Research: Music Genres

Music is categorised into genres due to how the style of music is identified.

Codes & conventions of popular music genres:

• POP music is mainstream music which appeals to a broad audience. Artists dress in fashionable and stylish designer outfits, following the current trends.The lyrics often express the feeling of love or heartbreak, resulting in emotional melodies. However, some pop songs also tend to be very upbeat and happy. Bright bold colours are linked to this genre of music and can also be associated with a positive vibe and express catchy tones. Pop music videos can be described as very cliché in the way they are filmed and composed.

• INDIE / ROCK music often consists of alternative rock bands who construct a 'rebellious' attitude giving off the implication that they are 'badass'. Indie rock bands dress in dark shaded colours, mostly the colour black and are likely to own a signature leather jacket. The lyrics tend to revolve around emotive words which express topics which often link to drugs, sex and rock n' roll. Indie music is low budgeted and often has a niche audience as only some people like the distinctive style of music as it's very diverse. Indie music videos are often performance based with a slight narrative running through the background.

• HIP HOP music is also referred to as rap music. Artists are known for wearing baggy clothing / sport jerseys with heavy jewellery such as 'bling' to stylise themselves. The locations used in music videos are often clubs with crowds of people dancing and stereotypically, women are sexualised. In hip hop music videos, low angles shots are frequently used to present the artist, showing that they have power. Overall, the lyrics tend to emphasise the topics of money, cars and girls, signifying their status.

• ELECTRONIC music is made up of sounds which are created using technological instruments, for example, electric keyboards. This genre of music consists of DJ's who control the sound effects and this type of music is often played at dance clubs. Electronic music rarely has lyrics, however when they do, the phrases are often repeated over and over. In electronic music videos, strobe lighting effects are often portrayed with an upbeat atmosphere.