Codes and conventions are systems that create meaning in pop music. Technical codes refer to how equipment is used to tell a story, while symbolic codes show deeper meanings beneath the surface. Conventions are widely recognized styles within a genre. In pop music, technical conventions include music videos matching the song length and using fast cuts. Genre conventions include pop videos featuring dance routines and bands playing instruments. Common codes and conventions in pop include artists dressing fashionably to appeal to audiences, portraying happiness and boosting self-esteem, lyrics about love and relationships, bright colors in magazines appealing to teenage girls, and physically attractive artists coordinating costumes.

1. Codes and Conventions of Pop
Music

2. Codes
Codes are systems of signs which create meaning. They can be
divided into two categories – technical and symbolic.
• Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used
to tell a story
• Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we
see, for example a person’s actions show how they are feeling

3. Conventions
Conventions are the widely recognised way of doing something
which has something to do with content, form and style. There
are two types of conventions:
• Technical – apply to the majority of music videos, e.g. the
video being the same length as the song and fast cuts
• Genre – where conventions are associated with a particular
genre. An example would be Pop videos that base dance
routines and bands performing songs with instruments

4. • The vast majority of Pop artists wear fashionable,
colourful and stylish costumes which appeal to
the target audience and create trends. For
example, Little Mix are well known for their
fashion style.

5. • Pop artists are portrayed as happy and enjoying life,
setting a role model for the target audience and their
music intends to boost self-esteem and encourage self-
actualisation (linking to Blumer and Katz’s uses and
gratifications)

6. • The lyrics of pop music are usually based around
love or relationships, emotions/feelings and boosting
self-esteem. E.g. Selena Gomez – Who Says aims to
boost girls’ self-esteem.

7. • Pop magazines usually use bright, bold colours which are
associated with good vibes; pink is often used as it appeals
to teenage girls who are the main audience. The masthead
always stands out and is one of the first things noticed on
the front cover. The sell-lines are appealing to the
audience and written in bold font which attracts the eye
of the reader.

8. • Most Pop artists are physically attractive and have
to appeal to teenage girls (the intended target
audience). The costumes can be coordinated within
girl groups and boybands.

9. • Hair and make up are used to communicate the
artist’s feelings, views and express a message. Hair
and make up play a major role in the Pop music
genre.

10. • When it comes to Pop magazines, the artists featured are
either photographed in a long shot (bands) or medium
close-ups. Lighting is usually bright as it reflects the genre
and the background is empty, letting the reader focus on
the artist and content of the magazine. These features are
found amongst most Pop magazines.