How Growing Up in a Musical Household Shaped My Visual Approach to Music Videos
- Zubin Sahney
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
Music is more than sound; it’s movement, emotion, and rhythm that shape how we experience the world. For me, visualizing music did not come from studying techniques or trends. It came naturally because I grew up inside music itself.
A Childhood Immersed in Sound and Form
From the moment I woke up, music was part of my daily routine. Unlike many who rely on alarms, my mornings began with songs playing softly in the background. This constant presence of rhythm and melody created a foundation for how I perceive the world.
My father, Shankar Sahney, is a singer. His voice filled our home with stories and emotions conveyed through sound. My mother was a fashion designer, shaping texture, form, and silhouette. Watching them work showed me how two very different mediums could express feelings and ideas that landed in the same emotional space.
This blend of sound and visual art shaped my perspective. It taught me to see music not just as notes or lyrics but as movement, pace, and mood. This early exposure gave me a unique lens through which I approach music videos.
Seeing Music as Movement and Emotion
When I listen to a track, I don’t immediately think about camera angles or lighting setups. Instead, I focus on the song’s movement and energy. I pay attention to:
Where the music breathes and flows naturally
Moments of tension or pause
Changes in pace and rhythm
Emotional highs and lows
These elements guide my visual storytelling. The images I create come from the feeling the music evokes, not from copying styles or formulas. This instinctive approach makes music videos feel authentic and alive.
How This Approach Shapes My Visual approach to Music Videos
Every project starts the same way: I listen. I sit quietly with the track and let it reveal its character. Only after this do I begin to imagine how to shoot the video.
For example, on one recent project, a slow, haunting melody suggested long, lingering shots with soft lighting and minimal movement. The visuals matched the song’s mood, allowing viewers to feel the space and emotion. On another upbeat track, quick cuts and dynamic camera movements reflected the energy and rhythm.
This process respects the music’s natural flow and avoids forcing visuals that don’t fit. It’s why my work often feels seamless, as if the images and sound were made for each other.
The Intersection of Sound and Image
Music videos exist where sound meets image. This space rewards intuition and punishes anything artificial or forced. Growing up with music as a constant companion gave me an instinct for this balance.
I learned that the visual approach to music videos should not compete with music but complement it. They should enhance the mood and deepen the listener’s experience. This means sometimes using silence, stillness, or simple imagery to let the music shine.
Practical Tips for Visualizing Music
If you want to develop a natural connection between music and visuals, consider these steps:
Listen deeply: Spend time with the track before planning visuals. Notice its rhythms, pauses, and emotional shifts.
Focus on movement: Think about how the music moves and how that movement can translate visually.
Avoid clichés: Don’t rely on typical music video tropes. Let the music guide your choices.
Use contrast: Play with light and shadow, fast and slow, tension and release to mirror the music’s dynamics.
Trust your instincts: Let your feelings about the music shape your creative decisions.
Why This Matters
Music videos are a unique art form. They combine two powerful mediums to create something greater than the sum of their parts. When visuals come from a genuine connection to the music, the result feels natural and compelling.
Growing up in a musical household gave me a head start in understanding this connection. It shaped how I see and how I create. For anyone working with music and visuals, embracing this instinct can lead to more authentic and impactful work.
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