What a year it has been…
Since TenEighty launched in April last year, we’ve been scouting the internet every single week for the very best YouTube video goodness. It has been nothing short of exhausting – we could have learnt a new language or taken up joggling with all the hours we’ve spent watching videos – but it was worth it.
To round-up the column for the year, we thought it’d be a good idea to compile our absolute favourite videos from the last 12 months into our first Yearly Round-Up. So here we have it, the best of the best, the crème de la crème and the upper crust of YouTube 2014.
Tove Lo – Habits (Stay High) – Saz Close
When we discovered Sarah Close in April, we knew she was bound for big things – we even wrote it in that article. Since then Sarah has more than doubled in subscribers and was flown out to Estonia in September to record some of her original songs with a producer.
Among our favourite covers on the SazClose YouTube channel is Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo. The video was uploaded in May and gives an insight into what makes Sarah shine above the rest. With her minimalist bedroom for a backdrop, the emotional performance and stripped back accompaniment leave us hanging on every lyric. We look forward to singing along with Sarah and continuing to deafen everyone at TenEighty HQ in the future.
What Have We Done – Tim H
Before Tim Hautekiet packed up and jetted off to LA, he whipped up this little gem and it’s quite possibly the best goodbye present our little UK community could have asked for. The short film includes choreography, numerous YouTuber cameos and an incredible song (available here) produced by Tom Barnes.
What Have We Done showcases some of the greatest technological advancements of our time and their effects on humanity, highlighting our societies complacency towards groundbreaking innovations in electronic engineering and science… but let’s not get TOO deep. Real talk, the video made us weep like a child and we pressed replay several times. It’s a must watch.
Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared 3
If you can make it through your inevitable “that’s enough internet for today” reaction, the cult classic Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared series has returned and this episode sees our favourite furry trio learn about luuurve. DHMIS3 has sparked masses of discussion, with interpretations of the story ranging from homophobia to Christianity. Don’t forget to take a look at the YouTube comments after watching the video – you won’t regret it.
Each episode costs £24,000 to produce and the series has been funded by a Kickstarter campaign, including a £5,000 backing from YouTuber Tom Ridgewell. Creators Becky Sloan & Joseph Pelling are currently working on episode 4, which we’re equally excited for and scared about watching. Pesky bee.
YouTube Culture – Louise Pentland
Way back in May, Louise Pentland uploaded YouTube Culture, based on a topic she told us had been on her mind for a while. The debate went on to dominate discussion in 2014 with everyone from Charlie McDonnell to the vlogbrothers chipping in to share their opinions. Only Louise can talk about such a serious topic while wearing a pink tutu.
We recently caught up with Louise to ask if her opinions have changed since making the video: “Lots of people wrote to me and explained why I’m their role model which made me learn a lot”, she says. “I still think you shouldn’t idolise anyone, but I’m happy to be a role model if they understand I’m not showing them everything and they feel comfortable with that”.
Consent – Jack and Dean
Do not adjust your sets, that IS Katherine Ryan passed out on a sofa in a nightclub. Jack Howard and Dean Dobbs released Consent in June and it has been stuck in our heads ever since. The jokers with heart revealed, however, that the video almost never came to fruition, after several YouTubers were accused of sexual abuse.
The song was co-written by Daniel Dobbs and is available on iTunes. Contributors to the video include YouTubers Jonti Picking and Tim Hautekiet, as well as Becoming YouTube Director of Photography Ciaran O’Brien. Consent has EVEN been featured on BBC Radio 1.
Give me MORE from TWENTY FOURTEEN…
If you’re gagging for more video goodness, Niki and Sammy Albon speak openly about their journey in Lose Weight, being happy and confidence. The video has been picked up by mainstream media and led to an interview on Australian television.
Continuing the discussion of power and abuse, Rosianna Rojas confronts the topic of street harassment in The Power Of Girl. Go, Rosianna.
Talking about “life goals, unknowing and nostalgia”, Mark Ludford posted When I Am With You, There’s No Place I’d Rather Be. The video made us take a moment to stop, listen and think.
Lastly, Emma Blackery highlights the realities of wages and living up to expectations in a powerful speech entitled You Are Not Your Parents.
Why not look back over our previous Weekly Round-Up video selections or find out who some of our favourite YouTubers picked as their must watch creators in 2015.
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