Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Research into conventions of different music video genres

Conventions of pop music videos

o   The artist is normally clothed in current, fashionable (mainstream) clothing (costume)
o   Artists are normally portrayed as content with their lifestyle (the way they live)-displaying their wealth or popularity
o   The lyrics of the song are normally based around love or a relationship (reflected through the video/performance)
o   Often bands in particular express a unity associated with teens (main target audience of the genre)
o   Within the music industry pop in particular tends to follow currents trends rather than being independent (indie)-e.g. with current technology (product placement) and costume (also setting and props)
o   A lot of pop videos are based around partying and having fun-stereotypical of teenagers (the main target audience for this genre)
o   In pop artists are typically expressed very sexually (seductive way)-e.g. Lady Gaga-Telephone and Rihanna- S&M). They dress provocatively to portray their brand identity (how they are presented through their music videos) 

Conventions of Indie Rock music videos

o   A typical indie rock music video is about image (of the artist or brand)
o   They usually use a lot of performance in their music videos with less narrative because a lot of the artists within them play instruments (normally creating the music because they like it-not to keep with the music industry trends-this showing through their music videos typically)
o   The use of lighting is used frequently to reflect the lyrics through this genre as well as props (e.g. photos-things linked to memories)
o   Establishing shots and extreme close-ups are common in this genre; showing the artist/actors representing emotions (facially through lip-singing typically)
o   For example; the Foo Fighter’s-All My Life music video is almost completely performance apart from a few establishing shots at the beginning
o   Narrative based Indie Rock videos are usually more ‘deep’ and meaningful than in pop due to the artists song writing (lyrics)
o   Indie Rock videos tend to have a cinematic feel (due to the strong narrative within most videos) an example of this is,  Fall Out Boy-Dance Dance 


Conventions of R&B music videos

°         Male artistsàthere is a lot of topless men in male music videos (particularly the artist); normally being aimed at teen female audiences (Jason Derulo and Chris Brown typically use this throughout their videos)  Furthermore Tattoos are extremely common in this industry (especially this genre); being current trends and part of R&B music ‘culture’
°         Female artistsàthey are normally wearing minimal, exposed clothing (sexualising themselves as artists-a representation of stereotypical female R&B singers)  a good example of this is Nicki Minaj ft. Cassie-Like A Boy

Conventions of indie music videos

°         It is common for artists in this genre to use their live performances for their music videos (or use it as one of the narrative strands within the video)
°         Narrative based music videos are very popular in in indie music videos; using a strong story-line throughout the video to reflect the lyrics (normally being written by the artist themselves)  a good example of this is Lana Del Rey-National Anthem
°         Props play a large role in a lot of indie music videos; especially-reflecting the artists image (most of the artists being either retro or ‘strange’ in a certain way).  National Anthem by Lana Del Rey shows this as well-using lions and different clothing props throughout 


Conventions of Country music videos

°         Tend to have a strong narrative aspect; being set in very typical locations (such as rural areas and country side)
°         The artists are typically playing an instrument (for example Mumford and Sons-I will wait)
°         Modern day country genres have been a lot more influenced by pop music; an example of this is Taylor Swift-I knew you were trouble


Conventions of Reggae music videos

o   It is unusual to find a reggae genre music video with a narrative, however it is becoming more common as pop is mixing with reggae, for example, Rihanna has covered various genres of music from R'n'b to pop, electric dance. ‘Man down' being influenced heavily by reggae, having a strong narrative storyline.
o   Locations tend to be set in Jamaica or very similar style places (tropical location)
o   The majority of the videos for this genre are very similar, the lyrics being enhanced by a cheerful video with bright colours and basic, laid back lifestyle very stereotypical to countries like Jamaica and Reggae singers in general 


Conventions of Soul music videos 

o   The majority have a strong narrative – love/family etc. (The lyrics normally having a strong meaning behind them-being reflected through the performance/narrative within the video)
o   Mono-tone colour scheme is frequently used. The songs normally either being about the loss of love or a family problem; the colour scheme (mise-en-scene) reflecting this ‘dull’ tone of the lyrics/song (the artists mood within the video)
o   There are normally slow cuts as well as little fast past editing with little or no special effect. This normally reflects the ‘tone’ of the song (the artists mood); Soul music typically being of a sad tone.


Conventions of Electric Dance music videos
o   These music videos tend to be set in a club environment with dancing crowds (due to the style of music)

o   The videos nearly always features the DJ of the song with their music equipment (showing their musical abilities)

o   The videos are prominently performance based, rarely follows a narrative (being mostly based around the artists performance within clubs-where they can be typically found/produce their music for)

o   Special effects and fast paced editing is very common within these videos; the music being very upbeat and fast paced being reflected through the camera work. Furthermore when being set within a club (the video) the camera work is what you would commonly expected within the environment. A good example of this is DJ Zinc ft. Ms Dynamite-‘Wile Out’  

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