Jake Davis Blog

Music Video Premiere: Drake & Trey Songz "Successful"

"Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won't. it's whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere." 

- Barack Obama

Director | Jake Davis

Executive Producer | Kerri Kleiner

U.S. Producer | Karen Lin

Canada Producer | Cherie Sinclair 

Director of Photography | Samy Inayeh

Editor | Jake Davis

Colorist | Milan Boncich

Wardrobe Stylists | Oliver El-Khatib | Becca Alexis | Shea Hurley

Inside The Edit: Drake & Trey Songz "Successful"

  

Shot at the Ace Hotel in New York City below is an interview with the kid about what it's like to be a director. You'll also get a short glimpse into the edit of my new music video for Drake & Trey Songz "Successful." 

We're all incredibly excited about how the video came out and can't wait for the 360 premiere Monday, August 31st on MTV, MTV2, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, MTV U, and BET. There's been plenty of coverage and behind the scenes through out the process. The first 30 seconds leaked on MTV late last week while I was still in the coloring session putting the final touches on the video. Needless to say, there's amazing anticipation for this video and I hope we exceed everyone's expectations. It's been incredible to be a part of it. This feel right, right here... It's like it's supposed to happen...

Video Premiere Party: U.S. Royalty "Every Summer"

And we're back ladies and gentlemen... I haven't left the edit in days... But the guys from U.S. Royalty were nice enough to pay me a visit last night at my campsite, the beautiful Ace Hotel. I have two pieces of information for you. The music video I directed for their amazing song "Every Summer" premieres today at A Continuous Lean. I'm really excited about this one so please check it out. I really hope you all love it.

We also decided to have a video premiere party in New York City, Wednesday August 19th at 11pm. Norwood is a fantastic club and me and the guys will be on hand tomorrow night. Come through to enjoy the good vibes, music, and watch the video on the big screen.

U.S. Royalty "Every Summer" Music Video Premiere link

On Set: Drake & Trey Songz "Successful"

Back in NY for a couple days from a week of prepping and directing in Toronto with October's Very Own. Drake, Oliver and 40 are the truth. We just shot something epic! So ruff, so tuff. I'll be back in Toronto at the end of the week for a few weeks to edit, vibe with them, and make sure this is the video. Drake and Trey Songz were amazing. Nothing like hearing "Successful" blast through the city streets at 3am on a process trailer while fans run and scream in tow.

On the style side Oliver killed it with pieces from Barbour, Comme des Garçons, Red Wing, V::Room, Wings + Horns, Ransom, and (a brand he introduced me to that I love) Klaxon Howl. Oliver's vision was classic heritage done with a gritty, modern edge, which looked sick.

Check an excerpt from an interview with MTV's Sway and me. Consider it my excuse for lack of posts... I am fully cognitive of the moment and will do everything in my power to make this THE VIDEO... And I never use all caps... And it's true, I do seldom talk... Except when I have something to say...

All Along The Western Front

I've never been heavy into western influenced clothing as it can look a bit like a costume. A piece here and there is cool but head to toe is kinda tough for the kid. I don't know if it's because I'm from the east or what but that doesn't mean the style itself can't influence us in other ways. 

I've always been intrigued by the look of the western, especially in the last few days or so by all the fashion showrooms I saw and the tracks I heard. From music to film here's my visual playlist for the past week to inspire... And if you're not down with this shit you're in the wrong place...

All Access: U.S. Royalty "Every Summer"

I mentioned a little bit ago that we traveled to D.C. to shoot a music video for the great up-and-coming band U.S. Royalty. The adventure was a ton of fun and I'm currently in the edit on the official music video for "Every Summer." I thought I'd give you guys a sneak peek into the adventure sponsored by Ford. You'll also see a couple of exclusive scenes from the actual video in the clip. 

I'm really excited about this one. A very special thanks to everyone who made the video possible... Enjoy...

U.S. Royalty myspace link

Why I Love The Internet...

The magic of combining visuals to sound is the reason I got into filmmaking. As a music video director sometimes you come up with unique concepts that don't entirely service the agenda of a musician or a record label. Simply put they service you, the director as an artist. Most of the time those ideas never come to fruition.

And that's why I love the internet... Even though the wack to dope ratio is probably something like 99 to 1... Every once in a while I see or read something that truly inspires. J Tyler's videos are just that. His most recent combines the visuals of one of my favorite short film's "La Balloon Rouge" (which I've mentioned here in the past) and the album we have all been listening to on heavy rotation this past week, Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest. 

I commend the trailblazers who do what they do because it's what they love to do... Hopefully one day they will all get paid in the shade for doing it... And sail off into the distance on a balloon ride...

J Tyler link

Grizzly Bear myspace link

On Set: U.S. Royalty "Every Summer"

U.S. Royalty and Jake Davis on location in Maryland on the set of "Every Summer" photographed by Jim Larer

I just got sent this photograph and absolutely love it. Nothing like a bunch of grown men in the middle of nowhere playing with fire. We actually went back to the woods where the guys initially recorded the song, "Every Summer." I think we conjured up something special in the deep forrest... Pause... Hopefully a great video. 

At about 3am the rain came down. That's when things got really interesting. Shout to John, Paul, Jake, Luke, and Chris. I'll keep you posted on the premiere. Also the guys are playing Mercury Lounge in New York on June 3rd if you haven't checked them out yet... 

U.S. Royalty myspace link

Shot: Master Shortie "Dead End"

On the heels of our adventure in D.C. with U.S. Royalty we were back in New York shooting in the streets of some of my favorite neighborhoods with one of U.K.'s hottest new talents, Master Shortie. My first foray in the hip-hop music video genre was a lot of fun. Even though I've directed documentaries and shows with some of the game's biggest stars like Kanye, 50 Cent, T.I., Snoop, and Nelly this was my first time directing a music video. I've been a pop and rock guy up to this point.

I approached the genre just how I would approach any film genre. There's certain elements one expects like beautiful, scantily dressed models, dope fashion, and bravado-esque rapping to camera. I wanted to make sure I achieved all of that but also do my own thing with it. 

I had incredible styling from Damian Collins (designer of Silver Spoon Attire with clients including Ciara and Rihanna.) You may remember him for designing the sickest pair of sweatpants to date. Yes, they make a cameo in the video. My director of photography, Jim Larer shot some of the most exquisite beauty I've seen. Jordan Silver came through with some extremely rare vintage sunglasses and his store Silver Lining Opticians made it into the video. Master Shortie delivered the goods in front of the camera. And my Executive Producer, Kerri Kleiner brought it all together. Special thanks to my entire cast and crew. I would describe the video as a Victoria's Secret commercial on a cocaine binge. Look for it in the next couple of weeks... For more info check Master Shortie's site...

Master Shortie link

U.S. Royalty & Jake Davis x Valet Magazine

... And we're back... You know when you haven't seen your girl in a while or a close friend and when you finally do, things feel just a little different than before because you've changed and they've changed. Strangely that's kinda how this feels. I've never been sure what to do here or what people are really interested in reading so I've always just done me. Hopefully that's what keeps you coming back. And apologies for the vacation but I've always been the kind of guy that takes breaks unannounced.

The last week was a whirlwind. It started in D.C. and ended in the streets of New York's L.E.S. directing videos for artists on polar opposites of the spectrum. The amazing Editor in Chief of Valet Magazine, Cory Ohlendorf caught up with the kid and U.S. Royalty during the D.C. part of the week for a first look on the set of our music video for "Every Summer." He was great. The band was great. My crew was great. It was an amazing adventure. The first of many with the support of the Ford Fiesta Movement. Check the link below for a closer look...

On Set Valet Magazine link

Booked: U.S. Royalty "Every Summer"

U.S. Royalty is arguably the most stylish band out and they have the sound to back it up. With only a self-titled EP out these guys are the truth. The hottest band coming out of SXSW. And if you don't believe me just ask my brethren, Mr. ACL. He was right about Vampire Weekend and U.S. Royalty is no exception. 

With the support of Ford I'm driving down with the guys to their hometown of Washington, D.C. following their show at Mercury Lounge tonight in New York City to direct a music video for "Every Summer" over the next three days. I'm super psyched for my crew to kick it with their crew, check the local scene, and as always make an amazing video. You will definitely hear and see more about this adventure in the coming weeks. For those of you unfamiliar with the band here's a great introduction to their music and style...

U.S. Royalty myspace link

Depeche Mode "Wrong" Music Video

Depeche Mode is back in black. Brilliant video from Patrick Daughters...

Depeche Mode myspace link