It looks like No Island Media, who previously announced a documentary on synth pioneer Dave Smith, have big plans for music video downloads.
No Island has announced the launch of two new music technology series: The Search for the Perfect Guitar Tone, a 24-episode series centred on guitar innovation, and; Sample, a 24-episode series focusing on applied music technology.
Select episodes of each series will be available, free-of-charge, for download and stream, via 30 video aggregators throughout the world wide web. DVD compilations and extended-download versions of each episode will be available for purchase at Google Video Store, noisland.net and select online music retailers.
The Search for the Perfect Guitar Tone will be shot at NXNE, Canada's largest music festival, in June 2006. Episode talent and manufacturer partners will be announced as releases and pre-production is finalized through May 2006. Programming will be available late June 2006.
Sample is slated to begin production in July and August of 2006, for a September 06 release date.
"The Search for the Perfect Guitar Tone and Sample mark a few significant changes in the way music and media work together," says Trevor Andrews, Executive Director of No Island. "First, these are series about applied musicianship, not lifestyle. Second, this programming provides a platform for emerging musicians to introduce themselves to fellow musicians and music enthusiasts based on innovation and ideas, rather than through a media that focuses on manipulated posturing. Third, most musicians, regardless of professional stature or ambition, are intelligent, introspective, disciplined individuals. They deserve a media representation of themselves that captures that core aspect of their being. Forth, the musical culture thrives when ideas and experimentation at not things to be feared. Fifth, we have structured this programming in a way that is progressive and inclusive, i.e., for Season One participants, No Island provides a profit-share structure for all participating manufacturers, artists and filmmakers so everyone is ensured a fair share of the production, and everyone feels comfortable in sharing in the creation of the production. "
Besides broadband fare, No Island will launch No Island Mobile sometime during third quarter. The 24-hour 'network' will feature original content specifically geared for wireless devices, derived from the production company's interaction with emerging and established musical innovators and leading music manufacturers.
"Music is a very applied art", says Dina Walker, No Island's Executive Producer. "Musical intelligence is a fact. It is more than finger exercises, tech specs and theory. It is a force that wants to grow and evolve. The best musicians are continually seeking new sources of inspiration, whether from established artists, manufacturers or peers. The No Island Mobile Music Channel is being set up to respect those basic truths and extend the interaction between all innovators in music community."
According to Lars Sunderflyrr, senior executive vp for strategy and development at No Island Media, much of the content in season one will be geared around specific applications of technology, and profiles of the innovators who define music technology. Starting in Q4, No Island's weekly music content slate will consist of video clips, ranging from 30-second to four-minute segments, including a wide range of subjects from percussion to recording technology to in-depth tutorials.
