Playlist: Johan Renck

Recently signing to Stink, director Johan Renck steps forward for this week's Playlist.

Forming one half of Renck&Gisla, along with producer Svana Gisla, Renck has helmed promos for iconic artists including David Bowie, The Streets, New Order, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Madonna.

The Grammy award-winning director reveals the songs he's listening to, where he looks for inspiration and what artist he wants to work with.

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

De Staat's Witch Doctor [below] was great – it took my to some place I’ve never been to before.

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

U2’s Gloria (1981) [below]. They’re on a fookin barge! In a depressing cargo harbour! They film from some bloody airplane!

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

Chris Cunningham’s All Is Full of Love for Björk [below].

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

I honestly don’t look to other directors for inspiration. I am obviously in awe of what some do, but I dig elsewhere – primarily amongst the reading of books – for thoughts.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Hmmm… OG Maco [below], Weyes Blood, Sufjan Stevens, Warpaint, Gwylim Gold, Rich Homie Quan, Mac Demarco, HS87, Rae Sremmurd, Methyl Ethel etc etc.

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

Right now, it is my brand new analogue tube amp and belt driven turntable (RIP my SL 1200s [below]). Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would morph into some nerdy hi-fi dick with age.

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

Depeche Mode [below] because of reasons.

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

Drastically different. Back then, pop music; and videos as extensions of  that, was still a vessel for youth-culture, rebellion, audacity etc. That was a great soil for expressions. Now, when music has transformed into just leisure, it is merely (at its best) a way for aspiring filmmakers to expose their skills…

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

I definitely believe in videos finding a new place in our culture. Music is bigger than ever commercially, and videos cater to this. But as an art form? Not so much. They will continue to provide moving images to the social media-sphere and to showcase whatever new “star” is up, but I feel their creative Halcyon Days ain’t coming back.

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

I’m a sucker for fantasy (Tanith Lee), I am possessed by water masses, I live and breathe football.