Thursday 7 January 2010

Conventions of music videos dependant on genre

There are many different conventions for music video's depending on the genre. Through looking at music videos from different genres of music, I have developed an understanding of what genres of music expect from their music videos
I have briefly described my understanding of the codes and conventions of music videos, according to their genre:

Rock/Metal - Through looking at rock/Metal artists music videos, I have developed an understanding of the traits that are present in most of this genres music videos. The hue of the videos are usually quite dark, but with high contrast levels, to give the video an overall dark and edgy tone. The music videos are usually incredibly performance based, shots covering the whole band playing, yet focusing mainly on the front vocalist. Narrative music videos are also used, however I would say it is very likely that a narrative video would also show many shots of the band performing. The story lines are usually dark, to match the dark sound of the music, and dark meaning of the lyrics. The performance it's self usually has a dark and 'scary' tone to it, the performers are usually dressed in completely in black, appearing as stereotypical rock/metal listeners/performers with multiple piercings, dark makeup, and a dark and edgy demeanour. The editing is usually snappy and fast paced, to match the normally fast tempo of rock/metal songs.

Pop - Music videos that belong to the genre of pop are usually extremely performance based, with the singer, or band lip syncing throughout the song, as well as performing via dancing or in a narrative story that reflects the meaning of the lyrics. The overall tone and hue of the video will be very bright, with the artist wearing bright trendy mainstream clothing. If the lyrics are or a more sad nature, the overall tone of the video may be brought down a little, but will still be quite bright. In pop music videos the main artists are almost always present in their music video in some shape of form. Pop music videos are usually fun and light hearted to appeal to a younger audience.

RnB - This genre of music video usually has a light tone to it, the hue is usually bright similar to pop videos. Typically the video will involve the artist in a narrative setting or simply performing in a setting such as a nightclub, mansion, beach etc. There are usually dancers present, to reflect the sound of the music. The clothing is usually revealing on women, and show the wealth of the artist, with lavish jewelry and expensive cars. The narrative of the story usually reflects the lyrics of the song, and like pop videos usually the artist will lip sync throughout the video. Again similar to pop music videos RnB videos have a good, positive, lighthearted feeling to them.

Indie
- This genre of music videos has a huge variety of conventions, the hue can be dark, bright or black and white depending on the tone of the lyrics. Indie music videos are also split generously between being solely narrative, and performance based, sometimes the artists do not even feature in the music video for their songs. However Indie music videos can be performance based either featuring the entire band, or simply featuring the main vocalist. Narrative music videos in the Indie genre are typically quite arty, and symbolic, rather than spelling out exactly what the lyrics say.

6 comments:

  1. yea well my crow just killed ladygaga so everyone grab ur scalpals and amputation saws and lets get going with the surgery! ;DD

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  2. ... what is your issue?

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    Replies
    1. mah issue here gurrrl is dat no one listens 2 dis sorta crap such as miss gaga pants so i think the world would have been done justice once motherf**ker monster died.

      urs eternity,
      YA MOMS BED

      Delete
  3. ... I can't even think of a witty enough comment to counter with...

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  4. hahaha xD dealin wif bvb fan herree. were used 2 dis sorta discussions.
    btw, BVBARMY4EVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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  5. omg lol xDD
    u guys r spo mental >w<
    lol man internet is so crazy (= :D
    srs tho lol xDD; :33 xx~~~

    ReplyDelete