Playlist: Patrick Moccia

What’s the best music video you’ve seen recently, and why?

Salvatore Ganacci - Step-Grandma.

I just absolutely love when a ridiculous premise is executed this perfectly. It’s everything I want music videos to be, it’s hilarious, inventive, beautiful, and it just teeters that line between story and vibe so perfectly. The performances, the dance moves, the subtle/not-so-subtle VFX, throwing Molotov cocktails at children? 10/10 masterpiece.

What’s the first music video you remember being impressed by?

My best friend growing up was a huge Maroon 5 fan, and I remember both of us being so blown away by the Wake Up Call music video. 

Looking back, the narrative seems maybe a tad bit problematic, but at the time, we thought it was SICK. We were making our own spy-themed YouTube videos back then, so the ultra-macho, sexy, action movie style was really inspiring.

And what’s your all-time favourite music video?

I never have a straight answer when it comes to my favourite anything, but the two that come to mind are the video Nick Roney did for Lemon Twigs - I Wanna Prove To You and Is Tropical - The Greeks, directed by MEGAFORCE.

They’re my go-to videos to whip out when a group of friends are sharing music videos, they’re just a joy to watch. Both give me that “I wish I had thought of this, but I’m glad you did because you did it perfect” kinda feeling.

What other directors/artists do you look to for inspiration?

Recently, it’s been music producer Kenny Beats. His work ethic is inspiring, he’s passionate, friendly, and I love all he does to help those who are coming up in the industry.

In particular, I’m a fan of the work he does on his show The Cave, where he spends a few hours working with an artist to create a beat for them to rap or sing over. I see a lot of similarities in those sessions to my own experiences in edit sessions with clients, and I really admire the way he works a room. His level-headed confidence and overall good nature, even in the face of awkward situations or difficult clients, is something I strive for.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I love to pop on a Boiler Room set. My favourites include Kaytranada, Gesaffelstein, and Honey Dijon. Most recently, it’s been Fred Again, Oden and Fatzo, and Pablo Bozzi.

What’s your favourite bit of tech, whether for professional or personal use?

My Pioneer DDJ-400. I’ve bought and returned keyboards, skateboards, and multiple guitars in my lifetime, so I guess part of me expected the DJ deck to encounter the same fate. But I’ve found so much joy in DJing this past year that I’ve even taken to bringing it into the Ethos office with me to kill time while waiting for notes.

What artist(s) would you most like to work with and why?

Anything in the dance/house music scene would really get me excited. Artists with really specific visions, like Jamie XX, Gesaffelstein, Salvatore Ganacci, and Fred Again come to mind. But honestly, I would be stoked for any fun ideas to a dance tune.