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Composer Kenn McSperitt is working on an ambitious musical art project that involves basing orchestral songs on human speech. This pioneering new method, which he has deemed ‘phonetic composition’, means that pieces can be created that mimic the way that people talk. McSperitt melds phonetic science, phonological features, and spectral analysis of speech sounds to produce this truly unique experimental sound. This is art at its most unique and inventive.
McSperitt is currently attempting to finance a CD containing 2 large multi-movement works in the style of phonetic composition. He is using the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter in order to do this. The album will be distributed by Centaur Records, a label in the Naxos distribution family, which has already agreed to help to get it on the shelves. It will feature 50-60 minutes of new music for chamber orchestra.
This is a truly original project, involving one of the most creative musical-art concepts of the last decade. Perhaps it could herald an era in which the lines between speech and music are no longer as defined, and rousing speeches can be translated into compositions that are equally stirring and memorable. It seeks to question the very nature of music, and blur boundaries that were previously set in stone.
India is arguably one of the most diverse and beautiful nations on the planet, which makes it a great subject for artistic photography. With its amazing mix of cultures and postcard scenery, there are endless opportunities. Croatian travellers Jelena Nikolic and Sanjin Kastelan are looking to share their journey through this rich and colourful nation via the media of video, photography, and blogging. They fell in love with India after working at a yoga retreat there last year, and would love to help others to do the same. Their photos are truly stunning, and really manage to capture the country’s beauty.
Jelena and Sanjin are looking to fund their project via the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. One of their focuses will be food, as they wish to display the unique culinary offerings that India has to offer. The overall aim of this project is to alter the way in which people perceive India. Oftentimes, when people think India, they think of squalor and poverty. In reality, these things exist in every nation, and are only one side to India. Perhaps this project could help to challenge preconceptions and replace prejudices with a new, more positive image. It is a fascinating artistic project that uses photos to achieve social good, which is one of the many functions of this multifaceted art form. Check it out for yourself at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dream-of-india–3#/