Expectations of Music Videos in The Genre

Within music videos are codes and conventions which connect the visuals on screen to the genre. After analysis of various music videos belonging to the pop genre as well as the indie-pop genre, I was able to conclude necessary elements to involve when planning my own.

COSTUME: The majority of the time within indie-pop, costume is often not a large part of the music video; in place of this, characters or artists are presented naturalistically in clothing which is more casual and relaxed opposed to the vivaciousness and tight fit of conventional pop.

PROPS: Though the use of props depends on the music video’s narrative, there are some which are frequently used within indie-pop; vintage or retro furniture and objects (especially TVs and cameras) are clashing recurrent images with the typically modern surroundings. This acts as a sense of intertextuality in creating a nostalgia, as well as adding to the sense of quirkiness which is valued within this sub-genre.

LOCATION: Scene settings include generally desolate but recognisable areas and suburban neighbourhoods in order to create a sense of verisimilitude, creating a comfortable and relaxed aura for the viewer, and something in which they can relate to.

COLOURING: Unlike lighting, the colouring in indie-pop music videos is less consistent. Whilst some adopt muted, dark and earthy tones to create a nostalgic and vintage effect on the viewer, others include a bright presentation, mimetic of the jovial mood of the music.

LIGHTING: Regardless of the colour palette, the actual lighting of the music video is often bright and well-lit, creating a carefree and upbeat atmosphere for the video, typical of the pop genre.

PERFORMATIVE ELEMENTS: Although not a consistently applied element, dancing in this style of music video is commonly more buoyant, goofy and less structured than other genres and sub-genres to create a light-hearted and authentic representation of the action on-screen. Similar to the majority of genres and lyrical songs, despite having a more heightened focus on narrative, indie-pop music videos commonly contain lip-syncing to perpetuate ideas and messages of the artist within their song.

SHOT TYPES: Like any other type of music video, pop music videos include several different shot types. Indie-pop music videos typically establish the video’s setting with wide shots in the initial frames. Indie-pop music videos also favour handheld-movement-shots to evoke the benign and familiar characteristics associated.

EDITING: Similar to the majority of other genres, pop music videos typically cut to the beat of the music. Though the pace of the cuts is dependent on the song itself, this editing technique keeps the audience engaged while watching and listening to the song.