Music Sounds Better with Me

The Music sounds better with me Kyle James McAuley

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As the world faces the global crisis known as COVID-19, everyone is struggling to adapt to the lifestyle changes in society. Through this period I have found myself to be struggling. I tried a lot of activites to distract from the world issues. Faced a creative block for the longest time. But one thing got me through it.

Music.

In this publication I open up and explore my trials & tribulations during the month of August 2020, when COVID-19 was still a threat to society.

Now, let the music play.

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AUGUST T 1ST

Today was a very relaxed and mellow day. Starting off with a lovely nature walk with my family. We travelled to the local country park on the brightest day we’ve seen in a while and spent a few hours there. We brought our own lunch and fed the wildlife there. I was feeling very upset the week beforehand due to mental health reasons. Days spent outside and exploring was a very good feeling and to be outside also is a much needed sense of relief. Aftwerard the rest of the day was spent at home doodling and sketching for the most of it. I had gotten myself an at home full time job, so I felt very unenthusiastic with the thought of working the rest of the week. With the day being a mix of emotions, starting off joyful and taking a slight turn as I was back at home.

Today reminded me of “Imagine” b y Ariana G rande.

This s ong encompasses the entirety of t odays mood. A s low, m ellow and chilled out day which also fills w ith w orry f or t he future.

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After such a long and tiresome day of work I finished at 16:30PM, got nicely dressed and headed on a date with my boyfriend. We went to Loop & Scoop in Glasgow (One of the best churro/ice cream places in Glasgow! - would most definitely recommend). Afterward we drove about and sat at some nice locations then I was dropped off home! Today was a very good and wholesome day, I was in a very good mood and could not stop smiling when I got home.

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2ND D

Todays energy was embodying “Love at First Sight”

by Kylie Minogue. The song also happened to come on the radio twice that night and it was such a joyful day! Really a good day. One of the best i’ve had in a long time!

3RD D

The third of August was spent working for most of the day...again. I was on an earlier shift though so had the full day to do something else. Having such a good past few days mentally were very beneficial to myself and it inspired me to be creative and put myself into Drag. Drag is an artform I use as a creative outlet, I love to transform from one gender into another and it relaxes me playing with makeup and styling hair/looks. I was able to do a makeup look in a rather new style i am developing. I loved how this look turned out and was very happy with the images taken. I felt so relieved to express my creativity into something I love, it was a nice refreshing reminder of my skillset. I had not done Drag in over a month as I was very uninspired and with the pressures of lockdown I felt there was not much point in being creative. But this taught me how to progress further and move past that negative mindset.

The song choice was “God is a Woman�

by Ariana Grande. This song is very much the vibe I wanted to create with this look.

God is a woman after all and this transformation reflects that.

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Today was an adventure filled day! Me and my boyfriend went to Chatelherault Country Park.

We went here to explore the massive forrest and have a nice day out! I was off work today so figured we’d make the most of it. This was an amazing day out and we saw so many stunning places. It was also a lovely day weather wise, which always helps. We spent a good few hours here and then went a drive til it was dark, then home time!

4TH

With today being a very fun day out, “Hey Girl” by Lady Gaga ft Florence Welch is the perfect song to summarise the day. This song is a very chilled atmosphere with some lovely moments.

It was a great day and i’d do it all over again.

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I needed a nice chilled out day so I could mentally relax and have a bit of a break from friends / the world. I like to be myself quite a lot and this was a nice reminder i can still have time to myself.

5T TH

Today was spent inside working. I was working all day bascially so did not get upto nothing in particular. I felt like I needed a very chilled day in anyways since I have been busy the past week. Whilst being inside ive lately just been playing XBOX, going on TikTok and other social media applications. When I am not doing that i’m usually watching a movie or tv series.

The song which embodies todays mood is “Wonder Woman” by Kacey Musgraves. This song is one of my favourites, I listen to it whenever i am trying to relax and de-stress myself after a long week. Certainly the best pick for the feelings of the fifth.

My fashion style has also changed recently. I have been dressing very casual with neutral tones. Nudes, Browns and Off-White colours have really been finding its way into my wardrobe and I am loving it!

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Today I had a day off from work! I spent it with my boyfriend and we decided to spend the morning at my home, watch a few movies and just chilled out which was very relaxing! Afterward we went to a new food place we have not tried called “ Montary Jacks”. It was located in my town so there wasn’t too much adventure! But it was amazing, definately worth every penny! It was so good to be out in a food place and feel more normal each day. We then went to a desserts place which was local and just chilled out in his car which was nice!

I had a really good day today and it was nice to feel a sense of normality back. The song which evoked todays mood would have to be “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

by Marvin Gaye. This song is a personal song to me and when I hear it I know i’m going to have a good day!

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6TH

Another relaxed day today. Working til 19:00PM however, but still a very chill atmosphere. I spent today actually preparing some makeup inspiratons on pinterest to attempt, I feel I have been losing my creative streak and was seeking some inspiration to help inspire me again. It is getting quite difficult to continue Drag during lockdown, just because I usually get the chance to perform infront of an audience and I am able to live the full fantasy.

But we continue and it won’t stop me from doing my best while I can. I took a lovely image of my bedroom window with the light shining in. I do not have a specific reason why but this picture seems very minimal and laid back. I enjoy it a lot.

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7TH

The song I have chosen for today is “Forgive Me” by Chloe X Halle. This is one of my new favourtie songs. Chloe X Halle have easily became one of my new favourite artists over lockdown, I am completely obsessed with them. This song is very peaceful and the vocals are incredible. They give a warmth with their music which helped capture todays atmosphere.

8TH

Today I spent the day working once again (10:00AM-19:00PM). I was very tired today but did not want to let that ruin my plans for night. I played about with makeup and put myself into drag in regards to the previous pinterest inspirations. I was able to create this bold graphic eye look and was very much a fan of the style/shape. It was a good way to channel my emotions and put it into something artistic like makeup. I am really glad I have drag in my life so that I can continue to be expressive and always have something artistic. It is what I love and I am glad I can express it during these hard times.

Todays song has to be “Levitating� by Dua Lipa. This song is one of my favourite Dua Lipa songs! It has such a good energy and I am dying to perform it, hence why i am paring it with a Drag Makeup look.

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9T 9TH

Today was a really nice and adventurous day! Me and my boyfriend went a long drive and ended up in several different places in Glasgow. From grabbing a bite to eat to going a literal hill walk! We went to “The Car Park in the Sky” which ended up being a hillwalk. We climbed it, not dressed for the attire as it was not our initial plan. This was a great day. One of the best of the month so far by far. I could not complain once! And the view from the top of the hill was amazing. Will definately be a day I will remember. I could not pair this day with any other song but “Holiday” by Little Mix (My Boyfriend is a HUGE fan of LM and this new release was on repeat the full day nearly!)

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10T 10TH On the 10th I woke up with a really positive mindset after yesterday. I had work from early hours of the morning til mid afternoon. I spent the next few hours after work playing Xbox, afterward had my dinner then got ready for a catch up with some close friends in Glasgow. We had a few drinks and I headed home afterward to sleep after being up so early! A lovely day and felt very positive.

Today was another great day. I think the song which best sums up the atmosphere would be “Good as Hell� by Lizzo. Great Day. Great Vibe. Great Company.

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11 11TH Today was my day off from work. I decided to venture into Glasgow to go shopping on my own for a bit. I had not been shopping in town properly yet. It was a very awkward feeling and I got very anxious of having to be out with a lot of people being around as it was extremly busy. I ended up leaving earlier than anticipated because of the pressures of seeing people wear masks wrong and some not even wearing them at all. I found that to be very selfish. We should all be wearing masks as advised to help the situation and not prolong it.

I spent a lot more money today than I intended. So todays song has to be “I don’t want it all” by Kim Petras. A pop song which defines spending too much money.

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On this very dull and gloomy day, I was workign until 17:30PM. Afterward I just relaxed and facetimed a few friends to catch up and waited for the live Little Mix Concert which premired at 20:00PM. I was extremly excited for it all day and could not wait to expreience my first online live concert! It was an amazing show and the production was next level. I cannot wait for their next album to be released and hopefully have the show go on tour soon!

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12TH 2T

The soong has to be “Break Up Song� by Little Mix. One of my favourite new releases from them which they performedin the live event. It was a moment to say the least.

13TH

Today was a really nice day weather wise. I was working until 16:30PM today, but afterward was able to head to the local country park with my Mum and my Brother. We went a long walk around the place a few times, then just headed home. It was a nice peaceful day and I really enjoyed it. Was good to spend time with my family out the house aside from being stuck in with them 24/7.

Since I had such a peaceful day, relaxed and chilled. The song that best reflects that is “Supalonely” by Benee, Gus Dapperton. This song is a really smooth and mellow vibe. Plus it’s my favourite Tik Tok trending song at the moment.

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14TH I had a very busy and productive day today. I was working on some side busienss project plans at home, as well as styling a new Drag look. I was thankfully off work today and had plans with my close friend Amy. We went to a Drinking festival in Glasgow which was such a great experience and a really lovely venue/area. We had a few drinks and a meal at Missoula before heading home. It was really good to see her and catch up, as well as keep busy! There was no other option for song choice today, only “Music Sounds Better with You� by Neil Frances. This song is a song which reminds me of Amy, no matter what.

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15TH 5TH I spent today having a day in! I was off work today also but wanted some time to myself to relax and to chill out. I feel like I have been very busy the past week or so and have not had anytime to myself to relax! I spent today lounging out in joggers and playing my xbox and keeping up withe the kardashians on their show. It was a much needed day of rest and I am glad I spent it chilling out.

The song choice for today is “Relax Don’t Do It” by Jack and the Ripper Girl. I am such a lover of the 80’s. It is and will always be my favourite era for music.

Nothing beats it! And this song was entirely the mood I had today... “Relax, don’t do it”.

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6T 16TH

Today was going to be a very productive and hectic day! I was filming a digital drag performance in a studio with another drag artist. With the performance industry not being allowed to perform in public spaces in Scotland yet. This makes doing drag extremly difficult. It had to be taken online for it to continue and people to be creative. A lot of people started their own shows also, which is the reason I am filming today. I will be doing a mash up of “Perfect Illusions” by Lady Gaga with some Madonna “Papa Don’t Preach” scenes. The video turned out amazing and has been published on social media including Youtube! If you care to watch the video a link has been provided below for your curiosity. The music video was so fun to film and it was so amazing to feel like a star for a day. In the images I got to wear my vintage Theirry Mugler blazer for the first time and the look was extremly put together. I could not complain!

The video link provided: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuJ8kXQE4M4

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After such a busy past few days I was back at work I was on until 19:00PM today, my least favourite shift but what can I do! After work I went out into town with my friend Robbie for a drink and a catch up. We went to the Counting House just off of Glasgow Queen Street Station and with it being a warm night decided to sit outside on the street and catch up. This was a really nice night and it was great to get a bit of heat whilst sitting outside at night. It is still very weird with the track and trace system set up in places but we do what we have to do.

The song today is “Say So” by Doja Cat. This song was on my mind all day after it just being released as a dance in a game I play religously called “Fortnite”. I could not get it off my mind! And by listening to it, neither will you.

17TH 7TH 19

18TH

Today was spent inside working til 20:00PM. A very long day and exhausting to be honest. I felt very unproductive today and just sat and binged youtube music videos. One which stuck out was “Hot Girl Summer� by Megan Thee Stallion (ft Nicki Minaj and Dolla TY). I instantly got obsessed with this song and it was on repeat all day in my head. I feel I have been doing pretty good mentally with everything. Because I did not get upto much today I was thinking about the lockdown situation and the hope we will keep doing better and not go back into a worse situation.

I spent the night simply relaxing and on facetime to my boyfriend.

I played Xbox and relaxed. I was not in a mind set to be the slightest bit productive from such a tiring day of work.

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I had a quick shift today, finished at 14:00PM which was decent. I then went out for a meal with my boyfriend to Guidis, a restaraunt in my home town.

It was a great meal and what I needed to clear the negative mindset from yesterday. Afterward we went a drive about since it was a great day for weather, then back to my home to watch a movie. I had a really good day today and it was very relaxing - and not to forget, but the food was amazing.

19TH

The music today has to be “Not Sorry Aboot It� from the cast of Canadas Drag Race. This song has been an iconic moment from the tv show and we cannot stop listening to it. It is the best song to come from the franchise in a while and it is hilarious!

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20TH 0T

Today I was off work and headed into Glasgow to meet my friend Eilidh to go a walk and nosy about the city centre. It was really good to see her and catch up, Eilidh is a very close friend and could not imagine my life without her. She sadly was moving back to Manchester (where she goes to study fashion design) the following week and it has been quite a struggle without her here. But we made the most of the day and ended up getting lost in the south side of Glasgow, venturing a bit too far out!

We had such a great day and it was such a nice day out and the Clyde River looked amazing in this light. I am going to miss Eilidh a lot when she leaves. But i’ll make sure once restrictions are lifted and it is safe to travel to England to visit her as often as I can.

The song for today is “Carry On” by Rita Ora. This song is a song that reminds me of Eilidh and it just makes me think of her whenever I hear it. It is definately going to be difficult seeing her go, but I know she will always be there for me and we will never lose contact.

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Today was spent inside working an exhaustingly long 9:00AM-17:00PM. I was able to think about some ideas for some branding elements towards me and my boyfriends business journey. He makes incredible gift flowers and does such an amazing level of craft and detail with them. So he wants to start a business! I do the graphics / advertising/ branding/ imagery side to it and he manufactures the products together. I have just been noting down ideas for the business and hopefully @offcialmacsgifts will be a hit. Afterward i passed out and fell asleep after such a hard days work.

If “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton isn’t my song of choice today, why would I bother! I was feeling all the energy from this song and felt the exact same way about working, especially today.

21ST

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22N 22ND

After a quick morning shift, I headed out with my friend Amy for a meal and drinks in Glasgow City Centre. We went to Topolobamba - a mexican food place which is extremly affordable and amazing value for the amount of food you recieve. The cocktails are also particularly nice. We headed to a few drinking spots around town and were able to get a late train home. I had such a great time with Amy and it was really nice to just have a good time with her!

All day Amy was singing “WAP� by Cardi B & Megan Thee Stalion. So it is given it is the song of the day. Anywhere we went she had it on replay in her head.

Comical but slightly annoying.

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Today was a nice relaxed and creative day! I was able to do some work this morning until 14:00ish. Then went a long walk with my mum, just around our area we live in. Then got home, relaxed for a while and was able to do a lsome drag makeup at night and try on a new hair/costume I got! I loved the way it turned out.

I’ve been doing very natural makeup and really loving the aesthetic on me. It gets me so excited when we are able to go back and perform in front of an audience again. I miss being on stage so much!

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23RD 3RD

I really have been trying to keep the most positive mindset regarding my drag and the current global situation. Being restricted from going out in Drag is unbearable and so upsetting. And as much as I love makeup, I really get frustrated doing it for essentially nothing just at home!

But I continue to do it to improve my craft. This look was giving me 70’s with the hair which made me think of one of my favourite sogs from the 70’s, “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

24TH H I had the most draining day at work today in a long time.

It was definately one of those rough days where nothing goes right - from system issues to customers nagging. It was rough. But I did not let it ruin my mood as I was looking forward to going out for a meal with my friend Caitlyn. We went into Glasgow and into TGI.Fridays. We had a meal and a few cocktails, it was a great night out and nice to catch up!

Since I had not been to TGI.Fridays in such a long time I had “Last Friday Night (TGIF)� by Katy Perry stuck in my head. It was definately the only option for the song choice of today.

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Today was spent working until 17:00PM today. I was feelig very relaxed and work went by extremly fast. After work and dinner, me and my Mum went a walk through the backroads of the area I live at. I was able to spot a herd of cows sitting and caught a great picture of them!

It was such a lovely evening and I went for a shower and sat on social media until I started to get sleepy. Not a very productive day but definately a nice and mellow vibe. The song choice today is “Into the unknown� by Idina Mendzel. I selecetd this song as me and Mum did get a tad lost during the walk, hence why the namesake of the song refelcts our journey.

25TH TH 27

26TH It was such a cold day today, especially after a nice weather yesterday. I spent today working for majority of the day, sadly. And then decided to go a walk myself and listened to some music to clear my head and any negative minsets I had. I do enjoy going out a walk myself as it is almost theraputic of sorts to be alone and excersising. I ended up at a lovely botanic near my house and was able to take some pictures of the beautiful trees/plants.

The song choice for today is “Flowers� by Sweet Female Attitude. I chose this song as of all of the flowers and nature I saw on my walk. I was also in an upbeat mood by the end of the adventure, which definately reflects in this song.

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27TH I had today off work and decided to spend it clearing out and organising my room. I gutted the entire room out, from clothes, makeup, books, dvds - you name it and I will probably have it! I was able to get rid of a lot of items and have everything in my room very neatly placed and easy for myself to find. One of the nicest things was to have my vogue books all categorised. I am a very strict person when it comes to my room, I hate mess. It is the worst thing I could imagine! So I am very glad I tidied everywhere and have the place looking perfect again.

The song choice for today is “Comme De Garson (Like the Boys)� by Rina Sawayama. I chose this song as it references a lot of fashion brands which I repeatedly kept seeing throughout all of the vogue issues I have which span across 2-3 years.

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Today I worked until 16:30PM, I then went off a drive with my friend Caitlyn and we went to this golf course which was shut and open to the public for walks etc. It was not that far a drive but considering it was such a nice day we walked around it and into a nice forest area. We had a McDonalds on the way home and I just facetimed my boyfriend when i got in and played Xbox. A very nice and chilled day.

28TH TH

The song for today is “Midnight Sky�

by Miley Cyrus. I chose this song as I introduced it to Caitlyn today and she became quickly obsessed. It is an amazing song and I am loving Mileys new style journey this era.

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29TH

Today I was off work and my boyfriend had planned out an amazing date for us. We headed to an abandoned building just on the outskirts of Glasgow, we explored it and took some cool pictures etc. Then he suprised me with art supplies, turns out we were there to paint the building! It was such a fun surprise and I really enjoyed it! I think they both turned out really good and after this we went to grab some food and just drove about for a while. Then watched an episode of “Legendary” (A queer voguing competition show) in his car and I headed home. It was such a good day and I had an amazing time with him! He really set the bar high for date planning in the future!

The song choice of today is “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande.

This song was on several times throughout the day accompanied by some bad vocals from myself. But we had a blast and the song is one of my favourites!

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30TH I had an extremly busy day at work. I pretty much did not get a break at all, it was suprisingly non stop which is unusual for my work. But I finished at 18:00PM and was headed out for a drink and some food with my friend Robbie and Debbie. We headed out and it was quite busy, definately the busiest we have seen it in a while. We just had a few drinks at several different places, it turned out to be a good night until I missed the last train and had to get a taxi home. Which was expensive to say the least. But we made it home in one piece. The song which best sums up today is “Girls Night Out� by Charli XCX. This song is a night out essential, it always puts me in a good mood and ready to head out.

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31ST Today I had a day off of work and decided I really needed a day to myself to relax and centre myself from my life. I had a complete spa day today. Facemasks, Bath Bombs, Body Scrubs... I did it all and it was just the thing I needed to chill myself out and reflect on the past month. I am blessed to have such close friends and a great job. I m thankful for a lot of the things that happened the past month, good and the bad. But reflecting on that it is all growth as a human on thsi planet.

This journey has been incredible and sharing a more personal side of my life to be documented has been a great experience.

The final song will remain Anonymous. But it will perfectly reflect my experience with this project and the next stage in my life.

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