Research: Brief Textual Analysis of a Music Video
Artist: Modestep
Song title: Another Day
Date of release: December 2012
Genre: Dubstep
Song title: Another Day
Date of release: December 2012
Genre: Dubstep
The visuals amplify the lyrics throughout the video. As throughout the video it is reinforced that 'tomorrow is another day' and things get better, this is shown by use of visuals of waking up to the alarm clock each morning and from then on daily events get better for the main teenage character.
There is also a relationship between the music and the visuals. Throughout the entire video the clips are edited together effectively to cut to the beat. Editing is used again to change the pace of the video to fit to the music. For example just before the 'drop' at around 0:45 seconds in, the music becomes slower in pace and the clips are in slow motion. Then at the 'drop' at around 1:00 seconds in as well as shortly after, the clips are shorter and edited together much quicker.
The artists are only introduced into the visuals towards the end. They are performing live with the main character of the video, this allows fans to believe they are approachable and they're able to relate.
Voyeurism is included within the video. The main character's female teacher is used in this way. She is dressed provocatively with a short skirt and a low cut top, which is emphasised with wind blowing in her hair and camera work. Also at 2:42 editing is used to make the shot appear like it's seen from a security camera.
There isn't any use of intertextuality in this music video.
A mixture of performance and narrative is used however the majority of the video is narrative. Throughout the whole of the video the story of a bullied teenage boy progressively becoming 'cooler' each day is told. Where as performance from the artists is only introduced towards the end, in which the main character is still involved and the narrative continues.
Research: Andrew Goodwin - Features of Music Videos
In Goodwin's book from 1992, Dancing in the Distraction Factor, he states 6 features that can be found in music videos.
- Genre characteristics. For example, a dance routine for a typical girl/boy band or stage performance in the metal genre.
- Relationship between lyrics and visuals. Represented through images. Which is either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting - mentioned in my previous blog post.
- Relationship between music and visuals. Shown through the tone and atmosphere of the visuals that reflect that of the music. Also either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting.
- The demands of the record label includes the need for lots of close ups of their artist and the artist may develop motifs that recur, known as a visual style.
- Frequent reference to the concept of looking, for example mirrors. Also voyeuristic treatment of the female body.
- Intertextual reference - to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc.
Independent Research: Andrew Goodwin's Theory
Andrew Goodwin has stated his theory according to music video's and the typical characteristics they involve. There are 5 key aspects.
Thought Beats - Seeing the Sound: Aspects of music videos, such as the beat and rhythm are correlated through the use of incidental cuts in editing and other filming techniques. Therefore when creating our own music video we need to identify the structure of our chosen song and use effective techniques to highlight certain parts, such as the chorus.
Narrative & Performance: Usually the song alone fails to tell us, the audience the complete story and we are left to make our own idea up. The video should be repeatable for the audience without it becoming uninteresting. Having the artist as the narrator and performer through lip syncing increases authenticity.
Star Image: Goodwin believes engaging music videos include a single 'star' as the audience is more likely to relate to the artist. A 'star' is often created through the use of mise en scene.
Relation of Visuals to Song: Music videos promote a song in one of three ways. Illustrate - The most common, which uses images to directly illustrate the meaning of the lyrics. Amplify - Meanings of the song are repeated throughout however the lyrics are not emphasised. Disjuncture - The meaning of the song is completely ignored.
Technical Aspects: Camera shots, angles, movements, mise en scene, lighting, sound, editing and special effects are all technical aspects that hold the whole music video together. For example, lighting and colour helps to set the mood and emphasise certain moments. Also mise en scene is extremely important and is used to ensure the video looks realistic.
Thought Beats - Seeing the Sound: Aspects of music videos, such as the beat and rhythm are correlated through the use of incidental cuts in editing and other filming techniques. Therefore when creating our own music video we need to identify the structure of our chosen song and use effective techniques to highlight certain parts, such as the chorus.
Narrative & Performance: Usually the song alone fails to tell us, the audience the complete story and we are left to make our own idea up. The video should be repeatable for the audience without it becoming uninteresting. Having the artist as the narrator and performer through lip syncing increases authenticity.
Star Image: Goodwin believes engaging music videos include a single 'star' as the audience is more likely to relate to the artist. A 'star' is often created through the use of mise en scene.
Relation of Visuals to Song: Music videos promote a song in one of three ways. Illustrate - The most common, which uses images to directly illustrate the meaning of the lyrics. Amplify - Meanings of the song are repeated throughout however the lyrics are not emphasised. Disjuncture - The meaning of the song is completely ignored.
Technical Aspects: Camera shots, angles, movements, mise en scene, lighting, sound, editing and special effects are all technical aspects that hold the whole music video together. For example, lighting and colour helps to set the mood and emphasise certain moments. Also mise en scene is extremely important and is used to ensure the video looks realistic.
Research: Favourite Music Videos
The following videos are some that I enjoyed watching for various reasons.
Justin Timberlake - Mirrors: Is not the type of music I listen to very often but I love this music video. It's very cute, effective and emotional. It involves a partner in an elderly couple passing away and the reflection of there lives together since they were young.
Research: Me as a Consumer of Music
Who? I listen to a variety of artists from slightly different genres. Some examples are Nina Nesbitt, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Bastille, Devlin, Rudimental, Disclosure, Modestep and many more.
Where/When? Whilst walking somewhere by myself or in the car to pass the time, out socialising with friends for fun, or just in my room getting ready or relaxing.
Why? To influence my mood on what I am doing. For example if I'm going out somewhere interesting. I would listen to upbeat music to enhance my positive mood.
Where/When? Whilst walking somewhere by myself or in the car to pass the time, out socialising with friends for fun, or just in my room getting ready or relaxing.
Why? To influence my mood on what I am doing. For example if I'm going out somewhere interesting. I would listen to upbeat music to enhance my positive mood.
How? On my iPhone, which is often accompanied with earphones or through YouTube on my laptop or Xbox.
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Research: Set Brief
We have been introduced to what the A2 media studies course will involve. The set brief is to create a promotional package for the release of an album, including the following.
- Music video for one track of the album.
- CD Digipak for the album.
- Magazine advertisement for the album.
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