Performance Music Videos

OutKast - Hey Ya!



The video for OutKast's 'Hey Ya!' fits the conventions of a stage performance, containing almost only performance, lip synching is used throughout and a few locations have been used, for example, backstage, on stage and the living room of a family watching the performance on television.
The video shows a gig that is being broadcast on T.V., this illusion of a fake gig is enforced by a segment before the song starts where we see the artists preparing for the show backstage.

However, contrary to Goodwin's theory, it does not conform to genre characteristic. The music video is not typical of a hip hop video, there isn't an emphasis on money and expensive items or drugs and alcohol, however, there is a clear theme of female adoration of the artists but in a less sexualised way to what may usually be seen in music videos. The video is similar to that of a funk or pop song with its upbeat, fast paced editing and visuals of dance routines performed onstage, typical of boy bands. A boy band has been created by duplicating the artist in order to play the various instruments.

The relationship between lyrics and visuals is clear, with some very literal references, for example, 'shake it like a polaroid picture' is accompanied by a shot of fans shaking polaroid pictures, whilst the lyric could also refer to dancing, which the crowd also does. During the lyric 'because she loves me so' there is an immediate cut to a shot of a screaming fan. The relationship between the music and visuals is also shown through the video being edited to the beat as well as the bright green colour palette matching the upbeat atmosphere of the song.

The entire video focuses on the artist, using many close ups, helping to create a 'star image'. The repetition of the artist's face in multiple roles helps to enforce him as a 'brand', this is also achieved through the lyric 'What's cooler than being cool? - Ice Cold!', 'Ice cold' being a reference to himself (his nickname). The notion of 'looking' is presented through the incorporation of television screens where the performance is being broadcast.


Daft Punk - Get Lucky



Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' music video is another example of a performance video. Lip synching is used for the whole video and two settings have been used, the main starry background and the sunset background. It conforms to many characteristics of the disco/funk genre such as exuberant stage costumes and 'sparkle' effects.

The relationship between the lyrics and visuals is shown by the lyrics 'up all night', which is followed by a shot of the artists performing in front of a sunrise, and 'let's raise...our cups to the stars', stars being shown against the black background as well as possibly being shown through their sparkly outfits. Also, the lyric 'for good fun' is paired with various shots of the artists smiling and having a good time. The relationship between music and visuals is shown through the upbeat rhythm matching the constant movement of the performers as well as the video being edited to the beat of the song.

As the artists are the only visuals in the entire video, a strong 'star image' has been created, the many close ups also helps to enforce this.