Industry
The following is an account of previous work experience I have been completed in the creative industries (descending chronlogical order).
‘An engaging and visually arresting emotional response with some good cultural links to Scotland. To improve this piece further the judges suggest strengthening the narrative journey and sense of place for the viewer, whilst also focusing on a communicating a more focused environmental message. The standard of the submissions was very high. The judging panel appreciated your dedication to the brief and your technical execution. Well done!'
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Our judging panel was varied and comprised several professionals involved in cutting edge soundscape research and application. It’s great to know all these people have seen your work.
Josie Nixon - Emerging Careers Group, Acoustic Consultant
Colette Martin - Young Leader, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Rebekah Strong - Nature Based Solutions Policy Advisor, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Prof Chris Barlow - Head of Research and Innovation, KP Acoustics Research Labs
Peter Rogers - Managing Director, Sustainable Acoustics
Katherine Howlett - Sustainability Manager, Sustainable Acoustics
Prof Jian Kang - Professor of Acoustics and Soundscape, UCL.
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This was my official feedback for my entry into the Scottish Soundscape Prize 2022 held in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and sponsored by Sustainable Acoustics and d&b audiotechnik. I was briefed to create an audio/visual piece that could be played in a contemporary acoustic environment with the aim of generating an environmental narrative in a contrasting, abrasive soundscape like traffic. I wrote an original 8 minute piece with a visual element alongside. The track incorporates Scottish highland field recordings along with ambient synthesised textures generated using Ableton Live. The video uses GAN AI technology to feed in images of the Scottish landscape and generate entirely artificial images based on the original input. Using Artbreeder, these images seamlessly blend together along with some tweaking using Adobe Premiere Pro. Overall, the piece is geographically distant with images that appear familiar but do not exist. The sounds phase in and out with one another, developing a sense of steady progression and calmness that should be associated with the wellness found in natural locations. I am honoured to have been shortlisted for such a prize and that so many have listened to my piece in an immersive space.
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In June 2022, I was approached by a group of post-graduate students who wanted to make a film. The director had written the film (Blind Lovers) in Iran several years ago and was finally seeing it come into fruition. As Sound Producer, I set up the sound equipment, record the dialogue and foley. I will also be assisting with the sound in post-production. The film is still in production, but will be entered into major film festivals and awards.
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In June 2022, I was approached by a group of students studying theatre at University of Warwick asking me to help with the OST and sound design of their upcoming play 'I Feel Love'. I wrote 4 original pieces of music that fit the themes of 80s queer rave culture within Thatcherite Britain. The play sold out and will continue to be adapted and expanded upon in the new academic year. You can listen to the songs here:
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https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7lxn0vc9wqku3ip/AACQLFAZw2eQnP-_MluKmwADa?dl=0
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In May 2022, I joined a friend's new film production company, Bronze Clock Productions, as Head of Sound. Linda Zaaranyika's vision is incredibly ambititous and she has made multiple short films, one of which was Ultra, and I wrote the main theme. You can watch Ultra and listen to the original track here:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoE4vCv2Mvg
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b0dqu1fi8sekixf/AAAuWuSoYAE_9LwySs_vVNika?dl=0
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In January 2022, I joined the new ambient techno label 'npm' as a voluntary writer. This label boasts a range of thrilling artists in the scene such as Giulio Aldinucci and John Beltran. Recently, I interviewed Luke Hess and DAMIE. You can find the interviews here:
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https://npmlabel.com/Get-To-Know-Lewis-Dobbs-interviews-Luke-Hess
https://npmlabel.com/Get-To-Know-Lewis-Dobbs-interviews-DAMIE
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I have been producing "Aghast FM" on 1020 Radio in Bristol since February 2021 that features an ultramodern mix of ambient trance, deconstructed club and glitch music. You can find links to my residency and previous episodes below.
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After hearing about a new position available via Instagram, I instantly applied. During my time with The Pit LDN, I wrote numerous reviews of new releases in the underground hip-hop, R&B, and pop scene. These reviews and an artist spotlight with Kayowa are available below.
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https://www.thepitldn.com/pitnews?author=60854c8347e89c3490be8aaf
Working with RAW1251AM, I also conducted many interviews with exciting artists like Kero Kero Bonito, VUKOVI, and The Hara thanks to the Student Music Network. You can watch my coverage of Slam Dunk Festival 2021 and interview with Gus from Kero Kero Bonito here.
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https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUuSh40of83/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bMRbn9fPQ7Oo2ASBcsBpe?si=4892643957624e02
Upon joining Warwick University, I joined many societies, including Warwick Racing. I have since produced several promotional films for the society. This involves interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and social media promotion.
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In February 2019, I was given an incredible opportunity to work with Atomized Studios in London, a branch of the multi-media giant Freuds. During my time, I set-up photoshoots and edited a variety of commercial video projects. This was an incredible insight into the fast-paced work flow occurring in the industry and my task management skills were thoroughly tested.
In October 2019, I was able to work with Factor 3 Communications, a local digital marketing and advertising firm. During my time there, I was able to visit local attractions and companies with some colleagues to discuss how their brand could be helped by Factor 3 in promotion. I also learned the philosophy behind movie posters and sustainable advertising.
In September 2019, I worked with my local MP Alex Chalk in the run-up to the general election. I produced a series of promotional videos about the stability of Cheltenham General Hospital’s A&E department, local educational challenges and the Net-Zero emissions target set for 2050 for Alex Chalk MP (for Cheltenham). By creating these videos, I taught myself the basics of Adobe Premiere Pro including how to subtitle, manipulate audio files and generate animated elements.
In June 2019, I assisted with software development at the FireSmart branch of Trilogy Group in Cheltenham. I learnt about how to manage rapid deadlines not only within the branch but worldwide, communicating with other branches across the world.