Choosing the song for my Major Task

For my Media Studies music video project, I have chosen the song “Riptide” by Vance Joy. This song was released in 2013 and became popular around the world due to its unique sound and creative music video. It is an indie folk song with a relaxed but also mysterious atmosphere. The track mainly features ukulele and Vance Joy’s voice, which gives the song a very recognizable style.

One of the main reasons I chose “Riptide” is because of its unusual and artistic mood. The song has a calm feel but the lyrics are quite imaginative and sometimes dark. Lines about magicians, the “dark side”, and unusual imagery create a sense of mystery. This makes it very interesting for a music video because there are many different visual ideas that could represent these lyrics.

Another reason I chose this song is because I personally enjoy listening to it. I like the relaxed indie style and the ukulele rhythm. The chorus is easy to recognise, which makes the song engaging for an audience. Because I already like the song, it will be easier for me to feel motivated and creative when planning and filming the music video.

The mood of the song is quite unique. It feels both calm and energetic at the same time. The steady rhythm creates a laid-back vibe, but the lyrics and vocals add emotion. This mixed mood could be represented visually through interesting shots and lighting.

In terms of music video conventions, “Riptide” fits into the indie genre. Music videos in this genre often include:

• Artistic imagery

• Creative editing

• Narrative elements that follow the lyrics

• Unusual or aesthetic shots rather than a clear storyline

  
  

The original music video for “Riptide” uses many symbolic images and quick cuts that relate to different lyrics in the song. This style allows the video to feel visually interesting. For my project, I could use similar conventions such as symbolic objects, creative camera shots, and editing that matches the rhythm of the music.

Overall, I think “Riptide” is a good choice for a Media Studies music video because it offers a lot of creative freedom. I also chose this song because I enjoy it personally and I think it will help me create a music video that is engaging and creative.