11 Sick Music Video Locations in Chicago

Need a few music video locations in Chicago to inspire your next project? Then you’ve come to the right place! As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace knows the value of the perfect setting. We make it easy for you to locate and book incredible venues in cities across the globe, with hundreds of sick options in Chicago alone.

Chicago is one of the biggest music centers in the US. It’s the birthplace of Chicago-style blues, Chicago Hardcore punk rock, and sick Chi-town hip hop. Musical legends like Da Brat, Earth Wind and Fire, and The Smashing Pumpkins all got their start here. And if you’re an up-and-coming musical artist looking to make your mark, there’s no better place to film your music video. Here are 11 of our sickest music video locations in Chicago, perfect for artists of any genre. 

1. Capture cool vibes in a creative warehouse

This raw, industrial warehouse has plenty of urban vibes to fuel your creativity. It comprises 5,000 square feet of usable space, including several areas that offer distinct looks. The space features plenty of goodies for videographers, like a unique mist bar that mimics falling rain. There’s even enough room to load and park your own cars if you want to include your ride in the video. 

“This place was phenomenal,” said performer Christopher H. “Kush Driver and other hiphop artists really enjoyed our photo shoot at this location….. I’ll be using this place again for music videos and highly recommend any and everyone to use this facility.” 

2. Enjoy sleek style at an upscale loft 

Located in the lower west side, the Upscale Lofts has over 2,400 square feet for your music video. You’ll find tons of colorful backdrops and props, stunning views of the city skyline, and a minibar where you can refuel on the shoot. You can even add on extra filmmaking tools like camera lenses, smoke machines, and drones. It’s by far one of our most versatile music video locations in Chicago. 

Unsurprisingly, this venue has hundreds of glowing reviews from past Peerspace renters! Here is just one example to check out: “Everyone was so sweet! They were helpful if we needed the help. i love the natural light and different sections which i love. I would definitely be seeing if i can book again!”

3. Film urban decay at an old-school atrium 

Craving some classic urban decay for your music video? This classic sunlit atrium provides plenty of authentic, stunning architecture in an untouched state. Inside, you’ll find chipping plaster, exposed brick, and other raw details you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, that double staircase would make an amazing opening or closing shot.

In the words of a musician who booked this space for a shoot: “Soooo many rooms and the pictures describe it so well. Our host was so chill and vibed with us asking if we needed anything etc.” Check out more pics of this dope Chicago music video location on Peerspace. 

Is this your first music video shoot? Then you need to check out our guide on how to shoot a music video next!

4. Make magic at a cyclorama studio and creative space

This South Side creative studio is one of the best music video locations in Chicago when you want to create a professional video. The studio includes a massive infinity wall, ideal for adding special effects in post-production as well as a creative set with French walls, dope props, and RGB bulbs to play with lighting.

A Peerspace user who booked this studio for a shoot shares: “By far the best booking I’ve done via this app, very clean organized space and the host is extremely easy to communicate with! If you’re looking for something clean and if quality this is the spot for you! Will definitely book again !”

5. Create dope vibes at a unique production studio 

Our next music video location in Chicago goes above and beyond for creators. Located in Melrose Park, the studio has tons of unique props, lights, and set pieces for music videos. There are even videographers on staff who can lend a hand with your shoot. 

Musician Kyle E. gave their stamp of approval on Peerspace: “Amazing. We shot with my backing band. The host was awesome and accommodating… [They] operated the flamethrowers to sync up with our song. I definitely would shoot there and with them again!”

6. Get schooled at this retro classroom 

Want to capture some sick retro style for your video? This music video location in Chicago has you covered. Designed by Chicago film and theater makers, The Classroom perfectly mimics a 1950s classroom. It’s the perfect place to film videos with a little academic edge.

“This was a great space for our music video,” said founder Dandrell S. “Everything appeared as advertised. Plus, there’s an additional room behind the lockers. So you can use that room for storage or more filming space. The host was very attentive and helpful during our entire session.”

7. Capture sick shots with tons of props 

Located in West Town, this loft-style studio has versatile sets with tons of props. It’s a great place to capture a ton of sick shots! The room is divided into four parts, each with its own authentic look. Currently, you can shoot your video in a color-block living room, a jungle TV safari, or a holiday wonderland. The selection of sets changes all the time. Check out Peerspace to see what’s new!

An artist who booked this loft studio for a shoot shared the following review on Peerspace: “Very professional and very accommodating. I was very pleased with the location, helpful assistant on duty and very pleased with the whole experience. I will definitely book again in the future for another project”

8. Celebrate your scholarly side at The Library 

Located in the lower west side, The Library has all the books you could ever want for a scholarly music video. Besides the giant wall of books, you can utilize different backdrops and lighting and even props, like mirrors and chairs.

“This space was beyond my expectations,” said Peerspace reviewer Jackson N. “It was quite large and had a perfect mixture of seated areas and backdrops. Beyond the library background (the reason I booked it), we were surprised to see so many different walls that served as nice backgrounds (e.g., a mix of black, white, and grayish-blue paints). I was most worried there wouldn’t be good furniture, though there was a mix: a large armchair, a couch, and two smaller chairs. I would use this space again and highly recommend it to others.” 

9. Show off the colors of the rainbow with an RGB cyc wall 

If you want to create some sick special effects, there’s nothing more immersive than a cyc wall. At this soundstage in West Town, you can create all the amazing looks you want. The studio is huge. There are over 6500 square feet of space for you to play with. You can fit up to two cars in front of the cyc wall. And you can light them up with RGB lights. Is it any wonder why this is one of our favorite music video locations in Chicago?

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out what a Peerspace reviewer shared after filming a music video here: “The space was amazing and the host was very helpful and provided the proper gear and help I needed to finish my Music Video. Would highly recommend this dope space for anyone trying to create a film or music video production”

Check out these creative date night ideas in Chicago for location inspiration during and after your shoot!

10. Grab a drink at an old-fashioned speakeasy 

Want to bring sultry, sophisticated vibes to your next music video? This 1920’s speakeasy is here to save the day. It’s a historic venue that includes a bar, a fireplace, a piano, plenty of seating, and even a hidden door entrance, classic speakeasy-style.

“This Prohibition Era-Inspired Speakeasy, officially known as Room 13, was great,” said Joe B. “We were able to shoot our bar scenes and performance scenes by the grand piano in a bit over 2 hours! Management and the Event Coordinator, Robin, were amazing and very helpful, from scoping out the place a couple days in advance of the shoot, to setting up and making sure everything we needed (like a bucket of ice) was ready to go!” 

11. Blast to the past with mid-century mod style

Nestled in the heart of Lincolnwood, this midcentury mod-inspired home is oozing with rich style. Each room boasts a distinct vibe, providing plenty of variety for your music video shoot. The colorful furniture, marble fireplace, wild wallpaper, and gorgeous lighting fixtures will be true standouts. Check out pics of this awesome house on Peersapce. 

And in the words of a Peerspace reviewer: “Amazing home with so many beautiful areas to find unique shooting vignettes. Unlike anything else you’ll find in Chicago.”

Music video locations in Chicago: conclusion

As you can see, Chicago is a city brimming with amazing music video locations. We hope you’ve found your perfect location here and are getting ready to book and shoot your project!

Don’t forget to keep an eye on Peerspace to discover new spaces as they pop onto the platform. Between your talent, killer ideas, and these amazing Peerspace venues, your video is going to be legendary.

Find even more unique music video locations in Chicago on Peerspace