C1- Music Videos Flashcards
Analysis of Turntables of Janelle Monae
-all harmonious and peaceful
-establishing of her as the star
-concept of young girl in a virtual world, got to vote to create a better future, reflects that this timeline could be present or into the future.
-optimism as she listens to old technology, how race was treated early on in American history, beginning of movement to get equality for Black people.
context for Turntables
-Not specifically recorded for an album– Turntables was a single for documentary ‘All In: The Fight for Democracy’
-Released during the pandemic in 2020, which according to Monae was a time they found challenging mentally and uninspiring for writing music, therefore longer to next album after 2018’s Dirty Computer
-The song name Turntables is a play on words for change, with the lyrics encompassing the phrase “the tables have turned”, showing how things are changing and justice will be served.
-Song has a heavy focus on revolution and the need for change.
-An anthem to lift people up.
-Music video uploaded onto YouTube: 2.2M views, 46K likes and no dislikes, all as of 30/4/24
-“child”- director of Turntables music video isa music video producer who has worked with some of the biggest artists around today, like DOJA Cat, Tyla, Ice Spice, Janelle Monae, Victoria Monét. Wears a mask as doesn’t want to be put into boxes, just want the art to speak for itself.
-Key issues that are looked at withing the documentary, leading to themes within the song and music video: Georgia State Election, Voter Suppression Laws in USA, Activism within America, Stacey Abrams: a former Georgia state representative who is friends with Monae, Fight for Young and POC votes in America, Black Lives Matter.
-Jim Crow era laws
-1890 Mississippi constitutional convention, where they attempted to rewrite the 15th amendment to disenfranchise Black voters
-1898 Wilmington Massacre
-1915 and 1944 ruling against states that violated the 15th amendment
-1964 Civil Right Act
-1965 Bloody Sunday
-1965 Voting Rights Act
-2006 Voting Rights Act extended for another 25 years, until 2031
-2013 Shelby County Vs. Holder, meaning states with history of racial discrimination can change their election law without seeking federal approval. Used in Arizona, Georgia and Texas
-2020 Biden wins presidential election, whereas Trump and his allies claim voter fraud in cities where the population are predominantly Black, inferring they think their votes shouldn’t count
-2021 attack on US capitol, mainly white supremacists unhappy in the pivotal role Black people played in voting for Biden, getting him elected as the next US President.
Who is Janelle Monae? Trailblazer
Monaé is a trailblazer as they go outside of the box with their music and image, aren’t not afraid to challenge stereotypes and people’s preconceptions, and set new trends. This can be show within their music and imagery for their 2018 studio album Dirty Computer, which features a funk, hip hop and R&B sound, following Monaé exploring themes of identity and isolation.
Who is Janelle Monae? Activist
Monaé can also be described as an activist, for her work such as Hidden Figures, as well as not being afraid to stand up for what is right, especially in the face of adversity and the patriarchy, and demanding equality. This is probably seen the most in her song Turntables, for the Amazon Prime documentary, ‘All In: The Fight for Democracy’. The song focuses of themes of revolution and how things are changing within society, and the progress we have yet to make. It has a heavy political undertone, that Monaé uses to get her point and voice across.
Who is Janelle Monae? Role model
Finally, Monaé can also be described as a role model, especially for the younger generations, as she is setting new standards, and setting a new example. This is clear through her social media pages, such as Facebook and Instagram which have seamless integration between them, as she highlights body positivity, and expressing yourself authentically. This can also be seen through her latest album, 2023’s The Age of Pleasure, which focuses on themes of finding self-love and pleasure.
What does the director of the Little Bit of Love music video say the video aims to do?
-breaking down toxic masculinity; shown within the opening shot of Tom Grennan stood in the window surrounded by sunlight.
-the men threatening another man constructed to be innocent is used to reflect how there is an expectation for men particularly to be hostile and violent and grow into these personas that don’t accurately describe them, and what they want to do.
-championing people’s imagination and what they want to do with their lives; shown with the clip of Grennan and his younger brother leaving the corner shop with an inflatable swimming pool.
-showing reality of life and how ideas of society has infiltrated everywhere; shown with the clip of Grennan stood outside a block of flats, in front of a green sofa.
