VIRTUAL EXHIBIT - ADORABLE

an in-depth exploration of Adorable's impact on the music scene. Discover the essence of their sound, the stories behind their disbandment, and the evolution of their artistry. Join us as we dig into the heart of Adorable's legacy, a celebration of a band that left an indelible mark on the world of music.

ADORABLE

About

PHOTOGRAPHS

CONTRIBUTORS

AMIRA SKAF

JAMIE BOISCLAIR

BROOKLYN HOLMES

LAURA SANTAGUIDA

We are the contributors behind

“Adorable, Resonance of Memories:

The Final Symphony.” We are dedicated university students at Ontario Tech whose passion for culture, technology, and creativity shines through in every aspect of our project. As proud contributors to our exhibit, we have woven insights from our Culture & Digital Technologies class project to create a unique and engaging exploration of Adorable’s impact on the cultural landscape. Join us in this journey at the intersection of music, technology, and creativity, guided by our enthusiasm and expertise.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

COURSE MATERIALS

In crafting our virtual exhibit, we drew inspiration from diverse course materials that illustrate the profound transformations in the music industry fueled by cultural shifts and digital advancements. The resurgence of analog formats, such as cassette tapes and vinyl records, was explored in the context of artists like Maral embracing the tangible music experience. Digital concert experiences, exemplified by ABBA Voyage's avatar performance, challenge traditional norms, reflecting evolving audience expectations. The impact of K-pop, as showcased in SHINee's Beyond LIVE concerts, reveals how cultural shifts and digital tech have given rise to immersive online experiences.

ADORABLE

PURPOSE

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE

OF ADORABLE’S MUSICAL JOURNEY

Adorable’s musical journey encapsulates a dynamic exploration of shoegaze and alternative rock, marked by the release of their debut album “Against Perfection” in 1993 (AllMusic). Comprising Pete Fijalkowski’s emotive vocals and the band's lush, swirling guitar textures, the album received critical acclaim for its sonic depth and unique blend of noise-pop influences (Pitchfork). The subsequent release of their second album, “Fake,” in 1994 showcased a continued evolution in sound, albeit without replicating the commercial success of their debut (Trouser Press).

Despite facing challenges and internal tensions, Adorable’s impact on the early

‘90s alternative music scene endures, with their music resonating among fans of the shoegaze genre (AllMusic). The band’s relatively short-lived existence contributes to its enigmatic legacy, leaving behind a cult following and solidifying its place as a noteworthy chapter in the broader landscape of alternative rock (Pitchfork).

PHOTO BY: Walid Lodin, 2019 ©

Our virtual exhibit on Adorable serves as a timeless archive, ensuring that the band's significant contributions to the alternative rock and shoegaze genres are preserved for future generations. Visitors can gain insights into the dynamic intersection of culture, technology, and creativity during the early '90s by learning about Adorable's musical journey. This exhibit becomes a digital gateway for enthusiasts and scholars alike, comprehensively exploring the band's impact on the alternative music scene. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital culture, this virtual exhibit stands as a testament to the enduring power of music

and its ability to shape cultural narratives. By providing a platform for future generations to connect with Adorable's story, we ensure their legacy remains vibrant, influencing and inspiring audiences for years.

ADORABLE

SIGNIFICANCE

ABOUT

Adorable were an English alternative rock band, formed in Coventry in 1990. The band consisted of vocalist and guitarist Pete Fijalkowski, guitarist Robert Dillam, bassist Stephen

'Wil' Williams and drummer Kevin Gritton (Wikipedia, 2023)

PHOTO BY: Walid Lodin, 2019 ©

MEMBERS

DISCOGRAPHY

Pete Fijalkowski

Robert Dillam

Stephen 'Wil' Williams

Kevin Gritton

PHOTO BY: Jamie Boisclair, 2019 ©

STUDIO ALBUMS

Against Perfection (1993) No. 70 UK
Fake (1994)

COMPILATIONS

Footnotes: Best of 92–94 (Cherry Red, 2008)

SINGLES

“Sunshine Smile” (20 April 1992) -

US Billboard Alternative Songs No. 29

“I'll Be Your Saint” (13 July 1992)
“Homeboy” (26 October 1992)
“Sistine Chapel Ceiling” (January 1993)
“Favourite Fallen Idol” (12 April 1993)
“Kangaroo Court” (April 1994)
“Vendetta” (September 1994) - UK No. 99

(Wikipedia, 2023)

ADORABLE

PHOTOGRAPHS

PHOTOS CONCERT 2019

WALID LODIN, PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO BY: Jamie Boisclair, 2019 ©

KEVIN HOLDING THE SETLIST

PHOTO BY: Jamie Boisclair, 2019 ©

PHOTOS

PHOTO BY: Walid Lodin, 2019 ©

ADORABLE

CONCERT

VIDEOS CONCERT 2019

Adorable’s legacy in U.K. Indie music is a poignant tale of unrealized potential and resilience. Despite facing label challenges and ill-fated promotions, their albums “Against Perfection” and “Fake” left an enduring mark on the early '90s music scene. The band’s 2019 revival, marked by three highly anticipated concerts, stirred longing among their dedicated fanbase, highlighting the timeless appeal of their music. Photographer Walid Lodin beautifully captured the emotions of their farewell performances, immortalizing Adorable’s place in music history.

ADORABLE

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW CONCERT 2019

In the realm of music photography, moments frozen in

time transcend the mere visual representation of an artist

on stage. Walid Lodin, a distinguished photographer with a keen eye for capturing the essence of musical performances, embarked on an extraordinary journey in November 2019.

His lens chronicled the poignant final chapter of Adorable,

the UK band known for their ethereal vocals and profound influence on the music landscape. As we explore the narrative woven by Lodin's lens during Adorable's last three concerts, we uncover not just a series of images but a visual symphony that encapsulates the emotional crescendo of a band bidding farewell to the stage. Join us in exploring the artistry of Walid Lodin, the storyteller behind the lens, as he preserves the fleeting magic of Adorable for generations to come.

ADORABLE

REFERENCES

Adorable - Against Perfection. AllMusic. https://www.allmusic.com/album/against-perfection-mw0000616117

Adorable: Against Perfection Album Review. Pitchfork. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/adorable-against-perfection/

Adorable. Trouser Press. http://www.trouserpress.com/entry.php?a=adorable

Adorable (band). (2023, October 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adorable_(band)

America, B. (2022, June 8). TikTok’s impact on the music industry. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGB2nvttZic

DeWaard, A., Fauteux, B., & Selman, B. (2022, January 3). Popular Music and society | taylor & francis online. Popular Music and Society.

https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rpms20

Howell, J. (2019, November 23). Adorable Reunion: Nights 1 & 2, The Trades Club. Disarm Magazine. https://disarmmagazine.wordpress.com/2019/11/23/adorable-reunion-nights

1-2-the-trades-club/

Michaud, A. (2023, October 20). How Abba Voyage and other avatar or “hologram” concert performances evoke fans’ real responses. The Conversation.

https://theconversation.com/how-abba-voyage-and-other-avatar-or-hologram-concert-performances-evoke-fans-real-responses-206961?

PBS NewsHour. (2023, June 1). Cassette tapes make unexpected comeback in ERA of music streaming. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXVB1UuvyfY

The Wall Street. (2021, April 16). How K-pop is reinventing Virtual concerts | wsj. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PqgTh9RvVw

Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, October 1). Adorable (band). Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adorable_(band) Those are my references.

[YouTube]. (2014, August 25). How Does Fandom Work? [Video]. BrainStuff - HowStuffWorks. https://youtu.be/EmuuOJms62s?si=w2b2EM3XkAtFhqz1