Jay Som | photo by Lindsey Byrnes | courtesy of the artist
Watch an alien hula hoop in Jay Som’s latest music video
Melina Duterte, better known as Jay Som, will release her new album on August 23rd. Duterte has previously shared two tracks off Anak Ko, “Superbike” and “Tenderness.” Today the Oakland indie pop star has shared another taste of the record and a wild video to go with it. Dancing aliens are the industry’s latest marketing ploy, and honestly they’re working.
“Nighttime Drive” details Duterte’s experience with life on the road. Its lyrics include references to being in a cramped tour van and living with one’s bandmates. Through the song it is clear that touring has had a profound impact on Duterte and that she has come out stronger. Instrumentally, the track is your typical Jay Som indie pop. Or at least it starts out that way. Towards the end of the song it dissolves into a magical violin solo.
The video for “Nighttime Drive” pays homage to its namesake and inspiration. The Han Hale directed clip focuses largely on Duterte and her bandmates driving late at night. Between shots of them on the road, the band appears to be impersonating Men In Black as they hunt down an alien. The alien pops up throughout the video but does little expect make itself known. Then, during the violin outro, the extraterrestrial starts performing a hula hoop-centered dance routine. It is just as spell-binding as the song itself.
Watch the goofy video for “Nighttime Ride” below. Jay Som will play The Foundry on Tuesday, October 29 with Boy Scouts, Gia Margaret, and maybe an alien or two. Find tickets and more information on the XPN Concert Calendar.