Blog Archives - TrollDade https://www.deadtroll.com/category/blog/ Laugh louder, sing merrier! Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:02:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.deadtroll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TrollDade-150x150.jpg Blog Archives - TrollDade https://www.deadtroll.com/category/blog/ 32 32 The Best Comedy and Music Festivals This Year https://www.deadtroll.com/the-best-comedy-and-music-festivals-this-year/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:28:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=184 In 2025, comedy and music lovers will be able to attend a number of outstanding festivals around the world. Below are some of this year’s…

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In 2025, comedy and music lovers will be able to attend a number of outstanding festivals around the world. Below are some of this year’s most anticipated events:

Glastonbury Festival (UK)

One of the most famous music festivals in the world, Glastonbury is traditionally held in June in Pilton, Somerset. The festival is famous for its variety of genres and attracts both international stars and new performers. The 2025 program promises to be rich and varied.

Sziget Festival (Hungary)

Taking place in Budapest, Sziget is known as the “Island of Freedom.” The festival brings together music, art and culture, offering visitors performances by international stars and a host of entertainment events. In 2025, Sziget will once again delight guests with a varied program.

Hellfest (France)

For fans of heavy music, Hellfest in Clisson is a must-see. The festival brings together the best performers in the genres of hard rock and metal. In 2025, Hellfest will take place from June 26 to 29, offering a rich program for its guests.

Coachella (USA)

One of the most popular music festivals in the world, Coachella is traditionally held in April in Indio, California. The festival is known for its eclectic lineup of performers and attracts thousands of fans from all over the world.

These festivals represent only a small portion of the diverse music and comedy events planned for 2025. Visitors will be able to enjoy performances by their favorite artists and discover new performers while immersing themselves in an atmosphere of celebration and creativity.

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Modern Standup Comics https://www.deadtroll.com/modern-standup-comics/ Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:21:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=180 This selection is a guide to modern standup for those who only remember George Carlin’s old monologues. Louis C.K. Who he is. One of the…

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This selection is a guide to modern standup for those who only remember George Carlin’s old monologues.

Louis C.K.

Who he is. One of the most important comedians of our time, who in the 90’s interrupted by passable performances on late night shows and made low-budget movies. How and what he jokes about. Only after forty years Louis finally found his legendary role – irritable cynic in a midlife crisis. Since the late noughties, C.K. has developed this image also as a TV dramatist: his series “Louie” and “Horace and Pete” are now the gold standard of conversational sedcom – comedy with a dash of drama. After allegations of harassment in 2017, C.K.’s career seemed to be over. However, the disgraced comedian returned to the big stage three years later and once again unapologetically mocked everything in the world, but this time not without justifiable reflection.

Dave Chappelle

Who he is. The most established African-American comedian rose to fame in the noughties with a groundbreaking sketch show named after himself that made sharp jokes about racism, politics, and celebrity. Dave then retired from comedy for nearly a decade, which only solidified his cult status. Chappelle returned to the stage three years ago: two of the comedian’s rushes, in which he takes a sharp swipe at topical issues, broke viewing records among stand-ups on Netflix. How and what he jokes about. Chappelle is the kind of comedian who always walks the edge when discussing current topics and often voices an unpopular opinion. His most recent Sticks & Stones gig, with its jokes about LGBTQ+ people and Louis C.K.’s excuses, was arguably the most scandalous comedy show of recent years.

Bill Burr

Who is. Burr is one of the few old-school comedians for whom no joke topic is too sensitive. At every show, he shares his usual smirk and every time he gets a hoot in return, which is immediately drowned out by applause. How and what he jokes about. Bill Burr’s calling card – provocative theses like “motherhood is not difficult”, “it’s okay to laugh at fat people”, “Steve Jobs was not a genius” or “the planet could use another epidemic”. If it ended there, the comedian would be hated by the whole world by now. But Burr has the wit and armor-piercing charisma to explain his point of view and make everyone laugh.

Ricky Gervais

Who he is. Gervais started making people laugh from the stage already as a big star, which is rare for standup. Before picking up a microphone, the comedian had time to play in a synth-pop band, launch a successful podcast, and direct the TV series “The Office” starring himself. How and what he jokes about. In standup, Gervais continued to play off his “Office” alter ego David Brent, an arrogant ulcer who doesn’t miss an opportunity to nitpick anyone. Most of all from Gervais, perhaps, got to the movie stars. Comedian five times invited to lead the award “Golden Globe”, where he gladly “fried” sitting in the hall of actors and other celebrities.

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Where to Meet Your Favorite Standup Comedians and Musical Impersonators? https://www.deadtroll.com/where-to-meet-your-favorite-standup-comedians-and-musical-impersonators/ Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:11:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=190 In 2025, fans of standup comedy and musical impersonators will be able to meet their favorite artists at a number of significant festivals and events…

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In 2025, fans of standup comedy and musical impersonators will be able to meet their favorite artists at a number of significant festivals and events around the world. Below are some of this year’s most anticipated events:

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Held annually in August in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. It provides a platform for thousands of performers, including established and emerging standup comedians and musical impersonators. Here, audiences can enjoy a variety of shows and discover new talent.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

One of the largest comedy festivals in the world, held annually in March-April in Melbourne, Australia. The festival brings together comedians from all over the world, offering audiences a wide range of stand-up shows, musical parodies and improvisations.

Just for Laughs (Juste pour rire) in Montreal

An annual comedy festival held in July in Montreal, Canada. “Just for Laughs” attracts top comedians and musical impersonators from around the world, offering audiences a packed program of performances and events.

Comedy Central’s Clusterfest in San Francisco

The festival, organized by Comedy Central, combines stand-up comedy, musical performances and pop culture events. Taking place in June in San Francisco, USA, Clusterfest provides a unique opportunity to see popular comedians and musical impersonators on the same stage.

The Comedy Store in Los Angeles

The legendary comedy club located in Los Angeles, USA is known for its regular performances by both famous and up-and-coming comedians. It often hosts special nights of musical parodies and stand-up comedy.

Attending these events will allow fans of stand-up comedy and musical parodies to enjoy performances by their favorite artists and discover new talent in the world of comedy and music.

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How the World’s Loudest Humor and Music Festivals Were Held https://www.deadtroll.com/how-the-worlds-loudest-humor-and-music-festivals-were-held/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:42:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=193 In 2024, the world witnessed many colorful music festivals, each of which left an unforgettable impression on the audience. Below are some of this year’s…

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In 2024, the world witnessed many colorful music festivals, each of which left an unforgettable impression on the audience. Below are some of this year’s most high-profile events:

Coachella (California, USA)

One of the world’s most famous festivals, Coachella in 2024 took place over two weekends, April 12-14 and April 19-21. Among the headliners were Beyoncé, Blackpink and Frank Ocean, whose performances drew thousands of people and received rave reviews from critics.

Glastonbury (Somerset, UK)

The legendary Glastonbury festival took place from June 26 to June 30, 2024. Elton John, Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys were among the main performers. Particular attention was drawn to Elton John’s farewell performance, which became a historic event for fans.

Sziget (Budapest, Hungary)

One of Europe’s biggest festivals, Sziget, took place from August 7-13, 2024. Imagine Dragons, Dua Lipa and Arctic Monkeys were among the headliners. The festival attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world, offering a diverse musical program and a rich cultural agenda.

Rock en Seine (Paris, France)

The three-day open air festival Rock en Seine took place at the end of August 2024 in a park near Paris. The main headliners were Lana Del Rey, Italian band Måneskin, PJ Harvey and Massive Attack. The festival distinguished itself with a variety of genres and top-notch performances, leaving an unforgettable impression on the audience.

These festivals showcased the richness and diversity of musical culture, bringing together people from all over the world in a celebration of art and creativity.

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Why is Comedy Music Back at the Peak of Popularity? https://www.deadtroll.com/why-is-comedy-music-back-at-the-peak-of-popularity/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:47:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=205 In recent years, comedy music has experienced a renaissance, once again gaining attention and becoming a significant part of music culture. What was once considered…

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In recent years, comedy music has experienced a renaissance, once again gaining attention and becoming a significant part of music culture. What was once considered a niche genre is now becoming the basis for many successful projects, viral hits and colorful live performances. From parodies of popular songs to satirical music shows, comedy music is back in the spotlight. But what’s behind this phenomenon and why is it back at the height of its popularity?

The growing role of the internet and social media

One of the main factors behind the comeback of comedy music is the influence of the internet and social media. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become major venues for the distribution of music and comedy videos. Thanks to these platforms, comic songs can go viral in a matter of hours. And while only a few artists used to be able to afford music shows or albums, now any comedian or musician can record and publish their work, instantly reaching a global audience.

Performers such as The Lonely Island or Bo Burnham use the internet to spread their music, gaining attention not only through funny lyrics but also through a witty approach to video formats. Social media has thus become an important catalyst for the genre’s comeback.

Mixing genres and styles

Modern comedy artists are no longer limited to parody or satire. Musical comedy has become much more layered and diverse, combining elements of pop, rap, rock, folk, and even classical music. Duos like The Lonely Island and T-Pain with their hits like “I’m on a Boat” show how the parody component is combined with real musicianship, making the songs funny yet quality.

These genre experiments appeal to both fans of musical styles and fans of comedy. In turn, this creates a much wider audience for comedy songs.

The complexity and multiple meanings of the modern world

We live in a world full of political, social, and economic problems, and many people turn to humor to cope with this reality. Comedy music often serves as a way to deal with anxiety by expressing the absurdity and ridiculousness of the world around us in songs. Lyrics like those of Bo Burnham, who makes sense of isolation, anxiety, and technological alienation in his program Inside, become therapeutic for audiences, allowing them to experience tense moments through laughter.

Such works not only provoke laughter but also make you think, which adds depth and significance to the genre.

Influence of major music festivals and shows

Shows like Saturday Night Live, which regularly feature musical parodies and comedic performances as well as other musical programs, are becoming an important part of the cultural agenda. Also worth noting is the phenomenon of musical standup shows, such as those hosted by Bo Burnham, where music and humor merge into one concept. These programs serve as catalysts to popularize the genre and give artists a platform to showcase their work.

In addition, comedy musicians actively participate in major music festivals such as Coachella or Glastonbury, where their performances attract an audience, and this in turn expands the genre’s audience.

A new approach to music video production

Music videos and visual components have become an integral part of musical comedy. Performers such as “Weird Al” Yankovic continue to surprise with their original and funny videos, creating another facet to the perception of their work. Songs in the comedy genre are not just funny – they become multimedia works that integrate elements of theater, animation and visuals.

The visual component gives the artists the opportunity to amplify the humor, providing new contexts for understanding the song and spectacle.

Conclusion

Comedy music is at the height of its popularity for a reason. The influence of the internet, the ability to mix genres, the need for mental relief, and a return to the classics are all contributing to the genre’s revival. Music mixed with humor helps people perceive the world more easily and cheerfully, while providing an opportunity for deep reflection. Comedians continue to surprise, and this is just the beginning of a new, bright stage in the history of musical culture.

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Funny and Unexpected Musical Duets https://www.deadtroll.com/funny-and-unexpected-musical-duets/ Sun, 01 Sep 2024 17:55:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=202 Music and comedy are two elements that complement each other perfectly. When these two elements meet on the same stage, the result is often unexpected…

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Music and comedy are two elements that complement each other perfectly. When these two elements meet on the same stage, the result is often unexpected and extremely funny. Musical duets in which comedians work with professional musicians can be not only funny, but also surprisingly original. In such combinations, humor, rhythm, and skill merge to create a unique experience for the audience. Here are some prime examples of such unusual and funny musical duets that have become real hits.

“Weird Al” Yankovic and the Rock Star Kitchen

Alfred Matthew Yankovic, known as “Weird Al,” has become one of the most famous and beloved comedic musicians. However, his talent is not limited to parodies of popular hits. In his concerts, he often collaborates with real rock stars, such as Tony Scott from The Doors or members of Queen. In one of the funniest performances, Yankovic collaborates with musicians from different genres to deliver parodies with fantastic precision and playfulness. These collaborations are not just comedy, but a real show with musical elements that keep the audience laughing and applauding.

The Lonely Island and Andy Samberg with T-Pain

Perhaps one of the most unexpected and hilarious musical collaborations occurred when comedy duo The Lonely Island teamed up with rapper T-Pain to create the hit song “I’m on a Boat.” This absurdist track, in which the rap artist sings about traveling on a yacht, became a viral phenomenon. Their combination of pop, rap, and comedic approach to the lyrics made the song insanely funny and incredibly catchy. The moment where T-Pain sings seriously and the surrounding actions are completely absurd is exactly what gives the whole thing its comedic effect.

Billy Eilish and Bo Burnham

When young musical phenomenon Billy Eilish combined his melancholy compositions with the humor of Bo Burnham, it was an unexpected but very interesting combination. Eilish, whose music is known for its atmospheric pull, and Burnham, with his sharp social commentary and meta-irony, create a unique dynamic. Their collaboration on stage often resembles an exquisite duo, where one side expresses deep emotions and the other side breaks them down with sarcasm.

Jimmy Fallon and The Roots

Jimmy Fallon is a comedian who also doesn’t miss the opportunity to work with musicians to create something extraordinary. His program “The Tonight Show” often becomes a platform for unexpected musical duets involving musicians. Particularly popular are his duets with The Roots, in which Fallon himself may take the guitar or keyboards, and the band creates incredibly cool musical backdrops for these improvisations. These combinations of comedic elements and musical prowess provide the audience with not only laughs, but a real musical treat.

Conclusion

Duets in which comedians and musicians work together are true art. In such combinations, the comic element is sometimes not only the main element, but also an additional one that enriches the work itself. The expected seriousness in the music collides with the absurdity and irony of the comedians, which turns these performances into unforgettable events. Such unexpected musical combinations are becoming more and more popular every year, attracting more and more fans of comedy and music genres.

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Secrets of Creating Musical Jokes: How to Write a Funny Song? https://www.deadtroll.com/secrets-of-creating-musical-jokes-how-to-write-a-funny-song/ Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=199 Musical comedy is an art that combines melody, rhythm and witty lyrics. A good comedy song not only brings a smile, but is memorable and…

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Musical comedy is an art that combines melody, rhythm and witty lyrics. A good comedy song not only brings a smile, but is memorable and sometimes even goes viral. However, writing a really funny song is not an easy task. It requires a sense of humor, a musical ear, and an understanding of how jokes work.

  1. Choose the right topic

The humor in the song should be relatable and close to the audience. The best tactic is to take something familiar, but present it from an unexpected angle. It can be an everyday situation (like Flight of the Conchords), a parody of a famous hit (like Weird Al Yankovic) or a satirical look at social phenomena (like Bo Burnham).

  1. Play with contrasts

One classic technique is to combine serious music with absurd lyrics. For example, a rock ballad about a trivial problem (“Tenacious D – Tribute”) or a dramatic rap about a ridiculous situation (“The Lonely Island – I’m on a Boat”). The greater the contrast between form and content, the funnier it is.

  1. Use unexpected rhymes

Humorous rhyming should be unconventional. You can play with words, use puns, or build rhyme so that the listener expects one thing and gets another.

  1. Parody musical styles

Sometimes humor can be built on imitating a musical genre. If you’re imitating country, rap, or opera, take the stylistic features to the point of absurdity. This could be excessive vocal techniques, typical clichés of the genre, or a deliberate mismatch between words and music.

  1. Develop comicality in your lyrics

A joke should not be a one-off. A good song is built on the principle of escalation – starting with one funny idea, gradually intensify it. For example, in “Bo Burnham – Words, Words, Words” he doesn’t just use clever rhymes, he takes wordplay to the extreme, creating a snowball effect.

  1. Work with rhythm and pauses

Humor is as much about the text as it is about the delivery. Sometimes a pause before a punchline makes a joke many times funnier. This works in standup as well as in songs. For example, if a line is expected to rhyme, but the writer deliberately pauses or inserts an unexpected word, it can have a comic effect.

  1. Take unexpected turns

As in a good joke, the effect of surprise is important in musical comedy. This can be a sudden change in tone, an unexpected switch to another genre, or an absurd plot development. For example, when a romantic song suddenly turns into a story about a tax audit.

  1. Experiment with the format

A comedy song can be more than just a set of verses and a chorus. You can make it a dialog, a story, a list, or even a musical quiz. For example, Bo Burnham often uses the “song within a song” format, playing with the audience’s expectations.

  1. Don’t forget the pitch

Even the funniest lyrics won’t work if their delivery is boring. Vocal expression, intonation, dynamics and even facial expressions during the performance can enhance the comicality. Look at the way Tenacious D or The Lonely Island present themselves – their confidence makes even the most ridiculous lyrics convincing.

  1. Test the song on a live audience

Just like in standup, testing jokes is the key to success. If the audience isn’t laughing, perhaps the joke needs tweaking. Sometimes changing one word or changing the beat makes a song many times funnier.

Creating musical comedy isn’t just about writing rhyming jokes to guitar. It is the art of balancing humor and music, surprise and predictability, subtlety and absurdity. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and enjoy the process.

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From Weird Al to Bo Burnham: How the Genre of Musical Comedy Evolved https://www.deadtroll.com/from-weird-al-to-bo-burnham-how-the-genre-of-musical-comedy-evolved/ Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:46:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=196 Musical comedy is a genre that blends music and humor together to create a unique way of expressing oneself. Its roots can be traced back…

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Musical comedy is a genre that blends music and humor together to create a unique way of expressing oneself. Its roots can be traced back to the past, when comic songs were performed in cabarets, variety shows, and even theater productions. However, in its modern form, musical comedy began to take shape in the second half of the 20th century, when performers began to consciously combine elements of satire, parody and musical skill.

One of the iconic figures of the genre was Alfred Matthew Yankovic, better known as “Weird Al” Yankovic. In the 1980s, he took parody songs to a new level by masterfully reworking popular hits and turning them into comic works. His “Eat It” (a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”) and “Like a Surgeon” (of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”) not only showcased his knack for subtle details, but also introduced an element of musical skill that set him apart from the occasional jokester. Yankovic made musical comedy part of the mainstream, proving that funny songs could be not just funny, but commercially successful.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the genre continued to evolve, taking on new forms. The band Tenacious D, founded by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, combined a satirical approach with a powerful rock sound. Their compositions, such as “Tribute” and “The Metal,” were not just parodies, but original songs that combined humor with a real passion for the music. They became an example of how comedy musicians can gain recognition even among serious rock fans.

At the same time, the genre was given a new lease of life in the theater and Internet environment. The duo Flight of the Conchords from New Zealand mixed absurd lyrics with sophisticated musicality, and their HBO series of the same name helped popularize intellectual humor in songs. In turn, The Lonely Island, led by Andy Samberg, brought elements of hip-hop and digital culture to the genre, creating viral hits like “I’m on a Boat” and “Jizz in My Pants.” Their style showed that musical comedy could be a media phenomenon as well as a concert phenomenon.

The real revolutionary in the genre was Bo Burnham, who began his career as a teenager recording humorous songs on YouTube. His lyrics were characterized by self-reflection, meta-irony and sharp social satire. As his career progressed, he turned his performances into full-fledged theater shows where music, standup, and visuals merged into a multi-layered work. The Inside (2021) special was a landmark not only for musical comedy but for culture at large, reflecting the loneliness and anxieties of pandemic times through the lens of songs such as “Welcome to the Internet” and “All Eyes on Me.”

Contemporary musical comedy continues to evolve, finding new platforms and formats. While artists used to perform primarily on stage or television, YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services now allow for instant distribution of their work. Comedy musicians no longer limit themselves to parodies of hits – they create original compositions in which humor becomes an integral part of the music. The genre continues to be redefined, proving that a funny song can be not only entertaining, but also deep, intelligent and even provocative.

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How Does Humor in Music Help You Deal with Stress? https://www.deadtroll.com/how-does-humor-in-music-help-you-deal-with-stress/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:32:00 +0000 https://www.deadtroll.com/?p=187 Humor and laughter are vital and effective ways to calm down, relieve stress, and connect with others. Let’s look at 4 rules for managing stress…

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Humor and laughter are vital and effective ways to calm down, relieve stress, and connect with others. Let’s look at 4 rules for managing stress through laughter.

Discourage

The first thing we can do when starting to manage stress is to try to eliminate the factors of the experience. Try making a list of 10 things that annoy you, and then think about how you can get rid of the maximum number of items on the list.

For example, you may be worried about your job, your spouse, the pandemic, and your morning routine. You may not want to quit your job or your husband, but you can definitely start checking the news less often and ask your husband to help with your morning chores.

Giving up stressors may seem ridiculous, but it’s an important step in stress management. Plus, making a list like this can be fun. For example, you could make a “To Donʼt” list rather than a “To Do” list, listing what you will no longer do.

Rethink

Humor plays an important role in rethinking stressors. Chances are you can’t get rid of everything that makes you anxious. Instead, you can reframe those factors. Try to look at the problem from a different perspective. This won’t make the problem go away, but it will allow you to laugh at it.

For example, when the author’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, she said it was a way to get a free breast augmentation. It didn’t make the disease disappear, but the joke allowed her to laugh at a difficult situation and take it easier.

You can also make the morning routine more exciting by turning it into a game. For example, the author’s three-year-old daughter used to exhaust him in the mornings until he turned morning pick-up into a game. Now she has to eat breakfast, brush her teeth, get dressed, and let the author comb her hair before she can watch cartoons. If she’s slacking, no cartoons.

Release

Let the really bad things stay bad, and give yourself a break from them. Take a walk, draw, take a hot bubble bath, do breathing exercises, meditate, or watch cat videos.

Keep a journal of things that make you laugh. It doesn’t matter what your temper is – something is sure to make you laugh.

Rest

Go on vacation and not worry about anything. Instead of traveling, try taking breaks that will help refresh your mind. Travel using Google Maps, find ways to relax at home.

And rest doesn’t have to take a few weeks or a couple weekends – you can break your work day into intervals and take a 5 minute break every 25 minutes. If you can laugh in those 5 minutes, the rest will be more effective.

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