Generic conventions of music videos and different genres

In any music video, camera shots, camera movements, editing, mise-en-scene and of course sound are all important to convey a good video.
Editing is one of the most important uses in music videos. usually, the cuts are fast and sharp, which is motivated by the beat and tempo of the song. Furthermore, there are added effects, such as slow motion. The camera shot vary in videos, depending on the concept of the video. The camera movement is again dependent on the tone/beat of the song. The mise-en-scene portrays the concept of the video displaying the props, costumes and the background.

Different genres

There are many different connotations for music videos dependent on genres. Looking at different videos, mainly through You Tube, I have developed an understanding of what the genre of the music should portray in their music video.
Below show my understanding of the conventions in music videos in association with their genre.

Rock

Through looking at music videos associated with Rock, I have developed an understanding of the traits involved within Rock music videos. The hue of the video is shown to be quite dark, but with some inclusion of contrast. This is to show that the video has an edgy feel to it when watching. The videos are mainly performance based, with the camera covering the whole band. When watching these videos, I focused on listening to the lyrics and their concept; a dark, emotional feel. The costume design is shown to be black, which stereotypically is associated with the rock genre. The editing techniques involved are quite fast paced to match the tempo of the song.

Examples; 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC,  'Stairway To Hell' by Led Zeppelin

                                                          'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC

                                                         'Stairway To Hell' by Led Zeppelin

Pop

Pop music videos are usually performance based, with the artist lip-syncing the lyrics to the camera. Moreover, the performer is usually dancing to match the lip-syncing. The lyrics are meaningful and have a relevant concept. The overall hue and tone of the music video is vibrant and colorful, very different to the rock genre music videos. The costume design in the video is is quite vivid. Moreover, there tends to show a 'modern' look not just in the costumes, but in the set background. In the videos, the artists are always present in any shape of form. Pop videos are mainly targeted at a younger audience.

Examples; 'Love At First Sight' by Kyle Minogue, 'Beat It' by Micheal Jackson

                                                    'Love At First Sight' by Kyle Minogue

                                                              'Beat It' by Micheal Jackson

R&B

This type of genre usually has a light tone to it. The hue is very vibrant, similar to pop music videos. Typically, the artist will be involved in either a narrative setting or a performing in a setting, e.g beach. Within the video, there are usually dancers present, to imitate the sound of the music. The costume design in these music videos shows revealing on women, and wealth on men, e.g cars, jewelry etc. The narrative of the story usually reflect the lyrics of the song, and like in the pop videos, the artist will lip-synch. R&B videos display an up-beating, good feel to them.

Examples; 'Ignition' by R.Kelly, 'Dance For You' by Beyonce

                                                            'Ignition' by R. Kelly

                                                            'Dance For You' by Beyonce

Indie

This type has a big variety of conventions. The hue can either be dark, bright or black and white, depending on the tone of the song. Indie music videos are also split generously between being solely narrative and performance based. On some occasions, the artist may or may not feature in the music video. However, they can be performed either featuring the entire band or featuring the main vocalist. Narrative music videos are typically quite arty and symbolic, rather than spelling out the lyrics.

Examples; 'Fireflies' by Owl City, 'Feel So Close' by Calvin Harris

                                                            'Fireflies' by Owl City

                                                         'Feel So Close' by Calvin Harris