Edmonton on Screen: Music Videos Filmed in the City

In the world of modern music, visual accompaniment plays just as crucial a role as the sound itself. Music videos add depth, emotion, and context to songs. They also help fans remember the tracks better and make it easier for artists to build their brand. Increasingly, Edmonton is becoming a backdrop for creative video projects. The music videos shot here not only showcase the city’s beauty but also help local musicians make a name for themselves. In this article on edmonton-trend, we’ll explore some of the most interesting music videos filmed in Edmonton.

J.Tajor – Press Against Me

The video for “Press Against Me” is a perfect example of a stylish music video shot in Edmonton, blending beautiful artistic visuals with a local feel. The video captures a touching winter atmosphere that resonates with listeners and viewers alike. The song itself is about intimacy and close connections. The video’s simplicity is what makes it so captivating—it’s filmed in a single, uncut take. If you enjoy vocal-driven music with R&B elements, you should definitely check this one out.

While the exact location isn’t specified, the video is titled “from Edmonton, Canada,” highlighting the artist’s love for his hometown. J.Tajor is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer who is actively shaping the Edmonton music scene. Although he hasn’t yet become a global star, his music has gained significant recognition on Spotify and YouTube, thanks in part to his videos. You could say he is the voice of Edmonton’s emerging R&B scene.

The Wet Secrets – “Get Your Own Apartment”

“Get Your Own Apartment” is one of the standout music videos from Edmonton band The Wet Secrets, directed by Trevor Anderson. The video is incredibly dynamic and features a witty storyline that perfectly matches the band’s musical style. In the video, the band is seen letting loose at a party. This clip is a true showcase of the early Wet Secrets, combining energetic indie rock, dark humour, and the identity of Edmonton’s youth in the early 2000s.

The Wet Secrets were a very popular band, known for their signature red-and-white marching band uniforms and their unique blend of synthesizers, loud basslines, drums, and vocals. The band was a regular act at various city and national festivals, and they still have an active fanbase in Edmonton today.

As mentioned, the video was directed by Trevor Anderson, a Canadian filmmaker and musician. His work has been featured at major international film festivals. While Anderson primarily directs short films, he has also directed several music videos. He is also a co-founder and the former drummer of The Wet Secrets.

In 2009, the City of Edmonton even commissioned Anderson to create a work of art for the ICLEI World Congress. Anderson brought together several of the city’s leading musicians to create an hour-long musical composition for a free concert titled “This is for you, Edmonton!”.

Our Lady Peace – “Stop Making Stupid People Famous”

In 2021, Our Lady Peace released the music video for their song “Stop Making Stupid People Famous.” The video, which features the famous feminist punk group Pussy Riot, was directed by renowned Edmonton filmmaker Michael Maxsis. It serves as a powerful social commentary on influencer culture and the glorification of vapid figures in the media.

In the video, the band performs the song amidst a crowd of dancing people. The central idea was to highlight the contrast between real achievements and superficial celebrity.

Michael Maxsis has directed over 100 music videos, and his works are true pieces of art. He uses vibrant colours and compelling symbolism. In his videos, Michael avoids simple digital editing, preferring experimental optical techniques. His first videos were for local musicians. Despite his international acclaim, Maxsis continues to work actively in Edmonton, shooting local videos and clips for bands. He calls Edmonton his “home base.”

Metallica: Through the Never

This isn’t a music video, but a full-length concert film directed by Nimród Antal, released in 2013. The film follows the American rock band Metallica as they perform a concert in a packed stadium. The plot revolves around a young roadie sent on a mission to retrieve a mysterious bag needed for the show. What follows is a series of adventures that symbolize the spiritual journey that the band’s listeners often experience.

A key part of the film is the band’s live performances on a 360-degree stage, which were filmed in Vancouver and Edmonton. The film is visually stunning, shot with IMAX cameras. Director Nimród Antal masterfully conveyed the scale of the concerts and the tension of the narrative. This film is essential viewing for fans of the legendary band, offering a deeper appreciation of the philosophy behind their songs and capturing the emotional power and character of heavy metal. It’s a true cinematic spectacle that demonstrates the power of music and art.

The film received mostly positive reviews from audiences and critics. In its first week in the US alone, the film grossed over $1 million, ranking 14th among all new releases at the time. During its opening week in Ukraine, it brought in over $172,000.

“Metallica: Through the Never” is a cinematic parable about the chaos of the modern world, the loss of direction, and the need for something real and powerful. If you’re a fan of Metallica and the energy of Edmonton concerts, this film is a must-see.

The Maximum Definitive – “Jungle Man”

“Jungle Man” was the first major music video for the Edmonton hip-hop trio The Maximum Definitive. This work launched the group into popularity and earned them prestigious awards.

The video was shot entirely in Edmonton at the Muttart Conservatory’s glass pyramids, making it instantly recognizable and embedding it in the city’s identity. The video features numerous dynamic and sensual dance scenes and also includes a cameo from the daughter of one of the trio’s members. In 1993, the video won a MuchMusic Video Award, a significant honour in Canadian music.

At the time the video was made, the band members were still very young—not even 20 years old. The Maximum Definitive grew out of a high school initiative.

This music video is a true Edmonton cultural phenomenon. It became a symbol for a new generation of rap artists, and by filming at the Muttart Conservatory, it put the city on the country’s musical map. It’s an example that undoubtedly continues to inspire new generations of musicians!

In conclusion, Edmonton is a true hub of creativity where unique stories and fascinating visual and musical projects are born. Every video shot in Edmonton carries an imprint of the local culture, energy, and spirit of freedom. These clips are more than just music and images; they are important markers of identity that show great art can emerge from unexpected places. We’ve taken you through music videos from different eras, and Edmonton continues to inspire artists and remain a place where talent is born.