Key Features

Andrew Goodwin Key Features

Andrew Goodwin in Dancing in the Distraction factory (1992) has identified key features in music videos:

Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics (e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance routine in boy/girl bands) e.g. Metallica, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden.

There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. (either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

The demand of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs rear across their work. (a visual style).

There is frequently reference to the notion of looking (screens within screens, telescopes, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

There is often inter textual reference (to films, TV programmes, often other music videos).