Michael DiMartino, A new sign on music.
Michael DiMartino a.k.a. CaptainL0ver is growing a following on YouTube with his sign language music videos of such hits as “”Womanizer” and “”If You Seek Amy” by Britney Spears. His videos have even made it onto Ms. Spears Official Website. The funny thing about language is that it is often taken for granted by us hearing-able folk. Yes, we enjoy the funny puns, and having the ability to talk on the phone without the need for various devices. And both hearing and hearing-impaired individuals have an intrinsic connection to music. It is simply enjoyable, and it is a cultural construct which brings so many disparate people together. When I saw a link to DiMartino’s interpretation of Britney’s Spears “Womanizer” I wanted to know more.
In an interview with hunkdujour.com, he talks about how with sign language, you are not only “speaking” the language, but you also very blatantly see language, as gestured forms. I thought it was a very interesting progression from a far different individual, Joseph Grigley. His St. Cecilia performance piece dealt with the misinterpretation that could happen when someone who is hearing impaired or is deaf tries to read lips of singers as they sing. Michael DiMartino bridges the gap by delivering to the hearing impaired and deaf music in a way that is more broadly enjoyable.
DiMartino’s choreographies and signs work to give the songs all the juicy undertones of language which would be otherwise missed. For example; in the song “Womanizer” there is not ASL (American Sign Language) gesture for the word “Womanizer”. DiMartino rather signs a lengthier statement which captures the essence of the song. In the song “If You Seek Amy”… I would recommend learn at least a few choice letters in sign language, the watch the video and pay close attention. Before this, I didn’t know what Britney was saying in the chorus of the song. I think I have to agree with her to some degree.
In my opinion, I would hope that more interpreters like Michael DiMartino come out into the fray. I have seen some very talented interpreters working at different venues for less musically inclined shows. But how cool would it be for performing musicians to have a cadre of ASL interpreters. I have no doubt in my mind that there are people who lost their ability to hear through some unfortunate incident. I also believe that there are people who would, in spite of having lost their hearing would still enjoy having an avenue of access to the music. I think Michael DiMartino is among the first of people to pioneer a way to have a socio-cultural phenomena bridged to people who were previously separated from it.
In an interview with hunkdujour.com, he talks about how with sign language, you are not only “speaking” the language, but you also very blatantly see language, as gestured forms. I thought it was a very interesting progression from a far different individual, Joseph Grigley. His St. Cecilia performance piece dealt with the misinterpretation that could happen when someone who is hearing impaired or is deaf tries to read lips of singers as they sing. Michael DiMartino bridges the gap by delivering to the hearing impaired and deaf music in a way that is more broadly enjoyable.
DiMartino’s choreographies and signs work to give the songs all the juicy undertones of language which would be otherwise missed. For example; in the song “Womanizer” there is not ASL (American Sign Language) gesture for the word “Womanizer”. DiMartino rather signs a lengthier statement which captures the essence of the song. In the song “If You Seek Amy”… I would recommend learn at least a few choice letters in sign language, the watch the video and pay close attention. Before this, I didn’t know what Britney was saying in the chorus of the song. I think I have to agree with her to some degree.
In my opinion, I would hope that more interpreters like Michael DiMartino come out into the fray. I have seen some very talented interpreters working at different venues for less musically inclined shows. But how cool would it be for performing musicians to have a cadre of ASL interpreters. I have no doubt in my mind that there are people who lost their ability to hear through some unfortunate incident. I also believe that there are people who would, in spite of having lost their hearing would still enjoy having an avenue of access to the music. I think Michael DiMartino is among the first of people to pioneer a way to have a socio-cultural phenomena bridged to people who were previously separated from it.