COLORS Studios mixes music, minimalist aesthetics
If it’s not "The Office" or some other classic show you and your roommates use for background noise, chances are you’re kicking back and watching music videos on shuffle. Although the golden age when music videos constantly premiered on MTV as entertainment is long gone, the art of the music video isn’t necessarily dead.
The MTV Video Music Awards is still one of the biggest nights in the music industry, and record labels are still handing out big budgets to artists who want to make a lasting visual impact to match their songs. With the internet monopoly that is YouTube, music videos, in-depth interviews and live performances from our favorite artists and bands are more accessible than ever.
Meshing digitalization with live music is increasingly popular, and the COLORS YouTube channel delivers exceptional content from both upcoming artists and regular chart-toppers through a uniquely simple lens.
With the motto “all colors, no genres,” the Berlin-based channel provides a platform for all different kinds of musicians to perform. Similar to NPR’s “Tiny Desk” or MTV’s "Unplugged," artists and bands play live music on a studio set, but instead of being cramped in an office cubicle or a mock stage, they're paired with a hue that matches their particular vibe or style.
“It’s unique in that each performer is associated with a color rather than put into a specific category,” said Kristen Wall, a School of Arts and Sciences senior. “I’m always curious as to who chooses the color and why.”
To some followers, the shade that the artist is in front of curates a vibe for the performance that is unlike any other traditional technique. “The color encapsulates who the artist is and the mood of the song, which is unexpectedly satisfying and entertaining to watch,” said Mackenzie Kunkle, a School of Arts and Sciences senior.
The Grammy-winning vocalist H.E.R.’s performance of “Carried Away” was met with a royal blue that complimented the R&B singer’s effortless serenity. Holding a porcelain cup of tea in a striped t-shirt, Daniel Caesar crooned his hit “Best Part” over a minimalist beige. Rapper Aminé performed his bold song “Yellow” surrounded by — you guessed it — yellow.
Not only is the concept for “A COLORS SHOW” aesthetically brilliant, but also the studio offers a space for lesser-known artists all over the world to show their stuff. Followers are able to hear great new music with that artist’s particular vibe to match. Never focusing on just one genre, the show reminds us that musicians — and our musical tastes — should not be defined by just one particular beat.
COLORS offers content that breaks the traditional limitations of genre, and viewers are sure to find something fresh during each binge. If you’re looking for more modern jazz, alternative pop or artists that blend R&B with electronic keys and beats, turn on “A COLORS SHOW” next time you’re hosting a late-night jam session with friends.
Overall, what’s perhaps most appealing about “A COLORS SHOW” is its minimalist, raw approach to visual music. Instead of a video with over-the-top effects, each episode is a simple meeting between the viewer and the live performance. “Sometimes less is more, and the simplicity of it is admirable, especially because it’s not lip-synched like a traditional music video — it’s live, if you will,” Wall said.
“A COLORS SHOW” is available on YouTube for free, and regularly adds new sets every week. If you’re looking for original musical content, add a pop of COLOR to your subscriptions list.
