Translating rhythm into motion.
MUSIC VISUALIZATION
BRIEF
THE
The objective is to record a drum solo, and pair visuals to the rhythmic hits of each drum. The piece should feel dynamic, but also have a sense of repetition through certain shapes representing each different parts of the drum kit.
FINAL DELIVERABLE ->
RESEARCH
CONCEPT
I decided to gear my solo and design choices towards the realm of jazz. I was mainly inspired by the graphic arrangements and simplistic shape language of 50's - 60's jazz album covers.
I found that simplifying my shape language would be necessary to effectively visualize each piece if the kit since drums have a very quick note duration, so the simplistic design choices of these albums proved to be a good direction.
PITCH
CONCEPT
I decided to write 2 different solo's for my pitch. The first solo was in the style of bebop and included many syncopated phrases. The solo started on a simple phrase, witch was the built and expanded upon through the rest of the solo. This is communicated through the image above witch originally would start as a simple series of shapes.
My second solo was a latin feel, witch started with a simple repeating pattern witch was layered on as the solo went on. This frame illustrates the concept by showing a pattern above (half circles) accompanying another, (bottom ticks).
DEVELOPMENT
CONCEPT
RESEARCH
IDEATION AND
Witch a concept so simple as syncing visuals to a drum solo, it proved to be a challenging effort to write a solo that could create a satisfying animated sequence, while also being dynamic and exiting.
I was inspired by Joe Morellos use of spacing in his solo on "Take 5" by the Dave Brubeck quartet. The use of spacing in both design and in music adds overall breathing room to your piece and makes their individual elements more impactful.
SOLO DEVELOPEMENT
Like a design moodboard, I took to Spotify to collect some albums to gain inspiration from. The timing of "Take 5", the speed of "Got a match", and the phrasing of "Locomotion" all helped create my final solo.
MUSICAL INSPIRATION
"Got a Match"
"LOCOMOTION"
"TAKE 5"
Optical Poem - Oscar Fischinger
PsYcho Titles - Saul Bass
A drum solo is usually composed in multiple parts, a softer beginning, the main section, and the dynamic ending. Coincidentally this is very similar to how Oscar Fischinger structures his pieces, witch often include music synced to visuals.
Knowing this I started referencing his work along with Saul Bass who had the simplistic graphic style I wanted to include and explore as well.
WORKFLOW
TECHNICAL
SOLO RECORDING
Booking an appointment with our departments sound designer allowed me to focas on writing the solo as he made sure the drums were properly recorded.
SHAPE CREATION
The piece is made in After Effects, however I wanted a semi tactile feel. Adding roughen edges and posterize time to any shape instantly makes it feel less digital.
VINTAGE FILM LOOK
I wanted a vintage film look to accompany the retro feel of my visuals. To achieve this I used a series of effects to replicate the natural feel of 30's technicolor and aged film.
PASSES
WEEKLY
FiRST PASS
This pass was focused on getting an initial motion test done and a feel for the project scope.
SECOND PASS
This was a motion test of a possible style direction and shape language. I decided to change it for my final.
FINAL PASS
This pass I dialed in my final render style and extended the piece.
OUTCOMES
LEARNING
This project proved to be a challenge due to it being a musical challenge as well. I found it surprisingly difficult to write a solo that could fit well with graphic visuals and shapes.
Thought creating the piece Iv'e learned not to overthink and when creating music visualization pieces to simply give a sound a shape rather than to create a series of shapes for a sound or a whole new idea.
In the future I would like to create more of these since they are fun to make, and super satisfying to watch.