Unraveling the Strange Aesthetics of 80s Music Videos
The strangeness of 80s music videos can be attributed to several factors that shaped auditory and visual experiences of the decade. This article delves into the unique characteristics that made 80s music videos stand out and why they seem so strange to contemporary viewers.
The Emergence of MTV
Launched in 1981, MTV revolutionized how music was consumed. Artists quickly realized the potential of visuals to enhance their music, leading to more creative and sometimes bizarre concepts. These early music videos were a pioneering effort, setting the stage for the future of multimedia entertainment.
The Cultural Context of the 80s
The 1980s were marked by a mix of optimism and excess. The influence of pop culture, fashion, and the rise of the digital age contributed to a playful and experimental approach to video production. This dynamic environment fostered a unique and often strange aesthetic in music videos.
Diverse Genres
The 1980s saw the rise of various music genres, including new wave, glam metal, and synth-pop. Each genre had its own unique visual style, and artists like David Bowie, Madonna, and Duran Duran embraced avant-garde aesthetics. They often incorporated surreal or fantastical elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional music videos.
Technological Advances
The introduction of new video production technologies allowed for innovative editing techniques, special effects, and animation. This enabled directors to create visually striking and sometimes nonsensical imagery that mirrored the energy of the music. The use of techniques like stop-motion, 3D animation, and macro photography was a common feature in 80s music videos.
Artistic Freedom
Many artists and directors used music videos as a canvas for self-expression. They often pushed boundaries to capture attention, leading to imaginative storytelling, surreal imagery, and abstract concepts. This artistic freedom was a defining characteristic of 80s music videos, as artists were free to experiment without the constraints of established norms.
Iconic Styles and Fashion
The fashion and visual styles of the 1980s—such as bright colors, bold patterns, and exaggerated hairstyles—also contributed to the eccentricity of music videos. These elements often overshadowed the music itself, creating a memorable visual experience that is both nostalgic and strange to today's viewers.
Overall, the combination of these factors led to a unique period in music video history that embraced strangeness and creativity. The 1980s stand as a defining decade for the medium, setting the stage for future generations of music videos.
They’re “strange” to you now because you’re used to what came after. In the 1980s, we had a clean slate with no rules, so we tried everything. This period marked the beginning of a new era in entertainment, characterized by innovation, experimentation, and a disregard for traditional norms. When you watch 80s music videos today, you’re witnessing a historical moment filled with creativity and liberality that shaped the future of music video production.