Visuals + Music Making Billions
In the competitive and ever-evolving world of the music industry, capturing the attention of a global audience is paramount. Music videos have emerged as a powerful tool for artists and record labels alike. These visual masterpieces not only complement the auditory experience of a song but also serve as a dynamic promotional strategy. They weave compelling narratives, create viral sensations, and connect artists with fans on a deeper level. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of music videos, exploring how they contribute to the success of songs, albums, and artists. We'll uncover the insights, statistics, and multifaceted strategies that make music videos a driving force behind the modern music marketing landscape.
Music has always been a multi-sensory experience, and the integration of visuals into the equation has transformed the way we engage with songs. Music videos offer artists the opportunity to convey their artistic vision in a way that mere audio cannot achieve. The synchronized marriage of music and visuals allows for a more profound impact on the audience. Music videos serve as a dual-purpose tool for artists, primarily offering increased visibility and income. Generally, these visual productions are crafted and launched during the initial phases of a song's release, strategically designed to expand an artist's exposure through diverse channels for fans to enjoy, whether they are broadcast on television, streamed online, or played in public spaces. According to a Nielsen study, 64% of the U.S. population agrees that music videos help them connect with the song and artist on a deeper level. This demonstrates the power of combining audio and visual elements.
Take On Me - a-ha
The immensely popular video marked a groundbreaking aesthetic achievement upon its debut. It not only catapulted a-ha to the pinnacle of the pop charts but also secured an unparalleled record of eight victories at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. As expected, the special effects technique that felt innovative in "Take On Me" swiftly transitioned into something of a commonplace, making appearances in advertisements for various products, from minivans to maxi-pads. The music video made them go from not that well known to becoming chart-topping pop sensations primarily due to the revolutionary video, which got up to the #1 position on the Billboard pop charts on October 19, 1985.
Some History Behind Music Videos
Prior to Thomas Edison's groundbreaking sound recording in 1877, the coexistence of sound and image had been the norm throughout history. This union between auditory and visual experiences has persisted since the beginning of music. Whether it was a person playing an instrument or an orchestra performing during a play, people would witness the performance while simultaneously hearing music. But once recording technology advanced, listeners were then able to isolate and replay the sound from a performance, even one that was from the past. This development was nothing less than revolutionary.
It’s been said that the first music video was created by Joseph Stern and Edward Mark in 1894. They ingeniously synchronized a recording of their song, "The Little Lost Child," with a moving slide show, marketing it as an "illustrated song." Remarkably, despite the fact that the average American did not yet possess the tech to play recorded music, more than 2 million copies of the sheet music for "The Little Lost Child" were sold.
The primary objective of a music video is to entertain the audience while simultaneously promoting the artist and their latest song. Music videos have the ability to alter people's perception of the music itself and the artist behind it. Each subsequent listening experience of the song becomes intertwined with the vivid imagery from the music video. Whether conveying political messages or not, the themes presented in music videos become inseparable from the song. These messages possess the potential to resonate with a broad audience, with the aspiration that viewers, collectively, can contribute to the propagation of significant messages and effect positive change in the world. The influential capacity of music and its accompanying music videos in shaping society is a resource increasingly harnessed by artists.
Michael Jackson, for example, was one of the pioneers behind impressive music videos. The music video for Thriller marked one of the earliest moments of a collaboration with an established film director, John Landis. This creative partnership not only doubled the song's sales but also led to the production of the highest-selling VHS tape of its era.
The impact of music videos on marketing within the music industry cannot be overstated. These visual masterpieces have become a vital tool, seamlessly marrying sound and image to elevate an artist's reach and impact. They entertain, tell stories, and evoke emotions, connecting artists with their audience on a deeper level. The history of music videos is rich, from early illustrated songs to today's cinematic videos. Notable examples, such as a-ha's "Take On Me" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller," have showcased the transformative potential of music videos, demonstrating their capacity to boost sales, drive engagement, and convey powerful messages. As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of music videos remains at the forefront of marketing strategies, shaping the way artists connect with their fans and make an impact in the global music landscape. Music videos, as both an art form and a marketing tool, continue to play a pivotal role in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of music.
