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Crumlish, C. (2021) Sleep Token live review: The country’s most captivating band. Available at: https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1524776/sleep-token-live-gig-review-vessel.

Roars, B. (2021) “What makes Amy Lee (Evanescence) great? — Beth Roars,” Beth Roars [Preprint]. Available at: https://www.bethroars.com/singing-blog-tips/what-makes-amy-lee-evanescence-great.

Rowley, E. (2021) “Performance Review: Paramore, "Last Hope",” DilemmaEntertainment, 7 September. Available at: https://www.dilemmaentertainment.com/post/performance-review-paramore-only-hope.

West, T. and West, T. (2023) “Paramore on bringing out the best in each other - BRICKS magazine,” BRICKS Magazine - If you have a voice, use it., 24 March. Available at: https://bricksmagazine.co.uk/2023/02/07/paramore-on-bringing-out-the-best-in-each-other/#:~:text=For%20their%20latest%20record%2C%20Paramore,they%20are%20to%20tour%20here.

Waldrop, W. and Waldrop, W. (2023) “Sleep Token Reach A Million Monthly Listeners On Spotify,” Metal Shell[Preprint]. Available at: https://metalshell.net/sleep-token-reach-a-million-monthly-listeners-on-spotify/.

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As a member of the dynamic 4-piece band 'Forget Simplicity', we are excited to announce our upcoming EP release scheduled for April 2023. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Paramore, Wolf Alice, and Sleep Token, we aim to create a captivating and unique sound that blends elements of rock, metal, and alternative music. Paramore, renowned for their high-energy performances and powerful vocals led by Hayley Williams, has been a significant influence on our music, inspiring us to infuse our songs with emotional depth and authenticity. Wolf Alice's genre-blending approach and ability to craft ethereal melodies have sparked our creativity, encouraging us to experiment with various sonic textures. Additionally, Sleep Token's mysterious and atmospheric style has resonated with us, inspiring us to incorporate elements of mystery and intrigue into our image and music. By combining the best aspects of these influential bands, we aspire to deliver a compelling EP that reflects our passion for music and our dedication to crafting a sound that is both reminiscent of our inspirations while also unique to our own musical journey.

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Here we have our evidence folder, In each section we have all our video evidence and written evidence including stage plans, rehearsal videos, workshopping song ideas and covering tracks for inspiration.

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As a member of the dynamic 4-piece band 'Forget Simplicity', we are excited to announce our upcoming EP release scheduled for April 2023. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Paramore, Wolf Alice, and Sleep Token, we aim to create a captivating and unique sound that blends elements of rock, metal, and alternative music. Paramore, renowned for their high-energy performances and powerful vocals led by Hayley Williams, has been a significant influence on our music, inspiring us to infuse our songs with emotional depth and authenticity. Wolf Alice's genre-blending approach and ability to craft ethereal melodies have sparked our creativity, encouraging us to experiment with various sonic textures. Additionally, Sleep Token's mysterious and atmospheric style has resonated with us, inspiring us to incorporate elements of mystery and intrigue into our image and music. By combining the best aspects of these influential bands, we aspire to deliver a compelling EP that reflects our passion for music and our dedication to crafting a sound that is both reminiscent of our inspirations while also unique to our own musical journey.

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We showed Our class our track 'Burning out' in our final class of the term. It was a demo/ live recording so we explained initially that the levels and sound wasn't exactly how we envisioned it, however once we explained that, we received a lot of positive comments and feedback. We are very proud of this project and are committed to releasing this single.

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Operational issues- project finances, logistics and resources needed.

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Operational issues- project finances, logistics and resources needed.

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Project Finances:

a. Budget Allocation: One of the critical operational issues is managing project finances efficiently. Allocate a budget for each aspect of the project, including recording sessions, production, branding, marketing, touring, merchandise production, and promotional activities.

b. Cost Management: Regularly monitor and track expenses to ensure they stay within the allocated budget. Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on the quality of the project.

c. Funding Sources: Explore various funding sources such as crowdfunding, sponsorships, or seeking financial support from investors, to supplement the project budget if needed.

Logistics:

a. Recording Studio and Equipment: Identify and book a suitable recording studio with the necessary equipment to ensure high-quality audio production. Plan the recording schedule to accommodate the availability of all band members and sound engineers.

b. Tour Logistics: If touring is part of our project, plan the logistics of travel, accommodations, and equipment transportation. Consider working with experienced tour managers or booking agencies to handle logistics efficiently.

c. Merchandise Production and Distribution: Coordinate with reliable manufacturers to produce band merchandise and ensure a smooth distribution process to sell merchandise both online and at live performances.

d. Concert Venues and Permits: Arrange suitable concert venues and obtain any necessary permits or licenses required for live performances.

Resources Needed:

a. Human Resources: Assess the skill sets required for various project aspects, including musicians, sound engineers, producers, marketing professionals, graphic designers, and tour managers. Consider hiring additional personnel or collaborating with freelancers when necessary.

b. Time Management: Plan the project timeline to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently. Allocate sufficient time for recording, production, marketing, and touring, taking into account potential delays.

c. Technical Resources: Ensure access to necessary technical resources such as recording equipment, instruments, sound systems, and graphic design software.

d. Marketing and Promotion: Allocate resources for marketing and promotion, including social media management, website maintenance, content creation, and advertisement campaigns.

Contingency Plans:

a. Unexpected Expenses: Have contingency plans in place to address unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.

b. Schedule Delays: Anticipate potential schedule delays and have contingency plans to minimize their impact on the overall project timeline.

c. Backup Plans: In case of unforeseen circumstances, develop backup plans for alternative recording studios, venues, or tour dates.

1. Risk Management:

a. Identify Risks: Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential challenges that could impact the project's success, such as equipment failure, weather disruptions during tours, or marketing campaigns not generating the expected response.

b. Mitigation Strategies: Develop mitigation strategies to address identified risks and minimize their impact on the project. This may include having backup equipment, weather contingency plans, or modifying marketing strategies.

In conclusion, managing project finances, logistics, and resources efficiently is crucial to the success of the band's project. By allocating budgets wisely, planning logistics carefully, and ensuring the availability of necessary resources, we can focus on creating remarkable music, engaging with fans, and building a strong brand identity. Implementing contingency plans and risk management strategies will help the band navigate potential challenges and ensure a smooth and successful project execution.

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The essence of our band lies in the balance between mystery and approachability. We aim to present an aura of intrigue and fascination while remaining relatable and open to connecting with your fans. This blend will draw in a diverse audience, curious to explore the depths of your music and engage with the enigmatic personalities behind the sound.

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The logo will be the visual representation of our band. We propose a sleek and sophisticated design incorporating elements of mystery, such as intricate symbols or motifs, and a touch of the unconventional. The color scheme will encompass deep and dark shades, symbolizing the depth of your music, coupled with contrasting vibrant accents to add a touch of approachability.

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Throughout these past few weeks we have decided on job roles in our lessons.

I Will be in charge of branding, as I really enjoy the creative process so that will eventually include creating merchandise, aesthetics for social media, (not making posts however) and essentially band management with regards to time keeping and scheduling rehearsals.

James is going to be in charge of our social media. He is really talented at promotion and things in that field so he will be responsible for that.

Adam will be in charge of the bands finances, he has experience in this from previous bands, therefore we know he is good at it Furthermore he is also going to be in charge of finding potential gigs, as we currently do not have an agent, he will be an acting one for the time being.

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Here I have included evidence of our social media. We found this term that we wanted to introduce ourselves quite casually just as a way of showing that whilst we take our music very seriously we still love what we do and therefore wanted that to come across to everyone that has found us on social media. This was also a very impromptu photoshoot after one of our classes and we felt that the more laidback and relaxed vibe was a lot less pressure for us as by now we still are unsure what our sound is going to be.

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Included is a One drive link that contains the Demos that we have been writing throughout this term, We have been trying out various styles of music and are trying to find our sound which we have been struggling with since the beginning of this term. We have also got a few covers in this specific folder to show that even though, through the weeks we have been struggling to create our project (single) we have still been progressing as a band and I believe this will really help us in the long run and in the next term as we will have worked together a lot more trying out new songs.

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a. Stage Design: Live performances are an opportunity to amplify your brand. We will create a stage design that enhances the mysterious atmosphere, using lighting, visuals, and stage props to captivate the audience and elevate their concert experience.

b. Interaction with Fans: Interacting with fans during live performances will create a personal connection and enhance the approachability aspect of the brand. Incorporating moments of interaction, such as Q&A sessions or fan meet-and-greets, will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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The band's merchandise will be an extension of our brand identity, enabling fans to take a piece of our band home with them. We will design merchandise that complements the mysterious yet approachable image, ensuring that fans proudly showcase their support for our music.

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.BeenHereBefore.- Dead Poet Society Cover (11th November)
here is a rough recording of a cover we intent to feature on Our EP. (Note this was a day after I had a tooth extraction so I had to take extra care with my mouth when singing).

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This is my first draft of the lyrics of our first original Song. I am currently yet to finish (Written on 16th November), however, I am making a point of not pressuring myself to finish these specific lyrics as I've found that the lyrics i'm most drawn to are the ones that come naturally.

Im hoping to have a completed draft by the end of next week (27th November).

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The band's promotional imagery will emphasize the captivating enigma of us as both individuals and as a collective. High-quality, artistic photos will be used to create an air of intrigue and allure. These images will showcase the band members' personalities while leaving room for interpretation, inviting the audience to delve deeper into your world.

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Here I have created a hypothetical health and safety statement-

'The health and safety of our band members, crew, and all individuals involved in our performances and activities are of utmost importance. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone and complying with all relevant health and safety regulations and best practices. Our goal is to ensure that all potential hazards are identified and managed effectively to prevent accidents, injuries, or harm during our rehearsals, performances, and tours.

1. Risk Assessment:
We conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all our activities, including rehearsals, performances, and tours. This involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the level of risk, and implementing control measures to minimize or eliminate risks.

2. Equipment and Instruments Safety: All musical equipment and instruments used by Our band are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are in good working condition. Any faulty or damaged equipment is promptly repaired or replaced to prevent accidents.

3. Venue Safety:
Prior to any performance, we collaborate with venue management to conduct safety checks and ensure that the venue meets necessary safety standards. This includes assessing stage structures, electrical systems, emergency exits, and general safety features.

4. Fire Safety:
We have clear fire safety procedures in place at all our venues and rehearsal spaces. This includes identifying fire exits, ensuring they are unobstructed, and conducting fire drills with our crew to ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation process.

5. First Aid and Medical Support:
Our band members and crew are trained in basic first aid procedures. We also ensure that first aid kits are readily available at all our rehearsals and performances. In the event of a medical emergency, we have established communication protocols to promptly seek professional medical assistance.

6. Manual Handling:
We follow proper manual handling techniques when setting up and dismantling equipment to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. We also provide training to our crew members to ensure safe handling practices.

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
When necessary, our band members and crew are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as ear protection, to safeguard against potential hazards.

8. Crowd Management:
During performances, we prioritize crowd safety and work closely with venue staff and security personnel to ensure a controlled and secure environment for our audience.

9. Communication and Training:
We regularly communicate health and safety information to our band members and crew, ensuring they are aware of potential risks and the measures in place to mitigate them. We provide appropriate training to all personnel to promote a safety-conscious culture.

10. Compliance and Continuous Improvement:
We comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, local laws, and industry standards. Additionally, we are committed to continuously improving our health and safety practices based on feedback, incident investigations, and emerging best practices.

By adhering to this Health and Safety Compliance Statement, we aim to create a secure environment for our band members, crew, and fans. We are dedicated to the well-being of all individuals involved in our activities and will continually strive to uphold the highest standards of health and safety.

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To embody the "Mysterious yet approachable" persona, we want to encompass a fashion style that balances dark and edgy elements from the rock/metal genre with relatable and modern touches. This blend will create a visually striking image that captures attention while remaining approachable to our fans.

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Title: From Paramore-Inspired to Dark and Edgy: A Case Study of Forget Simplicity.

Introduction:
This case study explores the journey of Forget Simplicity, a 4-piece group aspiring to sound similar to Paramore while incorporating darker and edgier elements into their music. We aim to maintain a comparable fanbase and image but wishes to distinguish ourselves through their instrumental style while keeping similar vocals to that of Our inspirational source, Paramore. This Study highlights the challenges, creative process, and strategies employed by our band to achieve our musical vision.

Background:
We found ourselves greatly inspired by Paramore's energetic performances, emotive vocals, and relatable songwriting. The desire to create music with a similar appeal led us to embark on a musical journey with the intent to infuse our sound with darker and edgier elements, without compromising the essence of our group inspiration.

Stage 1: Musical Influences
I extensively studied Paramore's discography, paying close attention to their signature sound, vocal techniques, and instrumental arrangements. I admire the seamless blending of rock and pop-punk elements, which they sought to adapt into their music. By identifying the key elements that resonated with them, the band laid the foundation for their own artistic development. For Paramore own inspiration I Found evidence that said 'For their latest record, Paramore share that they've been inspired by bands from the UK. Williams has especially praised Foals, Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party as influences for the album, and three express how excited they are to tour here' (West and West, 2023).

Stage 2: Musical Direction
To differentiate ourselves from Paramore while retaining a similar vocal style, we have decided to explore darker and edgier musical textures. Drawing inspiration from bands like Evanescence due to the similarities in my vocals and the lead singers 'She uses vibrato on lower emotional, fragile passages, often combining it with a breathy tone to echo the wobble of a crying voice. Cry Vibrato'(Roars, 2021) they incorporated heavier guitar riffs, darker chord progressions, and atmospheric elements into their music. This addition of a darker tone aimed to attract fans who appreciated a more intense and emotive musical experience.

Stage 3: Creative Process
Our band initiated a collaborative songwriting approach, allowing each of us to contribute their musical ideas. They maintained focus on maintaining powerful, emotional vocals akin to Paramore's style, while the instrumentalists explored and experimented with darker and heavier tones 'She's a powerhouse vocalist who knows the ins and outs of dynamics. Her ability to be breathy when breathy is needed and then belt her guts out when belting is needed all within the same section of a song is an ART!' (Rowley, 2021) This approach allowed them to strike a balance between the familiar and the distinct, thus keeping their existing fanbase engaged while attracting a broader audience.

Stage 4: Image and Branding
While striving for a similar image to Paramore's, Band X incorporated darker aesthetics and visuals into their branding. They employed a cohesive visual theme for their album artwork, promotional materials, and stage design, capturing the essence of their darker musical direction. This helped create a strong visual identity that resonated with their desired audience.

Stage 5: Engagement with Fanbase
We hope to actively engaged with our fans through social media, live streams, and meet-and-greet events, similar to Paramore's fan-centric approach. By maintaining open communication with their followers, Paramore built a loyal and dedicated fanbase that appreciated their unique musical evolution.

Conclusion:
Our journey from drawing inspiration from Paramore to forging their path with darker and edgier music exemplifies the creative process and adaptability required in the music industry. By retaining similar vocals and engaging with their fanbase, we're trying to maintain a sense of familiarity while venturing into a more distinct musical direction. Through our dedication and artistic evolution, we hope to succeed in creating a sound that resonated with both existing and new fans, solidifying our position in the music industry.

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In our lesson we decided that in order for us to all be happy with our Band name we should vote on it, so during our independent study time, we all took to the internet to find a load of band names we liked the look of, then after we went to the Waterbear Cafe to deliberate. We all agreed that we wanted something that sounds a bit mysterious and 'edgy' but we didn't want it to come across too pretentious. We all suggested the idea of using an English word that has connotations of dark imagery but translate it into another language e.g Swedish. After many back and fourth texts after the meeting we realised that we were still struggling to come up with one that we were all happy on. Throughout this term we have found that creating things such as social media accounts and beginning promotion as part of our coursework was extremely difficult without a name.

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Title: The Enigmatic Charm: A Case Study of Forget Simplicity and our Pursuit of a Sleep Token-Inspired Stage Presence

Introduction:
This case study delves into the journey of our band,  aiming to emulate the instrumental prowess and enigmatic on-stage presence of Sleep Token, a band known for their captivating and mysterious live performances. We hope to create a similar aura of intrigue and comfort, captivating their audience through skilled musicianship and an alluring stage presence that leaves a lasting impact.

Background:
We found inspiration in the unique musical style of Sleep Token, drawn to their ethereal blend of progressive rock and metal, and their ability to cultivate an enigmatic image. We were captivated by Sleep Token's ability to create a sense of intimacy and comfort despite the mysterious nature of their identity, which fueled their determination to embody similar qualities in their own performances.

Stage 1: Analyzing Sleep Token's Instrumental Soundscapes.
To mirror the instrumental prowess of Sleep Token, We analysed their compositions. We closely examined the band's use of intricate guitar melodies, atmospheric synths, and dynamic drumming. By studying Sleep Token's arrangements, I gained valuable insights into crafting our unique sound while staying true to their musical influences.

Stage 2: Embracing Enigmatic On-Stage Presence
We all recognize the power of an enigmatic on-stage presence, which they observed in Sleep Token's performances. The band members concealed their identities, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue that enhanced the audience's engagement. We want to embrace this concept, by adding unique visuals that will add an air of mystique to our live shows, keeping the audience intrigued and captivated. 'The band have crafted something entirely different: a show that is pensive, personal, and moving.'(Crumlish, 2021)

Stage 3: Cultivating Intimacy through Lyrics and Vocal Delivery
Sleep Token's music often delves into emotional and introspective themes, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level. We understand the importance of relatable and meaningful lyrics and sought to incorporate similar emotional depth into my own songwriting. They honed their vocal delivery to convey vulnerability and comfort, aiming to create a safe and intimate space for the audience.

Stage 4: Translating the Aura of Comfort
Sleep Token's performances are characterized by a paradoxical blend of mystique and comfort. We were particularly drawn to this aspect, aiming to establish a similar connection with their audience. We hope to focus on engaging with the crowd through subtle interactions, maintaining an aura of approachability despite their enigmatic presence. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, we want to forge a strong emotional bond with our listeners.

Stage 5: Building a Loyal and Engaged Fanbase
Like Sleep Token, we place considerable emphasis on connecting with fans beyond the stage. They leveraged social media and online platforms to share glimpses of their creative process, provide exclusive content, and engage in meaningful conversations with their followers. By building a supportive and engaged community, we hope to replicate this. 'Just 10 days ago I reported that the band Sleep Token had reached 393,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, up from around 280,000.' (Waldrop and Waldrop, 2023)
Conclusion:
Through our inspired pursuit of a Sleep Token-inspired stage presence and instrumental soundscapes, we hope to create a unique and captivating identity for themselves. By embracing enigmatic visuals, emotive songwriting, and a genuine connection with their audience, we successfully hope to cultivate an aura of intrigue and comfort. This case study demonstrates how a band can draw inspiration from a successful musical act while staying true to their vision, ultimately forging their path to success in the music industry.