Friday, September 3rd, 2010
We had the chance to catch up with the creator of One Hello World. The description of the project on it’s official website is as follows: “Leave me a voicemail and I’ll write music behind your narrative. Call it a soundtrack to your thoughts. Leave me a message: (316) 247-0421″. The response has been astounding, with voicemails being left from around the globe. He then creates a backing soundtrack to the voicemails. Some of the voicemails are extremely personal and honest and the soundtracks add even more depth to the tracks. One particularly heart-wrenching example of someone calling in can be found here.
By Rodney Brown
So, you’ve got a pretty awesome idea on your hands. Where did “One Hello World” come from?
I was recording some music by myself one day and thought “It would be really cool to have people, from across the globe, speak their mind over this track.” So, I setup a voicemail and asked the world to pitch in.
The backing soundtracks you add to the voicemails are amazing. How long have you been making music?
Thank you. I’ve been making music for 21 years.
How do you choose which calls you will turn into a soundtrack?
I don’t have a specific method. However, I notice that the tracks that are most appealing to me have a few common characteristics. There’s the obvious aspects, such as: the quality of the signal and clarity of speech. I like the voicemails that have a certain rhythm or pace to them, not so much that it’s like poetry or rapping, but to where the caller’s monologue has its own flow or movement. Most important is the feeling that the person is being genuine, relating their story or views much in the same way I imagine they would with family or a close friend.
Have getting all of these emotional and inspiring calls affected you in anyway? Some of them are pretty intense…
Most of the phone calls I’m receiving identify with some aspect of my life, whether it’s something I experienced in the past or deal with currently. At the moment, I’m personally going through big changes and some of the recent callers really speak for how I feel.
Any favorite calls you’ve received? What was it?
Hmmm… since I’ve received hundreds of phone calls, this question is kind of like asking me what the favorites of my favorites are. However, if you asked me: “What was the one track that I felt I most effectively added a soundtrack to?”, I’d have to pick “Movies When You Die”. On the first listen of that voicemail, I immediately heard the whole score in my head. As I was building the recording, I kept hearing additional layers. It was a really dynamic experience, and I hope to have similar sessions in the future.
The soundtracks you compose aren’t always strictly classical. What kind of music inspires you?
The core of my music training lies in classical and jazz. However, my listening diet draws across a very wide spectrum (from bluegrass to hip hop, or classical to hardcore), thereby making my “inspiration playlist” similarly diverse. While music originating in various cultures across the globe appeals to me, the music I create is pretty faithful to the legacy of American styles. With that said, some of my musical heroes hail from abroad, such as film score composer Hans Zimmer, performing artists Portishead, Bjork and Cinematic Orchestra. I’m also keen to Madlib, Sufjan Stevens and George Gershwin.
Can we get any glimpse into the gear and/or programs you use to compose?
I have an 88 key weighted keyboard, a 16 pad drum trigger, and Logic Studio Pro 8 on my laptop. For the gear heads out there: Korg Triton-TR, Korg padKONTROL, and a MacBook Pro.
Seems you have no problem composing scores. Ever think about doing professional work? Movies maybe?
If a movie studio approached me to do a soundtrack, I would certainly consider it.
Alright, so if you like composing, you must have a favorite Disney song. Spill it.
Call me a sucker but, “The Circle of Life” is pretty rad.
“One Hello World” is fairly new on the scene. How do you expect it to evolve over time?
Right now, I’d like to receive even more international calls; if anything, I hope this would illustrate just how universal the human experience is. Short term, I have a band in the works and we’re going to see if we can get the project to translate to a live show. Big, fluffy dream? I’d like to be able to tour the world full time, playing this music.
Um.. I lost my number, can I borrow yours?
(316) 247-0421 – call anytime. I listen to everything. If you want to chat, I can receive texts at that number too.
Final thought: Any idea on what The Rock was REALLY cooking?
An acting career, apparently.
Banner and picture by http://waterandink.tumblr.com/
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
by Melissa Brooks
People, Places & Spaces is an urban photography exhibit at DWNTWN Skate Supply (644 Hyde Street, SF) that kicked off to a nice crowd Thursday night. The exhibit highlights scenes from the streets of the bay area by Brad Evans, Travis Jensen, and Troy Holden. It runs thru September 19th so check it out!
DWNTWN
Travis & Brad
“Frank Chu: Answer to the Meaning” by Travis
“Six Two Nine Six” by Troy
“H1N1″ by Brad
Friday, August 20th, 2010
By Brittany Coleman
After spending a nice weekend in Houston, Texas with her family, Chauntelle DuPree from Eisley spared a few moments to tell me about her love of art.
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chauntelle_art
Twitter: http://twitter.com/chauntelled
When did you start painting and sketching?
I’m the oldest of six kids and we never had enough money for professional lessons, though I was able to take a few small classes from a nice woman here in my town for a couple of months. I still basically taught myself how to draw, though. I set it aside for a good 8 years when I began playing guitar for the band. I just recently got back into doing art.
What are your favorite mediums to use? Paints, charcoals, pencils, pens?
I mainly sketched while growing up. But my favorite medium right now is acrylic paints. I also like to use other things such as pencils, charcoals and watercolors.
How do you choose which medium you’ll use?
I take requests, so whatever the person requests is what I’ll use.
What are your favorite scenes to draw?
I’m obsessed with Disney, so I really love to draw people and cartoons. I also love trees, ships and anything that’s sci-fi, so I try to incorporate those as well.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced with your art?
Well since I wasn’t professionally trained, I’ve tired to overcome my insecurities. It’s hard not to compare myself to other artists. Also, my dad is a graphic designer and he gives me tips all the time, and I love it because I hold his artistic opinions really high.
What inspired you to paint “Transcend the Red Moon”?
Books by C.S. Lewis inspired me to draw the trees like an aisle going down the center. And at the time, I had been reading the sci-fi novel Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. The person that requested the painting had no style preference. So a lot of that painting’s design is inspired from those books.
What inspired you to draw “Boy Under the Stars”?
Before we got married, my husband said he wanted a piece of art with stars and trees and a boy. So I decided to paint this for him for his birthday.
Do you listen to music when you draw?
I’m almost always listening to music. It’s such a huge part of my life! When I’m painting or sketching I have to have music playing or I feel restricted, creatively. I find that it really inspires me and even motivates me!
With the success from your band, how do you find time to draw?
I’ve had a lot of downtime lately. Currently, the band is in a legal struggle with Warner Brothers (our x record label). We’re trying to get them to release our music to us so we can get back on the road with these new songs. Until then, doing art at home is really helping me cope with all that frustration.
Has there been anyone in your personal life who has influenced your art?
My Dad has always inspired me, since he’s a very talented graphic designer. But my sister Sherri has also truly inspired me. Sherri draws a lot of ink drawings and sells them, and she would always say to me, “I never know why you quit, you were so good!”
Are you currently working on any paintings/drawings, or a series of drawings?
Actually, my sister Sherri and I are both collaborating our art on some custom electric guitars that my husband Todd is building. He’s a very talented luthie. My band plays all his, ‘LaRose’, guitars. We’re excited to see people’s reaction to these unique instruments!
I just finished the acrylic painting with the strange grey tree and orange moons over the ocean, for someone this week. I basically just draw whatever people ask me too. I imagine that I’ll do my own series someday as well.
Would you ever consider making art a part of your career?
If there is more of a demand, then yes, I’ll pursue an artistic career. But right now I’m just testing out the waters and having fun with it.
Who is your favorite artist/painter?
Norman Rockwell is definitely one of my all time favorites! I also like Van Gogh and all the colors he used.
What is your favorite piece of art that you’ve created? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite piece is a drawing of a little girl I drew when I was 14. The little girl is holding a flower in her hand and blowing it. When I had my daughter, I noticed that the picture looks just like my daughter.
