an introduction to the world of i-candy
via the song selections of evey, a certified sweets lover <3
I’m a total music video fanatic. I’ve spent entire days binging them on YouTube,
and a good one can literally keep me up at night. Discovering i-candy zine felt like
watching all of the greatest late 90s/early 2000s music videos, and I saw this new
creative world as their child. I’m so excited to introduce you to the world of i-candy
through some of the media that inspired its creation!
Heartbreaker by Mariah Carey, JAY-Z
My favorite music video of all time!! It’s basically the blueprint for every
subsequent diva music video. The bubblegum sound of the song paired with the
insanely cool visuals (the fight scene...like, woah) planted so many of the
conceptual seeds we keep coming back to in creative work!
Check On It by Beyoncé ft. Bun B, Slim Thug
I’ve never watched a Beyoncé music video and not been totally blown away by it,
but this remains one of my all-timers. It’s the perfect cutie pink video and creates a
world that’s so sweet and totally resonates with i-candy. (Side note: there’s SO
much Halloween costume potential in this video and I’m obsessed. Someone,
anyone, please take inspo from this!!!!!)
Come On Over (All I Want Is You) by Christina Aguilera
The visuals are absolutely crazy and feel totally musical-inspired. The scene at the
beginning where she’s flirting on the phone with her friends right next to her
reminds me of SO many experiences I’ve had in high school/college. Peak girlhood
<3 Also, her chunky red highlights and bedazzled stomach are the coolest.
Lucky by Britney Spears
The 2000s glittery perfection we associate with Britney, while also giving such clear
insight into her inner world. At the time, her struggles weren’t taken seriously
because of the art she created and persona she put on. Lucky was a super creative
outlet to express that darker side. I think there’s always a place for the glittery and
insightful to coexist, and this–and i-candy!--is a perfect example of that.
Riding on the Rocket by Shonen Knife
This one’s kind of my wild card compared to the rest of the list, but it’s just too good
to leave out. Girls in adorable outfits are traveling to candy-covered outer space
and working together to fight a monster, and then they celebrate by eating candy
and making music. It totally exemplifies the joy I feel when I’m working/hanging
out with fun, creative people.
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Thank you so much for reading 🎹 Keep up with contributor Evey Koplan via her Substack.