Post by davidhr on Sept 8, 2015 8:06:57 GMT -5
The news this past week revolved around the cover of Lara’s upcoming album, with the information once again coming mainly from her FB site. After a buildup noting that the album cover would soon be available, its picture was posted last Thursday, visible at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/975306235844207/?type=1&theater
Lara included the commentary, “I present to you the cover of my album, "Ma vie dans la tienne" which will be released on 6 November. This cover is not made up of just a simple image; it contains surprises, which will be revealed to you over time, and weave new links between you and me…"
Lara’s team then added the following, “Prepared by Phil Macquet, the cover of 'Ma vie dans la tienne' has been developed with the latest technology of 'Augmented reality'. With the help of a simple smartphone application, the cover 'will take life' and will allow you to access videos, pictures, messages and exclusive musical content. What do you think?"
According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality),
---------------------------------------------------------------------
“Augmented reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. [By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one…] With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable.
Hardware components for augmented reality are: processor, display, sensors and input devices. Modern mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablet computers contain these elements which often include a camera and MEMS sensors such as accelerometer, GPS, and solid state compass, making them suitable AR platforms.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The augmentation of reality in this case will be the added “videos, pictures, messages and exclusive musical content” accessible via the cover when a smartphone app is used. When asked when that ‘app’ would be available, Lara’s team replied, “It's almost finished... This will be a free application and very easy to use.” One also wonders whether it will literally require a smartphone to access it, or whether other electronic media (tablet, computer, etc.) will work as well?
As for the person involved in creating the cover, Team Lara introduced him with, “Meet Phil Macquet, the artist behind the artwork of Lara's upcoming album "Ma vie dans la tienne". They provided the link:
www.macquet.net/
which contains the (translated) statement, “"From street-art, I have kept the stencils. But now, my bombs are digital. Because the street was becoming confused, I chose to smuggle my work in less expected territory.” What this refers to is that he was a ‘street artist’ (aka, ‘urban painter’), known for his ‘stencil technique’, in which a stencil made of paper, plastic, wood or metal is applied and spray paint is projected through cut-out holes in the material. Those same stencils apparently are now being applied digitally. Ironically, he was known for specializing in black and white visual elements, with a reduced color range.
Ironic, because as can be seen the cover’s prime attribute at the moment is its colorful nature, a characteristic often mentioned by Lara’s fans searching for something positive to say (outside of it being ‘interesting’, 'innovative', or ‘unique’). It would appear that its real value is going to be its utilitarian nature.
The album cover was 'covered' by ‘Charts in France’ (http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Lara-Fabian/news-98743.html). Here’s the translation:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian: "hideous", "failed" ... The cover of her new album divides
Lara Fabian keeps on teasing her comeback in the bins with the album "Ma vie dans la tienne", whose freshly unveiled cover should not go unnoticed ...
As she announced earlier this week, Lara Fabian on Thursday unveiled the cover of her new album "Ma vie dans la tienne", in stores November 6. The singer wanted to make it an event. And the least we can say is that her fans were on hand to comment on the photo on the social networks. "I present to you the cover of my album. It is not only consisting of a single image; it contains surprises which will be revealed to as one goes along, thus forging new links between you and me ... " she posted.
"The cover will give you access to videos"
It is true that the original graphics and diversity of colors of this unusual and unstructured visual could surprise. Opinions are divided. On the Facebook wall of Lara Fabian, many users find this package "hideous," "dated" and even "failed". Others, however, are susceptible to this risk-taking, "Very modern and in tune with the times. I agree!"
Others are particularly impressed by the innovative nature of this picture signed by Philippe Macquet. "It was developed with the latest technology of 'augmented reality'. With the help of a simple smartphone application, the pocket "comes to life" and allows you to access videos, pictures, messages and exclusive music content", said the interpreter of 'Tout'. 'Ma vie dans la tienne' will fit "in the tradition of the albums" she did "in the past", including 'Carpe Diem' (1994), 'Pure' (1996) and 'Nue' (2001). It will be the first French album of Lara Fabian since 'Le Secret' in 2013. Jonathan HAMARD
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Regardless of what you think of the purely visual quality of the new album cover, one has to give Lara and her team credit – they are definitely trying something different with this new album, from the interesting production on her video for ‘Quand je ne chante pas’, to the simultaneous release of her concert in Prague in over 2000 theaters, and with Lara’s own appearance at movie theaters in previews a few nights previous. The album will sink or swim based primarily on its own content, but they are certainly giving it every chance to flourish – and keeping themselves interested, in the process
.
This is all associated with her new record company, and Lara acknowledged it. She posted a beautiful picture of herself at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/976296062411891/?type=1&theater
with the caption “At Warner Music France.. An amazing team!...”.
In fact, Lara actually introduced the cover at the ‘Warner France’ meeting, at which (according to the MZ FB site) she also sang ‘Quand je ne chante pas’. Lara’s team posted a picture of her presenting it, at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/975676365807194/?type=1&theater
(and, no, the presentation was not recorded, her team reported).
Lara has often had good relationships with the French component of her record companies… You may remember that the only reason ‘A Wonderful Life’ was released was that Lara had friends at Sony Music France who were willing to do it, when the parent company balked (despite having spent over a million dollars making it). And who can forget the several million dollars Universal Music France paid to support the filming of the ‘Mademoiselle Zhivago’ movie (which always seemed very odd, given that at the time they weren’t releasing the album. Since it was ultimately put on the web for free, there are conflicting reports as to whether they were ever reimbursed).
Speaking of Universal, on a TV show Sunday, Pascal Negre (CEO of Universal Music France, among his other titles) briefly referred to the difficulty of the past contract problems with Lara, when she was ultimately let go (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKBfP01WD38). The general opinion is that Universal wanted albums of ‘hits’, with strong singing, while Lara was more interested in being creative, with ‘complementary singing’ - hence the unreleased TLFM1. And, with respect to 'hits', one can say a similar situation prevailed with Sony. Hopefully, Lara’s long term relationship with Warner Music will end up better than it did with those other two parent companies; at least she now says she is supplying the ‘hits’ album that, in effect, the other commercial studios appeared to have wanted.
In other promotional news, or at least rumors, the ‘Lara Fabian Connecting People’ site posted the following message:
----------------------------------------
“ Remember, recently we asked you, if you want to see Lara in Concert "Un soir autour du monde" in theaters in Moscow and St. Petersburg? It was our little idea - to show the film in Russia. But the idea of this little surprise for us was the trigger for something more. And we are pleased to inform you (not yet officially) from sources close to Lara that the screening of the film will BE. And not only in Russia but also in many other countries of Eastern Europe! We are incredibly pleased with this news, we hope that you are too;). When we have more information about the show, we will let you know!”
------------------------------------------------
It was always very likely that the concert shot in Prague would be made available somehow in Eastern Europe, but the idea that it would be in theaters is something new and very interesting! Another (potential) example of Lara’s team aggressively at work.
And if Lara’s team wants some additional work… Romain Reglain, on the LFIAG site, reported that on vacation in Costa Rica they turned on the radio, and what came on but Lara’s ballad version of ‘Otro Amor Vendra’. This raises, again, the issue of why Lara has never pursued her potential Latin American audience (including Brazil), to the extent that it was completely ignored on her ‘world tour’. Spanish is her fourth ‘fluent’ language; given her recent venture into Italy, perhaps the time is approaching for her to take this step, as well. [And in that spirit, note that the Lara Fabian Mexico FB site often posts videos of Lara with Spanish subtitles, e.g., Dites-moi pourquoi je l’aime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW8Ul23RrsA&feature=youtu.be); Givin’ Up on You (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_gJ5pEqjow&feature=youtu.be); J’y crois encore (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR9XxPW1Ads&feature=youtu.be)].
Meanwhile, we are now fully into September, and so it is back to work for everybody in France. Lara got into that spirit with several posts, including a distinctive picture, at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/974499309258233/?type=1&theater
along with the caption, “En route to a busy day…Mood "Working Girl" ...
and then another one, at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/977245428983621/?type=1&theater
accompanied by the caption, “Monday, on the road, direction Paris... Have a great week!”
It appears that she’s learned to handle social media in a more natural way, just dropping a word/picture here or there. In the past, Lara has ridiculed the idea of one posting every little thought or activity, but this shows there is an intermediate path.
In other news, ‘Odacity’ (and the Lara Fabian Turkey site) indicated that Lara’s new album collection “Selection” would be made available to a more general audience. Their exact comment (http://fb.me/3lCyEkUg7) is,
“To the fans of Lara Fabian in France: following your requests, there will very soon be a possibility to purchase the album "Selection" at a store in Paris, or to order it online for mail delivery… We will provide you with more information within the week. Odacity Team”
And in fact it is already available on amazon.fr (http://www.amazon.fr/Selection-Lara-Fabian/dp/B014J8JLKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441679438&sr=8-1&keywords=Lara+Fabian+Selection) although it is listed as coming from another seller (LV'S UK) from which it is already ‘in stock’. Perhaps this is what Odacity meant; alternatively they may be indicating that soon it won’t have to be ‘imported’ into France, as it is now. For those interested in what it looks like, the ‘Lara Fabian Is Here’ site posted a picture, at
www.facebook.com/382393522416/photos/a.398533517416.164839.382393522416/10153590123372417/?type=1&theater
Note that the other ‘best of’ collection (with the same cover), ‘Lara Fabian Essential’ is also available at amazon.fr (http://www.amazon.fr/Essential-Lara-Fabian/dp/B00TEFWFZU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_15_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ANJDGEET906DHPXVN0S&dpSrc=sims&dpST=_AC_UL200_SR160%2C200_); so all of Lara’s recent releases would now appear to be accessible to fans worldwide.
For the interesting photo(s) of the week (in addition to Lara’s), we can refer to the wonderful ‘Un cuore malato’ montage that the ‘Operation Fan Club Lara Fabian’ has put together on their ‘tumblr’ site,
operation-fan-club-lara-fabian.tumblr.com/
One never fails to be amazed at the effort and creativity that Eve puts into her sites.
Also, in the spirit of Lara’s new found visual creativity, a still picture from the recent official video of ‘Quand je ne chante pas’, as posted by the Lara Fabian – PHQ site,
www.facebook.com/353946178085395/photos/a.353954938084519.1073741828.353946178085395/741354156011260/?type=1&theater
And, on the beautiful end, from Lara Fabian Mexico,
www.facebook.com/LaraFabianfromMexico/photos/a.556367684417296.1073741826.556364357750962/894094067311321/?type=1&theater
Lara’s trip to Paris was most likely in the service of further promotions for her new album, now two months away. We may or may not get to see the fruits of that in the coming week. The same applies to the new “app for the new album cover” [and how many times have you read that phrase in a sentence? ]. This is continuing to be an adventurous time for Lara, her team and her fans…
David
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/975306235844207/?type=1&theater
Lara included the commentary, “I present to you the cover of my album, "Ma vie dans la tienne" which will be released on 6 November. This cover is not made up of just a simple image; it contains surprises, which will be revealed to you over time, and weave new links between you and me…"
Lara’s team then added the following, “Prepared by Phil Macquet, the cover of 'Ma vie dans la tienne' has been developed with the latest technology of 'Augmented reality'. With the help of a simple smartphone application, the cover 'will take life' and will allow you to access videos, pictures, messages and exclusive musical content. What do you think?"
According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality),
---------------------------------------------------------------------
“Augmented reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. [By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one…] With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable.
Hardware components for augmented reality are: processor, display, sensors and input devices. Modern mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablet computers contain these elements which often include a camera and MEMS sensors such as accelerometer, GPS, and solid state compass, making them suitable AR platforms.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The augmentation of reality in this case will be the added “videos, pictures, messages and exclusive musical content” accessible via the cover when a smartphone app is used. When asked when that ‘app’ would be available, Lara’s team replied, “It's almost finished... This will be a free application and very easy to use.” One also wonders whether it will literally require a smartphone to access it, or whether other electronic media (tablet, computer, etc.) will work as well?
As for the person involved in creating the cover, Team Lara introduced him with, “Meet Phil Macquet, the artist behind the artwork of Lara's upcoming album "Ma vie dans la tienne". They provided the link:
www.macquet.net/
which contains the (translated) statement, “"From street-art, I have kept the stencils. But now, my bombs are digital. Because the street was becoming confused, I chose to smuggle my work in less expected territory.” What this refers to is that he was a ‘street artist’ (aka, ‘urban painter’), known for his ‘stencil technique’, in which a stencil made of paper, plastic, wood or metal is applied and spray paint is projected through cut-out holes in the material. Those same stencils apparently are now being applied digitally. Ironically, he was known for specializing in black and white visual elements, with a reduced color range.
Ironic, because as can be seen the cover’s prime attribute at the moment is its colorful nature, a characteristic often mentioned by Lara’s fans searching for something positive to say (outside of it being ‘interesting’, 'innovative', or ‘unique’). It would appear that its real value is going to be its utilitarian nature.
The album cover was 'covered' by ‘Charts in France’ (http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Lara-Fabian/news-98743.html). Here’s the translation:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian: "hideous", "failed" ... The cover of her new album divides
Lara Fabian keeps on teasing her comeback in the bins with the album "Ma vie dans la tienne", whose freshly unveiled cover should not go unnoticed ...
As she announced earlier this week, Lara Fabian on Thursday unveiled the cover of her new album "Ma vie dans la tienne", in stores November 6. The singer wanted to make it an event. And the least we can say is that her fans were on hand to comment on the photo on the social networks. "I present to you the cover of my album. It is not only consisting of a single image; it contains surprises which will be revealed to as one goes along, thus forging new links between you and me ... " she posted.
"The cover will give you access to videos"
It is true that the original graphics and diversity of colors of this unusual and unstructured visual could surprise. Opinions are divided. On the Facebook wall of Lara Fabian, many users find this package "hideous," "dated" and even "failed". Others, however, are susceptible to this risk-taking, "Very modern and in tune with the times. I agree!"
Others are particularly impressed by the innovative nature of this picture signed by Philippe Macquet. "It was developed with the latest technology of 'augmented reality'. With the help of a simple smartphone application, the pocket "comes to life" and allows you to access videos, pictures, messages and exclusive music content", said the interpreter of 'Tout'. 'Ma vie dans la tienne' will fit "in the tradition of the albums" she did "in the past", including 'Carpe Diem' (1994), 'Pure' (1996) and 'Nue' (2001). It will be the first French album of Lara Fabian since 'Le Secret' in 2013. Jonathan HAMARD
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Regardless of what you think of the purely visual quality of the new album cover, one has to give Lara and her team credit – they are definitely trying something different with this new album, from the interesting production on her video for ‘Quand je ne chante pas’, to the simultaneous release of her concert in Prague in over 2000 theaters, and with Lara’s own appearance at movie theaters in previews a few nights previous. The album will sink or swim based primarily on its own content, but they are certainly giving it every chance to flourish – and keeping themselves interested, in the process
. This is all associated with her new record company, and Lara acknowledged it. She posted a beautiful picture of herself at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/976296062411891/?type=1&theater
with the caption “At Warner Music France.. An amazing team!...”.
In fact, Lara actually introduced the cover at the ‘Warner France’ meeting, at which (according to the MZ FB site) she also sang ‘Quand je ne chante pas’. Lara’s team posted a picture of her presenting it, at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/975676365807194/?type=1&theater
(and, no, the presentation was not recorded, her team reported).
Lara has often had good relationships with the French component of her record companies… You may remember that the only reason ‘A Wonderful Life’ was released was that Lara had friends at Sony Music France who were willing to do it, when the parent company balked (despite having spent over a million dollars making it). And who can forget the several million dollars Universal Music France paid to support the filming of the ‘Mademoiselle Zhivago’ movie (which always seemed very odd, given that at the time they weren’t releasing the album. Since it was ultimately put on the web for free, there are conflicting reports as to whether they were ever reimbursed).
Speaking of Universal, on a TV show Sunday, Pascal Negre (CEO of Universal Music France, among his other titles) briefly referred to the difficulty of the past contract problems with Lara, when she was ultimately let go (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKBfP01WD38). The general opinion is that Universal wanted albums of ‘hits’, with strong singing, while Lara was more interested in being creative, with ‘complementary singing’ - hence the unreleased TLFM1. And, with respect to 'hits', one can say a similar situation prevailed with Sony. Hopefully, Lara’s long term relationship with Warner Music will end up better than it did with those other two parent companies; at least she now says she is supplying the ‘hits’ album that, in effect, the other commercial studios appeared to have wanted.
In other promotional news, or at least rumors, the ‘Lara Fabian Connecting People’ site posted the following message:
----------------------------------------
“ Remember, recently we asked you, if you want to see Lara in Concert "Un soir autour du monde" in theaters in Moscow and St. Petersburg? It was our little idea - to show the film in Russia. But the idea of this little surprise for us was the trigger for something more. And we are pleased to inform you (not yet officially) from sources close to Lara that the screening of the film will BE. And not only in Russia but also in many other countries of Eastern Europe! We are incredibly pleased with this news, we hope that you are too;). When we have more information about the show, we will let you know!”
------------------------------------------------
It was always very likely that the concert shot in Prague would be made available somehow in Eastern Europe, but the idea that it would be in theaters is something new and very interesting! Another (potential) example of Lara’s team aggressively at work.
And if Lara’s team wants some additional work… Romain Reglain, on the LFIAG site, reported that on vacation in Costa Rica they turned on the radio, and what came on but Lara’s ballad version of ‘Otro Amor Vendra’. This raises, again, the issue of why Lara has never pursued her potential Latin American audience (including Brazil), to the extent that it was completely ignored on her ‘world tour’. Spanish is her fourth ‘fluent’ language; given her recent venture into Italy, perhaps the time is approaching for her to take this step, as well. [And in that spirit, note that the Lara Fabian Mexico FB site often posts videos of Lara with Spanish subtitles, e.g., Dites-moi pourquoi je l’aime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW8Ul23RrsA&feature=youtu.be); Givin’ Up on You (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_gJ5pEqjow&feature=youtu.be); J’y crois encore (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR9XxPW1Ads&feature=youtu.be)].
Meanwhile, we are now fully into September, and so it is back to work for everybody in France. Lara got into that spirit with several posts, including a distinctive picture, at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/974499309258233/?type=1&theater
along with the caption, “En route to a busy day…Mood "Working Girl" ...
and then another one, at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/977245428983621/?type=1&theater
accompanied by the caption, “Monday, on the road, direction Paris... Have a great week!”
It appears that she’s learned to handle social media in a more natural way, just dropping a word/picture here or there. In the past, Lara has ridiculed the idea of one posting every little thought or activity, but this shows there is an intermediate path.
In other news, ‘Odacity’ (and the Lara Fabian Turkey site) indicated that Lara’s new album collection “Selection” would be made available to a more general audience. Their exact comment (http://fb.me/3lCyEkUg7) is,
“To the fans of Lara Fabian in France: following your requests, there will very soon be a possibility to purchase the album "Selection" at a store in Paris, or to order it online for mail delivery… We will provide you with more information within the week. Odacity Team”
And in fact it is already available on amazon.fr (http://www.amazon.fr/Selection-Lara-Fabian/dp/B014J8JLKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441679438&sr=8-1&keywords=Lara+Fabian+Selection) although it is listed as coming from another seller (LV'S UK) from which it is already ‘in stock’. Perhaps this is what Odacity meant; alternatively they may be indicating that soon it won’t have to be ‘imported’ into France, as it is now. For those interested in what it looks like, the ‘Lara Fabian Is Here’ site posted a picture, at
www.facebook.com/382393522416/photos/a.398533517416.164839.382393522416/10153590123372417/?type=1&theater
Note that the other ‘best of’ collection (with the same cover), ‘Lara Fabian Essential’ is also available at amazon.fr (http://www.amazon.fr/Essential-Lara-Fabian/dp/B00TEFWFZU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_15_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ANJDGEET906DHPXVN0S&dpSrc=sims&dpST=_AC_UL200_SR160%2C200_); so all of Lara’s recent releases would now appear to be accessible to fans worldwide.
For the interesting photo(s) of the week (in addition to Lara’s), we can refer to the wonderful ‘Un cuore malato’ montage that the ‘Operation Fan Club Lara Fabian’ has put together on their ‘tumblr’ site,
operation-fan-club-lara-fabian.tumblr.com/
One never fails to be amazed at the effort and creativity that Eve puts into her sites.
Also, in the spirit of Lara’s new found visual creativity, a still picture from the recent official video of ‘Quand je ne chante pas’, as posted by the Lara Fabian – PHQ site,
www.facebook.com/353946178085395/photos/a.353954938084519.1073741828.353946178085395/741354156011260/?type=1&theater
And, on the beautiful end, from Lara Fabian Mexico,
www.facebook.com/LaraFabianfromMexico/photos/a.556367684417296.1073741826.556364357750962/894094067311321/?type=1&theater
Lara’s trip to Paris was most likely in the service of further promotions for her new album, now two months away. We may or may not get to see the fruits of that in the coming week. The same applies to the new “app for the new album cover” [and how many times have you read that phrase in a sentence?
]. This is continuing to be an adventurous time for Lara, her team and her fans…David
