If you’re a die-hard music fan, you know that music videos have come a long way since they first appeared on MTV in the early 1980s. With the advancement of technology, music videos have become more than just a promotional tool for artists. They have become works of art that depend on the incorporation of technology to create a visually aesthetic story.

In this blog post, we’re going to talk about the impact of technology on visual aesthetics in music videos, and how it has evolved over the years.

🌈 The Rise of Color and Vibrancy

When music videos first appeared, they were shot on film and had limited post-production capabilities. The use of color was limited, and most videos were shot in black and white. However, with the rise of digital video cameras and post-production software, music video directors were able to incorporate vibrant colors and special effects that added a new level of creativity to videos.

For example, Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” music video features a blend of bright colors and digital effects that create a futuristic atmosphere. The video’s visuals would not have been possible without the use of digital technology, and it helped set the standard for what was possible in music videos.

A screenshot from Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" music video, showing the vibrant colors and digital effects.

💡The Creative Use of Lighting

In music videos, lighting is a crucial component that can set the mood or create a particular atmosphere. Lighting has always played a significant role in music videos, with directors using different techniques to create various moods and tones.

One example of the creative use of lighting is Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video. The video features the use of different colored lights that create a range of moods and atmospheres. The use of color in the lighting changes throughout the video, with reds and blues being the most prominent.

A screenshot from Beyonce's "Formation" music video, showing the creative use of lighting to change the mood and atmosphere throughout the video.

🎥The Use of CGI and Special Effects

As technology has advanced, music video directors have been able to incorporate more advanced special effects and CGI into their videos. This has allowed for a more fantastic and imaginative visual experience.

For example, in Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” music video, the use of morphing technology allowed for seamless transitions between different characters in the video. The video also featured a groundbreaking CGI sequence that showed Jackson dancing with panthers.

A screenshot from Michael Jackson's "Black or White" music video, showing the use of morphing technology to transition between different characters.

🌆The Importance of the Setting

The use of technology has allowed music video directors to create incredible settings that would not have been possible before. This has led to the creation of more cinematic music videos that tell a story and transport viewers to different worlds.

For example, Coldplay’s “Up&Up” music video features a range of visually stunning settings that blend reality with imagination. The video features everything from floating pianos to whales swimming in the sky.

A screenshot from Coldplay's "Up&Up" music video, showing the visually stunning settings that blend reality with imagination.

🤖The Use of Robotics and Drones

Music videos are also taking advantage of emerging technologies like robotics and drones to create visually stunning and unique shots. Drones have allowed for soaring, sweeping camera movements that were previously impossible, while robots have been used to create innovative music videos that look and feel like science fiction movies.

For instance, OK Go’s “The One Moment” music video was created using over 300 synchronized robotic printers, umbrellas, and other devices. The use of robotics in the music video created a visually stunning experience that was both innovative and unique.

A screenshot from OK Go's "The One Moment" music video, showing the innovative and visually stunning use of robotics.

🎬 In Summary

In conclusion, technology has significantly impacted the visual aesthetics in music videos, allowing for more vibrant colors, creative use of lighting, special effects, incredible settings, and the use of emerging technologies to create unique shots. Music videos have come a long way since their inception, and they continue to evolve, both from a technological and artistic perspective.

An image of a person watching a music video on a laptop