Melbourne’s Storm The Sky have just dropped an emotional and moving video for their new single Lilac.
The clip follows the character of Dom as he spirals out of control following a break-up with his boyfriend – the only person who ever loved him for himself – and embarks on a drug-fuelled bender. As we see Dom recklessly fling himself into the arms of another man, the clip builds to a powerful and paint-spattered climax.
And for STS frontman and conceptual mastermind William Jarratt, the video is just as important – if not more important – than the song itself.
“It’s my opportunity to take the listener on a journey through my eyes or the mindset I was in whilst writing the song, which is why I’ve always insisted on writing them myself,” he says.
In this case, Jarratt was looking not only to explore the issues of heartache and loss, but also drug use and abuse, which is something that he’s experienced – and seen others struggle with – while growing up in Melbourne.
“Over the last three years, Melbourne nightlife has been completely swallowed up by a huge drug culture. As someone in their early 20’s I witnessed everyone go from getting drunk to chewing their face off in a period of about a year. It’s almost weird if you don’t do drugs these days,” he says.
And by showing the ramifications of relying on substances to deal with emotional hardship, Jarratt (who just-so-happens to be the superstar offspring of John Jarratt and Noni Hazelhurst btw!!!!) is using Lilac to send a message to young people – and their parents – about the importance of honest communication and responsibility when it comes to drug use.
“I believe that in most instances when something goes wrong on a night out, it’s because the kids are under-educated in what they’re doing,” he says. “I realise I’m not a parent but I’ve seen firsthand that no matter how much you warn a teenager about the harmful effects of certain substances they’re still likely to try them.
“So I hope that by putting these kinds of confronting and honest videos out, we will help families understand that it’s more important to educate their children about drugs rather than to just plainly say, ‘don’t do drugs’. My parents did this for me and I couldn’t be more appreciative.” ONYA NONI!
Just as an aside, it’s also refreshing AF to see a band from the heavier side of music back sexual diversity like it ain’t no thang, at a time when conversations about gender and sexuality continue to be at the forefront of the scene.
Anyway, check the video for yourself below (premiering exclusively today on Music Feeds, yahoo!) and make sure to catch Storm The Sky when they join Pierce the Veil for a local tour this August, deets below!
Watch: Storm The Sky – Lilac
Pierce The Veil Australian Tour Dates
Supported by Storm The Sky
Tuesday, 16th August – All Ages
Eatons Hill, Brisbane
Tickets: Live Nation
Wednesday, 17th August – All Ages
Big Top At Luna Park, Sydney
Tickets: Live Nation
Thursday, 18th August – All Ages
Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Tickets: Live Nation
Saturday, 20th August – U18
170 Russell, Melbourne
Tickets: Live Nation
Sunday, 21st August (18+) – SOLD OUT
170 Russell, Melbourne
Tickets: Live Nation
Monday, 22nd August (18+) – NEW SHOW
170 Russell, Melbourne
Tickets: Live Nation
Tuesday, 23rd August – All Ages
Astor Theatre, Perth
Tickets: Live Nation
