How can I apply symbolic codes?

Symbolic Codes

Within media, symbolic codes are what is beneath the surface. For example, a characters actions show how the character is feeling. 

In context, the symbolic codes within a music genre are represented in the CD cover as these are what sums up the artist and everything within the album such as lyrics and themes. 

However there are still album covers which would go against the conventions and reflect something completely different to what the album involves. 

Symbolic codes consist usually of things like background, colour scheme, font, costume, ect. 

Album covers within the Alternative genre which consist of multiple symbolic codes that reflect its genre and artist specifically...

This album cover from The Vaccines although it is very subtle and lacking in detail, we see its symbolic codes actually making the album cover become extremely effective. The band, from the indie genre of music, are reflecting themselves in a stereotypical indie way as they appear reckless and carefree. 

For example, through their actions we see their personalities; the lead singer Justin Young pulling a typical rock n roll face with his tongue out, with another band member in the background drinking what we can presume is alcohol. 

Additionally, the red background adds to the effectiveness of the album cover as it hyperbolises the artists care free attitude in a subtle way. 

What are they?

Within each genre there are multiple symbolic codes and conventions which make the music video/song fit into that specific genre. These symbolic codes are prominent within the genre and can be seen in multiple artists music videos throughout. 

For example, symbolic codes in a pop music video you might see a beach party or dancing. 

In the Alternative genre, because it is so broad, the symbolic codes are more varied and aren't as frequent; they are more difficult to find. However there are some stereotypical codes and conventions within the indie genre which spread across the whole genre. The typical codes and conventions associated with the alternative music genre feature aspects of lighting, camera angles, mise en scene, setting, etc.. for example:

*low key, dim lighting

*style: dark eye make up, black clothing, indie clothing

*the use of cigarettes, smoking, drugs, alcohol, etc...

*establishing shots to show a indie setting

*close ups of artists face, whom appears very serious

*live performance montages

*cities as opposed to rural settings

Where can we see the use of these codes and conventions?

In Oasis's 'Supersonic' music video, who are very clearly in the Alternative genre, we see their use of a live performance throughout their music video. 

The use of instruments and all the band members performing as they would on stage is very much a feature of the codes and conventions of the Alternative genre.

Additionally, the use of an artists style to reflect the genre is also recognised in this music video as the use of 'indie clothing' is prominent. Such as; tinted sunglasses, baggy, vintage clothing, messy hair cuts. 

The use of black and white filter is also significant as it gives the music video an obvious feeling of it being 'Alternative'. 

In the beginning of the music video, you can see him wearing a fur lined jacket and tinted glasses; this represents the style of the band and what they represent.

Additionally, the low-angle shot seen in this screen-grab symbolizes the idea that artists within the Alternative genre as being cool/intimidating.

In the shot here, the artists are shown to be playing football; suggestively, this has been used deliberately in order to symbolize the background of which the artists are from- Playing football in a car park is what boys do- they are shown as being reckless, playful...


In the Vaccines - 'If You Wanna' music video, the entirety is a live performance with a shallow focused lens, creating a mysterious vibe to the music video. The colored filters over the band create a lucid and unique feel towards the song, indicating their part of the alternative genre. Again, the band is reflected in the indie light this way due to the way they're presented; the long hair, baggy, vintage clothing.

Additionally, the transitions in the music video are fast and the shots are short which matches the up-beat tempo of the song itself, adding to the symbolism that the lyrics are passionate and emotional; the fast transitions symbolise the feelings behind the lyrics. 

The redness in the music video could symbolise love, which is reflective of the lyrics about love,additionally it could reflect the heartbreak inferred from the lyrics and how the song makes the artist and the audience feel when it is being performed. 


In the 1975's - 'Robbers' music video, we see the range of conventions which can be shown in the alternative genre. Although this music video is deliberately exaggeration and an obvious narrative which doesn't exactly reflect the artists image exactly, it features multiple symbolic codes which are stereotyped from the alternative genre. The characters in the narrative are seen smoking, drinking, doing drugs, etc. The style is also fitting in well with the alternative genre, appearing very unique and 'vintage'. 
The music video also features the characters in the music video are committing criminal activities, which goes with the stereotype that those who listen to/ or are in the alternative music genre are some how involved in crime or delinquency. 

In this shot the indie setting symbolises the genre of the artist as they are in what appears to be a desolate area where the sun is setting and the only lighting comes from the lamp posts. Additionally, the attire of the characters within the narrative such as the fur coat and retro sunglasses symbolise to the audience that the narrative is about unique individuals who are arguably isolated from society because they are alone in the street. 

This shot again symbolises the concept that the pair may be seperate from the rest of society as instead of there being a live performance they are singing to one another, also symbolising their love for each other. The red lights in the background stand out as the rest of the setting is quite dull and they reflect the love; red=love, it also symbolises the distortion of the relationship of the characters within the narrative. 

How will I utilize symbolic codes in my music video?

As our music video is mainly a narrative, we will massively utilize the majority of the typical symbolic codes of the alternative genre...

Some of these will be;

• Style; have our characters wear 'indie' or vintage clothing to match the mood of the genre
• Setting; shoot our footage in urban settings in a town center, as opposed to houses or rural areas
• use of (fake) cigarettes, alcohol, drugs
• Teenage delinquency, reckless youth, ect
• teenagers in love
• low key lighting/ vartiety of lighting
• close up shots
• establishing shots