Goodwin's theory of music videos
Goodwin's is a theorist that came up with his own understanding to the world of music by analysing music videos, he came up with 8 features about what the music video within the mainstream or popular culture what the music video consist of. He is considered as an important theorist in the music industry.
Goodwin's theories that is based on eight main features:
- Genre characteristics.
- Relationship between lyrics , visuals.
- Relationship between music and visuals.
- Star Image Motifs.
- Notion of looking.
- Inter-textual References .
- Performance, Narrative or concept- based.
- Technical element.
Genre characteristic:
Music video often reflect their genre through the use of genre specific characteristics which makes them conventional. Genre characteristic allow us to identify the genre by watching the music video
Example genre's that carry genre characteristic.
Rap-crime, drugs and violence.
Classical- High pitch lyrics and smart dress.
Hip-Hop, wealth, cars, parties big houses and women on their music videos this is to portray them in sexual nature upbeat sound.
R&B. Professional outfit such as suit to show serious genre of music, themes always about love and relationships.Rap-crime, drugs and violence.
Classical- High pitch lyrics and smart dress.
Relationship between lyrics and visuals:
A connection is shown the visuals relating to the lyrics, either is being illustrative or explain the lyrics visually,exaggeration of the lyrics linking to the video and lastly contradicting; being the opposite visuals to the lyrics.
In the music video we could clearly see Jadakiss ' they say every good woman need a thug' The use of amplifying images could be used to in order to make the image larger and a lot more powerful which would make the visuals seem more dominant over the lyrics.
In the music video we could clearly see Jadakiss ' they say every good woman need a thug' The use of amplifying images could be used to in order to make the image larger and a lot more powerful which would make the visuals seem more dominant over the lyrics.
Relationship between music and visuals:
visuals show a connection to the actual music these are either if the music video is upbeat, so the visuals. if the music is monotone, usually so are the visuals.
In this video by Jay Z feat Kanye West Otise, the beat of the music gets faster and louder as they start rapping furiously.
Star Image Motifs:
The music video includes many close up shots of the artist, demanded by the record labels to make them popular and identifiable.
Lady Gaga, throughout her music career she has built her reoccurring image. Her music supports and emphasis with her personality and it reflect strange style that she has and music. Same star image motif portrayed in her all music videos which represents her style and personality. Her music videos need to live up to that standard.
Notion of looking:
Particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body-women that are seen as sexual object. There are a huge amount of music videos that could fit into this section now day. For example
Some, genres do not emphasis the 'Notion of looking' less mainstream genre such as rock of classical do not fit in to genre characteristics of the genre.
Inter-textual Reference:
In many music videos you will find there are often links to other films,TV program-mes or other music videos etc,this is called an inter-textual reference.
This music video imitate news reporters and polices.wearing a suit to show that his a news reporter, dressed in police uniform. This can help promote music videos as people can relate to the music video in more than one way.
Performance,Narrative or concept- based?
Performance:means the focus is solidly on the artist/ band.
For example Beyonce,Green light music video,the focus is on her appearance and body this is conventional this genre as female and men admire her assets.
Narrative:means that it has a story attached related to the lyrics of the song.
Example by Michael Jackson shows the elements that would fit into this section e.g ' what about sunrise, what about rain' as we can see in this music video everything is destroyed and broken.
Concept based: is usually a single concept obscure, surreal for the audience more then likely including special effects.
The prodigy- warrior's dance music video shows no relationship with the lyrics of music therefore is a random, different and concept based.
Technical elements: mise en scene ,cinematography, editing the place of the editing is usually determined.
Examples:
various of close ups - of the artist being used. This is used to create a familiarity between the artist and audience. a lot of close up can show the audience the importance of the artist.
Cuts between shots normally follow the rhythm of the song- This gives an elements of fluency in the music videos.
Lighting reflects the mood of the genre-The audience can relate to the music video a lot more if relevant lights are used.
Conclusion: Goodwin's theory enable me to understand about the 8 main generic features ideas about what music consist of. Goodwin's theory is important because it is most like to be the theory that my own music video would follow up on. furthermore, being familiar with this theories would give me advantage as i would know what i would include in my own music video.
Good ideas here on Goodwin's theory. Each characteristic is well discussed with accurate examples chosen and discussed to support your points.
ReplyDeleteTo improve;
lyrics and visual: be more specific to what you see
-relationship between music and visual: as the beat goes faster, what happens to the visuals?
-how is star image motifs usually captured to the audience?
-what genres are more likely to display the notion of looking?
-conclude with what characteristics of Goodwin's you plan to use in your own video. Be specific here.