Playlist: O’Shaya

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

Doechii - Denial is a River. It reminds me of all the whacky videos I watched growing up. I loved the sitcom concept, the cast, the performance, the anticipation of its roll-out. The video is a true blend of emotional storytelling and creative, light-hearted artistry. 

Its grainy, throwback aesthetics, with vintage set designs and a laughing track, adds a layer of irony that enhances the much deeper message. It felt fresh and yet very familiar, all at the same time. 

I feel that Doechii’s decision to cast culturally relevant figures worked to strengthen the narrative even further. Zak Foxx, Rickey T, Earl Sweatshirt, Brad Pitt. Each reference is funny and clever for those who catch it, familiar faces create a sense of relatability and collective experience, and so the themes of denial and emotional masking become more impactful. 

This dynamic balance between humour and vulnerability allows Doechii to express difficult personal experiences in a way that feels both accessible and thought-provoking. The artistic risk she takes with this concept pays off, resulting in a visually captivating, emotionally resonant, and culturally significant music video.

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

I wasn’t allowed to watch music videos as a child, but I would sneak off and do it anyway! The one I most vividly remember is Busta Rhymes - Gimme Some More. I was terrified and drawn to it at the same time as a child, you couldn’t get me to look away. 

I also loved Michael Jackson - Earth Song, for reasons I still can’t quite explain. I’m still impressed by how cinematic it is.

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

That’s a tricky question, as mean as asking me to choose my all-time favourite film. As a teen, I watched Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance all the time. I loved the artistry behind the video but I wouldn’t say I have an all-time favourite in all honesty. I think watching MTVs ‘Making the video’ is what piqued my interest in working in production.

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

I think Hiro Murai is amazing. I love how he got his start in music videos with the likes of Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean before making his segue into TV. 

I’m biased, because Atlanta and The Bear are two of my favourite modern TV shows but they just show what he’s best at. His work feels quite transcendental. He thinks outside of the box and deviates from the norm when it comes to other hip-hop music videos.

What are you listening to at the moment?

A healthy mix including Mk.gee, Jalen Ngonda, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Doechii, Dilla, FKA Twigs’ new album. Throw in a lot of 90s house, a bit of Kuduro and Defying Gravity (still on repeat since I saw Wicked). I listen to pretty much anything.

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

I like to keep tech simple, so I still use my wired headphones by Koss most of the time. There's something quite grounded about wearing them that reminds me of when everything wasn’t wireless. They also sound better than my wireless ones so I tend to reach for them more. Currently, I’m exploring different software in my professional life to come up with production solutions…still on the hunt.