#shout timber

[ministryofplayers]

Shout Timber - "Rich Man"

[addictivecreative]

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of art directing a music video, which involved coming up with the concept, and over-seeing the theme including props & costumes. The video was for the latest single, Rich Man by London-based indie band Shout Timber. I worked closely with the lead singer, Alex, to develop the video, as we both had a very similar vision. The song is about a rich man, (extended to rich men in general) and how ultimately, their wealth doesn't make them happy, and it can't buy them love. We could have gone in a linear narrative direction, as there is a storyline in the song where the rich man's wife cheats on him with the chef. However, given the elaborate lifestyle of the rich man, and the costumes etc, it could easily have been too much for a music video. So we quickly decided a simple studio setting would suit, with quick cuts to fit the pace of the song. The theme and story would be entirely displayed through props and costume, so I spent a lot of time researching and had each band member dressed as particular 'rich' character, which suited their personalities too. As Alex said in the band's Glass Magazine interview with Kaytee Hernandez;

"I think the video reflects exaggerated versions of our personalities.  I have the tendency to be the most elitist, Sam is really straight faced and TJ is a bit wacky."

The fact that I knew the guys already helped me pin this down.

The video doesn't take itself too seriously, which was an almost accidental direction; the result of a fun day of shooting, and a lot of messing around.

However, this was my first experience of art direction, (and of working on a music video in general!). As a result, I made a few mistakes that I plan to learn from. One thing for me to remember in the future is that art direction isn't just about planning beforehand, it is also about assessing the camera work, angles etc and working with director on the day; I needed to be more involved. This is especially important when the shoot is very small as this one was. Luckily, two fellow students were able to help out on the day so at the end, we have a pretty cool video to show off.

* Check out the "behind the scenes" photos!

[kayteehernandez-blog]

Here's the finished video Lauren, Carolina and I helped out on for Shout Timber! I also met up with the band for a short Q&A for the Glass Magazine blog. Check it out here. 

[humanjoy]

Shout Timber - Rich Man

[kayteehernandez-blog]

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of assisting music video director,Malcolm Ong with the shooting of the video ‘Rich Man’ for alt indie band,Shout Timber. I was lucky to get involved with the project through a friend,Lauren Messervy along with Carolina Plexidas. Lauren assisted the band in coming up with ideas around the theme of luxury and richness, creating a story board for the rest of us to become familiar with. We all pitched in ideas and concepts to add to the video via email and before we knew it set off to shoot it!

Since the shoot was at a studio in Reading, we all got up bright and early to catch the train from London and meet the band. It was a fun collaborative experience as we all helped put  the set together and set up the lighting for the shoot. I acted as A.D. by staying on top of our shot list and making sure we had enough time to cover everything. We only had the studio booked from 10am - 4pm, so it was a fast paced day. Organization was key in order to make sure we were able to get everything we had storyboarded, but thanks to the relaxed nature of the band and the crew we all had lots of fun! At the end of we were all very tired but very satisfied with the work we had done. 

I’m very excited to see the finished video which Shout Timber will be releasing soon. In conjunction with its release I will be blogging a Q&A I held with Alex and TJ for Glass Magazine. So watch this space for a first hand look!

[theabsolutefreeforall-blog]

Free Track of the Day: 'First Love' by Shout Timber

Summing with wondrous indie-pop joy the highs and unbearable lows that we all have experienced of those first romantic encounters. In fact this song is so good it lifts and brightens the listeners mood despite reliving some our collective worst memories.

The four piece band, when not quoting the movie greats on their Facebook page, have also came out with this incredibly funny and yet heartbreaking video to go along with this top track and we are looking forward to hearing more from the guys.

You can download the track for free here:

https://www.facebook.com/shouttimber/app_190322544333196

[half1-2baked]

Shout Timber is a London band that delivers indie-pop with  50's twist. Their EP only has 3 songs, but man, are they good. 

First Love is quirky, it has a slight coming of age feel, as the singer talk about his unreciprocated first love as he waits by the hotel, but life has it's way and soon she's waiting. It'll have you tapping your foot with it's catchy lyrics and beat.

The second song Buccaneer is the kind of song that you turn up to it's loudest and dance like nobody's watching. I especially love when the singer goes into his falsetto, makes me swoon.

Lastly, there's Let's Go Dancing. definitely has that 50's vibe I mentioned before with it's enthusiastic beats, full bodied vocals and fun lyrics. It's an all around feel good song.

Basically, I love these guys. So listen to them !

Also, the very good looking brown guy in the band, just saying.