At my projects core, there are 3 different processes that I will need to become proficient at in order to be successful. I need to 1) be consistently writing fully structured songs. After I have a large collection of song, I’ll need to choose which ones I want to take to the next phase. 2) Recording/Mixing/Audio Production. Do I have the equipment and skills required to make a professional sounding record in my room? After I have a collection of songs I want to release, I need to 3) develop and manage ad campaigns through Facebook ads manager.
Prototype 1
My first prototype is developing a songwriting process that will help me consistently create material that I could potentially use on my project. This is the part of my project that I am struggling with most at this point of the year. I spoke to James McDermott, lead singer/songwriter for the band Bay Faction, about his songwriting process, and used this to create my own routine that fits in my schedule.
I have 3 methods of writing songs that I rotate through during my time songwriting. These are:
- Melody first songwriting
- Chords first songwriting
- Free recording/experimentation
If I’m feeling uninspired with one method I try another until something sticks. My goal is to create 2 “rough ideas/song concepts” and one structured song ever 2 days. This will give me a library of material to work with over winter break while I record. A deliverable for this could be rough demos I’ve recorded or the notebook of songs I have written.
Prototype 2
Now that songs are written, will I be able to execute my project and create good sounding recordings? What will the sonic style and aesthetic of my project be? This prototype will answer that.
I have two songs fully recorded. Right now they are demos but I think they will end up on the final project after being polished. I’ve been working with Mark in the IMM department to improve my mixes.
Prototype 3
My third prototype is to help me with the digital marketing campaign I run to promote the release. After talking to my friend who does freelance digital marketing solutions, experience is the most important thing to do to get good at this. I will be running a campaign in late November for another project I’m working on.