Textual analysis of music videos - Ingrid Michaelson (Maybe)

Mise en Scene

There are multiple colours used throughout the video showing the quirky side to the video. At the beginning there is a red curtain shown this is a key signifier to the performing arts aspect of the music video as well as this red used shows fame and passion.  The scene is framed with a blue border the use of a turquoise shade of blue connotes freedom, expression and individuality, and acts as a contrast compared to the red.

Throughout the music video there are loads of multi-coloured animations that are added, these additions show that the type of music shown has no limitations it can cover all corners of musical genre shown it is not just tied down to one sound. The background is made with a green screen and features multicoloured building shapes that create a fantasy world in which the music video takes place, this makes the audience feel a sense of escape. In the background a neutral colour is used so that the attention is not taken away from the occurrences in the video and also to show that the type of music shown starts off as a blank canvas and can be interpreted in many ways by the audience. The singer wears normal typical clothes that are coloured beige and browns showing her to be plain and simple making it easier for the audience to relate to her.

Camera shot and movement


Throughout the music video there are two main shots used: a long shot and a close up – the long shots are used so that the audience can easily see and relate to the artist. It also allows the audience to pick up on different aspects of the music through her attire and mannerisms which can be clearly seen through the long shots: for example a long shot is shown of her dodging and side stepping certain animations giving a secondary meaning of her avoiding or overcoming obstacles this can only be properly observed when a long shot is used.

Close ups are used so that the audience can see the artists expression clearly and be able to identify her. It shows the audience her plain make up and clothes  therefore showing that the artist is nothing ‘special’ she is just an ordinary person and therefore she is easy to connect with from the audiences perspective.

Tracking is also used throughout the track to follow her on her journey –this links to narrative where the artist has embarked on a quest to overcome obstacles and eliminate ‘issue’ that arise. The side profile that the audience gain of the artist help illuminate the idea that she is on a journey this mood of address shows that she wishes for the audience to be with her through ups and downs and therefore a relationship is formed between the artist and audience.

Editing



The editing used is very inventive and creative as it occurs alongside the movement of the multi-coloured animation as the shapes and objects move along the page the camera view changes along with the size of the artist. This happens in a series of slides where the artist is pushed out of the screen or swiped over changing the audience’s perspective, this style of editing is not seamless and therefore realism is avoided again adding to the fantasy view of the music video world.

Genre


The genre is portrayed through the colours used the expressive array of colours display individuality and uniqueness features of the indie genre as well as this the floaty dress worn by the artist reflects a hippy style and gives a an idea of what type of audience will be interested in this genre – those who seek distinctiveness and escapism.



Representation


The artist takes on a countertypeof the typical association attributed to women; for example she is shown to be a bearer of obstacles which she can overcome. The secondary level of meaning regardingt the lyrics of the siong is about ridding herself of the male in her life which makes her the  more dominant character and shows she can survive without him.

Textual analysis of music video - Train (hey soul sister)

Mise en Scene

The setting shown is in the street with an emphasis on a small café where the band is positioned outside. The band being outside enforces a sense of natural music that is original and free – it shows that the band has been able to break out into the mainstream and be accepted by society.

A main colour used is white in certain environments everything is colored in white and is then tarnished by the lyrics moving through the screen – this creates the background to the musical lyrics and shows that words can colour and create many different moods and bring an ‘empty’ room to life.

The costumes seen are plain and lack pattern the band members are seen wearing: black, white and grey and so are the members of public this is so that the main emphasis is on the lyrics moving through the street not the public. The lyrics running through the scene create a quirky feel to the music video and allow the true meaning of the words to be absorbed. Also due to the band and public being dressed in similar clothes it allows them to be treated as being on the same level as society and nothing higher this allows potential audiences to relate to them on a more personal basis.

The items that carry the most colours seem to be the street props such as the New York water hydrant that is colored in yellow and the red stop sign these features create verisimilitude and reinforce the street scene.

Camera shot and movement

Long shots are used of the band so you can see them in their environment however they are difficult to identify as they blend in this helps them seem more normal again and makes the audience feel more at ease. Using a long shot also allows the audience to see the bands attire and attitude which seem relaxed and calm.

The close ups used also reinforce the laidback style of the singer but also show us the passion and emotion behind his words showing that the song comes from his heart and should evoke a feeling from the audience as deep as the feeling he is expressing – close-ups also help in identification which is a big issue with up and coming artists.  

Another shot used is a high angle shot this makes the audience feel inferior to the band and therefore shows that the band value their audience and place them of great importance.

Editing

The editing used is mainly straight cuts this creates realism which is ironic since the situation is quite absurd however there are some jump cuts used to emphasize certain aspects of the video for example a jump cut is shown of a cup of tea and a dog etc… this again relates to the inclusion of the band into main stream living.

Textual analysis of music videos - Mumford and sons (Little Lion Man)

Mise en Scene

The lighting used is very effective in drawing the audience’s attention to specific aspects of the video it is also effective at creating shadows. The lighting is shown on stage and therefore becomes a prop that reflects raw indie country as the emphasis is on the music there is no fancy lighting or edits etc… just pure talent the lighting used casts shadows on the band members creating an enigma to the audience for their full identity and shrouds them in a degree of mystery.

The colours used are browns mainly this again is so that the focal point is on the band and their music not appearances. The costumes they wear are typically associated with the country indie genre – tweed jackets and waistcoats flat caps etc... This reflects the genre however due to its plainness also deflects the audience’s attention.

The props used are mainly the omnipresent lighting and the bands musical instruments this shows the regard that the band have for their instruments as they are shown from many different angles in many different lights this shows that they value their music highly. 

Camera shots and movement

Close up of instruments are used commonly to show them being played and also highlight their importance in comparison to at the beginning where the band members are only shown in shadow creating silhouettes rather than giving a sense of identity.

The importance of their musical accompaniments is shot in a shot similar to a two shot of a band member and their instrument as if highlighting how without one the other could not reach full potential.

As well as their instruments the passion behind the band is evident when close ups of feet stomping and facial expressions are shown displaying sheer devotion and commitment to their music and performance. Pans are also used to show the setting and the band members one by one giving them equal importance and status. The edits used are mainly straight cuts allowing the piece to seamlessly flow from performance to close ups and also show that the band are a united front not separate entities.

Genre

The indie country genre is communicated through the use of particular props i.e. the ukulele also the barn setting added to the country feel of the music video. This alongside the costumes is enhanced by the mannerisms of the band i.e. stomping of feet, nodding of heads, clapping of hands etc…


Representation


In the music video emphasis is placed on loud feet stomping, passion and and he band is shown to have a dishevelled unkempt look which is associated with those form a lower class background. As well as this they are quite frequently shot from mabove making them seem of lower status and value however this maybe due to the artists wanting to give the audience higher worth. 

Textual anaysis of a music video - The Plain White T's (hey there Delilah)

Mise en Scene



The main colour featured in the music video is blue expressing freedom however also reflecting the fact that the song is based on a sad theme the colours used when we see the artist singing are white and when we see the girl he is singing about the colours change to bright tones: this conveys the idea that it is her who brings the colour into his life, this is similar to the highlighting of his guitar another key feature of the video.

The costumes shown are quite plain and simple the artist is wearing a grey top and jeans and the girl is wearing a skirt and coat that blend into the blue background this is so that they do not stand out in the music video and just become part of the scene

The video is set in a street in what seems to be New York this is shown from a low angle shot making the audience feel inferior and distant, which is a common theme in the song. Another environment is a white/cream empty room that highlights the emotions of the singer – loneliness.

Camera shot and movement

The whole music video is shot with a split screen which connotes the idea of distance and different perspectives, as usually the band is shot in one section and the girl in another. This allows the audience to gain a sense of recognition and understanding of the generic elements – it is a quirky way to view a music video that emphasizes the indie genre.

Long shots and pans are used of the girl in New York Street and the artist and his guitar this links the two people together and shows their relationship but it also shows the audience the action and passion behind the artist’s song.
 

Close ups are used often to highlight main focal points of the video for example we see the artists lip sand his musical instrument we also so the girl’s lips reflected in a mirror again highlighting their relationship. The close ups also show to the audience how these features are key to the development of the music video.

Editing

The editing used consists of straight cuts and swipes this reinforces the reality of the situation and also the reality of the artist’s emotions meaning the audience will take them as an artist more seriously, and also keeps the music video running seamlessly.

Genre and Representation

The indie genre is shown through the quirky style of the screen layout and also the saturated blue tone they both signify that the audience is looking for something different and out of the ordinary.
The artist shown in the video is quite youthful, however is shown to be taken seriously - he is singing of long distant love. However the female is stereotypically shown to be applying make-up and looking pretty which reinforces the dominant ideology regarding a womens appearance.

Textual analysis of Music Video - Go:Audio

Go Audio: made up stories

Mise en Scene

The colours used at the beginning of the sequence are fairly dull and dark creating an enigma this is maintained throughout the video representing the themes of secrecy and wrongdoing.  The most contrasting colour is the red worn by the male in the narrative – his red blazer connotes danger and also shows how he is an object of lust rather than a true affection.

The band members are shown first with their instruments to establish their relationship and passion with music. It also shows the importance of their music in regards to anything else i.e. image. This is also highlighted by the dark costumes worn by the band members who create a deep air of mystery and also shows how the instruments are the most important items.

The artist’s position in the music video is usually at the forefront of the screen with their instruments placed in the front of them this allows them to be instantly recognisable for new audiences. As well as this the band members are shown throughout the narrative to constantly reinforce their role in the music video and keep them in the forefront of the audiences mind.

Editing

Straight cuts are used frequently throughout the video to reinforce realism and verisimilitude this is so that the audience feel as if they are part of the working music video and engage with the audience.  Jump cuts are also used to emphasise key elements for example there is a jump cut used form a long shot of a drummer to the drumsticks striking the drum this again heightens the passion behind the music and focuses the audience’s attention.

Camera shot/movement

Close ups – close ups are used regularly in the video to clearly show facial expression and attitudes, for example we are shown a shot of the lead singers face at the beginning at first shrouded in the darkness so that the audience are purely focused on the music rather than identifying the band, then the artist is shown in light with a passionate facial expression showing him to be totally engaged in his music.

Two shots – these shots are used throughout to show character relationships due to the plot of the narrative they are used frequently usually in a landscape or skewed frame to show the unacceptability of their relationship.

Representation

Females are presented as a typical bitchy character in the narrative that breaks a guys heart this is a stereotypical attitude encoded by the way the female dresses in provocative clothing and how she behaves in a sexual and sensual manner.

The band are made up of typical white males this is the dominant ideology of indie bands being predominantly those demographics therefore this band is not attempting to challenge any perceptions of gender hence fit in with the common mainstream indie band music.

Textual Analysis of Music poster - Paramore

Mise en Scene

The main colours used in the poster are again black and white which is common throughout indie posters.  However the band use a different colour to highlight the female lead the orangey colour is also a reflection of the lead singers unique hair style that shows the bands originality the fiery colour is also an extension of their personality showing them to not be afraid of standing out from the crowd.

The band is central to the poster showing them as a united front the female is at the front emphasising her importance and her status in the group the group is shot simply showing how their emphasis is on them as band and not any fancy gimmicks.

All of the members are giving the audience a direct mode of address which strikes up an initial relationship between; the band the music and the audience all the male band members have an intense facial expression whilst the girl has a slight half-smile on her lips showing that the band has two dimensions a serious passion for the music but a friendly relationship with their audience.

Women in the poster are represented to be all-powerful and at the forefront steering the band. She is also emphasised by wearing all white compared to the other members showing her as superior to her male counterparts.

Copy

 The style of the font is inconsistent showing individuality the title Paramore is the main feature on the poster situated at the top it is the first thing that is noticed this is important for indie bands.

Target Audience   

The target audience for the band are people that want something a bit different from the typical male dominated indie genre and like to express all personal feelings through their music and lyrics.

Textual analysis of Music posters - Razorlight

Mise en Scene

The colours used are black and white this shows there are two sides of the bands musical genre it also shows them to be all inclusive. The black used with the band connotes a sense of mystery and new dimensions to be explored by the band and the audience.

The band is positioned at the bottom of the page this shows that in comparison to their name and album etc.... there appearance comes second and there name first so that they can be instanly recognised. The simplicity of the poster allows people to see the core essesnce of the band.

Copy

The font used is simple and straight forward it is spread out over the top of the poster showing its importance in helping the band become recognized and well-known. The contrast of the black writing against the white shows that, the band likes to stand out and make a difference in the music industry.

Camera Shot

A long shot of the band is used to show the audience their profile and allow them to relate to them on a more knowledgeable basis – it allows the audience to see their attire and body language and hence identify with them.

Textual analysis of Music posters - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Mise en scene

The colours used on the promotional poster are mainly red, black, and white all these colours are very contrasting and when used together give a strong impact connoting that the band like to make a ripple in the music industry and be recognized for the strong unity but unique individual differences.

The intensity of the light brightens the further one delves into the picture showing that once you explore the depths of the band their passion and intensity will be overwhelming and draw you in.

The poster is set in what seems to be a deserted desert or field and the only life present are the band this shows that wherever they are they are able to bring a place to life it also highlights their country origins.

The position of the featured characters stretches all the way across the poster showing that they take up the most room and are the most important aspect they are all linked through holding hands portraying a sense of community that the audience will join when their music is purchased.

The people on the front cover are shown through a long shot to be carefree and enjoying life they have jumped into the air and their body language portrays ‘fun’ they all take on different poses showing their individuality.   

Copy

The font used differs throughout portraying their mixture of genres they produce. The font of ‘the magnetic zeros’ reflects an old-fashioned salon style that draws upon a country and western fashion highlighting the roots of their music. ‘Edward Sharpe’ is written in a different font showing him to be the main man in the band however his name overlaps with the magnetic zeros showing them to be joined and also showing that he isn’t that different from them in terms of importance.

Genre

The genre is indie country rock this is shown through the country highlights throughout the poster and is shown through the carefree mannerisms of the people featured.

Mode of address

The people featured on the poster are shown to be black silhouettes this does not make it easy for the audience to relate to them however creates an enigma that they cannot resist they need to find out more about the band, as from the picture all we can decipher is that they are having a good time.

Title

The title ‘up from below’ reflects how the band has a solid fan base and are getting better as they have come up in the world and become more recognized. It also shows that their music has climbed the scale too and has come up in the world.

Textual analysis of Music poster - Adele 21

Mise en scene 

The color scheme used is grayscale this is so that the audience can gain a vintage dimension to the artists  musical abilities: this shows that similar to vintage music the emphasis is put onto the artist's musical ability not her physical appearance. the number 21 is put in lime green to emphasize the importance of the age - it reflects her age at the beginning of production. the color green also shows a side to the album that is yet to be explored.

The artist is center to the screen and takes up the whole of the text putting the emphasis on her solely her body language seems to display total absorption into her music her eyes are cast down and face looks mournful reflecting the theme of the album to be breaking up. the artists hand is stroking through her hair this could display confusion, pain or bliss etc... this reflects the amount of emotions and feelings explored throughout the album.   

Camera Shot 

The camera shot used is a close up this allows the audience to see her facial expression and identify her clearly, it also shows her appearance which is not anything out of the ordinary she is a more realistic role model for her audiences and this is reflected through her picture - minimal make up is used and her hair is scraped back so that her true identity can be seen.

Mode of Address 

The artist is not looking at the audience and her eyes cannot be seen this could present an element of mystery that will be uncovered in the album. Also by not allowing the audience to see her eyes she hides any emotions she is feeling. 

Enigma

An enigma is created through the audience not being able to see the artist's eyes, the eyes are seen as the door to the soul they are an iconic factor needed for the audience to relate to artist and by keeping them hidden the audience are persuaded to purchase the album and find the root of the problem that is causing the artist's emotions to have multiple interpretations.

Target audience 

The target audience for this genre of music would be girls who have gone through the same emotional ups and downs as adele. 

Textual analysis of Music poster - Kings Of Leon

Mise en Scene 

The colors used in the poster are back and white showing that the band is simple and plain - there are no tricks of color. The main color is white and the bands features are in black this makes them stand out and shows them as certain this connotes that the band are serious and sure of where they are going, it also shows them as an all inclusive band that accepts all.   

The band is positioned at the four points of a compass: north, east, south and west - this shows  that all the band members are given the same amount of importance and are united in a strong bond shown through how their hair emerges into one mess.

The facial expression of the band members are laid-back and relaxed and it is only one character that is giving the audience a direct mode of address this is so that they are instantly recognizable an important factor for up and coming bands.

Camera shot 

The camera shot is a close up of head and shoulders this is so that the audience can easily identify the characters and relate to them however they do not take up the whole text connoting that they still have room to grow and get bigger, and also that they make room for the fans and are not 'too big headed' - they are not absorbed by the fame. The image is reminiscent of the Queen video - Bohemian Rhapsody hence the bands aspirations are shown - they strive to be as big and appreciated as Queen. 

Copy

The font used is plain and simple it is also consistent which reflects the band as being one that will always be around they will be consistent in their production of music and never let you down. the band's name is at the top of the poster making them instantly identified then we see their faces followed by the name of the album and when it comes out. this chronological order makes sense as hey run in the order if which the audience will seek information: first they will want to see who the band/artist is what they look like and what the albums called and finally when the song comes out. 

Genre and target audience 

The genre shown is indie rock this is shown through the creative use of black which shows a hidden element of darkness within the genre. it also shows that the band should be seen as one entity and not individual people this corresponds to the target audience being people who like to come together through their love and passion of music i.e. festival goers and also people that like to stand out and not just blend into the background but totally contrast it.

Title

The title used is Youth and Young Manhood this relates to the audience being people who are on the border line of becoming men it also shows that the songs are going to discuss issues that are directed into the field of youth and therefore will address stereotypical issues such as: love, sex, jealousy etc..    

Representation 

The representation of youth on this poster shows them as expressive as the band members are shown to have a disheveled look and even though they are all joined together they do have distinctive looks that make them more likely to be seen as a unit that contains many individuals, this is a similar ideology people have of youth.  

Textual analysis of CD Covers - Plain White T's

Mise en Scene

The main colour featured is brown again displaying a blank canvas which seems to be an iconic feature of the CD covers I have analyzed however the band members are shown in black and white which makes the stand out against the brown the coloring makes the Album cover seem like a college.

The title is colored in sky blue connoting that for the band the sky is the limit there is also an element of freedom that is associated with the colour blue. This is the main feature of the album cover hence the blue is bright and bold this reflects the band’s impact on it’s audiences they will be hit by the music in the face it will be bold and memorable.

The band members are all joined in the centre of the frame at various angles this shows their close relationship with one another and their unity status; however their different stances and positions also show they should be recognized as individuals too.

The facial expression and body language of the individuals shown are random: some are giving a direct mode of address whilst others aren’t looking at all. Some are facing the audience and others aren’t etc…. this randomness is a reflection of the different genres the music ventures into.

Copy and Title

Every second counts is the title of the album cover this shows that the band are very committed and dedicated and believe that through out life every second is of importance. This copy is in a handwritten style that matches the swirls and doodles in the background, it shows free expression and individuality features associated with the genre of the band.

Camera shot

The camera shot used for the album cover differs each band member is shot in a different way – from medium shots to close ups. This variation is a way in which the audience can relate to the band on different levels and through different people showing inclusivity.

Enigma

Throughout the album cover not much is revealed regarding the genre of music therefore an enigma is kept up to what type of indie route the band are going to take due to the random elements shown i.e. the howlign wolf, the casseete etc... all signifiers of the bands individuality.

Representation


The band is represented to be a united entity that is all inclusive as this is the first indie band researched that include those of ethnic diversity and as he is giving the audience a direct mode of address it shows he is important. As well as this the band is made up of all men that are the centre of the audience's attention when looking at the album cover this is similar in a lot of album covers that feature males as to reinforce the dominant ideology of a patriarchal society.

Textual analysis CD cover - Florence and the Machines

Mise en Scene

The colours used in this album are bright and vibrant with the main emphasis being on hues of blue and green a colour common to most indie style artists these colours connote freedom and serenity a reflection of how the audience should feel when listening to the music. Another main featured colour is the red of the lungs connoting the artist’s passion for her music and her fans also.

The artists is shown wearing a hippy- style garment – the dress is colored in cream and hangs down in a feminine manner the loose fitting of the dress relates to the free flowing mood of her music and the way it will make the audience feel.

The artist is shot in what appears to be an enchanted wood this displays her to be something out of the ordinary and free-spirited and presents to the audience a different realm in which they can escape and feel at peace. This is enhanced through her blissful expression, her eyes are closed and her hands are lifted up: she appears to be totally absorbed with her music and these feelings transfer to her fans.

Therefore the target audience for this type of music would be people that aspired to escape to get away from daily hassles and relax.

The artists mode of address is quite self-absorbed she has her head turned away from the audience and has her eyes closed which makes her appear to be shut off from the outside world which at first would be interpreted as perhaps her being ignorant of her audience but on further inspection this pose/posture would appeal to aspirers who wish to also be in a similar dream like state.

Title

The title of the album is ‘Lungs’ this is also shown through her props of a pair of lungs tied on her chest this gives the message that listening to her music comes as naturally as breathing. It also shows that her music does not just scratch the surface of her genre but dig deep into the depth of indie music and self-expression. The title is camouflaged against a white background showing it as inferior in comparison to the main copy being the artist’s name which is featured at the top of the CD cover in white “handwritten” font against a black background: the emphasis on her name is necessary as due to her being a newcomer she needs to be instantly recognizable.   

Representation

On this album cover women are represented stereotypically as ‘beautiful’ – the artist wears make-up and a dainty dress however her hair is in a rough bun with escaped strands showing her inability to be tamed and also her ‘dainty’ dress is shown with less coverage perhaps making her seem like tarnished goods and a bit rough around the edges showing that there is no perfection in this genre. This is also shown through microelements such as the colour of her nail varnish being black connoting a type of mystery shrouding her and also that she is not the typical red nail varnished female. The artist is also showing signs of rebellion towards the stereotypical female by displaying her tattos an expression of individuality and meaning.

Enigma


An enigma is created in the album cover through the setting as it seems to be an out of this world environment which arouses the audiences attention and makes them question where the artist is situated and why? The audience will also wonder as to why the artist appears to be so blissful and therefore may aim to reach the same sate of mind and purchase the album.

Textual analysis of CD covers - KT Tunstall

For KT Tunstall's Album she has two covers and the analysis will discuss them both

Mise en Scene

On album cover 1 the image is in black and white which gives the illusion of a artist that has yet to be discovered it also shows that the audience are able to make up their own mind as to what the music expresses as colour can have many connotations so by limiting it allows for more feelings to be explored by the audience. The lack of colour also adds to the vintage feel of the CD and the indie genre. In comparison the second album cover has a beige background that connotes a blank canvas to be filled in by the audiences own interpretations. The artist is wearing a black sparkly tank top with a multi-coloured waist coat on top this displays individuality and uniqueness as the clothes worn are not simple they have something special about them similar to the style of music.

In the first album cover the artist is central to the frame and takes up most of the room she is shown with wind blowing through her hair displaying a wild nature and a difference in comparison to the usual perfect hair seen on CD covers. The lighting used also reflects a side to the artist that is shrouded in mystery as half of her face is covered in shadow and hair which creates an enigma for the audience as to who this artist is and persuades them to buy the album to find out more. In the second album cover the audience sees a medium shot of the artist whoa gain is casting shadows showing a different side to her personality or her style of music. In both images the artist looks calm, relaxed and expressionless reflecting the genre of music to be laidback and easy listening.

Copy


The copy is the same on both album covers – the font is in the style of a stamp that uses bold clear letters. In both covers the name is the brightest feature this draws the audience’s emphasis on to the artist which is necessary when the artist is not particularly well known as you need their name and title to be the focal point.

Genre

The genre of the music is indie folk this is shown through the albums expressive nature: from the wind blowing through the artist’s hair to the hand drawn flowers this CD cover embodies the sense of individuality. This corresponds to the target audience being young people who aspire to be different or stand out etc… this is emphasized by the artists relaxed everyday expression and “girl next door” appearance showing that the music is for anyone and everyone you don’t have to be special to listen to it.

Representation

The images go against the usual stereotypes of women having to look like an image of perfection as the artist is shown to have a non-posed effortless appearance and stance therefore the emphasis is not on her beauty but on her plainness – her ability to  make good music without her having to appear as a trophy.

Target Audeince

The artist is shown to be bare-faced in Album 1 and therefore the audience will be more appreciative of her 'baring all' so a clear image can be seen as to who she is and what she stands for. in comparison album 2 is a more colourful image that shows her target audience are people who don't mind standing out in a crowd and being portrayed as different.

Mode of address

The artist has a direct mode of address with the audience on both album covers this allows the audience to see the artist on a mnore personal level and makes it easier for them to relate to her.

Common aspects...

The greyscale picture has been imitated in many CD covers for example: plain white T's and razorlight etc... this is so that the artists are not immediatly being associated with a certain colour scheme but their target audience are given the ability to freely interpret. 

Textual analysis of CD covers - Ingrid Michaelson

Mise en Scene

The main colour used on the album cover is slate grey chalk board backgrounds, giving the illusion that perhaps the indie genre has being kept in the shadows of the music industry.

The main artist wears a turquoise blue cardigan ironically a similar colour used in the Mumford and Sons album cover the colour connotes a free-spirited persona that is not afraid to stand out. The artist wears her clothes with a nonchalant air showing how her songs are not to be taken with a serious eye but to be part of a more relaxed and calm atmosphere. Her cardigan has dropped down her shoulder and it has been left showing her rejection to conforming to what would normally be seen on CD cover – perfect appearance. This blasé look  is carried on throughout the CD inlay where pictures are shown with the artist wearing plain and simple clothing in an unfussy manner, she always wears minimal make up and an understated hair style – either scrapped back or just down -  she seems to prefer to show who she is not who others want her to be. This reflects her genre of music she specializes in indie style music which is her own expression and songs that gain success without adhering to conventions of mainstream.

The chalkboard in the background gives the album cover a school type environment and the main artist takes on a teacher style character this corresponds that the audience needs to be re-educated in the field of music and gain a more individualistic view of musical expression. It could also be a direct reference to the target audience being people still at school and still have to go through being educated or on the other hand it could infer that the audience is older people due to the use of a chalkboard which is a dated feature of a typical classroom. This prop also adds to the vintage feel of the CD cover which is a typical route explored by indie artists.

Ingrid’s individuality is heightened by the fact that she wears glasses not many artists are shown wearing glasses and this look shows that she is comfortable in her own skin and communicates to her fans that there is nothing wrong in being who you are and also not to change for anyone – this is a key message passed on throughout her songs. On the front cover there are three shots of the artists other albums these are the second main focal point for the audience and allow them to see other dimensions to her musical talents and also gain a sense of genre from them.

The artist is placed off central to the right and her other album covers are in the middle showing that her main focus is on her music and not her self as that its not what needs promoting she does not have a direct mode of address with the audience and holds a type of ‘don’t care’ attitude portrayed through her body language and emotionless facial expression. This leaves the emotion felt by the audience up to interpretation and allows them to make up their own mind as to how they feel about the music.

Copy

The text shown is written on the blackboard in chalk showing again a childlike carefree side to the music the chalk used also links to the genre as the writings on the board are very random, faded in areas and make little sense showing that the art of indie music is self-expression and interpretation and it covers many aspects of musical tastes.

Titles

The titles featured on the album cover are: EVERYBODY and GIRLS AND BOYS this portrays the all inclusive nature of indie folk music and also shows that the target audience is unspecific and is aimed at all. The inclusion of all is also shown in the inlay where a main picture shown is of multiple people with ‘Be Ok’ written on them which is a main message from Ingrid’s songs the people shown come from all different background s and are all different ages again showing that the music has a mass appeal however is only appreciated by a niche audience.


Representation


The album cover reinforces gender stereotypes by placing a female in the role of a teacher; however it goes against the stereotypical conventions of a teacher as they are shown to have a 'not bothered' attitude, and is not giving the audience a direct mode of address. She is also dressed in "scruffy" clothing that counteracts the illusion that women should always look good.

Target Audience

The target audience for this type of genre would be people who like to learn more abou tdifferent musical styles that have less recogniton. This is shown throught the scchool teacher narrative.

Textual analysis of CD covers - Mumford and Sons

Mise en Scene

There are an array of colors used in the album cover giving the illusion of a seaside terrace connoting that the band are local and are not to be regarded as anything special but just as something that can be accessed by all. The buildings include bright pink and blues that connote individuality and uniqueness however the building that has the band in is shot in white showing that the band is something new and fresh that will appeal to audiences who want to see something less mainstream and original

On the album cover several props are used for example to the left of the cover there are flowers shown in pink and white perhaps corresponding to the hints of romance that will be present in the genre of Mumford and sons music. As well as this the blue building to the left shows a more laid-back side to the band that embodies a cool, calm and collective style of music listening aimed towards audiences that prefer everyday easy listening. In this building there is also an image of a goat this links to the country origins of their music and shows that the group’s genre focuses on folk-style music.

Central to the frame is the display window where the band are positioned their props include various musical instruments fro example: bass guitars, ukuleles and accordions; which are all instruments iconic to the folk genre of Mumford and sons and showing that they do not focus on high tech sound but strip music back to the bare bones and focus on the sounds they make.

The costumes that are worn by the band can be seen as typically associated with a modern country twist they wear between them: cowboy hats, checked shirts, waist coats and washed out jeans all these garments connote a mellow vibe between the band and also show elements of the indie country genre being portrayed

The band are all looking away from the camera and are positioned in slouching poses and with their instruments again displaying their love for music more than their interaction with the audience and this is a selling point for the band as it is evident that they rely on their fans and their love for their music rather than their appearance as a band

The band is positioned to the right of the central building and is the main feature of the cover a long shot is used showing the full band and their attire etc... This allows the audience to relate to the band on a more personal level and appreciate the setting. The band is shown to be behind a glass window this could connote that the style of music even though pushed into the background and seen to blend in make more of an appearance and are becoming more popular - good music is finally being recognized instead of being ignored and only appreciated by a minority.

Copy


The font used is similar to the old fashioned style noticeable in shops it features a & sign that is drawn in a curly style to give a handwritten feel to the music and show that it is original. The font in itself is quite plain and straightforward hence does not take the emphasis off the band members and is also colored in black to make it stand out but stay simplistic.

The genre of this music is indie country this is displayed in the cover using different micro-elements such as costume, color and setting that show how country factors are introduced to the album and show how the bands type of songs originate from folk style roots. This slow introduction of the genre allow the audience to not feel an overpowered sense of the band but instead gain subtle hints at their area of expertise.

Target audience


The target audience for this type of music is vast as it is an indie band there are loads of potential fans the main type of person that would be interested in this music is someone who wanted to be unique and get a fresh array of music that is different to mainstream songs. It is also aimed at audiences who like to feel the same sense of unity that is gained from folk-style music and prefer to unite with others who have the same country folk interest. This is deferred through the use of elements that help highlight country vibes and show a united front portrayed by the band.

From the way the band is positioned we gain a sense of union amongst the members and it is evident for the target audience to gage that they are close and hence a light and laid-back mood is created and this atmosphere transpires to the audience who feel that they are part of a bigger community of people.

Title


The title of the CD album is SIGH NO MORE - this corresponds to the music genre being carefree and also the mood highlighted being chilled and calm as there are no pressures and no need for heavy sighs. They are shown in a relaxing setting where they feel comfortable with the people around them showing the genre of the music to be light and emphasize community rather than heavy and negative.


Inlay

On the inside of the CD cover there is a closer picture of the band they are each shown sitting next to a window that corresponds to the building on the front CD cover. However in this picture the windows are open showing that the audiences having now purchased the CD are on their journey to exploring the world of indie country folk it also shows tat again slowly but surely this genre of music is finding its way to the outside world. The band is also still shown with musical elements depicting their over for what they do best and that their music is the main selling point not anything else i.e. prestige, appearance etc… then on the back page the window is open but no one is there perhaps showing that the band have succeeded in escaping into the outside world and becoming more appreciated. This layout takes the audience an a narrative journey similar to Todorov’s theory – he states that in a text you can see an equilibrium, disruption, quest and resolution and all this is shown in a CD inlay as the band starts off with society’s equilibrium however their disruption by being shut off from the world then they disrupt the equilibrium and also are on a quest to reach the outside world and then they have made it out into the open restoring the equilibrium.

A working class setting is shown because the band is shot in and around buildings that seem to be more rundown and old with peeling paint and cracked tiles this fulfills the stereotype that most people that listen to indie folk share the same socioeconomic background as the majority however are still a niche amount. Perhaps this is due to the added pressures of conforming to mainstream music and having an aspect of individuality therefore there is more distance added; this is shown by the distance portrayed in the album cover where the band members are distanced from the audience and are shown behind glass in a shop window.

Enigma


In this album cover an enigma is created due to the fact that the band is positioned behind 'closed doors' and therefore it creates the feeling that once the album is purchased the audience will be able to become part of the world of "Mumford and Sons" and therefore they feel the purchase is necessary to gain a true understanding of the band and their values and music etc... As seeing them behind something restricts our interaction with them. As well as this the band is at a distance form the audience which does not allow the audience to gain a full identity of the members and also restricts the amount of associations we can attribute to them. Therefore an enigma is created to their true identity which will persuade audiences to purchase the album and interact with the band on a more personal level.

Genre


These elements portray some common features to the genre such as within indie country rock there will be elements that portray the country roots such as ukuleles and goats etc… as well as this similar to other indie style bands and artists the CD cover is original and quirky which stays faithful to the main foundations of indie.

Introduction

We have conducted several analysis into our chosen genre so we can gain a clearer picture of the different codes and conventions featured in the music produced. we have explored music videos, CD covers and promotional posters that combined sells a conventional image of the genre that we aspire to stick to.