Performance-based music videos feature shots of artists/bands performing live or in realistic situations. Narrative videos tell a story inspired by or suggested in the song's lyrics, similar to a mini film. Concept videos are based on a single unusual or obscure idea, meant to entertain viewers. Common music video concepts include thematic (depending on genre) and symbolic (using symbols to build meaning). Performance videos focus on the artist through close-ups and wide shots, emphasizing stage presence and identity. Narrative videos use point-of-view shots and flashbacks to advance a storyline and immerse viewers in the story. Concept videos rely on abstract themes and montages to convey obscure meanings through imagery and lighting.

1. Performance, Concept &
Narrative Music Videos

2. Performance based
• Shots of the artists/band
• Can be a live stage performance
• Can be real life situations e.g. warming up
• Often appear to perform in unusual places

3. Narrative based
• Often the video tells a story either that features
in the lyrics of is suggested in the lyrics
• It can be like a mini film
• It can promote a film
• Very fast paced cuts, lots of shots and cuts
• Sometimes the artist/band is a part of the story
or can be completely seperate

4. Concept
• Concept videos are based around a single idea
or concept that are usually unusual or obscure.
• A successful concept video will keep the
audience entertained

5. Concept: Thematic
• Lots of common themes in music videos,
depending on the genre
• E.g. heavy metal go for performance

6. Concept: Symbolic
• Lots of symbols to build up meaning e.g.
graveyard- death
• Lots of use of montage- lots of images to
create meaning
• Lighting to suggest mood

7. Performance/Concept/ Narrative
Performance Concept Narrative
• Close up shots to show
the artist/band, star
image
• Wide shot to show the
whole band
• Uses and
Gratification- personal
identity
• Theme of
performance/ stage
presence
• Long takes
• Uses and
Gratification-escapism
• Abstract themes
• Point of view
shots
• Flashbacks
• Montage
• Uses and
Gratification-
escapism,
getting lost in
the story.
• Theme of
relationships

8. Artist/band and
song title Type/category
Reasons
why/characteristics
Performance- The Living Performance and concept
hybrid
Star image, close up shots, long
shots, guitar, Monochrome
Oasis- Stand By Me Performance and narrative hybrid Star image, close up and wide shots,
theme of relationships, Characters
Ok Go- This Too Shall Pass Performance and concept hybrid Uses and Gratification- escapism,
one long take, singing/ star image
The cranberries- Zombie Performance, concept and
narrative hybrid
Band performing, obscure images,
obscure angles, visuals link to
lyrics, guns, war theme
Red Hot Chilli Peppers-
Otherside
Performance and concept hybrid Singing, close up shots, obscure
angles, unusual setting and props
No Doubt- Its My Life Narrative Based on film Chicago, follows
one character, costumes and
props, links to lyrics, follows a
storyline
Her Morning Elegance/ Oren
Lavie
Concept: Thematic Links to lyrics about dreaming,
obscure themes, visuals
Radiohead- Just Performance and
narrative hybrid
Band performing, close up of band,
cant here the narrative, subtitles