3. After researching and watching multiple music videos from the indie/indie folk genre,
it is evident that natural outdoor locations (in particular forests or beaches) are a
‘staple’ feature of the music videos. Forests are a more private and enclosed space,
which would be appropriate for parts of a video with more negative connotations such
as isolation. Forests and other natural locations also connote loss and confusion as the
often vast size creates a ‘never ending pathway’ and a ‘way out’ is often difficult to
find, as shown in Maverick Sabre’s ‘I need’
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZNtticFI60 ). In music videos shots of someone
constantly running frantically with apparent lack of direction are often seen.
Furthermore, there is also a element of the unknown and secrecy, and a sense of
mystery due to how concealing forests are. On the other hand, a beach is symbolic of
freedom, clarity and calmness. Such wide, open locations away from the ‘normal world’
present an idea of escapism. Beaches are a place people go to to ‘get away’ from
everyday life and routine, as a method of escapism. The juxtaposition in these two
locations could equally be used in the music video for ‘ Favour ’ as a range of emotions
are explored through the lyrics; the frustration of how the protagonist is treated and
how they are trapped, and the naivety and acceptance of their one - sided relationship.
The open space and freedom can potentially create an image of vunerability for a
character as shown in Keaton Henson’s music video for ‘Sweetheart, what’ve you done
to us” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCNtWKdi5Ds ). Other water based
locations such as lakes and rivers hold similar symbolism, with water itself providing
implications of life, purity, escapism, peace etc.
OUTSIDE LOCATIONS
4. INSIDE LOCATIONS
Alternating between indoor and outdoor locations is something that I am certain of
doing in the music video. This is because of my interpretation of the lyrics/narrative, as
well as making the narrative and video more relatable to my target audience. Due to the
song being from the modern indie folk genre rather than traditional folk, and it exploring
common issues and feelings, I want to take a more contemporary approach, which will
be relatable and will put the song into a more ‘everyday’ context. A bedroom signifies
comfort, true desire and privacy. It is a place of expression for people as well as being a
necessity for everyday and basic activities. A persons bedroom also gives evidence of
what kind of person they are, it is where people are most themselves and most
vulnerable due to the privacy and confinement, where people show their true emotions.
Arguably, a bedroom could hold voyeuristic connotations, in a sexual way but also in the
sense that a character is entirely exposed, and an audience can see into their private life.
As Goodwin stated, this sense of voyeurism ensures the audience feel more included,
and therefore the music video more engaging and accessible. Furthermore, indoor
locations are more personal and intimate, which creates this effect on the audience.
Using both indoor and outdoor locations will ensure the Music video being more
interesting and engaging, due to the range of location. Indie folk music videos from
artists such as Mumford and Sons tend to have one location (predominantly outdoors) in
their music videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCg_QEHtkY), whereas artists
from this genre such as Birdy, who is more similar to Bella Askew due to the more
intimate style of song, show a range of location; indoor and outdoor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNzCDt2eidg
6. In terms of the colour palette, as I have found in the indie folk/ singer -songwriter
genre, often subtle and softer colors are used, and more natural colors such as pastel
shades. This contradicts often bright and bold color's more often found in
commercial/pop music videos.
Therefore, in terms of costume, I will stick to natural and subtle colors, as well as
mise-en-scene to correspond with the genre and its connection to nature. (next slide)
Lighting is a crucial feature in all music videos, as it can determine the mood and
atmosphere of a production, as well as the quality. I want to use backlighting and
underlighting (which can be natural or artificial), to create a glowing effect on the
actress, ensuring she is the main focus to the audience. However the lighting must
appear natural in the video, to link to the genre and theme and contribute to the
narrative being realistic and relatable.
LIGHTING IN INDIE FOLK MUSIC VIDEOS:
MISE-EN-SCENE
From left to right; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4pi1LxuDHc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfvcPeWO8yk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLAhRiUeJ8E
8. Devils Spoke – Laura Marling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJPRRUH07k
Old Pine – Ben Howard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8ccDb6n5Wg&list=RDQMRK
FR53jEvrE
Cleopatra – The Lumineers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5s9N_pTUs
SUCCESSFUL MUSIC VIDEOS FROM THE
INDIE FOLK GENRE
