A new hybrid-electric Audi is just like that time Bob Dylan shocked audiences by playing an electric guitar at the Newport Folk Festival, says Audi.
This new video from the automaker, a sponsor of the 2015 festival, interviews a mix of historical figures, like documentarian Murray Lerner, and modern musicians, like Courtney Barnett, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and Colin Meloy of The Decemberists—artists who were part of the lineup at Newport this summer, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of famous Dylan's 1965 show.
So, what exactly are the differences between a Fender Stratocaster and an Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, you might ask? It doesn't matter, because when you're driving around in your sweet $40,000 car, you'll feel like a pioneer and a rebel cranking out creamy licks on your finely tuned instrument.
It also may be worth noting that while it's widely believed audiences booed Dylan's decision to go electric, that account is also disputed—other theories include that crowds were upset by bad sound quality, or the shortness of his set. But that's nowhere near as good a story.
To be fair, the clip does include some charming rumination on music and its evolution. But the implicit message—"Don't hate progress. Buy an Audi"—isn't the most compelling song. Especially when other car marketers are making the case that fuel-efficient alternates can literally run on cow crap.
CREDITS
Client: Audi
Spot: "Plugging In"
Executive Producer: Joseph Assad
Director: Phil Pinto
Narration: Holly Laessig
Agency: PMK•BNC/Vowel
Production Company: One Thousand Percent
Producer: Tyler Byrne, Kristopher Rey-Talley & Rebecca Assing
Director of Photography: Sam Wootton
2nd Unit Director: Antonio Santos
Associate Producer: Victoria Lada
Editorial: One Thousand Percent
Editor: David Yoonha Park & Ryan Dickie
Post Producer: Kristopher Rey-Talley
VFX Company: Motion Atelier
Nuke Artist: Paulo Dias
Titles/Graphics: Wax Magazine
Animation: Konrad & Paul
Sound Designer: Colin Alexander
Mixer: Greg Tobler