Playlist: John Hassay

London production company Good Egg's EP John Hassay has worked with the likes of Fatboy Slim [below], Lily Allen, Metronomy and Jessie Ware, and lets us know what's on his Playlist.

What’s the best promo you’ve seen recently and why?

Sean Metelerkamp’s new video for Death Grips [below]. It’s been a long time since he made Die Antwoord's debut Zef Side, so nice to see him come back with something so searingly brilliant and so completely different.  It’s also a great record so great to see idea and song come together feels good.

What’s the first promo you remember being impressed by?

The trio of videos for ZZ Top’s Eliminator album in 1983 had a massive impact in terms of communicating and branding videos. I think they were a big influence on what we later did with Fatboy Slim.

And what’s your all-time favourite music video?

Vivian Vee’s Alright – we should have more Disco Jawas in music videos.

What other directors/artists do you look to for inspirational?

When I started commissioning in 1998 it was hard to look past Spike Jonze. The day his video for Sabotage by the Beastie Boys appeared in the MTV tape library was a moment I will never forget. 

Like a Kennedy assassination moment for video nerds.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Radio 4.

What’s your favourite bit of tech, whether for professional or personal use?

I prefer wit and charm.

What artist(s) would you most like to work with?

Paul McCartney.

How do you feel the promo industry has changed since you started in it?

When I started, directors could make a living from doing music videos for cool bands whilst still developing their reel. Nowadays you need a trust fund or an incredible focus to use music video as a career platform. It’s more vocational than ever.

Music videos have had a resurgence of late; where do you see the industry being in five years’ time?

I don’t know where it will be in five weeks but it’s clear video is as important as ever, it’s just very hard to get paid for it.

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know…

My dad wouldn’t let me support Queens Park Rangers and thank God for that. I’ve been a red ever since.