The music industry changes almost as quick as it comes around, with new genres and styles coming into the spotlight all the time. The vinyl changed to tape, then to cd and now to online download. Since the music video was introduced it appears to have only grown in popularity.
There is much speculation of what was the first music video, but research showed two main videos coming up repeatedly. The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever is claimed to be the first.
Ironically The Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star is also speculated to be the first ever official music video as it was the first video to be played on MTV.
From here the music video only gained fame. Artists from all over the world began making music videos to accompany their records. A new art form was created and many spent thousands on producing their videos. The most expensive music video ever produced was Michael Jackson‘s “Scream” video which cost $7 million to create.
Music videos play a huge part in the music industry today. It has become second nature that almost every single that is released has an accompanying music video, with the video usually being released in advance to the actual record. Many videos have elaborate storylines and plots which are dramatised in many ways in different videos.
Lady Gaga is no stranger to a dramatised and controversial music video. The videos behind each of her singles have become more and more extrovert. In 2010 she released her video for the single “Telephone” which featured Beyoncé. The video, which is shown below, has generated over 100 million views on youtube which further proves the success of the music video in todays industry.
But are we becoming too interested in the music video and forgetting about the record that is the inspiration for the video?
To gain success in such a competitive industry artists need to pull out all the stops to remain relevant and interesting and the music video is a way in which this can be done. An artists style and messages can be expressed through their videos showing what they stand for and the passion in their music.
So for now, the music video is here to stay.
Shauna Hall's Blog 