State of the Art: The Music Video
Thursday, June 11, 2009
-
Q-Tip in the “ManWomanBoogie” video directed by Rik Cordero
Not long ago, MTV and major labels dropped music videos. Now, videos are experiencing a renaissance online as artists -- and their fans -- take control of the medium. In our second broadcast from the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, we debate the state of music videos with Rik Cordero (director of videos from Jay-Z, Nas, The Roots, Q-Tip and others) and Maura Johnston, editor of the music blog Idolator.com.
Video: Watch the videos we're discussing today
Plus: the launch of Soundcheck's music video contest, starring the Fiery Furnaces! Make your own video for the new single "The End Is Near" and send us your entry. You might end up on Soundcheck! Details here.
Video: Watch the videos we're discussing today
Plus: the launch of Soundcheck's music video contest, starring the Fiery Furnaces! Make your own video for the new single "The End Is Near" and send us your entry. You might end up on Soundcheck! Details here.
Download The Fiery Furnaces' "The End is Near"
Comments [3]
I do agree with Michael B that some songs certainly cannot stand on their own and need the music video to push it along. But there are many songs that stand very much on their own and the music video simply adds another layer to that song. I would recommend checking out Depeche Mode's Wrong. The video is quite simple, but works very much like a short movie that greatly engages you. The song on its own is great (granted I own six of their albums).
Besides music videos do still help a lot of artists that would previously may have been ignored by a wider audience despite their talent get attention and a much wider audience. Look at what the music video has done for groups like the Flaming Lips, NIN, Wu Tang Clan or Radiohead.
The best current argument for the continued relevance of the music video: Oren Lavie's 'Her Morning Elegance', a lovely song, cleverly illustrated by the visuals -- a good multimedia marriage.
See it now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY
What's a music video for?
To help hawk the "music", which musically speaking, often cannot stand on its own and have nothing interesting to say. And to allow the "artists" to mug and play out their sophmoric fantasies -- an ego thing.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.