Sunday, 11 November 2007
ALBUM COVER: CONVENTIONS
TYPICAL FEATURES ON AN ALBUM COVER
MADONNA:MUSIC
MADONNA:MUSIC
FRONT:
- CU/MCU picture of the artist -focus of the majority of the cover, no other distractions
MCU Madonna: hands on hips looking out to audience -direct and confident appeal to buyers
- CU/MCU picture of the artist -focus of the majority of the cover, no other distractions
MCU Madonna: hands on hips looking out to audience -direct and confident appeal to buyers
Blurred background image
- Name of the artist + name of album (large eye catching font)
Madonna
Music
-Record label + where situated (in small discreet font)
Maverick/ Warner Bros.
Beverly Hills/ Burbank CA
- Cover theme/style
Country/western theme
Madonna in Cowboy hat and shirt, matural wavey hair
Cowboy' style typeface
Small image of a cowboy riding a horse
-Sticker of authenticity/limited edition on plastic casing
- Sticker with what hit singles are featured + collaborations
BACK:
- Another image of the artist, or a background picture/pattern in keeping with the theme on the front cover
MLS of Madonna no longer has eye contact with the audience, and is now playing the guitar
Background is more visible
- Track listing -main focus of back covers
On country/western style framing in same style typeface as the front
- Continuity from front to back
Madonna appearing again wearing same clothes with the same backdrop
Same typeface and theme
Same colours/contrast
- Institutional information
- Barcode
- Logo of record label
SPINE:
- Artist, album name and record label
Same typeface as front and back
Same colour scheme
INSIDE SLEEVE/BOOKLET:
- Promotional leaflet
Previous albums and videos by Madonna available to buy
- Inside sleeve - the credits, track listing, lyrics, artist photoshoot, album artwork
Photoshoot of Madonna
Quotes of lyrics
SOUNDTRACK/COMPILATION ALBUM
Album covers for soundtracks and compliations differ to those only featuring one band/artist
FRONT: Main focus of the cover is the title and usually has a smaller tagline beneath 'The Best of Dance Mania 1995' '44 seriously big hits of the year!'
- Lists of popular artists/tracks featuring in the album
- No central background image - usually pattern/ still, poster or actors from the film/ random model dancing
BACK: Again no central image -track listing makes up most of back
Saturday, 10 November 2007
CHARACTER PROFILE: PAPI CAZO
QUANTIC SOUL ORCHESTRA
GNARLS BARKLEY
FAT BOY SLIM
BASEMENT JAXX
APHEX TWIN
AMY WINEHOUSE
GNARLS BARKLEY
FAT BOY SLIM
BASEMENT JAXX
APHEX TWIN
AMY WINEHOUSE
COSTUME + MAKE UP
Costumes inspired by Notting Hill Carnival/ Crop Over:
- bright bold colours
- showing lots of flesh
- sequins, glitter, feathers, beads
-tassels/hanging beads -create movement whilst dancing
- large head dresses
Belly dancer/ salsa costume
- capes/ shawls/ full skirts -again adds to movement, prop for dancing
Theatrical make up
- defined eyebrows/eyelashes
- bold primary colours
- glitter/ shimmer
- fake eyelashes
- doll-like
Face paints/ animal themed
IDEAL ACTORS/ACTRESSES:
- long thick dark hair
- tanned complexion
- exotic/ foreign looking
- energetic, dancey, confident
- mature, older looking
- bright bold colours
- showing lots of flesh
- sequins, glitter, feathers, beads
-tassels/hanging beads -create movement whilst dancing
- large head dresses
Belly dancer/ salsa costume
- capes/ shawls/ full skirts -again adds to movement, prop for dancing
Theatrical make up
- defined eyebrows/eyelashes
- bold primary colours
- glitter/ shimmer
- fake eyelashes
- doll-like
Face paints/ animal themed
IDEAL ACTORS/ACTRESSES:
- long thick dark hair
- tanned complexion
- exotic/ foreign looking
- energetic, dancey, confident
- mature, older looking
PRESS RELEASE: MERCADO
The press release for our album will need a brief synopsis of the film as well as background information on the featuring artists as it is a film soundtrack. We have created rough storylines for the film but to help us make a final decision I have researched similar structured films also with a central dominant inspirational female:
HONEY
Synopsis
- Honey wants to be a big time dancer, but she's having trouble making it to the top.
- she's spotted by big-time producer Michael Ellis, who offers her a job. which she willingly accepts, and gets started straight away.
- She's a big hit and even gets a promotion, but soon her boss tries to take advantage of her, which Honey declines and loses her job.
- Meanwhile the community center, where Honey works voluntarily as a hip-hop dance teacher, is falling apart.
- Soon Honey is forced to find a new dance studio and finds herself in a financial snag because of her previous job loss.
- She decides to put on a big dance performance to raise money for a studio. It's a hit and Honey opens up her own studio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29NgBfM8hKo
SAVE THE LAST DANCE
Synopsis
- Sara Johnson used to be a promising high school dancer, having auditioned for Juilliard's dance school.
- In her mother's rush to get to Juilliard, she was killed in a car crash at the same time that Sara was auditioning.
- Sara failed to pass the audition, and when she found out that her mother had died on her way there, Sara felt enormous guilt, and gave up ballet.
- Sara moves in with her estranged father who lives in a predominantly African American neighborhood.
- At her new high school, Sara is befriended quickly by Chenille and brother derek who teaches her the ropes around the school.
- Chenille invites Sara to a dance club called STEPS that is totally unlike anything Sara has ever seen.
- Derek decides to take her under his wing and teach her about hip hop dancing. They practice in abandoned warehouses, school classrooms and anywhere they can find.
- Derek takes a reluctant Sara to the Joffrey Ballet and afterwards, Sara confides in him all about her mother and her dreams of Juilliard.
- Derek convinces her that she needs to do what she wants, and to follow her dreams, but she needs to get back into dance shape.
- Sara gets a new audition for Juilliard -she has prepared a ballet and hip hop dance number that she performs beautifully.
- She stumbles and stops her performance but is given encouragement by Derek to carry on and she successfully performs her routine and gets into the dance school.
- Derek and Sara are back together, and the two of them, along with Chenille and other friends, are all dancing and having a great time back at STEPS.
IN RELATION TO OUR MUSIC VIDEO
- Both of these films have a female dominant role
- Both have themes of dance, training and working hard to be the top of their game
- Both experience struggle to achieve their goals e.g. no money, trying to get noticed
- all end positively
- the audience experiences the transition for training stages to success/fame
- Goli would fit as the part of either of these characters -inspirational image
HONEY
Synopsis- Honey wants to be a big time dancer, but she's having trouble making it to the top.
- she's spotted by big-time producer Michael Ellis, who offers her a job. which she willingly accepts, and gets started straight away.
- She's a big hit and even gets a promotion, but soon her boss tries to take advantage of her, which Honey declines and loses her job.
- Meanwhile the community center, where Honey works voluntarily as a hip-hop dance teacher, is falling apart.
- Soon Honey is forced to find a new dance studio and finds herself in a financial snag because of her previous job loss.
- She decides to put on a big dance performance to raise money for a studio. It's a hit and Honey opens up her own studio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29NgBfM8hKo
SAVE THE LAST DANCE
Synopsis- Sara Johnson used to be a promising high school dancer, having auditioned for Juilliard's dance school.
- In her mother's rush to get to Juilliard, she was killed in a car crash at the same time that Sara was auditioning.
- Sara failed to pass the audition, and when she found out that her mother had died on her way there, Sara felt enormous guilt, and gave up ballet.
- Sara moves in with her estranged father who lives in a predominantly African American neighborhood.
- At her new high school, Sara is befriended quickly by Chenille and brother derek who teaches her the ropes around the school.
- Chenille invites Sara to a dance club called STEPS that is totally unlike anything Sara has ever seen.
- Derek decides to take her under his wing and teach her about hip hop dancing. They practice in abandoned warehouses, school classrooms and anywhere they can find.
- Derek takes a reluctant Sara to the Joffrey Ballet and afterwards, Sara confides in him all about her mother and her dreams of Juilliard.
- Derek convinces her that she needs to do what she wants, and to follow her dreams, but she needs to get back into dance shape.
- Sara gets a new audition for Juilliard -she has prepared a ballet and hip hop dance number that she performs beautifully.
- She stumbles and stops her performance but is given encouragement by Derek to carry on and she successfully performs her routine and gets into the dance school.
- Derek and Sara are back together, and the two of them, along with Chenille and other friends, are all dancing and having a great time back at STEPS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rXuLypueAw
IN RELATION TO OUR MUSIC VIDEO
- Both of these films have a female dominant role
- Both have themes of dance, training and working hard to be the top of their game
- Both experience struggle to achieve their goals e.g. no money, trying to get noticed
- all end positively
- the audience experiences the transition for training stages to success/fame
- Goli would fit as the part of either of these characters -inspirational image
MUSIC CHANNELS
Music television is a type of television programming which focuses predominantly on playing music videos from bands, usually on dedicated television channels.
This original purpose of the channel was to show music videos although today they also broadcast a variety of pop culture, youth culture, and reality television shows aimed at adolescents and young adults.
These channels moral influence on young people, including examples of censorship and social activism , has been the subject of debate for years.
This original purpose of the channel was to show music videos although today they also broadcast a variety of pop culture, youth culture, and reality television shows aimed at adolescents and young adults.
These channels moral influence on young people, including examples of censorship and social activism , has been the subject of debate for years.
Examples of music channels are:
MTV :MTV One -this includes general entertainment such as reality shows, interviews, behind the scenes of music videos -choice to focus on non-music programming has also been contested relentlessly, demonstrating the channel's continued impact on popular culture.
MTV Base -plays hip hop, R&B and rap music as well as corresponding programming to those genres of music
MTV Dance -dedicated dance music channel with music videos and programming of underground and mainstream dance tracks
MTV Hits- a channel which plays chart music videos
MTV Two - alternative rock music, with other commercial mainstream music types found on MTV's other music channels
MTV Flux -allows viewers to take "control" of the channel by sending in video clips to MTV Flux's website, and requesting music videos.
VH1 UK -targeted at 25-44 year olds playing chart and popular music from the 1970s to the present day. VH1 also carries music programming and themed countdown shows from their US counterpart.
VH1 Classic UK - plays all time greats from the '60s to the '90s.
TMF UK -started as a non-stop music channel, although the channel now features more and more programming from MTV and other sister channels.
Other channels include:
The Hits, The Chart Show, B4, The Box (pop and RNB)
Classic FM TV (Classical music)
Channel U (grime, hip hop, rap, garage)
Kerrang!, Vault (rock, grunge, indie)
WHAT CHANNELS OUR ARTIST WOULD FEATURE ON:
MTV 2
As this is predominantly alternative music which I would classify our artist as, rather than mainstream.
MTV FLUX
this also plays a mix of alternative and mainstream music, but an important factor which would be most appealing to fans is the idea of interactivity -being able to feedback on videos, send in responses or create your own.
VH1
Even though this is mainly mainstream pop music, it is aimed at an older and more mature audience who we also wished to target our artist to, and it is this age group that are unlikely to watch any of the channels.
The Hits, The Chart Show, B4, The Box (pop and RNB)
Classic FM TV (Classical music)
Channel U (grime, hip hop, rap, garage)
Kerrang!, Vault (rock, grunge, indie)
WHAT CHANNELS OUR ARTIST WOULD FEATURE ON:
MTV 2
As this is predominantly alternative music which I would classify our artist as, rather than mainstream.MTV FLUX
this also plays a mix of alternative and mainstream music, but an important factor which would be most appealing to fans is the idea of interactivity -being able to feedback on videos, send in responses or create your own.VH1
Even though this is mainly mainstream pop music, it is aimed at an older and more mature audience who we also wished to target our artist to, and it is this age group that are unlikely to watch any of the channels.MTV ONE
even though this channel doesn't actually play music videos i thought it could feature exclusive programmes on our artist such as interviews, making the video, behind the scenes gossip etc. RECORD LABELS
INDEPENDENT RECORD LABELS
An independent record label operates without the funding of or outside the organisations of the major record labels.
The boundaries between major and independent labels, and the definitions of each, differ.
According to Association of Independent Music (AIM) a"major" is defined in AIM's constitution as a multinational company which (together with the companies in its group) has more than 5% of the world market for the sale of records and/or music videos. The majors are currently:
Sony
BMG
Warner
EMI
Universal Music Group (Polygram)
THE PROS OF INDIE RECORD LABELS OVER MAJOR LABELS!:
Many new emerging artists seeking to break into the industry believe that the only way to produce popular music is by 'getting signed' by a major record label.
Although it is these 'DIY' artists and labels who work locally and may only refer to themselves as semi-pros or amateurs that make up just as big a part in the industry as major labels, maybe even more so.
Although mainstream TV and radio is dominated by major label acts, and it is only on channels such as MTV2, Channel U or MTVFLUX that music videos/ performances/ interviews by artists on independent record labels may be aired.
Despite major record labels popularity in the media, it is the independent record labels that provide us with roughly 4,500 live music events in the UK every day -compared to the rare,largely populised,over priced concerts put on by well established mainstream artists. This proves that there is a lot more going on outside this media 'bubble'.
The mass and diversity of local acts puts the handful of bland national icons in perspective.
But the influence of big business gets attention, and it’s easy to forget that what’s happening in music isn't what's happening on mainstream television, radio stations or in the charts.
Other nominally "independent" labels are started (and sometimes run) by major label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent. These spin-off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent.
WARP RECORDS
- Warp Records is a pioneering independent UK record label, founded in Sheffield in 1989, notable for discovering some of the most enduring artists in electronic music.
- Warp Records was founded by Steve Beckett and Rob Mitchell, from their experiences working at a record store, and producer Robert Gordon
- Initially all the album releases were gatefold sleeves and coloured vinyl, often with striking covers by The Designers Republic or Phil Wolstenholme.
- In the late 1990s the label moved its operation to London along with its physical music and merchandise store Warpmart.
- In January 2004 Warp Records launched an online digital music store, Bleep, notable for being among the few stores to completely avoid all digital rights management features in the downloadable tracks, unlike other music stores such as iTunes and Rhapsody.
ARTISTS INCLUDE:
MAXIMO PARK
APHEX TWIN
!!!
ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM
VINCENT GALLO
JACKSON & HIS COMPUTER BAND
SEEFEEL
MAJOR RECORD LABEL: EMI
The Electric and Musical Industries Ltd (EMI) is a major record label, currently one of the largest worldwide running the music industry.
This is a part of the EMI Group, a British music company comprising the major record company operateing several labels, based in Kensington in London along with a publishing company based in NY.
EMI was formed in March 1931 from a merger of the UK Columbia Graphophone Company and the Gramophone Company. From its beginning, the company was involved in both the manufacture of recording and playback equipment and the provision of music to play on its machines.
EMI has signed many popular artists from multiple genres, including The Beatles, Coldplay, Maria Callas, Pink Floyd, Queen, Legião Urbana, Kraftwerk, Iron Maiden, Marillion, Tina Turner, Kate Bush, Frank Sinatra, Radiohead, Roxette, Selena and Garth Brooks.
LIST OF EMI LABEL GROUPS:
ANGEL MUSIC GROUP
CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP
BLUE NOTE LABEL GROUP
CAROLINE DISTRIBUTION
EMI CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
OUR ARTIST
I feel that our artist would be more suitable to an independent music label working locally, true to their style, doing lots of live performances -so that the focus is clearly on their talent and love for music. This is rather than the media bubble and mainstream image of success that would surround them on a major label.
An independent record label operates without the funding of or outside the organisations of the major record labels.
The boundaries between major and independent labels, and the definitions of each, differ.
According to Association of Independent Music (AIM) a"major" is defined in AIM's constitution as a multinational company which (together with the companies in its group) has more than 5% of the world market for the sale of records and/or music videos. The majors are currently:
Sony
BMG
Warner
EMI
Universal Music Group (Polygram)
THE PROS OF INDIE RECORD LABELS OVER MAJOR LABELS!:
Many new emerging artists seeking to break into the industry believe that the only way to produce popular music is by 'getting signed' by a major record label.
Although it is these 'DIY' artists and labels who work locally and may only refer to themselves as semi-pros or amateurs that make up just as big a part in the industry as major labels, maybe even more so.
Although mainstream TV and radio is dominated by major label acts, and it is only on channels such as MTV2, Channel U or MTVFLUX that music videos/ performances/ interviews by artists on independent record labels may be aired.
Despite major record labels popularity in the media, it is the independent record labels that provide us with roughly 4,500 live music events in the UK every day -compared to the rare,largely populised,over priced concerts put on by well established mainstream artists. This proves that there is a lot more going on outside this media 'bubble'.
The mass and diversity of local acts puts the handful of bland national icons in perspective.
But the influence of big business gets attention, and it’s easy to forget that what’s happening in music isn't what's happening on mainstream television, radio stations or in the charts.
Other nominally "independent" labels are started (and sometimes run) by major label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent. These spin-off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent.
WARP RECORDS
- Warp Records is a pioneering independent UK record label, founded in Sheffield in 1989, notable for discovering some of the most enduring artists in electronic music.
- Warp Records was founded by Steve Beckett and Rob Mitchell, from their experiences working at a record store, and producer Robert Gordon
- Initially all the album releases were gatefold sleeves and coloured vinyl, often with striking covers by The Designers Republic or Phil Wolstenholme.
- In the late 1990s the label moved its operation to London along with its physical music and merchandise store Warpmart.
- In January 2004 Warp Records launched an online digital music store, Bleep, notable for being among the few stores to completely avoid all digital rights management features in the downloadable tracks, unlike other music stores such as iTunes and Rhapsody.
ARTISTS INCLUDE:
MAXIMO PARK
APHEX TWIN
!!!
ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM
VINCENT GALLO
JACKSON & HIS COMPUTER BAND
SEEFEEL
MAJOR RECORD LABEL: EMI
The Electric and Musical Industries Ltd (EMI) is a major record label, currently one of the largest worldwide running the music industry.
This is a part of the EMI Group, a British music company comprising the major record company operateing several labels, based in Kensington in London along with a publishing company based in NY.
EMI was formed in March 1931 from a merger of the UK Columbia Graphophone Company and the Gramophone Company. From its beginning, the company was involved in both the manufacture of recording and playback equipment and the provision of music to play on its machines.
EMI has signed many popular artists from multiple genres, including The Beatles, Coldplay, Maria Callas, Pink Floyd, Queen, Legião Urbana, Kraftwerk, Iron Maiden, Marillion, Tina Turner, Kate Bush, Frank Sinatra, Radiohead, Roxette, Selena and Garth Brooks.
LIST OF EMI LABEL GROUPS:
ANGEL MUSIC GROUP
CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP
BLUE NOTE LABEL GROUP
CAROLINE DISTRIBUTION
EMI CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
OUR ARTIST
I feel that our artist would be more suitable to an independent music label working locally, true to their style, doing lots of live performances -so that the focus is clearly on their talent and love for music. This is rather than the media bubble and mainstream image of success that would surround them on a major label.
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