CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF THE POP GENRE

Afra Malik

CONVENTIONS

Artists in the pop genre are often clothed in fashionable, stylish and mainstream outfits.

Artists are portrayed as happy, fun loving and content with life.

The lyrics that are in the genre are usually based around love or relationships

Often bands express the unity associated with teens, which is the main target audience for this genre..

Music genre is normally conveyed through the video and setting.

Pop magazines are often themed with bright and bold colour which are normally associated with positive vibes.

A pop song is usually between 3-5 minutes long with a set structure and consistent beat.

Another convention of pop music is that within the music industry it tends to follow current trends rather than being independent and making something new, unique and different to hear.

The for normally follows a verse- chorus- verse structure and uses hooks lines which are catchy therefore stays in the audiences mind.

Pop music promotion is via radio stations and magazines. In the UK pop songs are guaranteed to be heard everyday on well known radio stations or through channels such as MTV or VIVA.

IMAGERYThe songs usually are very dance- orientated.

The genre is stereotypically associated with young people who enjoy partying and clubbing and dancing, which is the main purpose of pop music.

A lot of imagery created is based on partying and having a good time as this is stereotypically what teens enjoy

MUSIC VIDEOSIt is often performance based and the performance illustrates the lyrics. •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 female would be wearing bikinis, other costumes may be high heels and short skirts. •A prop used would be sunglasses for example, which the main artist would be wearing this might give out a cool appearance. •Females in the video are often wearing heavy make up.

Mostly shot in luxurious and appealing locations such as beaches, or large mansions 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..

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 mise-en-scene.

REPRESENTATION OF ARTISTS

In pop music, the artists are usually females, under 25 and very clean cut. They are often portrayed as very glamorous with perfect air brushed faces and beautiful bouncy hair. Their costumes are bright and bold and very girly. They are often smiling and happy. However, even though male artists are also clean cut and young, they are usually portrayed with quite an average look. For example, they will be wearing clothes such as simple t- shirts or jeans and very rarely have anything ‘fancy’ to wear.

The artists are mostly white and black and they are often portrayed as quite rich and wealthy.