Research Task: Concept Based Video Research

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A concept based video is a music video where unlike a narrative based video, lyrics have no clear relationship with the lyrics. This allows viewers to provide their own interpretation of the visuals.

What do they include?
-based around a single idea or concept
-usually obscure, unusual or surreal
-little or no relation to the lyrics

By creating this type of content tends is an attraction to many consumers, which draws them in. A successful concept video will keep the audience entertained and constantly looking at the screen.



An example of a music video with no relation to the lyrics is 'Elastic Heart' by Sia. Sia is a very well known concept based artist as many of her music videos tend to be concept based. Many believe this is due to the fact that Sia wants to keep her identity hidden and therefore reveals it through concept based videos. This video has no relation between the lyrics as the lyrics are about strength and being hurt however the visuals involve a theatrical performance by Maddie and Shia LeBeouf (below).

Therefore interpretations of the concept or message behind the video is varied, from suggestions of child abuse and trafficking and grooming to a unhealthy relationship between a father and daughter.



An example of a music video with little relation to the lyrics is 'Runnin'' by Naughty boy. The lyrics itself is about missing someone however the visuals show someone drowning and being rescued in theatrical fashion. Now, swimming and drowning actually has nothing to do with the video but because it is a couple it enforces the idea that she is being saved by him. Therefore although the lyrics and the visuals are not completely linked, they do give distinct suggestions as to the meaning of the video (below).



 This then leads to the interpretation that although she may be drowning with him, he is the only one that can save her.


Types of Concepts:
  • Thematic
  • Symbolic
Thematic Concepts: This is when a Concept Based video is based around a theme according to it genre. For example, Heavy Metal songs tend to go for more performance dominated clips whereas Pop songs tend to include clips with dance routines.

An example of this is 'Oops I Did It Again' by Britney Spears where the video includes many conventions of Pop Videos.
This is a Thematic Concept  Based video as the music video is based around it's genre of pop, we know this as a key thematic element of pop videos is that they are heavily dominated by dance routines.

Another example of this is 'Ride' by 21 pilots where the video is based around the thematic concept of Rock (below)

This is a Thematic Concept Based Video as the video is based around it's genre of Rock/Indie, this is shown through majority of the music video being based around multiple performances. This is a key thematic element of this genre as these videos are heavily influenced by audience performance.


Symbolic Concept: This is the use of symbolism in a music video to build up meaning, e.g a clip of  a grave symbolizing death. Many times, montage is used to string clips of images together to suggest a link between them. For example, a clip of a couple and then a clip of a plate smashing may be used to foreshadow a dilemma in their relationship. Symbolic concepts rely heavily on the Mis-en-scene, as lighting, costume, acting, props and composition all help build symbolism. This can be through either visuals supporting or contradicting lyrics

An example of this would be 'Electric Feel' by MGMT where the lyrics itself have no link to the video but there are elements of symbolism in it. (below).

Here it does seem as though the lyrics, which is about feelings for a girl, is completely unrelated to the video but there are still a few bits of symbolism that do connect both together. The video itself are clips of people dancing in quite a relaxed manner with tribal outfits surrounded by smoke. These three are evidence of symbolism as they create an almost spiritual atmosphere of serenity which can symbolise  how she makes him feel when he's with her.


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