Research Into Choosen Music Genre - Miss Georgiou

The indie genre for me is personally a favourite of mine as it appears more like art. The music videos usually are set in beautiful picturesque countryside scenes as well as having the opportunity to make big cities look alive and busy full of life. The fact that the indie genre is so flexible with the stories you can create behind the music and the fact that there is no limit on the particular location you can use. In addition to this I love all the codes and conventions of the indie genre as it enables us to create a very vintage style through the particular elements of muse-en-scene. Costume is something we can have a lot of fun with, being able to play about with big cosy jumpers and Lacy dresses. As well as beanie hats and other things that we are able to incorporate to create a very old fashioned feel in the music video. The story lines in indie music videos are often seen as being able to create a romantic narrative between a couple which is something we wish to be able to do in our own music video. The song and artist we wish to use is Gabrielle Aplin - Slavation. It is a very slow paced song and performed by a classic indie artist being Gabrielle Aplin.

Ellie Goulding is an artist that is known for switching between the pop and indie genre. We are able to see how well she incorporates the indie codes and conventions into the music video. The song involves a very slow atmosphere and displays a slight love story in the music video. Ellie is represented as someone who is able to be very creative and intentionally talented throughout her video. She is seen as someone who you are able to relate to and this overall contributes to her success as an artist. Through the analysis of this music video we are able to see how the indie genre has influenced specific choices in her music video as she is able to incorporate many codes and conventions of the indie genre into her own music video 'How Long Will I Love You.'



The cinematography in this scene really shows the little details in the music video that relates to the indie genre. We are able to see how the mid shot shows the quirky setting, almost resembling a small loft full of different colours and a quote is seen faintly in the background something that connotes very well with the indie genre is the beanie hat seen wearing in this scene. We are able to see how the man was a beard with a beanie hat that may only be insisted in this video because it is an indie genre
The editing within the music video also represents how well the music video connotes with the indie genre. We are able to see how well the black and white effect is put on Ellie as she performs the audience. The black and white effect is able to portray how well she performs and fits to the conventions of the indie genre. The black and white makes it seem really old fashioned, this displays how well the scene fits into the vintage feel of the image, the black and white really exaggerates the lights in the back ground, which show fairy lights and the scene in the background. We are able to see how much the scene looks alive in the background, again being a city which resembles the indie genre. Overall the audience are able to relate to the black and white effect as it fits the scene perfectly and really allows Ellie to perform in a more personal way.

The cinematography continues to display how Ellie tries to involve a very vintage feel in the music video. This close up of her hand displays a clear presentation of her jewellery, nail varnish and instrument. The rings are the first sign that relates to the indie genre, a couple of rings on the hand really makes the hand look more fragile and delicate which overall represents the whole feel of the indie genre. The nail varnish doesn't match and is a number of different colours which shows her as being quirky and a little individual in her personal style. This is a conventional aspect of the indie genre as it enables the artist to embrace there individuality which is something indie artists pride themselves on. The piano is another object in the scene that connotes the the indie genre as it displays her talent to be able to play the instrument well and effectively, often being popular in the indie genres as it shows them as being rather talented and again different from the mainstream artists of hip hop, rap and pop. 

The mise-en-scene is able to make the music video appear at a more emotional and personal level with the audience. The facial expressions in this scene are very positive and uplifting as we are able to see her laughing in the car as she drives. This enables us to be able to see her in a way that may not be typical to other genres. The indie genre often shows a relationship and positive and negative sides to it. Here we are able to see them laughing and happy together from her facial expressions which allows us to really get an idea of what she is trying to portray in her music video. 

In continuation from the miss-en-scene we are able to see how much the positioning of the characters are able to influence the atmosphere in the scene. The camera shot shows them from above and enables them to be seen as partners. They both sit together as equals and it allows them to be seen as a couple, of equal importance. This is successful to the audience as we are able to see how in the indie genre women are not typically seen as 2nd best. They are in fact just seen as being able to be strong and independent without having a male above them and having more power over her. They are both equal and there relationship is about love and nothing else. 

Indie genres usually tend to connote how much the vintage feel is present in the indie genre. This is represented through the beanie hats and cardigans that Ellie Goulding's character in the music video presents. The fact that in the image here the miss-en-scene in particularly the cream, knitted, over sized cardigan is viewed as a very typically convention part of costume for the music video. This almost implies that this sort of costume is displayed on someone that is very carefree and peaceful. As it connotes someone who is individual and comfortable in there clothes and styles. The majority of the costume worn here can in fact display how she may be a fan of charity shops and vintage styles. This relates to the audience as they are able to feel like it is okay to be different, they don't need to conform to the pop mainstream by wearing trendy, expensive looking clothes that present the artist as more glamorous. Here they are able to look up to the indie genres as they can be valued as an individual and it is expectable to be able to wear comfortable, maybe even second hand clothing which almost comforts the audience themselves as they don't feel as much pressure from the indie genre compared to the mainstream music videos. 

The setting is one thing that needs to be considered as part of the mise-en-scene. Here we are able to see how the indie genre is presented throughout just because of its location. In particular the way that the setting is very realistic convents to the chosen music genre. An indie genre normally doesn't use as much special effects as other artists would. We are able to see how they are represented as being very relatable and this is supported by the normal London setting. Most of the locations used in the indie genre are very accessible, whether in a house, forest, city or even the beach. Often indie genres stereotypical stick within these sort of brackets and don't spend a lot of money on researching very glamorous and luxurious settings. Ellie has followed this convention by having the majority of her shots in London. This allows the audience to relate well with her as they may recognise some of the streets and buildings and feel as if they are apart of the narrative and setting. Which overall enables the audience to have a stronger relationship with the artist. 

Editing also plays apart in how the indie genre can be conventional. One element of the indie genre is that the main artist is very individual and quirky which leaves the audience believing that there idol is very successful at having a fun and unique personality. In addition to this the editing is changed in the particular scene shown on the right to increase the pase and create a fun atmosphere for the audience, this means that as the shots are cut together to increase the overall speed we are able to see how much of an impact the audience is going to feel. As the speed of the shots increase the overall humour of the particular scene also increases which makes the experience of this particular music video a better experience to watch altogether as it almost tells people to have a good time just by increasing the speed and uplifting the atmosphere all together. This is conventional to the indie genre as it allows the music video to have separate sections to them. Some being uplifting and some slower and sadder. Stereotypically indie videos have a separate section of each and every emotion and development for the characters in the overall music video.

The final element of mise-en-scene to analysis is whether its conventional to the iconography. Here the particular props in the image show us being able to see her holding and playing a guitar. This allows us to be able to see her as very talented and as it gives off a very 'hippy' and 'unique' vibe we are able to  see the indie artist as being very creative as she is seen as being very individual and talented as most artists of other genres don't actually permit anything like playing instruments as most of the attractions on the artist remain visual. Overall the audience will relate to this as they are able to see how Ellie is represented as being more then just a 'pretty face' she does in fact have multiple talents which will inspire her audience to do more. 

Birdy is a newer indie artist that has brought a very unique taste to the indie genre. Her songs are often very high pitched and soft. In addition to this her overall look is very feminine and haunting at times which overall creates an erie essence about her. She is able to create a very gentle atmosphere in her videos as people are able to see her as being one of those characters that just remain beautiful at all times. This is something I wish for my artist in my indie music video also as it produces the effect of the artist being someone who is 'untouchable' and 'unreal' to everyone who watches.

Right from the start of this particular music video we are able to see how much Birdy creates a very old fashioned vintage feel to her music video through the use of lighting. This particular mise-en-scene here is able to create a almost sunrise and sunsetting effect as the light travels across the room highlighting the ornament on the table. This exaggerates the fact that this is a very unique genre by the focus predominantly put onto the class ornament showing that she may be a collector and appreciate history in very old historic pieces of furniture. This overall relates to the desired music genre as it is something so insignificant that produces a very erie atmosphere. Just from the sunlight being manipulated to glide across the room. This intrigues her audience straight away as they know that this is something unexpected and unusual which questions them to want to know more. 

Certain aspects of cinematography can also be put into place when making a indie based music video. This mid shot in Birdys video almost continues the haunting feel to the video as we are able to see her walking up the stairs. It places a part in the way that it describes her as looking rather elegant. We are able to see her in white walking up a dark stair case. This implies that she is someone who is filling to step out of the boundaries of mainstream music and create something beautiful. This relates to Dyers theory as it allows us to see her as something that is man made, she is a product that causes the audience to focus on her and let them be mesmerised by her and her beauty. Overall the audience may feel inclined and question where in fact she is going, will it reveal something of the story, they feel as though she is on a journey with them as well as being able to travel around the house and narrative with Birdy. They feel like they know her personally which builds an overall satisfying relationship with the audience. 

In relation to Goodwins theory there is a short clip at the beginning of the music video that allows the audience to see how the music beat and visual effects relate to another. Here in the image we see Birdys foot on the piano. This is a unique code and convention of the indie genre as it not only shows how much consideration went into the visual side of the music video but how much it draws in the audience by having her join in with the beat of the piano and sound effects that go along with the overall feel of the song. 
Continuing with the cinematography we are able to see how much the indie genre can play with emotions and feelings in the music video but present it in a way that is subtle and almost beautiful. The presentation of the shot shown in the image opposite is shallow focus. It is very popular in the indie genre as it displays just how much of an influence the cinematography can have on contributing to this dream like state that indie genres can sometimes present. Especially to the slow, piano based indie music we are able to see just how much of a difference it can make to be presented by a shallow focuses shot as it continues to add to this mysterious and angelic vibe. This overall creates a relationship with the audience as it allows them to be seen as having an artistic way of living. In addition to this we are able to see how 
mise-en-scene, in particular the costume contributes to the indie genre. A typical code and convention of the indie genre is anything vintage and anything very classic and elegant. Here in the image on the right is an example of this from Birdys music video 'Skinny Love' She again relates to Dyer's Star theory as she uses herself as a product presenting a very white plain, floaty dress with a silk bow tied at the back. This excentrates how much she wants to focus on the very haunting atmosphere this song brings to her audience. We are able to see just how much potential she has with coming up and turning the indie genre into something new that doesn't represent the very romantic elements of a narrative but in her case the very sad almost depressing elements of a narrative which overall inspires me to use both in my music video. Overall this creates a very daunting emotion for the audience as they are unable to know what is going on and how this music video may end as so far it seems very ghostly. 

Continuing on from this ghostly theme we see how this shot of the lighting through the window is not only a part of the mise-en-scene in the scene but also the editing as it starts off with natural light through the video but is then seen increasing rapidly as though an effect had been put in place. This again relates to how the ghostly effect is continued. It also presents how indie genres are usually also suitable for all audience. As shown through the very strong white light. The indie genre is conventionally quite tame, with very suitable content for all ages, unlike over genres it doesn't tend to portray drugs or sexual references which you could interpret that it is a 'clean' genre. This is realtable to the audience as many teens and young adults who enjoy this type of music isn't necessary a drug abuser or someone who shows off there body in very revealing clothes.

The close up through this particular type of cinematography is a good example to show how emotion can be displayed in a indie genre of music video. In particular this is an aspect of mise-en-scene. Showing the audience Birdys facial expressions may incline them to almost feel sorry for her as we are able to see pain on her face. This is typical to the indie genre as they all usually have a very deep and meaningful storyline to them as they are able to portray how much influences them in there music and how it is more realistic for them to portray real life issues. This relates to Dyer's star theory as even though she is seen as having emotions and being 'human' she is still extraordinary in the way she earns more money and is able to have a music career with a lot of different fans supporting her. Overall though it builds a relationship with the audience as it implies she is someone that is very real and has a heart deep down.

In continuation from the mise-en-scene, here we are able to see a shot of Birdy playing the piano. Like Ellie Goulding's video we see a similar shot of her playing the piano. Something we may want to consider adding into our music video as we are able to see how popular it is in the indie genre. It enables us to show the delicate touch of piano playing. Not only this but the audience are able to relate with her as they not only see her as being 'famous' but being talented. Which is a common convention in the indie genre as they are able to be seen as having alot of talent and this allows them to create a very intelligent and arty audience who appreciate the more delicate touches in a music video.

The last element of mise-scence is in fact the setting the way that the setting is very conventional to the indie genre is by how 'normal' it is. A big lonely house or a forest area seen in the image to the right shows us how much of an influence natural or untouched places are to indie artists. This influences my group to really search for the perfect locations as we are able to really see how much time and effect could go into to create a perfect scene when in fact most indie genres use the perfect scene themselves by just finding somewhere peaceful and beautiful.


In addition to the way that the music video is presented also includes how much time and care is taken into being able to produce something in the editing process. A lot of the scenes in Birdy's music video has been slowed right down to create a very erie atmosphere, everything is slowed right down so people are able to see and concentrate on every detail within the scene.


Overall the indie genre is something I'm glad we chose to use as a group. The fact that we are able to be more creative in our narrative and concentrate on making something with a motif and emotion in our video is something that I aim to be able to pride myself on when making the music video. The way we are able to represent our artist to the audience through using the indie genre is successful as we are able to build a close relationship with them by incorporating deep emotions and costume choices that are easier to get a hold of like charity clothes. This is overall a more affordable experience so the audience are able to relate strongly to the artist. In addition to this in the indie genre artists are almost always playing the piano, guitar or some sort of instrument which allows them to be presented as having talent. This enables them to be seen as ordinary and extraordinary. Only because most people don't play an instrument but are able to, which may result to them being inspired by there idol and actually start playing. Overall I am very excited to incorporate many codes and conventions of the indie genre into my music video as it allows me to perform and create a piece of footage that can not only be entertaining but very elegant and beautiful too, through the particular settings, narrative and costume. As well as other means of cinematography such as close ups and unique angled shots and slow motion editing.