Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Spivak
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Courtney Spivak and I am a self taught musician (as Cadriane) and filmmaker. I have been creating videos and music from a young age. I grew up glued to the TV absorbing the visual language of films and music videos. My parents bought me a video camera as a teen, and I made endless videos and created original music for them with a cheap little vintage Casio- I even made my friends take a special class with me so I could have a cable access TV show when I was a senior in high school. This interest in filmmaking led to me getting a Bachelors, then a Masters degree in Media Arts.
My music journey has been a bit different- I took piano lessons as a kid, but they always seemed like homework-but I did like music and playing on a keyboard alone and learning things my own way. I would record songs and experiment with layering sounds. I always made music for myself but I have only been performing it live since 2012- on a whim I posted my music online for the first that year (as my former project Ex American), and was invited to do a festival as my first show- it was a bit of a disaster but very fun! My next show wasn’t until a year later, but it all went great from there, and I still play shows as my current project, Cadriane.
Both audio and video are involved in my ‘day job’, teaching Audio Production, Video Editing and Fundamentals of New Media at Wayne State University and Henry Ford College.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was always pretty confident about my video work , but I often struggled with being denied opportunities due to sexism in the video production houses I approached before I found somewhere where I was valued – I finally was treated well at a great local video production company when I had my first internship. Back then I got very used to making my own opportunities, like approaching people about video projects and making my own work. Luckily, things have improved now. With my music, my struggle was mainly one of confidence- I made music for years before I got up the courage to post my music and play a show.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work can be best divided into two categories- audio and visual. In terms of audio I make experimental new wave inspired music as Cadriane. My music explores themes of technology and dystopia, but presented in a glamorous package. My lyrics are semi-abstract and can be interpreted multiple ways- apocalypse can mean the end of the world or the end of a relationship, depending on the listener.
My visual work has been mostly experimental visuals and music videos- I make all my own music videos for my music project Cadriane (and my previous project Ex American). These two categories of filmmaking fit my style perfectly, since I am always eager to try new ways of creating work, either with unusual techniques or equipment.
Both my music and my video work are very retro-futuristic in style, so they complement each other nicely.
I am probably best known for my creative visual style – much of my work is inspired by the visual language of early 80s MTV and early video art. Even in more straightforward projects, I try to add something interesting, glamorous or unexpected. I love to create dramatic compositions or contrasting lighting schemes to create visual interest. When I start a project , I loosely plan the structure, but I always leave room for creative experimentation. Some of the best ideas in creating a song or a video will happen organically, so there needs to be room for spontaneity.
Making music videos and visuals for other local bands has allowed me to explore even more techniques- I enjoy how each project demands something new, whether its a new editing style or use of unique technology. For example, my work with the band Rottinghouse last year involved designing and creating a ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ effect. This involved creating a 3d hologram video illusion of musician Jaye Allen Thomas’ head. I pride myself on trying something new and ambitious in every project, and putting all of my energy into it.
Currently I am in post production for a new music video I shot and edited for the band Ironwood.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Those looking to work with me should check out my Instagram or website to get a feel for my style. To support me, (or any creative person) make sure to like, comment and reshare content you enjoy. This makes a big difference for creators, small businesses and artists and is something you can do even if you can’t afford their work or services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courtneyspivak.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadriane_nothing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CadrianeNothing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xrt123
- Other: https://cadriane.bandcamp.com/
