One of my favorite things about the music video community over on Antville, is how people there appreciated and remember music videos over a long period of time. Because of the posting bulk, a majority of the videos shared are new and will be soon forgotten but there are frequently opportunities for videos to be resurrected. Some of the ways include people asking the forum for a music video they kind of remember or just posting old videos not previously seen on the site. But the best, the BEST, is when someone makes a music video that may or may not have been directly inspired by a pre-existing music video. If it’s at all like something that was already made, it WILL be pointed out. Let us examine one such example.
This unofficial turned official Death Cab for Cutie music video, directed by Ross Ching, was shared. Upon being posted to Antville, commentors immediately list other videos that pre-date this music video but have much of the same idea: using every day objects to spell out the song lyrics.The video most often refered to as having inspired the Death Cab video is the SoftLightes music video for Heart Made of Sound, directed by Kris Moyes. It was made in 2006 and although appears to be a complete original, you’d be mistaken.
The first link to this music video concept was actually found in a graphic designer and typography enthusiast not attempting to make music videos at all. His name is Stefan Sagmeister. He explains on his website that while growing up, his sign painting Gradnfather hung sayings and wisdom around the house. Sagmeister decided that with this art installation Art Grandeur Nature 2004, he’d continute the tradition. His five images across a variety of scenes tell you “Trying to look good limits my life.”
(Seriously now, click through to view!)
Following the breadcrumb trail of music videos can frequently lead you to other work you may enjoy or even better, you may learn something about this history and transformation of an idea across several mediums. Have you seen any similar music videos that use this concept as well?
This was so much fun to write! AND it’s fun to watch. Play play play!
