As a follow up to our review of Brandon Sandefur‘s inspiring new single, ‘Lying Down’, we spoke with the man himself.
What did it feel like getting back in the studio for “Lying Down”?
It was a blast! Except for being a bit rusty, it felt just like old times.
The song focuses on unity; what message were you hoping to get across?
The message is one of American pride. This song is a statement that says we will not stand by and watch everything our veterans have sacrificed in the name of freedom, be lost or forgotten. It goes further to point out the frustration so many feel at the cavalier misuse of privilege by our country’s leaders. It’s a sentiment that so many share, but are afraid to speak out on.
How has living in Pensacola influenced your music lately?
Pensacola has a great “vibe” that has allowed me to be creative in a way that just “feels good”. Living a “laid back” lifestyle has allowed me to approach songwriting with a clear vision and open mind, free from distraction…with a hint of “fun” sprinkled in!
What was your vision for the “Lying Down” music video?
I really wanted the video to reflect the raw emotion that me and so many others are experiencing. Flick helped me capture that, by focusing on the delivery of the message and less on the setting. It was extremely important to both of us that we didn’t steer the listener in one direction or the other, and allowed the lyrics to be “interpreted”, as opposed to “guiding” them through visual influences. Don’t get me wrong, there are some very poignant scenes with intentional references, but they consist mainly of universal symbolism.
How was it working with director Flick Wiltshire on this project?
Flick is awesome to work with! He was very sensitive to the fact that I had some things that I absolutely would not compromise on, but still kept the most important piece of the project on point. The message, was at the forefront of the video, he made sure that it did not get lost in translation. We kept it simple, which is difficult to do sometimes, but he made it easy and the finished product turned out great!
What did filming at Veterans Memorial Park mean to you?
It meant everything! It was truly the essence of the song… It represents the “hollowed ground” that I speak of in the second verse, and serves as a reminder to anyone watching the video, that our freedom came at the highest price for so many men and women of our military.
How did you tap into the emotion behind the song during the video shoot?
Tapping into the emotion is pretty easy when you’re frustrated… There’s nothing contrived about visceral reactions when people are genuinely moved by something. I’m a pretty emotional guy anyway, so for me that was probably the easiest part of the whole video.
This release is tied to a bigger purpose; what do you hope listeners connect with most?
I hope listeners connect with the fact that, despite our differences, there are some very basic principles this country was founded on. At the end of the day, we share in those principles, and we must come together and defend them if we want to continue to live in this great land of ours!
As you work toward the EP, what can fans expect next?
They can expect some new up-tempo tracks, with a heavy dose of that “traditional flair”, along with more videos, and a steadfast commitment to our veterans and those in need of mental health assistance.
Anything else you’d like to share with fans before we wrap up?
Here’s to the next 250 years, and just remember, we didn’t get here by lying down!
Watch the music video for ‘Lying Down’ below, and find out more about Brandon Sandefur and his music online on Instagram, and Facebook.
