Auxiliary Task: Finished Wix Website

My Wix Website is now complete and can be viewed online at:  http://musicmakesmonet.wix.com/vivabrother

Homepage:

When finalising the homepage I concentrated on editing the photograph above. During my research into band websites I noticed that bold and striking imagery is often used on homepages, which tend to take up a greater composition of the page than any other media. From the selection of the photographs  I took, this was a particular favourite because of the connotations of 'attitude' and 'seriousness' embedded within it. I also likened it to one of Andrew Goodwin's characteristics of music videos, concerning a notion of looking into the camera lens. I felt that this was a nice touch and created an inviting feel for a homepage. I kept the Music Video for 'Still Here' as well as the text box I had installed on the page during the last update of the website. 

Releases:

Another key feature I noticed during my research into band websites was a 'discography' or a page often dedicated to showcasing the bands music back catalogue. Creating a 'Releases' page was also a good way of exposing the band's debut album which was a main focus, aside from the release of 'Still Here' and the Music Video, which was in conjunction with the album release. This would also give new fans (after Viva Brother signed a Major Record Deal), an opportunity to get their hands on singles from the album.

Video:

I also came across the emphasis put on Video showcasing, or more modernly with the use of 'Vevo' that offers more of an 'exclusive' Video uploader to professional artists under a Major Record Company. However, because my video was uploaded on to Vimeo (for the sake of retaining a better immediate quality without having to change user-settings), I wanted to showcase this along with the band's other existing Music Videos on Youtube; essentially, again to create a digital catalogue of Viva Brother's previous work. Across the pages of the website I retained the same style of font, sizing and colour, which gave the website synergy and identification with the artist by also using their logo. 

Store:

For the store, I created 6 products across 2 pages that were available to browse on the Website. During my research I found that many band websites used external links to other websites that hosted their merchandise. However, I felt that it was more effective to have Viva Brother's merchandise shown on the website, in order to generate interest and immediate sales. Emphasis was put on repeatedly using the band's logo, to illustrate and support the synergy that was already embedded across the Music Video and 2 ancillary tasks. I also took influence from certain Britpop costume including 'Polo Shirts' and flamboyant 'Tie-dye T shirts' to create merchandise that was catered for this specific genre and market.

Tumblr:

A Tumblr feed embedded on the website was another way for Viva Brother to keep their fans updated with what the band are up to. It is another useful media for promoting things such as the band's upcoming show dates and newly released Music Videos, which the fans are also able to follow on their own tumblr accounts.   

Gallery:

I also decided to do a separate photo shoot aside from the still photographs taken from the Music Video. This was an opportunity for the fans to see the band in similar locations to that of the video, but in a couple of shots the band are laughing and smiling, which gives a fun and more personal reflection to their fans. I edited each of the chosen 6 pictures with a range of effects to create a collage. 

Contacts:

Providing Contact details was another page I made sure to include. During my research into band websites, I noticed that a significant amount of artists do not tend to present these details so openly, when only a minority do. However, I recognised that even though Viva Brother are signed to a Major Label and are therefore subjected to a ready-made schedule, they are a new band and it is useful for external parties to have easy access to these details for matters concerning Radio, Press, Show opportunities and any other enquiries.