Playlist: Nem Perez

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

Just the other day I watched this brilliant music video Ayia - Easy directed by Salomon Ligthelm. I'm not even sure it's a music video, it plays out almost like a short film. I love this piece so much because it perfectly balances a grounded reality with science fiction and that's what I personally always strive for in my work. Everyone should watch this video, it's amazing! 

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

I think a lot of music video directors have this same story, but I remember walking into a Barnes & Noble and spending my last dollar to purchase the Directors Labels DVD's which had a lot of work from Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. 

I even remember recreating The Pharcyde - Drop video with my friends. 

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

That's a tough one, there's just so many that resonate with me. Most recently, I think I always go back to the video from Rosalia - Malamente. 

There's so much art direction and meaning behind each shot, every frame is a painting. If you haven't watched it do yourself a favour. 

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

There's a director in LA who goes by Calmatic. He's been making waves recently and is someone I've personally looked up to. I love how he reps LA in every breath of his work and I feel it's my duty to do the same for Chicago. 

He's been kind enough to let me shadow him on a few of his Super Bowl ads and I'm so grateful for that. 

When I directed my recent Converse ad I made sure the story we told was true to Chicago and made sure to hire local talent from Chicago who were BIPOC.  

What are you listening to at the moment?   

I've been listening to the new Billie Ellish record pretty much on repeat. 

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

If anyone knows me they know I pretty much spend 90% of my money on gear. I just copped the new M1max Macbook Pros and they've been blowing my mind. It'll make editing during travel gigs a breeze. 

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

Being born and raised in Chicago I think Kanye West is a given.