Proposal

After looking at the different videos that had been analysis and looked at in terms of the way the different artists were represented within their work, from the costumes, to the performance, lighting, the camerawork (angles, shots used) to keep the audiences entertained and create a wider audience by appealing to different age groups, races, and classes.

The band that we have chosen to work with are a indie rock band who can be related to bands such as the horrors, joy division, but also the prodigy who are pshycodelic, with huge success with attracting audience with their outrageous and in your face performances in there videos and live showing the passion that they have for their music. This inspired me as I want the audiences to be able to connect with the band and enjoy the music.

The lyrics for the song that we chose are very limited but still very important and meaningful for the audience to connect with the band and the song, I personally think that some of the viewers will be able to relate to the lyrics more than others as the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the song is drug abuse, relating the headache with drug abuse and this will give us the opportunity to mess with peoples minds and show that even though it is bad for them they feed off this drug and it takes over their lives but they still want more. This make me want to create a video which will shock the viewers and have them think ‘WOW’ what just happened.

I then came up with that idea that the video will start off with slow paced flashes of the bands members, panning between the different members and the instruments, with shots from live performances to the band playing in an abandoned room, to them on the beach. The flashes then turn into a point of view shot in the lead singer’s perspective where he starts to things such as blurry people walking pass in masks, laughing and pointing creating an atmosphere of confusion. The people who are pointing and laughing in the masks are shown to the audience in stop motion which creates a flashing montage of memories. The clip ends with the lead singer waking up on the side of the road realising it was all a dream.

The location that i would be using for the filming of the video would be camden at night to create a gloomy look to the shots with natural lighting from the stalls and shops.

Proposal

Based on all of the research that our group has documented, the genre of our chosen band and the lyrics in the song we have chosen to use for our music video, this is my personal proposal for our music video. This won’t necessarily be the final idea but some aspects of it may be used along with ones from my group members.
As our chosen band can be categorised within the rock/indie genre I initially looked at bands like You Me At Six and 30 Seconds To Mars. But after listening to the song and realising that the song didn’t actually include many vocals I started looking at bands such as The Prodigy and Pendulum because they’re both widely known bands with more than one music video for their songs and compositions. Most of their videos are surprising and outrageous; out of the ordinary which, based on our research, can actually help gain publicity. Controversial videos and ideas have the majority vote as a way of gaining publicity due to the audience being curious to see why a video could be so shocking or amazing.
The lyrics, even though simple, still have an importance within the song so I have tried to base some of my idea around them. “Self addicted pain. I fed you again and again.” Now, at first I thought of a drug addicted or someone that self harmed but that may offend some viewers which is not what I want to achieve. So like The Prodigy, I begun to think out of the box and slightly obscure. Our chosen song would suit a Contemporary styled music video so I didn’t think it would necessarily have to tell a story. I thought about the idea of using a pet, preferably a dog, as a main subject. The lines “I fed you again and again” brings across, to me, a message of anger toward the dog for having to look after it. Someone could eat the dog or mess around with it’s insides, creating a slightly horrific and gory show. As crude as this sounds it’ll definitely get publicity. Toward the end of the song you’ll see the dog walking around again like nothing has ever happened, attempting to bring the audience at ease as well as leave them in shock.
I understand that this idea seems a little vague, but I’d like to share the views and discuss the ideas with my group members before going into details.

Censorship of Music

Censorship of music is the restriction of complete freedom in musical works. This censorship may stem from a wide variety of motivations e.g. moral, political, military or religious reasons. Censorship can be authorised from a huge range of sources, such as government-enforced prohibitions, or the voluntary removal of personal content. A prime example of these being the radio edit. In order to allow songs to be played wherever possible, it is common to censor certain words, particularly ones promoting vulgarity. Some music labels or artists produce censored versions themselves, sometimes with alternative lyrics, to oblige the rules set by the specific radio and television programs that they wish to broadcast on. Some stations decide to censor songs themselves using one of several methods:

- Blanking: When the volume is muted for all or part of the word.

- Bleeping: Playing a noise, usually a "beep", over all or part of the word.

- Resampling: Using a like-sounding portion of vocals and music to override the offending word.

- Resinging: Replacing a word with a more appropriate word.

- Backmasking: Taking the offending word and reversing the audio, sometimes the whole audio is reversed (often because it is a home-made job), but more usually only the vocal track is reversed.

- Repeating: Repeating the word just said before the explicit word was used.

- Skipping: Deleting the word from the song without a time delay.

- Echo: Instead of saying a word, it echoes the last word(s) said in the line.

- Disc scratching: In hip hop, scratching on the word, making it sound like another word, or make the word said faster or slower.

- RoboVoicing: Making the word totally non-understandable by overpowering a robovoice effect (usually used as a last resort for home-made jobs).

- Distorting: Usually in Hip-Hop, less offensive words such as "shit" or else is distorted. It is usually done by shifting down the pitch.

An example of radio censorship would be with Rage Against the Machine's 1992 song "Killing in the Name," towards the end of the song, the frontman, Zack De La Rocha, screams out "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" sixteen times before the screaming of "Motherfucker!". Some radio stations block out the whole part, some just censor the word "fuck", and others play a shortened version (clocking at 4:06) which removes this section (going straight from the end of the guitar solo to the outro) along with the intro. However in the same year, BBC Radio 1 was flooded by 138 phone call complaints by offended listeners after DJ Bruno Brookes accidentally played the uncensored version of Killing in the Name on BBC Radio 1's Top Forty Countdown show on a Sunday afternoon.

Censorship can occur for many other reasons as well. These include:

- Censorship of misheard words: When all or part of a word is mistaken for an inappropriate one, thus being censored.

- Censorship due to copyright infringement: Sampling without permission from the original material's copyright holders and record labels are forced to reissue material with anything ruled to infringe on existing copyrights removed.

- Political censorship: When more authoritarian governments censor music deemed critical of the government, the military, stores, TV stations, or other authorities.

- Censorship of artwork: When album artwork or additional artwork for a single/album is deemed explicit or unsuitable it is either censored or changed.

- Self censorship: When artists or record labels choose to censor themselves in order to avoid negative publicity or a Parental Advisory label.

- Criticism: When the total censorship of a song is reported in the mass media and often has the effect of drawing more attention to the song than it would have received, had it not been banned.

Examples of artists/bands that have received some form of censorship:

- Marilyn Manson: His release of (s)AINT is banned in many countries due to its content including BDSM, cunnilingus and drug use along with masturbation.

- Rolling Stones: When they were to perform the song "Let's Spend the Night Together", Ed Sullivan famously challenged the Rolling Stones to change the line to "Let's Spend Some Time Together."

- Bad Religion: Often singled out by religious groups for their logo.

Funding and Distribution

There are two types of record labels the first is major record labels and independent labels. Major record labels • Roadrunner record label • Warner bros record label • Vagrant record label • Elektra record label Roadrunner Records, who have worked with different bands in the genres of heavy metal and death metal. Some of the bands that are with this label are Slipknot, Stone Sour, Dream Theater, Trivium, Alter Bridge, Nickelback, Killswitch Engage, DragonForce, Murderdolls, Machine Head, Kiss, Rob Zombie, Airbourne, Black Stone Cherry, Lamb of God, Slash and many other showing a slight mix within the genre of rock, indie, heavy metal, and death metal. Below I added in a link to the Roadrunners website where it shows that current release from different bands who Roadrunner records are working with. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/newreleases/ Rob Zombie- Dragula I chose this video as it shows different visual effects which combined with the hair and make up and wardrobe added a high quaility and professional feel to the video creating an interesting piece to go with the bands style, of outrageous and in your face looks and stage presents.
Warner bros record label has a number of different genres such as comedy, alternative, rock, hip hop, pop and country. Artist such as Avenged Sevenfold, Arctic Monkeys, Disturbed, Goo Goo Dolls, Deftones, The Used, Serj Tankian, Metallica, HIM, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The White Strips, Oasis, Cher, Jack’s Mannequin and many others are under this record label. Avenged Sevenfold have a vast variety of different videos some of which are live preformances showing the interaction and dedication presented between the band and the fans showing the stage presents that they have and the reactions that they get from their performance. in some of the videos which are of performances you hear the fans as well as see them adding a contrasting effect that shows the fans are like family. Then they also create interesting and well throught out narrative videos which are a combination between shots of the band members and the story behind the song where they create some gorey and abstract shots/clips. Nightmare is an example of one of the interesting narrative pieces which Avenged Sevenfold have done. the video is below:
Avenged Sevenfold - Burn it down http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNOgvZRzwP4 Above is a link to the performance video which shows the bond between the fans and the band but still looks and feels professional. Vagrants record label is also a major record label with current bands such as Rammstein, Placebo, Alexisonfire, and in the past have worked with bands such as Alkaline Trio, EELS, and many other. They have worked with different languages/cultures such as Rammstein who are a German band formed in Berlin in 1994 creating a wider audience attracting different cultures. Rammstein-Amerika
Elektra record label is an American record label which is owned by Warner music group and was merged into WMG's Atlantic records group. Elektra records was a label which concentrated on folk music in the 50s and 60s recording and releasing a number of albums by Judy Collins since then they have grown into a major record label recording and releasing music from different artists within the genres of psychedelic rock from the 60s signing different artists such as Paul Butterfield blues bands with Mike Bloomfield other bands that were signed included The Doors, Tim Buckley. Paul Butterfield Blues Band "Oh Pretty Woman" live
Some other artists that have worked within this label include- AC/DC, Anthrax, Aphex Twin, Tim Buckley, Damageplan, Pantera, Dream Theater, Motley Crue and many others. Dream Theater - Constant Motion
Pantera are a good example of a band who have many hit with performance videos have many shots of different members and the fans adding lighting effects from the live shows/performances to create a simple but effective and professional looking video. i think this video shows that its not about the video but its about the music and the fans and that they dont need any gimics, dancers, or any extras on stage with them to get the crowd excited. Pantera-walk music video
Independent record labels • XL records • Cooking vinyl records XL Record Label is an independent British record company who with the success of bands such as The Prodigy who are electronic, Late 1990s the record label started expanded into other genres which included freak folk, alternative rock, hip hop and UK garage alongside the original genres which were rave and dance. They have a range of different artists including the likes of Radiohead, basement Jaxx, Dizzee Rascal, friendly fire, Adele, vampire weekend, amongst other. In March 2008 they signed the horrors who fall into the genre of indie. The Horrors – Whole new way

This is a video from the prodigy's 1992 album which was was released under XL records showing the huge differenece between the bands work then and now with there latest album invaders must die which was under cooking vinyl record label in 2009. The Prodigy- Warrior dance
The prodigy then moved on from XL records where they had released five albums to cooking vinyl record label who are also a independent British record label where they produces and released their latest album in 2009 invaders must die. Cooking Vinyl Records Label who produced the latest album by the prodigy – invaders must die are an independent British label who originally set out to produce bands within the genre of folk music with artists such as Billy Bragg and Michelle shockeds. The label has grown and become diverse when it comes down to the genre of the music creating a stronger and bigger company attracting more artists and a wide range of consumers. They have branched out into the genre of rock with the likes of The Lemonheads, The Donnas (to name a few), indie with The Charlatans, Idlewild, punk with the Buzzcocks, Blondie, The Undertones, and electronic with The Prodigy and The Orb. Billy Bragg-New England
The Lemonheads- Mrs Robinson
Distirbution There are different ways in which the albums/music can be promoted and distirbuted by the record labels such as record sales, concerts, commercials via radio, internet, TV, billboard, posters, and magazines, computer games, films, and mobile phones. Different music channels distribute on the TV (scuzz, kerrang!, Q, NMEtv, etc) and internet (facebook, youtube, myspace, etc) can play and promote the different bands. Some of the channels mostly play major label successful bands/artist, whereas the internet allows the consumers to tap into both mainstream artists and non mainstream, making the internet a more successful way of receiving different music from different sites.

Having researched different record companies both major and independent I have I come to the conclusion that for our band we should go with an independent label such as Cooking Vinyl Records as they have worked with simular bands and can give Wolvves( the band that we are using for our music video) a kickstart in the right direction working with a label that has past experience with the genres that Wolvves dab into, knowing what to expect and how to deliver and promote the band attracting audiences of a wider range. Wolvves could be distributed amougst different channels such as scuzz, mtvrocks, kerrang!. It can also be distirbuted via the internet using youtube, facebook and myspace amongst other.

At the moment the band are promoting themseleves via the internet on fecebook which is attracting fans. link is below:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Wolvves/183191635049089

Song Lyrics - "Hardest Question": Arms of Mexico

These are the lyrics from the song: "Hardest Question" by our chosen band: Arms Of Mexico. The intended song to use for our music video.

Verse:
Self Addicted Pain (Repeatedly)

Chorus:
I Fed You x3
I Fed you again and again and again and again

HARDEST QUESTION on all major download s by Arms of Mexico

Representation Issues - Conclusion

Indie music has originated from alternative rock during the 1980’s. controversial on weather indie rock deserves to be successful as the term come from rock artist’s who work with independent record labels, this is extremely important as enables them to maintain complete creative control ensuring they are true to their music. However in recent years promotional tools such as the internet, album sales, mp3 sales and word of mouth maintain their careers. However many acts have now signed onto either major or subsidiary labels which has created controversy on their title of being Indie. However this subgenre has enabled more artist to emerge. Representation of artist can be perceived in various different ways depending on the; artist, genre and most important how they want to construct them selves. The main aspects that control representation are; props, location, gender, lyrics/soundtrack/music, performance type and wardrobe styling. which is then generally constructed in to stereotypes with in genres. The typical rock image is to be edgy, individuals, who want to stand out and be unconventional, and show creativity in different ways, ironically in many wanting to perceive this different stature they tend to be more alike then different. On the other hand representation of characters in hip hop videos differ to rock videos, as it is very male dominated as they claim to have the high life with ‘money, cars and women’ which are essential conventional tools in promoting a hip hop video. This is displayed extremely well in videos such as ‘Tip drill’ by Nelly as he swipes a credit card between a women’s bottom, reflecting they can be brought and are only there to comply men’s sexual desires. Music videos are a essential tool in representing star image and power as it reinforces the artists ‘Iconography’. the artists image Is just as important to them as there music. Styling of artist are very conventional within genres as in rock conventionally; dark, gothic, black, leather boots, which contrasts to hip hop videos using baseball caps, vests, baggy clothing large jewellery and women. The mise-en-scene is crucial as lighting location and props construct a visual image of the artist. It is essential to understand this as we will need to represent the band in a way that will be able to promote them.

Representation Issues - Ideology of "Indie Rock" Music

Indie Rock, originating in the United Kingdom and the United States (1980’s), is a sub-genre of alternative rock. The term is challenged today by many musicians, fans and commentators as no one is entirely sure whether musicians/bands using the genre of “indie rock” really deserve to become successful.

It is used to describe any rock music produced by artists working within a network of independent record labels and underground music venues or by artists that are unsigned and wished to class themselves within a specific genre. Others see indie rock as a distinct genre of rock music with a specific artistic set of principles, and care less about the context in which it is made. Many believe that both re intertwined; that the art and the meaning behind the music production are paired.

Indie rock artists are known for making it a priority to maintain complete control of their music and careers, releasing albums on independent record labels and relying on touring, word-of-mouth, airplay, independent radios and, in more recent years, the internet for promotion and fame. However, in recent years, many acts with a musical style identified as “indie” have signed themselves us with major record labels or their subsidiaries and began promoting themselves through more traditional media outlets, ones used by famous bands/musicians within other genres.

This has led to the confusion of the meaning of the term, resulting in the ideologies of “indie rock” being something of a more personal opinion rather than a stated, factual meaning. After reading multiple forums and personal views from others, the true ideology of indie rock music is inconclusive. Some people don’t agree that indie rock should be considered a genre altogether, whilst others believe that the greatest indie rock artists were created in the 1980’s during the time that indie rock began with many following on in their footsteps today.

I personally believe that the creation of indie rock music has allowed many more artists to be discovered, opening new opportunities and musical cultures. For example, a new band may not be “rocky” enough by rock music fans, or “poppy” enough by pop music fans, so wouldn’t have been promoted enough if classed in either of those genres. But if their songs were a mix of the two then the introduction of “indie rock” music would allow their music to be listened by people who would really appreciate their style.

Representation Issues - Star Image and Power.

Music videos are essential in reinforcing an artist’s ‘iconography’, the image that they have created for themselves in order to become recognisable by the general public. Artists may consider their image to be as important, if not more important, than the music that they create and they generally concentrate on creating a style and a look that fits with their genre of music, but which also has a sense of easy recognition. Usually this style is quite stereotypical and predictable, because when it isn’t, there is generally some backlash.

For example, in the video by The Horrors, which I analysed, the band members had a clear and consistent style, which connected them all together as one unit, something which is important for a band. Their dark, gothic style easily fit in with their dark, gothic music and it is also something that they will be recognised for.

With artists such as Lady Gaga, there is not a clear link between her music and the image that she has created and she often faces criticism for being too over the top and eccentric. Artists generally stick to stereotypes, as it is easier than breaking away from the conventions.

For example, a rock band would usually wear clothes that are associated with rock music, such as black, leather trousers and thick, heavy boots. They may wear eyeliner, or ‘guyliner’, as it is referred to now. A hip hop artist would generally wear a bandana or baseball cap and heavy gold jewellery, with a vest and baggy jeans or tracksuit bottoms.

The setting of the video can help establish image as well. If the artist wants to come across as wealthy, they’d film their video in a luxurious location, as is the way with a lot of R’n’B music. If artists want to associate themselves with darkness and evil, they’d film it in a dark, dirty looking location with skulls or gore and other symbolic imagery. The mise-en-scene is important in showing what the artist is trying to represent as their image.

Division of power in videos can also help reinforce the artist’s image. In a lot of rock, R’n’B and hip hop videos by male artists, women have a much lower status than the artist and the other men in the video. Hip hop artists often take the image of being a ‘pimp’ to a literal level, being dominant over the women, who are usually dressed in revealing outfits or are actually completely topless.

Women are often treated as if they were just objects – different parts of their bodies are shown separately, so the audience doesn’t see the whole woman, just parts of her body, such as her breasts.

These videos use voyeurism as a selling point and as a way to gain notoriety and popularity. It also reinforces the image that these artists build for themselves. They want to come across as tough and manly and even frightening. They want to show that they can get any woman that they want and still have others throwing themselves at them.

Even when a female artist is representing herself in a music video, her image is usually similar to the way women would dress in these videos, regardless of the genre of the music. Most female artists use their bodies as a selling point, even if they are more dominant in the video than males. They generally wear revealing outfits to show that they are attractive, to show their bodies off to those watching the video and even if they wear non-revealing clothing, they are still made to look attractive and appealing in order to sell their music.

Representation

Representation of different characters within the music industry changes within each genre creating stereotypical characters for males and females and in some cases age changes the way they are represented in the videos. The characters are also represented by their social group, race, and surrondings.

Different genres are represented by different aspects within the video such as

• Props
• Locations
• Gender
• Lyrics/soundtrack/music
• Narrative/storylines
• Performance type
• Wardrobe/styling

All of these aspects change the feel of the video and create/attract certain audiences. Some videos are based on performance such as Nickelback –burn it to the ground showing the performance footage from a live show and made it into a video. Showing the energy and commitment from the fans at the show and the chemistry between the band and their fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l4i-ernOKk

Going against the forms and convention of the genre/stereotype, attracts a larger audience in some cases showing the artist/s are not concerned if it is not part of the image that they should portray but want to show the creativity in different ways. This might represent different types of people male or female, young and old. For example some artists at live shows like to change it around and surprise the audiences. I have a video which was from the 31^st October 2010 at Hammersmith Apollo of stone sour where the lead singer Corey Taylor poses as a woman in a white tutu with a purple wig, this also added to his stage presents and added humour to the performance.

Watch from 0.48 seconds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIZoekhY5NI

Other bands like kings of Leon create different videos such as use somebody which almost everyone can relate to, this song to me created a wider audience for them due to the bands creativity and music. This video shows different cities where they played different shows mixed in with abstract shots of the band on tour getting ready for shows with many props such as the shower, a car, and beer. These where put together in different ways some fast motion montage shots, footage from different shows showing different parts of the song and concept shots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhairF_DS8

Compared to 30 seconds to mars with closer to the edge, where fans were part of the video the album making appearances in the video at shows and speaking their minds on during the video.

Also from the same album by 30 seconds to mars the song kings and queens showed a group of people cycling through downtown la and toward Santa Monica pier with the lead singer showing the band interact with the fans and allow them to be a part of the album in many other ways including being on the cover of the album which had a different fans face on each cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTMrlHHVx8A

Avenged sevenfold show, props that were used added to the performance of the genre. Props used were metal gothic gates with a backdrop of an old abandoned house/mansion creating a cemetery feel, also the fire in the background added to the gothic feel where it was used in time with the beat creating an effect look and a gives the audience a well throughout performance.

Females in the rock genre are represented in a number of ways compared to hip hop of r’n’b where the women in videos are usually shown as sexy, and usually prance around in the back of the video shaking their body parts to appeal to the audiences. The men in hip hop videos tend to be presented as gangsters with props such as guns, cars and women. Whereas in rock videos the band usually star in the video showing different creatures and get involved with the fans.

The lyrics of different songs in the rock genre are about different issues in reality in the video by stone sour sillyworld which combines politics and real opinions and feelings about war and other topics. In hip hop videos the lyrics are mostly about drugs, sex, money and cars sending the message to audiences that to have these elements in life all you need is money and you will be content with your life, but what they don’t show is that with money comes a dream world full of fake relations and material items.

Stone sour-sillyworld

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2R8Q685Bz0

Role Research - Camera Person

The camera man is responsible for physically operating the camera and maintaining composition throughout a given scene or shot. In filmmaking of any sort, the camera man will collaborate with the director, director of photography, actors and crew to make technical and creative decisions. In this setting, a camera operator is part of a camera crew consisting of the director of photography and one or more camera assistants (however as we are a group of four this will not be the case during this production)

The role of cameraman is required in a vast range of settings from studios to live events. A cameraman uses his specialized training to manipulate factors like angle, lighting and psychographic effect in the career field.

Important camera operating skills consist of; choreographing and framing shots, knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate photographic lenses, and other equipment (dollies, camera cranes, steady cam, etc.) to portray dramatic scenes. The principle of a dramatic story telling and film editing fundamentals are important skills as well. The came operator is required to communicate clearly and concisely on film sets where time and budget constraints are ever present.