Music

 Friday 26th February 2021

Music Industry

LO: to explore the magazine industry, ownership, regulation and revenue.

Conglomerate- a corporation that is made up of a number of different, sometimes unrelated businesses. In a conglomerate, one company owns a controlling stake in a number of smaller companies all of whom conduct business separately and independently.

                 Example- entertainment companies

Globalised- To have an influence internationally or to to make international operation possible.

                 Example- a world wide known artist of any sort or a well known song.

Diversify- To enlarge or expand its range of products.

Regulation- To make sure something is happening or being done in a certain way. An Authoritative command or rule to keep something in order.

                  Example- written school rules or something unwritten like the laws of physics.

Revenue- the total amount of income generated by the sale of goods or services related to the company's primary operations.

                   Example- selling something and keeping the money from it.

Monday 22nd March 2021

Lo: to explore the magazine industry ownership and revenue.

Circulation: The proliferation of several things, including brand, products, services, and business reputation. Usually performed by a highly trained sales and marketing group within the business.

Bauer Media Group

A German multimedia conglomerate headquartered in Hamburg. It operates worldwide and owns more than 600 magazines, over 400 digital products and 50 radio and TV stations, as well as print shops, postal, distribution and marketing services. Bauer has a workforce of approximately 11,000 in 17 countries

SubGENRES

pop

rap

lofi

country

Kpop

Jpop

Jrock

Aterntive rock

metal

traditional

religious

RnB

jazz

reggae

hip hop

dance

disco

funk

techno

drum and base

emo

grunge

depressing

soul

opera

Alternative rock

-age range 20-24 years old with 40%

- the typical alternative rock look varies, originally it was done my all men groups, or mainly men with either a female singer or guitarist, the typical alt look is black or grunge outfits, common with chains r black printed tops

Genre and target audience                                             25/03/21

Lo: to identify target audiences for a variety of music magazines genres and link to genre codes.

Age                                   preferences

gendre                               values

location and lifestyle        personality

job                                     attitudes

hobbies                             mental state

Capital letters showing loud music, people in to rock music, highly extroverted people, the photo shows a man singing or yelling loud, showing a want of freedom and his own say, toned back colours help make the red stand out, red known as a colour of anger. "Fight for the power" has an almost angry effect to it, gaining power for them selves. Aggressive layout for mainly late teens or early 20 year old boys. links to quote "Live Life Loud"

calmer layout, smiling faces, for music lovers, pop music lovers who also love a lil comedy. Contrast of red and black to make the red writing stand out more, Best Of The Best. people who like the up to dat things, being in style, always up to date with new info and drama. Legends from 2 different eras, appealing to a wide range of people. Simple colour pallet. 

warmer toned colours, not as bold, as other magazines, for an older generation, classical looking, violin, feminine looking writing, easy to read and neatly laid out. 5.99 is pretty expensive for a magazine, wealthy reader who wont mind spending a lot of money.

Mojo Magazine

What genre is it?

mojo magazine is a music related magazine, it also has a varied variety of musical genres, such as classic and modern rock, folk, soul, country to reggae, electronic and experimental.

Circulation figure?

MOJO continues to lead the monthly Music market with a circulation of 55,913, circulating nearly 18,000 more copies on average than its closest competitor.

Who's the publisher of Mojo?

Mojo is published initially by Emap, and since January 2008 by Bauer, monthly in the United Kingdom.

 

Monday 29th March 2021

Music magazines

Lo: To explore the terminology and genres of popular music magazines. 

Hammer

rock and metal music; the use of black, the angry facial expressions, the outfits, the use of the colour red (in an aggressive form)

Billboard

pop music: the use of bright colours, a pop artist on the front.

Vibe

rap music: the outfit choice, the dark tones colours and the bold red title, the rapper on the front (T.I.).

Bright baby colours, baby blue and light pink, Main cover image: of Rosé, Master head: Billboard, Strapline: (too small to see but under the D) 

Terminology: the body of terms used with a particular technical application in a subject of study, profession, etc.

Typography: the art of arranging letters and text in a way that makes the copy legible, clear, and visually appealing to the reader. Typography involves font style, appearance, and structure, which aims to elicit certain emotions and convey specific messages.

Lexis: the total stock of words in a language.

Colour palette: A palette of different colours of paint, especially as used by an artist; (now usually in extended use) a range or selection of colours from which one can choose.

Mis-en-scene: the arrangement of the scenery, props, etc. on the stage of a theatrical production or on the set of a film.

Genre: Rock

Colour palette: Black, White and Red

Shot type: mid shot, full body view. 

image content: Showing anger, aggressive, plain, direct eye attraction to the main picture.

Typography: mixture, bold block type for master head, angled cut up caps for main cover lie

Monday 19th April 2021

MOJO audience

Lo: to explore and define the magazine's target audience

-mojo is the brand for those truly obsessed with music.

-mojo is a music expert 

-every months mojo brings out an individual  definitive cover feature on a cover act

-worlds largest uk music magazine

-promotes pop music

-bowie is represented as pop multiple times.

-arctic monkeys represent alternative rock.

Personal Identity:

Niche.

Information:

new in depth.

Entertainment:

More cover lines on different types

Social interaction:

they might talk about what they read, all their interests.

Thursday 22nd April 2021

Users and Gratification Theory

Lo: to explore the appeal of Mojo magazine to its target audience.

Reading a magazine is a more active experience due to the fact that we can read, skip or re-read any particular part of our choosing.

Personal Identity:

music magazines often reinforce the readers sense of being a fan of a particular genre of music. They often inspire aspirational role models, music artists, with whom the reader can identify. They might reinforce a readers values, either values held by a particular music genre pr the valuing of music as a whole.

Mojo - Madonna

This example reinforces the readers sense pf being a fan of this particular cover artist.

Information:

in contact with the world in contact with a specific interest or specific genre and being in contact with something.

Mojo context:

They talk about whats going on and the news they speak separate albums and songs and artists, all the features such as the regulars they include.

Entertainment:

they enjoy the reading a magazine, users and gratification, comedy, gossip, free gifts and attractive stars, as a principle under the users gratification entertainment is another idea.

Social Interaction:

Music magazines offers news and gossip that might form the basis of real life conversations and debates between the readers and their friends.

They usually follow a familiar format and have regular sections that the readers might substitute for real life interactions seeing the magazine as a good friend. 

"The 30 greatest songs of the cure" informative, allows debating with friends, social.                                              allows other fans to look at different artists.

Monday 26th April 2021

Cover Analysis

Lo: To analyse the cover of a magazine, linking it to genre and audience.

Babyboomer: a term used to describe a person who was born between 1946 and 1964 (Generation X)

Diversification: the process of a business enlarging or varying its range of products or field of operation.

Audience Address: Address each target audience to understand their content and information needs.

Discerning: having or showing good judgement.

house style: refers to the specific usage and editing conventions followed by writers and editors to ensure stylistic consistency in a particular publication or series of publications

Codes  and Conventions: Technical, written and symbolic tools used to construct or suggest meaning in media forms and products.

Intertextuality: the relationship between texts, especially literary ones.

Mid shot mail pic. Master head behind main picture, prioritising him. mixture of blues and whites for background, almost a watery effect. 'Free CD' a thought of winning something. Main title "Dave Grohl, the songs that saved his life" intrigues the reader to read on. Elvis, rock and roll legend. 'Lou reed unseen' gives reader a chance to get involved, new information, secrets. 

Gives an effect of dave being a powerful rock artist. 

Main Cover line: The songs that saved his life.

f

 

star vehicle:

Colour palette: Mixture of blues and whites, giving a liquid sea effect in the background,  contrasting to the white yellow black and red, relating to the rock genre. 

bands/artists mentioned: David Gilamour, sparks, teen spirit, Nirvana, gat stevens, ian dury, Lou reed, All relating to the given genre of rock, allowing readers to find related music to their music taste. 

Monday 6th May 2021

Cover Analysis

Lo: To analyse the cover of a magazine, linking it to genre and audience.

Puff: Free CD. People who still like to buy CDs and not just streaming. Older gen but still younger. Still streaming. 

The shot type is a mid shot showing his upper body and face. The straight and serious expression shows its a serious magazine focused on his instead of his band. Allowing the reader to find more information into his life and get into detail. The major cover line, "Dave Grohl, the songs that saved his life" is a serious and meaningful title, relating it to an older audience range such as 20s to 30s as they would have grown up around is group and music. The contrast of white, blue and yellow within the colour pallet engages the readers attention while not having the simple primary colours used to engage the attention of a younger audience. The Blue background contrasting with the dark front, also exaggerating the stereotype of masculinity through the colour choice. The use of a bold yet edged font for the title MOJO attracts the 'magical' effect of the mojo word, yet also isn't as childish as a rounded bubble writing, attracting an older audience rather than younger children. Also, the use of a mescaline artist on the cover, also being a rock artist, shows that the audience is a male dominant audience. The use of simple colours also contrasting the dark colours of his outfit and hair.

Muted: toned down, subtle

Saturated: bright.

The colour pallet is highly pink dominant, relating to the stereotype of girls being related to the colour pink. The glittery and shiny major title "Top of the Pops" relates to a younger feminine target audience, highly saturated to gain their attention, while still targeting an older generation by having the thumbnail "Your most embarrassing body moments solved". This related to a slightly older audience as when girls hit a teenager, they become more bodily aware and conscious. By having something to solve embarrassing moments for them means they'll feel more bodily confident. By also having the subtitle "Who's the FITTEST" out of two ell known pop stars would also attract the stereotypical girls as they would fangirl and debate over two very good looking men of they're childhood and era. Covered in cluttered, different subtitles means there are a lot of main titles inside, meaning it isn't for a highly young target audience as there would be too much reading for a young reader.

Serif: has flicks and tails.

San serif: no tails, straight lines.

The use of a moderately san serif dominant typography gives a more sophisticated effect and directing it to a mid range target audience. Moderately masculine audience due to the male cover artist and simple dark colour pallet. The creative hand-written like font for the "ed sheeran" main cover line.

Thursday 20th May 2021

What type of shot is the main image? 

Long shot, group shot.

Why was this shot used? What is it showing?

To show the whole group, show that they're all together. Showing outfits and looks. They're interaction with one another. Straight faces meaning its a serious magazine.

Does the text use formal or informal register?

Informal. Casual picture, slouching, relaxed and interaction. Short sentences. No complex words. 

What does the choice of register connote? (suggest)

Its a serious magazine, most probably directed at a slightly older audience. 

Lexis- the words chosen

One of the differences in the use of the Textual layout. In the Mojo Magazine, the layout is shown to be sophisticates and ordered. This exaggerates the 'Pop music' effect by showing its more structural, compared to the staggered, compact structure 

           DIRT                                                               Thursday 8th July 2021

Lo: to review and reflect on the assessment and set personal targets.

Questions 3

Media language- meaning mast heads, subheadings, whatever constructs the piece or magazine. 

Representation- How they're portrayed. How they exaggerate certain elements about them. Use the stereotypes. 

Typography- font style, size etc.

Lexis- words used, terminology.

Musicians of this genre seem to be represented as people who had been through struggles and expressed it through the words of their music. The words of "living dangerously" "burn" and "Surviving" are commonly related to rock artists as the stereotype of them Being risk takers and rebellious people. However there is a positive anti-stereotype mentioned through the picture of "Neil Young" in the top right corner. As most artists are seen as being young and youthful, having an older rock artist generation gives a multi feeling effect that the magazine is both supporting the stereotype and also contend with them. However the main photo of a monochrome pallet could also show that the image of "Davies" is also a photo of old history, hiding the colour and giving a mysterious effect, reflecting hidden stories of his youthful days. Also supporting the stereotype that rock artists had an eventful past and were drained of their colour at a younger age.

Question 4

Genre conventions- the media language related to the stereotypic element of the genre, bright colours for pop, angry dark colours for rock, so on.

Notice slang words, typography, could say that they're similar because they're magazines, both have mastheads, subheadings, main images. 

Both magazines are both slightly similar, setting aside the highly varied layouts of photos. Both magazines see to have the same layout in such that they both have a clear masthead, related subheadings to the main gene of the magazine, and are both highly targeted towards their audience. 'We Luv Pop' clearly states that they're target audience is for a younger audience, and similarly, MOJO clearly states that they're target audience is for a much older generation. They both seem to also bring in different artists of the same genre. Relating fans of other artists to be engaged in the magazine and discovering other similar artists.

However, they are both highly different through the use of typography and lexis. The typical slag used in the "We Luv POP" cover is typically related to the slang used within the lyrics of the songs and commonly used by the target audience who of which like the genre. The "dripping effect' of the subheadings also relates to a younger audience as something "interesting" and satisfying to the younger audiences eyes. Where as on the MOJO magazine, The Layout of the words are much more sophisticated and structured. The Professional touch of the Sans serif font relates it to a more serious magazine, relating it also to an older audience who enjoy finding out important information or backstories about older artists of whom they would have grown up with. 

In conclusion, both magazines seem to be more different then similar through the variation of structure and layout of the typography, lexis, structural layout, camera work and visual emotions shown through the main image. 

Music Videos                                                              Monday 11th July 2021

Lo: To choose case studies and research initial differences.

Music video research

Skater Boy and Teenage Dirtbag

Name of artist or group: Avril lavigne

Name of song: Skater Boy

Genre: Pop Punk

Date the song was released: 2002

What is the song about: A boy being rejected by a girl with a huge ego when he was at his worst, then regretting it when Avril dates him when he's a rock star.

Describe briefly what happens in the video: A lot. Spray paint, rebellious attitude, skating/riding bikes. a bit of story with the ego girl in the car.

Who features in the video: Avril Lavigne

Normally, the artist is represented as: 

Anti social

rebellious 

punk

In the video the artist is represented as: the same

Lyrics: 

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/avrillavigne/sk8erboi.html

Name of artist or group: Wheatus

Name of song: Teenage Dirtbag

Genre: Pop

Date the song was released: 2002

What is the song about: A boy being rejected by a girl with a huge ego when he was at his worst, then regretting it when Avril dates him when he's a rock star.

Describe briefly what happens in the video: A lot. Spray paint, rebellious attitude, skating/riding bikes. a bit of story with the ego girl in the car.

Who features in the video: Avril Lavigne

Normally, the artist is represented as: 

Thursday 28th April 2022

In the early 1900s, shoe shiners were commonly known to be young men and children from ethnic backgrounds, shining the shoes of older white men. where as in this music video, Bruno (who is young and has an ethnic background) having his shoes shined by older white men, showing the change in ages since that time period.

In this scene, it shows Bruno and Marks confidence in showing sexuality. By wearing the typically femininely bright coloured hair curlers shows how far comfort in sexuality has moved since the time this video is based in.

Upwards panning shot gives bruno superiority over the viewers, makes it seem like a live show, neon makes it seem retro. having fun, each having important roles. Shows brotherhood and unity, gives each member a fe seconds view time on screen, close ups for each person.

The video tends to subvert ethnic stereotypes, representing black culture in the terms of wealth, power, success, fun and friendship. It represents men, however in a much more conventional way in terms of gender e.g. cocky, misogynistic, important.

Within this music, the use of bright and expensive outfits shows a lively but wealthy lively-hood. The outfits, cars and attitudes of the people in this music video, contrasts to the 'out back' scenery its based in. Showing the time change between the typical living of ethnic background people, to the wealthy life they now own. The bright pinks, blues and other retro colours help make bruno stand out against the other band members who wear slightly duller colours, showing his confidence and success to cause him to be the star of the video. Low angle panning shots also give him superiority over the viewers to exaggerate and extend his fame and importance in this video. 

Why do you think the whole of Beyonce's 'If I Were a Boy' shot in black and white?

Makes it seem upsetting and dark. Discards gender stereotype, no colour relation. Seeing it as plain and open "seeing it in black and white," everything on the open.

Taking away colour takes away ethnicity and shows the gender struggles. Diverts all attention onto the story instead of the tones and surrounding objects. Dull relationship.

In this Music video, Beyonce takes away the colours to create a dull and depressing atmosphere. Other music videos of this genre are known to be lively and party-like songs and videos.

Camerawork 

 

Shot

• mid
• close-up
• extreme C/U
• long shot
• Extreme L/S
• establishing
• POV

Angle

• high
• low
• dutch

Movement

• pan
• tilt
• tracking
• zoom (in/out)
• handheld
• focus-pull

shot type- Mid shot

Whys it used? to show the interaction between Beyonce and the dude.

why use it here? to show the growing relationship between the two people when they shouldn't be getting this close.

shot type- close up

whys it used? to show interaction to the audience

why use it here? to let the watcher clearly see her emotions and how the situation has effected her.

angle type- low

whys it used? to show Bruno's superiority over the viewers.

whys it used here? to show he is the centre of the music video

angle type- high shot

Whys it used? to show her vulnerability

Why use it here? to show she knows she's done wrong and has been caught out even if shes trying to get herself out of the situation.

angle type- dutch tilt

whys it used? to show fun and excitement in the video

Thursday 12th May 2022

Lo: To explore the use of media language to create meaning in music videos.

Do artists perform? If so, who to?

Bruno Mars in his 'uptown funk' performs to the audience, where as in Beyonce's 'if i were a boy', its narrative rather than performance.

Is there a sense of 'Naturalism' created through the use of MES and setting? if so, how is it created?

In Bruno Mars's video, there is a slight sense of Naturalism through the visualising of the set, a bright street, however the dancing and bold movements wouldn't be seen as normal if seen day-to-day.

However in Beyonce's video, There is a clear sense of Naturalism as it follows the story of a cheating relationship. By following the story and not taking too much notice in the camera, it creates a natural storyline that views are following.

In 'uptown funk', it does match the pace of the song through the use of camera work. The fast angle changes and unique camera angles, supports the fun and energetic rhythm of the song. The non-linear storyline shows that they don't have a set road to go down, also expressing the stimulus chosen. Quite sharp transitions from scenes shows theres a lot going on and if the viewer looks away, they might miss something. Likewise, in 'If I Were A Boy', the slow and melancholy sound to the music is enhanced by the dull colouring and simple camera work. The use of simple camera angles puts more attention onto the story then any editing. The Pedestrian movement of the camera in parts of the video allows the reader to feel more involved in the storyline and expressing the slow and sad feeling the music gives off. 

In 'uptown funk', the camerawork is controlled and smooth, with clean cuts and steady hold for each scene, however in 'if i were a boy' there is hand held movement and pedestrian angles and movement to express the storyline and allow the view to feel more attached to the story.

In 'uptown funk', the colouring is highly saturated and bold, to express the bright nature and meaning of the song itself, whereas in 'if i were a boy', there is no saturation or colour, to cause attention to focus on the storyline and not on the colour of the skin or gender-related colours.

Question: explain One way that music videos use media language to differ from each other. 

One way that music videos differ themselves in the use of camerawork to set a pace, as seen in the two contrasting music videos, Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and If I Were a Boy by Beyonce. In Bruno mars's Uptown Funk, there are swift camera movements and 'fancy' camera angles such as the Dutch Tilt, relating to the fun and bold stimulus of the song itself. The quick Movements and shot change as well as swift angle shifts, causes the music video to be up-beat and fast pace. However in Beyonce's If I were a boy, while there are some quick shot changes, the camera angles are kept subtle yet effective. There aren't any drastic angle changes or unique camera angles in the video, relating to the sad feeling and monotones within the music.

In if i were a boy, a heterosexual relationship if presented. It is showing the typical stereotype of that type of relationship being the norm.

Masculinity is being represented through Beyonce acting as the stereotype of a man who doesn't care about the relationship. Explaining the stereotype of being a cheater, lier, and not trying in the relationship.

In uptown funk, women are objectified and sexualised, making them be seen as something for male performers to look at. In IIWAB, Beyonce swaps half way through to follow the female stereotype, narrative changes. women are represented as being vulnerable and easy to play.

In IIWAB, ethnicity is stripped from the music video to show that colour and background doesn't matter. however in UF, ethnicity is shown to have a reversed role, Ethnic men being in-charge and important, where as older white men are seen polishing their shoes

in UF, Bruno is seen as the alpha, rich and powerful because he is always in the shot centre. however IIWAB, Beyonce has stepped down from her fame and superiority and has taken the role of a cheating male, however then also showed as a vulnerable woman who she hides inside. acting as the man she has instead of needs, then showing how its effected. When acting as a man, she is seen to strop to her undergarments, in a performance like way for the males in the video.

in each video, they conform to the idea of girls being skinny or athletic to be attractive, being a certain look to catch the attention of men.

Monday 6th June 2022 - The Exam

5 questions, Q1, Q2 and Q3 could be on radio.

Question 1-1 mark

Public service who broadcasts for the people.

-Who regulates radio in the UK? OFCOM

-who owns radio 1- BBC

-what is public broadcasting?- broadcasting for the people

-what is the term meaning the merging of previous stuff- Conglomerate

Question 2- 4 marks

state and explain things. give examples if needed about radio and advantages/disadvantages.

compare a contrast in our music vid case study.

Question 3- 10 marks 

commercial radio station gets money from advertising. needs a large audience.

Radio 1- public broadcasting radio- live. owned by BBC, gets money from TV licences. 

targets audiences by playing music related to the audience age. broadcasters cant be over 35 on radio 1- seen as too old and moves to radio 2.

Question 4- 5 marks

magazine covers. analyse representation of musicians. 

LIVE LOUNGE RADIO 1 NOTES

Slang, bro, man

straight into the live music, less than a minute of chat- young people have a short attention span.

presenter is young, reflects the audience

artist reflects the audience as young

current artist and song to appeal to young audience

British artist- supports local musicians

compliments the artist

refer to the live lounge as an experience- relaxed being live, cover songs of interest.