Documentary Screening

On Monday the 11th of April I will be screening the "8:00 AM" documentary at 'An Outlet'. The doors are open from 19:30 PM, but the screening wont take place until 20:00 PM. Everything's in place for the night, I have spoken to everyone at the venue and everything seems to be in check. I'm really looking forward to showing the general public the documentary, I hope they fully enjoy the screening and the night. I have also made a Facebook event about the screening for close friends and family to attend. The attendance on the event is slowly building so hopefully there will be a good turnout. Lets hope its a successful night.

Mazzie - 8:00 AM Documentary Finished

Today I received the finished version of the "8:00 AM" documentary. It looks superb, I'm delighted with the finished product. Considering the time frame we've had to work in I think what we've managed to achieve in such little time is exceptional.
This whole project I have been trying to maintain I high level of professionalism and exceed certain standards I usually work at. The film crew haven't let me down one bit, the work they've put in and what they've managed to produce is exceptional. They've been a pleasure to work with and they couldn't have been more professional. I'm really looking forward to the screening of the documentary on the 11th of April.

Finishing Touches

Over the past few days I have been putting in the hours trying to get the EP finished and wrapped up before the scheduled deadline. I have also been tying up a few lose ends making sure all the tracks are mixed to my satisfaction and the standard of production is mastered to a commercial release.
I have also been working on my bandcamp page, making sure all design elements and aspects of the site are up to scratch and still carry high level of professionalism.

Mazzie - 8:00 AM Final Artwork Design

Over the past few days I have been mulling over which design to choose for my EP artwork. I have been finding it hard to put my finger on one design that really stands out for me. I have chosen a design that represents my initial vision of how I wanted the artwork to look like. I'm really happy with the overall outcome of the design, what Ayem has achieved in a short amount of time is superb. It was quite a task working with Ayem, sending him emails back and forth trying to create my vision for the EP cover, but Its been a pleasuring working with him and I will definitely be working with him again in the future.

Email to Ayem Beats:

"I have had a few days to think about it and I'm going to go with the 6.jpg! I really like how the red works with the green and blue! It just lifts the rest of the design. Hope that's OK?
If possible can you make me a bandcamp banner as well?


Thanks again for everything, its been a joy working on a professional level with you.

- Mazzie"

The final design for the EP cover

Unity Radio Review

Last night I was on Unity Radio talking about my forthcoming EP release "8:00 AM". The show was great, everyone at the station was welcoming and couldn't have made it any easier for me. This was the first time I'd done anything like this so it was a new experience for me. I had quite a lot of information to fit in so I tried to talk about the main aspects of the EP. 
I was doing this show because I wanted people to hear my music and also promote myself commercially live on air, it was a great experience and I hope the release benefits from getting this little bit of exposure. I have also been asked to go back on the show after the EP has been released to do another feature. This will be another good opportunity to try and get some more exposure and promote the EP again.

EP Artwork First Draft Development

Email from Ayem Beats:

"I'm really happy you like it man, that's great news.
Nice eye with the 8am section, I knew something was a bit off, but couldn't really put my eye on it (and I dare call myself a graphic designer). I've uploaded some different versions of the artwork, let me know what you think. Being the indecisive person that I am, I couldn't really settle on one so I thought I'd let you pick one from the bunch. Hopefully there's one in there that you like, if not back to the drawing board.

Regards
Ayem"

Ayem sent me some different versions of the artwork and there were three designs that really stood out for me.

EP Artwork First Draft Development

Email to Ayem Beats:

"What you've done is great, I'm really impressed with what you've managed to achieve.
Everything looks great, I don't really need to change anything really, although could the '8:00 AM' bit be a different colour? Maybe a blue/green?

Thanks again, I appreciate the hard work you've done for me

- Mazzie"

EP Artwork First Draft

Today I got the first draft of my EP artwork back from Ayem Beats. The artwork looks great and I'm really pleased with what he's come up with. He's managed to take everything into account that I told him, and designed a piece of work that was close to vision I wanted him to achieve.

Email from Ayem Beats:

"Alright man
I've attached the cover I've come up with. I Was going to send it to you yesterday but it totally slipped my mind, sorry about that!
Let me know your thoughts on it. Like it, hate it, need some changes etc.

Regards
Ayem"

Here's the first draft of the EP cover

Recording With Dr Syntax

Today I had a recording session in the SSL with Dr Syntax. I was really excited about working with him as I've always listened to his music since I was a teenager. It was an honor to be in the same studio as him. The session was great it had a real professional feel about it, we both shared ideas on how we could develop the track and what techniques could we use to improve the recording of the vocals. I'm really happy that I've managed to work with someone who's established themselves in the industry and cemented a renowned reputation in the UK Hip Hop scene. The material we managed to gather from the session sounds superb and once its been mixed with the rest of the track I'm hopeful that the overall finished product will sound on point and to my satisfaction.

Dr Syntax

Second Filming Session With The Film Crew

Today I had my second filming session with the film crew from Chester University. The material we've managed to gather from the studio sessions so far looks superb, I'm highly anticipating the final outcome of the project. Having the film crew available to shoot the documentary has been lifesaver, its given me more time to concentrate on the production of the EP and tie up any lose ends with the rest of the project. Today I was discussing on camera what I wanted to achieve from bringing out the EP and how working in a studio gives you more freedom and creativity supposed to making music in your own studio at home.

Chosen Alarm Clock Design

I have chosen a digital clock design that I want to base my idea around for the EP artwork. Ayem will take the look and shape of the clock and try to re-create my vision and construct a design that fits the criteria for my EP.

This is the digital alarm clock that we will be basing our design on

Email to Ayem Beats:

"I'm glad the concept and idea is something you can work with. The images I've sent you are decent, but small and the quality of the images aren't great! I really like some of the ones you've sent me, especially the 6th jpg. Is it possible to base our design around the shape and look of that clock? I'm not too sure about the circular shape on the side tho, can that be removed if possible?

As this is a University project I have to have the project wrapped up by the 14th of April! would the artwork be finished by then?

I'm in all night on my computer so if you have any question don't hesitate to contact me.

- Mazzie"

EP Art Work Development

Over the past few days I have been working closely with Ayem Beats developing and discussing ideas for my EP artwork. I have been throwing ideas at him to try and make it easier for him to create my vision of what I want the design to look like.

As the EP's called "8:00 AM" I'm going along with a digital time theme for the cover. I'm going to have a modern sleek digital alarm clock design with "8:00 AM" on the clock face. I want the design to have an ambient touch to it as this will reflect on the whole vibe and feel of the EP.
We have both been sending each other pictures of digital clocks so we can base the overall design on a specific look and shape.

Email from Ayem Beats

"I'm really feeling the whole concept/theme you've come up with, I love making those types of covers.

I have attached some images I dug up as well. I didn't have much luck finding stainless steel clocks aside from the first one, but I was able to find some sleek looking ones. I also found some retro looking ones that reminded me of old school music production equipment/synthesizers, but you asked for a modern sleek look so its up to you. If you find any of them interesting let me know.

As far as payment, I usually don't start work on a project until I receive half up front, but since you seem like an honest dude we will worry about the money once everything is said and done.

Let me know what you think and I'll get started on a draft asap.

Regards
Ayem"

Some Designs we've been looking at:

Ball Rolling For The EP Artwork

After receiving an email from Ayem Beats about the EP artwork I sent him an email back about a few ideas for the artwork and how we could possibly develop them and achieve my vision for the EP cover.

Email to Ayem Beats:

"Yeah its Mazzie from Louis Den!
I was holding out and hoping you'd reply and you did! I think I'm only going to need a front cover done. Its going to be a free download project and wont be put out as a physical CD so I don't think I will need the back done.

The EP's going to be called "8:00 AM" the reason why is because I have been getting up at that time for the past 6 months doing University work which is how the name came about.

Title of the EP: "Mazzie - 8:00 AM"

I'm personally not going to be on the cover, but I thought of an idea of having a sleek stainless steel digital alarm clock design with "8:00 AM" in green writing on the clock. Have my name at the top of the cover not on the clock itself tho.

Maybe give the whole design itself an ambient feel and touch to it as the music is quite ambient based itself.

I can give more info and suggest other stuff as we develop ideas

I've attached a few photo's of some clocks that you could maybe base a design on?

Let me know if your down and we can sort payment out etc...

Thanks again man

- Mazzie"

Email From Ayem Beats (Album Art)

I received an email back from Ayem Beats about the album art for my EP.

Email from Ayem Beats:

"Mazzie from Louis Den yeah? Sorry for not getting back to you for a while, I keep forgetting to check this old e-mail.

Don't worry I'm still fairly new to this too. Alright so here's how it goes, send me your ideas on what you want on the artwork, including the title for the EP, photos you may want me to use (in hi resolution if possible), etc. It helps if you go into details as it will help me achieve your vision.

As far as prices, if you're just looking to get the front done it will be somewhere around $50 (£30 I believe) it could be more or less depending on the project, and around $65 (£40) for a front and back.

You probably might have already got another designer since I took so long to reply, but if you're still interested, could you do me a favor and reply at allaemo@gmail.com since I hardly use this one.

Regards
Ayem"

Mazzie - 8:00 AM Album Art

This week I have been sorting out the album art for my forthcoming EP "8:00 AM". As the EP is going to be released free digitally and not put out as a physical CD I'm only going to get the artwork for the front cover done. I've got a graphic designer called 'Ayem Beats' from America working on the artwork at the moment. Fellow UK artists who I know put me onto his work as he has done numerous project for similar artists in the industry.

Email to Ayem Beats:

"Hi there,
I'm a good friend of Wizards, he put me onto you about designing some album art! The stuff you did for his album was great and I'm looking to get something done for my EP if possible? I'm bringing out a 3 track EP at the end of april and will be released as a free download. I was wondering if its possible to get something done and maybe discuss some ideas with you?

This is my first release so I've never really done this sort of thing before. If you could let me know about prices etc it would be much appreciated.

Regards
Mazzie"

Some artwork his has done for a fellow producer:

Filming For The Documentary

It was the first day of filming for the documentary. The group from Chester University turned up a couple hours early before the studio session so we could discuss in detail what would be happening and how the day would pan out. It was very professional, the group had industry standard cameras and top of the range lighting, it all looked very impressive.

They first filmed a section about me for the documentary, I had to explain what the project was about and what goals did I want to achieve from creating the EP. They then filmed me and Nick Gozem in the studio working together and discussing ideas. They also filmed a section on Nick asking him a number of questions about why he liked working with me and what did he like about working with different genres of music.

The first filming session went really well, the group were easy to work with and the material captured for the documentary looked very impressive. I have high hopes for the finished product.

Final Recording Session With Nick Gozem

Today I had my final recording session with Nick Gozem in the SSL. We've managed to record the final bits of material for the EP and everything's sounding great.The tracks themselves are pretty much finished all I need to do now is record the vocals which I will be doing later on this week. Throughout the course of the EP I've been lucky enough to have Nick Gozem available to come into the studio and record material for the EP. He's been a big influence throughout the making of this EP and with the material I have managed to gather from the sessions I've been able to create and construct substantial pieces of work at a professional standard.

Dr Syntax Studio Session On The 30th Of March

On the 30th of March I will be in the SSL studio recording with Dr Syntax for one of the tracks off my EP. The track itself is pretty much finished I just need to add some extra instrumentation once the vocals have been recorded.

Unity Radio Manchester

I was at a gig the other night and I met a guy who does a show on Monday nights at Unity Radio called 'The C'mon Feet Elements Show'. I told him what I was studying at University and mentioned to him that I was currently working on an EP. I explained to him my aims and objectives for the major project module and mentioned about doing a live show on a radio station. He seemed really interested in the concept of the EP and wanted to hear more about it.
I spoke to him the next day and he asked me to do a feature on his show which I jumped at the chance to do. I will be appearing on Unity Radio on Monday April the 4th to talk about the EP and play a few tracks live on air.

Unity Radio

8:00 AM Video Documentary

As outlined in my major project aims and objectives, I will be creating a short video documentary about the process and making of my EP. I was personally going to be filming and editing the documentary myself, but I have recently been in contact with some students at Chester University about filming and editing the documentary which they have kindly agreed to do.
It not only helps me out, but it helps them out as they will also make this project become one of their modules at University.

This really helps me out in a big way and gives me more time to focus on the actual making of the EP. I have spoken to the group about when the film has to be finished by and when the screening of the documentary will be.
My first filming session will be on the 22nd of March, I will probably meet up with the group before hand to discuss what I want to achieve from the session.

Email Back From Dr Syntax

I received an email back from Dr Syntax this morning about the track I sent him the other day for my EP. He really liked what I sent him and has started putting pen to paper. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we'll be in the studio recording the vocals and getting the track finished and finalized.

Email from Dr Syntax:

"Nice one Mazzie for the track. The beat sounds great! I've got something started but its no way near finished. I'm really pleased with how it's going so far tho, the track has a lot of potential.  I will keep u posted and updated on how its all going.

- Syntax"

Venue For My Documentary Screening Confirmed

I did a little bit of research into venues for the screening of my short documentary. I found one venue that fits the bill perfectly. I'm screening the documentary at a place called 'An Outlet' which is situated just behind the back of Piccadilly.
I went to check the venue out the other day to see what facilitys it had to offer and also have a chat with the manager about what I wanted to do on the night. The venue itself is quite quirky, but has a great atmosphere and a nice warm feel about it. It has a large projector and a PA which is ideal for what I want to do

The screening of the documentary will be on Monday the 11th of April at 20:00 PM

'An Outlet' Google Maps

Artist And Studio Costs

With this project I have been extremely fortunate to acquire the skills of the majority of artists featuring on the EP for free. This helps me out in a big way as I can look to spend other funds on my EP artwork and put aside any money I may need to hire out a venue for my documentary screening. When it comes to recording the artists I will be using the studios at University so I wont have to budget and put aside any funds for hiring out any of the studios.

Email to Pete Cannon

I've known Pete Cannon for a number of years, we both used to produce music together every so often so we have a good understanding on how we both like to work. He's widely known as a producer, but his talents don't stop there, he also dj's, raps and sings and is currently part of a Hip Hop group called 'Tactical Thinkin'.

I've asked Pete Cannon to sing on one of my tracks for the EP which he has happily agreed to do.

"Hello Pete

Here's the beat

I've just done a rough bounce of the track so you can get you're teeth into it. I've still got some live instrumentation I want to add back in the studio, plus I still need to record some bass guitar to give the track that well rounded finish.  I'm also going to add some more synth work when the vocals are done, it will be easier this way as I'll be able to adapt the added MIDI once the vocals are down.

I've structured the track so there's an 8 bar intro an 8 bar hook, 16 bar verse, 8 bar hook etc.....I've made the track quite long for now so its easier for you to write to. If you come up with any ideas email me so we can discuss them.

I hope you like the track! Thanks again.

- Mazzie"

Pete Cannon - Bandcamp

Email To Dr Syntax

"Hello Mr Syntax

Here's the beat....

At the moment there's no bass in the track I did record some in the studio the other day, but it wasn't sounding on point and I wasn't happy with the recording so I've decided to re-record it on Thursday. There's a few other bits and bobs I want to add to the track and there's a few bits of instrumentation i want to incorporate as well. I'll do this tho when the vocals are recorded so I can structure it a little more.

I've structured the beat so there's a 4 bar intro....then a 8 bar hook, 16 bar verse, 8 bar hook, 16 bar verse, 8 bar hook etc...I've made the beat really long for now just so its easier for you to write to. There isn't really a concept for the EP so if you want to talk to me about a concept and develop any ideas in the studio I'm all ears.

For the EP there's a theme running as well....I'm doing double time beats (70 BPM) I'm pretty tired of standard boom bap Hip Hop at the moment, I want to try something different and work outside my comfort zone.

Let me know when you're ready to record as I can try and book the studio out for a whole day so we don't have to worry about getting everything done in a rush.

Hope you like it! Thanks again.

 - Mazzie"

Dr Syntax - Bandcamp

Recording Bass And Electric Guitar With Nick Gozem

Today I had a recording session in the SSL with Nick Gozem which went considerably well. We were recording bass and electric guitar for a track I'm doing with Dr Syntax. I've worked with Nick before and we both have similar ideas when it comes to recording. What usually happens is he plays something that he thinks fits with the track and I then develop the ideas he comes up with. I then put these ideas into place and create something that can become a strong body of work. We both have a good understanding of how we both like to work, I think this is something that's needed when your working in a professional environment.

Commercial Release

I'm going to be releasing the EP as a free download as I'm not looking to make any money from the material being released. I'm releasing the EP free because as a producer I need to establish myself in the industry and gain some recognition and exposure which is why the only way to gain these aspects is to release the project as a free download. I was originally thinking of releasing the EP through a company called 'Ditto Music'. Ditto Music is a great way of releasing your music if your an independent artist. Ditto Music enables you to put your music on such sites like iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, Emusic, Tesco, HMV, and 7digital. You also keep a 100% of your image rights and royalties. I personally think this is an incredible service for any aspiring artist looking to release their music on the net. If I wasn't releasing my EP as a free download and was looking to make money from royalties and sales this would be the service I would consider choosing.

I have decided I'm going to release my EP through bandcamp. Bandcamp is a simple way to share your music online and promote yourself as an independent artists. One of the great features about bandcamp is that you can set your profile so when someone downloads a song from you on your page, you can attain their email address which enables you to send them exclusive tracks in the future or keep them upto date with any up and coming shows. This is a really good way of maintaining a solid fan base.

Ditto Muisc

bandcamp

Major Project Proposal - Aims & Objectives

I'm going to create an EP and release it digitally via bandcamp. Bandcamp is a music hosting website that enables independent artists to share their music on the internet for free. I have not set a date for the official release, but the EP will be available as a free download. As well as making the EP I am also going to look at contacting a couple of local radio stations about possibly doing a feature and get involved in promoting the EP commercially live on air.

Instead of putting a live show on at a venue with the artists featuring on the EP I have decided to take a different approach and create a short documentary about the process and development of the EP. I will record short interviews with the artists featuring on the release and get their opinions on how the EP is developing and how they find working with me. I will also include video diaries and keep the viewer up to date on the process of the EP and how certain elements of the project are developing. I will also film the studio sessions and document certain aspects of the production.
Once all the material has been captured and edited, I will then put on a screening at a chosen venue and screen the documentary to friends, family and the general public.

Second Recording Session With RC

Today I had another recording session in the SSL with RC. I was feeling a bit skeptical about the track we'd been working on as I personally didn't think it was good enough to make the cut for the EP. We both had another listen to the track in the studio and discussed ideas on how we could develop the piece and enhance its characteristics. After spending another day in the studio working on the track and working closely with RC I still feel that the overall piece doesn't have that cutting edge and I'm doubtful that the track will make the EP.

Recording Session With RC

I had my first recording session with RC in the SSL today which went well considering the time frame we had to work in

RC's an artist who I'd worked with before I came to Manchester three years ago. What I like about him is he's not afraid to tell you how to improve certain elements of a track, he urges you to work at a certain level and maintain that level of professionalism.

We managed to get half of the track done and its sounding good, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done to it to get it sounding like a full body of work.

Commercial Recording

I started to think about quality control and maintaining a level of professionalism throughout the course of making the EP.  As some of the artists featuring on the EP wouldn't be coming to Manchester to record the vocals in the studio, it got me thinking whether I wanted to risk them recording the material in their own studios and then giving it back to me to mix.
When it comes to recording artists up here in the studios I know that the material will sound on point and to my satisfaction. I have to think long and hard about if I want the artists who can't make it to Manchester to record the material and send it back to me.

First Track For The EP Complete

The EP is fully underway and coming along nicely. The first track is complete and will feature an artist from Manchester called R.C.

Tomorrow I will be having a meeting with R.C to chat about the track, so we can put our heads together and share ideas on how to structure the overall finished product.

For the EP I'm mainly producing all the tracks in Logic 8, this will be the main audio workstation I will use to construct the majority of the tracks. I will also be adding live instrumentation back in the studio and also when it comes to the mixing and mastering stages of the tracks this will be done in the Neve.