There are two main types of music videos: performance videos and concept videos. Performance videos feature footage of the artist performing, either in a concert or studio setting. Concept videos are based around a single idea or concept and aim to be unusual or obscure to attract and entertain audiences. Music videos can also tell stories through narratives that relate to the song's lyrics. Common themes in music videos include performances for rock bands, street imagery for rap, and dance routines for pop songs. Videos use symbols, lighting, editing, and images to build meaning and support or contrast the lyrics. They may also promote an associated film. The document analyzes several example music videos in terms of their type, category, and reasons for their creative approaches.

2. Many music videos include performance of the
artists as part of the video.
It was from clips of performances that music videos
developed.
These could include footage of
the band in a concert, in a studio
rehearsing etc.

3. Concept videos are
based around a single
idea or concept and are
usually unusual or obscure,
even surreal for an
audience. The unusual
content is an attraction to
many consumers, which
draws them in.
A successful concept
video will keep the
audience entertained
and constantly looking at
what or who is on the
screen.
Thematic  There are lots of common
themes in music videos however it depends
on the genre of music. Example : Heavy
Metal bands go for performance dominated
clips, Rap has lots of street images, Dance
routines are common in pop videos.
TWO TYPES:
Symbolic  Use of lots of symbols to build up
meaning e.g. graveyard…death. There are
lots of use of montage – lots of images to
create meaning sometimes often
contradictory. The lighting often used to
suggest mood. Fast paced – often only a
few seconds per shot to build up meanings.
Pictures can support or contradict the lyrics.

4. Often the video tells a story either that
features in the lyrics or is suggested in the
lyrics e.g. girl dumps boy.
This narrative can be like a mini film, with a
beginning, middle and end.
Or it can suggest some links to a story.
It can promote a film with clips from the film
including telling a story.

5. Artist and Title Type/Category Reasons Why?
Performance – The Living
Oasis – Stand By Me
No Doubt- It’s my life
Red Hot Chilli Peppers -
Other side
OK Go – This Too Shall Pass
The Cranberries - Zombie
Radiohead- Just
Oren Lavie – Her Morning
Elegance
Concept/Performance
Concept/ Narrative/
Performance
Concept
Narrative/Concept
Performance/Concept
Performance/ Concept/
Narrative
Narrative/ Concept
Narrative
Obscure themes, some story, subtitles,
performance from the band, types of
shot link to all types of structure.
Editing seems like one shot whereas it is
lots of shots together, narrative as the
lyrics link with the music video, obscure.
Chicago references, no performance by
the artist, following one character, props,
costume and setting, links to lyrics.
Star image with the artists performing,
editing and props are unusual, high shots
are used wrong which makes it odd.
Re-occuring obscure shot, war narrative,
artists performing, fighting of religions,
religious connotations.
One long take, band featured and are
singing, sound effects used which is
unusual.
Band in the studio, black and white with
dull colour, band featured, quick editing.
Long takes and close ups,
montage, black and white.

6. Artist and Title Type/Category Reasons Why?
Performance – The Living
Oasis – Stand By Me
No Doubt- It’s my life
Red Hot Chilli Peppers -
Other side
OK Go – This Too Shall Pass
The Cranberries - Zombie
Radiohead- Just
Oren Lavie – Her Morning
Elegance
Concept/Performance
Concept/ Narrative/
Performance
Concept
Narrative/Concept
Performance/Concept
Performance/ Concept/
Narrative
Narrative/ Concept
Narrative
Obscure themes, some story, subtitles,
performance from the band, types of
shot link to all types of structure.
Editing seems like one shot whereas it is
lots of shots together, narrative as the
lyrics link with the music video, obscure.
Chicago references, no performance by
the artist, following one character, props,
costume and setting, links to lyrics.
Star image with the artists performing,
editing and props are unusual, high shots
are used wrong which makes it odd.
Re-occuring obscure shot, war narrative,
artists performing, fighting of religions,
religious connotations.
One long take, band featured and are
singing, sound effects used which is
unusual.
Band in the studio, black and white with
dull colour, band featured, quick editing.
Long takes and close ups,
montage, black and white.