Fresh off their electrifying midnight set at Handlebar for NXNE, Freeze the Fall continue to prove why they’re one of the most exciting acts to watch in Canada’s heavy music scene. Blending hard rock with melodic metal and a deep commitment to storytelling, the band sat down with us to talk about their music video process, creative inspirations and their career.
Can you briefly introduce yourself as an artist?
We are Freeze the Fall, we try to avoid being too genre specific in our descriptions of ourselves and our music, but we are somewhere in the space of hard rock meets melodic metal. As artists we would describe ourselves as storytellers first, our music is about telling stories and taking on ideas in metaphorical ways.
● What’s your favourite music video you’ve made and why?
That’s a tough one and a bit different for all of us!
Quinn – Hypothermia, it was very mentally and physically challenging because it was filmed over multiple days in the middle of nowhere on a frozen lake in the dead of winter in Canada. The extreme conditions were incredibly challenging but made the finished product even more rewarding. I am very proud of Hypothermia.
Aria – It is very hard to choose because each video we have made has served the song it was made for so well and been part of the bigger vision we had. But if I have to choose then…VHS, this was our first time making a video based in storytelling so that was very special. I am also a self professed horror nut, so it was a dream come true to make our own little horror film in the way of a music video.
Jonah – My favourite Freeze the Fall music video is VHS, because that was our first ‘real’ full on music video. It took two days to shoot, and it was honestly an amazing experience, partly because it combines two of my favourite things, music and horror!
● Sky’s the limit, what’s a dream concept or collaborator you’d love to bring to life in a music video?
That is hard to answer because we have so many ideas. Ultimately, we are very dedicated to writing music that is about something. We take inspiration from everything around us, sights, sounds, experiences, our overall observations of life. So, as we work towards a full-length album, we are very excited to explore new music video concepts that will support the big ideas we are taking on. Too soon to tell what that will be, but the sky is absolutely the limit!
● Why are music videos important to you? And important in general?
Music videos are very important to us as a band, largely because they allow us to convey a deeper layer of storytelling than the music alone. We hope when people listen to our songs that they take whatever meaning they need from our lyrics, videos are a way to help foster that deeper thinking. It is a way to add an illustration of our thoughts to the music that we write.
Music videos in general are such an important way to feel more connected to an artist, it gives you a glimpse into their inspiration and ideas.
● What’s something people might not realize about the process of making a music video?
How much time it takes. Hypothermia for example is a three-and-a-half-minute video, but it took 5 ten hours days to create and that is before the editing which was easily another 40 to 50 hours. Each video is a piece of art, it takes real dedication in front of and behind the camera to make something you want to share with the world.
● Do you have a favourite music video of all time (any artist)? What makes it stand out for you?
Another great question with three different answers!
Quinn – I could never pick a single favourite but one of my top music videos would be Syrena by Kiki Rockwell. I adore how she described a complex relationship by using a mermaid and a human. No matter how much they loved each other, the mermaid would never feel as understood by a man as she was by the sea. The use of folklore and fairytales in storytelling always fascinates me, so I love this story.
Aria – Easy. Teardrops by Bring Me the Horizon is my favourite music video of all time (and, incidentally my favourite song). When I was 12 and saw it for the first time, I recall I just started crying. I had never felt so emotional over a song or music video before in my life, but something about this video, so haunting, raw and beautiful was the inspiration for everything that has happened for me since. It was the moment I knew music would be my living, my path. That was close to 5 years go and it still stands uncontested as my favourite music video and song today.
Jonah- My favourite music video of all time is Smells Like Teen Spirit. When I first watched that music video I was just getting into listening to music and playing the drums, so it was very inspiring for me as a musician. This video was one of my first introductions into the rock genre and will always have a special place in my heart.
Questions about the “Oubliette” Music Video
● What inspired the concept or story behind “Oubliette” ?
Oubliette is part of a concept EP, The Red Garden. The Red Garden is a fictional land that serves as a representation of our society today. Each song is attached to a character that exists within The Red Garden and those characters ultimately represent elements of society that we all experience: anonymity, regret, power, loneliness etc. The character of Oubliette is The Prisoner, a representation of regret and longing for a time or place that cannot be returned to. An Oubliette is a medieval form of dungeon where prisoners were left forgotten, but they could still smell, hear and experience the life happening around them, but is always out of reach. This became a metaphor for regret, the idea that we can recall the past but not return to it.
● What’s your favourite shot or moment in the video?
Oubliette was fun to make because it was a very stripped-down process, we got scrappy for this one. It was filmed from a rooftop in Aria’s backyard with flashlights and a very small crew. Our video team from Orphanarium brought the vision to life by using simple means and creative lighting. We also loved the costumes for this one, we have a lot of fun with creating video and stage looks that represent our overall aesthetic, it all contributes to the greater story.
● How did you pick your music video creative team?
We have been very fortunate to work with the same crew on every music video we have made to date. That continuity results in deep trust, we know the team understands our vision and ideas on a deep level. That also means we trust them to bring ideas to the table that are intrinsically aligned with our music and our brand. It’s an amazing thing to create art with people who just get you, you know?
Be sure to check out Freeze the Fall on all streaming platforms now.
BAND WEBSITE:
https://freezethefallband.com/home-1
OUBLIETTE MUSIC VIDEO:
