- Andrew Goodwin, Dancing in Distraction Factory (1992) carried out research into mainstream music videos and identified typical conventions. Applying his critical framework to music videos such as ‘Can’t Stop’ by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, (Romanek, 2003) determines to what extent the text is conventional.
- Firstly he stated that music videos demonstrate genre characteristics. This video could be categorised as being in the Funk Rock genre. It is conventional in that it includes lots of CU shots of instruments, like the drums and guitar this conforms to stereotypes of rock bands as the instruments are often vital parts of the music for this genre. Also there is a fast cutting rate throughout the music video which connotes an energetic and upbeat vibe this gives the impression that the band are fast paced and exciting which again conforms to the funk rock genre. Another convention shown in the music video are the performance shots, the band are pictured up on a stage with their instruments whilst singing the lyrics, this also conforms to the rock genre stereotypes and suggests authenticity of performance which is important in displaying talent and truth. The band members themselves and their appearance in the music video also conform to funk rock conventions, the ‘costume’ which the case of the lead singer is no top and black trousers which suggests an intense and chaotic personality which conforms to conventions.
- Goodwin discussed the relationship between lyrics and visuals. Considering this video it is evident that it is mainly amplification as the lyrics don’t exactly match up with the visuals but the notion of ‘can’t stop’ is created by the fast paced movement throughout the video for example when the band are jumping around on the stage. However in the shots where they recreate Erwin Wurm’s sculptures it appears to be more disjunctive as more abstract imagery is used which ignores the original song lyrics.
- He also considered the relationship between music and visuals to be an important convention. When applying to this video it is more illustrative because of the fast paced tempo which links to the fast paced cutting rate. For example the shots cut on the beat are very quick and snappy so the visuals give the same effect.
- He made reference to the notion of looking. This convention is also present in this video as the audience are almost forced to look at the main singer who is jumping around topless in a posed manor which is very voyeuristic and they are breaking the fourth wall.
- Music videos often feature intertextuality. For example modern art is included within this music video, inspiration from Erwin Wurm’s sculptures appear in some of the shots creating an abstract visual and quirky image for the band which can influence their meta-narrative.
- In conclusion this video conforms to the theory of Goodwin as it demonstrates genre characteristics of the funk rock genre which has intertextual links with modern art and the bands other videos to build their meta-narrative.
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