Research: Genres

A genre is a category where the different types of music fit into. There are many different genre's in order to keep the different types of music in their own sections. There are a wide variety because different audiences listen to different music so it is expected that there are options. For example, the most popular genres are, Hip Hop, RnB, Pop, Rock, Rap and Jazz. However, after these, there are hundreds of more niche genres.

All music genres:

• Pop
• Hip-Hop
• RnB
• Rap
• Rock
• Heavy Metal
• Trap
• Indie
• Jazz
• Classic
• Dance
• House
• Garage
• Electronic
• Country
• Reggae
• Afrobeats
• Bashment
• Techno
• Dubstep

There are also hybrid genres which could be e.g. Hip-Hop Rap which could mean the Rap is slower than most normal Rap songs. Also, another hybrid genre is Indie Pop which could mean the typical Indie genre of slow the songs being slow may seem much more upbeat due to the Pop genre mixing with this.

Mainstream and Niche Genres:
Mainstream genres are usually Pop as this is what the majority of the masses listen to. This includes, Katy Perry, Meghan Trainer, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, One Direction and Little Mix. However, Niche genres are usually Indie or Jazz as these are not popular amongst the masses including artists such as, Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and Owls.




Hip Hop 
Key Conventions: The promotion of the lavish lifestyle is the main focus of a Hip-Hop music video. Also, the focus on females in order to attract the male audience more. Jewellery such as gold chains, sunglasses and hats are main iconography in  Hip-Hop music video again to attract the right target audience as this is the stereotypical image for males between the ages of 16-25. Hip-Hop videos are usually concept based and tend not to follow a narrative as the song does not carry a storyline.
Target Audience: Males, ages between 16-25, from a black ethnic background.

One example is "Ayo" by Chris Brown & Tyga:





Rap
Key Conventions: Low budget filming and the promotion of the lack of necessities as this is what artist's usually rap about. Typically, showing a 'squad' of boys to represent gangs in communities alongside ghetto themes. The most popular characteristic is rapping about the struggle in living life with a lack of money. This attracts the target audience as they tend to be able to relate to the artist's music as they may be going through the same issues.
Target Audience: Males, ages between 16-25, from a black ethnic background usually, however, white artists such as "Eminem" have become increasingly popular in this genre.

One example of this is "Lose Yourself" by Eminem:



Rock
Key Conventions: Instruments usually shown and usually a band is performing. Mostly black clothing to follow the conventions and also, throughout the song it is purely performance with not much narrative.
Target Audience: Males, ages between 16-25, from a white ethnic background.

One example is "We Will Rock You" by Queen:



RnB
Key Conventions: The promotion of the lavish lifestyle through gold chains/jewellery, cars, and girls. However, RnB tends to usually be around the theme of love, lust and passion which usually apply to females. The main focus is a love story with a narrative rather than concept based performances. The music video tends to fulfil the lyrics through visuals.
Target Audience: Females, 12-25, all ethnic backgrounds.

One example is "What's My Name" by Rihanna:



Jazz
Key Conventions: Focused on the older generation where there are iconography like cigars and drinking. The music video would most likely be concept or performance with no narrative.
Target Audience: Males/Females, 30+, from a white ethnic background.

Pop
Key Conventions: Focused on the younger generation where the real aim to show the artist having a good time e.g. party scenes, fun activities, performance based, cliche love scenes. This shows the audience the lifestyle they should be living with the setting usually being somewhere fun.
Target Audience: 10-25, Females/Males, from all ethnic background.

One example is "Best Song Ever" by One Direction:




Grid for the genres:

Importance of genres for the audience:
It is extremely important for there to be genres because the audience need an understanding between the different types of music so they can pick and choose which genres they prefer to listen to. If there were no genres the audience would be confused on what is expected from each artist.

Overall, there are many genres which help the music industry know exactly which categories they are in, in order to entertain the audience. In my own music video, I will think carefully about which genre I want my music video in, so I can ensure I meet all the conventions accurately. I will most probably go for the genre of Hip-Hop/Rap as this seems the most appealing as it wont be too mainstream or too niche.