2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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. 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
6. Music video and representations
Gender
Men treat women a objects – the
‘female gaze’ especially in
rap/RnB
Heavy metal music tend to be
middle aged males
Age and class
Young, wealth and beauty tend to
be shown in pop music/RnB
Working class – grim, from the
streets = rap/urban music
Ethnicity
African American in RnB and rap
represented as pimps/drug
addicts
Region/place
LA as the sunny nirvana where the
American dream is realised
London as grimy
