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Objectives:

The Movable Beast Independent Study will have a number of objectives that I will attempt to cover and discuss through blog posts and themes throughout its existence. They will cover the ideas of traveling through Canada as an independent rock band while focusing on several different aspects of that particular subject. Three main objectives have been identified and work on the project is aimed at meeting these specific objectives.

  • Personal understanding of Canada and Canadian identity through observations and research during cross-Canada journey. The author plans to make observations of the various Canadian environments he discovers and make appropriate conclusions to his findings. Using own personal experiences, literary research, and accompanying insights from fellow Canadians, the author expects to develop a deeper understanding of his country in contemporary times within the context of a traveler and subsequently, a member of an independent rock group crossing the country. Expectations and conclusions of this objective are as follows: Canadian culture and urban environments, along with their interaction within each system and with other urban systems share many similarities in terms of urban life and musical communities, but are ultimately unique to their own situation. Through observation of each city on a case by case level, the author hopes to conclude that there is no singular example of the Canadian City and that there is no singular identity Canadians share in the 21st century. Each is unique in appearance, structure and culture.
  • Observation of the processes of the Canadian independent music community in 2009. In the context of activities and attitudes in the music industry of today, the author will document this experience as a band member of one particular group as they interact within the margins of this community. As performers in a very dynamic environment, there is a very unique and thought provoking point-of-view that can be witnessed here, as the author will tell and elaborate on activities exclusive to this type of business and indeed lifestyle that many have chosen to follow. It is hoped that the conclusions will find that in order for unsigned, independent bands in Canada to succeed, there needs to be mutual support from players within the community, particularly from bands themselves. Contacts and word of mouth dictate the level of success these groups have, especially now with the dissemination of ideas through the internet.
  • This leads the next objective of The Movable Beast; the use of the internet as a vital tool for musical groups to survive in a time of product saturation and relative market obscurity. In a time when bands around Canada and the entire world attempt to be heard and their music followed, the internet has become both a tool and forum to meet these ambitions. It is the intentions of the author to explain the importance of the internet for the independent Canadian band. This will be accomplished by bringing to the reader explanations and tools used by the author to help further his subject for the blog, Lethbridge Alberta’s sextet ‘Endangered Ape’. Internet forums such as networking phenomenon Myspace.com and Facebook.com, as well as local music blogs has become a crucial link in creating links to other cities and bands, as well as spreading a band’s music to areas that would otherwise never hear their work. The internet itself becomes the medium for this work, providing the author to directly reference sites and material directly supporting this objective and other points of interest. The Movable Beast exists in electronic form online because the author’s main topic and material absolutely hinge on the use of online tools for its continuation and dissemination.
  • Finally, the question still remains as to why a group of individuals would go to such lengths to tour and perform under less than welcoming conditions as to allow any great success from their undertakings. The Movable Beast will attempt to explain that such endeavours in a manner that brings insight into the creative process and the motives behind creating a band that will, given the odds, not find commercial success or fame during their existence. The reasoning is anything from artistic expression, cathartic release or an opportunity to encounter new experiences. The author will express this idea through blog-posts to reinforce the message that for some, this expression of art in any capacity is a satisfying and worthwhile activity.