The History of Music Videos

Historically, music videos have been a way to market an artist's songs. They are also an artistic expression that helps add a new meaning to the song. They can tell stories, satire, or even a social commentary. They can be made by artists themselves, or by professional filmmakers.

Early music videos often featured a live performance of a current hit. They also included a performance of an unreleased single from an album. As television technology improved, film technology became more affordable.

In the 1960s, the Rolling Stones appeared in numerous promotional clips. Many bands with clout began using filmed clips in place of in-person television appearances. This experimentation helped pave the way for future musical visualizations known as music videos.

By the 1970s, marginalized bands had recognized the value of these videos as a sales pitch and agitprop. Some videos became viral hits and set the stage for future filmmakers.

The Beatles were the first band to use a video for their song, "We Can Work It Out," which was broadcast on Top Of The Pops. The video was filmed at Elstree Studios in London. The video uses unusual camera angles to create the impression of a surrealist film. In addition to kaleidoscope effects, the video also features bold echo effects.

By the mid-1960s, short art films were emerging. These films incorporated dance and narrative. During this time, musicians and filmmakers experimented together to produce "Soundies" movie shorts, which feature popular tunes of the day in a nightclub setting.