Monday 25 October 2010

Music Video Research - Miss Georgiou

Music Video Research





Artist: Drake
Title: Over
Genre: Rap

Lighting: Low key - Top lighting is used to highlight the artist which shows us who the artist is. This draws our attention to the artists and therefore familiarizes us with him.



Camera shots: Two shot - Two images of Drake are show in the video. This shows who the artist is and it builds the narrative as it shows what he is thinking. The creative side shows what kind of artist he is and this builds a relationship with his target audience.



Close up shot: Drake sitting on his bed at the beginning when he first looks at the camera. This shows that he is emotional ad that he wants to share his story with his audience. From this close up you can see his facial expressions. This is key as the artist needs to build his relationship with the artist.



Fast editing: Fades in and out were used when Drake moved to a different location. This helped the audience to understand that the song had moved on and that the artist was explaining another point.




Location: Bedroom - Domestic location - Makes it personal to him - Targets his audience.Colour: Red tints - shows that he is angry also the tint is used as an editing style which then moves to the next scene. This helps the audience understand the narrative.




Artist: Kelly Rowland
Title: Commander
Genre: R'n'b



Lighting:There is red lighting used, this conveys the mood of the music and also aids to the effect,it links to the location and to the mis en scene.





Camera shots: Close up shot - Shows the artists facial expression which helps the audience to relate to the artist.



Two shot: The two shot acts as a mirror image, as it shows the artist twice which makes it loook like her reflection, she uses this to convey that she is looking at herself but this shows that she is
wearing to different colour outfits which shows the contrast.



Establishing shot: This shot is shown at the begining of the music video to familiarise the audience with the location, which is a club like location. Location: The location is a club like scene, this suggests that Kelly Rowland is like a diva and it also suggests that that is where she likes to be.


Editing: The artist uses straight cuts to show the constant changing of the shot, this helps with the music video as it keeps a constant flow of shots and a constant narrative/concept and performance.

Artist: Westlife
Title: Flying without wings
Genre: Pop











Lighting: The lighting in this music video, shows the artists face in detail which helps build a relationship between the artist and the audience.













Camera shots- they are many close up shots used in this video. They show the facial expression of the artists which creates a relationship with the audience, from this you can also see the emotion of the artists and the love they have for what they do.












Location-this music video is located in a theatre-looking open area, this suggests that the artists like this location and they can relate and perform best there.





Editing-there is fast editing in this music video to show the transition from shot to shot and to also keep and fast pace to keep the rhythm flowing.



From analysing the above music videos I can now decide what I plan on using throughout my own music video. I noticed trends within the three music videos which I analysed, these were; the use of low key lighting to show facial expression and other key elements of the music video, close up shots and slow to fast editing. I will use all of these trends as I believe that from using them, my music video will be following conventions of each genre and therefore be a successful music video. I plan to use close up shots to show my artists facial expression, this will build a relationship with her audience and this will also help create a narrative throughout the music video. I will also use a lot of low key lighting to show certain elements in more detail than others show that only some props are standing out to the audience. The editing will be slow as this will go better with the rhythm of the song and as a result, make the music video have an overall professional look.

Finalised album cover - front and back - Mrs Fisher


BACK












FRONT














This is my finalised album cover, I was unable to use the artist featuring in the music video as she was unavailable on the day of the photo shoot. Instead, I used another artist to take her place, however I done exactly what I would have done, if i was to have used my featuring artist.

I used Photoshop to manipulate the pictures of the artist. I blurred the background to ensure that the artist stands out. I also brightened the eyes to make them stand out, whitened teeth and air brushed to give the artist an overall good complexion.

I used neutral colours to convey a delicate, feminine image of the artist, I also used certain text as it is bold and is shown clearly on the CD cover. I used borders to box each element on the CD cover i.e the name of the artist and the album name.

Photoshop workshop-Mrs Fisher

STEP 1.

The first step is to click on 'file' and then 'new' this box is where you put in the measurements to determine how big/small/wide you want your canvas to be. It also gives you an option of having it 'transparent', 'white' or the 'background colour'.

STEP 2. Once you put in the measurements in, you then drag a picture, of your choice in the window.

Here is when you can edit your image. You can use the tools on the side of the screen to manipulate your image.

The tool bar below consists of all the tools which are used.

STEP 3. I used the quick selection tool which meant that I could remove parts of the picture that I wanted to, leaving the transparent background. From this, I placed another background by clicking 'file' and then 'place' which then showed the girl on the background I wanted.

Sunday 24 October 2010

Image Board - Mrs Fisher



Image Board

I have chosen to give the artist two images, one being a sophisticated, classy look, the other being a rock-chick, rebel look to do this I have combined the two by certain clothing and using particular make up.
.
The red hair which my artist has would be conform to the generic conventions of this song/genre. The colour red connotes love which would mean that the artist will be seen as classy and elegant. She will also be seen as independent. The artists hair will look healthy; shiny and bouncy which would make the artist stand out from other artists.


The Pauls Boutique bag above shows the artists Rock image and also shows the artist as someone who is in with the latest fashion and someone who also has good taste. The cost of these makes of bags range from around £45-£85 which makes it easy for the target audience to buy into the artists lifestyle, by buying what she buys. The colours in this bag are bright, however they could all mean something different. The green colour could connote envy/jealousy. The pink, which is a girly colour could connote innocence. The colours on this bag make it stand out and eye catching


These sequin leggings will be used in my album cover as they convey a diva-like image and also represent the artist as someone with a good sense of style and someone who will have assets sell-able to an audience. They also to show the rock/rebel image.

The heels will also be worn, to show a diva-like image and to also help her appear to her audience.









This orange top will be worn to show simplicity and to also show that the artist can wear normal clothing and still look good. This leaves the audience with an understanding that they can by into the artists image, as these tops are usually fairly cheap.

Summary of research - Miss Georgiou

The research process has enabled to plan my music video more effectively and easily and I can now address the different aspects of music video creation and apply them all to my music video which then provide me with the best information and contents to ensure that my music video is of high standards and music industry material.

From doing my research I have come to the agreement with myself that I will be making a video for Beyonce's song; Dangerously in love. I decided to do this song as it is a slow song and easy for locations to be filmed, the lyrics are also easy to remember which means that it would be easy for my artist to memorize them and therefore perform to the best of her ability. Having a slow song means that editing will be easier as it will all be slow editing and the need for a lot of editing techniques will not be necessary.

I found from my research that Beyonce is a very successful artist, I also developed a liking to her music and music videos which accompanied her songs, this made it easier for me to decide on certain things as I enjoyed it and could relate to the artist.

From deciding on my artists image, it has given me a clear outline on how I want to portray my artist and also helps me with the photo shoot for the album cover and her costume/hair/make-up for the music video.

Music Album cover draft design- Mrs Fisher

Music album cover design cover draft design




This is my first draft for my album cover, I chose to use purple, blue and black/blue as they are dark colours which means that they complement the image which the artist buys into. The layout is simple so that the audience can understand clearly.

Thursday 21 October 2010

Lyric Analysis - Miss Georgiou

PERFOMANCE NARRATIVE CONCEPT

[When the tune is playing the artist will sway to the beat and then sing]
Baby I love you -
You are my life –
[The artist will sing the first two lines] - MIS EN SCENE - This scene will be shown in the artists living room, she will be surrounded by low key lighting, there will also be props, for example; Tissue box, wine bottle and glasses, table, picture frame ect. She will be wearing a baggy jumper to show that she doesn't care much about her appearance at that time. Close up shots of the artist singing.

SCENE 1 (Here she can be sitting at a time, with low key lighting (candles), wearing an elegant dress and with a bottle of wine and two glasses. The camera shot that will be used will be a establishing shot, to help the audience familiarise with the location, the location will be the house of the artist.

My happiest moments weren't complete -
If you weren't by my side
you’re my relation
in connection to the sun
[Here the concept will be love and honour and happiness]

SCENE 2 (Here there will be both narrative and performance, showing the artist pull memories out of a box which she had next to her, showing that she is reminiscing - from here there will be a flashback) - There will be a close up shot used. The artist will be wearing her dress during the flashback.

With you next to me
there’s no darkness I can't overcome
you are my raindrop
I am the sea

SCENE 3 [Here I will have the artist acting with a man who will then be playing her lover/boyfriend to help portray the concept]
(Here the artist will be shown, in a flashback, having fun with the on she loves, on the beach, she will be wearing sandals or flat shoes, with warm clothing, a prop would be a camera as they will be shown filming each other and joking around - close up shots, long shots, mid shot.)

With you and God, who's my sunlight
I bloom and grow so beautifully
Baby, I'm so proud
So proud to be your girl
You make the confusion
Go all away
From this cold and messed up world.
[With this first verse I am going to have the artist performing, through slow dancing and making sure that the artist is looking into the camera to create a relationship with the audience and to help aid the understanding of the lyrics]

SCENE 4 (Here, it will go back to the artist at her house, pulling other things out of her box, which would then be followed by a flashback- close ups, mid shots)


I am in love with you
you set me free
I can't do
this thing
Called life
without you here with me [The artist will then be shown here with her lover.]
Cause I'm Dangerously in Love with you
I'll never leave
just keep lovin' me
the way I love you loving me.
[The artist will be performing by singing and dancing accordingly]


SCENE 5(Here she will be shown happy with her love. She will at fun fair, playing at messing around on the different activities) - long shots and close ups.

And I know you love me
Love me for who I am
Cause years before I became who I am
Baby you were my man
[The artist will then be shown here dancing with her lover, in a passionate way which would then complement the lyrics and the idea or love, happiness and honor]

SCENE 6 (Here she will singing into the camera as well as looking at her partner, she will be wearing elegent clothes, the location for this would be at a grassy area to aid effect on the romance) - Close up shots and midshots

I know it ain't easy
Easy loving me
I appreciate the love and dedication
from you to me
later on in my destiny
[There artist will be singing here, looking straight into a mirror the camera - an over the shoulder shot will be used]

I see myself having your child
I see myself being your wife
And I see my whole future in your eyes
SCENE 7 [Here there will be props and acting which would complement the lyrics and help the audience understand what is going on] - mid shots

Thought of all my love for you
sometimes make me wanna cry
realize all my blessings
I'm grateful
to have you by my side.
SCENE 8 (Here she will be back in her house, she will pull out a picture of her and her boyfriend - showing her audience that she is no longer 'by her side') - mid shots

Every time I see your face
My heart smiles
Every time it feels so good
It hurts sometimes
Created in this world
To love and to hold
To feel
To breathe
To love you
[Here the artist will be singing whilst dancing]

SCENE 9 (Another flashback, showing the key running, holding hands - the man gives the artist a rose this scene will be filmed on a pier at the seaside, she will be wearing casual clothing) - long shots and close ups

Dangerously in love
Can't do this thing
I love you, I love you, I love you - [SCENE 10] She will be singing into the camera. - Close ups.
I'll never leave
Just keep on loving me
I'm in love with you
I cannot do
I cannot do anything without you in my life
Holding me, kissing me, loving me
Dangerously
[In the last bit she will be acting with her lover, ‘holding, kissing, and loving’]
[SCENE 10] (Here artist will be slowly moving around her house, looking sad, lost, heartbroken - wearing what she was wearing in the first scene) - mid shots

I love you
dangerously in love.
[SCENE 10] [The song will finish with walking up the stairs of her house, once she gets to the top, there will be a fade out and the music video will finish] - mid shots

Thursday 14 October 2010

Major record labels/ Parent companies - Miss Georgioi

Major record labels - Are large companies within the music industry that may also own smaller record labels.

The music industry (or music business) sells compositions, recordings and performances of music. Among the many individuals and organizations that operate within the industry are the musicians who compose and perform the music; the companies and professionals who create and sell recorded music.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_record_label

  • Who are the major labels in the UK currently?
Columbia Records
EMI records
Sony BMG
Warner music group

  • Who do the labels manage?
Columbia records manage artists like; Collie Buddz, Marques Houston, Jagged Edge, Wyclef Jean, Kings of Leon and The Kinks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Columbia_Records_artists


EMI records manage artists like; Chingy, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Beverly Knight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_EMI_artists








Sony BMG manage artists like; Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys and Justin Timberlake.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Sony_BMG_artists

Warner music group manger artists like; Angels and Airwaves, Micheal Buble, Jason Derulo and Gym class heroes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Warner_Music_Group_artists

3) Do the major labels own smaller companies and which artists do they manage?

Owned by universal music group

· Def Jam Recordings (1985–1993)

Artists – Ne-yo, Justin Bieber, Jeremiah and Lady Gaga.

Owned by universal music group

· Loud Records (1999–2002)

Artists - Mobb Deep, Method Man and Tbeats.

Owned by Sony BMG

· The Work Group (1995–2000)

Artists - Fiona Apple, Diana King and Midnight Oil.

· Date Records

Artists - Oasis, Pitbull, Ricky Martin and R Kelly.


4) Are there any links within media e.g. TV/film/magazines etc.


Sony Music Entertainment –
· American Record Corporation
· Columbia/CBS Records
· Sony BMG
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Music_Entertainment)


Emi Group –
· EMI Films
· EMI Records
· EMI Televisa Music /Capitol Latin
· EMI Songbook Series
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMI_Group)


Warner Music Group –
· Warner Bros. Records official site
· Warner Music Italy official site
· Warner Music Latina official site
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Music_Group)

1) Identify some of the independent labels in the UK and a brief history of each

INDEPENDENT RECORD LABELS

Independents - Music labels that operate one or a few music labels. Independent labels can be just successful but operate from a smaller company base. They are traditionally known as offering more 'organic' music rather than manufactured mainstream.

1) Boy better know - Boy Better Know founded by Hassan based in Cannon, is often used in a slang terminology however it is more commonly known to have been established by grime artists Wiley and brothers, JME and Skepta. They are currently working on the debut album for the group as a whole. The first single from the album, Too Many Man (We Need Some More Girls in Here), was released on the 25th May 2009.[3] The song is also featured on both Wiley and Skepta's albums, Race Against Time and Microphone Champion respectively. The song was written because of Skepta's annoyance over 'the lack of women in clubs'. It was played onChannel AKA, MTV Base, MTV Dance and BBC 1Xtra and entered the UK Singles Chart on 6 June 2009 at #97, reaching #79 the next week.[4] The second single from the album V.I.P titled Goin' In was released for download on iTunes on 13 December 2009.

2) Artists -

Skepta

JME

Wiley

2) Red Girl records -Red Girl Records is a London, UK based independent record label founded by Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice, after parting ways with her record label Virgin Records. All of Melanie's activities are decided upon and funded by herself, alongside her business partner and manager, Nancy Phillips.

Artists

Melanie C

3) Sons Ltd - The Soul of North Staffs or 'SONS' is an independent record label based in Stoke-on-Trent. The company was formed in 2004 by Neil Graham, Seb Clarke, Al Padmore, James Wakefield and Tangwyn Davies. The label consists solely of bands native to the North Staffordshire area and has become a noted figure both locally[1] and nationally, having recently received attention from Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens (6music, BBC Radio 1) as well as Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Marconie (BBC Radio 2) SONS has earned comparisons to Factory Records for its DIY ethic and its unique 'SONS sound'.[2]

Artists

§ This Is Seb Clarke

§ The Novellos

§ The Title

§ Tommy Turbo & The Turbervilles

§ La Dies

§ The Rough Charm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_independent_UK_record_label

History

Independent labels have a long history of signalling developments in popular music, stretching back to the post-war period in the United States.[2] Disputes with major labels about publishing led to a proliferation of labels specializing in country, jazz, and blues. Sun Records played an important part in the development of Rock 'n' roll as well as country, with artists such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Charlie Rich.[2] The independent labels usually aimed their releases at a small but devoted audience, not relying on mass sales for success, giving artists much more scope for experimentation and artistic freedom.

In the United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s, the major record companies EMI, Philips, and Decca had so much power that independent labels struggled to become established. Several British producers launched independent labels as outlets for their work including Joe Meek (Triumph), Andrew Oldham (Immediate), and Larry Page (Page One).[2] Chrysalis Records, launched by Chris Wright and Terry Ellis, was perhaps the most successful from that era, and continued to expand. Several major rock stars set up their own independent labels - The Beatles with Apple Records, The Rolling Stones with Rolling Stones Records, and Elton John with Rocket, but they generally failed as commercial ventures or were swallowed up by the majors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_record_label

1) Is it right to from a music point of view as well as an industry point view that 4 companies dominate the music industry?

I believe that it right that the 4 companies dominate the music industry, the reasons for this are that these 4 are the companies which manage the most amount of successful artists. From this they are the most successful and make the most money, therefore they ensure their place in the top 4 as they work hard and are successful. Most artists depend on these music companies and most would not have made it if it wasn't for the companies. However, some independent music labels have artists which have potential to be successful and should also be given the chance to show them.

2) What affect to you think this has on the industry?

The affect on the music industry is that it has become more competitive which means that the companies are constantly trying to out-do each other, giving the audience harder choices.

3) Are independent labels as successful as major labels, how do you judge this?

I believe that Independent labels are not as successful as major labels, I can judge this by the publicity in which they receive, The independent labels are rarely shown in the media industry.

4) Is there anything that independent labels offer the industry that the majors do not?

Major label advances are generally much larger than independent labels can offer. If an independent label is able to offer an advance, it will most like be somewhere in the range of $5,000-$125,000. On the other hand, major labels are able to offer artists advances in the range of $150,000-$300,000. Instead of offering an advance, some independent labels agree to pay for a certain amount of the artist's recording costs.

Some bands choose to never go to a major label even if they are given the opportunity to do so. Similarly, others may choose to be an independent artist after having already experienced recording on a major label, such as pianist Bradley Joseph. As an independent, business is a prime concern and can take over if not controlled, Joseph said. "A lot of musicians don't learn the business. You just have to be well-rounded in both areas. You have to understand publishing. You have to understand how you make money, what's in demand, and what helps you make the most out of your talent." But some artists just want to be involved in the music and don't like the added problems or have the personality to work with both. Joseph suggests newer artists read and study both courses and pick one that best suits their needs and wants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_music