Dead Soldiers are back from the dead! Or at least from a hiatus. No strangers to Music Video Monday, the sprawling big band of Ben Aviotti, Nathan Raab, Krista Wroten, Michael Jasud, Clay Qualls, Paul Gilliam, Victor Sawyer, and Jawaun Crawford plays “city music,” not country music.
Director Joshua Cannon is a fan, so he was excited to get the nod to direct their first music video in six years. “Dead Soldiers fall in line among the best bands to come out of Memphis. We’re so lucky we get to claim them as our own. Seeing them live is really something special — just supremely talented and good-natured people.
“We kicked around a few concepts for this video, but with a song like ‘Ride,’ and with the eight of them doing what they do so well, I decided to keep the focus there and keep the camera moving. Working with my buddy Ryan Parker on this was a ton of fun. He cooked barbecue and we watched The Last Waltz a lot to prepare. Michael Jasud also turned us onto a performance of The Animals playing ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ which was real sick and inspired the composed moments. Overall, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had making anything, thanks to an amazing crew of talented people who are so good at what they do and to the Soldiers, who are a great hang.”
Guitarist Ben Avioti says the feeling was mutual. “He [Cannon] was such a joy to work with. The whole crew was awesome and they totally put up with our antics for 14 straight hours.”
You can see a lot more of the Soldiers’ antics and hear “Ride” live on June 21st at The Green Room in Crosstown Concourse. But first, check out the video.
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.