http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94RNp7veIJE link to the music video.
The music genre presented here is Indie Folk, therefore is similar genre to I and my groups band The New York Fund. The artist uses various choices of imagery to promote the music genre, through costume, location, camera angles and the positioning of the band. To begin with, before the song has even started the audience is presented with a still image of a falling leaf against a plain black mise en scene which is contrasted against flickering of light, which already indicates that the location of this music video will take place in perhaps a dark and sinister setting. Once the music has began playing, we are introduced to an extreme-close up shot of the artist, which is a generic technique often featuring in certain music videos, such as Razorlight “America” and The Kooks “Naive.” The reason why including close up shots is such a significant aspect of a music video is because they enable their fan base to familiarise themselves with their identity, therefore recognising members of the band when they release a new album or go on tour. Repetition of match on action close up shots of a bucket of reflective water and the shot of the artist face is continually switching throughout the beginning sequence, with the fast cut connoting the speed and energetic beat of the song. The affect of these shots is that not only do they connote a fast beat, yet the bucket of reflective water acts a key symbol here in allowing the audience to guess what location the band is playing in. The bucket of water therefore symbolises perhaps a stable where animals are kept as that’s what they drink from, and this is backed up by the following sequence shots of the other band members in an open stable with dripping water and flying birds. This choice of imagery and location tells us that the genre is very unique, and can be presented in many forms as Indie Folk is a genre which experiments with choices of imagery often. Examples include where The Kooks filmed a vast majority of their music video “She Moves In Her Own Way,” on a bus ride where they chase after a female protagonist. Particular camera angles used throughout the beginning sequence are formed mainly of low angle shots which allow the audience to gain identity of the dimly lit location, alongside repetition of a close up of a bird which exaggerates the dirty and sinister location, which is a reflection of the genre of the band. The costumes of the band are also typical of the Indie culture which although used to be a unique genre in the 80s, is now simply a reflection popular culture amongst young adults. The costume which the band members are wearing consists of skinny jeans, (a generic convention) scruffy shirts, brogue shoes and messy hair, in an attempt to attract a female audience.
Throughout the music video, the link between lyrics and the visuals is strongly represented through the obvious lighting to connote fire, to link with the dominant lyrics “Sex On Fire.” Throughout the chorus where these lyrics are belted out, the camera specifically focuses on images of instrumental sections where the band are playing in the stable. The purpose of this technique is that because Kings of Leon are heavily associated with the instruments they play, it allows their fans to watch visuals of the band playing so they can engage in the action themselves, whilst also acting as form of escapism, whereby the fans can fully engage in the music video and forget about the reality of where they are. The lyrics of “Sex On Fire” is also amplified by mid-shots of the lead guitarist and vocalist portrayed on a bed, and having to be constrained by his fellow band members, which connotes frustration and illustrates that the lead guitarist feels as if his insides are burning up, which is an obvious link with the lyrics. The lighting used in the music video is a significant aspect of the visuals, as in order to connote the symbol of a fire, the produces have cleverly juxtaposed dark and light together, in order to present fire looking fierce and dominant. The darkness is also typical of the location they have decided to shoot in, and a stable is often linked with aspects of dirt and sinister. However, the culture presented isn’t culturally specific, yet the mise en scene used of a stable yard does indicate a very Westernised culture, alongside the costume and props of the band. For example, stables are often symbolic of England or the USA, as stables are usually located on a farm in the countryside and in urban settings, which is more typical of England and the US, as in Europe or Non-Western cultures farms aren’t as typical. Moreover, the props of the instruments, a bed and a book which are heavily used images in this music video indicate British or American culture, as expensive band equipment combined with the Indie Folk genre is stereotypically associated with England and the USA as the Indies originated in the United States and England in the 80s, with bands such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Mary Chain.
Therefore, the instruments used and images of the band playing in a slightly odd setting conforms to the generic blue print. For example, the mid shots of instrumental sequences when the chorus begins to play is a typical generic signifier, which was often used in music videos by The Smiths, Mary Chain and the modern day equivalent of the Indie band The Kooks. The purpose of including footage of the band playing is that the audience can emerge themselves in the music video, and gain an identity with the band. The mid shot also allows us to see the generic Indie costumes, especially the iconic symbol of the skinny jeans, which men who used to dare to wear skinny jeans in the 80s were considered to be laughing stock and queer; where –as now walking through a British city a vast amount of the population of teenagers now copy this style. In terms of the music video juxtaposing the idea of reality with illusions (the reality of the stable setting contrasted against the illusion of fire) shares very similar traits to The Stone Roses music video “Begging you,” as throughout their music video the producer also juxtaposes light with darkness. As a whole, the music video is performance based, combined with concept-based ideas on the burning sensation that the lead guitarist and vocalist is fighting against throughout the music video. However, the appeal of this is that there is no complicated narrative structure for an audience to follow, yet the combination if images creates an easy flow of sequence which is fairly clear to understand, as its easy to guess that the lead guitarist/vocalist is fighting back the burning sensation throughout his body, which is an obvious link to the lyrics of the song.
The type of world being presented here is quite threatening, in terms of the references of fire combined with sexual connotations in terms of the lyrics used in the song. Therefore, the world is fairly sophisticated and exciting, yet un-realistic in terms of settings used and symbols and ideas portrayed in the music video. In order to strengthen the promotion of the artist, a wide majority of the shots are close ups of the bands faces, in order to strengthen their identity and so their fans can becomes familiar with there brand Indie Folk style. Therefore, the close ups will help with selling their tracks as the band is heavily used in terms of images of them being frequently portrayed, in contrast with purely a narrative based structure whereby no members of the band are actually present throughout. The shots of the band playing however idolise them, as by featuring sequences of them playing their instruments, their fans will aspire to be like them and therefore copy their ability to perform well. However, due to the lyrics used and the symbol of the bed, the artist implies sexual activity and display, which reinforce the notion of males perhaps being the more dominant sex than females. However, because there are no references to females in any sexual way, the music video can’t be interpreted as being crude, as the sexual indications are very weak and are more associated with the connotation of fire.
This music video also references Goodwins theory, by stating that it is essential for there to be a link between lyrics and the visuals, alongside being a link between music and the visuals. This music relates to these aspects of Goodwins theory due to the fact there is a strong link between the lyrics "Sexes on Fire" and the beat.
Overall, the music video would appeal to their fans largely due to effective illusions of dark and light, combined with footage of the band playing, which make a good quality music video which is typical of the Indie Folk genre. Therefore, the music video doesn’t present any realistic value, because the visuals used simply connect to the lyrics of the song, yet don’t connote any views such as feminism or green issues, and don’t join together to make a clear, structural narrative.
The expected target audience who would be interested in watching this music video will be within a demographic of 17-22year old males, and this is apparant through features of the music video which would especially appeal to males more than females. For example, the dark and sinister setting, the theme of fire alongside the subject matter of sex. This is a typical music video representing the wide scale Indie genre, as not only are there generic conventions in term of costume, there is footage of band performance which is often a regular feature in Indie music videos such, as The Smiths "How Soon Is Now." Therefore, this music video relates strongly to the music video my group and I created together.
Showing posts with label Research into music industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Research into music industry. Show all posts
Monday, 8 March 2010
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Thursday, 12 November 2009
How Goodwins Theory is Applied to Music Videos
To begin with, Goodwin's theory consists of a music video having to demonstrate genre characters (e.g. a stage performance in a metal video or a dance routine for a stereotypical pop band). There also has to be an amplifying relationship between the lyrics and visuals, as well as between the music and visuals. This relationship has to be preferably illustrative and contradicting. Due to demands of the record label, the music video has to include plenty of close up shots in order to promote the band/artist, and the artist may develop motifs which shall recur across their work. Goodwin also proposes that there will be frequently referenced to the notion of looking and voyeuristic treatment of the female body. Finally, there is often inter textual references to films and TV programmes etc. For example, with an "Indie band," such as Razorlight "Wire to Wire" uses the image of a match which is contrasted against the black mise en scene and close up of the lead singers face. This is a sign of using shots to promote the artist, thus also a sign of amplifying the relationship between the lyrics and visual. The use of the match is also very symbolic and connotes a theme of love and passion.
Furthermore, the contrasting light show an amplifying relationship between the music and the visuals. The way that the shot is continuous so you can permanently see the lead singers face of the band is exactly what Goodwin proposes in order to make a successful music video, as it makes the face of Razorlight become well known and consequently successful. As a result, people will recognise them, thus making them more popular. This also results in more record sales, concert ticket sales and overall a popular band.
Furthermore, the contrasting light show an amplifying relationship between the music and the visuals. The way that the shot is continuous so you can permanently see the lead singers face of the band is exactly what Goodwin proposes in order to make a successful music video, as it makes the face of Razorlight become well known and consequently successful. As a result, people will recognise them, thus making them more popular. This also results in more record sales, concert ticket sales and overall a popular band.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Music Video Analysis - Taio Cruz "Break my Heart"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOg_IHwXWsk - the URL to the music video as unfortunately I cannot embed it.
(Revised)
Media Forms and Conventions
The genre of “Break Your Heart,” by the artist Taio Cruz is Hip Hop/R&B, and the music video is very stereotypical of that genre in terms of the choice of imagery. To begin with, the mise en scene is of Taio Cruz being portrayed in an expensive sports car with an extremely pretty girl, in the location of somewhere hot. Already, an expensive sports car is very generic in terms that it allows a male audience who may watch this video to idolize Taio Cruz and the expensive life style he leads and the success he has with attracting beautiful girls. The close up shot of Taio Cruz placing sunglasses on his eyes symbolize that he is wealthy, which alongside the panning mid shot of his expensive sports car allow the audience to gain full view of his lifestyle. The female performer in this music video is conveyed as typical women who are seen many times in R&B music videos. For example, the panning long shot which keeps altering so the women is shown in full view to the audience, allows the audience to that she is only wearing a bikini top and tiny shorts; connoting a sex symbol which will instantly attract a male fan base of perhaps between 14-18 years old. The costume of Taio Cruz himself is him wearing an expensive real leather jacket, which is a symbol of the “bad boy,” such as characters like John Travolta from Grease, which is ironic because the name of the song is “Break Your Heart,” which connotes men who lead women on and consequently end up hurting them. Therefore, this suggests the reasoning as to why Taio Cruz is wearing a leather jacket, so he conveys an image of himself being the type of man who plays women to there advantage.
The lyrics within the song which are amplified repeatedly, “Break your heart,” are linked with the visuals in terms of every time these lyrics are sang in the chorus, images of Taio dancing and kissing different girls are played. For example, within the first repeat of the chorus, as soon as the lyrics change to “break your heart,” the mise en scene switches to Taio Cruz on a speed boat surrounded by about 6 girls who are all over him. Therefore, the lyrics aren’t contradicted by the images, instead the images are very stereotypical of the song, and consequently the narrative is very generic. In terms of how the actual music is linked with imagery, the video tends to fast cut to either a different shot type or mise en scene along with when the lyrics change beat. Furthermore, the focus is never on any type of musical instruments, yet during the first chorus, a panning long shot of Taio Cruz the woman from the beginning of the music video is used of them both on a speed boat. Again, the use of the speed boat is a symbol of the wealthy lifestyle Taio leads. The purpose of using the technique of switching shot types whenever the musical beat changes to stop the music video from becoming to boring by changing scenery. For example, by having only a simple narrative of girls chasing after Taio, the only way to stop this from becoming boring to an audience is to have regular changes of imagery.
With the use of lighting in the music video, at first because the mise en scene is somewhere very sunny such as Los Angeles, most of the lightning comes from the bright sun which shines directly into the camera. The effect of this is that it’s almost trying to show of to the audience, and Taio Cruz boasting to everyone about where he is and how hot it is. It’s also a way for the audience to idolize more about there glamorous life style. On the other hand, when the mise en scene changes from day time to evening time when long shots of a party on a boat is conveyed to the audience, the lightning is darkened to natural evening light to fit in with the theme of a party. The signifiers within this music video are however, culturally specific. For example, it is blatant that the location for the music video is in somewhere such Los Angeles in USA, due to the palm trees, beaches and weather portrayed. Therefore, the signifiers such as speed boats and expensive cars are culturally specific, as the natural association with LA is wealthy lifestyles. This is due to the fact that a majority of film stars live in LA, whether they grew up there to begin with or moved when becoming better known. Furthermore, this image is also conveyed due to TV programmed such as “Laguna Beach,” which is a reality TV show on MTV showing the rich life styles of teenagers living in California. The purpose of these signifiers in “Break Your Heart,” is that it promotes and markets California as being a fantastic place to live at, and if you move there, your life will be wonderful.
Certain generic signifiers such as women chasing after Taio Cruz and the women being extremely beautiful conform to the generic footprint. For example, nothing in this music video challenges the stereotypes of women just conveying there bodies in order to become a sex symbol, as the females in this music video aren’t portrayed as being smart or strong minded. Instead, they are shown dancing provocatively in order to win over the attention of men. Furthermore, the character which Taio is playing is very generic, as he is simply being chased by females. However, the director most likely portrayed gender roles like this, due to the fact this is what appeals to Taio Cruz’s fans. For example, men would watch this video as they can look up to Taio and enjoy watching half naked girls.
This music video is purely narrative based; with no shots of any type of performance. However, the narrative structure is linear, with a simple narrative of a women chasing after Taio Cruz’s affection and love, whilst Taio flirts and dances with other women; thus making this music video extremely generic in terms of the genre. For instance, a vast majority of other R&B music videos is women chasing and dancing for the attention of men. However, the purpose of using this narrative structure is that it provides plenty of imagery to use to make it seem less boring, yet it does make the music video very repetitive. Although, the appeal is that the music video does link in with the beat of the song and lyrics. For example, the narrative is easy and quite fun to watch as the audience can admire the location, which matches the fact the song, is quite happy.
The features within the music video of expensive symbols such as speed boats, sports cars, sunglasses and expensive clothing relate to a lot other music videos of similar genre. Just a few examples would be “Candy Shop,” by Usher, “Get Rich or Die Hard Trying,” by 50 Cent and “Milkshake” by Kellis. Therefore, these features relate to the artists as much as other music videos because Taio is being portrayed as a man who every women desires, which is similar of how star’s such as Usher and 50 Cent like to be portrayed in there music videos to. The purpose of this is most likely so they can be deemed powerful and in control. The expensive symbols consequently also relate to TV programmes such as The OC, which is a hit TV series following the wealthy lives of teenagers living in Orange County, as the symbols such as expensive cars for them are a way of life, and they don’t know any different.
Representation
The type of world which is being represented in this music video is recognisable due to other media texts like TV programmes such as The Hills, The OC, and Laguna Beach, as most audiences have been exposed to the rich lifestyle of star’s who live in California. Maybe not even through TV, yet through magazines such as HEAT where they write stories about the type of stars who live this culture such as Jennifer Anniston, and take photos of expensive symbolic items. However, this adds to the appeal of the music video, as the location represents a world where most of us would love to live in, as it is portrayed as being exciting, fun and a place with no worries. Therefore, Taio Cruz’s video almost represents a fantasy which we would like to be taken of to.
The artist Taio Cruz is being represented in many ways in order to strengthen the promotion of his records. For example, throughout the video there are many close up shots of his face, which promotes his image to his fan base. Furthermore, there are close up shots of attractive females, which promote an image of the artist being popular and wanted by the opposite sex. This helps with selling the track because if the video represents a fantasy world with an attractive male artist, then both females and males will be inclined to buy the track. The image of Taio Cruz which is being offered to an audience is of him in his element being surrounded by females, consequently the image of him being strong and very sexually attractive. This also helps him entice a female fan base as well as males, as there are attractive performers from both genders. However, similar songs performed by Taio Cruz such as “Like a Star,” are also similar in terms of the image it is representing of the artist.
Whilst watching this video, you defiantly gain a sense of watching sexual interaction between males and females. To begin with, Taio Cruz is presented as a man who is sexually desired by many women, as he is conveying an image of a heart breaker who leads women on. This is achieved by dressing Taio in expensive clothes such as a leather jacket, and shot types permanently showing Taio surrounded by other females. Consequently, the costumes that the females in the video are wearing imply sexual innuendos, as they are all half naked wearing skimpy clothing, which is not competing against the female stereotype what so ever. Through long shots of the performers having a party on the boat, the audience are shown to watching women dance provocatively in order to gain the opposite sex attention, thereby implying that a lot of sexual tension is happening on the boat between performers. The social class which is being represented through there actions is however quite middle class to high. This is due to the blatant expensive costumes and jewellery which the females are wearing, yet at the same time the fact that they are dressed in such miniscule clothing hints at the performers behaving in a crude way, as obviously they are only thinking about having sex with Taio Cruz. However, because it has been acted out in such a harmless manor with the music video not actually showing any sexual scenes, it is impossible to offend any audiences as the most erotic a scene gets is Taio Cruz kissing another girl. Therefore, the actual scenes aren’t really negative, more so the message being portrayed is to “just have fun.”
Throughout the music video, there aren’t really any values or attitudes and beliefs being represented, apart from portraying a belief about not taking life too seriously. The music video contradicts against any ideas on feminism, as the females in the music video aren’t behaving strong minded at all, instead they are conforming with there stereotype. Although, the production as a whole reflects contemporary society, and doesn’t articulate or expand on any concerns that are associated with the population. For example, the music video reflects young culture with young adults simply enjoying themselves on the music video, with no visual images of them worrying about world health concerns such as green issues. In fact, the music video is completely contradicting this by showing them driving expensive cars which of course contribute to global warming.
Overall though, the music video is like reverting back to early 1960's, where women are still fighting for rights and freedom, as they are still perceived and treated as sex objects by males. Therefore, this music video is extremely degrading to women as there portrayed as simply begging for Taio Cruz to have sex with them; a movement which we thought we have moved on from. Above all, the music video is sexist and capitalist, yet also degrades Taio Cruz as a singer as his voice is actually good and in tune. Therefore the music video doesn't do his voice justice, as the women dancing in a provocative manor distract attention away from it.
Taio Cruz "break my heart" is also a classic example of the Male Gaze Theory, whereby Mulvey is concerned with exploring through psychoanalysis the representation of women and how they are perceived in society. The male gaze refers to the act of looking upon women as objects and adopting the role of the spectator. Here, this particular music video relates because women are looked upon as purely sex objects and is a representation of how part of society still perceives women by even producing a music video like this anyway. Therefore, this shows a downfall of feminism, as although for many years feminists have been fighting for women's rights this music video proves that women are still flaunted for their bodies.
Audience
The target audience for this music video will be teenagers of both genders from the ages of 14-19years. This target audience has been established from listening to the radio stations in which this genre of music is played on regular basis such as KISS radio, reading message boards and reading comments which have been left under the music video on Youtube. An example of a comment left by a female with the username “stellaborovje” who wrote “he’s not ugly, OMG he is so hot,” and by a male consumer who had written “yeah his boat is slick,” indicating that young teenagers do indeed idolize this lifestyle. The appeal to the target audience is that the music video shows of the latest fashion trends, and shows an expensive way of living which young teenagers aspire to have one day. Furthermore, the fact that both genders displayed in the music video are very good looking, it appeals sexually to a female and male target audience. This aspect would therefore satisfy fans, are there is no imagery that would offend a consumer, yet fans would enjoy watching the culture which is displayed. Audiences can access the music video by Youtube, radio stations such as KISS, Heart and Radio 1, and also TV programmes. For example on the 10th October 2009, Taio Cruz appeared on Xtra-Factor as consumer of the programme who wanted to voice his opinions on the final 12 contestants.
Institutions
Taio Cruz is the founder of the institution he is signed up to: C .E.O. of Rokstarr Music London which is appropriate because Taio Cruz is originally a British Star. He is also in a partnership deal with Umusic Companies, Republic Records and Island Records. All these are appropriate record labels because they are known for signing up this genre of music, and are responsible for artists such as Amy Winehouse and are responsible for similar types of music genre.
Technology
New technologies have strengthened the marketing of Taio Cruz, as due to new technologies such as the Iphone, his fan base have been able to legally download his singles more easily, and convert them onto portably devices. Furthermore, downloading sites such as Itunes promote new singles which are in the charts massively, and when “Break Your Heart” was first released, it was advertised on the site with a massive photo, thereby promoting Taio Cruz’s music.
(Revised)
Media Forms and Conventions
The genre of “Break Your Heart,” by the artist Taio Cruz is Hip Hop/R&B, and the music video is very stereotypical of that genre in terms of the choice of imagery. To begin with, the mise en scene is of Taio Cruz being portrayed in an expensive sports car with an extremely pretty girl, in the location of somewhere hot. Already, an expensive sports car is very generic in terms that it allows a male audience who may watch this video to idolize Taio Cruz and the expensive life style he leads and the success he has with attracting beautiful girls. The close up shot of Taio Cruz placing sunglasses on his eyes symbolize that he is wealthy, which alongside the panning mid shot of his expensive sports car allow the audience to gain full view of his lifestyle. The female performer in this music video is conveyed as typical women who are seen many times in R&B music videos. For example, the panning long shot which keeps altering so the women is shown in full view to the audience, allows the audience to that she is only wearing a bikini top and tiny shorts; connoting a sex symbol which will instantly attract a male fan base of perhaps between 14-18 years old. The costume of Taio Cruz himself is him wearing an expensive real leather jacket, which is a symbol of the “bad boy,” such as characters like John Travolta from Grease, which is ironic because the name of the song is “Break Your Heart,” which connotes men who lead women on and consequently end up hurting them. Therefore, this suggests the reasoning as to why Taio Cruz is wearing a leather jacket, so he conveys an image of himself being the type of man who plays women to there advantage.
The lyrics within the song which are amplified repeatedly, “Break your heart,” are linked with the visuals in terms of every time these lyrics are sang in the chorus, images of Taio dancing and kissing different girls are played. For example, within the first repeat of the chorus, as soon as the lyrics change to “break your heart,” the mise en scene switches to Taio Cruz on a speed boat surrounded by about 6 girls who are all over him. Therefore, the lyrics aren’t contradicted by the images, instead the images are very stereotypical of the song, and consequently the narrative is very generic. In terms of how the actual music is linked with imagery, the video tends to fast cut to either a different shot type or mise en scene along with when the lyrics change beat. Furthermore, the focus is never on any type of musical instruments, yet during the first chorus, a panning long shot of Taio Cruz the woman from the beginning of the music video is used of them both on a speed boat. Again, the use of the speed boat is a symbol of the wealthy lifestyle Taio leads. The purpose of using the technique of switching shot types whenever the musical beat changes to stop the music video from becoming to boring by changing scenery. For example, by having only a simple narrative of girls chasing after Taio, the only way to stop this from becoming boring to an audience is to have regular changes of imagery.
With the use of lighting in the music video, at first because the mise en scene is somewhere very sunny such as Los Angeles, most of the lightning comes from the bright sun which shines directly into the camera. The effect of this is that it’s almost trying to show of to the audience, and Taio Cruz boasting to everyone about where he is and how hot it is. It’s also a way for the audience to idolize more about there glamorous life style. On the other hand, when the mise en scene changes from day time to evening time when long shots of a party on a boat is conveyed to the audience, the lightning is darkened to natural evening light to fit in with the theme of a party. The signifiers within this music video are however, culturally specific. For example, it is blatant that the location for the music video is in somewhere such Los Angeles in USA, due to the palm trees, beaches and weather portrayed. Therefore, the signifiers such as speed boats and expensive cars are culturally specific, as the natural association with LA is wealthy lifestyles. This is due to the fact that a majority of film stars live in LA, whether they grew up there to begin with or moved when becoming better known. Furthermore, this image is also conveyed due to TV programmed such as “Laguna Beach,” which is a reality TV show on MTV showing the rich life styles of teenagers living in California. The purpose of these signifiers in “Break Your Heart,” is that it promotes and markets California as being a fantastic place to live at, and if you move there, your life will be wonderful.
Certain generic signifiers such as women chasing after Taio Cruz and the women being extremely beautiful conform to the generic footprint. For example, nothing in this music video challenges the stereotypes of women just conveying there bodies in order to become a sex symbol, as the females in this music video aren’t portrayed as being smart or strong minded. Instead, they are shown dancing provocatively in order to win over the attention of men. Furthermore, the character which Taio is playing is very generic, as he is simply being chased by females. However, the director most likely portrayed gender roles like this, due to the fact this is what appeals to Taio Cruz’s fans. For example, men would watch this video as they can look up to Taio and enjoy watching half naked girls.
This music video is purely narrative based; with no shots of any type of performance. However, the narrative structure is linear, with a simple narrative of a women chasing after Taio Cruz’s affection and love, whilst Taio flirts and dances with other women; thus making this music video extremely generic in terms of the genre. For instance, a vast majority of other R&B music videos is women chasing and dancing for the attention of men. However, the purpose of using this narrative structure is that it provides plenty of imagery to use to make it seem less boring, yet it does make the music video very repetitive. Although, the appeal is that the music video does link in with the beat of the song and lyrics. For example, the narrative is easy and quite fun to watch as the audience can admire the location, which matches the fact the song, is quite happy.
The features within the music video of expensive symbols such as speed boats, sports cars, sunglasses and expensive clothing relate to a lot other music videos of similar genre. Just a few examples would be “Candy Shop,” by Usher, “Get Rich or Die Hard Trying,” by 50 Cent and “Milkshake” by Kellis. Therefore, these features relate to the artists as much as other music videos because Taio is being portrayed as a man who every women desires, which is similar of how star’s such as Usher and 50 Cent like to be portrayed in there music videos to. The purpose of this is most likely so they can be deemed powerful and in control. The expensive symbols consequently also relate to TV programmes such as The OC, which is a hit TV series following the wealthy lives of teenagers living in Orange County, as the symbols such as expensive cars for them are a way of life, and they don’t know any different.
Representation
The type of world which is being represented in this music video is recognisable due to other media texts like TV programmes such as The Hills, The OC, and Laguna Beach, as most audiences have been exposed to the rich lifestyle of star’s who live in California. Maybe not even through TV, yet through magazines such as HEAT where they write stories about the type of stars who live this culture such as Jennifer Anniston, and take photos of expensive symbolic items. However, this adds to the appeal of the music video, as the location represents a world where most of us would love to live in, as it is portrayed as being exciting, fun and a place with no worries. Therefore, Taio Cruz’s video almost represents a fantasy which we would like to be taken of to.
The artist Taio Cruz is being represented in many ways in order to strengthen the promotion of his records. For example, throughout the video there are many close up shots of his face, which promotes his image to his fan base. Furthermore, there are close up shots of attractive females, which promote an image of the artist being popular and wanted by the opposite sex. This helps with selling the track because if the video represents a fantasy world with an attractive male artist, then both females and males will be inclined to buy the track. The image of Taio Cruz which is being offered to an audience is of him in his element being surrounded by females, consequently the image of him being strong and very sexually attractive. This also helps him entice a female fan base as well as males, as there are attractive performers from both genders. However, similar songs performed by Taio Cruz such as “Like a Star,” are also similar in terms of the image it is representing of the artist.
Whilst watching this video, you defiantly gain a sense of watching sexual interaction between males and females. To begin with, Taio Cruz is presented as a man who is sexually desired by many women, as he is conveying an image of a heart breaker who leads women on. This is achieved by dressing Taio in expensive clothes such as a leather jacket, and shot types permanently showing Taio surrounded by other females. Consequently, the costumes that the females in the video are wearing imply sexual innuendos, as they are all half naked wearing skimpy clothing, which is not competing against the female stereotype what so ever. Through long shots of the performers having a party on the boat, the audience are shown to watching women dance provocatively in order to gain the opposite sex attention, thereby implying that a lot of sexual tension is happening on the boat between performers. The social class which is being represented through there actions is however quite middle class to high. This is due to the blatant expensive costumes and jewellery which the females are wearing, yet at the same time the fact that they are dressed in such miniscule clothing hints at the performers behaving in a crude way, as obviously they are only thinking about having sex with Taio Cruz. However, because it has been acted out in such a harmless manor with the music video not actually showing any sexual scenes, it is impossible to offend any audiences as the most erotic a scene gets is Taio Cruz kissing another girl. Therefore, the actual scenes aren’t really negative, more so the message being portrayed is to “just have fun.”
Throughout the music video, there aren’t really any values or attitudes and beliefs being represented, apart from portraying a belief about not taking life too seriously. The music video contradicts against any ideas on feminism, as the females in the music video aren’t behaving strong minded at all, instead they are conforming with there stereotype. Although, the production as a whole reflects contemporary society, and doesn’t articulate or expand on any concerns that are associated with the population. For example, the music video reflects young culture with young adults simply enjoying themselves on the music video, with no visual images of them worrying about world health concerns such as green issues. In fact, the music video is completely contradicting this by showing them driving expensive cars which of course contribute to global warming.
Overall though, the music video is like reverting back to early 1960's, where women are still fighting for rights and freedom, as they are still perceived and treated as sex objects by males. Therefore, this music video is extremely degrading to women as there portrayed as simply begging for Taio Cruz to have sex with them; a movement which we thought we have moved on from. Above all, the music video is sexist and capitalist, yet also degrades Taio Cruz as a singer as his voice is actually good and in tune. Therefore the music video doesn't do his voice justice, as the women dancing in a provocative manor distract attention away from it.
Taio Cruz "break my heart" is also a classic example of the Male Gaze Theory, whereby Mulvey is concerned with exploring through psychoanalysis the representation of women and how they are perceived in society. The male gaze refers to the act of looking upon women as objects and adopting the role of the spectator. Here, this particular music video relates because women are looked upon as purely sex objects and is a representation of how part of society still perceives women by even producing a music video like this anyway. Therefore, this shows a downfall of feminism, as although for many years feminists have been fighting for women's rights this music video proves that women are still flaunted for their bodies.
Audience
The target audience for this music video will be teenagers of both genders from the ages of 14-19years. This target audience has been established from listening to the radio stations in which this genre of music is played on regular basis such as KISS radio, reading message boards and reading comments which have been left under the music video on Youtube. An example of a comment left by a female with the username “stellaborovje” who wrote “he’s not ugly, OMG he is so hot,” and by a male consumer who had written “yeah his boat is slick,” indicating that young teenagers do indeed idolize this lifestyle. The appeal to the target audience is that the music video shows of the latest fashion trends, and shows an expensive way of living which young teenagers aspire to have one day. Furthermore, the fact that both genders displayed in the music video are very good looking, it appeals sexually to a female and male target audience. This aspect would therefore satisfy fans, are there is no imagery that would offend a consumer, yet fans would enjoy watching the culture which is displayed. Audiences can access the music video by Youtube, radio stations such as KISS, Heart and Radio 1, and also TV programmes. For example on the 10th October 2009, Taio Cruz appeared on Xtra-Factor as consumer of the programme who wanted to voice his opinions on the final 12 contestants.
Institutions
Taio Cruz is the founder of the institution he is signed up to: C .E.O. of Rokstarr Music London which is appropriate because Taio Cruz is originally a British Star. He is also in a partnership deal with Umusic Companies, Republic Records and Island Records. All these are appropriate record labels because they are known for signing up this genre of music, and are responsible for artists such as Amy Winehouse and are responsible for similar types of music genre.
Technology
New technologies have strengthened the marketing of Taio Cruz, as due to new technologies such as the Iphone, his fan base have been able to legally download his singles more easily, and convert them onto portably devices. Furthermore, downloading sites such as Itunes promote new singles which are in the charts massively, and when “Break Your Heart” was first released, it was advertised on the site with a massive photo, thereby promoting Taio Cruz’s music.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
History of the Indies
The History of the Indies diverts all the way back through time, and is a genre of rock music which originated in the United States and United Kingdom in the 80's. The genre of Indies represents Independent music, which once a upon a time, it probably was. Originally, the term Indie in the 80's was more or less synonymous with indie rock. Bands such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Mary Chain were directly influenced by Indie Music. Back then, Indie Music was considered to be original and admired, yet as the years progressed into the new millennium, Indie Music simply reflects popular culture.
For example, walking around a city nowadays, a majority of male teenagers are wearing they think are Indie clothes. (Checked shirts and skinny jeans). Although, ironically, back in the 80's this particular style was considered unusual. Bands who dared to dress like this such as The Smiths stood out, and skinny jeans were in fact a laughing stock and were believed to queer. As a result, Indie music weren't usually signed up to major and current record labels, and instead were in charge of producing, marketing and selling there own music. The whole point of the Indie label was to be different from current trends, and bands thrived on appearing more individual than current artists. Below is a video by The Stone Roses performing a song called "Begging you," which are an example of an Indie band from the 80's. The actual video juxtaposes the idea of normal and illusions, as the video is quite different and conveys unusual images.
However, in modern times the label Indie might as well represent a completely different meaning. Instead, if you watch music videos now by bands such as U2 and Razorlight, they are all similar to each other in terms of story lines, locations and shot types. Also, the massive genre that is Indie has been squashed into a tiny representation of Indies simply being males who wear skinny jeans, shirts and enjoy playing the guitar, where in fact Indie used to mean so much more than this.
For example, walking around a city nowadays, a majority of male teenagers are wearing they think are Indie clothes. (Checked shirts and skinny jeans). Although, ironically, back in the 80's this particular style was considered unusual. Bands who dared to dress like this such as The Smiths stood out, and skinny jeans were in fact a laughing stock and were believed to queer. As a result, Indie music weren't usually signed up to major and current record labels, and instead were in charge of producing, marketing and selling there own music. The whole point of the Indie label was to be different from current trends, and bands thrived on appearing more individual than current artists. Below is a video by The Stone Roses performing a song called "Begging you," which are an example of an Indie band from the 80's. The actual video juxtaposes the idea of normal and illusions, as the video is quite different and conveys unusual images.
However, in modern times the label Indie might as well represent a completely different meaning. Instead, if you watch music videos now by bands such as U2 and Razorlight, they are all similar to each other in terms of story lines, locations and shot types. Also, the massive genre that is Indie has been squashed into a tiny representation of Indies simply being males who wear skinny jeans, shirts and enjoy playing the guitar, where in fact Indie used to mean so much more than this.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Conclusion of Media Investigation
Over the last few months, I have been investigating into how music influences individuality, and if males consume music on order to collect a constructive identity more so than females. I have researched this topic through a number of methods such as questionnaires, interviews and reading around the subject.
From researching this topic, I have found that in fact females and males equally listen to music and form a certain identity from it, but this has only occurred within the last few years. To begin with, this theory has first became apparent through my blog post "The Difference In Gender Roles," which came from a book written by David Gauntlett, as it discussed how over recent years the typical female stereotype of the "pretty little housewife" is no longer taken seriously. This idea that the girlish image that has been associated with females for many years is now slowly changing, indicates that this can link into the music industry. For example, if the image of this stereotype can alter, then perhaps females are slowly starting to adapt and grow more independent. This suggests that within the past few years women have been growing more individual which can reflect on everyday life such as how females consume music. Furthermore, David Gauntlett quoted how during the 90's "gender roles within television seem to be becoming more equal and non-stereotyped," which indicates a slowing change in attitudes towards females, and that they are being perceived on a more equal par to men. This relates to my topic of how males and females consume music in order to collect a constructive identity, as to begin, based on my own opinions, I believed that males did in fact consume music and respond to it with more individuality and females just copied the same music as there friends liked. However, after carrying interviews I discovered that this is in fact not completely true.
For example, when I carried out my interviews to both a male and female participant, I was expecting more of a contrast in there answers. Instead both there answers were in fact similar. For instance, my first question to them was "Do you tend to listen to the same genre of music and bands as your friends," to which my male participant stated that "I would never pretend to like a band just because my friends like them," and my female participant claimed "my music taste is very different compared to other friends." During my interview, I found that my third question produced the most interesting results, as I asked " In your opinion, do you think that females listen to music to construct a collective identity, or do you think that females just listen to the same music as their friends to become “part of the crowd?”My male participant (although when speaking sounded unsure) said how he believed "females taste are largely influenced by their friends, and they use it to bond," where-as my female participant contradicted this by saying "I know plenty of females that have completely different music taste to their friends. Maybe perhaps some girls do listen to music to not form an identity, instead they listen to music to fit in, yet with most of my female friends this certainly isn’t the case." Despite my interviews being carried out through a small sample size, the demographic was two seventeen year old sixth form students, which suggests that other teenagers would have similar views. What my participants responses show is that females are judged differently by males, and are automatically thought to just follow the crowd, where-as this certainly isn't almost the case.
Furthermore, everyday females are encouraged to become more and more individual and to make different choices from there friends. An example of this would be TV shows such as Ugly Betty which I carried out some research on. What I found was that ordinary teenage girls had been moved Betty and her quirky, strong personality on the show, and has indeed influenced and encouraged females to be more different in the choices they choose to make in life. Shows like this sound out a positive message to females and help them form a more constructive identity. This theory however suggests that because only now females are beginning to branch out, that around ten years ago females were more under stated and males were perceived as being the stronger more independent sex. Indicating that males maybe did always contain strong minded opinions and that the females role in society was to just "agree with whatever the men thought." Although as our society grows forward, this isn't the case anymore and gender roles are now considered to be more even.
This also links in with what pleasures audiences receive from watching programmes such as Ugly Betty. For example, females may gain a constructive identity from watching programmes where a female is in power, because a female audience may receive a feel of empowerment themselves, making them feel good about themselves as they watch. Therefore, males may construct a collective identity whilst listening to a song where the lyrics are about a male who is in power, because a male audience will receive pleasure from listening to these lyrics, because it makes them feel strong themselves. Therefore, females and males both listen and watch media in order to feel good. By also engaging in media texts such as watching clips on Youtube, audiences are hoping to gain a relationship with others, and help form an identity. This will be the same for both males and females, because when looking through comments underneath the clips, there is an equal amount of females and males leaving there opinions, in hope to find someone else with the same opinions as them so they can form a relationship with them. Thus resulting in both genders looking for ways to construct a collective identity.
However, there are implications of my findings in terms of how it can affect the music industry. For example, my research proves that if for example more females than males watch shows such as Ugly Betty, then that show is loosing out on ratings because males wont watch the programme as much due to the fact they receive no pleasures in doing so. Therefore, it could cause implications as well to the music industry in terms of a band only appealing to one gender, thus loosing out on the amount of sales they have because the other gender isn't interested in there music. Furthermore, these findings could affect my own media productions, because if our music video doesn't appeal to both males and females, then this causes our demographic to be of a small scale. Hence resulting in us promoting a band which isn't that popular to a large demographic.
Furthermore, throughout this investigation I have discovered that audiences receive certain pleasures from consuming music with groups of friends; whether you are female or male. For example, by listening to muisc together it allows you to create a bond with that other person, and share veiws on whether or not you enjoy that band. Therefore, both sexes can use consume music to make new friends, as well as forming a constructive identity. For example, on Youtube, the comments which are left under the media texts are an indication that participants enjoy leaving their veiws and comments about a peice of music, in hope to find someone else who shares the same opinions, so you can form a friendship. Therefore, listening to music isn't just about forming a sense of identity.
Overall, this concludes that the answer to my original question "Do males consume music in order to construct a collective identity to a greater extent than females," is that no, females do in fact listen to music and form a collective identity as much as males do.
From researching this topic, I have found that in fact females and males equally listen to music and form a certain identity from it, but this has only occurred within the last few years. To begin with, this theory has first became apparent through my blog post "The Difference In Gender Roles," which came from a book written by David Gauntlett, as it discussed how over recent years the typical female stereotype of the "pretty little housewife" is no longer taken seriously. This idea that the girlish image that has been associated with females for many years is now slowly changing, indicates that this can link into the music industry. For example, if the image of this stereotype can alter, then perhaps females are slowly starting to adapt and grow more independent. This suggests that within the past few years women have been growing more individual which can reflect on everyday life such as how females consume music. Furthermore, David Gauntlett quoted how during the 90's "gender roles within television seem to be becoming more equal and non-stereotyped," which indicates a slowing change in attitudes towards females, and that they are being perceived on a more equal par to men. This relates to my topic of how males and females consume music in order to collect a constructive identity, as to begin, based on my own opinions, I believed that males did in fact consume music and respond to it with more individuality and females just copied the same music as there friends liked. However, after carrying interviews I discovered that this is in fact not completely true.
For example, when I carried out my interviews to both a male and female participant, I was expecting more of a contrast in there answers. Instead both there answers were in fact similar. For instance, my first question to them was "Do you tend to listen to the same genre of music and bands as your friends," to which my male participant stated that "I would never pretend to like a band just because my friends like them," and my female participant claimed "my music taste is very different compared to other friends." During my interview, I found that my third question produced the most interesting results, as I asked " In your opinion, do you think that females listen to music to construct a collective identity, or do you think that females just listen to the same music as their friends to become “part of the crowd?”My male participant (although when speaking sounded unsure) said how he believed "females taste are largely influenced by their friends, and they use it to bond," where-as my female participant contradicted this by saying "I know plenty of females that have completely different music taste to their friends. Maybe perhaps some girls do listen to music to not form an identity, instead they listen to music to fit in, yet with most of my female friends this certainly isn’t the case." Despite my interviews being carried out through a small sample size, the demographic was two seventeen year old sixth form students, which suggests that other teenagers would have similar views. What my participants responses show is that females are judged differently by males, and are automatically thought to just follow the crowd, where-as this certainly isn't almost the case.
Furthermore, everyday females are encouraged to become more and more individual and to make different choices from there friends. An example of this would be TV shows such as Ugly Betty which I carried out some research on. What I found was that ordinary teenage girls had been moved Betty and her quirky, strong personality on the show, and has indeed influenced and encouraged females to be more different in the choices they choose to make in life. Shows like this sound out a positive message to females and help them form a more constructive identity. This theory however suggests that because only now females are beginning to branch out, that around ten years ago females were more under stated and males were perceived as being the stronger more independent sex. Indicating that males maybe did always contain strong minded opinions and that the females role in society was to just "agree with whatever the men thought." Although as our society grows forward, this isn't the case anymore and gender roles are now considered to be more even.
This also links in with what pleasures audiences receive from watching programmes such as Ugly Betty. For example, females may gain a constructive identity from watching programmes where a female is in power, because a female audience may receive a feel of empowerment themselves, making them feel good about themselves as they watch. Therefore, males may construct a collective identity whilst listening to a song where the lyrics are about a male who is in power, because a male audience will receive pleasure from listening to these lyrics, because it makes them feel strong themselves. Therefore, females and males both listen and watch media in order to feel good. By also engaging in media texts such as watching clips on Youtube, audiences are hoping to gain a relationship with others, and help form an identity. This will be the same for both males and females, because when looking through comments underneath the clips, there is an equal amount of females and males leaving there opinions, in hope to find someone else with the same opinions as them so they can form a relationship with them. Thus resulting in both genders looking for ways to construct a collective identity.
However, there are implications of my findings in terms of how it can affect the music industry. For example, my research proves that if for example more females than males watch shows such as Ugly Betty, then that show is loosing out on ratings because males wont watch the programme as much due to the fact they receive no pleasures in doing so. Therefore, it could cause implications as well to the music industry in terms of a band only appealing to one gender, thus loosing out on the amount of sales they have because the other gender isn't interested in there music. Furthermore, these findings could affect my own media productions, because if our music video doesn't appeal to both males and females, then this causes our demographic to be of a small scale. Hence resulting in us promoting a band which isn't that popular to a large demographic.
Furthermore, throughout this investigation I have discovered that audiences receive certain pleasures from consuming music with groups of friends; whether you are female or male. For example, by listening to muisc together it allows you to create a bond with that other person, and share veiws on whether or not you enjoy that band. Therefore, both sexes can use consume music to make new friends, as well as forming a constructive identity. For example, on Youtube, the comments which are left under the media texts are an indication that participants enjoy leaving their veiws and comments about a peice of music, in hope to find someone else who shares the same opinions, so you can form a friendship. Therefore, listening to music isn't just about forming a sense of identity.
Overall, this concludes that the answer to my original question "Do males consume music in order to construct a collective identity to a greater extent than females," is that no, females do in fact listen to music and form a collective identity as much as males do.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Ugly Betty Challenging Female Stereotypes
I have decided to look into the topic of Ugly Betty, as this show is all based around identity, and my media investigation is based on how females and males identify themselves in terms of music. However, despite Ugly Betty being a TV programme and not a music show, it is fascinating to investigate as females identify with this programme greatly. Whether because females like to think they can connect with how Betty permanently feels unattractive, or they simply like to identify with the fashion which is involved with the programme.Ugly Betty was launched in autumn 2007, and quickly became a hit TV show in over 40 countries; winning numerous awards. Despite in usual circumstances and audiences not taking a huge amount of notice over titles in TV programmes, Ugly Betty’s stands for an important message. The moment that the audience are hypnotised into the lovable “kooky” character of Betty Suarez, you are introduced into massive gaudy letters spelling out UGLY BETTY across the screen. This title represents the fun loving character, which however happens to be permanently judged by the actress’s appearance upon screen, which is how Ugly Betty was introduced to the world. On pilot on the first season, you are introduced to the shocking appearance of Betty, yet as the show progressed, you realise that the character of Betty is more complex and complicated than just her looks. For example, the producer’s of the show gave a statement about Ugly Betty which sum’s up her character perfectly: (ABC’s Ugly Betty’s website, 2007)
“In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the super thin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl – a slightly plump plain – Jane from Queens – possibly fit in? If you took a moment to get to know Betty Suarez, you’d see how sweet, intelligent and hard – working she is. But few people do, because in the world of high fashion Betty is the over sized peg in the petite round hole.”
However, the show Ugly Betty is still un-realistic the sense that yes, Ugly Betty is just average looking in a glamorous setting of a high class fashion magazine full of beautiful stick thin models, and beautiful fixtures, yet Ugly Betty is actually a conventionally attractive woman; taking if her added over exaggerated eyebrows and braces. Realistically, the producers wouldn’t dare place a rough, butt ugly heroine as the female lead, despite being nice or not. Although, despite this, the show Ugly Betty has indeed promoted good messages that beauty is only skin deep, and has been successful in challenging the helpless female stereotype, as Betty does on fact become very strong and independent as the series progresses. The show also makes a nice change from the over used themes in TV shows such as murder and mystery. It is also obvious that Ugly Betty has made a major impact upon female audiences, as the actress who plays Ugly Betty, America Ferrera, said in an interview in 2007:
“Just last weekend, I read a letter from a young girl. I did the cover of Cosmo Girl, and she was thanking the magazine for putting me on the cover, because, “When I watched Ugly Betty, it was the first time in my life that I felt beautiful.” That was overwhelming for me. All you can ever hope to do in this business is touch one person, and yet I’m sure there were others.” (Quoted in Stranchan, 2007)
Overall, Ugly Betty is obviously a show that connects to feminity, and the comments which are shown above indicate that some women have been quite moved by the show in terms of it giving them hope to make a difference in buisness/work etc. Furthermore, females are shown to connect and identiy with the female characters shown within the TV programe and idolize the character Ugly Betty herself.
The Difference in Gender Roles for A2 Summer Project
After furthering my knowledge, and wider reading skills, it has become apparent that the difference in gender roles doesn’t just stop at music. Yet, the issue of gender has in fact been one of the most talked about topics when it comes to TV and film. For example, after reading “Media, Gender and Identity,” by David Gauntlett, the issue of gender is explored in great debt.
To begin with, Gauntlett describes how “Advertisers have by now realised that audience’s will only laugh at images of the pretty housewife, and have reacted by showing women how to be sexy at work instead.” This one quotation proves how the diversity between the expected roles of men and women have changed within the past few years, as it shows that the typical female stereotype of the “pretty housewife” is no longer taken seriously, and that the expectations of the roles of women have changed. The way that he describes that women are now shown as sexy at work however, still promotes a demeaning image, as surely they could have reacted and shown women to be in another way at work such as strong and powerful, not sexy. This determines that women are still treated differently from men, and that men still obtain the upper hand within the work force.
Furthermore, the chapter in Gauntlett’s book titled “Gender and TV: Turning the corner in the 1990’s,” explains how during the 1990’s, gender roles within television seem to be becoming more equal and non-stereotyped, however the majority of lead characters were still male. For example, in programmed such as Doctor Who, it started of with the male Doctor always being more prominent than its female sidekick, however in more recent series the female sidekick has in fact grown more powerful and is shown saving the situations in more episodes. This indicates that as we move into a new millennium, gender roles are increasingly changing. In fact, one of the shows that began airing in the 90’s which did in fact have all female leads was Sex and the City; a show which is now massively popular and even developed into a film. Sex and the City is a continually series which viewed women as having the upper hand against men, and were in fact stronger, smarter and independent without them. Sex and the City stood by promoting the message that female leads made just a TV programme just as successful as any other with a male lead, and thrived upon challenging the gender stereotypes.
The link between gender roles in TV and music industry is that watching the TV could affect the way that males and females respond differently to music. For example, from watching TV programmes which only have male leads, women are encouraged to almost take a step back, and therefore when it comes to music, they only listen to certain songs in order to bond with their friendship group as a way of making them feel more secure. Yet males are encouraged to be more opinionated, therefore tend to listen to music which they enjoy, not thinking about weather or not there friends like it to. For example, males define themselves through their discriminating approach to music, whereas females instead define themselves more through there friends, and as a result don't discriminate themselves through genres of music.
To begin with, Gauntlett describes how “Advertisers have by now realised that audience’s will only laugh at images of the pretty housewife, and have reacted by showing women how to be sexy at work instead.” This one quotation proves how the diversity between the expected roles of men and women have changed within the past few years, as it shows that the typical female stereotype of the “pretty housewife” is no longer taken seriously, and that the expectations of the roles of women have changed. The way that he describes that women are now shown as sexy at work however, still promotes a demeaning image, as surely they could have reacted and shown women to be in another way at work such as strong and powerful, not sexy. This determines that women are still treated differently from men, and that men still obtain the upper hand within the work force.
Furthermore, the chapter in Gauntlett’s book titled “Gender and TV: Turning the corner in the 1990’s,” explains how during the 1990’s, gender roles within television seem to be becoming more equal and non-stereotyped, however the majority of lead characters were still male. For example, in programmed such as Doctor Who, it started of with the male Doctor always being more prominent than its female sidekick, however in more recent series the female sidekick has in fact grown more powerful and is shown saving the situations in more episodes. This indicates that as we move into a new millennium, gender roles are increasingly changing. In fact, one of the shows that began airing in the 90’s which did in fact have all female leads was Sex and the City; a show which is now massively popular and even developed into a film. Sex and the City is a continually series which viewed women as having the upper hand against men, and were in fact stronger, smarter and independent without them. Sex and the City stood by promoting the message that female leads made just a TV programme just as successful as any other with a male lead, and thrived upon challenging the gender stereotypes.
The link between gender roles in TV and music industry is that watching the TV could affect the way that males and females respond differently to music. For example, from watching TV programmes which only have male leads, women are encouraged to almost take a step back, and therefore when it comes to music, they only listen to certain songs in order to bond with their friendship group as a way of making them feel more secure. Yet males are encouraged to be more opinionated, therefore tend to listen to music which they enjoy, not thinking about weather or not there friends like it to. For example, males define themselves through their discriminating approach to music, whereas females instead define themselves more through there friends, and as a result don't discriminate themselves through genres of music.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Analysis of MGMT and Girls Aloud's Album Cover
Firstly, I think that straight away MGMT's album cover is individual, and slightly different from other albums that I see from the shelves of HMV. The main reason for this being the way that MGMT are dressed, representing an image that males can consume a constructive identity from music. The album cover itself is simple, with a mise en scene of what is obviously sea water, and a not over stated album title which is only outlines in white, and lays clearly in the middle of the cover so it catches an audiences attention.
The two men's dress sense is clearly making a statement to it's target audience that they intend to stand out from a crowed, and not typically be like everyone else. In particular, the man on the right who is wearing face paint and numerous items of bright and colourful clothing round his neck and body. This makes him appear bright and confident to a primary audience, and furthermore, the other member of MGMT is wearing a colourful scarf tied round his neck, which is made to stand out against his half naked body. His red shorts worn on his lower half connote boldness and danger, which make him appear also confident and quite "cooky."
Overall, the way that MGMT are dress, suggest to an audience that there music is intended for people who wish to also be slightly individual, and don't depend on the charts to tell them which bands to listen to.
Secondly, the Girl's Aloud album cover represent a completely different image compared to MGMT's. For example, each female member is dressed up in mini, colourful yet "girly" dresses, and none of them contain an individual look about them. In contrast with MGMT, who obviously stand out as unique. Therefore Girl's Aloud are representing an image that all females are girly and like to dress up in glamorous dress wear; not in anything "wacky" or different. Each member is also wearing high heels, which promotes that type of look to a female audience. Although, even if you weren't familiar with the band Girl's Aloud, if you looked at there numerous album covers, you would straight away guess that there genre and type of music would be very "pop" and cheesy. (A genre which already doesn't connote individuality.)
Finally, what's interesting about these two album covers is that MGMT which is the more individual album cover of the two, is a male dominated band, where-as Girl's Aloud is obviously a female dominated band, with an obvious mass market of young teens. Therefore, this suggests that males are perhaps expected to have both a taste for individual and alternative identities, whilst still are accepted into the mainstream genres of music. However, females are only accepted into the mainstream genre if they live up to female stereotypes, such as exposing there gender in a sexual way to flaunt there bodies in order to gain attention, thus them taking on homogenised identity. Hence resulting in an obvious difference in how males and genders are perceived differently by audiences.
Textual Analysis of Sugar Magazine
Researching into what message magazines such as Sugar send out to female audiences is significantly relevant to my project. To begin with, because my topic is investigating into whether or not males listen to music to construct a collective identity to a greater extent than females, these type of magazines being sold suggest that males in fact do. Reasons being that females are almost drawn into having to buy these magazines, which all contain the same content of publicizing the same pop bands, such as Rihanna and McFly. Thus suggesting that females from a young age aren't encouraged to have individual music tastes, yet are twisted into liking the same bands as every other female girl.
Sugar magazine represents an image that suggests all females contain similar interests in idea's about fashion and music tastes. Therefore suggesting that females don't really have a personal identity. For example, straight away the audience notice a mise en scene of Rihanna; a famous pop star. This indicates that a vast majority of the English female population aged 12-16 years listen to music artists and genre's such as Rihanna, and enjoy reading interviews with her. Therefore raising the question that maybe females have similar identity to each other, in terms of style and how they dress.
For instance, when you flick through the pages of Sugar magazine, they advertise similar clothes each month, coming from shops such as Topshop, H&M, New Look etc. Yet they rarely advertise clothes from more vintage or charity shops, which some females would dress from in order to look more individual. Also, to the left of the magazine, there's a headline stating "Celebs share their secrets," which indicate that young teens would actually be automatically interested in celebrities and their opinions. The typography of the actual lettering "Sugar" is stereotypically shaded in girly pink, connoting a very female image. This suggests that this magazine targets a mass market of a sample group of young teenage girls, and automatically assume that females have the same taste in music genre. Therefore as a result, females don't form a constructive identity from music; as this magazine is almost telling them to admire pop artists such as Rihanna, and furthermore only dress in clothes from the high street.
Overall, when you walk into your local newsagents or supermarket and wonder over to the magazines and comics section, you are bombarded with dozens of magazines like sugar. For example, Bliss, Teen Vogue, Cosmo Girl etc, and every single one of them have similar headlines, cover girls and "dippy" story lines jam packed inside them. Each magazine clearly has the same target audience as Sugar, therefore suggesting that a majority of females read these sorts of magazines, and get influenced into liking the same bands and artists as every other girl, simply because there isn't much choice of any other type of magazine to read.
Interview's I carried Out for A2 Summer Project
Over the past few weeks I have been going round and asking my friends of both genders, questions to do with the way they listen to music. For example, I interviewed one of my male and female friends, and asked the following questions: (The demographic and occupation of my male and female friend's were 17 year old A level students, and I interviewed them in the city at the forum during the summer holidays, in order to find out their own personal opinions.
1. Do you tend to listen to the same genre of music and bands as your friends?
Male participants reply: “Well, it depends, for example if a friend recommends a band to me, I’ll listen to them and give them a try. However, I would never pretend to like a band just because my friends like them.”
2. Do you like to think that music gives someone a sense of their own identity?
Male participants reply: “More than anything, I think that listening to music is a personal thing, and that yes, music can help someone gain a sense of identity, as a person can relate very heavily to song lyrics."
3. In your opinion, do you think that females listen to music to construct a collective identity, or do you think that females just listen to the same music as their friends to become “part of the crowd?”
Male participants reply: “Judging purely just from my female friends, I believe that females music taste are largely influenced from their friends music tastes, and they use it to bond. For instance, If I look through my female friend’s Ipod’s, I bet that there play lists are very similar."
Furthermore, I also asked a female friend the same questions, and these were the responses that I was given:
Female participants reply to question 1: “Hmm I like some of the same genre’s as my friend’s, yet at the same time my music taste is very different compared to other friend’s. I also became friends with people from meeting them at gigs.”
Female participant’s reply to question 2: “Yes, I do think that music does give someone a sense of identity. For example, some of my friend’s who are Goths, emo’s etc, have all formed there identity in dressing that way from music bands and artists such as Marilyn Manson."
Female participants reply to question 3: “I disagree with the comment that females listen to the same music as their friends just to be part of the crowd. I know plenty of females that have completely different music taste to their friends. Maybe perhaps some girls do listen to music to not form an identity, instead they listen to music to fit in, yet with most of my female friends this certainly isn’t the case."
Both these interviews show both similar and different opinions, for example, with the first question more or less similar answers, that they don’t listen to the same genre of music as their friend’s do just because they want to follow them, yet instead they do have similar tastes as certain friends, and use it as a talking point. (When my female participant stated that she met some of her friend’s from gigs.) Furthermore, with question 2, both participants said that they do indeed think that music gives you a sense of identity. However, when it came to question 3, my male participant thought that females tended to just “follow” each other in terms of music tastes, yet my female participant disagreed with this by stating that this wasn’t the case at all! Also, in terms of question 3, the type of language used could be taken as "bonding language," from words used such as bond and identity. This shows that males believe that females tend to listen to music in order to form relationships with other people, where as males seem to enjoy music individually. The type of language also indicates that audiences receive certain pleasures from listening to muisc constructively with a group of friends, as it is a way for you to bond with your peers, and form relationships based on having the same opinions as another person. This overall suggests, that perhaps males don’t listen to music in order to construct a collective identity to a greater extend than females, yet more interviews would have to be carried out to prove this theory.
Evaluation of Methodology
The evaluation of using interviews however, is that my participants may have acted differently due to pressure of having other audiences hearing their replies, therefore making my results from this part of my investigation not as reliable as they could be. However, using the method of interviews is quicker and easier compared to the method of questionnaires. This is because with questionnaires you have to wait until the participants have filled them in to receive the answers, as opposed to interviews where you just record their voice, Furthermore, interviews allow you to interview as many participants as you like; thus making it quicker than handing out dozens of questionnaires.
1. Do you tend to listen to the same genre of music and bands as your friends?
Male participants reply: “Well, it depends, for example if a friend recommends a band to me, I’ll listen to them and give them a try. However, I would never pretend to like a band just because my friends like them.”
2. Do you like to think that music gives someone a sense of their own identity?
Male participants reply: “More than anything, I think that listening to music is a personal thing, and that yes, music can help someone gain a sense of identity, as a person can relate very heavily to song lyrics."
3. In your opinion, do you think that females listen to music to construct a collective identity, or do you think that females just listen to the same music as their friends to become “part of the crowd?”
Male participants reply: “Judging purely just from my female friends, I believe that females music taste are largely influenced from their friends music tastes, and they use it to bond. For instance, If I look through my female friend’s Ipod’s, I bet that there play lists are very similar."
Furthermore, I also asked a female friend the same questions, and these were the responses that I was given:
Female participants reply to question 1: “Hmm I like some of the same genre’s as my friend’s, yet at the same time my music taste is very different compared to other friend’s. I also became friends with people from meeting them at gigs.”
Female participant’s reply to question 2: “Yes, I do think that music does give someone a sense of identity. For example, some of my friend’s who are Goths, emo’s etc, have all formed there identity in dressing that way from music bands and artists such as Marilyn Manson."
Female participants reply to question 3: “I disagree with the comment that females listen to the same music as their friends just to be part of the crowd. I know plenty of females that have completely different music taste to their friends. Maybe perhaps some girls do listen to music to not form an identity, instead they listen to music to fit in, yet with most of my female friends this certainly isn’t the case."
Both these interviews show both similar and different opinions, for example, with the first question more or less similar answers, that they don’t listen to the same genre of music as their friend’s do just because they want to follow them, yet instead they do have similar tastes as certain friends, and use it as a talking point. (When my female participant stated that she met some of her friend’s from gigs.) Furthermore, with question 2, both participants said that they do indeed think that music gives you a sense of identity. However, when it came to question 3, my male participant thought that females tended to just “follow” each other in terms of music tastes, yet my female participant disagreed with this by stating that this wasn’t the case at all! Also, in terms of question 3, the type of language used could be taken as "bonding language," from words used such as bond and identity. This shows that males believe that females tend to listen to music in order to form relationships with other people, where as males seem to enjoy music individually. The type of language also indicates that audiences receive certain pleasures from listening to muisc constructively with a group of friends, as it is a way for you to bond with your peers, and form relationships based on having the same opinions as another person. This overall suggests, that perhaps males don’t listen to music in order to construct a collective identity to a greater extend than females, yet more interviews would have to be carried out to prove this theory.
Evaluation of Methodology
The evaluation of using interviews however, is that my participants may have acted differently due to pressure of having other audiences hearing their replies, therefore making my results from this part of my investigation not as reliable as they could be. However, using the method of interviews is quicker and easier compared to the method of questionnaires. This is because with questionnaires you have to wait until the participants have filled them in to receive the answers, as opposed to interviews where you just record their voice, Furthermore, interviews allow you to interview as many participants as you like; thus making it quicker than handing out dozens of questionnaires.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Photo's of Males and Females for A2 Summer Project
Above are photo's showing different friendship groups, which indicate that perhaps the way they dress are influenced by the type of genre's and bands they listen to. Especially the group which are usually classed as "goths" and "emo's." Typically, the type of music that these groups would be interested in our rock and metal music, for example artists such as Marylin Manson.
However, whats interesting and more relevant is how they become interested in this type of music to begin with, and furthermore how it influences there dress sense. Speaking from personal experience from when I used to know friends who dressed in the same way as "emos," and "goths," is that they became interested in this genre of music first by being influenced by there friends as they too became gradually effected by thus type of music and began changing their appearance. As a result, my friends too began changing their fashion and started listening to more rock music. Therefore, you can conclude from this that friends are influenced by socialization; not that they actually love the music, and this could go for both males as well as females.
Furthermore, certain pop stars can influence types of fashion sense in young males, but more particularly females. For example, stars such as Britney Spears who dress in a provocative way can influence young teens into believing they should dress in a certain "slutty" way. To begin with, when you are around the ages of 12 years and 13, if you hear a pop star belting out lyrics to a song which is considering popular among your friendship group, you are almost brain washed into having to like them. Then if this idolization grows, it can develop into you aspiring to dress in a similar way. Another example would be stars such as "Marylin Manson," who dress in obviously a Gothic fashion sense, and as a result, their fan base would aspire to dress like him and too dress in the same way; especially if their friends are aspiring like them too.
Also, when you are younger, it's true that you are pressured by your peers into acting and dressing in a certain way, because if you don't then young teens have a fear of being socially rejected. This is perhaps the reasoning why teens tend to rebel around this age group of around 12-15 years, then once you develop into higher education such as College or Sixth form, you develop into your own person more. But during this age, they may feel pressured into dressing the same way as their friends, otherwise they fear that they will never fit in that group and be an outkast.
Furthermore, to a certain extent these people are actually forming there own identity from copying the style of there idols. For example, at the beginning they are following the crowd of there friends and idols, yet at the same time they do look different from a lot of younger adolescents at there age; thus making them look more individual. Therefore, the judgement could be made that they are actively constructing their own identity and values, instead of being passive audiences. For example, if they were passive audiences, they would simply just listen to the music, not actually become active by dressing like them and taking on the same values. As a result, they are forming there own identity, which is better than just a teenage girl who listens to a song without taking any messages in
Sunday, 23 August 2009
A Sample of the Questionnaire I Distrubuted to Participants for my A2 Summer Project
How do Males and Females Respond Differently to Music?
(please tick next to the answer which most applies to you)
1) Do you listen to the same genre of music as your group of friends?
- Yes, me and my friend's have the exact same taste in music, it's the one thing which we all have in common
- It varies, we do like similar genre's of music, yet I also listen to my own songs which my friend's probably wouldn't listen to
- Not at all, we have completely different taste in music!
2) Do you aspire to dress and look like your favourite band/artist?
- Of course, I copy their fashion style in an attempt to look like them
- I admire what they wear, but don't go out and buy copies of there clothes
- No, I don't dress like any of my favourite bands/artists
3) Where do you hear about new and up coming bands/artists which you may be interested in?
- Word of Mouth. (My friends etc)
- Adverts on TV/Radio/Internet
- Talk shows
- Magazines
- Other, please state below:
.............................................
4) Are your idea's influenced by certain genre's and bands? And if so, how or why?
................................................................................................................................................
5) How do you mostly consumer music?
- My Ipod/MP3
- The Radio
- Gigs/Music festivals
- Internet. (Downloading sites such as Itunes)
- Television and TV shows such as MTV
- Other
6) Do you tend to listen to music on your own, or when your with a group of people, such as in night clubs or gigs?
- On my own at home or when listening to my Ipod/MP3
- I prefer to listen to music with my friends
- Depends, both!
7) Do you express and share your music tastes with your friends?
- Yes
- Sometimes, but I worry that my friend's will make fun of me and the music I like
- Never
8) Do you have any opinions on whether or not females respond different to music than males? If you do, please explain and give reasons for your answer.
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
Thank you for taking your time to fill out this questionnaire!
Introduction to my Media A2 Summer Project
My topic for my A2 Media Extended Learning is:
Reasoning for choosing this as my topic is that I thought that it would be interesting to research how males and females actually respond differently to a variety of music and music video's. This will help develop my understanding for my year 13 coursework, as it will increase my knowledge of background music for studdying and constructing music video's next year.
I will express my findings through blog posts, pictures, photo's and an essay. Furthermore, research in which I shall carry out will include:
- Handing out questionnaires
- Interviews
- Photo's
- Recording the interviews
- Vox Pops
- Video Recording different social groups
This topic is relevant at this point in time, as the music industry is growing larger and more powerful each day, with even more unsigned bands becoming more well known due to social networking sites promoting their music, such as Myspace. Therefore, the topic of weather or not males use music to consume a constructive identity to a larger extent that females do, is a topic of interest, as the results could tell is about weather or not music can actually mean more to males and females in terms of using it as a way to express themselves.
I will use sample groups and mostly qualitative data to present my research, and shall record my findings as I go along.
Do males consume music in order to construct a collective identity to a greater extent than females?
Reasoning for choosing this as my topic is that I thought that it would be interesting to research how males and females actually respond differently to a variety of music and music video's. This will help develop my understanding for my year 13 coursework, as it will increase my knowledge of background music for studdying and constructing music video's next year.
I will express my findings through blog posts, pictures, photo's and an essay. Furthermore, research in which I shall carry out will include:
- Handing out questionnaires
- Interviews
- Photo's
- Recording the interviews
- Vox Pops
- Video Recording different social groups
This topic is relevant at this point in time, as the music industry is growing larger and more powerful each day, with even more unsigned bands becoming more well known due to social networking sites promoting their music, such as Myspace. Therefore, the topic of weather or not males use music to consume a constructive identity to a larger extent that females do, is a topic of interest, as the results could tell is about weather or not music can actually mean more to males and females in terms of using it as a way to express themselves.
I will use sample groups and mostly qualitative data to present my research, and shall record my findings as I go along.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai and Im On A Boat
Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai contains many signifiers such as a crow, beetle and blood within his music video, which gives the video quite a dark connotation, and of course, insanity.
To begin with, the audience instantly notice a clinical mise-en-scene, and the bleak white colour connotes a feeling of emptiness. The beginning mid-shot of the setting focuses on Jamiroquai's entrance, which is him sliding down the symmetrical room and landing in front of the camera. Throughout the beginning of the music video, the camera is held very steady throughout the beginning scenes, enabling the audience to focus on Jamiroquai's dancing, as the editing of the video remains quite slow paced, as the camera doesn't switch angles that much. For example, the steady pace movement of the camera matches the symmetrical feel to the video, and is in fact used as a hooking technique due to the fact the audience are completely involved in Jamiroquai's dancing.
Another hooking technique which is used to engage the audience is the moving furniture, which of course connotes insanity. The moving furniture also connotes a sense of mystery within the music video, as the audience can associate the moving furniture with the supernatural. This technique is followed by the camera panning upwards into a high angle of a crow flying above, which furthermore connotes insanity and the supernatural, and the colour black of the crow and beetle contrasts against the clinical white of the setting, making them stand out more. After the camera pans down and focuses on the beetle crawling beneath, it pans up again into a mid shot of a group of white dances, allowing the audience to fully engage into the chorus of the song. As the chorus is playing, you can still notice the black beetle crawling down the wall, which connotes darkness upon the video, despite the sing itself being quite up beat. However, the clinical setting matches the lyrics, as Jamiroquai mentions the future, and the clinical white setting can itself be interpreted as futuristic.
There's one shot where Jamiroquai slides to the camera, and despite the camera staying steady, it turns into a extreme close up of his face, allowing the audience to see his facial expression. However, toward the end of the music video, the camera pans down and the audience see blood appear on the floor, which connotes darkness, and again the red contrasts strongly against the white setting. Therefore, this shows that music video defiantly connotes insanity, and furthermore, connotes a sense of darkness.
Im On A Boat
I'm On A Boat is a music video, which is clearly mocking rap artists, from the over use of swear words and exaggerated mise en scene of the boat.
The music video begins with a mid shot of a group of guys eating breakfast in a basic mise en scene of a kitchen. The beginning shot is effective in the way that at this point there is no music playing, therefore the audience are purely just focusing on the men's conversation - which it's made clear that there acting very immature. The shot then transitions into a panning long shot of a mise en scene of a boat in the sea, and then into a mid shot of the men standing on the boat. The colour at this point in preliminarily blue and white, connoting the sea, and quite an open air feel. The editing is quite fast paced, and uses a variety of shots, ranging from panning mid shots, and close ups of the guys rapping. It becomes very apparent to the audience that these are clearly three men mocking rappers, and you can tell this from there over the top use of dress code and "bling."The use of the low angle shot used makes the men seem powerful and loud, furthermore portraying certain aspects that a typical R&B video has.
The shots being used aren't held as steady shots, instead the camera is shaky, and the purpose of these shots gives a motion of waves in a sea, matching the mise en scene of a boat. The camera continues to stay "shaky" throughout, and becomes more exaggerated when the mise en scene changes to the men rapping from inside the boat. The lighting is very effective, as it shines through window, giving the effect of actually blinding the audience, resulting in the audience engaging more in the song.
The main hooking techniques of this music video is the way that the men act and rap within the video, and are clearly acting immature in the way that they are dancing. Their costumes are also a hooking technique as it engages the audience in the genre of music, for example the suits and hats. Overall, this video is clearly amusing to the audience and clever in the way that it mocks R&B rap artists.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Music Video's
My un-conventional music video is Afrika Shox
I chose Afrika Shox as my unconventional video because it stands out amongst the typical music video's you see with pop/rock/R&B bands etc. For example, Afrika Shox is quite a un-settling video with quite disturbing scenes, such as the mise-en-scene is quite un-nerving and makes the audience feel uncomfortable when watching it. For example, the way the camera tracks and pans until the audience are introduced with a mid-shot of a man who is obviously in pain, and almost looks as if he has been possessed. The way that the music video fallows his struggle as he wonder's round through a busy city stood out for me, as it's enticing the audience to feel guilty towards him; not a typical storyline you see with other conventional music video's. Therefore I chose Afrika Shox as it was a chilling music video directed and produced by Chris Cunningham, and didn't contain the same techniques and hooks that you usually see with other music video's.
My conventional music video is Fall Out Boy - This Ain't a Scene
I chose This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arm's Race by Fall Out Boy, because in terms of it's hooks and techniques it's extremely conventional and typical of a rock music video. For instance, the band playing in a recording studio is a typical mise-en-scene which I have seen many times before, and furthermore the way the film is shot is very conventional. For example, the camera is held quite steady throughout, with mainly a range of mid shots and close up shots of the band performing and the "shock and impressed reactions" of the other people watching them in the recording studio.
Furthermore, this music video raises certain questions. For example, as you watch it, you can't help but wonder if Fall Out Boy are almost mocking themselves and their own inadequate interpretation of being a rock band? Or if there irony is being pointed more at the rock/music.hip hop industry itself? For instance, at certain points in the video whilst the band is performing in a recording studio, the camera pans to a mid shot of certain hip hop artists, (we can tell they are rap/hip hop artists by there symbolic dress sense of heavy gold "chains" and bright baggy "gangster" clothes, connoting an idea that they believe themselves to be "cool"). Therefore, producing an image that Fall Out Boy are perhaps mocking there type of music? Although, are Fall Out Boy simply exploring cultural ideologies internalize the arms industry? This video makes it difficult to distinguish between weather or not they are in fact mocking the image they utilise, or if they are reinforcing the video as a domain of actual, good rock stars.
Therefore, I chose this video as my conventional video because it didn't hold anything unique about it, and raised a number of questions of who the irony of there video is actually pointed out.
The music video I like is Feeder - Feeling A Moment
I chose Feeder, Feeling A Moment as the music video I liked, because the way that it was shot attracted me to it. For example, I liked the way that the camera panned round the band, and quite fast paced in terms of editing, as to me that kept the music video interesting, and the range of close up shots used of the guitarist I thought was quite effective. I also quite liked the Mise en scene used of the band playing on the roof top, as I thought it was more effective than a Mise en scene of the band playing in a garage of music studio. (A setting which is often used in music video's, therefore this type of mise en scene soon becomes boring to an aduience.)
Throughout this music video, what furthermore draws me in the spectacular sweeping camera movement while the band is performing on the roof top, which perhaps, is a symbol of the band attempting to break America like so many previous bands have tried to do. The animation along in this video creates good over powering effects which enhances the songs power itself, hitting the audience with the creativity and smooth camera movements. The desaturated palette of this video is unusual, yet produces a more powerful and constructive image.
Overall, I personally like this music video, despite it being 4 minutes, 19 seconds long, which means it does drag on, yet I feel that the music video does the song itself justice.
I chose Afrika Shox as my unconventional video because it stands out amongst the typical music video's you see with pop/rock/R&B bands etc. For example, Afrika Shox is quite a un-settling video with quite disturbing scenes, such as the mise-en-scene is quite un-nerving and makes the audience feel uncomfortable when watching it. For example, the way the camera tracks and pans until the audience are introduced with a mid-shot of a man who is obviously in pain, and almost looks as if he has been possessed. The way that the music video fallows his struggle as he wonder's round through a busy city stood out for me, as it's enticing the audience to feel guilty towards him; not a typical storyline you see with other conventional music video's. Therefore I chose Afrika Shox as it was a chilling music video directed and produced by Chris Cunningham, and didn't contain the same techniques and hooks that you usually see with other music video's.
My conventional music video is Fall Out Boy - This Ain't a Scene
I chose This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arm's Race by Fall Out Boy, because in terms of it's hooks and techniques it's extremely conventional and typical of a rock music video. For instance, the band playing in a recording studio is a typical mise-en-scene which I have seen many times before, and furthermore the way the film is shot is very conventional. For example, the camera is held quite steady throughout, with mainly a range of mid shots and close up shots of the band performing and the "shock and impressed reactions" of the other people watching them in the recording studio.
Furthermore, this music video raises certain questions. For example, as you watch it, you can't help but wonder if Fall Out Boy are almost mocking themselves and their own inadequate interpretation of being a rock band? Or if there irony is being pointed more at the rock/music.hip hop industry itself? For instance, at certain points in the video whilst the band is performing in a recording studio, the camera pans to a mid shot of certain hip hop artists, (we can tell they are rap/hip hop artists by there symbolic dress sense of heavy gold "chains" and bright baggy "gangster" clothes, connoting an idea that they believe themselves to be "cool"). Therefore, producing an image that Fall Out Boy are perhaps mocking there type of music? Although, are Fall Out Boy simply exploring cultural ideologies internalize the arms industry? This video makes it difficult to distinguish between weather or not they are in fact mocking the image they utilise, or if they are reinforcing the video as a domain of actual, good rock stars.
Therefore, I chose this video as my conventional video because it didn't hold anything unique about it, and raised a number of questions of who the irony of there video is actually pointed out.
The music video I like is Feeder - Feeling A Moment
I chose Feeder, Feeling A Moment as the music video I liked, because the way that it was shot attracted me to it. For example, I liked the way that the camera panned round the band, and quite fast paced in terms of editing, as to me that kept the music video interesting, and the range of close up shots used of the guitarist I thought was quite effective. I also quite liked the Mise en scene used of the band playing on the roof top, as I thought it was more effective than a Mise en scene of the band playing in a garage of music studio. (A setting which is often used in music video's, therefore this type of mise en scene soon becomes boring to an aduience.)
Throughout this music video, what furthermore draws me in the spectacular sweeping camera movement while the band is performing on the roof top, which perhaps, is a symbol of the band attempting to break America like so many previous bands have tried to do. The animation along in this video creates good over powering effects which enhances the songs power itself, hitting the audience with the creativity and smooth camera movements. The desaturated palette of this video is unusual, yet produces a more powerful and constructive image.
Overall, I personally like this music video, despite it being 4 minutes, 19 seconds long, which means it does drag on, yet I feel that the music video does the song itself justice.
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