Codes and Conventions of an Indie Pop Music

Codes and conventions of an indie pop music videoRosie Betteridge

Camera workCamera Movement

The most frequent camera movements that are used are dolly's, pan’s, tilt’s and especially track’s. These movements put emphasis on certain visuals occurring on the screen. For example, a track would be used on a scene of a person running away from something. No only would it keep the protagonist in the shot but it signifies that they’re attempting to escape something but are unable to.

Angles

From my research, I have found that there are not any specific angles that are used in indie pop music videos. There is a wide variety ranging from high and low angles to point of view and canted angles.

Shots

In this genre, if there is a narrative there would usually be an establishing shot at the beginning of the music video to set the scene and make the narrative clearer. Furthermore, another shot that is frequently used is a close up. These are used most during the promo shots, this is used to make an association with the artist to the soundtrack as well as introducing the artist to audience members that have not seen them before.

Mise-en-sceneMakeup and costume

In an indie pop music video the makeup and costume are usually simplistic, due to the low budget of. They are used to create indications of who the characters are, the mise-en-scene is usually related towards the narrative. In Hayley Kiyoko’s music video ‘Girls like Girls’ makeup is used to connote violence, the use of blood and dark powders are used to signify the pain an suffering she is going through both physically and psychologically.

Lighting

High-key lighting is usually used when a filter is going to be added to the shots post-production this is to enhance the filter and make it easier to edit. Although, some indie pop music videos don’t use a filter so they therefore create certain atmospheres through the use of low-key lighting. For example, if the lyrics are referring to something deep and meaningful they are more likely to use low-key lighting than if they used the narrative of love.

Props

Similar to the make-up and costume, props are usually not substantial in indie-pop music videos. This is normally due to the artists being on a low budget. When props are used they are basic and relate to the narrative, for example, if the lyrics referred to someone being on a phone they would use a telephone as a prop. In the music video ‘Constellations’ by CamelPhat they have props as a main signifier of what they’re attempting to interpret due to there being no lyrics. They use simple props such as paper with emotions written on them to connote how the protagonist is feeling.

Mise-en-scene: LocationLocation

The locations of these music videos would normally enact an enigma code. This is due to them being set in locations such as; parks, forests, the city or occasionally the studio. The parks and forests would connote mystery as it elaborates on the concepts that are most frequently abstract.

Promo shots consist of the artists performing the song which are usually performed in a studio. These shots are used to promote the band and give the audience an insight to what it would be like to see them live.

In the music video ‘Anchors’ by Dlid feat The Rodeo they only use exterior locations, this setting is in a desert which puts emphasis on the themes of isolation and loneliness.

Post-productionFilters and colours

Colour alteration is a post-production technique that is regularly used. Artists use this to change the brightness, saturation and white balance. Also, filters are used often to give a certain effect to the audience. This could be to give the music video age, showing it in a positive or negative light or creating effects such as memory. For example, in the music video ‘Girls like Girls’ by Hayley Kiyoko they use multiple filters to signify the dreamscape when the protagonist is remembering her memories with the girl during scenes of her arguing and fighting with her boyfriend. Whereas the other filter is used to connote real life.

Transitions

In many indie pop music videos they use transitions to change one scene to another. A transition that is frequently used is fade, this gives a dream-like affect which is used in many music videos especially those that are attempting to appear abstract. In the music video ‘Astrea’ by Zinger they use transitions through the use of animation, this is a more abstract video. These transitions are an alternative way of changing from one shot to another, usually it would be created through the use of editing software with fades and colour changes.

Order of shots

During post-production of music videos the production team will need to show the order in which they wanted each shot to be shown. They would then have to place each scene in the correct order but also have it match the soundtrack. This means each shot needs to change on a certain beat or the lyrics need to match the narrative on the screen.

SoundDialogue is usually used in indie pop music videos, it usually occurs at the beginning or end of the video.

An example of this is in Taylor Swifts ‘I knew you were trouble’ video where she explains what she learnt from a relationship that had a negative effect on her life. By doing this, artists are able to either express their emotions towards the song or explain the story behind the soundtrack.

Diegetic sounds are also used in the music video to make it appear more realistic. On the soundtrack release these sounds would be removed during post-production.

Narrative or abstractNarrative

Music videos that have a narrative use literal translations of the lyrics to create an understanding of what the soundtrack is about. These visuals would link to what is going on in the lyrics. This links to Goodwin's theory of illustration and amplification

Performance

Most indie pop music videos have a performance of the artist or band. This is to make the audience focus on the talent that they have, it signifies the passion that they have for the music industry.

An example of a indie pop music video that is performance based is: The Rubens – Hoop. In this music video all that the audience is able to see is the band preforming but it also has elements of abstract because throughout the music video they begin to perform upside down and from all angles.

Abstract

Abstract music videos usually base their visuals on special effects. These effects make the video appear surreal which therefore go against music videos from other genres such as rock or pop.

And example of this is: Toyboy and Robin – Save me now. In this video they use what appear like pencil drawings to give an abstract effect.

Analysing indie pop music videosRosie Betteridge

Astrea - ZingerConcept

When analysing this music video I thought it had elements of both narrative and abstract. It had a narrative because the man appeared to be searching for something. When I looked at the description it explains that it is about two people on a search for unity. Although it also appears to be abstract through the use of puppetry, animation and lighting. All these elements make the music video appear surreal. Although, I noticed that this video does not contain any promo shots.

Mise-en-scene

Props, costume and lighting are all key elements to this music video. Props such as the lighthouse and trees help to signify that he is searching for something. Furthermore, through the use of lighting the audience gets a feeling of mystery and a clearer understanding of the narrative.

Constellations - CamelPhatConcept

Constellations made this soundtrack with no lyrics, this makes it harder to understand the narrative although the narrative is shown through the visuals through the use of editing.

Mise-en-scene

Props are used frequently to signify how the protagonist is feeling. For example, as shown in the image on the bottom left paper with sad faces drawn on it is used to signify his depression.

Post-production

This music video consisted of various filters to signify the different emotions that he is feeling. The vibrant filters are used as a form of representing happiness where as the blue filter is used to signify sadness and depression. Furthermore, transitions such as fade are used to change one shot into another.

Dlid feat The Rodeo - AnchorsConcept

This music video is both narrative and abstract. It displays a story through the use of the actress although some aspects of the video are abstract such as the shot when there are two versions of the protagonist standing back to back.

Mise-en-scene

Location is a key element in mise-en-scene for this video because it is located in a deserted area signifying her being lost and isolated. Her costume is also used to connote the different versions of her personality she has.

Post-production

Filters are often used to create an atmospheric effect which makes each scene more relatable to the lyrics. Furthermore, in the image on the bottom left it shows three different version of the protagonist but through the use of ‘fade’ they disappear. This is a technique used during post-production.