Task 3 **

Function of Music Videos

Music video: A videotaped performance of a recored popular song,usually accompanied by dancing and visual images interpreting the lyrics 

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Music videos have an abundance of functions and these can include:

• Engage and entertain the audience
• Drive Sales
• Promote the song/album/artist
• Tell a story from the lyrics
• Sell the song in a way that the audience can remember

But one of its main purposes is to promote the artist and the album/song. Music videos play an important role in how successful the artist is as well as their reputation and the sales of their singles and album releases. Over the last century, music videos have progressed and expanded into a wide range of styles of contemporary videos - with techniques and styles that include: animation, live action filming, documentaries and abstract film. Some music videos interpret images and scenes from the song lyrics while others may be without a set concept (E.G) a filmed version of the songs live performance which is extremely common with rock bands.

Rihanna // 'Diamonds' music video

I believe that this music video is a good example of a music video form. What I particularly like about this video is how simple but engaging the visuals are. For the duration of the video we are seeing the main artist (Rihanna) in black and white with various close ups and mid shots - this allows us to identify the artist and relate with her emotions. This base track is then followed by an abundance of coloured visuals. The video also includes elements of water and fire as well as diamonds, smoke and tattoos which all play a part in the lyrics.