Firstly I need to figure out my time left and how many weeks for this first portfolio element. What is asked of me by the university, and what do I think is a possible way of working?
The work-in-progress show is March 6-10th. I need to aim to finish 90% by then.
I have 4 weeks from today until Friday the 3rd of March. 5 weeks would take me to March 10th. I think 5 weeks is the maximum I should allow myself to get 90% done, and then from the 3rd of March, I can showcase what I have done so far and then polish my work the weeks after.
So I want to split my work into three sections,
Pre-Production: Research, trying techniques, figuring things out, Tests, and Other artists’ research.
Production: Recording, Producing Music, Collaboration.
Post-Production: Finalising, Mixing, Mastering, Artwork, Promotional Content, Music Video, and Press Release.
So far, I have this in mind for what I need to do.
I’m going to fully commit and do 8hr days minimum when possible and take this as far as possible.
Firstly by the end of next week, which is a reading week, I want to have done a lot of research into artists, experimental music practice, albums, recording techniques, mixing / mastering, and journals on ideas around these topics. Find some samples and ideas for songs. Will this be under my artist’s name? Who will I collaborate with? Do some tests to figure out if things work.
Secondly, I will give myself two weeks of pure production to create as many song ideas as possible, hopefully creating at least a minimum of ten sonic ideas and using the experience from the first week to guide me in this process. I will also continue researching but less and more supporting what is needed for the degree.
Thirdly the last week will be thinking bout artwork, shooting a music video, and how I will present my work and mix / master it. Will I do it artistically or commercially? What are my goals? Email a label? And prepare for the degree show.
I’ve laid this out relatively simple, but I know I can do it; this plan will change over time, and I’m sure it won’t be a straight line as I’ve indicated, but to at least have a plan of how it might give me excellent guidance. The benefits of this project could change my life, set me in the direction of self-created projects, and teach me the discipline of giving myself a time frame to complete something and work hard towards it. Something I’m yet to do with creative music projects when working alone; I’ve been working so hard with university work and very disciplined that its time to transfer this into physical, creative practices, the discipline is there, so now let’s transfer that to other aspects of my life.