Dark Light takes a step into a slow-motion dreamscape with the release of their latest music video “Dreams Come True“. We had the special treat of an interview with M-Angel and Ovela in which we get a peak behind the scenes of “Dreams Come True”, and their Dark Light project
(Be sure to check out the Dark Light website for music videos, downloadable media, and more at DarkLightNouvo.com or check out their Facebook page!)
M-Angel
How do you come up with your music video ideas?
Haha, good question. By watching cartoons. No, in all seriousness, the songs tell me what to do. “Vengeful” was my first attempt at video making; I felt the song and its theme were more playful than angry or serious, which is why I filmed a story about teddy bear revenge.
“Still Winter” was so epic to our ears that Ovela and I sat down and decided to do things right. We drew up a storyboard, depicting each frame and matching them to the music. The storyboard really helped because when it came time to film everything, we knew how to film, what angles to shoot, what movements to capture, and how to direct our subjects.
“Dreams Come True” was the more difficult one. Our initial vision for the song would have involved filming equipment and techniques beyond the scope of our capabilities. So we had to scrap quite a few attempts and erase all the footage we’d gathered in order to start fresh with a simpler — or rather more doable — idea. It really is a team effort as far as vision goes.
What other artists inspire you?
So many artists inspire me because my real inspiration comes from melodies. That’s why my inspirations span across all genres. I am inspired by Drake, The Weeknd, ‘NSync, Christina Aguilera, Timbaland, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Imogen Heap, Kanye West, Skrillex… I could go on and on. Each artist inspires me differently, be it for beat making, harmony creating, singing, or vocal mixing.
When can we expect the next music video to come out?
The next music video, that being “Dreams Come True?” Well, DCT will be released, along with the single, on Friday the 13th of July, 2012, which some people find spooky and I think is fitting given the theme and mood of the music video. I’m not superstitious; I thought I should precise. I am a lot of other things though!
After that, we are going to take a considerable break from music video making and dedicate more time to song production.
Do you like listening to your own music?
That’s an interesting question. It pains me to say that I don’t listen to Dark Light as much as I listen to other artists. The problem is I am super critical of myself. So everytime I listen to something I’ve done, I cannot help but notice my flaws and focus on them. Then I feel badly, like I could have done better. Apparently, they say artists are never done with their productions. I do listen to our music a lot more now than I used to though. Earlier on, once a single was completed, I wouldn’t go back on it. I guess it also means that I now am putting more effort into a song and revising it longer before its release.
What is it like seeing yourself move in slow motion?
Hahah, it looks… fitting. “Dreams Come True” was our first attempt at true extreme slow motion, and when we were discussing the scenes, I could already picture them in slow motion, so I got used to the sight. I’d visualize them often. Actually, I think I look silly and funny in slow motion. I was going for graceful during the shoot, but I don’t consider myself a naturally graceful person. I’m more of a goof, which will be apparent in our next music video, which won’t be in production for a while.
Ovela
What got you interested in creating music?
I’ve been interested in music and dancing for as long as I can remember. I love everything that has to do with rhythm and style. I started creating music when I got to college thanks to M-Angel’s brother, who introduced me to beat-making software. I feel like I’ve been cheated for not having had the same opportunity to start at an early age as have other music producers.
What is it about dubstep that appeals to you?
The first time I heard about Dubstep, I thought that it was intriguing and complex. It reminded me a lot of the Modern Period (i.e. Debussy, Stravinsky, etc.). Now I find this new style very expressive, inspiring and outside-of-the-box. It moves me in so many ways. My imagination explodes with colors, shapes, movements and ideas while I listen to it. This is only the beginning. Dubstep will probably invade most music genres. Actually, Orchestras have already started recreating dubstep singles with the use of traditional instruments.
What other music genres do you like to experiment with?
I am mainly attracted to Hip Hop / Rap but I do also work on R&B, Techno, House, Oriental music (Rai), Funk, Rock, and so on. I would love to be able to mix Rai music with American Hip Hop, so that the Western World could get a taste of Algerian music.
Do you plan on singing more often?
I do not consider myself a singer, but I might lend my voice to a few projects in need of a tone like mine.
Are you following any other artists, mainstream or otherwise?
Absolutely! In the mainstream industry I follow only a few amazing artists like Kanye West, Drake, J Cole, Muse and Skrillex. On the other hand, I also follow a bunch of “independent” artists such as Childish Gambino, Adventure Club Dubstep, The Cataracs, Cris Cab, Gramatik, Left Boy, and Mattafix. I enjoy non-mainstream music because it doesn’t follow the money/fame formula. It can also be bolder, fresher and it has a special quality to it.
RSS