INTERTEXTUALITY

Intertextuality refers to the way a text’s meaning is influenced by another text. It is a literary technique that establishes a connection between different works, allowing them to interact and shape each other’s interpretation. This strategy is commonly used in novels, poetry, theater, and even in non-written forms like performances and digital media. Examples of intertextuality include a writer adapting or reshaping an existing work, as well as a reader drawing parallels between different texts while engaging with them.

Intertextuality is also evident in music videos, where artists across genres frequently incorporate references to previous works. For instance, in "Bad Blood", Taylor Swift draws inspiration from action films, adopting a cinematic style reminiscent of spy thrillers. 

Similarly, The Weeknd has paid homage to the aesthetics of classic Hollywood and retro film styles in several of his music videos like "After Hours". These references create deeper connections between visual and musical elements, enhancing the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the work.

SELECTING MY GENRE

After exploring different genres like pop, rock, and indie, I decided on "Love You Zindagi," a Bollywood pop song with soft rock influences. I chose this song because of its uplifting message about self-love, mental well-being, and embracing life’s journey.

In today’s world, many people struggle with stress, anxiety, and societal pressures. This song encourages positivity, self-acceptance, and living in the moment, making it highly relevant. My video will visually represent these themes by showing individuals overcoming struggles and finding joy in everyday life.

Through this project, I aim to spread a powerful message about mental well-being and resilience, encouraging viewers to embrace life with a positive mindset.

AN INSIGHT ON MUSIC GENRES

Understanding genres is important because they influence how a media product is marketed. A genre is a way of categorizing media based on its style and key characteristics, such as themes, visuals, and structure.

In music videos, the genre is determined by the type of music. The video usually follows the typical characteristics of that genre, making it recognizable to the audience.

Genres also benefit the audience by creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. People enjoy recognizing certain elements, relating to the content, and even idolizing it. In music videos, these familiar elements can be linked to specific artists or to the genre itself.

MISE-EN-SCENE

Mise-en-scène in music videos includes key visual elements such as lighting, props, costumes, hair and makeup, location, and color. These aspects often align with the music video's genre and overall style, playing a crucial role in reinforcing the chosen theme. In my music video, mise-en-scène is specifically utilized to present characters in distinct ways.

The location of my music video is a vibrant garden, symbolizing growth, freedom, and renewal. This natural space reflects the uplifting theme, where the character embraces life, letting go of past struggles. The open environment enhances the sense of liberation and self-acceptance, reinforcing her emotional journey.

The props further enrich the narrative, particularly the colorful, flowy dress. Its vibrant hues represent optimism, while its soft, airy movement captures the character’s newfound joy and freedom. As she twirls and dances, the dress visually expresses her journey of healing and self-love. Together, the garden setting and props create an atmosphere of positivity, aligning with the song’s message of embracing life with an open heart.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS

Basic definitions

Codes: A code is a set of rules that tell how things should work or be done. It often uses signs and symbols put in a certain order to create meaning. These rules help people understand messages clearly.

Conventions: A convention is a usual way of doing things in art, media, books, or theater. It is a method or style that people know well because they have seen it many times before. Conventions make it easier for audiences to understand and enjoy creative works.

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SEMIOTICS OF MUSIC VIDEO

 

Understanding Semiotics in Music Videos

Semiotics is the study of signs and how they create meaning. In music videos, everything we see like colors, outfits, and actions acts as a sign that sends a message to the audience. These signs help us understand the deeper meaning behind a video, beyond just the lyrics.

French theorist Roland Barthes explained that every sign has two parts: the signifier and the signified. The signifier is what we physically see or hear, like an object, word, or sound. The signified is the meaning we associate with it. For example, if a music video shows a red rose (signifier), we might think of love or romance (signified).

Barthes also talked about denotation and connotation. Denotation is the basic meaning of something, while connotation is the extra ideas or emotions connected to it. For example, in Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, the bright colors and strange movements might denote a fun, playful style, but they also connote rebellion and unpredictability, which match the song’s theme.

Another important idea is myth, which means the hidden messages in media that reinforce cultural beliefs. Many music videos show expensive cars, fancy clothes, and luxury lifestyles as signs of success. This creates the idea (myth) that wealth equals happiness.

By understanding semiotics, we can see how music videos use signs and symbols to tell a deeper story. Everything in a video from props to lighting has meaning, shaping how we see the artist and their message.