The Best Music Video Shoot Locations

Not only does it take a great song to produce the perfect music video, but it also entails telling a visual story that can enchant and hypnotize the audience. One of the key features involved in setting up this venture is the selection of an appropriate location. 

From the grimiest streets of urban cities to the most breathtaking natural scenery, the setting of a music video is able to elevate the entire narrative and give the viewer an unforgettable experience.

In this article, we will speak about some of the best music video shoot locations from around the world. Whether you are an artist looking to elevate your next visual or a fan who loves seeing the creativity within your favorite videos, these iconic spots are worth knowing about. 

We will also take a closer look at how casinos managed to become one of the quirkiest sets for certain music videos, bringing in all their glitz and drama with the atmosphere.

1. Los Angeles, USA: Urban Chic Meets Hollywood Glamour

No surprise here, as Los Angeles takes the top spot in music video shoot locations. With a myriad of history in the entertainment industry, L.A. has an eclectic mix of urban landscapes and iconic scenery combined-really making it ideal for all types of music videos. From the gritty streets downtown to the sandy shores of Venice Beach, the city can offer a wide array of options for almost any genre of music.

Take, for instance, Kendrick Lamar's HUMBLE. music video, shot on location in L.A., from the iconic LA River down to the urban sprawl and industrial backdrops that set up a perfect setting for some hard-hitting visuals from Kendrick. With an uncountable amount of studios, access to top-tier production talent, and a year-round sunny climate, it is pretty easy to see why so many artists gravitate toward this city.

2. Las Vegas, USA: Neon Lights and Casino Vibes

Las Vegas, for a while now, has been the ground for many music video shoots-especially those trying to capture the nightlife and excess, adding glamour to their videos. Neon lights, humming casinos, and larger-than-life hotels cement it as an unforgettable setting for any music video that calls for drama and excitement.

Perhaps one of the most popular is in Lucky by Britney Spears, which partially takes place in a casino, adding a touch of sophistication to the story of a Hollywood starlet. Casinos add an element of high stake energy that only furthers music video dramatic elements. The dynamic visuals of Las Vegas go hand in hand with the artists who wish to express indulgence and excitement. No surprise, then, that Sin City is a favorite filming location, be it for pop stars or rappers.

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3. Tokyo, Japan: Futuristic Vibes and Neon Dreams

Tokyo is probably one of the most visually engaging cities in which to stage and shoot a music video, especially for artists who plan on showing off a modern cityscape. The tall skyscrapers, flashing neon signs, and vibrant nightlife make Tokyo electric-perfect for a high-energy music video.

A good example of this is found in the retro-futuristic setting used in the video of The Weeknd's "I Feel It Coming." Tokyo blends futuristic technology with an especially rich cultural background, making it an exciting setting to work with for artists exploring themes of innovation, urban life, and human contact. 

4. Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland has fast become the go-to place for artists wanting to create visually stunning music videos. The dramatic volcanic landscapes, mountains capped with ice, and sprawling glaciers make for a surreal setting almost out of this world, lending themselves extremely well to a variety of scenarios that are equally otherworldly.

Iceland hosted Justin Bieber's I'll Show You, with its sweeping shots showcasing the stark natural beauty of the island. This setting of emerald green and icy landscape provides a cinematic feel that is virtually impossible to find elsewhere in the world. Iceland would be a good destination for artists who would want to use the image of their music along with something epic and emotional.

5. Paris, France: Timeless Elegance

Not many cities in the world can vie with Paris for sheer classic beauty and romance. For musicians, the City of Light offers a timeless, elegant backdrop with its historic architecture, scenic streets, and major world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Beyoncé's Partition music video is the perfect example of how Paris can be used to convey sophistication and luxury. From driving through the streets of Paris to performing at some of its iconic venues, including the Crazy Horse cabaret, Paris has this perfect blend of elegance and sensuality that makes it a favorite among artists in all genres.

6. New York City, USA: The Urban Playground

New York City is synonymous with creativity, ambition, and endless possibility. In fact, the vibrant energy of the city and eclectic neighborhoods serve as an ideal canvas to capture the hustle and flow of urban life in your music video.

Probably one of the most iconic videos filmed in New York has to be by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind. This video paid homage to the Big Apple, with towering skyscrapers and the Brooklyn Bridge, truly iconic streets: gritty Harlem, artsy Williamsburg, sleek skyscrapers towering over Manhattan-the options are endless for video shoots.

7. Cape Town, South Africa: Exotic and Versatile

For those artists who want to have the best of a natural setting yet an urban feel, Cape Town presents that opportunity. With beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and a cosmopolitan cityscape, Cape Town has everything an artist would need when shooting any type of music video.

For his There They Go video, South African rapper Nasty C used Cape Town as a backdrop-a display in pulsating energy and at the same time, the natural splendor that surrounds it. Because Cape Town is composed of diverse landscapes, there is often much room for variance in visual storytelling-no wonder it's one of the favorite locations for both local and international artists.

8. Marrakech, Morocco: Mystical and Enchanting

Marrakech is the place for artists seeking inspiration from a mysterious, exotic depth of culture. The city's twisting lanes, ancient palaces, and teeming markets set up a visually dazzling backdrop fully loaded with history and charm.

For ASAP Rocky's Babushka Boi music video, the singular architecture and color palette of Marrakech provided a base for a visually striking visual aesthetic. Interesting in combining old-world charm and modern feel, the city is very apt for shooting a music video intended to take one to a whole other place.

Conclusion

Sometimes, the place of a music video can become really important regarding how a song is received and remembered. Be it the neon lights of Las Vegas or the giant skyscrapers of Tokyo, there's something different that each place does to add meaning to the music.