One of the cool things about the arts is that they all complement each other. Dance and music are each arts unto themselves, but the results are transcendent when they are paired together. Music is also an integral component in film and television, which in turn makes use of screenwriting and visual arts. Everything overlaps.
But with the exception of the rare book soundtrack, the printed word tends to stand alone from the rest of the arts. Maybe that will change as new technology gives us interactive books with synchronized soundtracks and accompanying video. And while we’re at it: maybe new technology will give us books with holographic characters jumping out of every page.
Until then, there’s STFUAJPGM, a miniature micro-music mixtape magazine that marries literature with its long-lost friends: music, visual arts, and video. Each “episode” is centered around a central theme inspired by video game culture (think heroes, love stories, and travel) and involves a smorgasbord of multimedia to illustrate the theme: pixel art, video, short stories, and an overarching soundtrack that neatly weaves all the components together. STFUAJPGM is focused on freely distributed music within the chiptune community, so each episode is also available for download.
They’re only up to episode #5 so far, with new episodes coming out every month or so. An uncommon thing in today’s daily updated culture, but very much worth the wait. To get a better idea of what STFUAJPGM is and what they have to offer, hit the jump for Episode 0 (Pilot): A Love Story.
STFUAJPGM Episode Zero – Soundtrack
This week’s theme: A Love Story
Since mix tapes are usually meant to impress a potential lover, why not follow an 8bit couple on their first date (which may or may not be inspired by real life events):
Act 1: A boy spots a beautiful girl, with butterflies in his stomach. He cautiously approaches her and asks her on a date. To his surprise, she smiles, and says yes.
Act 2: The boy and girl ride their bikes alongside one another. Their hair is waving in the wind, while their hearts are gradually beating faster.
Act 3: Our couple finally reaches their destination; a concert performed by their favorite band. Neither of them knew it was each other’s favorite band. As the show goes on, they dance, and gradually move closer together throughout the night.
Act 4: The show is over, but our couple still wants to hang out. ìWhat should we do?î the girl asks. The boy thinks for a second. ìI know a place where the stars are especially beautiful.î
Act 5: Our couple sits atop a mountain, staring at and endless sky. They discuss things previously considered secret. They’ve never been able to relate to another person in such a way, until tonight that is. They stay up talking until the sun rises. Their lives will never be the same again
Track Listing (artist and song title):
Rugar: Daisy (http://www.8bitpeoples.com/discography/by/rugar)
J. Arthur Keenes Band: Marshmallow Pie (http://www.calmdownkidder.com/records/?p=73)
Little-Scale: Gentle Slope (http://calmdownkidder.com/records/?p=89)
Alex Mauer: Hospital (http://www.headlessbarbie.com)
Animal Style: Trecento 2008 (http://www.iimusic.net/catalog/2008/05/gameboy-madrigals)
Music has been reproduced in accordance with the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA License. All credit is given to the respective musicians.
Episode Zero looks much prettier on the STFUAJPGM site, so make sure to head over there and view it in all its black-backgrounded glory.
