Origins

Take Me to the River

Let's ease into this Monday with some visual aids.

Last week Active Child released their music video for "Hanging On." The song is equal parts intense melody, flowing electroinc beats, and lush strings.

And did I mention there's a harp? Yes, Active Child (aka Pat Grossi) develops the string section all on his harp. You don't see that every day. (Unless you're a harpist. Or 18th century Baroque fan. Or Cupid.) OK you don't see that every day in popular music.

The Hanging On video brings us outside to join a lone fly fisherman. The landscape of his journey to the river and details of the catch match the intricate soundscape created in the music. We see the leaves he steps on to get there, the choosing of lures, the rushing river. He takes us somewhere else: outside, but also back in memory, perhaps glimpsing his younger fly fisherman self.

Now go make your own analysis on the rest of the sounds and sights. Active Child's album is perfect for a Monday—enough harmonic inspiration to keep moving, beats to avoid a desk nap. Just don't get caught by any large fish today.

Gone Fishing,
-KK