A good music video concept is the backbone of a successful pre-production process. It is an essential element that not only captures the essence of a song but also highlights the artist's unique style and vision. With the right concept, you can create a memorable music video that resonates with viewers and stays etched in their minds for a long time. In this blog post, we will explore 10 innovative and unique music video concepts for various music genres and styles, offer tips for brainstorming and developing original ideas, and discuss notable music videos as examples of innovative concepts. We will also touch upon general resources and tools that can help with the creative process.
10 Concepts to inspire your next music video
1. The Journey Through Time
This concept transports the audience through different eras of music, showcasing the evolution of the artist's sound and style. Think of incorporating elements from various decades, like fashion, dance, and iconic moments in music history. This concept works best for artists with a long-standing career or those who have a retro-inspired sound.
2. The Dream Sequence
In this concept, the artist experiences a series of surreal and fantastical events, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Dream sequences allow for limitless creativity and can be tailored to the song's mood and genre. Think of using captivating visual effects and vibrant colors to bring the dream to life.
3. The Mini-Movie
Transform your music video into a mini-movie, complete with a captivating storyline, characters, and engaging dialogue. This concept works exceptionally well for narrative-driven songs and can be adapted to various genres, from pop to hip-hop. Look to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" or Lady Gaga's "Telephone" for inspiration.
4. The Art-Inspired Vision
Create a visually stunning music video by drawing inspiration from famous art styles, painters, or artistic movements. This concept can lend itself to various music genres, from classical to alternative rock. Think of incorporating elements of impressionism, surrealism, or pop art into your video, or create a tribute to a specific artist or painting.
5. The One-Take Wonder
Challenge yourself to create an engaging music video filmed in a single, continuous shot. This concept requires meticulous planning and choreography but can result in a visually impressive and immersive experience for viewers. Look to OK Go's "Here It Goes Again" or Coldplay's "Yellow" for inspiration.
6. The Social Commentary
Address pressing social, political, or environmental issues through your music video, using the song's lyrics and visual storytelling to convey a powerful message. This concept works best for songs with thought-provoking themes and can be adapted to various genres, from folk to rap. Examples include Childish Gambino's "This Is America" and Logic's "1-800-273-8255".
7. The Animated Adventure
Embrace the limitless possibilities of animation to create a unique and captivating music video. Whether it's a traditional hand-drawn style, stop-motion, or computer-generated animation, this concept can be tailored to any genre, from electronic to indie. Examples include Gorillaz's "Feel Good Inc." and Pearl Jam's "Do the Evolution".
8. The Dance Extravaganza
Showcase the power of dance and movement in your music video by creating mesmerizing choreography, either featuring the artist or a group of professional dancers. This concept works best for upbeat songs and can be adapted to various genres, from pop to techno. Look to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" or Sia's "Chandelier" for inspiration.
9. The Intimate Live Performance
Capture the raw energy and emotion of a live performance by filming the artist playing their song in an intimate setting. This concept works exceptionally well for acoustic or stripped-down versions of songs and can be adapted to various genres, from singer-songwriter to metal. Examples include Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter" and Nirvana's "MTV Unplugged" performance.
10. The Abstract Visual Experience
Create a visually engaging music video by embracing abstract imagery and symbolism. This concept allows for a unique interpretation of the song's meaning and can be adapted to various genres, from experimental to pop. Think of using unconventional visual effects, color schemes, and camera angles to create a distinctive aesthetic. Look to Radiohead's "House of Cards" or Björk's "The Gate" for inspiration.
Tips for Brainstorming and Developing Original Ideas
Understand the song: Analyze the song's lyrics, theme, and mood to develop a concept that complements the music and artist's vision.
Research: Look at various music videos, films, and visual art for inspiration, and take note of what resonates with you and the project's goals.
Collaborate: Brainstorm ideas with your team, the artist, or other creatives to gather diverse perspectives and develop a unique concept.
Adaptation: Don't be afraid to adapt or combine different concepts to create something new and innovative that reflects the artist's style and vision.
Limitations: Consider budget, location, and available resources when developing your concept, and find creative ways to overcome any limitations.
Notable Music Videos as Examples of Innovative Concepts
A-ha - "Take On Me": This groundbreaking video combines live-action and pencil-sketch animation to create a visually engaging and unforgettable experience.
Kendrick Lamar - "HUMBLE.": The striking visuals, innovative camera angles, and powerful social commentary make this music video a standout in modern hip-hop.
OK Go - "The One Moment": This video showcases the band's creativity and mastery of the one-take concept, featuring a series of slow-motion shots synchronized to the song's fast-paced rhythm.
David Bowie - "Lazarus": In this haunting video, Bowie explores themes of mortality and artistic legacy, creating a lasting impression on viewers.
Beyoncé - "Formation": This visually stunning video features powerful imagery and explores themes of race, culture, and identity, making it a standout example of social commentary in music videos.
General Resources and Tools for the Creative Process
Mood boards: Compile visual references and inspirations to help guide the development of your music video concept.
Storyboards: Sketch out key scenes and shots to help visualize and plan the music video's structure.
Pre-production software: Utilize pre-production software and tools for organizing and planning your project, such as shot lists, scheduling, and budgeting.
Online tutorials: Look for online tutorials, masterclasses, and workshops on music video production and storytelling to further develop your skills and knowledge.
Creative communities: Join online forums, social media groups, and networking events to connect with other creatives, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
In conclusion, a strong music video concept is crucial to the success of your pre-production process. By exploring innovative and unique ideas, embracing collaboration, and utilizing available resources and tools, you can create a memorable music video that not only showcases the artist's unique style and vision but also captivates and engages viewers.