We’re living in the golden era of Milwaukee-made music videos. As a result of ever-improving video and editing technology and a gifted community of local filmmakers and musicians, Milwaukee is currently churning out ambitious, inventive, and visually arresting music videos that would have seemed impossible to pull off even five years ago. Though we’re still in awe of recent output from acts like Fuzzysurf and Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, there’s still something special about a stripped-down music video that’s rooted in live performance.
This week, Milwaukee singer-songwriter Julien Kozak released a new music video that took a decidedly deconstructed approach. Set in a southeastern Wisconsin barn during a gentle rainfall, Kozak’s “Home Is Gone” music video is delicate, delightful, and a success in its simplicity. The live video was filmed in one take and directed by local videographer (and our resident bird columnist) Kyle Arpke. Throughout the three-and-a-half-minute video, the lens remains fixed on Kozak as he performs his soft, soothing new single and sunlight fights its way into frame through gaps in the barn’s weathered wall.
Between the single-take song, the warm visuals, and the sonic backdrop of falling rain, Kozak’s “Home Is Gone” music video proves you don’t necessarily need to reinvent the wheel to make something good. Before Julien Kozak plays the Oak Creek Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, you can watch the “Home Is Gone” music video below.