Music Videos used to be the stuff of legend; a privilege reserved purely for top shelf artists that are generating so much revenue from their record sales that they can splurge on a video of their music, not only for the promotional purposes that videos provide but also for the opportunity to visually depict the music they are creating. I remember like it was yesterday when everyone held their breath around the world for the unveiling of “BAD” by Michael Jackson on network TV. It seemed like everyone was watching this rapidly expanding, opulent medium. Music videos were excess and exclusively for the best of the best, who routinely built up the prestige around the genre by increasingly getting more technical, Hollywood directors, huge budgets, elite models, actors etc. making it nigh impossible for normal folk and artists to ever entertain making a music video for real. Until now.

The music video, like many of the entertainment bastions, has become democratized due to huge strides in technology, creativity and a reduction in cost of equipment. In my 30 sumpin lifetime alone I’ve seen the invention of HD, its outrageously expensive availability  (talking $10,000 for a camera easy), and evolution to HD webcams for under $100. The Flip, GoPro, and Rebel have made quality HD video production available for between $100 and $550, well within reach of the average consumer. This massive shift alongside freeware like iMovie (which ships with every Apple), cheapware like Shave (under $10) to industry standard Final Cut (for less than $300) means that everyone can explore their inner Spike Lee with just a couple bucks and a whole lot of heart. In addition syndication has become increasingly irrelevant as social media like YouTube, Myspace, Facebook etc. have enabled artists to share their content directly with their fans, meaning the Networks don’t have to stop to make the video available – matter of fact who watches TV anymore anyway?

What this means for the music video is that what was once available only to super-star artists is now available to everyone that is aspiring for a career as a recording artist and has resulted in a massive upsurge in local music videos. Now don’t get it twisted this does not equate to quality productions on par with Thriller, but it does equate to volume. This is where the quality is getting increasingly awesome, as amateurs are seeing more and more what is possible and pushing each other to new heights.

The future looks bright for this exciting new medium and every week there seems to be a new video to experience. Here is our collection of local videos that deserve at least a cursory glance during your trolling through the internet for the latest filth flarn filth ; ) We update it often so be sure to keep checking back for the latest videos and remember, even if the videos are so-so, the music is usually pretty solid, so if ya not into the visuals, just let the playlist run and enjoy the big tune! Also, if you have a video you would like us to add send us the link to info@chewstick.org.

PS – a special shout out to Detrimental, Shawny Boy and Shane Woodley for keeping the steady stream of videos, ya definitely raising the bar!