Analysing A Music Video - Andrew Goodwin's Theory

I will be Applying Goodwin's theory of music video analysis to Love you better by The Maccabees. I chose this band because they make similar music to Oats and it will help me understand the elements of an Indie music video.

The first part of his theory states that the music video will display genre characteristics. Some characteristics of indie videos are stage/live performances of the band with a narrative or concept, as well as videos that make a statement. The Maccabees video clearly shows these characteristics through the performance and close ups of the instruments. Also, by showing the band performing in the video, it suggests that they are a creditable band that can play well live.

There is also a relationship between lyrics and visuals which are either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting. In every music video, it is important that the video relates to the lyrics.

Goodwin also states that there is a relationship between music and visuals. The song is mostly fast paced which is reflected through the bright flashes of colour and fast cuts throughout the video. However, the chorus is quite slow and the bands members are frozen in place while the camera pans around them to reflect this. Also, whenever an instrument is prominent in the song, you see a close up of that instrument.

The demands of the record label will influence the way the band is represented in the video. For example, lots of close ups of the band members (especially the lead singer) and a specific visual style shown through motifs that recur across their work. This is true in The Maccabees video as there are close ups of the lead singer as well as the other band members.

Goodwin also states that there is frequent reference to the notion of looking, for example screens within screens, and plays with the way a person is seen. He also suggests that music videos are particularly voyeuristic with the treatment of the female body. Although this isn't seen in The Maccabees video, many others portray women as objects for people to look at.

There is also intertextual reference to films, TV programmes, other music videos ect. There aren't any in this video as it is quite minimal, with only the band performing and some visual effects.