Ian A. MacLaverty LBST-D601:
Graduate Project Proposal Seminar
Fall 2005 – Keen
MLS Final Project Proposal:
A Concept Album
Due: 12/16/05
Concept Album Proposal
A. Project Goal:
The overall goal of my Spring 2006 Master’s project is to record a musical album of original songs. I would like to propose that I will write, perform, arrange, record, and produce a full length musical album on compact disc. The album will consist of approximately 12 to 15 original songs. The album will be put together as a collection of songs that are connected together by some type of theme or concept. The individual songs will contribute to an overall mood of the album. The songs will include past written works along with new material. The style of the music and lyrics will range from acoustic rock, groovy pop, country, and folk. All songs will be written and played on acoustic guitar. Backing music, including drums, bass, piano, etc., will be performed by self selected studio musicians. I will facilitate the entire creative process. The project will be both musical and artistic in nature. Completing the project will help to gain a better understanding of the musical recording process. The project will be an example of creative self expression. My desire and motivation to record this album will push me to do my best work. The overall experience will be challenging, personally rewarding, and will help to further my love and passion for music. When the process is finished I will have a tangible result that will reflect this passion. I will then share these results through some type of public performance. Ultimately, the entire process will contribute to the final graduate project for a Masters of Liberal Studies.
B. Context
In order to fully understand this creative work, I will be using several literary references to help guide me throughout the creative process. I will also draw from many of my musical influences during the making of the album. Among my literary references: How-To books, Need-To-Know books, music textbooks, and songwriting guides. Among my musical influences: Family, friends, local and amateur musicians, and many professional musicians including but not limited to, Jonathan Edwards, Gerry Rafferty, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Ryan Adams, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Leo Kotke, Tom T. Hall, Van Morrison, John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. In addition to musical and literary references, I will also have a more personal point of reference. Throughout the duration of this project I will keep a personal journal documenting the details of making this album. By keeping a journal I will be able to amplify the content of this project through written thought. This daily journal will be a literary aspect of a mostly musical project. The journal may be in the form of an electronic weblog. It will most likely reveal my state of mind during the recording sessions, along with my feelings in regards to context, group dynamics, collaboration, genre, difficulties, and the different aspects that make up the process of recording an album.
C. Preparation
I have been playing rhythm guitar for about ten years. I bought my first six string acoustic guitar in 1994. I began teaching myself chords and gradually moved on to playing different patterns and rhythms. After months of learning how to change chords, I finally learned a few easy-to-play songs. I really enjoyed playing and I eventually became more interested in writing my own tunes. Since that time, I have composed the music and lyrics to over fifty songs. I have played several open mic nights, festivals, charity events, and other live gigs. Some of the venues I have played include but are not limited to: Front Porch Music, Barnes & Nobles, Acoustock Music Festival, The Freight Station, The Old Style Inn, The Court Restaurant, Java in the Attic, Murky Waters, Trailside Lodge, The Bourgeois Pig, Gracie’s Pub, Blue Café, and Mick & Keith’s Electric Ice Cream Shop. In addition to performing live I have also contributed to other musicians’ studio recordings. I appear on Chance Lindsley’s 2001 studio album, Smile and Breath and on his upcoming 2006 studio release, Heavy. With the exception of self-made demo cassettes, I have never recorded any of my own material. This will be a new and exciting experience for me. With several live performances, a fair amount of written material, and some past studio time, I feel that I have enough experience to successfully create my own album of original songs. Although I do not have an academic background in music or any formal training in the performing arts, I feel my real world experience in music and performing will contribute to the making of this album. I will also utilize my creative writing, communication, and organizational skills that I have learned throughout my academic career as both an undergraduate and graduate student.
D. Method
The recording of this album will be done entirely in a professional recording studio. I have made tentative arrangements to record at Beartraks Recording Studio in Valparaiso, Indiana. Beartraks Studio is affiliated with Valparaiso’s community radio station, WVLP 98.3 FM. Studio owner and producer Rick Watson will be responsible for the technical aspects of recording and will assist in the production, arrangement, and mixing of the studio recordings. He may also appear as a studio musician on the recorded album. Other studio musicians will be needed at certain times during the recording process. The selection of studio musicians will be based on certain musical criteria, availability and cost.