Here is the research for our component 3 music video
bad idea right? - Olivia Rodrigo
"bad idea right?" is a pop song released by Olivia Rodrigo in 2023. The music video has a narrative that is driven forward by a woman, breaking the stereotype of men always being the one to drive the narrative. In between this narrative progression, the start of the video also cross cuts between scenes of Olivia on the way to her ex's house, facing multiple disasters as if the world is preventing her from going there, associating with the title implying the universe is trying to tell her that going there is a bad idea, and the party held at her ex's house, showing what she's missing out on. This video conforms to audiences of youth who participate in clubs, parties, and the ideals of a wild youth life. The square aspect ratio also gives a vintage nostalgic feel to it. we would like to implement the retro tint on some parts of our music video, as it pops more on the screen compared to standard modern music videos
My Hero - Foo Fighters
"My Hero" is in the Punk Rock genre, and the music video once again has a narrative drive, as we follow a main character as he becomes this 'Hero' by saving multiple people from a fire. The camera follows our main character from the back throughout the majority of this music video. This video is a representation of many peoples' perception of a 'Hero', as this person really rescues people in the scene of a fire without the getup and professionality of a regular firefighter. I like how this music video transitions between the man running into the house and his acts of heroism to shots of the band members playing their instruments seamlessly. It makes the story and the band feel like they are a part of one universe, yet separated as both events happen at once without affecting the other.
Pompeii - Bastille
Media Language
The visuals in this music video utilise a lot of effects that convey the narrative clearly. Set in an abandoned city, it references the ancient ruins of pompeii. To show this they use a combination of wide establishing shots and closeups of certain features that capture the isolation of this environment. A lot of brown colors were used here which further enhances the desert-like feel of the whole music video, being ruins of an old civilisation. Occassional bursts of color then stand out when the world is shown being frozen in time. Bastille is often presented against a big landscape backdrop, highlighting his performance in comparison to the abandoned city. Visual effects such as ghostly apparitions and crumbling structures enhance the haunting feel of the video.
Representation
This text represents many ideas such as mortality, time, and a sense of urgency in this time and space. The shots of the abandoned city and the uncanny people that 'live' in it symbolize the remnants of a forgotten civilization, making the existing nature of humans seem long gone. The contrast of Bastille's performance in comparison to this deathly atmosphere creates a sense of rebellion against the destruction the location suggests. The actors casted for this music video were diverse, and so anyone can see themselves in the position, although not a very positive or negative representation, however it can immerse them into the video a lot better.
Audience
The target audience for the "Pompeii" music video is likely diverse, encompassing fans of Bastille's music as well as audiences interested in deep stories presented to them through visual pleasure. Given the introspective nature of the song's lyrics and the engaging imagery, audiences may include those who appreciate artistry and deeper thematic exploration. Additionally, fans of alternative and indie music genres may be attracted to Bastille's unique sound and visual aesthetic.
We are Young - Fun
Media Language
The choice of lighting and location in this music video gives off a real sense of youth, particularly the youth night life. The whole video takes place in the same scenery, the same location, but in 2 different sides of the club. The camerawork is almost always comprised of still shots, but this allows for a lot of movement in the shot from the people around. The dynamic of the music video increases parallel to the dynamic of the music, having the first climax break the silence of the club with someone smashing a glass on a girl's head, leading all the way up to people flying around the room, drinks in the air and exploding styrofoam by the end of the music video. The band on stage is seen to be unfazed by the chaos unfolded in the crowd, once again having the whole community in the club be seen as one but apart, as they are depicted as separate events in one place, not affecting each other, which is commonly used for music videos. A sharply dressed woman also appears near the end of the video, not as part of the band but as part of the chaotic crowd. She stands in the middle unfazed as well, just like the band, but is clearly in the midst of everything. This is a connotation on how where there is chaos, there is order. This can also be seen as a binary opposite as chaos and order is a common theme when it comes to narrative hooks. This keeps the audience hooked on the music video as it has this sense of tension between the two.
Representation
Both the song and the video are representations of the youth, particularly the youth that participate heavily in nightlife. The whole concept of the music video is the chaos unfolded in the club, justifying this chaos by talking about it as the best part of their youth. The choice of lighting and location is also very much implying this, as the dark scenery is often a trigger in which youths in clubs tend to go crazy, as they can't see much and so don't feel as much of a sense of responsibility with anything that happens. This may also be relatable to people in the music industry, as often times when bands of the such sign up for a gig, the audience could possibly be the rowdy kind, but despite that the band continues to play. People who take gigs in clubs and bars and the such will be able to relate to this, as it is often simply their job to continue playing to get the recognition or the pay they signed up for.
Audience
The audience targeted in this music video is of course the youth of the nightlife, and since it takes place in a location that is familiar to their target audience, the viewers may feel a sense of nostalgia, reminiscence, relatability, etc. Since the genre is indie pop/rock, audiences may feel a closer relationship with the music and the band as they talk about more niche topics, allowing audiences to get a better feel of the meaning behind the music.
Industry
This music video is a typical VEVO/YouTube music video, as it conforms to the style of a lot of other music videos released in its time. It was one of the first alternative/indie of its time, leading to the now popular genre of indie artists. The fade out at the end of the song on youtube allows for viewers to click on the popups regarding their other works as well, although most likely not the initial idea of the fade-out, is often used in that manner.
Reflection: For my research into music videos, I finished 2 small ones and 2 big ones. I mainly did them all on my own, except for "bad idea, right?" which i watched and discussed together with Rania in class when my laptop was dead and then proceeded to write down separately. For the big research, it took me a while to decide on a music videos I really wanted to dive into, but eventually stumbled upon the nostalgic song that as a class in year 7 we performed on stage. This music video utilised a lot of visual effects and choices of lighting, location, and characters' behaviours in comparison to the band, of which I'd like to implement a lot into the music video. Having analysed a lot of different genres, I think settling on our current song was a good choice.
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