Night House recently released their tender single ‘To Be With’, and today, we share the touching accompanying video – watch it above. Produced and mixed by Dan Brown (Massive Attack, Jerry Williams), the track was written after the passing of lead singer Nick Williams’ grandfather.
The single is a love song told from the perspective of those left behind; exploring themes of our own fragile mortality. Williams’ stark falsetto brings to mind Antony and the Johnsons and James Blake, floats above a subtle bed of cello, clarinet, violin and double bass, blending beautifully with electronic drum machines, icy synths and the warm sonics of Fender Rhodes.
Nick Williams tells us about the song and video:
“To Be With was the first track we recorded for Everyone Is Watching From Afar; it sonically shaped the entire record, with its mix of orchestral and electronic elements, and it’s definitely one of its most personal songs. Written shortly after my granddad passed, I wanted “To Be With” to be from the perspective of those left behind, whist also paying homage to my grandparents life, so no pressure then.
I took the song to Elliot Tatler, who had directed the video for our last single UNFOLD. I knew visually it needed to stripped back, so not to distract from the meaning of the song. Elliot pitched the concept for the video and immediately I knew it was a perfect fit. The decision to film my own parents felt like a natural choice for a song that is all about family. We actually filmed several different endings, some more emotionally brutal than the one we chose, but I like that with the current ending it’s left up to the audience’s interpretation.”
Led by the aforementioned Nick Williams, Brighton based Night House are a seven piece band made up of Alfie Weedon (double bass), Amy Squirrell (cello), Andrew Stuart Buttle (violin), Freya Bowes (clarinet), Juan Torán (electric guitar) and James Purvice (drums). Having supported the likes of Ben Howard, Willy Mason and The Magic Numbers, Latest single To Be Me is taken from the forthcoming album Everyone Is Watching From Afar and will be released alongside b-side New Year’s Prayer.
