Freshly Pressed – Neon Bloom “Lovers Dance”

Toronto-based indie four-piece Neon Bloom have just released their latest single “Lovers Dance,” alongside a killer video steeped in fun and nostalgia. We caught up with the band to chat about the new song and video, their all-time favourite music videos, and each member’s non-music-related hobbies.

From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Lovers Dance”.

Neon Bloom: Lovers Dance is meant to be a mini celebration. It’s a song for anyone who needs a boost of energy, or something to dance around their living room to. It has a nostalgic 80s sound to it, which we tried to achieve particularly through the synths and upbeat energy of the instrumentation. We then tried to keep this feeling going throughout the video as well.

From The Strait: Neon Bloom is known for their fantastic video releases, and “Lovers Dance” is no exception – what was the creative process for this one?

FRED: Jen conceived of the idea of featuring preteens having fun, hanging out, and dancing.  I loved this idea because it would exemplify the spirit of the song.  I also wanted to include performance shots of the band – to convey the energy of Lovers Dance. The question was – how can we connect these two images in a meaningful manner? I thought it would be cool to show one of the young actors watching a music video before meeting with his friends.  This would act as a through line.    Because the track embraces electronic elements, I felt the performance shot should have a synthetic, darker vibe.  I suggested neon paint and black lights.  This would also be on-brand with our name – Neon Bloom!  Simon brought in the suggestion of lab coats, which I believe he found on sale.  We later added the CVR effect in post to tie the performance footage together with the retro television.   The data-mosh effect was used to show how cultural outlets, like music, can influence and colour our perception of reality.    

JEN: The young actors in the video are Dylan (my best friend’s son), Gillian (my cousin Elissa’s daughter) and her friend Scarlet. They’re all so energetic and fun-loving, so it worked perfectly to have them in the video. 

From The Strait: Speaking of music videos, what are some of your all-time favourite music videos?

JEN: I love music videos that have been shot by photographers and that have a high-fashion/artistic influence. I love Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” (shot by Anton Corbijn), Pet Shop Boys “Being Boring” (shot by Bruce Weber), and the most beautifully filmed, romantic music video of all time to me is Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” shot by Herb Ritts).

FRED: I love the storytelling in Rhye’s “The Fall” (directed by Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen).  The capturing of reality in A Banda Mais Bonita da Cidade’s “Oração” (directed by Vinícius Nisi).   The creative excellence in The Chemical Brothers “Let Forever Be” (directed by the magnificent Michel Gondry).

SIMON: My faves are Fatboy Slim “Weapon of Choice” (Christopher Walken dancing!) and runner-up “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys.

CHRIS: “Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai, “Gimme Some More” by Busta Rhymes, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

From The Strait: On November 6th you’ll be playing The Horseshoe as direct support for WE ARE SCIENTISTS. So, speaking of shows, what has been your favourite venue to play? (And what in your opinion, makes a venue great?)

Neon Bloom: The Horseshoe is one of our favourite venues. We’ve had some great shows there and really love the stage setup, sound, and staff. We’re lucky that Toronto has a lot of great venues. We also really enjoyed playing The El Mocambo and getting a tour of their amazing sound and video recording/editing studio. We think a great venue is open and accommodating to a variety of people, has a good sound system, and puts extra effort into planning good, cohesive shows with complimentary bands.

From The Strait: What are some of the band members’ non-musical hobbies?

JEN: My main non-musical hobby at the moment is planning an animal sanctuary, which I hope to get running in the next 2-5 years. I’m also researching the application of A.I. for Criminological purposes and emerging technology that monitors the A.I. decision-making process. And I take horseback riding lessons and hike when my body allows me to.

FRED: I enjoy watching live music, playing hockey, and creating with photography and film.

SIMON: I like to do outdoor stuff like camping, hiking, and canoeing.

CHRIS: My non-musical hobbies are restaurant hopping, golfing, and video games. 

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Check out the video for “Lovers Dance’, the latest single from Neon Bloom!

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