Acclaimed Canadian electro pop act Riotron returns with his uplifting new track “Life Is What We’re Living”, complete with an eye-popping video starring actor Tyler Posey (of MTV’s ‘Teen Wolf’ series) and 80s icon Lea Thompson (of ‘Back To The Future’ fame), and directed by the acclaimed Alissa Torvinen, who has helmed award-winning videos by Phoebe Bridgers, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, and Melanie Martinez’s ‘K-12’ feature film (100M views on YouTube). The sumptuously cinematic video has a wildly gonzo Spike Jonze edge to it, and follows the poignant emotional arc of a man who has recently lost his mother, and is struggling to deal with their unresolved and complicated relationship. The video will be released in time for Mother’s Day.
Watch the video here
Listen here
“Life Is What We’re Living” is remixed by superstar DJ/producer Mahalo (who’s had two Billboard dance radio #1s), with an additional remix by electronic music icon Paul Oakenfold to follow this summer.
From Lea Thompson:
“When I heard Jeff’s song, I immediately fell in love with it. It was so haunting and yet
hopeful. And then when I saw Alissa’s work, I was so interested in being a part of this young
director’s vision. I have been directing lately and I thought what an exciting scary thing to be a part of – dancing in a music video. It was great fun to explore dance in a way that was so devoid of pressure and so profoundly full of expression.”
Tyler Posey on what attracted him to the role:
“The concept itself was something creatively and artistically I really wanted to check off my list. My mother passed away just like my character’s mother. She was my best friend, my biggest support system, my good advice, my laughing buddy, my crying shoulder. I really resonate with my character and wanted to bring that storyline to life. Reliving the funeral scene was a heavy moment for me. I haven’t portrayed that in any project. Also l’m a huge fan of Lea’s and was honored to share the set with her.”
Riotron’s Jeff Fettes on creating the project:
“The song was inspired by a good friend who lost his mother to cancer. He was devastated but eventually found peace and even inspiration in her continued ‘presence’ in his life. He inherited this incredible sense of urgency about living. Death turned into life in a way that I found so beautiful. The video is a metaphor for his journey through the stages of grief, from denial and anger all the way to acceptance and hope.”
Director Alissa Torvinen on working with Lea Thompson:
“Lea is an incredible storyteller and a director as well, but drawing on her own experience as a mother she said, “I feel like my character needs to hug him!” And that was it. That idea came from Lea. That moment tears my heart out every time. I dare you not to cry.”
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