Psychoacoustics:
A New Music Venture
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THE WEBSITE:
Idea of the site:
There are quite a few music websites at the moment, between the iPhone, Facebook and the Internet. Most of them offer roughly the same things- music sharing, free downloads, and Internet radio access. There are a lot offering the same things, and quite a lot of things are not being considered. The idea of Psychoacoustics, is to pull all the existing qualities of these sites, together, as well as offering new features, and great networking opportunities- for free. The plan is to top Spotify, iTunes and the biggest sites, by offering what they do, plus much more besides. Specific areas and pages on the site will be named after musical figure, albums and events. For instance, a lyrics section will feature Bob Dylan’s name and be themed around here. It is sort of like a music Disneyworld- different zones and characters. This makes it more interactive and interesting than most music sites and is engaging.
Interface:
By accessing www.psychoacoustics.info, (website currently under planning/construction), you will be able to access the site. From there, there will be a home page. On the home page is a main design. It is an animation of a studio, called Psychoacoustics. It is designed like Abbey Road, and there is constant movement on the page. There will be a bank of about 200 different musicians, who will walk into the page and interact with each other; leave and enter the studio, and keep the user amused. The icons as well as the animation will be colourful and interesting and better designed than most of the music websites out there. The icons and options displayed on the homepage are as follows:
Chat:
There is a chat/Skype option where you can interact with any of your contacts or friends. This can be done via a Facebook-style message service, or Skype. When you add contacts- like Facebook or Twitter- you can chat with any of them at any given time.
Mail:
Your personal inbox; you can mail your contacts, as well as any musician or venue.
Search Engine:
This is a bespoke, specialist search engine. It is similar to Google but responds to questions and searches effectively, returning only relevant websites. It also can record via and audio, so if you were searching for a song title or name of song, it would be able to locate it. The search engine is able to answer specific music questions and ties together information and resources from Yahoo, Google and Bing.
Updates/Events:
This is a diary of important music events and updates specific to the user.
Music Player:
You will be able to create a playlist or jukebox of up to 2,000 songs.
Personal Profile:
You can create your own avatar, and enter all of your information. It is similar to Facebook, but more detailed, and upload photos, videos, and designs. I will go into more detail later, but on your personal profile, is all of your information, favourites, and links. The profile works like Twitter and Facebook but more in depth with fewer faults. I have described the social side of things in a previous mail.
Reception:
This tab is in shades of whites and grey.
Contacts:
This details all e mail and phone contacts for every department.
Inquiries:
Up to 6 different contact email and phone numbers depending on the query
Address:
This is the address of the H.Q. and map.
Social media:
This gives links to the Twitter and Facebook sites, as well as YouTube.
Feedback form:
Provide feedback on the site.
Suggestions box:
If you have any ideas for futures or designs, then let us know and will take into account.
FAQ and Troubleshoot:
If you have trouble with any part of the site there is support. Also an FAQ if you have a question and can report abuse or any issues day or night.
- Studio and Rehearsals:
This is an animated studio and rehearsal rooms (about 3 studios with control rooms and one rehearsal space). Unlike sites where there are lists of features, you access the features via icons; so for instance you would click on a T.V. or a guitar to access the relevant feature. The tab on the interface is red, and will consist of different shades of red. The specific names and designs for each feature are to be decided, but are as follows:
Music video:
Here you can pitch ideas for music videos to bands, acts and labels. You can protect your idea and sell it for money or use it to gain points and exchange for a reward in the future. There is also a music video store, where you can access any video from any song, and search by genre, artist or time period. Also, there is software where you can put ideas into and create videos through animation, film or various other techniques and apply them to your own songs.
Album cover:
Here you can view any album cover, and search for it like the music videos. The features here allow you to design covers using animation, photography or a photography edit where you can mix and edit images and merge together to create incredible designs. From here you can publish them or share, or pitch ideas to bands looking for ideas.
Photography:
This is like Instagram where you can upload photos or designs and edit them, using hundreds of options. Here too you can search for photographers and view images, websites and famous images from music history.
Music video player:
This utilises YouTube where you can view music videos for free and have a favourites list, or share the video to social media.
Song dissect/mix:
On this page, you can take any song- from rock to classical and dissect it. You can see what notes are played, and what instruments are played. This helps when writing songs and can learn easily about music. Also you can take sections of various songs and mix them together, and edit the sounds to create new songs.
Entrepreneur:
Here there are guides, links and ways to set up your own record label, festival, or music magazine. You can interact with others online, and get funding in order to set up your own business, and then network on site to attract users and business. Also you can invent new music ideas and instruments; design them on this page and pitch them.
Broadcast:
There is software where you can design and broadcast your own podcast and radio station. Broadcast over the site or YouTube, play your own songs and broadcasts and get fans and followers as well.
License:
On here you can sell songs to T.V. and film companies and productions.
Band sites:
I will explain more on the registration but when bands and artists sign up they can create their own website and include a wealth of information, and make it easy to promote and get fans.
Sounds and Sampling:
This is a sound library with thousands of sounds, effects and mixing options.
D.J:
If you are a D.J., here you can mix tracks, scratch and broadcast your own set, via the site and promote your gigs.
Home Studio:
This is software where you can record vocals, instruments and effects and then send your songs to fans or broadcast the tracks online. There is also software for tuning instruments as well.
Recording and Production:
This allows you to record songs professionally and easily, and provides every technology a modern studio would. You can record vocals and instruments, mix and layer them, and create a professional sounding track. From there you produce the tracks, and broadcast them, and burn them onto C.D. It also allows for album covers to be printed and gives links to sites where you can buy C..D. case and additional software.
Rehearsal and Live Room:
These are simulations of studio spaces where you can play live or rehearse. Via Skype you can jam with the rest of your band or solo and be seen by contacts and have your performance saved and shared. There are options for recording. There are guitar, drum, piano, vocal and orchestra options where you can simulate any guitar or piano etc. and get the most realistic sound possible. Unlike software where it is flattering, here you have to know how to play. Like Wii it reacts to touch and you can simulate yourself playing, as if it were real. From there you can either mess around or record the sounds, or join with others or your band members, and jam together. You can tune the instruments and it is as good as the actual instruments. You can do the same with vocals and record as many tracks as you like, and access different mics, and effects. It is able to work with recording so you can record full songs and albums using this. It is not to replace real life but more act as an easy way to share and record demos for when you are in the studio.
- Bar and Venue:
The venue is downstairs of the studio and the bar upstairs. It is animated like the rest of the site and acts as a portal for socialising and broadcasting. The tab for this is green and appears with different shades of green on the interface.
Radio player:
You can access tens of thousands of digital stations from around the world and stream them live, as well as access archive broadcasts and songs.
Links:
There are links to all music magazines and publications, as well as music websites as well.
Donate:
Like PledgeMusic where you can donate to get album made, and respond to pitches. Artists can offer rewards or treats, and get a % of funds raised. Can network and swap and record vocals or write as well.
Share:
Due to revenue coming from advertisers and labels, the site can pay royalties to artists whose songs are downloaded; it means that songs can be downloaded free, but artists get paid.
Food and Drink:
Links to music venues, as well as music bars and cafes, anywhere in the world, and you can get alerts of any local to you as well as any events that are happening, and share them on the site.
Leagues and Competitions:
There are various leagues for new bands and directors etc. that are updated and points given to the winners. These charts reflect download amounts, most hits as well as popularity too and there are leagues and competitions for new and unsigned bands.
Music Fantasy League:
This is like football fantasy, but you choose a 5-piece band. You have to choose at least one drummer, and one singer, and can choose from any musician from history. You also select 2 songwriters as well and an album and song. There are various points awarded to each depending on how many times they have been downloaded and mentioned, and there is an overall league that updates each week.
Read and Write:
You can publish blogs and reviews of bands and gigs, and albums and publish them and share them, as well as gig reviews and album reviews.
Social:
There is a dating website and connection site for musicians, as well as connects and promotes music charities. There are event postings and updates for your local area as well as internationally. You can also tie all of your contacts and friends in from other social sites into this one.
Connected:
Once you have created a profile you can search for potential band members or venues. When bands or acts register, like a dating website you answer various questions such as favourite music, bands and albums. If you are looking for someone you can either type in a search and the site matches people for you, or you can click on a map. From here you can click on any country or city and search for any member located in that area and contact them. There are sections where you can connect bands and venues, labels to acts and band members and bands together. If you make a successful match, you gain points that can be exchanged.
Actors:
This links actors to bands looking for people for music videos, and also can join actors together, who can share links and tips with regards to music, and best contacts and agents.
Contacts:
I have explained all of the social side, but the site works more like Twitter where you can ‘add’ any band or musical act, and follow their progress and updates. There is a LinkedIn style site too where you can connect with employers or contacts and build up a network of fans and followers which gives you greater opportunities.
Live:
You can broadcast live shows and gigs and stream concerts here and share them.
- Living Room:
This tab will appear shades of yellow. The living room will consist of a sofa, chairs, jukebox and notice board as well.
Music download:
Like Spotify, you can download any track for free, and either play them, or create your own playlists and sections. You can compile songs into albums and burn a C.D., or you can share songs via your phone or social websites. There are also links to Spotify and iTunes, as well as music apps too.
Promotion and Distribute:
You can listen to recommended music depending on your mood or find any new music depending on your tastes. You can then share them via social media, or you can promote new bands and artists, and share acts with promoters and venues, as well as labels. It works like Reverbnation but more in depth, and gives tools to find new music, as well as share and get your own voice heard easily.
Jukebox:
You can have a playlist of up to 2,000 songs, and play them, whenever you like.
Reference Library:
You can view information about every band, artist or album released. It is like Wikipedia where you can find out anything about music, and gives info about bands, videos, links and merchandise; which allows you access to new music, old music you may have forgotten about, and can access any information whenever you want.
Music Trends/Stats:
There are tables and graphs that show music trends, sales figures and stats relevant to you, that are updated daily.
Charts:
These are all of the charts from home and abroad, updated weekly, with links to all of the songs featured.
Search engine and lyric finder:
The search engine is also available here, but is a lyric finder, where you can type words or lyrics and it finds the song. Also you can input audio or video if you are unsure of the song or artists, and it will find out for you.
Pitch Zone:
If you have spare lyrics or ideas, you can pitch them and trade them with artists. You can earn points for anything that is bought from you, and you can pitch and find ideas for songs. Also you can pitch music, so if you have no lyrics you can match them, and also collaborate with people on site and join your music and lyrics together. From there you can create songs together and share them.
Music Notation and languages:
There is software where you can learn music and translate your music into musical notes, so that it makes it easier to write music. There is a link to a language site where you can learn any one of 30 different languages for free. This makes it easier to communicate with international contacts as well as write and sing in a different language.
- Bedroom and Kitchen:
This tab appears as different purple and the bedroom has a bed, wardrobe and table, T.V. etc.; the kitchen is a smaller room connected to the room.
Updates:
You can access all of your updates, information and messages here- as well as directly from your personal profile.
T.V. zone:
This allows access to dozens of music T.V. channels as well as archived videos and shows as well, and relevant T.V. shows and performances.
Links:
There are links to music teachers, studios, websites and bars and venues; everything anyone could want.
Creative Zone:
You can chat with anyone; share ideas, stories, gig reviews as well as photography and videos etc.
- “Acoustic Vinyl”:
This is a specially designed shopping site. The animation is designed like a large Rough Trade store and the tab will be a specially designed one.
Music:
Search by genre, period or artists and find music from them to buy. It pulls together Amazon, iTunes and all music websites so you can compare prices for the album and gives you the most choice you can imagine.
DVDs and Merchandise:
You can search for DVDs and merchandise from any band. This gives you links to shopping sites as well as band sites, so again you can find the best deal.
Others:
You can purchase band and festival tickets, music books, apps and instruments. You can also purchase gift cards too.
Stores:
There are links to shopping websites as well as info for independent stores, with website and address details.
- Join/Log-In:
This tab is in shades of black and grey.
Registration:
Different registrations. For casual user, browsing, solo, band, promoter, venue, label and other. They ask for different details and different lengths but all very simple and easy.
Log-in:
It allows a simple log in and a feature where you can log in to all of your music and social accounts at the same time.
- About Us:
This tab is going to be detailed in shades of orange.
Studio history:
There is information- fake of course- of how it was set up in East London in 1969, and the story behind it. There is a ‘mock’ Vevo-style video and video history of the studio and founders. It is comical and is also like a guided tour.
About the site:
This is a serious description of what the site aims to do and how it will evolve.
Press and links:
This displays any links to relevant sites and partners, as well as software sites so you can create your own music website.
- Music Player:
This tab will be in shades of blue. This ties together all of available and your downloaded music so you can play it on-going and create smaller playlists.
- Advertise With Us:
This tab is in shades of pink.
Adverts:
This is a separate page where all adverts from sites, and venues can be displayed. This means it doesn’t interfere with your profile or browsing but can access it any time from this site. Advertisers and sites pay to be published on the site. There are contact numbers and an online form if you want to advertise or subscribe.
- The Garden:
Charity:
Each month a new charity is put under the spotlight. The site would look at everything from mental health to homelessness. There would be a chance for users to raise money for charities and use tracks to raise money. Awareness is a big things and it will give a chance for those affected (by illness etc.) to engage and talk with others- get useful information that can help them.
New Music:
A site dedicated to new music and artist. It breaks them down by genre, location etc. and makes it easier to discover great new music. It is easier to share new music across social media and ensure it reaches the target audience efficiently.
Existing Music:
Whereas YouTube does not really break down music and make it easy to find; this site would break it down by decade and genre. There would be sections for each genre, decade etc. and allow easy access to some unheard and rare music. Artists and bands would get their own pages and you would be able to create playlists and a bespoke music channel- mix older music with new.
Music Map:
Cities and towns are broken down showing all music venues, cafes etc. It would give a list of local musicians and places of interest.
Funding:
Making it easier for musicians to have their music funded. Would be able to pitch more directly and include venues and other acts. Allows music community to become involved in every stage and draw in big businesses such as Google etc.
THE BAR/CAFÉ:
Logo:
The logo will depict a gorgeous woman in a black dress. In her left hand is a blue rose, whilst in her right, is a microphone. There is a microphone stand in front of her, whilst we see a spotlight shine to the side of her face; whilst drops of rain are overhead and on the other side of her face. She has brown hair and green eyes, with red lipstick. To the side of her is a gramophone, as a vinyl plays. She looks focused but relaxed; enjoying and entranced by the music playing. The main logo will be centred, whilst either side of the logo will be ‘Psycho’ and ‘Acoustics’ in red lettering. The letters will be in a stylised font, but easy to red; with the letters bordered in white to give a modern and striking design.
Intended Destination:
Hoping to have the premises located either Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden or Soho. Due to the size of the building it will need to be located in these areas; and are also locales that attract huge amounts of tourists and attention- providing the most possible custom.
Building:
Inspired by Café de Paris, the building will be very large as well as decedent. The premises will comprise two floors; with the intention of each being large enough to contain all the incorporated properties of the business (see below). Hoping to have it opened no later than 2018.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri:
8am to 12am.
Sat:
8am to 12am (when gigs are performed it will be extended to 1am).
Sun:
9am to 9pm.
Staff:
Around about 50 in total.
Policy:
It will be over-16s only: no babies or children allowed. Dress code is not strict and open to the public.
Funding:
I know of websites similar to Kickstarter that provide funding opportunities for businesses. I hope to pitch a business plan and raise as much of the funding from there. Aside from a business loan, I am hoping to raise as much of the remainder of the funds myself. I am not sure of the exact cost of the entire business, yet hoped that over the coming few years the entire amount can be raised.
Ground Floor:
Bar and Kitchen:
As you enter, to the left of the premises is the bar. The bar will be very modern with a wide and long counter, in order to allow maximum custom. The bar logo will be emblazoned above the bar, and will be unique. As well as serving coffee (and tea, hot chocolate etc.) alcohol will also be served. There will be a range of beers, wines and spirits- as well as an extensive cocktail menu. The menu will be extensive. There will be breakfast, lunch and dinner options- with a dessert menu. The range will include British, American, Mexican, French, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Australian and Spanish food; from savoury to sweet. The kitchen will be next to the bar, and will serve food from opening through to close. There will be themed dishes and cocktails that will incorporate band names, lyrics and album titles etc.
Seating:
There will be a large amount of sitting, to accommodate around about 100 people. The seats will consist of sofas, leather sofas and chairs, as well as wooden chairs. It is designed to be a relaxing and comfortable environment; it will not be cluttered or compacted- space and openness is a huge key.
Jukeboxes and Speakers:
This is one of the main features of the business. The music will be the epicenter of the bar/café, and will be a constant. As you enter, to the left and right hand corners; to the back left and right corners; as well as in the centre, will be two digital jukeboxes. It will be free, where anyone can select a song. There will only be allowance for one song per customer; with a continuous playlist being selected. The jukebox menu will be interactive, so you can select a song by searching; or find by genre/decade etc. There will be access to over 500,000 songs, and will include every genre and style. There will be screens in the centre of the room (overhead) that will show which song is next- running order etc., and everyone will be able to hear the music. There will be four speakers suspended from the ceiling- on each corner of a chandelier. The music will not be so loud that you cannot converse, yet will be crisp and true. Using latest technologies it will be possible to blend the sound of music and conversation so that neither becomes too distracting.
Stages:
As you enter, to the right hand side of the building is a small stage. It will measure 15 by 20ft, and will host intimate performances. At the back of the building will a main stage. It will be 25 by 30ft, and will have a retro feel. There will be a blend of modern, Gothic and American; giving the stage a unique feel. The stage will host larger gigs; whereas in front of the stage, will be an orchestra pit that can host 30 musicians.
Décor:
The décor will be a main attracting. On the walls will be paintings and landscapes depicting famous album covers, music photos, as well as band portraits and designs. It will encompass a large range of artists and there will also be canvases on the wall. There will be modified street signs and portraits, giving it a retro and classic feel all at once. There will be a white wall as well, where lyrics can be written and designs drawn. The entire interior will mix modern and vintage, with artifacts and designs reflecting this. It will not be like Hard Rock Café where it is a sort of music museum or attraction; it will be subtle and will play second fiddle to the key components. Overhead will be several chandeliers as well, providing a romantic feel. At night these will be on, and soothing lighting will bathe the interior.
Access:
There are two methods of access from the ground to upper level. There will be a staircase to the right of the entrance; in addition there will be a small lift giving disabled access (and to allow transportation of equipment, stock etc.)
Upper Level:
Store:
This is a store with Rough Trade in mind. The store is split into different sections. There is an extensive store that offers music by genre, decade etc. and has a large stock- similar to H.M.V.’s largest stores. As with the lower level of the bar, there are paintings, designs and artwork on the walls- and ceilings. There is also band merchandise and memorabilia, signed memorabilia, as well as musical instruments. The idea is that there is everything under one roof that a musician, music fan or music lover could want. There is a charming décor that mixes ’90s Seattle, modern-day U.S. as well as Rough Trade. It is homely as well as modern and cutting-edge. As well as being an all-inclusive store there is a profit-share initiative. Schemes will be set up to allow a small percentage of profits going to independent record stores, as well as local bands.
Charity Office:
There will be a small office, next to the store, which will house the Psychoacoustic charity. It will employ around 10 people, and is a charity which aims to raise money for musicians, struggling bands and children from difficult background pursue their goals.
Consoles and screens:
This will incorporate everything from the Psychoacoustics music website: http://musicmusingsandsuch.wordpress.com/2013/10/. There will be about two dozen consoles arranged within the middle of the floor. These allow direct access to the website. As mentioned, the website aims to make it simple to create music, music videos; collaborate online and distribute music. It incorporates all of the best features of the major music websites, and offers so much more. People will be able to access the website through the consoles. There will be two large walls which will display music videos, or can alternatively project images from any of the consoles- for instance is a music video has been created, it can be instantly projected.
Studio:
Dominating one half of the level will be the studio. It is a medium-sized studio that will offer all the benefits and technologies of the biggest studios. It will encompass a studio, rehearsal room, control room; as well as lounge and bedroom. There will be an in-house engineer, producer and representatives and offer rates that are very competitive. The hope is that is will appeal to new bands, but also drag in big names and established acts.
Garden and Tranquility:
In the center of the level will be a small garden. There will be a water feature, as well as plants; aimed to relax and inspire. There will also be a balcony that will provide a small garden as well as seating.
Décor:
There will be chandeliers as well on this level, but a more toned-down feel. There is impressive lightning and a warm and relaxing vibe. Again there will be leather chair and sofas- located near the consoles.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE:
In conjunction with the music website (itself); the website is going to be different from the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Although I use both; I find they have huge limitations and drawbacks- primary among them is the emphasis on irrelevance and self-indulgence. We all love to have a good vent; to put our thoughts onto the page- the Psychoacoustics site is all about music- nothing else.
Design and interface:
The home page will be designed like a hotel building. It will consist a building with rows of windows- you can see a lift running up the middle. The sign at the top of the hotel will say ‘Psychoacoustics’- it is a simple design that is easy to read and clear. There will be 16 windows in total. At the top left will be the most recent post/update- the bottom right will have the oldest. Unlike Facebook, there will no adverts; no poor layouts or needless icons- it is efficient and organised. Running down the left hand side of the screen- going vertically will be: Mail; Updates; Search; Map and Favourites. Down the right will be Chat; Contacts; Profile; Events/Gigs and Edit. At the very bottom left of the screen will be a video player- where you can watch YouTube videos or any other music-related video. At the bottom right will be a music player where you can stream tracks- listening as you navigate. The whole page will be a catchy and stunning design; with constant movement and animation, it will feel less static- and unmoving- as current social media.
Functions and Features:
The site shies away from the user’s personal thoughts and ponderings. The idea is to promote music; connect musicians and music lovers- for that reason, the site is design to focus on music alone (rather than self-promotion etc.
The Search function allows the user to search for bands and music. It connects with Google (and other search engines) to hunt for bands and new music. Connecting in with YouTube, you can hunt for songs and music videos. The Map allows you to track down bands and artists from particular regions. The map will bring up every country of the world. You can clicks into a particular region/city- from there will be a list of musicians (arranged by genre) who are on the site- so you can connect with and interact. The Favourites tool allows you to save your favourite bits of music- arranged by song/album/act and update.
The Profile and Contacts section are the main focus. When a person logs onto the site; they select whether there are a Music-Lover; Musician; Manager etc- the interface will then tailor to that person’s needs and desires. There will be personal information you need to fill in- name, location, favourite band/genres/albums. From there, the site can find recommendations- songs and other artists; and put you in touch. A Song of the Hour uploads to your home page; facts and links are fed in- that are of interest to the user. If you are a music-lover, you can just go on the site to find great music and acts. The site recommends existing music and songs from YouTube; finds recommendations; builds playlists and selections for the listener. If you are a Musician, then the site factors that in- connecting you with other bands; venues and contacts.
You can add Contacts to your profile- these will be fellow musicians/bands (or just other music-lovers with similar tastes). The status updates will be music-related and aimed at promoting great songs and acts- rather than inanities and personal thought.