Frith’s 3 TypologiesJACOB MAYUGA

Performance The first type of music video he states

is a “performance music video” where it solely consists of the artist or band performing their song. This is usually to show off the band/artist and their talents. Also giving a sense of authenticity.

A good example of this is in Ed Sheeran’s music video for his song “One”. In that video it only consists of him in a spotlight performing his song with his guitar.

This really gets the audience to completely focus on the artist and the song he’s performing.

Narrative A narrative style music video provides

a short story that is shown as the song plays. The story usually links to the lyrics of the song and will most likely consist of various actors and mis en scene.

These music videos are usually made to add extra meaning and depth to a song and the artist.

A good example of this is Taylor Swift’s video for her song “You Belong With Me” which tells the story of a school girl and her crush which link very well to the lyrics of the song.

Conceptual Conceptual music videos are a lot more

obscure and usually have more than one meaning. They are also a lot more creative and spontaneous. With these music videos Frith states that “no narrative can be followed” but “a certain mood or feeling will be evoked”.

A good example of this is Sia’s music video for her song “Elastic Heart which solely consists of 2 people dancing in a large cage to the rhythm of the song.

This is a great example of how a music video can really have multiple interpretations and meanings.