Age Ratings on Music Videos

In the media recently it has been discussed whether there should be age ratings on music videos, like there are on films, as people are becoming considerably more concerned about the extent of sexual content in music videos that children have access to. Companies such as YouTube say they are committed to the idea but technical change may take time and Vevo have agreed to trial the scheme. Three of the biggest labels in the UK - Sony, Universal and Warner Brothers - have all also agreed to take part but it will only apply to artists signed to UK labels. The BBFC will be deciding what age ratings to give the videos like they do for films. David Cameron is piloting the scene and has said he wants "to help parents protect their children from some of the graphic content in online music videos".

Vevo have said "While Vevo is a supporter of artist expression and free speech, we do believe it is important to inform parents and viewers about any music video programming we distribute that may not be suitable for all viewers." 

Analysing The 1975

Robbers by the 1975 is in the Indie Rock genre. 

Lyrics: http://www.metrolyrics.com/robbers-lyrics-the-1975.html 

The lyrics of this song are referring to a relationship. The mask referred to in the lyrics "But if you just take off your mask, To find out that everything's gone wrong" suggests that they aren't showing their true selves and they could feel safer with the mask on. The death "And he's got his gun, he's got his suit on, She says, "Babe, you look so cold" suggests that the relationship being talked about is falling apart and the "robbers" are an extended metaphor throughout. 

The camera angles used are mainly close ups and two shots. The two shots show the two people constantly kissing and touching which indexically shows that they are in a relationship which links to the lyrics talking about being in a relationship. The close up further reinforces the relationship between the two people. 

The mise en scene is important as it makes it clear what the genre of the music video is such as the costumes worn which are tight jeans, open shirts and the style of hair cuts. There is also smoking, sex and guitar shown in the video which adds to the sense of this being a part rock video as these are the kinds of things that are related to rock artists. The location of the music video is very run down and could be described as "off the beaten track" which means its not mainstream like pop videos for example as its not being filmed in a recognisable/iconic location which can also be linked back to the indie genre. 

The song used in the video is just the music tack playing up until the robbery scene when the score stops and the diegetic sounds of the gunshots and shouting can be heard possible to emphasise the chaos and destruction of the relationship. 

The video is arguably a hybrid as it is mainly narrative however, there are small elements of performance towards the beginning of the video. They also cut between events in the video which make more sense at the end. This use of anti-narrative reflects the volatile/destructive nature of the relationship being talked about in the lyrics. 

Similar to the 1975's music video is Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood. 

They are an american rock band so their genre is similar to The 1975 and this is clear in their video.

"Cause it's too cold
For you here"    There is a reference to the cold in their lyrics similar to Robbers however, instead of the realtionship being discussed falling apart its about how "cold" they feel when their apart compared to when they are together:
"These hearts adore
Everyone the other beats hardest for
Inside this place is warm".

There are more varied camera angles in this video and there is no relationship being presented in the video, instead they are more focused on showing the band and the logo is focused on a lot, so its a lot about self promotion.  

The mise en scene is quite similar to the one shown in Robbers. Smoking is shown in the video which links into the rock genre which is a similar theme shown in Robbers. The video is in black and white which