Indie Rock

Codes and Conventions – Music Genres

Indie – Arctic Monkeys – I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor

• Scruffy hair
• Casual clothes – Jeans, polo shirts
• Band playing
• Guitars and drum kit
• Dark setting
• Shadows
• Standing still/little movement on feet

In this music video the codes and conventions of the Indie genre are followed to the audience’s expectations. The band a dressed in neutral coloured casual clothing such as jeans and polo shirts, they also have scruffy hairstyles. This supports the relaxed and laid back image of stereotypical Indie bands seen today. The Arctic Monkeys are all playing instruments in this video as well, with a drummer that has the band’s logo on the bass drum. The lead singer is playing guitar as well as the other two band members. There is also use of coloured lighting, which could be seen as something unconventional for Indie bands, however in general the setting which the band is in is dark and ‘moody’ with lots of shadows cast onto the bands faces.

 

Rock – 30 Seconds To Mars – Closer To The Edge

• Band playing
• Massive crowds
• Strobe lighting
• Bright coloured lighting
• Messy/Gelled hairstyles
• Leather Jackets
• Crowd surfing
• Guitars and drums
• Shadows
• Fans

The content which makes up this music video is mainly clips of tour dates played around the world as well as the fans talking. There are many shots of the crowd and the band playing on stage, which is stereotypical of rock music videos. The lead singer also participates in crowd surfing etc. which reinforces the idea of them being risk takers. The use of fans in their video also creates a personal relationship with the viewer. There are many bright coloured lights used as well as strobe lighting, this could be seen as unconventional of rock bands as they may be more associated with darkness and gloom. The lead singer has a red Mohican which is stereotypical of rock bands as they are seen to be different and to stand out.