Help Evaluate Website : Matching the music to the website content

[gsferrari]

I want to have background music on my family's business website. This is an Indian garment manufacturing company based in "Chennai" (South India).

I am having trouble picking the right music to go with the website content. I am therefore soliciting your help in making this decision. I have here a link to the website AND a link to download an mp3 track that I have chosen from my Indian Classical music collection.

ALL you have to do is download the track, open the website and play the track while viewing the website. After this please get back to me with your feedback...if the "feel" is right...if the music matches with the web content...


[size=medium]Click ** HERE ** to download the mp3 file

Click ** HERE ** to download the alternative mp3 file (jump to 00:55 and listen from there)

Click ** HERE ** to see the website[/size]



Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me out here...


gs

 

[archosman]

I like it. I would like to see more of the models smiling.. but that's just me. Something to think about as pics are added and updated. I'm kind of tired of the standard "no emotion" model look. Very cool track by the way as well.

 

[gsferrari]

Thank you

The idea behind the "dumb" models is that they dont distract from the fabric and style of the garments. If they were smiling and attractive it might detract from the clothes...

But point noted and we will look at happier models in future

The track is a violin concerto by T.N Krishnan. I was at the live concert (the percussionist was my master) and this track was particularly awesome! I am an exponent of Indian percussion (Mridangam, Tabla, Dholak and Ghatam)

gs

 

[archosman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsferrari Thank you The idea behind the "dumb" models is that they dont distract from the fabric and style of the garments. If they were smiling and attractive it might detract from the clothes... But point noted and we will look at happier models in future

Good point. Then again if there's a buxom babe I doubt I'll notice the clothes anyway

Wonder if I can find that cd down at my local Tower. They're about the only place I know of here that has world music.

 

[Oink1]

Nice choice of music Guru - It makes me think of all the beautifull things i've ever seen in films featuring India

On a side note - Indian women are sooo hot!

 

[gsferrari]

Quote:

Originally Posted by archosman Good point. Then again if there's a buxom babe I doubt I'll notice the clothes anyway Wonder if I can find that cd down at my local Tower. They're about the only place I know of here that has world music.

I'll give you the link. YGPM anyway...

 

[rsaavedra]

Well Guru, I like that music, but I don't see a match with the main webpage of that store, Zaida Clothing.

The page looks to me like a Target store: bright colors, kind of a modern and very civilized clothing store. Hardly anything suggests it's related in any way specifically to India, it could be related to any other country or culture, until navigating and looking at some of the models.

The mp3, however, started with an almost religious, spiritual seriousness, and then goes into a very folk-traditional, almost ancient sounding music that does have exotic ingredients, not civilized to my ear (this in a good way, meaning, it does not evoke commerce, industry, production, technology etc. in any way to me, it just evokes culture and tradition). The music makes me think of ancient palaces, jungles, exotic indian dancers, colorful indian fabrics, snake hypnotizers, what not, but not at all a modern 21st century bright-lit, Target-like clothing manufacturer/store, with online portal and everything. To me that music could easily be the background of some documentary of India, or the trailer of a movie a la Indiana Jones, with some traveling going on through India or other exotic landscapes.

But take my feedback as from a non-indian guy. Even though I've had several friends from India (including you), understand that I do have little knowledge of indian music. Still, to me I find a clear discrepancy and contrast between a very modern looking store or company, and this ancestry evoking indian music.

 

[gsferrari]

Thanks for your feedback Raul.

Here is another track (also updated original post)

[size=small]Click ** HERE ** to download the alternative mp3 file (Jump to 00:55 and listen from there...[/size]

 

[Ozric]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsferrari I am an exponent of Indian percussion (Mridangam, Tabla, Dholak and Ghatam) gs

Do you have the mandatory potbelly required to make the Ghatam ring out loud?

EDIT: To actually post something of value, I too agree that the feel of the website is too upscale and cosmopolitan to use ICM as background music. In fact, no music might be the best option IMO.

 

[gsferrari]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozric Do you have the mandatory potbelly required to make the Ghatam ring out loud?

Heh

I used to modulate with what little belly I had but my hands gave up before anything else. I found the Ghatam to be very pleasing acoustically but painful to play. I couldnt afford the calluses as I was initially planning to study Medicine and Surgery.


Quote:

EDIT: To actually post something of value, I too agree that the feel of the website is too upscale and cosmopolitan to use ICM as background music. In fact, no music might be the best option IMO.

What do you think of the second track?

 

[Ozric]

Hmm...Remo eh?

I find the track too uptempo - not a good "fit". In fact, I usually dislike background music on any website I visit - makes me want to turn off my speakers or amp if I have my phones on. I feel it doesn't enhance the appearance of the merchandize in any way, nor does it impel the potential customer to contact you/make a purchase. And if someone in India is viewing the site in a public place (cybercafe) it could be annoying to others. Just my $0.02.

 

[iq160plus]

The REMO-flute song "feels" like Chennai/Madras to me more. I was only there a couple of days, but Chennai (at least the parts I was in) felt fast paced and energentic to me. The other song is more Hyderabad to me!

As far as the web site, I like the remo-flute song with it also.

[size=xx-small]Disclaimer: Big 40 yr old, United States white-guy, who has only spent a couple of months in India, who is by far, neither a music expert, and knows his view of India is poorly based on a limmited stay. [/size]

I guess the best choice is to choose according to your TARGET on-line shoppers. Are they Indian or worldwide? If only Indian, then the rest of our comments would be useless.

OK, I am sick of hearing myself think outloud. I'll shut-up now

 

[gsferrari]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozric Hmm...Remo eh? I find the track too uptempo - not a good "fit". In fact, I usually dislike background music on any website I visit - makes me want to turn off my speakers or amp if I have my phones on. I feel it doesn't enhance the appearance of the merchandize in any way, nor does it impel the potential customer to contact you/make a purchase. And if someone in India is viewing the site in a public place (cybercafe) it could be annoying to others. Just my $0.02.

Excellent points. The customers are from USA, Europe, Canada and Australia/NZ and not from Asia. We are also targeting boutique brands...they like a little pizzazz when they visit a website. In fact a certain brand actually called us and told us that the website was too boring (we had a plain and simple one before)

 

[iq160plus]

This is my "third" cents I guess.....

Not enough contrast on the menu to the left...Once I clicked on WOMENS WEAR, I cannot read the white font menu Items until I rove over them..Not enough contrast of white font over light grey background.

I am viewing on an LCD/laptop. I personally got irritated with the menu. Main page was fine, just not womens ware

 

[gsferrari]

iq160plus

Thanks

You brought up some very good points and I will make the changes immediately. I will change the menu background color to the same color as the main page = blue. White on blue looks acceptable.