What to do when you’re a band during a pandemic? Live concerts are hard to organise, sometimes even rehearsing with your band mates can be impossible. So which options does that leave musicians these days? I’ve heard that some bands focus on writing new songs and even head into a studio (for example Passionless Pointless and Witch Fever), start a crowdfunding for their upcoming album (support Baby Fire), or release a new album (such as Bengal and Lavender Witch) or song (ERIIS and Big Joanie). Others perform livestreamed concerts from their home (like Down the Lees) or at a proper venue (like Bengal and Lavender Witch), or do a residence at an otherwise empty rock venue (Baby Fire and Tuvalu). And then there is the craft of video clips. While everyone is even more glued to their screens than in non-pandemic times, why not spend this screen time watching cool videos and listening to awesome music? And why not create a video to promote your songs that may not be enjoyed by a regular live audience for a while?

So for this occasion I’ve selected a few brandnew music videos of local bands that I’ve really enjoyed watching and would like to share with you. Sure, some of them feature friends of mine and one of them is my own band (you can guess which one) but that doesn’t mean I should make any publicity for them, right? I’m just excited to show these to you! 🙂

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Baby Fire – Glowing Heat

Beautiful shots (with some really 90s-esque colouring and lighting), mysterious melodies, perfect song and video to dream along while being stuck indoors…

Bengal – Boss Ass Bitch

One of the coolest bands around these days. They sadly had to cancel their tape release party in the beginning of the lockdown. But the tape can still be ordered online and this video enjoyed from your couch:

ERIIS – Tulsa

The song as well as the video refer to the Tulsa race riots (aka a terrorist attack by white extremists) and all proceeds of the sales of the song on Bandcamp go to Belgian Network for Black Lives. The video uses old footage that really fits with the dark sound of the song.

Lavender Witch – My Sister

Kick-ass punk song raging against those who might claim the label feminist but stab you in the back at every chance they get without even blinking an eye. The title refers to the legendary slogan “Margareth Thatcher, you’re not my sister”.

Tuvalu – Swimming Pool

OK, this one was made pre-corona but I still wanted to include it because who doesn’t love Tuvalu?

Von stroheim – Spit

Dramatic heavy doom song with angry lyrics that fits the raging riffs so well. Filmed in a shut-down neighbourhood that could be seen as a Belgian ghost town I guess?

 

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Which are your favourite music videos of the moment? Post links in the comments!