3. Function of a music video

Function of a music video

What is a music video?

A music video is a visual representation of a song. It is usually accompanied by dancing and visual images perhaps interpreting the lyrics. However this is not always depending on what type of music video you wish to have.

Types of music video?

Narrative Based Video – This is a video that has a storyline relating to the lyrics usually used for films such as the song ‘Skyfall’ by Adele which is incorporated with the James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’.

Performance Based Video – This is where the artist/band performing the song to the camera or an audience.

Concept Based Video – These videos are often unusual as some may say. The video is based around one idea. However videos usually don’t consist of one concept.

Function of a music video/main purpose?

There a lot functions and purposes we may attach with a music video but its main purpose is to promote the single, the album the single is and, of course, the artist. In order to this, a music video has to:

·         Sell the song in a way that the audience can remember the song from the video.

·         Communicate a message to the audience.

·         Engaging the audience – try to gain publicity.

·         To provide the viewer with a better understanding of the song so they engage with it both visually and audibly – can be done by storytelling (narrative based video).

·         To entertain the viewer by highlighting the talents of the artist – dancing, singing, performing and physical appearance

So we can say that a music video helps to market the artist, their brand and their products as a visual aid to as wide an audience as possible.