Analysing My Song

Lyrics: Lately by Allie Lauren.

for someone with so much to think about
i sure have little to say lately
so much to think and not enough emotion
to explain it.

so what do we do this life thing for is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists and voodoo dolls
that explain where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.

it’s times like these when i feel a little crazy,
these voices in my head won’t leave me ‘lone….
and you stand there starin’ at me blankly.
i’m tellin’ you this makes no sense at all.

so what do we do this life thing for is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists and voodoo dolls
that explain where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.

am i crazy?
do you care?
why do i feel blankly about everything?
about everything?

so what do we do this life thing for is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists and voodoo dolls
that say where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.
so what do we do this life thing for is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists and voodoo dolls
that explain where we’re going and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.
scat…

Target Audience

Age: 18-20's. 
Gender: Females.
Interests: Jazz, indie, pop, realistic life issues etc.
Location: America.
Ethnicity: White/black/asian.

This song has a particular aimed target audience because of the lyrics expressed. 18 to 20 year old's and females because they experience boy troubles the most as they're young and still experiencing. Also, the singer is a woman, so they can relate to the song more than males can as they will be able to feel the singers emotions. The song is aimed at any ethnicity because all races can go through the same problem, and also she is a jazz, indie, and pop singer so having a variety of genres in her category means there will be a greater deal of fans.

Analysing the Lyrics

The artist could be singing about a boy who she may like but is confused. She doesn't have enough emotion to explain her feelings, "so much to think and not enough emotion to explain it" and the voices in her head are confusing her with her feelings, "these voices in my head won’t leave me ‘lone…." and the boy is waiting for an answer but she is stuck between the voices in her head and her feelings, "and you stand there starin’ at me blankly. i’m tellin’ you this makes no sense at all.". The artist asks questions to herself "am i crazy? do you care? why do i feel blankly about everything? about everything?" her feelings are gradually over taking her as she starts to go crazy as to asking if she thinks the boy cares, and how she feels nothing inside because the emotions have empowered her with the emphasis of "about everything?" The chorus is a contrast to the rest of the lyrics as it has a different tone to it, "so what do we do this life thing for, is it filled or should it be, with dates, deadlines, to-do lists, and voodoo dolls, that explain where we’re going, and to some… tell from where we’ve come." this could be about what her future could consist of which is dates, deadlines, to-do lists and voodoo dolls (associating with children of her own). 

Analysing the Music

The artist has made a narrative within the first verse which then carries onto the 2nd verse, and the chorus is slightly different to the verses, something you usually notice in pop/indie songs. The main instruments used are a piano and drums. The piano is the first instrument played, setting off a playful melody that gently speeds up. The drum appears at 0:29 seconds as it comes to the chorus, connoting the climax of the song. 

Analysing the Tempo

At the start of the song it's consistent in pace and beat, until it hits the chorus the tempo increases and when the chorus finishes, the tempo, pace and beat slow down slightly. At the part of the song when the lyrics are "am i crazy? do you care?" Allie's voice drags to give it emphasis and the pace, tempo and beat go with her voice structure at this point - making it effective and a change and contrast to the rest of the song, to give it more than just consistent throughout.

How would you use this song in a music video

For my own music video, I would think about using a narrative, performance (to the camera), Andrew Goodwin's theory Illustration, and literal elements. I would start the music video off with a girl (who will be the singer) playing the piano with the shot showing her hands on the piano keys. The narrative will be of the girl having issues of her being crazy and holding the boy she has confused feelings about, captive in a attic or a room. After the second time the chorus has been sung where there are no vocals for a few seconds, I am going to show flashbacks of how the girl got him into the attic in the first place. The 3rd verse will consist of the girl down in the attic or room lip syncing the 3rd verse towards him. After, the rest will have the girl lip-syncing in different locations.

Creating my Artist's Identity

Allie Lauren.

The name of my artist is Allie Lauren. She is signed to Halbird Records. Allie is __ years old, female, ________, and is from Oklahoma City, US. Allie Lauren is an indie/pop/jazz artist. At the age of 2, piano lessons began in the Norman, Oklahoma studio. Although piano was her first love, Lauren dabbled with the violin, flute and alto saxophone during her adolescent years before deciding to pursue vocal studies after high school graduation. Allie felt like the odd one out as she went off to study arts and others went off to study med school, law or business. Upon graduation however, her class awarded her with the Chilton L. Powell award for most creative talent, a surprise to 17 year-old Lauren and yet an obvious sign of things to come and nod to her unique and uncanny talents. Things finally began to come together for the multi-talented singer after returning home from her undergraduate studies at the age of 21. Under the care of Oklahoma City University Professor Vicky Leloie Kelly, Lauren’s voice was taken for exactly what it was and together they worked to define her sound rather than force it into a mold.  After finishing with her master’s degree in 2007, Lauren spent time singing with a local jazz group and touring as a keyboardist for a local church band before moving away from Oklahoma City in July of 2008. Upon settling in, Lauren began her solo career and in 2011 made the decision to adopt a project name that would include the first name of her Great-Grandmother Allie as she sought to focus the sound on what she calls “her intrinsic roots & experiences”.

Clothing I would like my artist to wear:

I have chosen these specific clothes and accessories for what I would like my artist to wear in the music video. Because she is a jazz/indie artist, I wanted to bring that type into the clothing to express the style of her music and what people would imagine to think she was like when they hear her songs. Typically, indie artists would wear vintage jumpers, floral tops/skirts, high-wasted jean shorts and aborigine style vest tops. Because the clothes are casual, they won't distract the viewers eyes on what they should actually be focusing on which is the actual story-line of the music video.The colours are more or less neutral and consistent to give it an every-day reality effect but still managing to look professional. 

Typography I would like my artist to use for their logo:

These are the fonts I would use for my artists logo (ignore the words). I have gone for the simple but curly look to give it a feminine touch but not so it's too much to look at. The fonts I have chosen are in black, almost as if they have been inked, giving it a handwriting texture. The fonts link to the artists clothing, that being simple but effective. Also, although they are handwritten type fonts, they are easy to understand and capture, conveying the type of person she is and the music she produces is clear to understand.


Mise-en-scene I would like to use for the music video:

I have chosen these for mise-en-scene because they are what you would imagine when you hear the type of music she produces. These types of scenery's and rooms connote the natural and simplicity within the song like the recording studio, bedroom, living room, walking through a forest, being at a cafe etc to give it that reality feel. However, the stage can indicate the professional side and an up-coming artist coming into the industry and because there are only a few tables, these are the small steps to take when wanting to be heard. This brings the reality and famous side together in which represents what the artist it trying to become and the different perspectives of the two differences.

Colours I would use for my artists identity:

These are the colours I would use for my artists identity as they are effortless and natural. The cream and black connotes the artists simplicity and uncomplicated ways she deals with her music. The pink and purple are added to symbolise her feminine side. The blue is to add independence and hard-working structure as it matches her personality and work dedication. The audience will be able to take the artist serious in the music video as the colours aren't too out of proportion and won't take away their concentration of the song and the way the music video will be produced if she was to wear these sort of colours or has these colours anywhere in the video.

Imagery which their song evokes in my mind:

"dates"

"voodoo dolls"

"I sure have little to say lately"

"to-do lists"

"these voices in my head won't leave me 'lone"

Paloma Faith.

Mood of the song: jolly.

"for someone with so much to think about"

When listening to the song, imagery from the song evokes in my mind. The images with the quotation marks are the lyrics within the song that come to my mind. The ones I picked out with the quotation marks are the easiest pictures to come to mind when listening to the song, making it an advantage for Allie and her song as it's easy to remember. The picture with the two people jumping in the air resembles the jolly and happiness of the song as it's up beat/tempo. The hand clapping imagery links to a similar noise in the song as it sounds like people are clapping in parts of the song. Piano is the first thing that comes to my mind as it's the first instrument played at the very start of the song. When I hear Allie's voice, the artist, Paloma Faith, springs to mind as they have a similar tone and the way they sing their songs sound familiar. An example of Paloma Faith's acoustic song 'Just Be' I have used reflects back to my artist Allie Lauren as they both have a distinctive voice that sound very similar.

Andrew Goodwin Theory

Andrew Goodwin is a Media Theorist. In 1992, he published a book called, 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory: Music Television and popular culture'. The book includes main 6 key points that Goodwin believed was the difference between a professional made music video and an amateur made music video.

The 6 key points are...

1. A relationship between the lyrics and the visuals, with the visuals illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the lyrics
2. A relationship between the music and the visuals again either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the music
3. Genres are complex and diverse in terms of music video style and iconography
4. Record companies will demand a lot of close-ups of the main artist or vocalists (Star Image)
5. Voyeurism
6. Intertextuality references

Illustration

Illustration is when the video directly corresponds to the lyrics or to a lesser extent mood of the song. Illustration can also be displayed as a narrative point of form. An example of this technique would be Rebecca Black's, 'Friday', music video.

In this particular video, the visuals display the exact illustration of the lyric of the song. An example of this is at 0:29 seconds, the lyrics say, "down to the bus stop" in which is shown Rebecca at the bus stop. Another example I spotted that presented the exact visual to the lyric was at 1:11 seconds, where we see Rebecca on the back of the car on a highway with the lyrics saying what she is presenting, "we're driving on the highway, cruising so fast". She then points to the viewers to give a more intimate feel with the audience to make them become more engaged and intrigued, this is shown at 1:16. This is a great example of the technique illustration, as throughout the video she is basically showing what the lyrics say. Illustrating can become tedious as some of the things are repeated but in a variety of ways. Some parts of the music video make it more of an illustrative video, as at 3:08, we see characters in costumes and this is what you would normally see teens wear to parties, this is when the words 'partying' are played on the song and the visuals are a group of teenagers at a party.

Amplifying

Amplification is designed to enhance the style and mood of the song, e.g. If the visuals show violence and anger, the audience is meant to feel the emotions of anger. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' song 'Face Down' is a good example of this technique. 

The visuals, lyrics, and instruments to the video all have the same mood. This mood is anger, frustration and pain. When the tempo of the song increases faster and louder at 1:33 seconds, it indicates more and more agression and the visuals represent the destruction of the home as it's being damaged with objects being smashed as they fall to the floor. The body language within the band at 1:52 seconds help show the pain they experience as the mood of the song represents more anger, and we see the band members jumping and head banging with their instruments being swung around themselves. With the drummer, we see and feel his anger and emotions when he hits the drums with a hard and fast pace and his facial expressions displaying a distraught and vexation visual at 2:12 seconds. We discover the genre this band portrays which is a rock type because of the high up tempo, shouting pitch and the way the band members are shown as the drummer exaggerates his body language at 1:04 seconds, and it looks as if he is concentrating and feeling the music that he hears, and in some cases in other music videos, we see this sort of behavior from other rock type band members. The lyrics represents violence in relationships, so the band members are being portrayed in pain to link to the whole idea of the song. With the smashing of the plates at 1:35 seconds, we start to feel the true feelings of what it's like to be in a relationship that involves violence. By destroying and disfiguring the setting of the music video, it shows the powerful impact of violence in a relationship for the audience to become more enthralled and captivated as they get to feel the emotions with the video. A woman is appeared when the destruction is happening. At 2:43 seconds, the woman is in the middle of it all while it's happening and from the camera langugage, we see that the destruction of her home has already happened but when she goes into a room each time, the past events that took place in that particular room are haunting her. A music video that involves amplification is a good way for the viewers to remember it as it's a very memorable technique to have.

Contradicting 

Contradicting is when the video deliberately goes against the lyrics and the mood of the song. An example of this technique is MGMT's 'Kids' music video.

The visuals shown are of a baby suffering from the demons that are scaring him. This gives the video a sympathetic and miserable tone to it, even though the song is up-beat and happy. At 0:00 - 1:00, in the music video, it misleads the viewers into thinking it's going to be about space as there is an atronaut voice-over, but then we are shown a baby instead at 1:05 seconds, which then flows into the child being frightened by the demons. At 1:23 seconds, without the visuals, people would assume the music video to be jolly and exciting, not demon-like figures scaring a baby. The visuals contradict the lyrics as at 2:00 minutes, the words "crawling on your knees" is played, but we see the mum carrying the baby instead. This type of music video is made for the audeince to feel sad for the baby, making them forget about the actual content and beat of the song as they pay more attention to the baby, like at 1:22 seconds where we see the baby in the cot and the demons try to capture him. Another scene where it involves contradiction is when the baby is crying and the lyrics say, "we like to watch you laughing", at 2:17 seconds. All this types of elements are what make a contradiction to the lyrics and mood of the song. Because the song is called 'Kids', you would automatically think a music video full of playful kids, yet instead we are greeted by costumes of demonic figures at 2:35 seconds and one child who is scared and not happy. This could make the audience feel baffled, leading into questions as to why a music video like this has been created although the song is up beat and happy, making them intrigued. 

Iconography

Iconography is a use of certain images or visual elements to trigger a more broad association with a topic. In our case, it is the use of certain elements to signify a particular music genre or artist. An example of Iconography is the artist Kanye West that has his own specific type of clothing. This will then make the viewers recognise him easily and can begin to set a trend.

At 3:07 seconds of the music video, he wears shutter shades throughout the whole of the video. This makes the viewers think that wearing shutter shades are a new trend, making them want to buy the product. The music video rarely shows the typical R'n'B clothing types. The only clothing that associates with R'n'B is at 2:33 seconds, Kanye is wearing a hoodie which is usually the R'n'B type. Also, at 2:03 seconds, the women are associated with the R'n'B/Hip-Hop type and so are the lyrics. This video has some elements that goes against some of the typical R'n'B styles as at 0:26 seconds, a futuristic machine appears - something you wouldn't see in a R'n'B music video as it's usually about expensive cars, money, alcohol, and women dressed provocatively. So, the music video displays the R'n'B genre in a different way which towards the audience can be considered an advantage or disadvantage. An advantage being the artist looking at different ways to make muisc videos. A disadvantage being it may take away what R'n'B actually makes in a music video.

Kanye West wearing Shutter Shades.

Star Image/Close-Ups

Another Andrew Goodwin theory is Star Image which features the artists face the most in a music video. Record companies will demand a lot of close-ups of the main artist or vocalist. An example of this technique is Mariah Carey's music video 'We Belong Together'. 

The cameras main focus is towards the artist to draw in viewers. Mariah sings directly into the camera lens to connect with the audience creating an intimate feel. Within the first 12 seconds of the video, there is already a close-up of Mariah singing to the camera. She makes seductive poses as she lays down on the bed with just a sheet over her, this gives away her target audience being the teenage/adult generation and likely to be aimed at males than females. At 0:45 seconds, we see another close-up of Mariah being alluring towards the audience as her hair is being blown by a fan and wearing a dress that shows her cleavage. This keeps the audiences eyes (typically males) on Mariah as she draws them in with her posture and facial expressions. At 0:51 seconds, we see another close-up of Mariah in the shower as she lip-syncs, but we get to see her emotions within the song as her facial expressions and arm movements convey a heartbroken and sad visual. Although she conveys a sad visual, the scene is still seen as seductive as the 'wet' look in the shower gives it more of an appealing look. Another scene with a close-up is at 1:32 seconds, Mariah is seen here less appealing as she sings with emotion, giving a clear feeling shes having at the moment of the song. Throughout the music video, Mariah has a change of clothing in at least each screenshot I have took below that matches the description of the above information of each time slots. Having a change of costumes makes it seem more interesting instead of watching someone in a consistent costume throughout as it becomes tedious. Having close-up shots makes us draw attention to the artist more than anything else, e.g. dancers in the background aren't noticed as much because of the close-ups of the artist. 

 Voyeurism

Voyeurism is present in many music videos, especially in the treatment of females, but also in term of systems of looking. Some examples are screens within screens, cameras, mirrors etc. An example of this technique is 50 Cent's 'Candy Shop' music video.

Candy shop is a great example of voyeurism because at the beginning till the end of the video, it displays women wearing provocative clothing. At 0:25 seconds, we are already introduced with women walking around in their underwear which immediately grabs the male audience attention which will make them want to continue watching the video. Another example is at 1:24 seconds, where the angle of the camera from the artists pov makes the audience look where the artist is looking, creating a realistic feel of the audience being in the video. We see a group of females performing in tight clothing at 1:40 seconds, making them be a sexual object to men. At 1:14 seconds, we then see the artist looking down on the females making them seem the less empowering and being used as sexual pleasure and also it conveys how women are treated and portrayed in society. At 3:32 seconds, a male is placed on a couch with three women in their underwear, this is indicating the artist is messaging across that men use women for sexual gain as the three women are laying on top of the man.

Intertextuality 

Intertextuality is like a short cut to meaning, it uses peoples understanding of media texts to make new meanings makes audience understand the message better. An example of intertexuality is Taylor Swift's 'Love Story'  music video. 

Taylor Swift references to the Shakespeare play 'Romeo and Juliet'. From 1:04 to 1:10, Taylor sings the words, "Romeo take me somewhere where we can be alone", and in the original Juliet says 'Romeo'. From 0:50 seconds to 1:22 seconds, we see the two characters dancing at the ball, and in the original, Romeo and Juliet meet first time at a ball dance. This is a clear reference to the original. At 1:25 - 1:29 Taylor sings, "I sneak out to the gardens to see you", this is another reference as Juliet sneaks out into her garden to see Romeo in the original. Intertextuality is an impact for the audience as they get to understand the content of the music video more because of the famous Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet. Taylor Swift and Romeo in the music video are very much in love and act like they are in love, relating it back to the original of Romeo and Juliet being in love and inseparable.

Taylor Swift - Ball dance scene.

Shakespeare - Ball dance scene.

Artist Permission

Below, is the email I have sent my artist (Allie Lauren)/management asking for permission to use her song.

I also messaged my artist, Allie Lauren, on Facebook in hopes for a better chance on getting a reply back. 

Allie Lauren's management, Gene, emailed me back. He emailed saying he discussed this with Allie in which she said to go through with it and loves the idea of me using her song, 'Lately' for my own music video. Gene also said in the email that he will adjust the contract for my project which is a one page outlining the agreement. He will grant me a licensing permission to use the song royalty free since i'm not making any money out of it. Below is the email I received from Lauren's management, Gene:

I then received an inbox back on Facebook from Allie Lauren saying how her business management, Gene, sent me an email back to move forward with this and how he'll be getting an agreement over to me in the next day or so. Below is the message I recieved from Lauren:

Lately lyrics;

for someone with so much to think about
i sure have little to say lately
so much to think
and not enough emotion
to explain it.

so what do we do this life thing for
is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists
and voodoo dolls
that explain where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.

it’s times like these when i feel a little crazy,
these voices in my head won’t leave me ‘lone….
and you stand there starin’ at me blankly.
i’m tellin’ you this makes no sense at all.

so what do we do this life thing for
is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists
and voodoo dolls
that explain where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.

am i crazy?
do you care?
why do i feel blankly about everything?
about everything?

so what do we do this life thing for
is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists
and voodoo dolls
that say where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.
so what do we do this life thing for
is it filled or should it be
with dates, deadlines, to-do lists
and voodoo dolls
that explain where we’re going
and to some…
tell from where we’ve come.
scat…