Having a Music Video is a fantastic way to promote your album or single release. In fact most people enjoy being introduced to music with a visual component connected to it. So it goes without saying that most artists will do what it takes to get a music video made. So what is the standard? And, what should you be prepared to do if you are an artist that wants to up their game? That fact is you need promotional content to promote new music. So, is a DIY Music Video Production the right choice for you?
Let’s start under the presumption that a Music Video does bring a value to an Artist. We can start with that assumption because it isn’t an assumption, it is well documented that they do. So, from there let’s hash out a much more precise question…. Do Artists Make Their Own Music Videos?
Yes, some do. While others do contract out help to conceptualize, shoot and edit their music video. The discrepancy typically will be in accordance to the artists budget and their need to maximize it. Other artists have made content creation, including music videos, a staple of the regular release schedule regardless of their budget.
Some artists are grinding along with little to no budget. They’ll shoot whatever they can even if it is done on a cellphone with a quality camera. To those people it makes no never-mind.
Videos Are Important
With online video streaming sites like Youtube; the opportunity to expand your reach is in your own hands. By creating visual content and keeping a consistent release strategy it is an inevitability. While the scale of what we are do may vary from artist to artist; the importance of promotion does not.
may have been forfeited to the label. In that case you can expect a proper label and their deal to provide you with what you need. That would include a budget and a team to help you. Together you can create the content you’ll need to support the release of your new music.
This money is given as a monetary advance. It is then budgeted for the cost incurred in the creation of your promotional material. Just keep in mind that all of the money that you are taking in advance is an advance. It is your responsibility to recoup (or pay back to the ‘lender’) from earnings before you are paid anything.
If you are doing everything for yourself as an independent you could also consider posting a Lyric Video. A lyric video may an alternative to a DIY Music Video Production if you’re just getting started. Here is a link to an informative guide about knowing whether to produce a lyric video or a music video. Check it out here!
The Upside And Downside Of DIY Music Video Creation
A lot of artists are very interested in a do it yourself approach. There are upsides and downsides to this approach as well. The downside would be
- the limited stretch of the do it yourself budget.
- The limited access to contract professionals with advanced knowledge and skillsets in film and video technologies.
- It also limits the artists ability with and access to that exact technology.
However there is a significant upside as well,
- The Artist can maintain ‘Creative Control’.
- The Artists has an opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge that help them in the long run.
- While the Artist will have some degree of expense, they will have a say on how the money is spent.
This list of upsides and downside is not comprehensive by any means. I am sure you are probably thinking a number of other points on either side of the column.
For some of you, there is a decision to make, so make it carefully. And for others, the only decision is to get to work with doing what one must.
All of the content you make can be useful to expand your reach and make new fans. Its important to have a great a website set up to post your music videos and everything else. This is sort of a home base. if you’d like some more information on what pages your website should include to promote what you need to. Read this!
For Those Whom Must Create Music Videos For Themselves
If you are in a position with no other choice but to produce videos for yourself you needn’t necessarily worry. You will have to dig deep for the grind and that is Ok. There are plenty of resources available to help to educate you on how to create a music video. Additionally we are certainly living in an age were our access to resources for this type of project are more available then ever before.
If you are at the very most basic level you could even use a cellphone. A cellphone with a decent camera to shoot some of it can work great. What is most important and certainly more important is your creativity. Because without all of the expensive technical devices and know how; all you have is your own inventiveness. It’s up to you to conjure up a very good idea. It’s up to you to make a video that will capture the attention of a potential viewing audience.
Before you start making videos you need to be aware of production times. If you’d like some help knowing how to plan the timetables of your shoot; we can help. We recently published an informative guide. You can use the guide to fill in any knowledge gaps about the various steps of a music video production. That includes the amount of time that each take. You can read it here!
Finding Help And Gear
So after you have come up with an interesting or unique idea for your video, you’ll need to assess your own ability to shoot it DIY. If it is completely outside of your capacity you can turn to your circle of friends. If your friends are unable to help than you could even turn to your fanbase for help. There is a reasonable chance that someone in your circles can help. These days it seems like more and more people have some experience with content creation.
When it comes to gear that you would need… you can buy, borrow or rent most anything. It’s best to lean into the preproduction and storyboarding. This will help you to know what you need. That way you are only buying or renting what is necessary. Rentals are a very reasonable way to put tools into your hand. Especially if its a tool you won’t regularly need or to expensive to purchase. Eventually a nice camera with a GOOD lens will level up your DIY Music Video Production.
If you are interested in how you can design a great music video set on a budget, we have a great article to help. Here is the link!
Lastly
So regardless if you are signed to a major label or you are a local upstart; DIY Music Video Production is a must! It’s all about widening your base and expanding interest in your music. If you are on a major label you will have a small team of people who are going to guide you. But if you are independent, you’ll have to really on your own tenacity.
When you are all finished with your Music Video and you need some help suggestions for affordable music video promotion advice; we’ve got you covered. Save the link. It will help!
In the end, you have to look out for yourself and your own best interest. A lot of these skills can be learned over time. So if you do have to do these things for yourself that’s great. Over time you can work to improving each skill. Eventually you will be skilled. And if nothing else, that can get you paid!
Go and Goodluck!
Other artists