Les Stroud – ‘How Long’

Les Stroud is probably best known to people from his hit TV show, ‘Survivorman’, which aired on Discovery Channel, and Science Channel. His love for the environment is never in doubt on his show, and he takes this commitment to his music as well, in his latest single, ‘How Long’. The song is accompanied by a video which, assisted by filmmaker, painter, and illustrator Matt Mahurin, sees Stroud issue a challenge to viewers to wake up and take action, before it’s too late.

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On ‘Survivorman’ Stroud covered the earth and braved some of the fiercest conditions imaginable. His journeys taught him just how fragile earth’s ecosystem is. All the while, he took his trusty harmonica with him, reminding viewers that he’s also a skilled musician. ‘How Long’, from Stroud’s latest album, sees him singing and playing like a man whose life-mission is to communicate. Our present way of living is negligent, and in no way sustainable, and Stroud suggests that we need to change.

Stroud’s strong message is enhanced by Mahurin’s black and white animations, which underscore the song’s urgency. Mahurin, who has worked with such luminaries as U2, Sting, Joni Mitchell, and Peter Gabriel, among many others, provides exactly the right elements to convey the deep message. Stroud is stern and emphatic, facing the camera unflinchingly as he asks us to look after the earth better than we have.

“Les has made his life’s work connecting people to the power and preciousness of nature. As an artist, my favorite projects are when I can combine art with a message that goes beyond style and mood—compelling the viewer to ponder, question, confront, and most importantly, take action. In ‘How Long,’ Les uses his musical powers to challenge citizens of the planet to take responsibility to do their part to protect the future of a beloved earth. The opportunity to collaborate with Les on such an essential message of hope is when music and art are at their best. “