Behind-the-Scenes with Devendra Banhart’s “Twin”
Creating the music video for Devendra Banhart’s single “Twin” was a passionate journey that truly encapsulated the enigmatic and sensual nature of the song. The team at Revelator, partnered with our label friends at Mexican Summer with a clear vision: to create a neon-soaked narrative that resonates with the haunting melodies and intimate lyrics of Devendra’s music.
Concept and Pre-Production The conceptualization phase was both collaborative and exhilarating. Revelator director Matt Muir worked with Devendra to envision a balance of darkly funny and intimate moments, aiming to capture the song’s stark mood. Together, they decided on primary visual elements: an enigmatic driver taking Devendra through a rainy night in the back of a classic black 1987 Buick Regal Turbo, Devendra performing on command in a dimly lit and somewhat menacing secret stage, and a combination of lonely viewers in other rooms watching Devendra on closed-circuit TVs, singing back to him through their phones. Location Scouting and Set Design Finding the perfect locations was crucial. The Buick Regal Turbo, was sourced from a local collector who meticulously maintained its sleek, black exterior and plush interiors. The performance scenes exteriors were shot at Austin club Howard’s while the interiors were shot in Museum of Human Achievement, a space which was transformed into a dank, mysterious club with dramatic lighting, hazers, and set design to enhance the song’s sensual and moody atmosphere. Each viewer’s room was carefully designed to reflect loneliness and isolation, with an assortment of old TVs and retro furniture to create a timeless feel. Speaking of, let’s watch the dang thing!Filming the Night Drive
The night drive scenes were some of the most captivating to capture. Devendra’s performance in the back of the Buick, with city lights casting fleeting shadows across his face, created the isolation and mystery envisioned by cinematographer Alonso J. Luján. Thanks to the amazing work of the folks at ATX Grip, the car was rigged to capture various angles, providing an intimate view of Devendra as he delivered his banter with his driver, as well as the songs vocal performance. Stills Photography A significant highlight of the production was the incredible on-set photography by the amazing Jackie Lee Young. Known for her ability to capture the essence of a moment, Jackie’s photographs brought an additional layer of depth and beauty to the project. Her keen eye for detail and unique perspective resulted in stunning production and behind-the-scenes shots that perfectly encapsulated the mood and atmosphere of the video. Whether it was a candid moment of Devendra in wardrobe or a sensual shot of the Regal Turbo under the city lights, Jackie’s photography added an invaluable visual narrative to the entire production process.
Basement Performances and Costume Changes
The vocal performance scenes were where Devendra’s artistic versatility truly shone. Multiple costume changes were planned to signify different emotional states and aspects of the song’s narrative. Each outfit was carefully chosen to show Devendra shedding a layer…each new outfit helping to complement the next stage of his performance. The lighting played a crucial role, with shadows and and color pallet crafted to emphasize the stage while seen through a closed-circut tv by other characters in the video. The Solitary Viewers One of the most enjoyable aspects of the video was the casting of viewers, who sing along from other lonely rooms, as they watch Devendra and sing along through their phones. Revelator dipped into our amazing community of actors and even included Mexican Summer artist Hayden Pedigo, who also worked with director Matt Muir in Hayden’s own music video. This concept required some careful coordination due to a tight shooting schedule and the need for night shoots. Each viewer’s scene was shot separately, with actors portraying a sense of isolation and longing. The old TVs were sourced to add a distinct character to the scenes by production designer Shelby Bohannon and Revelator-producer-art-dept-secret-weapon Carrie Cates. The actors’ performances were subtle yet impactful, capturing dark comedic moments and the stark essence the song conveys. Post-Production Magic In post-production, the team at Revelator worked quickly on a tight timeline to assemble a trove of footage, ensuring a seamless storyline that follows each enigmatic character. Color grading by Dan Stuyck was essential to maintain a cohesive visual tone throughout the video. The night drive, stage performances, and isolated, singing viewers were all important elements of the final narrative that flowed naturally with the rhythm and mood of “Twin.” We’re so proud of the production of “Twin” and appreciate Devendra and Mexican Summer’s commitment to creating compelling and evocative visual art. It was a project that brought together some of our favorite collaborators and showcased the profound impact that was passionate storytelling and great music can have on the experience of a music video production.