This post is written asking for your opinions.
So, in order to boost the signal for the album, to continue reaching out to find those who would enjoy A Steampunk Opera, to build momentum, attract the growing “fanbase” (i hate that word, but whatever) as well as attract theaters, producers and companies who would perform A Steampunk Opera, support and it and come on board to build it into an international theatrical phenomenon…. to do all those things the signal must continue to be boosted, the album must reach further.
How to do this?
For the record, i am open to suggestions and ideas. One way typical in the music business is to go out and get album reviews. In theater you would go out and get theater reviews, but since we are starting backwards (in a way however pioneered by Lloyd Webber who made the albums Jesus Christ Superstar, an all time favorite of mine, and Evita before an possibility of a theater show existed) we can only worry about album reviews.
Which brings up an interested quandry. Where on the internet does one get an album such as TDONA, A Steampunk Opera reviewed?
Were this a rock album, a prog rock album, a post rock album, an experimental psychedelic album,a… a NORMAL or normally abnormal album the places to go are legion. However, DONA, a Steampunk Opera is very theatrical. And theatrical albums aren’t usually reviewed, the SHOW itself is reviewed. There is little online that caters to reviewing… musical-ly albums.
If there are other genres the album falls into which it could be reviewed under i am open to going those routes also. What does anybody think?
The album is steampunky… steampunk music doesn’t really exist as a set genre, although bands such as Abney Park and A Clockwork Quartet are establishing genre possiblities. Still, sites that deal in steampunk are certainly a place to go knocking and i am pursuing those options.
Bloggers and podcasters who blog and podcast about theater are potential sources. A scant few even DO review cast albums. That is a road of pursuit i am exploring diligently.
What i have just mentioned however are not many ideas and this is the internet. There are a MILLION ways and avenues and opportunites out there. The entire WORLD is online. Yes, A Steampunk Opera is not… normal. The normal avenues aren’t quite built for it. That comes with its challenges, but that’s also a GOOD thing. As long as it doesn’t suck.
On the level we’re at right now, a potential reviewer who outright hated the album simply wouldn’t bother reviewing it. Which doesn’t mean they might not point out some stuff i don’t want to hear, don’t agree with, or hell, i can run down a list of what i think is wrong with the album myself. But if you want something to be out there in the public arena, to be experienced and potentially enjoyed, you gotta get over this one real fast. Plus, it is my vast experience when numerous people point out the same flaw that you were never aware of, you really might want to pay attention.
A work exists to be noticed, experienced and opined over and discussed. (Yes, opined is a word. I swear to you.) It must be gotten out there. And in this case, where the album is but a step to the larger work, the live show, ignorance is death.
I blather on enough. This post will work better shorter rather than longer.
I am asking for ideas of where (online realistically) one could get an album such as The Dolls of New Albion, A Steampunk Opera reviewed. Other ideas for boosting the signal are also welcome.
For all of you listening to and enjoying the album if i could i would come over to each and every one of your houses, tuck you into bed bunching the soft, fluffly covers up right under your little chins, kiss you tenderly on the forehead and say night night as i turn out your light. Just so you know.
Let's connect! Here is where you can find me:
I’ve been debating it. I mostly just sell digitally online, but there have been a bunch of requests to make a pressing. When were you thinking of giving it? I might do this relatively soon, although probably not until after the Dieselpunk Opera recording session in early May.
appreciate the quick reply. The gift wouldn’t be needed until early September. I’m a notoriously early planner. I purchased a digital copy (and immensely enjoyed it), but feel giving a burned disc would be slightly tacky if a physical release was available for purchase. Plus, no harm in providing you with a little more income for the next project 🙂
Not really a helpful answer to your questions about possible review outlets, but I was hoping to find a CD version of the album to give as a gift. Are you planning a pressing?
I was listening to Act 1 just now and I was slightly horrified to note that my favorite part has been replaced. I knew Jasper’s parts were subject to change, but I really loved the “Just another hapless end (etc.)” part of Annabelle Has a Doll. I don’t suppose it will be coming back somehow? The new lyrics don’t have the same wistful quality and I miss the old stuff quite a lot.
Hey Jessie,
Yeah, i know. Someone else also expressed the same lament. The problem is that Jasper’s main song in Act 3 was changed after very, very careful consideration, and the Annabelle snippets must be the same song as that 3rd Act one.
I am convinced Elysian Night is better all around than Lost Night’s Lullabye and was careful to ask some people who have been involved with being my ears on the project as i’ve been writing it to make sure i wasn’t being an idiot. Which is always a possibility. However it really is clear Elysian Night is far better to the overall opera, but that means the unfortunate fall out is that the snippets in Annabelle Has A Doll must be changed. In Annabelle Has A Doll’s case the old melody and lyrics were great, they worked fine, i know they did, but alas, they must be the same as the 3rd Act melody. Sorry. It was one of those necessary sacrifices.
I am thoroughly enjoying your album and so are my teenagers. I can not thank you enough for something new to listen to. The songs give so much emotion it really is possible to connect with the characters. Anyway enough of the creeping.
Here are two Internet links that might be of use to you.
http://steampunk.synthasite.com/
steampunkchronicle.com
Good luck.
Thank you for both your kind words and your help.
If a gun was pressed to my temples and a demand for a category given, I would think The Steampunk Opera would best be called an ‘Operetta’ (although one with a uniquely serious tone.) If anything, this would fit in with the whole Steampunk aesthetics, as Operetta’s were primarily the joy of the Victorian Era. Do hope your work enjoys all the success it deserves!
Um, just a small thought- what about targeting steampunk events, conventions, author signings, and/or clothing commercial sites that specialize in steampunk as possible avenues?