How effective is the combination of your main product and

ancillary texts – Task 2 Advanced Portfolio

By Fiona Winter

Star Image – Richard Dyer

• The term ‘star’ refers to the semi-mythological set of meanings constructed around music performers in order to sell the performer to a large and loyal audience

• Star image is how the band’s appearance is presented to their target demographic. They are often incoherent therefore making the target market continue to try and ‘complete’ or ‘make sense of’ their image furthermore, continuing their interest in the band.

Keith Negus

• Negus is a media academic who suggests that record companies work with two ideologies in the promotion of artists.

• The two ideologies are ‘organic’- where the record company has ‘nurtured’ the band and the other is ‘synthetic’- where the record company has ‘constructed’ the band.

Institutional context

• Our record label was influenced by ‘XL Recordings’ who have signed; Cajun Dance Party, Friendly Fires, Jack Penate, Vampire Weekend, Radiohead.They sign with bands who have music which appears to be original and inventive.‘Best Independent Label Award’ XL Recordings is set for a more individual, alternative, different look in music, with such big bands as Radiohead.

Institutional Context

• Another record label that influenced us was ‘Transgressive Records’. They have signed with; The subways, mystery jets, the young knives, larrikin love, foals, the rumble strips, johnny flynn.They are an independent record label based in London, artists signed to Transgressive tend to be of a more alternative, independent, different style and sound, such bands as foals who are in the indie scene in London.

Target Audience • The Coo Coo Club appeal to students aged 16+, male

and female. • Our target audience members would be festival-goers

who listen to original, unique styles of music. They find their music from word of mouth, small music gigs and music shops that sell vinyl records. Other bands that’s they are inspired by would be passion pit, vampire weekend, the foals and the mystery jets. Older bands that they may like would be the smiths and the cure. Our target audience would have an alternative, original styled dress sense and laid back attitude to society.

Star Image – Qualities

• Youthfulness

Happy

Positive

Lively

Natural

Environmentally friendly

Laid back Relaxed

• Originality

Instruments – presents their organic ideology

Abstract concept- through the use of lanterns and bikes

Happy Positive

Light-hearted

These star image qualities are represented through the bright colours and relaxed costumes worn

Creativity

It has an artistic and creative approach due to the lines cutting through the images- especially on the album cover (right)

The design on the both ancillary texts are very recognisable in conjunction with the music video therefore making it easily identifiable in stores.

The fonts and designs used on both ancillary products link to their star image as it promotes their creativity, originality and relaxed representation.

Environmentally Friendly

Electricity powered by bikes

Pedal power

Outside

Field location

Trees

Nature

Bikes

Lights powered my bikes

Combining ancillary texts and main product.

• The combination of both the ancillary text and the main product are very effective as they are easily identifiable due to the distinctive colours and lighting. There is a distinctive link between the video and poster/ CD cover which allows are target demographic to find our product more easily than if they didn’t link at all.