Playlist: Peder Pedersen

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

Introvert - Little Simz directed by Solomon Lighthelm. Great song. Epic video. Top notch direction. Beautifully shot. I was surprised to see how they cut between performance, historical paintings, stock-footage, docu-style scenes and dance choreography and somehow made it all come together.

What’s the first music video you remember being impressed by?

Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again directed by Anton Corbijn. The grainy black and white super-8 images blew me away. The video is so simple and so effective. Corbijns framing and compositions are impeccable. It’s mellow, artsy and cool at the same time. Just like the music. Also it was shot in Denmark very close to where my girlfriend and I grew up, so that makes it extra special.

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

A tight battle between  Daft Punk - Around The World from Michel Gondry and Beastie Boys - Sabotage directed by Spike Jonze. But top prize for the Brooklyn homeboys. Not only because I’ve always been a fan of the Beasties, but also because the video was filled with energy, humour and references to old exploitation films. I loved how the band played characters and the titles. Awesome! The video was actually a direct “influence” for my Aqua - Barbie Girlvideo. So part of the blame for the video has to be directed at Mr. Jonze.

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

I steal from all over. I always like to go back and look at some old obscure films for inspiration (and because I love that stuff). Anything from horror maestro Dario Argento’s work in the 70’s, Roger Corman, Film Noir and B-movies. Genres work well for videos, because it helps create a distinct and unique look. Next thing is to actually get the idea for some substance. That can appear from anywhere, and sometimes it never does…

What are you listening to at the moment?

Song of the Seasons by Neil Young (and obviously not on Spotify!!). I also right now have a thing for Eddie Harris and the insane sound of his electric sax on Funkorama. It‘s bound to come back in style. Just wait!

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

I know Joseph Kahn said: “Anyone who doesn’t answer with “their phone” is delusional”. But I need coffee before I can even unlock my phone, so I’d say my trusted, but rusty Rancilio Silvia espresso-machine. As long as it keeps brewing, I keep brewing.

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

I’ve worked with a lot of bands and artists that have been upcoming from independent labels. I like their curiousness and enthusiasm as I do my best to try to help find visuals for their precious and often personal songs. But hey, I’m also a sucker for pop in the purest form, so if Britney calls, I’ll be ready with my iPhone with the Moment fish-eye lens attached.

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

A lot can be said about the whole digitalization and streaming, the shift from MTV to YouTube, SoMe etc, but I think the biggest change is how much more aware the artists are of how the visuals work and how much it means. They are usually very clear on what kind of style and mood they want, and often they are as much the creators as the director.