The history of music videos - Music Video Breakdowns

The evolution of music videos

Explore the fascinating history of music videos, from their origins in the 1960s to the heyday of MTV in the 1980s and 90s, to their present-day dominance on platforms like YouTube. Discover how music videos have evolved into an art form, with visual storytelling becoming just as important as the music itself. From Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to Beyonce's "Formation," learn about some of the most iconic music videos of all time and their lasting impact on popular culture.

 

Introduction

Music videos have become an integral part of the music industry, serving as a visual medium to complement the audio experience. Over the years, music videos have gone from simple performance videos to elaborate productions with intricate storylines and special effects. In this blog post, we will explore the history of music videos, tracing their evolution from the early days of MTV to the present day.

 

The Early Days

The concept of a music video can be traced back to the 1920s when synchronized sound in movies became possible. In the 1930s and 1940s, musical films featuring popular singers and bands became popular. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that music videos as we know them today began to take shape.

One of the earliest examples of a music video is The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" (1964), which featured the band performing the song interspersed with comedic skits. The success of "A Hard Day's Night" paved the way for other bands to create similar music videos.

 

The Birth of MTV

The launch of MTV in 1981 marked a turning point in the history of music videos. MTV was the first 24-hour music channel that played music videos exclusively. It was an instant hit and helped launch the careers of many artists.

One of the most iconic music videos of the early MTV era is Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1983). The video was directed by John Landis and featured Jackson as a zombie leading a dance troupe. "Thriller" was a huge success, and its popularity helped propel MTV to even greater heights.

 

The Rise of the Music Video Director

As the popularity of music videos grew, so did the importance of the music video director. Directors like David Fincher, Spike Jonze, and Michel Gondry became known for their innovative and visually stunning music videos. They helped elevate the music video from a simple performance video to an art form in its own right.

One of the most notable music videos of the 1990s is Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), which was directed by Samuel Bayer. The video features the band performing in a high school gymnasium, surrounded by cheerleaders and fans. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is often cited as one of the greatest music videos of all time, and its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated.

 

The Digital Age

The advent of digital technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s changed the way music videos were created and consumed. With the rise of the internet, music videos could now be viewed online, and artists could reach a global audience without the need for traditional distribution channels.

One of the most successful music videos of the digital age is "Gangnam Style" by South Korean artist Psy. The video was released in 2012 and quickly went viral, becoming the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. "Gangnam Style" was a cultural phenomenon and helped cement the importance of music videos in the digital age.

 

Conclusion

The history of music videos is a testament to the power of music and its ability to connect with audiences on a visual level. From the early days of synchronized sound in movies to the digital age of YouTube and social media, music videos have evolved and adapted to the changing times. While the format may continue to evolve, one thing is certain: music videos will always play an important role in the music industry.

 

References

The Evolution of Music Videos: A Brief History. (2021, February 16). Retrieved from https://blog.hookist.com/the-evolution-of-music-videos-a-brief-history/
The History of Music Videos. (n.d.).