Playlist: Manu Cossu

What’s the best music video you’ve seen recently and why?

I think the best video I saw recently was the one from The Blaze - Territory.

I love the way narrative and visuals melt together in a pure music video art piece. Each shot looks like a classic painting and the message at the end when the title appears just blows my mind. Beautiful…

What’s the first music video you remember being impressed by?

The first music video that really impressed me was… So many music videos impressed me haha!

I don't know, it's really difficult to answer, so many good ones! Peter Gabriel, Elton John, Busta Rhymes - Gimme Some More for example. 

One that was really a life changer was Michael Jackson - Thriller. The first time the video was released in France, that was on prime time TV news. That was quite memorable.

And what’s your all-time favourite music video?

Aphex Twin - Windowlicker without a doubt. Classic! 

What other directors/artists do you look to for inspiration?

I'm quite a big fan of Paul Thomas Anderson, Chris Cunningham for sure, Ruben Ostlund, Christopher Nolan… So many amazing directors!

What are you listening to at the moment?

I could prepare a playlist for you next time! 

I love listening to different kinds of music. Recently I listened to It Might Be Time by Tame Impala. I love the Supertramp keyboard sound.

What’s your favourite bit of tech, whether for professional or personal use?

I’m prepping a screen-printing art exhibition so I would say a screen printer.

What artist(s) would you most like to work with and why?

Rihanna! She is the coolest! So chill…

How do you feel the promo industry has changed since you started in it?

Ouch! Big question! It’s changed so much!!! So many good videos, so many good directors! With the internet, the easy access to the equipment, anyone can start doing music videos.  With the only difference that before we had referents. Pillar directors like Jonathan Glazer, Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, etc…

Now it's a bit like the record industry, there are plenty of amazing videos, made by amazing directors, but very few constant directors. I remember waiting with excitement for "Video of the Week" of Promo news, now I don't watch anymore, there are too many.