Genre research and
Expectations
Part B. Genre Development

1. Where did the pop/rock genre originate? What
are its roots? Give examples of early artists of this
genre.
Rock music originated as ‘rock and roll’ in the United States in the 1950’s and
developed into a range of deferring styles within the 1960’s.
O During the 20th century, popular music was referred to as pop music and was
mainly aimed at youths.
O Pop was characterized as a softer alternative to rock and roll.
O Originally, the two genres were seen as contrasting genres as pop was more
commercial and accessible, whereas rock was more authentic and had lots of
instrumental, vocal values. For this reason, during the Aftermath of the British
invasion, they were seen as opposing genres.
O However, despite this view, pop and rock music has been described to be
similar in terms of sound, lyrics and the instruments used. The pop/rock
subgenre is now been described as an upbeat genre that many successful
artists followed a career in. Some of these artists include:
Elton John, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton and many, many more!
O
So in summary, throughout history, The pop and rock genres have each used
some elements of the other genre to create new music. The aspect of the pop
genre included in the rock genre makes the sound more authentic.
O

2. How Has Pop/Rock Evolved
Over Time?
O
The two genres originally started without each other so the
combining of the two to create what is described as an
authentic sound is already progress from their original
origins.
O There have been many new artists which have adapted the
pop/rock genre over time. The 1970’s included singers such
as the Bee Gees, Elton John and Olivia Newton-John.
These were very successful artists, some of which were
described as the best bands of the late sixties.
O Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins and other
artists were introduced as pop rock performers in the
1980’s. Many artists that originally started with hard rock,
such as Queen, began to incorporate pop into their music.
There were lots of prominent pop rock artists during this
decade such as Michael Jackson.

3. How Are The Artists In This
Genre Represented?
O The artists in this genre are represented as
‘real’. This is completely different to the
representation of pop artists who are over the
top and have completely unique and
outrageous styles. It also differs from the edgy
rock artists who are portrayed as careless or
fearless. Instead, the realness of the pop/rock
artists meet these characteristics in the
middle. Their simplicity is what makes them
more appealing and relatable to the audience,
bringing in more fans. A lot of pop/rock artists
feature in bands or play their own musical
instruments and this is what gives them their
unique selling point.

4. What Are The Main Ideologies
Represented In Current Music Videos Of
Pop/Rock?
O There are a fair few ideologies of the pop/rock culture,
one of which being the fact that the music shows
diversity and contemporary aspects of the world. This
then allows the genre to promote different cultures and
lifestyles and represent them through their music. It
makes the audience much more knowledgeable and
accepting.
O Another ideology is the fact that most pop/rock music
videos are simple and aim to just show off the artists
talent. This could be done through the lyrics of the song,
by playing an instrument, or even by showing the
passion of music through the narrative. The main
message behind this is to express that simplicity is much
more effective than trying too hard. It differs from pop
genres and rock genres separately because these are
much more outgoing.

5. Examples Of Contemporary Artists
That Fit Conventionally Within The
Pop/Rock Genre
O There are so many pop/rock artists that fit very
conventionally within this genre. For example,
artists such as Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne, Pink,
Jonas Brothers, and Young Kato. All of these
artists represent the genre through the locations
and costumes in their music videos, the narratives,
lyrics of the song and even their own lifestyle that
is portrayed to the audience. They come across as
real people who undergo relatable issues, making
them more appealing to the audience. For
example Demi Lovato went into rehab for
depression which lots of teenage girls can relate to
and empathize with. They are not portrayed as
glamorous and perfect, but just real.

6. Example Of A Conventional
Pop/Rock Music Video
O I think that the music
video of Lily Allen- Smile
is of a conventional
pop/rock style. It
involves a simple
location of her house
and the costumes are
also very casual, which
fits with the generic
stereotypes of this
particular genre. The
artist is also the main
protagonist in the
narrative which is a
generic convention.

7. What Do You Need To Consider When Making Your Own
Music Video Of This Genre Based On The Conventions
Discovered? Which Ones am I Going To Use?
O When I create my own music video I must
ensure that the locations are simple and not
too fancy or unnatural- this is to make the
music video relate to the audience. I am also
going to make sure that the costumes of my
artist are very basic and just everyday, casual
clothes. I want my artist to feature and be the
main protagonist in the narrative of the video
and it might also be a good idea to show
some instruments in the music video to show
the pop/rock ideology aspects.

Reflection
O Thinking about the natural conventions of the
genre I am going to be using when creating
my own music video will help me because I
will be more aware of what audiences will
expect. This will then be beneficial to me
because I will have a better understanding of
what to include in my music video to ensure
that it is the best that it can possibly be. I have
learned that the conventions are important
because they help the audience distinguish
what the genre is and this is important
because it will create a fan base for the artist.