Ellie Goulding- Lights

I have chosen to analyse this music video because I wanted to look into the different types of pop and in this case it is electro-pop. One of the characteristics of electro pop artists is usually the artists playing electronic instruments- Ellie Goulding plays the drums and tambourine in this video. There is a clear relationship between the lyrics and the visuals as Ellie is singing about how the lights can make her stronger “You show the lights that stop me turn to stone, you shine it when I’m alone, and so I tell myself I’ll be strong, and dreaming when they’re gone.” Different lights are constantly being lit up throughout the video so that the audience can feel the strength and the energy that she feels. The lights portray her as a confident and powerful woman and therefore match the lyrics. Furthermore there are many interesting camera shots that also fit with the lyrics such as low angle shots which have been used to represent Ellie as dominant and strong. The other long shots and close up shots have been very creatively done to make the video look interesting and lively, with multi-coloured and flashing lights. However the location doesn’t change as much as other videos but because of the different types of lights it ensures that the audience won’t get bored and will give them something exciting to watch. It also shows another characteristic of electro-pop as the electronic sounds and instruments match the visuals (lights). As well as the lights, the editing shows reference to the genre of electro-pop seeing that there are a lot of lighting and patterned effects on the black background. The use of this black background makes the different coloured lights stand out as well as making her, the star stand out.

Passion Pit- Take a Walk

The second video I have chosen to analyse is Passion Pit- Take a Walk because I wanted to look at the genre, indie-pop which is what Passion Pit fits into. The video also fits in with the disjuncture category as there isn’t a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals apart from the chorus ‘take a walk’ and the visuals being outside. I think this makes the video look interesting as the video doesn’t look like a commercial for the song; instead it’s more of a short film with no reference to the lyrics. As it is a very straight forward clip that chronicles the travels of a bouncing blue ball, it focuses on the motion and lyrics of the song which not only makes this artist quirky and creative but shows off the indie characteristics. 

Coldplay- Every Teardrop in a Waterfall

The third video I have chosen to analyse is Coldplay- Every Teardrop is a Waterfall. Coldplay mostly fit into the alternative genre of music which means this video would fit into the illustration genre of music videos. The video shows characteristics from the alternative genre, for example the contrasting effects of fluorescent lights and the slow motion jerky camera effects and movement.

I have chosen this video due to the style of editing that has been used. I particularly like this because it is very simplistic with the bands performance and a straight forward narrative which visualizes the music and lyrics. However even though a simple narrative has been used the editing techniques such as the shuddery effects, animations and colours make this video energetic and exciting. This could also indicate that watching them live has the same atmosphere and ambience and therefore could be used as a marketing tool for the band. Lyrics and drawings are shown through animations so that the audience can visualise the lyrics as well as listening to them. They are also up beat and fast moving just like the editing to keep the video constant throughout and to show the direct links to the song.

There are many different camera angles used in this video so that the video doesn’t become boring and/or lose the audiences interest, for example the camera follows the lead singer right through the video but then allows him to come in and out of scenes from all sorts of angles. This makes the audience feel more involved with the music video as it’s as if they are following him themselves. The paces of the shots are very quick to match with the beats of the music and to keep the energetic feel steady all through the video. The camera shots and editing go with the lyric meanings as there is reference to being young and innocent, and having a powerful energy and spirit. The bright colours that are used also help represent this and give off a positive mood.