Music On-Screen

When it comes to best-selling albums and the biggest hits - it's not just about the music. These days, artists know that every great single needs a killer music video to sell it. Meanwhile, live music concerts are a "spare no expense", full-on production - chock full of special effects and incredible visual stunts (oh yeah - and there's some music as well).

Music videos for the emerging artist

If you're new to the music industry - you've probably put together a great demo compilation and are busy setting up gigs and trying to get your name out there in. One way that many newbie artists use to try to stand out is to shoot their own music video. With the growing popularity of online video distribution such as YouTube, emerging artists can easily add a visual element to their favourite tracks and post them online to attract fans.

When it comes to music on the screen - here are some tips for shooting your first music video:

Get the right equipment - just as you need to record your music in a good studio sound set-up, you'll need to shoot and edit your video using professional recording equipment. Consider hiring video equipment including cameras and lighting if you don't have access to your own. You'll want to be doing the final editing on professional editing software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

Set up your shots - spend plenty of time planning each of your shoots and ensuring everyone involved is across their responsibilities. Be aware of lighting conditions and the environment you're shooting in. The setting should be interesting and relevant to the music or video theme. Be sure to shoot plenty of additional footage, including any relevant B-roll shots to fill out your composition.

Performance - when it comes to video performance, you have to give it your all. This means no lip-synching or half-hearted playing - the song must be sung and performed exactly as the final recording you'll be placing over it.

Editing - try and have a clear picture in your head about the sequence of shots and the cutting points of your video before you begin piecing it together. When it comes to putting together a great music video, experience counts a lot and watching plenty of music videos will give you a good idea on a good pace and a sequencing of cuts that will feel most appropriate for your composition. Ensure your visuals are carefully matched to your recordings and that your cuts are fluid and seamless - practice makes perfect.

Popular Music on DVD

Music videos and music DVD sales make up an important part of the Australian music industry. According to the latest ARIA figures, 3.8 million music videos and music DVDs were sold in 2009, totalling a $43 million in sales. Topping the list of best selling music DVDs for the decade is Pink's Funhouse Tour: Live in Australia followed by Andre Rieu: Live in Australia.

Meanwhile, while Australians are increasingly downloading digital music content, with $79 million worth of digital content sales last year, physical albums are still the preferred, whether buyers choose to buy CDs online or at leading entertainment retailers.

If you're looking to buy DVDs online, Sanity Entertainment offers a wide range of music DVDs for sale - you're bound to find your favourite Australian or international performer. Visit their site to find out more.