There’s nothing that says “you probably grew up in the early ’80s” in quite the same way as re-runs of Dukes of Hazzard and construction paper models. That is until you see the new video for Pretty Archie’s “Stay The Same,” which says all the above, while also providing a soundtrack and a conflicting yet quasi-romantic notion about living on the road.
“It’s actually a true-to-fact recreation of our last time avoiding the OPP in Northern Ontario,” jokes bass and harmonica player Colin Gillis.
Enlisting director Stefano Bertelli, the video has cardboard cut-out versions of the band can be seen racing around a canyon with Sheriff Rosco in pursuit. The deceptively simple art leaves us questioning whether this is beautiful stop motion or very convincing computer animation.
“We are happy with how it turned out,” says Gillis. “We were kicking ideas around of a ‘campy’ type of theme or idea. The Dukes theme kinda seemed to fit the mold.
“I wouldn’t say we were huge fans of the Dukes growing up but they are one of those iconic symbols when it comes to the ‘on the run’ type of look. So it made sense for the song and the feel we were going for.
When discussing possible themes from the video, the Dukes provided an ‘ah-ha’ moment for the band that clicked, but they did have a view other ideas along the same lines. Naturally, all of them pulled from an era of TV car chases.
“Smokey and the Bandit, ones like that,” says Gillis, “but the Dukes seemed to work the best.”
The band describe the song as being half a lament for an outlaw lifestyle, and half trying to find a balance in their lives as musicians between spending time at home and touring.
“It’s mostly about that feeling of being busy with our day to days and life in general (for a musician, alot of that is being on the run) and not getting the chance to spend time with people or a person you miss.
“In down times that guilty feeling can make someone feel pretty terrible. But, what happens so many times with this type of relationship (friend, family member or loved one) when you do finally get the chance to see these people or talk with them, you realize not much has changed. Life changes constantly but when you really love someone, that love often stays the same.”
Pretty Archie are working out some upcoming tour dates, but have announced they’ll be hitting Western Canada in July, with a string of shows across the Maritimes throughout the summer.
The band’s newest album, Hanging On, was released on the February 22, 2019.
Pretty Archie: WEB | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM