Villages Music Video (Saturday 30th October)

A 5am start for this shoot was a struggle. Luckily we were staying only ten minutes away from the location. We shot the video in Camden in Sydney which was about an hour away from Sydney's CBD. The location was at a big old Victorian mansion called Studly Park that was built in the 1800s. Only after the shoot did I find out about the deaths that have made this house haunted: two boys have died, one of appendicitis in one of the rooms, another boy who died due to drowning in the dam and a little girl who was raped and murdered in one of the top floor bedrooms. I'm glad I didn't know about this at the time! The house defiantly had an eerie feeling about it.

It was a very misty morning, so misty that when we saw the house from a distance, all we could see was a tower that was glowing red, it was like something out of the Shining! I was pretty freaked out! When we got there, the majority of the crew were there, but still, it was dark...

Christian and Ryan were the first to start filming which was set on the steps. Their role was to sit on the steps and and to look bewildered by what they have just "seen" inside the house.

While the guys got their acting on, phoebe and I were getting our make-up on in one of the rooms that looked a little like a bunker. The make-up artists were so lovely, and really helpful throughout the day. For the shoot Phoebe had more a ghost look: white mascara, white face and white eyebrows. She also had one hand with gold paint. I had more of a darker look: purple/black eye shadow on both eyes, one eye with glitter which as the day progressed started to grow around my eye. I had the tips of my hands painted in black paint to represent how a part of me was dying and again this extended up my hand as the day progressed. 


The clip was focused around mood/imagination/creativity. I felt this clip was a twist on all the romantic tales that resonates from classic female novelists such as Bronte and Austin.

Luckily, we had organized the outfits the night before in Sydney so there wasn't much stress in the morning. I found it really difficult to find something to wear, as most of the outfits were more suitable for a tall frame, most of the outfits made me look as though I was drowning in fabric. We finally got somewhere though, although i wasn't 100% happy. My main outfit was a gold, lace dress and phoebe's was a white lace top with a long white pleated skirt. We had a second outfit which was to be worn in another scene that were both white and the material was to assist in creating the impression that we were hovering above the ground in a clockwise direction during the chorus.

I began the morning singing/miming whilst lying within ferns and being dragged on a trolley on my back to appear as though i was being dragged along the ground. Phoebe had to do the same thing, however was physically dragged with the help of Ryan and our produce who held her up from her shoulders, allowing her feet to drag. Her feet at the end of the day were in a bit of a state though!

I still find it hard to sing aloud to the song for music videos. It was harder than shooting for Heartlove. This time I was surrounded by more people than last and I felt a little uncomfortable because I didn't know this crew as well as the Heartlove crew. I therefore felt pretty ridiculous but I just had to get on with it and try and not over think what I was doing and just treat it like a job. The other difficulty was singing to a version of the song that was a lot faster in order to get get a slow motion result.

Later in the day Phoebe and I shot a scene in a small room with a red light shining in a corner. We had a sequined cloth draped over our heads. We were to look vacant whilst miming to the song. This shot was a little strange and i wasn't sure about it so it will be interesting to see how it will be used.

Luckily, Phoebe and I got a two hour break at lunch. We went back to motel for a little Nanna nap which was desperately in need. In the meantime, Tim and Phil were shooting their parts for the music clip. 

Tim's role was to lye on top of two beams. When the video is edited, the beam will be edited out to give the impression that he is floating in mid air. In the clip there will be an additional effect whereby the limbs of his body will be disconnected whilst he is floating.

Phil's role involved sitting in an empty room with a red glow under his shirt to represent the pain of a broken heart. There was also a lot of stop motion used with dramatic physical movement to portray emotional turmoil.


After a Nanna nap, Phoebe and I returned to the location at 4.00pm as we were required to shoot the rest of the clip. The guys all got to go back to the motel. This was the hardest and funnest part of the day. We had already filmed heaps of footage that I began to forget what we had filmed. By 9pm, Phoebe and I had our make-up progress. We were so tired by this stage that everything seemed ridiculous at the time when we needed to convey a lot of serious emotion. Thankfully, the crew was finding it as funny as we were and we got there in the end without to much stress.


This was a pretty demanding clip. 5am-10pm was such a long day! None of us are trained actors so I think we all found this difficult. We did our best, who knows how it's going to turn out. But, the crew was fantastic and the day was enjoyable. 

I'm looking forward to see how The DOP, The Director and The Producer will edit the clip!

Villages Music Video & EP (Friday 22nd October)

There’s never much time for sight seeing when Alpine go to Sydney, especially when we fly up the same day that we are to play a gig. We keep hoping to have a leisurely day, but I don’t think this will ever really be an option. (I’m not complaining, just saying) But, it didn't help that we accidentally missed our flight in the early morning, (Early morning + Alpine + traffic = hopeless outcome). A memorable moment for me was awkwardly sprinting to the check-in with heavy gear and then witnessing the entire content of phoebe’s bag spill onto the ground…We luckily got put on the next flight.

As we’re based in Melbourne and the label is in Sydney, when we are in Sydney, it’s time to do the things that we've been unable to do when in Melbourne. All of which means that from the time we have stepped off the plane, it's all go go go and in a blink of an eye we usually find ourselves on stage performing. This is why I believe it isn’t a crime in getting drunk after a gig as I get to enjoy the only time I have in Sydney without needing to be anywhere. 

Lately, I haven’t had much of a social life. My life consists of playing gigs in either Melbourne or Sydney or working on University assignments when i'm back home in Melbourne. Since august this year, some aspects of my life have changed. However, this change has been a good and a bad thing. The bad for instance, is not remembering the last time I went to a good fashioned house party in Melbourne or when I sat in my favourite bar or even had a coffee date with an old chum. But then, the good is loving everything that I am a part of in Alpine such as being closer with the band, the people we've met and basically experiencing things I wouldn't have otherwise - so it kind of balances out.

On the Friday we arrived in Sydney. We went to our manager’s office to discuss the later meeting we were to have with the director for our next music video. Before we talked about the video, I was sitting on the office floor, drinking a beer when I was surprised to get handed my own copy of our EP! All of us (sadly except for Ryan, who was catching a later flight) went quiet, each holding a copy with mammoth smiles and adoring eyes, knowing each of us contributed to it in some way.

We later began discussing the prospective meeting for our new music video for the song Villages. So far we had received the pitch and then following developed storyboard ideas. It was important to meet the director so she could get more of an idea of our personalities and to discuss in depth what her ideas were for the video and how they were to be executed.

After the office, Anella and I went in the car and drove to Marrickville to look for stage decorations while the others checked into the hotel. Anella and I listened to the EP over and over. when we heading back to the Oxford Arts Factory in order to load in the gear, we drove passed possibly the most hideous house in Sydney – Imagine if Barbie/A Greek old lady owned this house…this has nothing to do with anything, but I felt it was important to mention.

At 5pm, we met at this hidden away, underground/ old American saloon bar called Shady Pines Saloon in Darlinghurst. It was great! I wanted to start playing cowboys and Indians.

In the meeting we talked through the storyboard scene by scene, paying attention to aspects such as the location, make-up, outfits, and deciding who was to do what part etc. This meeting really helped us to discuss what aspects we liked or perhaps wanted to alter in some way and also to feel comfortable with the director. There were a couple of things that as band we didn’t want to include, but we compromised and we left feeling excited and confident. 

I’ll admit I’m not looking forward to the 13-hour day to shoot (and might I just add, 13 hours looks to be the minimum here!) Phoebe and I will be required for most of the hours, something I really need to convince myself that I’ll be able to do. On a positive note, the location is my favourite part; an old Victorian mansion, that's haunted.

Later that night at 9.20pm we played at The Oxford Arts Factory (fantastic venue). We had a great set and again the best time - Sydney crowds expressively dig Alpine. We even had people singing along to our songs (well trying to as no-one knows what the lyrics are) and we had some people come up to us saying they’d seen us a couple of times and came to specifically watch us. Left me on a high! 

Support Shows (8-9th October)

Since our first gig in 2009 and until mid this year we’ve played a lot of shows as a way to build upon our live performance and exposure. However, these shows have mostly been in the local venues in Melbourne and most have been performed to our friends, families and occasional punters. This has been fun and rewarding but since signing with the label, having a manager and a booker, it now feels like Alpine is being taken to the next level and heading in a foreseeable direction.

Now that we’re lucky enough to have the right music industry people behind us, we have to put our faith in their hands and trust the decisions they make for us. I’ve realized that although we need to play as many shows as possible; there is also a strategy into what shows we play. Factors such as the artist, the venue, the location and the date are taken seriously in order to best suit the stage we are currently at.

So, within the month of October, we’re doing a few main support shows. It’s a really exciting time for us as it’s the next stage in helping to build our exposure beyond our friends and families. Recently we supported Catcall who is an artist on the same label as us. These shows were to launch her new single. This included two shows back to back; one in Melbourne at the Northcote Social Club and the following day in Sydney at The Civic Underground. 

On Friday the 8^th of October we played at The Northcote Social Club. The gig went well and it was great to have our manager, our manager’s assistant and our A & R representative all down from Sydney. The highlight of the night was being introduced to Kram who played in Spiderbait. He was a really nice guy and spoke positively about our set and songs. He was generally interested and enthusiastic about how we created our music and how we all knew each other etc. His own style of music is so different to ours that I was pretty surprised that he really dug our sound. It was great!

Earlier that night, we had found out some exciting news that our music video was going to be played on Rage at 1.30am. So, after Catcall played, we went to watch it with our manager and manger’s assistant at their motel. I can’t believe we were on Rage! Wow!

On Saturday the 9^th of October we flew to Sydney. I’m really enjoying spending more and more time with the band. I always hate coming back to Melbourne; Sydney gigs are too fun, as it’s great to play in another city, it’s exciting and new. When we spend time together in Sydney, we’re become more like a mini family. We all look after each other, support each other and most importantly we can have a laugh either with or at each other. 

At 5pm we loaded our gear into The Civic Underground, which was literally in an underground type basement with booths and a dance floor that had heaps of mirror balls hanging from the ceiling. By 8pm we had a soundcheck and afterwards we went back to where we were staying to chill for a bit. Moments like these are great when you can just relax before a gig. I hate feeling rushed before I play; it’s possibly the worst feeling. I like to have time to prepare and get in the right state of mind. Perhaps I’m just antsy?

When we went back to The Civic Underground, there still weren’t that many people in the crowd, but we had a great set list; put fairy lights and fake vines on the stage and made it look like a real Alpine show. We played at 11.30pm and that gig was one of my favourites! I’m getting more confident on stage and I love it. I’m able to loose my inhibitions and just get lost in the moment. When I think back to last year and how i was when i started out I was so shy and barley moved, I clung to the microphone stand like it was my protector or something. But now, it just seems to be in the way all the time, by the end of the set I will have moved the stand to the left of me so I have more room to dance. By the middle of the set there were heaps of people and they were really getting into it; enjoying the songs and having a dance.

After the gig, I finally met our booker and thanked him for the shows he’s already organized for us to play. I’m really grateful.

Now, on a side note, when I look back at that weekend and other past gigs, I’ve a begun to notice a difference between how audiences in Melbourne and Sydney react to our shows. It's weird!

My generalisation is that Melbourne audiences tend to stand back and just watch, analysing everything you do on stage, perhaps they're dancing in their minds? You never quite know if they’re into it or not. I guess the excuse is, there is greater accessibility to music in Melbourne where as in Sydney there is less?
Perhaps the standards and expectations are different between the two cities? For example Sydney audiences tend to take advantage of a night out to watch a live band; they’ll dance and not be afraid to jump around and look ridiculous. I love it too when i'm in Sydney, perhaps becuase im in a different environment as in not on home turf that i can really let go?

Heartlove

During one week starting from the 24th September 2010, the members of Alpine were feverishly writing e-mails back and forth to each other in regards to the first, second and final edit of our first music video Heartlove. 

I decided to distract these discussions and put them into a thread for this blog entry. Below, should give you an insight into what aspects we liked, didn't like, what we agreed, didn't agree etc.

Interestingly, Timmy is a little quiet on this matter....?

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Friday 24th September 2010 - We watch the first edit… 

“Looks expensive…whoah. The only thing I don’t like that much is the ending…I think I'd prefer a full band shot here.” Ryan 

“Just watched it. Then had to watch it again. I love it. I think it’s great. I took some screen caps, of my favourite shots! The first "I never wanted you to go" with Phoebe looking into the camera is hot, hot, hot! I'm that excited about it at this stage that I haven't managed to find anything I don't like. So I'm going to watch a few more times and find some constructive feedback. But, at this stage, I think it looks really cool. Well done team.” – Phi

“Glad we bought that cowbell, it looks great!” - Christian 

"I think it cuts too fast to often. You kind of loose that glide-like effect which was really cool! I think it’s because the song and the set is so busy that then the movement shouldn't be so busy. An example is when we are singing it cuts off half way through a phrase so you can never really quite focus on something before the next shot has come in. I just think it needs to slow down a bit.” – Phoebe 

“Finishing on a whole shot of the band is a major cliché.” – Phil 

“I don't like the shot of me at the end, I look like I have blood shot eyes. I’d really like to have that shot we did when Christian, Tim and Phoebe in the shot and as the camera moves up the tracks and as it comes back it reveal me, Ryan, Phoebe and Phil. I think it gives a sense of togetherness and yet randomness” – Lou 

“Ok Lou and I have just been talking and we think that the shot of Lou’s fingers turning the lamp is a bit creepy - her little nail bitten hands turning the lamp!” – Phoebe 

“The shot of Phoebe doing the microphone dance is amazing! I love the energy!” – Phil 

“I've sent the things that we wanted to change or weren't sure about to Pete, who's going to talk to Matt? I guess we'll see what they agree with or disagree with.” – Ryan

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 Tuesday 28th September 2010 - We watch the second edit... 

“I’m pretty much happy with this one” – Christian 

“Breaking it down, I think the first cut (oh oh a oh oh) is better then the second cut. But then I think the first cut (i i i never wanted you to go) is better in the first cut. I feel it’s a bit more playful or something. But overall it looks great! :) Lou, you look sexy as!” – Phoebe 

“The super hot shot of Phoebe needs to go back in! I wont be happy with the clip unless that shot is in.  It’s good to see that my missed kick is in though. I'm not too sure about the ending? Phoebe stops singing, but her voice is still heard. I much prefer the original ending.” - Phil 

"The hot shot of phoebe has gone back in.” – Christian

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Thursday 30th September 2010 - We watch the third edit... 

“Third cut is perfect.” – Christian 

“Pete (manager) wants us to sign off on it tonight so that they can grade and finish it tomorrow!” – Ryan 

“I'm sorry guys, I can't sign off on it until it's perfect, and I think it still needs work.  I really don't want to be a pain.”- Phil 

"I've watched it too many times! You guys make it fabulous! I don't want to hate this music video...haha! - Lou 

"Too dark i say. I cant believe i'm saying it but, yes its too dark." - Christian  

“I think the final grade isn’t dark enough. Looking again, maybe it is a tiny bit too dark, but I don’t think you would want it much lighter.” - Ryan 

"Pete (manager) said he got it too, alright i'll shut up" - Christian  

"00:19 There is a shot of Phoebe singing "oohs and aahs" that is out of sync. The snare hits on the drums don't match the track.  2:00 There is a close up shot of the double hit on the snare. It's quick, but if you watch carefully, it is quite out of sync. 2:05 There is a low R to L tracking shot of the girls' feet. This shot appears to either reversed or simply out of sync. If you focus on the drums, you'll see." - Phil 

"Cool... i like it dark.. but not too dark.. haha" - Phoebe