The Press War debuts music video for “Still”

“It’s this beautifully sad idea because, while in that moment things can never go wrong, and no one will ever fall out of love, you’re also not allowing the potential for growth, or for things to be even better than you could imagine. So there’s also something to be said for taking a chance and going for it anyway.”

Boston, MA based band The Press War is staking their name in the indie rock scene with the release of their new song “Still”.

The first single since the band’s 2015 release When It All Goes to Hell, the band has explored a new sound that emanates a soft, electronic indie vibe that shows growth and maturity in their work. Today, the band has released the music video for “Still”.

The band has performed with bands such as PVRIS, From Indian Lakes, You Me at Six, and A Loss for Words. Along with The Spill Canvas and You, Me, and Everyone We Know.

Editor in Chief Kailey Howell talked with Anthony Rainville (vocals/guitar) and Cedric Wager (guitar) regarding “Still” and the influences that helped create it.

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Kailey Howell: I’m really digging your new release, “Still”! Can you tell me what the song is about and any inspirations behind it?

Anthony Rainville: Thanks so much! This one always feels like a sad love song to me. It’s a lot of desire and feeling unfulfilled, which is where I think I spend a lot of time thematically. There’s this John Mayer song where he talks about almost wanting to not speak to someone in the first place, because if he does, he might ruin it. I think that sentiment always stayed with me, and it manifested in this song where, in the chorus, each person talks about wanting something that is unchanging and perfect in the moment, like in a photo where everyone is smiling and happy. It’s this beautifully sad idea because, while in that moment things can never go wrong, and no one will ever fall out of love, you’re also not allowing the potential for growth, or for things to be even better than you could imagine. So there’s also something to be said for taking a chance and going for it anyway.

KH: The song has very much a more indie/electronic vibe to it than your 2015 EP When It All Goes to Hell. What caused that transition in sound? Is it a direction fans can expect new music following to take?

AR: For us I think it was a lot of listening to a whole new batch of amazing artists that were making music with more synths and drum machines than guitars. Once we heard bands like The 1975 and Japanese House and Now Now, we were hooked. I think we really fell in love with that sound. And as far new music goes, I’d definitely expect us to keep moving in that direction and trying to put our own stamp on it. We want that right blend of organic and inorganic instruments so that there’s still that warmth and energy in what we do. So it’ll be fun and challenging to try and get that mix right as we go forward.

KH: With the music video coming out, can you tell me a little but about the concept behind it and/or the making of it?

Cedric Wager: I am huge fan of “The Karate Kid” (1984) and loosely based the concept of the protagonist dealing with his insecurities while on his first date.

AR: This was a ton of work to film, but it was a lot of fun. It was also our first story based video, so there was a lot of learning as we went. We were really inspired visually by not only John Hughes films, but also a movie called It Follows. I love the idea of alternate universes where it’s difficult to place the time or the season. We didn’t get to delve into this as much as I wanted to, but I’d love to as we go. The actors and crew were all awesome, and we hope we can keep getting better at story telling on a visual level, and continue to incorporate more of a shared aesthetic and universe going forward. 

KH: Who are some of your favorite up and coming artists right now?

CW: Nightly, The Dangerous Summer, and The Night Game.

AR: Val Astaire, Cherry Pools, Safe Hands, PVRIS, Everway, The Midnight, Luna Shadows, The Band Camino, and Drive-In.

KH: You’ve played shows with You Me At Six and The Spill Canvas, if you could open for any band you wanted, who would it be? 

CW: I always get crap for this, but One Direction.

AR: I think it would be insane to open for like a Harry Styles or Taylor Swift or The 1975. With anybody on that level, I think it would just be crazy. I’d also love to open for The Maine again at some point. Those dudes are awesome and it’s been a total highlight to do that.

KH: What does The Press War have in store for 2018? Can we expect more new music?

AR: More new music, new visuals, and shows. Our goal is to keep moving forward and to get more music out quicker. So definitely keep following us if you like what we do and we’ll try super hard not to disappoint.

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The Press War can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. “Still” is currently being featured on our Summer Jams Spotify playlist.

*Photo by Jason Cox