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.