By
Adam Pugh
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Downstream members unaware of the time, work that went into video production
As is true for all local bands struggling for notoriety in the competitive world of entertainment, musical definition is a must before people will take notice.
Local band Downstream is taking its defining step by shooting its first video, for the song "Ground Floor."
The video was filmed at several locations ranging from the Tucson desert to 7 Black Cats, 260 E. Congress St. With the help of college friend and University of Arizona graduate San-D Duchac, members of the band said they hope the video will set them apart from other bands seeking the spotlight.
"I wanted to keep the feel of the seriousness of the video while at the same time showing the guys like to have fun," Duchac said.
Duchac, a former roommate of bassist Brian Green, heard about the band's idea to do a video and was eager to help out.
"I really think this video will introduce the band as a whole to new audiences," Duchac said. "The song has good marketability and sound."
As Downstream searches for new doors to open in its musical career, members of the band said they hope its basic instrumentation and straightforward lyrics will propel them into the mainstream spotlight.
"The group was founded on the idea of basics," said Steve Friedrichs, lead singer and guitarist. "We want to return to the sounds of the older popular rock and straight rock 'n' roll."
Even though new technology has introduced the usage of instruments such as turntables and mixers, Friedrichs, a media arts senior, said he just wants to keep the music simple.
"We like using just straight guitars, bass and drums," he said. "Any sort of electronic equipment, we stay away from - we want to have a modern feel with traditional instruments."
Sticking to this minimalist approach to music, members of the band said they were surprised by all of the production and equipment needed to make the video.
"I think they just thought I was going to show up with my hand-held video camera," Duchac said. "They were surprised when all of the equipment showed up with me (too)."
To make a video work, the song has to look good in addition to sounding good, Duchac said. Yet, the group was not expecting the heavy workload.
"It takes a lot of hours and work to get a five-minute video," Friedrichs said.
Traditionally, the long hours put into post-production - Duchac said it will take at least a month to edit the video into final form - would have left the band without money long before they started shooting. However, time and equipment were donated by production assistants and various companies in the local area.
Along with the cooperation of 7 Black Cats, which let the band shoot the video at its establishment yesterday for free, the group has been overwhelmed by all of the help it has received.
"It has been nice (having) so much help - we were not expecting this at all," Friedrichs said. "I am very thankful."
Even as the group continues to seek recognition in Tucson, Friedrichs said he hopes the video will bring Downstream more outside credibility and support.
"We want people to see them the way they are when they play live," Duchac added. "This way, people will be able to take them seriously as artists."
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Band members were unaware of the time, work that went into video production
As is true for all local bands struggling for notoriety in the competitive world of entertainment, musical definition is a must before people will take notice.
Local band Downstream is taking its defining step by shooting its first video, for the song "Ground Floor."
The video was filmed at several locations ranging from the Tucson desert to 7 Black Cats, 260 E. Congress St. With the help of college friend and University of Arizona graduate San-D Duchac, members of the band said they hope the video will set them apart from other bands seeking the spotlight.
"I wanted to keep the feel of the seriousness of the video while at the same time showing the guys like to have fun," Duchac said.
Duchac, a former roommate of bassist Brian Green, heard about the band's idea to do a video and was eager to help out.
"I really think this video will introduce the band as a whole to new audiences," Duchac said. "The song has good marketability and sound."
As Downstream searches for new doors to open in its musical career, members of the band said they hope its basic instrumentation and straightforward lyrics will propel them into the mainstream spotlight.
"The group was founded on the idea of basics," said Steve Friedrichs, lead singer and guitarist. "We want to return to the sounds of the older popular rock and straight rock 'n' roll."
Even though new technology has introduced the usage of instruments such as turntables and mixers, Friedrichs, a media arts senior, said he just wants to keep the music simple.
"We like using just straight guitars, bass and drums," he said. "Any sort of electronic equipment, we stay away from - we want to have a modern feel with traditional instruments."
Sticking to this minimalist approach to music, members of the band said they were surprised by all of the production and equipment needed to make the video.
"I think they just thought I was going to show up with my hand-held video camera," Duchac said. "They were surprised when all of the equipment showed up with me (too)."
To make a video work, the song has to look good in addition to sounding good, Duchac said. Yet, the group was not expecting the heavy workload.
"It takes a lot of hours and work to get a five-minute video," Friedrichs said.
Traditionally, the long hours put into post-production - Duchac said it will take at least a month to edit the video into final form - would have left the band without money long before they started shooting. However, time and equipment were donated by production assistants and various companies in the local area.
Along with the cooperation of 7 Black Cats, which let the band shoot the video at its establishment yesterday for free, the group has been overwhelmed by all of the help it has received.
"It has been nice (having) so much help - we were not expecting this at all," Friedrichs said. "I am very thankful."
Even as the group continues to seek recognition in Tucson, Friedrichs said he hopes the video will bring Downstream more outside credibility and support.
"We want people to see them the way they are when they play live," Duchac added. "This way, people will be able to take them seriously as artists."
