Research - Genres

Why is there so many genres of music?

There are many genres and sub genres in the music industry. There are so many because there are many artists who are unique and are liked by many different people so they fall into particular categories.

Genres of Music:

Blues 

Key Conventions: Instruments, slow editing, smooth atmosphere, mellow colours.

Audience: Older black men mainly listen and enjoy this genre.

Classical

Key Conventions: Suits worn by men, usually set on a stage or in an open area outside.

Target Audience: Older generation usually middle to high class status, listen and enjoy this genre.

Country

Key Conventions: Western settings, cowboy/cowgirls on the screen, farm animals, sunny atmosphere.

Target audience: People that live in rural areas, for example, Texas and Wisconsin (American states).

Dance

Key Conventions: Clubs, colourful lights, dancing, drinking, happy people.

Target Audience: All generations listen and enjoy this genre.

Electronic

Key Conventions: Flashing lights, quick editing, dancing, colourful clothing and lights.

Target Audience: All generations listen and enjoy this genre.

Hip Hop/Rap

Key Conventions: Glamorised set and looks on artists and extras, black people are mainly starred in hip hop music videos, sexual dancing, and expensive clothing.

Target Audience: Usually between the ages of 16 to 30 years old of both genders.

Asian Pop

Key Conventions: Colourful clothing and setting, cultural dancing, happy people.

Target Audience: Asian people from both genders, but liked globally.

Jazz

Key Conventions: Formal clothing, instruments, old fashioned theme, set on stage.

Target Audience: Older generation of both genders.

Latin

Key Conventions: Salsa dancing, Spanish/Colombian settings, love.

Target Audience: Latino people all ages and genders, globally recognised.

Pop

Key Conventions: Happiness, dancing, green screen, exaggerated, youth, stylish.

Target Audience: 8 years old to 30 years old, both genders.

R&B/Soul

Key Conventions: Typical love story, glamorised settings, groovy dancing.

Target Audience: All Ages, both genders, mainly liked by black generation.

Rock

Key Conventions: Dark background, band and instruments, white men.

Target Audience: Older generation, mainly white men.

Mainstream Genres?

Music genres that are usually in the Top 40’s, on the radio and well known to the public. Genres such as; Pop, Hip Hop and R&B are mainstream and are liked by all generations, genders and races.

Niche Genres?

Niche genres have a small population of fans, are quite successful and are unique in the industry. These genres are usually; Alternative R&B, Folk and Country. There are many more and they usually are sub genres.

Table of Conventions

Why is it so important that an audience can identify with the genre instantly?

·        Personal connection.

·        Makes sure they are up to date with music in the genre they like.

·        Keeps audiences entertained.

·        Keeps loyal fans with genres of music.

·        Sets a platform for viewing similar music.

Overall I believe that genres and sub genres are very important and useful for audiences and categorises music. This makes it easier for audiences to keep up to date and to explore more with music similar to each other (which they have an attraction or personal connection for).