Last month, LA-based songwriter Joel Jerome revealed plans to make his Dangerbird Records debut with the full-length Super Flower Blood Moon, set to arrive on May 13. The first two singles introduced the release with a combination of plucked acoustic guitar and baroque strings, and the latest sample, “Falling Star,” emphasizes the Latin American tradition of the former facet before dipping into a jaunty, piano-led pop chorus that recalls the psych-pop sounds of 1970s Southern California.
In paying homage to the lineage of Mexican singer-songwriters that have inspired his music, the video Jerome is releasing alongside the single is dedicated to one particular artist. “Juan Gabriel was one of the shiniest stars in the Latin American music universe and his presence on screen was always captivating,” Jerome shares. “I think his song ‘Querida’ is one of the best ever written and the video is performed in almost one entire shot from beginning to end by Juanga in a burgundy low-cut sweater and white pants. From the opening shot of a few long-stemmed candles flickering and bouncing along to syrupy strings, to a wide shot of Juanga slowly moving within a black backdrop and a room full of candles, it got my attention immediately and sucked me in for the entire five-minute video.”
The gently wafting candles, gaudy lighting, and excessive use of superimposition make for a reverent shrine to the late artist. “I always wanted to make a video in homage to it,” he continues, “I just never thought in a million years I could pull off the performance and do it any justice. Luckily I have talented friends and I enlisted dancer/musician Alexandra Rae Augusta Denton, who put a lil’ routine together, and visual artist Minh Pham, with an assist from label mate Matt Costa, who went about trying to set up and capture the vibe of the OG video. This is ‘Falling Star,’ a meditation on the all encompassing power of young love.”
Check out the visual below.
