Image via Mike Diva
Even if you don’t know Mike Diva’s name, you’ve probably been confused by his videos recently. While he’s been making stuff on Youtube since 2009, this year his demented day-glo 90s-vibe videos have blown up. First there was his dog_meme.avi, mixing up dogs, a Windows desktop, the Running Man Challenge, and ultimate mid-90s R’n’B jam “My Boo” into a kaleidoscopic 30 second fever dream. And there was also the Kazoo Kid, a trap remix of a 1989 kids’ VHS tape.
Then last week, he dropped the big one — a bizarre faux-Japanese commercial for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, featuring a teenage girl dreaming of flying with Trump while he dances with swastikas, turns into a robot and blows up the Earth, all to a crazy J-pop beat. It’s got over three and a half million views in a week, and even made it onto ABC News. We spoke to Diva over email to find out what exactly was going through his head.
Can you tells us about your background, and what you do?
I started making Youtube videos back in ’09. Then around 2012 I left the Youtube scene to make music videos and commercials. It didn't really work out for me and I missed being able to do whatever I wanted, so this year I decided to get back into Youtube and started building my Facebook audience. So far it’s been working out pretty great. The internet is my home and I love feeding it with tasty vids.
So how did the idea for the Trump video come about?
I wanted to make something thats equal parts terrifying, beautiful, trippy and funny. I don't give a shit about politics — I just wanted to confuse as many people as possible.
What Japanese pop culture in particular influenced the video? Any movies, TV shows, J-pop groups in particular?
My main influence is Japanese commercials. I'm obsessed with them. They're so visually stunning and batshit insane — a lot of my work is heavily influenced by them.
How long did it take to make? Trump seems to do some new ridiculous thing every day, so were you worried about something happening to make the video seem not that farcical?
YES. Timing was key. I wanted to release it on Monday the 6th, right before the California Primaries but I didn’t finish it in time. Then I was going to release it on Monday June 13th, but the Pulse tragedy happened the day before so I waited till the Wednesday. It ended up working out because I feel like people needed something to lift their spirits.
Were you worried people might think you were serious?
I am very serious.
The Dog Meme video — where did you get the idea for that?
I had a free weekend and I was feeling inspired so I attempted to make the dog meme to end all dog memes.
Why did you choose Ghost Town DJs? Because of the Running Man Challenge thing? Or just because it’s the most perfect song ever?
Both
What tech/ software do you usually use to make your videos?
Adobe Premiere and After Effects
Who/what are your big influences in general, in terms of movies, directors, videos and art in general?
Growing up my main influence was Michel Gondry. He really inspired me to get serious about directing.
Nowadays it’s [music video duo] The Daniels. Their music videos are so packed with emotion and visual poetry that they give me chills.
What have you got coming up next?
I'm making a Hillary video that will be released through Super Deluxe, who I just started making content for part time. I also have a horror short being produced by Skybound that was written by my friend [Chronicle writer] Max Landis that I’m very excited about.
