Exploring Goodwin’s theory in the real music video world….

Mr Goodwin theorised key aspects in a music video…

• Demonstrate typical aspects of that genre• A thought through beat• Relationship between song and visuals• Narrative and performance of song• Technical aspect of music video • Intertextual references • Encouraged voyeurism

Demonstrating typical characteristics of genre

Rock – Band performanceLinkin Park “Numb”

Dance – On stage DJDJ Tiesto “Insomnia”

Indie – Acoustic GuitarsMumford and Sons “Little Lion Man”

Rap – Half naked women Snoop Dogg “Wet”

Pop – Dance RoutinesBeyoncé “Single Ladies”

Electronica – SFX/CartoonDye “Fantasy”

Thought through beat• This involves getting to grips with the actual

structure of the song - analysing the beat, lyrics and skeleton of the song

• Next the music video has to identify the main singer/star image – one cohesive with the voice – this makes it easier for the audience to identify with the song

• Next would be the actual narrative of the song – what is the message/story the star image is trying to get across – this enables the audience to see the star image as a protagonist in the situation

Relationship between the lyrics and the videoHe believed the video can promote the song through the way it analyses lyrics…This can go one of three ways:

Illustrate – the music video explains the song and the lyrics and the Amplify – When certain shots are repeated in a music video to amplify a meaning Contradict – The music video completely ignores the lyrics/meanings of the song

“The Salmon Dance” The Chemical Brothers is just fish doing the salmon dance

“Piece of Me” Britney Spears features frequent shots of the paps

“Swoon” The Chemical Brothers is a pretty irrelevant video to the lyrics..

Narrative and performance of a song

• Goodwin believed in making the artist a part of the video – by performing and acting the song as it helps with their public image

• Furthermore, it helps with realism, connection and entertainment for the audience • The star image is VITAL – they help make the video appealing• They are usually presented in very extravagant and striking ways

Bjork

The Beastie Boys

Lady GagaMichael Jackson

AC/DC

Technical aspects• He also states that the mise en scene is pretty much what holds a music video

together • Lighting and colour especially help create mood and drama for a music video -

R&B – N-Dubz “Number One”Features strobe lights for a nightclub effect

Metal – Metallica “Enter Sandman”Dark lighting to fit with heavy metal/scary theme

Pop– Katy Perry “This is how we do”Happy bold bright colours

Intertextual references• SO MANY music videos of various genres use intertextual references

(through other media platforms) to sell and brand themselves.

DJ Yoda “Sega RIP”Sega and Nintendo references

Chase and Status “Let You Go”The Jeremey Kyle Show references

Destiny's Child “Independent Women”Charlie’s angels references

Robbie Williams “You Know Me”Alice in Wonderland references

Voyeurism in music videos

Voyeurism is the pleasure of watching someone else’s sexual behaviour – through undressing, dancing, eye contact etc. This includes both men and women being portrayed seductively or having eye contact with the camera, forcing the audience to ‘look’, which encourages voyeurism

Mirrors, television screens, cameras, binoculars are often usedThis idea of voyeurism is often used to brand an artist and make record sales through sexual appeal

Guru Josh Project “Infinity”

Kanye West “Bound 2”

Eric Prydz “Call On Me”

50 Cent“PIMP”