Music Video Essay
Explain how representations in music videos are chosen to promote the artist(s). Refer to one of the music videos you have studied to support your answer. [10]
A good demonstration of the use of representation to promote an artist is Corrine Bailey Rae’s music video for her song ‘Where You Are’. The video is centred around the CBR discovering people who are dealing with hardships and empowering them to be themselves and be happy. Bailey Rae is portrayed as a guardian angel for those who are judged and oppressed.
This can be seen in the multiple mid shots of CBR, in which the angle is lowered to portray her as powerful. A natural backlight using the sunlight from the location has been used to create a halo effect around Bailey Rae, whilst also separating her from the background. This imagery connotes the idea of a biblical being, whether that be a saint, angel, or the lord himself. They have all been drawn with a heavenly light surrounding them. The foreground is dimly light highlighting the halo image as well as conveying the message that she can bring light (happiness) from the darkness (hard times). Therefore, this promotes CBR as a champion of the people using the power of her music to do good for the general public.
Another scene also represents Bailey Rae as a powerful person. This long shot has again been taken from a low angle, in the scene a group of teenagers are running with angry expressions on their faces. CBR lifts her arms and the teenagers slow down whilst she continues to move at a regular pace, whilst she sings the lyrics “Stop where you are…”. The slow motion editing here paired with the unedited clip or CBR creates the effect that she is able to slow down time in order to let them calm down and enjoy the moment, this is the same message that the lyrics convey. The use of teenage actors of all different ethnicities also shows that she is willing to help everyone using her music regardless of racial identity. It also shows that grief and sadness does not discriminate, everyone has something to feel negatively about. These messages combined promotes CBR as a woman who understands that despite cultural divides we are all in need of help in our own lives.
One scene that excludes CBR however still manages to positively promote her using representation is in the last third of the video.It shows a young boy standing on the roof of a building, the shot is a long shot at an extremely low angle. The buildings shape gives an interesting symmetry, It is reminiscent of the shape of a thrown, the symmetry also allows the young black boy to become the focal point of the shot. This makes the boy appear powerful and ominous. It shows he is the king of his world, he has power over his own life, (another message shown in the lyrics). The representation of the black child as a king is a countertype and goes beyond the hegemony of today’s society. In turn this promotes CBR as an advocate endorsing different ethnicities or even different aged people in the powerful positions of the world rather than the usual hegemonic group.
(Was orginally on my music video google slide however, it is easieer to find if I post it seperatly)
