Music video analysis #6- Chase and Status- No problem

Music video analysis #6

Act: Chase and Status

Track: ‘No problem’

Year: 2011

Director: Dave Baum

Genre: Drum and bass

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPRkYWVinF0

Main audience: M and F 15-25 + frequent clubbers and party enthusiasts.

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Relationship between the visuals+ Lyrics: The visuals in this production are highly related to the lyrical deliverance due to the African influence of the Zimbabwean half of the band. This lyrical deliverance is in a highly distinguishable African accent, and reinforces the fact the performer in the video is dressed in a witch doctor costume, with long hair, black and white skin, a feathered hat and skulls on his head as well as holding a skull in his hand. This primitive element of the Mise-En-Scene (Costume and prop) is greatly linked to the lyricism.

Genre characteristics: The genre of drum and bass come through in some ways in this video, however for the most part the video is unconventional. A usual convention of drum and bass video is a focus on showing people dancing to the music. However in this production the audience is only shown one person for the entirety of the music video. However, equally there are many conventions which are held up effectively in this video such as the fast paced shots, distorted visuals, and strobe lighting reminiscent of a night club.    

Pre-chorus breaking the mode of adress

Performance/ Narrative: Throughout the video there is no clear narrative, but a performance of sorts. This performance showcases the witch doctor dancing and singing to the song. This is a very straightforward concept and is likely due to a low budget. There are a few after effects edited in to compensate for the simplicity of the overall video.

Looking/mode of address: The video showcases the witch doctor singing/ talking to the audience and subsequently always addresses the audience with the lines "But it's a problem for you".

Star treatment: There is a heavy emphasis on this element due to the witch doctor being the sole vocalist in the track and subsequently the only one in the video. 

Representations: There is a distinct representation of African tribalism in this video due to the costume of the witch doctor in synchronization with the African sounding vocals, and instrumentation of bongo drums.

Pace/ Any variation of pace: There is a distinct variation of pace in this video coinciding with the song itself. A prime example of this would be during the start of the song (Verse) the vocalist communicates directly with the audience, however as the build up begins (Pre-chorus) he becomes more distant as if lost in the music and build up. He looks upwards many times and a strobe effect is placed upon him. This again changes during the chorus as the witch doctor breaks out into dance accompanied by many after effects including that of a distorted tearing effect in the filming of the video as well as a variety of different multi-coloured flashes. which is appropriate with the tone of the music (More erratic and energized). This trend of verse, pre-chorus and chorus repeats throughout the video and so does the subsequent performance.

Short variety: There is a very small amount of shot variety due to the ostensible simplicity to this video. Shots used in this video are close up's, medium-long shots and a few high angle shots.

Medium-long shot

This shot shows the upper body of the witch doctor but is highly distorted due to the fast tempo of the video and sporadic dancing of the witch doctor.

Close up

This close up is used several times over during the verse of the song. This is due to the direct addressing of the audience as the witch doctor looks into the lens and sings his lines in the verse.

High angle shot

This high angle shot demonstrates the witch doctor's implied craziness as he smiles at nothing the audience can see. In addition to this the audience are made to feel his craziness due to his closed body language and distant smile and gaze.

After effects use

FX: There are a multitude of effects used in this video to accompany this simple style of the video. These effects include that of visual distortions, transitional editing and colour strobe lighting. A prime example of transitional editing would be towards the start of the video the witch doctors face becomes more obscured by a black shadow. This eventually takes up his whole face and ushers in a new shot.

Location/ Mise-En-Scene: There is only one location used throughout the production however the witch doctor's costume and props are the most important aspect of the video. The luminous coloured outfit equipped with skulls and feathers reinforces the tribal aspect of the costume. In addition to this the video is filled with low-key lighting and is integral to maintaining the ambient atmosphere of a club.

Director style: The director has created a very fast paced video with a seemingly low budget, this has mostly been achieved from an authentic costume design and the use of fast paced editing (Jump cuts) and lighting. The low-key lighting coupled with the strobe and visual distortions creates an energetic performance and a video that could mimic that of a night club scene. 

Elements linked to your idea: A factor to consider could be the low-key lighting, strobe lighting and jump cuts.