Some music videos allow for meaning to be fixed for instance Lady Gaga- Telephone. However other music videos don't have a general meaning and allow the audience to create there own. This could gain the audiences attention resulting in an increase in viewings, or reversibly it could confuse the audience. Lots of music videos have hidden meanings, where if a child watched it they would get a different meaning than an adult. For example "Shake me down" - Cage the elephant, the video is amazing but so are the lyrics in their own separate entity. This song is dealing with death and the title of the song "Shake me down" symbolises extortion, blackmail, and threat. Where as the video perceives none of these characteristics.
How far is a brand responsible for their "brand"/their artistic identity?
Brands usually create their artists identity and shape their image and characteristics in order to successfully sell their music. An example of this is Nicki Minaj, she was a normal looking singer before but when she became famous and joined Young Money Entertainment, her appearance changed and she began dressing more extravagant. Given that, some artists seem to be independent enough to create their own image and be popular without being controlled by the record company; an artist which is a good example of this is Beyonce.
What effect does knowing VISUAL IMAGES ARE POLYSEMIC have?
Polysemic means that there is multiple meanings. Knowing that visual images are polysemic makes us try and figure out these meanings and results in multiple viewings. Some visual images are polysemic without meaning to be and people can look at an image and find a meaning from it that wasn't intended. Knowing that visual images are polysemic in a music video makes the viewers watch the video multiple times and encourages discussion about that video.
What role does Album Art have in contributing to the star's identity?
The album art is very important to the stars identity, this is because the album is the main source of advertising and will be seen on TV,online, in stores, etc. If the album has a boring front cover then buyers will not be drawn to the item and the album will only be purchased if the artists name is well known. However, if the album is eye catching then buyers would be drawn to it and maybe then realise they recognise the artists name. In addition, if the album cover is interesting then it can also be memorable and increase sales and popularity. However, usually the well known artists have better album art then unknown artists because they have more money to spend on professional photographers and special effects.
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| Interesting album cover featuring a well known artist |
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| Boring album cover featuring a non popular artist |
How far does Album Art provide a frame of reference for interpretation?
Album art allows the buyer to interpret what the music will be like and what its about. For example Rihanna's album cover for Rated R the album itself is pretty PG rated compared to the artists previous covers. Given that, the album cover is very eye catching with a close up of her face and colourisation in black and white to make it more dramatic. The album cover is quite fierce and symbolises pain because she is holding herself. This could provide a frame of reference and gives an insight as to what the music may be like. However, album art may contradict the music by having a solemn cover yet the music may be dance tunes.
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| Rihanna's album cover - Rated R |
Music Videos are NOT fictional in the sense that real world stars/bands and the outcomes for them are inextricably linked, so if a star plays role "X", does it have a direct relation/a direct effect on their overall "persona"?
Stars can be described as idols of consumption, because of this they use their music videos to express their creative side and portray a world of glamourous surrealism that many people aspire towards, creating unrealistic goals. Depending on which kind of characters they portray the video will directly effect their fanbase- they are massively influential. Artists can play a role in a music video and it could have a direct effect on their overall persona, however it depends on the person. For example Beyonce has been known for having an alter ego called Sasha fierce which is also the name of one of her albums. This helps her to be confident when performing. In effect a music video can also alter the stars persona resulting in them becoming arrogant.
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