Mr Fastfinger: Melodic Solos

Creative Concept Pitch – Essay

Making my Idea a Reality:

The creative project Idea is to record and release a concept/showcase album which revolves around one central theme. The songs will be written and recorded by any artist willing to contribute, providing their musicianship is of a certain caliber. The Album will not adhere to any particular genre, however, artists will be made aware of the theme as well as be able to communicate with other participating artists in order to make the songs feel connected, and in turn, the album feel whole.

Details on the theme, title of the album, style and overall concept are only in their infancy. This is because I want the process of this project to be as creatively open, diverse and free flowing as possible. I want investors to be able to create something they would like to put their name to, and I want the musicians to do the same, rather than work to a specific brief which immediately limits the artist’s creative scope. The only guidelines we will work to will be deadlines for writing, another for recording, mixing, mastering and printing; and finally for release. The deadlines will be discussed and decided on in collaboration with investors.

Possible theme ideas are broad. For example: The theme could be based on a fictional story – original or pre-existing – or it could be based on true events. Other possible themes could revolve around a greater message, one relevant to the times and that addresses real life issues – things like poverty, same sex marriage, racism etc. Despite avoiding exclusion of particular musical genres, there would most likely be a push against less commercial styles such as metal and/or rap.

The main purpose and motivation for embarking on this project will differ between active participants, and investors. For The musicians involved it is about networking, exposure and creative expression. Musicians are generally willing to embark on projects such as these, because they know they will meet other musicians, therefore open new doors for potential work in the future, it will expose their music to a great deal of new, once unreachable audiences, and it will be an opportunity to engage with the local music community in a new and exciting way.

Investors — considering they will be the ones funding the project — would be in it for a financial return. Profit will be generated through sales of hard copies of the album, as well as digital sales. So, how do we make money off this? First of all, the album will consist of approximately 20 songs at a lower price for consumers. This makes the album more appealing. Considering marketing and promotion will not be as highly funded as those being pushed by a record label, promotion of this record would primarily be pushed on social media and local radio, as well as project participants’ live performances (assuming they are willing). Street press and gig guides are generally happy to advertise for free; they also often write reviews for releases like this one.

Creative decisions will be made collectively, however logistics involving organising musician and artists, writing/recording schedules etc, will be overseen by me and my business partner. Similarly, any major decisions made will be discussed between me and investors.

Artists will be credited for their musical input, and will automatically assume the role of copyright owner for their songs (as stated by Australian Copyright law). If multiple artists are involved in writing one song, copyright will be shared equally, thus they will be entitled to any broadcast royalties. Investors will receive all mechanical royalties, i.e. record sales, sheet music, digital sales etc. This gives both parties incentive to plug and promote the record. Album artwork will be provided by a freelance artist, that freelance artist will receive a once off payment and will not be entitled to royalties. There is also the possibility of employing an independent artist on the same conditions as the musicians, i.e. providing free artwork for purposed of exposure.

Based on experience in similar projects in the past, I estimate $1800 would be needed for artwork, printing, pressing and mastering. Recording will be free as my partner possesses the necessary ability and equipment to record and edit. Cost price for production for 300 copies of the CD is $1425. Selling all 300 copies at a very fair $14 each will result in a return of $4200; a total profit of $2775. Further copies could easily be pressed, printed and sold if the project proves successful and profitable; however, to minimize risk I feel it is logical to start small. Investors would be welcome to fund further marketing and promotion on their own accord. Other possible distribution methods include selling them through small licensed music retailers. This would mean more exposure of the product, however, a definite decrease in profits from those particular sales. (Estimates based on prices set by Implant Media Brunswick)

This project is perfect for investor(s) with some creative flare but without the know-how to embark on such a project alone. Alternatively, it could be a project for investors passionate about the local arts community. Ultimately, it’s a low risk project with great potential. Depending on the public response, this project could take off and turn into an ongoing yearly or bi-annual project, or be a once off endeavor. It is the investor that has the final say, which is what makes it an attractive and flexible project where expansion or retraction is the investor’s prerogative. Considering the bulk of the money will not be spend until the very end, the investor will be able to see whether they are happy with the final product before they get the hard copies made. Worst case scenario, the investor can decide whether they want to print any hard copies at all. They could save a lot of money by simply releasing it digitally through a company like iTunes if they are not fond of the final result.

My Inspiration for the Album:

Pink Floyd are the masters of concept albums. ‘Animals’ is one of my favorites. Once listening to it, it is easy to see why.

Jimmi Hendrix is one of my biggest inspirations as a guitarist. I am also a big fan of this artwork.

The idea of a man that is not entirely human and drives a cool car around: very cool concept is you ask me. That is Kavinsky.

Mr Fastfinger is a fictional guitarist that relies on the power of his playing to pursue inner peace, and battle other-worldly monsters in the process.

The Winters are my old band. I learnt a lot playing with them, including what I do and do not like in an album; and how to go about making one.

More cool artwork from the 1980’s inspired Kavinsky. This time with a shot of his car.

Another classic concept album from Pink Floyd.

Concept Inspiration

Album Artwork

Collaboration: GULP! Cool Fish

The idea is to start a two piece band with my friend and collaborative partner. He’ll play drums and sing, I’ll play guitar in the dream pop duo. The band is called GULP!, the album will eventually be called COOOL FiSH — we’ll even have stage names. Both Jimmy Mowful and I (Bevin Kacon) have band experience, so the transition into this project will presumably be a smooth one.

Reasons for embarking on such a collaboration is primarily fun, as well as furthering ourselves as musicians and enjoying the original music we’ll create, especially considering the great difference between our individual musical backgrounds.   

 

Our debut single will be titled ‘Mammoth’.

Innovation

Innovation is creativity’s best friend. Where you see one, you’ll probably see the other. Innovation is a number of things: taking something preexisting and making it better; creating something new; taking something designed for one thing and using it for another. You don’t have to look far to see examples of innovation, you’re looking at innovation right now, not what I’m writing, but the computer screen; computers are innovative. Fuel injection, electric guitar, polarized sunglasses, smart phones, the wheel! these things didn’t grow on a tree, they are the product generations of innovation. As long as the world keeps turning, people are going to push boundaries and cultural trends will change. Innovation will accommodate that change, and change will encourage innovation.

Risk, Failure and Chance

Risk is a factor that needs to be considered when embarking on any project, particularly when money, reputation and time are involved. My experience with my former band, The Winters, was a learning experience. After eight months or writing and performing, we decided to record and release an EP. It was to consist of six songs and needed to be recorded, mixed, mastered and pressed in time for our official EP launch performance with the intention of selling them.

We had our plan, deadline and material; all we had to do was make it tangible and accessible to the greater community. We encountered numerous issues during the recording process, both technical issues and creative differences. Time and money was tight; we decided that home recording was the most cost and time effective way of getting our music ready in time. Our bass player was a sound technician so it made sense. The print press service we chose also printed our CD’s incorrectly the first time; this put us behind schedule even more.

We managed to get the 300 copies in time for the launch on the day of the gig. The band was happy with the end result, despite the stress of not knowing whether we’d get things done in time. We sold out of EP’s within two months.

Artistic Identity

I am a writer, I am a sculptor
I like to paint and I like to dance
But I am a guitarist by name
and music is my game

My thirst for knowledge is second to none
And sometimes I forget to walk before I run
But isn’t this the mark of an artist?
Pushing your boundaries and trying your hardest

I like Phil Collins, I like The Police
I like Wayne Krantz and I like Dream Theater
But I’ve got my own path to pave
For I am an artist, and my name is Dave

The modern Day artist rarely makes enough money from their craft to survive. I’m no exception. I’m a student and I work as a sales assistant, yet these titles don’t define me, becAuse first and foremost, I’m an atrist. This isn’t something you can turn on and off, and anyone serious about their art knows this. It is always with you. I belieVe most artists would concede that all art forms are related and can be used to enhance each other drastically. This is why I like to keep an open mind and engagE in any form of art that I can. All the different arts and influences that I’m exposed to contribute to my identity and make me the artist I am.

Ziggy Stardust

Why does Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars inspire me? Why wouldn’t it? Despite David Bowie being one of the most exciting musicians and performers of our time, he’s also an innovator, and this album was a turning point and arguably the most successful stage of Bowie’s career. Bowie was able to take a fictional character and make it more than that. Ziggy Stardust, a being from mars sent to enlighten the world, was the result of Bowie’s limitless imagination and the times. The thing that I find particularly inspiring as an artist, is the way Bowie created a world around Ziggy: There was the album, the character, a back story and a film, all factors that helped this character seem real. Bowie himself has stated that at the time he felt more like Ziggy than David. There are countless reasons you could find for the success of this album, the strongest, however, was the perfect blend of the music, the story, and the character that was more Ziggy than David.

Ziggy Stardust Live

References:

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/analglyph/interesting/
http://www.5years.com/galleryb.htm
http://www.5years.com/largcov.htm

http://www.collegedj.net/2012/07/03/news/featured/watch-a-fans-tribute-to-40-years-of-ziggy-stardust/

The Florentine

Between the 14th and 16th century, Europe experienced one of the most significant movements of modern history. The renaissance was a time of discovery and expression, both scientific and artistically, and no figure of the time was more prominent than Michelangelo Buonarroti. Michelangelo was a sculptor, painter, poet, and a prime example of the ‘multidisciplinary artist’.

Born in 1475 in Caprese, Italy, Michelangelo’s creative mind couldn’t have come at a better time or place to flourish. Rich families were commissioning great artworks and it was normal for one to dedicate their entire life to their creative endeavours. As a child, Michelangelo watched painters on the street, this interest continued and as a young man; he studied painting, and later, the human anatomy.

There are countless examples of artistic mastery by Michelangelo, but none are more famous than his work in the Sistine chapel and his sculptures David, and Pieta. Something about these particular artworks resonated with people at the time, hundreds of years later and his work is still relevant. Maybe creative people should avoid categorising themselves and simply be ‘an artist’ like Michelangelo. Who knows, they might even get a Ninja Turtle named after them?

Reference web links:
http://www.michelangelo.com/buon/bio-index2.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/michelangelo.shtml
http://www.renaissanceconnection.org/index2.cfm
http://www.artchive.com/artchive/R/renaissance.html

Slogan Exercise

Slogan idea for Little Big Sound product.