Genre Research

"Indie Pop" Genre

LIST OF INDIE-POP STYLE ARTISTS:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_indie_pop_artists

The genre of the type of music video I have decided to create is Indie Pop. This genre includes aspects from both Indie and Pop. For example, artists usually create music that is in the style perceived of Indie music but they are not true Indie artists as they are signed to a label. Their music videos usually include narrative and abstract themes but sometimes the artists are also seen performing. Indie Pop artists include: Ellie Goulding, M83, Foster the People, Imagine Dragons, Florence and the Machine, etc. Although my artist, Taylor Swift, is not an Indie artist, she is classed as pop and I believe the song I have chosen, 'Haunted' reflects more of an Indie style, meaning I could include narrative but also abstract scenes. From researching and watching Indie Pop artists and their music videos I have been able to see the codes and conventions of this genre:

Cinematography

• Artist framed in the center of frame and close up shots are used to show the artist singing:

• Hand held shots are used, this creates a DIY feel to some indie music videos

• Point of view shots are used in some narrative style music videos to show what the artist or character in the story is doing:

Mise-en-scene

• Location: outdoors/ public locations (not in studios- like pop videos)/ abstract

• Sometimes does not include artist and concentrates on a theme/ objects:

• Sometimes shows a performance/ instruments:

• Many artists have an individual look. For example Florence uses vintage style props/ outfits:

• Narrative- out of the ordinary/ twist on a normal life issue/ imaginary objects/ locations

Sound

• Instruments: guitar, drums, bass
• Sometimes: Synthesizer, keyboard
• Vocals 

• This example screenshot shows Lucy Rose live playing her guitar with a drum kit behind her: 

• Whereas this screenshot shows Noah and the Whale with instruments such as, drums, keyboard, guitar and bass.

Editing

• Slowed clips- e.g. running/ waves/ jumping

• Straight/ fast cuts

• Usually have artists name/ song title at beginning of video: