The Weird and Wonderful World of Animated Music Videos

From Gorillaz to Ok Go, the best animated music videos are a trippy, creative way to enjoy your favorite tunes.

The Birth of the Animated Music Video

Animated music videos have been around since the early 1900s, with the first known example being Fantasmagorie by Émile Cohl. Since then, animated music videos have become increasingly popular, with big names such as Pixar and Disney producing some of the most iconic examples. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the history of the animated music video, from its humble beginnings to the multimillion-dollar productions of today.

The first animated music video

The first animated music video is believed to be “Slow Blues” by Jerry Butler and Eugene McCan. The video was created by animator John Ruth and was released in 1970. “Slow Blues” was not originally intended to be a music video, but it caught the attention of media outlets and became popular.

Since then, animation has become an integral part of music videos. Today, there are entire studios devoted to creating animated music videos. These studios use a variety of techniques, including traditional hand-drawn animation, stop-motion animation, computer-generated animation, and more.

Some of the most popular animated music videos include “Take On Me” by A-ha, “99 Luftballons” by Nena, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!. These videos are all memorable for their unique visuals and catchy tunes.

Animation offers artists a unique way to bring their visions to life. It allows them to create characters and worlds that would be impossible to recreate in live-action. Animated music videos are a fun and creative way to enjoy music.

The rise of MTV

MTV debuted in 1981, and the network’s early years were defined by music videos from popular artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. But as the ‘90s dawned, MTV began to branch out into other genres, including animation.

The network aired its first animated music video in 1992, for the band Liquid Television. The video was a rotoscoped version of the band’s live performance, set to their song “Ripple.” Rotoscoping is a technique where an animator traces over live-action footage to create an animated version of it.

Liquid Television’s “Ripple” was followed by a slew of other animated music videos throughout the ‘90s, from artists like Snoop Dogg, Weird Al Yankovic, and Beck. These videos were created using a variety of different animation styles, including traditional drawn animation, stop-motion, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

The popularity of animated music videos continued into the 2000s, with artists like Missy Elliott, Gorillaz, and Panic! at the Disco releasing groundbreaking videos that pushed the medium forward. Today, animated music videos are more popular than ever, with artists across all genres using them to promote their latest songs.

The Evolution of the Animated Music Video

The animated music video has come a long way since the early days of MTV. In the beginning, animation was used sparingly in music videos, usually as a short intro or outro sequence. These days, you can find entire music videos that are animated, and the medium has become increasingly popular in recent years. Let’s take a look at the evolution of the animated music video.

2D animation

2D animation is the kind of animation you are probably most familiar with. It is what you would find in a traditional hand-drawn cartoon. Cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry, and Bugs Bunny are all examples of 2D animation.

2D animation is still used today in a lot of cartoons and animated films. It can be used to create some really stunning visuals, especially when combined with other kinds of animation or live-action footage.

3D animation

Three-dimensional (3D) animation is a type of computer animation that is able to create the illusion of depth. This is achieved by using a software program to create a virtual three-dimensional space, and then adding virtual characters and other objects into that space.

3D animation can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including creating video games, movies, television shows, commercials, and much more. One of the most popular uses for 3D animation is creating music videos.

Music videos have been around since the early days of television, but it was not until the 1980s that they began to be heavily used as a promotional tool by record companies. In the 1990s, music videos began to evolve and become more experimental, with many artists using animated visuals to enhance their music.

Today, animated music videos are more popular than ever before. Thanks to advances in technology, artists are now able to create truly stunning visuals that complement their music perfectly. If you’re looking for some examples of incredible 3D animated music videos, check out the list below!

CGI

CGI, or computer-generated imagery, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for creating animated music videos. This technique allows for a greater degree of control and flexibility than traditional hand-drawn animation, and can produce some truly stunning visuals.

Some of the most iconic and memorable animated music videos of recent years have used CGI to create their unique aesthetic. The award-winning video for Ok Go’s “The Writings on the Wall” is a perfect example of what can be achieved with this technique.

If you’re looking for something a little different from the norm, then check out some of the best CGI animated music videos below. You’re sure to be impressed by what these artists have been able to create.

The Future of the Animated Music Video

In a world where the music video is constantly evolving, the animated music video is becoming more and more popular. These videos are a great way to get your music out there and to get people talking about your band. They are also a lot of fun to make!

Augmented reality

We’re all used to seeing music videos on TV or online, but what about music videos that you can interact with? That’s where augmented reality comes in.

Augmented reality is a technology that allows you to superimpose computer-generated images on top of real-world objects. This means that you could be watching a music video and, with the help of a special app, see the characters in the video come to life right in front of you.

This technology is still in its early stages, but there are already some examples of augmented reality music videos out there. In 2016, the band OK Go released a video for their song “The One Moment” that was shot entirely in slow motion. Using an app, viewers could see the slow-motion footage in real time or speed it up and see how the shots were put together.

Augmented reality could also be used to create interactive experiences. For example, you could be watching a music video and then be able to step into the world of the video and explore it for yourself. Or you could play along with the band as they perform their song.

The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what augmented reality music videos will look like in the future!

Virtual reality

The potential for virtual reality in the world of animated music videos is fascinating. Can you imagine being transported into the world of your favorite music video? Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to explore the scenery and interact with the characters?

Virtual reality could make animated music videos even more immersive and provide a whole new level of experience for viewers. Imagine being able to choose your own adventure in a music video, or explore different parts of the world that the artist has created. The possibilities are endless!

We may not be there yet, but with the ever-increasing popularity of virtual reality, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.