Rudimental - Waiting all night (by Beth Fowler)

Music Video Analysis

Rudimental are a well-known English drum and bass group who are relatively new in the music industry. They were signed by Asylum Records in 2010 and since then have been quickly rising to fame with the popularity of the drum and bass genre rising. The group were first recognised in 2012 when their first hit single ‘Feel the Love’ ft. John Newman was released. The single most definitely got them recognised, not just in the UK but worldwide and their fame widened when their second Single ‘Not giving in’ ft. Alex Clare was released at the end of 2012. Not giving in topped the UK singles chart and there latest single has received the same response. Their latest single is called ‘waiting all night’ ft. Ella Eyre and was released in the beginning months of 2013. Since then its success has grew and on April the 21^st 2013 it was officially named number 1 single at the time, topping the UK singles chart. All three of these singles are from their debut album titled ‘home’ and have all been successful singles.

   Waiting all night is an emotional music video that tells the true story of BMX champion and actor - Kurt Yaeger. Kurt Yaeger was involved in a serious accident in 2006 that resulted in his right leg having to be amputated. This caused many struggles for Yaeger and meant that he had to learn how to walk again let alone continue his passion for BMX riding. He did however persist to learn how to ride again and in the end won his battle and mastered riding a BMX with the loss of a limb. The video displays his motivation and passion for BMX riding and also features his fiends meaning the emotions and relationships displayed show real life circumstances and emotions, making the video more dramatic and moving for the audience.

   The video has a total length of 4 minutes and 52 seconds; this is a long length for a music video however the story is told in such a way that displays a lot of action (highs and lows in his story) therefore the length needs to be this long to display his victory and struggles. The action in the video is complimented by the music, when there are low points or struggles in his battle the music drops or slows and when he is succeeding or about to succeed there is a build-up of music and a sudden burst of high upbeat sound.

  In terms of Mise en Scene the video features a lot of detail with a variety of locations to tell the true story and keep the audience captured in the high emotion. The video features a lot of locations throughout, these include; Hospital, Main Characters House, Streets/ Roads, BMX park (ramps and equipment that professional BMX riders can practise on) and a room that a welcoming party is thrown in (this could be his house also however it is not clear). The range of locations gives the narrative depth and interest. It means the audience feel as though they are watching a short documentation of real footage as they follow him on his journey from his injury to his recovery. The hospital is a vital location in showing what has happened to him is serious and the sessions he goes to in order to improve his walking and balance is important in showing his steps in recovery. The jumps in time to his hospital sessions show it is taking time for him to learn how to live with his injury and his recovery was not just an overnight success. The changes in clothing and appearance are also importing in showing the passing in time. In the first hospital scene he looks very ill and weak. In the second hospital scene he looks as though he is taking his first physiotherapy session and his frustration towards the fact he cannot yet walk is clear. As the sessions go on you can see him looking healthier and happier with the progress he has made.  Losing the ability to walk so suddenly has to be very frustrating and overwhelming for someone especially as walking is such a simple task that’s done without having to think and showing this is importing in telling his story successfully. All of the characters are wearing casual clothing, this displays the video as more of a documentary showing his story as detailed and truthfully as possible. Another way they have tried to get across his true story is by using some real footage taken at the time, this authenticates the narrative and relationships shown.

   The video displays both day and night scenes and uses mainly natural lighting (this lighting could be synthetic made to look natural in some circumstances such as light leaks). The natural lighting again makes the video seem more like real life footage and helps to compliment the positivity in the action and negativity also. The light leaks shine through in the parts of the scene where the main character is winning his battle and progressing quickly. The light shining through symbolises happiness and positivity for him, it almost looks as though someone is watching over him and when he is fighting to overcome his injury there are people there to help him. This could also symbolise the relationship he has with his friends and family who helped him through his struggle and encouraged/ motivated him to not give up.