Summer may still be two months away, but the brand new video for The Fletchers' debut single, "Beaches," is giving fans the chance to pick up the Jersey shore's good vibrations a little early. The HD video, which can be seen more, premieres following a successful nationwide radio campaign for the indie rock band's sophomore album Lights Out Loud, released in February.The "Beaches" video was directed by Jeff Wertz, whose MuliMedia Video has also produced videos for the Bouncing Souls among others. "Beaches" was recorded on location with The Fletchers at NJ's famed Asbury Park boardwalk. It also features archival footage of the legendary Coney Island beach and amusement parks.
Wertz said, "When I heard 'Beaches,' Asbury Park immediately popped into my head. Where else would we shoot? A chance encounter with the owner of the Paramount Theatre -who also owns the Stone Pony -gave us the location on the outdoor terrace of the Paramount. I love the song and the video came out exactly as I saw it in my mind. Funny how that sometimes happens."
In addition to early support from their hometown radio station, Rutgers' WRSU, "Beaches" and other tracks from Lights Out Loud have been receiving heavy rotation, and reporting on CMJ Top 30, on some of the country's most prestigious college radio stations. Stations include WMNF (Tampa, FL), KANS (Juneau, AK), KWCR (Salt Lake City), WVAU (Washington, DC), KDUP (Portland, OR), WDOM (Providence, RI), WBWC (Cleveland), WICB (Ithaca, NY), WLUW (Chicago) and more.
"Beaches" was written by The Fletchers frontman and chief creative force Gary Kaplan following some contemplation about life, friendship, love and doubt. The track was inspired by a walk along the Jersey shore, where in the sound of the waves, scent of the sea air and simple beauty of his surroundings, Gary had a moment of clarity and hopefulness that things would be alright.
Lights Out Loud features ten original songs written by Kaplan, formerly of 90s alt-rock buzz bands Rotator Cuff and Dandelion Fire. With his raspy vocal style, likened to Hόsker Dό/Sugar frontman Bob Mould, and fuzz-laden lead guitar, Kaplan delivers infectious indie pop influenced by Britpop and American Indie acts like XTC, Parklife-era Blur and REM, and even 60sinvasion acts like The Kinks. In addition to Kaplan, The Fletchers are Dan Coffey (bass and backing vocals), Cliff Heaton (drums) and Rob Freda (guitar).
