WHAT IS A MUSIC GENRE AND HOW WE DEFINE IT?

DIFFERENT MUSIC GENRES & THEIR ASSOCIATIONS / CONVENTIONS

WHAT IS A MUSIC GENRE?

A music genre is a conventional category that identifies some pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions.Music is perceived through its physical properties, which are affected by things like the instruments used, the recording and processing techniques employed, and the creative decisions regarding structure and format (time signature, having verses or choruses or bridges or whatnot, what kind of role the output intends to fulfill, etc). Another element which we tend to identify a music genre is through mise-en-scene. This can include a certain style, behavior characteristics, interests and so on. This is often associated with social stereotypes which build up associations to a certain music genre. Here are some examples:

This is a brainstorm representing rap associations which significantly identify genre's characteristics such as muscularity, swearing, graffiti, violence, money or clothing including hoodies, tracksuit, expensive trainers or bandannas. All these characteristics have been developed over years by media institutions including magazines, TV or music videos. These negative representations have been also developed through stereotypes which portray rapers in a negative light of crime including violence or vandalism. This can be supported through their mise-en-scene such as hoodies which hide their facial features (showing relation to crime), gold chains which can be treated as symbols of money but also expensive gadgets including sport cars. Their 'careless' image supported through their confident, aggressive poses and inappropriate use of language makes the audience believe and reinforce listed above associations. 

The modern pop genre associations include an image of  young artists with female look characteristics. These are significantly contrasting associations to rap genre which are  reinforced even more with the innocent and cheerful looks of pop musicians. Their mise-en-scene is based around stylish costumes which allow them to be seen as unique and creative. A good example for this characteristic is Katy Perry which is continuously surprising people with her imagination. This differs from pop bands that tend to have matching costumes that allow them to reach higher recognition. 

The R&B genre associations show clear similarities to rap characteristics. This includes baggy clothing such as loose jackets or hoodies, muscularity and confident poses, although the overall look seems to be more casual and stylish. This is why I have included Drake image - a hip hop artist which dresses more causal. This can be supported through the black shirt that can be seen as more formal, going against the hip-hop dress code which is dominated by hoodies and loose jackets. In terms of the woman appearance the costumes seem to be also revealing just like in hip hop genre. This creates an idea of woman being sexually objectifying in both R&B and Rap genres due to confident, exposing poses which might be appealing to man audience. 

The last association brainstorm includes Rock and Alternative Rock genres which are very similar in terms of their mise-en-scene in particular. Both genres support characteristics such as tattoos, piercing, leather jackets / trousers and other black clothing or long hair. Besides, from that they might be considered as aggressive due to confident and strong beat found within their music. This might link to the audience's interest in instruments such as guitars or percussion that allow to create strong, confident and aggressive performance.