Skateboard Videos with Epic Music Soundtracks

When it comes to skateboard videos, music plays an integral role in setting the mood, amping up the energy, and often, telling a story. The combination of adrenaline-pumping tricks and a killer soundtrack has been a winning recipe for skateboard videos since the 1990s, with iconic videos like "Video Days" by Girl Skateboards and "Feedback" by Flip Skateboards setting the bar high. But what makes skateboard videos' music so special, and how have trends evolved over the years?

At the heart of skateboarding culture lies a unique blend of music genres, with punk rock, hip-hop, and hardcore punk holding significant sway. Independent skate companies often align with these genres, reflecting their rebellious spirit and DIY ethos. But with the rise of social media and the democratization of content creation, the soundtracks to skate videos have expanded to include everything from EDM to post-rock.

From Punk to Hip-Hop: The Evolution of Skateboard Videos' Music

In the early days of skate videos, punk rock and its raw, energetic sound dominated. Bands like The Sex Pistols, Black Flag, and Bad Brains provided the sonic backdrop to gritty street skating, aligning perfectly with the counterculture ethos of skateboarding. This trend can be seen in classics like "The Search for Animal Chin" (1984) and "Ban This" (1991), where aggressive, fast-paced music fueled the skating.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a shift towards hip-hop, reflecting the sport's growing influence and diversity. Skaters like Ali Boulala and Ryan Sheckler brought a street-styled, technical approach to skating, and the soundtracks evolved to include artists like Public Enemy and Ice Cube. Videos like "Our Life" (2001) and "Sick Boys" (2005) embodied this shift, using raw, powerful beats to complement the smooth, technical skating.

Emotional storytelling: The rise of instrumental music

As skate videos evolved to tell more personal stories, instrumental music saw a rise in popularity. Without lyrics distracting from the narration or skater's voiceovers, these tracks allow for a seamless storyline and emotive connection. Post-rock and electronic artists like Explosions in the Sky, M83, and Bonobo have all featured in recent videos, adding depth and dynamism to the visuals.

A great example of this trend is Jamie Minardi's "R phenomenon" (2016), which uses atmospheric, heavy-hitting tracks to convey a powerful message about mental health. Instrumental music has also lent itself well to video parts focused on specific tricks or spots, allowing the skating to take center stage.

The impact of popular culture and skateboarding's mainstream appeal

As skateboarding has gained mainstream appeal, its videos have begun to incorporate a wider range of popular music. Mainstream pop, hip-hop, and electronic artists now frequently feature in skating's biggest videos, with brands like Nike SB and Adidas SKATEBOARDING using their budgets to license high-profile tracks.

While this has brought larger budgets and enhanced production quality to skate videos, it has also led to criticism that the culture is becoming too commercialized. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the music in skateboard videos will continue to evolve, reflecting the diverse tastes and influences of skateboarders worldwide.

The Role of Music in Skateboard Video Production

The process of selecting music for a skate video is often just as important as filming the clips. Skateboarders and filmmakers work closely together, using music to drive the creative direction and set the tone for the video. In some cases, the song might inspire the tricks or spots to be skate, while in others, the visuals might be cut to the beat of the music.

For many skate videos, the licensing process is a labor of love. Independent skaters and filmmakers often struggle to afford the fees associated with popular songs, leading to a trend of using lesser-known, independent artists. This has not only driven the discovery of new music but has also created a symbiotic relationship between the skateboarding and music scenes.

Independent music and skateboarding: A mutual appreciation society

Independent skate companies and skaters have long championed indie music, providing a platform for lesser-known artists to reach a wider audience. In turn, these musicians often appreciate the support and the opportunity to have their music associated with such a creative and visceral medium as skateboarding.

Many indie artists have seen their profiles and streaming numbers increase after being featured in skate videos. For instance, the use of Jacques Greene's "Dance Patterns" in Nine Club's "91" video (2017) coincided with a spike in the artist's popularity. This mutual appreciation has led to countless collaborations and cross-promotional opportunities, benefiting both parties.

The art of the video part: Music and skateboarding as one

At its finest, the music in a skate video isn't just a soundtrack; it's a character. The best skate video parts are ones where the skating and the music are inseparable, each elevating the other to create a single, cohesive narrative. This harmonious union of music and motion is what makes skate videos such a powerful and emotive art form.

Take, for example, Andrew Reynolds' iconic part in "The Colony Video" (2003). The raw intensity of his skating, combined with the barking vocals and heavy riffs of The Keystone Cops, creates an electric energy that's undeniable and unforgettable. It's moments like these that remind us why the relationship between skateboarding and music is so special – and so powerful.

As skateboarding continues to evolve and adapt, so too will the music that accompanies it. From the streets to the Olympics, the diversity and creativity of skateboarding's soundtrack show no signs of slowing down. So, whether you're a seasoned skater or a fresh-faced newcomer, keep your ears open and your eyes on the ground – the next big thing in skateboarding music might just be right around the corner.