My group and I have decided to create an indie music video. Here is my research into the codes and conventions used in the music videos of this genre.
Typical conventions from the indie genre:
Music videos from this genre usually have a small budget, a more romantic song, natural lighting, and simple clothing. The narrative of an indie music video is normally about falling in love or falling out of love. The music video is often used to show the song's meaning in a way that the audience can interpret.
Some other typical conventions in this genre include close-up and medium shots to simply show what the actor is doing and static shots to hint to the audience at the location the shot shows and what connection it has to the music video.
2 Developed Research:
Name: Reality Club - Anything You Want
Year: 2022
Production Company: Dominion Records
Distribution Company: -
Genre / Subgenre: Indie (Indonesian Indie)
What conventions does it conform to?
- Music videos with Indie as their genre usually show the band and the singer performing their song on stage. The indie genre is also meant to look more minimalistic and low-budget whereas here, these conventions are being highlighted. Reality Club's music videos consist of a band performance and creative cinematography such as a short film that shows the meaning of the overall song. Anything You Want could be classified as a calm and composed type of music that makes it more comfortable for the audience to listen to. The band relies more on classic, minimalistic instruments such as a guitar or a drum to create a relaxed vibe for the audience. It is also a slow tempo music which allows the audience to connect with the song emotionally as if they are what the song is describing,
What conventions does it subvert?
- Most indie music videos would have a much warmer colour tone and natural lighting inside of their music video. Yet, this music video has much more cool and dark lighting, creating some sort of mystery for the audience to decode. In this music video, conventions were subverted less but they included a credit scene at the end of their music video. Indie music videos and music videos generally do not include a credit scene whereas this music video does. This may be used by the artist to give credit to whichever company and individuals helped with the production of the music video. It is also shown when the band performed that the background was pitch black as if they weren't performing at all. The background black could have created some mystery for the audience that could be connected with the song. The background might be to convey to the readers how each band member is focused on themselves rather than others having their own spotlight. Indie music videos usually have diegetic sounds, whether it be the rustling of leaves, laughter from the actors, or any sound from the short story clip inside of the music video whereas in this music video, they did not have any. The only sound they have is the music itself which is a non-diegetic sound.
What representations are there? (people/places/events)
- Bands are represented
- Indonesia is compacted and represented through the tight places.
What technical elements are used to give meaning to the representations?
Camera:
- A close-up of the main actor/vocalist of the band using cool-toned makeup, already subverting the lighting of the genre.
- The location was introduced through a push-out movement revealing not only the place the singer was in but also slowly revealing the band members performing
- A long shot of all members of the band confirms the stereotype that bands consist of 4 main instruments, guitar, drums, bass, and piano.
- Static long shot of the stage the band was performing in and shows the black background.
- They also used random movement when both actors were running around to make the scene more intense and more romantic.
- A medium shot of both actors spending time with each other in an alley. To make the scene more romantic the medium shot is used to show that there were only the both of them.
- A static push-in shot is also used to show how compacted Indonesia is but with the right people the small things don't seem to bother a lot.
- The vocalist's makeup is shown to be bright and glowing under the light. The makeup is not in contrast with the black background but it could be used to connote a certain meaning for the audience to interpret.
- The lighting focuses more on the people on set rather than the background. It is shown during the performance how each members were given their own lighting as if they were having their own spotlight.
- Every time the scene changes from performing to the short story scene with both 2 actors acting as couples, the lighting is set to a warmer tone while still keeping their original cool tone. The lighting is then lowered making it darker to highlight the actors and changes the audience's attention to what the couple is doing.
- The music video uses some kind of camera/recording to show the couple. This could be to imply to the audience that the couple have known each other for a long time. using a recording acting as if the audience is looking at a nostalgic memory of the person inside the short story of the song.
- The band members were wearing suits and formal clothing to show professionalism.
- At the end, a person was clapping and the performance was stopped. This could imply to the audience that the band were rehearsing for a performance we never knew when would happen.
- In each scene of the couple had blurry faces but after a while, into the song, the actor's faces were finally shown. The vocalist is the actor and the audience can create the meaning that the song was related/reflected according to the vocalist's love story.
- Non-diegetic sound: The music from the video itself is diegetic sound, no other sounds were used in this music video.
- Straight cuts from the performance scene to the short story inside of the music video.
- The edits were mostly fast-paced, continuously showing the connection between the lyrics in the music and the romantic scene of the couple.
- Blurring of the actor's faces during the beginning scenes creates mystery.
Name: Bilal Indrajaya - Niscaya
Year: 2023
Production Company: The organism studio and lover colour studio
Distribution Company: -
Genre / Subgenre: Romance, Indie Pop
What conventions does it conform to?
- There are several conventions indie music videos have in common and one of them is including a short story that represents the song visually. In this music video, it includes a short story that is connected with the meaning of the song. Niscaya is also a much calmer and more relaxing song that could ease the audience's minds instead of just simply entertaining. Music can be used by the audience for different purposes where Niscaya is an example of a song the audience can listen to when trying to escape from reality. The lighting of the video is mostly in a warmer tone following typical conventions of indie music. Warm tone is used by producers to make the audience feel more composed when watching the music video and was used by Niscaya to help the reader connect more with the song and help ease in understanding the lyrics of the song. It is also made using a low budget, which is seen through the introduction where the singer just sits in the middle of a forest and comes out of nowhere. It creates a DIY aesthetic for the audience which is one of many elements that defines the indie genre.
What conventions does it subvert?
- Other than conforming to several conventions, Niscaya does not have any performances as the music video solely focuses more on Bilal's(the singer) voice. The song he sang alone and only relies on minimalistic instruments, Bilal only used a simple acoustic guitar and his voice to create this Indonesian Indie Hit whereas other indie music videos usually have a full band playing other instruments (drums, bass, piano). There is no variety in the instrumental choices Bilal used converting how Indie music is mostly performed in a band.
What representations are there? (people/places/events)
- Indonesia as a whole (Location, singer, actor)
- Nature (forest)
What technical elements are used to give meaning to the representations?
Camera:
- A long shot was used to reveal the location of the shoot and show the main actor/singer. It is to show how isolated he is in the middle of nature
- A medium shot was used when both actors the singer, and his couple got out of the car. It uses a medium shot to pull the audience's attention to the facial expressions and the body language of both actors. Her expression is also given using the same shot where she looks joyful and enthusiastic about their holiday
- A low-angle shot is used to film the woman as if she has power over the singer/her couple. This could be used as an implication for the audience that the female actor has the higher power or control in the relationship.
- Close-up shots are used a few times to focus more on what is being zoomed in. For both the singer and the lady it focuses more on their facial expression where the singer does not seem enthusiastic about their stay in the villa.
- Another close-up shot was used when the lady was blowing bubbles to just show to the audience the activity of the lady.
Mis-en-scene:
- The location of the shoot is located in the middle of a forest which was where the villa was.
- Both actors wore casual black clothing to make the scene less serious and imply to the audience how the couple dresses elegantly.
- The male actor was shown to be frowning but whenever he was with the lady he started changing his expressions and became much more happier.
- They were sitting next to each other but there was a tree separating them. This could mean that the actors were creating space for each other and something is making them less close to each other.
- The female actor was playing with bubbles and when the male actor joined in they were both laughing and enjoying their time. This means that both actors like having each other's company which makes their relationship clearer for the audience.
- The male actor captured the happy moments of when she was blowing bubbles meaning he wants to keep this memory.
- When the female actor was reading the book, the male actor left her isolated which may have created space between them and when the male actor was alone the female actor didn't approach him. This could imply to the audience that both actors are giving each other time to enjoy everything for a while alone
- When the female actor was trying to hold the male actor's hand she got rejected which could imply to the audience that the male actor does not want to do romantic activities
- The props used for the music video are simple, everything can be found inside of the villa they were in.
Sound:
- Diegetic Sound: At the start of the video there were leaves rustling. This makes the scene more realistic and makes the audience feel more involved and connected to the song
- Non-diegetic sound: The non-diegetic sound is the music itself
Edit:
- Fast-paced straight-away cuts to different scenes in the video. This shows the different points of view of the actors.
- In some of the scenes, the background was blurred. This is intentionally done to draw the audience's attention to the actors.
- A short montage of the women's accessories, activity, and expression.
6 General Researches:
1. Girl in Red - We fell in love in October
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
- Teenagers and young adults (age 16-25). The son is about 2 female actors falling in love with each other and these types of relationships usually happen to teenagers in that age range. This song is about young love and how obsessed people can get on their first love which would happen mostly to teenagers that share the same story.
- Indie or alternative music enthusiasts could be interested in the melody of this song. We Fell in Love in October features smooth melodic instruments, and catchy hooks making this song perfect for people who love to sing along when listening to a song.
What would you like to use in your music video?
- How they showed their short story and how in-depth the actors were while playing their roles as if they were real, making the audience feel more connected to the music.
- The cinematic shots of some of the scenes where it looks like it was a recorded scene on another device. This could appeal to more audiences as it subverts the genre convention making the music video unique. It also gives a much warmer tone when playing as if through a recording device.
What would you like to avoid in your music video?
- The use of some props like cigarettes would most likely be avoided by us. Not only is it not allowed i think there are other options of props we could use that can convey the same meaning as smoking.
- Overly complex narrative. Not to disrespect the music video but the narrative is too complex. yes, the meaning is understandable but the process of how to be able to imply that meaning to the audience only through visuals will consume a lot of time and effort.
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
- Like every other Indie genre, the target audience would be indie enthusiasts specifically indie rock. This is represented through the low-budget production that focuses more on personal identity and how to develop feelings u has.
- It is also targeted at teenagers in the age range of 16 and above. The song will make audiences feel much more emotional and connected to the song. A love event that happens to mostly teenagers, audiences can connect with the song making them feel more engaged. The use of vivid colours and a cool-toned vibe make it appealing to the audience.
What would you like to use in your music video
- In this music video, she uses simple props and focuses more on the camera angles and camera shots to convey the meaning. She only used 1 main item which was a lot of chairs.
- The lighting of the video is something I would like to do as well. It is very dramatic which connects well with the song which reflects the implied meaning the artist is trying to convey to the audience.
What would you like to avoid in your music video?
- The production cost of the music video. Everything in there is very highly polished and does not look like a low-budget production video. I would want my music video to look good using a low budget and keeping the convention of an Indie genre.
- The message of the song isn't shown clearly to the audience. This might create confusion and we would like to avoid this happening. Making the short story more to the point while still maintaining a creative approach.
3. Hotel Ugly - Shut Up My Moms Calling
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
- Teenagers above the age of 16 as not only the title is catchy but the a line in the song says the same phrase. Teenagers are most attracted to things that are humorous and this song is full of it.
What would you like to use in your music video?
- The aesthetics of the music video look low budget and very DIY which suits the indie genre. The music videos also have a sense of humor and fun making them appeal to more audiences. The humor part of the scene shows its connectivity to the song which helps create a deeper level of connection to the audience.
What would you like to avoid in your music video?
- I would like to avoid the dark and gloomy aesthetic that was highlighted in some scenes of the video. We would like to create a music video that appeals to the audience not make them bored.
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
- Beabadoobee's music video is targeted at teenagers above the age of 16. This could be achieved through the Sweet and sentimental themes. This song is about teenage love and self reflection which happens a lot to teenagers. The audience who listens to this song can personally connect and resonate with their own personal experience.
What would you like to use in your music video?
- The lighting of the music video is soft and natural just like how an indie music video should be. No excessive studio lights only using warm tones and natural lighting from the sun to create a happier and nostalgic mood. This pairs well with sentimental songs as it could set the mood of the listeners.
- The music video also uses a simple background such as highly accessible outdoor locations. This will be beneficial for making my music video as having to rent a specific place to record a video will be challenging for students.
What would you like to avoid in your music video?
- Although it uses natural lighting the final touch of the music video uses heavy filters and effects to enhance the looks of the music video. We would like to avoid this as editing images/videos by giving several effects may be time-consuming and inefficient.
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
- Here With Me's music video is designated to teenagers above the age of 15 who enjoys listening to Indie and RnB music. Audiences who enjoy listening to romantic, love songs would also be delighted to watch this music video. The video is very relatable to the targetted audience as the featured event occurs more frequently on the age range. A relatable theme could be used to appeal to the targetted audience and a minimalistic theme to strengthen the emotional bond when audiences watch the music video.
What would you like to use in your music video?
- The video has a minimalistic aesthetic which makes it more appealing and is much easier to do with a low budget. Using simple but meaningful locations will touch the audience's heart creating a more emotional connection between the audience and the music video.
- The lighting of the video is very soft and warm making the audience feel more relaxed. This would be needed for my team and I to execute well as we chose to do an indie song. Enabling our music video to create a sense of vulnerability and drive the audience to a more emotional narrative.
What would you like to avoid in your music video?
- We would like to make our editing slower and avoid fast-paced edits. This way it will make the scene more intense and for a romance song, it is best to make the scene as romantic as possible for it to make sense and be able to connect with the audience.
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
- Senopati in the rain is targeted at teenagers above the age of 18. This is done by simple storytelling inside of the music video. Teenagers would like to see something simple and fun rather than complex. This approach to storytelling can draw the audience's raw emotions and make them feel more connected and related to the song.
What would you like to use in your music video?
- Making a music video that has a well-made emotional atmosphere would be nice to have. Following the tricks of Jordan Susanto's viral hit will be beneficial as it helps the audience connect with the song more making them feel as if the song was written for them. The lighting of the music video is also natural like how indie music videos should be. The lighting of a scene can create the mood of the audience.
What would you like to avoid in your music video?
- An indie music video has the convention of a short story/narrative about the song. Avoiding complex ways of storytelling would bring benefits to my team and i as it will save both time and effort. We would like to keep it simple for the audience to interpret the meaning from.
No comments:
Post a Comment