There are three main types of music videos, these include performance, narrative and conceptual videos. As my chosen genre is alternative rock, I will be finding three videos that fall into both my genre and the particular music video type.
Narrative music videos are defined as videos that feature a visual story which are easy for the audience to follow. Usually, narrative-based music videos follow a single storyline throughout or; they have several plots happening simultaneously. The narrative within the video will often relate to the song in some way and the lyrics are reflected in the story. Most narrative music videos contain an aspect of a performance from the band too. Also, the characters being used in these types of music videos are sometimes the band members however, usually it's unknown actors.
Oasis' music video is mostly a narrative type of music video with its personal-interpretive storyline. It has a serious tone to it as -apart from the male band members- there is only one female character that portrays the story all by herself and there doesn't appear to be any jokes or comical moments. The video links in with the lyrics because of the facial expressions on the characters face. There are many different views on the meaning/message behind both the music video and the lyrics. Some think that the song symbolises new beginnings, whereas others believe it to be about love and moving on with life.
1. Narrative
Oasis - Stop Crying Your Heart Out
I believe that the narrative in the music video is that the character had a hard life and she couldn't go on any longer. This is represented through her facial expressions. Also, I think that the woman ended up committing suicide because of the billboards showing blue skies which may signify being in heaven and at peace. However, another alternative interpretation is that the woman had been struggling with her past but decided to let it all go and start a new life. This is also signified by the blue sky and clouds on the signs.
2. Performance
Coldplay - A Sky Full of Stars
Performance type music videos mainly include the artist performing their song either by themselves or in front of an audience. Alternative rock bands typically use footage from their live concerts as it shows their high energy, it would also persuade the viewers to buy tickets to see the band in concert. This type of music video is cheap and usually easy to film. It has to contain a variety of quick, short camera shots in order to prevent the video from becoming boring. If the band is performing the typical set-up is again, the main singer at the front with the guitarist/bassist on either side and the drummer at the back.
Coldplay's performance type music video is fairly unconventional as they are not in concert nor do they stay still and perform in one place. The main singer is walking around the street whilst singing and playing the guitar with a drum on his back. He is performing to the people on the street and they start to follow him. This shows that instead of creating a divide between himself and the fans, he is including everyone and bringing them all together. When the three other members of the band join him, they stand in a line to perform which represents all members being as important as each other. This is also unconventional as usually the lead singer is at the front and the main focus.
Most music videos fit into to more than one type of music video. Coldplay's video is mostly performance but also has a slight element of a narrative. I believe that the band is trying to suggest equality and spread good vibes. This is due to the bright colours, body language and facial expressions. Also, the fact that the band are mostly at the same level as the audience, shows that they want everyone to be involved.
3. Conceptual
Imagine Dragons - Thunder
Conceptual music videos usually contain no storyline and do not relate to the lyrics. Due to these types of videos using lots of specialist editing and Special FX, they are most likely the most expensive and difficult to film. This may be why they are not overly popular however, they are probably the most memorable for the audience due to their quirkiness. Concept videos are sometimes symbolic and contains lots of little symbols to suggest meaning. This is done by the montage of clips and the lighting which suggests the mood and people's emotions.
Imagine Dragon's music video is clearly conceptual, this is shown through the use of editing and Special FX. The video has a theme of being futuristic due to the luxurious buildings, jewellery, outfits and cars. Most of the shots within the music video contain things that are unrealistic such as people who look alien, lights flashing out of the sky and floating sheep. These things would be enticing to the audience and memorable due to the look of everything.