Textual analysis1

Textual analysis1

• 1.
  Textual Analysis Blaenavon- Orthodox Man Blaenavonis an Indie Rock band which falls under the genre I want to explore and use. Directed by = Francesca Consarino
• 2.
  ❖ Before analysingthis music video, we expect to see performance of the band, key locations, props, costumes etc. that connote to the indie rock genre, such as; Urban environments, basic or edgy looking clothing, and instruments. ❖ We expect to hear the music from the band that the music video has been released for, so in this case we expect to hear “Orthodox Man” by Blaenavon ❖ The music video appears to be performance based over narrative based as there is no leading narrative of a story, whereas the music video is filled with the band members singing and performing. ❖ The duration of the music video is 4:02. It is all music from the artist with no narrative performance disrupting the song. This may indicate that the music is the most important element of this video which promotes the band Blaenavon to be represented in a way in which the audience can identify the band members. Thus making the band more well known.
• 3.
  Location There aretwo locations of this music video. There's a city, and a gig/concert. The city scape has been used to conform to certain stereotypes that connote to the indie genre as urban areas commonly used to be placed in a music video such as; Arctic Monkeys “when the sun goes down” and Circa Waves “Fossils”. This therefore suggests the genre of the music and the music video throughout the video. The city also has connotations of danger and crime which furthermore may lead to an edgy theme that links to the indie rock genre. However, this can be juxtaposed as the men that we assume are band members are climbing on objects and playing on skateboards and motor bikes. Again, this appeals the th edgy side of the genre but on the other hand also highlights that this genre of music is very playful and fun. The other location is a gig. The three men in the music video are performing live in front of an audience. This shows for definite that they are the men from the band. The use of the location of the gig also symbolises the importance of the music to them as they are shown playing their guitars, drums and singing. This again is usually shown the in the indie/rock genre as music is often shown to be more important than the characters/band members themselves. When the sun goes down Arctic Monkeys Fossils Circa Waves
• 4.
  Costume The costumesin this music video change throughout the duration of the video. The costumes start off simple and basic. A white t-shirt is first presented which conforms to the usual stereotype of clothing and the appearance of the artists to be the least or not very important to the music video. In this shot the prop of the guitar is the most important, so the white t-shirt doesn’t take the viewer’s eye from the instrument. All three members are shown in very dark clothing. This connotes to the impression of darkness, death etc. however, this may also suggest that the meaning of their music may be dark or from a negative mental state as the colour black usually alludes to depression. The unique looking costumes in this shot may suggest the members of the band to be very individual and different from the rest as their attire isn’t necessarily popular dress. This may indicate the genre of indie rock (individual and edgy) yet may also have a meaning of individuality and self expression. Thus appealing to the audience in a positive way. On stage, the artists are wearing basic everyday looking clothes. This may show that their music is much more important than their appearance as they haven’t got all dressed up for the gig. This conforms to the stereotype that artists of the indie rock genre care more of their music than their
• 5.
  Props The propsthroughout the music video conform to the well known stereotypes of the indie rock genre. There is a use of instruments throughout the video which present the genre of music straight away. The guitar also symbolises the importance of the music to the band as they are openly playing the music themselves. The connotations to the prop of a guitar shows passion, but also shows that the artist is talented which may reflect and become inspiring for the audience. The use of the motor bike inhabits the idea of thrill, excitement and adrenalin. Motorbikes are usually linked to the stereotype of ‘bad’ and used by ‘rebellious’ people. This may develop the suggestion that the artists are very rebellious and edgy which conforms to the stereotype of indie rock artists. Also this may suggest that the music of this band is very exciting, thrilling and enjoyable thus appealing to the audience as they may want to feel excited by the music. The use of the skateboard again indicates that the band members are very fun and exciting. The connotations of the skateboard contains ideas of a childish nature which may suggest that their music is very fun yet may make you feel young if you listen to it. The artists may also be presented positively as they may be shown as playful, happy and fun.
• 6.
  Editing The editingof the music video is very similar throughout. The video uses cross-cuts to show the different places within the city location and the gig. The duration of the shots are very short which may suggest that the bands start to fame was very fast. This indicates that their popularity may be on the increase and their careers are becoming more successful. On the other hand, the shot duration of them being very short may also show that their mental state is very happy at the moment. The props such as the skateboard may inform the audience that the band is very carefree and naive. Also, there is a change in filters and colours used throughout the music video. This is the contrast between daylight and night time. This may show that the artists within the video have a very busy life as the video shows them together through the day and working at a gig on the night. This may also increase the impression of the relationship between the artists as they seem to always be together. This may adopt the idea from the audience that this band is very real therefore making the music very real. There is no distinct correlation between the lyrics and the music video as he sings “Waiting, waiting” which suggests that they are waiting for a lover to come back into their life, however the video shows a lot of fun and exciting elements which may juxtapose the idea that they’re actually waiting; instead they are furthermore living their life.
• 7.
  Cinematography The close upshot of the lead singer's face identifies who the artists of the band is. This gives the audience a clear indication of the genre of the music video due to the artist’s identity. The low angle shot makes the band members look superior and important. This shows that they have the most power and the audience look up to them. There is a lot of hand held camera movement and tracking shorts used within this music video. The use of the movements indicate that these artists are very hands on and lead exciting lives. Also, the use of the movement to capture every detail of the video creates suture which makes the audience feel like they are there with the band making them more appealing and understanding. The wide range of shots and angles may suggest that even though this band is becoming famous, the use of the closeups and camera movements show that they enjoy feeling intimate with the audience which furthermore indicate confidence throughout the video. The longshots are used to introduce the three band members. Overall, the use of the varied shots may encourage the idea that their music is very different and energetic thus conforming furthermore of the indie rock genre of expression and excitement.
• 8.
  Performance Performance can bevery important when used to identify the specific genre. In this music video, the performance if very well rehearsed as they are singing and playing the guitar in front of the camera. However, on the other hand it may be argued that parts of this music video (such as the adventures round the city) may be very spontaneous as they fall from a skateboard and laugh at each other. The candid shots of the men all hanging out together and having fun may show to the audience their real bond and relationship- which may make them more appealing and real for the audience. Also. when they are performing at the gig, it looks very natural and passionate. This may construct the idea that they are very good and used to playing gigs. They also look like they enjoy performing in front of people. The confidence of the artists may represent that they are a really good band which may attract the audience to furthermore listen to their music.
• 9.
  Conclusion Overall, i havefound that there are a lot of active stereotypes used in order to depict the indie rock genre; Basic clothing, props such as instruments, urban locations etc. Also, within this music video i have found that the visuals and the lyrics don’t match up which contradicts Goodwin’s theory of a correlation between lyrics and visuals. However, i believe the main aim for this music video is performance as the artists are in it themselves giving ideas of what their personalities may be like; making it very personal to them. I also have noticed that the music is the main priority within this music video. I believe this because it regularly shows the artists performing their music and being together. However, if their was a narrative to this music video i think the attention would be more on the characters of the story line instead of the band members themselves. On the other hand, I think that the purpose of this music video is to show the band in a positive light to appeal to a wider audience due to the fun actions, yet i also think it's for the band to be recognised for who they are and their love for their own music which may conform furthermore to the correct indie rock genre. I liked this music video because it was fun and exciting to watch. You don’t get bored watching it as it has so many cross cuts to different areas.