Trent Reznor seems to be just as busy as ever after his planned “retirement” of Nine Inch Nails. First his new How To Destroy Angels project. Now he and long time collaborator Atticus Ross are nearing the end of scoring the new film from David Fincher, “The Social Network,” better known as the Facebook movie. This may seem strange at first, ‘self-admitted social reject music star established to anything but status-quo creates music for sign-of-the-times-movie about global social phenomena.’

Upon closer inspection it seems perfect: in recent years Reznor has fueled his success through online social networking, his creatively active twitter account (although not without brief lapses), created an entire social network based on NIN media and fans and probably opened himself and his music up to his fans more than any other artist in history; and in doing so changed the future for the music industry entirely.

“I”ve always loved David”s work but quite honestly I wondered what would draw him to tell that story. When I actually read the script and realized what he was up to, I said goodbye to that free time I had planned.” Reznor states.

This isn’t Reznors first time working in film (Natural Born Killers, Lost Highway), though he has never scored a film before. Though his original music productions for the video game Doom (later versions of the game we produced by Tweaker, Nine Inch Nails ex band mate Chris Vrenna) give him plenty of experience in this arena.

Reznor and Ross are planning a stage two for the original film score “distilling the large amount of music we”ve written for this down to a satisfying record (or two).” Reznor’s comment “Speaking of the film… it”s really fucking good. And dark!” sheds new light… or should I say darkness, on the film for me.

Photo by Suzanne Dieter

Twilight Frequencies: Where did you go to school, and what were some lessons you have incorporated in your work today?

Michael Peters: I attended the School of the Arts at the University of Tennessee.  If nothing else, I took with me the ability and confidence to believe in your talent and to take with that the initiative of intentionality.  Whatever your idea is – run with it.  Really try to expand your boundaries.  Just because you’re an visual artist doesn’t mean you’re confined to a gallery.

Twilight Frequencies: I know you have had some gallery shows locally here in Knoxville, tell us a little about your work, if you can narrow it down to a few things? What’s your primary medium?

Michael Peters: By classification, I suppose you might say I’m a media artist.  But if I had to say I specialize in anything, it would probably be photography.  At least that is where my passion primarily lies.  I love the idea of pushing the medium of photography beyond just a single photograph.  That’s what my gallery exhibitions focus on – expanding the typical single photographic plane into something spacially concerned having multiple suspended panels, or photographs, creating dynamic geometric planes.

Twilight Frequencies: What’s the next year look like for Michael Peters the Artist?

Photo by Kari Foster

Michael Peters: It’s always hard to tell…especially being at the relative beginning stages of my career.  As of now, there is nothing solidified but hopefully that will change.  I’ve really turned my focus primarily on Backpod.  But as days pass, I hope to exhibit somewhere in the near future.  I would LOVE to show some photography and film work taken throughout my Backpod travels.  I truly believe that’s the direction I’m heading.

Contact Michael Peters here.

Twilight Frequencies: What types of things can people do to become active in providing a real change to the issues in Central America?

Michael Peters: Such a great question!  I really just encourage everyone to become active in any little way possible.  It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be a doctor or in the medical field to do international outreach.  I used my passion for media art along with the help of two other bright-minded individuals in their respective field to create this project.  There are so many organizations out there (I probably wouldn’t have believed it myself until I did this research for Backpod) that are striving for a better quality something for lesser-privileged individuals.  Unfortunately, many of these organizations lack the manpower to get their word out there.  It never hurts to contact them directly and see what you can do to help.  I found that many organizations have “bases” back in the states.  Something as simple as working indirectly with them by spreading the word around your college campus can be crucial in the success of their projects.

Photography by Jimmy Camacho

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Photo by Michael Peters

Twilight Frequencies: How did your expectations line up with the realities of the work being done by Non Profit organizations? What surprised you?

Michael Peters: We did countless hours of research prior to scheduling the inaugural trip.  So we were pretty familiar with the work being done.  There was a lot of communication being facilitated between us at Backpod and Global Brigades.

Personal Note: I did not anticipate the fact of how LITTLE Spanish I actually knew.   My knowledge of the language was an absolute monstrosity, but I managed thanks in large part to the organization and my Backpod Team members.

Twilight Frequencies: Was there anything you found not in line with an organizations goal? For instance did you ever feel there was corruption involved?

Michael Peters: Not at all.

Twilight Frequencies: How were you treated by the natives?

Michael Peters: Everyone was absolutely amazing!  You couldn’t ask for more hospitality.  Sometimes having a camera in your face can be a little intimidating or unnerving; but I seemed to be the only one who had any apprehension about that.  The Honduran people were just so thrilled to receive assistance in this fashion.

The Backpod group looks into the work keeping dental hygiene a important way of life for the natives. Meet the “Dental Brigade.”

To be continued…

Twilight Frequencies: Among the many people you’ve met participating in Backpod, who are some that have stood out the most, and why?

Michael Peters: The passion of the students who fuel the efforts of Global Brigades really stands out.  The student groups plan and fundraise for months prior to the trip, and many times they must sacrifice their own break time from school to attend.  While peers are off “spring-breaking it” – these students are making a difference.

…and they are dedicated!  Several of the groups who were in Honduras with us have already made it back for a return trip to work another brigade.

Twilight Frequencies: What stood out the most in your quest?

Michael Peters: It was the opportunity to witness how much of a positive impact these students and this organization were having on the local people.  They had such a respect for the local culture.

Michael Peters, Photo by Kari Foster

Twilight Frequencies: Where did the mission come from?

Michael Peters: The foundation of the project was always art. Kari and I have always had a strong connection and art was how that connection always seemed to manifest.  We had worked/played together on several video art projects; short films, photography, even local commercials – but wanted to find something that was not “just” visually appealing…but really had something to say.

While I was in Tennessee and Kari was in New York, we continued to have a dialogue about our next short film.  We were focusing on our usual artsy avant-garde type film, but the motivation wasn’t there.

From Left, Kari, Michael, and Eva. Photo by Theresa Taverno

During this time our friend Jonathan Caleb Meador was traveling extensively throughout Central and South America.  He would regale stories of working with the locals on their farmland in exchange for room and board.  Staying no more than a few weeks at a time, he would soon pack his belongings and travel by any means necessary to the next location, even if it meant hitchhiking.  There was something so simplistic and sustainable, yet productive and inspiring about this idea.  As his stories reached state side, Kari and I found our phone conversations to slowly start focusing only on travel adventure and unknowingly began to birth the brainchild we now know as Backpod.

We began to push around the idea of traveling with a purpose.

We wanted to create something that had a purpose not only for us as adventurers, but an idea that could encourage a global mindset in our audience and ourselves.  As we began to press further into this realm, the idea started to lend itself more towards a non-profit sector project.  In a leap of faith, we contacted non-profits in various Central American countries to pitch this idea of traveling to them and exposing their work by creating short documentation in the form of online video publishing in exchange for room and board.  When Global Brigades said yes…we started reaching out to more people, such as sponsors, donors, and media…

We received quite a positive response from many people and Backpod came to life. We are still surprised and grateful to be able to have this project and experience happening.

Twilight Frequencies: Focusing in on Non-Profits there must be a ton of different pieces of information you have obtained about some of their general goals or missions within Central America. Give us an example of an organization you really felt compelled by.

Michael Peters: Global Brigades is an organization that really stood out.  If you haven’t heard of their work, you will soon.  It is a secular organization that empowers students and professional volunteers to provide communities in developing nations with sustainable solutions that improve quality of life while respecting local culture. GB’s vision is to become the largest student-led social movement on the planet.

What struck us is the idea that students are taking the initiative and making this lasting impact.  Global Brigades is really a well-rounded organization thanks in large part to ambitious students with fields concentrating in medical outreach to water purification development even to assisting in local micro enterprise growth. It really had the all-around package.

To Be Continued…

In this video the crew discusses their adventure travels through the annoyances of airports and the folks surrounding them.

Twilight Frequencies: What was it like preparing for your trip to Honduras?  If you can recall the initial feeling you had, what types of things were you expecting to see or learn? Were you scared? Had you been out of the United States before this trip?

Michael Peters: It was strange, because like many trips, none of us really believed it was going to happen until we officially booked the plane ticket.  But as we learned the trip was a go, absolute complete excitement filled my body!  And I’m confident in saying that feeling was mutual for the other members.  I had been abroad before as had the other members, but for this time was different.  This trip had a mission, a mission we all had personal investment in, and I’m not speaking financially.  If anything, the only apprehension I had was the fear of failure.  I yearned so bad for this endeavor to be a success, because ultimately it was not just for us, it was for the organization we were working alongside and the lives they were touching.

This week we’ll get to know a member from the group Backpod. Michael Peters is one of  three exceptionally talented artist to dedicate his creative life by using his artistic expression as a tool for the greater good. This video will give us a brief introduction into the cast of Backpod, plus through out the week I will ask Michael Peters some questions about his experiences with backpod, and art itself.

Twilight Frequencies: Besides you, who else participates in Backpod, how did you link up with them?

Michael Peters: The Backpod team is made up of myself, Kari Foster, and Eva Nudd. While working in New York, Kari crossed paths with Eva. Eva was able to bring a international relations writing background into the work, rather than the art background of Kari and I – which is just what we needed!  TEAM BACKPOD was born!

I think each of us bring a unique, yet relative perspective to the table.  Eva is originally from Slovak Republic with a Masters Degree in International Relations specializing in Human Rights and International Law.  Kari has a degree in Journalism concentration in Public Relations with a background in graphic/web design.  Myself with a BFA in film and photography.

All very different, but each one makes up such a vital piece to the puzzle.  Holding us together – our endless curiosity, and willingness to fall on our face a few times!

To be continued…

The new film from Canadian filmmaker Bruce McDonald (Hard Core Logo, The Tracey Fragments) called “This movie is broken: A rock show romance.” The film is about two friends who figure out they have more interest in one another than they realize. Broken Social Scene plays a huge outdoor bash, and the characters are aiming to go, and it will be one last night to remember before they have to split apart.  Will they split, or will Bruce get the girl to answer his crush?