David Bowie

We are going to look at the career of this icon of our time to explore the impact of his work on music recording and the music video. Part of you education is to understand the sociological impact of artists and use them as case studies.

Firstly read this article to gain some context  and discuss the following questions;

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/11/david-bowie-dies-at-the-age-of-69

Why was David Bowie so influential?

Why does he mean so much to people?

We are going to analyse two music videos and use them for some exercises that should help with your planning of a music video or recording.

His video for 'Lazarus' is now being re-interpreted in the light of his death. We looked at it last month as an example of an abstract video and it bamboozled us. The second one is 'Blackstar' from his final album released last Friday, days before his death at the age of 69.

Watch the video for 'Lazarus' again and jot down some ideas about the messages and meanings inherent in the video.


Bowie is most famous for his work in the 1970's when he pushed the boundaries of music and society.  His influence on that generation is clear in the outpouring of emotion and a desire to collectively mourn his passing on social media.

You may be more familiar with this video for 'Ashes to Ashes', particularly if you know the BBC drama of the same name which drew heavily on the iconography and music of Bowie to transport viewers back to the 1970's.

Before we watch it I want you to use the lyrics and to create a mind map with your own ideas as to how you would visualise the lyrics.

What narrative would you create?

What images would you use?

Do you remember a guy that's been
In such an early song?
I've heard a rumor from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true

They got a message from the Action Man
"I'm happy, hope you're happy too
I've loved all I've needed, love
Sordid details following"

The shrieking of nothing is killing, just
Pictures of Jap girls in synthesis and I
Ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but the planet it's glowing

Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

Time and again I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh no, not again
I'm stuck with a valuable friend
"I'm happy, hope you're happy too"
One flash of light but no smoking pistol

I never done good things (I never done good things)
I never done bad things (I never done bad things)
I never did anything out of the blue, woh-o-oh
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now

Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom

My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom

My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom

My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom

Make a word puzzle to mind-map all the words that sum up Bowie.

Artist, mime, music, Soul, Blues, Kraftwerk, Berlin, Pop, Nile Rodgers, Imam, Jagger, Merry Christams Mr Lawrence, Rebel Rebel, Luther Vandross,  Eyes, China Girl, Major Tom, Dimaond Dogs...

You are now ready to complete three tasks as part of pre-production for your music video

1) Make a word puzzle to show your ideas for your own music video.

2) Print the lyrics to your chosen track and annotate them

3) Create a mind map showing the development of ideas and any influences