Brainstorm; Who Says

Before we could get started on the more exiting aspects of 'step one' we thought it essential to grasp a better understanding of music videos. We did this through hours of research into music videos, continuously using YouTube to view music videos, then read the comments below them. We decided to split up and work independently, researching into aspects we were most interested in, then regrouping to discuss our findings.

Individually, I decided to begin my search by researching music videos which I liked most at that time, but additionally researching into my favourite songs, to watch their music videos. My first search was of my favourite singer John Mayer's new single 'Who Says' which had been recently released, but I had not had the chance to view.

Immediately, I couldn't help being attracted to the contrasts and saturation's used in many of the shots, with a bluish glow surrounding the subjects in the display. The song was very melodic ad had a very relaxing, homey feel to it, therefore opening the video with a lonely John Mayer walking over an empty bridge, in a reminiscent manner fits in with the atmosphere of the song perfectly.
Furthermore, the song definitely has a message running through within the lyrics, in which the artist proclaims how his free will can never die and he has the power to do what he wants with his life, which is why the music video shows him on a night out with his friends, as well as various flashbacks, shown through a change in colour contrasts, or presented in the form of a picture.




Overall I think the camera work along with the simple, but effective uses of colour contrasts create the perfect atmosphere for the song. When analysing music videos it's always useful to think to yourself whether the video changes your view on the song in a negative way, or improves and enlightens your perception of it. In this case for me, it is certainly the latter.The song is powerful and meaningful through simple, relaxing melodies, which is reflected similarly in the music video with a friendly, warm atmosphere and insight into the normal, un-glamorised life of John Mayer. The director of the 'Who Says' music video, Anthony Mandler and John himself stated that "we want the end result of this, for the fans to watch it and go 'Man, I think I could hang out with that guy.'" which is accomplished with style by the final product.

The reasons I found this particular piece of work so appealing was its difference from many of the music videos I see in the chart hits. It was not over sexualised, or over glamorised and additionally, it was very nice for me as a fan to have an insight into the life of my favourite artist and the kind of things he enjoys doing with his friends. The display was never overcrowded or filled with effects, making it very easy viewing. I loved it!