My 4th year performance is an expression of my love for live musical performance, and by taking inspiration from iconic performers, from Meatloaf to Talking Heads, I hope to create a truly engaging show wherein the audience is drawn in beyond the metaphorical separation between them and the performers. Especially when they see my Meatloaf outfit…
I have targeted my research in 4th year towards the area of performance-based, qualitative approaches to information gathering and skill development. I will explore in particular the impact of aspects of stagecraft – such as lighting, set/scene design and props, costume, make-up and sound design – on the experience of live performance. The show will use these elements to effectively enhance the musical and lyrical content of my own and my collaborators’ material when performed to a live audience. As an additional element of engagement, I aim for the music chosen to showcase my own musical developments and passions – sort of a whistle stop tour of my most significant inspirations. By researching the creative process and production techniques behind what I deem to be the most engaging live experiences of the past, I hope to gain insight into how best I can bring my songs to life and engage beyond the basic performer/listener relationship. So too do I hope that this research will directly influence my musicianship and songwriting for the better, and provide me with a stronger understanding of how to write new and modify existing material that will allow for the most engaging live performance of such. Inspired especially by The Talking Heads, and their 1984 concert film ‘Stop Making Sense’, as well as the theatricality of the music and performances of Meatloaf, I hope to present my deep love of live performance and use it to develop a truly bespoke, interesting and engaging representation of me as a musician.
Hope you enjoy!