Research into Folk Music Videos:

Noah and the Whale

Justine Mason

Noah and the Whale

• English rock band with folk influences.• From Twickenham, London.• Formed in 2006.• Members include: Charlie Fink(vocals, guitar), Tom

Hobden (Violin/keys), Matt "Urby Whale" Owens (bass guitar), Fred Abbott (guitar/keys), and Michael Petulla (drums).

• Doug Fink (drums), the brother of lead singer Charlie, and Laura Marling (backing vocals) are past members of the band.

5 Years TimeIntroduction: title of band and song – typical convention of folk genre – presenting song – bright yellow, ‘happy’ colour and font – stands out against dark background.

Introducing band – names written next to them – more personal for audience - get to know band – same font as before – continuation of house style.

Mix of performance and cameo performance – band perform with instruments as well as sing to camera without performing – follows typical conventions of folk videos – shows musicianship. No narrative – random

footage with no real storyline relating to lyrics.

Editing: split screen – shows different instruments playing – creates interesting effect for audience – screens moving in time to music.

Lettering – shows lyrics – constant theme of lettering throughout video – same font and colour as title and names.

Lighting – mainly set indoors – artificial, dim lighting – emphasises dark, murky colour scheme throughout – goes against conventions of outdoor-set folk videos.

Handheld camera – home video effect – less professional, more personal for audience – adds element of humanisation – common convention of folk videos.

Costume: matching blazers, summery shorts and t-shirts – old-fashioned – as if from school photo/family photo – linking to lyrics of song.Colours - blue, yellow – keeping to colour scheme throughout – ‘happy’, bright colours reflecting upbeat song.

Location – pub – homely atmosphere – dark natural colours of walls and furniture – link to colour scheme and typical neutral/earthy colours seen with folk genre. Hints of the outdoors – nature – green trees in background – symbolising freedom – convention of folk.