- Culture
- 08 Jun 22
American actress Annie Ryan stars in the beautiful new video for 'Sunset', taken from Daithí's forthcoming new album.
Irish electronic artist Daithí has unveiled the stunning, nature-based new visuals for his new Ailbhe Reddy collaboration 'Sunset'.
The video for 'Sunset' was directed by Michael-David McKernan and features Chicago-born, Dublin-settled actress Annie Ryan (who was in seminal '80s film Ferris Bueller's Day Off). Ryan is also known for such films and television series as Three O'Clock High, Lucas, Bachelors Walk and Laws of Attraction.
Daithí announced last week that his third album I'm Here Now will be released on the 9th September via Strange Brew. 'Sunset' is receiving widespread radio play across the country, with the track led by the commanding vocal presence of Daithí's long-time collaborator Ailbhe Reddy.
The video is a beautiful, touching film that follows a woman in middle age coping with loss and grief in the most poised and hopeful way.
Director Michael-David McKernan took full advantage of the Irish landscape to tell the story visually, shooting the visuals at The Beekeepers artist retreat in Daithí's native Co. Clare. Daithí owns the space, running it with his partner, Norma Howard. The filmmaker also produced the video.
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“For Sunset I wanted to offer a different perspective on the end of a relationship; to showcase the solace that can be found in solitude and the healing power of nature," McKernan explains.
"The song feels both intimate and epic so it was a terrific challenge to get to create an accompanying film. From the beginning, we wanted to create a visual poem and impressionist piece, rather than following a linear narrative. We’re totally focussed on the character’s inner psychology throughout, but the opening ‘ring scene’ helps to anchor the piece. All of the detail shots then paint an emotional landscape and remind us of growth.
"The ocean scene was definitely a technical challenge given we were shooting on 16mm film, Michael-David adds. "But Director of Photography, JP Quill, built a custom underwater housing for the shoot and we’ll really proud of the results. I think you really feel like you’re in the water with the character (but hopefully not to the point of sea sickness).
"The film is about hope, surrendering to nature, and cleansing oneself of the past.”
'Sunset' was written during a writer’s weekend at the Beekeepers Artist House.
"Ailbhe, Sinead White and I had a beautiful weekend, back working together after a few years of being apart," Daithí recalls. "The natural energy from that really shaped the song.
"The synths build into this euphoric moment of celebration, which is countered with Ailbhe’s bittersweet lyrics," he continues. "When she started singing 'These things are never easy', it just broke my heart. The song really became about everything we'd missed, and how happy we were to be able to do it again. It's the opening of my new album, which is all about your place in time, and what makes you who you are."
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Daithí is set to play a number of festivals this summer: Vestrock (The Netherlands), Sea Sessions and Body & Soul, to name a few.
He is also touring Ireland as one half of HousePlants, his project with Bell X1’s Paul Noonan, throughout May and June. His previous single came in the form of 'Familial' in March.
The New Zealand-filmed visuals starred Samoan actors Jeremiah Tauamiti, Villa Junior Lemanu and Samson Vaotuua and was directed by Ayla Amano.
Check out the new video for 'Sunset' below.