Tag: BCM110

It is human nature to make an instant judgement of something before truly understanding its context or meaning.

Same goes with music.

Most often, we see an album cover before we hear the music, which implants a certain vision or expectation before listening.

The Lumineers album cover, ‘Cleopatra’, is a perfect example of this. This blog will reveal why and how this image is complex.

If someone had not yet listened to this album, the signifiers of this image would quite simply be that a young girl is dressed up like Cleopatra. It could be assumed that the album is about a dress-up party. Or about ancient Egypt. Perhaps it’s just an alternative cover without meaning.

No.

This image is complex because it represents the face of a hidden story. A story which is crafted by four songs on the album. The signifiers can not unravel the complexity of the image. The signified can only be unveiled through the songs.

The story behind the songs is called the ‘Ballad of Cleopatra‘. It is inspired by an elderly, rebellious, taxi-driver woman. Her name is Cleopatra, and the songs reflect her life journey.

The story is revealed by the songs Ophelia, Cleopatra, Sleep on the Floor and Angela.

Ophelia. Where the story begins. This song intends to remind the audience to appreciate the little things in life. The song is a perfect introduction to the story, as it foreshadows the purpose of Cleopatra’s story.

Cleopatra. This song is where Cleopatra reflects and reminisces on her complicated life. However, the song does not shed light to the sadness of Cleopatra. Instead, it focusses on her strength and wisdom gained from her troubled life and broken heart.

Sleep on the Floor. A reflective track about Cleopatra’s youth; when love was easy and life was simple. Cleopatra and her lover leave their small home-town to travel America. Although they have no money, they have each other; which is all they need.

Angela. The final piece of the puzzle. This song sees Cleopatra older and pregnant, and she’s unhappy. Life got in the way of who she truly wanted to be.  The song describes what life would be like if she had stuck to her free-spirit.

Look at the album cover again. Do you see it the same way you did before you knew Cleopatra’s story?

The black and white, fierce facial expression and intense outfit and makeup in the image represents boldness. What better way to represent Cleopatra?

This image is not complex to the eye.

The image is complex because it signifies a strong, yet beautifully complicated woman though an intricate story.

Reference list

Deep, S 2016, ‘The Importance of Album Artwork’, Humanhuman, viewed on 30/3/2019 https://humanhuman.com/articles/the-importance-of-album-artwork

The Lumineers 2017, ‘The Lumineers- The Ballad of Cleopatra (Official Video)’, Youtube, viewed 30/3/2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXsQJhoauxc

I have a great love for music. There is no better feeling than being in the audience of a live concert; everyone belting the lyrics, the hyped atmosphere, and being in the presence of your favourite artist.

My favourite experience as an audience member.

Flashback to my first music festival in early 2018.

I walked into the festival feeling nervous and intimidated- the large crowds, the loud music, the crazy outfits. It was an environment which was so unfamiliar to me.

The closer I got to the first stage, the more my nerves eased. The music and dancing which surrounded me made me feel free. Before I knew it, I was lost in the music; not caring about what was occurring around me.

As the day went on, I jammed to some of my favourite artists. The audience of every set had such a good vibe. I loved the sound of the crowd screaming the lyrics back to the bands. I loved how everyone was dancing like no one was watching. I loved being in an audience where I knew everyone shared a love for these artists. 

Of course, being in such a large audience does come with negatives. At times it was too jam-packed, making it hard to move. Being pushed around by unfamiliar bodies is not exactly a comfortable feeling. Towards the end of the day, my body naturally became tired of being in the hot and overwhelming crowds. But this didn’t get in my way of having a good time.

I’m not the only one with a love for being in the presence of live music. Festivals in Australia are more popular than ever. Australia’s live music attendance rate has grown 28.5% since 2013. In 2017, the Australian Live Performance Industry generated 23 million in attendance.

These statistics show that the growing attendance rate of live music is having a positive impact on Australia’s Live Performance Industry. This is why Gladys Berejiklian’s recent schemes to cut down festivals (also known as the ‘war on festivals’) is important to briefly address. Although Gladys’ aim to reduce deaths at festivals is well-intentioned, her method will only negatively affect Australia’s growing music industry. Australian’s deserve to maintain the right of being taken to a magical place through live music.

This experience taught me why festivals exist. It’s not about what you wear. It’s not about impressing people. It’s about being present in the music and sharing the joy with the other audience members. Australians must continue to make a stand for live music, so the magic of being an audience member can forever live on.

Reference list

Langford, J 2019, ‘Gladys Berejiklian Has Given Her Response To Mountain Sounds’ Cancellation’, Music Feeds, viewed 10/3/2019 https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/gladys-berejiklian-has-given-her-response-to-mountain-sounds-cancellation/

Live Performance Australia 2017, ‘Live Performance Industry in 2017 Australia’, Live Performance Industry Report, viewed 10/3/2019 http://reports.liveperformance.com.au/pdf/2017/LPA-Ticket-Survey-2017-Key-Findings.pdf