Music Video Research:

Types of music videos

PERFORMANCE

Performance based videos show only the band/artist performing the song. It is the cheapest and easiest type of video to make, providing you can find a suitable location. A large variety of shots need to be used in quick succession in order to keep the video interesting, as there is a risk it could look boring with only performance.

For example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS9o1FAszdk

The Script – The man who can’t be moved

Performance videos are good for fans who enjoy watc-

hing live music, gives a sense of realism. May not be as

intriguing as watching a narrative.

NARRATIVE

Narrative based music videos contains mostly footage that shows a storyline that runs throughout, or sometimes several storylines running parallel to each other. Sometimes with actors and sometimes with the artist themselves, the story will either link to the lyrics of the song, or just the overall theme. If a song has been featured in a movie, the music video will often show clips of film footage cut into the music video.

For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlyXNRrsk4A&list=RDKlyXNRrsk4A

Katy Perry – Last Night

Narrative videos allow an audience to be influenced and interested

In the music video as some of the narratives to the songs may be

relatable to the audience and entertaining. However, may be seen

as exaggerated and predictable.

CONCEPTUAL

Conceptual videos are based around a single concept or idea. This type of video is fairly unusual and are a lot harder to film, mostly being done with editing and Special FX, and would therefore be not only harder to do, but also more expensive. These types of videos also aren’t very popular as they are not very easy to relate to, so very few videos are purely conceptual.

For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZGIrNf71Q

Monkey Drummer by Aphex Twin is an example of an concept-

tual video in that the music video is dramatic and metaphorical.

These videos are unique to the narrative and performance,

therefore harder to make, showing great editing skills. However,

can be seen as not as effective as the video may not appeal

and intrigue some audiences because it is very monotone.

5 qualities essential for a music video

Different scenes to keep audiences engaged

More actions than just singing

Editing, flash backs, blurred, lighting

Good quality footage

Relatable to the song lyrics

Music video and representations

GenderMen treat women a objects – the ‘female gaze’ especially in rap/RnBHeavy metal music tend to be middle aged males

Age and classYoung, wealth and beauty tend to be shown in pop music/RnBWorking class – grim, from the streets = rap/urban music

EthnicityAfrican American in RnB and rap represented as pimps/drug addicts

Region/placeLA as the sunny nirvana where the American dream is realised London as grimy