While we have discussed what a Music Video is and its history, I believe we also need to discuss the types they are generally categorized in.
The three broad categories that music videos are categorized into are;
1. Performance Based
2. Narrative Based
3. Concept Based
Let's discuss these types first before moving onto other classifications.
Performance Based:
A performance based music video portrays the lead singer and/or the whole band performing the song, lip syncing, playing instruments and might even be live footage from a concert. Basically, as its name suggests, it shows the band or singer performing their song.
Examples of performance based music videos could include;
Demi Lovato - Heart Attack
Prince - Purple Rain
OneRepublic- Counting Stars
Narrative Based
A narrative based music video is one in which a sort of silent short film plays with the music track. The video can be a mix of narrative and performance as well. It contains a visual story that is usually easy to follow and mostly complements the lyrics, making them easier to understand. Mostly, alongside the narrative, there are cuts of the singer or band performing outside the story.
Examples of Narrative Based Music Videos:
Slow Club - Suffering You, Suffering Me
David Guetta - Just One Last Time
Peace - Money
Concept Based Music Videos
A concept based music video is one that can be further categorized into two types; Artistic and Stylistic. The artistic form can be totally abstract or have certain images that on their own are difficult to comprehend but follow a certain theme. The stylistic videos usually contain symbols to create and impart the meaning that the artist desired to portray through the video.
Examples of Concept Based Music Videos:
Linkin Park - What Ive Done
Sia - Elastic heart
Having discussed the main types of music videos, let's have a look at a few other categories that music videos are sometimes categorized into.
Lyric Videos
A Lyric Music Video is a video that portrays the lyrics of the Music in an aesthetically pleasing manner that makes the viewer aware of the lyrics while enjoying the music and the animation or scenes playing in the basckground
Examples Include:
Stephen - Crossfire
Dua Lipa - New Rules
The Chainsmokers and Coldplay - Something Just Like This
Hybrid Structure
Music Videos are usually a mixture of two or more types and it is only occasionally the case that they can be classified into only one type. Examples of Music Videos that are a hybrid of different types include:
Imagine Dragons - Thunder (Concept and Performance)
Icon For Hire - Make a Move (performance and narrative)
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