2. What are conceptual music videos?
• Based around an idea or concept which is usually unusual, obscure or even surreal for audience
• Often contain metaphors to create mood and offer multiple meanings
• Often contain unusual elements
• The concepts/ideas that make the video ‘unique’ in some way and often quite ambiguous and/or
abstract. Often have specific editing technique. Also often, more common with indie artists who
might not want to promote their image/identity.
• The usual content may draw audiences in but could also challenge some audiences (because of
it’s alternative nature)
TYPES:
• Thematic: based around theme, depends on genre (ie rap = might feature lots of urban streets)
• Symbolic: symbols to create meaning: can have lots of montage and images to create meaning
(often the images are contradictory), light suggests mood, pace suggests emotions, images can
support or contradict lyrical meanings
3. Advantages/disadvantages
• Advantages: can be creative and artsy, can be unique and memorable.
Can be thought provoking, challenging and different.
• Disadvantages: some audiences can find them confusing/too far
fetched, if artist not present in video – no self promotion
4. The difference between all 3 types
Performance Narrative Conceptual
Features the artist/group A storyline An idea or concept
5. Examples
Thematic Symbolic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY
Her morning elegance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoyMvE5g7f8
Stronger than ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWox-i6aAk
Blue Jeans (also all 3 types)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn_YodiJO6k
Otherside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIFLtNYI3Ls just
(is actually all 3 types)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVjsGKrE6E8
summertime sadness
6. Your task
• To show your research and get evidence for both types: thematic and
symbolic
• Screen shots with annotations
In annotations consider:
• Conventions
• Purpose – why has the artist/group chosen a conceptual approach?
