SLMC

LilMoe · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hi all

My name is LilMoe and I'm a college student living in Tokyo, Japan.

So, I'm looking for people who play the instruments ONLY in Second-Life.
It's for my class project, which is about cybermedia and studying about music industry.
Though there are many people who play the instruments both in SL and RL, I want to focus on SL musicians because I want to focus on the "virtual world."
In Second-Life, you don't need to have any skills for playing instruments like playing the piano or DJing. I'd like to ask you about your position in Second-Life. Since you are artist not in Real-Life but only in Second-Life, what do you think of "SL yourself." It'd be interesting if I can create a "virtual magazine" that features ONLY SL musicians.

Thank you for reading! If you have a question, or you're interested or do me a favor, please reply me or message me (moetama_nyan2@hotmail.co.jp). I'd be SO glad for your cooperation!

Thank you again and hope to see you again Very Happy

ticious · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 2600 Location: Chicago

Hi LilMoe! Welcome to the SLMC forum.

I don't think you're going to get very much response here if you're looking for musicians who only role play in Second Life. This forum is for and about musicians who DO play a real instrument (even if the instrument is their voice) and stream that performance into Second Life.

Some of our visitors here do not perform publicly in real life for a variety of reasons, and only perform publicly in Second Life. I would think that would be a more interesting angle for your paper than people who role play to a recording. This is the power of the virtual world as a communications medium rather than an idle game.
_________________
Joy is in the ears that hear
- Saltheart Foamfollower
- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant

RayW · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 953 Location: Twin Cities, MN

Hi, LilMoe. Very Happy

This is an interesting question in that I'm not sure of the premise. Sure I can play my piano in SL ... listening to "canned" versions of favorite classics. And, one of my German neighbors has an accordion that plays lots of folk classics.

But, I don't think anyone even thinks seriously that this is something to perform with. It's simply there for amusement.

Most people I've noticed have some musical talent that they want to bring inworld in some fashion. Yes, for some their skills may not directly match RL performance skills needed to qualify for the Boston Pops or such. But, they still are very good with what they do and bring that to Second Life in order to give something of value to an audience.

And, I think the "something of value" is key here. Whether in SL or RL, people want value. They don't want to be short-changed or cheated with something fake, most of the time.

At least, that's been my experience. I'm sure there are some who haven't yet figured out or don't care about the difference, because they only see SL as a game and not a true global community. But, I think more and more are getting the message that the music scene in SL is filled with truly enjoyable, talented people who want to entertain you.
_________________
Ray
http://www.rayweyland.com
http://www.sounds-of-ray.com

Norris Shepherd · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:49 pm Post subject:

I'm with Ray here.. i don't think i understand the question. lol.

You want to create a magazine of people who click 'sit on poseball' and pretend to play the piano/guitar/other instrument in SL?

If that's the case, um... well i can't help you. Well actually, i can help in reinforcing what Ticious said. You probably won't find any of those people on this forum. Good luck though.

ticious · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 2600 Location: Chicago

I would hesitate to use the word "fake" here. I don't think LilMoe understands what this forum is and who its participants are. Whether we like it or see it as art or even music, tribute acts are big draws in Second Life and so is role play. I'm sure some of the members of the tribute act bands enjoy pretending to actually *be* the performer they represent. But that's about acting, not music.

Myself, I would categorize that as Second Life Acting though, not Second Life Music.

So LilMoe, I'd like to offer this thought. If you are majoring in BOTH cybermedia and the music industry, don't look to Tribute Bands (meaning acts where people who are NOT musicians role play a stage act while an mp3 streams). That's nothing more than a game. If you are serious about both majors, get out and see some of the real life artists who are using the virtual world to build real life music careers. These people are blurring the lines between real life and second life and that line will grow more and more blurred as time goes by. In not to many years, it's likely to disappear completely.

When that happens, most tribute bands will be no more interesting than a guy playing air guitar in his basement.

As for your idea about starting a magazine, there are several already and even more blogs. You should do some more research before you submit your paper.
_________________
Joy is in the ears that hear
- Saltheart Foamfollower
- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant

Gath Gothly · Joined: 01 Mar 2009 Posts: 51 Location: Arkansas

Ya, I'm a bit confused with the post too.

Be glad to help out and all, if what you're looking for are simply musical hobbyists. I would think that's more in-line with the majority of SL musicians. People who don't/won't make a living off their instruments, but just enjoy playing - and play on SL just as a way to share what they've learned with others.
Certainly my case. I love to play guitar and sing - it's a fun hobby for me. I like to play for other people, so SL is a good outlet for me.

Could you clear up the confusion, LilMoe?

RayW · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 953 Location: Twin Cities, MN

One thing I think LilMoe is talking about playing intruments totally inworld: no voice, no streaming.

There have been several efforts over the last few years to improve inworld instruments. I don't know how successful they have been.

I've "played" a bell Carillon inworld and it was actually fun. Laughing

But, I don't know how serious it would be for a performer. Plus, how do you keep the audience from playing your instrument too, during your performance. Rolling Eyes

I've also played with some drums. That was cool, too. But, again, falls more under the personal fun category rather than performing.

Edit: But ... another point is that I have been an SL only performer to date... not sure LilMoe has considered that. I ONLY perform in SL ... I don't perform in RL (at least, not seriously).
_________________
Ray
http://www.rayweyland.com
http://www.sounds-of-ray.com

ticious · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 2600 Location: Chicago

LilMoe may not be monitoring this thread. In his original post, he asked to be contacted at his email address or in world via im. If you have questions for him, you should probably use that route.

I've played instruments in world too, Ray. The Elven drums are a blast. But I can't imagine a concert using them. Hmmm, maybe I don't have enough imagination.
_________________
Joy is in the ears that hear
- Saltheart Foamfollower
- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant

RayW · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 953 Location: Twin Cities, MN

Gath Gothly · Joined: 01 Mar 2009 Posts: 51 Location: Arkansas

Yay! Hijacking threads rocks!

Ray! Can I join up and play the cowbell? SL needs a good cowbell player.
cause I got a fever, and the only prescription is MORE COWBELL!!!