2. Music Genre We decided as a group to use a song from the RnB genre. We chose this genre as we knew that it was the most popular in the charts today. The song we have chosen is called H.A.T.E.U by Mariah Carey. Again we chose a Mariah Carey song as she is a well known artist in the genre of RnB. As a result we each played a Mariah Carey song to our focus group in order to get opinions and if any criticisms. The three songs we chose are: It’s Like That We Belong Together Say Somethin’
3. Questionnaire Before starting our focus group we each gave every participant a questionnaire to fill in. We gave a mixture of open and closed questions which would give us a range of information to analyse when we received the results. Questionnaire
4. It’s Like That – Tom http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI2cwfluyNo I chose this song as it was a high tempo dance jam. As the music is upbeat and fast it has allowed us to understand how the genre is versatile and playful. “I like the beat of the music and the clothes used in the video” Anna “I liked the clash between the setting as the video represents a masked ball which I thought was interesting as it opposes the upbeat track.” Harlow “The music is very catchy and the song and video are both memorable.” Madeline “The video is very bright and makes you want to dance. I like this song.” Nikki “The video is very sexually orientated towards Mariah Carey as it targets the male audience” Noah “I like the outfits that the performers are wearing and the rap at the end” Miles
5. It’s Like That – Tom From the focus group I was able to understand certain elements for a fast and upbeat RnB song. For example the fast paced editing and the close ups of the performer’s body: her legs, face and midsection. My focus group on this song was successful as the participants enjoyed the music and the video. From the feedback I will be able to make certain decisions in order to make our video a success.
6. Say Somethin’ - Elizabeth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yxHnAXZqhA I chose to play this video and song for the focus group as the song is mid tempo. By choosing a mid tempo song it opposes my fellow teams choices and reflects the type of video we want to achieve as a group. “I love the high fashion in the video. Every outfit is amazing” Anna “I love everything that is going on in the video from the setting in Paris to the hotel room with the puppies! I love this song and video!” Harlow “I think the beginning of the video is very clever where the title of “MIMI” is used it’s also effective with the chase from the paparazzi.” Madeline “I think it’s cool that there are other famous rap artists on the song and video. I love Snoop Dogg” Nikki “This video works similar to the previous one as Mariah is very promiscuous in that little bathing suit. This is very appealing from a male’s perspective as she is using her appearance in order to relate with a broader audience” Noah “I like the setting as I love Paris. I also like the cars in the video” Miles
7. Say Somethin’ - Elizabeth The focus group was a success as I was able to get positive feedback and learn more on the typical conventions of a mid tempo song. This video was a great choice as we want to produce a music video of this type with a non-linear narrative and style over substance, which is linked with the clothes as they are all materialistic with no depth or meaning. This portrays the performer as glamorous and powerful.
8. We Belong Together - Morgan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0habxsuXW4g This song is an example of a slow tempo song. The music is very emotional and the slow editing and narrative is very in line with the song which I feel has a very appropriate effect.
9. Results From our research we discovered that our target audience mainly listened to the popular chart music. This finding was very useful as this was the target audience we set out to attract therefore we know are music video will be aiming at the correct audience. RnB was also popular amongst are focus group this was successful as the participants enjoyed the music we played and as a result they were helpful with their opinions. We also learnt typical conventions of RnB music videos such as the glamorous lifestyle and high fashion clothing.
