Monday, 22 June 2015
How to study Music Videos
Movement is essential to music video and usually compliments the rhythm of the song. Movement can be achieved by physically moving the camera, the people in the video moving and dancing or through speed of editing. For example, the video for Justin Timberlake's rock your body relies heavily upon movement to create a sense of excitement for the viewer. Rapid editing editing, with many shots being less than a second long, compliments the dance routine and use of flashing lighting in the video. Similarly, the video for Rihanna's rude boy uses special effects behind Rihanna dancing and playing drums to create movement that matches the beat if the song.
A music video may have a narrative. The storyline may relate to the song's lyrics and illustrate what is being said or be independent from the dong and tell a different story. For example, I was a teenage anarchist by Against Me! features a loose narrative which links to the song's lyrics. The video features a young man running along Venice Beach trying to avoid the police who are chasing him, indicating that he is a rebel or 'anarchist'. Other videos have much more explicit narratives which are more closely linked to the song's lyrics, such as dilemma by nelly featuring Kelly Rowland which shows a girl moving into a house as Nelly sings ' I met this chick and just moved right up on the block '.
Most music videos feature the band or artist ass they are also a product to be sold. The artist may be featured performing their music, either in the form of lip-syncing or playing instruments in the case of a band. The artists may also be featured but acting rather than performing or the video may feature a combination of both. For example Plan B's she said features a narrative linked to the songs lyrics that the artist is acting out as well as performing the song. Sometimes, a band or artist are represented in some other way in a video, such as by animation or actors playing the role of the artist.
Most music videos feature the band or artist ass they are also a product to be sold. The artist may be featured performing their music, either in the form of lip-syncing or playing instruments in the case of a band. The artists may also be featured but acting rather than performing or the video may feature a combination of both. For example Plan B's she said features a narrative linked to the songs lyrics that the artist is acting out as well as performing the song. Sometimes, a band or artist are represented in some other way in a video, such as by animation or actors playing the role of the artist.
Purpose of a music video in the digital age
The purpose of a music video is to sell products, the most obvious of which is the song featured in the video. However, other connected products are also marketed by music videos. For example, the album the song is featured on, the film the song is part of the soundtrack for, an up coming tour by the artist and merchandise like t-shirts. However, music videos are an unusual form of marketing as they allow audiences full access to the product they are selling. When a music video is shown, the audience is able to hear the song the video is for so they are 'getting' the product that is being promoted. When other products are advertised, such as brand of coffee or an item of clothing, the advert suggests the product is desirable but the audience does not get to taste the coffee or wear the clothes.
Prior to the digital age, allowing the audience full access to the product in the marketing was not too problematic. The song was only available at specific times in places which were approved of by the record company, such as on weekly television chart countdown shows like 'top of the pops'. However, the development of new media technologies meant that music videos and the songs along with them, were more widely available at any time. Videos could be uploaded to video hosting sites like 'YouTube' and viewed using portable media devices such as mobile phones and itouch devices, allowing the audiences to see the video and hear the song whenever they liked.
The advent of such technologies proved to be problematic for the music industry as audiences were less inclined to buy a physical copy of the of a song if they could listen to it on-line for free. Initially, most record companies fought against their artists' music videos being available on-line and attempted to prosecute those who uploaded videos to you-tube for copyright infringement. However, more recently, the music industry has come to realise that attempts to monitor sites like Youtube are time consuming, expensive and often futile. As a result, most record companies allow their artists' music videos to be online but under controlled conditions.
Prior to the digital age, allowing the audience full access to the product in the marketing was not too problematic. The song was only available at specific times in places which were approved of by the record company, such as on weekly television chart countdown shows like 'top of the pops'. However, the development of new media technologies meant that music videos and the songs along with them, were more widely available at any time. Videos could be uploaded to video hosting sites like 'YouTube' and viewed using portable media devices such as mobile phones and itouch devices, allowing the audiences to see the video and hear the song whenever they liked.
The advent of such technologies proved to be problematic for the music industry as audiences were less inclined to buy a physical copy of the of a song if they could listen to it on-line for free. Initially, most record companies fought against their artists' music videos being available on-line and attempted to prosecute those who uploaded videos to you-tube for copyright infringement. However, more recently, the music industry has come to realise that attempts to monitor sites like Youtube are time consuming, expensive and often futile. As a result, most record companies allow their artists' music videos to be online but under controlled conditions.
Analysis of different genres
Rock music videos
Stereotypically Rock music videos include the band performing on stage which we see here. Rock music is usually very lively and this helps the general feel of the music. There is usually no narrative to the music video and this is a perfect example, the music video is completely focusing on the instruments used and the actual music rather than using choreographed videos to entertain audiences. The reason for the video focusing on just the music and showing them playing is because unlike other genres rock is made up of mostly instruments you can play not digitally put together therefore they are able to show off their talent.
Stereotypically Rock music videos include the band performing on stage which we see here. Rock music is usually very lively and this helps the general feel of the music. There is usually no narrative to the music video and this is a perfect example, the music video is completely focusing on the instruments used and the actual music rather than using choreographed videos to entertain audiences. The reason for the video focusing on just the music and showing them playing is because unlike other genres rock is made up of mostly instruments you can play not digitally put together therefore they are able to show off their talent.
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Analysis of a music video
codes and conventions
The video concentrates on the artist a lot which is very common in rap/hip-hop music videos also it helps tell a visual narrative which compliments the lyrics of the song.The video includes fast cuts to fit in with the genre of 'rap' as commonly the music is fast in this genre therefore the cuts would have to be fast too in order for the audience to get the full entertainment available. It gives the video an exciting feel to it and ties in with the artists theme of the song. The song is set on the streets and is a more choreographed video which is very modern of this genre of music stereotypically rap videos are in a party scene or in a club where as Eminem has subverted this and choreographed a video which compliments the narrative, The camera shots are very stereotypical of rap videos with lot of close ups and tracking shots. Eminem has no big jewellery, alcohol, mansions or branded clothing. This is not frequent in rap music videos. Eminem has focused on using the music video to tell a story.
Representations
Eminem the artist is shown all the way through the video. The fact that he is walking alone ties in with the lyrics which are motivating people. He walks through a road of busy cars which again shows he is not afraid which is the song name. Eminem is also alone in the video this represents the emotions being portrayed using the choreography of the music video and the lyrics.
Audience
The target audience for this music video would be teenagers as they are old enough to understand the key concepts being portrayed and will be able to relate to the emotional issues raised in the song. The song and choreography itself are very modern and teenagers will be able to understand the lyrics used and find the video entertaining as well finding it interesting at the same time. The target audience is for teenagers also because Eminem can be seen as a role model and his life could be very relate-able to a wide set of people.
institution
The song was made to entertain fans and put Eminem back out there, the record label he is with were bringing out a new album therefore he brought out this, one of the big songs on there to promote his new and up and coming album. At the end it shows the record company very clearly which would also promote them.
The video concentrates on the artist a lot which is very common in rap/hip-hop music videos also it helps tell a visual narrative which compliments the lyrics of the song.The video includes fast cuts to fit in with the genre of 'rap' as commonly the music is fast in this genre therefore the cuts would have to be fast too in order for the audience to get the full entertainment available. It gives the video an exciting feel to it and ties in with the artists theme of the song. The song is set on the streets and is a more choreographed video which is very modern of this genre of music stereotypically rap videos are in a party scene or in a club where as Eminem has subverted this and choreographed a video which compliments the narrative, The camera shots are very stereotypical of rap videos with lot of close ups and tracking shots. Eminem has no big jewellery, alcohol, mansions or branded clothing. This is not frequent in rap music videos. Eminem has focused on using the music video to tell a story.
Representations
Eminem the artist is shown all the way through the video. The fact that he is walking alone ties in with the lyrics which are motivating people. He walks through a road of busy cars which again shows he is not afraid which is the song name. Eminem is also alone in the video this represents the emotions being portrayed using the choreography of the music video and the lyrics.
Audience
The target audience for this music video would be teenagers as they are old enough to understand the key concepts being portrayed and will be able to relate to the emotional issues raised in the song. The song and choreography itself are very modern and teenagers will be able to understand the lyrics used and find the video entertaining as well finding it interesting at the same time. The target audience is for teenagers also because Eminem can be seen as a role model and his life could be very relate-able to a wide set of people.
institution
The song was made to entertain fans and put Eminem back out there, the record label he is with were bringing out a new album therefore he brought out this, one of the big songs on there to promote his new and up and coming album. At the end it shows the record company very clearly which would also promote them.
Monday, 15 June 2015
Andrew Goodwin theory
Andrew Goodwin’s 6 Features of Music
Videos
In
His Book Dancing in the Distraction Factory Andrew Goodwin points out
characteristics and features that can be found in music videos. Looking at a
selection of music videos which can be recognised?
1.Music videos demonstrate genre
characteristics.
(e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band, aspiration in Hip Hop).
(e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band, aspiration in Hip Hop).
2.There is a relationship between
lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with
images.(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
3.There is a relationship between music
and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual
reflects that of the music.
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
4.The demands of the record label will
include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop
motifs which recur across their work (a
visual style).
5.There is frequently reference to
notion of looking (screens within screens, mirrors, stages,
etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.
6.There are often intertextual reference (to
films, tv
programmes, other music videos etc). #
The music video is very much stereo typical of the genre. The music video includes females being provocative, money, big chains, alcohol, branded clothing, a lot of attention on the artist and his gang are in the video. The codes and conventions are very typical of a tap/Hip Hop music video. The strong tone and advocating of a gangster lifestyle is represented with the visuals and the glamorisation of that lifestyle is shown through the codes and conventions of a typical rap/hip hop video e.g. women, fast cars, money and expensive alcohol.
The video is related to the lyrics in a way that he is demonstrating what he is saying in the video. He is talking about having the prettiest women and having a lot of money complimented with fast cars which is shown in the video. Also he is talking about his 'gangster lifestyle' which is portrayed in the video by him making a video in his 'hood' which is that of a stereotypical black neighbourhood.
The music is related to the visuals as the beat is slow at times and fast at times this is seen with the editing techniques used by transitions being made fast when the beat is going fast and going slow when the beat is slow. This allows a more fluent way of watching as it goes really well and in time with the music.
The artist isn't signed to a record label therefore self promotion is very important. Constant focus on the artist is important for business. The constant focus on the artist will show a level of importance and makes us as an audience concentrate more on what the artist is saying.
In the video the men are posing with the females almost as if they are a trophy and a sex object. The constant focus on the gold chains and branded clothing shows the constant reference to notion of looking.Also he looks in the camera and fixes his hair this shoes the importance of apperance.
There is inter-textual reference in the lyrics when the artist mentions the movie 'Lord of The rings' this will be popular as there will be Lord of The Rings fans potentially watching therefore will enjoy the song more. The artist and Movie production company who made Lord Of The Rings have no connection the artist mentioned as it would be entertaining for the audience.
Codes and conventions of music videos
Typical
Conventions of music videos
·
Camera Shots: Long
shots, close-ups and extreme close-ups are constantly
used. Close-ups are usually
used in music videos as it puts emphasis on the artist or bands face for
promotional reasons and their lips to show the lip-synching.
·
Camera movements: Pans,
dolly track shots, crane shots and tilts are used to follow the movements of the singer/band or
dancers.
·
Editing: Jump
cuts are the most commonly used as its purpose is to jump from a scene
of the location to the artist to the instruments and vice-versa. Reaction shots are used with
music videos with narrative as it expresses the relationship between two or
more people. The pace of the editing is always in synch with the beat of the
track.
·
Mise-en-scene: Is associated to the inter-textual
link of the music video, therefore it depends on the representation. For
example, a video based on a sixties film (Madonna – “Matiral Girl” Is based on
“Diamonds are a Girls best friend” from a Marilyn Monroe film performance)
would use iconic staging, characters, costumes and so on to represent the time.
Mise-en-scene is also reflected through:
1.
Lighting: Extreme artificial lighting is the most common type of lighting used
in music videos as it helps to enhance the look of the artist or band through
making them seem ‘ageless’, this is commonly used in pop music videos. Lighting
switches help to indicate a shift from the chorus to verse and vice-versa.
Finally, lighting also enhances the atmosphere as it can be used to give a
bright and upbeat feel particularly in dance music videos or a dark and eerie
feel which is used mostly in rock music videos. For example, Cheryl Cole’s
video for “Fight for this love” uses the lighting to show her flawless
complexion.
2.
Props: Props are essential in music videos
3.
Costume: Reflect the genre of the music and
the style of the artist; therefore costumes are essential because they
compliment the artist. For example, Lady Gaga has specific clothing to show off
her fashion, this is evident in her “Poker face” video.
4.
Colour: colour represents the mood of the
song for example; bright colours are usually used in ‘feel good’ pop songs, a
good example is Kylie Minogue’s “In your eyes” video
5.
Sound: usually the sound is the music and vocals; however some music videos are similar to short films
with acting, therefore in these clips there are various sounds which can be
heard such as diagetic and non-diagetic sounds.
Hip-Hop Videos
Usually includes the artist- Normally
set in a club or a party environment
- Usually
no storyline
- Typically
women dancers or models. Usually half naked
- Features
jewellery, alcohol and sport cars.
- Features
mansion and branded clothing.
- Usually
other famous artists are featured in the video.
- EXAMPLES;
50 Cent, B.I.G – Notorious,
Rock Music Videos
- Usually
dark/deep colours
- Displays
the band performing on stage
- Usually no narrative
- Eerie/weird
videos
- Uneasy
camera movements
- Hand-held
shots
- Usually
no use of special effects
- EXAMPLES;
Rolling Stones, Limp Bizkit
Pop Music Videos
Colourful- Close
up of artists – shows innocence
- Fun
and light hearted
- Appeals
to younger target audience
- Shows
artist/band involved in dance routines
- Good
mood – location – happy for example a beach/friends house.
- Teenager
scenario ( having a crush )
- Video
usually has narrative
- EXAMPLES;
Britney spears, Lady Gaga
Indie/Rock Music Videos
·
Shows artist or band throughout the
video
Shows artist or band throughout the
video
·
Some special effects
·
Usually calm setting, but changes
when beat kicks in
·
May be black and white
·
Sometimes has a narrative
·
Close up of artists and characters
shown in video
·
Shows band performing
·
EXAMPLES; Snow Patrol, Kings Of Leon, Kasabian
Dance Music Videos
- Dance
routines
- Sometimes narrative
- Location
– Clubs or party
- Upbeat
and fun videos
- Women
dancers usually half naked
- Bright
colours
- All
dancers wearing similar costumes
- EXAMPLES;
Eric Pryds, Basshunter, Faithless
R’n’B Music Videos
- Usually
a narrative
- Artist/band
always shown
- Usually
dance routine
- Close
up of artists
- Usually
set in calm locations such as houses, beaches
- Hardly
no performance
- Women
usually wear revealing clothing
- Money
portrayed positively.
- Alcohol
and party scenes
- Use
of special effects
- EXAMPLES;
Destiny’s Child, Rihanna, Beyonce
Monday, 8 June 2015
History of music video's and how they have changed over time?
In 1929 was one of the first music videos ever made, it was by Bessie smiths-St.Louis - Blues.
The music video consists of a lot of dancing and casual moments the video has a lot of eco logical validity in comparison to modern videos. The music video is in a public place. The video is of a low quality and black and white which can be expected from such an old video but it shows that in older times the videos were very much about the music and talent of dancing which go hand in hand.
1950's
Tony bennett- Stranger in paradise
This was filmed in Hyde park walking around but the focus was very much on the artist and the lyrics, a very simplistic video to concentrate on the music. This was the same for all 50's videos the focus was more on the music than anything else.
1960's
The Beatles- A hard days night. This is a typical video of the time and encouraged more choreographed acting in music videos, the Beatles were a massive influence in the slow development of music videos because of how successful and popular they were
1970's- The Jackson five- I want you back
This continued to change the development of music videos with more focus on just the singer and them on the stage. This allowed the audience to focus more on the music although some would compliment the music with dance routines.
1980's- Michael Jackson- Thriller
This video was the pioneer of the story line video which has a plot, almost like a mini movie. It contains sophisticated visuals, dance routines and special effects. This revolutionised music videos and this mini movie type music video became very popular.
Present day
Iggy Azalea-Work
In the current music video era that we live in today the adoption of the 'sex appeal' of females has monopolised the music industry, which everyone knows sex sells. The current social views on sexuality are very open therefore artists are seen as unique and one of a kind if they express them or exaggerate them. Its more about the clothing and dancing in the present rather than the actual music.
The music video consists of a lot of dancing and casual moments the video has a lot of eco logical validity in comparison to modern videos. The music video is in a public place. The video is of a low quality and black and white which can be expected from such an old video but it shows that in older times the videos were very much about the music and talent of dancing which go hand in hand.
1950's
Tony bennett- Stranger in paradise
This was filmed in Hyde park walking around but the focus was very much on the artist and the lyrics, a very simplistic video to concentrate on the music. This was the same for all 50's videos the focus was more on the music than anything else.
1960's
The Beatles- A hard days night. This is a typical video of the time and encouraged more choreographed acting in music videos, the Beatles were a massive influence in the slow development of music videos because of how successful and popular they were
1970's- The Jackson five- I want you back
This continued to change the development of music videos with more focus on just the singer and them on the stage. This allowed the audience to focus more on the music although some would compliment the music with dance routines.
1980's- Michael Jackson- Thriller
This video was the pioneer of the story line video which has a plot, almost like a mini movie. It contains sophisticated visuals, dance routines and special effects. This revolutionised music videos and this mini movie type music video became very popular.
Present day
Iggy Azalea-Work
In the current music video era that we live in today the adoption of the 'sex appeal' of females has monopolised the music industry, which everyone knows sex sells. The current social views on sexuality are very open therefore artists are seen as unique and one of a kind if they express them or exaggerate them. Its more about the clothing and dancing in the present rather than the actual music.
Definition and purpose of a promotion music video, a website for the band and a digipak for the band artist
Promotion music video
A film or video rendition of a recorded song, often showing the musicians performing or showing images that illustrate the lyrics or the mood of the song. The main purpose is to promote their product and give viewers a greater understanding of what the lyrics/music is about. Also to entertain the audience and allows the company to reach a broader audiences.
Website for the band
a connected group of pages on the World Wide Web regarded as a single entity, usually maintained by one person or organization and devoted to a single topic or several closely related topics. A website is an advertisement strategy to encourage mass audience. Websites can be used to show fans when tour dates are happening which is very useful, it also shows news of the band to keep people interested and up to date. The bands website tells us when gigs are and can be purchased on the website which is great for business. The band website also gives the option to look at new videos or photos and new releases as well as for new audiences they have an about page to inform the audience. The website can also be used as a way of contacting the band or purchasing from the bands store.
Digipak
Digipak is a patented style of CD, DVD or BD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI-Shorewood, an Atlas Holdings LLC company.
The artists name and the album name in big and bold fonts to make it stand out as a strategy of marketing. The digipak consists of a CD, the lyrics, a DVD possibly or extras and a name of the songs. A digipak is made of cardboard and folds out more like a book rather than a conventional CD. In Eminem's digipak its very image heavy and the imagery matches the tone of the album.
A film or video rendition of a recorded song, often showing the musicians performing or showing images that illustrate the lyrics or the mood of the song. The main purpose is to promote their product and give viewers a greater understanding of what the lyrics/music is about. Also to entertain the audience and allows the company to reach a broader audiences.
Website for the band
a connected group of pages on the World Wide Web regarded as a single entity, usually maintained by one person or organization and devoted to a single topic or several closely related topics. A website is an advertisement strategy to encourage mass audience. Websites can be used to show fans when tour dates are happening which is very useful, it also shows news of the band to keep people interested and up to date. The bands website tells us when gigs are and can be purchased on the website which is great for business. The band website also gives the option to look at new videos or photos and new releases as well as for new audiences they have an about page to inform the audience. The website can also be used as a way of contacting the band or purchasing from the bands store.
Digipak
Digipak is a patented style of CD, DVD or BD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI-Shorewood, an Atlas Holdings LLC company.
The artists name and the album name in big and bold fonts to make it stand out as a strategy of marketing. The digipak consists of a CD, the lyrics, a DVD possibly or extras and a name of the songs. A digipak is made of cardboard and folds out more like a book rather than a conventional CD. In Eminem's digipak its very image heavy and the imagery matches the tone of the album.
A2 brief
A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music video promo video, together with the following two options.
-A website homepage for the band;
-A cover for its release as part of a digipak 9CD/DVD package)
-A website homepage for the band;
-A cover for its release as part of a digipak 9CD/DVD package)
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