9. Andrew Goodwin

Here is a prezi I have created illustrating Andrew Goodwin's theories on music videos.

Andrew Goodwin on Prezi

8. Moodboard

Moodboard- Inspiration for "Daylight"

Using images I found in magazines and on the internet, I compiled a moodboard in attempt to illustrate the theme I would like to explore in my music video. The use of vintage looking photographs featuring young people acting as if in every day life conforms to the indie genre, as it negates the stereotypical poses that are featured in many of todays glossy magazines. I feel this more laid back and natural attitude would suit my music video, as it speaks of youth yearning to break free, also reflecting the characteristics of the indie genre.

7. 9 Key Screen Shots

Uffie's "Pop The Glock"- 9 Key Screen Shots

Uffie's video for "Pop The Glock" features the course of a house party, starting with a group of girls casually chilling whilst more and more boys arrive with more and more booze, and eventually ending with everyone drunk and misbehaving, generally just having a good time. This scene, emitting an indie genre, is interrupted by the occasional graphically designed special effects reflecting a 'pop' them.

From left to right:

1.) This opening shot sets a very present theme throughout the rest of the video. The girl featured is showing a lot of skin and can be considered quite attractive, similarily to many of the women featured in most of today's video, however the clothing she's wearing and the accessories that surround her reflect quite an individual style, thus relating back to the indie genre. The fact that she is reading a fashion magazine, in combination with the elaborate costumes suggests that fashion will be a present theme throughout this music video.

2.) The close up shot of the tattoo on a man's arm is reminiscent of the indie genre, despite the song hinting towards a 'pop' beat, as tattoos are a form of individual expression. It also provides an interesting contrast between the previous shot of a stereotypical girl reading up about fashion and the tough looking skull printed on the boy's arm, perhaps suggesting a seperation and certain stereotyping between the two genders during the continuation of the video.

3.) The interval between the actual set and the design section is vital to the development of the video, as this is when the 'pop' genre aspect is further extended. The use of bright, neon colours against a white background and floating lips and bare legs, which are considered as sexual when presented a certain way, is very remiscent of the special effects used in many of today's pop and house music videos.

4.) The next shot strongly contrats the previous as it is a set that can only be described as pure randomness. The attractive woman oozing with sex appeal riding a stationary bicycle indoors whilst an old man plays beside her could be interpreted as rebellious as they are engaging in activities that generally take place outside, thus depicting them as carefree individuals, relating back to the indie genre.

5.) This shot can be considered as a combination of the two previous images, as it features a grungey style girl lying on the floor surrounded by magazines, which are actually animated using special effects, depicting a similarly scene from the one in the third screen shot. This is very relatable to the actual song, as the combination of both styles reflect it's genre of indie pop. The casual stance of this girl can also be related to the opening scene, yet again representing a certain stereotype of women.

6.) Boys become very present as the video progresses and the previous difference illustrated between the two genders becomes less noticeable. This is due to their obvious interest in fashion and slightly femenine stance, which reflects the performance of the girls in this video. However, the men are depicted as incredibly cool, their sunglasses and hats emitting an elusive quality, perhaps suggesting a male arrogance as they flirt effortlessly, moving from woman to woman.

7.) As the video progress, and the party gets out of hand, it becomes more and more sexual. This is quite an important point, as it displays a much grimier side of kissing, using close up shots, and illustrates it more as drunk fumbling as opposed to the very sexual grinding in clubs that is featured in most house videos. In this aspect the video is much more individual as it portrays this aspect quiet realistically as opposed to embellishing it.

8.) Long shots of the party are very important to the establishing of this video, as they depict a pool party that could be related to the glamorous scenes featured in today's house videos. However, the people are dressed in ragged clothes, obviously drunk, behaving in what could be considered as not classy enough in relation to their surrounding. I feel this contrast is really interesting as it yet again combines the constrasting genres of indie and pop.

9.) The final shot is crucial in a way that it finalizes the entire build up of the video and the house party, featuring the group of people drunkenly misbehaving, just having a good time. This is very similar to any scene of an actual party hosted by a group of young people. However, the actors emit a certain casual glamour that can only be found in music videos.

6. Similar Vids

Fiona Apple's "Shadowboxer"- Textual Analysis

The video for Fiona Apple's Shadowboxer is incredibly straightforward and easy to follow, just featuring the artist performance her song in a recording studio.

Throughout this entire video, the audience is subjected to parallel sound, as Fiona is seen performing her song in a recording studio. Although, this might seem quite a basic idea for a music video, it adds a relative amount of depth as the fact that she is singing it firsthand suggests the closeness between the lyrics and herself, implying that the lyrics are applicable to herself and her current situation. Another subtle yet crucial point in the aspect of sound throughout this video, is that although a various number of instruments are being played, only Fiona and her piano are featured, further extending this idea of closeness and therefore allowing the audience to fully engage in her predicament. The lyrics are incredibly important to the plot, as the words "once my lover, and now my friend" illustrate her confusion which is further highlighted with the cinematography and editing used throughout the rest of the music video.

Much like the sound, the editing in this video is crucial and very relatable to the actual words that Fiona is singing. Fast cuts are used extensively, reflecting the anxiety she is emitting with her lyrics and performance, whilst a flashing light between cuts create a strobe effect is illustrating confusion and perhaps disorientation in relation to her situation. A series of fast cuts used between several different close-up shots of her face are crucial to the interpretation of this video and the emotions she is experiencing, as this quick change depicts and hints to many different facets of her, implying indecision and confusion. A simple, yet powerful technique of Black & White wash has been used, reflecting the simplicity of the video, yet symbolising the rawness and vulnerability of the singer as she performs alone in a recording studio. 

This confusion featured in the editing is further enhanced with the use of cinematography as a series of out of focus shots cause the audience to really attempt to concentrate on the subject, perhaps an attempt to allow them to view the world from Fiona's current perspective. A series of close-up shots of Fiona's actual face and expressions are equally powerful as they allow the viewer a better perspective of her, creating a more personal feel throughout the video as her emotions are seen from close up and therefore more easily interpreted. Hand-held shots used in strange angles are perhaps symbolic of the anxiety Fiona feels throughout the video, reflecting the lyrics "I been swingin' around, cos I don't know when you gonna make your move", as the strange movements cause disorientation for the audience, giving them insight on her predicament. A series of different shots focusing on, not Fiona, but the rest of the studio, allow the audience to fully take in the scene whilst setting a certain tone of loneliness and isolation as the singer battles with herself through her indecision.

Mise en Scene in this video is incredibly simple, as previously mentioned, featuring a girl in a recording studio performing her song on a piano. Although it is subtle, it's simplicity is very powerful, as it reflects the lyrics to the song, allowing the audience to view Fiona's predicament from her perspective. Her isolation creates a very personal insight on her situation, and the fact that she actually engages with the camera generates a convincing performance, hinting towards the closeness between her and her song, as the passion emitted through her eyes and action depict a very strong engagement with her lyrics and the viewers. The fact that she is not captured dancing and half-naked, like many girls in videos today, is very powerful as it depicts a real woman and not an idolised sex symbol. It also reflects the honesty of the lyrics, almost as if she is merely telling the viewer her story.

On the whole, I find this video incredibly powerful, it's simplicity triggering all the more a greater reaction from the audience. The combination of editing, sound, cinematography and mise en scene is very clever, creating an honest and very convincing video. I feel it as very inspirational to me, as it is something that can possibly be done for my own music video.

The Kooks' "She Moves In Her Own Way"- Textual Analysis

The Kooks' music video to She Moves In Her Own Way features the band on the road and their general day to day lives, to the soundtrack of the song.

There is an interesting take on sound in this video, as although it can not be classified as parallel since it does not feature the band actually performing it, it does show a band member lip syncing the words in every shot. This suggests that although they may often be busy doing other things, their lives always relate back to their music, as it follows them around, thus suggesting a sort of 'rockstar' essence. The lyrics are related to the video, but in a very subtle way, as they are speaking of a girl yet the shots only feature the band. However, the words "I love her because she moves in her own way" hint towards a certain individuality which reflect the video as the band go with the flow regardless of what is happening around them. This carefree and slightly rebellious essence links strongly back to the indie genre.

The editing in this video, although basic using mostly straight cuts, is very apparent. The fast cuts whilst they are travelling relates to the fact that they are always on the move, allowing them to appear as real 'rockstar' touring around the world. There is a very clear cut between the locals and the kooks, which is perhaps hinting towards the fact that they are quiet important, despite their grimy appearance and unbothered expressions, hinting towards a suggested 'celebrity' attitude. The lack of special effects in the editing it crucial to the video, as it depicts them as more real and down to earth, thus relating back to the 'indie' genre as their performance is not embellished, but merely just a video journal of their daily lives. The clear cut between night and day is very powerful, as it links back to their 'rockstar' attitudes as the streets are shown as buzzing with nightlife, implying their carefree nature and depicting a love to party.

The cinematography used in this video links back to the idea of a video journal recording a day in the lives of the kooks. Establishing shots further extending this sense of travel and touring around the world, whilst close ups allow a more personal sense of the band members as they go about their daily routines. It also allows the viewers to see their lip syncing, once again hinting towards the fact that although they may be busy their lives revolve around music regardlessly. Subjective shots used through the bus window, although not particularly noticeable, are quite important, as it allows the audience to see the view of the band members from their perspective, personalising and adding more depth to the video and it's meaning, as the viewers familiarise themselves with the members.

Mise en scene throughout this video is quite obvious, as the costumes reflect a very grimy and indie style. This relates back to the idea of the kooks' possessing a carefree attitude reflective of the one's displayed by early bands such as oasis and the rolling stones. Although they are initially shot in relatively glamorous and public settings such as pools and hotels, the band are shown messing around and basically misbehaving, illustrating this 'rockstar' essence previously mentioned. The fact, that although they are blatantly moving around a lot but still remain in the same cardigans and jeans imply that although they are famous, they are not particularly bothered about image, thus reflecting this indie genre and the basic meaning of 'going with the flow' that is emitted throughout this song. However, their use of sunglasses throughout this video is slightly symbolic of their fame as it gives them a sort of elusive quality, informing the audience that despite their carefree attitudes, they are still celebrities.

This video, although very simple, is cleverly crafted as the cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene work together to depict not only a day in the lives of the kooks, but their general attitude towards life, without any kind of embellishment. I find this very inspirational, and will strive to convey this essence through my music video.

5. Please may I use your track?

Different Recording's Logo

In order to use "Daylight" by Matt & Kim, I have to ask for their permission as they own the copyright to the song. I've composed this letter requesting their permission, hoping they'll allow me.

"To whom it may concern at Different Recordings,

I am an A2 Media Studies student at Gordonstoun School in Scotland currently completing my last year. For my Media coursework I am required to create a music video to an already existing song, and I am intending on using the song "Daylight" by Matt & Kim, and therefore must ask for Different Recordings permission. This use is purely for academic reasons, not for commercial gain and therefore no copyright infringement is intended. Your permission would be extremely advantageous, and I hope that you will oblige me in my request.
Sincerely,

Zoe Springer"

4. My Chosen Track

'Daylight' by Matt & Kim is a 2009 indie pop song, featuring on the band's album 'Grand'. The song is 2:53 minutes long, an ideal amount of time to feature for a music video. It's generally very upbeat, featuring a very present piano introduction, triggering quite a jovial atmosphere throughout the song. The lyrics are very carefree, reflecting this light-hearted melody, creating a sort of rebellious and playful essence that is easily relatable to today's youth. The video features the two band members playing in cramped spaces such as taxis, closets, fridges etc, almost as if they were trying to keep it a secret, depicting playful and care free teenagers.

Matt & Kim

This song most likely gained it's genre title of 'indie-pop' due to the fact that it's generally quiet unique, as it does not sound like most of the House and Pop music featured on today's music channels. The music video also negates the more mainstream club scene of half-naked girls grinding, as it portrays something a lot more simple, yet real, therefore linking it back to the indie genre. However, it's happy and up beat melody is easily relatable, perhaps causing it to be categorized underneath the the 'pop' genre as it's success has led the song to be very popular, featuring on Mars Bar advertisments and it's translation into Simlish for the new Sims 4 trailer.

Songs of the genre, 'indie-pop' often have a similar video to the one of Matt & Kim, quite simple yet relatable as they often feature young kids rebelling against whatever is currently bothering them. A great example of this is Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks", a song that speaks of a troubled boy who's planning a shooting at his school. Although the meaning of the video is relatively darker and more morbid in comparison to 'Daylight's jovial feel, it follows the same principal of youth breaking free.

Foster The People

Rubik

In terms of image, bands such as Rubik are easily related to 'Matt & Kim', as they both possess an indie and grunge-like style, creating a more individual look for themselves. 



Hello

Hello,
I'm a student at Gordonstoun School, and currently doing my A2 year of Media Studies.
On this blog I'll be posting my work as a progress to create my own music video.
Hope you enjoy,
Zoe.