A Lost Art
Before I knew magic, I knew music videos
I remember being a kid and soaring into other dimensions via a music video’s ability to transport. Sometimes an unremarkable song on the radio would become inherently great due to the music video replaying in my mind’s eye. Or sometimes the opposite, the best songs could have music videos that fell flat, and in some ways the sound lost its magic.
It always was (and still kind of is) my dream to direct a music video, a great one will always give me full-body goosebumps. Or at least a short film/branded content with laudable music direction, it’s part of the reason I’m returning to art direction.
If you want to indulge, here are my personal favourites:
What It Feels Like For A Girl - Madonna I remember being young and watching this and knowing something powerful about femininity was being transmitted to me, but I couldn’t make sense of it. The original song from the album isn’t so happy hardcore, its dreamy? I am not sure why they changed it for the video. Director: Guy Ritchie.
Alright - Kendrick Lamar This video is visceral, shocking and somehow joyful and resolute; “We’re gonna be alright!” – an anthem. The actual music video starts around the 2:40 mark. I watched it over and over again when it came out, hoping some of its greatness and artistry would permeate my being. Director: Colin Tilley
What Else is There - Röyksopp Kendrick Lamar’s clip leads me to the next one. I can’t find a high-quality version, I’m sorry. There’s something about the levitation of both artists that I find magnetising. Director: Martin de Thurah
Kylie - Come Into My World I remember thinking Kylie was pretty cool after I saw this clip. Prior, I had dismissed her as pop singer with no edge (what a judgmental lil eleven year old I was?!). Something about this video clip enlivens all the layers in the the song. Director: Michel Gondry
Star Guitar – Chemical Brothers IYKYK. I remember a lecturer showing this to us in design school. I didn’t think it was all that mind-blowing, but it’s grown on me, to notice subtlety, pattern & synergy. Director: Michel Gondry again.
Adore You - Harry Styles Clever, humorous and sweet. Almost French in its take on story-telling. Think: Amelie. Narrated by Rosalía too. J’adore. Director: Dave Meyers
Kerala - Bonobo I find this film clip intensely great. I would watch it on repeat (the irony) when I was trying to conjure inspiration whilst I worked in advertising full-time. There are so many ‘easter-eggs’ to discover. If you have adrenal fatigue, please look away.
Bad Girls - M.I.A. Name me a better music video clip!!?!!? TIMELESS. Full body chills. In my dreams I am M.I.A. resting upon a drifting BMW in the middle of the desert, unbothered and cool as hell. The clip was filmed in Morocco, launched in solidarity with a movement to allow Saudi women to drive. Director: Romain Gavras’
You know I love this. Also, Kylie 4eva! ✨