Song name: Shake it off
Genre Characteristics: As this is a pop song the audience automatically expect to see things they associate with pop songs. E.g. Bright colors, fast tempo video. The video features various dance routines for different genres of dance. In each routine we see the dancers wearing the appropriate costume for each genre. For example, 'Snapback' hats and gold chains in the hip-hop element.
Relationship Between Music and Visuals: The upbeat nature we expect to see in a pop video is matched with the dancers moving in time with the beat and helps to amplify the fast nature of the video.
Demands of the Record label: The frequent close-up shots we see of Taylor Swift are needed to present her as the main star of the video. Her image as one of the biggest music stars in the world has to be reinforced in her music and is done so by using the camera shots to show her off.
Frequent Reference to Notion of Looking: Due to the audience of this music video it isn't sexualised very much, yet we still see examples of the 'male gaze' for example when the dancers are twerking. Taylor also makes direct eye contact with the camera and also to the other dancers. This gives the impression that she is addressing the viewer directly with the video and lyrics.
Artist Developing Motifs: This pop style is not Taylor Swifts usual style of music as she first burst onto the scene as a country music singer.
Intertextual References: The main reference that I noticed was that of 'High school music'. This is seen when they all jump into the air in unison whilst dressed as cheerleaders. The varous dances routines can also be seen to make reference to the dance films 'Step-Up'.
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