GENRE RESEARCH AND

AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS

PART B: GENRE DEVELOPMENT

Where did the pop-rock genre

originate? What are its roots? Give

examples of early artists of this

genre.In the 1970’s, artists such as The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Three Dog Night and The Bee Gees all had a pop-rock element to their music. The Three Dog Night were the earliest artists to release this type of music and they were "one of the most popular bands of the late Sixties early Seventies; pop rock, singles-oriented sound with soul-influences”. Pop-rock originated in the 1960s in the United Kingdom and in the United States of America.

How has pop-rock evolved over time?Since the mid 1990’s, pop-rock has become more popular and it is classed as the most successful genres of rock music in the 21st century. When pop-rock first came into the music industry, it wasn’t a very popular genre and there were very little artists that associated themselves with the genre however, now there are lots of different artists that class themselves as pop-rock artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5 and Pink. Clearly the genre has become more well-known and its popularity is increasing. The generic conventions of pop-rock songs hasn’t evolved greatly, as there are still electric guitars, bass guitars and drums used in these songs.

How are the artists in this genre represented? Most artists that are associated with pop-rock usually play their own instruments; this allows them to be represented as talented musicians as they have a range of skills that they use to perform. Pop artists are usually represented as sex symbols whilst artists that are in the pop-rock genre are not the typical sex symbol artists that you would expect. They aren’t necessarily the role model material that you would also expect from an artist that is in the pop industry.

What are the main ideologies represented in current music videos of this genre?

In rock-pop music videos, the main ideologies are usually that if you can play a musical instrument such as an electric gutair or the drums then you are talented and successful. Pop-rock videos usually represent that if you are in a relationship then you are either going to get hurt or you are going to stay with that person forever and they are “the one”.

Some examples of contemporary artists that fit conventionally within the pop-rock genre.

Artists such as Pink, Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5, The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato all fit within the

pop-rock genre. Each one of these artists represent the typical conventions of a pop-rock artist through their costumes, personality, their

performance and their music.

Jonas Brothers – Burnin’ Up

I think that this video represents the generic conventions of a pop-rock genre perfectly. The use of the musical instruments shows off their talent and it’s something that you would expect to see in a typical pop-rock video. The costumes are quite casual and simple and there is a clear narrative in the video that involves the artists themselves.

What do you need to consider when making your own music video?

When I will make my music video, I will consider all of the generic conventions of a pop-rock genre so that my audience has a clear idea on what the genre is and they aren’t confused. I will need to consider the fact that artists in this genre are presented as talented musicians, so I will have to make sure that I show this in my music video by using instruments that are appropriate for the song and genre.

ReflectionWhat have you learned from your research into the history of pop-rock music?

I have learned that the conventions of a pop-rock music video has changed over time however they still have kept some elements such as music instruments being played by the artists to show their musical talent. I have also learned that the genre has increasingly become popular overtime and it most audiences are appealed to this genre now.

Do your audience expect the same things from your genre or do they have very different opinions?

My audience expects the same type of things that I have mentioned as they expect to see a narrative in the music video that involves the artist themselves and they expect to see a scene where the artist and their band are performing either at a concert or just in a room. They also expect to see a general mixture of both rock and pop genres included in the music video so that they can clearly make out what the genre is.