Playlist: Martin Scali

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

Arnaud Bresson’s video for Flatbush Zombies - Afterlife is the most thrilling and visually striking thing I’ve seen in years! 

Go see it right now if you haven't yet!

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

Maybe The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up directed by Jonas Akerlund. I was 12 I think when it came out and it was like being hit by a two-by-four!

The POV thing was so original and nuts, not to even mention the narrative… and the theme/reveal, so ahead of its time when you think about it.

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

Oh no, that’s an impossible question to answer… So many great things have been made. First one that pops to mind right now is Daft Punk - Revolution 909.

So immersive and so intelligent and surprising and weird and well-made yet so absurd… Daft I guess! Also it’s a massive tune!

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

I don't really know, I try to be as curious as I can in all directions and it’s not always easy to be honest. I still believe inspiration at the end of it is spending a lot of time in front of a blank page… sometimes a very long time for me.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Im listening to a lot of sounds of nature ha! It helps my concentration, rivers, rain, fields… I’m even starting to be able to recognise and locate environments. 

One artist maybe… Although it’s not freshly out, French rapper Gambi's track Popopop, I’m plating this on repeat these days.

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

I don't know if my favourite but definitely the ones I use the most, besides my laptop I guess, are my wireless headphones… I put them on when I work, even on mute, they’re the best earplugs. Am I meant to give the brand and model?

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

Another very complicated one! There are so many great artists these days that have a strong visual resonance and are exciting, I think we are all blessed by a great generation that has mastered their image and its challenges. If we were to dream, on the go… Travis Scott, Leon Bridges, FKA Twigs… maybe Rosalia because I grew up in Spain and I know by heart every single teeny-tiny reference she’s having fun with.