Today, at what is the pinnacle of Instagram- and YouTube-mania, where technology allows a certain ease in filmmaking, Langhorne Slim & The Law took a different route, using Super 8-cameras and 8mm analogue film to make the music video for their new single, “Animal.” The video can be seen here, and the song is now available on iTunes.
For the video, Langhorne Slim partnered up with the creative agency Anomaly Amsterdam, whose blue chip client roster includes Budweiser, Converse, the Marriott Hotel Group, and Nike. Directed by Anomaly’s Daniel Eskils and Zack McDonald, the crew followed the band on a road trip across America, from New York to Las Vegas, with many stops along the way – like Saxapahaw, NC and Langhorne’s hometown of Nashville. Shooting on 8mm film stock meant that the filmmakers had no instant playback, standard with today’s digital gear, which gave the entire production a sense of adventure and urgency.
“It was a surreal and beautiful ride. We didn’t really know what the outcome would be. We had two Super 8 cameras, 20 rolls of film and a rental car filled with spare tires, art easels, fishing poles and a lot of ideas,” said Daniel Eskils, founder of Tarot Pictures and co-director of the video.
The song “Animal” was written and performed by Langhorne exclusively for a television commercial for Converse that aired in Europe, and has amassed more than two-million hits on YouTube. Langhorne and his band, The Law, were so happy with the result that they decided to turn the short piece of music into a full-length song. Anomaly and Tarot Pictures, who created the Converse commercial together, joined forces once again to make the music video.
The outcome is a celebration of old school craft inspired by the raw energy of the music. From the the hand drawn titles to the old school, in-camera film tricks, “Animal” is a reminder that rock-n-roll was, is, and always will be an analogue medium.
“I’m certain we all want to demolish that in which we feel constrained by. To be wild and free. After all, we are animals. This song and video are dedicated to the free sprit that lives within every one of us.” says Langhorne Slim.
Langhorne Slim & the Law are currently on the road touring with The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell and Deer Tick, along with some headline shows – the confirmed itinerary is below.
—
——
