Unit 10 -Preparing For Progression

One of my role models in music is a duo whose main moniker is known as Source Direct. Source direct were a well-respected duo in Jungle/D&B’s early days (1994-1997). They were the pioneers of dark but deep styles of Jungle, which was different from the more common reggae-influenced Jungle at the time. They originally produced their music with a home studio they had built themselves.

They initially pressed white labels/dubplates of their records which was standard at the time to give exclusively to DJ’s such as LTJ Bukem as their early style was much closer to the style of atmospheric D&B that LTJ Bukem was pioneering as opposed to anything else. Eventually, dark offshoots of Jungle began to emerge in 1995 from labels such as Metalheadz.

The Essential… Source Direct

https://www.discogs.com/artist/301-Source-Direct

Ideally, I would like to take music production and DJing to a professional level and generate an income that is enough to support myself financially, however, it is extremely difficult to do so as  there is much more artists in the present day in comparison to 10 or more years ago, and consumers often illegally download pirate copies of music through the internet. The music I am interested in producing and DJing is relatively niche so that is another difficulty that I would have when it comes to generating enough money to live on.

I also have an interest in film and games, so I am interested in creating a main income as a sound designer/foley effects producer for picture. I choose this path because I am currently creating the soundtrack for a film that a friend of mine is producing so I already have some experience, and I have enjoyed the process of really analysing the script and discussing the moods of scenes to understand the type of music that would suit the scene and the visions and concepts of the other creators who are creating the film. This means that sound to picture has a very humanistic aspect which I am strong with as I am a very perceptive person. It also leads me to an open door to other roles in creative industries which can allow me to develop other skillsets giving me a diverse portofolio and an attractive amount of experience towards employers.

Unit 10 – Personal Statement Draft

I am somebody who has an exceptional passion for music and technology and that has never changed since I was first interested in music several years ago. I have been raised among a family who have a taste in music that is distinctive in terms of the cultural aspect, yet diverse in terms of styles and genres at the simultaneously. Growing up in such an environment has naturally caused me to develop a strong interest in music, and that interest has inspired me to immerse my life into music, and make a living through it.

A great deal of my musical influence stems from my father who used to be a DJ. He followed a wide variety of music which I inevitably listened to when I was growing up. Listening to this diverse range of music has enriched me culturally and means that my productions contain elements from these styles of music that I listened to, which can often result in my productions to sound idiosyncratic. I am strongly interested on further developing my production and musical skills as I am perfectionistic. When it comes to any artform I participate in, I am never complacent as I feel that my artwork represents me as an individual, and for me, art is a form of communication of thoughts and emotions, and I strive for sincerity.

Music production has been my hobby for over two years now. I have been drawn to it for much longer than that but had little opportunities to produce in prior times. Initially I only had far-spread encounters with Logic 9 and Cubase in my early secondary school years. Despite the relatively short period of time that I have been producing for, I have learnt a lot very quickly from searching for tutorials and experimenting with the software (Logic Pro X) independently. My dedication towards music production is especially proven because many of my peers on my music technology course have been producing for more than double the amount of years I have yet ask me for tips, advice, and methods on how to achieve certain sounds and effects.

I also have a keen interest in technology. Despite being artistic, I am also practical when it comes to technology. This may be because I studied BTEC Level 3 Engineering for one year before I joined the UAL Level 3 Music Technology and Production course that I am currently in. I have experience constructing sound systems as a member of a team which enabled me to develop my communication, organization and team working skills. Being part of a team that builds a sound system came naturally to me as I am highly intuitive as well as perceptive when I try to understand why an issue occured or when somebody is communicating their understanding of a situation to then progress to figuring out a solution. I am a very adaptive person towards both situations and other people, so difficulties do not phase me much so I just get on with the task at hand anyway.

I am a highly devoted to completing tasks I have started have rarely ever given up at something because there were some problems that occured. Dedication is a value that is important to me so I am dependable whenever it is needed. I have even managed to help motivate others who felt unmotivated with tasks at times.

Unit 10 – Social Media Analysis & Profiles

The social media website I was assigned to analyze was Sonic Bids. Sonic Bids is a website that is designed to connect musicians with promoters. The idea is that it is supposed to make gig opportunities more available to musicians, and to make it easier for promoters and event organizers to find artists who meet the criteria that they desire and then commission chosen artists to perform at their venue.

Sonic Bids has received heavy criticism due to how they actually charge artists to perform, when really they should be getting paid to perform as they are providing a service to the venue. In essence, Sonic Bids blackmails artists into being robbed of the money that is rightfully theirs. Reasons why artists would even consider using this platform may be because they are naive to methods of getting their music heard and have not put much research and thought into how they can reach their goal. Also, they may value fame more than they value integrity. Sonic Bids may be great for making your first breakthrough as a musician, but it is a platform that should be avoided as it is ultimately a scam.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/foreign-beggars/important-info-for-all-artists-on-the-scam-that-is-sonic-bids/383130745125/

I’m a Music Industry CEO. And I Think Sonicbids Made Millions by Exploiting Struggling Artists…

https://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/article/is-sonicbids-problematic