Aspects of Music Video

Common Motifs in Music Videos

Fragmentation of the body

• Fragramentation of the body includes many aspects including:

-Close-ups of body parts (eyes, mouth, breasts)-Body being obscured by objects-Marching of feet or shots of peoples feet dancing

This screenshot is from “Do it like a dude” by Jessie J. This demonstrates close-ups of body parts within a music video.

Mystical & Mysterious

• Many artists incorporate mythical & mysterious places and scenarios in their music videos :

-Gothic Mansions-Make believe/ Past places-Post apocalyptic scenarios and settings

This screenshot is from “Not Afraid” by Eminem. As you can see it demonstrates post apocalyptic scenarios within music videos

Horror

• Many artists incorporate scenes of horrific events and places within their music videos:

-Extreme Violence-Hell-War

-Satan/Monsters

This screenshot is from “Stress” by Justice. As you can see it demonstrates extreme violence by gangs towards the public

Intertextuality

• Intertexuality refers to how musicians recognize their work as an art form. By :

-Shots of cameras, sets and directors-Musician looks at his or herself-Mirrors, glass or water

This screenshot is from “Invincible” by Tinnie Tempah. This demonstrates mirrors as well as shots of equipment including mic and headphones.

Ritual Celebration

• Ritual Celebration refers to how musicians identify rituals in their music videos:

-Parties on the beach, in the street etc.-Black artists are usually happy-White artists are usually demonistic

This screenshot is from “Like a truck” by GeoDeSilva. This demonstrates parties on the beach.

Impossible Sequences

• Impossible sequences refers to things that do not happen in real life including:

-Fast/Slow Motion Sequences-SFX-Animation

This screenshot is from “Wonderman” by Tinnie Tempah. This demonstrates fast motion in a music video

Other features..

• Other features that can be found in music videos include:

-Shots in bright light, sun and fire-Break in narrative for artist to sing-Clips from the film that the song is featured in-Cross cutting from narrative to concert footage

This screenshot is from “Little Bad Girl” by David Guetta. This demonstrates concert footage in a music video.