We had decided as a group that a performance would be best suited for the songs music video, as many other indie artists do. However, the quality of the clip will rely heavily on camera movement and angles, so we must be sure to be skilled and experienced with the equipment in hand.
One location we found to hold the shoot was within an actual recording studio in London, called Resident Studios. James had came upon their website when browsing for ideas of where to film, and we believed it would be a suitable place for the band, conveying the sense of professionalism and reality because genuine musicians have performed or recorded here previously. The price was fairly affordable, if we split the price between the three group members.The studio also provides many items of band equipment, therefore we do not have to worry about transporting the instruments ourselves, which could prove difficult.
Below is an example of what is capable, by a band called Nine Dragons.
On first thoughts, we believed it would be ideal to incorporate a performance from the band along with a narrative story for the music video, splitting between the two.
Although lyrics to the song are at times fairly ambiguous and difficult to analyse, the subject of "dancing" is evident. The song appears to have quite a basic meaning, about simply losing your inhibitions and having a good time on a night out. However, on second thoughts it could be considered too difficult to incorporate a narrative storyline within a song thats subject doesn't allow much depth or space for creative input, without perhaps not looking right. Rather than using clichéd club scenes or such, we made a play on words with the song title and came up with a concept that people have to own an actual licence to be permitted to dance - involving parties within secret locations and police then discovering the plot. Nevertheless, this could still come across as too cheesy, which could defy the band's rough and ready image.
On the whole, we though it best to concentrate solely on a performance for our music video, which is often common for similar artists in this scene. Below are two videos by British band the Arctic Monkeys, one of the most successful and popular artists within their genre, which both are performances also. We hope to recreate something similar to this effect with our own attempt.
WHAT IS COPYRIGHT? Copyright protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works. It allows an original work to be considered a property that is owned by somebody. The framework for Copyright Law is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 ('the Act').
WHEN DOES COPYRIGHT BEGIN? In music, copyright begins automatically once a piece of music is created, and documented or recorded (eg. on video, tape or CD or simply writing down the notation of a score).
HOW LONG DOES COPYRIGHT LAST? In the UK, copyright generally lasts for a period of 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the author dies.
Luckily, our finalised song choice is released by an unsigned artist who has happily allowed us permission to use his material, so in this case there will be no problems concerning copyright.
It's late and I'm tired and I'm under prepared I look down at my jeans, they're all covered in tears Nights like this with low-lights and music and dance So let's go down town and have a few drinks Cos you're all my mates I think Now you'll all remember a night like this with low-lights and music and dance Let's have a dance, let's have a drink Cos there's no time to sit down and think Get on your feet here comes your chance cause everybody you got a license to dance You got a license to dance It's late and I'm still tired except I've caught your eye But I'm not the only one, I'll join the line Of the idealistic, opportunistic men of our time I'll join the line Many men have been in order, they just all seem to adore her Fine by me, you can take your chance Just blame it on the low-lights and music and dance Let's have a dance, let's have a drink Cos there's no time to sit down and think Get on your feet here comes your chance cause everybody you got a license to dance You got a license to dance You got a license to dance Now she's lying next to me, not much more that I could see Many questions lay unanswered, a clever boy leaves us departed Low lights, music and dance, just blame it on Low lights, music and dance, low lights music and dance Let's have a dance, let's have a drink Cos there's no time to sit down and think Get on your feet here comes your chance cause everybody you got a license to dance You got a license to dance You got a license to dance
Our final choice of song was Licence To Dance by Jon Youseman. He is a friend of members within the group and is currently an unsigned artist, consequently meaning there will be no problems or issues with copyright. As a group we all liked the song, as it has a unique sound and much potential for an entertaining and creative music video.
Within our group, we collected a number of potential songs that we liked and believed could be suitable. We shared early ideas and had decided to mix a peformance from the artist with a narrative story for our music video. However when choosing our track, it was important to discover bands and musicians that were a little more obscure and not well known by the general public, as people could have their own preconceptions of what to expect.
You Me At Six - Underdog The Bloody Beetroots ft. Steve Aoki - WARP Jon Youseman - Licence to Dance The Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die Good Charlotte ft. M. Shadows and Synyster Gates - The River Billy Talent- Surrender Shinedown - 45 Rihanna - Disturbia The Prodigy - The Omen Avenged Sevenfold - Bat Country Faithless - Mass Destruction
I want to annoy And I'm going to enjoy it Merely cause we're bored Merely because we're bored Cause all you do is hope You're all f*cking hopeless And it's the Lord of the Flies all over again It's the Lord of the Flies all over again
Now who holds the shell Will be Caesar You can even have it written on your T-shirt Now who holds the show Will be Caesar You can even have it written on your T-shirt Here we go
King of the hopeless will fall We're gonna knock down the walls Sing in the Caesar with force We're gonna knock down these doors
I've heard it all before And I chose to ignore it There's someone at your door There's somebody at your door
Prepare for the test You'll all get infested Now it's the Milgram device all over again It's the Milgram device all over again
Now who holds the shell Will be Caesar You can even have it written on your T-shirt Now who holds the shell Will be Caesar You can even have it written on your T-shirt Here we go
King of the hopeless will fall We're gonna knock down the walls Sing in the Caesar with force We're gonna knock down the walls We're gonna knock down these doors
Hey Caesar Yo Coco Hello Geezer Hey Mama Can you fly? Yep I thought Robins could fly Whatever Huh?
We're gonna knock down the walls
King of the hopeless will fall We're gonna knock down the walls Sing in the Caesar with force We're gonna knock down the walls Knock down the walls King of the hopeless will fall Knock down the walls Sing in the Caesar with force Knock down the walls
I'm going to enjoy it
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The first music video I have chosen to analyse as part of my planning is 'Caesar', by an upcoming British musician releasing under the band name of I Blame Coco, and featuring artist Robyn.Before even watching the accompanied video, the music allows us to interpret the songs message and grasp the same themes and ideas that are portrayed within the official edit. It's upfront, powerful lyrics and pulsating beats conveys thoughts of bleak imagery, although to the brim with fight and attitude.These perceptions are included in the music video itself with the use of sterile colours, obscure items of iconography and oodles of energy from both vocalists throughout.
The video starts along with the music and begins at the sight of somebody's face, whose identity appears to be unknown and is begging to be questioned, as their hair hides any recognisable features. This already enforces a sense of mystery and enigma within the first few seconds.A cold and somber atmosphere is also present, as a strong wind is evident when the girls hair is blown, and her hand is seen tightening what seems to be a coat, enhancing this icy feel. At 0:04, we are then shown an establishing shot of a towering industrial building, with the dreary skies behind again enforcing a melancholy mood. The shake of the camera as it films gives us the sense of voyeurism and that we are looking up at the establishment as an onlooker ourselves which helps us relate our understanding throughout the video. The soft chimes in the intro of the song, and lack of other sounds, also creates a feel of desertion and correlates well with the image of what could be seen as an abandoned building. A short clip of a spinning wheel is next shown, suggesting child-like connotations when attached to the music, and the absence of other movements supports previous claims. The girl who was first filmed at the start of the video is then shown as a close-up, and with her face now evident, most would be able to realise she is the lead singer.The camera centres on her eyes, and lead with anticipation, zooms out to properly reveal her face which can portray many meanings from her expression.Her squinted eyes and furrowed brows convey anger and antagonism, although the running mascara at the same time suggests grievance and distress from Coco, providing a sense of vulnerability yet reinforcing the mystery evident earlier. Although out of focus, we are also able to notice the lively actions of people in the foreground, which brings us to believe she is an outsider and at contrast to all the happenings behind her.
Once the music kicks in to rhythm with a powerful but haunting bassline, the pace in editing begins to quicken. We are also greeted with many an intertextual reference, in implication of Julius Caesar, whose name is the song title and is a main focus point within the lyrics. Caesar was a famous Roman military leader in very early years, and played a great part in our history. The sight of weaponry and armour worn relates to these times, and this heavy use of iconography correlates well with his mention in the song. The first shot seen conveying this is at 0:11, where we notice the hand of somebody in grip of what is thought to be perceived as a sword. This could be symbolised as a sign of rebellion and suggests that havoc is taking place. Next is a shot of their feet, wearing trainer boots, and a second shot of the carrier's weapon as it is dragged across the floor. This style of shoes were quite obviously not worn in the era of Julius Caesar, and so instead clashes their clothing with inclusions from contrasting centuries altogether. The rough and rugged look to the boots also enforces the aforementioned idea of rebellion. These similar shots continue throughout the entire sequence, although their faces are rarely noticeable (excluding Coco and Robyn), and is solely focussed on various other parts of the body. This once again ignites an ongoing thought of suspicion and secrecy. The video is also dominated by greys, blacks and whites, and this lack of colour enhances the gloomy mise en scene intended.
As the sound builds, Coco is made centre of attention and overpowers the sequence, which is natural her being lead vocalist, and we manage to finally get an insight into her character within the video due to this. Her continuous movement of her body and often her fists, angsty facial expressions into the eyes of the camera and spitting of the lyrics conveys an aggression from Coco that is supported by the speed in cuts and editing and proves she is passionate about what she is saying. The words of the song corresponds well with the attitude of hers portrayed; "I want to annoy/And I'm going to enjoy it", she enters with at 0:22, wearing almost a devilish smile. This carefree sensibility suggests an act of defiance from Coco and is proof of the previous ideas of disobedience. Her choice in clothing also encourages these thoughts, dressed as a stereotypical "rebellious teenager", in a t-shirt, short-sleeved denim jacket and boots alike those seen earlier. A Roman-themed headdress is also worn as reference to the times of Caesar, as wreaths of this style are commonly associated with this period.
Although the vocalists outrage appears obvious, the songs actual meaning could be viewed as quite ambiguous."It's the Lord of the Flies all over again/Now who holds the shell will be Caesar", is exclaimed at 0:40 and provides a second intertextual reference, this time of the classic novel written by William Golding. However with knowledge of the book, this lyric helps us create a general understanding of the story behind the song and video. The novel is about a group of schoolboys who become stranded on a desert island and have to govern for themselves. The boys decide that, as a rule, only one member of the group may be permitted to talk at any given time, and that person is the one holding the conch shell that was discovered on the beach. Therefore whoever had hold of the shell, had the power to talk whilst the rest were made to remain silent and listen to what was said, overruling the group like an emperor - alike Julius Caesar. This is an evident association and allows a greater appreciation of the lyrics, now suggesting that Coco is tired of being controlled and refuses to do what is told. The rules given within 'Lord of the Flies' leads to carnage and results with disastrous consequences, so this idea is enhanced in the video, with a strong element of chaos and the recurring sense of rebellion. The first noticeable act of anarchy at 0:57 is shown to coincide with the dramatic opening of the chorus, when one person runs along the hallway, branding a weapon and screaming silently. This is a reminder of the trouble and suggests that turmoil is not far from taking place. The chorus also introduces us to Robyn for the first time, as this is where she lends her vocals to the track. She shares the same styling, emotion and frantic movements as Coco, although often avoids eye contact and is filmed to the side or from above. This could suggest a sense of vulnerability. She also repeatedly attempts to cover her face with the hood of her coat, which enforces Robyn's sensitivity and yet again illustrates an enigma, as we are left suspicious.
The short instrumental between the chorus and second verse at 1:19, is accompanied by shots of what appears to be a mellow contrast to the energetic scenes previously. The camera pans as Coco and Robyn sit visibly frozen and awkwardly on a bed, the people surrounding them acting the same way. This could be perceived as though they are in preparation for conflict and waiting for the 'battle' to begin, in reference to Caesar, as both females stand united at 1:35 and movement picks up again with them.
By the time we reach the chorus for the second time round, a new set in scenery is presented, of what is seen to be on a rooftop - the location suggested at the beginning of the sequence. Coco and her companions appear to be starting a revolt, as they jump around with the purpose of causing trouble. They are again dressed in suits of armour and other items of clothing that also suggest "battle" connotations, ephasising the point of rebellion. Most shots are also put in slow motion for this section of the song, which adds to the drama of the music. Coco is seen raising her arm in the air and threateningly repeats the lyrics, which again gives us the impression that a rebellion has begun and is out to cause chaos, expressed through her aggressive nature. Robyn is however not evident in this scene, and so shots from the previous scenes are instead utilised - as she does play a main focus in this section.
1. A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together with two of the following three options:
* a website homepage for the band; * a cover for its release as part of the digipak (CD/DVD package); * a magazine advertisement for the digipak (CD/DVD package).
2. A promotion package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with two of the following three options:
* a website homepage for the film; * a film magazine front cover, featuring the film; * a poster for the film.
3. The first level of a new computer game, together with two of the following three options: * the cover for the game's package; * a magazine advertisement for the game; * a radio advertisement for the game.
The basic task is to create a brand, and I decided that this will be done through option 1; the making of a music video for a new artist, and their accompanied products (two of either a website homepage, a cover for the CD release and an advertisement promoting the record - as stated above). I will need to ensure that we maintain a consistent house style within my group throughout all three chosen media platforms. This can be presented through similar colour schemes, page layouts and modes of address. I must also first research similar media products and analyse existing music videos.
We had decided as a group that a performance would be best suited for the songs music video, as many other indie artists do. However, the quality of the clip will rely heavily on camera movement and angles, so we must be sure to be skilled and experienced with the equipment in hand.
