Pop Genre Conventions

Pop Genre

The main stereotype of pop music is that it is based on partying, clubbing, dancing and enjoying life. This is so that the music appeals to its target audience which are teenagers. Another stereotype used in pop music is that a lot of imagery is over sexualised (male gaze). The male gaze is the way in which the visual arts and literature depict the world and women from a masculine point of view, presenting women as objects of male pleasure. which again, appeals to pop music's target audience (teenagers). An example of this is the introduction of twerking. Twerking has become very popular in most pop music videos recently. Twerking is a dance move which is meant to be very provocative to appeal to the target audience of teenagers.

A stereotypical convention of the pop genre is everyone looks youthful, white and beautiful. The pop genre creates the sense of a 'perfect world'. The artists beauty is often enhanced with lots of make up and close up camera shots, so the viewer is able to witness the artist's beauty. An example of this is; Cheryl Cole - The Flood, in this music video Cheryl Cole is portrayed as a 'perfect, immaculate' artist, this is shown with many close ups showing her 'perfection', she doesn't not have any imperfections, for example spots on her face.




Another convention in the pop genre is the numerous amounts of medium close up shots used and close ups. This is because it makes the viewer feel close to the artist and it feels more personal. It also shows off the celebrity and promotes their brand (themselves). This links to Richard Dyer's Star Theory, where the star is a commodity. An example of a music video with copious amounts of medium close ups and close ups is: Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop 

Bands that are part of the pop genre, e.g. One Direction, always wear outfits that are coordinated. They are stylised to all match indirectly to show togetherness and their strong connection together as a group. This also links to the 'perfect world', were everybody is stylised, perfect and friendly. The band Little Mix wore coordinated outfits in their Wings music video.

Another convention of the pop genre is the use of bright colours to make the audience feel like they are having fun. It also gives a sense of freedom and expression as the bright colours invoke this.
An example of bright colours being used in a pop music video is; Rihanna - Rude Boy.

Other generic conventions of pop include music videos involving choreographed dances routines. This gives the artist the opportunity to show off their 'perfect' figures in their highly stylised outfits. It also entertains the audience and makes them happy. An example of this is Beyoncé - Single Ladies.

Pop artists are always carefully styled; this is a generic convention. The stars often wear fashionable high street clothing which connects with the viewer. This makes the audience feel like they can connect with the artist(s) as they can go out and buy the same clothing that the artist(s) wearing.
An example of this is; One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful. In the music video, all artists are wearing clothing from a very popular high street clothing manufacturer: Topman and Ralph Lauren.

Another generic convention of the pop genre is that everybody is happy and friendly. This makes the viewer warm to the star and feel more comfortable. Also, another convention is that the artists are clean cut. As pop music is aimed at children originally, the fact the artists are clean cut makes the parents feel more safe and relaxed about their children watching and listening to the genre.
An example of an artist being 'happy' and 'friendly' and also clean cut is Tulisa - Young.

Artists from the pop genre are often scantily clad in music videos and while performing, scantily clad is another word for being underdressed, wearing something that is too cold for the weather. This again shows off their perfect figures and confidence to flaunt their bodies. An example of this is; Lady Gaga - Telephone.

The last generic convention of the pop genre is the care-free attitude most artists seem to have. This is often shown through parties or songs that are about doing what you want. It shows that the artist is living in a 'perfect' world where they have no worries or problems. An example of this is;
Jessie J - It's My Party.