Detailed Analysis of Circa Waves - Fossils
- 1. Analysis of Circa Waves – Fossils I will be analysing the video for the song “Fossils” by the indie band “Circa Waves”. The purpose for this research is so I can identify key conventions of both form and genre for indie music videos, so I am then able to competently create my own music video. I will also look at how the technical elements are used, the effect they have and how artists are represented. I also aim to discover what makes an effective indie music video, so I can then include those qualities in my own video to ensure it is as successful as possible. The music video, released in December 2014, was created by the British indie-rock band Circa Waves who formed in Liverpool in 2013. Mise en scene The music video is mainly made up of short clips of the band in many different locations. Examples of these locations include skate parks, gigs, car parks, tour buses and numerous streets. The use of these different locations creates the impression that the band have been touring and have visited many places. The lyrics “I’m a long way from home” are repeated throughout the song, and so this directly links to the images on screen. This is a convention of form, because the images seen in a music video almost always link to the lyrics of the song in one way or another. The video begins with this shot of the band’s name printed on a box used for carrying instruments/musical equipment. This initial shot shows the audience the name of the band, which makes them aware of who they are listening to. This type of prop is conventional to the genre, as it links to musical instruments, such as guitars that are typically used in indie music. The prop also suggests that there will be a lot of tour footage in this video, which is another convention of the indie genre. Tour footage is commonly used in indie music videos as it gives the audience a chance to get to know the ‘real’ artists, and see them living their lives. Indie music videos often have themes involving freedom and indie artists are often shown to be carefree; a conventional way of showing this is through the use of tour footage. The band members are seen wearing casual clothes, such as t-shirts and skinny jeans, for the duration of the video. This type of costume is conventional for the indie genre, as it is associated with a laid back, informal attitude. The band members can be seen wearing dark colours, such as black jeans. Dark colours can be used to
- 2. represent masculinity, which is suitable for the indie genre as indie artists are predominantly male. Props used in the video also expand on this casual vibe as they are mostly used for recreational activities - such as the skateboard and the football. In the video we see the band members drinking and smoking; these activities both connote rebellious behaviour and they are stereotypically more masculine habits, which means they are appropriate for the band. As well as these props, we also see the lead singer using a retro camera which directly links to the images used in the video as they have been made to look retro through the use of filters and colour grading. The prop of this retro camera makes it look like the band are filming the video themselves, which suits the DIY attitude that is associated with the indie genre and gives a reason for the use of low-quality images that overall achieve the homemade look. The main props featured throughout the video are the musical instruments, which is to be expected of a music video as it is a convention of form. The instruments used, including guitars, drums and microphones, are all conventional for the indie genre. Also, the use of instruments means that a performance element is incorporated into the video; another convention of form for music videos. Camerawork The most prominent form of camerawork featured throughout the music video is hand-held camera. The repeated use of this gives the video an amateuristic feel which suits the DIY aesthetic of the indie genre. This is a convention of genre as many indie bands cannot afford to produce a high budget video for their music, and so, instead, they often use the technique of home videos and tour footage in their videos to create a successful product for a low price. This type of camerawork also helps to create a relationship between the band and the audience, something which is more common in the indie genre than other, more mainstream, genres. This is also supported by the use of point of view shots, which creates the impression that the audience are there with the band; making the video feel much more personal and immersive for the audience. A range of locations are important in an indie music video of this type, as it helps to show the audience that the band are touring and visiting various places. Throughout the video wide shots have been used for this exact reason. They allow the audience to see both the band and the audience simultaneously, while still being able to identify the changes in location. Close ups have been used a lot throughout the video as it shows the band members are important and keeps the audience’s focus on them. This type of shot adds to the personal feel created throughout the video, and allows the audience to feel closer to the band members and help to identify them in future. There are many close ups of the lead singer when he is performing the song - this is a convention of form that almost all music videos feature. The performance element is seen fluently throughout the video, which is to be expected of an indie music video. Live performances are very important within the
- 3. indie music scene, and so this is why the band have decided to include this performance and tour footage. This will be appealing to the audience as indie fans often enjoy going to gigs, and getting to know the bands they follow. This is a close up of the lead singer, who is performing on stage. Shallow focus has been used to blur the background and ensure all of the focus is on the lead singer. This use of focus also makes the prop of the microphone stand out against the bleak colours in the background. Extreme close ups of instruments, such as guitars, can also be found throughout the video. This type of shot shows the importance of instruments within the indie genre, and also enhances the performance element; another convention of both form and genre. Editing The filter that has been placed over the video gives the video a retro feel and makes it seem like home video footage. This, coupled with the repeated use of point of view shots, implies that the video is from the band’s perspective. This creates a more immersive experience for the viewer and therefore allows the audience to feel as if they are a part of the band. Editing in this video has been used to create the amateuristic, DIY feel, mainly through the use of colour grading and retro film overlays. I have found this to be a convention of indie music videos; it allows the band to turn below standard footage into a successful product by making it look retro and homemade on purpose. The video doesn’t have a narrative, and instead is just a montage of random clips of the band touring and performing. This montage technique is also a convention of genre, and is often used within indie music videos. The use of the short clips
- 4. throughout the video creates a fast pace that fits with the upbeat rhythm of the song, which is also conventional as music videos often use the technique of cut to beat editing, and the pace of the editing should fit with the pace of the song. This also helps to make the video flow and it supports the happy, upbeat theme of the song. Overall, I think this video is very suited to the indie genre as it has included many conventions of both form and genre, such as retro filters, performance elements and the use of tour footage. Analysing this video has helped me to understand the importance of all the technical elements and how I need to incorporate them into my own production to ensure my work is as successful as possible. I have also been able to identify conventions of both form and genre. Conventions of form ● Cut to beat editing ● Links between the lyrics of the song and the images on screen ● Use of musical instruments ● Performance element ● Close ups of the artists ● Lip syncing Conventions of genre ● Retro overlays ● Overuse of colour grading ● Tour footage ● Point of view footage ● Hand held camera ● Recreational props - skateboard, alcohol, etc. ● Range of locations