A2 media coursework analysis of twenty one pilots' Stressed Out - alternative rock

1. twenty one pilots – Stressed Out
JASMIN MAHMOOD

2. Genre Characteristics
 The video uses a lot of hand held camera movement as well as static shots of the band performing –
this creates a sense of realism for the audience as they feel as though they are witnessing the action
first hand
 As there is a focus on nostalgia in the lyrics of the song this is also portrayed in the music video and
so the settings used are residential areas, bedrooms and such – this is relatable for the audience as its
something they recognise and relate to
 The video has an unusual concept again as it touches on the stresses of adulthood and wishing to be
a child again. It also introduces the character of “Blurryface” seen throughout the promotion of the
band’s album
 The muted colour scheme works again as it emphasises on the colour red throughout the video e.g.
Tyler’s red beanie, Josh’s red hair, Blurryface’s red eyes etc.

3. Relationship between the lyrics, music & the visuals
 The band move around to the beat of the song throughout the video much like the performance is
synced to the beat of the song
 The lyrics consistently refer to childhood and ‘the good old days’ and the video has a theme of nostalgia
and childhood running through

4. Visual Style
 Both members of the band feature in the video which emphasises their star image and
promotes them as a band as the audience will recognise them – this would usually be
down to the demands of the record label
 The video conforms to the genre conventions but also is relatable to the audience by using
relatable settings (i.e. homes and bedrooms) and also including the band’s family members

5. Emphasis on looking
 There is no voyeuristic treatment of any characters in the video – this may be down to the themes of
nostalgia in the video so presenting the characters in the video as objects to be admired would look
odd and out of place
 Their (the band’s) costume is quite casual and baggy and could be described as quite grunge
 This is stereotypical of indie rock and alternative music videos as they tend not to sexualise
characters as much as rap, hip-hop and mainstream pop music videos do.