How my music video for Smaller Than You creates a subculture.

The artist chosen for our video is a band called Smaller Than You. Smaller Than You's music falls under the genre ska/punk.

Reggae/ska subculture

Ska as a subculture is one that isn't seen as widely as emo's or goths but has been around since the 1970's when Jerry Dammers formed '2 tone records' where bands such as The Specials and Madness thus making ska a subculture.

This subculture consisted of the 'two tone' style which was the black suit, trilby hat and black ray ban sunglasses. To this day when someone is seen wearing this style of outfit it is clear to even a young generation that this is classic ska style which The Specials and Madness would always incorporate into their image.

Although the band we are using for our music video doesn't fall under this particular style of ska the roots of where ska began needs to be considered as without it ska wouldn't be as sucessful. This is a link to how we are going to pay tribute to reggae ska within our video.

http://izzismusicblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/intertextual-references-of-ska-genre-in.html

punk/ska subculture

More modern day ska incorporates a punk edge to the music to allow it to appeal to the young target audience but still keep the roots of ska alive. The punk/ska subculture is a subculture which like reggae/ska isn't as mainstream as emo's or goths but could still be seen to be just as popular. This subculture is our target audience for our music video. When researching our target audience to find out more about this subculture a stereotypical image was still made before we had even handed out questionnaires on our music video. For example based on the band and the fan base at their gig, there style seems to have a laid back casual look. (see link for audience profile http://izzismusicblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/audience-profile-for-band-smaller-than.html)

When researching other ska/punk bands I found that most of the bands who are signed where american such as the band Less Than Jake and the aqauabats. This shows how this subculture appears to be more sucessful in America than in the UK. This could be due to the higher demand for RnB artists from music producers as they know how large the subculture is that they are supplying to and therefore know that the artist they are going to sign will make profit.

As it is the ska/punk subculture isn't as large or considered to be as popular as these other subcultures but this could be a sign that like the sudden popularity of RnB with artists such as Rihanna and Jason Derulo having complete success with the release of one single, ska will once again make a comeback and create the same history as the 'two tone' subculture of the 1970's

Mufasa for president of Disney!

Mufasa

Mufasa is father of Simba in the film the Disney film The Lion King. He has a wife named Sarabi and an evil brother named ska.

I feel Mufasa should be president of Disney as he embodies all the characteristics of a true leader. He is king of the Pride Lands and is in charge of all the other lions, therefore has experience already in ruling a kingdom.

He is seen as father figure within the film so is someone people can look up to as well as feel protected by. He sacrifices his life for his own son so shows he is commited. He would help to develop Disney's family image as he isn't promoting someone that is evil or villeanous but instead someone who can inspire wisdom and knowledge upon the young generation of today.

Album covers from mainstream artists

These are artists/bands album covers which I think resemble creativity and allow a strong promotion for the artist.

This is the album cover for Lady Gaga's album titled 'the fame'. Lady Gaga is a pop mainstream artist. This album shows a creative quality as it is showing a close up of the artists face but also in a disguise. The title of the album isn't also as noticeable and is hidden within the frame of the sunglasses.

This sort of album covers makes the artist recognisable to their genre. For example as Lady Gaga is pop mainstream she's is advertising her image more than her music.

This is the album for Noah and the Whales second album 'the first days of spring.

Noah and the Whale are an indie/folk band.

This album cover is promoting the band in a vintage style. It appeals to their target audience who express individuality and aged between 16-25. Noah and the Whale are known for their vintage, retro appeal as they have a style of music which has an old folk style.

Therefore this album appeals to the country style genre and target audience of the band.

This is the album cover for the first Arctic Monkeys album 'Whatever People Say I am That's What I'm Not.'

To me this cover is a strong promotion of the arctic monkeys. Their genre is alternative rock. This album cover shows how they want to represent themselves as 'alternate.'

Most artists don't want to show their band members drunk and smoking on the front of their album covers but by doing this are appealing to their target audience of 14-25 year olds. This album cover represents teen rebellion and gives the idea that by listening to this album you are rebellious. It doesn't promote the artist but instead promotes the appeal of their music. This is the idea I want to use for my digi-pak.

Thus is the album cover for Nirvana's first album 'Nevermind,' released in 1991.

There was worry when this album was released as to show the baby in the pictures penis and a second album cover was created that didn't show it in case there was an outcry. However Kurt Cobains only compromise to this was to put a sticker on the penis saying 'if you are offended by this you must be a closet paedophile.'

However due to newer regulations this album cover wouldn't be allowed to be released.

This album cover promotes a extremity and individuality. Nirvana's genre is grunge and seeing as there music may offend the album cover is giving the idea that 'if you're offended by the album cover you are likely to find the artists music offensive.'