Below is a slideshare presentation on Tim Crouch. It cover’s three pieces of work that he has created. If the link does not work, please use the following web address to find the presentation:
Throughout this module, I have become very interested in the concept of YouTube and how the idea of a YouTuber will go to extremes in order to gain a reputation that can either make or break them. Indeed, this idea of fame and the consequences of it has fascinated me as many class YouTubing as a “easy” job to make money when quite a lot of it comes from other projects. However, in doing a project on YouTube, one must be able to understand the drama that can be caused and I feel that the only way to do this is by analysing a “Diss” track.
According to the website, Urban Dictionary, a diss track is a song or piece of music “made by one artist to insult another artist.” (Urban Dictionary, 2018). In this case, a diss track can be used by a YouTuber of particular fame to tackle someone else such as an artist, another YouTuber or even someone of high importance. Through this idea of the diss track, the main aim is to humiliate them and make them feel that something must be done and normally, this can work to create supposed wars between YouTubers due to the fact they may feel the urge to fight back and insult that person.
In particular, this has been used from a set of YouTubers called “The Sidemen”. Created in 2013 from a set of YouTubers, the Sidemen were not only friends but housemates and set to entertain YouTube. During their time, they created a set of Diss tracks implying that they had a feud between them all and was used for controversy. (For more info, click here: http://ultimatesidemen.com/). In helping us analyse this idea of a diss track, we shall observe a track below to get the idea of mood, rhythm and the language used. However, I shall warn you that it does contain some heavy gratuitous language and topics of an extreme nature so if you are easily offended, I would recommend skipping this video and observe my analysis of the video.
From observing this video, there are a lot of things we can gain from this in terms of the culture of extremity on the internet. For starters, one thing I find fascinating is the use of the camera and it’s heavy influence of the low angle shot. Shown particularly in this video with Harry (WroeToShaw) stood on various objects such as a car, bars and even benches is a common trope in rap videos. Used as visual imagery for power and dominance, this idea of using the angle is used as mockery not just to signal power but as if they are trying to knock that person with that power as if they wish to mockingly hurt them. Thus, the idea of this, can be seen as extremely comedic as if he is trying to hurt KSI without disrupting his own fandom.
Low Angle on Rap Artist.
(KanyeWestVEVO, 2011)
As well, another thing that makes the diss track comedic is it’s use on the extreme reaction at the beginning in which Harry smashes his computer after hearing KSI’s lyric, “F**k the Sidemen” (W2S, 2017). This use of the reaction is not only shocking and comedic but can relate back to the young culture in which it mimics how extreme a reaction can be and what is expected of youth culture. Thus, this can be seen as extremely funny due to the fact that it shocks the audience and hooks them into the rap.
Another thing that I find interesting about this staging of this piece is the use of costume as a lot of times, it is used to make a statement. Usually, hip-hop artists/ rap artists use the clothing to make a massive statement about their clothing by either wearing garish clothing that would not normally be worn or a jacket that consists of fur to give the impression of a modern day gangster. The use of the clothing once more asserts dominance as if the clothes are a message concerning the idea of “trends” and helps assert the idea that it is ok for the youth to act in this manner or mimic this type of behaviour.
Finally, one of the other uses for the diss track is the use of dialogue and text. Throughout the song, there are various references to the artist’s (KSI) life and his allegations towards sexual harassment including the phrase “You’ve got a girlfriend now to be fair to you/ So tell me/ Did you sexually harass her too?” which can be extreme and is seen not only to offend but to shock an audience (W2S, 2017). This use of this particular phrase allows us to think twice about this person and makes us question if this is the person we know or whether it is not who we think it is allowing us to therefore not only question his actions but also rethink about his actions. Indeed, this is done in a tone that is very loud and noisy as if we are meant to hear and not only question but also respond in a very aggressive manner. Thus, we could say that by the use of the dialogue, it allows us to be in a state of questioning and as if we are able to humiliate and “roast” him.
Overall, the track raises loads of questions concerning the issues of our culture. The use of the diss track viscerally allows us to attack certain people and also by creating a safe boundary of dominance to remind us that what they are saying is fake. This is something I wish to consider for the performance as I feel it could be interesting to observe how people react to a culture like this in performance instead of something else as a rant as I think that the idea of internet culture is becoming even more important as the days go on.
Works Cited:
KanyeWestVEVO (2011) JAY Z, Kanye West – Otis ft. Otis Redding. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoEKWtgJQAU [accessed 22 Februrary 2018].
Urban Dictionary (2018) Top definition – diss track. Available from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=diss%20track [accessed 22 February 2018].
W2S (2017) W2S – KSI Sucks (RiceGum & KSI Diss Track) Official Video. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmcfL_qLhMo [accessed 22 February 2018].
In focusing on space, one must be able to understand the possibilities in exploring the space that is picked. This was clearly shown in an activity that we wished to do in class and explored for a week.
In the task, we were split into small teams in which we were asked to explore a particular space from a set of options we were given. Our group decided that we wish to get a tight corner and we started to think about the possibilities of the space. As we did not get specified whereabouts our space was, we started brainstorming some ideas in which we began with the idea of a boxed up corner including silhouettes. The reason we started with this idea was that, as a group, we felt that whilst “Language barriers are the most common communication barriers which cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations”, universally we are able to understand emotions and feelings from actions that humans do (Businesstopia, 2018). Thus, we had this as an idea to explore to evoke the ideas of how people may feel as if they are excluded and yet there can normally be a universal language that is seen through movements instead of being secluded by the way we speak.
However, in furthering the idea, we found issue with it as we were concerned that the idea would not be able to progress and could come across as very episodic which is what we were not after. Therefore, we decided to change the idea as we felt that we wanted an idea which would not only entice the audience but make them feel uncomfortable as they watched the piece. Therefore, we decided to revert back to our childhood to the idea of when we were at Primary School.
In reverting back to the idea of our childhood and our time at Primary School, we decided to think about certain ideas such as the book corner and the naughty corner used as a “time out” area if a kid was acting out of order and needed some space away from the rest of the class. So, from this, we decided to create an idea based on the idea in which the book corner was an area in which certain books were banned. In discussion with the rest of the group, we decided to do this as there are certain texts around the world that are banned due to cultural reasons. Certain books that rose in discussion were texts such as Alice in Wonderland which is banned in China for its issues concerning that animals speak in the text. As well, other texts that arose were the Harry Potter books for its depiction of magic and also John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men for depiction of someone with a disability and also its attitude towards the American Dream. Below is a video discussing more books we thought about from YouTube channel, WatchMojo, to get an idea of the discussions we had.
(WatchMojo, 2015)
From creating the stimulus, we then started thinking about how the piece would progress and decided that it may be interesting with playing around on what books has been banned, reading them inside the audience and then stating where they are banned and why. The reason we wanted to do this was to showcase how silly some of the reasons are. For example, in the case of the Harry Potter books, certain states and countries have banned the book for its observations on magic and that it promotes the ideas of wizardry for younger children. Yet, as a book, it is highly regarded as one of the best selling children’s novels of all time so it is quite shocking that people will not allow this book in certain countries.
From doing this idea, we then explored the space by pitching it in the space and this I found very interesting. In exploring the space, it felt quite claustrophobic with the space we were doing it in as it not only felt intimate but quite oppressive. Indeed, the fact that it was done in the style of a ninety degree angle which were straight with chairs, it made me feel quite exposed and as if it was extremely formal as if there was nowhere to hide. Compared to if it was done on an arc with a different form of seating, such as bean bags which were discussed in our time, it made the space feel quite exposed and scary for the audience to observe and I felt that by having it done in that manner, it meant that the performance could come across as extremely formal compared to if it was done in an arc which would feel less scary and comforting for the actor to perform.
From doing this activity, this is a space that I really am passionate to consider as I feel that it is quite exciting to observe. Whilst it is limiting in terms of space concerning what is possible, I feel that with this space it would feel quite intimate and this is something I want to do with my solo piece. To me, performance is about that intimate moment between you and an audience and what is created in that small amount of time is magical as you have witnessed it. Thus, this is something to consider as a space and I am excited to workshop in the space how it may be oppressive and also how you can make it relaxed for both the audience and the performer.
Works Cited
Businesstopia (2018) Language Barriers to Communication – Definition of Language Barriers. Available from https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/language-barriers [accessed 19 February 2018].
WatchMojo (2015) Top 10 Books That Have Been Banned. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTpGunoyANA [accessed 19 February 2018].
In being able to analyse solo performance, one must be able to observe the various methods of solo performance put into practice. Indeed, by being able to analyse the piece, we are therefore able to see ideas placed into practice. This was clearly shown in Paul O’Donnell’s solo show “We’ve Got Each Other” which I got the opportunity to watch on the 8th February at Lincoln Drill Hall.
(O’Donnell,2017).
In Paul O’Donnell’s solo comedy musical, he takes on the premise that he was going to do a new Jukebox musical based on the music of Jon Bon Jovi except what he proposed has been denied. Through the set of lights and some effects such as sound and mist, we then have to imagine the musical as he reads the show to us as a workshop. Thus, we could say that he makes some interesting statements concerning musical theatre and that there has been a reliance on technology and the story to “spell out” the story out to us.
During the show, there was mainly a few changes that I was able to categorise as lighting and sound, dialogue in the musical, spectacle and the breakage of performance. The reason was as the concept was based on a supposed workshop of the show, it contained many sections concerning this in which Paul O’Donnell would have direct contact with the audience as if we were imagining what the show would look like instead of having it been made obvious for us through the spectacle of the musical. This not only created comedy but also allowed us to imagine the world of this show and let us have breathing space in letting us take in the shows spectacle.
However, what was interesting was particularly the ending in which O’Donnell decided to break the formula. Whilst there was still a sense of us being asked to imagine this spectacle, the show changed the formula in which O’Donnell showed us a final dance scene between Gina’s cousin, José, and Gina’s forbidden lover, Tommy. In doing this dance, he broke the rules by leaving the chair he had been sat on during the entirety of the show and therefore allowed us to get an idea of this choreography that would occur in this final fight in which Tommy would die. Whilst some may say that this idea to show it compared to getting us to imagine it, I felt it was very successful as it made us understand the style of dance that would happen in this knock off Paso Doblé dance.
Thus, in conclusion of this post, Paul O’Donnell’s piece was seen to me as a success. Partly, this is down to my own self love and passion for musical theatre as I love it but as well, it is also down to his witty comments among musicals. Particularly, the Jukebox musical which has always been seen as a bit tacky and lazy at times. His use of sound, dialogue, lighting and movement allows us to have breathing space and imagine the world of this make believe musical. As well, the use of this “stripped back” production highlights to us the issues that can arise when creating a musical based on the songs of an artist and what traps can arise concerning corny one liners to introduce the song or even a character and the amount of reprises of a song that can be done differently to wow an audience when it is exactly the same song but with a different tempo, different key change and is different to the first time you heard it. By a mile, it is hysterical and also very cynical in the way it approaches musical theatre but has helped me in understanding the importance of why there is a fourth wall. And of course, it’s musicals so why wouldn’t you want to watch something like that?
In self reflection of the piece, I have gained a lot from observing this piece. It has allowed me to understand how the fourth wall can be broken as well as the breakage of rules that you can set up in a theatre. It has also helped me in understanding the distinction of actor/audience relationship and this is something I wish to take on for my solo piece as well as the idea of stripping yourself back and making yourself very bare onstage. Finally, I have also learnt that ripping to shreds musicals is great fun and entertaining to watch even if you are a fan of musicals and this is something I hope to use with the idea of YouTubing and the community of YouTube.
In doing the module, we have been asking the question of what art means to us and why it means that much. So, in the style of Matt Chewiwie, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss my artistic statement and what it means to me.
What are your particular interests to art?
I have many interests when it comes to art. Partly, I’m a massive fan of musical theatre, drama and comedy as I feel they are the most enticing forms of theatre. But, mainly, the interests I have focus on the idea of storytelling as I feel that theatre comes from stories. Stories are things we find interesting and I think that these interests are important as it allows us to enjoy something more than scratching our heads and wondering what we watched. Therefore, my interests are fixated on the use of storytelling in performance and how they can not only engage an audience but bring them into an enticed manner.
Do you rebuke certain ideas about art?
Not really. Art can mean a lot to different people and to be honest, I won’t inflict my own views. If you want to like other ideas I hold then that’s fine. I just believe that sometimes when it comes to art, we become too fixated on making a point. Whilst I don’t disagree that art can be used to make political statements or that it shouldn’t, I do believe that it should be entertaining for starters. Otherwise, what is the point in making theatre when your audience would not feel engaged or interested in your work that you have created? Art should be a mixture of things but above all, it should be entertaining.
How can art be entertaining?
Art can be entertaining over a mixture of ways. Just because it is entertaining does not mean it must be funny or light hearted. If anything, it can be serious or abstract. So long as it is used as a way to captivate an audience and engross them into a show, that is how it can be entertaining. It has to be something that makes the audience feel like an active participant rather than a voyeur observing it from the outside. In many ways, art is entertaining because it is a way to express ideas. However, the strength of art relies on it to be explicit and accessible to any audience. So long as it is clear and tries to tackle it in a interesting manner.
What do you want audiences to take away from your show?
A mixture of things. But, evidently, I want it to be two things. Accessible and entertaining. To me, the theatre is a place for anyone and everyone. It should not be for the highbrow or for those who have to read an entire textbook to understand art. So, I want my audiences to take away that the show should be accessible and something that anyone can connect to. Whether its something based on social media or anything, I want to rebuke any form of hierarchy and help an audience in understanding that art can be for anyone.
But evidently, I don’t want to use art as a means to make a political statement or a issue. If anything, I want it to be fun and something that can entice an audience so they are engaged with my work that I produce onstage. I want theatre to be, at its core, a hobby and an experience for people to watch. Theatre should not be focused on making statements. By all means, we can make statements concerning world issues, like feminism for example, but it should be something to enjoy. At it’s heart, I want my work to be entertainment first and anything else second.
So that is my artistic statement, in the next few posts, I will discuss ideas I have in mind for my solo performance that I wish to do. Till then folks.
