Hi all,
I have been considering using some atmospheric music in my performance, just very quietly in the background, don't want cheesy "hammer house of horror" type thing. Does anyone have any experience of using music or is it just "over egging the pudding". I set includes W/A, Alch*mist Ba*ne, Haunted D@ll, and a few other jems. I also use LC Alpher cards. (No music for seance though) Sooo what do you think any thought would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Louis Cypher

I almost never perform without it. I usually have an old record player that I use off to the side. Two of my favorite songs to use: http://youtu.be/I94X_rmIBEU (sans the rain except for during one performance) and http://youtu.be/F9HboBYY7vo . I've never had anyone recognize the songs from their movies.

That's great thanks for the reply Bobby, I shall have a good listen

Here are some links to previous posts on the topic...there are likely more threads beyond these, but these are the ones that immediately come to mind:

Live Sound and Music for the Bizarrist

Music - Midnight Syndicate - New Release

Seance Music?

Essential.

Don't underestimate the power of music that "comes at you from a right angle", as Tom Waits says. Music that provides juxtaposition and counterpoint to the main concept.

Crooner music from the 30s, an actual music box, a poorly tuned radio on the classical station (I've done this live before and it was very exciting to riff off of the current broadcast), a record player or tape deck -- but put it on stage with you. Add a real texture to your stage ambience.

My humble opinion, sir. Very fun to incorporate such things.

Perkins

For my parlour show I use a Bose SoundLink each part of the show is set to some sort of music. I use a lot of Nox Arcana... They allow its use royalty free if you contact them and place a link on your web page and mention them in your advertising (e.g. Your show poster etc.)

The whole experience is heightened using music, I cannot imagine performing without it...

Ignore the weird singing at the end of the second video and the strange pictures... Not sure what that's about.

Check out Arthur Stead's site too

That's great stuff and loads to check out. Thanks a lot guys. It's so cool to have never tried music in my performance and some of you guys "don't leave home without it". The main reason I ask is I now use "smell" in my prop box and all my props have changed gear, as people love the old smell and it give so much hidden "vibes" for want of a better word, so, curious to know how sound would effect the senses. Gonna give it a try. Think I'll leave taste alone
Best Regards my spooky chums
Louis Cypher

Don't fear taste - its like smell too... I got a bizarre hospitality routine which goes over well - especially when pouring out tasty beverages called on by the specs. For another thread

Thanks guys formthe great tips on music; I definitely have to work in some ways to include music and research what to use. I have quite an assortment of varied aromas/ odors from Demeter Fragrances company which really adds to the overall effects and atmosphere (e.g. "earthworm/dirt" for Pearly G*t#s, I pipe and tobacco in the cigar box I use for Shut*€ rb% g).

I have two opinions (it’s me after all)

1) If the Bizarrist’s goal is to present “real” Magick, then music can detract from that reality, because it adds a “theatrical” element, and so removes one layer of belief. That is unless the music is in some way completely organic to the piece (like a music box in the plot or a haunted phonograph record.) So no, it is an intrusion on the suspension of total disbelief many bizarrists want to create.

2) I love music, it adds a richness and emotional layer to Magic (no K.) Music can elicit suspense, romance, fear, a symphony of emotions. Mood is theatrically enhanced with the correct choice of music.

In that I both perform as a “realist” and an “entertainer” I use or don’t choose to have music based upon what I want to achieve.

--Finally, I truly believe in the concept of a “commando” show. If you need music, if it is integral or even a crutch or shortcut to emotion, then you’re trapped with it. I want to be able to amaze (or whatever emotion) on my own… with no theatrical trappings. That said, in the right (more formal) situation or venue I might bring my music as to add as an option.

--I think this is an impossible question to answer for everyone, as every theatrical/story/bizarre performer has their own agenda, style, and attempt at making meaningful magic.

My two-cents
(set to Yankee Doodle Dandy softly in the background.)
Walt

No more posts. Boy... I sure seem to know how to kill a discussion.

And here I thought I was the one who kills threads!

Walt, I completely agree with your opinion. Even if I don't claim what I'm doing is real (and I don't claim it is fake either), I fear that the aspect of what I am doing being real is destroyed by adding music.

However, I have a counter example! I have included singing (Tigun - Jewish songs without words, actually a bit like chanting, really) in the telling of a story before. It fits with the story, my character, and gets the audience (at least those not to shy) involved. Used in three places, it becomes part of the miricle of the story.

Hmm, I guess this is different that using piped in music, now that I think about it...

Well many of the spirits of the world like to party, so music might be neccessary for the rites. Imagine a voodoo ritual with no music, it just doesn't seem right. It'd look like Marcel Marso on acid.

I guess we need to differentiate betwixt diagetic and non-diagetic music. That is music which is integral to the rite or ritual, and non-diagetic, where the music is outside the narrative, used purely to invoke a certain atmosphere.

Look at the way a certain song was used in Fallen, and how creepy it is when a trusted friend starts singing "time, it's on my side, yes it is." This is diagetic, as it is a song sung by the Demon as a taunt. It serves a direct narrative function, it communicates that someone is now possessed by Azazel.

Music goes a long way to set the atmosphere.

Depending on where you are performing and what you are doing, for Tarot session try any of the 'New Age' CDs. For something more sombre try some Gregorian Chant.

For a really chilling seance you'll not get better than Lustmord's The Monstrous Soul. Visit their website: http://www.lustmord.com/albums/ and scroll down to see the album. It is truly terrifying but subtle.

Keith Hart

In my opinion, no music is better for any doll effect than Nox Arcana's- Music Box: the notes, the children singing and then laughing in the background is chilling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTFHogsXGG0

Actually, listen to any of their music and you will find something perfect for any effect.

Vanity Wilde

I advertised recently on the Café that a friend and I were offering a service for original musical scores.
I'm a pro musician and he scores horror movies for a living. We can write, record and supply any type of backing music you can imagine, without it costing a fortune.you can choose length,different sections, and hit points. You can even choose to own the copyright meaning you can use it however you wish (even on tv or for sale/re release, which is rare!).
We do any style at all, but do specialise in the moodier and darker atmospheres!
Pm me anytime if you'd like more info.
K

Good to know, cheers.

Hi Louis,

Whether or not one should use music strikes me as not quite the right question.

Music is just one element of sound design. And in theatre—which as performing artists, is the business we are in—intelligent sound design is critical. That means knowing when to use music, when to use atmospheric sound, and when to use nothing at all.

Used sensitively, sound design adds texture and intensifies emotions, just as underscoring does in a movie. It is also a practical way to cover the dead time of bringing up participants, passing out or collecting props, and such.

If you don't have a natural feel for the use of sound in your performances, there are theatre professionals in your area who can steer you in the right direction.

Best,
Neil