1st music video with Danish group The Defectors

Shot on 16mm and DVCPRO (elmo)

Credits:

Assistants: Ditte Ross & Martin Rieollo

Editor: Søren Henner

Cast: The Defectors and Betina (girl)

Story:

This production seems to be the best example of timing in my life as a maker of film by far. Martin Budde send a demo over of the first 5 or so tracks, but knowing his association with the psychobilly band Godless Wicked Creeps in the past, I thought this would be more of the same. How wrong I was! Having listened to Pebbles and Nuggets stuff at Warwick in England, and completely in awe of this raw, unadulterated means of expression, the demo totally overwhelmed me. They didn’t really know (and unmanaged bands never do) what song they’d like, so I pushed for another track `A 1000 needles in My Heart´ which, after repeated listening stood out as the most mental and pure fuck-off rock´n´roll track…They convinced me however that Alright Girl was the best track, and looking back and listening to it today, I believe they were right. Cracking number with the lead singer’s indiscernible screaming growl setting the tone for much greater visuals than I could provide. It does seem that the use of cliché rock´n ´roll postcard aesthetics in fact was the right way for the band to make it. But of course this is still to come true….

I remember handing over the video and within a fortnight it was on MTV constantly, albeit only in the more `risky´ slots. Still I like the shots of the girl in front of the Anglia with the rose. I think those were what made the video transcend cliché and become something other than the usual abundant shite generally shown on this channel…and Morten is a superb lead singer, no doubt!

The Defectors are a great band, but no great band ever made it without the proper management. However, the interesting question here is: Would The Defectors become a greater band if they enjoyed the success they deserve…? Personally, I think this is an entirely rhetorical question…