Passmorelab, the San Diego-based 3D production and post studio, has teamed up with indie-punk-rock outfit Osaka Popstar to release of the INSECTS music video in stereoscopic 3D. The music video is a product of producer John Cafiero (Osaka Popstar), and British cult animator Joel Veitch, the latter who’s garnered a devoted global following with his “Rather Good” videos. The cartoonish, yet photorealistic animated music video, consists of a militia of punk rock puppies armed with guitars and walls of amplifiers.
Osaka Popstar’s INSECTS is a catchy upbeat punk-pop re-imagining of the version originally written and recorded by The Kids of Widney High (“KOWH”) a Los Angeles based school for mentally and physically challenged children taught by musician Michael Monagan.
Such notable musicians as Smokey Robinson, Jackson Browne, Marilyn Manson and the Beastie Boys’ Adam Horowitz have all cited themselves as fans of the KOWH. “We first learned of Michael Monagan’s work with the KOWH through OP’s cover of Insects. Since then, many of us here at Passmorelab have become big fans of the KOWH and we were all excited to be able to work on a project that will benefit the musical education program at Widney High,” said James Humann of Passmorelab.
Cafiero adds: “It’s genuinely satisfying to see Osaka Popstar’s cover of INSECTS turn new audiences on to KOWH and their work. I’ve been a longtime fan, so it was great fun covering the song with a different sonic approach. When we charted on alternative radio with the single, it was like a personal victory. I’m a huge aficionado of what’s commonly known as “outsider art” and from my perspective, outsiders are insiders. That’s been a punk credo since the initial movement of the 70’s. We brought something to a wider audience-in a punk rock Trojan horse-that might not have been given a chance by some otherwise. Many people were turned on to something new without even realizing it initially. When they delve further and learn the back-story, they appreciate it even more, and I find that fun and inspiring.”
This is the second time Osaka Popstar and Passmorelab have joined forces. Last year, Passmorelab provided 3D for the band’s Wicked World video, a product of Cafiero’s collaboration with Japanese cult animator Mari-Chan. “Our 3D production style works well for music videos and we enjoyed working on the Wicked World project with Osaka Popstar. We saw INSECTS as a wonderful opportunity to jointly promote the incredible special education program at J.P. Widney High School,” said Greg Passmore, President of Passmorelab.
Both INSECTS 3D and WICKED WORLD 3D are available for distribution through Passmorelab on multiple 3D platforms including mobile devices, video on demand, television broadcast and theatrical. All of the producer’s net proceeds from the distribution of INSECTS 3D will benefit J.P. Widney High School.
For more details, click here to read the complete press release.
Click here to watch the Insects video in 2D, its entirety now.
