Playlist: Finn Keenan

Director Finn Keenan is the man behind last year's brilliantly bizarre Would You Be by Willie J Healey.

Signed to Riff Raff Films' new talent department - Nursery of Evil, we caught up with the director and editor to find out about his musical inspiration, what he's listening too, his favourite all time videos, what's next for OKGO's promos and his views on corriander.

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

There have been so many good ones this year its hard to pick. The first one that comes to mind is DJ Shadow and Run the Jewels – Nobody Speak. By Sam Pilling. I’ve rewatched it so many times, just for the sheer fun of it. The performances from the main two actors are incredible, and it just builds up to a wonderfully ridiculous climax. Perfect idea for the song.

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

The White Stripes: The Hardest Button to Button – by Michel Gondry. I’d liked other videos before, but this one was shot on a handi-cam so I can remember being so blown away and thinking ‘I’m going to go outside with the family camcorder and make the exact same video’. Needless to say, my version was worse…. 

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

It changes all the time, but today I’m going to go for Radiohead: Just by Jamie Thraves. Everything about it is perfect. The song, the cinematography, the performances and most of all the structure. The timing of that reveal with the final chorus. I could watch it forever.

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

At the minute I’m obsessed with Daniels.  I don’t think there is a single bit of work they’ve put out that I don’t like, and I just love their attitude to film-making. They are making films for all the right reasons.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Even though she only has two songs out, I really like Maggie Rogers. Her song Alaska is great.

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

I generally stay away from tech because I break everything I touch…

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

New artists, I’d love to work with someone like Maggie Rogers actually, it’s a really new and fresh sound that I haven’t worked with before.

In the whole world though, would have to be Jack White. Just because he’s as cool as they come.

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

I’m not in it that long, but even I’ve seen a shift from the importance of videos being played on TV to getting traction online. To think having a video on MTV isn’t as exciting as getting a good reaction on Vimeo is strange seeing as I grew up wanting nothing more than getting a video on MTV.

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

With VR and Interactive videos on the rise who knows.  My money is on OK GO coming out with some full immersion music video, you have to plug yourself into where you control what they do using your own hands. It could last for days. Yep. Safe bet.

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

I can’t stand coriander.  Its just an irritating parsley.