Content creation, as the course is titled, is an opportunity to showcase the work that we can do. Along the way through this program we learn about different fields and work through digital media. I work as a UI/UX Designer as my day job, but I feel that my skill set goes a lot deeper than that when it comes to digital content. This project has allowed me to express myself and the full spectrum of digital content that I can create. I decided to do something I have been wanting to do for a long time, so this became a personal project as well as my final project. I am a music producer, and finally want to archive my catalog of work online for the world to enjoy and to potentially generate a business out of. For this course, I am creating an EP to release called “2086”
To start, the prep work needed to be done. I created a work management flow inside of Asana. It consisted of a chart with to-do items listed with due dates, and a column for work in progress, as well as a column for completed work and artifacts. On the Dashboard, there were attachments for artifacts, as well as my bibliography with all of my research work, and weekly progress journal. The project stayed on time most of the way through the creation process, but the original scope of putting an EP together as well as releasing it with a promotional campaign became too out of scope for 7 weeks. What I do know is that the EP will be titled “2086” and the very earliest it could be released with a promotional campaign is October 18, 2021. That date is still tentative because I am also creating a music video for one of the tracks on the project called “Fall out”. I am excited about how it’s coming out so far and am learning a lot about video editing, motion graphics and directing. I want this project to succeed so if the timeline has to be pushed back it will be but this course was truly a time for me to stop thinking about doing this and make it happen!
I began work and created a proposal for the project which stated the problem statement
“How does an artist without a digital platform, independent distribution create an online presence?”. After the seven weeks of creating an EP and working on researching on how to release a project and when, I think that the problem statement has been addressed and answered.
My project definition allowed me to assess the scope of my project and it down into a schedule during the 7 weeks.
Working title
“Restless –2286” EP
Major progress milestones
In order of priority:
- Finishing the Music (4-5 tracks)
- Mixing and Mastering
- Creating a LLC at the bank for my music production company/independent label
- Choosing an online distributor
- Finish setting up all social media links
- Content creation for promotion (video clips, graphics, etc.)
- Setting a release date
- Scheduling a promotional campaign
- Pre-release content finished and scheduled
Measurable success criteria
Since major progress milestones are in order of priority, every milestone completed is a measure of success and progress.
Assumptions and constraints
Some constraints and assumptions to be aware of are the fact that the release date is always tied to the distributors release schedule. This may affect if the actual release date will happen during this course or after, especially if the next 5 weeks will be for getting everything ready for release.
Another factor to consider is whether the music as is will be approved for release or if there will be any technical challenges to the music on any of the music streaming/purchasing platforms.
As I began to work on the EP I realized that for a seven week course, my ambition of having a completed EP along with promotional materials ready, and a distributor picked out with a set release date was entirely to out of scope. So having the EP itself made became the top priority. The main objective became simple: Finish the music, complete this EP.
I created my bibliography which contained links to all of my research for this project. This bibliography has become an invaluable resource when it comes to creating this project, and the workings of the modern day music industry. During the research phase, I discovered many different articles that listed the top music distribution platforms, how to market your project, understanding that digital music producers are now more than just musicians, but content creators who have to wear multiple hats in order to run their business. Releasing music isn’t just about creating the music anymore, unless you have a team you have to be your own promoter, designer, etc. “Before releasing your song, you should have created your artwork already. Most music distributors recommend creating an image at 3,000 x 3,000 pixels. Whether you have Photoshop or some other photo editing software, we are big fans of Canva.com to create your song artwork.” (www.edmsauce.com)
When creating the music I wanted to showcase a variety of sub genres within the electronic music spectrum. I wanted to show my diverse skill set as a producer and create something that felt both futuristic and timeless, building on what has come before and pushing the sonic envelope by creating and using new sound design and the latest synth instruments available. This EP feels like a hand crafted work of art, conscious of its own value and only hoping that it can be recognized as the complex work that it is.
The Track list is as follows
- Fall out (Ft. Naomi August)
- Closer
- Balance
- Mala
- I loved
Here is the Finished EP
The project has become so much more. I am learning to edit and create music videos, and now am focusing on the visual side of things. I want to create a work of art that encompasses my knowledge of digital art as a whole, through graphic design, video editing, visual design, 3D animation, and most importantly music, I want to be able to tell a story: One that is recognized universally as being that of quality. If this project is successful when I finally release it, it will open the door for me to create a second income, or potentially even a career shift if successful.
Resources
“How To Release a Song in 2021 [The Ultimate Guide].” EDM Sauce. 19 July 2020. Web. 24 May 2021. <https://www.edmsauce.com/how-to-release-a-song/>
Design By Angel Vazquez 