Different music genres- associations and conventions

1. Doaa Elmnayneh
Doaa Elmnayneh

2. A music genre is a conventional category that identifies some pieces of music as
belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. Music is perceived through its
physical properties, which are effected by things like the instruments used, the
recording and processing techniques employed. Not only that, but the creative
decisions regarding structure and format (time signature, having verses or choruses
or bridges and what kind of role the output intends to fulfil, etc.). Another element
which we tend to identify music genre is through mise-en-scene. This can include a
certain style, behaviour characteristics, interested and more. This is often
associated with social stereotypes which build up associations to a certain music
genre.
The next few slides are some examples.
WHAT IS A MUSIC GENRE?

3. POPThe pop genre associations include a young
artist mainly female and if it was to be male
they will have female characteristics. This
is totally opposite to the associations to rap
genre which is reinforced due to the
innocent, cheerful and bright clothing
which is associated with pop musicians. As
for rap it is very different dark colours and
aggressive. The mise-en-scene within the
pop music video it is mainly shown to have
stylish costumes allowing them to be
presented as unique and cheerful. A good
example for this type of characteristic is
Taylor Swift, this is because she
continuously keeps surprising people with
her wide imagination, stories behind her
videos and mise-en-scene. As for pop
bands they tend to have matching
costumes which will enable them to reach
a higher recognition. They also have a
dance routine in the video which also
allows them to gain a higher recognition
due to their dance moves.

4. HIP HOP/ RAP Here I have brainstormed the different
representations and associations of rap music.
As seen through the brainstorm some of the
genre characteristics are muscularity, swearing,
violence, tracksuits, money and more. All of
these have been developed throughout the
years by media institutions such as TV,
magazines or music videos. These are all
negative representations. They have been
developed through stereotypes which portray
rappers in a negative way of crime and what is
shown above. This I also supported through
their mise-en-scene such as bandanas or
hoodies which cover their faces hiding their
facial features (this indicates crime). Another
symbol of crime is gold chains, which relates to
money but also expensive gadgets including
sport cars. Their also shown to be ‘careless’, by
their confidence, aggressive poses and
inappropriate use of language (swearing). This
makes the audience believe and reinforce the
stereotypes and characteristics listed above.

5. ROCK / ALTERNATIVE ROCK
For the fourth music genre which
is Rock and Alternative rock genre
which are very similar mainly in
mise-en-scene. Both of these
genres share the characteristics of
tattoos, piercing, leather
jackets/trousers and other dark
black clothing and even long hair.
Not only that, but they are also
seen as being aggressive due to
their confident and strong
instruments and sound in their
music, links to their interests of
instruments such as guitars,
drums or percussion that enable
to create just loud , strong and
aggressive performance.

6. R&B
For the last associations brainstorm
includes R&B which is very similar to the
rap associations. This is because they both
include baggy clothing such as loose jeans,
jackets, top or even hoodies. Not only that,
but they both share the similar
characteristics for example, muscularity
and confident poses, although the overall
look seems to be more stylish and casual.
This way I have included Trey Songz image,
as he is an R&B and hip hop artist which is
dresses more casual. This is supported
through his music and characteristics, as
some of his characteristics combine both
R&B and Hip-Hop. These two genres are
also very close as R&B artist and Hip Hop
artist calibrate a lot. Moving on to woman
appearance the costumes are revealing just
like hip hop genre. This shows that woman
are sexually objective in both genres due to
confident, exposing poses which are
appealing to men.