Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Station Profile


Ryan Hanratty
Broadcast Programming
Dr. Kildea
4/26/12

Station Profile Interview

            The great thing about doing a “Station Profile” project is you get the opportunity to talk to a professional who works in your possible field of interest. This is beneficial because it can lead to internships or chance to pick up some well versed insight. For my project, I conducted an over the phone interview with a professional record producer who is currently working on an album with colleague of mine.
Mr. Jerry Ramos is freelance music producer who is currently working on numerous projects. He has been producing music professionally for 5 years now and is also a talented song-writer and multi-instrumentalist. One of the records he is working on was composed by my colleague’s band, Shadowplay. The band is currently signed onto Romulus X Records which the label of many young artists in the New Jersey and Philadelphia area. Their album is being recorded at Arc Studios, where Mr. Ramos works as an executive producer.
Arc Studios is located in Lincoln Park, New Jersey and is home to the record label, Romulus X Records. Together the two businesses help upcoming bands with matters of promotion, management, consultation, and production. They are mostly known for their work with hard rock and metal artists but are continuing to grow and expand horizons.
The first part of my discussion with Mr. Ramos began with the listing of important characteristics needed in order to become a professional music producer. He stated, you need to be well versed in music as a whole. To be specific, a good producer has become familiar with the many different types of musical instruments and technologies used throughout the past and today. Though, he did not go into detail about what types of musical and recording technology he has access to he stated, technological expertise will enhance your ability to work in a variety of different genres. In addition, the new found experience and confidence will help increase your skill and knowledge as a professional in of your field.
A producer must be schooled in music theory as well. Music theory is study of how music works and how it has progressed and changed over time. This schooling can come from specialized classes or firsthand experience with people who have been in the business for quite some time. Another, useful tool a producer should have can be achieved from basic understanding of people. This can assist you in helping to create your client’s vision which requires certain amount patience.
The next part of the interview I tried to focus on his personal preferences. I asked him if he had been able to work in any unique styles music. He then mentioned he had experienced working with artists in the genres of blues, rock, metal, pop, and Latino music. I then asked him what his favorite aspect of producing was and he noted, if he had to pick it would be the actual recording of an album but he truly enjoys the whole process.
            According to Mr. Ramos, the process of music production revolves around one goal, “Can you make an album a marketable product?” Once he felt I understood this, he went on to describe the step by step process. First, you have to meet with the artist, get to know them, understand their tastes, and figure out what type sound they would like their final product to portray. Second, once you and your client create a vision, you can start to arrange for studio time. If you are working with a solo artist you may need to hire studio musicians, as well. Third, you bring the artist into the studio and have them play along to their own rough recordings. From there on you are able to continue working on tracks until you reach a solid point of satisfaction. Eventually, you will be able to decide whether or not the album is ready to be mixed and mastered. If not, then you continue on with the process until both you and your client feel you have achieved the final goal of creating a marketable product.
            I then asked him if he had any advice for students or musicians who expressed interest in music production. He stated, you need to be persistent with your ideas and not be afraid to call the shots time and time again. Even though you are running the show you need to know that “everyone is the producer.” Everyone involved in the album making process is going to have opinions and is going to make demands, you need to be able to compromise and take charge when necessary.
            Mr. Ramos is a very busy man and I am extremely fortunate that he took the time out of his day to talk with me. Overall, I felt this interview was insightful and it granted me a great opportunity to hear a professional point of view of the music business. I was very lucky to be able to receive information that could point me in the right direction should I wish to enter the field of music production one day. Though this interview did not lead to an internship, Mr. Ramos was nice enough to offer help or advice should I need it in the future.

Contact Information:
Mr. Jerry Ramos

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Foreign TV Show

Foreign Television Show
Show: Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Genre: Sketch Comedy
Country: UK
Original Run: October 5th 1969 – December 5th 1974
Starring:  John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland

Plot:
Monty Python’s Flying Circus was a British sketch comedy that was originally aired on October 5th, 1969 by the BBC. The show was based around unconnected skits similar to that of many American sketch comedies such as Mad TV or SNL.  In the first episode aired the most memorable moments the show were when the characters portrayed famous people and events in history in a very humorous way, World War 2 and Pablo Picasso are two examples.
 Pablo Picasso was used in such a way that he put into a situation where he must ride a bike in a marathon while painting a portrait and competing with other artists/bikers. The World War 2 skit takes place during the time when America was developing the atomic bomb but instead of a bomb the show’s creators replace it with the world’s deadliest joke.  The joke is supposedly so funny that it kills the reader due to extreme laughter. The skit is enacted in several setting such as suburbia, a Nazi base, and on the battlefield.
In my opinion the show is well put together and the writers were obviously very creative and humorous. The comedy involved is anything but dry and it keeps the audience entertained at any age, even today decades after the show was on television. This show also led to the creation of the famous movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and several other titles.