I decided to begin this blog because of my overwhelming addiction to
music videos. I thought I’d start at the beginning with a brief history.
Much to my surprise when researching the history of music videos, I
found out music videos have been around for over 100 years. In 1895 the first
music video was filmed at Thomas Edison’s studio. The History Channel details the entire history
of what we known today as the “music video.” Flash-forward a hundred years in
1978 when USA Network created “Video Concert Hall,” an un-hosted program
premiering hundreds of music videos. Three years later MTV was created and
broke out with hit music video programs like 120 Minutes, Headbangers Ball, TRL
(in
60 seconds), and introduced the world to VJ’s (Video Jockeys).
After MTV’s hit show TRL ended, music videos have been on a decline
because there isn’t much demand for them. However, month after month artists
continually put out music videos for their fans (mostly via YouTube). I’m proud
to say I am a loyal fan who YouTube’s music videos in her free time. But why
put them out over the Internet when they have clearly gone off televised
broadcast?
Over the past couple of weeks I have thought about this question a lot.
Why do musical artists still make music videos? Even when I ask my friends if
they caught Britney’s new video, many will say, “Wait, no?” It then occurred to
me that fans haven’t stopped liking music videos, they have just forgotten
about them. Since music videos are not MTV’s main priority, many fans have
found new outlets of listening to music.
Ultimately, rappers, rockers and poppers all have the same agenda – to
get people to hear their music. In today’s day and age it’s through social
media sites, which in this case means YouTube. Through YouTube artists can
promote themselves any way they want, the most effective way being a MUSIC
VIDEO. Even unknown artists have the ability to invent themselves via YouTube,
just look at Justin Bieber. He posted videos of himself on
Youtube and was discovered by Usher, and now no one can get
away from him.
Through this blog I hope to revitalize spirit of the “music video” and
remind people why they should not be forgotten. I plan on analyzing the history
in depth, reaching back through the 70’s to today, comparing past and present.
Also I plan to speak about fashion influence, graphic design, video editing,
and the way a music video can shape the entire music industry!
Today I’ll leave you with my one of my favorite music videos.
Neon Trees, Animal, encompasses my
ideal music video. They relate the video to the song, yet still make the viewer
ask questions. Throughout the video, Neon Tress includes a comedic use of art,
costumes, creative editing techniques, and quintessential shots of the band
preforming. All the techniques used create a fun and memorial video that
represent the band and their song as a whole. Enjoy!
Miss MV
