Deacon is a 16-year-old producer who began his journey in the world of music after discovering music production in seventh grade. His first release “Long Run” is a smash hit, as he worked with internationally acclaimed star Nina Nesbitt for the vocals writing (she wrote it with SHY Martin and Fredrik Häggstam while in Sweden, last year). The track sored hundreds of thousands of views, radio play and wide acclaim. Now the pair have released a music video to the song.
Light & Longing Beginnings
Nina walks through flowers and grass as her vocals begin to fill the music. The video appears as though it was shot on Super 8 film, even if that was digitally rendered. VHS static also interjects between some scenes, which contributes to the feeling of the project This creates a warm and nostalgic feeling, emphasized by the simple outfits dawned by Nina and Deacon. This allows for the two stars to appear as if they could be in 2020 or the 1990s (the white tank top look is also reminiscent of Deacon’s dad’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” style).
Both Deacon and Nina are standing in fields and leaning on balconies as if they’re looking for an escape. The beat drops and Deacon begins to run and jump, while Nina grips a bouquet and spins. After this point, the video shifts. It’s now night time and splashes of neon lights hit the dark blues filling the screen, replacing the earthier tones. Deacon no longer has any sort of vintage appearance over his footage, while Nina fully maintains hers. It’s almost as if they’re in different eras. This emphasizes the storyline of the song, centered around someone struggling with whether they should take the plunge and join someone’s life.
Shadows Creep In
As the video progresses, their internal struggles become outwardly represented. Nina sings, “Or am I just caught up in my feelings?/I just need to know that you’re in it”. Deacon is under rushing water, engulfed in red lighting, silhouetted in front of a dark blue night sky and staring down onto a city. Flashing streaks project colors across her face, as Nina stands in the dark. She waves a ribbon in the wind at sunset, all while she sings with contemplation. The song is about someone trying to make the choice about whether they should fully commit to a relationship. Or perhaps, they should accept that they were too overwhelmed by their feelings to understand the circumstances. If the other person in the situation were to confirm their feelings, they could be in it “for the long run.”
Images via YouTube
From Day to Night
Both Nina and Deacon are in red lighting during the final part of the song, representing the agony of making a final decision. The lighting then shifts as a wave crashes over a frustrated and exhausted-looking Deacon and the lighting shifts back to sunshine. Nina sings, “I just need to know that you’re in it/For the long run”. He’s running again before it cuts to excerpts of each of them through various points in the track. The music is pulsing, a synthy final surge of the lyric “for the long run.” This also draws on the style of the two other producers on the track, Petey and Freddy Alexander.
The video is directed by Connor Brashier, who rose to fame for his videography talent that presented itself at an early age. Brashier began catching eyes at the age of 17, similarly to Deacon (who turns 17 in under a month). Brashier’s catalog includes work with artists who have similar sounds to Nina and Deacon, like Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Madison Beer, Cameron Dallas, Zara L, Tyga and Kygo. Connor’s ability to capture light and the beauty of California is clear, as pale blues and yellows drench the film.
Images via YouTube
Behind the Camera
While the world is on pause due to the pandemic, the music industry has been coming up with creative ways to generate a sense of normalcy. The video to “Long Run,” is a product of this creativity. The lighting, mood and wardrobe are well matched. However, while clips blend seamlessly together, Deacon and Nina weren’t in the same space. A number of artists have done this over the years, such as The Vamps and Shawn Mendes (circa 2014).
“Long Run” was described as “the song of the summer” and the sunshine that fills the video helps to carry the warm feelings into a new season. This song proves that feelings of emotional confusion aren’t only relegated to summertime. Deacon’s future is auspicious, while also adding another golden track to Nina’s portfolio. “Long Run” is a dance track laced with nerves, and packed with promise.
You can watch “Long Run” on YouTube now and stream it everywhere!
Feature images via YouTube
