Discovering an island of muses in Second Life

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria

Isle of Mousai. is a recently opened music venue in Second Life; however, anyone visiting it who has been to Hesperia of Templemore  (a place I’ve been to a number of times, but have yet to blog about) may well  get an odd feeling of déjà vu. There is a certain something about the one that does put you in mind of the other, albeit perhaps in something of a subtle way; the design of the some of the stage areas, the use of statues, the presence of balloons and dirigibles floating overhead.

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

There’s nothing sinister in these similarities; rather they are clues that both Hesperia of Templemore and Isle of Mousai are the work of Luis Lockjaw. However, this should not to be taken to means they are clones of one another; far from it. Mousai very much has a look and feel which is unique and very different to that of Templemore.  It’s not so urbanised in appearance, for one thing, and it has a broader spread of architectural styles, some of which give it a whimsical feel. And while the various styles are distinct, the overall design of the region, which includes the clever use of elevation by way of hills and small escarpments, allows them flow together via the footpaths, tracks and steps which connect them.

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

The primary aim of the region is to provide a venue – or venues – for live music and DJs; however, there is much here to attract the casual visitor, the explorer and those wishing to share a little space with friends. Take the little hilltop open-air theatre, for example, complete with a sheet hanging from a line as the screen; it offers a convivial spot to sit and chat with friends. Elsewhere there are little places to sit on your own or with a close friend, all of them charmingly presented to those wandering the paths and trails.

Colour plays an important role here as well, especially if you take the time to twiddle with your windlight defaults a little. If you do the results can be quite stunning whether you simply want to sit and enjoy them while exploring or if you’re into SL photography.

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

I will get around to blogging about Hesperia of Templemore; right now I’m waiting for the snow there to melt, as I’m pretty sure  that many of those on the North American continent have had more than their fill of wintry scenes already.  In the meantime, if you’ve not dropped into Isle of Mousai, do make a note in your diary to do so, it’s a visual treat!

Related Links

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)