Finding an unsigned band

Before i make my music video i need to research unsigned bands to find one which i would be happy to use. A perfect place to start my research is the social networking site that features music - Myspace.
Seeing as i already have connections with the unsigned band Dash Delete i felt it would be a good place start if i researched them first.

The benefits of using this band is that they are located in Aylesbury, also that i have a friendship with the lead singer, meaning that it would be possible to feature them in the actual video. the band also have a good band image , something that i could work with as they strong London accents along with cute lyrics and melodies. However the downfall of this band is that their recordings are not high quality, i feel this would effect the overall quality of my work as it would make it seem unprofessional.

From viewing Dash Deletes Myspace i came across another unsigned band, Exlovers.



I immediately noticed their strong band image which appears to be laid back whilst cute and quirky, which i feel i could work from. If i was to use this band i doubt i would feature the band in it as i don't have any connections to them. However this doesn't mean it wouldn't be as successful if i wasn't to feature the band. Their songs are also recorded in high quality with good catchy lyrics, with reviews recognising their similarities to successful artists such as Regina Spektor.

Finally i found another unsigned band called Blue Wall.

Firstly this band doesn't have an immediate band image or style, but that is something i could work on if i was to use them. Personally their songs are generally not as good as the other two unsigned bands that i have found in my opinion - lyrically and the quality of recording.

Overall, my favourite unsigned band is Exlovers, which not only do i like their music but i feel i would be able to create the best work from. However, to use them i need to get the bands permission, meaning i will have to email their manager, hopefully they will allow me to use them

Choosing a genre

To make sure i create a music video that engages a certain target audience, i have constructed a questionnaire to find out what the consumer actually wants in a music video.
To find a Target audience i've used the social networking site Facebook, this is the questionnaire i posted in a group message.


1. How old are you?

2. What type of area do you live in? Eg, inner city? Suburbs? Rural?

3. Are you male or female?

4. What is your preferred music genre?

- Pop
- Rock
- Indie
- RnB
- Hiphop
- Classical
- Dance
Please state if other


5. In this genre of music, what do you expect to see in the video, please explain?

6. What is your preferred style of music video?

-performance
-narrative
- a mixture of both
-cameo
-animation


7.What colour of editing do you prefer in music video?
-Natrual lighting
-Floresant colours
-Black n White
-Sepia

8. If you watch music channels, which ones do you mainly watch?
-MTV hits
-MTV dance
-MTV base
-MTV 2
-vh1
-tmf
-the box
-magic
-kiss
-Q
-Kerrang
-bliss
-scuzz
-flaunt
-NME TV


these are a few of the replys that i recieved:

Making a decision

To assure i go down the right route i need to analyse existing advertisement and music videos.

ADVERT: The Carphone Warehouse



Director: Kristofer storm
Agency: CHI

This uses a different approach to creating a different and modern advert. This technological process used is called stop frame, made simply by using a white board and marker pens, whilst taking continuous still images of each mark made. Creating a swift, continuous animation and adding cute characters to attract and appeal to the audience. They cleverly use a simple voice over to not distract the viewers from the animation and quirky non-diegetic music. I really like this advert; I feel I would be able to use my artistic skill to create something similar.

MUSIC VIDEO: The Cribs – moving pictures.


DIRECTOR: Norwood Cheek

The director has used the bands genre and style to create a vintage style video to attract and engage the audience as the retro image dominates the indie scene. The pace of the editing runs parallel with the music reflecting the bust, hectic lifestyle of the band, intensifying the rebellious ideology behind the Rock ‘n’ Roll scene. Another aspect I’ve noticed is that the video focuses on the female character. During the video she is represented as an attractive, young, stylish female who is also the only character shot in colour, further signifying the female importance. I really like this style of video and the indie genre. I feel I would be able to use my creativity to make a video in a similar style. Not only this, from my last coursework i will be able to use my camera and editing skills to produce an effective piece of work.

Finally, I feel that I would be best suited to making a music video as I already have camera skills. I also feel that making a film based video and use my music/fashion history knowledge i will be able to construct an effective music video to meet the unsigned artists genre.

introduction to the course

During today’s lesson we had an introduction to the options we have for the production of our next media coursework. We have been informed we now have to create work individually, which personally i am pleased about as i feel it is a good opportunity to show and improve my media skills from what i have learnt from the AS coursework.

Brief 1

A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, no longer than five minutes duration, together with:
• a cover for its release on DVD
• a magazine advertisement for the DVD


Brief 2

A promotion package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with:
• a film magazine front cover, featuring the film
• a poster for the film


Brief 3

An advertising package for a new product or service, to include two TV advertisements, together with
• a radio advertisement
• a web pop-up


Brief 5

A promotion package for a new soap opera, to include a TV trailer, together with:
• a listings magazine front cover featuring the new soap
• a poster for the soap


Brief 6

A selection of materials related to an original children's TV drama, to include the title sequence to the TV programme, together with:
• the front cover to a magazine for the series
• a DVD cover for the series


Brief 10

A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:
• a poster for the film
• a film magazine review page featuring the film

Realistically i need to choose a brief i feel i have the best skills for. From reading and understanding the briefs, i feel creating a music video or an advertisement would be best suited for me as i will be able to use my creativity skills to help me produce it.

Past AS coursework

I am now starting my second year of the media course, below is a link to my work produced in AS.


AS BLOG