The music video for the song “woe to you!” by Martin Benoit focuses mostly on the actual connection the song is supposed to have with the viewer at hand. The song itself is inspired by a verse from the bible and takes the power of the verse to communicate a commonly seen issue in the certain branch of religion. It also tried to reach the point of view of an intermediate individual who is just trying to help fix the said issue.
This is also used to represent social groups and issues. The song represents two social groups in different ways. The first group represented is the hypocritical Christians who tend to make offensive or judgmental comments to those who also follow their religion due to their different perspective. This idea included in the song itself also links to the bible verse mentioned in the past paragraph the bible verse, Matthew 23;27 also includes the name of the song. Overall, this part represents the toxic part of the said religion by showcasing how their toxicity is hypocritical by showcasing how although they are “spreading the word of god” they are contradicting some of the statements of their own bible. This also highlights the issue that toxic religious individuals harm the actual idea of religion which is to create unity and a community amongst the people. The last group represented is also those affected by toxic religious ideas which are only shown during parts of the lyrics of the song. Overall, all of those included in the toxic Christianity including victims and attackers are highlighted.
This also ties down to creating a sense of branding when in relation to the artist. The artist seeks to showcase religious intent and connection with set religion. By using not only the bible verse and highlighting the purpose of the story being told by the music the production allows to create that said branding for the artist. There are also different ways in which the production helps set this branding, for example with the showcase of significant religious signs along the music video and other promotional parts. For example, in the end of the music video the artist can be seen holding a bible. This helps create that branding of a religious individual who makes religious music by not only including the bible but also by in that same part a text popping up showcasing the bible verse linked to the song. The second that the branding of religious artist is showcased is in the Digi pack part of the production. In this not only yet again is the bible verse seen but, in the album, cover and front portion of the print section there is a cross seen. Overall, all these elements work together to allow the singer to create a sense of branding by that branding being a religious woke singer who hopes to get religious messages across to bring unity to the members of his religion.
In addition, this is also by using the products to engage with the audience. The intended audience for this specific song was religious individuals who feel wronged by the toxicity of toxic religious stereotypes. Through showcasing all the examples of the artist “calling out” the toxic members the viewer can connect with the artist in different ways. For example, by following social media. Social media is made to interact with the audience of the artist and overall works together to bring a sense of connection. Another way in which the products engage the audience is by using a modern style. The style of font and even song genre help work together to engage the young audience by allowing them to listen to something relatively political which is the harm of toxic religion with the use of a modern easy to listen to catchy song. This is also followed up by the simplistic music video which uses various cuts to keep the attention span of the viewer. Overall, there are various ways in which the artists and the products made from the project help reach the audience and overall engage them to make sure that the intended idea is successful.
All of this was also possible due to the research done. By researching the whole process became easier. The research put into the project allowed general ideas and information to be built. These ideas are what made the idea of challenging the toxic conventions possible. By having the opportunity to create a music video and promotional package for such a meaning full piece of music my life was truly impacted. The research put into this introduced me to so many different perspectives. By researching artists like Hozier who frequently challenge toxic conventions just to make sure that those unheard and unseen feel heard and seen to even just understanding more about the religious individuals who truly want to make religion a comfortable community. The research allowed me to make sure that the final products challenge the convention of toxic religious stereotypes. By using examples, using a sense of relatability, and overall, just forming a bond with the artists. The research put into the project allowed the project to be what was intended. An inspirational piece that would be used to inform those who hurt about how those how those who are hurt feel.
Overall, this production process and products came out as expected and I am glad that they were successfully able to reach their intended messages. This experience helped me reach a new level of understanding of certain topics which I never thought I could learn about and even brought me closer to people and to religion itself. I hope that the music video is officially used so others can feel the impact that I mentioned. I am just super glad to be part of something so special and honestly honored to be someone who could make this idea a reality. Although there were ups and downs. It came out as expected.
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