Aspen
Sunday, December 12, 2010
How do you brand yourself?
So it should be said, I am not the musical member of our group. My entire life that has always been a huge weakness of mine, and I accepted that would most likely never change. Also, it should be noted that I am not the type to perform in front of others. Once a group gets larger than four or five people, I get nervous and clam up. So the fact that I'm participating in this crazy adventure will be a definite test of what I'm capable of. I'm the artistic one. I'll fill in for other areas, but by and large my role is that of the artist.
The first thing I wanted to do with this group, was develop a type of brand. You see that will all successful companies and corporations, they have a brand or style that makes everyone think of them. Their brand unifies them, identifies them, makes them official. The first act of branding us I chose to take, was developing a logo. Like with most things, every idea I and the others could come up with were overly complicated. Characters singing, or biting hearts. We wanted to do something with the card symbols, but nothing seemed to work. I like logos that are simple lines and shapes, but that also have meaning. So I started with a tambourine, a simple shape, and worked from there.
Next I added strings, to symbolize the harpist, and tried to think of a way to incorporate our cards idea. Which is when I decided to put the symbols along the edge. I ended up with the design on the bottom right, but that seemed too static, too boring. So I just started drawing squiggly lines and tried to see how I could change the fundamental style of the logo. I liked where it was going, but it still seemed too random. Janelle recommended having the apple hang from the top (to symbolize women) and then commented that it was starting to look like the treble clef. That gave another direction to head towards, and when pepper added her two cents I came up with this.
I made the lines as graceful as possible, and simplified the elements down to the minimum. I reduced the strings to three to represent the three of us, and this is what we have. I still have to refine it, and get rid of a few of the more rough edges. I was surprisingly happy with the way that it turned out, and it's a definite start to the process of branding Aoide.
Aspen
The first thing I wanted to do with this group, was develop a type of brand. You see that will all successful companies and corporations, they have a brand or style that makes everyone think of them. Their brand unifies them, identifies them, makes them official. The first act of branding us I chose to take, was developing a logo. Like with most things, every idea I and the others could come up with were overly complicated. Characters singing, or biting hearts. We wanted to do something with the card symbols, but nothing seemed to work. I like logos that are simple lines and shapes, but that also have meaning. So I started with a tambourine, a simple shape, and worked from there.
Next I added strings, to symbolize the harpist, and tried to think of a way to incorporate our cards idea. Which is when I decided to put the symbols along the edge. I ended up with the design on the bottom right, but that seemed too static, too boring. So I just started drawing squiggly lines and tried to see how I could change the fundamental style of the logo. I liked where it was going, but it still seemed too random. Janelle recommended having the apple hang from the top (to symbolize women) and then commented that it was starting to look like the treble clef. That gave another direction to head towards, and when pepper added her two cents I came up with this.
I made the lines as graceful as possible, and simplified the elements down to the minimum. I reduced the strings to three to represent the three of us, and this is what we have. I still have to refine it, and get rid of a few of the more rough edges. I was surprisingly happy with the way that it turned out, and it's a definite start to the process of branding Aoide.
Aspen
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Rantings of a Self-absorbed, Middle-Class White Girl
So while the majority of our time as a "band" has been spent attempting to work out the logistics of driving across the country with no money (things like showers and places to change are just some of the topics in question) we've also decided to set some goals for this blog. Now, don't be offended by what I'm about to say, I hate a lot of the blogs I read. Mainly because all they do is catalog what little Timmy did that morning, while simultaneously ignoring correct spelling and punctuation. I'm sorry if you have a blog like that, but I'd rather chew sand then have something I'm associated with spiral down into that formulaic nonsense. I'm not the only one who feels this way incidentally, ever read Seriously, So Blessed?
That said, I think there are a lot of incredibly interesting, intelligent people who do amazing things with their blog. Hopefully this blog, will be the latter. Therefore, in an effort to facilitate good writing and interesting posts, the three of us have been thinking about what we want to accomplish, not really for this blog, but more with this entire project. So here it goes, the things I hope to gain from this experience.
First on the list: see the United States. I did a lot of traveling during my undergraduate degree, 99% of it outside of the US, this is my chance to see some of my homeland.
Second, I need to experience something new and different so I can write about it (I really want to be a writer incidentally) and I know that the Renaissance Fair can offer me that. I once spoke with a friend who was involved with creative writing as well, and he said something very profound about writing; he said that often the best writers are not people who have had more school, but the people who have experienced more in life. I think that he's probably right.
Third, and most importantly, I need to find some sense of direction in my life. Time for a bit of confession, I recently graduated with my MA in English Literature and for the past six years of my collegiate life the goal has always been to go on to a PhD program. However, I ended up having to take a year off between my MA and a PhD and now that the time is here to actually go to a PhD program, I'm not sure that it's what I want anymore. In fact, I'm not sure about ANYTHING I want anymore. Where do I want to live? Do I want to be an professor? Do I want to be an art museum curator (another career I've been considering)? Do I want to be a writer? If so, where do I get the money for that? Do I want to get married? Do I want to have children? Do I want to stay in the Renaissance Fair for the rest of my life? I don't know anymore!
I'm desperately hoping that this trip (and some much needed introspection and self-reflection) will offer up a few answers.
So there you are, you have it all. Hopefully, you now think that a) I am fascinating and that b) my blog is fascinating. If not and you think a I'm self-absorbed, middle-class white girl, just keep that thought to yourself. Incidentally, I was joking about spending the rest of my life playing in renaissance fairs; I don't think that's a smart career move.--Pepper
That said, I think there are a lot of incredibly interesting, intelligent people who do amazing things with their blog. Hopefully this blog, will be the latter. Therefore, in an effort to facilitate good writing and interesting posts, the three of us have been thinking about what we want to accomplish, not really for this blog, but more with this entire project. So here it goes, the things I hope to gain from this experience.
First on the list: see the United States. I did a lot of traveling during my undergraduate degree, 99% of it outside of the US, this is my chance to see some of my homeland.
Second, I need to experience something new and different so I can write about it (I really want to be a writer incidentally) and I know that the Renaissance Fair can offer me that. I once spoke with a friend who was involved with creative writing as well, and he said something very profound about writing; he said that often the best writers are not people who have had more school, but the people who have experienced more in life. I think that he's probably right.
Third, and most importantly, I need to find some sense of direction in my life. Time for a bit of confession, I recently graduated with my MA in English Literature and for the past six years of my collegiate life the goal has always been to go on to a PhD program. However, I ended up having to take a year off between my MA and a PhD and now that the time is here to actually go to a PhD program, I'm not sure that it's what I want anymore. In fact, I'm not sure about ANYTHING I want anymore. Where do I want to live? Do I want to be an professor? Do I want to be an art museum curator (another career I've been considering)? Do I want to be a writer? If so, where do I get the money for that? Do I want to get married? Do I want to have children? Do I want to stay in the Renaissance Fair for the rest of my life? I don't know anymore!
I'm desperately hoping that this trip (and some much needed introspection and self-reflection) will offer up a few answers.
So there you are, you have it all. Hopefully, you now think that a) I am fascinating and that b) my blog is fascinating. If not and you think a I'm self-absorbed, middle-class white girl, just keep that thought to yourself. Incidentally, I was joking about spending the rest of my life playing in renaissance fairs; I don't think that's a smart career move.--Pepper
Please Place Dignity in Wastebasket Before Exiting.
True to our words, we are faithfully documenting our endeavor, more for your entertainment than anything else. Be excited, more videos and confessionals to follow. --Jaenelle
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Horseback Riding, Kung Fu...and the Penny Whistle
Just an update on practice session #1...in my car. The only pockets of time I could find to practice were right before my horseback riding lesson and then Kung Fu. I'm not sure whether or not the horses heard me hit those notes only dogs can hear. In the parking lot outside the Kung Fu school I prayed that no one would see/hear me while my Loreena McKennit cd played in the background so I didn't have to listen to myself screech away on my instrument. I was in the car for over an hour yesterday, so I made sure I sang the whole time to rebuild the vocal flexibility I had in high school. No one did see me, at least I don't think. I have 20 minutes right now, so I might go down to the car in my pjs and practice.
The outlook? Not as grim. I can now make a decent sound on the god-forsaken instrument and have started practicing some Irish jigs. I knew those 7 years of oboe lessons would come in handy some day. Today is that day.
Oh, and yesterday Pepper and I went to the library to find some songs. We found hundreds. Although we've chosen two, we need still need to find one more. We plan on having 20 songs ready by the time we hit the road: 5 fun ballads, 5 romantic songs, 5 drinking songs, and 5 jigs. Savy, right?--Jaenelle
The outlook? Not as grim. I can now make a decent sound on the god-forsaken instrument and have started practicing some Irish jigs. I knew those 7 years of oboe lessons would come in handy some day. Today is that day.
Oh, and yesterday Pepper and I went to the library to find some songs. We found hundreds. Although we've chosen two, we need still need to find one more. We plan on having 20 songs ready by the time we hit the road: 5 fun ballads, 5 romantic songs, 5 drinking songs, and 5 jigs. Savy, right?--Jaenelle
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Rome WAS Built in a Day
Wow. So they say Rome wasn't built in a day, yet it's incredible how fast things are moving on this project. We've already heard back from the Pittsburgh Renaissance Fair, one of the biggest in the United States and they've said that they would love to hear a demo CD from us. This fact really excites me, though maybe just for the pure fact that within the next month I'll be making a demo CD and sending it out to people! Just think, a demo CD, doesn't that just sound legit?
Also, we've (well just me actually) managed to ACCIDENTALLY purchase harp. Yup, that's right accidentally. Here is some wisdom I acquired yesterday--read everything on ebay before typing in numbers. So apparently there is this thing on ebay where you can either "buy it now" or put in your best offer, meaning that instead of competing against other buyers you simply submit an offer to the company for what you'd like to pay for the item. Unbeknownst to me, if they accept your offer, you've basically just purchased the item.
So I submitted an offer on a small Celtic harp on ebay and the next morning received an email saying, "Congratulations, now pay us our money." Therefore, a harp is now speeding across the 50 states (all the way from Florida I might add) to land at my doorstep in about a week. I've yet to try the harp, so here's hoping it sounds good. It has 22 strings (three octaves) and stands about 3 feet tall.
As is the custom among myself and various members of my family, I'll probably end up naming my new little toy and I'd welcome any suggestions for names anyone might have. I've included a picture of the item in question for your inspiration.
Also, just an update on the blog itself. The girls and I have been overwhelmed by the amount of people who think that our Summer proposal is, simultaneously the most ridiculously awesome thing they've heard about (at least this week), so in the spirit of maintaining that, we'll be doing our best to upload as many interesting things to this site. Soon to come, videos of our music and of us rehearsing (which is sure to be hysterical), pictures of the group, and even images from the playing card-centered theme merchandise that Aspen is creating (I've seen some of it, and it's great).
So basically this post is merely to inform you all that I couldn't be more surprised about how quickly my silly idea has taken off, ergo, our Rome (the band) being built in a day.
Oh and incidentally, in response to some questions we've received about pronunciation of the band name, it goes like this (A-ode). We chose it since Aoide was the Greek muse of song.--Pepper
Also, we've (well just me actually) managed to ACCIDENTALLY purchase harp. Yup, that's right accidentally. Here is some wisdom I acquired yesterday--read everything on ebay before typing in numbers. So apparently there is this thing on ebay where you can either "buy it now" or put in your best offer, meaning that instead of competing against other buyers you simply submit an offer to the company for what you'd like to pay for the item. Unbeknownst to me, if they accept your offer, you've basically just purchased the item.
So I submitted an offer on a small Celtic harp on ebay and the next morning received an email saying, "Congratulations, now pay us our money." Therefore, a harp is now speeding across the 50 states (all the way from Florida I might add) to land at my doorstep in about a week. I've yet to try the harp, so here's hoping it sounds good. It has 22 strings (three octaves) and stands about 3 feet tall.
As is the custom among myself and various members of my family, I'll probably end up naming my new little toy and I'd welcome any suggestions for names anyone might have. I've included a picture of the item in question for your inspiration.
Also, just an update on the blog itself. The girls and I have been overwhelmed by the amount of people who think that our Summer proposal is, simultaneously the most ridiculously awesome thing they've heard about (at least this week), so in the spirit of maintaining that, we'll be doing our best to upload as many interesting things to this site. Soon to come, videos of our music and of us rehearsing (which is sure to be hysterical), pictures of the group, and even images from the playing card-centered theme merchandise that Aspen is creating (I've seen some of it, and it's great).
So basically this post is merely to inform you all that I couldn't be more surprised about how quickly my silly idea has taken off, ergo, our Rome (the band) being built in a day.
Oh and incidentally, in response to some questions we've received about pronunciation of the band name, it goes like this (A-ode). We chose it since Aoide was the Greek muse of song.--Pepper
A Penny (Whistle) for Your Thoughts, New Lyrics for the Brain
So yesterday we all went to a music store to get instruments. Question: How on earth do people who work at Renaissance Faires afford their instruments? Everything was at least $25, mostly $40, including a penny whistle! Which, by the way, sounds so off key when I bring it to my blessed lips and blow. It probably doesn't help that I learned the fingering for a whistle tuned to D rather than C. And the walls where I live are so paper thin, I'm terrified of 1: disturbing people, 2: being mocked in people's heads for my atrocious playing, and 3: getting labeled as one of "those" people. My solution? Practice in the privacy of my car. Maybe that's a little pathetic...and people who see me will think I'm even stranger than if they simply overheard me... Oh, well. Car it is.
I'm not going to lie, there are moments when I panic from this idea. Then I tell myself, "Right now, it's just a demo cd. Worry when you get accepted/rejected." The sad thing is, I think I'll worry more if I get rejected. This idea, as impoverished as it will make me, seems obtainable and nourishing for the soul (wow, that sounds a little over dramatic).
However, on a positive note, I have written lyrics for a ballad with a modern twist. It's kind of awesome and I'm proud. Do I have any idea what the teacher was lecturing on in class? No. But will that make me money? At this point, no. But my lyrics might. Ha.
So, if you see a girl playing a penny whistle in her car, don't worry, she's not mentally unbalanced (at least, we think), she's just planning on graduating college and joining the circus (to coin a phrase from her mother, lol). Oh, and I bought a tambourine! How cool is that! Ok, maybe I am a little unbalanced. --Jaenelle
I'm not going to lie, there are moments when I panic from this idea. Then I tell myself, "Right now, it's just a demo cd. Worry when you get accepted/rejected." The sad thing is, I think I'll worry more if I get rejected. This idea, as impoverished as it will make me, seems obtainable and nourishing for the soul (wow, that sounds a little over dramatic).
However, on a positive note, I have written lyrics for a ballad with a modern twist. It's kind of awesome and I'm proud. Do I have any idea what the teacher was lecturing on in class? No. But will that make me money? At this point, no. But my lyrics might. Ha.
So, if you see a girl playing a penny whistle in her car, don't worry, she's not mentally unbalanced (at least, we think), she's just planning on graduating college and joining the circus (to coin a phrase from her mother, lol). Oh, and I bought a tambourine! How cool is that! Ok, maybe I am a little unbalanced. --Jaenelle
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