By: Staff
We were eager to experience "Chasing the Sub Lime" by Michael Vettraino, but nothing could have prepared us for the sheer brilliance of the final product. The methodology, techniques, and execution were outstanding, seamlessly merging visual storytelling with a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.
The video for this song opens with a rapid-fire montage of imagery that is instantly overwhelming, news tickers, billionaires, and an individual poised to engage with their phone. This barrage of visuals immediately aligns with the song’s central themes, setting a tone of overstimulation and societal critique. We are confronted with the grinning faces of celebrities, a depiction of someone mindlessly scrolling through their phone, and a transition into a surreal, psychedelic introduction where a figure welcomes us to a "New World." The background music is both tantalizing and ominous, creating an unsettling contrast as this figure promises happiness, only to be followed by the dreaded utterance of "terms and conditions." This moment encapsulates the suffocating reality of modern existence, particularly in the digital age, making it both eerily familiar and profoundly unsettling.
One of the most striking elements of the video is the duality of the narrator, introduced as "M," this character also appears as a more sinister version of himself, symbolizing the dual nature of perception and reality. As the song progresses, we witness an individual brimming with confidence, exuding an upbeat demeanor and declaring, "I’m in control of myself."
Meanwhile, the screen floods with images of cultural and political icons, including banners reading "Black Lives Matter," further reinforcing the song’s broader societal commentary.
Vocally, the performance is exceptional, and the instrumental arrangement is both mesmerizing and dynamic, heightening the overall impact. The experience transcends the typical music video format, feeling more akin to a cinematic event than a conventional visual accompaniment to a song.
Vettraino exhibits a keen awareness of contemporary culture, leveraging compelling imagery, masterful editing, and exceptional character representation to fully immerse the viewer. The video maintains a thrilling tempo, complemented by a pulsating beat and captivating synthesizer layers. As the narrative unfolds, the seamless shift from melodic vocals to spoken-word passages enhances the emotional depth, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the protagonist’s turmoil. This progression leads to a powerful realization, the character recognizes their lack of control, a sentiment encapsulated through an evocative portrayal of anxiety and disillusionment.
Oh, and did we mention the clever use of humor woven throughout the narrative? Vettraino masterfully integrates satire and irony, adding yet another layer of brilliance to the video’s multifaceted storytelling. He effortlessly conquers the challenge of balancing humor with deeper social commentary, making the experience even more engaging and impactful.
As if all this weren’t enough, Vettraino also wrote the music and played every instrument on this release. The entire recording process took place at his home, with the exception of the drums and vocals, which were recorded at Downtown Recording Studio in Louisville, Kentucky. This renowned studio has hosted many notable artists, including Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Jack Harlow, further solidifying the professional caliber of this project.
A pivotal moment arrives when the protagonist discovers they have been restrained by a pair of goggles, an unmistakable metaphor for the societal blinders that prevent us from perceiving reality. When they finally strip away these constraints, and also symbolically shed the burdens that have weighed them down, they emerge in a breathtakingly serene outdoor setting, hands grasping the grass in a moment of pure liberation. The impact of this transformation is profound, serving as the culmination of the video’s overarching message, we possess control over our own destinies, but only if we choose to remove the blindfold and confront the truth.
In just over four minutes, Michael Vettraino masterfully encapsulates a lifetime’s worth of existential questioning and social commentary. The message is compelling, the visual execution is stunning, and the song itself is an undeniable triumph.
Beyond his prowess as a musician and lyricist, Vettraino proves himself to be a visionary filmmaker, seamlessly integrating sound and imagery to craft an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. With such an innovative approach to storytelling, it’s clear that this artist has a bright future ahead. His ability to distill complex themes into a cohesive and impactful narrative is nothing short of remarkable.
Michael Vettraino’s artistry is making waves far beyond Louisville, garnering international recognition from publications like Happy Mag in Australia to film festivals in London and Athens. His ability to fuse nostalgic and modern influences sets him apart, blending the sounds of contemporary artists such as L’Impératrice, Mk.Gee, and Jean Dawson with the timeless brilliance of legends like Wes Montgomery and Stevie Wonder.
His latest single, "Chasing the Sub Lime," released on 2.2.25, exemplifies his knack for crafting immersive sonic landscapes that captivate listeners from all backgrounds. By weaving together introspection with broader cultural observations, Vettraino creates music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The accompanying music video reinforces these themes, subtly addressing issues such as corporate influence in politics, the opioid crisis, and the distortion of historical narratives. In an era marked by social and political uncertainty, his work stands out as an evocative fusion of storytelling and synth-driven soundscapes, compelling audiences to reflect, move, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share "Chasing the Sub Lime" by Michael Vettraino.
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
Comments