Reviving the Art of Music Videos: A Celebration of Texas Talent

In a world dominated by social media and instant gratification, the art of music videos has often been overlooked. However, a group of passionate creatives in Dallas, Texas, is determined to change that narrative. The One Up Music Video Film Festival, organized by the SZNs CHNGE collective, is a platform that celebrates the enduring significance of this visual medium and the talented artists who bring their musical visions to life.

Reclaiming the Spotlight for Texas Talent

Reviving the Music Video Culture

The music video landscape has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with the decline of traditional platforms like 106 and Park and TRL. Eriq Hardiman-Rhone, the founder of SZNs CHNGE, recognized this change and set out to create a space where the art form could thrive once again. "The platforms, you know, the 106 and Parks, the TRLs, the infrastructure that made music videos matter is something that's lost," he explained. Determined to reclaim the significance of music videos, SZNs CHNGE launched the One Up Music Video Film Festival, providing a platform for Texas-based talent to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.

Bridging the Gap Between Artists and Opportunities

The festival serves as a crucial intermediary, connecting local artists with the resources and exposure they need to succeed. "We're the intermediary space between local artists and big businesses," Hardiman-Rhone said. "Giving people that may not necessarily have access to some of these opportunities or know how to even come up with these spaces to be seen and recognized." By bringing together artists, filmmakers, and creatives in one space, the One Up festival offers not only exposure but also opportunities for networking, collaboration, and idea exchange.

Celebrating the Artistry of Music Videos

The festival's programming reflects the diverse talent and artistic expression found within the Texas music scene. Artists were encouraged to submit music videos that aligned with their unique artistic identities, showcasing the directors and creative minds who brought their visions to life. Among the highlighted talents was AJ "AJ The Alchemist" Strong, a director and creative director who has honed her craft through hands-on experience in the industry. "Dallas doesn't have a lot of opportunities like this, just somewhere for creatives to support other creatives," Strong said, emphasizing the importance of platforms like One Up in fostering the local creative community.

Fostering Community and Civic Engagement

Beyond the celebration of music videos, the One Up festival also served as a platform for community engagement and civic awareness. In collaboration with the Southern Methodist University's Black Law Student Association, the event promoted voter registration, ensuring that attendees were informed and empowered to participate in the democratic process. "We're really just here to make sure people are registered and people know who is going to be representatives," said Jalissah Stanton, a second-year law student and director of BLSA.

The Future of the One Up Music Video Film Festival

The success of the second annual One Up Music Video Film Festival has solidified its place as a must-attend event for the Texas creative community. With plans to return to the historic Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff next year, the festival continues to grow in both scale and significance. "It's a good opportunity to show each other that we can do this for real and to take our work serious," said AJ Strong, reflecting the festival's role in elevating and empowering local artists.As the music industry continues to evolve, the One Up Music Video Film Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of music videos and the vibrant creative community in Texas. By providing a platform for showcasing talent, fostering collaboration, and inspiring civic engagement, the festival is redefining the role of music videos in the digital age and ensuring that this art form remains a vital part of the cultural landscape.