Our group for creating our music video have decided on making a music video for a punk-rock genre and. we have put a list together of all the artists that we could use. These artists are either un-known or are not signed yet and fall into the genre of punk, rock or alternative indie.
Vintage Crow,
Amberline,
100 Monkeys,(With the song Wandering Mind).
Skadilly,
Lost without Lacie,
Billy Gregory,
Fake the attack
The Aviation Orange
Routine Sometimes
Mindset for mayhem
Break the system (with songs like Sooner or Later and Face the World).
Horns Become Halos.
Raven-face.
These music videos are also a great help to get an idea on the type of music video that these bands like or expect and i am going to look closer at them to get ideas for our own video and to see whether the videos have any classic conventions that could be used.
This is a deconstruction of the music video "All I Want" by A Day to Remember. I have chosen to look at this music video because i enjoy the song and find the editing techniques and word painting really interesting and would possibly like to use these techniques for my own music video. This song is also considered a great anthem and you can resist to sing along.
Song Research:- (sourced from wikipedia).
"All I Want" is the first single by A Day to
Remember from their fourth studio album What Separates Me from You. It was
released officially to radio on October 12, 2010, although it premiered on
October 6, 2010, on KROQ-FM radio.The music video for the song was released on January 6, 2011.
Here are the lyrics to the song so that you can get an understanding of the emotions portrayed in the music video:- I'm always screaming my lungs out Till my head starts spinning. Playing my songs is the way I cope with life. Won't keep my voice down. Know the words I speak are the thoughts I think out loud.
I like to keep things honest. I'm a safe bet like your life's staked on it. For real. I'd hate to keep you all wondering. I'm constant like the seasons I will never be forgotten man.
Let's leave no words unspoken Save regrets for the broken. Will you even look back when you think of me? All I want is a place to call my own, And mend the hearts of everyone who feels alone Whoa You know to keep your hopes up high and your head down low. Keep your hopes up high and your head down low.
Still got something left to prove. It tends to keep things moving. While everyone around me says my last days are looming overhead. But what the hell do they think they know? My head's above the water while they drown in the undertow.
Let's leave no words unspoken Save regrets for the broken. Will you even look back when you think of me?
All I want is a place to call my own, And mend the hearts of everyone who feels alone Whoa You know to keep your hopes up high and your head down low. All I want is a place to call my own, And mend the hearts of everyone who feels alone Whoa You know to keep your hopes up high and your head down low.
If you take it from me, Live your life for yourself. Cause when it's all said and done you don't need anyone else. Come on!
So let's get back to when everything seemed perfect. Not a worry in the world, tell me was it all worth it? I get what I want, so everyone's always judging me. I'm not afraid of anything I've got the whole world in front of me.
All I want is a place to call my own, And mend the hearts of everyone who feels alone Whoa You know to keep your hopes up high and your head down low All I want is a place to call my own, And mend the hearts of everyone who feels alone Whoa You know to keep your hopes up high and your head down low
Keep your head down low. Keep your head down low. Keep your hopes up high and your head down low.
The music video starts off with close-up shots of newspaper clippings, featuring the bands name "A Day to Remember" with diegetic sound of the song playing off screen, hinting that it's playing on a radio. The cuts are very quick which reflects the up tempo of the the song. We then have a clip of the main vocalist writing "Thank You" in a note book. This could be interpreted in two ways. Either he is thanking the bands fans for being supportive or he is thanking fellow bands, which is linked to the later cameos of popular bands and musicians who are all good friends with the band. Overall the music video is a performance based clip and the diegetic sound of the radio transforms into the non-diegetic audio of the song with a wide shot to show the band playing. The overall mise-en-scene of this music video shows the band in casual clothing and a typical costume for rock bands of wearing band t-shirts.
Camera shots and movements vary from close-up and wide shots showing the band playing and guest starts singing in different settings. There are also pans, tracking shots, zooms and quick tilts that follow the actions of the musicians or doodles and lyrics on the screen. The camera also seems to move with people on some occasions giving the effect that the audience is there with the bands singing and having fun.
The overall lighting for this music video is quite dark, which hints to them being in a room with no windows and only one light. This sticks to the conventions of a rock music video and helps the audience understand what genre of music this is. Even though the overall lighting is dark and the music is seen as heavy, the atmosphere is quite happy and motivational which reflects the lyrics of not being held back by anything. Doodled images begin to appear around the band and guest stars and certain lyrics from the song are craftily placed on screen in time of them being sung. For example chorus lyrics "All I Want' and "feels alone" are repeatedly put on screen. When the song comes to a break down the lighting goes even darker and paper is blown around. This could signify the bands strong passion and the overall songs meaning for people to achieve what they want and not let anyone stop them. The footage is also slowed down to match the tempo of the song. At the end of the clip it cuts back to the lead vocalist writing "Thank You All", ending the enigma of who is was thanking at the beginning of the video. He then stands up and walks out of the frame, signifying the end of the video.
Our challenge is to produce a music video for the song "Another Brick in the Wall" part 2 by the band Pink Floyd who were popular in the 1970s.
Research into the song (sourced from wikipedia):
"Another Brick in the Wall" is the title of three
songs set to variations of the same basic theme, on Pink Floyd's 1979 rock
opera, The Wall, subtitled Part 1 (working title "Reminiscing"), Part
2 (working title "Education"), and Part 3 (working title "Drugs").
All parts were written by Pink Floyd's bassist, Roger Waters. Part II is a
protest song against rigid schooling in general and boarding schools in the UK
in particular. It was also released as a single and provided the band's only
number-one hit in the United Kingdom, the United States, West Germany and many
other countries. In addition, in the US, along with the tracks, "Run Like
Hell", and "Don't Leave Me Now", "Another Brick in the
Wall" reached number fifty-seven on the disco chart. In the UK, it was
their first single since 1968's "Point Me at the Sky"; the song was
also the final number-one single of the 1970s. For Part II, Pink Floyd received
a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group and lost to Bob
Seger's "Against the Wind". In addition, Part II was number 375 on
Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". The
single sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
The single, as well as the album The Wall, were banned in
South Africa in 1980 after the song was adopted by supporters of a nationwide
school boycott protesting racial inequities in education under the apartheid
regime.
Lyrics:
We don't need no education We dont need no thought control No dark
sarcasm in the classroom Teachers leave them kids alone Hey! Teachers!
Leave them kids alone! All in all it's just another brick in the wall. All
in all you're just another brick in the wall.
We don't need no
education We dont need no thought control No dark sarcasm in the
classroom Teachers leave them kids alone Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids
alone! All in all it's just another brick in the wall. All in all you're
just another brick in the wall.
Official Music Video:
For our planning and research we have looked at the four aspects of media; mise-en-scene, editing, sound, camera aswell as looking at intertextuality and taking images of our location and after looking at the official music video we began to brainstorm ideas for when we are ready to film. Because this song is based around school we have looked at other music videos or film/TV series that are based in school and we are going to film our video in school as well.
Idea Wall
Ideas for Location.
Images of possible locations.
Other music videos that use the theme of school.
Ideas for mise-en-scene.
Ideas for sound.
Camera movements and angles that we could use.
Ideas and styles for editing our video.
Concept and ideas.
More ideas.
We are going to try and encouperate some of these idea and will start creating a story board soon.
In one of our lessons we were asked "What is Creativity?" Through group discution we made a few bullet points on what we thought creativity is:-
Likes and dislikes (Passion).
Imagination
Expression
No boundaries
To "Do What I Want"
To use initive
To explore
approach from all angles
Style
Subjective
To make changes
It is a process-flexible-evolves.
Finally we were asked to think of our own difinition of creativity. We could use as many words from the bullet point as we want. Here is my idea on creativity:-
Creativity is something you deticate to because you have a passion. You nurture it and the process is as expressive and imaginative as you see fit. It is an exploration and you do what you want, tacking into account the audience of your piece.
I have started some research into music videos and i have done a deconstruction of the music video "Bat Country" by Avenged Sevenfold. I have chosen this music video because it is a great example of conventions in a rock/metal music video and because it has links to film aswell.
Song Research:- (sourced from wikipedia)
"Bat Country" is the title of a song by American
metal band Avenged Sevenfold. The song was released in August 2005 as the
second single from their third album, City of Evil. Avenged Sevenfold won 'Best
New Artist' at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards for "Bat Country" and
on October 1, 2009, the single was certified gold by the RIAA.
Here are the lyrics to the song so that you can get an understanding of the overall theme:
"He who makes a beast out of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man"
Caught here in a fiery blaze, won't lose my will to stay.
I tried to drive all through the night,
the heat stroke ridden weather, the barren empty sights.
No oasis here to see, the sand is singing deathless words to me.
Can't you help me as I'm startin' to burn (all alone).
Too many doses and I'm starting to get an attraction.
My confidence is leaving me on my own (all alone).
No one can save me and you know I don't want the attention.
As I adjust to my new sights the rarely tired lights will take me to new heights.
My hand is on the trigger I'm ready to ignite.
Tomorrow might not make it but everything's all right.
Mental fiction, follow me; show me what it's like to be set free.
Can't you help me as I'm startin' to burn (all alone).
Too many doses and I'm starting to get an attraction.
My confidence is leaving me on my own (all alone).
No one can save me and you know I don't want the attention.
So sorry you're not here I've been sane too long my vision's so unclear.
Now take a trip with me but don't be surprised when things aren't what they seem.
Caught here in a fiery blaze, won't lose my will to stay.
These eyes won't see the same, after I flip today.
Sometimes I don't know why we'd rather live than die,
we look up towards the sky for answers to our lives.
We may get some solutions but most just pass us by,
don't want your absolution cause I can't make it right.
I'll make a beast out of myself, gets rid of all the pain of being a man.
Can't you help me as I'm startin' to burn (all alone).
Too many doses and I'm starting to get an attraction.
My confidence is leaving me on my own (all alone).
No one can save me and you know I don't want the attention.
So sorry you're not here I've been sane too long my vision's so unclear.
Now take a trip with me but don't be surprised when things aren't what they seem.
I've known it from the start all these good ideas will tear your brain apart.
Scared but you can follow me I'm too weird to live but much too rare to die.
Overall this video is a mixture between a narrative and performance clip. The video starts with words reading 'He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man", that rev ups on a blck screen in time with the diegetic sound of a car reving it's engine. The clip cut to a shot of yellow lines and the sound of car wheels screeches, then transforms into the scram of the lead vocalist. This is called a sound bridge. The clip cuts to a shot of the vocalist singing and there are quick cutts to show a red convertable driving uncontrollably through the barran desert of Las Vegas. The camera movements are quick and disorientating, giving an impression of being drunk or high on drugs. There is more quick cuts showing the bands members in the car which then cuts to a wide shot of th band playing in a motel room. The lighting is quite dark with a tinge of green to add a sickly, confused atmosphere. The footage is in high contrast. As the music is quite up tempo the cuts are quick to reflect this. Cuts are kept in time with the beat. Special effects are use to sho the overall theme of hallucinating and being on drugs, which are also mentioned in the lyrics. Some of the footage freezes in times with the drum beats, which then cuts to a new shot.
Band members in the background are spead up to add a hyped effect. There are examples of the male gaze as there are women in revealing clothing dancing in the background. There is a contrast between the women in the motel and a woman depicyed dancing in the streets, as she is quite plump and very theatrical whereas the women in the motel are young, slim and wearing "sexy" clothing. This can be a surprise for the audience. When the music slows down, the footage is also slowed down and there is a lot of dissolve cuts which gives the effect of blurred vision and a confused state. There are some promotional aspects when there are shots show of the band's logo, that are interjected into scenes on props that are relevant to the theme of Las Vegas.
The overall theme of this video is of the pull to lose control in Las Vegas, ending with a shot of a road sign reading "Drive Carefully, Come Back Soon'. This adds a comical element and contrasts with the clip of the band driving recklessly. This video has links that are based on the film "Fear and loathing in Las Vegas" such as the bats in the desert sky and a member of the band hitting them with a fly swatter, and the overall hullucinations.
Genre plays a big role in creating a music video as the
footage has to match the tempo, lyrics and overall style of the music (unless
you are making a parody video). For example a piece of music that is linked to
rock will most likely show live performances.
Here is a list of popular genres in music you can get:-
Pop: with artist such
as The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Rock: with artist
such as Queen, U2 and Paul McCartney. Hard Rock: with
artist such as AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and Led Zeppelin. Rhythm & Blues
(R&B): with artist such as Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Black Eyed Peas. Country: with artists
such as Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Rock & Roll: with
artists such as Elvis Presley, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. Latin: with artists
such as Julio Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Nelly Furtado. Disco: with artist
like Abba, Bee Gees andThe Jackson 5. Pop Rock: with artists
such as Elton John, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac. Heavy Metal: with
bands such as Metallica, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Dance: with artists
such as Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Janet Jackson. Jazz: with artists like Nat King Cole, Ray Charles and Miles
Davis. Hip Hop: with artists like Eminem, Jay-Z andRun-D.M.C. Folk: with artists
such as Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss and James Taylor. Reggae: with artists
like Bob Marley & the Wailers and Dennis Brown. Grunge: with artists like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and
Nirvana.
This is just a selected few and each genre can also have a collection of sub-genres. After looking at a collection of genres i have put together a list of certain aspects and styles that are repeated in each video, depending on the genre.
Pop:- Pop videos are usualy quite up beat and fast paced which can attract a young audience, and the videos aree most likely to be a preformance based clip, wth the singer/artist ad band lip syncing the song; there usually isn't any instrumenats featured as most pop artists don't play for their music. There is usually dance sequences that illustrate or match some ofthe lyrics. The overall mise-en-scene of th video would be bright,with the artist wearing mainstream clothing that would be changed several times through out the video. The use of camera pans and zooms with the movements of the artist and there is usually some close-ups ofthe artist to show their emotion. If the music is sadder in nature, the video reflects that but still has an element of brightness. Usually the artist would be wearing more tailored, suit like costumes.
RnB:- RnB music videos usually have a light tone and is quite similar to pop music video conventions. Th video is usually narrative clip or a simple performance clip in settings like nightclubs, beaches or sububan streets. The costumes for women are usually revealing and the camera shows examples of the male gaze. Props can bbe used to show the 'wealth' of the artist, such as expensive jewellery and up market cars. The narrative of the video usually reflects the lyrics and will show thhe artist lip syncing throughout the video.
Indie:- Usualy the narrative of a Indie music video is quite symbolic an arty and doesn't follow the lyrics literally. Indie music videoss have a massive variety of conventions, wit a mixture of narrative and performance clips, either showing the complete band or just the main vocalist. The colouring of the video can change depending on the lyrics and tempo of the song, so lighting can be bright, dark or even filmed in black and white. Editing can be fast paced but once again this depends on the music and special effects are sometimes used. For camera there cab be a variety of close-ups to show the main vocalist singing and the band performing, as wel as having wide shots to show the hole bad playing as one. For mise-en-scene the band usually wear casual clothing.
Rock/Metal:- The overall feeling to a rock/metal music video is quite dark, with high contrast to give the video a very shadowy effect which gives the video a mysterious, egdy tone. The video's are almost always performance based with a variety of close-ups to show each member of the band playing and some wide shots to show them playing as a whole. Narrative clips are also used by are mostly pieced into an overall performance clip. The narrative is often dark and melancholy which matches the dark sound and meanin of the music. The band are usually dressesd in dark, theatrical clothing, with dark make-up and they have an overall dark demeanor, reflecting the style ofmusic. The editing is usually faced paced to match the loud, fast tempo of the song.
The performance can be of three types: song performance,
dance performance and instrumental performance. Almost every music video
includes song performance. Some videos combine song and dance performances.
Michael Jackson’s videos often contain dance performance. Instrumental
performance is not so common, but it occurs occasionally. Concert performance
on stage with audience is also very common and is known as the concert clip. This form of music video is probably the most used.
This music video "Going Under" by Evanescence is a great example of a preformance clip as it shows the band playing at a gig and also shows Amy Lee (the vocalist) preforming under water. Evanescence is a great band to look at for preformance clips as they have several music videos that are classed as prefomance clips such as "My Immortal","Bring Me To Life" and "What You Want".
Narrative Clip:-
If a music video clip is mostly represented as a short
silent movie to a musical background, it is a narrative clip. A narrative clip
contains a visual story that is easy to follow. A pure narrative clip contains
no lip-synchronized singing. Bruce Springsteen’s I’m on fire is a pure
narrative clip.
This music video "Ghost of You" by My Chemical Romance is a great example of a Narrative as it shows a plot or story that is easy to follow. It also has inigma, like when one of the band members stays behind and looks back instantly making you think something is going to happen to him, this keeps the auience watching and wondering what is going on throught the clip. However this video isn't just a narrative clip and has soome aspects of a performance clip in it as if has the band playing at the begining, this can be quite common in music videos where they combine the two different styles. Another example of a narrative clip by My Chemical Romance is "Na Na Na" and the clip has a sequel that follows on the narrative "Sing".
