In a new brand film created to promote the work of BBC Music, the BBC have created an ambitious new film that features a total of 27 current and legendary pop stars performing a new arrangement of the classic Beach Boys song “God Only Knows” under the banner of “The Impossible Orchestra.” The video, which also features the song's composer Brain Wilson was created by independent, London-based agency Karmarama and was reportedly two years in the making. The film will be running across all BBC channels and the recorded version of the song will also be released as a charity single, with all of the profits going to Children In Need. As such, the project will draw obvious comparisons with the 1997 BBC cover of Lou Reed's “Perfect Day,” especially considering the arrangement borrows that cover's format of giving one line to each performer. Performers featured in the 3 minute video include everyone from legends such as Dave Grohl and Kylie Minogue to modern chart toppers such as Lorde and One Direction.
The video, which also features the song's composer Brain Wilson was created by independent, London-based agency Karmarama and was reportedly two years in the making
Sam Walker, executive creative director at Karmarama, said “The brief was to show the BBC's contribution to the world of music,” which he said is unique because “It's not just a platform and curator but it also supports and develops new talent, and pushes the boundaries,” playing music “That wouldn't be represented anywhere else.” He calls the finished film “A love letter to music from the BBC.” As far as the song selection is concerned, Karmarama were not always going to go with such a well-known song. The original plan was based around a cover of Iron Maiden's “Phantom of the Opera,” and wasn't set to feature any major stars. As the project grew, however, and became more ambitious, it was decided that a more recognisable song was required. The agency narrowed it down to “About six songs, including a couple of Kinks tracks, a Beatles track and a couple of David Bowie tracks,” but eventually chose “God Only Knows” because it is “Regularly listed as one of the five best songs ever written.” Walker admits that the legend of the song was a little intimidating, but he was adamant that their version was going to be “Distinct from the original, a bold new version but that still respected its original structure.” It's an incredibly expansive reading of the song, which utilises an 80-piece orchestra, as well as “Electric guitars, drums and even a harmonica from Stevie Wonder."
The BBC Music Impossible Orchestra - “God Only Knows”
The primary reason the film has been so long in development is due to the complex nature of securing all of the stars involved. Walker also says it was a complicated filming process because the particular line each artist was performing “dictated where they appeared in the film visually.” Speaking on how the process worked, he said they had to be surprisingly strict; “Once an artist had recorded a particular line that was where they had to go even if another artist came along wanting to sing that line. Once Pharrell had sung his opening line then Pharrell was always going to open the film no matter who came along after that.” Just filming all of the stars involved took over 18 months due to the specific nature of each shoot (it was essentially like shooting 27 different music videos), and the post-production work performed by The Mill was incredibly extensive, but Walker and the team at BBC Music couldn't be happier with the results.
Sam Walker, executive creative director at Karmarama, calls the finished film “A love letter to music from the BBC.”
The video marks the official launch of BBC Music, which has its heart in the digital realm, from the BBC iPlayer to the personal playlists available in the BBC Music Playlister. There will also be a newly designed homepage and updated artist pages, which will give users a personalised experiences with recommendations for shows, tracks and other artists based on their preferences. Bob Shennan, the director of BBC Music, said “This is an exciting moment for BBC Music,” as they launch to a global audience. He feels that “With the 80-piece BBC Concert Orchestra at its heart and comprising an array of iconic music stars, from a wide range of musical genres,” the Impossible Orchestra “Is a celebration of all the talent, diversity and musical passion found every single day throughout the BBC.”
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK who would generally be quite peeved at the idea of One Direction singing one of this favourite songs. But it's for charity. Right?
