Investigating possible names //
With regards to creating a new record label rather than rebranding an existing title, in a ideas crit it was raised that the creation of a new label would commit to the essay further, allowing a truly unique accompaniment. I started by researching current record labels for name inspiration. This was also a good opportunity to research current genre conventions and branding types of the 'competition'.
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Despite Communion being a significantly smaller record label than the likes of Def Jam or Sony, they still adopt a very clean visual, adapting the principles of modernism. To me this seems like a contradiction as the artists they sign channel a very nostalgic sound and persona, e.g: The Vaccines. The name communion suggests the religious process, possibly influencing the heavy use of white. Furthermore, the black logo surrounding the custom typeface connotes gothic styles and vaguely death. The typeface with a relatively consistent X-Height incorporate only upper case letterforms, whilst the serifs are regal in size and approach. The curl in the serif also takes on a similar style to wedding typefaces and such similarly seen in church. |
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| Rough Trade adapt a monochrome stylization, incorporating a clean grid system and modernist title approach. |
I felt the best avenue to go down was investigating popular words/ record label names of the time. As my essay talks about the 60's being the true starter of postmodernism, I felt investigating the 1960's lingo was the best avenue.
Heavy - a controversial or powerful subject, Kings X - safe,
Neato - awesome, Tuff - cool or very enjoyable
Mirror warmer - woman who spends a lot of time looking in the mirror
Groove yard - A record store, Jazzed -
Nitty-Gritty -The core of truth, Percolate! - Let it happen!, Wig - The mind.
Rockin’ Ou - Really good fun/spectacular, Rinky-Dink - Trivial.
After another informal crit I posed these chosen words to my peers, and overall chose Rinky-Dink records. Rinky-dink meaning Trivial in the 60's/postmodern era, the mathematical meaning of rink dink is basically explaining subcultures which quintessentially kickstarted and influenced the Postmodern art movement.
Prior to committing to a name, I felt it also best to investigate the social/cultural significance during Postmodernism as a whole.
Music & Film//
Glam Rock, Acid House, Another Brick in the Wall- Pink Floyd, Blondie, Disco,
Underage dance clubs formed in the 80's, Thundar the Barbarian [cartoon] (1980-1984), NY Rap Scene sweeps the US and leads as a huge craze, The Simpsons and Southpark started redefining cartoons and introducing controversial content,
Napster was leading the way in illegal content.
Events//
The Mexico State Riot, Voyager Program reacher near saturn, John Lennon & Steve McQueen Dies, World Wide Web launches, Bill Clinton as US Governor, embodying smooth talking politicians
Can't choose rinky-dink due to the new alternative meaning, suggesting the Record label is shoddy and thus undesirable.
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| Sourced from Urban Dictionary |
http://pulseradio.net/articles/2013/02/how-to-name-your-record-label (Wicked Thunder Cube Records
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/record-label-name-ideas-4757.html
http://www.gigwise.com/photos/101463/best-independent-record-labels-in-the-world
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/record-labels-that-rocked-our-world-770728.html
http://fontsinuse.com/tags/299/1970s
http://fontsinuse.com/uses/11684/rush-self-titled-lp
http://fontsinuse.com/uses/9531/letraset-international-typeface-competition-w
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