The Music Video Day

For starters, 2018 has been an amazing year for me.

I've been through so many different things, been to so many different places and have been exposed and vulnerable to the world. Honestly, 2018 has been the year of me and have no idea how 2019 will even compare.

Today, we're going to touch a moment in 2018 that has meant so much to me. As you all know, I told my coming out story here on Phryme Magazine. But, before telling my story, I was also approached to be part of an amazing project involving the community I am so happy to be a part of.

I was approached by a friend to take part in the filming of a music video for Matt Simons. I know many of you are wondering – "Who is Matt Simon?" Just by listening to this song, 'Catch and Release', you will have your 'aah' moment. It's quite the popular song and I have a feeling this one will be no different.

So, as I was saying, I got invited to be part of filming the music video and I was excited and had no idea what to expect; I didn't know anyone and I've never done anything like this before. So, I was open to everything that the filming day was about to present to me.

As I got there, after getting lost on my way, I was assigned a number and was ready to participate. How long of a day was it going to be? No clue, but was hyped. For starters, I got to meet some really nice people, which I had to because I didn't want to be the weird little creeper that spoke to no one. Additionally, it's just being polite after all.

After the small talk and getting acquainted, the real process started; the video director was excited and hyped, which made us hype and excited during the process. Since I was part of a later group... I had to wait a bit while the others did the rehearsal, so I continued to chit chat and socialize.

Hours later – it was finally my turn for rehearsals. After taking some very tasteful pictures for a photo shoot, I listened attentively as a newbie or kindergartener would, I followed the instructions as best as I could and, about 50 takes later, we finally nailed it!

So, as the rest of the groups continued their rehearsals I continued to socialize the best I could. Despite the warm weather we were having, the excitement and the importance of the project kept us going, well kept me going anyways.

Once everyone practiced and they were ready, we started a full-on rehearsal with everyone. The video was going to be filmed in one take, so it was important that everyone knew what their part was and executed it perfectly. In other words, I kept telling myself "don't fuck it up" and I didn't.

Keep in mind, this was about 6 hours after we arrived and was simply doing practice takes, the real McCoy had yet to start. But we didn’t, because we were treated to a surprise visit from Matt Simons himself, which was such a delight. He seemed equally excited about the project. Additionally, he treated us to a mini-concert as he performed an acoustic version of Catch and Release. Plus, his new single for the video we were shooting, Amy's Song.

I have to admit, after 6 hours of hearing itsy bitsy pieces of it all day, Amy's Song was the last thing I wanted to hear. But, it was still a delight that he performed it live for us, and I was fangirling just a little. Matt, of course, I can call him that; we're close like that, stuck around for the actual filming of the Music Video – no added pressure whatsoever.

So, after our 7-hour music video filming day; we were ready. We practiced, we were treated to a concert, Matt was there and couldn't sweat because, you know, we were going to be filmed. So, the pressure was on and, surprisingly, after a couple of mishaps, the filming went great; the project and long day were complete. The excitement was incredible, I shook hands with Matt, had to wash it sadly, but it happened and I'm content with that and we were all just happy of what we accomplished, with a little dash of, "thank god it's over" feeling.

We got the opportunity to see the rough cut on a tiny little screen where we all gathered and looked at it together. The most beautiful moment came after; the tears of joy, the emotion, especially from those who were quite older. In the society of today, I could not imagine what life must have been like for them back then. Much like me, they could relate to Amy's song, they could relate to Amy's story, the person who co-wrote the song with Matt, whose story we get to share to the world.

Soon, everything was followed by an interview, where I got to tell my story. I don't consider myself an activist, but I feel it's important to share my story with others. Especially those back home in Aruba, who are still struggling due to the mentality of the society.

So, that was my day shooting a music video for the very first time. I wanted to thank – Amy, Kris, Matt Simons and everyone else who made that day possible. Thank you for making me part of something so special and will forever hold a close part in my heart.

Until next time readers, hope you enjoyed and of course enjoy the music video!

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blogpost are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Phryme Magazine.

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