I wondered if anyone else had some sort of website about NZOA-funded music videos, I googled, didn’t anything, so figured it was up to me. And hey, I like music, I like video, I like writing about music videos. It would probably be quite fun.
And it has been! As well as revisiting the fave vids of my youth, I’ve also discovered long forgotten videos, weird blips in New Zealand’s pop history, and bands that tried really hard but just didn’t make it.
It’s also made me aware of the trends that come and go in music-video making, like the time when dudes in bands started appearing with no shirts on. I think at the time, the dudes in question wouldn’t have thought they were following a popular trend, but hindsight gives a different perspective.
I’ve also been surprised at what videos are available online. Videos from artists that were a really big deal back in the day are now strangely absent, and videos from obscure indie bands are available on YouTube in good quality versions – and all it takes it one person to do that.
I’m also grateful for the team at NZ On Screen who have happily taken my suggestions and managed to source some classic videos that deserve a new digital home. And NZ On Air have also been helpful with lots of information and history, and for getting some old videos up online.
And the site wouldn’t be what it is without all the comments and feedback I get, from directors, people in bands, various people involved in the music industry and other fans. It’s been a very cool experience!
In the first year of the site I’ve covered seven years of music videos, from 1991 to 1997. Just over half of the funded music videos are available online – that’s 283 videos, with another 253 not available online… yet. I’m happy that since I started the project, more old videos have become available online – and I want more!
And hopefully more is what I’ll find when I make it into 1998, 1999 and into the bold new millennium!
– Robyn