Video Assignment Proposals

1.Misconceptions Regarding Electronic Music

One of my strongest passions in life is electronic music. When I tell people this, a typical response is more often than not:

“Oh, you mean like techno? Like at raves with DJs scratching and all the crazy party people on ecstasy waving glowsticks and sucking on pacifiers?”

It pains me, it really does. Although, it’s really no one’s fault. Electronica just isn’t remotely as popular in the United States as it is in Europe, Australia and elsewhere, for a variety of reasons. This is actually somewhat ironic, as the United States has had a huge influence, and in a few cases even invented several genres of dance music that are now booming in popularity across the pond. These stereotypes spawn simply from limited exposure and innocent ignorance. My video would attempt to explain why the sample response above is just so flat out wrong on so many levels, and debunk all the stereotypes surrounding electronic dance music (EDM). I’d also like to communicate a greater respect and understanding of EDM to the audience and hope that they can at least grasp a little bit on why the genre is so much more than meets the eye/ear, and that there is something for everyone in it, as long as they are willing to explore and do a little research.

The biggest gripe I would like to clarify is over the usage of the word “techno”. Techno is a very specific genre of EDM, and is hardly ever heard in the mainstream, except for perhaps a rare commercial or movie score. The average American seemingly labels anything with an electronic beat techno, and it could not be more incorrect or frustrating- Cascada, Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, Madonna’s later works, etc; none of these are techno. Through Flash, I would like to explore, explain and demonstrate the huge differences between actual techno versus the other big, more commonly heard genres such as House, Trance, Drum and Bass and Breakbeat.

I’d also like to let the audience know that even though EDM is a very niche market, the scene is alive right around them- yes, in Columbus! I’d like to get some footage of local venues where electronic music is spun, where to find information on events and shows and where to to go online to explore all different kinds of music for free.

If I still have time, I’d also like to briefly touch on what exactly a DJ’s function is- some of the technicalties of what he or she is doing to the music, the purpose of the turntables and mixer, what makes a good DJ, etc.

Like I said, a lot of this would be flash based, and some actual footage would be of venues (and if the timing is right, actual events), but I’d also like to ask people on camera some questions such as “What is techno?” “Or what type music would you call this (have them listen to something)”, etc to open up the video.

2. St John Arena’s Survival

With the recent northward expansion of Ohio State’s campus (the “new” dormitory in the old Holiday Inn, the forced move of Hineygate, etc.) rumors have been swirling that old St John Arena would be the next building to meet its demise. St John is the home of Ohio State men’s and women’s volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics and the occasional men or women’s basketball. It is also the home of the Skull Session, one of Ohio State football’s most proud and important gameday traditions.

These events aren’t just held there because of their sports’ status or because of their proximity to Ohio Stadium- St John’s is an ode to the past (some say the golden era of Ohio State basketball came shortly after the venue’s construction), and is still flat out just an amazing arena that truly has stood the test of the time. Unlike the Schott, there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house, a remarkable claim for a venue of its time.

My video would show the beauty of the arena and capture the treat that seeing an event, regardless of what it is, at the John truly is. I’d also like to get the typical student’s reaction to the potential destruction of the arena, and hopefully talk to someone in facilities or in the Ohio State front office about potential plans for the area.