Discovering a fantastic new song is a wonderful experience, but the power of a great song can always be enhanced even more by a great video. The collaborative effort of an innovative video director and a daring music artist can produce amazing works that can stand on their own as visual art. This year birthed some breathtaking vids from performers across all genres. DZI: The Voice takes a look back at our favorite music videos from 2012.
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Cloud Nothings
~ “No Future/No Past”
Director- John Ryan Manning
Is the indie rock band’s video a rumination on the transition to the afterlife? Maybe, but there’s no doubt it’s simple approach still leaves a major impression.
To connect with Cloud Nothings follow them @cloudnothingsOH
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Diplo feat. Lazerdisk Party Sex
~ “Set It Off”
Director- Ryan Staake
The Philadelphia-based DJ sets out to convince any lagging naysayers that poll dancing is a beautiful and dignified form of artistic expression.
To connect with Diplo follow him @diplo
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Eytan and the Embassy
~ “Everything Changes”
Director – Joe Pickard
Any fan of pop culture history will be fascinated by Eytan Oren’s one take transformations into 18 different music icons including John Lennon, Prince, and Lady Gaga.
To connect with Eytan and the Embassy follow them @EytanTheEmbassy
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G.O.O.D. Music
~ “Mercy”
Director – Nabil Elderkin
Despite the boastful raps in Kanye West and crew’s ode to the Murciélago, the black-and-white clip is the latest installment in the Louis Vuitton Don’s recent love of minimalism.
To connect with Kanye West follow him @kanyewest
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Joey Bada$$
~ “Waves”
Director: Va$htie
Progressive Era’s frontman takes us through a day in the life of a promising teenage phenom on the grind to become a hip hop star.
To connect with Joey Bada$$ follow him @joeyBADASS_
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Killer Mike
~ “Reagan”
Directors- Daniel Garcia & Harry Teitelman
The Dungeon Family affiliate’s animated video unapologetically takes direct shots at the 40th President, the “War on Drugs”, and the current state of hip hop.
To connect with Killer Mike follow him @KillerMikeGTO
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Lana Del Rey
~ “National Anthem”
Director- Anthony Mandler
One of 2012’s breakout stars taps Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky to help her depict the infamous 60’s era drama of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O, and JFK.
To connect with Lana Del Rey follow her @LanaDelRey
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M.I.A.
~ “Bad Girls”
Director: Roman Gavras
Pop music’s resident bad girl rocks the Casbah by joyriding through the streets on a serious gangsta lean.
To connect with M.I.A. follow her @MIAUniverse
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NaS
~ “Daughters”
Director- Chris Robinson
God’s Son’s creative visual for his Life is Good lead single unfolds through the eyes of his impressionable daughter.
To connect with Nas follow him @Nas
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Woodkid
~ “Run Boy Run”
Director- Yoann Lemoine
Woodkid made his name creating videos for stars like Katy Perry and Drake, but this self-directed epic takes Where The Wilds Things Are to another level.
To connect with Woodkid follow him @Woodkid
