Andrew Goodwin Definition of a Music Video
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| Andrew Goodwin He identified key features that distinguish music as a form: 1.Thought through beat (seeing what the lyrics mean in your head) 2. Narrative and performance of the song 3. Technical aspects of a music video 4. Star Image (the protagonist), the use of lots of camera shots to make him/her the center of attention 5. Relationship between visuals (either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the lyrics. |
Performance
Performance Music videos shows the artist/band/group performance throughout the song, and sometimes throughout the video. This type of video has a few advantages, such as lower budgets. These videos usually don't have a narrative and make use of a wide range of camera angles and shots. These types of videos are popular amongst rock bands
Performance Music videos shows the artist/band/group performance throughout the song, and sometimes throughout the video. This type of video has a few advantages, such as lower budgets. These videos usually don't have a narrative and make use of a wide range of camera angles and shots. These types of videos are popular amongst rock bands
Two examples:
Beyonce - I Was Here
In this video, the artist (Beyonce) is on stage, performing the song, The graphics and motion picture used in the background on the stage adds to the atmosphere and performance. This also helps to keep the video interesting, as a wide range of camera angles and movements are used.
In this video, the artist (Beyonce) is on stage, performing the song, The graphics and motion picture used in the background on the stage adds to the atmosphere and performance. This also helps to keep the video interesting, as a wide range of camera angles and movements are used.
Vampire Weekend - 'Cousins'
This is a performance video which is set in a very unusual location. Although it is a performance video, it makes use of interesting camera movements.
Narrative
Narrative music videos usually contains mostly footage which attempts to tell a story through moving image. These types of videos usually have a story that is linked to the lyrical content. These videos are popular with songs that are featured in films and parts of a movie, and the scenes are usually cut into the music video.
Two examples:
Michael Jackson - Thriller
This narrative video entails the main protagonist (Michael Jackson) and his girlfriend on a date. They then later encounter zombies which are not normal to the girlfriend. The video is has a range of locations (unlike a performance video) which is set in one location.
Bruno Mars - Grenade
The main protagonist in this video is in still in love with his ex-girlfriend who is with another person. The video entails him dragging a piano, while going encountering a range of people.
Abstract
Abstract music videos usually don't reflect the lyrical aspect of visuals of the song. it is usually based on a single idea and has no relation to the song itself. It could also have some artistic values which are represented in the clip.
Example:
Thirty Seconds To Mars - Up in the air
