Goodwin's theory research

Andrew Goodwin says that music videos are often constructed by the link between the visuals and the song plus the artist. Relationships are built between these in the video, and the close-ups of the artists gives them the representation and publicity they require.

He identified a number of key features in music videos, these include:

1. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals- the visuals would illustrate, amplify or contradict the lyrics
2. There is a relationship between music and visuals- the visuals again illustrate, amplify or contradict the music
3. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and may develop motifs which recur across their work- this will allow artists, either developing or an established artist to become noticed and be memorable. Also they may develop fans who would like their particular style on their quirky motifs
4. There is frequent reference to notion of looking and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body
5. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics- for example, boy bands which we expect them to dance and bands playing instruments
6. There is often intertextual reference- with references to other music artists, films and television shows

Origins of music videos

1900's

It was in the early 1900's where performance shots were taken in music halls and singers were filmed

1920's/30's

It was in this time that visuals were used alongside sound, such as musicals where there would be someone playing the piano

1950's

In the 50's there was no youth culture and popular artists at this time included Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. In this era musicals were the popularity such as Marilyn Monroe's 'diamonds are a girl's best friend'. The 50's was also the birth of rock and roll, during this time artists such as Pat Boone, Rosemary Clooney and Perry Como ruled the pop charts. Musicians such as Little Richard and Hank Williams helped redefine the entertainment industry with their music

1960's

The music difference between the 50's and the 60's is defined as being when the "british invasion" occured in American music. The Beatles came into prominence and soon dominated the global music industry. Artists such as The Beatles and Elvis Presley had such a large fan base that they had to send their own video recordings all over the world.




1970's

Around the time of 1976 we saw the era of punk music from acts such as the sex pistols. In the 70's top of the pops emerged in the UK, this created an environment of innovation and competition amongst bands and record labels as the show's producers placed strict limits on the number of videos it would use

1980's

In 1981 MTV is launched and the first video to be launched was Buggles- video killed the radio star. In the early/mid 80's artists started to use more sophisticated effects on their music videos, they also added a story line or plot to the video. Michael Jackson was the first artist to create the concept of the short film, he did this in a small way with Billie Jean.

Modern day

With the information technology era being active still, artists have the chance to promote their songs through the use of youtube and other online sites. Youtube and also itunes allow the audience to be more up to date with the latest music available, itunes also allows people to download straight from the internet,

Search for the song

Over the summer I have explored a number of ways in order to find a song of my choice. This had included such things as going to East Barnet music festival and asking bands who had performed and also supported if they could be a part of my music video, however this did not succeed and unfortunately I did not hear back from any of the bands I contacted. I have also been searching online on music sites such as mp3unsigned and have emailed a number of artists, I am still awaiting on their reply. I am hoping to use the genre of pop or r'n'b as I believe I am more familiar with the conventions of these.