Genres + Codes & Conventions
Within the music industry there are different types of genres, the use of genres allows a style to be presented to the audience and segregates it from different types of music videos. The use of genres also allows individuals to express themselves and allows viewers to connect specifically to music in their taste and interest. The presentation of music videos depending on genre is adapted and developed to suit its own style. This being for example the way the actor is presented and the costumes they wear. In addition the props used within the music video, the type of body language presented to the viewers from the music video, color and the symbolism portrayed. In addition the location of the song is a factor that may adjust depending on different genres and styles of music videos.
Rock
Within rock music videos the codes and conventions are adapted to suit this specific genre, for example the use of these codes and conventions in the music video of The veronicas “Untouched.”
Within this music video the video has aspects of performance and in many other rocks videos this is one main strong similarity. In addition to this it holds a very strong narrative showing as the use picture of the hallway present a setting The narrative focuses on one boy and two twins, and the realization that he is trying to make a move with both of them so they together walk away. It focuses on a strong narrative that unveils the pain with the speed of the song.
The customs and style that is presented is a Gothic look, including a lot of use in black. The makeup of rock music videos tends to be heavy black , In this case the hair is black as well as the clothing and outfits of the girls. For rock music videos the use of location will vary, sometimes it will be in dark and black places however some rock music videos may use bright colors to give a contrast to them and the view of them. In this case the music for “untouched” has the location as very dark and in a bar. The use of the lighting in this case allows the contrast in the black and white the two colors present. The location of recording for this particular music video is the stage with the supporting setting of the club to allow the narrative to be presented. The main props used within this rock music video are an electric guitar and a microphone, with a cutting edge of violins.
Another example of rock music video of my interest is Evanescence “ Bring me to life”, within this video we can see one similarity established is the performance within the music video. This being most of the color is black and in this music video a strong narrative is being presented to the audience.
The genre rock in general has one of the most obvious conventions, in that they tend to be narrative or performance based in some case both such as the music video "Bring me to life" Rock music videos are located in areas such as studios, outside, stages, the production of rock videos will tend include clothing that will be black at times, or leather as this is another common color. Looking at the music video above you are able to see that the band are dressed in black and leather whereas the girl is dressed as white allowing a contrast in the two to be made. Also as she is the one who dies in the music video white symbolizes her innocence. Within the genre rock the main instruments that tend to be played are drums, the use of microphones, electric guitars. Within a rock music video the portrayal of body language will defer depending on the sub genre it is in.
i.e. heavy rock like Marylyn Manson - Sweet dreams portrays him as superior with an extreme amount of attitude. In addition to this Marylyn Manson takes the dark colors to an extreme as he dresses in his own very Gothic look.
POP
Pop is a very popular genre within the music industry, the typical conventions of music videos is that is very colorful and fun. The main locations for POP will tend to be at homes, parks schools and other settings that can allow a relation to be made to their audience. In addition to this looking at the lighting used within pop music videos it usually is bright and within the music videos it may include dance routines that the artist or other individuals will present.
Pop as a genre tend to be usually aimed at teenagers and typical teenage problems. For example love stories, partying and pop music videos will tend to be narrative to explore these themes. The artists within a Pop music video tend to wear modern and stylish clothing with an addition of color. In some music videos their will be more than one outfit worn. Within a music video the pace of the music presented will be in being at a medium pace, this being so that the song is very catchy to individuals.
An example of POP music videos is The Wanted "Glad you came"
Within this music video it is a presentation of a typical summer holiday which is at an instant shown by the shooting in a foreign country with on a beach around the surroundings of a pool. Within the wanted "Glad you came" shows the boys having fun. This reflecting the aim of teenagers as having fun mucking around in holiday will gain their attention. The use of a party atmospheres is presented, in addition to this the clothes worn are the usual stereotype this being bikinis and for the guys jeans and t-shits. The wanted glad you came presents a party atmosphere which has the setting of sun beach, holidays and boat fun. This in addition to the lighting which is bright and colorful, the camera shows provided are quick paced taking shots from clip to clip to fit in with the pace of the music itself.
RnB
The genre RnB provides typical conventions of individuals being portrayed with wealth and a successful lifestyle. Within RnB there are artists such as Mariah Carey, Kanye west, Jason Derulo and many others. the genre RnB looks at times the presentation of the artist in addition to this they are usually filmed in areas such as the parties , clubs, streets or just generally something relatable to individuals with the support of providing realism. The general use of color within this genre tends to be black or grey, in addition the body language presented is individuals whom appear very strong and powerful. The costumes worn in RnB tend to be hoodies, designer clothing and very heavy jewelry, the props will vary from the furniture displayed to the cars presented and may include helicopters e.g Akon music video "I'm so paid" An example of this genre is the music video of Nelly ft Kelly Rowland "Dilemma"
Within this music video there is use of the following:
- Flash car which is a typical use in many music videos, this presenting wealth and money that both Nelly and Kelly Rowland have.
- Use of heavy jewellery, this being the chains that they wear, and the typical dancing is provided within the music video between Kelly and Nelly.
- Within this music video the glamorous women is Kelly she featuring within the music video, this in addition providing the lifestyle that men have.
- Within this music video there is presentation of a Love story between Nelly and Kelly.
Within this music video there are typical features that would be included in RnB this being very glamorous people i.e. the girls, the expensive items in this case the house, Cars and the use of black women is particularly common especially within "Dilemma". In the genre RnB there is a common use in pools however in this one there is not, there are more shots located in houses and streets. Nelly is a very typical example kind of bling in this video, wit own signature of a plaster on his cheek. In addition this being very stereotypical as many other music videos include this i.e. 50 Cent. Some may say one convention is the use of women and may argue that they are used to attract viewers as they are dressed in a manner to be very appealing in this case this is not included as the setting is not in Pools or beaches.
Country
The genre of Country music is very popular mainly in the united Sates; within a music video for the genre country it will tend to include an acoustic guitar, with the vocals of the singer. However this may also be mixed in with a narrative that is presented. Country music tends to have a very strong narrative in link to the music provided; it has very stereotypical locations such as an area outside of the city and towns. The artist in a country music video will tend to feature, in addition to this the Mise-en-Scene tends to be traditional and set in an older generation this being for example the Victorian era. An example of a country music video is Band Perry "If I die young"
Within this music video you are able to see the elements that a country music video consists of this instantly being the use of the guitar. In addition to this the location which is in a rural area and to fit the Mise-en-scene to be traditional it includes a boat which the singer sleeps in. She in addition is very the clothing from that era of a very flowery dress that could look similar to the elder generation. Another example of country music is Blake Shelton "Who are you when am not looking"
Within this music video elements of country music is kept this being that the instrument of a guitar is used the clothing worn can relate to the elder generation but could also be modern clothing that individuals may wear in today's society. One difference in this is the presentation of the mise-en-scene this being that the people presented are living their day to day lives and are not in a rural location. It also includes technology therefore instantly removing from the element of the older generations.
Dance
A typical dance music video will be themed around partying and clubbing scenes where the presentation of Dance is most presented. The clothing worn is typical Short Skirts and heels, this being clothing that is worn at night and in some cases just small skirts and tight clothing. In some of the dance music videos it includes typical clubs where dancing is included, with jumping and drinking. Within Dance music videos there is a constant use of a fun atmosphere and in general can relate to people having simple just a good time.
Within the music Video "Who's that girl" the clothing worn is very tight and revealing, in this case the location is not in a club but includes dancing and jumping. In addition this music video has very fun atmosphere and is not very serious.
Music Video Styles
Animation
An example of animation music video is Kanye West “Heartless”, It is targeted at adults due to the presentation of women, they way they are dancing. The scenery the women are at times looks like they are in clubs with the use of flashing lights. Images of Smoking are also presented to the audience. As a whole it presents adult themes from the presentation of Cars, Girls, Clubs and Houses in animated format.
Within the music video there is a contrast in the use of bright colors in addition to the dark colors. The dark colors are used to fit in with the lyrics of heartless in support of the actions and body languages. This being when Kanye west is stating she is cold in the animation he gets his jacket and brings it forward to make himself warmer. In addition the use of the animated music video creates irony to the reality presented, in my perspective the use of the music video presents the good time in addition to the bad. Symbols in the Kanye West Music video is presented through the use of the background of building with their shop names this being replaced with feelings and places. E.g. Paranoid place, Heartless, Police Station, Locked, down lane and News. In the animation it has Kanye west himself in an animated version, the change of cloths is taken as the colors change. E.G He wears black then white inside the house to fit in with his surroundings. Another example of animation is Daft Punk "One more time"
Within this music video you are able to see that it is based for adults, even though it is animated it is adult based. In addition to this the colors used in the style of having animations, it is a music video that presents fun and can in some ways be presented in clubbing. The music presented is a paste pace and fits in with the animation presented as there is dancing and jumping included.
In concert/Live
A wide range of music videos show the artist and band performing live or in a concert, this presentation allows the audience to see the connection the artist is having with its fans and viewers. In addition to this can also be a means of saving money or spending money on a new music video. An example of this is Linking Park "Encore"
Within this music video you are able to see the experience captured of the artist in relation to the viewers. In addition linking Park performance is on a stage and this provides a realistic feel to the music presented. It also allows more realistic emotion and attitude of the actual artist to be portrayed as shown in linking park music video.
Another example of a live performance is Oasis "let there be Love" , this being that the artists are performing on different stages, this is a presentation of montage as it is collected and placed in together. It saves money but also allows the connection between the artists to be seen with he audience in several of the shots. Within this music video the use of slow motion effects allows the moment to be captured this creating more significance to the areas and showing how admired the band is to the audience, this allowing a better understanding of the connection that is taking place.
Homage
A music video that is in the style of the homage pays a tribute to something, the music of an artist who is dead, or people whom have had impact on people's lives or other general aspects. An example of this is 2 Pac - ghetto Gospel:
This example is a homage music video as it looks at 2 Pac and how his life was taken away from him at an instant and the realization of how important life is and how easily something can be taken away. Looking at this video we can see how easy life is taken away but also the impact left this being that for some it may be the loss of love, his father figure. It plays a tribute in the sense that their is support in the video from a partner, child, and friends and relatives. The music video is homage and this is re-enforced as at the end of the video a message is provided by his mother saying "remember to keep yourself alive, there is nothing more important than that".
Parody
A parody is a music video which makes is created to make a mockery this can be other music videos films or other general things. It will comment on and take another direction on an original work, the author itself, style in the results of providing humor. Parody is not a great method to promote music videos however is becoming very popular among their audience as it creates a lot of humor.
A popular example of this is by the lonely Island "Jack Sparrow", this which is presented by Michael Bolton, this is a parody that looks at mocking different movies. It starts of normal in the production of a music videos and then focus on the film pirates and Caribbean then switches to Scarface and then forest Gump. It makes the video very interesting and humorous as the singer changes outfits to fit the character played in movies. Another general example of this is "Call Me Maybe" Carly Rae Jepsen Music Video Parody :
Music Videos that are parody will tend to be easy to identify as they will consist of the use of bright colors, in relation to this parody we are able to see the similarity presented. And in this video the bright colors are re-enforced by the clothing worn by the guy dressed as a girl. In addition Parody's will use a wide range of sounds to allow you to laugh.
Influence
The style of influence in music videos will be the presentation of something that will have impact to individuals. In addition the music video will be influenced by some aspect, for example "Gold digger" music video is influenced by the use of commercials and magazine covers.
The music Video Gold digger does create more awareness of the artist however does not promote women in a positive light. They are presented in a very attractive presentation, in addition this music video uses the green effects to allow the artist to dance and perform while editing is done for the background. The influence this will have on the viewers will make them more aware of the specific women such as the gold diggers and this may influence people in terms of being more aware of what type of women to expect.
Pastiche
Pastiche is when an imitation is created of an artist or a specific time period, this is done through taking the styles and trends in that time period and re-enforcing them within the artists own video. An example of this is as you are able to see above Christiana Aguilera's "Candy Man", this is this style of music video this being that the setting is incorporated in that 1940's era. In addition to Christina displaying the hair styles of that era curly and tends to swept to the side and she uses different colors to elaborate on that era. Christiana taste for that era is high amount as some of her music videos give to this tribute to this era once again, her music video is successful in creating this tribute as the elements of the setting and customs are achieved and presented well to the audience making the scenery more realistic.
Lyrical Interpretations
Pink “Try”
Ever wonder about what he's doing (1)
How it all turned to lies
Sometimes I think that it's better to never ask why (2)
Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame (3)
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try try try (4)
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Eh, eh, eh
Funny how the heart can be deceiving (5)
More than just a couple times
Why do we fall in love so easy
Even when it's not right
Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Ever worried that it might be ruined (6)
And does it make you wanna cry?
When you're out there doing what you're doing
Are you just getting by?
Tell me are you just getting by by by
Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
- Realization in a failing relationship. Most likely to be Cheating or affair this being because we can see a link with “What he’s doing “
- This could be suggesting that there is no reason in asking why as you may get hurt or no real truth will come out of it and an explanation doesn't make any difference in what is happening.
- Connotations of a flame to represent love itself failing. This is down by the use of desire causing that flame this being attraction and getting close to one another, and then the flame is bound to burn, this meaning hurt your feelings. Looking at this you can see the use of a flame is being represented negatively to elaborate failing relationships in love.
- Within the lyrics are able to see that in try is used constantly throughout the music video, and towards the ending holds the most repetition. This may be down to the overall message is not to give up but try. Towards the end it used the most to create more power within the song it takes about the pain love earlier which may cause some individuals to be taken to alternative thoughts but by using this repetition at the end gives more focus on how no matter the other aspects us should try as it reinforces "gotta get up" as well.
- This could mean that in love we don’t always acknowledge what is truly happening as it is deceitful as we concentrate more on the good times to realize reality being presented. In addition this could also mean that in love we can see the negative traits of the individuals but ignore as we provide the change from our hearts.
- There is use of a rhetorical question making the audience think and this allows people to reminisce in the past and therefore the use of the repetition in try makes the break away from it and more effective as it makes u realize it's not worth the pain as happiness can be achieved.
My interpretations of the lyrics presented in for the song “Try” are that they are from a females perspective this being down to the fact that it is given a reference to “he”. In addition to this I imagine there to be the use of flashbacks and memories that show the relationship falling. In addition as the song is very sad the clothing to very dark and dull to express these sad emotions through colour. The music videos from the lyrics seems as a narrative will be presented, in addition to flowers, use of river for emotion or the use of fire to emphasis the lyrics presented and close ups to presented. The themes will be negative this being that it will be for trying and failing with elements of not giving up.
Looking at the music video you are able to see what is presented is actually the opposite of what is expected from the lyrical interpretations. It is more vibrant use of colors, very bright colors the clothing is black bus is not very covered and pinks hair contains very strong uses of color. It includes a dance routine to express the lyrics for the music video.
The music video shows representation of colors in that when Pink get hurt she is covered in yellow this is my opinion representing bruises, this the same for the guy as colors of blue are expressed when the artists get physical in hurting him. From this use we are able to see the pain in the relationship and the dance routine expresses this being from the love they had and the pain caused. The message in trying is expressed and re-in forced throughout this being that the use of physical appearance in that the guy is very strong and Hench body appearance and this is symbolizing that in a relationship you have to be strong and simple move on no matter what happens. Therefore having the actor shows his body appearance reflects on strength and getting up and trying.
Jesse McCartney – Just so you know
I shouldn't love you but I want to (1)
I just can't turn away
I shouldn't see you but I can't move
I can't look away
I shouldn't love you but I want to
I just can't turn away
I shouldn't see you but I can't move
I can't look away
And I don't know how to be fine when I'm not (2)
'Cause I don't know how to make a feeling stop
[Chorus:]
Just so you know (3)
This feeling's taking control of me
And I can't help it
I won't sit around, I can't let him win now
Thought you should know (4)
I've tried my best to let go of you
But I don't want to
I just gotta say it all
Before I go
Just so you know
It's getting hard to be around you (5)
There's so much I can't say
Do you want me to hide the feelings
And look the other way
And I don't know how to be fine when I'm not
'Cause I don't know how to make a feeling stop
[Chorus]
This emptiness is killing me
And I'm wondering why I've waited so long (6)
Looking back I realize
It was always there just never spokenI'm waiting here...been waiting here
[Chorus]
1. The lyrics here give a clear and straight identification of the situation this being down to the fact that he has love for someone he is meant to be having love for, we can acknowledge and interpret that the girl might be taken and with another boy as he "isn't able to see her."
2. From this lyric we are able to see the pain that is going through the two lyrics allow a connection to be made instantly as it draws in those in this position then elaborates on reminding individuals of the pain. We are able to see that from the "'Cause I don't know how to make a feeling stop" that he is trying to make himself stop as we can see a lot of pain caused but also in a sense that he may also cause pain.
3. In the chorus we are provided us with an opening up statement about his feelings as he state just so you know and give his feelings in the middle and this message is re-enforced in the end as "Just so Know" is used once again to start and end the lyrics. This could reference to their love and how easily it stated and how it can end with what he is feeling and sharing to the girl.
4. Within this lyrics the artist then goes on to expressing his feeling in how he has to as he won't let him win, this meaning that if he does not get off his chest what he feels then he has something to lose. We can see that the relationship crossing over is not meant to be as he admits he tried to stop the feeling he has.
5. This aspect of the lyrics looks at the impact that the love has on his life this being that he is not able to be around the individual and that him not be able to say what he want is hard as he cant simple hide his feelings. He expresses the impact and provides a solution in that he looks the other way. This only being achieved if he leaves.
6. He looks at his love and why it has happened in the realization that was always their but not realized and how he's waiting here and has been waiting. Suggesting for her to come or leave from what he has told her.
Looking at the lyrics interpretations you are able to make a judgment that the music video will likely be Narrative based as the lyrics to seem to put across a story. In addition to this you are able to see that from the "emptiness is killing me" that at one point the scenery will be empty with just the artist there. In addition to this you can that there is a tangling of love in that there is another guy involved and could fairly be close to the artist as the he tries to stop his feelings for her. You can also imagine that there will be moment that they connected and were not supposed to, furthermore the aching in having to watching the other two share their love. It will consist of this typical scenery from the music video. We expect him to not be able to take the pain in the video and walk away, in this case she either comes back or doesn't however this tends to be that she does go to him.
Looking at the music video and what I expected I am able to see a similarity, one being that we can see that within the music video the emptiness is shown when Jesse McCartney is sitting alone in the bus. In addition we are able to see that he love a girl who is with his friend. This is seen trough the fact that they all go on a trip together from the train where he records her and share a moment which is anticipated from the interpretations. In addition he also has to watch them share their love which may have caused pain and the scene where he leaves and she comes back to him at the coffee shop where he takes a final look at the recording he took of her.
Techniques
Cutting to the beatCutting to the beat involves both the music and music video, cutting to the beat is noticeable when looking at a music video you are able to see that the scene are cut to another scene to a specific lyric. Within this technique you are able to take the lyrics of a song and break it up into section and scenes where you music video cuts to another shot.
An example of this is Adele “Rolling in the deep”, you are able to see Adele sitting on a chair in a room, the use of shots are done from her surroundings this being the drummer playing the drums, glasses of water portraying the beat in the water rippling through the glass of water, weapon, a dancer and a city and plastic being thrown at the wall. We can see these images in sync to the shots as for example when Adele talks about “We could have it all” plates are being shattered in the wall to create this contrast in what could also happen.
Effects
Effects within a music video, it is a way to create and place different locations, Science fiction elements such as robots and aliens and is seen as a great way to either save money or have a creative edge to the music video. One great example is Katy Perry's music video for "ET" that won MTV 2011 best special effects.
Special effects can be use or green screen which is a very popular decision. Her music video will be created will she is in front of a green screen which then in editing will place the background required. Katy Perry use in green screen allows the production of her music video to be less expensive as location will not be found and costing in setting up there. In addition the use of Katy Perry video allows a more realistic feel to the song she is singing and making more sense if it is interlinked with space and aliens.
Software's are used to create some of the other special effects, for this music video is used to provide the effect in the light shining through Katy and the Boy in the space suit and in addition we would expect Katy Perry to be wearing a jumpsuit to allow better change in the background and the sense of her in space.
Miming and Lip Sync
Lip Syncing in the production of music videos is known as the movement of the lips that is done at the same time to the pre-recorder speech or song. In addition miming is done to make put across that the individuals have musical abilities such as dance, playing the guitar piano and many others.
A good example of lip-syncing is Miley Cyrus "7 things" -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0Wv5DJhuk . It features thrashing, crying, jumping by a group of girls who are lip syncing to Miley’s Lyrics, the use of lip-sync allows better connection to viewers as it can make the situation more relatable to individuals.
Some advantages of the use of lip sync and miming is that it can make the footage look more professional and can cover up a signs of illness from the artist. It can also allow a better connection with viewers to be created (i.e. the Miley Cyrus music video can be more relatable to teenage girls.) However Lip Sync can fail on live stage causing the audience to be less interested, could potentially lead to the failure of an artist as it can be judged that the artist is not as good as they make out. Furthermore many People and Celebs may look down to the usage, for example Gene Simmons from the rock band KISS at a press conference said ”We’re sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them,”
Camera Shots and Movement
Within music videos there are a range of shots and angles used, this includes extreme wide shots, long shots, medium shows, Close up and extreme close ups.
The shots used are used for different reasons, this being that the extreme long shot is mainly used to show and establish the setting or location of the production. In addition the use of long shots are used to show the scene in the full this will allow a better feel for the audience and create an atmosphere for the setting used. The mid shots are used to show the artist being filmed and have focus on them and what they are doing this can be used for example when recording them when they are showing their musical abilities as you will able to see the musical object and the artist. The use of close up is used to express emotion and allow better connection between the audience and viewers. Furthermore extreme close ups allow specifically to show feeling and create more awareness to it for example a close up of the eye dropping a tear creates more emphasis in the pain that someone is going through and creates better understanding.
Camera Angles
Within music Videos there is use of camera angles and these include, Bird’s eye View, High Angle, Eye level, Low angle, canted angle also known as oblique.
The use of Birds Eye View is used to create and establish the location; in addition the high angle shots are used to establish shots or give a better feel to the atmosphere, or even create focus to a specific element. Eye level shots are used to show the artists face, and allow a better connection to be made between the audience and artist. And finally a low angle shots is often used to allow things to appeal larger or more important I.e. the shot that shows people and focuses on them.
Chroma Key
Chroma Key is used within many music videos, the techniques involves the layering of two images in order for them to stream simultaneously together. This technique is most common use in background changes, this technique can also be used during real time periods. For the Chroma Key the use of colours at start tend to be either Blue or Green during the process. The technique Chroma Key is then applied through the use of an editing software. The individuals will make the colour used while production of filming and replace this with a background selection of their choice.
