I am still exhausted from the weekend that has just passed! My eyes feel like weights, but it was a weekend that I’m keen to share!
It began on a Friday: We flew to Sydney and arrived at 3pm. As soon as we landed our manager’s assistant picked us up. She is possibly the greatest person to have looking after us; organized, supportive and great fun! We’re really lucky to have her working with us at this early stage while we adjust to being part of the label.
We drove straight to the first location for a photoshoot in Redfern. The shoot was set in a café-like diner. It was a little daunting to arrive at the photoshoot with everything set up. Before us was the camera, lights behind us and to the right there were racks of clothes. It was professional and something we weren’t used to.
Before this shoot, I don’t think I had really thought about the promotional aspects of being in a signed band such as the photoshoots and interviews etc. So far, I’ve just been focused on Alpine building on its fan base through performances. Therefore, I found the shoot difficult. Not only was it due to nerves but also due to the feeling of being outside of my comfort zone. As we’re not a big band, I found it strange that at this point we were using the image of Alpine as a means of exposure instead of performing at gigs.
To begin with, the shoot was a little daunting and I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to pose in most of the early shots, I must have looked serious and possibly even bored. Eventually, I learnt to relax and began enjoying the shoot when everyone else began loosening up too. We began experimenting with hand and arm positions across the tables and trying out different facial expressions. It also helped that the photographer we had was nice and his directions helped us to understand the context of each shot. We had to think about the excitement that comes from making music and remember that these shots we’re about introducing ourselves to everyone. By the end of the shoot, we were getting some great, natural shots that really suited what Alpine was all about.
Before this shoot, I don’t think I had really thought about the promotional aspects of being in a signed band such as the photoshoots and interviews etc. So far, I’ve just been focused on Alpine building on its fan base through performances. Therefore, I found the shoot difficult. Not only was it due to nerves but also due to the feeling of being outside of my comfort zone. As we’re not a big band, I found it strange that at this point we were using the image of Alpine as a means of exposure instead of performing at gigs.
To begin with, the shoot was a little daunting and I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to pose in most of the early shots, I must have looked serious and possibly even bored. Eventually, I learnt to relax and began enjoying the shoot when everyone else began loosening up too. We began experimenting with hand and arm positions across the tables and trying out different facial expressions. It also helped that the photographer we had was nice and his directions helped us to understand the context of each shot. We had to think about the excitement that comes from making music and remember that these shots we’re about introducing ourselves to everyone. By the end of the shoot, we were getting some great, natural shots that really suited what Alpine was all about.
Straight after the shoot we drove to the venue GoodGod to unload our gear and get ready to play as the newest addition to Ivy League. This gig was to showcase all the new artists on the label, which also included Wons Phreely, Catcall, Cabins and Cloud Control. The night also allowed us to meet the other artists on the label and watch their performances. I am really happy to be part of Ivy League. The night was great, it allowed me to see the quality and diversity of music genres on the label. I also really appreciated how supportive all the artists were of each other’s music and how genuine everyone was. The night made me feel that Alpine was now a part of something and it’s quite exciting!
When the doors opened at 8pm, people started to arrive and by 8.30pm the first act began to play. This was when the nerves started to kick in for me. We were told a lot of industry individuals such as triple J Djs, reviewers and photographers were attending so it was important for us to make a great impression in Sydney. I look forward to the day when nervousness is replaced with excitement but i know I am getting there.
The highlight of the evening occurred when we finished setting up for our set. We had been so busy that by the time we began playing, we were all surprised to see venue was just about full and it was only 9.30pm. We had a blast on stage and the set was a great success! This left our night at a high but it also meant a pretty late one too followed by 3 hours sleep and sore heads the next day…
When the doors opened at 8pm, people started to arrive and by 8.30pm the first act began to play. This was when the nerves started to kick in for me. We were told a lot of industry individuals such as triple J Djs, reviewers and photographers were attending so it was important for us to make a great impression in Sydney. I look forward to the day when nervousness is replaced with excitement but i know I am getting there.
The highlight of the evening occurred when we finished setting up for our set. We had been so busy that by the time we began playing, we were all surprised to see venue was just about full and it was only 9.30pm. We had a blast on stage and the set was a great success! This left our night at a high but it also meant a pretty late one too followed by 3 hours sleep and sore heads the next day…
On the Sunday back in Melbourne we had an early start for shooting our first music video for the song Heartlove. We were to start at 10am and were to finish at 10pm and I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to make it through the day! Since spending Friday night in Sydney and having 3 hours sleep and then having another gig the following night and not getting home until 12am I was feeling fragile to say the least. However, when we all arrived at the warehouse in Kensington Sunday morning there was a sudden buzz in the air.
It took an hour to two hours to set up the camera equipment, music gear, props, organize the two outfits for each band member and get make-up done. After a coffee and muffin we began shooting in no time. Throughout the day everyone surprisingly maintained a high level of energy. It also helped that there were 16 or so people (mostly friends) who were able to lend a hand, offer some support and have a laugh with. This made the day pretty stress free and really enjoyable.
Interestingly, although we had the song play over and over, it didn’t actually get annoying, subconsciously I think the fast paced nature of the track actually helped keep the energy alive when the Alpine members were being filmed. Every time we looked back at some of the footage I couldn’t believe that was me! All those years watching music videos, it was amazing to think I was finally in one.
The hardest part of the day was between 5pm and 10pm when we were shooting the live performance footage. It was as though we were performing the song nearly 20 times in a row and with just as much energy as the live shows. I was so exhausted but I just had to convince myself to give each take just as much energy as the last take. Phoebe had the most amazing energy! I was in awe! Everyone in Alpine did such an amazing job, and considering the lack of sleep we all gave 110%. We all wanted to make sure that the director could take back as much fantastic footage to edit into a music video that will blow everyone away.
Interestingly, although we had the song play over and over, it didn’t actually get annoying, subconsciously I think the fast paced nature of the track actually helped keep the energy alive when the Alpine members were being filmed. Every time we looked back at some of the footage I couldn’t believe that was me! All those years watching music videos, it was amazing to think I was finally in one.
The hardest part of the day was between 5pm and 10pm when we were shooting the live performance footage. It was as though we were performing the song nearly 20 times in a row and with just as much energy as the live shows. I was so exhausted but I just had to convince myself to give each take just as much energy as the last take. Phoebe had the most amazing energy! I was in awe! Everyone in Alpine did such an amazing job, and considering the lack of sleep we all gave 110%. We all wanted to make sure that the director could take back as much fantastic footage to edit into a music video that will blow everyone away.
I will not forget this experience!
