my steps, my wildly beating heart had broken free of reason, and I rushed forward like a moth to a flame.

Now or never.

This time, it's not just New York; cities large and small across North America are witnessing this moment.

People in other cities vaguely guessed that top cities like New York and Los Angeles were probably no exception, but there was no time to think about that at the moment. The only fact they were 100% certain of was:

An opportunity for a wild party is before us; there's no reason to miss it.

From the impact of music videos to the allure of live performances, attention surges forth like a tidal wave.

Of course, not everyone liked this scene; the noise of cursing and swearing was incessant, and the sounds of horns and engines mingled in the air.

but!

It is precisely because of this hustle and bustle that the simplicity and purity of the scene on the big screen are highlighted all the more: one person, one voice, and that is the whole world.

"Slap. Slap. Slap. Mmm... Mmm..."

Softly and attentively, in a calm and relaxed humming, one can feel a resilient power that gradually quiets down the noise.

Then, Blair caught a soft humming in his ear, "Doo-ba doo-ba... hum hum hum..."

That was none other than Karen.

Blair stared at Karen in shock, unable to believe his ears.

Karen was slightly shy and her expression was a little reserved, but she still gestured with her eyes as if to say: A cappella, let's join Anson together!
Blair, somewhat bewildered and confused, joined Karen in tapping out the beat. However, she lacked confidence in her singing, her mouth seemingly unable to open properly, and the low humming mumbled deep in her throat. When she looked at the big screen again, the corners of her mouth slightly turned up, as if she had formed a connection with the image on the screen.

So, singing can evoke such emotions; and there are other ways to appreciate a performance?

The body seemed to truly feel the notes and rhythm.

Just then, singing came from behind Anson on the big screen, softly humming, "Dong dong dong, dong dong dong."

Was that... singing? Or a musical instrument?

The camera, which had been aimed at the back of Anson's head, finally rotated 180 degrees to focus on Anson's face in a super close-up. Without pausing, it began to quickly retreat, widening the frame to capture the scene behind Anson in a rapid burst of light, unfolding a magnificent panorama before our eyes.

Everyone, everyone, is a person.

At first glance, there should be thirty people? Or fifty?

They were all unfamiliar faces, but they were singing in separate parts—

Without any instruments, relying solely on their voices, this is clearly a cappella. The singers use different mouth shapes and vocal techniques to hum the melodies, their voices of varying layers and colors intertwining and colliding together, including Anson's.

"Boom boom boom, boom boom boom."

Anson turned around and joined his friends, blending in as if he were just a drop of water in the vast ocean before him, stirring up huge waves with his voice.

Rhythm. Notes. Melody fills the heart, awakens passion, and a surge of excitement and elation, beyond the reach of words, churns in the stomach.

Little by little, from afar to near, a spring breeze caressed my face, and before I even realized it, the corners of my mouth had involuntarily turned up in a smile.

Blair turned to Karen in astonishment and disbelief: How...how did she know? She even joined Anson's performance before those people showed up?
Karen's smile was exceptionally bright as she mouthed: "A cappella."

The principle is that simple. There is nothing mysterious or magical about it. It is simply that Karen understands Anson and lets everything return to the simplest form of music.

Karen nudged Blair with her shoulder and laughed heartily, signaling her friend to let loose and join in their performance.

Then, Anson stepped forward again, took a step forward, and looked directly into the camera.

"Sailing!"

"This is how I express my love, I can only imagine it in my mind because... baby, it's all my fault for being an ADD."

Turning around to face the a cappella crowd, Anson lightly patted his knees and stomped his feet, using parts of his body to keep the beat.

The movements, which should have appeared awkward, were performed with perfect naturalness, and all the a cappella members joined in, enriching the layers of the melody.

"This is what the angels are crying about. It's all my fault for my morbid pride. Baby, it's all my fault for ADD."

"Sailing!"

Everything should return to its origins and simplicity.

Once, in the band August 31, Anson showcased the charm of instruments to the fullest. Whether it was a European street tour or a Grammy “Don’t Be So Serious” performance, Anson used the band’s wonderful performances to draw people’s attention back to the instruments and make them realize the charm of the band.

So when the band announced its disbandment, amidst sighs of regret and sorrow, people were concerned about how Anson would continue to explore his musical path.
Not just Anson, but for every band and group after they went their separate ways, this is a question that every musician must face: how to find themselves in artistic creation, and how to explore their artistic personality in music.

People's attention to Anson stems from trust, because Anson used his talent to breathe life into the band August 31, making a name for himself. Now that Anson has left the band, how the band explores its musical path is one thing, and how Anson showcases his artistic personality is another.

While Hollywood was still relentlessly labeling Anson a "pretty face," he had already earned his place in the music industry.

At first, people complained that Anson might have run out of inspiration and was using acting as an excuse to avoid music creation.

Later, people continued to criticize Anson for choosing a hip-hop style that combined with pop culture, such as "Sunflower." Although it was catchy and widely spread, Anson failed to showcase his unique artistic taste and couldn't match the freshness and impact he brought during his time with the band August 31.

After all, August 31st is a unique band, while Sunflower? Excellent as they are, Anson is not the only one in the music industry who can produce music of this caliber.

Now, Anson has finally responded in his own way—

If a band is about instruments, then an individual is about sound. They use their voice to interpret melodies and touch the soul. When music sheds its complexity and glamour and returns to its simplicity, a single voice can strike the heart directly.

This is Anson Wood.

(End of this chapter)