Codes and Conventions of Music Videos in Different Genres

By Conor Window

Techniques Technical – The connotations and denotations

created through the usage of the technical equipment, such as the different camera angles and shots, as well as diegetic and non diegetic sounds.

Symbolic – deeper methods of connoting hidden messages, e.g facial expressions, poses and mis-en-scene

Why are codes and conventions used?

To enable audience members to familiarize themselves with the music genre, being able to recognize them easily.

To provide an organized structure to the narrative of songs in which the audience is able to easily understand and relate to, connoting Blumer and Katz theory of uses and gratifications.

To ensure the song lyrics have a directly related video, much like the audience members expect from the artist.

Performance Performance music videos consist of the artist

singing/rapping the lyrics without a narrative being denoted to the audience. This is not a very common style amongst genres such as R&B and Pop, as artists typically like to engage target audiences through the use of a narrative. However this is very common for rap music videos. A good example of this is the video for WSTRN – ‘In2’, where all 3 artists perform their individual parts to the camera.

NarrativeA narrative music video denotes a story that is

typically told through the lyrics. There are two types: linear, which denotes the story from start to end, and fragmented, where there is no structure to the story. An example of a narrative music video is Joe Weller – ‘Wanna Do’, where the artist is portrayed on a day out in Brighton with a female.

Combination Some music videos are a mixture of both a narrative and

a performance. This allows more content for the music video, possibly attracting more audience members. However it may be more time consuming. A good example of this combination is Eminem’s ‘Whatever You Say I Am’, where the rapper can be seen both performing lyrics into the camera and acting as if the paparazzi is disturbing him and his family whilst they attempt to eat in peace.

AnimatedAnimated music videos are created through

computer graphics, typically being cartoons. These cartoons can portray the narrative of the songs lyrics. A band that uses this method for all of their videos is Gorillaz, with all 4 members portrayed by a different character. The music videos for ‘Feel Good Inc.’ and ‘Clint Eastwood’ can be seen bellow.

CameoThis is a music video where another band, artist

or famous actor appears in the music video. An example of this would be D’Banj’s ‘Oliver Twist’, where artists Kanye West (left) and Big Sean (right) appear in the music video, despite not having a part in the song.

AbstractAn abstract music video is a music video with a

random theme or narrative that does not relate to the songs title or lyrics. An example of an abstract music video is Cold Play – ‘Paradise’, where a man in an elephant suit is denoted on his journey to Africa in order to meet his fellow band members, also in elephant suits.

Camera ShotsOver the shoulder – this shot is typically used in narrative music videos. It denotes what am artists conversation or viewpoint of a location.

POV shot – this shot denotes the point of view of the on screen character, allowing the audience to have an insight of what they can see

Wide shot – this shot denotes the artist in the shot, however the focus is more on the location in which they are in, resulting in it taking up most of the camera shot

Camera ShotsClose up – this camera shot allows specific focus on a certain object, such as an artists facial expressions or the item they’re holding.

Establishing shot – this allows the setting/location of the music video to be set and the audience to recognize it

Long shot – this type of shot allows the setting/background of the music video to be denoted to the audience. It could connote that the on screen character is tiny compared to the location.

Camera AnglesLow Angle – This angle denotes the artists as being looked up at, connoting superiority, dominance and power, 3 hegemonic views of the male gender.

High Angle – This denotes the artist from above, almost ‘looking down’ upon them. This connotes the dominant ideology of women being the ‘ less superior’ gender.

Birds eye view – This angle denotes the individual from directly above, allowing the audience a larger view of the surroundings. This also denotes things the on screen character may not see themselves.

Camera MovementsTracking shot – this is when the camera is placed upon a cart in order to follow a specific moving object, usually vehicles.

Crane shot – The crane used for denoting things from high angles, being used for such things as establishing shots & bird’s eye views.

Pan – this camera movement ids used in order to follow moving objects from the side, as opposed to from above, in front or behind. This allows the audience to feel as if they are in front of the moving object, with it swiftly zooming past.

Mis en SceneLighting – the lighting of a music video can connote the lyrics the narrative of the song it is for. For example, the music video Future – Low Life ft. The Weekend (left) has very low key lighting, signifying the songs gritty lyrics and dark narrative. However, the music video for Tinie Tempah – Girls Like ft. Zara Larsson has very high key lighting, connoting the upbeat, happy, summery beat of the song.

Costume – much like lighting, the costume of the artists/characters can also connote the lyrics/narrative of a song. Tinie Tempah (right) is denoted in an unbuttoned shirt and shorts, connoting the summery vibe and upbeat rhythm. However The Weekend (far left) is denoted in all black, further connoting the dark narrative of the lyrics in which the artist is singing.

Mis en SceneStereotypes – Many music videos still connote specific stereotypes, with the most commonly represented one being that men are the superior gender. John Berger’s famous saying: “Men act, women appear” is commonly signified, as is the male gaze, providing voyeuristic pleasure to the predominately male audience members. This is due to many attractive females appearing in music videos, despite having no vocals or contribution to the actual song. A good example of this is Kid Ink ft. Fetty Wap – Promise (bellow).

Props – certain props can be used for different reasons, possibly connoting the title or lyrics of the song, or simply just providing extra visual pleasure (possibly visceral) to audience members. For example, in the music video for Lady Gaga – Telephone ft. Beyoncé (bellow left), Beyoncé can be denoted holding and talking into a telephone, signifying the title of the song. Another example of effective prop usage is the music video for Slim Jesus – Drill Time (bellow right), where a disclaimer alerts the audience that the denoted weapons are purely props used to add dramatic effect.