RESEARCH ON CONVENTIONS

The societal issue I chose for my final project revolves around the unrealistic pressure to be perfect and how society often views imperfections as flaws rather than part of personal growth. Many people struggle with self-doubt and the fear of not meeting expectations, whether in their personal lives or careers. This music video aims to challenge that notion by celebrating imperfections and emphasizing the beauty of self-discovery.

For the music video, I decided to take inspiration from the song’s uplifting and life-affirming message. Unlike a narrative-focused music video, this video will center around a single character, a young woman who learns to embrace her true self despite societal expectations. The visuals will reflect the song’s spirit by incorporating bright, warm tones and fluid, energetic camera movements to create a sense of spontaneity and freedom.

The conventions of a non-narrative music video focus on aesthetics, emotions, and mood rather than a structured storyline. In this case, the video will emphasize the character’s interactions with her surroundings whether it’s enjoying nature, engaging in creative activities, or simply embracing the present moment. Mise-en-scène, such as expressive lighting, natural settings, and symbolic props, will play a crucial role in conveying the song’s message. The video will also make use of diverse camera techniques, such as handheld shots for an intimate feel, wide shots to capture expansiveness, and soft-focus elements to enhance the dreamlike, carefree atmosphere.

By embracing a visually rich and emotionally resonant style, the music video will align with the theme of Love You Zindagi encouraging viewers to reject unrealistic standards, accept life’s unpredictability, and find happiness in embracing their own imperfections.

UNDERSTANDING GENRE

What is Genre?

Genre is a way of classifying different styles of art, music, and literature. It helps organize content so that people can easily find what they enjoy. In music, genres are essential because they guide listeners in choosing what to listen to, making it easier to connect with the right audience. Without genres, music would feel unstructured, and finding preferred styles would be more difficult.

In the music industry, genre is one of the first labels given to an artist or band. It helps both musicians and listeners by creating a clear identity for the music and attracting the right audience. While genres exist to categorize music, they are not strict rules many artists mix different styles, creating new genres or subgenres over time.

Even when musicians try to break away from traditional categories, their work is usually influenced by existing genres in some way. Genre is more than just a label it helps define an artist's style, connects fans with similar tastes, and plays a major role in shaping the music industry.

Understanding genre is important for  me as I plan my music video. By exploring different music video genres, I can decide which one will best fit my project and appeal to my intended audience.

PURPOSE OF A MUSIC VIDEO

 

The Purpose of a Music Video

Music videos are created for several important reasons. There are four main purposes that explain why they are made and how they benefit both artists and audiences.

1. Showcasing a performance of a song
   One of the main reasons for making a music video is to visually present a pre-recorded song. This often includes the artist performing the song through lip-syncing or playing instruments. For instance, the music video for Believer by Imagine Dragons features the band performing alongside dramatic visual elements, enhancing the impact of the song.

   
   

2. Bringing the song’s meaning to life
   Music videos often serve as a visual representation of the lyrics or overall theme of a song. They create a storyline or imagery that complements the music, making it more engaging for viewers. A great example is You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift, which tells a story that reflects the lyrics, making the emotions of the song clearer and more relatable.

   

3. Promoting the song and increasing sales
   Music videos act as powerful marketing tools. They help generate interest in a song, making it more likely to be shared, streamed, or purchased. A well-produced video can grab attention and make a song go viral, leading to greater commercial success for the artist.

4. Building or shaping the artist’s image
   Music videos play a huge role in creating or reinforcing an artist’s public image. The artist is usually the central focus of the video, with everything designed to highlight their personality, style, and branding. For example, Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus was used to present a bold and emotional transformation in her career, helping redefine her image.

TYPES OF MUSIC VIDEOS

 There are 3 types of music videos:

1. Performance-Based Music Videos

Performance-based music videos focus on showcasing the artist or band performing the song, often in a live concert, studio, or a staged setting. These videos emphasize the musician’s energy, charisma, and engagement with the audience, using dynamic camera movements, lighting effects, and editing techniques to enhance the performance. They may also include multiple angles, close-up shots, or slow-motion effects to add visual interest. A popular example is Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You", which, while incorporating some narrative elements, primarily highlights Sheeran’s presence and interaction with his surroundings in a performance-driven style.

2. Narrative-Based Music Videos

Narrative-based music videos tell a story that complements the song’s lyrics, themes, or emotions, often resembling a short film with characters, a clear plot, and dramatic elements. These videos can follow a chronological sequence or use nonlinear storytelling, conveying themes such as love, heartbreak, struggle, or triumph. They may include dialogues, subtitles, or silent acting that aligns with the song’s mood. A well-known example is Taylor Swift’s "Blank Space", which portrays a dramatic and emotional story of a romantic relationship that takes a toxic turn, using vivid storytelling, luxurious settings, and intense interactions to enhance the narrative.

3. Conceptual/Artistic Music Videos

Conceptual or artistic music videos focus on abstract, symbolic, or visually experimental elements rather than direct storytelling or live performances. These videos often use surreal imagery, unique cinematography, special effects, or animations to create an emotionally or intellectually engaging experience. They may rely on metaphors, exaggerated visuals, or dreamlike sequences to evoke deeper meanings. A famous example is PSY’s "Gangnam Style", which blends humor, exaggerated dance moves, and vibrant, unpredictable visuals to create an iconic and unconventional viewing experience that became a global sensation.

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF MUSIC VIDEOS

For my A2 project, I have the Music Video task. In order to gain a better understanding, I find it necessary to explore the history of music videos and how they have transformed into what we define as a music video today.

Attached below is the link to a Canva presentation I put together, highlighting the evolution and historical development of music videos.

CLICK HERE

WHAT ARE MUSIC VIDEOS?

According to my research, I’ve found that a music video is essentially a short film or video created to accompany a piece of music. While they are mainly used to promote and sell music, some bands may create them purely for artistic expression.

Music videos can be made using various styles and modern video-making techniques, such as animation, live-action, documentary, or non-narrative approaches. Some even mix multiple styles together. This blend of styles has become increasingly popular, as it caters to different audience preferences. For instance, I personally enjoy electronic dance music. Many music videos also bring the song’s lyrics to life through images and scenes, while others focus on a broader theme. Some may even be simple, showcasing a filmed version of a live concert performance.