Introduction to Narrative

Introduction to Narrative in Music Videos

The three main types of music videos include: Narrative, Concept and Performance.

Narrative is the way a story is told so the elements are structured and organised in such a way that the story is conveyed to the audience effectively. Narrative in music generally is rarely completed and often fragmented, this is the same as in music videos storylines are suggested at by presenting complex fragments in a non-linear order which leaves the viewer with the desire to see them again.

Steve Archer states:

  

'Often, music videos will cut between a narrative and a performance of the song by the band. Additionally, a carefully choreographed dance might be part of the artist's performance or an extra aspect of the video designed to aid visualization and the 'repeatability' factor. Sometimes, the artist (especially the singer) will be a part of the story, acting as narrator and participant at the same time. But it is the lip-sync close-up and the miming of playing instruments that remain at the heart of music videos! as if to assure us that the band can really kick it' (2004)

Music videos allow the audience mire varied access to the performer than a stage performance can, take Bruce Springsteen for example, despite his vast popularity until the increased popularity of music videos people rarely knew what he actually looked like. The close-up, allowing eye contact and close observation of facial gestures, and role play, within a narrative framework, present the artist in a number of ways not possible in a live concert. 

The mise-en-scene, in particular can be used: 

'As a guarantee of 'authenticity'  of a band's musical virtuosity by showing them in a stage performance or a rehearsal room; 

To establish a relationship to familiar film or television genres in narrative-based video;

As part of the voyeuristic context by suggesting a setting associated with sexual allure, such as a sleepy nightclub or boudoir; 

Or, as John Stewart suggests, to emphasize an aspirational lifestyle, as in the current emphasis on the latest gadgetry' 

Other commentators have identified some other styles in music videos, including Gothic, animated, dreamscapes, portraiture, futuristic and home movie, in the analyses which follow, many of these appear. 

Some of the most memorable music videos have had strong narratives and often they encourage the viewer to want to see the video more than once. They also offer the viewer the chance to see their favored artist in a different role whilst still offering plenty of opportunity to see close ups and performance.  

Famous examples of Narrative Music videos which include the above motifs can be seen in Aha's Take on Me and Britney Spears Everytime.




Take On Me, Aha



Everytime, Britney Spears