Indie pop originated in the UK in the 1980s from post-punk bands that embraced a DIY ethic. It is a genre of alternative rock that is more melodic and less abrasive than indie rock. Conventions of indie pop music videos include using low-budget narratives, live performances, casual clothing, and low-key settings to promote artists. The genre differentiates itself from mainstream pop through less bright and colorful videos that sometimes tell more complex stories.

1. {{
Music GenreMusic Genre
Pop/IndiePop/Indie

3. “Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock
music that originated in the United
Kingdom in the mid-1980s, with its roots
in Scottish post-punk bands on the
Postcard Records label in the early 1980s
(Josef K and Orange Juice) and the
dominant UK independent band of the
mid-1980s, the Smiths. Indie pop was
inspired by punk's DIY ethic and related
ideologies, and it generated a thriving
fanzine, label, and club and gig circuit.
Indie pop differs from indie rock to the
extent that it is more melodic, less
abrasive, and relatively angst-free.”

4. Conventions of Indie Pop Music Videos & Genre:
•Using narrative within the video before and/or after- use of extra characters is also
included.
•Low budget at times- The genre isn’t mainstream nor does it want to be.
•Live performance from artist as well as a story- Live performances help establish
the artist and the storyline makes the video more attractive and interesting.
•Live performances help promote the artist to other audiences.
•Simple, own clothing, everyday look (casual)- They were certain costumes to
portray them personally and not give off a false persona.
•Settings are low-key (studio, streets, park etc)- These places are easily accessible,
but also mysterious; key to the indie pop genre.
• Narrative- over time it has become increasingly popular to include a narrative
within the music video, as it holds audiences attention and breaks up the video
more.
•Sound- as well as the soundtrack, the use of other diegetic sound could also be
included to keep audiences’ attention and make the video seem more interesting.
•Camera shots- the most typical shots to use are close up shots to introduce the artist
and help advertise them to make them more recognisable. Crane shots are also
popular, especially during the live performance parts of the video as it offers
different angels to establish everyone in the band.

5. The thing that has attracted me most to this genre, is the idea that it is pop based,
however it does not conform to every aspect of the pop genre, therefore creating its
own alternative. For example, indie pop is not as bright/happy/colourful as most
common pop music videos. The music videos of common indie pop bands, such as
Fun, demonstrate this in their music video 'Some Nights' in which a narrative story
about war and battle is depicted:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQkBeOisNM0

6. The thing that has attracted me most to this genre, is the idea that it is pop based,
however it does not conform to every aspect of the pop genre, therefore creating its
own alternative. For example, indie pop is not as bright/happy/colourful as most
common pop music videos. The music videos of common indie pop bands, such as
Fun, demonstrate this in their music video 'Some Nights' in which a narrative story
about war and battle is depicted:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQkBeOisNM0