Music videos often cut between a narrative storyline and a performance of the song. They leave viewers wanting more by presenting storylines or scenes in a non-linear fashion. Additionally, choreographed dances may be included to aid in visualizing and rewatching the video. Sometimes the artist will act as both a narrator and participant in the story. However, lip syncing and miming of instruments remain central to communicating the song in music videos. The close-ups allow audiences more intimate access to observing performers than live shows, and role playing within a narrative provides variety not seen on stage.

1. Narrative in songs, as in poetry, is rarely complete and often fragmentary (David Bowie is
renowned for writing words and then jumbling them up sporadically to create his lyrics). The
same is true for music promos , which tend to suggest storylines or offer complex fragments
in a non-linear order, leaving the viewer with the desire to see them again.
Often, music videos will cut between a narrative and a performance of the song by the band.
Additionally, a careful choreographed dance might be a part of the artist’s performance or an
extra aspect of the video designed to aid visualisation and the ‘repeatability’ factor.
Sometimes, the artist (especially the singer) will be a part of the story, acting as a narrator
and participant at the same time. But it is the lip sync close-up shots and the miming of
playing instruments that remains at the heart of music videos.
The video allows the audience more varied access to the performer than a live stage
performance can. The close-up, allowing the eye contact and close observation of facial
gestures, and role play, within a narrative framework, present the artist in a number of ways
not possible in a live performance. The mise en scene in particular can be used:

2. As a guarantee of ‘Authenticity’ of a band’s musical virtuosity by showing them in a stage
performance or a rehearsal room
To establish a relationship to familiar film or TV genre in a narrative based video.
As part of the voyeuristic context by suggesting a setting associated with sexual allure,
such as a sleazy night club or boudoir.
Or as John Stewart from the Oil Factory suggests, to emphasise an aspirational lifestyle.