Interview.

to compliement the promotional video I will be creating for the band I also plan to film a short revealing the mechanics of the making of the video but also giving the audience an insight into the the thoughts and ideas of the band members when creating the song.

Here are a list of questions I plan to record during the interview with two band members, Jack Evison and Josh Harbord.


• What would you describe your music as?


• Who influenced you most to write this song?


• Explain the story behind the song ‘On Your Own Again’?


• Who created the name Mox Pox and how?


• Any ideas for future albums or gigs?


• Who would you compare yourselves to in the music industry?


• Why did you want to make music?


• Who was your biggest influence when writing the song?


• Any messages it is trying to convey to an audience?


• What bands and artists do you listen to most at the moment?

Feedback - Viewing others blogs.

After visiting the Kett Media Hug Blog (http://kettcreativemedia.blogspot.com/) I found it very interesting to view others blogs who are completing the same brief as me.

Brief.

The brief I have chosen for my practical production is a promotion for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together with two ancillary products. A cover for its release on DVD and also a magazine advertisement for the DVD. Looking for a new and unsigned band to base the production on was quite an easy task as a few of my closest friends are in an up and coming band called Mox Pox. It is an exciting venture for both me and the band as not only are they perfect for the creation of my AS practical but this could also benefit them as a band and bring them live events and publicity in the near future. This is also a perfect opportunity to find a brand image for the band. Being a mixture of genres, Mox Pox are unsure of how to represent themselves to their audience so I intend to overcome this problem through creating a clear brand image. They need a colour scheme, font and logo as these are all key elements for their brand image and for the band to be easily recognised. I believe this production will attract a stronger target audience and help to make them well known in the current local music industry.

Target Audience.

After interviewing the band and asking specific questions and details about them, I discovered the target audience for the band will be 14-30 years of age. However, they may attract an older audience because of the retrospective aspect to their music and image. Theirs, and my main aim, as a media producer, is to send a message across to the audience. The image I would like to give an audience The genders can be unisex, a mix of both male and female as I believe the band have features which attract both sex's.

Mox Pox... Meet The Band.

JOSH HARBORD - VOCALS & LEAD GUITAR


As well as singer and lead guitarist Josh also writes songs for the band with the assistance of fellow band member Jack, (Bassist.) When attending band practise last Saturday afternoon I asked Josh what made him decide to play guitar and he told me he was influenced by a famous guitar riff he heard from his school music room. It was Deep Purple 'Smoke on The water' and ever since learning that riff Josh has always had a passion for guitar and has experimented with electric keyboard and also piano. A memory he will always have from his first gig was when the bass was not plugged in but his band member continued to play. Before joining Mox Pox Josh was in a former band known as Crimson Shell with good friend and bassist to Mox Pox Jack Evison. Some of his previous gig venues include B2, Battle of The Bands at Sewell Park College, and The Reindeer Pub. Although Mox Pox are only in their early stages he has high hopes they will perform at local Norwich venue The Arts Centre. When asked how ideas and inspiration are formed for song writing Josh replied "Many come from small rhymes and lines in my head, but also life experiences too."




JACK EVISON - BASSIST & VOCALS

When speaking to Jack about how he first discovered he wanted to play bass he had a very interesting story to tell. He told me although he already played guitar he was influenced by band member and best friend Josh Harbord to purchase a bass guitar as he thought it would be good to form a band. In order to buy his bass Jack turned down the opportunity to see well known band Oasis play live on their very last tour. Jack can also play harmonica and did so in many blues numbers such as 'Station Blues' a song he wrote in his last band 'Crimson Shell.' Jack is no stranger to the public and performing, as he is a performing arts and drama student at the Kett sixth form and also plays local 'open Mic Evenings' at the brickmakers to which he prefers to perform The Jam covers such as 'A Town Called Malice' His first gig was also with a Jam cover band and Jack is heavily influenced and inspired by singer songwriter Paul Weller. Jack thought about playing the drums but decided bass was the instrument for him. Jack's style has been considered quite unique and he likes to base his clothing around vintage and late 50's and 60's fashion.







BUXTON - DRUMS

Thomas Buxton is man of many musical skills as not only does he drum for the band he can also play guitar and bass. Although he is open to the diversity of 'Mox Pox' punk has not always been his first musical preference as he was in a heavy metal band and played his first gig at a local pub. Buxton is a large fan of Biffy Clyro and Cream.




LILY ALDEN - SYNTHESIZER

When speaking to Lily at band practise she seemed very positive and excited to be part of Mox Pox. I asked her what inspired her to start to play synthesizer and she simply said, "Because I thought it looked cool." Lily bought one with money she received from she received from her birthday and has been playing it ever since adding new and diverse sounds to the songs written by the band. Some of Lily's strong influences are 'Yeah Yeah Yeahs' and also 'Crystal Castles' many of these bands inspired Lily to play synth as they are a new sort of sound she enjoys and and thinks an audience will enjoy. Being the only female member of the band Lily is very stylish in her clothing and bases her fashion in the 50's. Mox Pox is a new venture for Lily as she has never performed in a band on a live stage before.

Gallery - Band Practise.

Josh's Influences & Inspiration.

This is a list of some current material that Josh is listening to, and finds useful when drawing his inspirations for song writing for Mox Pox.

(Videos and Youtube clips to be included!)

The Stone Roses
Tame Impala
Trojan Records
Northern Soul
The Verve
Cream
Matt Monroe
Dean Martin
Frank Sinatra
Primal Scream
The Black Keys
Moby
Leftfield
Louie Prima
Lou Reed
Kasabian
Gil Scott Heron
Fleet Foxes
Toots & The Maytals

Initial Ideas for Music - 'Don't Let Go.' or 'On Your Own Again'

PROPOSAL 1.

My initial idea was to film quite a romantic genre of music video, perhaps on a beach location in an area local to me and easy to get to. The concept behind the video is love. A couple questioning their relationship, one perhaps slightly more hesitant than the other. During the chorus the lyrics are, 'Don't let go, right before the sun falls'. I think it would be effective to use a sunset scene on the beach with the characters in the video in silhouette.

A symbolic feature that would be effective would be to have the couple holding hands and then letting go at the end as a visual interpretation of the song's lyrics. This would be shot in a monotone style, in entirely black and white. The shot types I would use here are close-ups, reaction shots, shot reverse shots and long establishing shots so I can include as much of the scenery as possible to set the mood. It is an easily recognisable icon for a couple to be holding hands and a strong and well known image all around the globe.

After much deliberation it was decided that this would not be suitable as the track is very upbeat and modern. After speaking to Josh Harbord lead vocalist, I realised that the band's image does not fit with the traditional love power ballard that many bands in the modern day write and perform. Mox Pox are far more up to date and diverse to follow typical conventions and stereotypes.

PROPOSAL 2.

The second idea I had for the video was to film the bands very first gig in a public place, taking place in a couple of weeks at a local venue. Although this would create a perfect live atmosphere and be an interesting experience for the band, after a lot of thought and discussion with the band we came to a decision that perhaps this would slightly tedious for the audience as the video would be extended as it would be a live version. Other problems I may face with this would be that the sound and camera quality would not be very clear and easily watchable for the target audience. The camera angles will not be precise and will be very shaky and hand held.
Filming in one venue may appear to have no given storyline or narrative.



PROPOSAL 3 (FINAL IDEA!?).

For my final idea, I plan to base my video on the success of the band. This idea is to show the different stages of rehearsal, song writing and then to top it all off final performance at their local gig, 'Battle Of the Bands'. I chose to use this idea in final thoughts as it is a simple way to film the band in diffrent environments and locations, making it exciting and interesting for the audience watching.

Filming the stages of the video evolving is an idea used by famous band 'The Beatles.' Another idea which crossed my mind was filming the band in various city locations, just walking and 'hanging around' as it were, this will introduce them better to their audience.

Conventions of a music video.

The conventions of a music video depend heavily on the genre of music.

CAMERA SHOTS.
The shot types used are generally long shots, close ups and mid shots. This draws the audience's attention to the band member, suitable locations and the song and emotions that are put into it. Another aspect to consider when filming guitarists is the fret board at the top of the guitar. In order to focus on the talent and skills which the band or guitarists have, filming the hands and certain features relating to their instrument is often a very popular method. This is the same in regards to any band member especially the vocalist as the lyrics can be reflected through the movement of the lips using closeups. This also creates a close relationship between the audience and the band as it brings the two closer giving the audience more of an understanding of what the band stands for and the message they are trying to voice through their music. Particular closeups are filmed at various points in the video but usually to highlight emotional moments. This creates narrative and lets the story behind the lyrics and music unfold for the audience. It shows a visual story for the audience.


CAMERA MOVEMENT.
The movement of the camera is often used to follow the movement and journey the band makes through the song. Although this is a key part of the filming process in order to keep the audience entertained throughout the video, it is not always crucial. The video can be shot from perhaps a tripod and therefore remain static so the audience can still watch and enjoy the song as if at a live gig. I may using this technique in some parts of the video but do plan to give it storyline and background to interest and entertain my audience. A few examples of camera movements used are tilts, pans, tracking and sometimes even crane shots focusing in on the band from different levels and angles.

MISE EN SCENE.
This term refers to the arrangement of the performers props in the location and everything which can be added to the scene for effect the same as it is with any other media text. It consists of the intricate details used to add originality to the text. Take for example the band in which I am creating a music video for, every little prop and everyday item in the scene may be significant to it's target audience even if its as simple as a cigarette or the instruments makeup or clothing they are wearing.

EDITING.

Jump cuts are often uses to create a quirky and upbeat image to match the chosen song. By wikipedia definition a jump cut is a cut in film editing in which two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly. This type of edit causes the subject of the shots to appear to "jump" position in a discontinuous way. To create effects to the cuts, producers often use effects such as fading and dissolving to make the scene changes appear more mysterious and add a flow to the music video to contrast with the jump cuts. Effects such as these are often used at the end of the video. A prime example would be a power Ballard ending when the two lovers say good bye. The fade is often used to show and represent the emotion and loneliness a character or artist feels when heartbroken.

LIGHTING.

Often the lighting is used to enhance the mood which the song is intended to create. there is often great contrast between the genres of songs for example love songs, power ballards and songs with a generally slow paced tempo are filmed in black and white to create a very monotone look and clean finish to the piece. Whereas artist such as 'The Sex Pistols' whose videos were filmed in colour appear to stand out from the crowd and are very vibrant. This sends out a rebellious message, an image I believe would suit Mox Pox and make them noticed by their target audience.

SOUND.
The sound is generally the vocals and recordings of the band which needs to be clear and premise when the editing of the filming is being uploaded etc. The only expection to this is the use of diagetic sounds at the start of the video, for example motorbikes or cars revving, or perhaps even birds singing. These sounds are generally seen in the establishing location shots of the video. A prime example of this is Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'.

PROPS.
There are not very many comments I can make about props however the do add worth and significance to the scene.

CONVENTIONS OF A TYPICAL INDIE MUSIC VIDEO.

I think this genre represents the video I'd like to portray for Mox Pox.


- Black & White effect

- The Artist or band tends to be shown throughout the video

- Use of extreme closeups and long shots are popular to show location

- Fast paced

Jack's Influences & Inspiration.

Speaking to a key member of the band I was able to determine a few bands which Mox Pox base themselves heavily upon, bands as it happens I am also very fond on.

CREAM


Originating from the UK, Cream were a very popular 1960's British blues-rock band consisting of Bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, Guitarist/vocals Eric Clapton, and Drummer/vocalist Ginger Baker. Their sound was often described as the hybrid of blues, Cream are highly successful and loved throughout the years. Most popular and well known songs released by the band were, 'Spoonful' and 'Crossroads' and also 'Sunshine Of Your Love' and many others. Cream also had strong links with Jimi Hendrix and many other strong figures of Rock at the time.

Below is a Video of one of Creams most popular songs and a cover used previously by the band called 'Crossroads.' Live in 1968.




ALBUM COVER
Looking at the album cover, 'Disraeli Gears' released in the 1980's and images I found on Google search engine it is evident that each of the bands influences follow the psychedelic theme, using bright obsured colours and strong bold easily recognisable images of the band members themselves. Their hair and style is another feature recognised during the rock era and some of which borrowed by our band today.

Some of Jack's other influences to play guitar are,
- his father - Playing guitar throughout his childhood, was also in a band.
- Josh - fellow band member formed friendship over the years.
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GOLDEN SILVERS


A very recent band signed from London in 2008, Golden Silvers are signed to Independent Record Label XL. They consist of vocalist and keyboardist Gwilym Gold, Ben Moorhouse bass guitarist, and Robden Alexis Nunez on drums. Songs include, 'True Romance' 'Magic Touch' 'Here Comes The King' and many others.



They have a very different and contrasting vibe with Cream, as they have a modern edge are upbeat and more of a dance track than classic rock. Including keyboard as links to the band very closely as Lily Alden plays synth.




ALBUM COVER
The Golden silvers album Cover for 'True Romance' also gives off psychedelic vibes and is very similar to that of Jimi Hendrix. This is proof that many modern day bands take their influence from older rock ledgends.
















THE SMITHS

The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey (vocals) and Johnny Marr (guitar), the band also included Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group were signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, for whom they released four studio albums and several compilations, as well as numerous non-LP singles. Although they had limited commercial success outside the UK while they were still together, and never released a single that charted higher than number 10 in their home country, The Smiths won a growing following, and remain cult and commercial favourites. The band broke up in 1987 amid disagreements between Morrissey and Marr and have turned down several offers to reunite since then.







ALBUM COVER
The Smiths use very iconic pictures such as this one for example which uses the slogan 'Meat Is Murder'. It is very subtle however as the lyrics for their songs do not back up the bold images used on the album covers.

Here is a similar image for an album cover with a very hard hitting slogan, 'The World Won't Listen.'

Self Image & Message to Audience.

Basing them selves heavily around influences Jimi Hendrix, The Smiths, Cream and British rock bands such as these, it is evident that for the video the band will have a rebellious image to represent to an audience. I have a feeling that the video will send out a message to the audience about standing up for something you believe in and making a point of breaking the rules. Many of the bands songs also involve love and lust such as one song in which the chorus lyrics are 'Tonight Your Gonna Drive Me Mad..' lyrics that suggest perhaps a more explicit setting involving seduction. this would appeal to perhaps an older target audience. Band members say the target audience age range is 15-30 years and these are the type of public more likely to attend their up and coming gigs. The theme of love also gives me more inspriation for location of the video, for example perhaps a scene in the evening in a club or bar. The band send out that message that they are new and diverse and challenging society with their music, not leading a conventional lifestyle, being typical teenagers.

During this very famous era, Hendrix is widely known for and associated with the use of psychedelic drugs, an image not to be associated with the band however perhaps psychedelic effects could be used to enhance the music video and link it to their inspiration.

From many of the artists and band's inspriation I have looked at I quite like the idea of following the psychedelic theme, when creating their album cover as it fits well with their image and also the message they are trying to convey.