music video analysis

The 1975The 1975 are an English rock band originating from
Manchester, consisting of guitarist Matthew "Matty“ Healy,
Adam Hann, bassist Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann, bassist Ross
MacDonald, and drummer George Daniel. They have released
four EPs and two albums. Their self-titled debut was
released on 2 September 2013 through Dirty Hit and Polydor,
topping the UK Albums Chart on 8 September. Their second
album I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful
yet so unaware of it was released on 26 February 2016,
topping both the UK Chart and the US Billboard 200. In 2017
the band won the Brit Award for Best British Group. For the
band to achieve airplay on British radios, the band had to
release their music throughout media formats like YouTube
and Spotify, resulting in Radio one playing hit song ‘The
City’ as part of the introducing show with Huw Stephens in
August 2012.

Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.
(e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance
routine for boy/girl band, aspiration in Hip
Hop).Lighting
In the video for ‘The Sound’, the lighting is solely Uv lighting to create a pink tint over the band
and reflection to the camera and studio lights to illuminate the scene and make the shot match the
Indie rock music genre. The main lighting colours are simple white lights that brighten the box shot
in and pink flash lights that add colour to each shot and match the pink microphones and express the
level of femininity that the song is telling the audience watching the video- the pink lighting also
breaks up the minimalistic set up in the video as it breaks up the monochrome theme. The fact a
colour like pink is featured in the video as a main focus breaks the bands typical theme of just
having black and white through therefore the video has a significant to the songs meaning and gives
a new side of The 1975 Throughout the video the lighting becomes much brighter as it highlights each
of the individuals face to give each member of the band an identity but also indicate who is the
lead singer in the all male band (Matt Healy) by using high key lighting to accentuate his face and
make it easier to acknowledge that he will be the focal point of the band, video and music. The
uniqueness of the colour choices visually represents a new side of indie rock music that the 1975
are introducing to the music industry and stimulates the audience to continue watching the video and
indulgence in more of the bands music through the videos.
Performance
The video is a narrative play on classic silent French films with every scene being
interrupted with a pink block that has writing on it, each text used in the scene is a comment
or phrased used to offended or act as a insult for internet trolls so the band and director
have used a variety of the comments for comedic value to show that the band do not care about
what other things therefore are handling the dislike with no strain on them. This reflects the
boys personalities and opinion on what other people think therefore would rather continue what
they enjoy doing without letting things distract from their desire to make music and life in
every moment. This type of video conforms to the indie genre as it stick to more monochrome
and basic colour schemes that add effect without distracting from the underline story being
shown throughout the video- whilst watching the video clear similarities to artists/bands like
The Artic Monkeys which may subconsciously makes you feel as though you watching that kind of
band therefore the audience may invest more time watch other videos and listen to more of The
1975 songs.

Music videos demonstrate genre
characteristics. (e.g. stage performance in
metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band,
aspiration in Hip Hop).
Editing
The editing of the video is simplistic and minimalistic with only slow cuts between
each scene to remain within the short film genre that is being set up as part of
the theme. Fast pace editing is used as the chorus approaches to indicate the songs
peak where is fast pace transition between each member of the band as they play the
guitar, drugs and sing to add effect. By doing this it gives a visual idea of what
the eyes should be focusing on so that the videos meaning and motive is being
absorbed and appreciated by the audience due to the fact the band are known for
making their videos a piece of videography art that has important messages behind
each aspect of the shot. The video appears to be like a montage of videos taken at
a festival, gig or art show due to the location and editing which represents the
1975s music style and give a direct interpretation to how they want to present the
song ‘The Sound’.
Camera
The camera work in this video varieties from close up shots to give each member of
The 1975 a shot in which they are the main focus and long shots in the first and
last section of the video to show the box inside the box concept set up for their
videos and as the room fills with a faux audience. Although the video features
multiply blocks of colours with writing on it, the video appears to look like it is
a one shot that is catching every aspect from the audiences facial expressions, the
musical equipment, the band and the lighting changes adding uniqueness to the video
and reflecting the originality of the bands ideas and musical preference. A pan
shot is also used which conforms to other music videos made by artists who describe
their music as ‘rock pop indie’ because it makes the video look as though it is
progressing with the song.

Music videos demonstrate genre
characteristics. (e.g. stage
performance in metal videos,
dance routine for boy/girl
band, aspiration in Hip Hop).
Style/appearance
The 1975 is a band made of 4- Matty Healy, Adam Hann, Ross
MacDonald and George Daniel meaning that each of the men's
styles are individual to themselves meaning that the band convey
several styles in one adding diversity from other groups
involved in the music industry. Healy tends to wear more
expressive outfits that don’t really fit into a specific trend
or gender but more futuristic and unique to his personality and
beliefs as he doesn’t believe in things being made to feel as
though they are for either gender but instead everyone can do
things without labels therefore in close up shots of himself as
the lead singer he is seen wearing heavy black eyeliner around
the eyes with a glitter pigment to accentuate the make up he is
wearing representing the creativity he has and care free
attitude. MacDonald, Hann and Daniel have their hair styled
uniquely to their personal style and preference with each of the
men wearing all black leather and denim combinations matching
the mainly monochrome theme from the black room, white lighting
and guitar being black and white. The fact each of the boys is
dressed in solely black signifies the idea of them being the
darkness in the white acting as the dangerous and sinister
whereas the ‘audience’ are dressed in all whites reflecting the
idea of those being innocent, pure and the higher archery
relating to the fact they are being represented as the people
making the comments which gives the impression that although
they are ‘segregated’ by colour clothing and the box dividing
them that they are equal in their acts, therefore playing on the
idea of equality through the fashion theme.

There is a relationship between lyrics and
visuals. The lyrics are represented with
images. (either illustrative, amplifying,
contradicting).
“I know the sound of your heart”- Healy is seen in a close up show of just him moving along to each beat of the
song as it progresses and the drums takes the solo accompanying the lyrics being sung, furthermore in an extreme
close up Matt Healy’s fist is banging along on the glass box mimicking the drum as it is hit making the noise.
“Sound of your heart”- The zooms in and out as though it is impersonating a heart as it beats in a rhythm linking
to the idea that a persons heart beat has become a tell of that person as they fall in love- contradicting the idea
of a love song having to be romantic and fairy-tale like which is what they bands is known for as they release
songs that can be interpreted in different ways based on each persons understand of the song. The band are seen
dancing along with the song in a sequence in fast pace close ups creating the idea that they are feeling the
movements the camera is making as well.
“Don’t tell that you don’t just get it but I know you do”- As that line the line I sung, Healy (the lead singer)
puts emphasis on the noun phrase ‘I know you do’ by singing them directly into the microphone with a stern facial
expression, rolling his eyes and creating a hand gesture to act up to the strong message he is saying. A close up
shot allows a visual idea to the importance of the particular line.
“Its just all me”- Healy points to himself and looks directly at the camera illustrating the idea that he is making
a direct dig at certain people therefore looking into the camera is addressing those who have relation to the song
but also create level of closeness and equality with the audience.
“There’s so much skin to see”- As the line is sung, the video goes from Healy singing into the microphone in a
extreme close up to a mid shot of 3 people watching them all dressed in white however one of the men is wearing a
white vest revealing a lot of skin- which conforms to the idea of nudity and revealing outfits as this person isn't
wearing any kind of cover, making a play on words seen.
“I don’t regret it”- A close up of shot Healy biting his lip and making his eyes rotate left and right several
times contradicting the idea of him not regretting what has been said or done as they are tell signs of anxiety and
regret for an action as a member of the audience mouths something to him that doesn’t appear to be very
complimentary.

There is a relationship between music and visuals.
The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects
that of the music. (either illustrative,
amplifying, contradicting).Throughout the video the relationship between both the music and the visual linking to
the tone and atmosphere is evident. The mise-en-scene play a critical part in a video as
it gives a visual indicate on the artist music and style from the start to the end and is
a convention all music videos feature despite musical differences in style- the fact the
concept behind the video is simplistic with a box, spotlights and a crowd adds to the
indie genre that the 1975 boys conform too. Mise-en-scene creates tone and atmosphere as
it highlights the conventional style the artist or this example band plays in relation to
their musical genre therefore it is important every aspect reciprocates what is being
visually shown through the videography. The theme of pink seems to be a concept continued
throughout from the pink lightings in the back of the frame consistently to break the
black room, complimenting the bright white spotlights of the squares, signifying a
feminine fun side with the pop of colour to the faded message placed in the video every
55 seconds that contains a comment that should offend yet it seems to be added
deliberately for comedic purposes to show a care free side to the band. The video has a
equal split between close ups of Matt lip syncing to the song, each member of the band
playing their main instrument- showing that they have a unique difference between other
band in the industry as they have the ability to create their own sounds without digital
input or help which has become a rarity in this generation of music, and the ‘audience’
of haters how are making the comments seen on the pink notice board that overlap as part
of main editing. The close ups of the band show their musical talent and the visual shots
of Matt become absorbed in the song as it progresses gives the audience the reassurance
that for this band their passion for the sounds they create is what they want their
audience and fan base acknowledge therefore Matt is visually projecting his love of sound
creating a symbolic connection from watching the video. The editing for the video
confirms the high bass and emotive tempo of the sound therefore the visuals reflect the
tone and atmosphere. With every cut made showing each member of the band individually
allowing the audience to establish what each of the men do to make the bands music the
way it is therefore helping the consumer to appreciate the talent the band share. Several
of the main cuts featured are shot reverse shots between the audience and the band
creating the look as though an explicit conversation is being spoken one sided whilst the
other side (The 1975) are ignoring the negativity and embracing their moment with the
music giving the audience the impression the band don’t expect everyone to like them as
they aren’t fazed however they aren’t in it for those people they are making more music
out of pure passion making those watching respect them.

The demands of the record label will include the
need for lots of close ups of the artistand the
artist may develop motifs which recur across
their work (a visual style).
The record labels demand in this video can be acknowledged through simple traits that
compliment the song style based on the codes and conventions set out for music videos
alike, but also give the audience to ability to visually interpret an opinion of the
artist so they can decide if the sound they are listening to and the visuals they are
viewing are what is their preference. The 1975 are one indie rock pop bands that have
gains mainstream popularity in recent years due to the music features in films and
television shows therefore the record label making the band grow in interest is critical
therefore the demand becomes more intense- the close ups on each member from the drummers
to lead singer Matt who is the most popular of the band through features in magazines like
the Rolling Stones, allows each of them the chance to gain the reputation and status in
the band however, the frequent close ups of Matt singing and acting along with the music
gives the indication that because he is perceived as the head of the band, he therefore
should have the most screen time to represent the band to men and women alike. The unique
lighting and concept help to conform to the idea that indie bands, especially solely male,
use their videos for themselves and are more care free and original with their ideas.
The motif in this video represents The 1975s style both musically and visually as they are
consistent in having a narrative storyline in each of the videos they have released; each
of the music videos have a clear storyline that tend to have strong relation to what the
lyrics are saying/ what the meaning is giving it a short film viewing rather than a music
video promoting the song. The storyline give a extra impression of the band- and because
each of the video stories overlap giving a clear motif between each video made.
Furthermore, each of the video in any segment features a solely monochrome colour scheme
from the outfits wore to the lightings which has become a common theme for the band from
the bands creation and because of the fact it has become a tradition the audience come to
expect it therefore when the ‘Sound’ video was released with pink as a main lighting it
gave the audience the idea that a new side of the band was being shown adding extra
attention as it is a different for them as artists and visual creators.

There is frequent reference to notion of looking (screens
within screens, mirrors, stages, etc) and particularly
voyeuristic treatment of the female bodyThe notion of look is evident in this video through a series of close ups of lead singer Matt Healy
choosing to engage in eye contact with the screen. The intense eye contact that Healy shares
communicates the idea that the music is connecting you and the band metaphorically, representing the
shared connect through the lyrical meaning and style of the song. Eye contact is maintained
consistently in a few shots of Healy individually however he is seen diverting eye contact to look at
the audience used for visual purposes during the time Matt is seen, adding to the indicate that you as
a member of the videos audience are watching the video live along with the other occupants seen
watching in the video. The bright lights and active transitions between the shots changing in
perspective creates the impression that you are involved in the video through both sides of the story-
from the bands eyes to the audience who are acting as the antagonists in the narrative influenced
video theme, the lighting encourages your eyes to sub consciously advert to the where the light is
being located- which in the video in the band as a whole and each band member separately. The 1975 is
a all male band meaning that the male gaze doesn’t relate however the idea of the female gaze being a
factor that attract attention is relevant due to the fact each of the men have an aspect that would be
an appealing for the female audiences. Although the video features a larger majority of men from the
start, women are seen in the background as part of this audience however are only seen wearing outfits
revealing little skin as it just conform to the song or allow the meaning to be acknowledged rather
than the female body, challenging the male gaze that has become a reliance in many Indie rock videos
for many. The fact they are breaking the conventions plays on the idea that many bands need women that
support the male gaze for attention from the more male dominated viewing, whereas in this video the
female audience are the predominantly dominated because of the attractive male artists that differ in
their looks and styles giving them the visual interest the male gaze has on the male majority in other
videos. Colours have massive influence on how the notion of looking is affected because it gives the
eyes an indication of where to look and who to focus their attention on, especially as each of the
colours featured may have some kind of impact on how we as the audience perceive that person based on
simple ques like the colour visuals aspect- Healy is the lead singer of the band meaning that he is
consciously recognised as the leader to follow therefore the fact he is wearing all black in his
outfit with nail vanish, heavy eye make up and heavy styled hair links to the pink lighting as it
suggests he has a feminine side with a dark persona combining his music genre and style perception.
The fact all the audience are dressed in all white constantly communication the idea they are the
protagonists in the situation as the white worn represents innocence and purity despite the fact they
are visual seen as the bad guys in this situation as they are the ones shouting abuse and negative
comments about the band and their music whereas all 4 members of The 1975 are dressed solely in black
signifying darkness, evil, death and danger even through they aren’t doing anything wrong but instead
4 men embracing the music they make, enjoying their passion ignoring the negativity they face from
those who act as the innocent ones behind the screens they write the abuse on.

The artists may develop motifs or iconography that
recur across their work (a visual style)
The 1975 are a prime example of how certain motifs can be a recurring theme in all aspects of
their music videos from the locations to colour pallets used. Each of the videos brought out
by The 1975 has a narrative aspect to them giving the audience the feeling they are watching a
short film that although doesn’t feature spoken audio as Healy is typically the main focus of
the video as the story teller singing along , giving the clear conformation that he is the
bands frontman as the other band member's prefer to blend into the background adding a
performance influence to it, adding to the impression you are watching a short film as their
imagination has allowed them to create a series of videos that have sutal connection, becoming
a common trait that seems to be consistently carried on. In the video for ‘Somebody else’ a
leather jacket is worn that features a few slogans written along the back, to link to the rock
influence have on the bands song and style, which aren’t easily read however it is clear that
one piece of script reads a line from the single ‘The Sound’ “by the sound of your heart” with
a heart scribbled on in white marker showing the link between this songs meaning with that
other song- the song ‘Somebody else’ is about accepting that two people aren’t meant to be
together because it isn't healthy nor does it work but the connection has limited one person
from moving on as the other find themselves physically with another person, whereas in ‘The
Sound’ is about how falling in love with someone can make you hate them just as much because
of the damage that can be left, implying that a series of emotions are being told out through
a sequence of songs and videos that’s meaning differ in feelings but relate to the person
listening because you are given a visual reminder of this persons persona and outlook making
you impersonate feeling that way in order to properly understand the songs meanings. The
monochrome colour scheme is a motif that has been relevant from the bands creation therefore
is an expected aspect of every video because it reflects the dark nature of the songs meaning
it has become a signature for each of the boys to wear solely black and white outfits with dim
lighting and dystopian influenced locations like abandoned buildings, isolated areas and
underground bars which conforms to the visual styling the band has carried on with them in
several videos they have released. In relation to the iconography being featured The 1975 are
hugely influenced by the idea of combining unique filming techniques to create a silence film
inspired video therefore the fact a lot of the shots seen in the videos are filmed on a older
camera that create perfect quality that has a imperfect look to fit to the idea that the band
are a band that don’t necessarily fit the genre of music they make because of their
appearances and inspirations but conform to the genre because that have that individuality
every part of the industry need.

There are often intertextual references
The music video for ‘Sound’ shows clear parallel to Charlie Chaplin's silent movies
with the editing being similar to the type of editing found in those types of films.
The reflection of the silent movie is referenced consistently throughout the bands
music videos with a black and white theme becoming an expected signature for the bands
work and a trademark for their music therefore when a member of the public who is a
fan of The 1975 see black and white they may automatically assume it is the bands
releasing a new piece of music. In relation to the Charlie Chaplin era that is tribute
in the video, the styling of the all black suit style attire and facial make up relate
as Chaplin is seen in many of the movies he starred in in his prime he is known to
wear liner to accentuate his eye as in the acting industry having the eyes as a key
feature gives the audience a stronger connection with the actors and storyline
therefore the fact both Chaplin (the lead in most things he has starred in) and Healy(
the lead member of the band) are both seen using make up to reflect attention on
themselves. In another video for the song “A Change Of Heart”, Healy wears a full face
of clown make up in relation to the songs meanings which is another rendition to the
idea of silent movies being a influence for the band themselves, as many silent movies
feature stage make up as part of their story telling aspect and the fact the clown
make up was shown in another video connotes the idea that each video is telling a
story in instalments which is clear because in every video there is clear connections
between the music videos such as sign saying song lyrics or the same outfit being worn
again. Therefore it is clear that there is an intertextual reference in this video.

music video analysis

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