Genre

Genre- a group in which music or the music video are categorised based on its target audience.

 

We are looking at bands of the Indie genre. Indie is short for independent emphasising that the bands are self-made and not controlled by the media. Indie music had never really been massively popular although people did begin to take more interest in it during the 80’s. Many bands such as Oasis and The Arctic Monkeys helped make Indie more popular as a genre, by bringing in themes often seen in other genres, for example The Arctic Monkeys have quite a strong Rock vibe as well as the indie roots.

The lyrical aspect of indie bands is something that really separates them from any other genre. Indie bands often have lyrics that relate to life and everyday issues, again emphasising that they are their own band and not controlled by the media. For example Morrissey’s lyrics are often related to political problems or problems that have occurred in his life.

 

Bands such as Oasis and the Arctic monkeys like to give off an impression of being edgy not the sort to conform. This is shown not only through their music but through their visual image as well. For example Oasis often uses almost abstract ideas for their album artworks, or there is a deeper meaning in most. Both the Arctic Monkeys and Oasis pride themselves so much on being completely “indie” that at large award ceremonies both bands have been known for not accepting their rewards, Either by making pretentious speeches or even throwing the award back to the audience.

 

For our music video we are looking at a band on the Indie Rock genre. Indie bands are known for being unlike other mainstream genres because of their independent approach to making and promoting their music. To understand the conventions of an Indie Rock Band I have looked at bands of a similar genre, the Arctic Monkeys and The gaslight Anthem.

 

After researching our chosen band, Albion, I have found that they are very similar to bands such as the Arctic monkeys and the Gaslight Anthem. As these are all indie bands they use the typical indie genre conventions. For example, starting with the music, as and indie band, the Arctic monkeys. Music is all very individual to them as a band they make up and write their own music and lyrics. Playing on the independent aspect of being an indie band. The lyrics of many indie bands are made to be relatable, or just about every day experiences for example “Cornerstone” by the Arctic Monkeys is about losing/not being able to get over a certain person/girl. This can relate and appeal to a lot of people.

Secondly typical indie bands can portray their genre clearly through their music videos. Some key conventions used in indie music videos are; Playing/performing live, the portrayal of women and a narrative linking, in some way, to the lyrics. Both the Gaslight Anthem and the Arctic Monkeys follow these conventions. Many of the Gaslight Anthems music videos follow a narrative but intercut the narrative with shots showing the whole band of key members performing, linking to the music. Live performance is very important for Indie bands emphasising that it is their own music.

 

Another aspect of a music video that emphasises the genre is the editing and the way the video has been filmed. To follow the independent theme indie bands such as the Arctic monkeys and the Gaslight Anthem have very homemade themes in their videos, Using handheld camerawork and tracking shots to bring the audience closer to the musicians. This is particularly evident in the Gaslight Anthems music video for “bring it on”

Finally the Genre of a band can be easily portrayed through the bands image.  Unlike pop musicians, who will be seen in the latest fashions and mainstream situations or punks who will dress in outrageous and aggressive attire. Indie bands will wear casual everyday clothes; ranging from shirts and jeans to Denim and Leather. This is to emphasise their casual and rock side.