Rock music originated in the 1940s-50s and has since branched out into many subgenres like classic rock, punk rock, alternative rock, and indie rock. Rock music videos typically feature dark costumes and themes to match the mood of the song. They tell stories through editing between scenes and use close-ups of faces and instruments. Newer Chinese rock bands feature more casual clothing and settings to express emotions from a lower-class perspective.

1. A2 Media Studies
Genre Convention Of Rock Music Video
Nikoleta

2. Rock Music
Rock music is a broad genre
of popular music that
originated as "rock and roll" in
the United States in the late
1940s and early 1950s,
developing into a range of
different styles in the mid-
1960s and later, particularly in
the United States and the
United Kingdom.
Elvis Presley in a promotion
shot for Jailhouse Rock in
1957
Chuck Berry in a 1958
publicity photo

3. Genre Of Rock Music
Rock 'n' roll music has branched out
considerably from its early days.
Today's rock scene encompasses a
wide array of subgenres, including
classic rock, glam rock, punk rock,
synth-pop, progressive rock,
alternative rock, indie rock, rap-rock,
funk rock, math rock, and post-rock.

4. • Rock 'n' roll is a popular music genre that combines elements of
rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and country music with the addition of
electric instruments. Originally associated with youth revolt and
transgression, the genre is known for energetic performances, catchy
melodies, and often insightful lyrics. Rock music has matured and
diversified dramatically over the years.
• Punk rock is always thought of as a blend of garage rock and
conventional rock ‘n’ roll. It presented a newly-born alternative to the
traditional rock ‘n’ roll music of the 70s. The sub-genre includes
elements like power chords, extreme vocals, distorted guitars, and
fast tempos. The lyrics of punk rock songs often revolve around social
discontent and alienation. A few of the most famous punk rock
groups include Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Green Day.

5. • Alternative rock had its breakthrough in the 80s as, you guessed it, an
alternative to rock as people knew it at the time. The sub-genre has many of the
characteristics of classic rock, in addition to elements from other rock sub-
genres or even totally unrelated genres like hip-hop. Alternative rock is defined
by edgy lyrics and experimental use of instrumentation. However, the sub-genre
remains loosely defined, to the point that it’s used to refer to any music that
sounds “similar to rock ‘n’ roll”. Some of the most popular alternative rock
bands include Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Sonic Youth.
• Indie rock is all about using simple instruments and a clear melody. This type of
rock music emerged in the 70s-80s period in the United Kingdom and the United
States. The whole point of indie rock was to combat the heavy commercialism
of rock music. The term “indie music” may refer to either independent artists or
those within the indie rock genres. Some of the most popular indie rock bands
include Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Killers.

6. Genre Convention Of Rock Music Video
Genre convention includes:
Mise-en-scene
Editing
Sound
Camera

7. Mise-en-scene
Generally, members of a rock band
will tend to show strong
characteristics, they will wear
novelty or avant-garde costumes.
For example they will usually wear
dark colored clothing and heavy
makeup. Rock music videos tend to
create dark theme so usually they
use low key lighting to match with
the mood of the song and reflect
the mood.
David Bowie

8. However, In recent years, new rock bands have begun to experiment
with more diversified rock styles. Especially those Chinese new rock
bands, they tend to use music to express their love and hope for life.
Most of them express their emotions from the perspective of the lower
class. Therefore, the costumes will usually be more casual or old-
fashion. They also like to use high key lighting in music video and casual
locations are their favorite, it can create the daily relaxing atmosphere.

9. Chinese rock band Wa Chi
Chinese rock band Gao Wu Ren

10. Chinese rock band Hui Chun Dan

11. Sound
Usually rock music videos have story lines and they are produced in the
style of a “narrative” and therefore some dialogue will throughout the
music video. It can also appear at the beginning of the video before the
music to set the tone for the rest of the music video.
During the video, diegetic sound may be used in the form of
soundscape in order to emphasize in the performance aspect for the
music video.

12. Editing
The Editing is depending on the tempo and mood of the song. They use
different cuts and editing to establish difference scenes, so they can show a
total story with a clear storyline.
For example, in a rock ballad music, the cuts and maybe a cross dissolve
between clips will be less than a normal rock music video because it will be way
more softer so that it can fit the vibe and create the relaxing atmosphere.
In comparison to the rock ballad music, fast rock song will have fast paced
editing and cutting, it creates the energetic atmosphere with passion.
Lively rock song will have lots of cuts and jump cuts between different scenes
creating a living atmosphere. Another common editing feature found of rock
music videos is montages.

13. Camera
Usually the camera work of rock music video are mainly close up or
medium shot, the camera usually focus on the characters faces to show
the face expression and emotions, it can also convey certain emotions.
As for the medium shot, it is always used on the instruments that the
artists' playing. This will influence how the video impacts the audience.
Wide shots and ariel shots are used to establish the location. In a live
rock music video, ariel shots are used to establish the size of the
crowds. These shots will either be shown at the beginning or during the
chorus to demonstrate the impact their music have on the audience.
Furthermore, varies angles are used to keep the audience's interest.

14. As a generalisation the majority of rock music video I have seen have
either been permanence where the video is simply different shots of
the band performing live in a studio or is a narrative music video where
the artists are telling a story.