Textual Analysis #4 - Coffee Shop Soundtrack - All Time Low

The video opens like the start to a movie, as an institutions name appears on screen. This gives the audience an idea as to what the video is going to be about as ‘Hopeless Sports Network’ is the institution ‘channel’. As the word ‘hopeless’ is featured is shows the audience that this video is going to connote something being a disaster. Shown underneath this is the band name ‘All Time Low’, giving the audience recognition as to whose video this is. The music playing over this shot is up tempo and unrelated to the song. As this shot goes off screen the music comes to a halt, as though a disk is being scratched, the music to the song then starts to play.

The first shot is a long, establishing shot of a gym locker room, shot through a fish eye lens. This gives the impression that the audience are trespassing to somewhere where they wouldn’t normally be allowed. This gives gratification to the viewer as they feel honoured to be able to see somewhere where they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to go. The shot then cuts to a long shot of the band in a steam room, linking and keeping with the theme of a locker room/gym and then a long shot of one single band member in a toilet cubicle, keeping with the theme of the video further. The shot then cuts back to a long shot of the band in the steam room and the drummer is shown mimicking playing as though they were drums there. This gives the impression that the band is relaxed and enjoys doing things normal people would i.e go to the gym. This makes them more relatable with the audience and gives them a wider target audience. The band are represented as normal people further as when they are shown on screen they are sat playing and singing between normal people. These people look oblivious to the band, reading and writing etc., giving the impression further that these are normal people. As the band are shown either wearing just towels or casual clothing (ie black hoodies and jeans) it shows that they are comfortable with who they are and don’t feel the need to conform to what is stereotypically known as ‘celebrity’, a convention of pop punk music and videos.

The narrative structure to the video is then introduced. The first shot we saw is brought back, however this time it introduces the first event that the band will be competing in. The shot then cuts to an extreme long shot, showing the area where the band and their opposing team will be competing. A medium shot is then shown to give the audience a good view of the bands rival, which also shows how professional they look and denotes a strong juxtaposition between them and the band. The shot then cuts again to a long shot so we can see the gymnast running towards the vault. The shot becomes a low angle shot, making the competitor look more superior than the band while also showing her jump and spin over the vault. A medium long shot of the judges is then shown to show to give the audience an idea about how good the gymnast it. It also provides a strong juxtaposition between how good the professionals are compared to the band.
The shot then cuts back to the steam room where the lead singer of the band (Alex Gaskarth) is performing, once again the other men around them ignoring them, adding to the fact that they are considered as normal people and not the stereotypical idea of 'celebrity'.

An extreme close up of the gym area is shown once more, however, this time when the shot cuts into a medium shot, one of the band are shown, looking slightly more unprofessional than the previous gymnast. The shots follow the same pattern as before which amplifies the difference between the two competitors and the reaction from the surrounding people and judges.

The next event is then introduced (balance beam) and, different to before, each contestant is shown directly after each other in a medium long shot, helping to create a further difference between the two. The shot then cuts to show the professional contestant performing on the beam and then the band member, who proceeds to lay on the the beam and pretend to swim whilst blowing kisses. This, contrasting with the previous contestant, provides humour for the audience. The medium shot of the judges is then repeated, showing the difference in scores and creating the juxtaposition between each contestant further.

The next event is 'uneven bars' and shows the band becoming in control as the long shot shows them greasing the bars up in order to sabotage the other competitor. The low angle shot of the band watching the girl on the bars show further that they are in control of the situtation and also lets the audience see a clear shot of their expressions and reactions to the girl falling off the bars. The band are then seen in a variety of long and medium shots performing throughout the locker room, steam room and showers. As the band are performing whilst in the shower it gives the audience a view of places they'd never usually see and lets them explore the band in palces that would usually be out of reach. This also continues the idea that the band are ordinary people who enjoy making music and enjoying things normal people would.

Following on from the idea that the band are in charge of the situation continues in the steam room where, whilst singing, Alex Gaskarth grabs the camera and sings into it. This connotes, not only, that the band are in charge of the situations throughout the music video but also that they are in charge of their music in general and that they are not manaufactured i.e they make and sing all their own music. This links with the idea that they are not conforming to the known idea of celebrity.

The final event is introduced on the screen in the same way as before. A variety of medium and long shots cut in with each other to give the audience a good, clear view of the gymnasts routine. A long shot of the band is then shown next to the judges table, who are unaware that the band are planning to sabotage the performance. The shot then shows the band picking up a mirrored object and aiming it so it shines in the girls face. The shot cuts to a close up of the girls face to show her shocked expression that something has happened to wreck her performance.
The shots cut quickly to the beat of the band performing in the steam and locker room, connoting a success at what they have done to the girl as the tempo is upbeat and congratulating.
The shot then cuts to a low angle medium shot, connoting superiority and high levels of control. A long shot is then shown to give the audience a clear view of the performance that's about to come. The band member performing plays up to the camera and puts on a show. This could be interperated as him acting for the audience at home, thus making them feel involved or him acting to the judges to ensure that they give him a good mark.
After the performance the medium shot of the judges is seen once more, this time with perfect scores, contributing to the control and success the band are achieving. A long shot of the judges and band celebrating is then shown to tell the audience of the success they have had. This could link with the band's lives as they are showing that at the start things will be a struggle and there will always be people that are going to look and act better than you but if you are persistant and constantly try you will get what you want, become successful and people will give you the recognition you deserve.

This video, although not following the same story as the Paramore one, is similar in the story and morals they tell as they both are saying that, despite being different it doesn't mean you should not be treating or be treat differently than others. Coffee Shop Soundtrack by All Time Low shows that even though you do not fit the norm of what is considered successful and talented. However, by having a successful music video the band are able to make fun of this concept and therefore show that you can be successful in whatever you want if it is what you enjoy and are passionate about.