Indie music videos typically have simple, non-descript settings that focus attention on the artist's performance. They showcase the artist's image through costumes, props, and makeup that establish a retro or alternative style. Narratives in indie music videos are complex and tackle controversial topics, with visuals that relate to the song lyrics at some points to immerse the audience in a story.
2. Setting
• The setting of the indie music video is often kept simple and relatively
non-descript therefore directing more of the audiences focus onto
the music and the performance of the artist. Because Indie Music
videos are mostly known for being set on a low budget the locations
are often those that are easily accessed urban places such as cities,
industrial sites and basic studios.
3. Mise-En-Scene
• Mise-En-Scene plays a large role in all Indie music videos as it helps to
define the artist and create an image that surrounds them and the
branding behind their music. Many indie artists have a retro or
alternative to them, put across through both costumes, props and
possibly even makeup. Costumes can also help to develop narrative
and understanding of a storyline which many indie music videos
feature as identities can be made more interpretable. Props also help
to add to the realism of the scenarios within the video.
4. Narrative
• Indie music videos are known for being largely driven by narrative,
telling stories that the audience can become immersed in and relate
to. The storylines in indie music videos in particular are known to be
more complex than those of other genres and they often tackle
subjects that are more controversial or difficult to approach. Usually
there is some form of relationship between the visuals in the story
and the lyrics of the song, however this does not usually happen for
the entire duration.
