The animated music video “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”, music by Tame Impala and animated by many people including Joseph Pelling, Becky Sloan, Azusa Nakagawa, Theo Nunn, and many others, is a clay animation that follows the story/message of the song. It is to show the feeling of being stuck in a loop and feeling as though you don’t go anywhere. In my opinion, the unique and psychedelic visual style and approach to storytelling have left a lasting impression and mark on the animation and music video industry. Becky Sloan and Joseph Pelling in particular are very noticeable for their work on don’t hug me I’m scared, the reason why they are so impactful because they are one of the brightest examples of youtube animators/creators that started out with youtube and with their success from youtube were able to move up in the animation industry and build their career from starting out independently. This is even more of a reason why this was a big impact on the industry. Their work not only captivates viewers but also to be able to inspire more people to create more experimental animations. I also think it is interesting how they used the repeating of patterns to reinforce the concept of the song only going backward and creating a feeling of being stuck in a loop, however, they also show although we feel stuck there can still be joy and beauty in the journey. The bold colors create a sense of joy and sadness to show a message about love and loss. This animation is important to me because I can not only relate to the message of feeling stuck in a loop, but i also see it as a inspiration for me , and it is so interesting to see all the possibilities as to where it can be taken. This animation inspires me to practice and become better at claymation to someday be able to create something to this skill level.
Works Cited
Amidi, Amid. “”Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Becky & Joe.” Cartoon Brew, https://www.cartoonbrew.com/music-videos/feels-like-we-only-go-backwards-by-becky-joe-73447.html. Accessed 19 September 2024.
“Becky Sloan.” IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5355336/. Accessed 19 September 2024.
“Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared press pack interview with Becky Sloan, Joe Pelling and Baker Terry.” Channel 4, 23 September 2022, https://www.channel4.com/press/news/dont-hug-me-im-scared-press-pack-interview-becky-sloan-joe-pelling-and-baker-terry-0. Accessed 19 September 2024.
Glover, Donald. “Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (Official Video).” YouTube, 8 November 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wycjnCCgUes. Accessed 19 September 2024.
https://www.channel4.com/press/news/dont-hug-me-im-scared-press-pack-interview-becky-sloan-joe-pelling-and-baker-terry-0. Accessed 19 September 2024.
Glover, Donald. “Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (Official Video).” YouTube, 8 November 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wycjnCCgUes. Accessed 19 September 2024.