Unless you live under a rock somewhere, you probably know that most music videos these days are largely built on concepts. But not just any concept, no – we’re talking something dazzling, unique, and in many cases, at least a little bit strange (but in a good way). Since I’m a science fiction author, I figured I’d show you some of my favorite examples of cool concept videos that bridge the gap between music and narrative.
Ready? Cool – in no particular order, let’s dive in:
#1: Watch What Happens Next (Waterparks)
Glowing orange eyes, random alligators, mysterious orange juice, and creepy men-in-black agents skulking around the joint? Total sci-fi vibes. As long as you don’t mind the *salty* language in these lyrics, it’s an interesting allegory on record label politics and fame.
FUN FACT: I got to collaborate with the younger sister of the Waterparks frontman (Awsten Knight) for my latest book cover! Forgetting What I Couldn’t Remember was designed by the incredible Gracie Knight, and you can see the colorful artwork she did for me HERE.
#2: …Ready For It? (Taylor Swift)
Taylor appears in this video as you’ve never seen her before – walking down a dark, post-apocalyptic cyberpunk alley. She enters into a room encasing a robotic version of herself in glass. What could possibly go wrong? Like any good sci-fi, there’s even a twist ending. Click the link above to find out for yourself.
#3: Teeth (5 Seconds of Summer)
In this gnarly mix of Divergent and the Twilight Zone, everyone’s favorite Australian rockers attack their own personal challenges via virtual reality technology in this gritty alternative tune of survival and tough love. Who are you rooting for? I’m a massive Luke Hemmings girl myself, but I don’t judge.
#4: Strangers Again (Against The Current)
Chrissy is the only one seen in this artsy and ambient video of prismatic colors. She appears to be trapped in a glass case, reflecting on a lost love. With her beautiful fuchsia pink hair (although, I may be biased since I had my hair that same color last year, haha), she works through her regrets and memories from her relationship. The glass case functions like a prism, and she finds a very unique way to escape out of it with her band by her side.
#5: The Wounded World (As It Is)
Picture a trippy museum filled with hyper-realistic statues that are actually the band members just staying really still… In this interesting allegory using human anthropology and entertainment culture, the band challenges their listeners to look inward to create change, instead of casting blame on others. The ending features a very chilling moment when the “museum” closes for the day, and the overhead lights click off, echoing in the empty room.
These are all just a fun amalgamation of things I put together, and although I don’t exactly have the required budget to film a video like this for my books, I do have some book trailers… so just as a fun little bonus, I’ll include them here:
Forgetting What I Couldn’t Remember (time-travel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUUTZ820GTI&t=2s
The Sorting Room (dystopian): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61KuJtpQPnY
Just Like a Pill (love-potion): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbtR8XKqteI
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Angelina Singer Author Updates 