Ermergerd where do we even start? Firstly, 2019 was epic, to say the least for music. We’re always amazed by the quality of music that crosses our desks. In addition, we’re floored by artists who fearlessly express themselves in spite of political tension, societal norms, haters, mental health, or industry limitations that would dictate otherwise.
What’s also staggering is the number of artists self-recording and self-releasing work. Equally, thanks to this DIY ethos, it’s bringing back a fantastic revival of the music video. With camera phones and clever editing, artists are extending their storytelling from lyrics to feature clips. Needless to say, 2019 has been a total joy to be a music fan.
At Cat Brain Land, we love and appreciate the amount of work and effort involved. So we’ve compiled a list of our fave music videos to our fave tracks of the year.
Hence, in no particular order at all, here are our fave 19 music videos for 2019.
19. Mojo Juju & Joelistics – “Leave it All Behind”
Video directed by Paul Van Kan
This is a dope video for a very dope track. Specifically, the pink tinge and cityscapes bring a Grand Theft Auto surrealism to the clip. Also, the free-wheeling freedom of the game is a nice analogy for Mojo Juju‘s zero fucks given to haters. As the artist said on social media: “I wrote this song about the people who were hating on [previous album] Native Tongue. It’s a self-affirmation and a reminder to let go of the negativity.”
Connect with Mojo Juju on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
Connect with Joelistics on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
18. Loop – “Strangers”
Video directed by Peewee Gonzales
Lifted off their 2017 album Reality and Dreams, this Iligan City band surprised us all with this music video. As vocalist Kim Trinidad’s sweet chorus sings, “you always break my heart”, the clip takes a gory path towards the end.
Connect with Loop on: Facebook / Spotify
17. The Bambi Kills – “Sweet Love”
Filmed by Jerome Velinsky & Edited by The Bambi Kills
Swoon over the sweet sisterly hangs as you enjoy the incredible harmonies belted out by this duo. While “Sweet Love” was their only recorded release for the year, they made it a total banger.
Connect with The Bambi Kills on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
16. The Buildings – “Different Shades of Blue”
Footage by Emen Batocabe, Abbey Batocabe, Janlor Encarnacion (JLE Music), Alternatrip, Tamia Reodica, Margarita Mina and Jan Andrei Cobey.
Lifted off the band’s 2016 album, this single enjoyed a re-release on our favourite indie pop label Middle Class Cigars. The music video is a nice trip back in time, featuring footage collected by the band since 2014. As a result, it’s a lovely visual to their beachy pop sound.
Connect with The Buildings on: Facebook / Spotify
15. No Buses – “Pretty Old Man”
Video directed by Ryogo Suguro
While they stay deadpan throughout the clip, you can see the band cracking smiles with their kitschy choreographed dance. Likewise, it’s the perfect vibe for No Buses’ brand of indie rock.
Connect with No Buses on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
14. Elephant Gym – “Gaze at Blue”
Video directed by 湯詠茹 Deer Deer Tang
This atmospheric math-rock trio from Taiwan have slayed 2019. Lifted off their 2018 album Underwater, “Gaze at Blue” was released as a single on the back of their US tour. Blue-tinted, the video clip is a beautiful visual study of life’s daily details.
Connect with Elephant Gym on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
13. Dream Dali – “Hurt Me”
Video directed & produced by Silvia Grav
“Hurt Me” was the debut release for this Brisbane electro-pop outfit. The music video brings art to life through sporadic and surreal black and white visuals. Perfect for a tumultuous escape into another dimension.
Connect with Dream Dali on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
12. Tsushimamire – “The Payday”
Video directed by Takayuki Kojima
This video provides a glimpse into an alternate universe where this art-punk trio became suited up salary-women. Of course, it’s a zany music video, full of basketballs flying around in an other-worldly stadium. Thank u Tsushimamire.
Connect with Tsushimamire on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
11. Pinch Points – “Stainless Steel”
Video directed and edited by Jasper Fearnley
There’s something so hypnotising about this band. Perhaps it’s the post-punk repetition, the Devo-esque hook, or the band performing the whole song on a slowly revolving floor. Or maybe it’s all of the above that makes Pinch Points top notch.
Connect with Pinch Points on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
10. District 105 – “The Red Death”
Camera and editing by Alexander Ray
Shot by Alex Ray, who eventually became the band’s bassist. But as a fan, Ray’s excitement for District 105’s music shines through in this clip. Perfectly capturing the live energy of the band with erratic animation and unreal lighting.
Connect with District 105 on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
9. David Boring – “Jane Pain”
Creepy horror visuals tinted in alien green light. Accordingly, this clip supports the anguished lyrics to “Jane Pain”, a song that serves a terse poem to modern society. Scathing and nihilistic, the track is carved from ongoing political tension reflected in 2019’s Hong Kong protests.
Connect with David Boring on: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
8. Elsy Wameyo – “Outcast”
Video directed & edited by Nick Anastei
Seamlessly breaking in and out of vocal and spoken word verses, Elsy Wameyo brings a shining voice to rn’b and hip hop. “Outcast” is a minimalist soul track with storytelling that is poetic yet biting. In particular, her flow is calming yet challenging. There’s power in the tension felt, and Wameyo artfully wraps it into this stunning track.
Connect with Elsy Wameyo on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
7. Circarama – “Megantara”
Video directed by: Smita Kirana and Mokhamad Edhy
Welcome to the “Megantara” talent contest. This music video is all non-sensical fun with a band that writes mellow, psych-tinged rock songs. There’s also part two to Circarama’s shenanigans with single “Long Gone”.
Connect with Circarama on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
6. Peter Cat Recording Co. – “Floated By”
A Film by Sachin Pillai & Suryakant Sawhney
This music video is an intimate treat for fans. Especially with the visuals filmed at the frontman Suryakant Sawhney’s own wedding. Colourful and joyful, it’s a visual feast that reflects the golden era feel of the track. Further, with Sawhney’s deep vocal croon and the funky sway, “Floated By” will make any hour of the day wonderful.
Connect with Peter Cat Recording Co. on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
5. Sui Zhen – “Matsudo City Life”
Video directed & produced by Becky Sui Zhen
Watch the freaky personification of our parallel lives online. As multiple Sui Zhens run around in the music video, the musician asks us: “does it look the same to you?”
Connect with Sui Zhen on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
4. Chinese Football – “Continue”
This relaxing music video is a short meditation on the beauty of nature. Indeed, Chinese Football takes us gently through landscape after breathtaking landscape with their unique brand of folky math-rock.
Connect with Chinese Football on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
3. Lupa J – “The Crash”
Video directed and edited by Lupa J and Adam Scarf
Because we can never resist a synth-pop banger. This music video brings goth vibes and interpretative dance to narrate Lupa J’s escape plan. Consequently, it’s a precarious journey from city to coast, giving us spectacular visuals to this killer track.
Connect with Lupa J on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
2. AA Matheson – “Whats in a Name”
Created by Aaron Matheson, Filmed by Tom Rogers
An incredible songwriter, AA Matheson earnestly explores the depths of grief, shame, and regret. Using a country twang to support the heavy lyrics, the artist’s quiet charisma shines through.
Connect with AA Matheson on Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
1. Cút Lộn – “Em Bị Oánh”
Who knew that the world’s greatest Street Fighter battle happened at Cút Lộn HQ? Lucky they had a camera to document this epic fight! Another insanely fun music video from the most awesome band to ever play crossover punk music in Pikachu masks.