Music Proposal:

Research to Date

-Looked through independent music magazines

-Used Google, twitter, and delicious to find related sources.

-Searched through MySpace to find artists who produce their own music.

-Read blogs about maker culture, specifically those on music.

http://sharablebeast.blogspot.com/2009/08/collaborative-music-making-at-maker.html

http://lightningtemple.wordpress.com/

http://www.myspace.com/deaconlot

http://www.myspace.com/porktrashers (Indie bands that created their own record labels)

http://causeglobal.blogspot.com/2009/02/remix-culture.html (remix culture)

http://www.mashup-charts.com/ (mash-up music)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup_(music) (mash-up music)

http://www.heavybagmedia.com/blog/2008/06/08/the-effect-of-social-media-on-music

http://mashable.com/2009/04/18/social-sharing-music/ (social media and music)

Assumptions

-Are these just people who like to make music or are they aware of the importance of creating their own labels and equipment for DIY music. Some have the drive to create an alternative way to make music, away from corporate agendas. This follows a DIY ethic that seems to be an essential part of maker culture.

-Is it just a hobby? Will it go anywhere? Most Indie musicians make music on the side, while working at jobs that may be completely unrelated. Independent music-makers seem to have difficulties funding and promoting their projects.

-Will DIY musicians have a negative impact on the music industry? Music maker culture creates a community of DIY musicians looking to make collaborative projects and find affordable ways to create their own songs and instrumentals.

Possible Interview Subjects

-Michael Shostak of the Toronto Indie band Deacon Lot

-David Rona of the Lightning Temple project: Music Production

-Christopher Lee of Toronto uses beatbox to create and record his own music.

Media Choices

-Podcast is ideal for music and sound.

- Video would be ideal for showing how the musicians are using equipment to create their own music, whether original, mash-up or remix.

Next Steps

-Attend collaborative music concerts (at the Toronto and London arts co-ops)

-Research more maker culture blogs to find interviewees of collaborative music making

-Explore mash-up, remix, and indie music scenes.