Illustrated by Katelyn Betz
As the number of Deltas continues to rise and things constantly seem to hang precariously over the precipice of again forcing us to hide in our homes, I find myself constantly returning to those videos which show that despite everything , local musicians find a way to create art that manages to lift my spirits, three minutes at a time. Here’s a solid selection of visually and emotionally resonant music videos that will hopefully do the same for all of you.
Katy Guillen and the reader“Voluntarily”
The video for KG&TD’s latest single, “Willingly”, filmed and edited by Khitam Jabr, functions both as a narrative story of trying to find love and keep it as it seems to float elusively, but also as a lyric video for you learn all the words, so you can sing along. This song seems perfectly designed for crowds of people to scream.
Sheet music“Parallels”
So here is the first of the three videos we share in this roundup that are related to Hembree. The scores feature Hembree guitarist Alex Austin Ward, who is also the man behind this video, as well as that band’s drummer (and his brother), Austin Ward, in addition to CJ Calhoun, formerly of Cowboy Indian Bear and Bonzo Madrid. As CJ mentioned during the premiere of the “Broaden Out” video, the idea of this project is to “create soundscapes and environments that allow people to fully immerse themselves in and move through them. time, for better or for worse”, and to dive into this video for the Flight. 1 track is an intense and energetic experience.
Samantha Fish“Twisted Ambition”
The first single from Samantha Fish’s forthcoming album, Faster, sees the blues singer and guitarist swinging, dancing, and erasing some things with a hammer. The electronic pulse behind Fish’s searing guitar work, combined with his confident drawl, makes this new single feel like it could easily jump from roots-rock playlists to country stations with minimal fuss. effort. This video, directed by Casey Pierce, is both powerful and fun, and the simple presentation marks a distinct departure from Fish’s previous visual appearances.
Emmaline Torsion“Medications”
You have to scroll the YouTube description of Emmaline Twist’s video for “Drugs” a bit to find it was directed by Matthew Dunehoo, who has his own local musical pedigree, as the frontman behind Proudentall and Doris Henson. Dunehoo now works in film and video, but it seems those music tracks have served them well. The distorted visuals and elliptical close-ups of this video could easily have found space on 120 minutes decades ago alongside “Kiss Them For Me” by Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Hombree“To reach”
This is the second of three videos related to Hembree and it’s… well, it’s actually Hembree. Their new single, “Reach Out,” is brighter than you might expect from the band, and it’s reflected in this animated video from Carpenter Collective and Igor + Valentine. It looks nothing like a vintage sesame street the animation crossed with that “I Hanker Fer a Hunk O Cheese” commercial, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen to boost your serotonin levels and get you moving out of your seat.
Cheerful“Love Design”
Listen: I know Katlyn Conroy loves Kate Bush. She’s done a Kate Bush cover in the past and we’ve talked about it in person, but this video is the most Kate Bush thing she’s ever done, and I love it. “Concept of Love” marks the first music from Conroy’s new project, which goes beyond what she did in The War to create big, rich songs, as opposed to more intimate songs. This video by Jacob Schermerhorn is visually amazing and shows what you can do with great costumes, amazing choreography by Mikaila Morgan, and smiley face stickers.
Pala Zolo“Sycophant”
The third and final Hembree-related video comes from the band’s keyboardist, Eric Davis, and his electronic dance project, Pala Zolo. The video has some commonalities with Scores’ “Parallels,” perhaps because alongside William Stringfellow Willmott, Alex Ward worked on it. It’s easily Pala Zolo’s most danceable cut to date, and it’s a big step up from the rather more sonic textures of Davis’ past work with the project. This video should be viewed on a very large TV, with a very loud stereo behind it, while you’re in the living room.
Jairy“Pool Floors” featuring RIPeter and Catty Cline
Woozy synths intro this absolute banger from Jairy, featuring fellow Manor Records artists RIPeter and Catty Cline. Watching “Pool Floors” start, you’ll think, “Man… I feel like he needs a saxophone. Have no fear: it will happen. You swear you heard this at a rehearsal of America’s Top 40 on a Sunday morning, and you wonder if this video is actually a lost VHS tape from your childhood. It’s the sound of summer fading, and I’m here for it.
FREDD1E FRESH“Kobe and Royal”
It can be said that this is just a video/lyric visualizer for the latest FREDD1E FRESH “little ditty bop” and “bubblegum pop single”, “Kobe and Royal”. That said, it’s so much fun and makes such perfect use of 50s pin-up art and well-placed Rocky Horror-style lip work that it’s more than just a way to learn. all the words. It really is as fun as “Watermelon Brisk”, thanks to the editing skills of a certain Jason X.
Are you a local musician with a new video to share? Email nicolas.spacek@gmail.com
