Andrew Goodwin writing in ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory’ (Routledge
1992)
1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics
(e.g. stage performance in metal video, dance routine for boy/girl band).
‘Till I’m Gone’ by Tinie Tempah ft. Wiz Khalifa demonstrates genre characteristics coming under the genre of RnB/ rap, both demonstration the typical artists lifestyle. The characteristics of RnB and rap consisting of Tinies black Aston Martin DB9, tortoise shell Ray Bans, Jordans and so on. Everything about him promotes his lifestyle and living the high life, having no monetary restrictions which shows off his wealth and what he likes to spend his money on. The promotion of money aspires an audience to be successful in life, enabling them to follow his pathway in having materialistic items and attention from the opposite sex.
2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
Within this video there is a clear relationship between the lyrics and visuals. This is evident during the lyrics of ‘In Amsterdam, haha, Ammerland, Just came from Aussie tour, You've never seen this Singapore’ they've visually edited in recognizable hotspots that make a country, making it clear to the audience that the lyrics connect.
3. There is a relationship between music and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
The video also has a relationship between the music and visuals in terms of the beat. This is portrayed when at the end of a large majority of the beats the camera angle or location changes to another. This as a result makes the video flow and engages the audience.
4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style).
There are reoccurring camera shots such as close ups, mid and long shots focusing particularly on Wiz Khalifa and Tinie Tempah to clearly portray their wealth, fashion and lifestyle while they sing about their life in the industry, which again links visuals and lyrics following Goodwin’s theory.
5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, telescopes, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.
The female body is viewed in a stereotypical way; in the beginning of the video a women is seen dressed in short shorts which then attracts camera focus as she exits Tinie’s car. The way Tinie lets her get out of the car and drives off suggests she isn’t that important, which gives the impression that he’s very aware of his success and feels he can get any girl and doesn’t seen it as a loss to him.
6. There is often intertextual reference (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).
Intertextual references are made throughout ‘Till I’m Gone’; the first one mentioning Aloe Blacc, a successful American soul singer in relation to ‘dollar’, something all singers wish to get more of as they develop as an artist. The second reference states ‘I be cutting off these bitches like an episode of Nip Tuck’ which is an American drama series about a controversial plastic surgery practise. The fact that this reference has been made connecting to cutting, in such as easy context of getting rid of, in fact backs up that due to his career success, he knows women will fall at his feet, therefore it’s never seen as a loss to him if one is lost. He then compares himself to two fictional characters being Mario; linking it specifically to the game and having to collect mushrooms, however creating a contrast in context. He also relates himself to Popeye, the character that’s seen as strong and invincible, which clearly links to his success within the industry.
It is also worth considering:
7. Whether the video is primarily performance based, narrative based or concept based and how elements of each is used in it.
In my opinion the video is predominantly performance and narrative based he sung about how he’s developed within the industry, so much so that’s he’s incredibly rich from it. The wealth clearly highlights that morals are forgotten about, especially in terms of the way he treats women, as he knows there will always be another one. The performance also conveys the narrative through the camera shots of the sports car he drives, the accessories he wears, all of which are well known designer brands that cost a fortune. In some ways it promotes a concept; working hard, being persistant and pursuing your dream will lead to success.
1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics
(e.g. stage performance in metal video, dance routine for boy/girl band).
‘Till I’m Gone’ by Tinie Tempah ft. Wiz Khalifa demonstrates genre characteristics coming under the genre of RnB/ rap, both demonstration the typical artists lifestyle. The characteristics of RnB and rap consisting of Tinies black Aston Martin DB9, tortoise shell Ray Bans, Jordans and so on. Everything about him promotes his lifestyle and living the high life, having no monetary restrictions which shows off his wealth and what he likes to spend his money on. The promotion of money aspires an audience to be successful in life, enabling them to follow his pathway in having materialistic items and attention from the opposite sex.
2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
Within this video there is a clear relationship between the lyrics and visuals. This is evident during the lyrics of ‘In Amsterdam, haha, Ammerland, Just came from Aussie tour, You've never seen this Singapore’ they've visually edited in recognizable hotspots that make a country, making it clear to the audience that the lyrics connect.
3. There is a relationship between music and visuals
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).
The video also has a relationship between the music and visuals in terms of the beat. This is portrayed when at the end of a large majority of the beats the camera angle or location changes to another. This as a result makes the video flow and engages the audience.
4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style).
There are reoccurring camera shots such as close ups, mid and long shots focusing particularly on Wiz Khalifa and Tinie Tempah to clearly portray their wealth, fashion and lifestyle while they sing about their life in the industry, which again links visuals and lyrics following Goodwin’s theory.
5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, telescopes, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.
The female body is viewed in a stereotypical way; in the beginning of the video a women is seen dressed in short shorts which then attracts camera focus as she exits Tinie’s car. The way Tinie lets her get out of the car and drives off suggests she isn’t that important, which gives the impression that he’s very aware of his success and feels he can get any girl and doesn’t seen it as a loss to him.
6. There is often intertextual reference (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).
Intertextual references are made throughout ‘Till I’m Gone’; the first one mentioning Aloe Blacc, a successful American soul singer in relation to ‘dollar’, something all singers wish to get more of as they develop as an artist. The second reference states ‘I be cutting off these bitches like an episode of Nip Tuck’ which is an American drama series about a controversial plastic surgery practise. The fact that this reference has been made connecting to cutting, in such as easy context of getting rid of, in fact backs up that due to his career success, he knows women will fall at his feet, therefore it’s never seen as a loss to him if one is lost. He then compares himself to two fictional characters being Mario; linking it specifically to the game and having to collect mushrooms, however creating a contrast in context. He also relates himself to Popeye, the character that’s seen as strong and invincible, which clearly links to his success within the industry.
It is also worth considering:
7. Whether the video is primarily performance based, narrative based or concept based and how elements of each is used in it.
In my opinion the video is predominantly performance and narrative based he sung about how he’s developed within the industry, so much so that’s he’s incredibly rich from it. The wealth clearly highlights that morals are forgotten about, especially in terms of the way he treats women, as he knows there will always be another one. The performance also conveys the narrative through the camera shots of the sports car he drives, the accessories he wears, all of which are well known designer brands that cost a fortune. In some ways it promotes a concept; working hard, being persistant and pursuing your dream will lead to success.
You have identified the correct points to demonstrate your understanding of Goodwin's theory. But you need to expand on the points that you have made, by focusing on the audience and how the music video would appeal to the target audience. Screenshots and video links are essential in supporting the points that you have made.
ReplyDeleteFinally, you need to include a summary to explain how your research will assist you in planning your own music video