1.
For my independent project I propose to research and discuss the recording of the 1967 Beatles album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I will discuss the recording techniques used on this album, why they were used and what those techniques enabled the group to do with their music, and also how these recording techniques and the technology compare to today’s recording of music.
I have chosen to research and discuss this album in particular because many fans and critics alike consider the album to be a significant turning point in The Beatles’ career, encompassing a diverse range of musical styles, and with this, new recording techniques that The Beatles had never utilized prior to Sgt. Pepper.
I will investigate this because not only were the recording techniques used innovative and revolutionary at the time, but they have also had long-lasting influence on modern day musicians and recording artists and I would like to see examples of the influence that such recording techniques have had (an example of this is how The Beatles were one of the first artists to incorporate reverse tape effects (or backmasking) in their work, which has been used by the likes of Oasis and Pink Floyd since). I would like to investigate what the technology available half a decade ago allowed recording artists such as The Beatles to do with their work because it would be interesting to compare to today’s technology.
To research recording techniques such as the above mentioned backmasking among many others and their use in recording today, I will incorporate the use of books and websites to find documents from a variety of sources.
2.
To conduct my research, I will use websites (such as openculture.com, where the making of the album is thoroughly explored), and books (such as The Beatles Anthology (by The Beatles, 2000)). Another useful source of information will be video documentaries. (Such as The Making of Sgt. Pepper, a documentary in which McCartney, Harrison, Starr and Martin discuss the production and development of the album and demonstrate the use of 4 track recorders).
I am going to present my research and findings on a blog page on weebly.com, to best show my findings collectively and comprehensively in a well-documented fashion with all of my sources and citations present.
The structure for my research will consist of me beginning the project by exploring the creation and recording of the album’s singles, Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane. After this, I will explore the creation of other tracks on the album, such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and A Day in the Life. My investigation will conclude with me discussing the album as a whole.
I am also going to present my research with a recording of a musical piece that is recorded using technology and equipment used by bands of the era, such as an analogue mixing desk and a 4-track recorder, to demonstrate the practices of recording using the technology.
I will have completed my introduction and research on the band’s 1967 singles by January 4th, and the album’s major tracks by January 25th. My conclusion, with analysis of the recording and production techniques used in 1966-1967 will be completed by Feb 15th, allowing me a final month for any finishing touches, and also to plan and record my practical piece, for the final submission date on March 14th 2016.
For my independent project I propose to research and discuss the recording of the 1967 Beatles album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I will discuss the recording techniques used on this album, why they were used and what those techniques enabled the group to do with their music, and also how these recording techniques and the technology compare to today’s recording of music.
I have chosen to research and discuss this album in particular because many fans and critics alike consider the album to be a significant turning point in The Beatles’ career, encompassing a diverse range of musical styles, and with this, new recording techniques that The Beatles had never utilized prior to Sgt. Pepper.
I will investigate this because not only were the recording techniques used innovative and revolutionary at the time, but they have also had long-lasting influence on modern day musicians and recording artists and I would like to see examples of the influence that such recording techniques have had (an example of this is how The Beatles were one of the first artists to incorporate reverse tape effects (or backmasking) in their work, which has been used by the likes of Oasis and Pink Floyd since). I would like to investigate what the technology available half a decade ago allowed recording artists such as The Beatles to do with their work because it would be interesting to compare to today’s technology.
To research recording techniques such as the above mentioned backmasking among many others and their use in recording today, I will incorporate the use of books and websites to find documents from a variety of sources.
2.
To conduct my research, I will use websites (such as openculture.com, where the making of the album is thoroughly explored), and books (such as The Beatles Anthology (by The Beatles, 2000)). Another useful source of information will be video documentaries. (Such as The Making of Sgt. Pepper, a documentary in which McCartney, Harrison, Starr and Martin discuss the production and development of the album and demonstrate the use of 4 track recorders).
I am going to present my research and findings on a blog page on weebly.com, to best show my findings collectively and comprehensively in a well-documented fashion with all of my sources and citations present.
The structure for my research will consist of me beginning the project by exploring the creation and recording of the album’s singles, Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane. After this, I will explore the creation of other tracks on the album, such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and A Day in the Life. My investigation will conclude with me discussing the album as a whole.
I am also going to present my research with a recording of a musical piece that is recorded using technology and equipment used by bands of the era, such as an analogue mixing desk and a 4-track recorder, to demonstrate the practices of recording using the technology.
I will have completed my introduction and research on the band’s 1967 singles by January 4th, and the album’s major tracks by January 25th. My conclusion, with analysis of the recording and production techniques used in 1966-1967 will be completed by Feb 15th, allowing me a final month for any finishing touches, and also to plan and record my practical piece, for the final submission date on March 14th 2016.