Genre Convention Research

After looking into some music videos from similar Artists in the Indie Acoustic Genre, I decided to create a post which sums up the common conventions and aspects I have found in relation to the genre. This will help when we start planning our own Music Video we can use some of these to attract the Audience we want and keep the video in the style of the Indie Genre.

Camera
Indie Music Videos are designed to look as if they are made by an amateur, a home video, or by a handheld camera. Film Cameras may also be used to create a vintage look and authenticity.

Shots
Close up's, long shots and extreme close ups are essential within the Indie Acoustic Genre.

Editing
The Editing seems to fit in with the pace and beat of the song, longer shots are used when it is slower and quick changes when the pace gets faster.

Lighting 
The outdoor shots in Indie Music videos are effect due to the advantage and use of the natural lighting, which links to the popular convention of nature in the setting. The indoor shots seems to be of a darker and more subtle lighting.

Colour 
The colour of the Indie Genre is key to the Music Video as the right feel to the footage creates a vintage feel to the video, which is extremely popular in this genre. The hues and tones of the video are edited greatly to create this effect, additionally a lot of music videos are in Black & White.

Props
The simplicity of this Genre results in very little props, usually the stereotypical ones you will see are a Guitar (acoustic normally) , an old film camera, or a bicycle.

Clothing
Male Artists of Indie Acoustic are usually dressed with their own individual style but again is very simple. Many of the outfits seem to be influenced by vintage and retro styles and fashion opposed to the mainstream high street brands and fashion. The casual feel to the Artists clothes give the impression to the Audience that they are very down to earth, 'normal', and more in touch with the music than fame, this helps the fans relate to the artist and music more. Common brand used in Indie are Fred Perry, Ray Ban or Vintage pieces from shops on Brick Lane or Carnaby Street; the music and image of Indie Artists Mirror each other.

Locations
The music videos I have come across in the Indie Acoustic Genre have mostly be outdoors, in a natural setting, a popular style is in a field with the sun peaking through trees. An urban area is also popular.

Sound
Artists that have influenced the sound of Indie Artists are, The Beatles, The Kooks and Oasis, so many of the older generation of this Audience may have influenced the generation listening to Indie now.

Characteristics
The characteristics of these Male Artists seem to be down to earth, natural, relaxed and very casual. This can attract an Audience that is just interested in the music and sound.

Instruments 
Acoustic Guitars are very popular in Indie Acoustic, these are shown in bands such as Mumford & Sons, and an Artist such as Ben Howard.