Now, if you read the title of this blog then you will have realised it’s pretty self-explanatory. However, I felt like discussing this in a little more depth having experienced the uneasiness myself. And am pretty sure at some point in your life whilst sat in front of the TV, you have too?!
You would think that with anything, there is always a room for improvement. But when it comes to bhangra videos am not quite sure if that theory applies. Initially you would think that Bhangra is all about culture, roots, fields, trucks and traditional dancers. Not quite sure if that’s what artists these days have in mind though.
Don’t know if am talking for myself here or behalf of some of you reading this, but I don’t always feel very comfortable watching the Asian music channels these days when I’m surrounded by a lot of other people, preferably parents! Most videos today include flashy cars, club atmospheres, lots of bling and quite surprisingly white girls! [Something I’ve always found a bit odd.]
The sad part to the story is some of the tracks are actually really good but they ruin the meaning by unnecessary footage. Personally I believe videos should make sense but most importantly have a story line so it actually matches the lyrics. Unfortunately that’s not always how it is and not all music videos are family friendly.
But why is this the case? Is it because artists or directors even, believe they should throw in anything eye catching and trendy rather than the same old boring story line? Or is it because they know what people want to see and would rather keep things included that are more appealing in terms of keeping the attention of the audience or boosting their sales! For example throwing in a bunch of young models or parking up very expensive cars in a row, to some artists may seem like a better option. Why? Because they know it will most likely grab the eyes of many youngsters and it will probably do well. However, I don’t think many people from the older generation would think the same? Hmmm….
Having said that, don’t get me wrong… if the track itself talks about these fancy materialistic items then surely it’s not an issue for the video to portray them. I guess what am really trying to say is, if the song doesn’t talk about it and has no relevance to a random girl dancing or a bunch of people in a night club, then maybe its best to leave it out? Or maybe am being fussy? Or confused? Not quite sure!
But I suppose the real question is, who’s to blame for this though? The artist? The producer? The people in the video? The cameraman? Or US?
Is it just our perception on these matters that make it an issue?
I managed to have a chat with Birmingham based Panjabi singer, writer and producer: Foji Gill to see what his take was on today’s bhangra music videos.
It went a little like this…
‘’Nowadays a lot of music videos focus on fancy cars, young models and the high life in their videos even when it has no relevance to the song itself. Do you believe this stuff is essential?’’
‘’Definitely not. These guys are putting on a front trying to show people that they are rich and famous and really cool. It works in Hip Hop because they have the money and can afford to do that. But it’s all about creativity and thinking outside the box rather than imitating something that you think is cool. Believe me, they definitely don’t have the money to actually live like that and we definitely don’t make that much to pull it off!’’
‘’Would you agree that majority of videos now aren’t very family friendly? Is it necessary to add such scenes? For example: club scenes, random models wearing next to nothing or excessive amounts of alcohol with no reference to the lyrics?’’
’Yes I would agree, and it’s not necessary. However, they argue back saying that its what the public want but it’s probably the pervs and dreamers that want it and it’s the only view they seem to take. The majorities don’t want this! And once again it boils down to creativity [or lack of].
These days it seems like the easy option. In India the video makers insist on such videos and say that if there is no girl dancing around your song will ‘fail’.’’
‘’When it comes down to it, who do you think is to blame? The artist, the producer, the cameraman? Viewers maybe?’’
’The artist or the management has to take most of the blame as they do have the final say. Producer has to take some blame especially in India. As they are producing it I suppose. In the UK the cameraman is usually the producer [multi-tasking right]. In India I think that the viewers are to blame a bit as the youngsters are getting all westernized and it’s different to them!’’
‘’What’s your take on videos that include non-asians. For example white girls taking on the lead role? Do you think its an issue?’’
‘’Aslong as they are decent and acting well there is no problem but obviously they don’t mind showing a bit of flesh so when you get the rude boy type of videos, people are going to complain. The thing is you won’t get many Asian girls showing flesh so to do that they have goriya. Check out my ‘Bruah’ video, it was a hint to these type of video makes, that kids can do what you do. Haha.. ‘’
So having had the chance to speak to an artist within the industry who agrees with most of what I discussed earlier on, I now feel I’m not the only one going loopy! Thank God for that.. Although there must be another side to this story which am clearly missing out on still!
So, what about seeing it from an actual filmmakers point of view hey????
Hold your horses! I also got lucky and had the chance to speak to one of the industry’s very well known man behind the camera, Guvy Heer pictured below on the right with jaswinder.
‘’Guvy, from a cameramans point of view, would you agree that bhangra videos are becoming worse or more awkward to watch with the family?’’
‘’I have to disagree. Hindi film songs use women as sex symbols and show very explicit scenes and families watch it without any problem. We do that now in Panjabi cinema and its accepted, no one bats an eyelid! But if it’s a bhangra music video the littlest of things are scrutinized. Like if it’s a gori or the clothes etc. The same song like ‘Paisa Paisa’ can end up in a film and we’re ok with Katrina Kaif wearing next to nothing. People have made this perception not the industry!’’
‘’Do you feel that majority of videos we see today don’t actually reflect the song itself?’’
‘’From my experience people are single track minded in any industry. They will repeat what works and what sells whether it’s a big American rapper, a European dance song or Bollywood ballad. It’s easier to play it safe. It’s what we do as human nature! If rock bands can release album after album with a drum kit, electric guitar, bass and vocal, why can’t we have every song with a dhol, dholak, vaja and vocal? Once again it’s Asian westernized perception to not accept their own culture and to look up to western world as idols. It’s embedded within us and WE have made it the norm.
‘’Do you think artists need to bring back the desi folk touch within their videos? Or is it ok for them to just throw in whatever sells?’’
’If I make something and it sells, the guy next to me will copy me and get in on the action. If I make something and it fails, I won’t do it again neither will the guy next to me. The buyer sets these trends. If the market is flooded with something, it’s because it works. If we spend money, time and effort on a project, we want it to work naturally. Experimentation is rare and a big risk. With piracy and lack of shows there’s no income and room for experimentation. Put yourself in the artist’s shoes, would you take the risk? With so much money, reputation and career is at risk!’’
MY VERDICT:
Sooooo, that was quite a lot to take in! But having heard both sides to the story, I think I can conclude the fact there isn’t really a single person we could pin point when it comes to finding someone to blame. I suppose it really does come down to the viewers and their perception. Basically, it’s down to YOU and YOUR mind and how YOU take it. Artists within the industry seem to be doing what works for them and what they feel is acceptable. But whether or not there’s a right or wrong angle, is clearly down to the audience. That’s just my opinion! But I reckon having had the chance to hear it from two completely different individuals on the board, videos will continue to bring out what ‘works’! It’s as simple as that, whether we like it or not!
By Harpz journalist for Bhangrareleases.com
Follow
comments feed
