RESEARCH : Analysing Music Videos

Nirvana - Smells like teen spirit

The genre of this music video is grunge rock. The style used is typical within the grunge rock genre; the type of camera shots, mise-en-scene, representation and the music itself.

The video is set in an American high school gym, however the atmoshpere is smoky and the tone is slightly sepia. This makes the video seem"dirty" in a sense that teenagers are rebels. The clothes that the artists wear are also casual and loose; baggy clothes. Also their hair is long and messy. The mise-en-scene helps emphasize the scruffy and rebel representation of teenagers.

The lyrics match with the representation. For example, the line"Here we are now, entertain us!", expresses that teenagers need constant entertainment and if they are left to be bored, they become more rebelious.



There is no intertextuality. The music video appeals to the teenage audience as they can relate to it and find the behaviour portrayed as normal. Adults might find the music video concerning due to the troublesome aura it expresses. The music video is also performance based and there is a notion of looking as the camera shots show the students watch the band perform in the gym.

                                  

                                  

Eminem - When I'm Gone

The genre of this song is rap. The music video is narrative based as it shows a story of a father (Eminem) and his longing for his daughter. The tone of the video is grey and green which indicates emotion such as saddness and aggression. It also relates to the action shown and the lyrics, as the tone helps emphasize their meaning. The colours seen help express a particular mood to the audience, which in this case it is sadness. The target audience are teenagers and young adults due to the style of music, although, adult males may also find relation within the song lyrics, e.g. being a father.

   



Sigma - Nobody to Love

The genre of this song is electronic (club/dance). The tone of the video, such as the lighting and colouring, is bright, warm and atmospheric. The pace is fast and the camera shots change often showing different parts of the adventure and freedom. The music video was released for the summer and the target audience are teenagers and young adults. The shots show teenage girls having fun during the summer abroad, for example, it shows them dancing in the waves. The upbeat music matches the action on scene, it's very exciting and it expresses happiness.

The imagery is evocative. It makes the audience want to jump into the video, like a source of escapism.

 Music videos within this genre usually don't have a narrative, they seem more objectless. They aim to make the video more enjoyable for the eye. For example making it seem more arty and high quality. They also release them at specific moments so that they gain a large audience. For example, this was released before summer, therefore during the summer it became a hit. It is hard with style of  video to keep them in the audiences eye throughout seasons as it expresses the summertime only. However, as said before, it could be used as a form of escapism during a time such as winter.