1.2 Prep Work for Monday - GENRE Conventions of Music Video

Read over the following posts and make notes on terminology and the conventions of varying genres of Music Videos. 

Find a contemporary (current) example of each genre ready for class next week to analyse and compare

Test on Monday

Music video genre conventions from Ninthuja Saseetharan

http://monuarax.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/different-codes-and-conventions-of.html

Different codes and conventions of music genres.

The following are different types of music genres and their codes and conventions. There are many differences within the genres that differ them from each other. If there were no differences between the genres than the audience will not be able to tell the differences of the genres. 

We have chosen the pop genre for our music video and we will try and follow all the codes and conventions so our audience will be able to tell it’s from the pop genre. We have chosen this genre because we are interested in the costumes pop artist wear which is designer labels and expensive clothing. When I analysed Rita Ora's RIP music video she had 6 costume changes and most of the costumes were designer brands and highly fashionable. We also aspire the type of lifestyle the pop artist live. In music videos they are shown to live a fun life with lots parties. They also live in expensive locations such as mansions, big beautiful houses and with swimming pools.

Genre	Codes and conventions
Pop Christina Aguilera a famous pop artist. Christina Aguilera a famous pop artist. Beach and the sun. Artist preforming in front of a wall of graffiti.	It is often performance based and the performance illustrates the lyrics.(Goodwin's theory) The pace of editing is very fast. Normally shot during the summer time. The artist mostly wears designer labels which suggest wealth. The female costumes are often revealing and tight emphasising the body figure and this also relates to the male gaze. If the music video is shot on the beach then the femalewould be wearing bikinis, other costumes may be high heels and short skirts. A prop used would be sunglasses which the main artist would be wearing this mightgive out a cool appearance.  Voyeurism.  Females in the video are often wearing heavy make up.  Mostly shot in luxurious and appealing locations such as beaches to connote a fun,party and not so serious atmosphere.On the other hand urban locations are also used such a the artist preforming in front of a wall of graffiti. Music videos typically incorporate a lot of bright colours in terms of clothing, props, and the overall editing of the video.  There is often a party atmosphere with the artist or crowds partying and dancing. In the parties there would be alcohol againconnoting a fun atmosphere.  Overall pop music videos are very upbeat and light-hearted to appeal to its generally younger audience. The lyrics are usually on the good things on life this is shown through the mis-en-scene.
Hip Hop and R’n’B Low angle to stimulate a live performance and the sexualisation of women in the background. Mansion behind the artist and a expensive spots car.	The picture on the left is one of the shots in a music video we see the artist in a low angle close up but in the background all we see is women's legs we do not even see their faces. This relates to the male gaze. Voyeurism. Locations are usually set in mansions, nightclubs, boats, and streets. All these settings are associated with the good life and rich people. The props used are also suggests wealth of the artist with cars, chains, jewellery, designer clothes and sun glasses. The picture on the left is a Ferrari, it is a sports cars and is extremely expensive.   The costumes are low slung jeans, trainers, tracksuit, highly visible designer labels. A ‘ghetto’ ‘thug’ ‘street’ look. They male are often seen to be hyper masculine with their performance and many girls around them this shows us that they are heterosexual.
Rock Prodigy a rock band. Instruments.	The theme of being dark, emotional and depressing. This is shown in the dark lighting, heavy and meaningful lyrics and a strong sound. Often, the colours black and white will be used to connote seriousness. Long and/or wide camera angles are normally used to allow the whole band to be seen and to show music instruments being played.There are also close ups of the artists playing the instruments. Performance in most videos shows the band performing and playing the guitar or drums. The costume of the band members are typically seen wearing black with heavy eye make up which is a style associated with the Goth culture. Piercing and tattoos are sometimes shown.