RESEARCH
What is a Music Video?
A music video is a visual representation of a song that typically combines recorded footage of the musical artist or band performing the song, along with additional footage that may convey a narrative or complement the mood or theme of the song.
Music videos can be created in a variety of styles, from simple performance videos featuring the artist or band singing or playing their instruments, to more elaborate productions that incorporate dance, special effects, or cinematic storytelling.
They are often created to promote a particular song or album and are typically released through broadcast television channels, online streaming platforms, or other forms of media. They have become an integral part of the music industry and can have a significant impact on an artist's success by increasing exposure and helping to build a fan base.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_video
https://www.britannica.com/art/music-video
https://www.definitions.net/definition/music+video
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/music-video
https://www.reyfilm.com/post/music-videos-everything-you-need-to-know
What is the PURPOSE of a music video?
The purpose of creating a music video can vary depending on the goals of the artist or record label. A few common reasons why Music Videos are created are:-
To Promote the song or album: Music videos are often created to promote a new song or album release, as they provide a visual accompaniment that can help generate interest and increase exposure for the music.
Building the artist's brand: Music videos can also be used to build the artist's brand by showcasing their personality, style, and image. This can help to create a connection with fans and differentiate the artist from others in the industry.
Creating a memorable visual experience: Music videos can be an opportunity to create a memorable visual experience that complements the music and helps to enhance the emotional impact of the song. It can also attract other viewers with its own form of visual presentation/art.
Generating revenue: Music videos can also be a source of revenue for the artist or record label, as they can be monetized through advertising or licensing agreements with streaming platforms or television networks.
Overall, music videos serve as a powerful tool for artists to connect with their fans, promote their music, and differentiate themselves in a crowded industry.
(Source: http://shanebarr-nwrc.weebly.com/year-1-assignments/music-video-production-purpose-of-music-videos
https://www.slideshare.net/MsJMcLeod/the-purpose-of-music-videos
https://www.reyfilm.com/post/music-videos-everything-you-need-to-know
What are the different STYLES of Music Videos?
Performance video - This is the most common and straightforward genre of music videos, featuring the artist or band performing the song in a live setting or a studio. These videos can vary in style ranging from a simple one-shot performance to an elaborate production with multiple camera angles and lighting effects. It typically focuses on the artist's performance and stage presence, and are often used to promote the artist's live shows or tour.
Narrative video - These videos tell a story that is related to the song's lyrics, often featuring the artist as the protagonist. The storyline can be a literal interpretation of the lyrics or a more abstract representation of the song's themes. The focus of these videos is on the storytelling and visual elements, and they are often used to enhance the emotional impact of the song. They can be highly stylized and visually engaging, featuring elaborate costumes, sets, and special effects.
Conceptual video - These videos are more abstract and experimental in nature, often using unconventional filming techniques and visual effects. They can be highly symbolic and interpretive, exploring the themes and emotions of the song in a more conceptual way. These videos are often used to showcase the artist's creativity and artistic vision.
Animated video - These videos use animation to tell a story or showcase the song's themes in a creative and engaging way. Animated music videos can be highly stylized and visually stunning, featuring a wide range of animation techniques such as 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and rotoscoping. The focus of these videos is on the animation and visual elements, and they are often used to appeal to a younger or more niche audience.
Lyric video - These videos are a relatively new genre of music videos that feature the song's lyrics displayed on screen as the song plays. These videos can be simple and straightforward or highly stylized, featuring animated typography and creative visuals that enhance the meaning and emotion of the lyrics.
(Source: https://reelnreel.com/music-video-types-and-strategies/
EXAMPLES:
Ghost - Mary On A Cross (Live In Tampa 2022)
Ghost's music video here highlights their performance live onstage done during their tour in Tampa 2022. It shows their playing and singing their song live as well as twisting some of their lyrics which fit the main singers personality.
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What are the different GENRES of a Music Video?
Genres Of Music Videos:-
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Pop Music
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Hip Hop Music
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Rock Music
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Rhythm and Blues (RnB)
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Rock Music
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Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
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K-Pop
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Indie Music
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Country
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Jazz
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J-Pop
Sub-Genres Include:-
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Pop: Art Pop, dance-pop, orchestral pop, country pop, indie pop, bubblegum, Sunshine Pop, Surf Pop, Synthpop, Teen Pop, Traditional Pop Music, Turkish Pop, Vispop, Wonky Pop, Post-Disco, Progressive Pop.
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Rock: Alternative rock, rock ‘n’ roll, blues rock, progressive rock, indie rock, punk rock, psychedelic rock, glam rock, roots rock, Britpop, folk rock, electronic rock, arena rock, funk rock, garage rock, space rock, soft rock, experimental rock, surf rock and art rock.
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Rap and Hip-Hop: Old school, boom-bap, jazz rap, trap, mumble rap, rap rock, country trap, gangsta rap, crunk, emo rap, grime, UK drill, bounce, horrorcore, Latin trap, conscious hip-hop, Soundcloud rap, hyphy, Soundcloud rap, lo-fi hip-hop, G-funk, footwork.
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Electronic Dance Music: House, techno, techno, dubstep, drum & bass, garage, grime, trap, hardstyle, moombahton, juke, breakbeat, downtempo.
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K-Pop: soundtrack, gayo, jazz, pop, new age, classic, gukak, Religious music, World music, Hip-hop, Dongyo, Electronic, Rock, R&B, Indie and Metal.
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Indie Music: math rock, post-rock, shoegaze, chillwave, freak folk, Nintendocore, and folktronica, indie rock, indie rap, indie R & B, indie electronica, and indie synthpop.
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R&B: Contemporary R&B, disco, doo Wop, funk, Motown, neo-Soul, quiet Storm, soul,19 indie soul, alternative R&B, new jack swing, pop-soul, trap soul, pop R&B, and gospel R&B.
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Country: alternative country, Americana, sertanejo, Nashville sound, country pop, bluegrass, country soul, Australian country, zydeco and western swing.
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Jazz: big band, boogie-woogie piano, bop, classic jazz, Dixieland, jump blues, original New Orleans jazz, ragtime, stride piano, swing, and vocal jazz, Afro-Cuban jazz, avant-garde jazz, bossa nova, cool jazz, eclectic fusion, funk jazz, fusion, hard bop, Latin jazz, nu jazz, and post-bop.
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J-Pop: Idol pop, Anison, Visual kei, J-rock, Shibuya-kei, Enka, Akiba-kei.
(Source: https://research.google.com/audioset/ontology/music_genre_1.html
https://www.byjusfutureschool.com/blog/music-genres-understanding-10-different-styles-of-music/
Analysis Of Music Video Genres
Pop: Pop short for Popular, is a genre of music video which often feature bright, colorful visuals, choreographed dance routines, and catchy hooks that are designed to appeal to a broad audience. This genre describes all the music which is popular, heavily inspired by a range of other music styles including R&B, Soul, Hip hop, Electronic music and many others. It is often associated with mainstream commercial success where a song is frequently played on medias such as Radios and in public settings (example: restaurants, hotels and parks). Their main audience is usually targeted at a younger audience as well as towards a more general mass audience of people.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_music,
https://www.damvibes.com/music-theory/pop-music-genre-definition-history/
https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/music-pop.php
Hip Hop/Rap: Hip Hop music videos are known for their use of urban settings, flashy cars, and designer clothing. They often feature rap performances, dance sequences, and a focus on the lifestyle and culture of hip hop. Hip hop also known as Rap music genre is a popular genre of music consisting of stylized rhythmic music which is also commonly accompanied by rapping, rhyming and rhyming speech. Although, rapping isn't a required component of Hip hop music, it may also use other elements like DJing, Turntabling, Beat-boxing and Instrumental tracks. Hip hop in itself is a way or form of living, it is a culture, the Hip Hop Culture. The elements of Hip Hop came together in the Bronx borough of New York City in the early 1970s "From a whole lot of nothing—and a whole lot of imagination", Hip Hop took form.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hop_music
Rock: Rock music videos often feature guitar solos, live concert footage, and imagery that reflects the youth revolt, rebellious, transgression and anti-establishment ethos of the genre. Rock or "Rock 'n' Roll" music genre combines the elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, and country music with the addition of electrical instruments. It originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s and is constantly changing and evolving.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_music
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/rock-n-roll-music-guide)
Country: Country music videos often feature imagery of rural life, such as farms, cowboy hats, and pickup trucks. They typically feature storytelling lyrics, and themes of heartbreak, love, and nostalgia. It is a music genre which originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States, where it is known for its Ballads and dance tunes with simple form folk lyrics and harmonies accompanied with instruments such as banjos, fiddles and harmonicas. The audience for is generally wide but it has been most popular among white, rural audiences in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States, yet it has also gained a significant following among urban and suburban listeners in recent years.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_music
https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/music-country.php
Electronic: Electronic music videos are known for their use of colorful, psychedelic visuals, and abstract imagery. They often incorporate footage of club scenes, raves, and other events associated with electronic music. Electronic music uses electronic music instruments, digital instruments, or circuit based technology on its creation. It emerged in the mid-20th century and since has come in a variety of forms including techno, house, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep, among others. Electronic music has also been influential in the development of many other genres, including pop, hip-hop, and rock. Electronic music is often played in clubs, music festivals, and other live events, where it attracts a lively and energetic crowd and is catered to an audience from the younger generation of teens and those in their twenties.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_music
https://mn2s.com/news/features/beginners-guide-electronic-music-genres/
R&B and Soul: R&B and Soul music videos typically feature sensual, romantic imagery, and focus on themes of love, relationships, and heartbreak. They often feature choreographed dance routines and smooth vocal performances. R&B or Rhythm and Blues is a genre of music originating from African-American communities in the United States in the late 1940s. It is characterized by its soulful, bluesy sound and its use of a strong, rhythmic beat. R&B draws on a variety of musical influences, including blues, jazz, and gospel, and often incorporates elements of funk, hip-hop, and pop music. It is known for its smooth vocals, intricate harmonies, and often romantic or emotional lyrics. The audience is diverse and includes people of all ages, races, and backgrounds who appreciate the genre's unique sound and emotional depth. Historically, R&B has been popular among African American audiences, but the genre has since expanded to reach a wider audience due its capability of uplifting your spirits and improving your mood. where many of the lyrics found in R&B music talk about overcoming a struggle and succeeding.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhythm_and_blues
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_music
https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/music-soul.php
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/r-and-b-music-guide
Indie: Indie music videos are known for their alternative, quirky aesthetics and often feature a DIY approach to filmmaking. They typically focus on unique visual storytelling and feature unconventional camera angles and lighting. Indie music or Independent Music is music independently from commercial record labels, do-it-yourself approach where the artist does their own recording and publishing through independent recording labels, self-produced music videos and social media (Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Reddit), to put it simply, it’s not financially associated with any major music labels/record labels. It emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, characterized by its rejection of mainstream, commercial music and its emphasis on artistic freedom and experimentation. The audience is mainly the general audience as well as among music enthusiasts and fans of alternative and underground music.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_music
https://repeatreplay.com/what-is-indie-music/
https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/what-is-indie-music/
EXTRA RESEARCH FOR MY MUSIC VIDEO GENRE
Japanese Pop: Japanese pop or J-pop ( ジェイポップ, jeipoppu) is a popular music genre that originated in Japan and has become popularly widespread throughout Asia and the rest of the world. It is characterized by its upbeat, catchy melodies, often featuring electronic instrumentation and synthesizers. The genre became popular in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of idol groups. They are typically made up of young female or male singers and dancers who are marketed as cute, innocent, and approachable. J-pop often features music videos with vibrant visuals and colorful costumes, and the lyrics often deal with themes of love, relationships, and personal growth. The genre has also been influenced by anime and video game music, and many J-pop songs have been featured in popular anime series and video games. J-pop artists vary in a wide range of different categories like idol groups, boy bands, solo artists, 'Seiyuu' 声優 (Voiceactors), Vocaloid singers, 'Utaite' 歌い手, Japanese term for people who cover previously released songs which generally do cover songs for VOCALOID original songs, anime, game-related songs, and J-Pop. They also do parodies with different lyrics for popular songs, intended for amusement. The audience for J-pop is diverse and includes people of all ages and backgrounds who appreciate the genre's catchy melodies and upbeat sound. J-pop is particularly popular among younger generations in Japan and other parts of Asia, but it has also gained a following among fans of pop music around the world.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J-pop
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/j-pop-music-guide
https://rateyourmusic.com/genre/j-pop/
https://utaite.fandom.com/wiki/Utaite
https://youtu.be/sNeD0IfnQFk (got side tracked with research here...)
Japanese Rock: Japanese Rock '日本のロック' or commonly known as J-Rock, is a popular music genre in Japan which has developed a unique sound that blends both Western rock music with Japanese musical tradition and aesthetics. J-rock emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it continues to evolve and thrive today. J-rock has its roots in Western rock music, particularly in genres such as punk, new wave, and heavy metal. However, it incorporates elements of traditional Japanese music, such as folk melodies, instruments like the shamisen (also known as sangen (三絃) or samisen (all meaning "three strings"), is a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument derived from the Chinese instrument sanxian. It is played with a plectrum called a bachi.) and koto (a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. Koto strings are generally plucked using three fingerpicks (tsume), worn on the first three fingers of the right hand.), and the use of vocal styles such as 'enka' (Enka is known for its use of vocal techniques such as melisma and vibrato) and 'kayokyoku' (represents a blend of Western and Japanese musical scales. Music in this genre is extremely varied as a result, its also in the narrower and more practical sense where it is not based on emotional displays of effort while singing.) J-rock lyrics often deal with themes of personal struggles, social issues, and emotional turmoil, and the music often features complex arrangements, intricate guitar work, and powerful vocals. The audience for J-rock is widely a general audience mainly the younger generation in Japan but it also attracts rock fans from all over the world.
(Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_rock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamisen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koto_(instrument)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enka
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kay%C5%8Dkyoku
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/japanese-rock-music-guide
City Pop: City pop is a subgenre of Japanese pop music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its smooth, sophisticated sound, which blends elements of funk, soul, and jazz with pop music. City pop was popularized in Tokyo during the 1980s, and it was often played in urban settings such as clubs, bars, and cafes. The genre is known for its upbeat, danceable rhythms and its use of electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. Lyrically, city pop often deals with themes of love, relationships, and city life. Many city pop songs also feature English lyrics, reflecting the influence of Western pop music on the genre.
City pop enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, with many of its classic songs being rediscovered and sampled by contemporary artists. The genre has also gained a following outside of Japan, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it has been embraced by a new generation of fans. Their music videos often feature a blend of retro and modern aesthetics, with visuals that reflect the genre's upbeat, sophisticated sound. Many city pop music videos feature urban settings, such as city streets, buildings, and nightlife scenes, and often showcase the fashion and lifestyle of the time period when the music was originally released. City pop has a diverse audience which includes people of all ages, but it still remains most popular among the older generation in Japan who have a nostalgic connection to the music. However it has also gained popularity amongst the youngsters both in Japan and internationally due to its resurgence in popularity through social media.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_pop
https://pitchfork.com/features/article/the-endless-life-cycle-of-japanese-city-pop/
https://web-japan.org/trends/11_culture/pop202203_city-pop.html
https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/City_Pop
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Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage - Creepin'
MetroBoomin's "creepin" presents the current day era's style of r&b music videos as they implement the emotional and moody themes as well as an intense artistic expression through their actions and the songs tone.
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History and evolution of music videos
The origins of music videos may be found in the early days of the music business, when the development of recording technology opened up new channels for the distribution and consumption of music. Music was mostly performed live before the turn of the 20th century, with occasional distribution of phonograph records and sheet music.
Phonograph Sheet Music
(https://www.historytoday.com/miscellanies/record-music-mass-production) (https://www.roseclearfield.com/free-printable-vintage-sheet-music/)
The early 1900s saw the emergence of film as a new art form, and watching a movie frequently entailed listening to music. While some early movies employed recorded music as the background score, others incorporated live musical performances. The musical cinema genre, which incorporated songs and dance routines performed by actors, first emerged in the 1920s and 1930s as a result of the introduction of sound in movies.
Television's debut in the 1950s and 1960s changed how music was accessed in homes. Live performances by well-known performers were included on music shows like American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show, and this exposure aided in the growth of new musical genres like rock & roll.
Simple promotional films with singers lip-syncing to their songs were the earliest music videos. On television shows like Top of the Pops and MTV, these movies were largely used to advertise brand-new songs and albums.
The usage of sophisticated music videos as a medium for creative expression and visual storytelling increased in the 1980s. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince created iconic music videos that combined music, dance, fashion, and narrative storytelling.
Fans had the opportunity to watch and share music videos online as the internet expanded over the 1990s and 2000s, making them even more widely available. As a result, artists began to use music videos to explore novel concepts and push the limits of visual narrative, ushering in a new era of creativeness and experimentation.
To create immersive and compelling visual experiences for listeners, artists today use a variety of techniques and technology in their music videos. Music videos continue to be a crucial component of the music business, bringing songs to life and fostering new and exciting connections between artists and their listeners through everything from live performances to animated flicks.
Details regarding the years on the evolution of music videos;-
1900s–1920s: Music was mostly played live in the early 1900s, although phonograph records and sheet music were made and distributed. The emergence of radio and sound in cinema in the 1920s paved the way for brand-new musical experiences.
1930s–1940s: Jazz and big band music gained popularity during the swing era, which witnessed the development of artists like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. The invention of the electric guitar in the 1940s had a significant influence on popular music.
1950s–1960s: Rock & roll began to take off in the 1950s, when stars like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry became well-known. The 1960s saw the introduction of new genres including folk and psychedelic rock as well as the growth of British invasion bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
1970s: In the 1970s, rock music's appeal remained strong as disco and funk gained prominence. The development of synthesizers and other electronic instruments had a significant influence on the music of the time as well.
1980s: In the 1980s, new wave and post-punk music gained popularity, while MTV and music videos as a new medium for artistic expression also came into being. Pop icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson became well-known, and hip hop started to gain popularity as a mainstream genre.
1990s: Alternative and grunge music gained popularity in the 1990s, although hip hop and pop music remained in high demand. The development of the internet and digital technology significantly changed the music business by enabling listeners to share and access music in new ways.
2000s: The decade of the 2000s saw a surge in the popularity of digital music and a fall in the use of tangible media like CDs. With the rise of Beyoncé, Eminem, and Justin Timberlake, pop and hip hop continued to rule the charts.
2010s: the era saw the continued growth of digital music, with the popularity of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Electronic dance music (EDM) also became a popular genre, with stars like Avicii and Calvin Harris becoming well-known. Hip hop remained a significant influence in popular music, and pop performers like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande continued to rule the charts.
2020s: The 2020s are still unfolding, but some key trends that have emerged so far include the continued rise of streaming services, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry, and the continued dominance of hip hop and pop music. However, it remains to be seen what new genres and innovations will emerge in the years to come.
(Source: https://victrola.com/blogs/articles/how-technology-has-changed-music-over-the-years
https://matheussiqueira.com/a-brief-history-of-music-video/
https://explain.ninja/blog/a-short-history-of-music-video-you-might-not-know-about/
https://vue.ai/blog/retail-trends/evolution-of-music-videos-how-has-the-storytelling-changed/
https://www.stopthebreaks.com/music-industry-news/music-videos-101-a-brief-history/
https://www.indiependent.co.uk/evolution-music-videos/
.jpg)
The Ed Sullivan Show
Top Of the Pops
Michael Jackson's Thriller Music Video
Downloading and saving files from the internet to share with friends
https://www.mensxp.com/special-features/today/24526-10-things-everyone-using-internet-in-the-90s-remembers.html
How Technology Has Impacted the Production Of Music Videos
New methods, fashions, and artistic opportunities have been made possible by technology, which has had a significant impact on the creation of music videos. Technology advancements have made it possible to produce music videos that are more visually stunning and artistically expressive than before.
The use of digital technology has been one of the most important developments in music video production. It is now easier and less costly for musicians to make music videos, even on a tight budget, thanks to digital cameras and editing tools. Newer technology has also made artists to produce more eye-catching and innovative music videos such as with the use of drones. It has become increasingly popular in music video production, allowing for aerial shots and dynamic camera movements that would have been difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional filming techniques. This has made it simpler for known artists to experiment with various visual styles and approaches as well as given more independent and emerging artists the chance to make their own videos.
The use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and visual effects in music videos is another significant advancement. This has made it feasible to produce magical and bizarre images that would not have been possible with conventional filmmaking methods. The music videos for Daft Punk's "One More Time" and The Weeknd's "How Do I Make You Love Me" are two examples of songs that primarily rely on CGI and visual effects.
Technology has also made it possible for artists and directors to work together more frequently, regardless matter where they are in the world. Artists and directors can collaborate on music videos even if they are not in the same physical location thanks to the ability to transfer files and communicate online.
The emergence of music videos has also been impacted by the growth of social media. Music videos now have new avenues for distribution thanks to websites like YouTube, Tiktok and Instagram, which enable them to get in front of more people than before. Due to artists' desire to produce videos that will stand out in a competitive internet scene, visual storytelling has become more significant in music videos. Social media influencers have grown in importance as a component of music video creation in recent years. Influencers are people who have a significant following on social media sites like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok who can have a big influence on their follower's actions and purchase choices. Influencers are incorporated into music videos as a strategy for musicians to attract new fans and improve their social media awareness. By including a celebrity in a music video, an artist can gain access to the celebrity's current fan base and possibly gain new ones who may not have previously been aware of the artist's work. Additionally, collaborating with influencers can aid in generating buzz for the music video and additional social media marketing. Influencers frequently provide behind-the-scenes photos and videos from their experiences on set, along with teasers and sneak peeks of the music video itself, which can assist to increase followers' enthusiasm and anticipation.
Overall, the development of technology has had a big impact on the creation of music videos, opening up new creative avenues and increasing artists' accessibility. Future music videos are likely to be much more innovative as technology develops further.
(Source: https://themusicuniverse.com/impact-technology-music-industry/
https://www.wiley.com/edge/media/how-technology-has-changed-music/
https://online.suu.edu/degrees/business/master-music-technology/tech-impact-music-industry/
https://dronelegends.com/drones-and-music/
https://www.airvuz.com/collection/video/drone-music-videos?id=Bk9QaihZW
https://blog.pond5.com/26078-how-to-shoot-great-aerials-and-use-them-in-storytelling/
https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/what-is-cgi-in-film/
https://www.epidemicsound.com/blog/what-is-cgi/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/social-media
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media.asp
https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-an-influencer/
https://findyourinfluence.com/a-history-of-social-media-influencers/
https://findyourinfluence.com/finding-new-music-through-social-media-influencers/)
CapCut - Video Editing Software
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lemon.lvoverseas&hl=en_US&pli=1
Filming Drone
Daft Punk - One More Time (Official Video)
The Weeknd - How Do I Make You Love Me? (Official Music Video)
Charlie Puth showing his production of Light Switch on Tiktok (Promotional act)
Bella Poarch a social media influencer known for her fame on Tiktok, stars in the music video "Inferno" by Bella Poarch herself.
Post Malone's "I Like You (A Happier Song)" features DojaCat, a celebrity who is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgccrATgT65/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Analysis Of Music Videos
I'll be analyzing 2 music videos:
"Kisetsu wa Tsugitsugi Shinde Yuku" (The Seasons Die Off, One by One) by Amazarashi.
"米津玄師" (Orion) by Kenshi Yonezu.
But before I delve into the music videos, I decided to broaden my knowledge regarding the creation of music videos by researching and understanding Andrew Goodwin's music video theory.
Andrew Goodwin’s music video theory states that every music video consists of these eight principals:
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Links between the music and the visuals: If a song is very electronic and upbeat the director may include a dance sequence to reflect the style. This is also the same in regards to the editing of a music video. If a song is very slow the cuts between shots may also be slow.
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Links between the lyrics and the visuals: Music videos will often illustrate props or actions in the Mis-En-Scene that reflect the lyrics of a song. An example of this would be the music video for Vance Joy’s Riptide which literally displays visuals that directly link to the lyrics lyrics.
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Display of the typical genre conventions: Many music videos tend to reflect aspects of their specified genre in their visuals. For example, the conventions of the rap genre typically consist of low angle shots, cars and money.
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A variety of intertextual references: This is when a video will make reference to another media text. For example, the music video for Love Story by Taylor Swift makes reference to Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
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Notions of looking: When the actor or singer in the music video looks directly at the camera. This creates the illusion that they are letting the audience inside the life thus feeling involved in the action.
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Voyeurism: Essentially voyeurism is the idea of looking at something for sexual satisfaction. Women are more often treated in this way through the use of camera angles and fragmented body shots.
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Demands of the record label: The artist’s record label will require certain things from their performer. This may be a lot of close-ups or for them to maintain a certain image throughout her music videos.
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Music videos are either performance-based, narrative-based or concept-based: All music videos will fall under the category of performance (where the actors dance or play in a band to the song. Most commonly seen in heavy metal videos where the band will be in front of a live audience), narrative (where the music video will tell a story or message to the audience) or concept (where the video presents an idea which is displayed in the Mis-En-Scene. This doesn’t have to be related to the music).
(Source: https://chloebaconmediaa2.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/andrew-goodwins-music-video-theory/)
"Seasons Die One After Another" by Amazarashi
Lyrics:-
Kanji lyrics:
季節は次々死んでいく
絶命の声が風になる
色めく街の 酔えない男
月を見上げるのはここじゃ無粋
泥に足もつれる生活に
雨はアルコールの味がした
アパシーな目で 彷徨う街で
挙動不審のイノセント 駅前にて
僕が僕と呼ぶには不確かな
半透明な影が生きてる風だ
雨に歌えば 雲は割れるか
賑やかな夏の干からびた命だ
拝啓 忌まわしき過去に告ぐ 絶縁の詩
最低な日々の 最悪な夢の
残骸を捨てては行けず
ここで息絶えようと
後世 花は咲き君に伝う 変遷の詩
苦悩にまみれて 嘆き悲しみ
それでも途絶えぬ歌に
陽は射さずとも
明日は次々死んでいく
急いても追いつけず過去になる
過去になる 生き急げ僕ら
灯る火はせつな
生きる意味などは後からつく
君が君でいるには不確かな
不安定な自我が 君を嫌おうと
せめて歌えば 闇は晴れるか
根腐れた夢に預かった命だ
拝啓 忌まわしき過去に告ぐ 絶縁の詩
最低な日々の 最悪な夢の
残骸を捨てては行けず
ここで息絶えようと
後世 花は咲き君に伝う 変遷の詩
苦悩にまみれて 嘆き悲しみ
それでも途絶えぬ歌に
陽は射さずとも
疲れた顔に足を引きずって
照り返す夕日に顔をしかめて
行こうか 戻ろうか 悩みはするけど
しばらくすれば 歩き出す背中
そうだ行かねばならぬ
何はなくとも生きて行くのだ
僕らは どうせ拾った命だ
ここに置いていくよ なけなしの
拝啓 今は亡き過去を想う 望郷の詩
最低な日々が 最悪な夢が
始まりだったと思えば
随分遠くだ
どうせ花は散り 輪廻の輪に還る命
苦悩にまみれて 嘆き悲しみ
それでも途絶えぬ歌に 陽は射さずとも
季節は次々生き返る
(Source: http://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/amazarashi/kisetsuwatsugitsugi.htm)
Romaji lyrics:
Kisetsu Wa Tsugitsugi Shinde Yuku
Zetsumei No Koe Ga Kaze Ni Naru
Iromeku Machi No Yoenai Otoko
Tsuki Wo Miageru No Wa Koko Ja Busui
doro ni ashi mo tsureru seikatsu ni
ame wa Alcohol no aji ga shita
Apathy na me de samayou machi de
kyodou fushin no Innocent ekimae nite
boku ga boku to yobu ni wa futashika na
hantoumei na kage ga ikiteru fuu da
ame ni utaeba kumo wa wareru ka
nigiyaka na natsu no hikarabita inochi da
haikei imawashiki kako ni tsugu zetsuen no shi
saitei na hibi no saiaku na yume no
zangai wo sutete wa yukezu
koko de ikitaeyou to
kousei hana wa saki kimi ni tsutau hensen no Shi
kunou ni mamirete nageki kanashimi
sore de mo todaenu uta ni
hi wa sasazu to mo
ashita wa tsugitsugi shinde yuku
seite mo oitsukezu kako ni naru
iki isoge bokura
tomoru hi wa setsuna
ikiru imi nado wa ato kara tsuku
kimi ga kimi de iru ni wa futashika na
fuantei na jiga ga kimi wo kiraou to
semete utaeba yami wa hareru ka
negusareta yume ni azukatta inochi da
haikei imawashiki kako ni tsugu zetsuen no shi
saitei na hibi no saiaku na yume no
zangai wo sutete wa yukezu
koko de ikitaeyou to
kousei hana wa saki kimi ni tsutau hensen no shi
kunou ni mamirete nageki kanashimi
sore de mo todaenu uta ni
hi wa sasazu to mo
tsukareta kao ni ashi wo hikizutte
terikaesu yuuhi ni kao wo shikamete
ikou ka modorou ka nayami wa suru kedo
shibaraku sureba arukidasu senaka
sou da ikaneba naranu
nani wa naku to mo ikite yuku no da
bokura wa douse hirotta inochi da
koko ni oiteiku yo nakenashi no
haikei ima wa naki kako wo omou boukyou no shi
saitei na hibi ga saiaku na yume ga
hajimari datta to omoeba
zuibun tooku da
douse hana wa chiri rinne no wa ni kaeruinochi
kunou ni mamirete nageki kanashimi
sore de mo todaenu uta ni hi wa sasazu to mo
kisetsu wa tsugitsugi ikikaeru
(Source: http://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/amazarashi/kisetsuwatsugitsugi.htm)
English lyrics:
The seasons die off one by one, The voice of death becomes wind
An undrunk man, in a colored city
Looking at the moon is tasteless here
In the life stuck in mud, the rain tasted of alcohol
with eyes so apathetic, wandering in the city
I'm an innocent man acting suspicious at the station
It's like a translucent shadow possesses life
which I cannot certainly identify with myself
If I sing in the rain, will the clouds break?
A dried-up life in the busy summer time
Dear my damned past, this is a poem to break off relations
Even if I breathed my last here
with the remains of horrible days and nightmares
After ages, flowers will blossom and come down to you
This is a poem for transition
Even if I suffer and grieve, with no light coming down onto the lasting song
Tomorrows die one after another, Even if we hurry we never catch up, and they become our past
Live recklessly, ignited light lasts for only a moment
The meaning of life will follow
Even if your insecure self hates you
wondering if you’re you
When you sing, the darkness may clear off
This is just a life given by a rotten dream
Dear my damned past, this is a poem to break off relations
Even if I breathed my last here
with the remains of horrible days and nightmares
After ages, flowers will blossom and come down to you, this is a poem for transition
Even if I suffer and grieve, with no light coming down onto the lasting song
With a weary face and foot-dragging
Frowning my face against the reflected sunset
I am uncertain if I should go or return
But soon I find my back setting off
Yes, I must go
I must live, even if without purposes
We are the picked-up lives after all
We’ll leave them here
Dear my late past, this is a poem of nostalgia
Just as I thought those horrible days and nightmares were the beginning,
they were already far away
Flowers fall, and return to the cycle of rebirth
Even if I suffer and grieve,
with no light coming down onto the lasting song
The seasons come back to life one by one.
(Source: http://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/amazarashi/kisetsuwatsugitsugi.htm)
(Re-edited to follow the official music video lyrics as it translates better)
Analysis Lyrics
To comprehend the hidden connotations within their lyrics, I have made a short research regarding the music band, Amazarashi. They are a Japanese rock band from Aomori known for their introspective and socially conscious lyrics. The lyrics in their songs commonly use themes regarding reflection of the self, society and politics and elements of ones emotions. Another factor to recognise within this song is it was specifically tailored to suit the themes of the anime "Tokyo Ghoul" which was its heavy inspiration. Amazarashi's The Seasons Die Off, One by One, was made for Tokyo Ghoul √A's ending song.
Tokyo Ghoul (Japanese: 東京喰種トーキョーグール, Hepburn: Tōkyō Gūru) is a Japanese dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Sui Ishida. The story is set in a world where vicious species, known as ghouls, creatures that look like normal people but can only survive by eating human flesh, live among the human population in secrecy.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Ghoul)
After analysing the lyrics, I've come up with a few interpretations myself.
In the title itself, "Kisetsuga Tsugitsugi" can be translated as "seasons, one after another," which highlights the theme of passing time. It can be connected to the idea of how "time heals all wounds" and is related to self-healing. It also presents the Nature Imagery of "seasons" which presents the cynical and merciless nature of life which repeats throughout time and ever-changes no matter the environment. This can also be related to Tokyo Ghoul's story plot where the main character has to face the sudden change of becoming the monster(Ghouls) he fears and needs to change/adapt to his new unfortunate circumstance of living from a peaceful life to each day trying to survive from hunger, humans, ghouls and facing himself against the truth that he is no longer human but a monster living a fantasy, a false hope.
The song also contains the themes of Reflection and Introspection where the singer "narrator" or character of the song speaks about their past mistakes and regrets. This is evident in the lyrics, "I'm an innocent man acting suspicious at the station" using first person which represents the song as his story, "Dear my damned past" talks about his terrible past as 'damned' a form of regret he went through, "Even if your insecure self hates you, wondering if you’re you" discusses his self, and contemplating on his emotional state. Yet the narrator also acknowledges that these experiences have shaped who they are. "I am uncertain if I should go or return, But soon I find my back setting off, Yes, I must go", the verse expresses the desire to keep moving forward, even when facing uncertainty and doubt. The lyrics of the song are arranged in a form similar to a poem as stated in the line, "Dear my damned past, this is a poem to break off relations" where it is expressed as a message to the self and most poems are commonly used as a way to express ones feelings. I have also found that the lyrics show a progression from regret to moving on, the narrator expresses his guilt and past mistake in the first chorus and towards the end of the song he stands up for himself and faces the uncertainty of life even if he "With a weary face and foot-dragging, Frowning my face against the reflected sunset" he still tells himself "Yes, I must go" and "I must live, even if without purposes", highlighting him leaving his regrets behind. The lyrics shift into a more positive light with the chorus "Dear my late past, this is a poem of nostalgia, Just as I thought those horrible days and nightmares were the beginning, they were already far away" he looks back and realises that moving on was simple rather than to suffer from misery from the weight of his mistakes and regrets.
Moreover, the song speaks about the state of Society and Politics. Amazarashi is known to write songs with conscious lyrics and "Kisetsuga Tsugitsugi" isn't an exception. The song references issues such as inequality, discrimination, and political corruption. The lyrics suggest that these societal problems are cynical as well, with the same issues reccuring over and over again throughout history. Although despite the song's focus on the cynical nature of life and society, there are also elements of hope and resilience. The chorus just as stated before, also encourages listeners to keep moving forward and to never give up, even in the face of hardship and misery.
Overall, "Kisetsuga Tsugitsugi" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that addresses a wide range of themes, from the passing of time to society and politics. The song's introspective lyrics and uplifting chorus. (talk about yourself)
Analysis Music Video
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After annotating the lyrics, I will now delve into the Music Video's analysis. Upon further research I've found that "Kisetsu ha tsugitsugi shindeiku" by Amazarashi's Music Video represents its various themes found within the lyrics as well as the underlying theme of the anime 'Tokyo Ghoul √A' through the use of its camera works, colour, temperature, lighting and even in the editing itself.
The monotonous black and white atmosphere and low lighting forms a contrast between the light and dark elements found within the music video. It contains lots of white elements such as the white table, white tableware, white chair, white printer and even the room itself is entirely white. This connotes the purity, innocence and hope found in the music video yet it contrasts between the darker elements such as the woman, the meat and the blood which reinforces the song's message of even with the presence of abundance hope, there will always be despair eating away at that very hope.
The video opens with presenting a woman seated at a table, she dresses casually wearing a white shirt layered by a black cloth, wearing a black skirt layered with white and her overall outfit follows the monotonous theme highlighted in the previous paragraph.
Her skin is as white as snow as if she doesn't have blood flowing through her body which can also be interpreted as her being a ghoul from Tokyo Ghoul. Her red framed glasses and purple hair reminded me of a notable antagonist within the Tokyo Ghoul series, "Rize Kamishiro". I believe that the music video has used this certain character to be portrayed as the symbol of despair within the hope due to the character's trait herself, which is that she is the embodiment of the protagonist's "Ken Kaneki" despair as she haunts him mentally, tormenting him and slowly trying to bend his will to become a full-fledged ghoul and trying to make him into somewhat similar to her, a sadistic murderous monster while Kaneki himself tries to become the very hope that both humans and ghouls can live amongst one another.
As the music video begins we see the woman is surrounded by various cuts of meat, as the songs continues we are shown that she started eating and the meat has been altered into the shape of the lyrics. This effect emphasizes the violent themes explored both in the anime and the music video.
The use of camera shots were also significant in forming an impact in the music video. Multiple uses of Close-Up shots were utilized in a few shots such as, 0:18-0:22, 0:24-0:28, 0:34-0:39, and 0:43-0:44.
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Her costume (clothes)
Highlighting her pale white skin
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She bears the same resemblance to the character Rize Kamishiro
Rize Kamishiro from the anime, Tokyo ghoul
Establishing Shot
Monotone and dull colours
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The Close-Up here highlights and emphasizes certain actions done by the woman such as eating aggressively, the transition from pure and clean to dirty and bloodied, and the lyrics on the meat itself. It connotes how certain scenes are more exaggerated and the violence is profoundly emphasize through her actions in tearing into the meat which is also a reflection of Rize's character who consumes her prey's flesh in a similar manner.
The Medium shots of the woman seated on the table while being surrounded by the sliced meat, tableware and the empty white room connotes a sense of loneliness in the form of isolation and detachment from society just how 'ghouls' would isolate or hide themselves from humans as they are seen as impurities or monsters.
There are also other notable camera shots such as medium close-up, wide shots, point of view, panning, tracking shots and over the shoulder shot found in the music video. All of them serve the purpose to enhance and emphasize the woman's actions and the scenery in its violence as she eats more and more like a wild beast uncontrollably.
Deliberate cutting back and forth between multiple different shots and angles can be seen as she begins to feast on the meat. At first the cutting on action is slow and steady as she elegantly eats with the cutlery, and simple cutting creates a sense of uneasiness towards the viewers. As she begins to feast more and more violently and aggressively, following the upbeat tempo of the song aswell, the editing especially the cutting is sped up and the repetition within her actions as well as the state she becomes into more bloodied and frenzied highlights the tension and violence the character herself causes.
The colour and temperature in the video is shot mostly in the muted and desaturated tones similar to the monotonous black and white atmosphere where both work well in creating the sense of isolation and loneliness. There are also certain instances where the lighting is slightly more vibrant than the rest of the shots, mainly during the closeup shots where she consumes the meat and the blood is purposely highlighted to emphasize the violence and gore even further. The use of the colours can also bring meaning to the music video as well. For example the white room connotes purity and hope. The meat, wine and the blood are both also emphasized as their reddish-maroon blood colour stands out from the rest of the scene, this gives the effect that the red connotes violence, gore and even death due to the fact that if the music video follows the anime, the meat itself symbolizes human flesh and the wine as human blood as the woman's meal.
Overall, the Music Video for Amazarashi's "Kisetsu ha tsugitsugi shindeiku" explores both the themes from the lyrics and anime, as well as the use of camera shots, editing, colour and temperature work well together in creating a powerfully visual representation of the song's theme.
medium Shot
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Closeups
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Emphasis on red colour
The red wine
Highlights violence and gore themes
2nd Music Video
'Orion' by Kenshi Yonezu
Lyrics:-
Kanji lyrics:
あなたの指がその胸がその瞳が
眩しくて少し眩暈がする夜もある
それは不意に落ちてきて あまりにも暖かくて
飲み込んだ七色の星
弾ける火花みたいに ぎゅっと僕を困らせた
それでまだ歩いてゆけること 教わったんだ
神様 どうか 声を聞かせて
ほんのちょっとでいいから
もう二度と 離れないように
あなたと二人 あの星座のように
結んで欲しくて
夢の中でさえどうも上手じゃない心具合
気にしないでって嘆いたこと 泣いていたこと
解れた袖の糸を引っぱって ふっと星座を作ってみたんだ
お互いの指を星として
それは酷くでたらめで 僕ら笑いあえたんだ
そこにあなたがいてくれたなら それでいいんだ
今なら どんな 困難でさえも
愛して見せられるのに
あんまりに 柔くも澄んだ
夜明けの間 ただ眼を見ていた
淡い色の瞳だ
真白でいる 陶器みたいな
声をしていた 冬の匂いだ
心の中 静かに荒む
嵐を飼う 闇の途中で
落ちてきたんだ 僕の頭上に
煌めく星 泣きそうなくらいに
触れていたんだ
神様 どうか 声を聞かせて
ほんのちょっとでいいから
もう二度と離れないように
あなたと二人 この星座のように
結んで欲しくて
(Source: https://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/kenshiyonezu/orion.jis)
Romaji lyrics:
Anata no yubi ga sono mune ga sono hitomi ga,
Mabushikute sukoshi memai ga suru yoru mo aru,
Sore wa fui ni ochite kite, Amari nimo atatakakute,
Nomikonda nanairo no hoshi,
Hajikeru hibana mitai ni, Gyutto boku o komaraseta,
Sore de mada aruite yukeru koto, Osowattanda
Kamisama, douka, koe o kikasete,
Hon no chotto de ii kara,
Mou nido to, hanarenai you ni,
Anata to futari, ano seiza no you ni,
Musunde hoshikute
Yume no naka de sae doumo jouzu janai kokoro guai
Ki ni shinaide tte nageita koto, Naite ita koto,
Hotsureta sode no ito o hippatte, futto seiza o tsukutte mitanda,
Otagai no yubi o hoshi toshite,
Sore wa hidoku detarame de, Bokura warai aetanda,
Soko ni anata ga ite kureta nara, Sore de iinda
Ima nara, Donna, Konnan de sae mo,
Aishite miserareru noni,
Anmari ni, Yawaku mo sunda,
Yoake no aida, Tada me o miteita,
Awai iro no hitomi da
Masshiro de iru, Touki mitai na,
Koe o shite ita, Fuyu no nioi da,
Kokoro no naka, Shizuka ni susamu,
Arashi o kau, Yami no tochuu de,
Ochite kitanda, Boku no zujou ni,
Kirameku hoshi, Naki sou na kurai ni,
Furete itanda
Kamisama, Douka, Koe o kikasete
Hon no chotto de ii kara,
Mou nido to hanarenai you ni,
Anata to futari, Kono seiza no you ni,
Musunde hoshikute
(Source: https://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/kenshiyonezu/orion.htm)
English lyrics:
Your fingers, that heart, those eyes
They're so radiant that some nights I'm overcome with vertigo
It came down so unexpectedly, it's far too warm
This seven-coloured star that I drink up
Like bursting fireworks, it winds me up tightly
And with that, I was taught how to walk forward again
God above, I'm begging you, let me hear your voice
Even for just a single moment
So that we're never separated again,
Just you and me together, like that constellation
I want to be tied to you
Even the contents of my dreams aren't that impressive, let alone the state of my heart
"Don't bother yourself with it" I said as I lamented, and as I wept
Tugging on an already unraveling sleeve, suddenly we tried to make a constellation
As though both of our fingers were stars
But that's all just cruel nonsense and we both laughed at the thought of it
And there I realised that if you were by my side, I would be okay
Even now, no matter how bad the troubles are
I can always show you how much I love you
Despite this, it rings out so weakly
In the space between midnight and dawn all I saw was your eyes
And their pale colour
Like unblemished porcelain
I raised my voice to the scent of winter
Within my chest, my heart quietly ran rampant
I tamed a storm within the darkness
A glistening star
Came down from the sky
And I trembled so hard that I thought I might cry
God above, I'm begging you, let me hear your voice
Even for just a single moment
So that we're never separated again,
Just you and me together, like that constellation
I want to be tied to you
(Source: https://www.animelyrics.com/jpop/kenshiyonezu/orion.htm)
Analysis Lyrics
Similar to my previous analysis of Amazarashi's band, I have brought upon myself to widen my knowledge regarding the artist known as 'Kenshi Yonezu'. Kenshi Yonezu a Japanese musician specializing in Japanese Pop and Japanese Rock, singer & songwriter, record producer and illustrator who began releasing Vocaloid music under the stage name Hachi (ハチ) in 2009. In 2012, he debuted under his real name, releasing music with his own voice. During his youth, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, he also lived a childhood filled with isolation as Yonezu Kenshi had difficulty with communicating towards others. His music is known for its powerful and introspective songs, with its catchy melodies and heart-touching lyrics and a very diverse musical style. Kenshi's songs tend to delve into themes regarding personal struggle, self-reflection, and humanity in the forms of poetic yet thought provoking lyrics. There's also themes of grief, loneliness, hope and resilience which reflect his childhood and himself within the lyrics he produced.
Yonezu Kenshi's 'Orion' is no exception from the themes stated above.
'Orion' is a song written by Yonezu Kenshi, the sixth single from his album, 'BOOTLEG', released in 2017 for the second ending theme song of the anime, 'March Comes in Like a Lion'. The song lyrics explores the themes of sadness, loneliness and isolation of the self as well as hope, where the speaker of the lyrics suffers loneliness and seeks to be closer to God "Orion" as his source of hope to remove his despair.
The first verse of the song presents a character/person who speaks highly of a higher being in a romantic and admiring tone. The nouns of "fingers", "heart" and "eyes" in the first line emphasizes how the person is admiring them, this presents the audience with the idea that the song is of a person romantising a lover. The positive adjective of "radiance" meaning 'a form of glowing usually connotating a positive form of light' is contrasted with the word "Vertigo" meaning, the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning. This juxtaposition shows a sense that the fingers, eyes and heart give a sense of uneasiness yet calming towards the person. "Unexpectedly" connotes the person's feelings and the hyperbole of "far too warm" connotes the positivity and a metaphor of warmth as a feeling of calmness that the person feels whenever they see this "lover". The adjective, "seven-coloured star" is a reference to 'The Pleiades' or 'The Seven Sisters' where the constellation 'Orion' can be seen. Orion similar to the name of the song, plays a theme within the song lyrics. The mythical story of Orion and Pleiades is that, Orion fell in love with Pleione and her charming daughters. He spent a great deal of time chasing after them, trying to win their affection. After several years, Zeus intervened and transformed the women into doves to help them escape. They flew into the sky to become the cluster of stars that today has their name. Similar to the person in the song, he chases "Orion" in hopes to cure him of his loneliness and despair. The verb to "drink up" the 'seven-coloured star' highlights how the person is reflecting the story as if consumes it to become similar with the story itself. The imagery of "Bursting fireworks" emphasizes the feeling of celebration and the positivity felt by the person after meeting the lover and the action of being "wind up" is similar to winding up a toy to make it 'alive' again, connotating the reflection of how it makes the person feel alive again. To follow up, the line Ï was taught how to walk forward again" further emphasizes how he was wined up and him walking forwards using the hope presented by 'God'.
In the chorus, it is revealed that the person's lover is actually 'God'. The religious imagery of 'God' is presented through Orion who's also a god, a higher being that becomes the person's saviour. The person begs to let 'God' hear his voice as a sign of his true existence and making the person feel complete and clear from despair. He desperately asks for the aid by begging and this is highlighted when the person asks just to hear even if its a "single moment". The person wants consolidation from God to strengthen himself from despair and to "never separated again". "You and me" is repeated to to connote the feeling of wanting to be close to God and refers his and God's relationship using the simile "like that constellation" which connotes the constellation 'Orion' as they're relationship is one similar to Orion chasing the goddeses yet Orion and the person couldn't reach. Another aspect of 'Orion' as a constellation is God watching over the speaker, brighting his dark night, shining hope unto the person in his darkest despair. There's also the metaphor which connotes an obsessive form of admiration where the person says "I want to be tied to you" the hyperbole of wanting to be close to "God".
The person contrasts his "dreams" with the "state of his heart" where his dreams aren't impressive and his heart is connotated as one filled with emptiness and loneliness. Self deprecating himself to bring pity upon listeners towards the person. He is filled with grief throughout the song, this is connotated in the negative adjective "lamented" meaning to feel sadness and the negative verb of "wept" meaning to cry, crying connotates sadness. The metaphor of "unravelling sleeve" means to be separated highlighting his state of relationship with God is that one filled with hope yet a fleeting hope that could only last for so long which explains why he begs God to stay with him "never separated again". The repetition of "constellation" further emphasizes the previous point but in this verse he highlights the term "tried to" showing he's desperately trying to cope with his loneliness through God even though the hope presented to him could only do so much. Comparing his and God's fingers as "Stars" presents that they both are far apart. Stars are connotations of miracle and hope but in this context as they both are stars, they could never reach one another, further emphasizing that the person could not truly cure himself of despair using God's hope but only to learn and grow with it. In this verse, it shows the person's realisation that the despair and hope is all "just a cruel nonsense" and the positive verb of "laughed" at the nonsense shows the person moving on, and realising he should not only rely on God to move on but himself aswell. He realises that God doesn't need to be one with him but just being "by my side" is more than enough and he would be "okay".
Furthermore, the previous point is supported through the emphasis of how he has moved on as he realises his despair can be overcome, in the lines "Even now" and "No matter how bad the troubles are", he can still present his love with his dedication in pulling himself out of his own despair. Even though his faith is weak "rings out so weakly" as this refers to his love towards 'God' is faltering yet still there. "Midnight and Dawn" is the metaphor of time used to highlight that 'God' is ever-present and it can also be interpreted as the time of day when "Orion" the constellation, can be seen in the night sky brightening his darkness. "Pale colour" emphasizes the fading but present hope as well as the colour of the stars.
The next verse starts with a simile "Like unblemished porcelain" connotes something of which is precious and flawless similar to how a God would be characterised, God is perfect. The imagery of the person being angry "raised my voice" towards the coldness within his heart which can be connotated in the line "scent of winter" as the scent of winter is one of crisp and coldness. His chest beats quietly as his emotions run rampant within while he "tamed a storm within the darkness", this highlights how he overcame his loneliness and despair. The positive adjective of "glistening star" which emphasizes that a new light or rebirth of himself has come. It may also connote 'God' as if He "came down from the sky". God's hope is bestowed upon him to fully cure him of his despair after his own efforts, God has reached him, hence the overwhelming feeling of "trembled so hard I thought I might cry"
Lastly the chorus emphasizes that he still wants to be close to God even after the redemption of himself.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenshi_Yonezu
https://jpop.fandom.com/wiki/Yonezu_Kenshi
https://vgperson.com/vocalinterview.php?view=hachirealsound4
https://jpop.fandom.com/wiki/Orion_(Yonezu_Kenshi)
Analysis Music Video
Kenshi Yonezu 'Orion' Music Video analysis:
ORION uses a hybrid mix of genres between abstract narrative and performance to develop its lyrics into the portrayal of the character or artist in the music video. According to Andrew Goodwill's Music Video theory, there are links between the lyrics and visuals although Kenshi represents the visualised lyrics using metaphors found for example; "Like bursting fireworks" would relate to the starry night sky present in his mv. The entirety of his song lyrics resemble a poem which further emphasis his use of an abstract narrative to easily portray certain meanings within his mv. Furthermore, the music tone and style is both complimentary and amplifies the abstract narrative and performance giving the entire music video the feeling of a very emotionally impactful song with thought provoking elements.
Characteristics and elements of Japanese pop is also present, the typical feature of the artist himself, Kenshi Yonezu doing the music video performance. There is also an intertextual reference from Greek Mythology of "Orion" a hunter, known for his excellency in hunting, born to Euryale and Poseidon. With Kenshi Yonezu present in the music video, this highlights the demand for record label with the use of Close-ups on the artists. Kenshi's record labels include BALLOOM (2012) UNIVERSAL SIGMA (2013–2015) Sony Music Japan (2016–).
The target audience for this music video is mainly directed towards Japanese pop song listeners in general as well as Kenshi Yonezu's fans but it also attracts those who watched the anime, "March Comes in like a Lion ending song 2".
The music video employs a range of camera shots to portray the character's emotions. Those camera shots are back shots, zoom in, medium close up, medium shots, close up and dolly zoom for most of the mv. The purpose of these shots are to emphasize on the character and his relation to his surroundings which connote metaphors found through the lyrics mentioned before. The low angel backshot refers to the act of doing prayer to God when he says the line "Blessing" at 01.18. The zoom in at 01.23 gives room for the darkness within the room to shine creating this ominous feeling towards the viewers. Although, the Dolly zoom at 3.32 towards Kenshi and the washing shows the relationship between him and the act of "cleansing" through the connotations of a washing machine with his reflections and his clothings.
At 1.30 the use of a medium close-up is applied to highlight the lighting presents the emotions within the scene, light bulb lights up when he places the clothes into the washing machine connote hope, the "dark" coloured clothes brings the metaphor that black symbolises negativity and he is washing his negativity away using the washing machine. Using my understanding of the scene, the medium shot at 2.00 where the character sits/leans on the washing machine reveals to the audience that he is contemplating on letting go and is hesitant of his actions, or his dominance over his fears and choices.
Meanwhile the music video uses a simple number of editing techniques to amplify the effect of the scenes. The use of an L-Cut which is present at 0:09, helps transition the MV smoothly throughout its entirety. There's is also a cutting on action at 0:18 to show the intensity of the current point in time of the MV. While at 3:35 the use of a fade in also helps smoothly flows the mv into the new scene and a shot-reverse shot is applied to the scene where it correlates the character with the washing machine.
Wide shots are utilised at the beginning of the MV untill 0:09 showing stars swirling bringing the audience's attention and the stars also connote the title 'Orion'. More medium shots are present at 1:17 while using the rules of third placing the character in the middle which helps to place focus on the subject which is the artist. At 0:29, the close-up on clothes emphasises it's importance and relevance to the current scene as they connote the character's negativity or the clothes are a part of himself hence the act of cleansing 'washing machine' his sins 'clothes/negativity' by begging to God 'Orion'.
On 0:31, another closeup is used where it shows his hands, my speculation is that the way he places his hands are similar to that of a prayer, this shows he's asking God relating back to the lyrics. 0:35 applied the tracking shot of his white shirt to face, the colour white connotes purity and innocence of the character. In 0:44 the rules of third is present whereas 0:48 shows the medium shot whilst focusing on having the bulb, the bulbs are a metaphor for the stars.
On 0:54 the metaphor of the lightbulb is further highlighted with the use of a extreme closeup. A wide shot and full shot are used to show the alternating bright white room and the darkness that looks over the character, further showing how the character's emotions are in a state of confusion and uneasiness. The medium close-up shot in 1:00 focuses on the character with the rules of third cutting the character between darkness and lights showing how the he is mostly inveloped by the darkness and despair while the lightbulbs (stars) present the hope that clings on despite the despair. 1:27 transitions to a hope filled room with all light shun upon Kenshi. Although, 1:31 shows the dark room once more with only one bulb alight showing that 'Orion' the God is helping him through despair by giving him hope even so slightly within the darkness.
The character/actor in the music video is Yonezu Kenshi.
His outfit consists of A white sweater and brown tracksuit pants.
For the white sweater, using the colour white on the character highlights the connotation of purity or innocence of himself as 'white' is usually associated with positive meanings like innocence.
Props include guitar, clothing on floor, lightbulbs and washing machine;-
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Guitar might be a representation of himself as a pop artist performing.
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Lightbulbs reflects the stars and 'Orion'.
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Clothing: refers to his past mistakes, sins or things he wants to wash away and cleanse himself from.
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The washing machine connotes a form of cleansing, a way to cleanse himself
Two settings;
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The white room, may refer to him locked up in a tight space and reflects his character traits that he feels trapped and unable to move forward without courage.
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Beach reflects a wide space, a contrast to the previous cramped area. Shows how the artist now has freedom to perform and has the sky and actual stars instead of lightbulbs emphasizing he had finally faced reality and has God looking over him 'Orion'.
Stars moving in a swirl motion
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Kenshi Yonezu (The artist)
March comes in like a lion (anime)
01.18 low angle back shot
Dolly Zoom
01.30 backshot
01.18 medium shot of him sitting
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Wide shot of stars
01:17 low angle backshot
0:29 close-up on clothes
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0:31 prayer hands close-up
0:44 medium shot of lightbulb
0:48 medium shot while also keeping the lightbulb in frame
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0:54 lightbulb extreme closeup
alternating light and dark room
01:00 dark room
01:00 light room
01:31 light room
light engulfed within the darkness, shows hope
alternating light and dark room
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Guitar
Lights
Clothes
Washing Machine
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White Room
Beach
Social Media
What is Social Media?
Social Media refers to a term which specifies certain websites and applications, where they form, share and exchange information through virtual communities and social networks. It is also based on new technology that people all over the world use to communicate, interact and share content with one another.
What is the purpose Social Media?
The purpose of social media is quite simple and straight-forward. Millions and billions of people worldwide use use social media to connect with one another and share information. The purpose can be defined as; a way to communicate with friends, family, and loved ones or allowing the circulation of news that can help educate people. You can also learn new skills and gain education, find entertainment, create and spread content as well as develop new interest. According to several sources of information, Social Media has certain core functions in society ranging from networking to conversing, identity, sharing presence, relationships and reputation and groups.
Forms of Social Media
There are many forms of Social Media, Some examples are;
Youtube, an American video sharing and social media platform which was launched on February 14, 2005, currently owned by Google. This application is commonly known around the world and many people use it for entertainment purposes by watching videos posted online by content creators also known as 'Youtubers'.
Instagram, a photo and video sharing platform used for social networking, owned by the American company 'Meta Platforms'. The app is mostly used by young adults and adults who share a part of their daily lives or anything of interest be it news information or pictures of their lunch.
Tiktok, the currently trending and popular video sharing application used by a range of people from young to old. Owned by ByteDance and released in September 2016. The app mainly focuses on bringing entertaining videos to their users from a duration of 3 seconds up to 10 minutes, it has a variety of content to indulge in and people can easily engage and interact with others through the comment section and create their own content to be uploaded online showing off their creativity.
Facebook, similar to Instagram, the application is owned by Meta Platforms and is mostly used for entertainment, socializing and marketing purposes. Users can connect with their friends and families, upload personal photos and videos as well as start an online business by marketing their product with the use of Facebook's Marketplace function.
Twitter, an online social media and social networking service, currently owned by American company 'X Corp'. People use Twitter to express their thoughts and opinions with one another and receive feedbacks and comments through the action known as "Tweeting". Many have sparked controversial topics and brought upon certain sensitive topics which many should be more aware of such as 'Black Lives Matter', 'The LGBTQ+ community', the importance of body positivity, 'Racism', 'Ableism' and so much more. Twitter usually focuses mainly on news and real-time updates.
Reddit, almost identical to Twitter, this platform is used as a social news aggregation, content rating and discussion website. Although unlike Twitter, the users or 'Redditors' mainly discuss upon topics of specific communities/interests or niches.
Social Media Research
Following my theme of a Japanese Pop Artist, I've decided to do research on two social media platforms which are Tiktok and Instagram.
For reference, I'll be using the artists Kenshi Yonezu and Eve
The reason I have chosen Tiktok is, as the application has gained a major following and usage in the recent years, it is a great way to gain exposure as well as advertisement where an artist's music can be promoted through other users using their music in the user's content. An example of this is with the song "Oh No. by Kreepa". It also allows the engagement with fans, receiving both positive and negative feedback helping to reflect on the product or content created by the creators. The platform itself is used by the majority of young and youths around the age group of 10-17, and adults as well, further promoting and expanding the reach of an artist's popularity and relevancy.
For Instagram, I see a trend among artists and influencers that they use the platform as a form of presenting their social and personal life, connecting with other artists and fans and promoting their music. From a first glance, we can see the different activities or events which occur from the artist's point of view and their personal thoughts and comments. They may also use the platform to support certain minority communities, for example; Lil Nas X who is a part of both the LGBTQ+ Community and the Black African-American Community.
Kenshi Yonezu
Artist's username and verification checkmark - provides authentification and mark of acknowledgement that the user is the actual person as well as boosts people's interaction with a verified account.
Biography- highlights what he or his social media page is about or contains, in Kenshi's account, he proides hsi newly released single song "Moongazing" and a Youtube link which redirects them to the music video of the song he produced.
TIKTOK
Profile picture- artist uses distinguishable and particular for this artist "Yonezu Kenshi"
Tiktok also provides the function to upload user's own music to the platform for all other users to use, this allows their songs to be spread further through the Tiktok algorithm and if it gains many uses it acts as free adertising for the artist himself.
Tiktok videos uploaded by Yonezu Kenshi;
1) Promotional videos, mainly contain snippets and teasers of his newly released songs (e.g "Moongazing")
2) Interview recordings where he discusses the meaning and interpretation behind his released songs.
3) Behind the scene videos of music video and music studio production .
His username is different compared to his Tiktok account as he likes to use a more personal name on his Instagram.
Similar profile picture as his Tiktok.
Similar to Tiktok, the biography introduces what the artist's social media page is about.
Similar to Tiktok, he uploads behind the scenes, photos of his live performances, he's album & single illustrations and album covers.
EVE (Utaite)
Profile picture- artist uses a picture of himself, highlighting this account is his.
Tiktok videos uploaded by Eve
1) Promotional videos, mainly contain snippets and teasers of his latest music videos and live performance.
2) Behind the scene videos of music video and music studio production .
TIKTOK
Artist's username and verification checkmark - provides authentification and mark of acknowledgement that the user is the actual person as well as boosts people's interaction with a verified account. Eve uses his iconic "nonsense_eye" term referring o one of his characters from his music videos and comic 'Manga' "Kara no Kioku"
Biography- highlights what he or his social media page is about or contains, in Eve's Bio, he adds a link to his Youtube channel where he usually uploads his music and music videos.
Tiktok also provides the function to upload user's own music to the platform for all other users to use, this allows their songs to be spread further through the Tiktok algorithm and if it gains many uses it acts as free advertising for the artist himself.
Similar to Tiktok, the biography introduces what the artist's social media page is about and adds his twiter account as well as his Youtube account.
His story reels highlights is music videos and live performances mainly his 2023 tour not to mention his merchandise as well.
His username is different compared to his Tiktok account as he likes to use a more personal name on his Instagram.
Moreover he adds his "brand" name "harapeco" which refers to his clothing brand store.
Similar to Tiktok, he uploads behind the scenes, photos of his live performances, he's album & single illustrations and album covers. (To note, he doesn't show his face as Eve is a Utaite, he likes to be discreet about his identity and only showing pictures of himself with blurred face, shots from behind or shots which cover his face.
After doing research on these two artist I have found that many of Japanese artist share the same concept in creating their social media account which is to promote their productions mainly music and music videos, promotional acts via teaser trailers and snippets, recognisable and memorable usernames and profile pictures, cover albums, singles and sometimes upload a picture or video of their personal life as themselves or their artist life.
Using the above conventions I have created my own form of Social Media page referring to the applications Tiktok and Instagram. Refer to CourseWork Development.
(Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/definition/social-media/amp
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/social-media
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media.asp
https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/Instagram
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/5219/youtube
https://www.webwise.ie/parents/explained-what-is-facebook-2/
https://www.webwise.ie/parents/explained-tiktok/
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4957/twitter
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/31604/reddit)
Digipak
What is a Digipak?
A Digipak is a type of packaging for CDs or DVDs that was introduced in the late 1990s as an alternative to traditional jewel cases. It is a combination of a plastic tray and a cardboard outer layer that folds around the tray. The cardboard layer can be designed with various graphics, including artwork, photos, or promotional materials, and can be printed in a variety of finishes such as matte or glossy.
Digipaks are popular for their sleek design and eco-friendliness compared to traditional jewel cases, as they use less plastic and can be made from recycled materials. They are often used for special editions or limited releases of albums, DVDs, or other media.
What is the purpose of a Digipak?
The purpose of a Digipak is to provide an alternative to traditional jewel cases for packaging CDs, DVDs, or other media. It is a hybrid packaging format that combines the structural stability of a plastic tray with the visual and tactile appeal of a cardboard cover.
Digipaks are often used for special editions, deluxe versions, or limited releases of albums, DVDs, or other media. The cardboard cover allows for more creative and personalized designs, such as including additional artwork, liner notes, or promotional materials, while the plastic tray provides protection for the disc itself.
Digipaks are also considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional jewel cases, as they use less plastic and can be made from recycled materials, making them a more sustainable packaging option. Overall, the purpose of a Digipak is to provide a visually appealing and durable packaging option for CDs, DVDs, or other media.
Marketing: Digipaks are often used as a marketing tool to attract attention and generate interest in a particular release. They can be designed with eye-catching artwork and graphics that appeal to fans or collectors, and can include additional content such as photos, lyrics, or liner notes that enhance the consumer's experience.
Differentiation: Digipaks provide a point of differentiation between different versions or editions of a release. For example, a special edition of an album may be released in a Digipak format with additional content, which makes it stand out from the standard version of the album.
Protection: Digipaks provide better protection for the disc than standard jewel cases, as the plastic tray holds the disc securely in place and protects it from scratches or damage.
Environmentally friendly: As mentioned earlier, Digipaks are more eco-friendly than traditional jewel cases, as they use less plastic and can be made from recycled materials. This can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who prefer to support sustainable products.
What are the different types of Digipaks?
Standard Digipak: This is the most basic type of Digipak, consisting of a plastic tray and a cardboard cover that folds around the tray. The cover can be designed with various graphics, and the tray typically holds a single disc.
Multi-Disc Digipak: This type of Digipak includes multiple trays, allowing it to hold multiple discs. The trays can be stacked on top of each other or attached side-by-side, depending on the design.
Digipak with Booklet: This type of Digipak includes a booklet that is attached to the cardboard cover. The booklet can be designed with additional artwork, lyrics, or other information related to the release.
Gatefold Digipak: This type of Digipak has a fold-out cover that opens like a book. The interior of the cover can be designed with additional graphics or information, and the tray is typically located on one of the inside panels.
Digipak with Slipcase: This type of Digipak includes a slipcase that slides over the cardboard cover, providing additional protection and allowing for more creative design options.
Digipak with Plastic Sleeve: This type of Digipak has a plastic sleeve that covers the entire package, providing additional protection and allowing for more design options.
Digipak with Special Features: Some Digipaks include special features such as pop-up artwork, or other interactive elements that enhance the consumer's experience.
What are the conventions of a Digipak?
Size: The standard size of a Digipak is 5.6 inches by 4.9 inches, which is similar in size to a standard CD or DVD case. This size allows for easy display on shelves or in retail displays.
Cover design: The cardboard cover of a Digipak is often designed with artwork or graphics that relate to the content of the release. The design can include a variety of elements such as photos, illustrations, or typography.
Spine design: The spine of a Digipak typically includes the name of the artist or release, as well as other relevant information such as the title or record label.
Tray design: The plastic tray of a Digipak is typically designed to hold a single disc, but can be designed to hold multiple discs in the case of a multi-disc Digipak. The tray can be clear or colored, and can be designed with various textures or patterns.
Booklet design: If a Digipak includes a booklet, it is typically designed to fit within the dimensions of the cardboard cover. The booklet can be designed with additional artwork, lyrics, or other information related to the release.
Printing: The printing of a Digipak can be done in a variety of finishes such as matte or glossy. The printing can also include special effects such as embossing or debossing.
EXTRA: Common trends found in Digipaks: -
Minimalism: Many Digipaks use a minimalist design approach, with simple, clean lines and a limited color palette. This can create a sleek and modern look that is visually striking.
Artistic imagery: Digipaks often feature artistic imagery such as photographs, illustrations, or paintings. This can add visual interest and help to create a unique and memorable design.
Bold typography: Typography is often a key element in Digipak design, with bold, eye-catching fonts used to highlight the name of the artist or release. This can create a strong visual impact and help to make the release stand out.
Custom die-cutting: Some Digipaks use custom die-cutting techniques to create unique shapes or designs. This can add visual interest and create a distinctive packaging design.
Special finishes: Special finishes such as foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV can be used to add texture and dimension to a Digipak design. These finishes can create a high-end look and feel, and help to make the release feel more special.
Overall, there are many trends and design elements that can be seen in Digipak design, and these trends can vary depending on the target audience, the type of release, and the overall design goals. However, by using creative design techniques and following the conventions of Digipak design, designers can create packaging that is visually appealing, functional, and memorable.
(Source: https://support.duplication.cdbaby.com/hc/en-us/articles/206172527-What-is-a-digipak-
https://prezi.com/wofbd_uaq2ro/the-purpose-of-a-digipak-and their purpose/#:~:text=It's%20job%20is%20to%20protect,cover%2C%20spine%20and%20disc%20impression
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.implant.com.au/what-are-digipak-cds-and-their-different-types/amp/
https://www.slideshare.net/TFlannigan/conventions-of-a-digipak-27146170
https://www.slideshare.net/sambenzie/generic-conventions-of-pop-digipaks)
Analysis of one Digipak
The Weeknd
Beauty Behind The Madness
Analysis
The cover of the digipak features a portrait of The Weeknd in black and white. The image is slightly blurred and out of focus, which creates a dreamy, nostalgic feel. The Weeknd's face is partially hidden by his hair, which adds an air of mystery and intrigue.
Typography: The typography on the front cover is minimalistic and modern, with the album title in all caps and sans-serif font. The text is white against a black background, which creates a striking contrast.
Booklet Design: The booklet inside the digipak contains additional photos of The Weeknd, lyrics, and credits. The design is consistent with the cover, using a mix of black and white photos with a few color images. The font used for the lyrics is smaller and italicized, creating a sense of intimacy.
Visual Themes: The imagery throughout the digipak is consistent with the themes of the album, which include love, heartbreak, and lust. The photos are often sensual and provocative, with The Weeknd surrounded by beautiful women or in intimate poses. However, there's also a sense of sadness and melancholy, with images of empty rooms and deserted landscapes. Color Palette: The digipak predominantly uses a black and white color palette with occasional pops of red or blue. This choice of colors evokes a sense of mystery and sophistication, and the red and blue hues used in some of the images add a touch of intensity and drama.
Composition: The layout of the photos and text throughout the digipak is well-balanced and visually pleasing. The images are often arranged in a grid pattern or placed off-center, creating a sense of movement and energy.
Texture: The cardboard material of the digipak adds a tactile element to the design. The slightly rough texture of the cardboard contrasts with the smooth, glossy finish of the photos and text, creating an interesting sensory experience for the viewer.
Branding: The design of the digipak incorporates The Weeknd's logo and branding elements, which include his signature hairstyle and the XO symbol. These branding elements reinforce The Weeknd's identity and help to establish a cohesive visual style across his music and merchandise.
Yellow is often associated with warmth, energy, and optimism. It is a color that can evoke feelings of happiness, positivity, and joy. In terms of graphic design, yellow can be used to create a striking contrast against a darker background and draw attention to important information.
In the context of The Weeknd's music and themes, yellow may have been used to reflect certain aspects of his work. For example, The Weeknd's music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and longing, which can be emotionally intense and passionate. Yellow's association with energy and warmth may have been used to reflect the intensity of these emotions.
Additionally, yellow is also a color that can be associated with luxury and extravagance, which may be relevant to The Weeknd's exploration of fame, wealth, and excess in his music. In songs like "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills," The Weeknd portrays the allure and danger of the celebrity lifestyle, which may be reflected in the use of yellow.
Sticker of Parental Advisory as The Weeknd’s songs tend to discuss topics relating on drug use, lust and sexuality, and adult love.
The use of dark/black background and white contrast with one another which highlights the weeknd’s face on the cover. The onm purpose design of The Weeknd being slice in half and crumpled like a piece of paper may be related to how his songs are about love and how it has affected him negatively, to be more specific it has “torn him apart” just like how he’s torn in half in the album cover. The weeknd being greyscaled or whitened connotes his purity within the dark world (the background). The album itself dfocus on the simple colour scheme of black and,with some parts using the colour yellow.
The back cover however doesn’t have any forms of illustrations or images or designs but a simple black cover with its continueing design of a crumpled paper. There is also yellow text in simplistic modern font showing the song names on the album. Presence of bar code and serial number as well as manufacturer and manufactured date, licenses and lastly The Weeknd’s iconic XO which can be recognised by fans.
On the inside however, the first page introduces the weeknd (artist) picture and below it the executive producers and people worth mentioning that helped with the creation of the album itself. The other side though only has a back background which shows the album tries to keep its simplistic design.
On the cd, it keeps the minimalistic black design with modern simple wording, in the biggest font on the cd, “beauty behind the madness” to highlight that it’s the name of the album and below it the weeknd’s name in a sleek design with a yellow highlighted background.
I have decided to research on the weeknd’s digipak because I, myself want to make a minimalist/simplistic design to my digipak aswell.
Merchandise
What is Merchandise?
Merchandise is any form of goods including personal or commercial products. These products are sold to the public to promote and increase profit for the artist as well a way of promoting the artist's songs. Merchandising also means the process of creating, marketing and selling of products or services which belong to a certain media property e.g artists, albums and creators
What is the purpose of Merchandise?
It's purpose is mostly used as a promotional act and to further promote sales. It can also influence the buying decisions of consumers. Other than that, it can also be used as a form of revenue for the artist to gain financial support from their fans via selling products related to their business whether they are a singer, band or performer.
Examples of Merchandise and online shops
From 'Kenshi Yonezu' and 'Mafumafu' ;-
Kenshi Yonezu
Mafumafu
Analysis
Yonezu Kenshi Online Store:
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Simple store name which allows the shop to be easily located for consumers.
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Simple minimalistic design and button layout allows overall comfort in use and eye-comforting for users.
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Highlighting HOT and NEW merchandise on the top of the website to persuade consumers to buy newly released products.
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Language change option which allows others from different countries and people all over the world can access this website easily.
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Important information such as Terms and Services as well as information regarding the products are informed early in the website.
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Products are placed symmetrically with their names, eye-catching and easy to look at for users. Also aids consumers to easily purchase the product they wish
Mafumafu Official Goods Store:
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Similar with Kenshi's store, Mafumafu uses the white and minimalistic design.
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Furthermore, Mafumafu adds an illustration to his store which highlights that its his products as well as attract his fans to the stunning art work found in the website.
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Simple symmetrical layout.
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Shipping fee and Term and Service are shown below.
Following these conventions, I have created my own merchandise and online website to sell my merchandise. Refer to Merchandise in CourseWork Development.
https://artstoheartsproject.com/why-creating-merchandise-is-so-important-for-artists/
Early sketch concepts
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