Research: Subcultures

Sub- cultures is a group of people that stands out from the mainstream or challenges the dominant ideology. They tend to choose to personally reject it and live by their own standards, they live the way they want to live. There are many subcultures that are identified through different behaviours, dress code, psycho-graphics and self-images. People of similar traits will be grouped together to create one sub-culture which allows people meet like minded individuals and feel accepted in a society where people are so used to living up to the label of mainstream and ‘normal’. Here are some example of sub-cultures:

Emo broke out in popularity in the early 2000s, however the subculture has been around since 1980s. The term for the teenagers who listen emo-core is emo kids. The society thinks about them as failures; they are not strong enough to hide their emotions, they're sensitive, shy, introverted, and often quiet. Usually, Emo kids like to express their feeling writing poems about their problems with depression, confusion, and anger; all because the world fails to understand them.

 

Bikers are also a sub-culture; bikers are mainly British males that are proudly stated. Bikers have a passion on what they do such as heavy machines, they also listen to rock  and metal music. They usually wear black leather clothing and also they love having tattoos. 

Hippies were one of the first music subcultures that gained notoriety. They were more than just a subculture, as they created an entire movement.

Hippies listened to psychedelic rock and also experimented with psychedelic drugs. They influenced society and culture in a large way and they continue to have an affect today. For example, music festivals are the perfect example of the influence hippie culture still has on society. Hippies loved wearing unusual fashion clothing such as sported bell-bottom jeans, vests, tie-dyed clothes and headscarves. Most hippies were pacifists who promoted peace, homosexual rights, feminism, and other aspects of civil rights.

Punks are one of the most well-known subcultures created by musical genres. The punk subculture was formed in the US and the UK in the mid 1970s. The punk subculture, is of course, centered around punk rock music. The music and the subculture are known for anti-establishment ideals and belief in independent freedoms. Aside from the distinct sound associated with punks, they are also known for their fashion. One way they buck the system is through body modification, tattoos, spikes, Mohawks, and lots of black.

Skinheads have their own religious beliefs, they are mainly British and Christian males that are uneducated. They listen to reggae music, these males are from low working class backgrounds. They stand out as they shave all of their hair off and do not talk to any other individual from another religion.

 Example of subcultures of music include: 

• Ledzepelin
• ACDC
• Sex pistols
• The Darkness
• Pink Floyd
• The Dash
• Green Day
• Red hot chilli peppers

These bands are all subcultures as each band member is likely to hold the same norms and values and their target audience is very selective and tend to have similar norms and values as the artist, therefore they can relate to the band and to their music.

McCraken:

McCracken said that the world was full of diversity, dynamism and creativity. He believed that sub-cultures come from different cultures as for the people and time difference.This is similar to the Birmingham school which also assumes that all subcultures come from one culture, which is the reaction and rejection to mainstream culture. These individuals reject the values of the mainstream and therefore rebel, forming their own subcultures and abiding by their own values.

Hebdige:

Dick Hebdige said that, 'Members of a subculture often signal their membership through a distinctive and symbolic use of style, which includes fashions, mannerisms, and language.' This means that there is a resistance against the mainstream although and as there are many subcultures they are all the same, from the same culture.

Subcultures and historical times in relation to music:

Many argue that cultural music taste depended on the historical time and structure of social, economic and political change.  

• 1950's - Rock 'n' rollers, Beatniks and Teddy boys

• 1960's - Surfers, Rudeboys, Mods, Hippies, Bikers

• 1970's - Skinheads, soul boys, rastas, glam rockers, funksters and punks

• 1980's - heavy metal, hip-hop, casual, goth, rave and clubber styles.

• 1990's & beyond - distinctive blends of fashion and music have become a defining feature of the cultural landscape which depends on 'what's cool and what social group you fit into"

How does the industry now target audiences?

In today's society, music industry targets their audiences depending on their genre. The industry considers the audiences likes and interests and how the music could appeal to them.By identifying gaps in the market, the industry is trying to cater for and appeal to all audiences by having a variety of artists from different genres. These methods are used to engage the target audience and keep the interested, preventing them from losing interest.

Current day in relation to Hebdige: 

• consuming music is a process that differs from person to person
• can like one thing but different reasons

Current day in relation to Dyers theory:

•  shared cultural values
• fans support the star

Conclusion:

Through my research I have learnt that music videos can be targeted at specific subcultures, according to the genre of the song and the representation of the artists. I agree with Hebdige that subcultures exist as individuals have different tastes of music according to their lifestyles, hobbies, social backgrounds etc. All these factors determine an individual’s likes and their interpretations. I will ensure, for my music video genre, that I do not use costumes, iconography or a song that is targeted at one specific subculture as this is likely to limit my target audience, and limit the amount of views my music videos receive. However, I am aware that my music video will not appeal to certain subcultures due to them having their own values and enjoying specific genres of music. Therefore, I know my music video will not be viewed by the majority, although I will ensure I try to make it appeal to a large amount of people.

Research: Intertextuality

The meaning of Intertextually is when a reference is made about other films, TV shows, celebrities, and it can be shown to the audience by the lyrics or the visuals of the music videos. Artists use intertextuality in their music videos to make specific references to specific events, people or films that they feel a connection to or they would want to express their own opinion and feelings. Certain artists do this to enhances the popularity of the artist because making a reference to films will increase the viewing of the music video. The use of intertextual reference also impacts the music video and the reaction from the audience, as they are able to form opinions based on the references, depending on whether they are positive or negative.

Example of music video with intertextual references:

Iggy azalea - Fancy

This music video reference 'Clueless' (1995) movie.  The use of mise en scene are all used to recreate the look of the film. In the music video the costumes are all 90's inspired teen outfits. They feature a lot of colourful and layered items. Mini-skirts and crop tops with knee high socks appear heavily throughout the extras and main characters. Iggy is well known for being curvy and having long blonde hair. Therefore, making her the perfect match for the main character in the movie ‘Clueless’. The music video features shots of fancy cars in LA which is popular with pop music videos as it gives the impression of a desirable lifestyle. For the main part, the music video was set in a high school. The school that they used in the video was the exact same school that they used in the movie 'Clueless'. This reinforces the connection between the two media products. The hallways and classrooms that have been used in the video are brightly coloured with light artificial lighting. Iggy and Charlie show a lot of confidence when singing and dancing. Their performance is meant to portray popular characters that run the school, again similar to the movie Clueless.

Eminem - Just Lose It

In Eminem’s music video there are many intertextual references present. A lot of references were made towards Michael Jackson, as Eminem is dressed as him in various scenes in the video. For example, at the beginning Eminem moon-walks down the side which refers to one of the most iconic music video of Michael Jacksons – Billie Jean, and his nose falls off which mocks his plastic surgery. The video also makes important references to his film ‘8 mile’, which is a way of promoting the movie. Moreover, there are various scenes where Eminem is dressed as another celebrity, such as Michael Jackson, Mc Hammer, Madonna and Elvis. In each of these scenes, Eminem performs something which is well known of that celebrity, for example; when dressed as MC Hammer he copies the dance to his song ‘Hammer Time’ and when dressed as Elvis he appears on a toilet which is where he apparently died, or Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial, this generated huge controversy and also contained intertextual references, such as the bad Santa film. The way in which Eminem was promoted as an artist during this video, was not only by his own lyrics referring to previous songs, but there were a few links to his film ‘8 mile’ and the use of many celebrities highlighted his importance and status in the industry. Some of the parodies in his videos portray him to be quite harsh, however the comedy effect makes him likeable as an artist and also proves him to be a more realistic and grounded singer. This sense of ‘realism’ is conveyed in many of his songs and music videos, relating to his past and background, creating a truthful relationship between him and his fans.   

Imagine Dragons - On Top of the World

In this music video from Imagine Dragons - On top Of the World there are different intertextual references about the Beatles, the movie 'Shining' and  the conspiracy of the fake moon landing. Through the use of iconography, costume, setting and other mise en scene we can see that the music video touch upon different interetexrtual ideas. First of all, we see a kid riding a bicycle referring the young actor in the movie 'The Shining', then there is  medium close up of the artist and the background has the same pattern and colour of the pavement of the movie. Moreover, there is another medium close up of the other artist wearing head band referring to the hippie culture which was quite popular during the 60's & 70's. Furthermore as the video proceed a slow motion is used to emphasises the characters walking in a line referring to the famous album cover of the Beatles 'Abbey Road'. Additionally, we see the characters getting reading by wearing the astronaut suit and leaving the audience with suspense. Then we realise that it was all an imitation of the band recreating the moon landing of the Apollo 11. 

Why is Intertextual reference used and why might it appeal to an audience?

Intertextual references may be used within music videos for various reasons, including

artists portraying their personal opinions and morals to the audience, wanting them to be publicly advertised in order to create a response from the media and influencing the audiences opinions. These influences and morals may be negative or positive. This may appeal to an audience as it is likely to entertain them and evoke humour from them, if the references are portrayed in a funny manner. 

Criticisms of Intertextual references

Offensive - If intertextual references are negatively displayed or associated with other artists they could be recognised as offensive by the audience and other artists. For example, Eminem - 'Just Lose It' contains intertextual references associated with Michael Jackson's nose and and Elvis Presley's death, mocking them, which is highly offensive, and may be considered offensive by a mass audience who were fans of the famous artists.

Influences opinions - Intertextual references are likely to provoke an influence over the audiences opinions which prevents the audience from having individual thoughts and opinions, thinking for themselves. If a popular artist with a large, global fan base is criticising another artist who is less popular, their global audience may also agree with the reference, if they trust and like the popular artist, which makes the less popular artist look bad. Therefore, negative intertextual references can influence a large audiences opinions in a negative way.

Spreads negativity - Negative intertextual references are likely to spread negativity as the audience may be already be informed about the popular issues that are displayed in the media. A further reference to the issue through intertextual reference within a music video may result in the issue being spread widely, especially if the artist has a large, global fan base. Therefore, the artists intertextual reference is likely to be spread globally also influencing audiences opinions.

Controversial - Negative Intertextual references can cause controversy if they are perceived negatively by the audience. For example, George Michael's, 'Shoot the Dog' music video, caused great controversy as a result of Michael displaying his personal opinions on the USA and UK, which was a negative opinion on the UK as the artist mocks the UK's values and royal family, and the leadership in the USA.

Artists can lose fans- Fans may turn to disliking an artist if their music video contains intertextual references that are inappropriate or considered as 'taking it to far', and as a result they may not listen to the artist's future music or watch their music videos to avoid negativity.

Conclusion:

I don't think that I will want to incorporate intertextuality in my music video because if I decide to use intertextuality in my music video then it most likely won't be something that is extremely well known because recreations of popular references usually look tacky so choosing something easier will be better for the representation of my artist. Another reason why I will not be using intertextuality because I want music to be unique and I want my audience to remember my artist from the song and not the film. However, if I did make intertextual references that my artist will be very popular as he/ she will be targeting at a wider audience, allowing them to grow worldwide.

Research: History of music videos

Music videos have changed drastically over the past 50 years. Modern music videos portray different themes compared to music videos from 1960’s to the 1980’s. Traditional videos had basic editing, simple shots and a clear star image with no narrative, just performance. This is seen very basic compared to today’s music videos. Modern music videos are now more advanced, and visually appealing to the audience due to the use of expensive mise-en scene, cinematography and editing techniques. Music videos nowadays use many cinematography techniques to add variations to their music videos. Whereas, in the past the artist could only afford few similar shots using basic equipment. Furthermore, today there is more variation in the types of music videos, which helps to appeal to broader audiences. There are different genres and types (concept, performance or narrative videos) to fulfil even the most refined tastes. Moreover, modern music videos can have a negative impact as well as positive due to the changes within society and the morals artists hold, artists now choose to add controversial content to their videos which they know will have a negative impact, but will receive popularity. In terms of consumption, modern music videos are accessible on different platforms whereas before TV was the only way to see a music video. This allows even the niche audiences to see videos of their favourite artist.

Music Video Timeline: 

1929: Bessie Smith, Saint Louis Blues - Bessie Smith appeared in the two- reel short film, 'Saint Louis Blues (1929) which featured Smith performing, as she was lip syncing along to the hit song. The song remains a fundamental part of jazz music to this date. It is considered to be one of the first music videos ever and was. The video includes Bessie who sings by the bar, thus inventing the primary idea of a music video and lip sync. The video was shot with simple cuts and shots due to the lack of equipment and knowledge about videos.

1940: Walt Disney, Fantasia - Disney created an animated film which is accompanied by classical music. It was the first film to be shown in stereophonic sound. Fantasia was partly classified as a music video due to the visuals accompanied by sound which are conventions of a music video. In addition, it was breakthrough for its time to have visuals and audio together. However, Walt Disney didn't create Fantasia to serve the purpose of a music video but a movie.

1950-60: Tony Bennett.Tony filmed ‘Stranger in Paradise’ in Hyde Park, London and was distributed across both UK and US television. Despite Bessie Smith performance and her video, he claimed that it was him who created the first ever video because he intended on using his song specifically for a video rather than a film like Bessie and his work got distributed on television. There is a clear star image, performance and genre characteristics which supports Goodwin's theory and classifies Tony's work as a music video.

1950-1960- Songs and moving images- 1964 was a key moment as The Beatles' song 'A hard days night' was released, and this was arguably set out the basic visual vocabulary of today's music videos. This impacted on the number of contemporary musicians at the time, as a vast number of them began to create similar moving images to accompany their music. I believe that this music video could be regarded as the first music video, as it did resemble a music video, as it was performance and concept based, and star image was evident, with their fans surrounding them. Due to The Beatles being extremely famous, their influence was enough to start off other music videos being invented. Therefore, it can be argued that The Beatles, 'A hard days night' music video was the first music video. 

1950-1960- Songs and moving images- Monkees was a TV show that was shown from 1966 to 1968. Each episode included a specifically made film segment that was created to accompany their songs used in their  TV series. Monkees song 'Daydream Believer' reflects a music video as the band were perceived to be singing and playing instruments along to the music. Star image and performance was evident in the video suggesting that it reflected a music video. However, i do not believe that Monkees did not invent music videos as they performed during their shows, not actually performing for the purpose of a music video. 

1966- The birth of the top of the pops- Top Of The Pops was invented in order to promote singles, which meant that artists had to compete for air time as the Top Of The Pops only showed a limited number of performances. 

1950-1960- Songs and moving images- In 1967, videos began using techniques from film including film effects, dramatic lighting, camera angles and rhythmic editing. For example, the Beatles video 'Penny Lane', included these techniques making it look more professional, supported by the band performing the song and acting in the video. The video is performance and concept based. 

Modern era of music videos!

• 1975- Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody'- The modern music video-  Queen created a music video in order to replace a live performance on TV. Bohemian Rhapsody was the first ever video specifically made to replace live performances on TV. Bohemian Rhapsody was the first music video to be made on video format. Therefore, it would be accurate to say that this was the 'First music video' although it was not the 'First promo film'.

• 1970- 1980- Songs and moving images- Modern music videos were further developed when video recording with editing processes were invented. High quality video tape recorders and portable video cameras allowed pop acts to produce promotional videos quickly and cheaply rather than using film which was expensive. By the mid 80's producing a video to support a new single was the norm. Artists were using high budgets to create these videos, for example, 'The jackson's', spent money on their costumes, and miss en scene to ensure their videos were of high quality. 

• 1981-  MTV launch and development of music videos- MTV was launched in 1981 with the first video to be aired being Buggles, 'Video killed the radio star', which was trying to prove the point that once music videos were invented and began to become more popular, the number of radio listeners decreased, decreasing its popularity. 

• 1984- Michael Jackson's Thriller... and the concept of short film...- A short film is a music video that has a clear beginning, middle and end. Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video took this into consideration and took the music video format to another level, which was extremely popular and liked at the time. The 'Top Of The Pops' started to censor video content that was considered inappropriate or controversial, so another approach was to produce videos that would be banned or edited so using controversy and publicity would help  promote the release. Early examples of this was Duran Duran's 'Girls on Film' which included females with little clothing who were portrayed in a promiscuous and vulnerable manner in contrast to the dominant males. 

• 1980's- MTV and musical success-  By the mid 1980's, music videos began to play a central role in popular music marketing, as many artists began experimenting and creating music videos due to its popularity. Many artists such as Madonna owed a great deal of her success to the skillful construction and seductive appeal to her music videos. Although many people view MTV as the start of a 'golden era' of music videos and the unparalleled success of a new art form in popular culture, others perceive it as hastening the death of the true musical artist, because physical appeal is not critical to popularity of an unprecedented degree. 

How have music videos changed over time ?

Music videos have changed in a number of ways over the years, which are associated with a number of things including the development of technology, value, formats, representations and the Importance of music videos. 

• Development of technology- Before the modern era there was little technology to use making music videos of a low quality and lacking professionalism, however, the increase of technology such as editing and sound programmes have enhanced the music videos as they look and sound more professional and expensive, suggesting the vast amount of time and money consumed. This highlights the changes of sound programmes, as they have improved encouraging artists to steer away from performance based music videos, and to focus on narrative based performances instead. The improvements in technology has also enabled music videos to be globally viewed on different medias including social media, Youtube, World star, iTunes, Spotify etc. 

• Formats- music videos can now be saved in various formats including, 'WAV', 'PCM', 'AIFF, 'PCM' etc, these formats allow videos to be synced onto iTunes and other programmes, allowing the audience to use different forms of media to listen to music videos such as Youtube, iTunes, gaming consoles, the internet etc. However, this contrasts with the older formats that music videos were saved on which included video, vinyl record, disc etc. These formats limited the way music videos were presented to an audience.

• Representations- The ways in which artists are represented have changed over the years, as artists are now represented as stars, as they are portrayed as living a lavish lifestyle. The way females and males are portrayed differ, as females are objectified and seen as vulnerable in comparison to males who are seen as more dominant. In the past representations were different as there were more male artists, due to feminism not yet existing, and males were not portrayed as dominating, just as role models and perceived as attractive towards the female fan base. 

• Music video importance- The importance of music videos has decreased due to other forms of media being used by audiences to listen to music. On the other hand, in the past, music videos were portrayed as more important due to them being newly invented and introduced causing a hype from audiences. The lack of importance has led to artists using different forms to promote their music including films and adverts. However, it can be argued otherwise, as the increase of music videos suggests that they are more important, in comparison to before when music videos were not watched due to the music being listened to on the radio. So when comparing the number of music videos made by artists in the past to the number of videos made by artists today, there is a large difference due to more videos being produced today. 

• Values- Artists had more values in the past, ensuring that they made music videos that did not portray them in a negative manner, whereas artists today have less values, causing them to make controversial decisions, such as Madonna who does not consider other peoples opinions and has made various controversial music videos.

After researching into the key dates in our history, and looking at the arguments about who created the first music video, I believe the first music video was created my Tony Bennett in 1956, as his video for his song 'Strange in the park' reflected a music video due to the Goodwin's characteristics being evident within it, such as the video being performance based, due to the artist singing while walking through the park,  and  star image motifs is also evident as there are close up's capturing the artist, promoting his importance. The artist is also in a formal attire as he is wearing a suit reflecting his formality and making him stereotypical of his gentleman like role. These factors demonstrate that the Bennett's video 'Strange in the park' was the first music video to be evident in our history.

Conclusion:

It is very important to know the history of music videos because it has helped me to understand how modern music videos have developed over the past years. In addition to this, I have understood that the use of filming techniques have also changed as fair the better technology formats that have been developed. I think that music video should have a narrative because it will have a meaning for the audience and the audience will be able to find a common characteristic with the artist by the way she/ he is represented. 

Research: Audiences

Audiences are groups of people who consume the entertainment given to them which suit their interests. It is important to know about audiences in order for media to make a profit, therefore, audiences are important to attract and it is important to keep them interested, so they can continue to buy and engage with the media. By meeting the audience’s expectations, they will stay satisfied and continue to stay engaged. Furthermore, audiences can be categorised by age, ethnicity, class, status and income so they can divide audiences with their basic features. Meaning that individuals in the same categories have similarities and have the same interests, although this is not completely relevant and true.

Advantages of Categorising Audiences:

• By categorising an audience, it makes it easier to target an audience.
• It allows you to have an idea of what people are interested in.
• Allows you to make specific changes.
• You can identify what sort of products your audience can afford to buy based on how much money they have to spend.
• You can use the information to encourage companies to advertise your radio station.

Disadvantages of Categorising Audience:

• Categorising audiences does not consider that people are different. For example, if two individuals have the same job, it does not necessarily mean that they enjoy the same hobbies, as there are other factors that influence this.
• It does not consider people’s interests, only their income and status
• Assumptions

In my opinion, categorising an audience is beneficial, despite the disadvantages because it allows you to identify your target audience and make a product more suitable for the audience taste and expectations. Without categorising an audience, it would be difficult to make a product that would satisfy a mass audience, as it difficult to please everybody.

Common features of audience categories:

Classical- Females, aged 45+, white ethnic background, middle- upper class background (middle management jobs and top management jobs)

Pop- Females, aged 11-25, no particular ethnicity, working class backgrounds (unemployed, students, semi-skilled workers and skilled workers)

Hip Hop- Males and Females, aged 15-25, working class background (unemployed, semi-skilled workers, unskilled manual workers and skilled workers)

R&B- Females and Males, aged 15-25, working class background (unemployed, semi-skilled workers, unskilled manual workers and skilled workers)

Rock- Males and Females, aged 23-50, White ethnic background, working class background (unemployed, semi-skilled workers, unskilled manual workers and skilled workers)

Reggae- Males, aged 24-60, black ethnic background, working class backgrounds (unemployed, semi-skilled workers, unskilled manual workers and skilled workers)

Audience Reactions:

Audience reactions links to the ways in which an audience, consumes and reacts to the media product. Although each reaction holds significance the most important reactions include: Audience engagement, audience expectation and audience identification, and these are linked to Goodwin's, Hebdige's and Dyer's theory.

Audiences in relation to Hebdige, Dyer and Goodwin:

Audience Expectations- This is linked to Goodwin's theory as they similarly suggest that the audience have expectations regarding the artist and conventions they expect to see from different genres. Goodwin also identifies the features that he believes are evident in most mainstream music videos, which includes, genre characteristics, star image motifs, intertextual references etc. These features are all conventional to music videos are should be used to meet the audience’s expectations.

Audience Identification- This is linked to Dyer's theory as it highlights how an audience relates to an artist. Dyer also states that an artist is constructed to look the part, and must be ordinary in order for the audience to relate to them as well as extraordinary so the audience can view them as an iconic figure.

Audience Engagement- This is linked to Hebdige's theory as it highlights that different people react in different ways to the same text. Hebdige similarly states that subcultures exist within society which suggests that everyone in society is different and therefore have different views and reactions. He also suggests that companies attempt to assimilate this resistance attempting to provide products which these subcultures are more likely to consume resulting in the audience deciding whether to accept these products or to resist them.

Conclusion:

Overall, this research helped me on my decisions regarding the audience I intend to target. I am aware that audience reactions evoke audience engagement, audience expectations, and audience identification which is important, meaning that I must target the correct audience. The genre of my music video will be Alternative Rock, therefore, I believe it will suit the D and C2 categories of audience because they are lower class people, unemployed and semiskilled workers. Also due to the genre which target both gender and individual aged above 18 with white ethnic background video I will ensure that I include features that appeals to this target audience.

Research: Censorship

What is music censorship? discuss the impact on the audience and safety 

Music censorship is the examination of music which may be considered as harmful or inappropriate for the audience. This decision is determined by the music industry, and may be a result of controversy or negative criticism from critics and viewers. Music censorship may be motivated by various reasons, which include, moral, political, military or religious reasons that can be perceived as negatively influencing or impacting the audience. Censorship is usually associated with certain genres, such as Rap and Hip Hop as Rap tends to be associated with repetitive bad language and Hip Hop with nudity and language. Moreover, certain artists tend to portray explicit content more than others, including Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Trey Songz, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd and Chris Brown. These particular artists are popular for their controversial, explicit content which consists of nudity and bad language in most of their music videos. 

What is the difference between explicit content and explicit lyrics? 

Explicit content is anything that a music video contains that is inappropriate and not suitable for viewers under the age of 18. Explicit content is likely to be evident within the narrative of a music video, through the representation of situations and characters. Factors include, nudity, sexual content, grahic representation and realism etc, which are all factors that lead to a music video getting censored. Many music videos have been censored over the years due to their explicit content which has been viewed as unsuitable for the audience. For example, Rihanna's music video 'Bitch Better Have My Money' was banned for its explicit content as it involved nudity, torture and use of drugs. This obscene material is inappropriate for vulnerable audiences including young children who are likely to be horrified with the content, and was therefore censored. The parental advisory logo is used on CD covers to warn the audience that the songs on the CD contain the content. By advising the audience, it protects and allows them to make their own decisions, also protecting young audiences under 18 by preventing them from having freedom to purchase CD's that contain explicit content. 

Explicit lyrics are the words in a song that may be deemed as inappropriate due to them being bad language or sexual which is unsuitable for individuals under the age of 18. As a result of explicit lyrics, they tend to be censored by being cut out of songs using different methods. However, if the entire song contains explicit lyrics then it is likely that the song will be banned altogether rather than cut. Many artists use explicit lyrics within their songs, particularly rap artists. For example, CeeLo Green's song 'Fuck You' contains repetitive language that is unsuitable for a young audience and  was changed into 'Forget You' to make the song suitable to play for the audience. The parental advisory logo is used on the back of CD covers to warn the audience about the explicit lyrics songs contain giving the audience the responsibility of deciding whether they want to buy the CD or not.  

What things get censored? 

The things that get censored are very particular, there are 14 things that are likely to get censored, these include: 

• Nudity
• Language
• Sexual content 
• Violence
• Religion 
• Graphic representation and realism
• Class
• Culture
• Race
• Sexual violence
• Shock 
• True events
• Corrupt the young 
• Controversy and the press (politics) 
  

Particular songs have been censored as a result of them including one or more of the above things within them. Songs that have been censored include: 

• “Greased Lightning,” John Travolta (1978)-  Censored due to containing features of crude content.

• “Paper Planes,” M.I.A. (August, 2007)- Censored for including Gun shot sounds which were heard in the background.

• “Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke (March 26, 2013)- Censored for nudity throughout.

• “Like a Prayer,” Madonna (March 3, 1989)- Censored for mocking religion and including blasphemous imagery.

Lyrics and radio censorship 

Songs that are played on the radio must be suitable for all audiences, therefore, any inappropriate lyrics must be censored in order for the song to be played on the radio. There are various ways in which lyrics are censored on the radio, these include: 

Eminem- 'Not Afraid'

• Blanking- The entire word is not heard but the music is still heard. For example, in Eminem song 'Not Afraid', inappropriate language has been banned and therefore it is blanked out. 

• Repeating- This is having the last word said twice instead of the censored word.

• Disc Scratching- Using a scratching sound of a DJ to cover the word. This is evident in Nicki Minaj's music video 'Starships' as the bad language is replaced by a scratching sound to make the song suitable to play on the radio. 
  
  
• Bleeping- Putting a bleep sound over the word.

Difference between cut and banned 

There is difference between a song/ music video being cut and being banned. To cut a music video or song means to simply get rid of particular parts that are unsuitable, however, the it is still shown to the audience. Banning a song/music video means completely censoring, preventing the audience from gaining access to it due to it being overly inappropriate for the audience to watch or listen to. 

Advantages and disadvantages 

There are various advantages and disadvantages associated with music censorship. 

Advantages: 

• It prevents the public display of any disrespect to any particular individual or community. 
• Protects vulnerable audiences such as young, innocent children
• Promotes political correctness.
• It shields the morals of society.
• Restrains vulgarity and obscenity.
• The abundance of violence in music videos is restricted by it.

Disadvantages: 

• Freedom of speech is compromised 
• Censorship in music and music videos may compromise their entertainment value
• It is used as a way of controlling people
• It has no place in a democratic nation 
• Individuals have  different tastes
• People have a right to hear
• Governements should not control people. It should be the other way round
• It stifles the opposition, broadcasting only a particular point of view
• It may be used to block legitimate criticism
• Creativity is restricted
• Prevents ideas from flowing freely

In my opinion although both sides of the argument are strong, and though I believe that censorship is  a method used to control people, preventing creativity and allowing people to experience the full value of entertainment, I do believe that music censorship is safe as it protects vulnerable audiences such as small children and squeamish people. By censoring inappropriate music/ music video that contain explicit/ dangerous content, promotes political correctness and protects the public from disrespect and harm. Therefore, censorship can be perceived as source of protection for the public. 

Conclusion: 

Overall, researching censorship has helped me understand that it is an important part of the production stage in making a music video. The industry need censorship as this helps protect the public from inappropriate imagery and lyrics being released onto the internet for them to see. Also, this could help artists abide this and not use explicit imagery and lyrics for their music. For my music video I am pretty sure that I will not need to worry about the lyrics due to the genre which is Alternative Rock. However, if needed I will ensure that any curse word mentioned will be blanked out, and also insert the logo my digipk to warns people about the contents. On the other hand, for the visual I will make sure that it will suit my target audience as well as not offending none.