Lyrics for song

This town has it's claws
Buried in my neck
This town it takes lives
Without mercy
Without haste

The streets are in distress
The sun suffocates behind darkened skies

The grass is growing
On top of my feet
I'm sinking
Won't be long
Before I'm too deep too run

The line up seems endless
Underneath the salvation signs

We are the dead ones
We are the lost cause
We are the bend before the break
Our steps seal our fate

Because this city, this city is haunted
By ghosts [Ghosts] from broken homes
Because this city, this city is haunted
There's no hope [Hope] left for these souls [Souls]

Every step I take
I leave a small piece of myself behind
Soon there will be nothing left

The cracks in the pavement
Match the cracks in their weathered skin
The sky's a brick wall
The ground's a juggernaut
Each day they get a bit closer
Between them, I am caught

I stare in amazement
I can't believe this is where I live

Every breath I take
I feel my lungs seal
This breeze feels more like shards of glass
I'm more scars than skin

Because this city, this city is haunted
By ghosts [Ghosts] from broken homes
Because this city, this city is haunted
There's no hope [Hope] left for these souls [Souls]

Media Diary Post 3

Over the weekend i have completed my analysis of three music videos of which i have yet to upload, today i aim to complete my music for my chosen song/artist, i am also going to a post the lyrics onto my blog. If i have enough time i also will complete my rough treatment.

Analysis of Music Video 2

Diary Post 3

In todays lesson i have uploaded the permission from the artist's music who i intend to use in the making of my music video. I have yet to finish my analysis of music videos but am making progress and should be finished very shortly.

Permission From Artist

Thanks so much for the permission!
Yeah, I'll send you one after i'v done, I'm still on the fence as to which song to use but I think something from the Crisis album, maybe We Are The Sound but I'm still not sure as of yet!

Thanks again,

Josh



-----Original Message-----

From: Tricia Ricciuto

To: stacey@dinealonerecords.com, nhrps92js12@rps.lincs.sch.uk

Cc:

Sent: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:00:11

Subject: Re: Music Permission



Hello Josh,

The label forwarded me your request. Feel free to use one of our songs. As
long as this doesn't get distributed we are fine with it.

You should send us a copy when you are done. We'd love to see it. Which song
were you thinking of using?


On 14/10/10 11:31 AM, "stacey@dinealonerecords.com"
wrote:

>
> ------Original Message------
> From: nhrps92js12@rps.lincs.sch.uk
> To: info@dinealonerecords.com
> ReplyTo: nhrps92js12@rps.lincs.sch.uk
> Subject: Music Permission
> Sent: Oct 14, 2010 6:44 AM
>
> Hi,
>
> I was wondering what the chances are of being allowed to use music produced by
> Alexisonfire?
> The reasoning behind this is that I am an A-Level student studying media
> studies at Robert Pattinson School joint 6th form and have been asked to
> produce a music video for my final piece and need to obtain copyright
> permission to use the music, the video will on be used for educational
> purposes and would not be uploaded to a website such as Youtube etc. The video
> will be sent off more moderation by the OCR examination board and will not be
> released after this.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Josh Smith
>
>
>
> Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Analysis of Music Video 1

Overview Stone sour is an American rock band from Des Moines, Iowa that consists of slipknots front man Corey Taylor and also Jim Root (Guitarist for Slipknot) and three long-standing friends of Corey Taylor. The band formed in 1992, but didn’t have a real breakthrough until 2002 in which their first album Stone Sour, which lead on to the band earning themselves a record deal. Since the band released their first album in 2002 they have realised another two, with the most recent being released on the 7th of September 2010. This song is called 'Through Glass'. The song was originally written and inspired by frontman Corey Taylor, who was outraged at the music industry, claiming it was fake and pretentious. Video length: 4:06. Genre The genre of the song is Alternative rock/Post-grunge (as are the majority of Stone Sour songs), this can be seen as the video and music represent the genre the song fits into. The fast paced drums and guitar go alongisde Corey Taylors voice well to show all the usual sound conventions that would be heard in an alternative rock song. With Corey Taylor also being in the band Slipknot you can see that the conventions that both bands follow are very similar, conventions such as the similarities in voice tone and speed of guitars and drums etc. This shows the general trend that alternative rock bands follow to keep their reputation as a rock band. The genre is portrayed through Mis-en-scene, the band are seen throughout the video to be dressed in dark clothing with juxtaposes with the white and bright clothing of the other actors around them, although some guests in shots are dressed in black which make some of the stereotypes are made to stand out, this shows that the group are maintaining a dark, rock-like image when others around them are of different style. All the band are seen to be wearing black/very dark colours, in the video these contrast with some of the other actors, I believe this is a great indication to their music being spawned from a rock nature. The dark colours that the band are seen wearing coincide with the connotations of rebellion, mystery and evil etc in keeping with the whole rock feel that rock bands like to keep on show at all times. I believe is derived from the true meaning of the video as the song and video are both supposed to show anger at the hollywood scene, and the party is located at a hollywood house party in which the stereotype of a hollywood celebrity is being portrayed. Another point at which the band where the genre is represented is when the band meet together and begin to play their instruments, the edit is fast paced and the camera focus' on the fast playign of the instruments. Many rock bands are keen to show off their skills on their instruments and take pride in what they do. Below is a picture of one of the band members dressed dark and looking very serious: Representation The music video for this song is a narrative video, in which mainly Corey Taylor and the rest of the stone sour band are attending a cliche Hollywood party which is full of people who are false and base their lives upon materialistic objects and inferior matters. Corey slowly makes his way through the party in which he meets people which portray many stereotypes from the kind of crowd the song is aimed at. The stereotypes that are described involve: - A skinny blonde haired woman wearing a very short oufit, with excessive jewerly such as very large earrings, although these earrings are the only black item that she is wearing, i believe that this may show that although everyone may believe this woman is very perfect, she has her imperfections just like everyone else. She also has her hair perfectly done, a pristine white outfit which could be used to portray how she believes she has a 'pure' nature as the colour white is often associated with such meanings. When the woman appears on the camera she is seen from point of view (POV) of Corey Taylor who is making his way around the party, she is seen to be giving very unwelcoming look, which possibly appears to the viewer has her looking down upon him, asif he is inferior to her. I believe this may also show the stereotype of a 'rocker' who is seen as rebellious, uncaring and mysterious. These two images could antithesise one another by showing the two different sides in which the video is portraying. - A man is seen dressed in all white with over the top extravagant patterns on his blazer, a large gold chain on show and pristine white teeth. This is showing that the certain stereotype that the band are trying to aim the song at are seen as materialistic, and they try and show off their wealth, and also like to pride themselve on having very clean cut aesthetics. This is also shown by the female that this man is seen talking too, she is wearing a white bikini which showing off her toned and tanned body, which is also another way of showing that these actors are made to be showing off aesthetics and pride in doing so. She is also seen wearing gold earrings and a high amount of make-up. The connotation of this look connotate the typical wealthy stereotype in Hollywood, wearing make-up, jewelry and priding themself on having on what may be considered a 'perfect' appearance. - Two coloured men, seen to be laughing at the POV camera, mocking Corey. One is dressed in an open blazer with no shirt underneat, showing off his very toned body and wearing a gold chain to supplement the image.
Lyrics. I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed Oh God it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head 'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed All I know is that it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head How do you feel? That is the question But I forget you don't expect an easy answer When something like a soul becomes initialized And folded up like paper dolls and little notes You can't expect a bit of folks So while you're outside looking in Describing what you see Remember what you're staring at is me 'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed All I know is that it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head How much is real? So much to question An epidemic of the mannequins, contaminating everything We thought came from the heart But never did right from the start Just listen to the noises (Null and void instead of voices) Before you tell yourself It's just a different scene Remember it's just different from what you've seen I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed And all I know is that it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head 'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed And all I know is that it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head And it's the stars The stars that shine for you And it's the stars The stars that lie to you, yeah And it's the stars The stars that shine for you And it's the stars The stars that lie to you, yeah I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed Oh God it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head 'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass Don't know how much time has passed All I know is that it feels like forever But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home Sitting all alone inside your head And it's the stars The stars that shine for you, yeah And it's the stars The stars that lie to you, yeah And it's the stars The stars that shine for you, yeah And it's the stars The stars that lie to you, yeah yeah Who are the stars? Who are the stars that lie? The lyrics portray the overall theme of the song, as the band are using the song as a indirect insult against the Hollywood scene

Media Diary Post 2

I have now finished all my work up to my analysis of three music videos. I begun working on one of the videos and near completed it yesterday but saved it as a draft and now it has disappeared, so i am beginning again, i aim to finish all my music video analysis' by Tuesday morning. I have permission from a band to use their music, although me and another member of my class originally planned to work together but were told we were working individually so now we are both planning to use the same email to show our permission.

Andrew Goodwins Music Video Theory

Andrew Goodwin proposed the theory that all music videos followed the same conventions and contain the same features throughout.

Below are the six main features that all music videos follow:

Lyrics - These are used to create a relation of feelings between the viewer and the track/video and evoke an emotion, a mood or a sense of subject rather than a meaning.

Music - The speed and tempo will differentiate the editing, for example a fast paced tempo would match with short sharp shots and quick edits whereas a slow and calm song would be paired with longer shots and slower edits.

Genre - Can be reflected in the types of mise-en-scene, themes, performance, camera and editing styles.

Camerawork - Differences in camerawork can show different kinds of meanings within the video. Movements, angles and shots all convey different representations, for example a shot that is made to focus upon someones face can show different reactions and emotions such as shock/sadness.

Editing - The most common form being fast cut montage rendering many images together to make for quick viewing, may be hard to fully understand the representation at first which may lead to multiple viewings in order to grasp the concept.

Intertextuality - Intertextuality used references from different types of media such as film, television and other types. Many of the audience may not be able to understand or notice the refrence made, whereas viewers who notice the reference gain enjoyment.

Goodwins Theory

- There is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals with the video being an illustrated representation of the lyrics, or even contradicting it, and vice versa. For example if the song that is being sung is a love song and is written about falling in love the video may contain two lovers happy and in love.

- Videos depict genere representations and all genres are diverse. For example a girl group such as The Saturdays may be seen wearing revealing clothing and draped in birhgt colours, bands such as Slipknot will be seen in dark clothing and masks, surrounded by fire.

- There is a relationship between the music and the visuals with the video being an illustrated representation of the music or even contradicting it, and vice versa. For example if the music is fast paced and angry it may be portrayed in the video by a fight or a fast paced chase etc.

- Signed bands may be influenced by the demands of their record company, for example if the record company requested that they show moe close-ups of themselves playing instruments etc then the video that they produce will involve this.

- Frequent reference to the feature of looking (screens within screens, mirrors etc) which shows something that may not be relevant to the narrative such as the actors watching TV. Also many videos contain voyeuristic representation of the female body, many videos contain women that are being shown wearing little clothing and dancing provocatively in a way that will appeal to many viewers, this is often used to increase sales/views as many watch it for the women.

- There is also numerous occasions where intertextuality is displayed, making references to other types of media such as TV, film or other music videos. This gives entertainment for any viewers who understand the reference.

Laura Mulvey - Gaze Theory

Laura Mulvey was a successful professor in media and cinema, she derived a theory in which is visual across all types of visual media, such as film, television etc, including music videos. She suggested the idea that females are made to watch the videos from a hetrsexual males perspective and not vice versa.

The male gaze is a feature of power asymmetry, as many modern music videos are produced on the basis of appealing to hetrosexual males. This means that videos contain a woman in a light that would sexually appeal to male, this may involve a scene in a music video that lingers on a womans exposed curves. It is said that the stereotypical identity that is given to females by males overpowers the stereotypical identity that is given to males by females, causing there to be an unbalance. Mulvey suggests that females are denied human agency and are subjected to being used as objects in music videos produced for males.

Some second wave feminists believe that whether women agree with the gaze, they may simply just be conforming and letting themselves become part of majority, accepting hegemonic norms that are based purely on the benefits of men.

An overview of Mulvey's theory is that she believes females are reduced to being objects in music videos that are placed within the music video purely to appeal to male viewers, and many believe that women may not agree with the theory but simply conform because it is so common for women to be seen as 'objects'.

Below is an example of a music video that portrays Mulvey's theory completely, displaying a woman in minimum clothing revealing high amouns of bare skin such as legs, curves etc whereas the male in the video is seen in full clothing such as a coat, a shirt trousers showing minum skin.

Conventions of The Music Video

A convention is defined as a normative example, like an unwritten rule or standard of similarities that across the range of music videos. In modern music videos most producers, directors and bands are likely to follow these conventions to make sure the quality of the video they produce is on par with that of other bands, however often it is found that bands will try to break these conventions to differentiate themselves from other bands and make a unique and,on many occassions,more interesting video.

The three main conventions that are followed by most modern bands are:

- Most commonly the video will almost always contain the band/artist performing alongside the track being played.

- Clips/images portraying the nature of the lyrics through a narrative/story etc.

- An art clip that shows creativity and almost all of the time does not represent anything that associates with the music/lyrics, this is often used to show individuality and creativity.

Although the concepts behind the music video os particular bands will be very individual each bands video will to fit into one of the three main pure forms, these three forms are listed below with examples of each.

- A performance clip:

Throughout a performance video the band/singer is seen to be performing their track, usually in a setting that represents the image the track aims to portray. A performance clip can be classed as a song performance, a dance performance of an instrumental performance, below is an example of a performance clip.




- A Narrative clip:

A video in which throughout the video a short narrative is being acted out, often by the band but sometimes by different actors. An example of a pure narrative would contain no lip synching and no sign of instruments. Below is an example of a narrative in which it shows no clips of the band performing their track.



- An art clip:

An art is a video containing no obvious narrative, lip synching or instrument playing. Below is an example of an art clip in which the video shows creativity and is pleasurable to watch, althugh shows no actual represntation of the song.

History of the Music Video

How the music video has developed and progressed
To begin our A2 work for media we are looking at the history of the music video and learning how they have progressed and developed into what they are in the modern day with companies such as MTV and multiple other companies providing constant streams of music videos and tracks for public viewing in their own home, compared with some of the very first and very monumental videos such as Al Jolson's 'Jazz Singer' and Queens 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

The music video originated from 1894, in which music writers asked an electrician to help them with promotion of their music. When the electrician was asked to promote the music he began projecting multiple still images in succession, and this was the first large step toward the making of the music video. Shortly after this in 1900 Edison invented the Gramophone which gave the ability to record live music/sounds onto discs/vinyls. In the early 1900's music videos were progressing with the likes of Oscar Fischinger becoming the first person to use a moving visual production video to promote his music with 'Early Abstractions'


The next major development in the progression of the music video was Al Jolson's video of 'Jazz singer' in 1927 which was one the first music video in which the video was projected onto a screen and the vocals and instrumentals were played to coincide with the visuals of the video. This allowed music videos to develop in the fact that the phsyical presence of an instrument and musician to be present in the theater/cinema to play the music over with the video. This development caused a sudden craze of musicals in the 30's and 40's, which was labelled by many as the 'Golden age' of musical productions. 'Jazz singer' has been remade twice since the original version from Al Jolson.


In 1939 an American company called Mills Novelty Company produced the Panoram, a 2 tonne video jukebox located in bars and other locations such as cafes across America that showed short three minute videos projected onto a 20 inch screen, these became very popular in the 1940's and they were placed in nearly every bar across America. A patron would enter their money into the system to play roughly 8 short 2-3 minute films. The Panoram later went on to being replaced by a much smaller and colour version called the Scopitone, the Scopitone was smilar with the fact that it was a jukebox that ran a 16mm reel that projected images onto a screen, but the major difference was that the Scopitone was colour adn the Panoram was not. The scopitone was said to be the beginning of showing women in a sexual way, as it

By the 1950/60's music with a visual representation had changed greatly, many bands were performing live on television channels such as Top of the Pops, The Monkees had their own television show, this was showing that the music video was evolving very quickly and the technology of which helped do this was advancing at a phenomenal rate. Although despite these advances there was still no video that majorly stood out until 1975 when Queen produced 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Many considered Bohemian Rhapsody to be the turning point of the music videos, and the video that would change everything. The original intention of the video was too play on shows such as Top of the Pops because Bohemian Rhapsody was extremely hard to perform live and Queen believed it would be easer to represent themselves through this video.
This was the start of every band producing videos to promote themselves and get themselves noticed by potential fans. From 1975-1981 the demand for these videos rose steeply, this lead to the company Nickelodeon forming MTV, a television channel that broadcasted music videos 24 hours a day non stop, the bands that witnessed the beginning of MTV soon realised it's potential and soon bands thrived to be on MTV and have their music viewed by a huge audience, it was seen as a very useful tool to get a foothold into the music business. This meant that the demand of the audience was met and music videos became very popular.


In 1984, Michael Jackson released a 14 minute, $500,000 "masterpiece" that many considered to be the greatest music video ever made. Michael Jackson's thriller was considered by other bands, music critics, the public etc to raise the standard for all music videos and is still considered so at present. Thriller was considered ridiculously expensive, and many bands started to conform in spending more and more on their music video to try and produce the best possible video they could. The video went on too be nominated for six awards at the MTV music video awards, although it only won three of the nominated six. Last year in 2009 'Thriller' became the first ever music video to be entered into the National Film Registry.


In conclusion the music video has developed into becoming part of everyday life in which music videos are accessible by any member of the public, at present music videos are very common whereas approximately one hundred years ago there would not of been a music video, this is a very short time to come a very long way. Productions such as thriller and Bohemian Rhapsody were benchmarks in the music video industry that were considered a vital component in the progression of the music video, as soon as bands saw Thriller and Bohemian Rhapsody and the quality of them, they decided they needed a music video of their own.