Final Project Paper
Michael Stetz
Media convergence a term that has a vast array of meanings, it all just depends on who you ask or what text book you read. It can be as basic as the merging of media technologies or the blending of multiple media forms into one platform for a purpose of delivering a dynamic experience. The best part about media convergence is that everyone has their own ideas or thoughts on what it is and there really isn't a wrong answer.
For my final project I created a mashup using Homemade Dynamite by Lorde, Roses by the Chainsmokers, Messy by Kiiara and lastly Not Going Home by DVBBS. I used these songs to create my mashup because not only are they great songs to listen to but because they are all very similar in key, and bpm which makes it easy to combine certain aspects of the songs together. Without making it sound out of rhythm or bad mixing. I downloaded the instrumental of Homeade Dynamite and the acapellas for each song and from there I fit each song to the correct tempo and key based around the instrumental. Once I was finished with that I cut up the acapellas for each song, lined them up with the instrumental and placed them where I felt they sounded best. Next I put fx such as reverb, delay and some other filters in order to make the transition between different vocals sound smoother.
I felt that this final project fit into the concepts that we have discussed in class. The main concept that I was able to relate this to is everything being a remix. The reason I say this is because I took four songs from four different artists and combined them into one song or mashup. That being said I took four different artists work and recreated it into my own. Throughout the class we discussed multiple times on what is considered stealing someone else’s work or copyright law. Which in this case I don't think I stole anyone work by any means. I gave all the artists credit for their work and used their beautiful creations into my own little twist. I did not make this to try to make money or become famous. If anything I used this out of appreciation for the work they have produced. If it wasn't for them making these songs I would never be able to fool around and create a mash up like this.
Speaking as someone who produces mashups and remixes I have a very hard time hearing those people say I'm stealing their work. Rather then just being creative and using material that is at my fingertips. If I was unable to create mashups or remixes like this it wouldn't allow me to be creative and further my skills. Where one day I may be able to create my own beats and or an entire song. I think for those people saying I'm stealing work they are to caught up in their own music and creativity that they cant appreciate someone taking something they have created and letting them put their own twist on it and or maybe even improving it.
Overall I have really enjoyed this class and working on all the assignments. I by far had the most fun creating my final project and analyzing it. I hope you enjoy the work as much as I enjoyed creating it.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1z-b4PdlfjU_h3LNKmGz4D1oA2UKvYRcr