Andrew Goodwin's 6 Features of Music Videos

Andrew Goodwin

Andrew Goodwin wrote a book in 1992 called 'Dancing in the Distribution Factory'.
He pointed out that there are characteristic and features within music videos, that they have common similarities with one another. As he pointed out that there is six features within a music video that occurs within them. The six features he stated and pointed out:


1. Music videos demonstrates genre characteristics.
    For examples: stage performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band or aspiration in
    Hip Hop.


2. There is a relationship between the lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images.
     (either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting).


3. There is a relationship between the lyrics and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual
     effects that of the music.
     (either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting).


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


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


6. There are often intertextual references (to films, TV programmes, other music videos etc.)