Casting and Model Release Forms

The Vamps ‘Somebody to You’ music video analysis

 

Narrative and performance

This pop music video is 70% performance and 30% narrative. The linear narrative is shown through the boys having a crush on a group of girls which they hang out with and eventually impress with their singing at the end – this narrative is useful in establishing and appealing to a target audience in the demographic 12-17 year olds as they can relate to the singers. Furthermore, this music video is mostly performance based – shown through the repeated scenes of the band playing their instruments on a stage. Which is later emphasised at the end of the video when they are singing to a crowd – also highlighting the pop music genre.

Locations

In total there are 9 different locations in this music video, all of which are in close proximity to each other: beach, stage, volley ball, tennis, swimming pool, football, seating area, demi Lovato on car, demi Lovato on stage. These locations all connote fitness and sport suggesting that this too is what the target audience are attracted to and is a convention of boy band pop music videos. These locations also relate to Katz’ Uses and Gratification theory of entertainment and personal identity as the target audience would see ‘the Vamps’ as role models with similar values to themselves and at a young age (12-17) would try to mimic or copy some of their characteristics (playing sport).

Mise-en-scene

This includes the band playing their instruments and their costumes- which is all part of their performance montage. Their dark jeans and jackets contrast with the high key lighting of the beach going against the pop video conventions. This is further emphasised through the use of non-acoustic instruments which is unlike pop music videos as they normally feature acoustics. This could have been done in order for ‘the Vamps’ to get away from the boy band stereotype and appear more edgy and confident. In contrast, the setting of the beach and sunset portrays a safe environment which is typical of the pop genre and is highlighted in the establishing scene of the sunset, diegetic sound of waves and the title of the band and song. The fact that they are a boy band and play sports throughout the video also shows that this is a pop video.

Camera angles

Like all music videos the most common shots are used: establishing shot, high and low angles, close ups and Point of view. However, the less common shot is the worms eye – which was used in the swimming pool. Another uncommon camera technique used was lens flare – this shot is normally a sign a poor lighting. However, in this video it was used in order to soften the tone and help slow the pace so that the main singer appear more emotional in order for the audience to feel sympathy for him. Shots used as the over the shoulder shot followed by the point of view of the beach also makes the audience emphasise with him as they are seeing the world through his eyes. Also, throughout the video the use of direct address ‘Hey, you’ paired with them pointing at the camera makes the audience feel as if they are the girl they are interested in – appealing to them.

Editing

There are 18 cuts in the first 30 seconds of the video showing that this is fast paced and energetic. In addition, when the bridge of the song starts there are longer shots and a quieter tone to slow the pace and a fade to aid this. Also, Demi Lovato’s shots have the edges of the screens blurred suggesting that she is a day dream and separate from the music video’s narrative’s world. The use of diegetic sound of the waves and the lead singer laughing helps the narrative appear more realistic and therefore relatable – however, it could be argued that his laughing scene is part of the song.