Local Artist Spotlight Overview

The Local Artist Spotlight is a 2:30 to 3 minute production highlighting local bands. It is not inherently promotional of the band, but serves to educate our listeners about local music that they might enjoy. The focus isn’t what benefits the band, rather our listeners.

Pre-Production

• Select Band/Artist from Bascamp Writeboard. At least every other artist you profile should come from the top of this list.
• Research Artist - review website, facebook, myspace, etc
• Write down a few questions relating to your research.
• Check the KDHX Studio Reservations to find available times to schedule interviews.
• Contact Artist to schedule interview

Production

• Create new ProTools session (on desktop)
• Meet with Artist/Band to conduct Interview - try to limit to 20 minutes, and coach talent to acquire short sound bites. See Local Artist Spotlight Interview Tips
• Acquire release form signature - discuss and note permission to use photo (from website, myspace, etc?), and downloadable mp3
• Discuss anticipated airdate, airtimes and podcast details with band.
• Acquire CD of latest material - earmark 4 songs for use in segment (ask band about preferred starter, ender, and other songs showing breadth)
• Post-interview, jot down 3 or 4 main points of interest from interview (while its fresh in your mind)
• Find podcast image online (or receive via e-mail) and save into your session folder.
• Open and "save as.." revised script template (text file) into your new ProTools session folder.
• Review interview, and begin to copy and paste good quotes
• Import selected tracks into session, placing opening and closing music into position (create a 3:00 max timeframe). Consider how additional cuts fit with earmarked quotes.
• Edit quotes to 10-15 secs
• Compose and record narration (10-15secs for each part). Narration should help link the quotes together, or restate anything that you thought was a great idea in the interview that didn’t quite come across as a soundbite. Narration should also identify the speaker opening the quote at a minimum. Avoid use of “so and so says,” Instead use a declarative sentence that sets up the quote.
• Mix and sweeten
• Bounce final to Stereo WAV and title according to Wide Orbit specs (LA1000?.wav)
• Close program and save session. Move session from desktop to server. Verify data on server by opening the .ptx file and hitting play. Close program, delete folder on the desktop.
• FTP (Cyberduck) final to WO system, and add titling/metadata via Wide Orbit Audio Finder. Properties: Title, Artist, Voice only / Restrictions: Start Date and End Date - two weeks total (starting one day early and one day late)

Podcasting/Final Steps

• Consult the KDHX.org/OnDemand Podcast Guide for details on the next two steps.
• Convert final LAS wav and selected downloadable song from CD to mp3s using iTunes 256kbps (128/stereo channel). Import these files from iTunes Media folder (within Finder's Places in left sidebar) into your session folder.
• Upload mp3s (LAS and download song) to MediaCore, which serves as file host. Publish Podcast via kdhx.org/ondemand MediaCore backend.
• Notify band with link to podcast, and e-mail final mp3.
• Update the Local Artist Spotlight Archive with the air date and band from your spot.