A2 Media Production: G324
Pop Music
Pop music got its name from its popularity in the Western world when it originated in the 1950s and 1960s. Pop music is very electronic but has elements from many other different genres such as rock and dance. The conventions that are typically known for being related to pop music are such as short to medium length songs which follow a similar structure - verse, chorus verse - the chorus' are repeated multiple times throughout the song and there is a melodic tune that is very recognisable.
Madonna is a very iconic pop singer and is arguably the best of her time as she is referred to as the "Queen Of Pop". She gained popularity from the imagery in her music videos which were repeatedly shown on MTV as well as by pushing the boundaries in her lyrics. This suggests that music videos helped increase the popularity of music videos because MTV is a mainstream TV programme to watch music videos on and therefore pop/popular music would reach a large audience. As well as the "Queen Of Pop" there is also the "King" - Michael Jackson. He was a global figure in the world of music due to his singer, dancing, song writing, acting and record production as well as his publicised life that the world and his fans were interested in. Jackson's 1982 album Thriller is the bestselling album of all time as his music video to partner it was of an equally high standard as it told a story as well as accompanying the song perfectly with special effects, dance moves and breath taking costumes.
Pop music is still as popular today as it was when it originated in the 1950s, this is why making a music video to accompany a song of this genre would be successful. There are a lot of other music videos to access easily and to be inspired by from this genre as well as a wide range of experimental and exciting shots, locations and narratives to attempt. However, following the mainstream song genre of this century could be very boring and less imaginative than what I and my group are capable of.
Music Video Conventions
-
Set in very urban areas - this is because the majority are the audience and the most built up and populated areas are cities e.g. London. For example Robbie Williams - Candy is set in London. If i was to create a music video for this genre I would want it to be set in an urban area, therefore I would be following the conventions but I would try to make the narrative as diverse and original as possible. This would create a twist on the usual pop music video and would be memorable for the audience.
-
The artist usually shows some performance. Performance is key when creating a music video as it allows the uses and gratification of person relationships to be introduced. This develops a connection with the audience and encourages them to buy the single/album because they will want to "know" the artist better. This is essential to use in a music video and I will be using it in the music video that I create, whether it is of the genre of pop or of another genre.
-
High key lighting is generally used. The tempo of pop music is fast and causes the music to be uplifting, the use of high key lighting anchors this uplifting feeling, leaving the audience in a positive frame of mind. Realising this will help me in my creation of a music video as I now know that creating a music video for a slower song should involve low key lighting to help reinforce to sad message that the lyrics and moving image are conveying.