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ASSIGNMENT #1

Music Video Analysis

As media consumers, it is important that we are capable of critically examining new media. This assignment requires you to be critical listeners and viewers while analyzing a music video. You will analyze the symbols, cultural content, aesthetics and artist's intent of a music video featuring an Indigenous recording artist / group.

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Step 1:  Choose a music video by an Indigenous recording artist / group.  Feel free to                          use the curated list of artists from the videos we have already viewed.

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Step 2:  Watch your video a few times.

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Step 3:  Write an analysis of the music video.  You may type or print your answers in                            paragraph form OR create a one-pager that demonstrates your understanding.

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Step 4:  Submit your assignment to Ms. Miller by Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

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Assignment Outline

Your assignment must include: 

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  • Name of song/video

  • Name of recording artist/group

  • Name of production company/director of music video

  • Your name

  • Respond to at least 6 of these guiding questions in your analysis:

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Personal Connections

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  • Do you like this video? Why or why not?

  • What are the most effective parts or aspects of this video?  Why do you believe this?

  • What does this video mean to you? What did you see in the video that made you come to this conclusion?

  • Does this video bring any questions to mind?  What questions?

  • Can you relate to the video?  How?

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Semiotics

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  • Do you see any symbols in this video? Why do you think that the artist used these symbols?

  • What culture do these symbols resonate with? Do they resonate with you?

 

Social and Cultural Issues

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  • Is the artist for or against anything?  How do you know?

  • To what age group does this video appeal?  Why do you think this?

  • Is the video racist or sexist?  If yes, give specific examples.

  • Does this video support any stereotypes?  If yes, give specific examples.

  • What political or social issue does this video bring to mind?  What makes you think about this?

  • Does the video use any historical video/film clips? How does it use the clips?

 

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Interpretation

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  • What does this video say to you?  Provide examples from the video.

  • What does it say about the artist?  Provide examples from the video.

  • Is there anything of which this video reminds you?  Explain the connection.

  • Is there anything in the video that reminds you of something you have studied in school?  Explain.

 

Artist Intent

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  • Do you see any works of art in this video? Do you believe the artist was influenced by someone else?

  • Do you see any product placement in the video? Is this video selling a certain product?

  • Do you think your interpretation of this video is what the artist intended? Does it matter?

  • Can we always know an artist’s intent? Is an artist’s intent, when available, always relevant to the meaning of the video? To a work of art?

  • Should the artist’s stated intent be the final arbiter when determining the accuracy of an interpretation

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Guiding Questions adapted from:  Arts and Justice​

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