10 Iconic Music Videos and the Stories Behind Them
This blog post explores ten legendary music videos that have not only defined eras in music but have also left an indelible mark on pop culture through their innovative use of location. Each video—whether set in a haunting Los Angeles street, a minimalist studio, or a gritty gymnasium—demonstrates how the right setting can elevate a song into a cultural phenomenon. The choice of location is never incidental; it becomes a character in its own right, shaping the narrative, amplifying the emotional tone, and reinforcing the artist’s brand. From Michael Jackson’s cinematic “Thriller,” which redefined the music video as a short film, to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” where a stark studio space put the focus squarely on choreography and performance, these videos show that the backdrop is as crucial as the music and the artist themselves.
In today’s fast-evolving music industry, where visual storytelling is more important than ever, the role of location remains central to a video’s success. Buttercup Venues recognizes this, offering a curated portfolio of production-ready spaces in Los Angeles that cater to every creative vision—from atmospheric warehouses perfect for bold, narrative-driven videos to sleek, minimalist studios ideal for performance-focused shoots. By providing versatile, accessible, and inspiring locations, Buttercup Venues empowers artists and directors to bring their most ambitious concepts to life, ensuring that the next generation of music videos can achieve the same iconic status as those that came before. Whether you’re aiming for cinematic grandeur, raw authenticity, or avant-garde innovation, the right location is the foundation upon which unforgettable music videos are built—and Buttercup Venues is here to help you find it.
In a landscape where the visual and the musical are inseparable, these iconic examples remind us that the perfect setting can transform a great song into a cultural milestone. With the support of partners like Buttercup Venues, today’s creators have the resources and inspiration to craft the next wave of unforgettable music video moments.
1. Michael Jackson – Thriller (1983)
Director: John Landis
Location: Filmed on a soundstage and at various outdoor locations in Los Angeles, including the Palace Theatre.
Why It’s Iconic: The groundbreaking 14-minute video redefined the music video format, combining cinematic storytelling, horror elements, and choreographed dance.
Rolling Stone's Take: "The gold standard for music videos—no one has ever come close."
Buttercup Venues offers production-ready warehouses and atmospheric locations perfect for ambitious, cinematic music videos.
2. Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008)
Director: Jake Nava
Location: Shot in a minimalist studio space to emphasize choreography and performance.
Why It’s Iconic: The black-and-white aesthetic, paired with the now-legendary choreography, turned this video into a cultural phenomenon.
Rolling Stone's Take: "Simple, striking, and unforgettable."
Buttercup Venues’ sophisticated lofts and studios are ideal for performance-focused productions with clean, minimalist designs.
3. Madonna – Vogue (1990)
Director: David Fincher
Location: Filmed on a soundstage with elaborate sets inspired by 1920s Hollywood glamour.
Why It’s Iconic: The monochromatic visual style, combined with Madonna’s choreography and bold poses, redefined the intersection of fashion and music.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A video that elevated music into high art."
Buttercup Venues’ luxurious and customizable spaces can help you achieve the same level of glamour and sophistication.
4. Childish Gambino – This Is America (2018)
Director: Hiro Murai
Location: Filmed in a large warehouse space in Los Angeles.
Why It’s Iconic: The video’s raw, single-shot style and its juxtaposition of dance and violence created a powerful social commentary.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A searing visual critique of America’s contradictions."
Buttercup Venues’ expansive industrial warehouse spaces provide the perfect canvas for bold, thought-provoking productions.
5. Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (2009)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Location: Shot in a futuristic, high-concept studio setting with bold lighting and avant-garde design.
Why It’s Iconic: The striking visuals, dramatic choreography, and extravagant costumes set a new standard for pop music videos.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A surreal masterpiece that defined a generation of pop music."
Buttercup Venues’ high-tech, customizable venues can help you create futuristic and avant-garde productions.
6. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)
Director: Samuel Bayer
Location: A dimly lit gymnasium in Los Angeles.
Why It’s Iconic: The video’s grungy, chaotic energy perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the 1990s and the rise of alternative rock.
Rolling Stone's Take: "The video that made grunge mainstream."
Buttercup Venues’ versatile spaces, from industrial warehouses to gymnasium-style layouts, can recreate that raw, rebellious energy.
7. Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time (1998)
Director: Nigel Dick
Location: Filmed in Venice High School in Los Angeles.
Why It’s Iconic: The video’s schoolgirl theme became instantly iconic, catapulting Britney Spears into pop superstardom.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A cultural reset for late-'90s pop."
Buttercup Venues’ adaptive spaces can recreate vibrant, youthful backdrops for your next pop-inspired video.
8. Kanye West – Runaway (2010)
Director: Kanye West
Location: Filmed in a stunning banquet hall with dramatic lighting.
Why It’s Iconic: The 34-minute video is a visual album in itself, blending surreal imagery with cinematic storytelling.
Rolling Stone's Take: "A bold, indulgent exploration of art and music."
Buttercup Venues’ elegant spaces, such as galleries and banquet halls, are perfect for high-concept, artistic productions.
9. OK Go – Here It Goes Again (2006)
Director: Trish Sie
Location: Filmed in a small studio using treadmills.
Why It’s Iconic: The choreography on treadmills became a viral sensation, proving that simplicity and creativity can achieve massive impact.
Rolling Stone's Take: "The original viral music video."
Buttercup Venues offers versatile studio spaces where you can experiment with unique setups and choreography.
10. Sia – Chandelier (2014)
Director: Daniel Askill
Location: Filmed in an empty apartment with dramatic lighting and minimal props.
Why It’s Iconic: Maddie Ziegler’s interpretive dance and the stark, raw setting created a haunting, emotional experience.
Rolling Stone's Take: "Proof that simplicity and performance can trump special effects."
Buttercup Venues’ intimate and adaptable spaces are perfect for emotion-driven, performance-based music videos.
Why Buttercup Venues is the Perfect Choice for Your Music Video
At Buttercup Venues, we understand that the right location is crucial to bringing a music video to life. Whether you’re creating a high-concept masterpiece or a raw, minimalist visual, our Los Angeles venues provide the perfect setting.
What Buttercup Venues Offers:
Versatile Spaces: From industrial warehouses to sleek, modern studios, we have venues to match any creative vision.
Prime Locations: Conveniently located throughout Los Angeles, offering access to the heart of the entertainment industry.
Production-Ready: Our venues are equipped with the amenities and flexibility needed for seamless shoots.
Dynamic Atmospheres: Whether you need a luxurious backdrop, a gritty industrial vibe, or a clean minimalist setting, our spaces adapt to your needs.
Conclusion
The greatest music videos of all time share a common element: a perfect balance of creativity, vision, and location. At Buttercup Venues, we provide the spaces where those visions come to life. Whether you’re channeling the cinematic ambition of "Thriller," the edgy rawness of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," or the bold artistry of "Runaway," our uniquely curated venues offer the flexibility and inspiration to elevate your project.
Ready to create your next iconic music video? Explore our venues and bring your vision to life at Buttercup Venues.
