Project MUSE - An Academic Resource for Life On Cassette

Building a clubhouse without reading the instructions seems silly to me. Painting a picture without the proper paint almost seems like a waste. So why would I write music without researching the methodology of the genre I am trying to accomplish?

Project MUSE: A Guide to Essential American Indie Rock (1980 - 2005) is authored by Vincent J. Novora and Stephen Henry. It begins at the start of the genre in 1980 and follows it's evolution to 2005. According to Project Muse, the indie rock genre, as a result of artists seeking independence from mainstream expectations, has developed a unique, distinct sound as well as influenced sub-genres.

Artists such as Bee Thousand, R.E.M., and Soul Asylum are examples discussed in the diversity that separates yet unifies, and defines the indie rock genre. Each artist discussed is used to explain unique sounds and styles found within indie rock; the authors even get as specific as to name albums that best describe the style being analyzed. "Guided by Voices" by Bee Thousand is used as an example to represent the “lo-fi” movement.

What surprised me in this book was the idea that indie rock is analyzed as having "the careful balancing of pop accessibility with noise, playfulness in manipulating pop music formula, sensitive lyrics masked by tonal abrasiveness and ironic posturing, a concern with “authenticity,” and the cultivation of a “regular guy” (or girl) image."

Overall, this book helps those who are interested in the genre understand the very roots of the genre as well as the way it has formed over a course of 25 years. It analyzes the styles of specific albums, artists, and music alike.

By reading and researching this book, I hope to get a better understanding of the genre. In doing so, I will be able to accurately write in the style of the genre.

Blue Moon, You Saw Me Standing Alone..

   Open mic night at The Blue Moon Cafe occurs every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. This is this week's cultural event for me! People from all over Shepherdstown come out to see live music, play music, and connect with people. 

   When the clock hits nine, a dry-erase board is put out so musicians can sign up to perform. Tables and chairs are removed from a corner of the restaurant and replaced with mics, amps, and instruments.

  The Blue Moon usually welcomes the same faces to the stage every Wednesday. This particular night was special because it offered some new faces. 

Like the attendees, the music you'll hear at Open Mic is very diverse. Last night, I had the pleasure of listening to music with southern rock, alternative rock, indie, and even some blues/circus/New Orleans influenced music. There were many song covers as well as originals. 

Perhaps the best part about Wednesday nights at The Blue Moon Cafe is meeting new people. Last night alone, my friends and I enjoyed the company of four new acquaintances. 

At the end of the night, you've experienced live music and friendly faces. That's obviously enough to keep those who attend returning the next week for more good times. 

Statement of Intent: Capstone Music & Multimedia

    Going into the senior capstone course at Shepherd University, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I started with big ideas and worked my way down. Suddenly, I realized I was overlooking what I really wanted to do the whole time: Write music.
First and foremost, I'd like to thank Professor Matthew Kushin for agreeing to be my project director. He is very reliable and helpful so he was one of my immediate choices.

The song and title is still in the works. I would be using instruments I haven't used in a long time or nearly at all: a microkorg and a bass guitar. Other instruments I am more familiar with will include: guitar, piano, flute, and drums.

In order to make this project wonderful, I have to touch up on my recording and editing skills as well as improve them!  I would need to brainstorm ways that I can promote this song using social media websites such as facebook, instagram, and soundcloud. I will also have step-by-step images of what it takes to produce this song using audacity, garageband, or adobe audition.

Post graduation, I want to work in a music venue as a board operator, instrument/stage tech, or production assistant. While this project may not reflect a great singing voice, it will reflect my audio editing and mixing skills.

I have been in a music writing slump since I started at Shepherd in 2011. I was in the music department. I had my moments when I would write but nothing like what I truly wanted to write. This capstone is -I feel- my chance to force myself out of my slump in order to execute a great project.

Analysis of an Obama Ad

The ad I will be analyzing is in support of Obama for the 2012 election. It is titled "The Choice."
It is clear that Romney is Obama's opponent because Obama states that Romney's plan is what "got us in this mess in the first place."

During this time in America, there were significant issues being addressed by both parties (both with promises, of course). The economy was in a terrible state (unemployment, new job creation, stock market performance), Iran had threatened the U.S. (the voters were concerned about whether President Obama would attack or appear to be a coward), congressional deliberations, and -of course- MONEY!

Barack Obama discusses two of the main issues stated above: Jobs and money. Overall, this ad appears to be positive. The background music has a very uplifting and calming feel to it. It also helps that he doesn't spend the entire advertisement time bashing his opponent.

As you can see in the video, everything in the background is out of focus. This brings the viewers' eyes directly to Obama. The lighting in the room is bright but not overwhelming. While watching this ad, I found that the colors and brightness made me feel very calm and accepting about whatever was to be said. The fact that Obama is not directly in the middle of the camera's view is easy on the eyes. It allows viewers' to see past him but still be drawn to Barack Obama.

This ad is obviously targeted towards voters (18 years and up) but there seems to be a special focus on members of the middle class. I came upon this conclusion because rather than discussing all three classes, Obama merely mentions the first class, doesn't mention the lower class at all, and then states that he wants to STRENGTHEN the middle class. I feel as though the middle class members were the votes that Obama was worried about during this time.



The bright lighting, camera shot, and background music all worked very smoothly together to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere. There is a subtle slogan for this ad: choice. In the beginning, Obama states that we "have a choice to make." At the end of the ad he ties it all together by saying "Sometimes politics can seem really small but the choice you face - it couldn't be bigger." As a whole, this ad is a breath of fresh air in comparison to many ads that have been aired.