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. 

Auxiliary Task: Finished Poster

Here is the second version of the Promotional Poster and now the final.

As you will see I have made a number of changes since the first draft. I experimented with cloning tools, colour correction & skin healing tools, however I decided to keep this shot similar to its appearance during the music video.

I feel this shot is quite iconic across this video. This is the first time (during the slow-motion lip-syncing sequence) that singer, Ben, looks into the camera. Furthermore, the shot meets some of Andrew Goodwin's music video theory. There is a notion of looking and a frequent use of Close-up shots which a Major record label would demand, (such as Geffen Records who represent Viva Brother).

Auxiliary Task: Wix Website #2

Since my last post I have reconsidered the homepage of the website and have modified it.

• Background -  I went out and took some photos of the band. I felt this was a particularly strong image and so, I later photoshopped the band logo into the top left corner. 

• Video - I have set the music video to auto-play as soon as somebody enters the website.

• Further info - I have also presented the information: Reviews, Tour Dates & News in a transparent box on the homepage.

I now have the remaining pages; Biography, Gallery, Store and Contact to complete. The store will later be finalised with merchandise.

Auxiliary Task: Poster

Here is the first draft of my promotional poster.

I began by deciding the placement of the logo. As the band name is one of the most significant details on the poster, I began by positioning the band logo approximately half way across the page. I then added graphics around this. 

As part of the editing, I used tools such as the 'Polygonal' and 'Magnetic' Lasso. This was something I found particularly useful and was a good way of learning a new skill. I also experimented with the clone tool on the image of the band. However I decided to simply open the whole image instead of cloning it. I may choose to use the clone tool in my final copy.

What I wanted to achieve from the poster was a realistic, professional 'look' to it, thus I took into account sponsorships/affiliations (i.e. the NME, Rocksound, MTV logos), which act as part of my synergy link between the three pieces of work. I also used 'Silver Bullet' Promotions because they are a well known promoter company that work with the London Relentless Garage.

As you can see above, the label is something I have not used on the poster. I wanted to use this to advertise the show as an 'album release' show. I am still looking for a way to illustrate this on the poster as this will be one of the key points of the event.

Auxiliary Task: Website (Wix)

At present I have just begun making my Wix Website.

I think the template I have chosen for my website is a good one, as it contains enough tabs for the five headings: Home, Bio, Gallery, Store & Contact.

The two tabs 'Concerts' and 'Recordings' are ones I found to be irrelevant for my project, which came as examples on the template. This is because I have chosen to display tour dates on the homepage and as the band will have one show booked as their 'album release show', I have chosen to keep this as their only current booking. Recordings didn't serve much purpose and therefore I have decided to create a Store tab instead. As a hosting site for the store I have considered using BigCartel, a reputable merchandise store which offers artists a few service. 

www.bigcartel.com - is a site I have used myself previously in bands.

I have noticed that I will need more promotional photography, simply because just stills from the Music Video will not suffice as enough. I will also be able to create some good backgrounds and build upon a set theme. (At present the current picture is blurred because of the image distortion.)

Auxiliary Task: Poster (plan)

Here is a rough draft of the layout I am planning to use for the Poster part of my auxiliary task.

A few amendments since this was drawn:

• I have decided to position the CD in the lower box. 
• There having a promotional photography spanning across the whole width of the poster. 
• I had originally planned to use a B&W photo, however as part of the synergy I am planning on using some stills from my music video and then editing these.
• I will also make clear associations with the NME logo for example, as well as the Geffen Record Label and booking agencies, etc - what you would expect to see on a show flyer. 

Photoshop

Today we were given an introduction to Photoshop CS4, to use for our auxiliary tasks.

I will be using this program for both the poster and website that will accompany my music video.

Although I already have experience with the program, it was a great way of refreshing my understanding of the basics, including layers. 

For example, this was something I made for an earlier post 

to illustrate some location planning.

For the poster - I am planning on having a centered 'Viva Brother' logo, accompanied with a photo(s) of the band underneath, followed by list of associated organisations. I am thinking of having the poster centered around an organised show (possibly the band's debut?) and therefore certain details such as the venue, time, etc, including reference to the music video will be included. 

I want to aim the show at the London music scene, because this is something that most people can associate rock/Britpop music as having close connections with; the music scene in general. 

Here are a few posters I have analysed, which adopt a similar style to what I plan to do:

 

Auxiliary Tasks

In today's lesson, we explored the auxiliary tasks in further detail. 

I have decided to opt for the options of making a website (using the website 'wix.com') and a magazine advert.

Across my music video, website and magazine advert, I aim to make a number of associations. 

For example, the Viva Brother logo will be seen on all three of these medias. 

The 'MTV Rocks' logo displayed on the 'Still Here' music video, will also be included on the other two medias. I will be able to display sponsors and associated organisations on the magazine advert, whilst including these on the website. 

In terms of merchandising, I can create further motifs such as including stills from the music video and the band's logo on t-shirts. I will then be able to take this further by comprising a back-catologue for the band. 

These are just a few immediate ideas I have for making associations/motifs/ties between all three of these forms of media (music video/magazine advert/website). 

I will create a mind-map to display and explain these ties.