Genre Research: Indie

Indie

1. Live Performance 

Indie artists tend to do a live performance for their music video. This puts them in focus and at the center, as they do what they love to do the most. Live performances also tend to show how natural the artists can be as they sing their own songs even when live, Therefore live performances often highlight the artists talents and abilities. 

A modern twist on live performance is now how a narrative is added in between the live performances, in order to add a twist and play around with the video. Making the video based around a story, also makes it memorable. 

2. Narrative 

Narratives are used to tell a story with an Indie genre music video. This is by using a sequence of images and videos that relate to the song. This helps the audience to understand the narrative and follow the story with the lyrics.
This leaves room for the imagination and creativity, which results in a memorable music video.
Due to new technology, Indie music videos can be made using special effects which can add to the storyline or make them more interesting.

High By The Beach - Lana Del Rey

Save Me Now — Toyboy & Robin from Delcan & Company on Vimeo.

This music video makes use of special effects which makes the video interesting to watch, Even though this isnt a narrative but more of an abstract video, it still incorporates the conventions of an Indie song.

3. Mise en Scene 

Mise en scene plays a vital role in the making of many music videos, and can also be symbolic. Indie artists have a retro look, which can be created through the sets, props and their overall appearance. 

The props change the look of the music video and provide meaning. 

E.g. Lana Del Reys song 'National Anthem' shows a performance video which entails a glamorous young woman who is pictured in a glamorous big house with expensive things. This suggests her status and position in society. 

Costumes allow us to follow the narrative of the video (if it has one) in order for us to know what era the video is set in. Costumes can also help us to identify with the artist, as what they wear, their make up, hair or style in general could be their signature look. 

E.g. Sia

Sia's blonde hair is her signature look which helps to identify her 

Indie music videos are known to be made on a low budget, with the main setting being studios, cities, parks and in even in a tunnel. These are places that can be easily accessed and can create a mysterious setting.