Transcript Music Videos

Music Videos
By: Colin Miller
The Genre
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Music videos as a whole represent a very complex image when looked at as a
whole. The reason why is because they can all be made so differently, and have
such a variety of characteristics to observe. The audience can truly be named as
anyone capable with auditory and visual capabilities. However the purpose can be
narrowed down much farther. Simply to entertain, and even sometimes inform is
the purpose of making or watching a music video. When looking at the generality
and vagueness of the term music video, it seems very general, and simple. However
when you go deeper into the sub genres it all becomes very complex and almost as
if every sub genre is a different spectrum of its own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smubz_nsNoE&feature=yout
ube_gdata_player
Hold on We’re Going Home (R&B/Rap)
This video is one meant purely for entertainment. The conventions of music videos in
the genre of R&B/Rap usually seem to be fairly prevalent. For example there is
nearly always one sole women that the performer is after, or even just women in
general. There is always an image of grandeur given off which represents the lavish
lifestyle that they either want to portray, or that they actually live. This sub genre
appeals to a very large audience, however it is usually for the younger generations,
as well as English speaking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9q2EGeYnpE&feature=y
outube_gdata_player
How Country Feels (Country)
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This video is also to entertain. The conventions may be a little different, however
are very functionally similar. They are meant to appeal to the likes, and the interests
of their target audiences. Some prevalent things that can be seen in videos of this
genre are very open fields, and a very simple outlook on what can be seen. Things
are meant to be simple and exactly as they are seen. The target audience is a little
bit wider age-wise, however it is still secluded to the English language. However
another usual characteristic of a country fan is the ethnicity of Caucasian.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7t3P9ISrE&feature=yo
utube_gdata_player
I Will Rise (Gospel/Christian Rock)
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The purpose behind this genre is a little bit trickier than the others. While it is
definitely intended to entertain its audience; it also has created its own purpose
outside of the norm. It has a dual purpose meant to inspire its viewers with the heart
warming message that it portrays throughout the video. Some conventions of this
genre are that a struggle is always evident. However the message is always clear
that overcoming the struggle you face is well within your capabilities, even if some
help is given from a force inherent throughout the music and emotion. The audience
of this genre is the most unique of all. It is quite seriously meant for anyone and
everyone. It is meant to entertain christians, while also wanting to inspire nonbelievers.
Conclusion
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In conclusion the purpose of any type of music is generally to entertain. While
many conventions are very similar in value, and significance; depending on the
discourse community involved each convention could be in complete opposite
spectrums of what they are despite the obvious similarities. No matter what
discourse community one finds itself in, the only true conclusion that can be drawn
is that there will definitely be a sub-genre that appeals to you.