Analysis of two music videos- Indie Folk

Skinny Love Birdy

Birdys Skinny Love music video starts off with lots of close up shots. This instantly is
establishing the mood and location. Moreover the close ups show objects which are old and
dusty, which could be representing how the protagonist feels; left behind in the past, no
emotion. This is the use of semiotics, where the objects are signs and codes to produce
meaning (Roland Barthes). Seconds in there is a relationship between the music and the
visuals (Andrew Goodwin). This is supported by 0:08 where the viewer can relate what they
see (piano), to what they are hearing. The style from the start is continuous with ambient
lighting, its dark and gloomy with some natural light from the window. Again this creates
the sense of unhappiness, which helps the audience comprehend the narrative and meaning.

Still the use of close ups are used as enigma codes (Roland Barthes), as its not showing
enough to work out what is going on, making the audience want to know more. Why is that
there? What is it for? Followed up by a mid-shot we see more of the protagonist. Mise-en
scene playing an important role, we see a long old style dress. Fitting in with location, and
lighting the outfit confirms the layout style being old. Perhaps ensuring the idea that theres
not much left for her. The music video follows the basic structures of music videos as
includes performance (Joan Lynch), 0.34 the protagonist lip-syncs. At 1:04 1:14 includes a
variety of shots of the protagonist, as there is a high demand to see the main artist (Andrew
Goodwin). The use of hand held recording is used to follow the protagonist down the stairs,
this gives the feel you are there following them, watching, which helps develop sympathy for
the protagonist. Creating a sense of intimacy between the artist and the audience.

At 0:33 this medium shot signifies all the close up shots from the start. As there is a
relationship between the music and the visuals, we see the artist playing a piano. However
this piano is symbolic. Its dusty top, marked and with scrap laid on top, really relates to the
representation we got from the start. The sense of old and no purpose. This emphasizes her
feelings and state of mind. Mise-en scene really creates verisimilitude, and sense of reality.
Showing her pain, and feeling of loss.

Throughout the music video lots of shots of used to denote meaning, and help the audience
understand whats going on, like clues. As Carol Vernallis said music videos gains from
holding back information, confronting the viewer with ambiguous or unclear depictions. This
is done here, however they all put pieces of the puzzle together and gradually make sense. In
0:45 we are shown a close up of moss. This connotes past and history, the sense of old
memories and sadness. All these small shots tells the story and represents the protagonist
emotions, fitting the song. In 1:45, this technique is used again. We see smashed glass, but as
the camera focuses on this it tells the audience a lot. Able to relate a broken object to
emotions: anger, irritation, and the literal sense of feeling broken. My heart has broken into a
thousand pieces- broken glass is a good representation of this.

This carries on throughout the video, showing a close up of a key at 2:17. As a key can
represent being unlocked to love, to let someone in and trust someone. Also a close up of a
dead spider, showing innocents gone and its over dead.

Another effect used which really indulges in the emotions. The technique focus pull is use,
where it adjust the focus from one subject to another. However this tends to be used to put
something in focus to highlight it and make it clear. However this binary opposition, is used
blur the artist out. This links with the continuity of editing of shots used to establish the mood
and setting. As here this relates well, as the protagonist fades out of shot. She has also faded
out of someones life, the sense that she is not there anymore just in the distance as the
visuals show.

Mumford & Sons Wona

The music video starts off with thirteen different locations, establishing shots used for each
one. This is instantly showing the audience what the video is about. The different locations
are across the world immediately informing us on culture and a sense of community. All the
shots are wide in large open space, with one person in the centre walking towards the camera.
The fact theres one person alone in this huge space gives the impression of a journey, with
the surroundings being abnormal and complex the characteristic of strength comes to mind
too.

At 0:22 as soon as the beat kicks the person starts dancing hitting to the beat. This really
amplifies the music, backed up by Andrew Goodwin relationship between the music and the
visuals. Let alone the visuals and music relating, the visual itself (the locations) are
beautiful. This makes it keen to watch to see amazing/interesting settings really grasp the eye
of the consumer. Just within 30 seconds the music video creates intimacy to the audience;
indie folk, the sense of journey/travelling and freedom. There is a variety of styles and ethnic
groups, where mise-en scene is not tied together for it to link. Instead there is a mixture of
costumes and colours which really fits the song and video, emphasizing on people coming
together and uniting as one.

It also contains the basic structures a typical music video would have. As Joan Lynch said
performance is a key factor, backed up at 0:36 where lip-syncing comes in with the song.
Followed up by jump cuts either to present a different location or different shot size (midshot/close up). When going onto the next person and setting a slide effect is used to reveal
this. This transition sleekly moves onto the next without too many short sharp cuts making it
jumpy. Mostly medium shots are used which shows the background, yet with the person
being the main focus.

Montage editing is used, unconnected images (places/scenarios), all seem to come together
and creating meaning. The locations are symbolic, a way of expressing passion to the local
people. Yet different places tie in together, literally brings them all together in the sense of
one big family. The whole way through is diegetic sound, and fits imagery well, this all
appeals to the audience as it makes sense and is easy to follow. At 1:32 the song is sang in
another language, which connects all the dots and signs of culture, and makes it clear to the
audience it's about community across the world. The whole way through the video holds
equilibrium, it definitely has a state of peace and calm which fits the genre very well.
Continuity editing throughout with jump cuts, slides, same sized shots in varied locations.
This continues the whole way through the video making it have structure, and link with the
song at certain verses. The binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) of the cultures and locations -

black/white-city/desert- really authentically shows the representations and a sense of their

journey.