In this blog post, I will explore a
high-level overview of how to build a music video and how music videos have
made music much more visual and innovative across the technology spectrum. Television
has been surpassed by the internet for watching music videos. Music and
technology often seem to progress and adapt together in the modern world. Music
videos play an important role in promoting musicians’ careers. You can watch
music videos on the top four famous platforms YouTube, Vevo, Vimeo, and
Muzu. TV. The internet can build your playlists and your favorite music can be
watched endlessly. These music videos go through varying degrees of production
from small to large with most bands utilizing this method to enhance their
music careers and success.
How to Make a Music Video
One of the first steps in making a music
video is to know what you want to make. What is the story going to
be? The planning process is critical. If you are a filmmaker or music
producer, you will have to talk with the band or artist to see what it is
exactly the outcome of the video needs to be. Analyzing the song and having a
budget are crucial. See what other kinds of videos can have an influence on your
plan and see what some best practices in the industry are.
Scout on locations that intertie with the
music video’s idea and story that will be portrayed. Planning is
critical to the success of this project. The right equipment, sound person,
clothing, lighting, actors, and of course the musician and or band members.
Complete the filming and be creative in the process. There is some good
software that will help you edit and put the work together. Some of the
software are iMovie, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Musician Video Maker. Below are
some examples of music videos that I will share with you.
Chris Stapleton “Starting Over” September 19, 2020, USA
Musical Elements of Starting Over
The song Starting Over is in the key of
Bb. The strings are tuned to standard 440 E A D G B E. A capo is used on the 3rd fret.
This allows Chris Stapleton to find his matching voice to the chords. The tempo
is 89 beats per minute. The lyrics depict a story of no matter what life throws
at you if you have your partner by your side through thick and thin, it is possible
to start over in life.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers “I Won't Back Down” (2006) USA
Musical Elements of I Won't Back Down
This song was written by Tom Petty and
Jeff Lynne. It is 2:59 seconds long. It was first released in April 1989. The
lyrics tell of worldly obstacles that make it hard for people to move forward,
but with determination and a willingness to overcome, nothing is impossible.
The song is played in the key of G. The chords are G Em D and C. The solo is
played using a slide on the lead guitar with a slight distortion effect. With a
4/4 measure, this song has the energy to make people relax and want to dance.
Opinion
The first music videos were so cool in black
and white on television. People went from listening to the radio to being at
home and were able to enjoy the music story live or watch the show 65 years later.
As the digital age and technology advances, music video production has an
endless innovative spark that keeps growing and progressing yet holding on to
the story of the music or band. I enjoy the music videos of the early 50s rock
n roll and the 1970s classic rock n roll right up to contemporary country music
videos. One day I hope to make one myself.
Sources
“Making a Music Video -
Tips & Tricks.” YouTube, 10 Aug. 2015, https://youtu.be/ZPEeVz0nnF0.
