Digipack Analysis

Evanescence

Their genre is alternative rock. alternative metal.

I believe the digipack is appropriate to the genre because alternative metal can me quite dark and sinister. There is basically no setting and costume, so the sole aspect of mis-en-scene is the use of lighting. The images of the band are very high in contrast which gives the digipack a mood which fits the genre. Its simple layout and idea sends the message that it is more about the music and the mood of the music than an over kill on the digipack.

The layout is very simple. The lead singer of the band graces the front of the digipack which the other members grace the back. The font is the font used for their band name and the use of that is continued on the track listings. The font is gothic and swirly which fits with the bands metal image. The image of Amy Lee on the front of the digipack promotes the band because she is the lead singer. She is the known member. Therefore it makes sense for her to be the main focus. I like that the band is included on the back though, its like Amy Lee draws you to the digipack but the band have the track list.

Paramore

Their genre is alternative rock/pop punk. 

I believe the digipack is appropriate to the genre because it is very individual and sketchy and alternative bands seem to like messy designs. There are not huge influences of many aspects of mis-en-scene. There digipack is largely about effects and the pen sketch style. Focusing on this creates a solid theme throughout the digipack and it is also very individual and different an therefore draws the eye. Even though Hayley is the lead singer the band is promoted as a whole on the back. They are not present on the front. I think this has been done because the writing draws your interest. The layout is very free hand like its been doodled and I think that is effective. The font follows the pen sketch theme.

The Zutons 

The genre is indie rock.

I believe the digipack is appropriate to the genre because it has that indie feel to it. Its vibrant, eye catching and random. I find most indie bands like to play on the random factor. The digipack is very colour full which I think is to grab the attention of the buyer. Its layout is complex and graphic. It think this is done because not as many indie bands use images of themselves on digipacks.

The font is simple for the track list but the font for the band name is very sci-fi and stands out. 

The Black Eyed Peas

Their genre is electro hop but this album was released when they were straight hip-hop. 

I believe the digipack is very appropriate to the genre as it is very stylised. The layout and images give the digipack a hip-hop feel. The colour is a cold blue colour. This could give the impression that they are tough. Most hip-hop artists like to portray that image. The layout is focused on the bands album logo and the band themselves. The elephant in the middle is reference to their album name: Elephunk. The band surround the elephant, with one in each corner. This shows that it is their album, their vision, and they are part of it. Their costumes on the inside of the digipack are very 'street' fitting with their genre. They also use shapes to section of certain parts. The light source in the inside image is coming from behind them so that the band are highlighted. The entire thing gives the impression of a 'whatever' attitude. Kind of like, 'were cool and we know it'.The font is their special font which used for their band name and then small plain text for the track list. I think what draws you to the digipack is the elephant in the middle as it is bold and vibrant.

Amy Studt

Her genre is pop rock. 

I believe the digipack is not the typical pop rock digipack. It is quite simple. Not really in your face which is what I imagine most pop related digipacks to be like. The layout is extremely simple and it focus's pretty much completely on Amy. The colours used are very earthy; lots of browns and beige's. I think its meant to create the look of innocence. The image on the cover of her is very natural and uses the same colours as the rest of the digipack. The lighting is focused on her face as to see her features an natural looks. However, she is not smiling. I think both the images create the feel of mystery. Because the digipack doesn't give too much away about the artist, it makes us want to know more. The font is simple and thing. Her costume on the inside of the digipack is casual, as if you'd just got out of bed and thrown something on. On the back there is an image of a ragged dress. This could be an implication of damage; so maybe a troubled past?