Music Video Analysis
This is My Music video research, in depth review and development for our music video.
Glimpse of Us, Joji
George Kusunoki Miller. (2022) Glimpse of Us. [Performed by JOJI] On Smithereens. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgsWGfUlwJI
*Music Video is Unavailable*
Media Language
This Music video clearly isn't meant to look professional, In fact the clips looks more like a collection of videos that they had compiled into one in a Found footage style , which allowed the audience the ability to see through the eyes of the characters and experience the story with them. What's interesting here, is that the video doesn't seem at all to be staged like what most music videos do. All the clips do seem genuine, the video quality is far from what you would expect from a typical music video and most importantly the clips are so random, chaotic and all over place that this video totally breaks the conventions of your normal 'sad song' with all the aggressive, inappropriate and disorganized actions being shown. However, Despite of that it somehow makes sense, There is plenty of meaning that is put into the video that communicates a message very well. The constant back and forth between the chaotic lives of the characters and the sad and depressing actions or situations they find themselves in is exactly how most people would feel during a breakup which is what this song is about. The act of getting in trouble and doing stupid things like in the video might be how they are shown to cope or distract themselves from their depressing lives. In scenes their are even hurting themselves or sitting all depressed which implies remorse or regret for what they've done or could've done. I like how such a simple, unprofessional and chaotic video could also imply a very deep and emotional meaning that might not be that obvious in the first time watching. This proves that You don't a high budget to make a impactful music video.
Representations
Plenty of representations are present in this video. The most obvious one is the characters. It might be implied that this is the life that lower class citizens of the city might live. A house in a complete mess, with clothes all over the place and rubbish thrown wherever. Tattoos, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are all representations of thugs or criminals. This fact is supported with the actions that they do, Like fighting, breaking things, driving fast, causing problems and arguments which most would consider as inappropriate, unlawful and high concerning. Point is, Society would not look up to these people. Editing wise, blurring they're faces could also imply that their criminals because they don't want to be recognized. But, Despite of they're self destructive behaviors, They still have a heart to take care of animals like a deer or rabbits in the video. In addition, The character still showed emotions of remorse like when he said He missed his Ex on the text and his gestures of putting his hands on his head is clear sign of regret. It could said that even with their chaotic, unlawful and destructive behaviors, their still human capable of being sad and wanting to be loved.
Audience
The plot, actors and the set of this music video is clearly set for teens or young adults especially with all the violence and inappropriate behavior being shown which is more in line to teens who are used to it in the modern era, While more older audience might look at this video with disgust or discontent. In addition, people who lives in the same environment as the characters might relate to this video a lot more than most, which as a results might attract secondary audiences who have the same interest. Through Uses and Gratifications, Audiences might watch this video for surveillance as in to know what goes on around the world. Or for personal relationships and identity.
Industry
This music video has been released in YouTube an online video streaming platform. This website/application allows the music video to be quickly accessed and shared from users to users within the internet. This has resulted in 40 Million views in that platform as in 2023. For the making of the video, The producer didn't get too involved expect for the editing process. Most of the recording was done by a third party, Who the producers hired to record their lives doing whatever. Of course some concepts were given to them but all creative decisions were made by them, which results on the authentic feeling that the music video has. By using video editing software's like adobe premiere, All the producer needs to do, is just filtering which scenes they want to use and linking them in order to make a narrative.
Yellow, Coldplay
Chris Martin, Johnny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Will Champion. (2011) Yellow. [Performed by Coldplay] On Parachutes. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKNxeF4KMsY
Media Language
I really love the simplicity and straightforwardness of this Music video which is just one long continuous shot of the singer walking along the beach while singing Their song, Which means this all taken in One single take. The music video itself starts off towards the sea in a dark atmosphere where the stars can be seen, following this Chris Martin the singer, begins the song with "Look at the Stars" this was a perfect sync. As the song progresses, the time of day can clearly be seen changing, from the dark atmosphere at the beginning to a brighter sun rise by the end. This could be what Yellow the song title denotates, A literal sunrise. Yellow is classified as an Indie rock / alternative song, So following typical conventions of that genre, This music video seems to go along with the conventions as it's very minimalist, simple and doesn't seem to made with a large budget. And I really Like that fact especially, I feel like with the right timing and concept it is possible for me and my team to make something similar to this, Although it is important to note that making a one take music video is very difficult.
Representations
It's fairly obvious this a love song with the melodic tunes and meaningful lyrics. The producer shows this by showing the music video in slowed down speed which does make it feel a lot more emotional for the audience. The Music Video might portray the singer as a man in love with the other rejecting him and with Him being by himself in a beach at the early morning, It might be saying that people in similar situations prefers to be in isolation, away for the busy lives of the city or towns instead preferring the company of a relaxing beach. The cloudy and rainy weather helped to also built this atmosphere of sadness and emotions as opposed if this was shot on a bright and sunny day, which would have a more positive and happy denotation.
Audience
Chris Martin the singer of the band is the only character ever shown in the music video and there's no doubt that he's the center of attraction. Fans of Coldplay or Chris Martin is by default attracted by this song and music video. Meanwhile, considering what the song means, addition to the fact that the music video itself is very simple and straightforward, Anyone could watch this and understand. But it's also very likely that teens or young adults ( around 18 - 35 ) who is more likely to experience such feelings is probably the main target of this song or music video as they can relate the most out of all demographics.
Industry
Modern Climatographic and Filming definitely played a significant part on the production of this music video. Yellow was recorded on high shutter speed , Specifically 50 frames per second. Because of the high speed, Chris Martin had to lip sync the song in double the speed of the original song just to make all the audios and videos in sync. To achieve the transition of night and day, the telecine process was used that allowed the grainy and dark scene from the first scene turn into a colorful and bright sky by the end. As for the song itself, It was extremely successful and achieved high record numbers of sales when it was released, Due to it being released on social media platforms such as YouTube.
G.O.A.T, Polyphia
Ari David Starace, Scott LePage , Tim Henson. (2018) G.O.A.T. [Performed by Polyphia] On New Levels New Devils. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_gkpYORQLU
This band is exclusively only instruments with no singing whatsoever and as such it makes sense if this Music Video focuses Completely on the band playing their song without no narrative structure or storyline besides following the various parts they have in song like the verse, chorus and etc. I like how straightforward and direct the music video is, no underlining plot lines or Stereotypes just a band playing their music. I also liked the transitions and movement of this video which was made very smooth and seamless, If I could I'd like to incorporate these types of camera work into my music video, Although to achieve them would requires a stable tripod ( likely with tracks ) , Stabilizers, A good quality camera and editing software. Which unfortunately, I don't have. So knowing the concept would be enough for now. Though For our music video, I Don't want to make it so obvious and straightforward like this one, There has to be some narrative story behind it.
Sextape, Deftones
Chino Moreno, Sergio Vega, Abe Cunningham, Frank Delgado. (2010) Sextape. [Performed by Deftones] On Diamond Eyes. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0pdwd0miqs
This is a Alternative or a Nu Metal band and unlike most of those type of bands, the band isn't in one bit of the music video. I like the abstractness and artistic form of this music video. There's just something about the colorful and constantly changing lights put against various slow moving clips that creates this beautiful scenery and atmosphere that really complements music. Despite not having a solid narrative storyline and any form of lip syncing or band playing, This video really helps visualize what you may feel when hearing this song and the various emotions you might experience. A lot of the scenes are also shown underwater, which has corelated meaning with a calm and soothing atmosphere which is perfect for a song like this. Clearly, the stars of this video are the two women constantly shown in the shots, Which might be a reference to Intersexual relationships, though in this video other how close they seem there's really no other development in that regard.
I Don't Love You, My Chemical Romance
Ray Toto, Bob Bryar, Gerard Way, Makey Way, Frank Leto. (2009) I Don't Love You. [Performed by My Chemical Romance ] On The Black Parade. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyi0ZfuIIvo
MCR is a rock band who in this video For a sad and heartbreaking song like this, the Primary colours Black and White really fits in for the music video, Making the audience feel emotions like sadness and loneliness. Black can signify the feeling of unhappiness, anger, fear and White can signify peacefulness or even emptiness, While very simple the choice of colour can really make a difference on what an audience might feel. This is only supported by how much emotions the singer is putting in His voice and the melodic feeling of the song. If it's necessary, I would use Black and White for my own music video.
California, 88 Rising, Rich Brian, NIKI, Warren Hue
Zack Rapp, Angelo Arce, Nicole Zefanya, Rich Brian, Warren Hue. (2021) California . [Performed by 88 Rising] On California. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KzHGbpxMOY
Genre wise this could be Pop/Rap and following that theme, This video does confirm the usual conventions of that genre by having the artist dressed fashionably and them seemingly enjoying life. I really like the camera shot and movements of this music video, Appropriate use of various shots such as, Long shots, Establishing shots, Close Ups or Medium shots on top of The Slow zooms, pans and tilts really sells this music video. Editing wise, the relaxed paced transitions supports the slow shots. If I could I'd like to use these types of Slow zooms into my own Music video. Of course It wouldn't be as easy as I don't have expensive or modern equipment to make my shots stabilized, But since I do have a camera at my disposal, The slow zooms should be possible. Of course this all depends on the music that we choose.
The Vaccines , Tiger Blood
Young, J. (2011) Tiger Blood. [Performed by The Vaccine] On What did you expect from the Vaccines. [Audio File] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMQi0aTm8Ho
The genre of this music was Indie rock and much like typical indie rock music videos, This one confirms with the typical conventions by having the band playing in some scenes but at the same time showing a lot of other random things in between which results in unclear narrative structure. Which personally I liked, The fast paced editing showing the lives of the artist really made this a fun and interesting music video. In addition the grainy filter that is being used allowed the video to seem nostalgic and old which these days are becoming more and more popular. I'd like to copy this style because it's simple, fun, and require a little to no skill in making , On top of that this way I don't need to stress out on creating a complicated or deep narrative structure, we'd just figure it out along the way.
No Buses, Untouchable You
Takeshi Iwamoto, Taisei Kondō. (2019) Untouchable You. [Performed by No Buses] On Boys Loved Her. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIuDhvT7Uy0
Another Indie Rock band and like the one previously, This one conforms with the typical conventions of that genre. It's very clear that this Music Video is low budget and they did no effort in denying that, Instead using that fact to make an otherwise low quality video turn into an interesting and fun video. This is done by doing all sorts of random stuff like shots of shoes, the band members holding fruits and other silly yet fun stuff. Even the band members look as if they didn't even put that much effort in recording the video, they all just stood there awkwardly with no enthusiasm or energy but is still trying to have fun. Which in a sense is interesting because all they're movements seems natural and not scripted something that I'd like to copy in my own video.
Mumford & Sons, Hopeless Wanderer
Mumford, M. (2012) Hopeless Wanderer. [Performed by Mumford & Sons] On Babel. [audio file] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIuDhvT7Uy0
The Genre of this music video is Folk which typically is made more seriously, But this music video breaks the conventions by making a parody of the bands other typical attitude and by acting way over the top. By having comedians play the role of the band and telling to do silly things like carrying too many instruments and playing they're instruments when it's not even played in the music or just plain making fun of the band allows the audience to know that this is just a satire even despite of the professional or cinematic scenes that clearly shows that this has a high budget. I really like How they tried to make this follow they're typical music videos at first but then flipped that and made it a fun and comical music video. I'd like to follow the unserious aspect about making a music video because I don't want to make us seem like were trying to copy the band itself, but instead just a bunch of teens trying to have fun.
Fazerdaze, Lucky Girl
Amelia Rahayu Murray. (2017) Lucky Girl. [Performed by Fazerdaze] On Morningside. [audio file] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My4j3vgFxbE&list=PL1HpZKUbvD5eXgHgobyqjU3DFKUiGknKF
Fazerdaze is a shoegaze or Indie artist. Her song, Lucky Girl is filmed in a typical indie style low budget music video who even despite of that still manages to be creative and effective thanks to the various edits, cuts and effects / filters that was used. If You notice, the camera rarely ever moves from position except for a few scenes. Most of the time, just simple zoom in and outs are used on the characters herself or various other objects or backgrounds. While that might be simple on its own, Combined with the fast paced editing and filters, results on an artistically pleasing music video. What I like about this video is the editing, The constant cuts, respective scenes, usage of reverse ( where a film is shown backwards ) really fits well with the music and keeps an audience in suspense.
Ok Go
In Class we watched several videos from the Alternative / Indie Band Ok Go who is known in Making unique and creative videos with very impressive one takes. Some of the Music video which we watched was Here It goes again, The Writing's on the wall and This too shall pass. While the band members are shown, from what I watched, they have never been shown playing their own respected instruments. On top of that, they're music videos are very impressive and cool, using a variety of techniques to attract audiences attentions. This includes, Visual Spectacles, Illusions, Impressive one takes and many others. Most of the videos are done very smoothly and with excellent execution which makes them almost unreal in some cases. While their first video we watch was done with a low budget, Their preparation and practice showed in the way they danced. Clearly for all of their videos, they had made extensive amounts of preparation , planning and practice, Which results in these unique music videos that totally breaks the conventions as a whole. While I like these videos very much, I think its most of these videos are extremely hard to do for us as a group, especially the one takes. The amount of practice and retakes would be too insane for us to do.
DaBaby , BOP
Anton Martin Mendo, Tahj Morgan. (2019) BOP. [Performed by DaBaby] On KIRK. [audio file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28hYUZMufDg
This was done by Jonathan
I looked at a few music videos from the hip hop and rock genre, an
aesthetic i wanted to copy was a from the music video "Wie viel ist dein
-Outfit wert?" by Kummer, i liked how the projector sequence looked like
where words projected can be used to create meaning.
Unlike Kummer who uses a steadicam in the video i wanted to express
depression and the instability it causes by using a handicam instead.
I looked for some locations near my residence to shoot, i picked locations
that look abandoned or dilapidated as it could be associated with depression
but this idea never came to fruition due to time constraints.
Development
Following our research and concept ideas for the music video. We decided that we would break the stereotype of typical hip hop music videos that usually include things such as lip syncing , violent and adult content.
The Church / Religion
Instead we would shoot a more narrative based music video that follows Todorov's Narrative theory. The equilibrium and the new equilibrium. The plan originally was to include various scenes, Within a Church as the Music video had many references to religion. But due to time , weather and the Easter coming near, It was hard for us to find the right time to meet up and shoots our shots. So instead of over complicating things, We decided to just remove that Idea entirely.
The Church in Bali where we had an idea in mind
We instead opted for more scenes with friends. As it is much more simple and easy to record and above all else, Still convey the meaning for reconciliation and recovery. Whenever people are going through sadness. Typically the best way to deal with that is to be with your closest friends as the media often portrays.
Letter Box
I was thinking of using the 'letter box' effect for our entire music video. I thought that it would look good as it typically makes the scenes look far more cinematic. But after reviewing it. I decided that it wasn't as great as I thought it would be, So I scraped the idea and stick with normal video viewing.
Usage of Letter Box ( test )
Jump Cuts
When I first started making the music video, I had limited intentions in using the Jump Cut technique of editing, As I thought for our song, maybe having long extended shots would be better and thus making the technique unnecessary.
But, after editing for a while, I realized that the song had a lot of beats, some in fast tempo and some in slower ones. It felt weird to me while the song was building up in suspense with more and more beats, The footage or scene still remained smooth. Its as if the scene wasn't showing enough suspense like the song is, Which reduces the engagement. So I decided to implement jump cuts, not in a lot of our scenes.
Following my research from Lucky Girl by Fazerdaze, I made it so that our jump cuts were in sync with beat, As I thought it looked cool from the music video of Lucky Girl. By doing this, we manage to create perfect transitions and movements from one scene to the next along with the beat which sits right to an audience.
An example of a jump cut being used to show a montage of events.
Breakup Scene
Originally our idea for the breakup scene through the phone would be done completely in color and with no significant zooms. Just a slow zoom from to the text.
It would look something like this
But after some time, We needed to give more elements to make this scene sadder. Just having a text saying "Were Over." isn't enough to show the true deep sadness behind this scene. The solution was simple, and that was to make the scene Black and White. I gained this inspiration in my research from I Don't love You by My Chemical Romance who's video was done completely on that style of color.
The Black and White scene looks like this
After making the scene black and white and changing the lighting to be darker. To add more sadness, I zoomed the video manually. With each text being send the bigger it gets. This was done to direct the audiences attention to the message making it emphasized in the scene.
The message in shown very close to the scene
Corridor Jump Cut scene
In this scene, We had the idea of having various quick jump cuts of Jason in different clothes and locations to show the amount of time that went on. At first, the scenes fitted well with each other and creates this feeling that days are passing by.
But, all the scenes have the same color
To create more meaning, I decreased the saturation of each individual jump cut scene lower and lower. And this results with the overall corridor scene growing increasingly darker with each cut. We could say this is a metaphor of Jason descending deeper into madness.
Its very clear to see that even when they're in the same scene, They have two very different colors.
Blurred Scenes
In these scenes, We weren't planning to make the scenes blurred at all. The thought never came across our heads. But, after gaining inspiration and references from YouTube and my research from Sextape By Deftones. I though that adding a blur effect at the beginning after Jason had just woken up would be a great idea. As it visually shows the audience what Jason feels. His vision is still blurry, things are coming together. It creates a better sense of engagement as audiences can sort of feel what Jason feels. As time passes on, The blur gets smaller and smaller until its eventually gone completely. This would mean that Jason is becoming more and more conscious.
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From these three pictures, You can clearly see the differences of blur intensity of each image.
Font / Title Card
At the beginning of our music video I wanted to put a title card saying the word 'Ghost Town' which is our song. I wanted it because I thought it would look interesting and serve as a good introduction to our song name.
At first, I couldn't manage to find the proper font to fit in with the rest of our products ( Digipak & Social media ) So I used a temporary one with the font 'Arial'. After some time, Jonathan finally managed to import His type face and shared it to me. From there I changed the previous font with the new font that both our other products use. I did this so we can have the same type face branding for our project
This is our newest and final title card featuring Jo's type face of 'Ghost Town'
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