While 2020 has reorganised our priorities, you still don't have to go far to find a bit of magic, Bellbird singer-songwriter William Crighton says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The acclaimed musician filmed the video for his latest single, This Is Magic, just around the corner at the Bellbird Park Bowling Club.
The video stars Melbourne drag queen Viktoria Bitter, a raft of Crighton's closest friends and family and a few locals.
Directed by Crighton and his wife Julieanne, Andrew Johnston and Aaron Lyon, it paints a vivid picture of regional Australia complete with prawn cocktails, cabanossi and cheese, the classic Ford ute, local bowlo, a ride-on mower and more, and is reminiscent of iconic '90s films like Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and The Castle.
"This was a real fun video to make. Lots of mates and family plus a few innocent bystanders," Crighton said.
"We showed up, and there were a couple of locals on the door, and they ended up in the clip, doing a bit of acting," Crighton said.
"Everyone chipped in.
"People were really supportive and happy."
The song itself features references to 2CHR-FM and the Watagans (where he spent a lot of time writing for the album), with Julieanne on vocals, guitars from Jeff Lang and didgeridoo from William Barton.
Crighton said it's based on observations of living in the Hunter Valley, which he has called home for six years.
"It's such a friendly town, it has that charm - but it has complex issues as well," he said.
READ MORE:
This Is Magic is the is the follow-up to Crighton's powerful Your Country, and the second track to be lifted from his forthcoming third studio album, due out in 2021.
Crighton has also completed a run of shows around NSW as part of the Great Southern Nights fiesta, which were met with rave reviews.
After a COVID-disrupted year - in which he was due to make his debut at the UK's celebrated Glastonbury festival - Crighton says it's great to be back on stage.
Crighton and his band, The Bellbird Rats, will perform at Dashville on New Year's Eve, as part of the Lower Belford venue's A Fresh Start concert series.
Tickets are on sale now at dashville.com.au.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
