Thursday, 12 September 2013

Genre Investigation: Rock

Rock music originated in the 1950's as 'rock and roll', after being heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music. It also drew strongly on a number of other genres, including blues and folk and incoporated influences from jazz and classical sources.

Musically, rock is centered upon the electric guitar, usually as part of an ensemble including bass guitar and drums. Song structure-wise, rock is usually within a 4/4 time signature using a verse-chorus form, with heavy, dramatic guitar and/or vocal solos. However, it has expanded in conventions ever since it's roots; some of the greatest songs were musical experiments which became known for their originality and innovation.

Like pop music, the lyrics are often inspired by romantics/love tales, but also addresses a wide range of other themes including those more socially or politically based.

The generic conventions of rock music videos include:
  • Documenting live footage - adds energy and focuses on the talent of the musicians.
  • Often focuses on the lead singer, close-up shots of them whilst the rest of the band are represented through more-so through wide shots and mid-shots.
  • Focus on the instruments used and the musical element within the piece
  • Strong links between the visuals and the music - often cuts to beat.
  • Often fast paced to recreate the energetic live performance.
  • Shots of the audience/crowd
  • Expressing strong emotions such as anger, love, depression or regret.
Modern rock videos appear to be swerving towards creating a narrative within their videos, perhaps to try to gain more popularity through crossing genres, however it is no doubt that the most generic and successful rock videos are heavily performance based. 




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