“I moved to Memphis from Louisiana in 2018 mainly for the music scene,” says Chris Hamlett. “I immediately knew I had made the right choice. Venues were willing to put me on shows with some of my favorite artists. Then I met Mike Hewlett & the Racket. We put out a split vinyl together, and we all thought we’d be able to tour behind it. Then the proverbial rug got pulled out from under everyone.”
The pandemic was (and is) hard on everyone, but musicians had a particularly difficult time. Not only was their livelihood tied to live appearances, but it’s the human connection of live music that motivates and inspires musical artists. Hamlett’s 2020 experience may sound familiar. “I spent the lockdown drinking way more than anyone should, wishing I could get back on a stage. The song ‘Wasted a Whole Year’ is a double entendre, referring to not only drinking my way through the pandemic, but also feeling like I (and everyone else) was robbed of that entire span of time.”
Hamlett recorded the song with Hewlett producing and playing percussion, and Ethan Baker on violin. Shane Ellis directed the video, which was shot in the Midtown music mecca of the Hi Tone. If you like what you hear, Hamlett has a Kickstarter project to crowdfund his next record. So check it out, and be generous to the music makers who are still recovering from their wasted year.
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.