What does Sonic sound like?
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I'm really trying to lay low on the Flood Empty Lakes-related posts here. I've always had a negative feeling towards the artists who come on MOG just to promote themselves, only posting their own stuff, not bothering to listen to anyone else. And yet, since my own project has started to take off, I find myself talking more and more about my own music, which leaves less MOG time for me to listen to you guys.
Which is what I hate.
So, while I will keep you updated as long as you appear interested, I'm going to try and keep the posts less FEL-related and more other-music-related. Unless I have something real and specific to post. And this time, I think I do:
The question in the title is one that we in the band have been kicking around for a couple of days now. The band is taking off, and in the next couple of months we have at least four or five shows (more, if we do well in the Battle of the Bands in March). So things are well, and now we've decided it's time to turn our attention to a question that I've never really considered before: what kind of visual presence do we want to have on stage?
While I believe that a band's merit should be judged on its music alone, it's no lie that an engaging visual presence is not a bad thing. From the way the band stands on stage (or sits, if you're old Genesis or King Crimson), to the question of clothing, etc -- these are things I've never cared about, and yet we're discussing them. I have no desire for matching outfits, or choreography, or anything like that, but I would like for us to have some sort of unique visual presence on stage. But what form should that take? We have sort of adopted an unofficial slogan of "Sonic Rock for a New Age," and we are trying to figure out how that sonic presence would make itself known, visually.
I remember the second time I saw Magma, they all came out on stage wearing black, and each of them had on sunglasses. The sunglasses all had a red light on them that went back and forth across the lens a la Knight Rider-style, and while sounding strange, it was incredibly cool. And it fit the vibe they were going for. So what about us? Those of you that have heard our music, what vibe do you think fits us, visually? Personally, I'd love each of us to have laser beams on our glasses that cut through fog, making a moving light show as we twirl our heads around, and . . .
whatever. Just for the sonicness of it, one of my favorite cuts from one of the most sonic albums ever . . . "Soul Asylum" by The Cult. Dig it.
Locating MOG account...
Comments (12)
Hmmm. To get into the mood to provide some input here, I have Strata Illuminata (Part 1) going in the background.
I'm trying to stay focused and not distracted in order to "see" what comes onto the stage as the song plays.
To me the stage starts out dark. You know, the anticipation builder during the opening bass introduction? I see Black Lights illuminating from atop the technonology cases on each side of the stage and from behind the drum kit. As the song builds to crescendo, the ever brightening blue glo is highlighting band members who, dressed in white, are dressed in blue, including their bright shiny cuspids. Faces and hands are not to be seen.
Fade to black again after the first movement and perhaps a small strobe somewhere in the back. But the strobe has to be subtle, not overdone as is too often the case.
Zero in on the drummer as he plays his military style bridge. The screen that now gradually becomes visible in the background shimmers to the bass that Chuck is laying down.
View from high looking down on the keyboards, again highlighted in black/blue light.
Strobe moves in again and builds in intensity, cancelling out the black light on alternative beats as we start getting improved glimpses of each band member, heads down, intent on their instruments, one with the music. The light gets brighter and brighter and brighter.
And the last riff, up the scale and down, is played in total blackness.
This is a band who came to present music and mystery, with a healthy dose of egoless, yet intensely high emotional presentation.
No gimmicks needed here.
This, is Flood Empty Lakes.
I've always been of the opinion that you only start to worry about the visual when you don't think the aural is working. I may be (no, I am) idealistic, but music to me exists on a plane beyond the visual and can be enjoyed and appreciated by a blind person as well as a sighted one.
Worry about what you put forth, not what you put on
such a great band, once again another favorite for me to play on Guitar Hero. As for what sonic sounds like, does this help?
ha ha, kevin. And i didn't realize it until now, but I mislabeled this post. I meant to call it what does sonic look like?
inrumford--even though my post might not sound like it, i tend to agree with you. I don't want us to be judged on anything besides our music. Still, I wouldn't mind a cool visual appearance as well. I'm not sure how to reconcile those two things, honestly, which I guess is one of the reasons I've sent this question into the MOS.
John--wow, you really thought that through! More than I ever have. An interesting visual trip, there, my friend. And food for thought as well. I thank you.
Keeping the nature of your music in mind, I'd go for low lights + darkness, and minimalistic aesthetics as far as clothes are concerned. Two piece clothing, single coloured, no accessories. My 2 pence :)
There also the way where everyone isn't dressed the same but are so far out individually that they are just f*&^in crazy.
Gnarls Barkley also has a great concept of changing costumes/theme each time. Don't they?
costumes are great, but don't forget that subtly goes quite far
we have been talking about the different characters of our band, a way to give each person their individuality back, but the chance to play a part as well. I'm thinking of Gorrilaz as a polar example of this
That an interesting topic, my take is I go to watch and listen, if people turn up dressed like they dont give a rats ass they have to be pretty dam good to hold me. I like to beleive them while Im listening, I like to be taken on their journey for a bit but I dont care how cool they look, if they sound like crap the buck stops there for me.
I gave a couple of buskers $20 the other day, they were in Wellington city playing Dylan, they were wearing pointy shoes, wind blown hair, suit coats etc and they played it like they understood it, I really appreciated that
Like Kev, I also expected hedgehog music. Oh well.
hey man, hope last night was a rockin' good time!
While we're at it, let's change outfits every different shot of videos!