Brooklyn based darkwave artist Erin Hoagg better known as Rare DM (and one of AC15’s stand out live acts!) just released a new music video for “325” directed by Keith Ferreira. Inspired by a recent tour in Europe, and “reimagined as a sexy little getaway with a sweetheart” the video plays like a fever dream and a nocturnal nod to late-night drives and faded tour memories. Lucky for me, I had the privilege of serving as Assistant Director on the project — my first time on a music video set.
We kicked off in Harlem, doing hair and makeup in the bathroom of a barbecue joint, Red Bulls in hand. The 12-hour shoot stretched into the night, with Rare DM ready to speed South on the West Side highway from the top of the city to Times Square and all the way out to Jersey City.
“The stars aligned and I got my dream car for the video – a pristine E30 BMW… Keith owns the exact model E30 that my Dad taught me to drive manual on, (my co-star in the vid), and to top it off – it’s my favorite red..”
Fueled by sexy euro inspiration, Rare DM showed off her effortless, stick-shift skills behind the wheel. She zipped up and down the Holland Tunnel in the cherry red beamer at 80 mph with me in the backseat (covered by a blanket) while the director and his crew filmed us from another car, driven by a truly hilarious, family friend; Roger. In order to relay directions to Erin while driving – Keith and I communicated via phone for the main duration of the shoot – with my line muted so the blaring track wouldn’t get in the way. At one point, indiscernible screaming about traffic was coming from the other vehicle with the guys. Turns out it wasn’t traffic, but Roger being VERY excited to see Times Square for the first time. It was all very silly and very New York; and had to keep myself calm as to not distract Erin with laughter the entire ride.
The shoot flew by, and after countless takes, a hell of a lot of fun, we indulged our creative spirits with a good bit of cheap wine towards the end of the night (post-driving, of course).
“478 cuts and 85 hours” later, the video bursts to life, pairing the song with a “colorful, surreal, and inspired visual.” Watch below.
Catch Rare DM on her North American, dates listed below.
11/7 – Toronto, ON @ Dance Cave
11/8 – Montreal, QC @ NDQ Bar
11/9 – Boston, MA @ Obrien’s
11/12 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro
11/13 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Government Center
11/14 – Cleveland, OH @ Dunlap’s Corner Bar
11/15 – St Louis, MO @ The Platypus
11/16 – Kansas City, MO @ Minibar
11/18 – Omaha, NE @ Reverb
11/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Mortimer’s
11/20 – Chicago, IL @ Liar’s Club
11/21 – Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
FOLLOW: @rare_dm_