Kalistani Major History

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Python Trio Ultrafuss brings Noise Alternative back to the Mainstream
Debut EP Opium is a "dissonant masterpiece"
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
April 2, 5550


Ultrafuzz' debut EP Opium creates narcoleptic, opiated fever dream soundscape

A lot of modern music is pretty straight forward: There hasn't been a solid noise alternative band hit the charts in decades. But Ultrafuzz, a trio from Python, Duchy of Vrassa, have kicked open the doors once more for loud, crunchy guitar rock, and have signed a development deal with ARC in Sulari. The band consists of singer, songwriter and guitarist Megan Rogers, Bassist Brad North and percussionist Alvin Colleen. All three members grew up in the relatively quiet of Python Underground music scene and formed the band five years ago.

"We all met at Python (Musical and Arts Academy)," said Rogers. "We were maybe originally like four people, and then their guitarist quit and Brad heard me playing in a coffee shop there, and thought I would be a good person to be the guitarist and then the lead singer, this chick name Jane (Bratton, who has since formed the band The Show) quit. The guys said she was too interested in singing like that pop sh-t that all the stupid teeneyboppers are into and so I said 'Yeah you know I can sing a little bit...' and they let me sing some of her songs and at first the lead guitarist (George Moses, now in Python's Cold Water Drain) was all like 'you're singing too slow, like what's your problem you f--kin junkie' and then they like kicked that dude out of the band too and so we like changed our name to Ultrafuzz because that's what the guys wanted the, you know, the sound to be like this fuzzy distortion stuff... it was real art rock, and I was totally into it. So I mean, yeah..."

Convoluted origin stories aside, the band's first single, "You're Gonna Pay Me With your Life", which came out before their Debut EP was released has been hailed as the year's first great hit song. The single hit number 35 on the Radio 1 Hot 200 Singles Poll, and the strength of the debut single drove the EP into the Top 20 on the Albums Poll. "Its a dissonant masterpiece," said music reviewer Tasha Jeffries for Kalistani Rawk Monthly, of the single. "The EP's title really says it all for these songs, but that one especially sounds like they are actually making it while smoking. Its the kind of music a narcoleptic opium addict would make. It drags and is so slow and fat and the guitars are so massive while Meg hardly sounds like she's awake. You almost don't have to take any drugs listening to it--the music does that for you."

Megan Rogers was upfront about the chemicals she uses. "Yes. Opium, I think maybe, um, maybe I don't know like a few times--somedays it kinda blends together you know, but I think this is really kind of a good thing, like these are the sounds you hear when that stuff is swirling around in the room--you like get the sense that things, like everyone should just kinda take it easy and really just make as loud of music as we possibly can. It's kind of good that ARC gave us a decent deal. The money I made from that EP is gone already, of course. We always have some around. It makes the days fly by. And you know, then before you even know it, the record was done and we were like, man when did we do that?" She says the dissonance and volume of her band's noise alternative serves a purpose. "When you chase the dragon, so to speak, you know, you have to play loud, or the other guys can't really hear you."

Asked what it is like to be in a band with such a heavy narcotics user like Megan Rogers is apparently, bassist North said, "She uses drugs? I don't think that's true. Did she tell you that?" Alvin Colleen added, "hey, remember that time we were eating all that L and smoking herb and she brought this stuff that was like this white crystal stuff and was just gonna smoke it herself and and we were like oh man, what's that? and she said it was synthetic opium, and we were like what the heck? and then we saw those Indralan soldiers out in the parking lot? What? That night was wild!"

Despite their self reported issues with continuity, the record's producer, Victor Sutter with ARC said the band was "one of the easiest bands I ever recorded, hands down. First: they had these songs down. At first they were so kind of all over the place. We one take, and it just sounded like they were playing riffs and this down tempo really sludgy stuff, and like they were totally making it up on the spot. So I thought, yeah, there's no way these guys had these songs coming in here. They just made this stuff up in the studio, so I had them do a second take, and it was virtually identical. And later I went back and listened to their demos, and the demo was more or less exactly what we just recorded. They play these songs like they are just taking dictation. It's so weird."

"Oh yeah, they are drug addicts... real junkies, all three of them," said Sutter. "I could get maybe 4 hours of work out of them in a day, but those four hours were so easy that we actually did almost a song a day for the EP. They knew what they wanted to do, and part of that time was them trying to explain the sound they had in their head to me, so I could do it. If they just laid off the tar long enough to learn sound engineering and production, they could've made this record themselves. They were so good and their whole goal was to make the loudest record a three piece band could make." The album was completed in three weeks from start to finish, much of that time was spent waiting for new equipment to arrive from Python, because the band accidentally set fire to the recording space at ARC, and their road crew back in Python were unreliable. Ultimately, ARC spent more than 45,000 Rubles replacing the equipment that the band accidentally burned up.

"After that, we had to ban smoking in the studio," said Sutter. "And really it was for our own good: The production team always got a little too high during the sessions, and you can hear it on the record. If we could turn the gain up on a lot of those songs, we did. You could always see on Meg's face when she realized that we had turned her guitar up--she got this big grin. When we were mastering then, we were like 'god this is too loud. It's gonna kill the speakers in people's cars and they aren't gonna play it on the radio.' So we had to turn it back down. I don't think the band knows it yet."

"They did what?!" said North. "I mean it sounds good, but why? Why did they do that? Next time I swear they better not do that. We're still gonna play it loud live anyway. Whatever."

What the future holds for this band is anyone's guess, but for now, they are the sound of Alternative Radio. Rogers said, "I think they want to do a record, I mean the label, I mean a full LP you know, with like 14 songs on it. Yeah, that might be kind of fun, but really, we gotta see what this one does first. ARC signed us to a development deal, meaning, I think they want us to use this to get some more exposure and see if you know like there's a market." Colleen added, "So much of the stuff on the radio is this pop and b stuff, which is fine, but there's no sharp edges to it. We want our music to sound like the guitars are being played by a blender with like knives attached to it, like we're pulling on it and contorting it. The drums are so heavy, the bassline is so thick, and the guitar sounds like I'm breaking it half the time. Its noise. And I guess some people dig it, so we'll see what comes next I guess."

Rogers then ended the interview abruptly with "I'm finna take off, cool?" And then she just left... The band followed her and that was it.

Easy to record, really shivers-producing and exciting to listen to, and impossible to interview, Ultrafuzz' new EP Opium is in stores all across the Empire, and their video for "You're Gonna Pay Me with your Life" has just entered heavy rotation on M7. Our best advice is, listen to it in the correct frame of mind, and at top volume to get the full effect. Here's the video, which at 3 minutes and 46 seconds is an apropos truncation of the full single that clocks in at five minutes and 17 seconds, but feels like its actually 8 and a half minutes long. Opium by Python's Ultrafuzz is recorded on ARC records in Sulari.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCPfYcLuYkk]

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His Imperial Majesty travels to Likatonia
Invites Kundrati Bank Reps to Kalistan upon Return
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 30, 5550


Chancellor of the Empire, Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell returns from Likatonia after successful state visit

The official Party representing Kalistan to Likatonia has returned to the Empire, and the Chancellor of the Empire, Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell declared the visit to be a great success.

"His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Fredrick II Ananto was very pleased with his interaction with Likatonian President Daniel and Ms. Olivia Greenshaw," said Dame Ontiveros. "Together they have laid the foundations of a warm relationship, and His Imperial Majesty will look forward to strengthening ties between our two nations in the coming months and years." Specifically, Dame Ontiveros noted that the two heads of state discussed extension of the Northern Seleyan Economic Community to Likatonia as well as linking the republic to the Trans Seleyan Rail Line. "His Imperial Majesty is very encouraged by the discussions he had with the Likatonian President on the issues. They may have different philosophies about the role of the State in the Economy, but I think the Emperor believes the Likatonian President to be a reasonable and intelligent man, and will work for the benefit of his people. This could include a gradual strengthening of economic and cultural bonds between our two states as well as bringing Likatonia into the Rail network. The President has vision for his nation, and the Emperor has notified him that we hope to help wherever we can for the improvement of Likatonia and Northern Seleya as a whole."

The encouraging assessment were coupled with additional reports on various tours the Emperor took around the nation. "His Imperial Majesty was treated to a review of the Likatonian Military, and the His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense was encouraged at the beginning steps Likatonia is taking to reprofessionalize and modernize their armed forces. The Empire will look for opportunities to support that effort in Likatonia, in partnership with the Likatonian Government and their other international Partners."

Dame Ontiveros said the Emperor enjoyed his visit to the Cardigan Showroom, and the meeting with company founder and CEO Michael Cardigan. "Their automobiles would find a lot of buyers in Kalistan, His Imperial Majesty told the Likatonians," said Dame Ontiveros. "He also noted Kalistan's trade deficit and suggested that Kalistan should want to open a market to these automobiles for our local internationalists, but trades for cars would need to be at parity: MoCo would need to be permitted to sell cars in Likatonia if Likatonia sought to sell autos in Kalistan. We do have interest, but the Emperor made it clear that trade situations meant that Kalistan should sell as many cars abroad as it imports to prevent the deficit from worsening."

The Chancellor finished her impromptu press conference by stating that the Emperor found the Likatonian people to be genteel and kind. "The Emperor felt that the people of Likatonia seemed to be quite well versed in Kalistani Imperial Etiquette, and observed it assiduously. The people of Likatonia went out of their way to make the Emperor feel comfortable and welcomed at all times, and the Emperor gave special praise to the dish that was served at the State Dinner. He is known to be very impressed with the Chicken Gumbo, noting the very unique spice palate for the dish. He requested the recipe of the chefs so he could pass it on to his own personal kitchen staff to add to his house's menu."

Besides the high level diplomacy and overtures in trade, infrastructure, regional cooperation, and military cooperation that was made during the visit, the Chancellor discussed his informal visits with the Kundrati Bank lawyer, Ms Pavlína Dvořáčková Hulanevek, who was also in country at the same time to discuss Etxean Bank Affairs. Ms. Hulanevek, who is one year the Emperor's senior, is a member of the Hulanevek Family, which has long played a central role in Kundrati and International Affairs, and has produced two presidents for Kundrati, and was the organizer of the former Royal House of Hanzen, The Emperor was paired frequently with Ms. Hulanevek, in both formal and informal settings throughout the trip.

"As a result of these meetings, and the opportunity that His Imperial Majesty has taken to learn about what Ms Hulanavek does, the Emperor has asked his Foreign Secretary, Dame DuMont to invite representatives from Etxean Bank to Kalistan to discuss international finance law, a matter he appears to have recently taken an interest in," the Chancellor said with a perceptible smile on her face. "I am not here to say that his interest is anything other than what he claims it to be, but the timing sure seems to be perfectly transparent. We have, however, extended the invitation to representatives of the Etxean Bank to come to Kaliburg and explain the finer points of International Finance Law to His Imperial Majesty as their convenience, and I instructed Dame DuMont to specifically invite Ms. Hulanevek for the visit." The Chancellor, at this point suppressed a smile, and said "It seems that several of us conspired to put those two together, and while this may seem conspiratorial, conspiracies are notoriously difficult to prove. We shall see what comes of their second meeting, to discuss the riveting topic of International Finance Law."

Overall, the bonds between Kalsitan and Likatonia, and possibly with Kundrati, have been greatly strengthened by this brief but relaxing meeting. The Emperor said as he landed in Kalistan:

"We have visited Likatonia for the first time in a very long time. Kalistan looks for opportunities to deepen cultural, economic and security ties with our neighbors, and we would like to see opportunities to invest in Likatonia's growing industries, including the livestock and agriculture industries. We were quite taken by the decency and politeness of the Likatonian people. In all instances, they strove to cause no offense, and were very polite and kind and endeavored to put our ministers and us at ease in all situations. We have a much more favorable opinion of Likatonia than we have has in a long time. They are also a proud nation and we will happily work with them on any projects that we are able. They are much like Ananto in many ways, and we hope that they will have many more years of growth and success. We will make our nation available to help them as they need. In addition, we also look forward to meeting with our new Kundrati contact again, post haste."

The Likatonian visit now in the books, the Emperor hopes to dispatch a new Ambassador within a number of years. "The Emperor has sent a request to the President of Likatonia, President Greenshaw, and his staff for the exchange of Ambassadors and the creation of a permanent embassy in Kaliburg. Talks over cooperation with Likatonians are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Emperor will look forward to the next visit, this time from Kundrati.

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Kaliburg's Amethyst Lemon releases Debut Album on KMI
Noise Alternative LP Bloom follows on heals of Ultrafuzz' success
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 5, 5551


KMI's Amethyst Lemon answers noise for noise with their KMI release Bloom

Noise Alternative is experiencing something of a renaissance in the Kalistani music scene. As new underground bands making loud, distorted noise alternative spring up across the Empire, a handful of bands have travelled higher. The newest band to arrive in the charts representing the Noise Alternative subgenre is Kaliburg's Amethyst Lemon. This very loud band's debut album Bloom, produced by Frank Metal and Amethyst Lemon for KMI, is now in the record stores and is beginning to get noticed on Kalistan's radio stations, where it has risen to number 43 in its first full week after its release.

"There must be something in the water," said the band's lead singer and rhythm guitarist Roger Stuart. "Music is getting louder again. We're hearing more of it in the clubs, we're hearing more of it on the radio. The pendulum is swinging back and the kids are really digging it." Indeed, Stuart is correct about changing trends. This year alone more than 10 noise alternative records have made it into the top half of the charts, though no one of them has been able to crack the top 5, let alone displace the pop and R&B tunes currently dominating the top spot. This week, for example, 3 of the top ten spots at least feature the pop & B singer Candy Cane, who herself enjoys her third week in number 1.

"I just find that music so uninspiring," said Stuart. " It all sounds exactly the same, like bad disco. Made for real basic people, by real basic people and its all over the place, because its what people all over the world listen to when they just want to have some generic static or whatever on in the background. Nobody actually listens, like really sits down and listens to a pop song, and says 'Yo, they really put a lot of work into THAT! The talent is so stunning...' No you gotta just admire the machine that cranks out copy after copy after copy and then gets people with a bunch of money to give that money up for a copy of what they just bought last week. So if we aren't hearing a lot of music that we want to hear, we have to make it ourselves. And when people hear it, they'll make it too, and then one of us will finally make it. And then a lot of others will come along."

Stuart is significantly more philosophical about the return of noisy alternatives rock than a lot of his compatriots. Only just last year, Ultrafuzz, the vanguards of this return to louder, more distorted guitars and massive bombastic soundscapes, launched their own EP, and they have since failed to complete their tour, and have put the recording of their debut LP on hiatus while they attempt to deal with their failure to control their use of substances. This wave of alternative rock is, on the whole, being driven by a heavy use of narcotics among most of the musicians. "I mean I can't deny that it has driven a quest for volume and distortion," said Stuart. "I hear this hum, or this kind of drone, or this ringing, and I have to turn the guitars up to hear over it sometimes. But I think I personally have spent more time, when recording, totally sober, because I find that the drugs kind of affect my actual playing."

The rest of the band agrees. Primary song writer and lead guitarist Brad Mifune, who is responsible for introducing a lot of the dreamy elements into the band's music said, "I can only really do that on my days off, like when we're practicing or writing, yeah, but when we're actually rehearsing or recording, or playing a show, no, I gotta kinda leave it alone for a day or so ahead of time. We all agree, its kind of counterproductive. We don't need to follow Meg's [Ultrafuzz's Megan Rogers] same road to make the loudest music we can."

The band does indeed differentiate themselves from more underground bands and the earlier musicians in this wave by including music that includes dreamy and romantic themes. "I think what we do in this band and on this record is kind of add love and like wanting to the movement," said Mifune. "We started writing this music when we were teenagers, and you know, there's a lot of mixed up emotions in those lyrics. Sometimes you are over the moon, sometimes you are so unsure of yourself that you just doubt yourself. These lyrics reflect both a lot of that kind of confusion and sort of how we deal with it. It's quite romantic."

Not only are the lyrics of Amethyst Lemon more approachable than some of the earlier bands in this wave of Noise Alternative, their songs are a lot more melodic. "We can do a lot more with two guitarists than you can do with just one," said Stuart. "Like Brad can have a whole rack of effects pedals just for his guitar, while I got an array that suits more my style. And our rhythm section is perhaps a key. Terry (Kowalski, the drummer) is like one of the, well, was one of the best jazz drummers in Kaliburg before he joined us. And Carri (Marques, on bass) does a real good job at keeping up with him. Playing in clubs for three years now has really cemented us as a band, and I think we hit at just the right time to really do something with this."

"I just want to say," said Marques, "we owe so much to bands like Ultrafuzz and Melanie Flux and who else, like of yeah, our favorites, Lola from Dana for like paving the way for this whole scene. That distortion in all these bands, we want to do that too, make really distorted music and really loud music. I want listeners to go 'are their guitars ok?' after they hear our record. Like it totally sounds like we break our guitars. That's what its supposed to sound like... That's pretty much what all the best bands sound like. And its so cool, these guys have so much passion and they put it all into their music."

Amethyst Lemon has built its following in the Kaliburg scene over three years, and KMI picked the band up in October of last year following a modest bidding war that saw ARC and VDR attempt to attract the band as well. "Well, I was watching a movie," said KMI's Associate Director for Alternative A&R Martin Jennings. "It was some foreign picture. Anyway, these guys were playing in the club that was on the other side of the wall from the movie theater. And they were so loud that I couldn't even hear the movie in the theater I was in. So I decided to go check their second set out. And it really blew me away. There were like 400 stoned freaks in that club and they were just absolutely having a blast listening to this band. I knew we had something, because if you got 400 kids at a club on a Tuesday Night, there's 40 thousand at home wishing they could be there. I got them into KMI the next day and we started talking records."

Amethyst Lemon's new LP Bloom was the result. "We gave them a three record Guarantee," said Jennings. "I have no doubt that this record will not only blow their entire career up but also kick the door back open to Noise Alternative. Not only is this band going to be huge, but they may also bring this style finally out of Kalistan and to the world."

Check out the new LP from Amethyst Lemon Bloom here. On it you will find the album's first Single "Flowers".

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rGxhKC33GI]

But we've also included a live performance from the band's recent show at Kaliburg's Smoking Room, to give you an idea of the kind of energy we only usually see in the underground. Here's the bobnus cut "Lysergic Dream." Exclusive for Kalistani Rawk Monthly.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BToaLREuhto]

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Emperor is Engaged to Kundrati Finance Lawyer
Pavlína Hulanevek "prepared" to accept role of Kalistani Princess
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 9, 5551


Kundrati's Pavlína Hulanevek, next in line to become Princess Consort, a relative of Kundrati Presidents

A chance meeting in Likatonia in 5550 has secured Kalistan a new Queen. Pavlína Dvořáčková Hulanevek, age 37 is two years the senior of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Fredrick II Ananto, and is certainly more highly educated than the Emperor, but according to sources close to the Emperor, the spark between the two was said to be "instant."

Maria Artan, of La Moda, and a well known Crown watcher, said "Over the last couple years, his Imperial Majesty has carved out time from his schedule to chat with Ms. Hulanevek. It is also known that the Emperor met with Ms. Hulanevek several times over the Spring in Sulari and in Kaliburg, though those meetings were not widely publicized out of concern for both His Imperial Majesty's and Ms. Hulanevek's privacy." Artan was apparently not surprised at the announcement of the Royal Engagement. "I'm a little surprised it did not come sooner, to be completely honest."

The Emperor, whose personal life generally stays out of the press, has a reputation as a very shy and thoughtful man, but he has also been romantically linked to a number of women over the years, including actress Margot Swanson and public intellectual Kerry Jackson. "These relationships didn't last," said Artan, "because of the pressures of the office and all the public protocol that goes with being in the presence of the Emperor. His Imperial Majesty's interference runners in the house staff and in the Government were more able to allow the Emperor some liberty when it came to Ms. Hulanevek though, first because she is a foreigner, and secondly, I think because the Emperor privately told them to back off."

Hulanevek is a descendant of a major political dynasty in Kundrati: Her ancestors were twice President of that nation, and her family formed the now-deposed royal family of the Dovani nation of Hanzen late last century. She has a Juris Doctorate in business and finance law and has worked for the Kundrati Etxean Bank for about 15 years now. She is well spoken and speaks several languages fluently. "Ms. Hulanevek speaks Vrassan with a delightful accent," said Artan. "She's quite charming and has a wonderful sense of humor."

Ms. Hulanevek also has a 5 year old daughter. "The little girl, Miss Carolina Dvořáčková was adopted by Ms. Hulanevek when her parents died. Carolina has travelled with her mother to Kalistan once already and the Emperor and the little girl have reportedly established a fun rapport and a bond over loss of their parents." Asked if the Emperor marrying a single mother would cause any issues in the line of succession, Artan noted that this was one place a few of the nationalists pushed back on the engagement. "They said things like 'Why can't His Imperial Majesty find a woman here in Kalistan,' and 'Kalistan is full of eligible women, what is the Emperor thinking by possibly endangering the direct line back to Fredrick I Ananto?' But others suggest that the Emperor and Ms. Hulanevek will still have plenty of time to produce an child and heir of their own and their concerns are absolutely overblown."

His Imperial Majesty and Ms. Hulanevek smile during the Informal Audience organized by Chancellor of the Empire Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell last week

Once the engagement was made formal, the Chancellor threw a formal dinner for the new couple, where members of the Government, the business community and the intelligensia could have the opportunity to meet the Princess Consort-to-be and get a measure of their monarch's future wife. Rules of protocol held for all but Ms. Hulanevek in this affair, but desipte the formality, the leaders of business, politics and the academy were all quite taken by the Kundrati. "Most found her to be very graceful and polite," said Artan who was also in attendance as a member of the Press. "Though this was considered an informal audience with the Emperor, many people addressed Ms. Hulanevek as if she already possessed the privilege of royalty as well, and more often bowed in her presence than took the opportunity to shake her hand."

A small incident occurred during the evening where Nationalist Deputy Yvette Grattin from Eshar very introduced to the Lady and refused to show her any courtesy. "Deputy Grattin was in fact very rude to Ms. Hulanevek," according to Artan "and addressed the Chancellor about this 'foreigner' standing next to Kalistan's Emperor as if she was his equal. The Emperor, in a rare moment of passion ordered the Deputy to stand straight up and shake Ms. Hulanevek's hand. Hulanevek smiled politely, and said this was not at all necessary, and asked the Deputy her name. Grattin announced her name proudly, and Ms. Hulanevek then offered her a courtesy, and said simply, 'It will be a pleasure to get to know you better.' Grattin sniffed at the air and said 'That will be a cold day in Sulari!' as she turned sharply to leave, and the Emperor, who had had enough ordered her to stand to." She immediately spun around to see the Emperor, who was at least a foot taller than her, take a step right toward her and lean down and whisper something into her ear. The blood drained from the deputy's face. She nodded, bowed to His Imperial Majesty, and immediately went for the door. The next day, Grattin was drummed out of the Assembly, with the full consent of the Grant Duke of Kalistan, who was presiding over the National Assembly that day.

Though Ms. Hulanevek has returned to Kundrati to tie up lose ends in preparation for her moving to Kalistan, she intends to make several additional trips to the Empire before the wedding. She has been invited to set up a personal office in Kaliburg, and has been granted the use of the Imperial Townhome in downtown Kaliburg while she is in country. The wedding date is set for April 30, 5552, at which point Kalistan will have a new Princess Consort. Other titles will be forthcoming. Invitations to the heads of state of Terra will be sent this month.

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Prince Bjorn has Died at 78
Former Kazulian Royal turned ardent Kalistani Nationalist joins Empress
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 29, 5551


Prince of the Empire Bjorn, seen here last summer playing Golf

His Highness Prince of the Empire Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm has died of complications due to pancreatic cancer, spokesmen for House Ananto has confirmed. The Prince has been suffering from the disease for the last three years, and while his condition has been carefully watched, he made the decision last August to stop receiving treatment when it was determined that the cancer had spread to his lymph system. Earlier this week, the former Regent and father of His Imperial Majesty Fredrick II Ananto formally requested doctor assisted euthanasia because the disease had destroyed the Prince's appetite and was preventing him from sleeping. The procedure was administered last evening, and the Prince passed peacefully away as he slept.

"My life has been long," said Prince Bjorn. "Who would have thought I would have come so far from home and served this wonderful nation for so many years? Do not get me wrong: I loved my homeland. But I also loved my adopted home, and I love my wife and my son very much. And let's be totally honest... There's just better music here." The normally taciturn Prince Regent was known as a caring person, a philanthropist and a conservationist. He supported the arts and together with his wife, the Empress, worked to elevate people throughout the Empire

"I think his large size sort of intimidated those who didn't know him," said crown watcher Calvin Grady, of the former Prince Consort. "But those who knew him saw a kind gentle giant of a man who never spoke loudly, who always walked softly, and who always helped those around him shine." Prince Bjorn was not happy being in the spotlight, and when he was forced to the center of Kalistani Politics following the untimely death of Empress Nicolette II Ananto, he guided the ship of state with an even keel, to ensure that his son's inheritance was passed along in tact.

In his later years, following the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, the Prince, now Prince of the Empire due to his service as Regent, was content to live in retirement and serve as a personal advisor to his son, brother in law and Nephew as they each assumed their respective roles in society. The Prince spent his free time sailing and deep sea fishing, playing golf and skiing in Neveras. He also became an active member of the Eveari Brethrenist Meeting following Nicolette's death and continued to attend with his son weekly. He even served as Clerk of the Meeting for three years earlier in the decade.

The Prince will lay in State in Kaliburg for three days and then will be taken back to Eveari, where he will be interned on the Ananto Estate. His mortal remains will be placed next to his wife's and the two will remain together forever. His Imperial Majesty' the Emperor has ordered a ten day national period of Mourning, and all government offices will be closed for the duration. "The Emperor is grateful that his father had the opportunity to meet his future fiancé before passing away," said Grady. "The Prince said that he thought The Emperor made a good choice and complemented the Princess Consort to Be on her intelligence and grace."

May His Highness Prince of the Empire Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm rest in peace.

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Vive L'Alternative
Amethyst Lemon and Newcomer Michelle Carter end pop hegemony in Kalistan
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 15, 5551


Vrassa City's Michelle Carter and Kaliburg's Amethyst Lemon bring Alternative back to the Top 5

It seems just a few months ago that the top of the Album and Singles Charts on Radio 1 were blocked solid with Pop music and R&B. But the tide has clearly changed as two sonic juggernauts have charged through pabulum and cleared the channel. And more rock and alternative acts are following in their wake, bringing in the next wave of Alternative which looks to be the mode in Kalistan for the next few years at least. The two guitar rock acts that have broken into the top 5 are an unlikely combo of Alt-Folk songstress Michelle Carter, from Vrassa City and the next loudest thing our of Kaliburg, Amethyst Lemon.

Carter, a newcomer to the scene, has released her largely blues and alternative inspired alt-Folk debut Leaving Reynoldia on VDR. The album debuted at Number 15 largely on Carter's reputation as a relentless tourer. "Last year, Carter played 15 shows in 9 days across Vrassa and Neveras," said Radio 1 Drive time DJ Bobbi N, who helms the channel from 3-6 every night and has a nightly half hour show specifically aimed at bringing new artists onto the radio. "She had a built in fanbase before this record was even released. So when the news that VDR had recorded the LP with her, basically a million people lined up to buy it the first day it was put on shelves." The first pressing sold out in minutes, and it was more than three days before record stores could get more copies in: three weeks later, VDR is planning a pressing of 450,000 to keep up with demand. "Carter really knows how to rock, and there's a lot of folk and blues influences in all her songs. She really is a crowd pleaser."

Amethyst Lemon is now on their third single from their Debut LP, the spacey, trippy noise alternative plodding psychedelic distortion monster "Pachyderm," which is melting resin speaker cones from Kaliburg to Sulari. "This record is pretty massive," said N. "Nobody would have thought it when it was released that it would really be this big. But: unlike Carter's record, this LP has a ceiling. A lot of songs are really inaccessible to mass audiences and the singer Roger Stuart is a notorious perfectionist, so they don't really go out on tour so to speak. As they get more famous, they're probably gonna get more pressure from KMI to tour, but right now, they are still in Kaliburg playing clubs, by choice, I mean."

Along with a hand full of other, mostly noise Alternative bands following both these two artists into the higher reaches of the charts, including a hastily recorded first single from the upcoming Ultrafuzz LP, most of which hasn't even been recorded yet, called "Everything Ends with And", Alternative music represents 73% of all upward movement on the Top 40 Singles Chart this week. "Alternative singles are killing it in November," said N. "That's good for Radio 1, for sure." Radio 1 is the Flagship music radio station on KRTVN, and focuses on Alternative and Rock primarily. "There are a few Pop hold outs this week, like Phat Kali featuring Hannah and Addisjah's Mortensen Kliq. But pop and R&B as a genre has been taking loss after loss in the last few weeks, and it is doubtful that by the New Year, there will be a single track that isn't described as either Alternative or Rock in the entire top 20, and that includes al the ballots and R&B styles that was so popular over the last few decades."

What's even more amazing is the way the big labels are themselves embracing the louder, more gritty music typified with Noise Alternative. "New Albums to date from every label in Kalistan, with the exception of LTD, the primary KME label, have been raiding the rock clubs lately." said N. "It's getting to the point where anyone who would have been doing folk five years ago was told, 'plug in your guitar and run it through some pedals, and you'll get signed.' and meanwhile the Pop&B acts that seemed to have a mealticket simply handed to them by the big labels have completely abandoned not only those artists but also those fans. But as these Noisey artists are saying, you can only make the same album over again so many times, and that is the formula that has typified modern Pop&B for about 20 years now. The music is boring and the musicians are uninspired. They are doing the formula, the one preferred by the Labels, and now the formula is switching and leaving a lot of those fake, hypermaterialistic poseurs in the dust, and they don't even know that their time is over. but its really hard to feel sorry for them: They went to the well too many times, and got complacent, and in Kalistan, complacency in music is always punished."

Carter herself represents a cross current in the general noise alternative trend, though. VDR, typically known for alt-folk, is often forgotten in the discussion, said N, "but so many huge acts in Kalistan's history have come out on VDR that it is never a good idea to sleep on VDR. Just when you think KMI has a big thing, VDR goes and changes it up." Carter's LP shows that the demand is not just about distortion and noise, but more of a guitar and rock orientation in general. "Fans dig the distortion, but Carter's music is sweet and gentle compared to these Noise Alternative bands." Carter's background is in Folk, and she is right at home in the Alt-Folk scene that embraced such acts as Joanie Yeardley, Lysergamide, and Jennifer Stepanov. Her music also incorporates blues and even gospel trappings as well to move the alt-folk genre forward into more eclecticism without totally abandoning the format, as Grit did.

With Carter's record just getting going, and Amethyst Lemon still releasing tracks from its debut album, it is likely that these groups and others like them will be battling for the top of the charts for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, you can check out videos from these artists' latest singles, including the new one from groundbreakers Ultrafuzz, right here. Carter is expected to hit Number 1 in both the Singles chart and the Hot 100 Albums Poll, while Amethyst Lemon's new single is expected to hit Number 3, up from 7, while its record continues a strong Number 5 place on the Albums Poll. Ultrafuzz is 18 this week on the singles chart.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CUr0bnDCfM]
Ms. Michelle Carter, from Vrassa City, sings "Baby Loves to Run" from her Number 1 Record Leaving Reynoldia

Amethyst Lemon's best selling single to date, "Pachyderm" from Bloom hits Number 3

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hBUdKK1T5s]
Ultrafuzz returns with the Single "Everything Ends with And", reaches #17 and draws comparisons to Sulari Indie Rocker Michelle Love

[Doc]

Public Forums Turn Ugly for Some
Discussions about Imperial Engagement spark Nationalist controversy
Eshar Free City, Duchy of Odufaray
January 17, 5552


Bertrand Winston (right), of Eshar, lectures Deputy Tom Alvaraz (Eshar) during Public Forum

Public forums are being called across the Empire this month by organized groups of citizens who are concerned about the possibility of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Fredrick II Ananto marrying the Kundrati Bank Executive, Ms. Pavlína Dvořáčková Hulanevek in April. The forums, which take on the air of a plebiscite, began occurring late last year, and have gotten so numerous that Institutionalist Deputies have begun attending, to gain an understanding of what people are upset about. Recently, a few of the forums, most notably in Odufaray and Vrassa, have become very heated, leading to finger pointing, shouting matches and threats of recall of local deputies. One has erupted in a fist fight between a self-proclaimed Nationalist and a supporter of the Emperor.

"The incident in Eshar from last week was unacceptable," said Deputy Tom Alvaraz, who himself was present and became the subject of verbal abuse and hostility from a "nationalist" crowd. "We can engage in civil discourse in this country. There is no place for raising of voices, finger pointing, threatening or outright assault at the forums." The man who threw the first punch, nationalist Bertrand Winston, was charged with simple assault and will stand trial for his televised attack of Colleen Hanson, also of Eshar, who told him to sit down and shut up during the exchange.

The controversy seems to be over nationalist concern of a foreign-born citizen potentially sitting on the throne of Kalistan. "What these people don't seem to understand is that the late Prince Consort himself was foreign born," said Deputy Alvaraz. "Yes, he was born in Kazulia. Did that make Kalistan somehow less Kalistani? That is ridiculous! And Ms. Hulanevek will likely be named Princess Consort--she won't even sit on the throne, so to speak." As a matter of fact, Kalistani monarchs have married foreigners more than once- it is a common practice in monarchies around the globe, and it is a good way not only to acquire a spouse for the Emperor, but increase political ties between Kalistan and other countries. "I've met Ms. Hulanevek personally. She is a very nice person and I support her marriage to the Emperor. What else is there to say about it?"

It seems the nationalists, however, will not let the matter drop. "The Emperor is marrying not only a foreigner, but a commoner!" said nationalist Deputy Janice Michaelson from Razar. "Why not just fully wipe out the blood line all together? Is there nothing sacred anymore? Nothing special? Does the name Ananto not mean anything anymore?" Michaelson was part of a thrust by 21 nationalist Deputies to lay a bill on the floor requiring the Emperor to break his engagement and find a Kalistani national to marry instead. The bill failed to be scheduled by the Chancellor, even after the Nationalists threatened a vote of No Confidence against Dame Ontiveros, and died before even reaching committee. The Nationalists withdrew their threat of a No-Confidence vote to preserve their seats in the National Assembly.

"When did we become so xenophobic," asked Nathaniel Smith of Kaliburg. "We are a nation of Immigrants. We are all descendants of immigrants or immigrants ourselves. What are these people going on about? Why is this such a big deal?" The Nationalists themselves have pointed out that at least some of their concern will be the fact that Ms. Hulanevek also has a 6 year old daughter who will gain a claim on the throne, however tenuous, should Ms. Hulanevek marry the Emperor and raise her daughter with him.

The Emperor for his part has hinted that criticism of his fiancé has gone too far. His reaction to public snobbery against Ms. Hulanevek was on display at the informal Engagement dinner last summer, when a Deputy who refused to shake her hand during the reception was ousted from office within a week. "These people better be careful," said Deputy Alvaraz. "Kalistan is not a democracy. We maintain some democratic institutions, because some things are best governed by the people themselves, but make no mistake, those institutions are there by the grace of the Emperor; there is no other source of authority in this nation. I've sat in meetings with the Emperor and the Chancellor, and I have never once left the room believing anything other than the Emperor is an autocrat, and I have a job because he allows me to have a job. I represent him to my constituents, not the other way around. And if they keep pushing this issue, they are going to find out just how undemocratic this country can very easily become."

The lessons are not lost on Institutional deputies: There are some hints at the composition of a lese-majeste law that will make it an illegal act to offer personal or physical insult to the Emperor. "We haven't gone that far yet," said Alvaraz. "But if these people in these town hall meetings continue to insist that they have some power over the Absolute Sovereign of Kalistan, to the point where they can tell him who to marry and not marry, or what laws to pass, or who to name as heir, or any other of the million things in the Emperor's Prerogative, I really worry that a law like this will become more attractive to elements in my Party. And it could all change very quickly."

But the people do not seem to be listening. More than 25 new Public Forums, including some demanding more democratic control over institutions in Kalistan are being planned for the months leading up to the wedding in April. And some Deputies are quietly supporting those forums. "We all can figure out who is running political cover for these forums," said Alvaraz. "I will not be returning to any of them, but there are several Deputies who openly support the forums and some who do so from the shadows. You can pretty easily figure out who they are. Many of them are in the group who sponsored the bill demanding that the Emperor break his engagement."

Deputy Alvaraz was explicit: "That bill didn't go anywhere, just like these forums. The Emperor intends to go along with his plans to marry Ms. Hulanevek and start a family, regardless what a bunch of deadender xenophobes have to say about it. And what choice do I have? I support his decision, because he is the Emperor, and doesn't take direction from me."

[Doc]

Kalistan has a new Princess Consort
Nuptial Celebration Marred by Protests
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 15, 5552


His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto and Her Highness the Princess Consort Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek

What was meant to be a day of celebration across the Empire was also a day of protests across the Mainland today as His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto was married to the Kundrati finance lawyer and member of the Hulanevek Political Dynasty Pavlina Dvořáčková Hulanevek. Upon marriage, Her Highness was granted the title Princess Consort by the Emperor, and was granted the County of Luxon, which had previously been in the possession of the late Prince Bjorn. By virtue of her marriage, and according to the new Land Law that was passed four years ago, The Princess Consort is entitled to be referred to as Empress Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek, as a courtesy title.

Even as the wedding took place in Ananto, Eshar Free City, Vrassa Free City, Swede Port and several other cities on the mainland were all shut down due to widescale protests believed to be fomented by "nationalists" who oppose the Emperor's marriage. As the Brethrenist Meeting for Worship, with attention to Marriage was sitting in silence, police were battling protestors who were determined to make their opinions known. More than 16 protestors were injured, and in Springfield, Duchy of Odufaray, the Duke ordered the Militia to turn up and disperse the mob. 2 people were killed in the violence, and no militia members were injured, despite limited use of bricks and Molotov cocktails.

Many of the protests were quelled through the use of tear gas and other non-lethal measures, and more than ₭25,000 of property damage was done. As of the evening, police were still battling protestors in Eshar, which is one of the primary centers of the anti-Pavlina Movement, as it is now being called by some nationalists. In addition, at least 5 National Deputies have joined the rioters, and the National Assembly has been called into order in the middle of the night to begin proceedings to expel the Deputies. This situation will likely pour more gas on the fire, as the protests begin to morph into more demands for democracy and limiting the powers of the Emperor.

Ananto was quiet today, and the weather was seasonal for the Wedding in Eveari. A cool mist blew in during the early hours of the day, but by the time the Brethrenist Meeting for worship got under way, the ground fog was burning off, and the sun was beginning to shine through the low clouds. The air was fresh and clean as the outdoor ceremony commenced. It was a fairly standard Brethrenist Affair: The Emperor was following the tradition of his forbearers in performing a Brethrenist Wedding Ceremony. During the Ceremony, guests gather and a clerk tells everyone what to expect in a silent worship meeting. During the silence, guests, family and friends are invited to speak out of the silence to tell their message. As all are focused on the wedding ceremony, all messages were directed toward the Emperor and his Fiance, wishing them luck, joy, happiness, and all good things that come to newly married couples.

Some messages were for Her Highness' little girl, the Minor Princess Carolina, who will move into the Emperor and Empress' home on Wilson Hill when they return to Kaliburg. The messages welcomed her to Kalistan, and many people told her that she could count on the people of Eveari as her extended family. Some people told her that it might be scary to make such a huge move, but the members of the Eveari Meeting will always hold her in the Light and will be there for her whenever she needs anything at all. The little girl sat silently, with a smile on her face, not sure how to respond to the expressions of love and care.

The Emperor gets choked up reading his Message to the Princess Consort

Following the silent portion of the Meeting, the Clerk asked the Bride and Groom to rise and come to the front of the assembled Friends, Guests, and well wishers and give their messages to one another. The Meeting has the messages written in a book to have as a keepsake, and in one part, as the Emperor read the words of his Message to the new Princess Consort, tears welled up in his eyes and he had to stop and explain how happy he felt today, and how thankful he was that Hulanevek was to be his wife. There was not a dry eye in the entire meeting for the next three minutes. And as the Princess Consort read her message to the Emperor, speaking directly to him, a privilege that very few in that Ceremony were ever afforded, the Emperor beamed a great smile from ear to ear. The two finished their reading in an embrace, and the Clerk had to ask the Princess to let the Emperor go while he finished the ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, the Clerk of the Meeting pronounced that the Emperor and Princess Consort were, by their own acknowledgement and in fact husband and wife, and announced that the Meeting would, as they had for all previous Sovereigns, take the couple, and this time little Princess Carolina too, under their care and concern, and would continue to serve as the Anantos' Home Meeting. The Clerk then invited all attending to carry out the last action in a Brethrenist Wedding, signing the ornate Brethrenist Wedding Certificate as witnesses. The Wedding Certificate, which is the size of a poster, will be framed and is to hang in the Emperor's living room as a reminder of the expectations of a Brethrenist Family. All having signed, the Meeting for Worship with Attention to Marriage was ended, and as the Emperor and new Empress disappeared into the Ananto Estate to prepare for the Wedding Reception, the Brethrenists present held a normal monthly business meeting.

The Reception was a star studded event. Visiting Dignitaries were announced as they arrived. Besides the Emperor's family, friends, members of the Government and the National Assembly and business, tech, finance and media elites in attendance, many foreign political figures also came.

* President Andrelopa Arruzabarrena from Kundrati was present and later spoke at length to Her Highness the Princess Consort, who introduced her to the Emperor. His Imperial Majesty told the President informally that it was his intention to build a new Embassy in Kundrati and would like to work with the President on a number of important initiatives, including establishing a radar base somewhere in Kundrati to lengthen the reach of Kalistan's electronic national security surveillance program. The President asked about anti-Kundrati protests in the country, the Emperor assured her that those were about to be in hand, but were more about the Emperor than about Kundrati. "Madame, our people are not so much opposed to Kundrati as they are of us choosing to marry a foreigner when they believe that Kalistan can provide an acceptable spouse," said the Emperor. "In our experience, the Kalistani women we considered were, to put it as kindly as possible, too much like us. We have no interest in dating ourselves. Our Princess here is intelligent and strong willed, and she makes us very happy. Kalistanis are upset by that fact." The President accepted the Emperor's explanation and did not let additional reports of more rioting trouble her the entire evening.
* Archduke Bunjamen, a maternal cousin to the King of Wrnuke, was welcomed by His Imperial Majesty, who learned a greeting in Jelbic when he was informed that the Archduke planned to attend. The Emperor's pronunciation was close, but just off enough as to provoke hearty laughter in his guest, having said something totally unintended, and the Archduke gracefully thanked the Emperor for his attempt and invited him to speak Vrassan without correcting his Jelbic. Both the Emperor and the Princess Consort spoke at length with the Archduke, admitting that Majatra is not frequently on Kalistan's radar, but the Empire would like to look into possibly increasing trade with Wrnuke if there is any way Kalistan could trade at parity. The Archduke promised to take the Emperor's message back to Wrnuke and relay it to his master the King.
* The Emperor and Princess Consort welcomed the Canrille Emperor and King of Lourenne. His Majesty Phillipe IX, when introduced, greeted Emperor Fredrick and Princess Consort Pavlina in Vrassan. The Emperor responded in perfect Canrillaise, and was joined by the Princess Consort, who also speaks Canrillaise expertly, and the two Parties got on spectacularly. The Emperor said it has been too long since he had had the opportunity to travel, but would like to remedy this by visiting Lourenne informally, on vacation perhaps. Naturally, Emperor Phillipe welcomed the Emperor and Princess Consort to visit Lourenne at their leisure: perhaps they would like to sail the Meridian Strait directly to Lourenne and enjoy a stay in Meridia or Valois. The Emperor said it was a top priority.
* Beiteynu was represented at the Reception, as several high level members of the Government, including Rosh HaMemshala and the Royal Ramatkal Baghdasar Tzafrir. Also in attendance was the Anna Kadiyot, who serves as the Head of the Medinat Department, and several members of the Foreign Ministry. The Beiteynese quickly fanned out across the reception and mingled, while the Emperor, Princess Consort and the Beiteynese officials discussed world affairs. Tzafrir congratulated the couple, and wished to make a gift to the Emperor on behalf of the Royal Government and Equifund, both, and the Emperor politely informed him that as Emperor, he could not accept gifts directly from foreign officials, but the Prime Minister could make the donation to either House Ananto directly or to a local charity in Kalistan. The Emperor introduced the Beiteynese to His Highness the Grand Duke, Lord Mark Ananto-Orleans Kalistan, who took the PM aside to discuss the gift. Meanwhile, the Emperor and Kadiyot discussed renewing Kalistan's long stretched relationship with Yishelem, and looking for an opportunity to meet on a more formal basis.
* President Greenshaw of Likatonia was greeted warmly and happily by the Emperor and Princess Consort. The Emperor informed the President that his planners should be offered foreign service medals for the mini-summit in Likatonia two years ago, where the Emperor was introduced to the Princess Consort. The Emperor confessed that the meeting was love at first sight, and it was all due to the President of Likatonia's clear vision. The Princess Consort blushed when the Emperor said this, and added that she didn't know how the Emperor was still single after all that time, but she too wished to thank President Greenshaw for putting the two of them together, and giving them the opportunity to get to know one another initially. "Likatonia has an eternal friend in Kalistan," said the Emperor, and told the President to consider himself an honorary Kalistani for his entire life. He concluded the meeting by suggesting that at some point he would like to grant President Greenshaw a Knighthood in the Kalistani Peerage, but he wasn't sure if something like that was legal in Likatonia, so the two heads of state would have to meet again to resolve the issue one way or another.

Dinner followed the Cocktail Hour, and Kalistani chefs put our Empire's culinary Skills on full display, as food from around the world was served. Everyone who had RSVPed to the invitation was served their requested fare and all agreed that it was exquisitely prepared and elegantly presented. Both the Emperor and the Princess Consort had spaghetti with homemade vegetarian marinara, fresh oysters caught in Eveari Bay that morning, garlic bread and a salad with red wine, while the Princess Carolina had garlic chicken alfredo pizza, which has become one of her favorite meals since spending so much time in Kalistan.

Following dinner and more socializing, the Chancellor of the Empire offered a toast to the newly married couple which was touching and personal, and all drank to the health of the New Princess Consort and the happiness of the couple. The Chancellor then pulled the Emperor aside and spoke privately with him. He was seen nodding, and she excused herself with a bow. She then proceeded to move about the room as calmly and as deftly as possible, tapping the Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, Defense, and Finance on their respective shoulders. She also pulled several Institutionalist Deputies from the room. They left without saying where they were going, but it was discovered later that they were in the process of calling the National Assembly into session in Kaliburg later that evening.

The newlywedded couple pose by the Cake, which was served to the delight and enjoyment of all

Following the Chancellor's toast, cake was brought out, and everyone had a piece. The cake had vanilla frosting, but was a very delicate chocolate marble cake which was crafted a day in advance by the bakers of the Ananto Estate in Eveari.

Cake was followed by dancing and drinking. The Emperor and Princess Consort led the first dance, and proceeded to dance through several songs, mostly rock and pop, with some slower songs that allowed the couple to dance closely. After the initial dances were over, the Emperor and Princess Consort took their leave back to the Manor, bringing the Minor Princess Carolina with them to tuck her into bed, while Lord Mark Ananto took over host duties and introduced Kaliburg-based funk rock band Ed Funk and Planet Jam, who took requests all evening.

As the band came out, the ODEN table opened up for all guests, to provide additional libation, and many of the guests visited. The Emperor and Princess Consort returned a few hours later as the party was still hopping and took up a post on the edge of the dance floor. They stayed for several songs, and as the band went on break, the Emperor asked the band over for a conversation, where he thanked them for playing this evening and providing a great show. The band was honored, and dedicated their first song in the second set to the Emperor and the Princess Consort, who took one last opportunity to dance together, before calling it a night and wishing all the guests well.

The Reception finally broke up around 4am, as most guests staggered to cabs, which drove them to various hotels in the city. The Canrille Emperor and his family, the President of Likatonia, and the President of Kundrati were all guests of the Emperor at the Ananto Estate, and were shown to their guest apartments in the main house when they retired for the night.

During the early hours of the morning, as most guests slept off their hangovers, the Emperor quietly called the Chancellor and issued the order to mobilize the Northern Regular Army to put down remaining pockets of resistance in Eshar, Springfield, and Swede Port. Upon the arrival of uniformed Regular Infantry, protestors dispersed. No additional arrests or injuries were reported, and by noon, as most of the Wedding guests were waking, the Empire was at peace once more. But the precedent is now set: This is the first time in centuries that the Commander in Chief of the Regular Force has had to deploy them into Kalistani Cities. It is doubtful that the causes for the protest will be resolved by the Emperor's response, but it also doubtful that protestors will occupy and shut down large parts of Kalistan's cities in the near future. At some point, the Emperor is going to have to deal with the lingering nationalist resentment and anger over the wedding from the part of the population that opposes it. The Emperor, Princess Consort and Chancellor will confer in the coming days about whether it is advisable to delay the planned honeymoon to Gaduridos. But for now, the celebration is over, the Emperor and Princess Consort are married, the Kalistan has a new Empress and Princess.

[Doc]

Trade Minister Schmidt to be dispatched to Wiel
Government seeks markets for Aluminum stocks and electronics investment
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 1, 5552


Trade Minister Christopher Schmidt discusses challenges of finding new markets in May

His Imperial Majesty's Minister for Trade and Industry, Christopher Schmidt will be dispatched to Wiel, Wrnuke on an official trade mission. During his visit to the Jelbic nation, he will travel with representatives of Kalistan's National Ferrominerals Company (KNF) and Kalistani Micro Divisions (KMD) to discuss trade and new investment in the wake of His Imperial Majesty's meeting with Archduke Bunjamin in April. Schmidt's goal is secure a regular buyer for Kalistan's excess aluminum stocks and create new investment opportunities in Majatra.

"Kalistan's aluminum production is greatly underutilized," said Minister Schmidt. "KalNaFerCo developed the industry hundreds of years ago to find a constant source of Bauxite to provide Kalistan with the necessary materials for our aircraft and auto industries, and we have since then had no problem meeting our own domestic demand cheaply and efficiently. But KNF reports year after year that Kalistan's aluminum production is operating at a mere 8% of capacity: We have to date attracted very few international purchasers, and therefore have not been producing nearly as much as we could. We could double our output year over year and it wouldn't come close to making the industry profitable, because there just isn't enough sales to meet costs. Consequently, the aluminum works, which we need to keep open for our own domestic demands, nearly puts KNF into the red every single year. Additional international sales would allow us to increase production and take advantage of scale production methods, greatly altering the balance sheet for KNF."

At the Royal wedding in April, the possibility of a potential trade deal with Wrnuke was raised, and now Minister Schmidt is following up on the overture with a trip to Wiel. "If Wrnuke decides that they would like to be a regular purchaser of aluminum from KNF, this would certainly be welcomed. I've been authorized to offer aluminum at half a point under spot if we are able to conclude a long term deal." Details of the deal still need to be hammered out, but Kalistan would most likely request trade credits with the Jelbic economic power that it can use to purchase goods and services that Kalistan needs each year. "There is no doubt that we could easily cover any order that Wrnuke would make: We have so much excess capacity in our production chain that even large runs would be easy." The aluminum would be created at the KNF National Foundry in Sulari.

In addition to the talks about Kalistani Aluminum, the mission was accompanied by representatives of KalMD, who are prepared to discuss a significant investment in microprocessors. "KMD had initially intended to build a plant in Gaduridos last decade, but that plan was scuttled by Gaduri intransigence, and KMD had to cut its losses," said Minister Schmidt. "Since then, they have been looking for opportunities to get involved with microprocessors elsewhere. It is known that Wrnuke has a microprocessor industry that they are looking to expand, and KMD has expressed interest in joining them in that endeavor." The Kalistani electronics giant is prepared to invest up to ₭350 Million in initial outlays into the microprocessor industry industry in Wrnuke to obtain a reliable and inexpensive source of microchips for Kalistani consumer electronics.

"Wrnuke has an advantage over Kalistan in this area," said Schmidt. "While we both have a microprocessor industry, they have a better source of raw materials and labor specialized in this area of production than Kalistan does. Consequently, it is far more cost effective for us to buy these items directly from Wrnuke than it would be for us to increase our own production locally. It makes sense from a producer and consumer standpoint, and a large investment will help us dramatically affect the trade deficit." Kalistani investment in the Wrnuke electronics sector will also help KMD cut prices on the things that are made with those microprocessors, things Kalistani consumers like and appreciate like smart phones and lap top computers. "Shifting production of microprocessors for consumer application to Wiel will also allow KMD to shift its local production to more specialized architecture, including defense and aerospace applications. This makes sense on all sides."

The trade mission is expected to leave by the end of this month and will be in Majatra for several weeks. During this time, questions of logistics and price negotiations will also be worked out. The KalSiE greeted the news, as KNF and KMD stocks rose more than 6 points in overnight trading.

[Doc]

Noise Alternative Attracts Musicians from other Nations
Kalistani Record Labels are beginning to record with foreign groups
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 9, 5552


Foreign Alternative Bands like Davostag's Spleen and Luthori's Sawmilly record Noise Albums in Kalistan

Noise Alternative has gone world wide. Sort of. In fact several noise alternative bands from around the world are actually making the trek to Kalistan's Music capitals to record their own louder than loud LPs. Kalistan's music industry is world renowned for its high quality and wide distribution in one of Terra's most diverse and enthusiastic markets. Over the last six months, more than three dozen new Noise Alternative records have been released, primarily from KMI, ARC and VDR, and a third of them have been from foreign artists recording in Kalistan.

The foreign musicians have brought a new level of noise and distortion to Kalistan's scene. "Its like musicians from other countries heard what we are doing and really liked specific parts of that and they brought those parts into Kalistan's studios," said rock critic Morris Hamm, from Kaliburg. "The two real stand outs have been Davostag's Spleen, and Luthori's Sawmilly, who have turned up the distortion. The result is louder and grungier than what came before it." The new innovations of Noise Alternative involve distorting both guitars and bass. "The proto Noise bands used a lot of distorted guitars and producers have recently been bringing a lot of that distorted bass back in to music to give it a sludgier sound."

The foreign Noise alternativists are widely embraced by music listeners in Kalistan. "We've seen foreign Noise Artists rise right along their domestic counterparts," said Hamm. "Spleen is at Number 32 on the Album charts, and Sawmilly is at Number 19 this week. Kalistanis have really embraced these bands and like what they are doing."

Kalistan acts have been releasing more Noise Alternative too, as the market nears saturation. "Noise has taken over M7, for the most part," said Hamm, "And more Kalistani acts are being signed. The one interesting thing is that at least some of the music is coming into the national conscience from Independent producers and record imprints. But foreign bands are also working with these independent labels, to great effects. For example: Lodamun's Gearhead recorded an LP called 'Monster' for a local record label called Western Records, which records mostly Neveran bands. But Gearhead was picked up by M7 and inked a major distribution deal with ARC, and their Single 'Vrassan Mountain High' is sitting at Number 13 on the Singles Poll. It seems that labels are going all out to meet demand."

As the Noise Alternative wave shows little signs of abating, Kalistan can expect more foreign musicians to get in on the act. "So far, it appears that like most music trends, the Noise Alternative trend is contained in Kalistan. We are hearing bro country coming from Baltusia, and a lot of pop coming from other parts of the world that will likely make its way into the upcoming FOMAT. Kalistani trends often remain in Kalistan. But within this Empire, Noise Alternative is what is in now. And it will likely continue on here for the time being."

Check out Spleen's "Candy", Sawmilly's "Money Money Money." and Gearhead's "Vrassan Mountain High" right here.

Davostag's Spleen sings "Candy," recorded at ARC, feels almost like punk rock with loud production and features nonsense words

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leIjummi0L4]
Luthori's Sawmilly released "Money, Money, Money" on VDR, bringing in Gritty psychedelia to Noise

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL7hwMC1-a4]
Gearhead, from Lodamun, uses downtempo elements reminiscent of early Ultrafuzz in their single "Vrassan Mountain High" on Western