I will go on the record to say that I have always believed Kylie Minogue, although after 20+ years is a pop force to be reckoned with and unfortunately is still underrated in the U.S. is the rightful heir to the pop throne dominated by Madonna for the past three decades. After reading this recent excerpt by famed music video director Joseph Khan, who worked with the international dance/pop Dutchess on her All The Lovers music video, you will see why Kylie is a rare breed of pop star who truly understands the art of perfection, professionalism, uniqueness and genius.
Kylie was the dream artist to work with. First as a specimen of female, she is a joy to photograph. The camera can do no wrong. Her eyes always twinkle. But on top of that, she is extraordinarily collaborative and supportive. She really loves and understand directors, and once she understands the vision, she completely nurtures you to go for it. The craziest thing was she never watched herself on playback! That’s brilliant. Instead of cosmetics, she’s performing from a pure emotional core. Very few artists trust that instinct or have that ability.
When I turned in the edit, someone at the label wanted to recut the whole video. He just didn’t understand it, nor was he willing to listen to me or anyone else. The re-edit was going to be a disaster. But Kylie stepped in and shut that weirdo down COMPLETELY.
This is one of my favorite videos I did last year, and one of my favorites ever really. The message Kylie wanted to say with this video is important, and I am lucky to have worked with her on it.
Trusting your director, going with your gut, and not being afraid of trying something new (something she knows all so well from her brilliant single Get Out of My Way) are the key ingredients of being a pop star and maintaining your status as a audio and visual trend-setter (something people like Beyonce and Lady Gaga know all to well since you do see a lot of Kylie's influence in their stage shows). I've always said save the spectacle for the music videos and the stage, because trust me when you start leaving you house dressed in hats made of seafood and gowns made from aborted fetuses, you're bound to run out of ideas at some point. And I cannot gush enough on how her recent Les Folies Aphrodite tour has set the bar for future pop star tour performances. No one can match the fierceness of someone like Kylie (except for maybe Madonna), and I believe in you girl even if the rest of mainstream America is too slow to catch on.
Check out Mr. Khan's collaboration with Kylie on her All The Lovers music video below and if you unfortunately missed the aural and visual fierceness of her recent world tour, make sure you get your copy when it's released on DVD later this year.
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