MVOTY: Territory - The Blaze
In my never-ending pursuit to find and consume new music and other art, I'm constantly listening to tracks, live performances, and interviews, or reading similar content. Last week I stumbled upon an article where varying artists highlighted what were their favorite things they listened to in 2017. For the most part, the responses were about as expected and then Barry Jenkins, the genius who directed 'Moonlight', described a music video he'd seen that took the cake for him:
If I had a top ten list, and I don’t because I’ve been too busy to see very much this year, The Blaze's, "Territory" would almost certainly be number one. Just gorgeous, powerful, soulful; everything a music video should be. It’s truly a work of art and I think the fact that musician and videomaker are one and the same is a large part of that. I don’t know that cinema can save the world but watching this AT LEAST a hundred times this year certainly saved a part of me — of my heart, my soul, my sanity. This video is by far my favorite thing of 2017.
That description immediately stuck with me and I bookmarked the video in my Watch Later playlist for that evening. Once my girlfriend and I finally got around to watching it we were not let down whatsoever. I completely understand what Barry meant by it being gorgeous, powerful, and soulful all at once. It's a video that instantly makes you want to spend time with your close friends or to reach out just to say "Hi" to a friend or family member you've missed.
Filmed in Algiers, it's a video that perfectly marries the track's theme of coming home and reuniting with loved ones with the visuals presented, as the cinematography brilliantly depicts the pure familial joy of reconnecting with a family member or friend that's been away. The music video also illustrates the importance of friendship, youth, and love, and the sense of hope each element creates regardless of your setting . It immediately became one of my favorite things I've seen or heard in 2017 as well, and as such I'm labeling it my Music Video of the Year and sharing it with you all too. Don't be afraid to tell your friends you love them and never lose a sense of youth.