Playlist: Cami Starkman

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

Lady Gaga featuring Doechii - RUNWAY. I love music videos that are classic in their reliance on performance and choreography, with striking colours and blocking, and a nice progression from one setup to the next, rather than giving it all away too quickly. 

This one does it impeccably, of course. Wouldn’t expect anything less from two video queens.

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

It’s hard to pick just one, as I used to spend weekend mornings as a kid watching VH1’s “Top 20 Countdown.” Back in the late 1990’s - early 2000’s, videos were at their prime, tapping legendary directors and million-dollar budgets. The first one I remember really standing out to me was Marcy Playground - Sex and Candy. I mean, the lead singer’s head sticking out of a surrealist checkerboard floor with a larger-than-life tarantula crawling by? 

One thing I love about music videos as a medium is that there is no limit to weirdness and creativity. It’s like experimental film for a worldwide audience.

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

I have to give it to Spice Girls - Say You’ll Be There. On a personal level, it brings back innocent fun memories of learning the choreography step by step, and on a filmmaking level, the video is perfect. 

Again, it relies on choreography and sync, but layer by layer, it reveals a story that builds with epic location shots and action. I’ve probably watched it over 500 times in my life, and every time it hits.

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

I’ve been loving Aidan Zamiri's work with Charli XCX lately, as well as Bardia Zeinali’s work with Sabrina Carpenter. Both build complete new worlds for the artists, yet are referential to past culture in ways that scratch that good itch in the entertainment centre of your brain.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I’m still living in the glory of Coachella weekend two, where Moby was a standout for me, so I’ve been listening to Trouble So Hard on repeat. The epic surprise appearance by Madonna also sparked a listen to the full Immaculate Collection album for moments I need to feel hyped.

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

I’m a purist when it comes to editing. 

I’ve been using Premiere since it basically took over for Final Cut 7 over a decade ago, and I stay in Premiere for everything I do, whether it’s basic picture editing or getting into the weeds with effects. 

Since I spend so much time editing, I try to keep the rest of my life as analog or low-tech as possible to give my brain a reset.

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

So many artists inspire me, it’s hard to narrow it down even to a short list, so I’ll name one I’ve worked with in the past who continues to be an inspiration: Solange. 

Her work consistently bridges fashion, art, rhythm, and cultural intelligence. As an editor, these cross sections breed so much richness to pull from.