My Five Favorite Ganja White Night Music Videos

Legendary Belgian Bass Duo Ganja White Night has built quite a reputation for themselves since first arriving on the scene in 2008. From mind-blowing albums, live sets, and dream collaborations with several other scene juggernauts, GWN can do it all! They are set to headline Goldrush: Wild Card this October. Their iconic mascot Mr. Wobble, is a mainstay within their aesthetic. Consistently appearing on album covers and within the duo’s incredible music videos. GWN’s music videos are high-budget animated masterpieces that match the incredible amount of effort put into producing the songs associated with them. The animation/story can also give deep insights into the meaning behind the song and/or lyrics. GWN music videos also usually include the avatar/mascot of their collaborators. Deepening the musical connection between the artists.

The visuals and implications of these music videos can be complex and perplexing. GWN’s music and philosophy are very cerebral. Well-represented by their Brainsprout logo. There are several excellent GWN music videos, but this list will cover my top five favorites. Let’s Begin!

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“Girl Scout Cookies” (The One)

The music video for “Girl Scout Cookies” is marvelous fun! The percussive and atmospheric intro is pleasantly contrasted by Mr. Wobble levitating over a shimmering pool. Surrounded by gold and purple clouds and dust particles. Occasional harmless bursts surround Mr. Wobble as he continues to float in a nirvana state. Twirling as the camera pans outward. A larger version of Mr. Wobble suddenly appears below. A surreal and puzzling twist. The tiny Mr. Wobble floats directly in front of the larger one. Levitating directly at eye-line. A DnB-inspired breakbeat leads to the smaller MW dancing on the larger one, who looks on in stern curiosity and a Shaman Robe. The fist-pumping and in-your-face cutscenes absolutely sent me. MW has got the moves for sure. Leaves fall in sheer admiration of his dance moves. The puddle splashes perfectly mesh with the plampy drums. CINEMATIC GOLD! The track is just as fun as the visuals. Invoking consistent smiles and laughter throughout. The beat is infectious and well-layered. MW then (briefly) returns to his nirvana state, before giving it his ALL seconds later. His abdomen takes a mind of its own. hitting the ground before he can even move. Commanding the forces of fire does not hurt either. I like his chances of impressing his giant, shaman self.

I usually favor GWN videos that have a deeper backstory, but this was simply too much fun to revisit and deserves a spot on the list.

“Shipwreck” (Dark Wobble)

One of the biggest surprises that I encountered when revisiting GWN’s music videos is that I am a much bigger fan of the Dark Wobble era than I remember. The video for “Trinity” (a song from the same album) almost made it to the list as well. The opening scene of “Shipwreck” drops us in the middle of a mystical forest. Immediately jumping into action. A rushing Dark Wobble-possessed rodent is being chased by a hungry wild cat (a mountain lion by my estimates.) The creature is cornered by the roaring cat. A standoff then occurs between predator and prey, complete with intense “eye contact.” The earth sudden splits open beneath the prey as emerald rays of light are emitted. The Prey clings to a rock for safety as the confused predator becomes uncertain of its fate. A massive bear (also taken over by Dark Wobble) rises from the massive crater. The beat bellows along with the bear’s roars. Digital feedback and fuzzy undertones massage the brain before WONKING out!

The trembling mountain lion makes a vain attempt of intimidation. A stag drops from the skies to join forces with the others. Accompanied by emerald lightning and Dark Wobble aesthetic. A second failed attempt at intimidation leads to the hungry cat turning its tail and running. The stag does not miss a beat, immediately rushing after it.

Trippy visuals depict a cyclical loop of the rushing stag around an emerald core. A familiar bear then briefly emerges from the core. The video pans to a flying bird with a prominent beak. Implying that the Dark Wobble spirit has overtaken the skies as well. Transforming into Dark Wobble itself. Descending down to face off against the mountain lion. They prime themselves for battle, with emerald gems emerging from DW. This horrifies the wild cat, who attacks despite the fear. One telepathic lightning strike is all it takes to recruit The Predator into the growing DW Army. Thick bass and twisted wobbles add to the cinematic nature of this story element. The DW mountain lion curiously approaches its forest ruler for attention. Turning from foe to pet in a matter of seconds. Emerald lightening is released in all directions, controlling any creatures in its wake. The video ends with a group shot of the DW Army thus far. This is a visually stunning music video that pairs well with the backing track. Ebbing and flowing along with every minute detail.

The cinematography behind “Shipwreck” captures the intensity of predator/prey dynamics in nature. The chase is captured from all angles. Subtle details like the glowing yellow eyes of the pursuing mountain lion capture the intricacies of a cat on the hunt. The animation on the mountain lion is very detailed. Facial expressions that border on human capture the confusion, fear, and terror that the big cat cycles through. Dark Wobble becoming the unquestioned ruler of the forest is a great character development. However, I am still unclear on his motives for doing so. Perhaps another rewatch is in order to connect the storylines of the DW saga. The introduction to the song creates tension that is directly paralleled with the scenes at play in the music video. “Shipwreck’s” music video matches countless other details with the backing track. This deep attention to detail is worthy of a spot on this list!

Ganja White Night x GRiZ – “Ease Your Mind” (Single)

“Ease Your Mind” is a ton of fun that combines the strengths, sounds, and vibes of the collaborates into an upbeat wonder track. The music video captures (and expands upon) the flair, positivity, and melody of the associated single. GRiZ‘s psychedelic bear mascot is a perfect addition to the GWN universe and companion for Mr. Wobble. The two meet in an unlikely fashion. MW is admiring a flower in the forest, when all of a sudden a beam of light flashes across the night sky. He is intrigued, yet concerned. A big explosion goes off in the distant forest. Prompting MW to rush over to the scene. A tricked out, space-faring car has crash landed to the earth below. Forming a crater and wreckage. GRiZ’s bear avatar is utterly devastated. No need to fear, Mr. Wobble is here! MW startles GRiZ with bolts of purple lightning and energy. Voila! The space whip is now restored. GRiZ is thankful and ecstatic! Giving MW an “Astro Bear Gummy” as a gift with a sly grin on his face. Eating one himself. A falling gummy bear representing MW changed mind state falls to the ground, transforming into him. Only to be picked up by the Space Whip. GRiZ is stoked to see MW and be behind the wheel again. They travel through open space as MW admires the view down below. Only to suddenly run into stars face-first, then rear-first. They splatter on him as he mows them down. The beat wonks around to the tune of these collisions. A great cinematic touch. GRiZ eagerly blasts into hyperdrive while MW objects from the back seat. They are headed right for a blue and pink space twister. Spinning around the vortex hand-in-hand. They lightly touch down on a new planet (or perhaps a new dimension) inhabited by grooving space rocks and a thriving population of sentient instruments. GRiZ’s jazzy, saxophone influence is omnipresent throughout this section of the track/video. Corresponding well with the living jazz instruments. GRiZ eats another gummy while MW looks around in confusion. They are then spotted traversing the landscape. Batons or drumsticks in MW’s hands and a saxophone in the hands of GRiZ. The visuals then go into OVERDRIVE. Dancing instruments, gummies (of various sizes), and stars are set to a rainbow backdrop with psychedelic floor patterns. Visually stunning. Confetti rains down as the party continues. GRiZ then treats the landscape like a slide as MW flies closely along. Their journey represented by interlocking trails and flight patterns. On second note, GRiZ is flying on a SAXOPHONE of all things. How appropriate! They bob and weave before consuming more gummies. A solo dance breaks then takes place, with GRiZ slapping the bass along with his dance moves. “FUNKY MUSIC FEELING GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL.” The dance party concludes with the human (and still animated) forms of the collaborators chilling in a car. A detail I previously overlooked. They point out the presence of a living bass before the shot fades on a gummy bear tree silhouette.

This video is so much fun and brilliantly animated! It is a bit brighter and more upbeat than traditional GWN productions. That fact works in this track’s favor though. Artist’s who break tradition and welcome in new collaborates and vibes demonstrate artistic maturity and a willingness to adapt. In fact, the same could be said about GRiZ’s decision to collaborate with GWN as well. There is plenty of heavy bass here for GWN fans, and loyal GRiZ fans are sure to appreciate the jazzy and upbeat touch.

Ganja White Night x Subtronics – “Womp Portal” (Unity)

This track and the accompanying music video are both BANGERS! GWN and Subtronics are both running on all cylinders and bringing their best work forward. The music video opens with gorgeous shots of the open ocean. The elements settle in as a flock of seagulls flee from a flying Mr. Wobble. He ascends higher, rapidly approaching his destination. The clouds clear, revealing a floating Dark Wobble fortress. He charges up his powers and fires, attempting to damage the massive target. His blasts are met by a force field, much to his dismay. A portal appears behind him depicting surreal cyclops trees and an entire Subtronics Dimension. The camera zooms in on Subtronics (Jesse) who commands small cyclops beasts to attack. However, they are not after Mr. Wobble. They took want to attack this fortress as well. Jesse smashes the heads of creatures along with the drums. Possibly controlling the others.

The cyclops beings attack the fortress with their laser eyes. Attempting to penetrate the force field. Mr. Wobble joins in on the fun with a plasma boomerang attack. The cyclops soldiers are zapped by the force field, showing that a new strategy is clearly needed.The beat plamps along with operatic production notes for a SOARING experience. MW looks back to see GIANT cyclops soldiers lumbering into action. Shaking the earth with every step and shooting thick energy beams from their cyclops eye. Aiming directly for the (seemingly) impenetrable fortress. However, the fortress fires back, knocking them back through The Womp Portal. A stunned (but alive) MW is greeted by Jesse directly. Who provides a comforting hand and reassuring smirk. Nodding in admiration. MW is infused with the power from Jesse’s staff (or perhaps even the man himself.) Truly combining their forces to take on a common, well-fortified enemy. MW takes on a glowing read cyclops eye, as the beat relentlessly spirals in the background. MW fires a red energy beam directly at the fortress, with Jesse joining in shortly after. Their combined power DEVASTATES the force fields, leaving the target vulnerable to attack. Maniacal laughter ensues as the team attack continues. The attack is so powerful, that Jesse feels compelled to get in a quick jump roping session. Representing how unserious he takes the common enemy now. He spins the “handles” and catches a ball on a spike. This is a genius jump rope/kendama hybrid that injects more of Subtronics’ personality into the mix. MW joins in on the fun. Dancing in triumph and satisfaction. Crushing mini cyclops creatures that attempt to catch him. MW takes to the skies to land on the surface of the fortress. Blasting through the core and shattering it. MW and Jesse say their goodbyes with a nod and salute at the entrance to The Womp Portal. The portal closes. Revealing that MW has taken on the Dark Wobble aesthetic. Interesting.

This was a surprise silver-medal winner, as I originally expected “Ease Your Mind” with GRiZ to secure this spot. I have been opening my mind to new artists and genres lately. This open-mindedness has been very beneficial and has led me to some interesting conclusions. The grand scale of the sound, visuals, and production on this one are worthy of high praise and the second-place spot on this list.

GWN x LSDREAM – “Badman”

This is a collaboration match made in heaven! GWN and LSDREAM are both cerebral, yet heavy artists who lean on themes of Unity (no pun intended) and spirituality. Projecting a greater message of peace through their plampy and glistening production choices. This common mission aligns them musically and philosophically. It was only a matter of time before these positive industry figureheads collided and collaborated.

This is a standout track with a music video that adds depth and world building. Even with a lengthy revisiting, I had a sneaking suspicion that this would clinch the top spot. Womp Portal wins on scale with its MASSIVE and grand production. However, the interpersonal dynamics between the artist’s avatars in “Badman” put it in The Winner’s Circle for me.

The “Badman” music video opens on a forest tinted blue, purple, pink, and black. The night sky takes on teal notes as teal and pink vapors seep out of the corners. Title cards introduce us to the familiar talent and prominently display “Badman” with sacred geometry behind it. A rushing squirrel (with no pupils) is rushing on a teal and black tree branch. The color scheme is very inventive and adds to the surreal nature of the video. Mr. Wobble is then introduced, surrounded by familiar emeralds and green vapor. He is attempting to shatter the gems with his abilities, but to no avail. He is perplexed and frustrated. Butterflies then enter the frame, evoking MW’s curiosity. He is observing something in the distance between the trees. MW is so consistently well-animated that viewers can guess what he is thinking without relying on facial expressions.

A lanky, mushroom-topped alien is introduced. Forming sacred geometry with “rock, paper, scissors” motions and practicing his powers. This is LSDREAM’s avatar and designated role in the music video. MW observes him carefully. Noticing that he can shatter the emeralds with minimal effort. MW continues to look on in wonder, attracting the attention of the mushroom alien. MW’s presence startles the alien, who lunges forward only to dart off into the distance. MW follows him intently, trying to get his attention as they speed along. The alien lands in a hole that (should be) too small to accompany his lanky body. Mushrooms spout from the ground as the alien moves underneath it. MW unsuccessfully tries to pull one from its roots. Only to have it snap back into the earth. MW follows the fungi trail, eager to talk to this mysterious stranger. The alien surfaces while emitting yellow spores. MW appears behind him, provoking him to ready his attack. MW frantically waves his arms, attempting to resolve the misunderstanding. MW shows the alien that he is struggling with his abilities and politely asks for his teachings. The attention to body language and non-verbal cues is another aspect of this music video that puts it ahead of the competition.

LSDREAM’s mushroom alien avatar then demonstrates his full capabilities by creating a MASSIVE vortex of sacred geometry. MW’s attempt quickly sputters out, causing him to sweat in embarrassment. The video then cuts to the two playing a game of “rock, paper, scissors” as MW’s abilities slowly (but surely) improve. The mushroom alien breakdances along with the track’s wonks, emitting and retracting mushrooms at will. He can also project intricate energy stencils. MW then projects a hexagon of energy and sacred geometry. LSDREAM’s extraterrestrial avatar applauds with a twinkle in his eye. Proud of his student’s quick progress. MW joins in on the breakdancing to celebrate his successes. MW then charges up for the grand finale. He levitates in a mediative pose as emerald gems sprout in all directions. He can create energy waves and sacred geometry while being in a focused, meditative state. Spinning it like a vortex. A multitude of shifting colors and hues take over the geometry as it expands. MW is STILL charging up. A slight opening of his fingers projects additional layers of geometry. Still increasing in intensity. The mushroom alien cheers on his disciple from the sidelines. Waves project outward, disturbing the scenery around them. LSDREAM’s avatar continues breakdancing before smashing emeralds like golf balls. MW flops and breakdances before student and teacher fist bump.

A comment from YouTube user supermattman400 sums up what I love most about the music video in the following way:

“The meaning of this animation isn’t lost on me. My interpretation involves the role of friendship in our spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the alien (potentially Lsdream) only teaching upon request. It points to the importance of patience when transferring spiritual skills. And ultimately, it shows the fruits of those skills making the world a better place– not just through intentional action of destroying bad energy (the crystals), but also through the passive act of a positive presence (the cool mushrooms in the wake of the alien).”

This message, along with the non-verbal cues, cinematography, and evolving inter-personal relationship between the avatars award the “Badman” music video the coveted Gold Medal.

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