TheBrainiestAshesEver: Hi 💖 It's been a long time since we've talked to each other so casually. Eh, we haven't really edited in the same communities that much, haven't we? Why don't you introduce yourself?
grafiXal: Hi! <3 Fr! Sure! So, I'm grafiXal (duh). I'm an editor and transcriber from Albania, a.k.a. Land of Eagles! 🦅🦅🗣️ I'm seen around Genius Albania pages, Albanian songs, though you can occasionally also catch me marking English lyrics complete! :❫
TheBrainiestAshesEver: So I actually don't know much about Genius Albania except you're one of the frontrunnеrs of that community. Tell me, what are somе of your favorite music works and artists from Albania you like to listen to?
grafiXal: Well, I listen to a lot of different Albanian music, even though I generally prefer English-speaking artists more. When it comes to Albanian songs, I usually listen to some famous old songs (not very old, just a 2010s song, or 2000s), some that I listened to when I was younger. If I had to give examples, it would be Ledri Vula, Alban Skenderaj and Noizy. Though I do listen to newer Albanian songs as well. I like the instrumental and vibe of some tracks from Noizy's latest album, ALPHA.
TheBrainiestAshesEver: Ah, I see! What are your favorite English-language music projects and artists, then?
grafiXal: I like to listen to Linkin Park songs! Unfortunately, I hardly ever memorized their lyrics (like any good fan should, sorry :❪❪), but I like their nu-metal songs!! I noticed their new album, From Zero, just dropped!!! I look forward to listening to it! I also like to listen to this one artist whose name is EREZA! She makes songs and mixes English with a bit of Albanian!! Besides that, I guess I like listening to some songs by popular American artists or that were viral on TikTok.
TheBrainiestAshesEver: Sick, I've only heard of Linkin Park but not much of their music. I should probably go listen some day… The same goes for the rest of the artists you mentioned
I said previously that you're one of GA's front runners, so I have three questions about your work there. What are your past accomplishments you've done for the community? What are your current goals for it? Finally, what do you plan for it to be like in the future?
grafiXal:
1. Well, I:
translated the "How to Add Songs to Genius" in Albanian, focusing a bit more on transcribing Albanian songs
checked and edited some other Albanian guides
worked with @Veljko to make a section in Geniuscord for the Albanian community
mentored an Albanian user (@3leventhour11) to Transcriber and am trying to mentor as much Albanian users as much as I can to help grow the community
2. I:
am planning and trying to get as many Albanian users as I can find and mentor them to various roles and make the Albanian community alive
am writing some Albanian guides 🤫
3. I can't say that I have any (big) expectations, but I do wish to see an active Albanian community (with an active Geniuscord section), like the German community! It is hard and almost impossible, but I'll try my best to make it happen!
TheBrainiestAshesEver: That sounds wicked! You should definitely be proud of yourself, your efforts paid off.
And also that sounds like a lot. Like I mean a lot lot 😅 Like, I fear for you. But I am wishing you good luck in achieving your goals 🫡
Now I've seen you active in the Genius Discord a lot. What do you like the most about the Genius community?
grafiXal: Thank you, I appreciate all of that! <3
Ah, yes, I'm kinda more active in Geniuscord (AKA Genius Discord); I'm guilty, your honor. I didn't used to be that active, but now I feel less anxious about texting there; I like to engage more in convos now!
What I like the most about the Genius community is how friendly it is and how fun it is to chat with! I made some Genius friends there, like toxi and Sammmm249! (many luvs to them <333) I met the goated mod of Genius some may know as "Crackar" or "timoo", who mentored and believed in me!! Of course, I also met lots of other awesome users; I wouldn't make a list 'cause it's too long but most of my followers and followings are part of the awesome users I've interacted with!
TheBrainiestAshesEver: Aww 🥺 That's so sweet of you 💚 Glad to hear the community's been a safe place for you.
Speaking of safe, is there any advice you'd give on being a role model for the community in general? Like, making exceptional works or being a good person?
grafiXal: Being a good person or doing a perfect job is quite impossible because we all are humans, we all make mistakes. What we should do though is accept constructive critisism and be open to self-improvement. That is the role-modeling I think all of us Transcribers+ should do.
TheBrainiestAshesEver: Spoken like a true leader 💚 Self-improvement is one of the things I emphasize not just on Genius, but in the real world. I'm glad we see eye-to-eye on this ✨
One final question: what are some of your hobbies, passions, anything else you'd like to share or promote here?
grafiXal: Thank you! 🧡 Well, I do admit that I like graphic design a lot and this goes to the extent of text formatting, so I guess graphic design would be my passion! I haven't really picked up any hobbies as of now, though I do like to write Genius guides and format things. I also like exploring places and other things, of course!
TheBrainiestAshesEver: As a person that absolutely sucks at graphic design, I envy you. Teach me your ways >:3
That concludes the interview! Thank you so much for signing up. Was really fun to know more about you 💚
grafiXal: No problem! Thank you for interviewing me, this was fun! :3
