Planning your first music video is exciting – but also can become overwhelming. From brainstorming and selecting a concept, hiring a videographer to bring it to life, and managing your budget, it can quickly turn from fun to frustrating if you’re not prepared.
At the end of the day, the goal of a music video is to elevate your music – attracting new listeners & viewers, engaging current fans, and blooming your music to a new artistic level.
If you’re a young artist or band you might consider releasing your music first, then selecting one of your strongest performing tracks to create a video for (that is, see what does well before you sink the money into a video). For more established artists, preparing a music video ahead of your public release can be a smart move, to streamline your publicity efforts and allow ongoing momentum behind your new music.
We took a look at a blend of music videos – from local artists, friends and clients, to nationally known, award-winning level performers – to help guide you on your way in creating your first video.
Find an inspiration.
A video for the sake of a video generally isn’t going to do too well. Begin by checking out a variety of videos, and asking yourself if you have a basic concept in mind. Quality, originality, and excitement are key.
Quality yet simplicity goes a long way.
Quality video goes a long way. A simple concept can often be budget-friendly and simple to shoot in a day or two. New Politics execute a fantastic lyric video for their single “One Of Us” using an overhead camera, splicing multiple scenarios and shots into a empowering & uniting video:
A gorgeous backdrop never hurts!
If you have access to a gorgeous landscape or unique perspective (of nature or city), it can often make the great basis for a video. Whether you simply shoot yourself performing in a location, or chop up the footage with further footage or storyline, viewers will be sure to notice and appreciate.
A single-take acoustic session can be done if you have the proper audio gear! We loved this performance of Super Cassette’s single “Sober” as part of Grizzly Peak Sessions:
This gorgeous take was shot on our studio roof in Brooklyn, paired with an acoustic live recording. If you’re cutting multiple angles/shots together, you’ll want to record the audio to a click track, to ensure they’ll align.
One-take continuous shots!
While intricately planned one-take videos are undoubtedly impressive, not every continuous shot has to be an Oscar-worthy production. NY rock/punk band Candy Ambulance showcase a great example of a one-take video, using a camera revolving around table, while the band and their friends break into a party. It’s a simple yet fantastic concept. Shooting a one-take also potentially reduces editting in post.
Get more inspirations on one-take shots from lists over on Alternative Press and Mic.
Choreography.
We could post a billion stunning examples, but for the sake of rising artists & bands reaching this blog who might go the DIY route, we’re posting examples of choreography inspiration that’s potentially feasible for the common person.
Gary Jules “Mad World” makes use of basic choreography, shot from overhead, while also panning to him singing, in a continuous one-take. It’s ultimately hauntingly beautiful and perfectly suiting for the track. A simplified version of this could be very feasible to execute if a few practice runs are done and dedicated, attentive team are on hand to participate.
Connect with local artists to partner up!
If you have a concept in mind, ask around with local growing artists – dance studios, painters, animators, and beyond! Many are delighted to collaborate with fellow creatives. While you’ll want to fully communicate ideas & expectations, it never hurts to reach out and see what comes about. Brooklyn piano-rock singer-songwriter Mitchell Leonard connected with claymation and cel animation artist Haisi Hu for this breaking-taking collaborative:
While we’re on the topic of making local connections – ask fellow artists/bands for videographer suggestions, and consider reaching out to local colleges/universities. What students lack in experience, they often are willing to make up for in time & learning (as well as often having access to great gear!).
Some further examples we love:
Shayfer James’ “Under the Willow” utilizes high quality angles, a creative concept, beautiful scenery, and playful editting, cut together into a relatively simplistic yet masterfully done piece:
Matt & Kim’s “Daylight” utilizes a number of angles and cuts, but the basic concept – playing in a multitude of quirky and funny scenarios – comes across well and could be executed for any upbeat, pop song if you find your own creative angle! They also make use of some creative stop-motion effects for a fun twist.
Will Wood & The Tapeworms splice and dice with multiple takes – at it’s core, each scene isn’t overly complex; the beauty lies in that they aren’t afraid to get weird, and fast editting keeps the movement:
Five of the Eyes cut together in-studio footage with close-ups of their vocalist in dramatic, one-sided light. His performance really brings it home, showcasing their energetic, authentic ‘live’ feel.
Preparation & planning.
At the end of the day, you want your music video to be an extension of your music – and hopefully an engaging, inspiring creative journey in the process! Whatever you decide, preparation and planning are key to execute a strong music video that you’re proud to share, without breaking the bank. Good luck!
