Many artists want to create a music video to attract new listeners, but are concerned about finances, especially now in these uncertain times when so many have seen their shows cancelled because of Covid-19. However, this should not stop you from doing what you do best: Creating music. Today we are going to take a look at music videos.
Music videos can be expensive, sure. That you can create a film matching Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” as an independent upcoming artist with only an iphone camera and a friend, might be a bit difficult:
Which doesn’t mean that you can’t create entire movies with an iphone camera. If you have a phone, and a great script, go ahead.
But if you’re not an upcoming director, and you’d like to be on the safe side, there are plenty of other possibilities to create a creative, authentic music video without having to decide between making a music video or having something for dinner.
Below we are going to share some tips how to create your music video without a large allowance.
1) Get creative with the location
Having to rent studios to shoot your video can become one of the more expensive things about creating a music video. But as Ámaris Wen showed with her recent video “Too Sad”, music videos don’t have to come with large production costs and can be created only with a camera and an empty subway. That’s right, in her music video “Too Sad” the only set you can spot is a slightly dystopian looking, empty subway. Watch below:
If you can find a location in your city where you can film without being disturbed which seems a good fit for your song, grab your camera and a friend and start creating. Always make sure that you have the permission when filming in a location where you are not sure if you are allowed to.
2) Make your video about a story
We get it: You song already does have a story, and your music video should be a music video, not a film.
But if you can create a short film out of your song, this could bring more depth to your song, and what you want to tell with it. You could also be able to drop the parts where your band is playing or where you would have to be shooting a large group of people dancing. Of course, your song is your creation, and you and your band know best what works for you. But if you feel that you can’t film with a group of people, try creating something that will work from your practice room – or sitting room.
3) Create something different
Does it really have to be a full music video featuring you and your band mates singing and playing? If you’re good at animation and photoshop, you might even create an animation instead of actually shooting a video. This would even save you having to film and edit. Always make sure that it is a good fit for your music, though. If you want a video that shows you and your band performing, why not use footage of you performing for your video? Or, if your band mates can film themselves while performing, you could ask them if they could record themselves and send you the footage which you then could edit. If you are really good at it, you can even think about creating a lyrics video or a music video featuring only photos of either you and your band, or something completely different. Maybe you make drawings or animated films that would look great in your video?
There are so many options for you to create an authentic music video that would be completely different. Just make sure that it fits the music and your overall look as a band or performer, and be authentic. Your fans are going to understand that you can’t make music videos with large crews during these times, but they will love to see that you took the time and effort to create something authentic.
4) Watch music videos
Watching music videos from artists you love can give you ideas what you’d like to make in your music video. If you feel like you can’t come up with any idea, maybe you should take a little break, and get some air, or watch music videos on sites such as YouTube or Vimeo to get an idea. Make sure that you have something with you to write so that you can take notes when you get an idea what to put in your music video. Maybe even watching a film could help you with your script.
How are you making your music videos during Covid-19?
We would love to hear from you how you are making your music videos, and how you make sure that they are different. Go to our Contacts page or find us on https://instagram.com/pumapunkurecords and send us your links! We will feature the music videos we like the most in an upcoming post.
Stay safe.
Puma Punku Records 