Website Final

http://seanbislfc.wix.com/zeno#!music/c2025

AND STORE

http://histmediastudies.wix.com/zenostore

DIGIPAK Final

MUSIC VIDEO Final

Evaluation - Question 2

How do your products represent social groups or issues?

Revenge

Masculinity
Weakness/Strength
Resolution through violence
"A Better Day"
Crime
Vigilantism

Evaluation - Question 4

How do your products engage with the audience?

Who is our audience?

The audience that we are aiming towards at this early stage of introduction for the artist name, are in gatherings of EDM tracks online with large daily visits who listen to many songs such as Soundcloud. Mostly at ages of 14-19 years old who are teenagers trying out new type of music genres who could possibly become our followers. Although there would also be another group who are older between 21-35 years old.

Digipak
As for our album cover, audience would discover a new artist and their background with having photos of both of the artists on the front cover and description of the new artist.

Evaluation - Question 5

How would your work be distributed as real media products?

Distribution is a way a business uses to acquire their product or service to the audience. It is used to deliver product or a service directly to their customers through both via internet or in shops.
Distribution of music has changed significantly within ten years as before, the way music was distributed was either by television through music channels such as MTV or on the radio in certain radio stations. It was also distributed in music shops where people were able to purchase hard copies of the album of the artist. There weren't as many famous artist as we have nowadays which in the music industry, they didn't have to choose to contain direct marketing to promote their artist, and which has ended up mostly on MTV to promote the name. Nowadays, more people have been influenced by music due to a large growth in the music industry. This has led to an increase in the amount of artist and has caused large amount of competition between record labels to produce the best out of an artist. As a result of this, businesses have adapted to a direct marketing way be able to attract customers through the internet by selling the album through the internet such as iTunes.
As this has affected the music industry, there had to be changes to their distribution of their products. Internet had to be used to be able to reach the artists target audience as there has been a huge increase in usage of the internet through all suitable age groups. This has to be taken into thought in which genre the artist is as in each music genre, there are different ways to contain the distribution process.

As for our genre, to begin our career the best choice is to start off with a small base in social media especially for music, a great example for this is to start at soundcloud where there are many artist producing different music, sharing it to others. Many artist have been successful on soundcloud and have been well known worldwide such as Calvin Harris who started off on myspace, sharing his music to his followers and many where interested in his music which has led to a creation of a fan base of him. By beginning with soundcloud, it would create some sort of fan pages which emerges the name of the artist. As for an EDM genre, we decided that it would be more sensible to begin on the internet as there is a large base of fans and easier to reach the audience.

The next steps after soundcloud are which to appear on small sections of an EDM magazine to catch attention of people reading it which might trigger them and follow the artist. This step develops the fan base of the artist which usually leads to an increase in the number of followers. As for an EDM artist, the best way to reach the target audience is to appear on the rolling stones magazine with many new artist emerging into becoming famous. Sharing the background of the artist provides a deeper thought to the audience to get to know more about. This may lead to interest from record labels which will hugely make an impact to the artist name as it is approved and supported by a business.

Live perfomances would be suitable to begin at a later stage as we an artist would be performing at a larger stage. It would be better off to follow all the steps first before constructing towards performing live. This would be better as in live EDM shows, people often dont recognise the artist as in EDM concerts, there are usually more than 4 artist who would come and perform. So to compete with the other artist, experience is needed to be recognised by the audience to catch their attention by playing decent mixes of our own. This would also attract new fans to the community, giving that they went overseas they would perform towardws new audiences who might not know them which expands the fan base of our community. Improving our artists image would allow increases in amount of viewers of our songs online which would attract other investers online, such as VEVO who provide an artist some sort of statement that the artist is decent and have trust in an artist which would lead to loyalty from fans to continue listening our songs.

Further on in the career, to be recognisable to more people, remixes are usually the option to overcome the barrier of extending the amount of followers. This requires of partnering up with well known artist who have a large fan base which can create a flow of audience interested in our name and would start to follow. An example of this is Kygo, an EDM artist who had released a new song called ID which had no singing in the music. It received a significant amount of views due to support from EA, by being in one of the most famous football video game released September 2015, FIFA 16. It was included into the game with it being played continuously in the games playlist with other songs from other artist. But another song was released by Kygo with the same song but now featuring Ella Henderson, an emerging artist from the X-Factor, a UK talent TV show specifically for singing perfomances. It received higher views due to Ella Henderson's fan base who had watched it.

Evaluation - Question 6

How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware and online – in this project?

Research

This was by far the largest source of research we found as searching for results were mostly accurate and were easy to find. Google was used to develop our plans and to meet the objective for our music video. We had done further research on EDM artist and its background which has helped develop our artist to be seen of more like an EDM artist. This was the main source of comparison resource we found to look through different music video of popular EDM artist and of what they do differently to other music genres.

Planning

Planning for our project had been done digitally and on paper. Paperwork was mainly to fill in our risk assessments and location surveys for filming each scenes and the restrictions for drone usage in certain areas. We had constructed a storyboard  which had mapped out what we would had to do and film at which location. This part of planning as exceptionally helped our organisation making us remember what scenes are left to be done and making the editing process faster. Parts of our location survey was done in video form with both the drone and the camera. This gave us a better perspective of which scenes would best fit the shots and from which angles look better. Aswell as planning which time of day to film to be able to accompany the theme of our music video. WE had problems at a location once with the drone as the scene was too dark which made it unclear and the characters were not noticeable. Planning was definitely crucial for our project as we had ask our group of friends to be the characters and availability of our peers were limit. Organisation was important as to what scenes has to be done next as our friends had time limitations.

Blogger was used to store our research and planning of our project. It was a very simple software to use, being able for use to share our ideas throughout our project groups. It gave us options to embed videos/documents from other sources of information which was great. Although some documents which were then embedded to the blog couldn't fit the format. Even though, it has been my favorite place to store my project researches and all of the planning aswell as being a free software to use.

                            
Filming

Hardware

The equipment used for filming consists of

DSLR Camera

We had the help from school with their dslr cameras to accompany with our video. This was used to capture images /videos for our coursework. The camera was used to capture photos of our artist(s). The camera of course was used mainly to capture videos for the music video and aswell pictures of our artist(s) to include it into our photoshoot session for both social media of our fan page and aswell for our album cover. 

As there were limitations to the ability of the school camera, further research on the internet has found ways to add in new features for the school camera. We had found an add on called 'the magic lantern' which had brought in many new features. But the most important feature we wanted to use is time lapse mode and being able to fully control recording frame rates.

Drone

This was an excess hardware that we had in hand which has offered us new angles for our camera shots. It has brought us new ideas which has been thought into our planning for the video. Many times their were problems that came in. The very first problem was when we tried to take shots from high above in our first location planning. We were not able to fly in our school area as it was close to an airport. The airport had cancelled all unknown flights around the barrier with a radius covering the district. There was a major problem as we had crashed the drone into an electricity pole which exploded the device. This had disrupted our plans but later on were lucky to have been able to get another one after the winter break to be able to continue our production.

Software

Editing Software

Adobe Premier Pro - This editing software was a more simpler option as we had used this before in last years coursework which was easier to identify editing tools. Although it had always this one problem which made it inconvenient to use as we always had to move files from different software to another which was time consuming. It was used mainly for cutting clips of part of the shots we took.

Adobe After Effects - Aswell we had used after effects before in last years coursework which was easier to identify editing tools. It was mostly used to edit the visuals of the video to construct it, to look alike a professional music video. This software had a large advantage to it which was being able to link it to premier pro and aswell edit both at the same time, which had made it less time wasting. After effects was mainly used to do colour grading and adjustments.

Photoshop - This software was used to accomplish our digipak and edit our photoshoot. We did colour adjustments and added filters to make the images go with the theme of our project.

Wix is a software which was used to create our website introduced by our teacher. It is known to be easy to use as promoted by our teacher to try and use it. When we tried the software, it was surprisingly simple just to construct our website but on the other hand it had always the software logo 'wix' on our website. 

Evaluation - Question 1

 Conventions of a music video

Objectification - As seen in our music video, all our characters are men which shows a meaning of superior in only one gender which are male. This suggests that the meaning given to the audience says that typical mafias and their rivals are men who takes over with a higher physical power, covering the video with only male characters.

A link between the lyrics and visuals - For a better day, the title of our song also in the chorus of the music relates to the video as it suggests a meaning that there will be something/someone who are trying to succeed in a task which are leading to gaining something by motivation.

A link between the music and visuals - Most of the scenes were close up into the faces of the characters to show emotion of the characters clearly to the audience and aswell mainly mid shots when following which gives the whole view of the person. This had mixed in well with the music as our song was based on revenge. The scenes are modified to fit into our genre as we edited to make it slightly darker compensating to the theme of revenge. The excitement that made the build up towards the journey of the main character was supported by making cuts respectively to the beat of the song which has made it more interesting for the viewers. Mise-en-scene was very important to create the atmosphere for our music video as shots of the boss were in slow motion showing how much superior the character has over others. Won't look back by Duke Dumont had a similar narrative story to our music video as there's concluded of a chase scene between the cops and bad guys. In their music video, most of the shots were from wider angles showing the whole atmosphere. 

Our artist are brought into the music video at the end of the clip where the boss is killed and who is then sprayed on the back of his shirt the logo of our group. This acts as a symbol which describes our group. 

Evaluation - Question 3

Photoshoot plan

Created with Padlet

Logo drawings

Our aim was to create a conventional logo. One that suited our music (EDM) and an iconic logo that everyone will memorise. We had our designer bring his drawings to the table and had it reviewed. Feedback were presented and everyone came up with a final choice.

We then let the designer further carry on with the chosen drawing. He then presented us with more designs but similar to the chosen drawing

 We all picked the last. Feedback was giving by each individual to why they chose this logo.

 The chosen logo was then carried to an editing software (Photoshop). This is the final product.

Here are some concept ideas for our album cover.

Digipak Analysis

Mood Board

Lyrics Analysis

[Verse 1]
On a caution wind
Meet the bleeding sky
I called your name
There was no one there
And in the cold and snow
I saw your face

Description :   In the first part of the song, it illustrates a feeling of someone who is lost and is terrified by the darkness and no one is helping. this is said in line 3-4 [I called your name
There was no one there].  

The last part of the verse describes a choice given, a light at the end of a tunnel giving hope. [And in the cold and snow
I saw your face]


[Chorus]
I sang the song for the little things
Magic call, but the joy you bring
Running it down the line
Wish you could find that love is a fragile thing
Magic call from a pretty thing
Maybe it might be time
For a better day
For a better day
For a better day


Description :   This describes the worth of something that is differentiated differently by people, saying that love is emotional and rare [Wish you could find that love is a fragile thing]
Last part of the chorus is described to become a new beginning which is aiming for a better tomorrow as said repetitively [for a better day] 



[Verse 2]
Straight, from the path of love
In the road of life
I tumble forward
But going on, I'mma keep it strong
I saw your face


Description :  In verse 2 illustrates the difficulties of live as life goes on [In the road of life
I tumble forward].

Ideas on Logo

Feedback
- Looks like an anti-racism campaign of some sort
- Colours used in the logo does not match the genre
- Does not look like an EDM artists logo

Random Album cover task

We as a class we set to make a random album which can be followed in the steps shown below. After creating we had to share it with our peers to comment on the album cover and suggest what genre it would be, looking at all contents of the cover. 


Step 1: Go to: Random Wikipedia

The title of the first random Wikipedia article you get is the NAME of your band.

Step 2: Go to: http://quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the TITLE of your album.

Step 3: Go to: http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture, no matter what it is, is the COVER of your album. Expand to full size and take a square shaped screenshot.

Step 4

Put all 3 components together either in Pages, Preview, Paint or Photoshop.

Analysing Websites

EDM Artists

Galantis

The website of Galantis are very simple as the background is plain black with a white modern font. This helps viewers to see clearly the artists name and the content as it is easy to read. On the first page the viewers are able to listen to their new releases of the artist. This is called direct marketing which aims at the audience to catch their attention and listen to their music, which might be future fans and consumers of the artist. For the audience of this artist, they are able to catch up with the artist and his latest releases on social media websites. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify and Youtube are available on the bottom of the page for viewers to follow. This from the artists point of view shows the amount of followers they have globally. Getting these data can allow them to set tours at locations where there are a significant amount of fans and can receive a higher amount of revenue. Youtube and Spotify can promote the artist by people sharing the music online or appearing itself on global music charts. 

Axwell /\ Ingrosso

The website of this artist has a very simple yellow font which shows viewers the content clearly. On the first page the of the website concludes with the artist recent events, both pictures and videos. 

There are also tour dates and the location where they will be visiting to alert the fans globally to where they will go to next. To keep fans up to date, fans can sign in to the website, and receive emails of latest release or tour dates directly to each fan. This helps to distribute information easier to people as the fans will get the message and can also spread it with others. In social media, you are able to follow the artist on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. These website helps support the fan base and creates a large amount of group within the community. On Instagram, you are able to follow both of the individuals although they are on different accounts as they are two people. They are also about to begin to sell merchandises with fans able to keep up to date with when they will start selling through social media websites and also by email for fans who have signed up to their website. It also includes their latest releases with option to watching the music video on Youtube or even to purchase their songs leading to iTunes directly. Arrows pointing to the words BUY NOW allows an option to buy their new album. This makes it easier for fans to buy the album rather than looking for it in stores outside. 

Knife Party

On the first page of this website you are able to see a sign  of direct marketing as the first thing that pops up is the artists latest album and choices of listening to it on Spotify. They are also convincing the viewers of the page to purchase the album on iTunes, Google play and Apple Music. It also has a section giving the tour dates to keep the fans up to date. Fans are able to sing up to the website to be a member to catch up with the artist. There is also a store on the page which fans are able to buy the artists merchandise with the logo on the designs, for example logo of Knife Party on a t-shirt.

Understanding Music Treatment

Target Audience research

Fans of Avicii

Typical fans of Avicii

Mostly fans of Avicii are females from 18-24 which are at an age of being a young adult and getting to experience new things such as new types of genres like EDM. This would have been played in clubs which often happens with younger adults who visit the clubs. Most of the time people who listen to Avicii watches TV for up to 45 hours in only a week. This shows that they must have started to follow Avicii maybe from hearing one of his songs on TV or one of his songs promoting on MTV for example. They are also on the internet for more than 50 hours a week which suggest that they might have seen one of his songs on a chart of best songs or suggestion online from both friends and a community.

Diary

Week 1

First Day of planning for our rough cut

- Costume research
- Planning for structure of our music video, adding detail of what happens on a timeline

Week 2

-We researched on the location of where we are going to film our music video. We decided to film inside the school area and a blank space next to a village next to the school.

- Actors/casting - We are analysing how the actors will look like.

Week 3 

- We had problems with flying in School area as it is a no flight zone, an area next to the domestic airport. To solve this we decided to take our weekend to the village to film with the drone.

- We had finalized the equipment that we'll be using for the music video by creating a document showing what we will be using and what each are especially for.

Codes & Convention of EDM Music Videos

Representation

Target audience of EDM fans are mostly teenagers, going into adults usually in their 20s. This group of audience are seen to spend large amount of time on the internet and listen to wider ranges of genre. In this case, violence oftentimes appear on EDM music videos, showing some sort of explicit content, as it is aimed towards young adults which are suitable for them to watch.