Analysing narrative and performance videos by Gabrielle Aplin Panic Cord

1. Narrative in Music Videos

2. Gabrielle Aplin – Panic Cord
• Is the video a narrative or narrative / performance video? If both, what is
the relationship between the narrative / performance?
• The video is a performance narrative video. This is shown by
the aspects of the artist effectively performing her song with
the guitar in her room. This is also a common convention of
the genre.
• The relationship between the two are even, there is
performance after a piece of a narrative is revealed.

3. How is the narrative structured/
organised? Restricted/ un-restricted?
• The narrative is structured in her memories and cut into
sections not revealing all of it at once. Not just that but the
narrative is also cut up by the occasional performance. An
example would be Gabrielle and her friend at breakfast and
then the narrative stops and it cuts to her performing the
song. Parts of the performance (the lyrics in the performance)
may reflect the past narrative previously shown.

4. How is time managed within the music video/
narrative?
• Time within the music video is managed with flashbacks of
her memories. It is also a slow paced song and video, this
brings in a sense of realism. It also allows for the audience to
listen more to the lyrics and possibly relate to the situation.
Is there any conflict that seems to drive the narrative?
• The conflict that is seemingly driving the narrative is the
complicated relationship and Gabrielle not knowing whether
or not to stay and stick with it or not.

5. Are there any themes that arise from this
conflict or within the video?
• The themes that arise in the music video are the connection
between the two characters and that you should always be
comfortable and happy with who ever you are in a
relationship with.

6. What role does the artist play in the video –
narrator, protagonist or both?
• The artist in the music video plays the narrator and the
character. This enables her to develop a deeper connection to
the lyrics being involved in the story.
• The artist also provides the audience someone to ever so
slightly dislike at points due to her treatment of her partner
and thus allowing the audience to feel for the partner.
However the audience also feels like this for her as well at
points.

7. Is the video a vehicle for the artists star
persona? How?
• The video is not a vehicle for her star persona based on the
idea that the song is deep and meaningful and possibly
important to the artist.
Who are we encouraged to identify with (character)?
Why?
• We are encouraged to identify with both characters
at certain points. A large section of the video is made
to identify with Gabrielle however at the break-up
and specific lyrics we are made to identify with the
partner.

8. How has the video had the idea of
“repeatability” built into it?
• The idea of repeatability has been built into the video through
the use of conventions and camera shots and angles, this
allows for the artist to produce similar content in her music
videos, possibly making her own style more unique enabling it
to stand out.