Revitalizing the Music Video

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