Introduction to the Band and Analysis of Music Videos

I chose Versus by Area 11, because I found the song had more of a meaning than other, more basic songs. I had also listened to this song so many times that I already had a vague idea of how to create a narrative music video for it. I have enjoyed this style of music for many years now and I feel very inspired to create in collaboration with it.

Area 11 are a Bristol-based band, in affiliation with popular YouTube gaming group The Yogscast, who create content based upon videogames, roleplay and comedy. Area 11 formed in 2010, in Nottingham. Initially, the band’s creators based the majority of their songs on Japanese animes, which allowed them to create their own genre of music; Gaijin or ‘foreigner’ rock. Initially, the band consisted of singer and synth player Tom "Sparkles*" Clarke, Luke Owens performing lead guitar and vocals and Alex "Parv" Parvis on rhythm guitar. Later on, in 2010, Leo Taylor joined as the drummer of the band. In 2011, Tim Yearsley joined as bassist, but left part way through the year, to be replaced shortly after by their current bassist, Jonathon "Kogie" Kogan. In late 2012, Owens left the band and Parvis took over the role of lead guitarist. Initially, the band was signed to the Yogscast Studios record label, due to Clarke and Parvis' employment by the group but, following their resignation in 2014, Clarke went on to create is own label, known as Smihilism Records.

Shi No Barado was released in April, 2013 and reached number 1 in the UK Breakers charts during the following month. It beat Macklemore, We The Kings and AWOLNATION to the spot. In the performance scenes, the band members are sporting matching formal wear, consisting of black waistcoats, white shirts and black ties. In Beckii's scenes, she is wearing what is known to the Japanese as the otona kawaii style, which is a form of mature yet cute attire. In the dream scene, she maintains a cute look, but with a more alternative theme. The majority of the filming was done on the Isle of Man, with locations including Beckii's house, the Villa Marina, a forest, a harbour and, during one of the last scenes, a lighthouse. Beckii wore normal face-up, with accentuated eyes. She used eyeliner, mascara and false lashes, to make her eyes seem larger. This song is a love song, in the genre of Gaijin Rock. I believe the image they were trying to achieve is similar to that of Japanese music videos, but blending their commonly used themes with that of popular music videos from western culture.


This video was released in November of 2013. Heaven-Piercing Giga Drill was released on the album All The Lights In The Sky, in January of 2013, and then again, as a single in November of 2013. The band members are wearing casual clothing, in consistent black and white. This clothing choice is most likely due to the fact that this is a performance video and casual clothes allow a wider range of motion and more comfort. The entire video was shot in front of a green screen, to allow for effects to be projected onto the background. The lyrics are inspired by the anime Gurren Lagann, and have a lot of reference to it. This song is also of the Gaijin Rock genre and they have strived for a contemporary or modern image with this video.


The video for All The Lights In The Sky was released on the 1st of January, 2014. The video consists of shots of the song’s production. There are also artistic shots of Clevedon Bridge, sots of the band walking across Bristol Bearpit, along with travel shots of different areas. Te main footage is of the band walking across Bristol, with different angled shots. The footage is all black and white, with the band members wearing their own clothes. There is no solid narrative to this video. The song is a love song, with talks of sacrifice for love. The genre is Gaijin Rock, and this will be one of the last songs that they publicise as Gaijin Rock.