How To Create a Music Video

Posted by Jamos | Posted on 04-06-2010

There are right ways and wrong ways to use music videos. Some bands and singers are comfortable singing to people they know but aren’t ready to perform in front of groups of strangers. This is where a music video comes in. Amateur singers and young performers can make a quality video that will spread the word about their talent without forcing them to do something that will make them nervous. An anxious singer or musician doesn’t play to the best of his or her ability.

Some average bands use music videos to substitute for getting better. A video should not be a crutch that puts more attention on how a band looks than how it sounds. Videos should not be used to distract the viewer/listener with lights, color and action that doesn’t work with the music. A music video should be about the music, above all other things. Making your music as good as possible is the real key to success.

As one professional music videographer said, a video should add to music that can stand by itself. It can be part of the performance but can also be used as a promotional tool. In other words, write good songs with strong lyrics. Put your emotions and ideas into the song and make a quality recording. Then use social networking, online videos and other ideas to spread your story around the world. This is a great addition to live performances you hold for family and friends. Remember this is all about reaching fans, person to person.

Of course, you can make a basic video by getting your guitar or keyboard in place, setting up a video camera and recording yourself. You can also get someone else to help you make the video. Having a second person holding the camera allows you to get some different views rather than making a “talking head” video of you just sitting in one spot, singing and playing.

Add even more to the quality of your video by writing down a few notes about what you will be singing, what you will be playing, where the video will be shot (background, colors etc.) and if there will be other people, pets or important props in the video. Set a goal for your video. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Don’t just start and “hope for the best.”

Keep in mind that if you are serious about getting your music heard you should use video as part of an overall plan. If you are a young, amateur singer, you don’t need a complicated video script or even a long, detailed plan. But give some thought to what you want the music and video to tell the listeners and viewers.

Check out Free Video Editing Software - and get some that will make your videos even better.

It’s not necessary to use all the classic advertising and marketing methods. That can wait until you build a bigger audience. Your video should be basic but not sloppy or too simple. It’s supposed to help move you toward bigger audiences and more experience. Think about the ways you want to show your talent. Make your video and try it out in a private showing!

Once you have your video - send it to us! If we like it we'll add it to the site. And get it on YouTube and send traffic to it by marketing to build your online presence. Did you know there are excellent tutorials for generating online video traffic?