Blog Post 4: The Pop Music Genre

Pop music is a genre originating from the UK and US during the mid-1950s. It can refer to "popular" music, that is, music that tops charts, or from a musical and genre standpoint, pop music usually consists of a basic verse-chorus structure with repeated choruses, melodic tunes and hooks with influences from urban, rock, dance, disco and Latin music. The definition has changed a lot throughout the years, and is not so much determined by instrumentation as much as other genres.

Pop used to be synonymous with Rock until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated.

The Beatles were considered a Pop group
back in the 60s, though by today's standards
they would be classed more as having a
'Rock' sound.

One Direction, the typical modern Pop
group. Very different from the Beatles.

Above are two bands both considered 'Pop' groups during their time. The difference is immediately clear - the Beatles have matching, smart outfits and iconic hairstyles, conveying a clean-cut and approachable image. One Direction display a different type of approachability - the 'hip and cool boy band' look. With typical trendy fashion styles and spiky, gelled, dyed haircuts. Each member is young, good-looking and distinct. Their pose suggests a casual and outgoing group of friends making music together and having fun.

Pop music appeals to a general, mainstream audience rather than niche ones such as Jazz or Punk, hence their popularity. Pop tends to stick to trends, with some codes and conventions being:
- Dance-oriented rhythms
- Two and a half to three minutes in length
- Written in the traditional 4/4 time signature
- Features a short melodic idea or 'hook' designed to be memorable and hummable.

Having researched the Pop genre, how it's evolved and endured in popularity, I have a better idea of how to package my star persona and music video in order to appeal to a mass audience. Particularly, I've been thinking about the costume and style of my artist; I want it to be colourful and vibrant, reflecting my artist's big, cheery personality and optimistic outlook, who's enigmatic but doesn't stray away from tackling difficult personal emotions and themes in his music videos and performances (Richard Dyer's 'Star' theory that a pop star and pop performer are not the same thing). These are traits that should appeal to a mainstream audience, and be a refreshing but familiar fit into the pop mould.