Leon Bridges performs an acoustic version of his hit song "Beyond" live in his hometown of Ft. Worth, Texas. The studio this was shot was once an empty warehouse which is where Leon rcorded his first album. Since then, Niles City Sound was built and musicians from all over travel to record there.
We don't get a glimpse of "Kevin" in this walkabout performance video with Macklemore and guest singer Leon Bridges, but the lyrics tell a clear story about the fatal side effects of our heavily medicated nation.
There's a peaceful sound from Leon Bridges' guitar and voice in his motel room, but it's violence and harsh realities out on the streets. But, hope is there if you choose to find it, even if it's via a garden hose baptism or just finding some solace with your loved ones.
Leon Bridges: "A river has historically been used in gospel music as symbolism for change and redemption. My goal was to write a song about my personal spiritual experience. It was written during a time of real depression in my life and I recall sitting in my garage trying to write a song which reflected this struggle. I felt stuck working multiple jobs to support myself and my mother. I had little hope and couldn’t see a road out of my reality. The only thing I could cling to in the midst of all that was my faith in God and my only path towards baptism was by way of the river.
When thinking about how to best visually represent this universal battle, I reflected on the depiction of black communities in our media and particular experiences within my own life. This video showcases the unique struggle many black men and women face across this country. However, unlike the captured images which tend to represent only part of the story, I wanted to showcase that through all the injustice, there's real hope in the world.
I want this video to be a message of light. I believe it has the power to change and heal those that are hurting." [via Facebook]
In case you were wondering, this here is Mr. Leon Bridges, one of the truest soul singers that I’ve heard this decade. He was discovered by two members of indie-rock band White Denim, who helped record his first few tracks. With luck, and your viewership, we’ll get to hear some more, even if it’s from a simple performance video such as this one, "Smooth Sailin'."
