I’m currently engaged in an MA in Music by research and my chosen focus is the following question:
“What Are the Affordances of Lo-Fi Production Techniques and How Are They Applied in Contemporary Electronic Music?”
My final submission will take the form of both a written thesis and a short documentary film.
My original intention had been to conduct interviews with artists in person, both at places of their choosing and, wherever possible, at various events taking place throughout the country.
Before the pandemic, it was clear this approach was likely to be flawed as it only allowed me to document views of those with whom I shared some degree of geographical proximity; after (/during) the pandemic, even this limited approach became obviously impossible. As a result of both of these issues, it was clear that new approaches needed to be found.
Thanks to the support of the Lines community, a path presented itself which would allow me to complete my research and potentially include a far broader range of voices than I could have ever hoped to do with my in-person methodology: take it to the internet!
METHOD:
If you would be prepared to, it would me massively appreciated if you could record video of yourself (utilising your smart phone, webcam or any other suitable device) answering a short series of questions.
Please note:
If you would prefer not to appear visibly in the film, that is completely understandable and completely not an issue. If you would be able to provide an audio recording of your answers along with some form of video which illustrates your responses somehow (pieces of equipment whirring, spooling, flashing, blinking etc) that would be fantastic.
FORMAT:
To assist with the editing process, please supply footage in LANDSCAPE orientation. MP4 would be ideal but there are, of course, many methods for converting from other formats.
QUESTIONS:
[ Before answering the questions, please state your name (both artistic and non-artistic name if you are comfortable to do so but if you’d prefer to just use your artistic name that’s completely fine too)]
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What does the term “lo-fi” specifically mean to you?
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Which lo-fi techniques inform your artistic process?
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Why are these methods important or appealing and what purpose does utilising them serve?
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How did lo-fi techniques become part of your process?
For example: were they simply the tools that were available at the time (e.g. vintage samplers and four-track cassette machines) or is using them some kind of response to more modern methods? -
Do you perceive a difference in approach or mindset between using vintage lo-fi tools versus contemporary emulations of them?
SUBMISSIONS:
Please upload footage via WeTransfer, sending links to my university email address: Peter.Gleadall@hud.ac.uk
If you could include your name in the filename that would be massively helpful!
Of course, all submissions will be very gratefully received and all contributors will be properly acknowledged, credited and thanked within the documentary
My deepest and most heart-felt thanks to you all!
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