Monday, January 31, 2011
Ohh Song Covers (cont'd)
So, unfortunately, for some odd reason, I was not able to post my compare and contrast of the previous videos on the same blog. So some quick thinking, why not just create and new one with the same title, and say it is continued!
But I digress.
Song cover's can be just another way to either establish a band more or take the success of another song and try to impose it to themselves. But more often than not, I enjoy both songs, and sometimes even like the cover more.
In this particular example, A Day to Remember has already established itself as a successful band in the pop-punk/hardcore music scene, and was asked to do the cover for a CD that offers covers from rock bands across all genres. A Day to Remember used The Fray's song, "Over My Head (Cable Car), and put their own spin on it. They did keep all the lyrics the same, but the intensity of ADTR's version was louder than The Fray's, using the double bass drum, and the use of screaming/singing, creating an automatic loudness. Along with intensity, the speed of the song was increased greatly with the use of the double bass drum. Again, the organization is quite different due to the screaming and singing use in the same song. So much is different and the same because of the type of band they are.
Back a couple of posts ago, I mentioned some binary terms in the blog entry about who influences me. Well here I go again with mentioning it. With A Day to Remember's use of tension and release in almost all their songs, but in this song in particular. They were able to use tension in their music, by just having a nice relaxing melody, then all of sudden, here comes the "breakdown" with the double bass, screaming, and loud guitars. How can you not be surprised from this song? They just keep building up the melody and the niceness of the song, and they throw out the screaming and anger almost on a song that has nothing to do with anger. Also, their contrast with the song by using the intensity, speed, and organization of the song cover is by far a pretty deep difference, while their affinity with The Fray's version with the lyrics staying true to the original, keeps one knowing it is The Fray's song, which is widely recognized by anyone who has ever listened to mainstream music.
Now as I discuss all this, I do have some bias in me. My favorite type of music, and the band that put me into liking this type of music is A Day to Remember, so everything they put out, I automatically love. Although this may be true, I did like The Fray's version, just not as much as A Day to Remember's version. I remember seeing them live and seeing thousands of a male-prominent fandom yelling at the top of their lungs to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone". Their use of the front-man's amazing voice to the screams and breakdowns in this song, has me awestruck, and to put it bluntly, just badass. It's been my favorite type of music for a long time, and I don't see it changing.
But I digress.
Song cover's can be just another way to either establish a band more or take the success of another song and try to impose it to themselves. But more often than not, I enjoy both songs, and sometimes even like the cover more.
In this particular example, A Day to Remember has already established itself as a successful band in the pop-punk/hardcore music scene, and was asked to do the cover for a CD that offers covers from rock bands across all genres. A Day to Remember used The Fray's song, "Over My Head (Cable Car), and put their own spin on it. They did keep all the lyrics the same, but the intensity of ADTR's version was louder than The Fray's, using the double bass drum, and the use of screaming/singing, creating an automatic loudness. Along with intensity, the speed of the song was increased greatly with the use of the double bass drum. Again, the organization is quite different due to the screaming and singing use in the same song. So much is different and the same because of the type of band they are.
Back a couple of posts ago, I mentioned some binary terms in the blog entry about who influences me. Well here I go again with mentioning it. With A Day to Remember's use of tension and release in almost all their songs, but in this song in particular. They were able to use tension in their music, by just having a nice relaxing melody, then all of sudden, here comes the "breakdown" with the double bass, screaming, and loud guitars. How can you not be surprised from this song? They just keep building up the melody and the niceness of the song, and they throw out the screaming and anger almost on a song that has nothing to do with anger. Also, their contrast with the song by using the intensity, speed, and organization of the song cover is by far a pretty deep difference, while their affinity with The Fray's version with the lyrics staying true to the original, keeps one knowing it is The Fray's song, which is widely recognized by anyone who has ever listened to mainstream music.
Now as I discuss all this, I do have some bias in me. My favorite type of music, and the band that put me into liking this type of music is A Day to Remember, so everything they put out, I automatically love. Although this may be true, I did like The Fray's version, just not as much as A Day to Remember's version. I remember seeing them live and seeing thousands of a male-prominent fandom yelling at the top of their lungs to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone". Their use of the front-man's amazing voice to the screams and breakdowns in this song, has me awestruck, and to put it bluntly, just badass. It's been my favorite type of music for a long time, and I don't see it changing.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas
All anyone has to do is go here : http://changethis.com/, than search "14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas". It's quite an interesting piece of literature. Mike Ditkoff made several good points to almost motivate people to get out there and do what they want to do. The only problem with it is the fact that it proves a point of some one with an actual good idea.
For instance, he states to follow your fascination, and believe your idea is a good one. The only problem is with the way things are today, more often than not, your idea is actually a quite bad one, and there is a chance you didn't come up with the "original" idea. So many times have I seen companies go after one another over some copyright infringement or any copyright issues, just because something is similar to theirs. It's getting to the point where it's the first person to obtain rights on the idea is the winner of it all. Examples : Apple's copyright of the "App Store". How can something so generic and thrown around be copyrighted, I'm not sure. Paris Hilton tried to copyright "That's Hot", but was denied, thankfully, but somehow Apple got away with it. Honestly, I don't believe just believing your idea is a good one will help anything.
Ditkoff continues on his list with how people should immerse themselves in their work that they love, that it's beneficial to themselves. From there, he states how everyone should be able to tolerate failure. This is a good point to make. Every single time you fail, it is always a learning experience. Even though everyone hates to fail, you have to be able to pick yourself up from the wreckage, and learn from each mistake. Failure is not failing. In my own life, if I had failed multiple times, I normally would just be dejected, and not want to do anything more with the idea. This is not how I should go about this, because no matter how many times you may fail, you are only going to learn something more valuable than if you succeed in the first place. I must tolerate the ambiguity just like Ditkoff says, to learn what works, and what doesn't.
As you dive deeper into the list, Ditkoff continues on what he believes will help people by stating how they should make new connections in the world. How something so simple could put together with something else simple, to create an amazing idea. This idea to think of ideas leads into his next point of how we should all fantasize about what we want. It's something we have lost as we grew up, that we need to reconnect with to create ideas.
Of course, another great idea Ditkoff has, is the point to define the right challenge. We must all understand that to get breakthrough ideas, we must find a problem in life, than look for a solution. We cannot just look for a solution because what are we solving when we don't even know it ourselves? Every person in this world knows of something they have a problem with, and they even want to solve it themselves. I say go for it! I, myself, need to realize that instead of just seeing the problem, I must realize why and what it is exactly, than create a solution.
We can't always just assume we are going to find those problems just like that. We sometimes have to reach into our subconscious to find a problem and solution, which is the next point Ditkoff writes. He gives examples about how many people have developed something that helps them reach into their own subconscious and pick out the answer. This point goes along into Ditkoff's next one: take a break. We must all realize it is indeed hard to work all the time, even if we sometimes enjoy it, but we can't keep doing the same exact thing forever. He states that we must trail off the beaten path when we get stuck to keep everything going.
As we delve deeper into his fourteen points, Ditkoff's next is to define and challenge existing patterns and trends. He says we must find already existing patterns in life, than reconfigure them. From there he goes on to state how we must hang out with diverse people. We must delve into the diversity around us, gain knowledge from them, than use that to create bigger and better ideas.
Number eleven on his list is brainstorm. He states how we must be able to brainstorms with others and not be afraid of it. We must not think of it as group think, but only furthering the creative process. A common theme of this list seems to be accidents. It's almost like no idea happens on purpose. This is his twelfth point on this list, to look for happy accidents. He states the normal accident turned amazing idea of penicillin by Flemming, although I'm allergic to it, so it doesn't help me too much.
He moves on to say we must use creative thinking techniques to delve into new ideas. Make sure to check out this point to see links he gives us to help out with our thinking process. Last but not least, we must suspend logic according to Ditkoff. We almost have to return to our childhood. We don't necessarily need everything to make sense, and he states that will help with creating breakthrough ideas.
I think now I should put into place one of his questions he puts after each point. For instance, "What is the topic of your next group brainstorm? Who will you invite? Who will facilitate? When?" is at the end of his topic of brainstorming. So let's begin. The topic of my brainstorm? I would have to say the commonality of the increasing amount that is spent on films. I would invite head leaders of film production groups, and some members of the actors guild. The facilitator would be me, because I don't want two groups to go head to head, and not want anything to get out of hand. I would do this as soon as possible, although i know it is very hard to do, but within the next month for sure.
Most of these questions are quite easy to answer, so no problem should be faced with any questions at the end of one of the ways. So go ahead and try it. You may be able to find the next solution to one of the many problems that exist in this world.
For instance, he states to follow your fascination, and believe your idea is a good one. The only problem is with the way things are today, more often than not, your idea is actually a quite bad one, and there is a chance you didn't come up with the "original" idea. So many times have I seen companies go after one another over some copyright infringement or any copyright issues, just because something is similar to theirs. It's getting to the point where it's the first person to obtain rights on the idea is the winner of it all. Examples : Apple's copyright of the "App Store". How can something so generic and thrown around be copyrighted, I'm not sure. Paris Hilton tried to copyright "That's Hot", but was denied, thankfully, but somehow Apple got away with it. Honestly, I don't believe just believing your idea is a good one will help anything.
Ditkoff continues on his list with how people should immerse themselves in their work that they love, that it's beneficial to themselves. From there, he states how everyone should be able to tolerate failure. This is a good point to make. Every single time you fail, it is always a learning experience. Even though everyone hates to fail, you have to be able to pick yourself up from the wreckage, and learn from each mistake. Failure is not failing. In my own life, if I had failed multiple times, I normally would just be dejected, and not want to do anything more with the idea. This is not how I should go about this, because no matter how many times you may fail, you are only going to learn something more valuable than if you succeed in the first place. I must tolerate the ambiguity just like Ditkoff says, to learn what works, and what doesn't.
As you dive deeper into the list, Ditkoff continues on what he believes will help people by stating how they should make new connections in the world. How something so simple could put together with something else simple, to create an amazing idea. This idea to think of ideas leads into his next point of how we should all fantasize about what we want. It's something we have lost as we grew up, that we need to reconnect with to create ideas.
Of course, another great idea Ditkoff has, is the point to define the right challenge. We must all understand that to get breakthrough ideas, we must find a problem in life, than look for a solution. We cannot just look for a solution because what are we solving when we don't even know it ourselves? Every person in this world knows of something they have a problem with, and they even want to solve it themselves. I say go for it! I, myself, need to realize that instead of just seeing the problem, I must realize why and what it is exactly, than create a solution.
We can't always just assume we are going to find those problems just like that. We sometimes have to reach into our subconscious to find a problem and solution, which is the next point Ditkoff writes. He gives examples about how many people have developed something that helps them reach into their own subconscious and pick out the answer. This point goes along into Ditkoff's next one: take a break. We must all realize it is indeed hard to work all the time, even if we sometimes enjoy it, but we can't keep doing the same exact thing forever. He states that we must trail off the beaten path when we get stuck to keep everything going.
As we delve deeper into his fourteen points, Ditkoff's next is to define and challenge existing patterns and trends. He says we must find already existing patterns in life, than reconfigure them. From there he goes on to state how we must hang out with diverse people. We must delve into the diversity around us, gain knowledge from them, than use that to create bigger and better ideas.
Number eleven on his list is brainstorm. He states how we must be able to brainstorms with others and not be afraid of it. We must not think of it as group think, but only furthering the creative process. A common theme of this list seems to be accidents. It's almost like no idea happens on purpose. This is his twelfth point on this list, to look for happy accidents. He states the normal accident turned amazing idea of penicillin by Flemming, although I'm allergic to it, so it doesn't help me too much.
He moves on to say we must use creative thinking techniques to delve into new ideas. Make sure to check out this point to see links he gives us to help out with our thinking process. Last but not least, we must suspend logic according to Ditkoff. We almost have to return to our childhood. We don't necessarily need everything to make sense, and he states that will help with creating breakthrough ideas.
I think now I should put into place one of his questions he puts after each point. For instance, "What is the topic of your next group brainstorm? Who will you invite? Who will facilitate? When?" is at the end of his topic of brainstorming. So let's begin. The topic of my brainstorm? I would have to say the commonality of the increasing amount that is spent on films. I would invite head leaders of film production groups, and some members of the actors guild. The facilitator would be me, because I don't want two groups to go head to head, and not want anything to get out of hand. I would do this as soon as possible, although i know it is very hard to do, but within the next month for sure.
Most of these questions are quite easy to answer, so no problem should be faced with any questions at the end of one of the ways. So go ahead and try it. You may be able to find the next solution to one of the many problems that exist in this world.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Oh, the influences in my life.
I may be a Video Production major at Ohio University, but more often than I find myself finding my creativity from musical influences. I see myself listening to some of my favorite artists, such as A Day to Remember or Conditions, and automatically getting into a very creative mood or even a more proactive mood. Of course, as mentioned before, I am a video major, so I do have influences in that field. As of right now, Christopher Nolan, is one of the most influential people in my life right now.
A Day to Remember - All I Want
I highly recommend to anyone who is reading this right now to click on the link above and listen and watch the video for the song. This song by A Day to Remember, or ADTR for short, is one of their newer songs, from a recently released LP. This song is very creative with their mix of genres from post-hardcore to pop punk. They've finally began to get wide coverage of their music, and about a week ago were featured on Jimmy Kimmel. When I begin to listen to their music, I am consciously thinking of what they are saying getting pumped up, but their lyrics subconsciously puts me in a very creative and proactive mood. I can never listen to them and not be creative. Actually it's who I am listening to as I type this.
Conditions - When It Won't Save You
Again, I highly recommend to click on the link above. They do not have a music video like ADTR does for this song, but it is still worth to click on it. They have a different style from ADTR also, but again their songs get my creative juices flowing. Actually, if you look to the right on my main page, you will notice their lyrics from this song in my "Words" section. Their lyrics always seem to keep me actively trying to figure out the meaning behind every song, even though it seems they are always didactic, and it is simply what is said, is the meaning. Because of this thought process, I am always thinking and it encourages me to be creative more and more often. This band is one of the few bands I can constantly listen to their old and new songs, and I am never nervous about a new song they put out because I know it will be good.
Inception - Trailer
The first time I saw this movie, I was absolutely amazed. I had heard mixed reviews from people who had already seen the movie, but I went in thinking it was going to be a good movie. It actually surpassed my expectations. The entire storyline, all the camera angles, the editing, the soundscapes, everything about this movie, absolutely amazed me. This is all thanks to Christopher Nolan. The writer, director, producer of Inception, and directed and produced other movies such as The Dark Knight and The Prestige. Inception was one of the most creative movies I have seen in the longest time. I am absolutely amazed at it's ability to amaze someone who is very hard to amaze by a movie. His use of tension and release throughout the entire movie. For example, when Dom (Leonardo DiCaprio) and the group is trying to escape the dream world, and used anxiety inducing action scenes, to make every one worry, than relieve them of the tension when they land in the plane and he steps off to go to his family. Everything about this movie, that Christopher Nolan created, with the help of other talented people such as Lee Smith, is a masterpiece and makes me want to be just as creative as him. His attention to detail, is amazing, and I can't wait to work as hard as him, and maybe even collaborate with him.
I am influenced from different people, but I think it only helps me be a better person creatively, broadening my horizons to not just only have one view. Gotta love music and film.
A Day to Remember - All I Want
I highly recommend to anyone who is reading this right now to click on the link above and listen and watch the video for the song. This song by A Day to Remember, or ADTR for short, is one of their newer songs, from a recently released LP. This song is very creative with their mix of genres from post-hardcore to pop punk. They've finally began to get wide coverage of their music, and about a week ago were featured on Jimmy Kimmel. When I begin to listen to their music, I am consciously thinking of what they are saying getting pumped up, but their lyrics subconsciously puts me in a very creative and proactive mood. I can never listen to them and not be creative. Actually it's who I am listening to as I type this.
Conditions - When It Won't Save You
Again, I highly recommend to click on the link above. They do not have a music video like ADTR does for this song, but it is still worth to click on it. They have a different style from ADTR also, but again their songs get my creative juices flowing. Actually, if you look to the right on my main page, you will notice their lyrics from this song in my "Words" section. Their lyrics always seem to keep me actively trying to figure out the meaning behind every song, even though it seems they are always didactic, and it is simply what is said, is the meaning. Because of this thought process, I am always thinking and it encourages me to be creative more and more often. This band is one of the few bands I can constantly listen to their old and new songs, and I am never nervous about a new song they put out because I know it will be good.
Inception - Trailer
The first time I saw this movie, I was absolutely amazed. I had heard mixed reviews from people who had already seen the movie, but I went in thinking it was going to be a good movie. It actually surpassed my expectations. The entire storyline, all the camera angles, the editing, the soundscapes, everything about this movie, absolutely amazed me. This is all thanks to Christopher Nolan. The writer, director, producer of Inception, and directed and produced other movies such as The Dark Knight and The Prestige. Inception was one of the most creative movies I have seen in the longest time. I am absolutely amazed at it's ability to amaze someone who is very hard to amaze by a movie. His use of tension and release throughout the entire movie. For example, when Dom (Leonardo DiCaprio) and the group is trying to escape the dream world, and used anxiety inducing action scenes, to make every one worry, than relieve them of the tension when they land in the plane and he steps off to go to his family. Everything about this movie, that Christopher Nolan created, with the help of other talented people such as Lee Smith, is a masterpiece and makes me want to be just as creative as him. His attention to detail, is amazing, and I can't wait to work as hard as him, and maybe even collaborate with him.
I am influenced from different people, but I think it only helps me be a better person creatively, broadening my horizons to not just only have one view. Gotta love music and film.
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