TONIC the top ten albums of 2016 top songs today
feature stories: • Furnishing a Festival • Nota • Music Behind the Movie • Putting the Pieces Together
december 2016
how to start a music festival top movie film scores
TABLE OF CONTENTS
04
Editor’s Note
Letter from the Editor
Biographies
Letters from the Contributors
08
Nota
An Inside Story on the Memories of Music for Different People
Top Songs Today Music From the Top 100 on Billboard
14
06
12
Furnishing A Festival
A Behind the Scenes Point of View of Music Festivals with Interviews from Madeline Goulet, Autumn Rich and Ben Deterling
The Top 10 Albums of the Year A Quick Look at Ten of the Best Albums Released in 2016
20
18
Music Behind the Movie How the Music Affects the Film
Top Rated Movie’s Film Scores The Unique Characteristics of Soundtracks Behind Top Rated Movies
26
24
Putting the Pieces Together The Inside Information on How Bands are Chosen for Large Music Festivals and How They Come Together
How To Start Your Own Music Festival
A Flow Chart Showing the Steps Needed to Successfully Create Your Own Music Festival
30
letter from the editor Dear Readers, Welcome to the first edition of Tonic. The definition of tonic is something with an invigorating effect. Music can give people the most invigorating feelings. Music is all around the world, it’s part of billions of people’s lives everyday, including your’s. With the average human being spends more than 13 years around music and the average American spending around four hours a day listening to music, it’s no wonder music is such a big part of our lives. Tonic is here to give you a dip into the world of music that so many people are apart of. From the memories people have involving music to the setting up of music festivals, our magazine will provide you with interesting information about different parts of the music world. With this magazine we hope that you will be inspired to learn more about music or you might even begin to consider getting involved with music. Thank you for coming along with us on this journey through Tonic. -Jordan Westenberg
TONIC 4
BIOGRAPHIES.. Jordan Westenberg Jordan Westenberg has always loved being involved with music. In 6th and 7th grade she was in choir and she still loves to sing. She’s gone to ACL ever since she was in 3rd grade and she’s loved it ever since. She loves learning about the ways music has affected other people.
Megan Deterling Megan Deterling has always loved listening to music. She started going to ACL in 6th grade, and now, in 9th grade, looks forward to the beginning of October each year to listen to her favorite bands with her best friends. She enjoys playing beach volleyball in her freetime, and she uses her love for music to pump her up for her tournaments and practices.
TONIC 6
Letters from the Contributors Kylie Miller Kylie enjoys music, art, books and movies. She loves all genres of music and fell in love with movies and books at a young age. Classic films and action-adventure are her favorites, along with science fiction-fantasy. She had a great time writing her thoughts on top rated movie soundtracks and learning more about music in film.
Jack Goulet Jack Goulet often listens to rap music in his freetime. He enjoys playing soccer, watching football, and hanging out with friends at school. His favorite artists are Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert, Gucci Mane and many more.He is a big fan of the Texas Longhorns and the Chicago Bears football teams and he is pretty cool.
TONIC 7
Nota
by: jordan westenberg
Erika Wennerstrom. Photo By: George L. Blosser
an inside story on the memories of music for different people in different careers and paths in their lives.
a sense I’m running a
that her music has on others
business,” Wennerstrom
and for her it’s like a
says, describing one of the
blessing.
difficulties, “I think that
“I think I’m able to put my thoughts into my songs”
people have this idea of Music is the one of
being a traveling musician
the many things that are
and that it’s being on
constant throughout people’s
vacation all the time but
lives. Music is always
it’s a lot of hard work.
there and it is one of the
I always wanna grow as a
biggest connectors between
writer and improve and I
people. Music helps us pave
wanna challenge myself and I
our own lives, even if it’s
find it to be a challenge to
to put my thoughts into my
unnoticeable. Everyone has
try to create something that
songs and think them out
stories that correlate with
as a listener I’d like to
and speak what I feel, I find
music. From musician, to
hear by somebody.”
that there are people who
“I think when I’m able
teacher, to a salesman,
relate to what I’m saying
music is the one thing we
and it makes me feel a
all have in common.
connection with my world,”
Wennerstrom says, “I’ve also
“I remember always
wanting to become a musician
had a lot of people tell me
ever since I was little,”
that my songs have helped
Erika Wennerstrom, the
them get through rough times
lead singer of Heartless
in their life. If anything
Bastards, says, “It was
I think that it’s something
always a thing I wanted to
that really inspires me to
do and becoming one was a
keep doing what I do.”
dream for me.”
Wennerstrom started
her band when she was around
Er i k a We n n e r s t r o m in a s t u dio a t G ood D e n n y ’ s . P h o t o by : S t e v a n Alcala
25 or 26 and throughout time
The memories she
has about her fans and about her music motivates Wennerstrom to work even
she has experienced some of
the more difficult memories
may harness some difficulties
keep going throughout the
with music.
but it also holds a very
difficult times. For others
rewarding feeling for her.
music holds much different
As a musician she is able
memories. Some have memories
“I know it’s a rock
band but I find that in
For Wennerstrom music
to see and hear the effect
harder on her music and to
9 TONIC
of music pushing them to do
time.”
Music played a part in who I
their job and others have
hung out with. It influenced
memories of changing their
memories of music doing
who I would never hang out
lives and their points of
good things for him. Music
with (which was dumb of me).
view on people. With almost
has helped move his ideas
It gave me some small sense
13 years of the average
in positive ways throughout
of social identity.”
person’s life being spent
time. He has memories of the
around music, it holds very
classes he took about music
many memories for very many
and the memories of what he
people. Some are good and
did with music when he was
some are bad and there are
little.
Bryan has many
“I learned to play the guitar because of music.”
some in between.
Jeffrey Bryan, a
career technology teacher at Covington Middle School in
Austin, Texas, grew up in
bed salesman/maker at Suite
a very conservative Mormon
Dreams Murphy Beds in San
community. He grew up with
Marcos, grew up constantly
ideas around him that rock
around music. Music, he
‘n roll was stuff you didn’t
describes, is like the
participate in even though
soundtrack to his own movie.
it wasn’t against scripture.
He has memories of being
around music for his whole
“Music always
John Thorton, a Murphy
represented my love on
entire life and even now he
being on the edge of social
is around it every day.
acceptance,” Bryan says,
J e f f r e y B r y a n g r e w u p in a c on se r v a t iv e M o r mo n c o mmu n it y . P i c t ur e by : J e f f r e y B r y a n
separate myself from my
Friday,” Thorton says, “I’d
peers.”
“Music was always a way to
go in as a kid and get paid cash my check and go down
guitar because of music,”
to the tower record store.
rock and roll, particularly
Bryan says, “I learned
I’d buy 5,6, 7 albums and go
music,” Bryan says. But
clarinet, but that was
next door and buy a pair of
I loved anything hard
because I was forced to take
jeans and what I had I put
and edgy, anything that
band. I learned, taught
in my truck to go to work
expressed the pent up
myself even, guitar because
that next week. I’d do that
feeling I felt all of the
I wanted to learn guitar.
all the time and the music
“I listened to 90’s
“I learned to play
“You know I used to
10 TONIC
back then was completely
ya’. It means a lot and I’ll
with what he’s doing during
different.”
never forget that.”
his career.
Thorton has many links
to many different musicians.
“I do not work without think music.”
He has met many throughout his time around music and he remembers buying a very special guitar featuring his favorite band, Uncle Lucius.
“They had this guitar, which is ... a cover of their album.” John Thort o n i n S ui te Dre a m s Mur p h y B e ds. P hoto by: J o h n Thor t on
Thorton’s first concert
was when he was a kid. “My mother dropped me and my girlfriend off in an old ford woody wagon to go see Grand Funk railroad and that was in June 1972, Seattle,” he says, “I can still see the boys up on stage and the Shell Centre Coliseum. They had screens behind them when they came out and sang We’re an American Band. That was one of the hits coming out at the time. It was powerful, it was patriotic, it was rock ‘n roll. It was right there in front of
“I do not work without
think music,” Thorton says, “there’s a theory I call ‘listen while you work’ and I mean I got this place typed up for music. We have a sonar system in here, and
“They had this guitar,
if the music isn’t on then
which is basically a copy
nothing’s going on. We just
of the cover of their album
plug whatever we want and we
on it,” Thorton says, “it
play it loud.”
was a lot of money. I said,
‘these are friends of mine.’
lot of people’s memories
The merchandise lady at the
and lives. It’s played
table, an old southern girl,
everywhere and daily. Music
said, ‘listen these boys
can bring up nostalgic
have wives and girlfriends
memories and sad memories
and babies. It’s $450. You
and happy memories but
want it?’ I took it. I love
music is in everyone’s
it, it’s fun, but you know
memory. Music is one of the
that’s what I do to help
few things that connects
support the band.”
people’s memories. Music
Thorton also has memories
intertwines us.
Music makes up a
of music being a part of his work life. To this day music helps him stay productive 11 TONIC
neck: “ride” by: twenty one pilots• ranked number 28
head: “side to side” by: ariana Grande• ranked number 7 • highest ‘side to side’ has been is ranked number 6
• highest ‘ride’ has been ranked is number 5 • ‘ride’ will make you want to move your neck with the regae beat • Genre is alternative
• ‘side to side’ will make you want to bop your head • genre is pop
chest: “yoncé” by: beyoncé• highest ‘yoncé’ ranked number 23 • ‘yoncé’ will make you wanna move your shoulders with it’s slow beat • genre is contemporary r&b
waist: “formation” by: beyoncé • ranked number 10 • highest ‘formation’ ranked is number 1 • ‘formation’ will make you want to move your waist to the beat
12 TONIC
• genre is pop
top songs today:
a list of some of the most popular songs on billboard top 100. these are songs you should definitely listen to if you’re a fan of the pop or hip-hop genre. these are some of the most listened to songs of today.
by: jordan westenberg
legs: “24k magic” by: bruno mars • ranked number 6 on billboard top 100
arms: “caroline” by: aminé • ranked number 18 on billboard top 100 • ‘caroline’ will make you want to wave your arms in the air • • genre is hip-hop/rap
• highest ‘24k magic’ ranked was number 1 • ‘24k magic’ will make you want to move your legs to its funky beat. • genre is pop
13 TONIC
furnishing a festival
When everyone gathers to enjoy local
food and live music, there are countless things that are running through their minds before they think of the work that went Approximately 450,000 people attend Austin City Limits Music Festival each year, and only about 100 bands and artists perform and know what it’s like behind the scenes. Autumn Rich & Company is the company that puts together the lounges for artists and VIP’s at ACL and Lollapalooza. Along with that, they handle and promote new restaurant openings and other events.
into making it all possible. Furnishing the VIP and artist lounges is just a microscopic part of the entire setup, however, it is still important and it’s a job that has to be done. That’s why Autumn Rich & Company has been doing it since 2006.
Madeline Goulet is a paid intern for
Autumn Rich and this year was her first year working as a furniture vendor at the festi-
val. “It takes about a month to figure out
fest, SXSW, and Gathering of the Vibes, but
the layout of each lounge, and it’s differ-
the biggest one of them all was last year
ent for each artist. We have to take into
when he and his band performed at ACL. “I
account any suggestions the artists may
just find it to be really cool when there are
have, come up with a good layout, and make
people listening to what we’re playing. I
sure we have the inventory to make it all
also really like the feeling of being back-
happen,” Goulet says. Madeline was in charge
stage because not very many people get to be
of the lounges for three of the six headlin-
back there as a performer,” Deterling
ers at this year’s festival. She also went as a regular fan of music, just like everybody else.
Ben Deterling has experienced the fes-
tival from a whole different point of view which also is one that most people haven’t. Ben is a member of the group, School of Rock. He plays both acoustic and electric guitar. He’s had performances at University of Texas football games, Milwaukee Summer-
“I joined School of Rock because I was always wanting to playing in front of lot’s of people, especially at ACL.”
The VIP Lounge at ACL in 2016. said.
Photo Courtesy of Autumn Rich
even more money, there is the Platinum Autumn Rich is the founder and own-
Pass. This gives you all of the privileg-
er of Autumn Rich & Company. Along with
es that come with the VIP Pass along with
giving the artists a quality experience,
access to the Air-Conditioned Platinum
they handle the VIP and Platinum expe-
Lounge, Platinum Golf Cart and Shuttle
riences. If you’ve ever been to a music
Transportation, other things to be treat-
festival, you’ve most likely seen the
ed like royalty, and entry to the Plat-
section on the stage, back behind the
inum viewing areas at every concert at
performers. The people who pay extra for
every stage.
VIP Passes have access to many benefits.
These include passes to the VIP Grove,
this year. Obviously both of them would
catered lunch and dinner, mini spa treat-
take a Platinum Pass over General Ad-
ment, shaded seating, air conditioned
mission in a heartbeat if given the de-
restrooms and many more luxuries. “We
cision. However, if they had to choose
really want those who buy special pass-
between only watching concerts from the
es to get their money’s worth and I feel
backstage viewing area without other
like we’ve done a good job of that,” Rich
platinum benefits, or attending just like
says. If you’re feeling like spending
everybody else, they have different opin-
TONIC 16
Ben and Madeline both attended ACL
ions. In Madeline’s opinion, “It’s a much
it worth it for those who can afford to
better view and you don’t have to wait
pay extra. “If some people with a Plat-
for hours to get a good spot,” Goulet
inum Pass or VIP Pass they are never to
says. Ben would prefer being close
take advantage of all of the benefits pro-
in the crowd, not behind the stage. “I
vided. The Platinum Pass still grants you
always see the people backstage and they
access to everything that General Admis-
don’t look like they’re having a very
sion and VIP Passes offer,” Rich says.
good time. More memories can be made when
you’re in the crowd jumping around with
looza are events that don’t happen of-
friends and new people that you can meet
ten, which makes the memories of them so
that like the same type of music as you.
special. The opportunity for Ben and his
The only part that isn’t fun is waiting
band to perform at music festivals as big
to get good spots, but that’s just part
as ACL is one that doesn’t happen for
of the experience. It’s definitely worth
most people and therefore it should be
the wait in my opinion,” Deterling says.
cherished. Madeline is also lucky to be
able to work on something that is so ex-
Although some people prefer being in
Music fests like ACL and Lollapa-
the crowd at concerts, Autumn Rich & Com-
citing and effects some of the most popu-
pany still provide many things that make
lar artists and bands in the nation.
VIP Lounge from ACL inh 2016.
Photo Courtesy of Autumn Rich
TONIC 17
the t p 10 ALBUMS
OF 2016
Lil Uzi Vert has really made a statement in 2016. Lil Uzi Vert Vs. The World was released in April of 2016 and is his fourth mixtape and by far his most popular. Some of the hits from the album are “Money Longer” and “You Was Right.”
Blank Face LP was Schoolboy Q’s second album with Interscope Records and it was his way of making a statement as a major artist. His album included the popular single which was released earlier that was titled, “That Part.”
9
Vince Staples’ Prima Donna is a great album with some unique sounding tracks, but what makes it outstading is the story it tells. the songs tell a story in reverse chronilogical order of a rapper’s rise to fame and how he loses his mind after once he becomes famous. TONIC 18
Chance the Rapper released his album in May and it featured artists such as Justin Bieber and Kanye West. “No Problem” was by far his most popular from the mixtape.
Gucci Mane suprised everybody when he released his hit album this year, just a few months after being released from jail for possesion of firearms.
Beyonce has been one of the most popular artists for some time now and she backed that up with Lemonade. It sold over 600,000 copies in the first week alone.
Drake is a rapper/pop singer that may be the most popular artist as of right now. As expected, his new album produced lots of hype. Views includes hit single, “One Dance.”
Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy make up the duo, Rae Sremmurd. Their album includes the hit song that blew up thanks to social media, “Black Beatles” featuring Gucci Mane.
Kanye west’s personality can draw attention away from his music, which has revolutionized the genre. Even the release of the album included tons of controversy, but it’s wide variety of new styles is what makes it so good.
Travis Scott’s follow up album from his first hit album, Rodeo, was a big success. With features such as Kid Cudi and The Weeknd, it produced lots of hype.
Writer Kylie Miller
MUSIC BEHIND THE MOVIE how the music affects the film
T
he lights dim and a hush falls over the crowd. The aroma of fresh, buttered popcorn circulates throughout the dark room and mixes with the delicious smell of sweet and sour candies. An upbeat riff begins to play and the audience is thrown into a fit of laughter as they gaze upon the screen. The music decrescendos and sends shivers up the spine while the screen grows dark. A continuous long drawl of a song, until a large noise accompanies a horrid visual and the crowd jumps in surprise. The music dissolves
20 TONIC
into a sad melody as rain begins to pour and a wave of melancholy washes upon the viewers. The end credits roll, sending closure to the crowd. The outro will be the finale to the film; the last thing the viewer will remember. A soundtrack can clearly take the audience on a series of twists and turns. Music is one of the most important parts of any film production. No matter how breathtaking the visuals, music can add unmeasurable value to the film. The music can give the viewer a sense of connection with the
movie and allows the audience to follow the characters on screen.
“The role of music is just to really add to the mood of the scene,and to guide the audience into feeling a certain way,” says Christine Chen, founder of Moth to Flame Films, a production studio in Austin, Texas.
A soundtrack should explain the director’s vision and give a unique movie experi-
Photo Provided by Zac Traeger This is a photo of Zac Traeger playing music on his DJ set up.
ence to every onlooker. Each film score adds to the movie, but not each soundtrack affects the film in the same way. It’s about whether the music fits with the subject on the screen. Music works cooperatively with the pictures on the screen. The mood of the scene should be reflected in the music accompaniment. It allows the audience to feel the emotions of the character and better their understanding of the film. Pairing the emotions of the film with the music is the most common strategy when producing a film, but there are more modern ways to enhance the movie. “There used to be that almost always the music would amplify the emotional arc that was apparent on screen,” says Graham Reynolds, a composer and musician, specializing in movie soundtracks. “But, then a very different approach of juxtaposition came
along; and, if a character was sad or something horrible was happening, instead of playing horrifying music they would play happy music.” This dramatic change can drastically affect the intensity of the movie.
with all other parts of the production. Though, music is usually subtle, it’s importance is often taken for granted. In some productions the movie comes first and the music trickles into places where it’s necessary, but not all films are alike. “It’s never an afterthought at all,” says Chen. “I think, to make the music work with the film it has to be from the start.” In a partnership as strong as a soundtrack and film, there is no way to start one without the other. Background music sets up the expectations for what’s coming on the screen; but, is it possible to take away from the visuals? “[It’s] providing the inner dialog and tone without overstating it on screen, ” Traeger says. Everybody likes a little mystery, so no one wants a song to spoil the next
“All of a sudden, in certain films, the creepiness, the horrifying ness of it actually felt worse because of the happy music,” says Reynolds. Regardless the type of film, a good song should find its right place in a movie.
“The best scores coexist in such a harmonious way,” says Zac Traeger, a musician in the band, Zorch. “It ’s only when the composer wants you to be taken out of the moment that you will be.” In any movie, the music needs to be a good partner
21 TONIC
scene. It’s important to balance between the film and soundtrack, but the most crucial part is making sure the director’s vision is fulfilled to the last minute detail. Each director will have a different idea for their film, making it imperative to find a composer who will make their dream a reality. “The person that’s really in charge of the film is the director,” says Reynolds, “so you’re trying to figure out what it is the director’s looking for in all the collaborators and how you can fit in that puzzle.”
Every production has actors, writers, visual artists, sound supervisors and endless other collaborators to create one film. It’s important each member is a good partner with one another; just like it’s important the soundtrack is a good partner with all other aspects of the film. Most times the director has a distinct idea for their movie, and it’s almost certain, the way the director wants the audience to feel is the way they’ll interpret it. The director’s vision clearly sets up the entire production, but without the help of a composer their
ideas would be open ended. When deciding where music should go throughout the film, it’s up to all collaborators to do what’s best for the movie. The last thing a dramatic scene needs is an out of place song. When deciding the appropriate time and place for a piece, there are some key aspects to think about.
“Does it help it [the scene] or does it hurt it?” says Reynolds.“Does it augment, or somehow deepen, the scene; or does it just distract from what ’s already a strong performance; or somehow comment when you don’t need to comment on the scene?” Each song should be there to help the movie become clearer for the audience. The music conveys the film’s subject and purpose, but that purpose could be anything from enlightenment and tranquility to warning and chaos. The soundtracks are as diverse as the movies, each one will affect the audience in different ways. A gradual crescendo can create suspicion; while, an upbeat chorus can cheer up the onlooker. When watching a film the viewer puts their movie experience in the film maker’s hands; they trust the director will provide a stimulating production to entertain in all ways. But, sometimes it’s not about entertaining at all, it’s about providing affiliation with a brand.
22 TONIC
Photo Provided by Graham Reynolds and David Lobel This is a photo of Graham Reynolds posing in front of a classic, black background.
Photo Provided by Christine Chen This is a photo of Christine Chen holding a camera in front of a graphittied, urban style gray wall.
“If you have a very strong theme it can live beyond the movie itself; be almost a symbol of representation of the movie,” says Chen, “ In that aspect you’re not necessarily invoking an emotion, per se, but more of an association with the film.” Pop culture and media shape everyone’s lives more everyday; when a theme song begins to play it takes less than a second to recognize the film it’s from. These songs have silently wormed their way into the hearts of each viewer and onto social media. Action, comedy, drama, romance movies and many others have made their debut on the big screen since the beginning of film. Those movies are made to entertain the crowd and provide a relaxing, heartwarming and overall pleasurable experience. Most well-known movies use popular and fairly new music to keep the audience connected with the characters and visuals. It’s meant to meet the viewer’s expectations while maintaining in-depth entertainment.“If you’re going for more on the entertainment side of the spectrum then you’re trying to create the same experience for each person, more or less,” says Reynolds, “And, then you want the song, or music, choices to be more straightforward so that they’re satisfying.” But, making a movie to entertain isn’t the only way to produce a film. Today, modern films have become much more abstract and thinking oriented. Mysteries and science fiction fantasies can make the view-
er think, guess and solve; providing a more interactive movie experience.
“The more deeply concerned with art it is,” says Reynolds, “ rather than leave you with answers it ’s trying to leave you with questions, and that ’s when the music can be the most complex, the most confusing, [and] the most contradictory.” Art films will take the viewer on a mindful journey and provide music that evokes thought and awareness
with the rest of the film. “On the art side, you’re more creating expectations and then thwarting those expectations,” says Reynolds. As movies begin to evolve with higher-definition visuals and thoughtful themes, so will the movie soundtracks. The film score’s importance will never waver, and the director’s vision will always be heard in the songs that play throughout the scenes. It’s affect on the audience will change from movie to movie, but how will the soundtrack add to the film? “However the composer and filmmaker desired,” says Traeger. 23 TONIC
TOP RATED MOVIE’S the unique characteristics of soundtracks behind top rated movies Science Fiction: Wizard
of Oz
“The Wizard of Oz” is absolutely one of a kind. The soundtrack is remarkably original and unlike any science fiction movie ever produced. The musical has incredibly unique songs and never before heard melodies. Throughout the piece the same rhythm is recycled, casting a connection between the songs of the score. The soundtrack includes loud brass instruments that play during the musical numbers at a constant tempo, but when scenes become more action packed or dramatic, short notes will be played rapidly by string instruments. The general tone of the “The Wizard of Oz” soundtrack is very upbeat and warm-hearted, which can be heard in every beat of the composition. The photo is a “Wizard of Oz” poster. There is a rough drawing of the frequency of a song from the “Wizard of Oz” film score.
Action:
Mad Max: Fury Road
“Mad Max: Fury Road” is action packed from start to finish, and with a strong performance comes an incredibly strong film score. As characters race across the scenes, strings will play at impossibly rapid tempos and shrill pitches. When the scene is overflowing with action, loud percussion will play accompanied by guitar solos. During the painfully suspenseful scenes, loud, menacing strings will sound or low toned brass. And, when the movie is bustling with movement, drums will play at ear splitting tones, with guitar, brass and occasional string in the background. “Mad Max: Fury Road” has never ending action and so does the music. The photo is a “Mad Max: Fury Road” picture with a quote from the movie. There is a rough drawing of the frequency of a song from the “Mad Max: Fury Road” film score.
Horror: The
Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is one of the top rated horror movies, but it doesn’t seem to get much attention. Most of the soundtrack is played with a melancholy tone, much like other horror movies, but there are bits and pieces of the film that contain melodies with a light-hearted mood. Since the movie is silent, the music plays very dramatically throughout the entire film. The strong film score keeps the attention of the viewers and draws them into the film by using contrasting music compositions and instruments. Loud brass will sound during moments of thought or playfulness, while shrill strings and woodwind solos begin playing when a scene becomes suspenseful or surprising. The photo is a “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” film cover. There is a rough drawing of the frequency of a song from “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” film score.
24 TONIC
FILM SCORES... Drama: Citizen
Writer Kylie Miller
Kane
“Citizen Kane” takes the viewer on a roller coaster of emotions and rhythms.“Citizen Kane” has varied and distinct compositions in its film score. During the first seconds of the film, a very strong film score begins to play, setting up expectations. At times the music will be subtle, hidden behind the visuals, and at others it will be extremely loud. During parts of subtlety, high pitched strings and slight percussion are played. When scenes become dramatic or action packed the music will play an unlikely pair of strings, percussion and woodwinds, with brass in the background. The film score of “Citizen Kane” adds equal amounts of silent, soft and surprisingly loud music accompaniment. The photo is a picture from the film “Citizen Kane.” There is a rough drawing of the frequency of a song form the “Citizen Kane” film score.
Comedy: All
About Eve
“All About eve” replaces their film score with suspenseful silence. The film focuses on visuals and very strong dialogue. In “All About Eve” the music is almost always subtle. Throughout the film most of the scenes don’t have any music, only dialogue. The majority of the other scenes have soft classical strings playing in the background with occasional piano accompaniment. During parts without dialogue or moments of transition, brass, percussion and woodwind will play at a rapid tempo. The films score adds smooth and suspenseful tones at dramatic parts and charming, cheerful tones during comedic scenes. The photo is a modernized poster of “All About Eve.” There is a rough drawing of the frequency of a song from the “All About Eve” soundtrack.
Romance: It
Happened One Night
“It Happened One Night” is a well rounded comedic, romantic and dramatic movie experience. There is little to no film score, which was an interesting and artistic style choice. Most of the scenes are calm, quiet and filled with dialogue. The lack of film score focuses the viewer on following the characters and their dialogue. During transition periods of the film, there may be slight orchestral and band music. Throughout other scenes main characters or side characters will sing. The characters usually sing soft, rhythmic melodies that the whole crowd could join into. The singing gives off a sense of wholesomeness and relatability. “It Happened One Night” is a family film and includes pure, campfire-like tunes.
All film ratings used from “Rotten Tomatoes”
25 TONIC
Putting the Pieces
Together the inside information on how bands are chosen for large music festivals and how they come to together. by megan deterling
T
Festival. he first two week ends of October in Austin are
greet -
ed with anticipation and excitement.
Temperatures
begin to cool, the leaves begin to turn orange, red and brown, and, more im portantly, Austin hosts two consecutive weekends of the Austin City Limits
available as well.
This
tin City Limits Festi -
all occurs in
val, more commonly known
Park located along Lady
as ACL, offers 100-150
Bird Lake near downtown
artists specializing in
Austin.
a variety of genres from
around 400,000 festi -
hip hop
val goers from across
to folk music.
There is also rock, in -
the nation
die,
weekends.
rap, jazz, and
electronic.
Varieties
Zilker
ACL attracts
over the two
Behind the scenes, in -
of food and entertain -
tense planning is re -
ment for children are
quired to pull off a
Ian Mccord singing at a School of Rock Preformance 26 TONIC
The Aus -
successful festival.
In-
house creative teams, sponsorship teams, mar keting teams and produc tion teams must
be coor -
dinated leaving no detail unattended.
No one
knows this better from a planning and management perspective than Shel ley Phillips and Margaret Galton.
They work for
C3 Presents.
C3 Pres -
ents touts itself as be ing in the “business of putting smiles on peo ple’s faces”.
They cre -
ate, market, and produce live events around the country.
Phillips is the
Director Specialist and has worked at C3 for 13 years.
She handles all
events and works with her counterparts in the C3 DC and Chicago branch es.
She says that while
music festivals like ACL and Lollapalooza in Chi cago are their primary focus, they also plan for the Austin Wine and Food Festival and non-musi cal events like the White House Easter Egg Roll. Phillips said that
her
all time favorite event was the 2008 election night event at Grant Park in Chicago.
“It was an
Shelley Philips in her C3 Presents office
exciting night and the crowd’s enthusiasm was overwhelming. forget it.”
I’ll never said Phil -
lips. Phillips says the amount of planning that goes into each event
depends
on the type of event. The Austin Wine and Food Festival starts lining up chefs in September for the event in April. Phillips points out that, often with the big annual events like ACL, “we are starting to plan for the next year’s event at the same time we are wrapping up the current year’s event.
It just kin -
da depends on the scale and how big it is and how much involvement we have.
Sometimes we just
do little things and then that’s not bad at all.”
Margaret Galton is a
talent buyer at C3 Pres ents and shares the re sponsibility
of lining
the artists up for ACL each year. She says that part of the process in creating the line-ups is they look at who has new albums out, who might be doing some reunion shows, or anything exciting that will please the crowds. “You’ve got to have all genres, all types of mu sic, all music for all different types of peo ple.
For example for the
2016 ACL Festival,
we
had to consider the peo ple that just had one day Saturday passes.
We had
booked Kendrick Lamar and the Chainsmokers. Those groups are going to steer to a pretty young crowd, 27 TONIC
Maragret Galton in her C3 Presents office so you want to sprinkle some other stuff in there so it’s not just super hip hop heavy for those people attending on Sat urday only.” She says the majority of the bands submit requests to participate. dition to
In ad -
big name art -
ists, they get requests, often local, from band managers wanting their bands to participate. They will send her data to their music to con vince us that they will be crowd pleasers.
“T he y pr o v i d e th in gs l i k e Y o u tu be o r S p o t i f y , nu mb er o f v i e w s , or w ho t h e i r f a n ba se i n A u s t i n is ” sa ys G a l t o n . 28 TONIC
Kiddie Limits area, much “They provide things like Youtube or Spotify, num ber of views, or who their fan base in Austin is” says Galton.
He plays
drums, keyboards, and
artists back out at the last minute but Phillips said “fortunately, we tionships with bands and
The School of
Rock has had a standing gig at ACL, playing and working a booth in the Kiddie Limits area of the McCord ex -
plained that, while they play many different gigs, they work to perfect their various set lists cause they play in the
Galton get festivals
usually have enough rela -
sometimes performs vo -
throughout the year.
and
the unexpected. Sometimes
mance band, the “B” team
festival.
While McCord, Phillips
people, the downside is
School of Rock perfor -
cals.
ents’ musical interests.
passes and meeting famous
He has
played at ACL with the
for five years.
geared toward the par -
perks like free food, VIP
Ian Mc Cord is one of these artists.
of the music they play is
Be -
artists that we are able to fill it”.
Galton re -
layed the story about the 2013 ACL Sunday rainout. “The first year we went to two weekends was 2013 and the second weekend, the Sunday,
got rained
out and it was a huge bummer for us because we were trying to like
amongst other things, trying to kick this thing off with two week ends, like the perfect two weekends right? So Saturday night, Kings of Leon are playing and it starts raining, right at the end of their set.” The concert has a hard curfew of 10:00 p.m. and that is when the down pour started..
“We
thought no problem and were like ‘We’ll stick it out’ and so every body leaves and we kinda get held under the stage because the band needs to leave front of stage and have a private walk way.
Well, 10:00 p.m.
hits and they aren’t done.
They keep going.”
Galton and the other C3
one that was allowed in.
Presents staff members
It is dirty. a complete
ran to their trailer to wait it out and
mess, so dirty so gross.
then
And we like start com -
headed home.
puting and it is su -
“We wake up the next
per stressful because we
morning and Amy Corbin
weren’t expecting this
who is another talent
and they aren’t allowing
buyer at the festival
anyone in.”
called and said “ this things is cancelled”. was like “what?!”.
I
“She
sent me a couple pic tures of the park.
It
is completely flooded. But we have to notify all the bands.”
Marga -
ret and Amy had to get a special vehicle to pick them up and take them to Zilker, where their com puters were still in the trailer there.
“It
is completely shut down and this one car we were in
was like the only
Margaret
and Shelley explained that not only did they have to call all the bands to tell them it was cancelled, but they also worked on getting the bands other gigs in Austin. “No matter how many planning
meetings we
have or phones calls we make, there is no plan ning for the weath er” sighed Phillips. Weather aside, it is evident that Shelley Phillips, Margaret Gal ton and the C3 team, through experience, contacts and plan ning, are
able to
pull off successful events,
like ACL,
one after another.
Ian Mccord singing at a School of Rock preformance 29 TONIC
location Find a location large enough to host millions of people (depending on how big you ant your festival to be), while keeping in mind the areas and communities surrounding this location.
Start
money Money is very important if you’re trying to start a music festival. When planning everything, take into account the amount of money needed for everything, because it is not going to be cheap.
how
MUSIC think it through
By Megan Deterling
Planning your own music festival an take a lot of work. You need to think about all the details and give yourself enough time to complete everything to prevent last minute panics and changes.
medical Safety is an important factor when starting a music festival. You need to make sure outsiders can not sneak in without paying. Provide medical assistance at the festival, along with maps so people know where to go. 30 TONIC
A flow chart showing the steps needed to successfully create your own music festival.
done!
to
Once your festival is done, you can take time to feel relieved that you have successfully created your own music festival. Soon after, you will need to start panning for next year, you now know what you need to fix and keep for next year.
a
music festival day The day of the festival is going to be crazy. You need to keep everything moving correctly but you also want to go experience the festival and see how your work has paid off
FESTIVAL Scheduling When putting together your schedule for the festival, your want to spread out different music genres evenly. Do not have the two most popular performers of the same music genre play at the same time.
Choosing Varieties of bands are important in a music festival. You want different types and ages of people to attend your festival. When choosing bands, pick different genres to draw all kinds of people. 31 TONIC