Noah and the Whale - Advert

Noah and the Whale – The First Days of Spring

Image

Mise en Scene

Setting – The grass indicates that the band is outdoors perhaps in a countryside setting. This gives the sense that the band is free and has a wide range of opportunities. This is significant because they feel free to do something different with their music.

Position – The one band member is closer to us and is holding a camera. This essentially places him in control, which indicates that he is the lead in the band. The others are all positioned behind him and are looking up to the sky, which is a peaceful and hopeful image. The optimism is something that seems to often be promoted in the advertisements of indie artists.

Colour – The majority of the colour is pale blue. Blue has connotations of being relaxing and calm. This is significant because it links with the serene image of the band members all relaxed and also could give an indication into their style of music.

Copy

Font – The font differs because there is quite a bit of copy on the advert. The albums name is in a curly softer font, which seems more carefree and laid back indicating that the music is serene and relaxing. Whereas the bands name is block capitals which gives the idea that the band want to show that that they are serious in their music and that for them its their personal efforts that’s gone into this, its not just a chance to play around in a recording studio.

Colour – All of the text in the image is black. Black is a bold colour that clearly stands out from the background, which could suggest that the band is trying to make a statement and be bold. It also is a confident and assured colour suggesting that the band is confident and comfortable in who they are and the music that they produce.

Genre

The elements communicate the genre mainly through the use of colour. The light and serene colours create the sense of freedom and opportunity that is offered by the Indie genre. The Indie genre is also shown through the band members having quirky hair cuts showing they don’t conform to fashions or what’s in and dare to be different which is a common idea within the Indie genre.

Target Audience

The target audience for this band seems to be younger people. This is shown through the use of fresh and light colouring in the advert. Also the sense of adventure provided by the use of grass and the natural setting along with the camera suggests a journey of exploration. This is significant because it indicates that the band are aiming at a generation that haven’t developed a life long musical taste in a particular genre therefore they are more open to new kinds of music/musicians.

Mode of Address

Only one of the band members looks straight towards the audience and this is mainly through the camera lens as if he is photographing the audience. This suggests that the band value the audience and mark them as something special and their audience is a big aspect for them. Also it draws the audience in as it’s a quirky mode of address and the quirky style is a common feature within the Indie genre. The mood of the advert is a serene and relaxed atmosphere mainly brought about by the light natural colours.

Tagline/Title

The title of the advert is “first days of spring” which anchors this natural feel. Also springtime is a fresh season and a new beginning. This is significant because it may indicate that the band themselves have big aspirations for the future and that this is only a beginning point, they still have so much more to offer. Also the ratings and reviews on the front say use words like ‘beautiful’ which serves to anchor the whole tone and mood of the advert. The natural beauty is significant to the band because it suggest that they won’t hide behind technology and glamour but instead be themselves in their approach to music.

Representation

Gender – The representation of males in the advert shows a countertype of the usual view of males. For example the fact that they are interested in photography, beauty and nature go against stereotypes like men love football. This significant as it suggests that the band don’t want to conform and follow the crowd and they are not afraid to fully embrace their passions.

Enigma

The enigma is created by the fact that we don’t know why the camera is being aimed at the audience – what is the point of the photography… Will there be more photography in the CD when is released. Also the fact that the air of mystery and magic about the piece as its slightly blurred and unfocused adding a hazy misty atmosphere to the advert.