Our band has created a Twitter page to follow, which can be found here:
Friday, 29 November 2013
Friday, 8 November 2013
Updates on this blog...
Hi everyone, I haven't been blogging here lately but the posts I have been creating with my group partner Anthony can be found here:
http://chchsmediagroup3.blogspot.co.uk/
http://chchsmediagroup3.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday, 18 October 2013
Our song choice
The song my group is using for the music video can be found on my group blog here:
http://chchsmediagroup3.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/song-choice.html
http://chchsmediagroup3.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/song-choice.html
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Questionnaire
To help us with our research in creating our coursework, it would be much appreciated if you answered the questionnaire below and on my group's blog.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Carol Vernallis Music Video analysis
Carol Vernallis has a theory around music videos with four main points of analysis. Here are the key points:
1. Narrative
The song is about the relationship between a man and a woman, which is reflected in the video which shows an on-and-off relationship between the two artists.
The video constantly features close-up shots of both the primary artists, with the establishing shots mainly being at the start of the video as it enters the actual song after the intro. The main framing of two artists is them both in the middle of the shot for the majority of the video while performing.
4. Diegesis
The audience's understanding of the diegesis would be fine as the narrative isn't exactly broken or requiring deep thought to see how it moves along. Actions are usually completed with the only gap in time I noticed being the jump from the daytime where Nelly is performing on his own to the cinema scene which is in the night.
1. Narrative
- The video is a visual response to the music
- Not necessarily a balance between narrative and performance
- Narrative is not always complete
- The structure may appear disjointed
- There is something that drives the video forward which isn't usually the main narrative but maybe the music, performance or another element altogether
- May not always be a clear resolution (closure) at the end
- Poses questions that it doesn't answer or in a montage style
2. Editing
- Editing may match musical phrases or the beat
- Video may break or disrupt many rules of continuity editing - clear convention of music video editing
- Editing can become foregrounded - edits may be obvious to draw attention as opposed to continuity editing
3. Camera Movement and Framing
- When it comes to shot types, extremes are common
- Style of framing and movement may run through video and is distinctive to that video
- Camera may move in time with the music
- Camera may move on the lyrics
- Master shot used frequently as are close-ups
4. Diegesis
- May be revealed quite slowly
- Actions not necessarily complete
- Character or objects may move to the music
- May be gaps in audience's understanding of the diegesis
- Frames may be more important than others
- May be many repetitions
I am applying this theory to the music video 'Dilemma' by Nelly (feat. Kelly Rowland).
1. Narrative
The song is about the relationship between a man and a woman, which is reflected in the video which shows an on-and-off relationship between the two artists.
During the narrative the characters are at times shown lip synching to the song as well as performing in a street which is separate from the narrative.
The narrative is fragmented as it jumps through various times of the day and into different situations such as a cinema, as evidenced in the picture
What drives this video forward is mainly the music, with the catchy hook and production as well as Kelly Rowland's first popular appearance on a single after Destiny's Child.
There is not a clear resolution in the video as the narrative closes with Nelly and Kelly Rowland both with separate people and Kelly showing her disapproval which contrasts the performance element were they are like a happy couple.
2. Editing
The editing in this video I'd consider invisible and conventional continuity editing as the video is stylised more as a film or musical then a regular music video. It cuts within the lyrics through it's continuity editing, and during Nelly's first verse it does match the beat and cuts every time he starts a new bar such as at 1:14.
3. Camera Movement and Framing
The video constantly features close-up shots of both the primary artists, with the establishing shots mainly being at the start of the video as it enters the actual song after the intro. The main framing of two artists is them both in the middle of the shot for the majority of the video while performing.
4. Diegesis
The audience's understanding of the diegesis would be fine as the narrative isn't exactly broken or requiring deep thought to see how it moves along. Actions are usually completed with the only gap in time I noticed being the jump from the daytime where Nelly is performing on his own to the cinema scene which is in the night.
Friday, 20 September 2013
Semiotics
Signs and Meanings
Morris's theory involves human action, and says we have three different stages when it comes to signs and their meaning:
This video is from the 2011 single 'Otis' by JAY Z and Kanye West. The video doesn't feature any significant narrative with the basis of it being the duo taking apart an expensive Maybach and driving it around with girls in the back. This reflects the genre's ideology by featuring both expensive cars and attractive girls which are almost cliche in rap videos, and reflects the artists as they often rap about luxury items with the theme behind the album this was from (Watch the Throne) being about their fame and wealth. They express this through their braggadocio lyrics found in the track above and others on the album.
The cover of the single features the American flag image from the video, which is the iconography behind this song's release as it was also used as a back drop in live performances of the song. The reasons for this link could be to create an image behind the song, and make it recognisable so people think of the song when they see the American flag which is often for American consumers. It would earn the two artists more money through purchases of the song as well as the image being placed on t-shirts which have been sold.
Morris's theory involves human action, and says we have three different stages when it comes to signs and their meaning:
The perception stage - the person becomes aware of a sign.
The manipulation stage - the person interprets the sign and decides how to respond to it.
The consummation stage - the person responds.
Denotation
The literal meaning behind something, and the definition which is likely to appear for it in a dictionary.
Connotation
The connotation is the idea or meaning behind something, which isn't explicit and usally requires further looking to realise. They are the associations and emotional suggestions related to the word and exist together with denotations. One example is the connotation of the colour red being love or danger.
JAY Z & Kanye West - Otis
The manipulation stage - the person interprets the sign and decides how to respond to it.
The consummation stage - the person responds.
Denotation
The literal meaning behind something, and the definition which is likely to appear for it in a dictionary.
Connotation
The connotation is the idea or meaning behind something, which isn't explicit and usally requires further looking to realise. They are the associations and emotional suggestions related to the word and exist together with denotations. One example is the connotation of the colour red being love or danger.
JAY Z & Kanye West - Otis
This video is from the 2011 single 'Otis' by JAY Z and Kanye West. The video doesn't feature any significant narrative with the basis of it being the duo taking apart an expensive Maybach and driving it around with girls in the back. This reflects the genre's ideology by featuring both expensive cars and attractive girls which are almost cliche in rap videos, and reflects the artists as they often rap about luxury items with the theme behind the album this was from (Watch the Throne) being about their fame and wealth. They express this through their braggadocio lyrics found in the track above and others on the album.Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Intertextuality
Intertextuality is a media theory based on taking another text and shaping it into another, as a homage or re-imagining more then a parody.
One example we have researched in class is Ashanti's 'Foolish', whose video is largely a homage of the classic gangster film Goodfellas but in a more modern era and setting.
One example of intertextuality I found myself in a music video was in Kanye West's 'Touch the Sky'. The main narrative of this video is West (under the persona 'Kanyevel') attempting to fly a rocket across the Grand Canyon in a similar to fashion to Evel Knievel's jump over the Snake River Canyon in 1974. The intertextuality is how like the actual event, Kanye West fails the jump and crashes as well as mimicking the costume that Evel Knievel wore. The whole video is styled like a 1970s film in it's presentation and costumes which is more intertextuality.
One example we have researched in class is Ashanti's 'Foolish', whose video is largely a homage of the classic gangster film Goodfellas but in a more modern era and setting.
One example of intertextuality I found myself in a music video was in Kanye West's 'Touch the Sky'. The main narrative of this video is West (under the persona 'Kanyevel') attempting to fly a rocket across the Grand Canyon in a similar to fashion to Evel Knievel's jump over the Snake River Canyon in 1974. The intertextuality is how like the actual event, Kanye West fails the jump and crashes as well as mimicking the costume that Evel Knievel wore. The whole video is styled like a 1970s film in it's presentation and costumes which is more intertextuality.
Andrew Goodwin
"Music videos ignore common narrative as they are essentially advertisements. As consumers, we make up our own meaning of a song in our minds: a music video can anchor meaning and gives the record company/artist a method of achoring meaning"
This is Andrew Goodwin's theory around music videos, of which he has 6 different conventions:
1. A relationship between the lyrics and the visual which illustrate, amplify or contradict the lyrics.
2. Thought beats: seeing the sounds (the relationship between the music and the visuals, which amplify or contradict the music.)
3. Genre-related style and iconography present
4. Multiple close-ups of the main artist or vocalist: the creation of a star image to promote a recognisable brand image.
5. Voyeurism often plays a major part, especially in relation to females.
6. Intertextual references to other media texts may be present, especially in humourous videos.
I have applied this theory to the video of 2013 hit 'We Can't Stop' by Miley Cyrus
1. There is definitely a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals as the song is based on the life of partying and not caring about what society or anyone else thinks. The video is focused in a party setting completely with no real narrative behind it.
2. A lot of the visuals match up with the music in the video, such as during the first verse when the man takes a bite out of his money sandwich when the drum hits at 0:26.
3. This song was Miley Cyrus's first single since becoming inspired and bringing a lot of hip-hop culture into her music after many pop-rock albums so it features a lot of this throughout. One infamous example is the notable 'twerking' dance found throughout, which is now an icon of 2013 rap music and culture, as well as the jewellery on most of the actors and how they dress.
4. There are close-ups of the artist throughout the video as she looks to make her new haircut and look her brand image in contrast to the 'good girl' image she held for years before.
5. There is definitely voyeurism in this video, which has gaining it some criticism. This ranges from Miley Cyrus in revealing clothing, the suggestive dancing and general behaviour in the video.
6. I couldn't recognise any intertextual references in this video, as it seemed to be more original content to promote her new image and style of music.
This is Andrew Goodwin's theory around music videos, of which he has 6 different conventions:
1. A relationship between the lyrics and the visual which illustrate, amplify or contradict the lyrics.
2. Thought beats: seeing the sounds (the relationship between the music and the visuals, which amplify or contradict the music.)
3. Genre-related style and iconography present
4. Multiple close-ups of the main artist or vocalist: the creation of a star image to promote a recognisable brand image.
6. Intertextual references to other media texts may be present, especially in humourous videos.
I have applied this theory to the video of 2013 hit 'We Can't Stop' by Miley Cyrus
1. There is definitely a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals as the song is based on the life of partying and not caring about what society or anyone else thinks. The video is focused in a party setting completely with no real narrative behind it.2. A lot of the visuals match up with the music in the video, such as during the first verse when the man takes a bite out of his money sandwich when the drum hits at 0:26.
3. This song was Miley Cyrus's first single since becoming inspired and bringing a lot of hip-hop culture into her music after many pop-rock albums so it features a lot of this throughout. One infamous example is the notable 'twerking' dance found throughout, which is now an icon of 2013 rap music and culture, as well as the jewellery on most of the actors and how they dress.
4. There are close-ups of the artist throughout the video as she looks to make her new haircut and look her brand image in contrast to the 'good girl' image she held for years before.
5. There is definitely voyeurism in this video, which has gaining it some criticism. This ranges from Miley Cyrus in revealing clothing, the suggestive dancing and general behaviour in the video.
6. I couldn't recognise any intertextual references in this video, as it seemed to be more original content to promote her new image and style of music.
Friday, 13 September 2013
My Favourite Album Cover
Artist - Nas
Album - Illmatic
Year - 1994
History
This cover was designed by Aimee Macauley and features a picture of a block of apartments in New York City taken by Danny Clinch, where Nas grew up. Superimposed on this is a picture of Nas as a young child. The cover is said to have took inspiration from the Jazz album 'A Child Is Born' which also features a child's face against an urban background, but this hasn't been confirmed by Nas.
Connotations and Denotations
The connotations behind the cover is that it represeents Nas as a young child finally looking and taking in the world around him. Growing up in a deprived New York City area with violence all he seen was a life of crime before reaching an age where he realises there is a world outside of there for his career, and doing the right things. This is personal to the artist reflects the album content found in the album, where he raps about growing up in poverty and the gang lifestyles that surrounded him. These both are the basis for the lyrics in the album.
This cover was designed by Aimee Macauley and features a picture of a block of apartments in New York City taken by Danny Clinch, where Nas grew up. Superimposed on this is a picture of Nas as a young child. The cover is said to have took inspiration from the Jazz album 'A Child Is Born' which also features a child's face against an urban background, but this hasn't been confirmed by Nas.
Connotations and Denotations
The connotations behind the cover is that it represeents Nas as a young child finally looking and taking in the world around him. Growing up in a deprived New York City area with violence all he seen was a life of crime before reaching an age where he realises there is a world outside of there for his career, and doing the right things. This is personal to the artist reflects the album content found in the album, where he raps about growing up in poverty and the gang lifestyles that surrounded him. These both are the basis for the lyrics in the album.
Target Audience
The target audience behind this cover would be young hip-hop fans and fans of Nas. I imagine people could also relate to the setting of the cover and the ideas behind it, most likely those who live in the deprived apartment blocks of New York and know what it's like growing up surrounded by gang culture and poverty.
What It Means To Me
This cover appeals to me because of the connotations and themes behind it, both the realising there is a world outside the ghetto and poverty as well as a feel-good nature that Nas has made it and became a millionnaire escaping that lifestyle. It is also the symbol I remember behind a classic album and one of the best hip-hop debuts of all time.
Album Covers
Album covers have been a prominent part of music releases for over 5 decades. The definition is:
They were first used by Columbia Records in 1938, with the credit going to Alex Steinweiss for coming up with the concept. They then became the norm during the late 40s and since then some sort of design has been used on every album, from the LPs of back then all the way to being included on digital releases (the preferred music distribution of 2013).
CDs had a period of being very popular during the 90s and 2000s , with the album cover being a prominent part of the marketing and even having a say in the sales. The two main formats were the standard jewel case and the more expensive cardboard Digipak, used mainly for special editions. Even with digital distribution, were a physical copy of the cover isn't provided, they are still a big talking point of major releases and as standard are included with every music purchase on digital marketplaces such as iTunes and Amazon.
"An album cover is the front of the packaging of a commercially released audio recording product, or album."
They were first used by Columbia Records in 1938, with the credit going to Alex Steinweiss for coming up with the concept. They then became the norm during the late 40s and since then some sort of design has been used on every album, from the LPs of back then all the way to being included on digital releases (the preferred music distribution of 2013). CDs had a period of being very popular during the 90s and 2000s , with the album cover being a prominent part of the marketing and even having a say in the sales. The two main formats were the standard jewel case and the more expensive cardboard Digipak, used mainly for special editions. Even with digital distribution, were a physical copy of the cover isn't provided, they are still a big talking point of major releases and as standard are included with every music purchase on digital marketplaces such as iTunes and Amazon.
The features of an album cover, are usually the album name, the artist, some sort of design either original or took from somewhere (like a photograph, as pictured in 1969's 'Led Zeppelin').
What I also might expect to see are some sort of link to the genre or the concept behind the album, such as Kanye West's 'Yeezus' cover featuring nothing but red tape on a transparent case which reflects the minimal style of the music on the album. I would also expect a familiar symbol of the artist or continuing a style that runs through the discography of the musician.
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
My Group Blog
My group to make a music video comprises of me and Anthony Hill, and we'll be working together closely on our project. If there are no posts on this blog for a long period of time it is likely that we have been focused on the group blog, which you can find and read the posts on here:
Group Blog
Friday, 30 August 2013
Summer Work - Week Six
Kanye West - Gorgeous
This track wasn't released as a single with a music video, being an album track where the lyrics feature Kanye West rapping about social injustice and society's attitude towards him and sexual exploitation.
This track wasn't released as a single with a music video, being an album track where the lyrics feature Kanye West rapping about social injustice and society's attitude towards him and sexual exploitation.
My idea of a music video for this song would be mostly performance based in a very old fashioned way, with the final verse by hip-hop veteran Raekwon being performed at a piano with a cigar. The narrative would follow the daunting life of a female model and how they are exploited and the life they lead.
Friday, 23 August 2013
Summer Work - Week Five
The White Stripes - Fell In Love With a Girl
This video is of the 2002 single from the album White Blood Cells, and was directed by decorated music video director Michel Gondry. It is iconic, being completely filmed with Lego pieces and only featuring a few seconds of computer animation, the rest being entirely manual. The narrative behind it closely follows the story of the song detailing a love relationship between a man and woman. It also features shots of Lego versions of Jack and Meg White performing complete with Lego instruments. The band couldn't strike a deal with the company so had to buy large amounts of the toy brick themselves. It won three awards in the MTV Video Music Awards: Breakthrough Video, Best Special Effects and Best Editing.
This video is of the 2002 single from the album White Blood Cells, and was directed by decorated music video director Michel Gondry. It is iconic, being completely filmed with Lego pieces and only featuring a few seconds of computer animation, the rest being entirely manual. The narrative behind it closely follows the story of the song detailing a love relationship between a man and woman. It also features shots of Lego versions of Jack and Meg White performing complete with Lego instruments. The band couldn't strike a deal with the company so had to buy large amounts of the toy brick themselves. It won three awards in the MTV Video Music Awards: Breakthrough Video, Best Special Effects and Best Editing.
Friday, 16 August 2013
Summer Work - Week Four
Outkast - Ms. Jackson
This song is a 2001 single by Outkast, with the music video directed by F. Gary Gary. It features a narrative of the two members Andre 3000 and Big Boi residing in an old house with many pets, as a storm hits. The roof starts leaking and the lights go out, with the duo trying to fix and repair all the problems. The storm eventually clears and the lights return, as Outkast look through a hole in the ceiling at the sun.
The video ties in with the song, with the story of the stormy weather possibly being a metaphor for the strained relationship that mother's have with their kids and kid's partners. The main narrative of the song itself follows this concept.
This song is a 2001 single by Outkast, with the music video directed by F. Gary Gary. It features a narrative of the two members Andre 3000 and Big Boi residing in an old house with many pets, as a storm hits. The roof starts leaking and the lights go out, with the duo trying to fix and repair all the problems. The storm eventually clears and the lights return, as Outkast look through a hole in the ceiling at the sun.
The video ties in with the song, with the story of the stormy weather possibly being a metaphor for the strained relationship that mother's have with their kids and kid's partners. The main narrative of the song itself follows this concept.
Friday, 9 August 2013
Summer Work - Week Three
Metallica - Turn the Page
This is a 1998 song by Metallica, and a cover of a Bob Seger 1973 hit. The video, directed by Jonas Akerlund, follows the story of a single mother who supports her child by dancing at a gentleman's club in the day and through prostitution of night. It is very dark natured and was banned from airplay by MTV due to the abusive sex scene, unlike the song which talks about the life of a musician on tour. It uses fast editing as it gets more intense and the scenes of the narrative also include an interview of the character, who justifies her profession.
One basic idea for a video of this song would be more fitted to the lyrics and nature of the song discussing the life of touring in a band and a possible short mockumentary around a fictional band.
This is a 1998 song by Metallica, and a cover of a Bob Seger 1973 hit. The video, directed by Jonas Akerlund, follows the story of a single mother who supports her child by dancing at a gentleman's club in the day and through prostitution of night. It is very dark natured and was banned from airplay by MTV due to the abusive sex scene, unlike the song which talks about the life of a musician on tour. It uses fast editing as it gets more intense and the scenes of the narrative also include an interview of the character, who justifies her profession.
One basic idea for a video of this song would be more fitted to the lyrics and nature of the song discussing the life of touring in a band and a possible short mockumentary around a fictional band.
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Summer Work - Week Two
Kanye West - Heartless
Heartless is a 2008 song by Kanye West, from the album 808s & Heartbreak. The animated video is directed by Hype Williams, and is styled around the 1981 American Pop. The narrative features the animated version of West wandering through the city streets while shots of various women appear round him. This video again fits in with the song, which tells a story of a man post break-up.
One basic idea for a music video of this song would be a band dressed in 80s costumes performing it in a dark empty hall while a woman dressed more modern would walk around each of the members and tease them while they pay no interest as if she isn't there.
Heartless is a 2008 song by Kanye West, from the album 808s & Heartbreak. The animated video is directed by Hype Williams, and is styled around the 1981 American Pop. The narrative features the animated version of West wandering through the city streets while shots of various women appear round him. This video again fits in with the song, which tells a story of a man post break-up.
One basic idea for a music video of this song would be a band dressed in 80s costumes performing it in a dark empty hall while a woman dressed more modern would walk around each of the members and tease them while they pay no interest as if she isn't there.
Friday, 26 July 2013
Summer work - Week One
Over the summer, each week I will be posting an idea for a music video along with the song which would accompany it and the general ideas behind it.
Kylie Minogue - Confide in Me
Confide in Me is a 1994 single by Kylie Minogue from the album of the same name. It is widely regarded as one of her best songs and is frequently considered a highlight of the many compilation albums she has released. The video was directed by Paul Boyd, and features Kylie advertising a chatline in 6 different scenarios. She has a different outfit and hairstyle in each of the 6, with the background connoting six different types of taboo subjects such as war and drugs. Like the song itself it tell the story of a lonely women longing for a man to 'confide in her', through her phone line and she caters to differing situations and backgrounds of the male.
One basic idea for this video would be a tragic story surrounding a jealous woman and her lust for a man in a relationship, ending in someone dying.
Kylie Minogue - Confide in Me
Confide in Me is a 1994 single by Kylie Minogue from the album of the same name. It is widely regarded as one of her best songs and is frequently considered a highlight of the many compilation albums she has released. The video was directed by Paul Boyd, and features Kylie advertising a chatline in 6 different scenarios. She has a different outfit and hairstyle in each of the 6, with the background connoting six different types of taboo subjects such as war and drugs. Like the song itself it tell the story of a lonely women longing for a man to 'confide in her', through her phone line and she caters to differing situations and backgrounds of the male.
One basic idea for this video would be a tragic story surrounding a jealous woman and her lust for a man in a relationship, ending in someone dying.
Friday, 12 July 2013
Parody and Pastiche
Parody
Parody is taking another media text and looking at it in a mocking form, with various elements being used and turned into a light hearted manner if previously serious. It usually follows the same style and situation but exaggerating to make it humourous.
One example of a parody video is 'Girl All The Bad Guys Want' by Bowling For Soup.
This mocks quite a few videos but most notable the video for 'It's Been Awhile' by Staind, which is handily seen quite clearly in the thumbnails.
The Bowling For Soup one copies the costume and idea of Staind's singer writing a song with an acoustic guitar but mocks it by having him on the toilet and the house setting on fire.
Pastiche
Pastiche is similar to parody, but it's not in a mocking or exaggerated style instead just taking the original text and presenting it as it's own. It disregards the original text and comes across as it's own, which separates it from intertextuality which is more of a homage.
One example of pastiche I have found is Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'.
This music video copies has all the codes and conventions of Horror films of the 70s, most notably werewolves, through the costumes and scary narrative that are prominent in the video while not in the mocking manner. It became iconic through this and is the most watched music video of all time.
Parody is taking another media text and looking at it in a mocking form, with various elements being used and turned into a light hearted manner if previously serious. It usually follows the same style and situation but exaggerating to make it humourous.
One example of a parody video is 'Girl All The Bad Guys Want' by Bowling For Soup.
This mocks quite a few videos but most notable the video for 'It's Been Awhile' by Staind, which is handily seen quite clearly in the thumbnails.
The Bowling For Soup one copies the costume and idea of Staind's singer writing a song with an acoustic guitar but mocks it by having him on the toilet and the house setting on fire.
Pastiche
Pastiche is similar to parody, but it's not in a mocking or exaggerated style instead just taking the original text and presenting it as it's own. It disregards the original text and comes across as it's own, which separates it from intertextuality which is more of a homage.
One example of pastiche I have found is Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'.
This music video copies has all the codes and conventions of Horror films of the 70s, most notably werewolves, through the costumes and scary narrative that are prominent in the video while not in the mocking manner. It became iconic through this and is the most watched music video of all time.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Music Video Auteur - Jonas Akerlund
Jonas Akerlund is a Swedish music video director, who has made many memorable music videos in his long career.
He has made music videos for many artists such as Madonna, The Prodigy, Lady Gaga and Metallica. After watching many of his videos it his evident he has his own style of both colourful visuals as seen in Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' video as well as dark violent content as seen in The Prodigy's 'Smack My Bitch Up'.
One of his more critically acclaimed videos was Madonna's 'Ray of Light', which took home 5 awards at the MTV Video Music Awards. The video features a time lapse of everyday life along with scenes of Madonna dancing against a green screen background, who speeds up as the song progresses.
Another popular video by Jonas Akerlund is 'Telephone' by Lady Gaga. It is a very colourful video which unconventional and strange concepts throughout such as Lady Gaga wearing nothing but police tape along with the sunglasses created out of half smoked cigarettes. The narrative follows Beyonce helping Lady Gaga escape from prison before they poison everyone in a diner, still on the run as the video ends.
Friday, 5 July 2013
Music Video Auteurs - Chris Cunningham
Chris Cunningham is a director who has done music videos, commercials and short films.
This video was popular, named 'Number One video of the 1990s' by Pitchfork.
Another one of his videos which while striking and surreal isn't dark and was critically acclaimed, Bjork's 'All Is Full of Love':
He has made videos for electronic musician Aphex Twin, Bjork and Madonna among others.
From watching his videos it is easy to see his directing style and why he is described as an auteur. They all feature very surreal and often dark concepts, with horror iconography being prominent and them being very unsettling.
One prime example of this is Aphex Twin's Come to Daddy.
This video was popular, named 'Number One video of the 1990s' by Pitchfork.
Another one of his videos which while striking and surreal isn't dark and was critically acclaimed, Bjork's 'All Is Full of Love':
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
The music taste of my Media class
Today everyone in the class went through three songs: a childhood song, one from a moment in their lives and their music taste now.
A lot of the childhood songs are songs that most people's parents played around them, or related to their parents with artists like Def Leppard and Queen as well as those seen on TV which plays a big part in most people's childhood. The songs from a significant moment included various things such as travelling and various holidays, with our teacher Miss Walsh choosing a song used on her Skydiving video. The music tastes in our class ranged from things like Classic Rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to more modern music like Nickelback.
How I remember buying music was both through Cassette tapes and CDs, when physical singles were popular and digital formats from online music stores such as iTunes hadn't released yet. My tastes have changed dramatically from pop music as a young child to Alternative Rock while growing up in Primary School, listening to heavier music like Metallica and Slipknot as a young teenager before house music as I finished Year 11. My current music taste at the age of 17 is a mixture as I still listen to all those stated in smaller amount with a bigger focus of Rap and Hip-Hop, my favourite artists being Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar.
My taste in music isn't properly influenced by anyone as I discover new music through the internet and magazines such as XXL. It is usually me who introduces my friends onto new artists and songs they haven't heard of and get them into them.
What I have realised about my taste in music is it is eclectic and constantly changing, with the possibility of changing yet again while I'll still listen to all the genres I have considered my 'favourite' in the past.
A lot of the childhood songs are songs that most people's parents played around them, or related to their parents with artists like Def Leppard and Queen as well as those seen on TV which plays a big part in most people's childhood. The songs from a significant moment included various things such as travelling and various holidays, with our teacher Miss Walsh choosing a song used on her Skydiving video. The music tastes in our class ranged from things like Classic Rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to more modern music like Nickelback.How I remember buying music was both through Cassette tapes and CDs, when physical singles were popular and digital formats from online music stores such as iTunes hadn't released yet. My tastes have changed dramatically from pop music as a young child to Alternative Rock while growing up in Primary School, listening to heavier music like Metallica and Slipknot as a young teenager before house music as I finished Year 11. My current music taste at the age of 17 is a mixture as I still listen to all those stated in smaller amount with a bigger focus of Rap and Hip-Hop, my favourite artists being Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. My taste in music isn't properly influenced by anyone as I discover new music through the internet and magazines such as XXL. It is usually me who introduces my friends onto new artists and songs they haven't heard of and get them into them.
What I have realised about my taste in music is it is eclectic and constantly changing, with the possibility of changing yet again while I'll still listen to all the genres I have considered my 'favourite' in the past.
Friday, 21 June 2013
Lip Synching reflection
In our lesson we did our first take of lip synching to 'Learn to Fly' by American rock band Foo Fighters.
I was in a group with two other students in the class, Joel Lampkin and Jack Hughes. We went into the green room which is in the Media room of the lower school and had the lyrics shown to us while miming the song. Joel (to our amusement) had a more colourful approach to the task with his actions to go with the song, which could be considered a distraction and will be avoided in the final music video.
After we got the footage we used iMovie to dub the actual track over the video and sync it up properly or it would look unprofessional and amateur. As we were all new to this software this proved to be a difficult task.
I would say this activity was successful in preparing us for the editing of our final music video and a taster of the precision and accurary needed, and taught us the basics of the software which we can use in the future.
I was in a group with two other students in the class, Joel Lampkin and Jack Hughes. We went into the green room which is in the Media room of the lower school and had the lyrics shown to us while miming the song. Joel (to our amusement) had a more colourful approach to the task with his actions to go with the song, which could be considered a distraction and will be avoided in the final music video.
After we got the footage we used iMovie to dub the actual track over the video and sync it up properly or it would look unprofessional and amateur. As we were all new to this software this proved to be a difficult task.
I would say this activity was successful in preparing us for the editing of our final music video and a taster of the precision and accurary needed, and taught us the basics of the software which we can use in the future.
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Music and Me
Video 1 - Childhood music video
This song reminds me of being young and channels like The Box and SmashHits! being popular in the late 90s-early 00s, having to ring with a code to see certain music videos and was overplayed a lot back then. The video is also iconic and memorable, being a guilty pleasure of mine.
Video 2 - Holidays
This is a great song that reminds me of my holiday to New York in 2012. I remember one of the people who went on that trip singing it on the coach to the airport so I associate this song with that and the great memories from that holiday.
Video 3 - My music taste
This is a 2007 song from my favourite artist Kanye West. I have never tired from it, and despite the video trimming down the song shorter I still like the video. It is very dark natured but not graphic as no blood is seen and the lyrics are censored.
This song reminds me of being young and channels like The Box and SmashHits! being popular in the late 90s-early 00s, having to ring with a code to see certain music videos and was overplayed a lot back then. The video is also iconic and memorable, being a guilty pleasure of mine.
Video 2 - Holidays
This is a great song that reminds me of my holiday to New York in 2012. I remember one of the people who went on that trip singing it on the coach to the airport so I associate this song with that and the great memories from that holiday.
Video 3 - My music taste
This is a 2007 song from my favourite artist Kanye West. I have never tired from it, and despite the video trimming down the song shorter I still like the video. It is very dark natured but not graphic as no blood is seen and the lyrics are censored.
Monday, 17 June 2013
Analysing a music video
Will Smith - Men in Black
This video is of the 1997 hit single 'Men in Black' by Will Smith, which was featured on the soundtrack of the film with the same name starring Will Smith. I have chose this video because of the nostalgia behind it as well as it being a catchy song that has stuck in my mind. I associate it with the film, which I rate highly. I am considering doing a hip-hop video for my coursework, which is the
Instant Impact -
This video has a huge instant impact due to the unique narrative and it's link with the film of the same name. It also features big name actors like Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith himself, as well as the memorable ending of the viewer being 'neuralised'.
Non Linear Editing -
The video does feature Non Linear editing as it jumps from the performance of Will Smith and the other agents in the main room as well as Will showing us through the Men in Black company and what it represents through clips from the film. It keeps moving between the two with fast editing and cuts.
Repetitions -
Strong Sense of artist identity -
The video does give us a strong sense of artist identity as it centres around the performer Will Smith throughout and he is the protagonist of this video as well as the film itself. This type of video isn't unconventional for Will Smith as he did a similar thing for his film Wild Wild West years later, creating the theme song which he himself performs and stars in the video for.
A Performance -
The performance throughout the video is lip synching from Will Smith and the back-up female singers, with there being a bizarre designated dance sequence with one of the alien characters from the film around midway through the video. This was most likely put in to add some narrative to the video, as the alien eventually escapes and requires pursuing.
Visual Pleasures -
The most iconic location used in this video is the wall featured in the background of the performing, but this only gained notoriety through the film itself.
Wow Factor -
What makes the video stand out to me personally is the ending where the fourth wall is broken by Will Smith and he uses the neuraliser on the audience. This has what has made the video stand out to me through the years, which is in contrast to the video for Men in Black II's theme song which didn't feature a 'Wow' factor like this.
Provoke Reaction -
The reaction this music video is likely to provoke is an enthusiastic one about going to see the film, with this video possibly getting someone interested in checking out the series. It has no real controversy, and is largely family orientated.
Works on Different Levels -
The video is used to generate hype for the film, and the lyrics are mostly explaining the role of the fictional company and the responsibilities they undertake. It also features various settings from the film and characters, to associate it even more with it.
Pop Culture -
It will be remembered for the notable ending as well as because of nostalgia for people who grew up watching the film and hearing this song around them like me. The film has been talked about more in pop culture then this song was, but it is still an important song in 90s RnB.
Monday, 10 June 2013
Introduction to my blog
For my coursework for A2 Media Studies, I will require the following for my final mark:
- Music Video
- A CD cover
- A poster in promotion
We will all have 2 separate blogs, one for ourselves and one for the group collectively.
The blogs will contain posts and all the information on all the planning that takes place for the creation of our music video. Mine would be more personal and detail the things I myself do for the group.
Last year for AS I produced the front cover, contents and a double page spread for my own fictional Hip-hop magazine 'Pro H.H':
I would call hip-hop my favourite genre, with it taking up a big part of my digital music collection and also when using a streaming service such as Spotify. My favourite artist is Kanye West, who I admire because of how vast his music is, the way he covers a wide range of musical styles across all his albums each one with a different idea and styling behind it musically, mixing this all with his clever lyricism and charisma.
I also like Rock music, and I am considering this year using that genre instead as a change and to fit the interests of my future group. But I am a fan of both genres and will hopefully enjoy this year's coursework with either genre, being able to express my passion for music and my two favoured genres through it while exceeding.
The blogs will contain posts and all the information on all the planning that takes place for the creation of our music video. Mine would be more personal and detail the things I myself do for the group.
Last year for AS I produced the front cover, contents and a double page spread for my own fictional Hip-hop magazine 'Pro H.H':
I would call hip-hop my favourite genre, with it taking up a big part of my digital music collection and also when using a streaming service such as Spotify. My favourite artist is Kanye West, who I admire because of how vast his music is, the way he covers a wide range of musical styles across all his albums each one with a different idea and styling behind it musically, mixing this all with his clever lyricism and charisma.
I also like Rock music, and I am considering this year using that genre instead as a change and to fit the interests of my future group. But I am a fan of both genres and will hopefully enjoy this year's coursework with either genre, being able to express my passion for music and my two favoured genres through it while exceeding.
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