Music videos can be used to express emotion and signal to the audience what the singer/songwriter is like, and allow the artist to present themselves how they wish to be remembered in order to ensure they are recognisable and noticed amongst other members of the music industry.
Bebe Rexha in her music video 'Meant to Be' uses her setting, costume props and make-up, as well as a narrative and various camera angles in order to make both the music video and herself known. Throughout most of the music video Bebe Rexha sticks to a relatively simple location to ensure the main focus of the audience is on her. She chooses a Wild West dry atmosphere, with dull browns and greys so that the bright red of her shirt is able to stand out. The blue sky within the setting may also be used to suggest positivity, creating an optimistic set of emotions amongst the audience.
Her choice of costume also throughout the video acts to ensure she is centre of attention. The bright red of her shirt at the beginning, as well as the red of her dress further on through the video and her bold lipstick allows her to present herself as a bold and outgoing character, possibly one that is confident. The shirt at the beginning, not only suggests her confidence but also allows the audience to understand that she is a laid back individual, and easy to get along with, ensuring that Bebe Rexha is seen to be down to earth and kind, further causing the audience to begin to like her as a new and upcoming singer. Under the shirt she is also wearing a tight corset that shows her chest. This once again is suggestive of confidence within herself, as well as also presenting a voyeuristic style to the music video, attracting male members of the audience. Bebe Rexha also has short, white or platinum hair, this being bold and outgoing represents her confident characteristics. Although she shows confidence Bebe Rexha maintains simple make-up throughout. Doing so, allows her to seem down to earth, and just like members of the audience, ensuring the audience are able to connect with her, rather than feel intimidated.
She also uses close ups, or medium long shots of herself throughout most of the video, not only does this allow the audience to understand the type of individual she is, but also to allow herself to become recognised within the music industry as she starts of her music career. Close-ups also portray emotion, allowing the audience to possibly sympathise with her as she sings about being hurt in the past, and learn more about her specific characteristics.
A prop that Bebe Rexha uses is a bright yellow car, once again this is used to allow her to stand out and become noticed, ensuring that she is the centre of attention throughout the duration of the music video.
The music video also indicates a narrative aspect linking the shots seen with the lyrics, the end of the video shows a small backtrack of the beginning and middle of the video, before a sudden 'ting' and Bebe Rexha sits up. Doing this is suggestive that what the audience had seen was a dream, allowing the audience to understand a bit about Bebe's dream, and her possible feelings or emotions towards a particular man.
Overall the music video is effective at allowing Bebe Rexha to become noticed and easily recognisable as well as present her character to the audience. The music video presents narrative conventions, allowing viewers to sympathise with the artist, as well as joyful singing shots to create a positive atmosphere.
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