Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor: Blog task

 Arctic Monkeys: Audience

1) What do we know about the Arctic Monkeys audience? Think demographics, psychographics and how they got into the band.

Arctic Monkeys' audience are likely to be white, middle class and reasonably young. Psychographic groups might include Reformers and Explorers. Recent global success pushed the band into bigger psychographic groups such as Mainstreamers. Audience pleasures would include diversion - the song is upbeat and fast-paced.

2) What audience pleasures are offered by the music video for I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor?

Audience pleasures would include diversion - the song is upbeat and fast-paced. Fans who followed the band from the early days might find a sense of personal relationship while many young people would get a sense of personal identity from the lyrics to the song (about going out to a club and drinking).

3) Pick out three particular shots, scenes or moments in the video that would particularly appeal to Arctic Monkeys fans. Why did you choose those moments?

- This is a performance video designed to look like a 1980s TV performance, It was filmed using old TV cameras to give it an authentic, nostalgic effect.

- The simple performance video subverts music video conventions narrative-based in the 1980s and 1990s.

- It opens with the singer introducing the song and adding the words 'Don't believe the hype'. This could be a reference to the online following the band built up using Myspace.

4) How did fans take a leading role in making Arctic Monkeys famous back in 2005?

The band were recording their first demos and giving them away to fans via burnt CDs. Fans soon began to share these demos, making Arctic Monkeys one of the first bands to become popular due to the Internet.

5) How are fans positioned to respond to the band? What does Arctic Monkeys want fans to think about their video?

Fans are positioned to respond to the band based on their personal perceptions and interpretations of Arctic Monkeys' music and image. In their videos, Arctic Monkeys likely want fans to perceive their artistic vision and connect emotionally with the themes and aesthetics presented. They may hope that fans view their videos as extensions of their music, deepening their appreciation for the band's creativity and storytelling. Ultimately, Arctic Monkeys likely aim to evoke curiosity, excitement, and a sense of connection with their audience through their videos, fostering a strong and enduring fan base.

Arctic Monkeys: Industry

1) How did the Arctic Monkeys first achieve success and build up their fanbase?

The Arctic Monkeys began to gain popularity as they handed out CDs, containing their 18 demo tracks, at various gigs. The group also gained quite the following on the social media platform MySpace, and are now described as one of the first bands to come to the public's attention through the Internet.

2) Why was P2P file sharing and MySpace an unexpected aspect to Arctic Monkeys' early success?

Myspace was released in 2003 and was one of the first major social networking sites. Myspace was used by bands and artists to gain fans without the need for a record company. The sharing of their music encouraged people to talk about and share their music, which created a buzz about the band.

3) How does the rise of Arctic Monkeys differ from how BLACKPINK were formed and became famous?

Unlike BLACKPINK, Arctic Monkeys weren't put together by an entertainment company, they were all friends from school. They formed in 2002 and wrote songs based on their lives and what they saw on nights out in Sheffield.

4) Who is Arctic Monkeys record label and how many copies did they sell of their debut album? Why did they choose an independent record label?

Arctic Monkeys' debut album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," was released in 2006 under the independent British record label Domino Recording Company. This album quickly made history as the fastest-selling debut in British music, moving over 360,000 copies in its first week in the UK alone. Its success continued globally, selling over 1.5 million copies in the UK and over 2 million worldwide. The band's choice to sign with an independent label like Domino likely stemmed from a desire for artistic control, cultural alignment with their Sheffield music scene roots, closer personal relationships with label executives, and a preference for retaining a fair share of their profits without the constraints of a major label contract. This decision ultimately allowed Arctic Monkeys to maintain their creative integrity while achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success.

5) Looking at the wider music industry, has the internet been a positive or negative development for record companies and artists? Why?

The internet has brought both positive and negative impacts to the music industry. On the positive side, it has democratized access to music, enabling artists to reach global audiences easily and allowing for more direct connections between musicians and fans. Digital distribution has also provided flexibility in release strategies. However, challenges such as piracy and the devaluation of music have emerged, leading to revenue losses for record companies and artists. Additionally, the vast amount of content online has increased competition for listeners' attention, making it harder for emerging artists to stand out. Overall, while the internet has opened up new opportunities, it has also required adaptation and innovation to navigate its complexities effectively.