How Animated Music Videos Became a Thing

Animated music videos are a type of music video that uses animation to tell a story or convey an idea. They can be created in many different ways, including traditional hand-drawn animation, computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop motion and more.

Animated music videos have been around for a long time, but they didn’t really become popular until the 1980s. This was when MTV first started playing them on their network and people began to take notice of them. The reason why animated music videos became so popular is because they were different from anything else that was being shown on television at that time.

Let's take deeper and learn how animated music videos became a thing:

Early Origins of Animated Music Videos

The first animated music video was created in 1926 by Max Fleischer. It was called “My Old Kentucky Home” and it featured a character named Bimbo who sang the song while being chased around by a group of animals. This video is considered to be one of the earliest examples of an animated music video, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they really started becoming popular.

Key Milestones in the Evolution of Animated Music Videos

The first major technological advancement that enabled animated music videos was the advent of the computer. In 1981, MTV aired its first music video, which was created using a computer-generated animation program called “Scanimate.” This program allowed artists to create their own videos by drawing on a computer screen and then having it animated by the software.

The advent of MTV and other music video channels in the 1980s had a huge impact on the popularity of animated music videos. These channels provided artists with an outlet for their creativity that was not available before, and they also made it possible for people to watch videos whenever they wanted instead of having to wait for them to air on television.

The 1980s were a time of great change in the music industry. The advent of MTV and other music video channels had a huge impact on the popularity of animated music videos, which were now being made by artists who had never before been able to create their own videos. These channels provided artists with an outlet for their creativity that was not available before, and they also made it possible for people to watch videos whenever they wanted instead of having to wait for them to air on television.

The Unique Appeal of Animated Music Videos

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of animated music videos is the fact that they are not limited by the laws of physics. This means that artists can create any kind of world they want, and they can make it look however they like. They can also use their imagination to come up with new ways to tell stories or express ideas through animation.

Animated music videos are also able to visually depict abstract concepts and emotions in a way that live-action videos cannot. This is because animation allows artists to create characters, settings, and objects that do not exist in the real world. They can use these elements to represent ideas or feelings that would be difficult or impossible to show with real people and places.

Animated music videos can also be used to amplify the narrative and thematic elements of songs. This is done by using animation techniques that are not possible in live-action videos, such as stop motion videos or rotoscoping. These techniques allow artists to create characters and settings that are more expressive than those found in real life. They can also use these techniques to show how different parts of a song relate to one another or tell a story through visuals alone.

The Influence of Animation Styles and Techniques

The use of different animation styles can have a big impact on the way that viewers perceive a music video. For example, traditional animation is often associated with children’s programming and cartoons, so it may not be taken as seriously by some people. On the other hand, stop motion and CGI are often used in more serious films and television shows, so they may make viewers feel like they’re watching something important.

The music and aesthetics of a music video can also have an impact on the animation style that is used. For example, if the song has a fast tempo or upbeat rhythm, then it may be more appropriate to use traditional animation because it can convey movement better than other styles. On the other hand, if the song is slow or sad, then stop motion may be better because it can create a more melancholy mood.

The best music videos are often the result of a collaboration between the musician, animator, and director. This is because each person has their own unique talents that can be used to create something special. For example, if an artist wants to make a video for one of their songs but doesn’t have any ideas for what it should look like, they could hire a director who specializes in making music videos. The director would then work with the musician and animator to come up with a concept that fits the song’s lyrics and mood.

Iconic Animated Music Videos and Their Impact

1. “Take On Me” by a-ha (1985) - This video is one of the most iconic animated music videos ever made. It was created by director Steve Barron and animator Michael Patterson, who used rotoscoping to create a unique look for the video. Rotoscoping is a technique where live-action footage is traced over with animation cells to give it a hand-drawn feel. The result is that the characters in this video look like they’re moving in real time, even though they were actually drawn frame by frame.

This video was one of the first to use rotoscoping, which is a technique where live-action footage is traced over with animation cells to give it a hand-drawn feel. The result is that the characters in this video look like they’re moving in real time, even though they were actually drawn frame by frame. This technique has been used in many other videos since then, including “Take On Me” by a-ha (1985).

Accessibility and Distribution of Animated Music Videos

The internet has made it easier than ever for artists to distribute their music videos. In the past, artists had to rely on MTV or other television networks to air their videos. Now, they can upload them directly to YouTube or other video-sharing sites and reach millions of people around the world. This has also made it easier for fans to find new music and discover new artists.

The internet has made it easier than ever for artists to distribute their music videos. In the past, artists had to rely on MTV or other television networks to air their videos. Now, they can upload them directly to YouTube or other video-sharing sites and reach millions of people around the world. This has also made it easier for fans to find new music and discover new artists.

The rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music has made it easier than ever for people to listen to music. They can access millions of songs from their smartphones, tablets or computers without having to buy them. This has also made it easier for artists to distribute their music videos. In the past, artists had to rely on MTV or other television networks to air their videos. Now, they can upload them directly to YouTube or other video-sharing sites and reach millions of people around the world. This has also made it easier for fans to find new music and discover new artists.

The Future of Animated Music Videos

The future of animated music videos is bright. The technology used to create them is constantly improving, and new tools are being developed all the time. This means that artists will be able to create more complex and realistic videos in the future. They will also have access to better software and hardware, which will make it easier for them to create their own videos without having to rely on professional animators.

The role of animated music videos in the evolving music industry is changing. They are no longer just a way for artists to promote their songs; they are also becoming an important part of the creative process. This means that musicians will have more control over how their videos look and feel, which could lead to more interesting and innovative content being produced.

In conclusion, animated music videos have become a prominent feature of the music industry, captivating audiences with their visual storytelling and creative expression.

From humble beginnings to widespread popularity, animated music videos have evolved; thanks to advancements in technology, the influence of music video channels, and the unique appeal of animation itself.

They provide a platform for musicians and filmmakers to push boundaries, experiment with different styles, and create immersive experiences for viewers.

With the accessibility and reach provided by streaming services and social media, the future looks promising for animated music videos as they continue to evolve and captivate audiences around the world.