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   Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:32 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

   in reply to

   I've moved away from obsessively tracking my listening time. Those stats from platforms like Stats.fm (formerly Spotistats), Last.fm, and LibreFM became too addictive. The more I streamed, the more impressive the numbers looked, but it started to feel like a hollow pursuit.

   This compulsion to boost my streaming numbers was actually one of the reasons I left Spotify in October 2022. I found myself driven by the urge to make Zoë my top artist of the year, rather than genuinely enjoying her music for its emotional impact.

   Now, I focus on the pure enjoyment and therapeutic aspects of listening to Zoë's songs. I stream her music for emotional healing and all the reasons I've mentioned before. It's a more authentic and fulfilling experience, allowing me to connect with her artistry on a deeper level without the pressure of statistics.

   This shift has really improved my relationship with music. I can immerse myself in Zoë's songs, letting them guide me through various emotional states and life experiences, without the distraction of numbers or rankings. It's a much healthier approach that aligns better with why I fell in love with her music in the first place.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:33 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     I'm sorry for bringing my Zoë obsession to the Fediverse. In the past, openly sharing about it has sometimes led me into difficult situations, connecting with the wrong people at the wrong time.

     I love Zoë Straub's music deeply, but I’ll try to keep things balanced and not let it consume my feed. She’s been a part of my life for nearly nine years now. The first four years were when the obsession began to grow, but by 2020, it truly took off and became something much bigger.

     These days, I spend over 100+ hours every month listening to her music. It’s not just entertainment for me, it’s a guide that helps me navigate life and process my emotions.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:35 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     Zoë's music has not only been a source of emotional support but has also played a significant role in my journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

     Her artistry has helped me understand my identity as a bisexual and gender-fluid individual, opening my heart to the possibility of loving across the spectrum of gender or choosing not to pursue romantic relationships at all.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:36 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     It's mesmerizing listening to "Loin d'ici (ESC Version)" over and over again, to the point where I don't even notice myself listening to it anymore. It just becomes this constant background hum that somehow always manages to sync up with my mood. I guess that's the magic of music that really resonates with me.

     I love how some people find music healing, while for others it doesn't work at all. It really does vary from person to person. But as I've said earlier in this thread, ZOË's music is that lifeline for me, a constant source of emotional support that I keep coming back to.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:37 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     Today I prefer owning physical media over digital media, because DRM can go to hell. Physical media means I actually own my stuff. I'd like to see the RIAA try to come all the way to Bergen, Norway, just to take away my music. Hey RIAA, I've got coffee ready for when you inevitably show up to reclaim my own shit.

     Yeah, I've got multiple copies with "Loin d'ici (ESC Version)" on them. Partly because I play it so much, but also 'cause I want to frame one and keep the others sealed until the one I use eventually wears out from overuse, fades, or actually snaps in half.

     Owning physical copies gives me more control over my media library and ensures I have access regardless of internet availability or service outages. Plus, there's something satisfying about browsing shelves of CDs, especially when they hold sentimental value.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:38 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     Here are some stats from 2021, the year I decided to shift away from capitalist proprietary platforms to fairer pay platforms like Bandcamp, and the not-so-ethical method of using yt-dlp to grab ZOË's latest releases as soon as they drop on YouTube.

     As of August 20, 2021, I had over 20,196 plays of ZOË Straub, totaling 58,086 minutes. She remains my top artist to this day.

     My mom might have something odd to say about this obsession, or maybe not. Either way, I love ZOË, and her music will stay with me until I die, whether from old age or any other cause.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:39 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     My dad's partly responsible for my ZOË obsession, but in a good way. ZOË's music has been my lifeline multiple times over the years, and it still saves me to this day.

     Her songs bring back memories of both good and bad times. It's an emotional rollercoaster I'll probably ride till the day I die.

     I doubt my mom would get my obsession unless I showed her the stats I used to keep on how much time I spent listening to ZOË's music for emotional healing.

     Life's full of surprises when you're an autistic, neurodivergent individual.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:41 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     I think my Denon CEOL RCD-N12DAB is getting overused from playing all those Zoë CDs. I love this thing, though - it's got everything I need in one package: Bluetooth, CD player, DAB, Internet radio... you name it.

     As someone who's into privacy and security, I don't really use the DAB or Internet Radio features. But I love playing CDs and streaming music from Auxio on Android using Bluetooth. It's my go-to setup, and it works perfectly for me.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:42 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     When you wake up to the soft sound of Zoë's music playing on your Denon CEOL RCD-N12DAB at 7% volume, it gives you a sense of hope that life is still worth living.

     Life is full of surprises, and yeah, I've said it before, but I'm totally obsessed with Zoë's music. It really helps me get through tough times.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:43 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     "Even if the road seems to be a dead end, without a doubt I will follow you"

     It's amazing when she can help me regulate my feelings and provide an outlet for emotional release, especially when I need to let out a good cry.

     It's like having a trusted companion that's always there to help me process my emotions and feel better afterward.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:44 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     I know it might sound strange to connect a pop star so closely with my suicidal thoughts and death anxiety, but Zoë's music has been a lifeline through my darkest moments.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:45 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     Yep, without Zoë being born and pursuing her music career, I'd be dead. No question about it.

     Her music has been my lifeline through suicidal thoughts, gender dysphoria, and death anxiety.

     Zoë's artistry has kept me alive through the darkest times, and her voice speaks to me, reminding me I can keep going when I have no strength left.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:47 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     "In a country far away from here, we sing, we dance."

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:48 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     It's 04:25 now, and I still haven't slept, because I have been playing "Loin d'ici" since 23:49, trying to unwind and clear my head.

     It's been helping me process some stuff, and her song always seem to hit the right spot when I'm feeling down.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:49 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     "Sans aucun doute, j'te suis"

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:50 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     As someone who avoids mainstream social media platforms, I found myself in a dilemma about how to reach out to Zoë.

     Sending a personal message through her professional channels didn't feel right. So, I decided to write an open letter, expressing my heartfelt appreciation for her music and its impact on my life.

     I've made this letter public on my GitHub, and it's now readable on my website at: https://midtsveen.github.io/letter.html

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:52 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     I love Zoë Straub, not because of her personal life or political views, but because she created music that brings me joy and keeps me going. Her songs have had a profound impact on my well-being, providing comfort and emotional support during difficult times. Music has the power to influence our mental health positively, and in my case, Zoë's artistry has been a crucial lifeline.

     While it's natural to be curious about artists we admire, it's also valid to separate the art from the artist. The emotional connection and therapeutic effect of music can exist independently of the creator's personal life or beliefs. What matters most is how the music resonates with you and supports your mental health.

     In the end, Zoë Straub's music has been a source of happiness and a reason to stay alive for me. This personal impact is what truly counts, regardless of any external factors or opinions about her as an individual.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:53 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     Like right now, I'm feeling a bit down, and her song is helping me have an emotional release.

     There's one other album that does this for me too, but that's not by Zoë - I'll talk about that in another thread sometime.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:54 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     2017-2019 were really tough for me.

     I was depressed and slept way too much, trying to escape.

     But whenever I played Zoë Straub's music on repeat, it helped ease the pain.

     Her song "Loin d'ici (ESC Version)" was my lifeline back then, and remains one today.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:56 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     It's true, if I hadn't seen Zoë Straub live on TV, I wouldn't be alive today.

     Life is worth living, and there are always better options than suicide.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:57 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     in reply to

     May 14, 2016, is a day I'll never get back, but it's also a reminder of how music can save lives.

   • Embed this notice
     Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴 (midtsveen@social.linux.pizza)'s status on Sunday, 16-Mar-2025 06:46:58 JST Erik L. Midtsveen 🚩🏴

     📌 Pinned Thread

     I realized this thread is gonna be me ranting about how much I love Zoë Straub. Oh well, thread continues whenever I feel like it, I guess!

     #ZoëStraub #MusicTherapy #Depression #Suicide #MentalHealth #Healing