Keywords to be used in your analyses
ideology
genre
representation
connotations
subculture
genre
representation
connotations
subculture
Genre research - Task 1
This is obviously the starting point for your research. Create a tab on your site for Genre and Artist Research. Start with some genre research and consider who the main artists in the genre are as well as the common ideologies they share. Presumably, you will choose a genre that you know something about which should make life easier. Most genres have particular conventions that relate to several artists, for instance :
- folk music (anti industrialism)
- indie music (anti-commercialism)
- rap (materialism)
- pop (the representation of a glamorous lifestyle)
Make sure you have -
- covered genre history
- named the main bands in the genre
- clearly explained genre ideology
- discussed audience expectations
- expressed and communicated ideas clearly
- used relevant key words
- presented information in order to demonstrate ICT skills
- folk music (anti industrialism)
- indie music (anti-commercialism)
- rap (materialism)
- pop (the representation of a glamorous lifestyle)
Make sure you have -
- covered genre history
- named the main bands in the genre
- clearly explained genre ideology
- discussed audience expectations
- expressed and communicated ideas clearly
- used relevant key words
- presented information in order to demonstrate ICT skills
Deconstructing/ Analysing The Artist
It is crucial for the music video to not only promote the song but also the artist. The cost of a video may exceed the profits of the single but still be worthwhile in terms of career longevity or album promotion. Furthermore, since approximately 90% of bands do not make a profit for the record company it is important to maximise revenue from profit making stars.
The record label’s A and R (‘artist and repertoire’) division will manufacture, manipulate and market the star’s image aggressively. The star image of Michael Jackson, Madonna and most superstars is a vital component of their success. The record label will manipulate the star’s image through each new video to increase sales, consolidate target audience and broaden appeal to new fan bases.
TV programmes such as Pop Stars or Pop Idol show us the supposed construction process, how an ordinary teenager is groomed, styled and coached into fulfilling a set of record company expectations.
However, there are whole markets out there who are not convinced by the hype and don't want to spend their money on blandness. The record industry also has a duty to provide bands/artists who are perceived as 'real' (for 'real, maybe read 'ugly' or unpolished) for these audiences. Stars can also be created by this route. Oasis perhaps?
From a psychoanalytical perspective stars can be classified as ‘objects of desire’, whether the audience desires them or their lifestyle or specific attributes we admire. The star is presented as an object for the spectator and is viewed voyeuristically. Unlike theatre, cinema separates us from the performer in time and space.
Richard Dyer suggests that stars can be studied as ‘texts’ whose images are formed out of a series of signs which carry particular ideological meanings, e.g, Arnold Schwarzenneger signifies masculinity and Americanness. ‘A star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg advertising, magazines etc as well as films ). ‘ Dyer
In the 90s Dyer discussed the ‘star moment’ of Julia Roberts, the meeting of the particular meaning signified by the image of the star and the attitudes and values in society at that particular time, or capturing the zeitgeist.
Stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes, and will promote a certain ideology. Audience interest in these values enhances their 'star quality', and it is through conveying beliefs ideas and opinions outside music that performers help create their star persona (Bono again, Britney & virginity). A star may initiate a fashion trend, with legions of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. Stars initiate or benefit from cultural discourse, and create an ongoing critical commentary — whether this is in the form of tabloid tattle or serious reviews. ¨Stardom, and star worship in general is a cultural value in itself. Ideologies drawn upon include materialism and sexuality. Whole sites of institutional support (eg radio & TV shows, magazines) are devoted to "stars"; we seem to have an insatiable appetite for information about them.
The record label’s A and R (‘artist and repertoire’) division will manufacture, manipulate and market the star’s image aggressively. The star image of Michael Jackson, Madonna and most superstars is a vital component of their success. The record label will manipulate the star’s image through each new video to increase sales, consolidate target audience and broaden appeal to new fan bases.
TV programmes such as Pop Stars or Pop Idol show us the supposed construction process, how an ordinary teenager is groomed, styled and coached into fulfilling a set of record company expectations.
However, there are whole markets out there who are not convinced by the hype and don't want to spend their money on blandness. The record industry also has a duty to provide bands/artists who are perceived as 'real' (for 'real, maybe read 'ugly' or unpolished) for these audiences. Stars can also be created by this route. Oasis perhaps?
From a psychoanalytical perspective stars can be classified as ‘objects of desire’, whether the audience desires them or their lifestyle or specific attributes we admire. The star is presented as an object for the spectator and is viewed voyeuristically. Unlike theatre, cinema separates us from the performer in time and space.
Richard Dyer suggests that stars can be studied as ‘texts’ whose images are formed out of a series of signs which carry particular ideological meanings, e.g, Arnold Schwarzenneger signifies masculinity and Americanness. ‘A star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg advertising, magazines etc as well as films ). ‘ Dyer
In the 90s Dyer discussed the ‘star moment’ of Julia Roberts, the meeting of the particular meaning signified by the image of the star and the attitudes and values in society at that particular time, or capturing the zeitgeist.
Stars represent shared cultural values and attitudes, and will promote a certain ideology. Audience interest in these values enhances their 'star quality', and it is through conveying beliefs ideas and opinions outside music that performers help create their star persona (Bono again, Britney & virginity). A star may initiate a fashion trend, with legions of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. Stars initiate or benefit from cultural discourse, and create an ongoing critical commentary — whether this is in the form of tabloid tattle or serious reviews. ¨Stardom, and star worship in general is a cultural value in itself. Ideologies drawn upon include materialism and sexuality. Whole sites of institutional support (eg radio & TV shows, magazines) are devoted to "stars"; we seem to have an insatiable appetite for information about them.
Analysing Your Artist - Task 2
You may wish to consider some of these issues:
Their representation in terms of gender assumptions
Their sexuality iconic costume , make up ,body language and expression
Mise-en-scene that creates symbolic meaning
What is suggested about their attitude ¨
Whether they are conventional/unconventional
Whether they represent an aspirational lifestyle
Will you be conforming to this image or subverting it?
MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE
- covered artist history
- fully explained the artist's ideology and image
- discussed audience expectations of the artist
- expressed and communicated ideas clearly
- used relevant key words
- presented information in order to demonstrate ICT skills
- covered artist history
- fully explained the artist's ideology and image
- discussed audience expectations of the artist
- expressed and communicated ideas clearly
- used relevant key words
- presented information in order to demonstrate ICT skills
Task 3- Self Assessment
Self Assess your analysis based on the grade descriptors. Make sure that you use keywords from the mark scheme then show your analysis and self assessment to me. If we agree that you have gained at least a proficient you can write your blog and move onto the next tab.
TASK 4 BLOG
Explain that you have carried out your research.
Explain that you have carried out your research.