Ideologies of the Artists

The XX

• The XX are a very indie, alternative band, very much so focused on their music rather than their look or image. They have very few pictures of themselves on the website, and according to Negus’ theory, can definitely be seen as an organic band.

• The band rarely releases new albums, implicit that they only do so on their own terms, and whilst the band is obviously interested in selling their latest releases, their advertisement is not obtrusive but rather something consumers must go out and look for. They are not about the money.

• The reason why a store for their products is so important is because fans of the band associate themselves with the look of their music and identify themselves with it. It stresses the importance of their music.

• Their tour dates are non-existent given their lack of releases, implicit that they are instead spending the time to work on a new album.

Birdy• Whilst Birdy is also considered to be an organic artist

according to Negus’ theory, it is apparent from her website that both her image, as well as her album sales, are very important - there is a page advertising its release before access to the actual website is granted, and all over the website, photographs of her can be seen.

• Birdy also only releases her albums as and when she is ready: her latest release, ‘Beautiful Lies’, her coming-of-age album… thus implicit that her music is also of immense importance to her.

• Given the importance of her image, however, photographs of Birdy as well as videos in which she features in, are all readily available on the website.

• Birdy’s tour dates are fully booked across countless countries (including the US and UK), denoting that she is trying to capitalise on her recent album release, and equally, that she has a large fanbase prepared to buy tickets. As such, it is implied that money is also of significant importance. Although equally, it could be seen that she is simply trying to spread the word of her music given its very recent release.