About this project

THE CONCEPT
From the mind of mad genius Mike Metlay came the radical idea of assembling 18-20 hand-selected electronic musicians from around the globe, for the purpose of creating a truly unique live concert in a truly surreal setting. This live concert is the result of a week-long experience shared by all participants: Six uninterrupted days of musical collaboration, intuitive improvisation and occasional complex orchestrations.

The name of this constantly-morphing event: Different Skies.

The year of founding: 2003

This live concert is held in an outdoor concrete amphitheater, itself just a small element of a remarkably surrealistic architectural marvel called Arcosanti. This 'alternative to modern society' is a self-sustaining desert community that has been steadily growing in scope for the past 30+ years. With a grand dining cafe, a metal foundry, a comprehensive farm, a delicious bakery and permanent housing accommodations located onsite, it is a remarkably self-contained environment indeed. They offer daily tours for visitors, private rooms for visiting musicians & entertainers, and delicious & nutritious meals in the majestic dining facility.

As the necessary cost of participation, each Different Skies musician leaves behind all typical distractions of their lives: family, friends, careers and normal daily routines. Aside from the 8 hours spent each night sleeping, all participants will be spending every remaining minute of their six days together eating, working and improvising with one another. This culminates with a 90-minute live concert featuring music created during the week. The level of musicianship displayed is often without peer, and the attention to detail is strong. In addition to the musical element of the show, the audience is treated to an equally stunning visual presentation, displayed on a large screen suspended above the stage. This is truly an immersive multimedia experience for audience members, especially when you factor in the typically clear starry skies that grace the event.

This event occurs in late September-early October, when evening temperatures are typically between 70-80 degrees, and the humidity is in single digits. One would be hard-pressed to find a more utopian setting for such an event.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
I am a long-time participant in the annual Different Skies event, now entering its 8th year*. This will mark my 7th consecutive appearance, having missed the inaugural event in 2003. I've performed musically, and have also provided the accompanying video-based visuals for the past 2 years. At some point (late last year, actually) I decided that this one-of-a-kind experience was so incredibly unique and compelling as to warrant the need of serious attention. Not only do I wish to document this year's week-long event and concert, I also plan to tell the larger story of Different Skies: it's unlikely beginnings, the forward-thinking visionary who created it, and the vast collection of distinguished alumni who have participated in the past. With such a rich and illustrious heritage deservedly established, the Different Skies phenomenon seems to finally demand official documentation. I wish to provide that service.

Another important element in this decision is the fact that this will mark the final year with founder Mike Metlay at the helm, effectively signaling the end of an era. He feels his initial dream has been pleasantly realized and his vision fulfilled. Now, the reins can officially be handed over to another hand-selected and deserving individual. As such, the future of Different Skies remains relatively uncertain, and we are taking the opportunity of this year's event to celebrate what Mr. Metlay has managed to accomplish since 2003.

WHAT THE FUNDS ARE FOR
I will be renting professional film/video equipment from local vendors, such as HD cameras, specialized lighting, industry-grade tripods, camera dollies, high-end camera lenses and filters, etc. Buying this gear outright would be financially impossible, even in this day of relatively cheap digital alternatives to traditional film. However, renting the gear would be substantially less expensive. That said, it will still be a costly venture nonetheless. In addition to the costs of renting said equipment, I will have to cover the cost of related insurance as well. As I wish to emulate the level of quality typically found in professional documentaries, it will require equally professional equipment to accomplish this goal. As I will be shooting, editing and rendering HD footage at 24fps, the final film-like look should be indistinguishable from actual film. The result is subtle, yet deeply effective. In other words: trust me...you'll be glad I did it!

THE MUSIC
The soundtrack for the film project will be comprised exclusively of music created by the 2010 Different Skies ensemble, in addition to contributions by individual alumni from years past.

Listen to the live stream of this year's upcoming Different Skies concert on OCTOBER 2, 2010 online at www.stillstream.com. Stillstream is an online ambient electronic music portal, featuring music from many of the Different Skies alumni, in addition to hundreds of other prominent artists from around the world.

LINKS OF INTEREST
www.DifferentSkies.com is the official website of the DS organization and community. Details can be found here regarding the upcoming show, as well as providing a definitive media source for previous events, including blogs, photos, videos and artist profiles.

www.arcosanti.org is the official website of the fantastically surreal 'Urban Living Alternative' where the Different Skies event is held , including its history, philosophy, mission statement, daily updates, tour information, entertainment schedule and related media.

www.recordingmag.com is the official website of Recording Magazine, where the Different Skies founder, Mike Metlay, spends his days as Associate Editor. And yes, he really does have a Ph.D in Nuclear Physics!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php... Otherwise known as my Facebook profile page. Soon to be populated with news of the upcoming Different Skies event and planned documentary

*For some reason, my frontal lobe was in the shop being repaired when I made the video. Hence. the lapse in basic math skills.

Project location: Mayer, AZ

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Project By

Russell L. Foster

Mesa, AZ

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I am a freelance video editor, aspiring independent filmmaker and lifelong professional musician. I embrace and explore a number of musical styles, most notably ambient electronic, using the artistic pseudonym Una Voce.

For examples of my video editing work, feel free to visit:

http://www.youtube.com/user/paintswithsound

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