Podcast Readings

My podcast writing process, I must say was very involved it required quite an extensive amount of research on my topic, which dealt with Hip-Hop artist Kid Cudi. More specifically how Cudi's sound is so different from other Hip-Hop artists, the scoop on his debut album, and what we can expect from him in the future. Most of the articles I used as references I found through the Music and Performing arts website made available courtesy of the UCSB online data base. Writing a well thought out podcast, I believe requires one to effectively synthesize many sources, reliable ones that is that pertain to ones topic. In this way one can create a coherent podcast that flows properly and contains a mixture of facts that are both accurate and interesting. It is also important, I feel to include your own opinion in your podcast because it adds your own twist and presents the listener with a different perspective. During my readings, one article that caught my attention was titled Kid Cudi: Hip-Hop's Sensitive Soul written by Rolling Stones very own Christian Hoard, it contained all the elements that I hoped my podcast would. It was very descriptive and achieved the perfect balance between interesting facts and discussion. The article dealt with topics like Cudi’s debut album "Man on the Moon: The End of Day," his upbringing in Cleveland and his collaborations with Kanye West. From this article I was able to draw many useful facts that benefitted my podcast. I think that this piece stood out from the rest because of its selection of detail, Hoard did a great job at selecting quotes that I feel are responsible for making the paper a memorable one. One quote, I especially liked was “I get sad at the oddest of times, I need to see a shrink." It was nice to see that Cudi is a really person and Hoard does an excellent job of capturing Cudi’s character in the piece. This article unlike all the others was a fun read that kept my attention the whole way through. I can only hope my podcast will do the same.

Podcasting Video

A podcast is an audio program, like a radio program, stored as an mp3, so that it can be played in an Ipod or computer, whenever a listener wants. This was the definition given in this week “reading” which happened to be the easiest of the quarter considering it was a video! The video, titled “Better World Video on Podcasting”, produced by Peter Osborne and Andrew Bailey was extremely informative in fact at times a little more than I hoped for. I found myself asking when will this be over and why do I need to know this? For example, how will it benefit me to know that I might want “six mini production teams divided into groups of three.” The video went into way more detail than necessary but not to be mistaken, it did in the end prove to be quite helpful. The video I felt explained the podcast making process very clearly, from listing the various formats available to choosing your audience, it covered all the questions one might have, so I suppose it was smart to make such a lengthy video. The part that I found especially useful was the technical aspect of producing a podcast, as I would have probably had no clue where to begin. Now I know that a simple microphone and Audacity are all I need to get my podcast up and running. This week, I learned that a podcast can be a medium of self expression, you can add a variety of elements like sound effects, interviews and links to take your production unique. As I will soon embark on the task of producing my very first podcast, this video could not have come at a better time, as it provides key insights into the world of podcasting.To add, I particularly liked that the video made sure to remind the viewer that podcasting can be fun and more importantly that anyone can do it, now for my sake lets hope I can.

APA PAPER

This week, most of my reading consisted of dissecting long scientific text for facts I could use to support my research. I read three papers this week that all dealt with music and its affect on mood. While the material was very interesting, I found it somewhat difficult to understand the vocabulary used. Writing a scientific paper is quite an extensive process, that requires time and dedication. My paper was aimed at identifying whether a correlation between music and mood exist. This was a topic of particular interest to me because music plays a central role in my life. I often look to music as a way to escape and be free of everything tangible. Music allows you to express your emotions through its beat text and lyrics. With my study I wanted to test if others felt the same way about music as I did. The question I was especially interested in hearing response to was, Why would you say you listen to music? The answer caught my attention and I felt best captured what I felt went as follows “Because music is a definite mood-enhancing drug; the only medication I need to whatever ill things life brings. Music to brighten me up with its happiness and optimism when I'm feeling dark and grim. Music in that melancholy tone or somber voice to keep me company when my soul is down and weary. Music as a light shining through clouds that seems to awaken moments of understanding and unthought intellect. Music as the perfect sound and feeling that I need to accompany a riddled mind. Music is an aid to any thought, feeling, emotion, mood or living, breathing, waking moment. I really liked this assignment because it allowed us to explore areas of music we were interested in while still teaching us of writing at the college level.

Tuned in, Zoned out By Abigail Leichman

The article Tuned in, Zoned out, tackles the issue of whether ipods are making the current and future generations more antisocial. I agree with the idea present in the article that since the advent of the Ipod more people seem to be “wrapped up in their music.” This however is not a result of people wanting to intentionally alienate themselves but a mere side effect of being able to have thousands of songs in the palm of your hand. There has to be sometime you can listen like when riding the bus or walking to class. Just because you choose to listen to your ipod rather than have a conversation doesn’t mean you are becoming more or less social. Everyone has those days where they want to avoid contact with others and the ipod provides the opportunity for this. I myself am guilty of this type of behavior and I don’t consider myself antisocial because of it. Using your ipod as way to escape conversations because your having a bad day or in a rush shouldn’t be looked down upon. As Leichman states “ the devices help them relieve stress or, particularly at work concentrate.” I typically look at my ipod as a way to shut outside noise and focus on my work. Also I don’t think that I am in away losing touch with the people in my life because of it. If anything an Ipod can bring people together if you share musical interests. I can recall many times where my ipod has attracted the attention of someone and ended in a new friendship. Take the Zune for example which allows you to instantly share music, it can serve as a great conversation starter. In the end, I think Technology is what you make it. It can either prevent you from interacting with others, or it can keep you in contact and bring you closer .

The Ipod and the Fury; A Reality Check of the Most Recent Reports on Moblie Music and Hearing Loss

“Everything is good in moderation” is a phrase I think can be applied to this weeks’ reading which dealt with Ipods and hearing loss. The articles presented the case of the Louisiana man that sued the Apple company accusing them of selling Ipods that were “ inherently defective in design and not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings signs regarding the likelihood of hearing loss.” This case calls to mind the Mc Donald’s lawsuit, where they were sued for making people fat. People need to realize that when you buy something no one is going babysit you and tell you how to use it. You take your own actions, you are the one who decides what volume you will listen to. I think Deanna Meinke puts it best when she explains “The risk is there but the risk lies with the user and where they set they volume.” I think it is ridiculous that this man tried to blame Apple and hold them accountable for his lack of self discipline. It simple if you want to reduce your risk lower your damn volume! I personally think I listen to the volume way to high but it is a risk I am willingly to take. Everyone I know is always constantly telling me to lower the volume, my friends will even tell me “How can you listen to that blasting your ears!” Last year, My grandmother even took it upon herself to present me with the facts of how such behavior causes permanent damage and leads to eventual hearing loss. I have had four ipods within the last couple years and this pocket size device is simply something I cant live without. Whenever I put on my headphones, its a chance to block everything out therefore the louder the better. Brian J. Fligor, director of diagnostic audiology states “Noise-induced hearing loss is something that develops slowly and insidiously” now this I find comforting. All I can say for now is that I agree that individual tolerances vary as well as preferred listening levels. Listening your Ipod is an experience everyone has to take responsibility for their actions. As for me, I’m off to buy some noise canceling headphones.

Exposure to Degrading Versus Nondegrading Music Lyrics and Sexual Behavior Among Youth

By: Steven C. Martino, Rebecca L. Collins Marc N. Elliot, Amy Strachman, David E. Kanaouse and Sandra H. Berry

Although the article presented quite an extensive amount of research regarding the effects of listening to degrading lyrics, It still fails to convince me. The article claims that listening to music with sexually loaded language makes one prone to engaging in risky sexual behavior at an earlier age. I disagree with this because I believe it all comes down to the individual and the environment they were brought up in. There are many different factors that can account for why teens engage in sexual activities, and this article suggest degrading lyrics in popular music is one of the main contributors. Although I have my own biases as an avid listener of such music, I don't think that it has to this point it placed me at a greater risk than those who don't. Teen pregnancy and STDs have long been issues and study that aims to link this to music is a waste of time. Why not use the resources to try tackle the issue at hand instead of trying to find a culprit. Teens may look to the media for information about what is popular and how they should act but is up to individual. Everyone has their own morals and values they adhere to and this ultimately decides how they conduct themselves. Many of my friends who listen to music that in this article would be classified as “sexually degrading” are still virgins. They see no extra pressure exerted by the music they listen to. Its your personal choice, music is a means of expression and should not be used a scapegoat for reckless teen behavior.

Brother Ray by David Ritz

David Ritz relates his memories and the creative writing process behind his book that details the life and story of the talented musician Ray Charles. Ritz in the article, gives the reader a senses of what it was like to work under Ray and insight to the character of the man behind the piano. It illustrates the struggles the artist faced during his battle with cancer as well as documents the changes he underwent spiritually.From this we learn the determination and the strength Ray Charles possessed not only in the music world but also his personal life.I thought this piece was written beautifully. Everything about captured my attention from the way it was written to the selection of detail. The line that stands out to me is “ She knew I’d have to fight the fucking world and bend it my way.So I bent it my way.” I feel this captures the essence of Ray Charles a man as Ritz describes “ had no trace of self-consciousness, no pretensions.” Ray did his own thing and never let anyone change him, he was truly someone to look up to. Furthermore,Ritz does an exceptional job at showing the reader the passion Ray felt for his music. When you read this paper, one can clearly that there was no Ray without music.The phrase “eliciting the thoughts of his secret heart” I feel is the perfect description of the paper as a whole. Brother Ray has to be my favorite piece of the readings as it is the most real and raw telling of a man last days. The paper captures all the struggles one faces in their finals days and most importantly leaves a lasting impression of the legacy of Ray Charles.