Monday 9 January 2012

Coldplay - Target Audience

Who is Colplay's target audience? Coldplay's target audience showed surprising figures when i looked at their demographics. Supposedly their biggest fan base lies in the ages of 12-17 years old. Something i really didn't expect. Looking at images of fans in a queue waiting to see Coldplay or at a concert singing along to their music i found that most images showed fans aged around 20-30 years old. On Myspace, Coldplay has 444,965 fans, followed by another 293,283 fans on Facebook. Both social networks show a mixed range of all ages, as young as 15 to as old as 40. Looking at the demographics to see which gender preferred to listen to Coldplay, the graph showed very close results. 52% of males listened to Coldplay in comparison to 48% of females.

Has the audience changed over time? They first started out as their music was niche, they didn't have enough revenue to create fantastic video's which didn't amuse many audiences. Their songs had the same basic, slow tone, which only targetted a required taste in tat type of music. Their genre is alternative rock and post-britpop. They have recently brought out their new album Viva La Vida with a different and fresh sound. They have to make sure to produce music that fans of all ages can enjoy, so far their new album is doing well, selling 300,000 copies in the first three days it was released. By joining up with people such as Kylie for their 2009 album, this will promote Coldplay and bring them more fans.

How does the band appeal to different audiences? Coldplay appeals to different audiences through their music, the older generation of audience can relate to songs such as; "Yellow" and "fix you", the older audience use these songs for escapism, or to relate to similar experiences in their lives. Whereas the younger audience 16-30 can relate to the newer album "Viva La Vida", which has a bit more livlier beat to attract the audience with better videos. The bands carisma also appeals to the older audience, especially Chris Martin as he is represented as a charming, polite, well mannered, smart person. However, the younger audience will view the band as having messy hairstyles, with no up to date fashion sense

Does the band promote a positive response? yes bacause they are very influential in todays society majorly due to their public persona, th

Sunday 8 January 2012

Dizzee Rascal - Regulations and Global Issues

How has he been received in different countries? As the glaziers and magistrates go to work after four nights of riots across London and the UK, the search for understanding and the finger of blame are simultaneously pointing towards the MCs and rappers who Bizzle told me in January were "the real prime ministers of this country". Grime describes the world politicians of all parties have ignored – its misery (eg Dizzee Rascal's Sitting Here), its volatile energy, its gleeful rowdiness, its self-knowledge, its local pride, down even to minor specifics. During the 2008 US presidential elections, Dizzee gave a live interview to Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman, in which he described Barack Obama as "an immediate symbol of unity". Addressed by Paxman as "Mr Rascal" at one point, he suggested that hip-hop played an important part in encouraging young voters and humorously opined that he could well one day become Prime Minister. In many countries Dizzee has been received as a "rascal" due to his previous rebellious behaviour, but he is also recived as a positive role model and he has turned his life around and became a successful rapper and producer, with his own record label, in a sense many people aspire to be him men and women look up to him.

What are sales like in other countries? Dizzee Rascal released "Dance wiv Me", a collaboration with singer Chrome and songwriter/producer Calvin Harris. The track saw commercial success for the rapper when it debuted at number-one in the UK, also reaching number five in Ireland and number thirteen in Australia. The single spent four consecutive weeks at the top of the UK chart and was certified platinum the following year for surpassing sales of 600,000 copies. The rapper continued the line of success when follow-up singles "Bonkers", produced by Armand van Helden, and "Holiday", featuring Chrome, both topped the UK chart. The fourth studio album, Tongue N' Cheek, was released on September 21, 2009, peaking at number three in the UK and number twenty in Ireland. It was succeeded by the release of a fourth single, "Dirtee Cash", which gave the rapper a fourth consecutive top-ten hit when it peaked at number ten.
Most famous is Dizzee Rascal's collaboration with Colombian singer Shakira, "Loca". The track, which was released in neither the United Kingdom nor Australia, proved an international hit, topping charts worldwide, including Poland, Portugal and Spain.

Has there been any complaints made against him? Its rumoured through the press that they are going to be running a number of features condemning him and his record label for releasing a number of controversial music videos including images of pornography and graphic violence. The allegation of the sextape is rumoured to involve a well known female tv presenter. His controversial lyrics often have viewers adding alot of complaints as they are explicit and not fit to show on mainstream music channels. His attitude can be seen as ignorant and his language used (slang) is not acceptable infront of public figures and well-known stars. "innit". Complaints are made because of his background when he had stolen things, some of the public do not trust him and will not listen to his music because of that. His genre grime was a niche and was not really listened to and there was complaints as it was too controversial.
Why was they made and what was the outcome? The outcome was that the public who did not like him would just not listen to his music or watch his videos. He has said sorry for the "rascal" he has been in the past and he is increasingly changing his ways to become a better role model.

Dizzee Rascal - Marketing & Distribution

Where is his music publicised? Throughout America and the UK, TV, talk shows, upcoming artists using his songs, internet, YouTube, magazines, newspapers, billboards, laeflets, and clothing he has brought out. 
What methods are used to promote his music? His relationship with his audience as they can relate to his, His fashion sense and brands such as who he collaborated with; Nike and Ecko. His controversial lyrics, slang and attitude, his record label, fan clubs, tv adverts, billboards, magazines and collaborating with other well-known artists.
How is the music distributed? All over the world, in the United Kingdom and the United States, on download, CD, mp3, mp4, radio, venue's, tv and internet.
How much has he sold? He has sold millions. He has: 3 gold albums
A gold single (4 weeks at the top)
Indpendant lable
Worldwide touring spots.

What is his estimated worth? £1000000. Dizzee Rascals estimated net worth is $5 million this is due to the fact that he is a consistant extending celebrity, who is a world wide star and a phenomenom.

Dizzee Rascal - Background & Context

Dylan Kwabena Mills (born 18 September 1984), better known by his stage name Dizzee Rascal, is a Ghanaian British rapper, songwriter and record producer. His music is a blend of garag, hip hop, grime, ragga, pop and electronic music, with eclectic samples and more exotic styles. Best known for his number-one hits "Dance wiv Me", "Bonkers", "Holiday", "Dirtee Disco" & "Shout", his debut album, Boy in da Corner, won him the 2003 Mercury Prize. Follow-up albums Showtime, Maths + English and Tongue n' Cheek have all been critically acclaimed and certified gold, the last going platinum for sales exceeding 300,000 units.

What are the key stages in Dizzee Rascal's career? Meeting his mentor Wiley, getting Number 1 hits such as; Bonkers and Holiday. Winning a Mercury prize. He was voted number 1 album of the year by Planet Sound. Collaborating with other big artists such as Florence and the machine, His song "jus a rascal" was featured in "Kidulthood".Dizzee Rascal won the NME Award for Innovation. Dizzee Rascal made an international endorsement deal with urban brand Eckō and designed his own shoe with Nike in 2005. Creating his own record label "Dirtee Stank".

When did he start and how did he become famous? Through his mentor Wiley. He became an amateur DJ, making occasional appearances on a local pirate radio station. Aged 16, he self-produced his first single, "I Luv U". In 2002, he jointly formed the Roll Deep Crew, a 13-piece garage collective, with former school friends. Signed by the XL record label, he signed an additional solo deal. Dizzee then worked with his mentor Wiley to create the song 'We Ain't Having It' and also rapped on some 'Sidewinder' recordings.  Dizzee Rascal worked closely with his mentor Wiley, who created one of the first grime tracks, called "Eskimo". Grime is today still considered underground, despite Dizzee's large mainstream exposure. Dizzee's DJ, DJ Semtex, says, "the biggest conflict I have is with major labels because they still don’t get it."

How many albums has he sold to date? Dizzee Rascal has produced 4 albums: Boy in Da Corner, Showtime, Maths and English and Tongue N Cheek. His sales have exceeded over 300,000 units. Dizzee Rascals net worth is $3.5 million. Tongue n' Cheek is the fourth studio album by British rapper Dizzee Rascal. The album was released on 20 September 2009. It has been certified platinum by the BPI for sales of over 300,000, making it the best-selling album of Rascal's career.


What impact has he made on the music industry? Dizzee Rascal has made a big impact on the music industry as he has made cultures and genres of music such as grime more acceptable to the society. He also won the Mercury prize at the youngest age making him an idol and a very inspiriring role model. He also created his own record label "Dirtee Stank", which is intelligent and admirable. Finally, he has his own unique style of clothing and he collaborated with Ecko and Nike, who designed his own trainers. He is very talented which innovative ideas for the audience to enjoy.

Dizzee Rascal - Production

Who writes his songs? There are a variety of people who write Dizzee Rascals songs such as Dizzee himself, Calvin Harris and Nick Detnon. Most of Dizzee Rascals songs are written by himself with the help of Calvin Harris who wrote Holiday. Both singers combine their idea's to produce his songs.

Who records and produces the music? Himself and Nick Cage

Who manages him? Dizzee has a number of managers starting off with his main label manager, Laurence Ezra.
Tour manager Paddy Stewart whom have been by Dizze since the beginning of his career, and Nick Cage.

On what formats are the music produced? There are many formats in which Dizzee Rascal's music is produces such as; on a CD single, albums, computer downloads, phone downloads, mp3, mp4, television, internet - youtube, Itunes, Limewire, DVD and live performances/concerts.

Dizzee Rascal - Debates

Dizzee Rascal and Wiley were among the first to bring the genre to the attention of the mainstream media in 2003-4, with their albums Boy in da Corner and Treddin' on Thin Ice respectively. Dizzee Rascal garnered broad critical acclaim and commercial success with Boy in da Corner winning the 2003 Mercury Music Prize.

Controversial lyrics? "Dizzee who? Ras, Anarchic-arse, killer mc force...just about hurt me you shoulda marked me up on a rampage now I'm back 5 stab wounds couple scratchin bruisin and some chains" - "Knock Knock". "UK rapper stabbed in napa. Cause of gossip cause of chatter. He's still breathin he's still a dapper. Retaliate with gun clapper". - "Respect me". "I'm the type of boy that takes the bump with the grind (ok) And I'm the type of boy to take your girl from behind (ok)". - "Vexed". "All i care about is sex and violence" - "Bonkers". Dizzee Rascal has very controversial lyrics seen above, about 'sex, violence, crime, slang and swearing'.

Glamourising violence or social commentary? "They would love to cut my face but they just cock their eyes at me. Like little ladies would you wish you could express yourself. But violent silences from ya, stops ya so keep your feelings stealth - "Flyin". Dizzee is glamourising violence he sings/raps about it in nearly all of his songs, it is not in a postive way saying we should stop violence, violence is bad, he is suggesting using violence is good and that it is ok to use it. "All I care about is sex and violence". This is mainly glamourising violence I think as he has experienced violence in his own life and he is bragging about how he has dealt with it. How he would hurt his enemies. On the other hand Dizzee could be using these threatening violent lyrics to fit in with society, as many of the younger audience believe knife crime, gun crime and violence is 'cool'. When Dizzee raps about it he knows that his target audience will listen and be amused.

Race issues? The genre of music Dizzee rapped was not at first accepted alot in society as they were not use to it. Jungle, Dubstep, Drum and Bass and Grime music were invented in London and involve a number of artists from primarily Caribbean communities but recently Black Africans also, most notably Ghanaian and Nigerian. Famous grime artists include Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, Kano (rapper), Wiley and Lethal Bizzle. It is now common to hear British MCs rapping in a strong London Accent. "Passengers 'disgusted' as rapper Dizzee Rascal is thrown off flight".
A minority of cultures will not listen to Dizzee Rascals raps because of his type of niche music grime.

Saturday 7 January 2012

Dizzee Rascal - Audiences responses

How have audiences responded to Dizzee Rascal? A response from a public member. "I dislike him. However without him UK hiphop would be nowhere, Dizzee & Wiley made Grime but Dizzee turned his back on Wiley and grime for mainstream money which I think is unacceptable. Dizzee did have his reasons, he got stabbed in Ayia Napa and Dizzee said that Wiley provoked it, long story but the bottom line is, I don't think Dizzee should get any recognition as he has turned out to be a smug pop-star who doesnt care about his fans" Dizzee has made a big impact on the world, however upper class people believe Dizzee has a negative affect on audiences especially the younger audience. Dizzee raps about hard lifestyles, sex, violence and crime that upper class people can hardly relate to. Older generations also think Dizzee has a negative affect on society as he uses slang in his songs that the older audience cannot relate to, he raps which the older audience has not been familiarised to this genre and he sings about sex and drugs and violence, the older audience are traditional and therefore cannot relate to these controversial lyrics, they will feel embarrased to hear them. Finally, the younger audience aspire to be Dizzee as he is successful, who made something out of his poor background, the slang relates to younger audiences and so do the topics he sings about. The beat is lively and relates to partying that many young people do.

How can different audiences respond to the different aspects of his career? The younger audience can relate to his poor background and upbringing as many people from East London have the same upbringing. Audiences can be inspired by his as he is a successful song-writer, this is a hard skill, and many people would love to be able to do that. He is a style icon with his own brands, audiences see this as positive as Dizzee is not afraid to bring new styles to the industry, he is kept bust which shows he is dedicated to his work. He has had many number 1 singles and is in many of the chart shows. On the other hand, many audiences respond negatively to his controversial song lyrics, swearing, and crime he has committed in the past.

Record labels: XL Recordings (2003-2007).
Dirtee Stank (2003-present) He created his own record label.