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.

Conventions of music videos

All music videos have to represent certain codes and conventions.
The 5 main music video codes and conventions are:

1. Lyrics - They establish a general tone to the song, and address the storyline or subject matted. Key lines sometimes play a significant part in the visuals, but rarely would there be a full interpretation, and sometimes the lyrics do not directly correlate with the music video, it may just be the tone or mood of the lyrics which is conveyed in the music video

2. Music - The tempo of the track should drive the editing of a music video, fast paced music should mirrored with fast paced editing, and slow paced music should be accompanied with slow paced editing. furthermore particular sounds in a track may be foregrounded and emphasised on screen, for example if the video was performance based there would be a close up of the guitar or drums.

3. Genre - Each genre carries its own codes and conventions, a viewer would expect to see. This would be reflected in the mise-en-scène, the camera work and editing style. I have highlighted the different codes and conventions of music dependant on genre in a separate post.

4. Camerawork - How the camera is used and how images are sequenced has a significant impact on meaning. The angle, movements and shot distance would fluctuate depending on the music. Up beat tones are likely to require more dynamic camerawork.

5. Editing - In the process of filming the director and camera worker must film to edit. Some music videos would feature fast cut montages (sometimes containing of random images). This then encourages repeated viewings in case the viewer missed anything the first time. The editing helps to establish the mood, and is sometimes is used to fragment the narrative.

Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings. Therefore music video's will usually include the artists, to allow the viewers to identify with the artists and aspire to be like them. Therefore music videos have to be incredibly aesthetically appealing and captivating. Once an artists is established they can then use narrative music videos rather than performance based music videos, which is virtually a short film that corresponds in some way with the music, perhaps the tone, the actual lyrics or just the sound of the music. Music videos use a wide range of styles of film making techniques, including animation , live action filming, documentaries, and non-narrative approaches such as abstract film.