Technology

Music, Film and Music Video

Music and Film has influenced each other since the music was used in movies. Music has impacts on visual perception and vice versa. 

• In 1920s, music became an important part in films.  It guides viewers into narratives. It goes along with storytelling, mood, and clarifies the plot. 
• The influence of visual information on the perception and interpretation of music performances can indeed change the way viewers experience music.  
• In 1980s, the born of music video and music television (MTV) has a profound impact on music industry. Viewers are receivers; they receive the obvious value, and the messages on visual, and couldn’t get the metaphors in music.

Music Digitalization

In nowadays, information travels fast in digital world, and so is music. Music can be composed, updated and spread online, and can be heard a million times over night. 

In other words, it is easy to get famous, but it is also easy to fall out.

Interaction

The interaction between audience and performers has changed through technology. Audience participation is not a new concept. In 1880s, music was performed in music halls where sing alongs and audience participation took place. 

• 1880s: Music halls
• 1920s: Mass singing performances survived on sports events and clubs
• 1960s: The Beatles was born and its yellow submarine revives the music hall ideal of audience participation. 
• 1980s to present: TV, gigs, sports events, clubs, or even online.

John Cage: Creating music was a process that initiated by the composer or performer, but completed by the audience.

Example: Bobby McFerrin

As technology advanced, performances with spectacular lighting, stereo, and visual effects are common nowadays. But the more I experience it, the more I feel like we are only receivers to these technological platforms. 

Example: Superbowl 2012 and 1993

Multimedia Platform

Internet has enormously changed the way music is distributed. 

Music has to be assigned for a new value. "The product is no longer the music in and off itself. The product is the musician’s story and the experience of being part of it,”-Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber’s manager.

The role of graphic designers in collaborating with musicians can be as important as musicians itself. I believe in the co-creating environment, graphic designers and musicians can growing together, feeding and informing the other.

  

Note: Before the music dies (Documentary)