I’ve had the pleasure of writing about Brandon Hoogenboom in the past, however, it’s always been within the confines of his own musical journey. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, his work is a breath of fresh air. His songwriting and tranquil voice truly offer a new and original take on what music can be! But this article isn’t about his music (as much as it is great) because today we’re talking about his collaboration with fellow musician Kyle Emerson.
Hoogenboom created a visual experience to Emerson’s single “I Can Change” off his forthcoming album Only Coming Down. Created with a plethora of carefully chosen images, Hoogenboom created a video that depicts the lyrics of the song but not too literally.
I’ll let Hoogenboom take it from here! Enjoy my short Q & A with director and creator of the “I Can Change” music video, Brandon Hoogenboom!
How did the collaboration between Kyle and yourself come about? Who approached who?
I think I had mentioned to Kyle that I would love to make him a music video a while back. When he was all done tracking his record he reached out and said he wanted a video for “I Can Change” and I couldn’t have been happier because it’s probably my favorite track off the album but it’s hard to choose.
What sort of relationship did you and Kyle have prior to the making of this video? Did it have any correlation on how you two collaborated?
Kyle and I were both making music and recording with Jeff Cormack from South of France (He’s a huge contributor to the Denver music scene) and I think when I first heard Kyle’s songs I asked him if I could be in his band haha. I’ve always loved Kyle’s music and truly believe his upcoming album will be top 5 in the friggin world! We also both worked at Lab7 screen printing shop. Fun times.
When you two were discussing the making of the music video, did Kyle give you creative freedom or were there guidelines set?
Yeah, Kyle was stoked on some of my past work and said just go for it, which for an artist is always great to hear.
Why did you decide to make a collage-based music video vs. a live-action music video?
That’s just the style that I’ve been developing. But I would love to incorporate video in the future.
Talk about the actual method you utilized to create the video? It seems like it must’ve been tedious. From collecting the images to editing it all together.
Yeah your exactly right, it’s pretty dang tedious haha but it’s so much fun. Before I even start animating I have to collect the right images, cut them out and save them out with transparent backgrounds. If you’re familiar with Adobe CC I used after effects. You basically choose a start and stop point and from there you can twist, turn, fade, rotate, etc.
My favorite part of the video was 4:30 in — The words, “I can change” appear right before a furry grizzly bear head changes into Kyle. I can only assume these two sequences speak to the greater picture of change and what that entails. What was the thought process behind that on your end?
Yes! I’m so glad that part sticks out to you haha. The main idea for the video was to have Kyle float around different scenes that depict the lyrics of the song but not too literally. The bear head symbolizes strength and courage as well as Kyles spiritual journey through life. At the end when the butterfly lands on the bear’s nose and Kyle takes off the mask it’s a notion that Kyle has changed and is content with himself.
Is this the first video you create? If not, what others can you share with us?
Brandon Hoogenboom – Hey you
Flaural – 1616
Any other music videos in the works? For those who may not know, you’re a musician yourself! Any coming out for your roster of tunes?
Yeah, I’m working on some lyrics videos at the moment! And yes, I’m heading back to Nashville sometime this summer to record an EP.
What would you say was the most rewarding part of the music video-making process?
Honestly when the artist is happy with what you’ve created.
How can someone interested in a video of their own reach out to you for more information?
